As the unknown planes headed back to their nation, the Vautak followed cautiously at a distance. The crew remained silent, focused, each monitoring their surroundings and the instruments on board. To their surprise, the Alpha Kahak and the young wounded Kahak had not followed them.
Along the way, other planes appeared in the sky, much larger than those escorting them. These craft, with more rounded shapes and subdued lights, moved out of the way of the Vautak and the four escort planes. The crew watched them carefully.
“Civilian planes...” Sanoin murmured, scrutinizing the scene from the armored window.
This confirmed his suspicions.
“See? I told you, their technology is much more advanced than that of the Empire.”
No one answered, but everyone knew he was right.
As they finally approached their destination, a short landing strip appeared below. Valkaion, in a commanding but slightly tense tone, addressed Alu:
“Soft landing... SOFT, Alu.”
Alu and the captain adjusted the trajectory, reducing the Vautak’s speed as they began a controlled descent. The craft’s wheels, as well as the steel vulture’s large talons, activated, preparing to touch down. The craft finally touched down with remarkable precision, slowing down before coming to a stop on the runway.
A collective sigh of relief rippled through the cabin. Valkaion, regaining his composure, gave his orders:
“Everyone, leave your posts. We remain vigilant, but take a moment to collect yourselves.”
Sanoin sank into a nearby chair, running a hand over his tired face.
"We finally arrived... and, strangely, the alpha did not follow us. Normally, these creatures hunt anyone who turns their back on them."
Valkaion, his face serious, replied without hesitation:
"Nolastron may be setting a trap for us. It's not over yet. He knows that there were too many of us for a direct attack."
He turned to Ylia:
"Did you do what I asked?"
"Yes, Captain," Ylia replied, nodding. "I have completed the schematics of Nolastron and his mutation, as well as those of young Kahak. Unfortunately, I did not have enough details to draw the other planes."
Valkaion contented himself with a nod.
"It's okay. You'll try next time. The important thing is that we have the main information."
He then pressed a button, triggering the gradual opening of the Vautak's large door. The metal plate slowly descended, landing vertically on the concrete.
"Thank you, Captain!" Ylia said with a shy smile. "I promise to do even better next time."
"I'm counting on you."
Once the door was completely lowered, the five Sconaphores cautiously left the aircraft. They remained on their guard, scanning the surroundings and observing the other planes that were landing one by one on the concrete floor.
