Chapter 476: Submersion

In the vast, icy realms of the southern reaches of Frost, a brightly lit submersible control hall stood out like a guiding lighthouse. The combined illumination of gas and electric lights replicated daylight within its confines. This artificial sun cast lively, moving shadows throughout the vast room. Dominating the scene was a colossal, egg-shaped submersible suspended mid-air by an intricate web of steel cables. It sat poised at the precipice of a chute that led to the cold, uncharted sea below. Around this magnificent piece of machinery scurried undead engineers. With their odd and macabre figures, they moved quickly and efficiently, checking every detail and making last-minute tweaks, all in preparation for the vehicle’s descent into the depths below.

Duncan watched from a vantage point, comfortably seated beside the robust steel frame supporting the submersible. He observed with keen interest, soaking in every detail, patiently waiting for the signal indicating that Tyrian’s team was ready.

It was evident that despite the undead engineers’ eerie, almost nightmarish look, there was a bubbling undercurrent of excitement and anticipation. Their every action conveyed a subtle touch of glee, even eagerness.

Interrupting Duncan’s observations was the approach of a broad-shouldered, bald man, visibly anxious. As he got closer, he crouched low in front of Duncan and nervously began, “Uh... Captain, it’s an honor to see you here...”

Duncan’s gaze shifted to the newcomer. Recognizing him from earlier briefings, he said, “You’re Aiden, aren’t you? A remnant from the time of the Vanished Fleet alongside Tyrian.”

A hint of a smile crossed Aiden’s face. “Yes, that’s me. So, you remember?”

Duncan replied, shaking his head slightly, “Not personally. My memory got scrambled during the subspace transit. But I’ve been briefed about you and the other ‘first phase sailors’ from the Mist Fleet.”

Aiden, visibly more nervous now, said, “No need for explanations. Having you back is... well, it’s a relief. The crew missed you.”

“They’re fearful too, right?” Duncan chuckled lightly, scanning the many faces in the hall. He noticed how many quickly looked away, avoiding his direct gaze. “It’s a good thing I’m here in this proxy form. If it were the real me, I reckon the sailors would be too unnerved to even work.”

Aiden admitted, hesitantly playing with his shirt buttons, “A lot of them are from the ‘second phase’ of recruits. Your reputation precedes you, Captain. Their first interaction with you was...”

“The Frost battle five decades ago,” Duncan completed the sentence, his voice softening. His contemplative silence was interrupted by Tyrian’s announcement.

“The submersible is primed and ready, Father.”

Duncan’s face broke into a genuine smile. “Then it’s time.” He stood up, joining Tyrian as they walked to the docking platform. The magnificent submersible symbolized countless hours of effort, ingenuity, and dedication, silently beckoning them to embark on their forthcoming adventure.

The open side hatch of the submersible was spherical and inviting. Beyond its formidable, waterproof barrier, the interior was bathed in the sharp glow of bright lights, revealing the vessel’s intricate design. Contrary to its vast external structure, the space inside seemed a bit tight. Given the dense tangle of pipes, valves, and a myriad of control panels, it looked like it could comfortably hold just three or four people.

Duncan peered into the vessel’s cozy interior, preparing to step inside. But suddenly, he stopped dead in his tracks. Something caught his attention, prompting him to sharply turn his gaze in a specific direction.

Without warning, a swirling tornado of grey mists rushed into the hall, growing more ferocious as it approached the platform where the submersible was anchored. As the whirlwind reached its climax, it magically transformed into a familiar figure now standing face-to-face with Duncan and Tyrian.

From the remnants of the grey gust appeared Agatha. She looked much as she always did – the sightless nun adorned in a dark, flowing dress, her hair falling in thick waves over her shoulders.

“I wish to join you on this journey,” she stated, wasting no time in conveying her desire upon her dramatic entrance.

Duncan, attentive as ever, soaked in every word Tyrian conveyed. Frankly, to him, Tyrian – once renowned as the “Great Pirate of the Cold Sea” – seemed a tad long-winded. Much of what he said seemed obvious or redundant.

Nevertheless, out of respect, Duncan heard him out patiently. Only once Tyrian had wrapped up did he reply, tone solemn, “Acknowledged. Let’s begin.”

Positioned at the end of the hall, beyond the submersible’s confines, Tyrian stood behind a command console. Taking a moment, he inhaled deeply and signaled his team with a determined nod.

“Activate the sea gate!”

“Start the tunnel flooding process!”

“Detach the submersible’s main power cord and stand by for hook disengagement!”

The submersible’s robust steel structure resonated with a deep, thunderous vibration, producing a muted, reverberating hum inside its spherical chamber. A slight trembling emanated from the vessel’s foundation, soon followed by the grinding sound of metal against metal.

When the sea valve was activated, torrents of seawater gushed into the launch tunnel below the structure, quickly reaching the required depth. The remaining duo of heavy-duty cables, which had steadfastly gripped the submersible, started to creak under the tension and slowly relaxed their grip.

Duncan and Agatha first felt a sudden lurch, and then the sensation of dropping. For a brief moment, gravity seemed to lose its grip on them. Swiftly, the submersible was enveloped by the cold embrace of the water, sliding down the inclined channel. Aided by a series of guiding grooves, the vessel was directed towards an underwater gateway that marked the boundary of the southern harbor.

Through the reinforced porthole, the water outside shifted from crystal clear to a somber abyss. Sporadic streaks of light flickered in the engulfing darkness, their presence growing more pronounced as the submersible’s internal vibrations reached a crescendo. And then, as swiftly as it had begun, a serene calm took hold.

Stretching out infinitely in front of them was an expansive canvas of blue, which deepened in hue the further they ventured.

Rays of sunlight pierced through the waters above, creating a dance of luminous beams and contrasting shadows outside their viewing pane. Streams of bubbles floated upwards from the submersible’s exterior, shimmering like enigmatic sea sprites adorned in iridescent colors.

Agatha seemed to be entirely entranced by this surreal panorama.

Letting go of her grip on the control panel, she gravitated towards the window, gripping the safety railing. As she drew closer, her veiled eyes seemed drawn, almost magnetically, to the marine depths transitioning into a shadowy void.

“What visions fill your sight?” Duncan asked, his voice light as he familiarized himself with the assortment of controls before him.

“Radiance, muted yet omnipresent,” Agatha whispered, seemingly lost in her own thoughts or perhaps entranced by the captivating view, “The world outside has been shrouded in twilight, hasn’t it?”

“There’s a lingering touch of daylight, but the abyssal depths will soon be bathed in absolute darkness,” Duncan affirmed, making subtle course corrections on the control panel. “And now? What meets your gaze?”

“A breathtaking tapestry of luminosity, delicate yet spanning my entire field of vision,” Agatha articulated, her voice filled with awe. “What might that be?”

“That,” Duncan intoned, directing his gaze through the porthole, “is Frost.” Bathed in the remnants of sunlight and accentuated by the submersible’s powerful lights, a monumental, jagged underwater cliff stood sentinel. “This is the very bedrock upon which our city-state is built.”