When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 168: Seas of Deception - Scene 5

Chapter 168: Seas of Deception - Scene 5

As the thirty-minute break wound down, the cast began to regroup near the set. Trish returned, brushing crumbs off her jumpsuit. "Alright, Alex is ready for round two."

"Daniel’s always ready," Ryan quipped, adjusting his tie.

Leo mimed cracking his knuckles. "Ethan might need a nap, but he’s hanging in there."

Marcos stood and clapped his hands again. "Alright, everyone, back to positions! Let’s pick up where we left off."

The crew sprang back into action, resetting props and adjusting the lights. Zinnia glanced around, her heart swelling with pride at the dedication of everyone on set.

"Let’s make this next scene even better," she said to Marcos.

Marcos grinned. "That’s the spirit."

With everyone in place, Marcos took his seat behind the monitor. He raised the megaphone and called out, "Lights, camera... action!"

The set fell silent again as the magic began to unfold, each actor and crew member giving their all to make the story come alive.

---

The screen cut back to the chaos on deck. Crew members raced to the lifeboats, the heavy sound of their boots pounding against the steel floor echoing in the tight corridors. Alex led the evacuation, her voice steady even as her heart raced. "Everyone, keep moving!" she shouted. "Leave your gear behind—just get to safety!"

Several crewmembers hesitated, clutching equipment or personal items, but the urgency in Alex’s eyes spurred them into action. She didn’t have time for doubts or second-guessing. Every second counted.

Meanwhile, Ethan’s hands shook as he stared at the bomb’s interface. He had cracked most of the encryption, but the final layer remained stubborn. Sweat dripped down his face, and his breathing grew shallow. "Think, Ethan, think," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the alarms blaring in his ears.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. In his mind, he replayed every trick he’d learned, every line of code that had ever saved him in the past. "I can do this," he whispered, but doubt nagged at him. "Come on."

Alex’s voice broke through the comms. "Ethan, we’re almost out. How’s it looking?"

Ethan swallowed hard, his voice hoarse. "Not great," he admitted. "I’m running out of options here."

There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by Alex’s calm response. "Do what you can. We’re counting on you."

The camera cut back to Daniel, still in the command center, still facing Victor. The smuggler’s smirk had vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "You think you can save everyone?" Victor taunted. "You’re only delaying the inevitable."

Daniel ignored him, his eyes flickering to the screens showing the evacuation in progress. He knew they didn’t have much time. He had to keep Victor occupied, had to buy them every precious second.

Victor shifted slightly, his gaze darting to a nearby panel. Daniel noticed the movement, his instincts kicking in. "Stay where you are," he commanded, his voice like steel.

But Victor only laughed. "You think you can control everything, Agent?" he asked, his tone mocking. "You’re playing a losing game."

Daniel took a step closer, his finger still hovering over the trigger. "We’ll see who loses," he replied, his voice calm and unwavering.

The tension crackled in the air, thick enough to choke on. The camera panned out, capturing the two men locked in a deadly standoff. Time was running out, and they both knew it.

Ethan’s voice came over the comms again, this time more frantic. "Daniel, I’m out of time," he said, his words tumbling out. "I can’t disarm it completely, but I might be able to redirect the blast."

Daniel’s heart thudded in his chest. "Do it," he ordered, not hesitating for a second. "Make it count."

Ethan’s hands moved faster than ever, his fingers flying over the keys. "Redirecting the blast radius," he announced. "It’ll minimize the damage, but we need to be clear of the ship."

Alex’s voice broke through, urgent and commanding. "Everyone, move! Get to the boats now!"

The camera followed her as she helped the last of the crew into the lifeboats, her own legs aching with exhaustion. She turned back, searching for Daniel. "Where are you?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

Back in the command center, Daniel made his move. He lunged forward, using the element of surprise to knock Victor off balance. The two men struggled, their bodies crashing into the consoles, sending sparks flying. Victor fought back with a wild desperation, his eyes burning with rage.

Daniel gritted his teeth, using every ounce of strength to subdue him. "You’re done," he growled.

Victor’s hand shot out, grabbing a loose metal pipe. He swung it at Daniel, who barely dodged in time. The pipe struck a monitor, shattering it in a burst of glass. Daniel retaliated, landing a punch that sent Victor stumbling backward.

Victor’s back hit the wall, and for a moment, he looked truly defeated. But then his hand found a hidden knife, and he lunged at Daniel, the blade glinting in the dim light. Daniel twisted out of the way, the knife slicing through his sleeve but missing his skin.

He retaliated with a swift, calculated strike, disarming Victor and sending the knife skittering across the floor. Victor slumped to the ground, breathing hard, his confidence finally broken.

Daniel stood over him, chest heaving, the gun still in his grip. "It’s over," he said, his voice a mix of relief and exhaustion.

Ethan’s voice came over the comms, urgent but hopeful. "Daniel, I’ve done all I can. Get out now!"

Daniel didn’t need to be told twice. He cuffed Victor to the nearest railing, knowing there was no time to drag him out. "Stay here," he said, his voice cold. "You’ll answer for everything."

Victor glared up at him, defeated but defiant. "You think you’ve won?" he spat. "This is just the beginning."

Daniel didn’t respond. He turned and ran, his boots pounding against the metal floor. The camera followed his frantic escape, capturing every breath, every heartbeat, every second ticking down.

He reached the deck just as the last lifeboat was about to lower. Alex was there, her face pale with worry. "Daniel!" she screamed, relief flooding her eyes.