The beast let out a deafening roar. Grimm sharks and deadly fish leaped at the sound and swam in a frenzy. The novices and crewmen cringed at the horrible sound. Blood threatened to leak out of their ears. The beast lunged and crashed its armoured head into the deck. Wood splintered and metal buckled from the impact. Its jaws snapped around a hapless crewman and turned him into a red mash. It thrashed his head and hurled more men into the sea.

A golden streak smacked into the side of its head. Bullets peppered the side of the monster. Buck shot bounced harmlessly off the scales. The beast turned to face its three attackers.

"HLAS, charge!" commanded Heraclius.

Heraclius put his massive shield over his back and swung his short sword overhead. The beast opened its maw and lunged. Heraclius spun on his heel. The sword turned into the gun. The barrels thundered firing two heavy solid slugs. Sparks flew off the rows of teeth. The armoured head brushed off his heavy tower shield. Heraclius reversed his grip in an instant. The tip stabbed at the beast barely nicking its heavy armour. He flipped the shield over his body and braced for the counter attack. Heraclius' body turned grey. The texture of his skin became like hard stone. His stance widened and lowered and his shield drove itself into the deck.

The snake thrashed its head. It impacted tremendously against the shield. An average man would have been thrown high into the air. Heraclius stood firm, body hard as stone and firm as a mountain. Lysandra ran up the deck and thrust her spear. The edge swirled with dust and transformed into diamond. The tip stabbed through the plate and created a deep long crack. The serpent turned. As Lysandra leaped back Heraclius abandoned his stone form and bashed the beast of course. Its maw went over Lysandra as she slid behind Heraclius.

"Face me monster!" challenged Akio, "I shall fell you this day!"

Akio widened his stance and grabbed his scabbard and sword. The monster roared. He drew his sword. A wave of molten metal shot out in a sweeping arc. Red hot slag burned the edge of the monster's teeth. It recoiled as the molten liquid slid down its gullet. Akio sheathed his sword and rapidly drew it once more. An arc of lightning crackled across the snake's eyes. Sheath, redraw. Icy blades pushed the monster upright.

A heavenly arrow soared over Akio. The head split into five haws with steel wings and talons. They strange birds smashed into the weakened plate creating more cracks and turning a small layer into dust. A second arrow, with the wings and form of a phoenix, screamed at the beast. The impact shattered the armoured plate. Bone rained down on the deck.

"Siri!" shouted Linda.

Siri's suit glowed brightly as two long blades grew from her cuffs. The metal was white hot with an edge sharper than any they had seen. Lightning crept across the sword as ice swirled at the cuffs. Siri planted her feet and focused on the moving target.

"Rayner, Vincent, try to keep it still."

"Easier said than done, boss lady," said Vincent slapping in another magazine, "Rayner, grenade!"

"On it!"

Rayner pulled the pin and hurled a small light blue bomb high into the air. It burst with an amazing flash and a hail of sharp shrapnel. The small pieces peppered around the beast's eye making it blink. In the split second Vincent dove for cover and opened fire. His aim was accurate with each shot landing within millimetres of the vulnerable eye. Rayner followed his lead firing an endless hail of buckshot at the crimson eye. The beast shrank and lowered to the deck as it flinched from the irritating attacks.

"Linda, tie him down," ordered Siri.

Linda ran toward the beast, "You got it."

"Blake, Yang," called Ruby, "Let's tie him down too."

White glyphs and runes began to take form around the deck.

"I'll lend a hand too," said Weiss.

The white runes shrouded the beast in a thick white fog. Ice formed along its body. Blake jumped into the mist. The beast was thrashing erratically in the fog as Vincent and Rayner continued to pour fire at its eyes. Yang surged past Blake and pummelled the opposite side of the beast. Blake jumped and drove her sword into the frosted armour like an ice pick. She flew over the long body, trailing a black cord between her two weapons, and dealt a few harmless slashes as she went. Yang reached out and grabbed Blake's sword from her hand. Yang's bracelets fired and flung her beneath the beast wrapping the cord around its neck.

