Vision Of Darkness

4: Isle

Simoun read the manuscript he had written for his wife while sitting on the small boat and gazing out at the horizon. The book was written as a tribute to their love and how losing a loved one could drive someone insane. He couldn't help but feel uneasy while reading. Although the water was calm, he had the impression that they were being watched because of something in the air. He noticed the island when he raised his head. With waters that were crystal clear all around, it appeared tranquil and serene. But he also experienced an odd gut feeling that he was unable to place. Perhaps he continued to struggle with his grief, or possibly it was another thing entirely. Simoun put the manuscript away and turned to face the water. He inhaled deeply of the salty air in an effort to relax. But he sensed the feeling of unease increasing as the boat approached the island.

When Simoun first arrived on the island, he thought it appeared tranquil and secure. The island was small, covered in lush vegetation, and encircled by waters that were completely clear. He could make out a small village in the distance that appeared to have been built recently. The village had not been present when the captain had last been on the island, and he was informed that it was probably a new location for the American naval base. A few of the residents of the village were Americans dressed in navy uniforms, he further observed.

Simoun couldn't help but feel relieved that they had arrived at the island without incident as they landed. When he got out of the boat, he was welcomed by a few locals who seemed to be in good spirits. He accepted their offer to show him around the community in an effort to learn more about the location his wife had been so eager to see. The community was compact but active, with residents going about their daily lives. Simoun was walking through on the sidewalks and couldn't help but feel uneasy. He couldn't quite place what was strange about the place, though.

As Simoun and the captain walked through the village, they noticed that the people there were mostly Americans wearing navy uniforms. "I wonder why the Americans would establish a base on this small island," Simoun mused aloud.

The captain rubbed his chin in thought. "I heard rumors that they're expanding their naval presence in the Pacific. Maybe this is one of the new sites they've chosen."

Simoun nodded in agreement, but still felt uneasy. "It just seems odd that they would choose such a small and remote island for their base."

The captain shrugged. "Perhaps they're trying to keep a low profile. Or maybe they found something valuable on this island."

"What do you mean, something valuable?"

The captain hesitated before answering, and then captain shrugged. "It could be just a rumor, but it's also possible that there is some truth to it. I've heard stories of American naval expeditions in these waters, searching for lost treasures and ancient artifacts."
Simoun looked around at the village and the people in navy uniforms. "Do you think this village is part of their expedition?"

"It's possible," the captain replied. "The Americans could be using this island as a base for their operations in the area. And they might have recruited locals to help them with their search."

Simoun and the captain walked further into the village, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of an inn or a place to stay. They approached a group of American soldiers in navy uniform, and Simoun cleared his throat.

"Excuse me, do you know where we can find a place to stay for the night?" he asked politely.

One of the soldiers stepped forward, a friendly smile on his face. "Sure thing, sir. There's an inn just down the road. It's not much, but it's clean and comfortable enough."

"Thank you," Simoun replied, relieved. "And may I ask, what brings the Americans to this island?"

The soldier's smile faltered slightly, and he exchanged a quick glance with his comrades. "Just some routine naval operations, sir. Nothing out of the ordinary."