Page 212
A heavy engine turns over on the other side.
The Argent Star is moving.
“Stop opening the water gate!” Marcus shouts.
No one answers.
Ben looks at the control panel beside the door.
“How do we disable the explosives?”
“Inside the dry dock.”
“Can we cut power?”
“That triggers them.”
“Can Simon detonate them from the ship?”
“Yes.”
Ben turns toward the tactical commander.
“Evacuate the surface teams. Move everyone away from the eastern pier.”
The warning spreads across every radio.
John’s voice comes through the feed.
“We found the maintenance shaft.”
“Can you get inside?” Ben asks.
“The grate is welded.”
“Move.”
A sharp explosion echoes through the corridor.
The grate tears free.
John and Mark enter the shaft.
The emergency lights begin flashing faster.
Marcus stares at them.
“What?”
“The water gate is fully open.”
On the exterior surveillance feed, the eastern pier begins to move.
A section of rusted dock slides aside.
Dark water churns beneath it.
The bow of the Argent Star emerges from the hidden channel.
