As the plane continued to hum through the dark sky, the tension in the cabin began to lighten ever so slightly. Si Mok leaned back, feeling the weight of recent events slowly settle. The intensity of Goto's words and actions lingered in his mind, though a subtle voice beside him snapped him back to the present.
"He's crazy, right?" the man beside him said, a faint smirk visible under his helmet. He wore the standard paramilitary uniform, blending with the others, but his accent gave away that he wasn't native to any single place.
Si Mok looked over, meeting the man's gaze. "Yeah, that's one way to put it," he replied, chuckling dryly.
The man extended his hand. "Nice to meet you. My name's Omar."
"Likewise. Si Mok," he responded, shaking Omar's hand.
Omar was straightforward, his handshake firm, and his demeanor calm—qualities that Si Mok could respect. Despite the unorthodox situation, Omar exuded a sense of professionalism that put Si Mok slightly at ease.
Omar glanced around before leaning in closer. "So, I've been briefed on the plan. The surgeries will be minor. Just enough to make you look like a new man, yet still… you." Omar chuckled. "Once they're done, you'll be set to depart from the U.S. to Korea in two weeks. We've arranged everything on our end."
Si Mok nodded, considering the setup. "Two weeks. That should be enough time," he replied, thinking ahead.
Omar nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Once you land in the U.S., there will be a team waiting to ensure you're ready. I'll be with you every step of the way until then. It'll go smoother than you'd expect."
They discussed the next steps, reviewing the itinerary, the meetings Si Mok would have, and the legalities involved. Omar's knowledge of every detail surprised Si Mok, though he could tell that Omar had been part of these operations before. In a strange way, the structured approach began to calm his anxieties.
Meanwhile, back in Korea, preparations were already underway. Si Mok's brother, Ji-chang, and his trusted prosecutor friend, Seo Young-chan, had just landed. They were tasked with laying the groundwork for the next phase of the operation. Both were highly skilled in their fields, and both were taking a significant risk by getting involved. Yet their loyalty to Si Mok and belief in his cause outweighed the dangers.
Ji-chang wasted no time. Despite being a police chief, he knew better than anyone how to avoid detection, especially when dealing with cases involving people like the assemblyman. Together with Seo Young-chan, he began setting up covert channels of communication, safe zones, and any hidden resources that Si Mok might need when he finally returned to Korea.
In Seoul, the atmosphere was different. The assemblyman's presence lingered over the city like a shadow, casting doubt and suspicion over every interaction, every plan. Ji-chang and Seo operated cautiously, using contacts they trusted and choosing places off the radar. They knew any misstep could jeopardize not only Si Mok's mission but their own safety.
Back on the plane, Si Mok and Omar continued discussing details, forming a solid plan for when they would arrive in the U.S. Omar's experience in operations like these became more evident, and Si Mok appreciated the straightforward approach.
"The next two weeks will be crucial, but don't worry too much," Omar assured him. "With the groundwork already being laid in Korea, you'll have an easier time slipping back in undetected. Ji-chang and Seo know what they're doing. You just need to stay focused and play your part."
Si Mok exhaled slowly, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The pieces were all beginning to fall into place. For the first time in a long time, he felt that this plan—risky as it was—might just work. And if it did, he'd be able to bring down the assemblyman and everyone complicit in his crimes.