Chapter 9: Mutiny in the Storm
The storm had arrived.
Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the rolling waves as the ship pitched against the rising sea. Thunder roared, a deafening backdrop to the chaos Jasper Hawke was about to unleash.
He crouched low, rifle steady in his grip, as he, Evelyn, and Idris moved through the narrow corridors of the vessel. The dull hum of the engines mixed with the howl of the wind, masking their movements.
They had one shot at this.
Take the bridge. Cut communications. Neutralize Kane.
Jasper’s heartbeat was steady. He had done this before. But something about this mission—the scale, the stakes—told him this was bigger than just another arms bust.
And Kane wasn’t just another enemy.
Sabotage and Distraction
Idris led the way toward the ship’s communications room, pressing against the bulkhead as they neared the entrance. Two guards stood outside, rifles slung over their shoulders, unaware of what was coming.
Jasper signaled to Evelyn. She nodded, slipping into the shadows.
A second later, the first guard crumpled soundlessly, Evelyn’s knife buried in his throat.
The second turned, barely having time to react before Jasper’s silenced pistol coughed twice.
Both men down.
Jasper moved quickly, stepping over the bodies and slipping inside the communications room. A lone operator sat at the console, headphones on, speaking into the radio.
“Bridge, this is comms. Storm is intensifying, but no issues—”
Jasper pressed the barrel of his gun against the man’s temple.
“Correction,” Jasper said coolly. “You’ve got a big issue.”
The operator froze.
“Step away,” Jasper ordered. “Hands where I can see them.”
The man obeyed, fear flashing in his eyes.
Jasper turned to Idris. “Shut it down.”
Idris hurried to the console, fingers flying over the controls. Static filled the radio waves as he jammed outgoing transmissions.
“They’re cut off,” Idris confirmed. “No calls for backup.”
Jasper turned back to the operator. “Where’s Kane?”
The man hesitated. Evelyn raised her rifle.
“Bridge,” he stammered. “He’s on the bridge.”
Jasper’s eyes darkened.
“Not for long.”
Storming the Bridge
Jasper led the way, the ship rocking violently beneath them as the storm intensified. Water leaked through the seams in the metal walls, and the distant crash of waves against the hull filled the air.
Kane would know something was wrong soon. They had to move fast.
The bridge was ahead—double doors reinforced with metal plating. Guards posted outside, gripping their weapons tight. They looked tense. Alert.
They knew something was coming.
Jasper exhaled slowly. Then he moved.
A single shot took down the first guard before he could react. The second turned, raising his weapon—too slow. Evelyn’s rifle barked once, and he dropped.
Jasper didn’t hesitate. He kicked the doors open.
Inside, the bridge was a flurry of motion. Screens flickered with radar scans. Crew members turned, shock flashing across their faces.
And at the center, Lucas Kane stood calm, unshaken.
His cold blue eyes met Jasper’s.
“I was wondering when you’d show up.”
The Final Standoff
Jasper advanced, weapon trained on Kane. “Game’s over.”
Kane smirked. “You really think so?”
He nodded toward the storm raging outside. The ship lurched violently, a massive wave slamming against its side.
“You picked the wrong night to play hero, Hawke.”
Jasper tightened his grip. “Drop your weapon.”
Kane exhaled, shaking his head. “You don’t get it, do you?”
He stepped toward the control panel, fingers hovering over the controls.
“This ship isn’t just carrying weapons,” Kane said. “It’s carrying proof.”
Jasper frowned. “Proof of what?”
Kane’s smirk widened. “Corruption. At the highest level.”
Jasper’s stomach tightened.
Kane continued. “You think I’m the villain? I’m just a middleman. The real power? They’re the ones pulling the strings.”
Jasper didn’t lower his gun. “And yet, here you are, selling arms to the highest bidder.”
Kane chuckled. “Survival, Hawke. We all pick a side.”
The ship rocked again, lightning flashing through the windows.
Kane’s fingers twitched toward the control panel.
Jasper didn’t wait.
He fired.
The bullet struck Kane’s shoulder, spinning him back. He grunted, clutching the wound, but his other hand slammed down on a switch.
Alarms blared.
Jasper’s stomach dropped.
“What did you do?”
Kane grinned, blood dripping from his fingers.
“You’re not the only one who planned ahead.”
A countdown appeared on the screens.
Self-destruct initiated.
Jasper cursed.
Evelyn’s voice was sharp. “We need to move—now.”
Jasper grabbed Kane by the collar. “How do we stop it?”
Kane only laughed, eyes glinting.
“You don’t.”
The ship had become a ticking time bomb.
And they were running out of time.
