When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 134: Seas of Deception - Scene 2

Chapter 134: Seas of Deception - Scene 2

The scene transitioned smoothly to a closer view of the cargo ship. Dark, rust-stained metal loomed against the blue sky. Armed guards patrolled the decks, their rifles slung casually over their shoulders. The camera panned over their serious faces, their eyes scanning the waters for any sign of threat.

Back on the covert vessel, Daniel adjusted his earpiece and spoke into the mic. "Ethan, bring down their comms. We need radio silence on that ship."

Ethan nodded, fingers flying across the keyboard. "On it," he replied. The screen in front of him displayed lines of code, each one working to penetrate the ship’s communication system. "Three... two... one... and they’re down," he announced, a hint of triumph in his voice.

The camera cut to the guards on the cargo ship. One of them pulled out a radio, frowning as static filled the speaker. He tapped it, confusion etched on his face, but the sound remained broken. The tension escalated, each moment heavier than the last.

"Nice work," Daniel said. He turned to Alex. "We move now. No second chances."

Alex’s eyes narrowed, her focus absolute. "Ready," she confirmed.

Captain Harding held the wheel steady, his face calm as he guided the vessel alongside the cargo ship. "This is where you earn your paycheck," he called out to the team, his voice steady despite the situation.

Daniel gave a quick nod of thanks. "Stay here and be ready to extract us," he instructed. The captain responded with a simple, firm nod, his hands never leaving the wheel.

---

The camera followed as Daniel and Alex threw grappling hooks over the side of the cargo ship. The hooks caught on the metal railings with a solid clang, echoing through the empty space between the ships. Daniel tested the line before beginning the climb, his movements strong and sure.

Alex was right behind him, her muscles straining as she pulled herself upward. The camera captured every detail—the sweat on her forehead, the tension in her jaw, the determination in her eyes.

Once they reached the deck, Daniel signaled for Alex to stay low. The two of them crept across the metal surface, their footsteps muffled by thick-soled boots. The camera followed their every move, making the audience especially Zinnia feel the adrenaline coursing through them.

A guard rounded the corner, and Daniel froze. The camera zoomed in on his hand, slowly reaching for his silenced pistol. In a swift, silent motion, he took aim and fired. The guard crumpled to the deck, and Daniel caught him before he hit the ground, easing the body down silently.

Alex’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Smooth," she whispered, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Daniel didn’t respond. His focus was laser-sharp, his gaze locked on the door to the interior of the ship. He gestured for Alex to follow as they approached, moving like shadows.

Ethan’s voice crackled in Daniel’s earpiece. "You’ve got two guards stationed at the door," he warned. "They’re armed and looking jumpy."

Daniel pressed his back against the wall, processing the information. "Distraction?" he suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan grinned from his tech station. "Coming right up," he said, typing furiously. Moments later, the camera shifted to a sudden burst of alarms blaring from the opposite side of the ship.

The guards whipped around, confusion and panic flashing across their faces. They took off running toward the source of the noise, leaving the door unguarded.

Daniel and Alex exchanged a quick look. Without wasting a second, they slipped through the door and into the belly of the ship.

---

Inside, the lighting was dim and the air thick with the smell of oil and seawater. The camera captured the tension in their every movement as they navigated the narrow corridors. Daniel raised a fist, signaling for Alex to stop. He listened, his senses honed to detect the slightest threat.

A voice echoed from somewhere up ahead. Daniel inched forward, peeking around a corner. The camera followed his line of sight, revealing two more guards engaged in conversation.

"We need to be careful," one of them said, his voice anxious. "Victor doesn’t tolerate mistakes."

The other guard scoffed. "Relax. Nobody’s getting on this ship without us knowing."

Daniel’s jaw clenched, and he glanced back at Alex. She nodded, understanding without the need for words. The camera lingered on their silent communication, a testament to their trust and experience working together.

Daniel took a slow breath, then sprang into action. He moved swiftly, silently, taking down the first guard with a well-placed elbow to the neck. The second guard barely had time to react before Alex swung a wrench, knocking him out cold.

They dragged the guards into a nearby storage room, hiding the bodies. Daniel adjusted his vest, the camera capturing the tension in his eyes as he whispered, "We’re in deeper now. Stay sharp."

Alex gave a determined nod, her face set with resolve. "Let’s finish this."

---

The tension in the air was palpable as the camera lingered on Daniel and Alex, their bodies tense with the weight of their next move. Every detail, every moment of their movements was captured with precision, from the silent way Daniel took down the guard to the swift, calculated motion Alex used to knock out the second one. It was all in a day’s work for them, the kind of work they had trained for, but it still felt real—like something more than just acting.

"Cut!" Marcos shouted, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the set. He clapped his hands together, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "Great job, guys! That was flawless, especially for a first take. You all nailed it."

The cast exhaled, their bodies relaxing as the tension eased. Daniel, the seasoned agent in the scene, ran a hand through his hair, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths, the adrenaline of the scene still coursing through him.

"Yeah, that felt good," he said, his voice hoarse but with a touch of satisfaction. "Wasn’t sure if I’d make it through that last guard, but we made it work."

Alex, still catching her breath, smiled and nodded. "Honestly, it was so smooth, I thought we were rehearsing. That felt better than I expected."

Trish Watson, who played Alex, took a slow step back, flexing her shoulders to ease the strain from the climb and fight. The action scenes were always the toughest, but the payoff was worth it. She wiped her hands on her pants, smiling in relief. "We’ve been rehearsing for this, but it feels different when the cameras are rolling. Good work, everyone."