Chapter 219: Devise a plan

Ian and Noah's conversation did not last long. They talked as they usually did and Noah ended the call by asking Ian to take care of Aria and himself too. He did not want them to get harmed. Even a small scratch on them would not be accepted and they had to return as they had gone. Both of them were important to him. So, he couldn't stop worrying about their safety. Ian had assured him that they would return unscathed. Only then, did Noah cut the call.

Ian smiled at the operator and stepped out of the room. Aria and Stuart were laughing at something Stuart had said. She even jabbed his elbow with hers as he tried to dodge it. 

"What are you guys talking about?" Ian stepped closer to them and observed the two who were still laughing. Both of them were laughing hysterically as they tried to answer him. But as soon as they tried to speak, they would end up laughing again. Aria even had tears in her eyes.

"Hey, involve me in your talk too. I would also like to laugh."

"Wait, I'll tell you." Aria tried to control her laughter and held her stomach. It took her some seconds to calm down.

"Stuart was telling me about his university days."

"Okay. What was it about?"

"He was telling me that he was a heartthrob in his university. According to him, all girls would flock to him in excitement whenever he went to class."

"Then?"

"Don't you think it's similar to how ladies would behave when there was an off sale or mega sale going on in a shopping center? Everybody will flock to the market if they are going to get things at a discount."

This time Ian got her reference and he too started chuckling.

"You guys are so mean." Stuart wailed.

"This is just the beginning. Just you wait until you meet my sister. She is the ultimate prankster. She will tease you until you want to smack your own head in frustration." Aria said. Though it seemed like she was complaining, there was a glimmer of pride in her eyes. 

"Yeah? I'm right here and I'll not be going back. I'm gonna meet her someday. Let's see if she will make me want to smack my head or not."

"Sure. I would love to challenge you. But it would be no fun when I know I am going to be victorious. So, I am going to drop it." Aria shrugged as though she was doing Stuart a great favor.

"Let's go have dinner," Ian said with a chuckle. "We can talk about these later."

"Sure. Come on, Dr. Best and Dr. West." Stuart agreed and smirked like an evil little boy. Aria and Ian rolled their eyes at his childish words.

The three people went to the dining hall and stood in the line to get their food. It was ordinary food, yet it was not as bad as they had assumed it to be. Though it was not as tasty as the food they had in the military training center either that day, it was not bland either. They could eat it. 

They took their trays and went to occupy their seats. They were the only medical staff in the hall. Everybody else was still working. Aria was the only girl in the entire hall and everybody else other than the two men beside her would take glances at her occasionally. Aria could feel the gazes on her. But this time she did not think much about it. She had made herself immune to these things now that she would be there for a long time.

It was a little early to have dinner. But many people were already eating to their full. While they were having their food, Ethan and Kevin walked in. They had come to have dinner too. The war still going on the other side of the area. But the gun fires and the grenades going off had reduced a little compared to earlier in the day.

Seeing the three doctors, Ethan and Kevin walked to their table instead of going to get their food. "Dr. Davis, I need to have a word with you after dinner. Please come to my office later. It is important."

"Sure Major."

"In fact, I suggest if you two accompany him too. It's best if you know about it too." Ethan suggested seeing Stuart and Aria beside Ian.

"Sure Major. We will be there." Aria said and smiled.

"Great. See you later." Ethan and Kevin walked away as the three people looked on.

"What do you think he wants to tell us?" Stuart, who had been silent, spoke up after some time.

"No idea. Maybe, he wants us to ask if we need something here?" Ian said in assumption.

"That might be it." Stuart agreed. Aria did not say a thing as she was busy eating the food in front of her.

After twenty minutes, Stuart, Aria and Ian were inside Ethan's office along with Kevin and two other soldiers. Ethan and Kevin had finished their dinner before the three people and were waiting for their arrival.

"Take your seats, doctors. This might take some time." Ethan offered and they did as they were told. "Doctors, I have something very important to tell you and it's best if you can keep it a secret from others."

"What is it, Major? Is something the matter?" Ian raised the question seeing the gloomy look on the soldiers face.

"Yes. This is a serious issue. From now on, be on alert as best as you can."

"Why Major? I don't understand." Ian said, his eyes darting between Ethan and Kevin.

"Dr. Davis, we have substantial proof with us to say there are traitors in our troop," Ethan revealed and turned to take a small glance at Kevin, who nodded at him in return. Ethan had taken a risk by revealing this secret to them. But this was a test he had decided to take. 

Ethan wanted to see if anybody among the medical staff was involved with the traitors. Instead of saying this to everybody, he had decided to tell it only these three doctors. If anybody among the three were involved with the traitors, then they would definitely alert them about it. As a precaution, he had asked three of his soldiers to keep an eye on them individually. This way they could get a hold on those bastards early. 

But if these three were not involved, then he would not have to worry about them at all. He would then target the other medical staff. Though he was not sure about these doctors and nurses, he did not want to rule out their involvement. So, he had devised a plan carefully to trap his prey.