Unbreakable Duty

Airsoft and Paintball

After the show, as the crowd dispersed, Dr. Thananusak approached Fahlada and General Phongphipat in a quiet corner of the venue. Fahlada's brows furrowed in surprise, unprepared to see her father in the venue, and even more so to realize he'd been shadowing their entire operation.

"Dad, you... you were here?" Fahlada's voice was barely a whisper, shock giving way to a flood of emotions.

Dr. Thananusak offered a nod, his calm gaze meeting hers. "I couldn't stand by knowing there was a threat to you and to Earn. I stayed hidden, even to you. Observing, making sure nothing slipped past. I only contacted Tan hours before the show started to report my intel."

General Phongphipat stepped forward, nodding appreciatively. "Thank you, Doctor. Your presence made a difference tonight. I'm certain the enemy didn't expect you. We owe you for helping us protecting my daughter."

Dr. Thananusak held his hand up humbly, his tone steady yet carrying a rare warmth. "General, there's no need to thank me. For our daughters' safety, there is no limit to what I'll do."

Fahlada's eyes softened, catching the depth of her father's words, the quiet support he'd always shown yet rarely voiced. "Thank you, Dad. I didn't realize... it means more than I can say."

Dr. Thananusak simply gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Stay vigilant, Lada. I'll always be close if you need me. And remember—your safety, as much as hers, is my priority." He nods towards Earn as she talks with her mother and team.

The three of them stood there for a quiet moment, the weight of the night settling, but knowing that together, they'd face whatever threat came next.

As the conversation between Fahlada, Dr. Thananusak, and General Phongphipat concluded, Bow, Tan, and Ross approached the trio, their expressions a mixture of relief and professionalism. Tan held a tablet, scrolling through the final report with a sense of duty as he glanced up at General Phongphipat.

"Sir, we've completed the sweep of the venue," Tan began. "The operation went as planned, and our team neutralized all identified threats without compromising the civilians' safety. Thanks also to Dr. Thananusak's intel, the enemy sustained significant casualties—seven confirmed down, and three others were incapacitated and taken into custody."

Ross stepped forward, nodding in agreement. "We've cleared the entire perimeter, sir. The captured assailants are already en route to the secure location for questioning. They were heavily armed, but we managed to intercept them before anyone could get close to the runway or Earn."

Bow, seriously added, "It looked like they underestimated how much we'd prepared. Plus the surprise that Dr. Thananusak brought. I doubt Wisanu anticipated just how many lines of defense Earn had tonight."

General Phongphipat gave an approving nod, his pride evident. "Well done, all of you. Because of your swift response, we prevented a potential disaster tonight. Let's keep up the momentum. Wisanu won't stop here, but neither will we."

As the group discussed the operation's aftermath, Earn approached, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild frustration. She had overheard General Phongphipat's remark about a "prevented disaster," and it gnawed at her.

"Prevented disaster? What are you all talking about?" Earn asked, her sharp gaze flickering between her father and the rest of the group.

General Phongphipat, ever the composed leader, waved off her query with a warm smile. "Nothing for you to worry about, Earn. Just standard precautionary measures. Tonight's about celebrating your successful show, not dwelling on unnecessary details."

Earn wasn't convinced, and her lips pursed in mild irritation. Her instincts told her there was more to the story. When her eyes landed on Fahlada, she caught a fleeting, almost apologetic look. It was subtle, but Fahlada's gaze lingered just long enough to signal something deeper. Earn arched a brow, silently telling her that this wasn't over.