The meeting inside the Changzheng-418 lasted another two hours before Adrian and Ryan finally departed the Chinese submarine.
By the time their RHIB returned toward the destroyer fleet, the morning sun had already climbed higher above the Philippine Sea.
The atmosphere aboard the fleet had changed.
The sailors watching from the destroyer rails immediately noticed it.
Because Adrian's expression looked more serious than before.
Even Ryan had gone unusually quiet.
And that alone worried people.
The RHIB slammed lightly against the destroyer's side while deck crews secured the boat immediately.
One of the officers waiting near the railing saluted sharply.
"Sir."
Adrian returned the salute automatically before stepping back onto the deck.
"Prepare return course to Subic immediately."
The officer blinked slightly.
"Yes, sir."
Ryan followed behind while adjusting the sling of his rifle.
One of the Marines beside them quietly asked.
"How bad is it?"