Linda ran by a retreating Blake. She threw her spear, crackling with power. The drove through an armoured plate. She poured her electrical might into the connected spears. The shock ran down the serpent's body. It twitched and convulsed across the surface but seemed more annoyed than pained. Just as Linda was about to land a heavy red wind pulled her aside. The same wind grabbed Yang and Blake in one fell swoop. The mist faded away.

"Ruby!" exclaimed Linda.

Ruby put the three down and yelled, "Heave!"

Four women pulled with all their might. They jerked the beast to the side. It pulled back knocking the girls to the deck.

"Get it steady ladies" ordered Siri.

Her eyes were turning bright red. Sweat dripped out of every pore. Her breathing was heavy and shallow. The molten swords grew longer and longer. The suit pulsed and shone with pent power. Akio stood beside her muttering words. His scabbard began to glow as dust seeped out of the top.

"Tie it around me" said Heraslius planting himself.

His body turned to its unmovable form. Rayner and Vincent stepped up the fire power. Their bullets began chipping away at the armour leaving scorches and burns as they ricocheted. Nora and Sakura joined the attack hurling grenades and arrows at the head. Purple explosions rocked the beast giving the ropes enough slack for the teams to act.

Lysandra grabbed the ropes, "Heave!"

"Ho!"

Everyone pulled. Ren quickly tied the roped around Heraclius' waist. The beast whipped back. Heraclius held fast. The ropes went taught and threatened to snap. The beast was held in place by the immovable warrior.

"Fire!"

Akio drew his two blades. A cross of combined energy surged out of the scabbards with great speed. Siri's suit flashed blinding everyone around her. Two broadswords flew from her cuffs trailing fire and ice. The attacks hit with astounding force. The cables snapped. Smoke and steam rose from the monster. Armour and scorched flesh rained down on the deck. Nora and the others quickly began pouring small arms fire at the wounded monster. The beast wailed and screeched as it retreated beneath the sea. Siri collapsed onto the deck.

Linda ran to Siri's side, "Are you alright?"

Siri nodded, "I just need a minute."

"We told you not to overdo it," Linda smiled softly.

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," said Siri, "I looks like –"

"Nobody jinx it!" said Ruby, "Nobody say we got him."

"Yes," said Heraclius, "But it looks like it's finally over."

Another ship exploded. Their vessel rocked and trembled from the force.

"I hate you so much right now."

Tentacles jumped out of the sea and wrapped around the ship. Those with blades jumped into action, hacking and slicing and cutting through thick flesh. A massive force struck the ship from below. Water rushed into the hull. The giant squid slipped from the sea. Its giant eyes fixed up at the novices. Scars and horrible burns marred its sleek skin. Its armoured cap was slightly cracked but still as dangerous as ever.

"Abandon ship, abandon ship!" ordered the captain, "All hands abandon ship!"

"I thought we killed you!" Yang shouted down the side.

A tentacle whipped and slapped the back of Yang's head. Ruby sped to her side to keep her from going over. Another explosion and their last allied vessel was swallowed into the sea.

"Come on, we got to get out of here," said Jaune, "To the life boats."

"That won't help" said Vincent, "The coprions will tear us apart."

"Then where do we go?"

Several aircraft were still overhead circling.

"Sakura, signal those aircraft," ordered Vincent, "Everyone else cover and get ready to jump aboard."

The moment Sakura released a flare the first aircraft began its hesitant approach. The pilot refused to get near the deck while the tentacles flailed. Those aboard lowered several ropes and shouted at them to climb. HLAS was the first team to climb aboard while SLVR provided the most cover. Once on the aircraft HLAS began firing out the doors while SLVR began its ascent.

"That's it we're full," said the pilot, "The next one is coming right up."

"Circle over the ship," ordered Siri, "We'll continue to cover from the air."

"Yes ma'am."

"Jaune, you're up first," ordered Pyrrha.

Jaune reluctantly agreed. He was faster, stronger, more cunning since he first began but still leagues behind his comrades. The rope dropped and he started the climb. The serpent rose out of the sea bloodied bruised and scarred. It roared at the ascending novice. Sakura loosed an arrow at the beast. Ice splashed over the side of its face leaving a frosty burn. Lysandra drew the beast toward her and Heraclius. The serpent snapped up at the aircraft. The pilot jerked the aircraft in every direction to avoid getting hit while yelling at the novices to stop.

