The vessel cut through the morning mist like a blade through silk.
Elias stood at the water's edge, rifle held loose but ready. The ship was sleek, a hundred-foot catamaran with a low profile and no visible markings. Its hull was the color of storm clouds, and it moved with a quiet confidence that said military, not merchant.
"Who is she?" Jesus asked, stepping up beside him.
"I don't know." Elias squinted through the salt haze. "But she's coming straight for us."
The ship slowed, its engines dropping to a low thrum. A door slid open amidships, and a small launch emerged, carrying three figures. They were dressed in gray coveralls, no visible weapons, but Elias knew better than to assume.
"Get the children behind the rocks," he said quietly. "Ava, Becky, stay with them. Jesus, Reyes,
