Depth Charge - illuminations

Chapter 9

The sirens of battle stations rang loudly from the warship. Mark was preparing for anything as his Marines were about to break the surface. The decks of the warship became a hive of activity as the crew moved frantically to prepare for battle. Large turret guns began to spin around to the side, being readied to blast any hostiles that emerged from the depths. The newly fitted concussion cannons also swung into position, being complimented with an assortment of smaller guns in the water atop the platform, and on some subs.

One of the giant cranes moved almost immediately as Bill's sub broke the surface water. In a large scooping motion it efficiently swept Bill up and over the side of the warship. A second crane lowered down as Bill was being deposited on the landing deck. The second crane collected the sub that Grace had been clinging to. Like a true hardcore Marine, she had managed to cling on in the most extreme of circumstance and survive. Bill released the dome hatch on his sub, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun warm his face as Grace was lowered next to him. Lifting himself out, Bill went over to Grace to assist her up. Gripping and lifting her forearm, Bill viewed Grace's expression as she thanked him for being there when it counted.

They both turned to see Mark and Veronica running over to meet them. Veronica found herself giving Bill a big hug, being relieved that he was safe. Mark put his hand on Grace's shoulder, wasting no time to ask questions.

"What happened down there? How many hostiles are coming our way? Are the others okay?" 

Before Mark could offload another question, a great stirring began in the water. The cranes swung over towards the front side, at the same time the blasts of concussion cannons and sea creatures shrieking sounded from the rear side. Mark, Grace, Veronica and Bill all rushed to the edge as the frantic crew members from the warship ran around them.

On the left, they viewed Ellen and Terry being lifted by the cranes from the original entry point. On the right was the sight of blasts from the cannons impacting heavily with the water, and the masses of sea creatures that were emerging from within. The vibrant colors from the creatures illuminated the surface water. Like a toxic agent leeching into the waters, they soon spread out further and further; an oil leak of alien slickness. In dramatic fashion they brandished their fangs, spun their spheres and stretched their tentacles. With the full accompaniment of screeching and whirring, it was a scene to top the best specials effects movie ever made.

The subs of Ellen and Terry had no sooner been deposited on deck than three more subs bobbed up from the water's surface. After a quick view through his binoculars at the occupants, Mark went straight over to Ellen.

"Where's Tony?"

"We never heard word from him after he advised us of the immediate threat from the chamber," answered Ellen in a sullen, but official voice, as she lifted herself out of the sub.

Mark would never leave a team member behind, even in the most improbable situations, but Mark could see a rescue was impossible, not improbable. With the warship unloading heavily to keep the aliens from exiting on the right, Mark anxiously moved back to watch the remaining members get evacuated from the deadly battlefront. 

The cranes moved back into position with precision. Gordon and Trey were the next to be scooped up. Mark peered closely into the water as Gordon and Trey touched down onto the warship's deck.

Mark's voice rang loudly with his orders. "Get that crane back into position now! They're coming." Looking directly at Ethan, Mark spoke into the comms. "Ethan, they're coming up right behind you, the crane is still another minute before it reaches you."