Fifteen days later, on the barren Gobi Beach, the Narwhal's treads spun rapidly as the crew busied themselves at their respective posts.
They were now on the Gobi Beach beyond the desert—an untouched land where the Narwhal could take them even farther.
Sailor Norden gripped the wheel under the First Mate's guidance. Beside him stood a thin, bald old man—the new Second Officer from Hope Island, a seasoned captain who knew the ropes.
A black streak flashed through the air beside the ship, transforming into a man in a black cloak at the cockpit door.
"No anomalies or findings on the left," Audric reported to the bandaged figure inside.
The bandaged man nodded silently and quickly sketched a dotted line on the map hanging on the wall.
"Is the Captain back yet?" Audric asked, making his way into the cockpit.
"No. The Governor said to check a few more places," the Second Officer replied offhandedly.
