Chapter Three: Seven Hunters

Then a thought that did not belong to him surfaced: hold course; the cloud is a false return. “Captain,” the first officer shouted, “the cell is closing on the left!” Chen turned the control to the right. The plane shuddered again. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and the cabin dissolved into chaos. Silver light blazed around Elena’s wrist. The “baby” in her arms had not cried once. Beneath the blanket, a corner of black metal was visible. It was not an infant at all but a trading terminal shielded from security scans. Queen’s identity was confirmed. Han Che unfastened his belt and walked through the tilting cabin toward Lu. One hand rested behind his waist, where he carried aviation restraints.