The stolen transports finally entered Volkov-controlled waters shortly before sunrise.
By then, the excitement of taking the harbour had already disappeared. Nikolai stood near the bow while several smaller vessels approached to escort them towards the private docks, watching the lights of S-City gradually emerge through the morning haze.
'We did it!'
They had succeeded in snatching two transports and a few other items, along with the full tragectory of the islands' movements in the next few days.
What's more, the engineers they saved accepted his offer of employment. 'Though I had to add the clause to move their families out of S-City till everything ended.' Yet somehow, Nikolai didn't feel victorious.
'Three days...'
His gaze drifted towards the fading Blood Moon.
The blood-red sphere remained visible despite the growing sunlight, crawling from the horizon above the city like an eye that refused to close.
Three days before their stolen route might become useless.