"Ren, you're up next!"

"Got it," Ren jumped and grabbed the rope. He clambered up quickly and started to shoot small bullets around the deck.

Pyrrha was the last to ascend for JNPR. She hollered at RWBY as she shot her rifle.

"Weiss, Yang, Blake, then me," said Ruby, "Let's go!"

"I'll go last," said Blake.

"But –"

"We don't have time to argue. I'm going last! Now move it!"

One after the other they climbed the perilous rope. The ship was rapidly sinking. Small explosions wracked the vessel. Coprions leaped over the side to try and snap a quick helpless meal. Tendrils bashed the deck as the serpent sliced the bottom of the ship. Water rushed through every hall carrying grimm and blood. Ruby slashed her scythe cutting off a large section of tendril. As Weiss ascended she conjured icy geysers. The cold winds froze the slimy skin of the beast slowing the tentacle. Ice turned into shards jabbing into the soft flesh. Yang leaped from the rope and kicked away the tentacle. She launched herself back by the force of her explosive bracelets and grabbed the rope.

"Blake! Hurry it up! We're all aboard," shouted Yang.

Blake stood on the deck swinging her swords and firing her pistols. Her ears perked at Yang's call. She spun on her heels and stowed her weapons. The serpent crashed its head against the ship. The hull shattered and the deck cracked. The ship ripped in half and sank rapidly. Blake sprinted up the inclining deck as if the devil of the deep was nipping at her heels. She ducked and dodged around falling debris. Tentacles and grimm flew around her. She gasped and jumped with all she could muster. She reached out to the swinging rope.

"Got it."

Blake climbed the rope as the ship was swallowed by the turbulent sea.

"Pull her up! Pull her up!" said Yang, "You're fine, Blake. You're almost there."

Blake got half way up the rope when the giant squid whipped its tendrils. The black slimy limbs swiped and grabbed at Blake. The pilot panicked and thrashed the craft to avoid the strikes. Blake was thrown about. Her arm jerked and pulled hard against her shoulder. Every swing felt like it would rip off. Her fingers began to slip.

"Fuck it. We're getting out of here," declared the pilot.

He threw the aircraft into full throttle. It soared forward with a large boom. The rope whipped and threw Blake aside. The world seemed to slow around her. RWBY leaned out of the craft reaching out to her in futility and calling her name. A cool mist washed over her from below. The deep roars and groans of the beast drowned every other sound. Her last image was the clear blue sky when she hit the deep dark sea.

General Ironwood stood in a black room. He took a deep angry breath and stepped onto the platform. A bright light shone around his feet. Three men materialized around him. To his left stood Ozpin, to the right Nicholas Schnee, and across stood the Elector of Mistral.

"Ozpin! Ironwood! You have some explaining to do," yelled Mr. Schnee, "How did this mission fail?"

"Unforeseen circumstances," said Ironwood, "Our information said there would only be the serpent. We did not expect the squid to resurface."

"Indeed," said Ozpin, "Also with a force of four hunter teams we thought the force was adequate."

"Adequate? Adequate?" Mr. Schnee scoffed, "I believe you are far too confident in your students' capabilities."

"Our students' have proven themselves fully capable. Especially team SLVR," said Ozpin, "If you recall, the flotilla had wounded the serpent. Given more time and barring the squid's resurgence I am certain the teams would have succeeded."

"We also know that the depth charges developed by Sylph Systems are effective against the serpent. Another fleet will annihilate the beast once –"

"We have lost several fleets already, Ironwood!"

"Pardon me," said the Elector, "I have queries of my own, Mr. Schee. Now, according to the report the flotilla began suffering damage before the serpent surfaced. In particular large explosive damage to the hull. Is this a capability of the beast we had not accounted for?"

"We are not certain," said Ozpin, "But based on previous attacks and the creature's characteristics I would doubt it is capable of such an attack."

"Then what caused it? A third monster?"

"Who cares how many beasts there are. What matters is that we exterminate them," said Mr. Schnee.

"The teams need time to rest and –"

"General Ironwood, I am ordering you to mobilize the Atlas Navy and begin a complete sweep of the sea. Have every ship launch depth charges so that not a single inch of water remains untouched. The Vale Royal Fleet will join in the operation as well."

