An hour passed.
Just as promised, distant hums began to swell across the horizon. At first faint, but quickly growing louder — five ships soared in from the west, kicking up a sandstorm with their descent. Their designs were similar to the Horizon Alliance carriers, but older, battered from damage and long travel.
Everyone on the decks turned toward the sound.
On the incoming Shios, survivors pressed against the rails, shielding their eyes from the wind as the incoming vessels slowly touched down in formation beside the main fleet.
The first to open was the central supply ship. As its massive ramp lowered, crates of food and essentials were carefully wheeled down by heavily armored crew members.
Several healers and medical staff emerged next, immediately assisting injured passengers.
Then, the hatches of the other four ships began to release their passengers. They were survivors from Fortress Cities that had fallen in the same wave.
