Depth Charge - illuminations

Chapter 7

Bill never used to believe in much. Now his whole world was turned upside down. He thought of Bryant's wife and daughter. Would they even know what had happened? Not if the black suits controlled things properly, Bill thought. How could anyone even start to explain what had happened? Although, if what Colonel Kevin said was true, then a whole lot of people would soon be aware of a new world, a new world of terrors.

Bill had decided to sit away from Gordon on the flight to the old CORK. Veronica kindly stayed by his side. Bill looked at her, thinking of how they'd only just met, yet, she supported him a lot. Captain Mark had co-ordinated things to pinpoint accuracy. They would be meeting up to land on a warship near the CORK location. More than a few, one man subs would be available. No doubt they would have already retro-fitted the Marines rides out with some creature repellent weapons.

"I just don't see how all these creatures could go undetected for so long." asked Veronica.

Bill looked at her eyes, noticing they were as tired and weary as his own. "I guess they were just down too far. There's not a lot we have been able to confirm about what is under the earth's surface."

Even though Gordon was not invited into the conversation, he decided to butt in anyway. He spoke with a sly conspiratorial tone. "Ah, but what if the earth's surface is just a shallow barrier between their world and ours?"

"I thought you didn't believe in the reports Gordon."

"Maybe I am starting to come around. Besides, Colonel Kevin Hardy said we had to work together."

"Listen," Bill said firmly, pointing his finger. "You stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

Gordon put his head back into his research books, while Veronica gave Bill a look, whispering, "Why do you give Gordon such a hard time?"

Bill whispered back at Veronica, replying "I just don't like him."

A hive of activity surrounded the warship as the helicopter approached. Deep sea subs were being readied in the water for immediate despatch. Sailors scurried like ants, efficiently ensuring everything was in place. Immediately after touching down, the Marines exited the chopper, ushering the guests out quickly. Veronica was to stay topside with Captain Mark, assisting with navigation and communications. Bill, Gordon and the rest of the Marines could waste no time as they proceeded to the boarding area for the deep sea subs. Bill felt a great wave of uneasiness overcome him as he stood on top of another floating platform. His stomach churned as he thought he was going to vomit. Only his steely determination to be there for Selena was able to prevent him from losing it.

Yellow and white deep sea sub vehicles lined the perimeter of the large square platform as the shadow of the immense warship loomed over them. After being assisted into the subs, they had special headset placed upon them. The basic operation of the headsets was the microphone and speaker functions for communication. The added technology was the flip down data screen at the eye level, which, when activated, illuminated a blue lined diagram of whatever you were looking at. It was supposed to make it easier to discern what might be moving in the waters from the landscape; to sort the creatures from seaweed. For the Marines, it also synced in with the retro fitted underwater concussion blasters that were attached to the DSV's.

After a quick sound check, Mark reminded everyone of what was going to happen. It was another classic 'don't interrupt me' speech.

"Alright listen up, this is how things are going to roll out. I want a smooth recon and assessment. Bill, you know the way, so you'll be upfront." Bill still hadn't learned the lesson about not interrupting. 

"So what am I supposed to shoot with if something comes my way? Should I just give it a threatening look?" Bill asked.

"Don't worry Bill." Replied Mark crisply. "You'll have Grace and Tony right by your side to give you the necessary support if anything gets in your way. Grace is usually directly by my side on missions, so you're in good hands. Trey and Ethan, you're with Gordon. Ellen and Terry, you will be keeping a general eye out for the whole team."