Chapter 55 Arctic Waters, 64° 57′ 0″ N, 19° 0′ 0″ W Hantaa 05

Andalas saw the whale-hunting ship from a distance. He sensed something was off. The escape process was way too easy. The security system on the destroyer was too sloppy. In addition, he had a bad feeling at how easily the doctor helped him escape.

He didn't have the X-One anymore. It could have been fallen into the sea or confiscated by his captors. How could he contact Cecilia and Akiko on Hantaa 05? Andalas was certain that they were still on the ship.

Hmm, there was actually a way.

Andalas rushed to the harbormaster's office. It was still dark, and morning had not yet come, so the office was still quiet. Only one security team was on duty, and most of them were on their round for patrol. Only one guy was visible sitting in front of the office, smoking a cigarette.

Andalas slipped behind the guard and hit him lightly on the neck with the side of his hand. The guard fainted without knowing who had attacked him in this famously tranquil land.

The office was not locked. Andalas entered the communication room.

"Harbormaster MS-BA-30 to Hantaa 05 ….over."

There was long pause, and then,

"An….Harbormaster MS-BA-30 copied…is that you?" the reply sounded shrill with enthusiasm. Akiko. Andalas smiled.

"You have a problem with Hantaa 05….report it to the Harbormaster office…immediately! Over and out…"

There was a commotion in Hantaa 05. Akiko looked at Cecilia next to her who was still nodding off and immediately woke up after hearing Akiko's screams.

"I'm going to the Harbormaster office. Now!" Akiko reached for her jacket. It must be freezing cold outside. Cecilia stuttered. Uh, why don't you wait for daylight? Besides, is the Harbormaster's office open at this hour anyway?

"Cecil! That's Andalas!" hearing Akiko's scream then Cecilia hastily grabbed her jacket. The two of them spoke to the First mate Ichiro who happened to be on guard. The ship's ladder was lowered.

Akiko walked like she was running. Cecilia was struggling to keep up with her pace.

The Harbormaster office was in front of them now. Cecilia was dumbfounded to see the guard in front sitting sideways almost falling. Maybe from sleeping.

Akiko didn't care. He opened the door and almost fell backwards if the person who nearly hit her hadn't grabbed her arm.

Akiko looked at Andalas in disbelief. The young doctor hugged Andalas' body tightly. It was as if she had found something she really wanted.

Andalas looked awkward. He saw Cecilia was looking at the two of them with a smile on her face. She gave them some space.

Akiko let go of her hug. She looked at Andalas's face, which was slightly flushed for a moment, then cold again like ice. Akiko pouted slightly. She pulled away while hitting Andalas shoulder, annoyed. Huh! Such an ungrateful guy.

Andalas put his finger on his lips. Pulling the hands of the two women away from the Harbormaster's office. He signaled Cecilia to lend the X-One. Cecilia handed it over to him.

I suspect I'm being bugged. Either just movement or sound at the same time. Akiko can you check?

Cecilia and Akiko looked at the X-One screen. Then looked at each other. Cecilia took out a small metal detector from her jacket pocket and handed it to Akiko. She always carried the important stuffs, such as a pathogen detector, antivenom serum, and a metal detector everywhere, just in case.

Beeeep….a metallic sound was detected in Andalas' body. He searched all pockets on his shirt and pants. Nothing was found. Andalas shrugged.

Akiko repeated the scan. Her hand stopped on Andalas' arm. The metal was detected there. Andalas rolled up his sleeves. Oh smart! The detector was in the vein of his arm. The doctor must have injected adrenaline as well as a super mini detector.

Andalas signaled to Akiko to lend her Kaiken. Akiko gave it to him. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw Andalas sliced his arm skin with the very sharp tip of the Kaiken. Blood flowed and Andalas felt the drops of blood with his fingers. Found it!

Andalas showed a mini transmitter on the tip of his bloody finger. Akiko hastily took off her scarf and wrapped Andalas's arm. Cecilia smiled at Akiko's concern. Again, Andalas's face turned red and immediately cooled like ice.

Andalas typed again on Cecilia's X-One.

We need to outsmart them. This transmitter will stay here until morning. You guys go to Hantaa 05. Take Captain Shinji and First mate Yoshido to the airport. We're leaving this morning for Geneva. I'll follow soon.

Akiko glared at Andalas. Typing a reply on the X-One.

We will go to the airport together. Just leave that damn thing behind!

Andalas saw the steadfastness of Akiko's gaze. He took a deep breath and nodded.

Quickly bring them here. I'll find a car. We're getting out of here ASAP.

Cecilia nodded. They rushed back to Hantaa 05 to pick up Captain Shinji and First mate Yoshido.

They were running so fast as if angels of death were hunting them.