But destiny intervened in the form of a distant rumble. At first, Nolan thought it was thunder. Then, he saw lights sweeping across the tundra, accompanied by the unmistakable hum of engines. The wildlife officers had arrived, drawn by his urgent transmission.
A surge of relief rushed through Nolan. The poachers scrambled, some bolting toward their snowmobiles. But the officers were skilled in Arctic maneuvers. They fanned out, cutting off escape routes. Within moments, a tense standoff erupted, the officers barking orders through megaphones.