midnight
Well might those Legionaries who had been left behind to protect Nissr and the sacred gifts have envied the more fortunate ones now sweeping into Jannati Shahr . The rear guard , however , formed no less essential a part of the undertaking than the main body of the Legion . This rear guard consisted of Grison , Menendez , Prisrend , Frazier , and Manderson . Their orders were as follows : If the main body did not return by midnight , or if sounds of firing were heard from the city , or again if they received direct orders via the Master 's pocket wireless , they were at once to load the machine-guns on board the liner . They were to carry Myzab on board , also , and with the wireless spark detonate the explosive which would reduce the Black Stone to dust . This accomplished , they were to start the engines and , if possible , make a getaway -- which might be feasible for five men . If they succeeded , they were to wheel over the city and drop the second kappa-bomb , also all the remaining explosive , by way of punitive measures .