He grunted, weighing his options. Then he turned and muttered something to a nearby worker. Moments later, a rope ladder was lowered over the edge. “Fine. One hour,” he called down. “Stay on deck. No wandering. I’ll be watching.” Katherine nodded firmly. “Understood, Captain. Thank you for your cooperation.”
As she climbed aboard, Katherine’s eyes flicked across the ship’s layout. Her team followed closely, pretending to unload gear. “We appreciate this,” she said again, her tone respectful. While the officers mimicked casual chatter, Katherine’s mind was already scanning routes, exits, and blind spots. The real operation was just beginning.
Katherine signaled for the two officers to follow as they slipped away from the equipment and moved deeper into the ship. The towering walls of containers closed around them like a steel maze, each one identical, locked, and silent. There were dozens—maybe hundreds—and every second they hesitated raised the risk of exposure.
She began moving methodically, pausing at each container to whisper, “Ahmed Osman? Are you in there?” Her voice was no louder than a breath. They passed one row, then another. Each time, there was only silence. The ship creaked softly beneath their feet, the engines humming somewhere far below.