As the vast expanse of the sea extended endlessly before their eyes, a palpable sense of disquiet began to permeate the collective awareness of the crew members present on the deck. The very atmosphere seemed to carry with it a tinge of apprehension, casting a shadow upon their thoughts and emotions as they gazed out onto the horizon where the endless waves met the open sky.
"Something is stirring out there," one crew member's voice broke the silence. His gaze fixed on the horizon, where not one but two boats appeared, moving steadily and swiftly.
"Their speed is astonishing," another crew member remarked, their tone betraying a hint of tension.
"Are they headed this way?" The sight made the heart of a crew member skip a beat, a rush of apprehension settling in.
Another crew member, quick to perceive, inquired, "Old Zhu, is there cause for concern?"
Old Zhu, a seasoned hand, replied calmly, "Have a look for yourself."
Gripping the binoculars tightly, the crew member focused on the precise location that Old Zhu had singled out. An almost imperceptible alteration in his countenance spoke volumes, revealing a growing awareness unfurling within him. "It is beginning to appear as though their trajectory is unerringly directed towards us," he intimated with a sense of urgency. "I shall expeditiously convey this pressing development to the captain whilst you remain vigilant and observant here."
Before the words had left his lips, he sprinted down the deck and burst into the captain's quarters, his voice urgent, "Captain, two warships are bearing down on us."
"What?" Ren Ziquan's eyebrows twitched, his inner thoughts echoing with the worrisome possibility he had been contemplating.
Reacting swiftly to the unfolding situation, he didn't allow a moment to slip away unused. With a sense of urgency fueling his movements, he burst forth, tightly clutching the binoculars in his grip. Mounting the height advantage of the ship's structure, he embarked on an ascent toward a strategic vantage point that would grant him a more straightforward line of sight. He focused the binoculars meticulously on the vessels that drew nearer by the second. As the scene unfolded before him, a heavy feeling took root within his chest, a palpable realization that confirmed his gravest concerns: a distressing reality manifested itself in undeniable clarity—two warships were, without a doubt, converging upon their location with a swiftness that left no room for doubt.
Their menacing presence seemed to emanate from a distance, foretelling of impending trouble.
"Sound the alarm, and notify Shiwang of the situation," Ren Ziquan ordered, his voice authoritative.
The wailing sirens pierced the air, a resounding declaration of urgency.
Swiftly, the first mate, chief engineer, and other key crew members of the "Blue Whale" converged. "Captain, what's happening?" concern was etched on their faces.
Ren Ziquan's tone was solemn as he shared, "Two warships are advancing toward us, and their intentions are far from benevolent."
The first mate's countenance darkened, his worry palpable.
The chief engineer interjected with a trace of optimism, "Perhaps, Captain, they're not here for us. We haven't engaged in any illicit activities."
Ren Ziquan shook his head, a hint of sadness clouding his gaze. "Remember, we've just salvaged 50,000 to 60,000 tons of metal fragments. Envy has many allies."
Metal fragments—objects of desire. In a realm driven by ruthless self-interest, international law often bowed to the will of mightier fists.
As the warships drew closer, those who trained their eyes through telescopes could distinguish the flags they bore.
"The E country's navy," the realization dawned as the flags unfurled in the wind.
Beneath the waves, in close proximity to the "Blue Whale" and "Shiwang," a colossal form trailed, lurking beneath the surface—the Overlord.
Liu Yong's apprehension had prompted the deployment of Bawang, standing vigilant against any potential threat to the prized metal fragments.
With keen sight, Bawang discerned the advancing warships. "Master, two warships are headed our way. What do you make of this?"
Liu Yong, amidst contemplation, was jolted by the interruption. "What? Two warships are rapidly approaching the 'Blue Whale' and 'Shiwang'?"
His consciousness shifted, and through the third-party vision, he surveyed the scene. His suspicions were confirmed: two warships surged forward, their velocity seemingly surpassing 35 knots.
"Remarkable speed," Liu Yong marveled, acknowledging the swiftness that bordered on incredible.
But then, his amazement morphed into bewilderment as the identities of the warships came to light. "The E country's navy?"
In his calculations, the pursuers should have hailed from country M—the Black Iron Company's home. This sudden twist puzzled him.
A plausible thought emerged, only to be swiftly dismissed. "Country M's navy passing by? No, this is no mere coincidence."
As seconds ticked by, the pieces fell into place. "They're here for the fragments, or rather, to claim them."
Their approach was relentless, a mere nautical mile between the vessels. Liu Yong's assessment unfolded with growing certainty.
A wry chuckle escaped him. "Even country E joins the fray. Envy knows no bounds."
He speculated—a connection between countries E and M, a possibility governed by intrigue. "Country M's orchestrations, perhaps. E plays the puppet while M pulls the strings."
In the depths below, the Overlord conveyed an alarming revelation. "Master, a submarine's presence is detected."
Liu Yong's intrigue deepened as he observed the underwater vessel, a creation of country M, silently navigating beneath the surface.
"A costly asset," he mused. The deployment of such a vessel wasn't insignificant.
He pieced it together—a sinister partnership between the overt E and the covert M. "Country E acts as a distraction, a smoke screen. Country M's hidden agenda emerges."
"Master, shall I neutralize the submarine?" Bawang's voice reverberated in Liu Yong's thoughts.
Liu Yong's response was measured. "Hold for now. Let's see what their intentions truly are."
Bawang, true to command, maintained its silent vigil, an enigmatic guardian beneath the waves.
Above, on the sea's surface, a tableau of anxiety unfolded. The warships' strategic maneuvers completed their encirclement of the "Blue Whale" and "Shiwang."
Perched onboard, Ren Ziquan's composure held firm. "Take your positions, everyone. Stick to the drill plan."
As the crew found their places, Ren Ziquan grasped a satellite phone, initiating contact with Liu Yong.
"We're in dire straits," he confided, his voice weighted. "The 'Blue Whale' and 'Shiwang' are under siege by two E country warships. It appears they seek to detain us..."
To be continued...
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