Part 2/9:
Fast forward to 1973, against the backdrop of the Cold War, scientists from the Monarch organization present satellite images of a mysterious, skull-shaped island to a skeptical senator. They argue that the island's odd occurrences, which have resulted in numerous plane crashes and ship disappearances, warrant an expedition. The senator, convinced by a sense of urgency—fearing the Soviets would exploit the discovery—decides to fund the mission, arranging both transport and military security.