Marines

Meanwhile, on the other side of the sea, lay the stagnant water crew. As previously mentioned, they were making their way to a government checkpoint.

The air loomed before them as they got closer to the base. Echoed steps reverberated throughout the ship. It was their captain coming out of his bedchamber.

"Men!" the captain yelled out heartfully.

"Sir!" the crew shouted back.

"We can do this. The situation is dire. We need every help. Got that?!" said the captain.

"Sir, yes, sir!" the crew shouted once more.

"Can't believe that worked," the captain mumbled under his breath.

The thick atmosphere that was around the ship dissipated with a few words from their beloved captain.

With the determination of the captain, all the crew needed to do was simply follow orders. First, it was to anchor at the marine base.

After anchoring down at the port, their captain made their way into the main building. However, things didn't go as planned.

The two guards stationed at the entrance blocked their way in. Upon taking a closer look at the captain, the two guards smirked and cast a mocking glance at the captain.

"Kurt, look at what we have here," said the guard on the captain's left as he nudged the other guard.

"Captain of the stagnant ship," said the guard on the left with a voice laced with mockery.

"You…!" one of the crewmates stepped in front of the captain while rolling up his sleeve.

"Don't," the captain stopped him before it escalated.

"Captain, let me," said another of the crewmates with determination.

"Stop," the captain extended his other arm to physically stop the crewmate.

The crewmates were disturbed by the mockery of their captain. On the other hand, the captain held onto his poker face.

With his firm resolve, the captain absorbed the blow of their taunts. Setting aside petty emotions, the matter at hand was of the utmost importance. He requested an audience with their superior.

"Why?" inquired the guard on the right with a glint of malicious curiosity.

"Just bring me to him," firmly requested the captain.

"No," the guard on the right brushed him off.

The atmosphere grew tenser every minute. The crew, now wary of conflict, braced themselves and took arms.

"An incident has occurred not far from here," the captain remarked with his fists clenched along with an undertone of authority.

Concerned, the guard on the right said, "Spit it out then," with his skepticism laid bare.

With the atmosphere still tense, the crew exchanged uneasy glances. In their eyes, their captain's rage was about to erupt.

Before the captain could explain the situation, thunderous footsteps reverberated, resonating like an approaching storm. The reverberating sound grew louder with each step it took.

After a while, the pressurizing steps stopped momentarily. It was replaced by the sound of metal creaking from the door behind the guards.

As the door slowly opened, it revealed a gargantuan man. He had the stature of a bear while having the mane of a lion. He was the commanding officer in charge of the base.

"What's all this noise?" the officer demanded an answer from the two guards.

The crew was frozen in place by the sight of the commanding officer. They observed that their eyes darted if they met his eyes.

"Sir, he's here to report an incident!" both guards said simultaneously while saluting.

The officer took a glance at the captain with his eyes furrowed. Despite the captain's unwavering determination, the officer looked for any signs of deceit.

From countless incidents of false reports, his eyes were that of a hawk's. His observation skills could determine the other party's determination.

"Come with me." Impressed by the captain's resolve, the officer opened his office for him.

The captain followed along. While he told his crew to stay back, he noticed the unpleasant gaze of the guards.

Once inside the officer's office, the officer arranged for refreshments and snacks. Not long after, a set of biscuits along with milk tea was served in front of them.

When they sat down, the captain's eyes couldn't help but look around. As he looked, he admired the meticulousness of the officer. The office was very organized.

"What is it you want to tell me?" the officer inquired as he reached out for his tea.

With no context, the captain uttered a single word, "barrels," his voice a blend of urgency and concern.

"Barrels?" asked the officer while nibbling on a croissant.

"Radioactive ones," the captain explained, his eyes revealing the weight of this information.

The officer choked on his croissant out of shock. As he was coughing, the captain handed him his untouched cup of tea.

"Thanks," said the officer as he cleared his throat.

Shortly after regaining his breath, the officer asked, "Is this information credible?"

"Yes. Me and my crew saw it while treasure hunting," answered the captain.

The officer's expression turned grim as he grasped the situation. Soon after, the officer turned into 'The Thinker'. As the officer gathered his thoughts, the captain continued explaining.

"They were concealed deep within a cave, right on the island's outskirts," said the captain as he painted an image of the island with his hand.

"If it were intentionally stored by someone, this alone could breach international law regarding illegal dumping," the captain continued.

The gravity of the situation grasped the room. The officer quickly reached out for his phone, which was located on the desk just by his side.

Without wasting any time, he dialed the main branch of his side branch. As the bell continuously rang, his face was filled with worry and concern.

The threat of radioactivity to the residents nearby could be disastrous, especially to the ecology of each island.

With the bell still ringing, the captain made an offer that could change things for the better. It was a deal that shouldn't be refused.

"Am I allowed to lead the evacuation of the nearby residents?" offered the captain.

"Granted," said the officer with a stern face.

"Consequences?" asked the captain.

"I'll deal with them," answered the officer.

While waiting for the phone to pick up, they quickly devised strategies, such as resource allocation. That included transportation, temporary shelters, and medical support.

The captain assured the officer that he could secure these resources to execute the evacuation plan efficiently.

As they were strategizing, the phone picked up. The officer briefed them on the current situation.

Alas, a piece of devastating news hit them. The main branch informed them that the collision course of the waste was headed straight to the Island of Joy. Furthermore, a school excursion spiked the number of visitors currently on the island.

Panicked, the captain rushed toward his ship. On the way, he briefed the situation to his crew, who was still loading up crates.

"But the supplies..." said one of the crewmates out of concern.

"No time! We must go, now!" the captain yelled out.