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SILENT BATTLES
August 10, 1981 - Aboard the Naval Ship
The usual hum of the ship's engines filled the air as Jeongguk went about his duties, his thoughts occasionally drifting to Lisa and their unborn child.
The sky outside was overcast, a fitting for the tension that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface of the crew. It had been a long mission, with everyone weary but vigilant.
Jeongguk was in the engine room, performing a routine check when the loudspeaker crackled to life, breaking the monotony of the day.
The voice of Commander Seo, calm but with an edge that Jeongguk hadn't heard before, echoed through the ship.
"Attention all crew members, this is the Commander speaking. We have received credible intelligence of a potential threat in our vicinity. All hands to your stations immediately. Prepare for possible engagement."
Jeongguk felt his heart rate quicken. He'd been on missions before and faced dangers, but the thought of something going wrong now, so close to the end of their deployment, sent a chill through him.
He quickly secured his station, making sure everything was in order, and then made his way to the designated area for his unit.
The ship's corridors were abuzz with activity. Sailors rushed to their posts, and the usual banter was replaced with grim.
As Jeongguk reached his assigned position, he saw the seriousness in the faces of his fellow crew members. This was no drill.
On the deck, the officers were already scanning the horizon, their eyes sharp, searching for any signs of impending danger.
The ship's radar operator was intensely focused, tracking any movements that could signal an approaching threat.
Jeongguk's pulse raced as the ship's alarm sounded---a long, wailing note that meant only one thing: they were under threat, and it was real.
Commander Seo's voice came over the loudspeaker again, this time with clear orders. "All units, prepare for evasive maneuvers. Weapons teams, stand by. We have unidentified vessels approaching. Do not engage unless ordered."
Jeongguk tightened his grip on the railing beside him, his eyes scanning the horizon. The tension was palpable, everyone was on high alert, but there was also an eerie calm.
They had trained for moments like this, but nothing could truly prepare someone for the reality of facing an unknown enemy at sea.
Minutes felt like hours as the ship adjusted its course, trying to avoid confrontation.
The radar showed the vessels drawing closer, and Jeongguk could see the readiness in his comrades' stances. Every muscle in his body was taut, ready to spring into action if needed.