"Mr. Schnee if we undertake this operation there is a distinct possibility that the beast will be forced away from the shipping lanes putting more civilians in danger. Also our depth charges may destroy allied and civilian ships and submersibles as well."

"General Ironwood is concerned about collateral damage?" Mr. Schnee laughed.

"This is not a laughing matter."

"It is when those words are uttered by the general who conducted the bloodiest campaign in a generation."

"I will not mobilize the fleet."

"Elector, since the general is acting cowardly, will Mistral join Vale?"

"I must decline," said the Elector, "I agree with General Ironwood."

"Gentlemen," said Ozpin, "I believe another group of hunters will be capable –"

"Hunters or your students?" Schnee glared at Ozpin, "Your silence speaks volumes. Forget it. I will handle this myself. This meeting is concluded."

"Very well," said the Elector, "Ozpin, I would like to speak with you separately."

"Of course."

Ironwood bowed, "Gentlemen."

"Ironwood, stay. I have other matters to discuss with you," said Mr. Schnee.

The Elector and Ozpin disappeared in a static cloud. The general and the entrepreneur stood silently glaring at each other for several minutes. Schnee's hologram turned red with the light around Ironwood. White noise crackled in the background.

"The line is secure," said Ironwood.

"General you know full well that these delays in our project cannot continue. If you will not mobilize the fleet what will you do?"

"We will find a way. Special operations, regular patrols, and –"

"Far too slow. This needs to be dealt with immediately," Mr. Schnee folded his hands, "It is my understanding that you still possess the prototype we are developing. Something of that power should be able to –"

"Absolutely not! That is not meant for these tasks."

"We need a weapon, General. We can't afford to wait any longer. You have the mastermind behind its development, yes?"

"Behind bars."

"Give him to me. We will have him develop a new weapon to deal with this specifically."

"He is under arrest for crimes –"

"That was not a request, General. It was an order. Unless you would like Atlas to learn of your true nature."

"I refuse."

Mr. Schnee shook his head, "You need some time to think it through. I'll give you three days. If he is not delivered to me, I will take him. By any means necessary. I sincerely hope you reconsider."

Mr. Schnee disappeared into nothingness.

"Bastard."

The world was dark and cold. Clattering and clanking filled her ears. Thoughts appeared and disappeared like footprints in the rising tide. Her eyes were heavy. Everything was spinning even though her body felt perfectly still.

CLAP! CLAP!

"Hey, it's time to wake up."

A familiar voice broke through the noise. It reached out to her. She wanted to grab hold but the haze was too thick.

"Come on. Snap out of it. I know you're not dead."

"Sun…" she muttered softly, barely a whisper.

"Alright, I've got no other choice."

"HAAAH!"

She gasped as a cold salty splash hit her face. The water ran into her nose and down her throat. She rolled over onto her knees. She coughed and hacked to get the stray drops out of her lungs. The world came into vision. It was a small windowless room with metal walls. She was laying on the floor behind bars. Beyond the bars was a small steel table and a pair of chairs. The room was dimly lit and cold. The clatter and clank of machines resonated through the walls. Sun Wukong, dressed in White Fang garb, knelt over her with an empty bucket by his side.

"Sorry. I know how much cats hate water," Sun teased.

"How did... How are you…" Blake pushed her hand against her eyes.

"We were a few miles behind the serpent when we signalled the attack with that damn song," said Sun, "After you stopped dropping depth charges we moved in with the squid. Once all was done we plucked you out of the water."

"Yang and the others are they okay?"

"They got away. Only you survived the plunge," Sun pulled a pair of small devices from his pocket, "Listen, I don't have much more time."

Sun pressed the small devices behind Blake's ears. The sparkled and played a small never ending tune.

"I don't think they'll use it right away, but better safe than sorry. Now a pair of men are going to come in here and start asking questions. And these guys can get pretty rough. They teach you anything about interrogations in Beacon?"

"That's for third years. I'll manage."

"Right… I'll come back tonight. Hold on until then okay?"

"No problem."

"I'm not joking, Blake. You're in pretty dire straits and if you slip my cover will be blown."

Someone pounded on the door and shouted. Sun sat Blake in one of the chairs.

"Right, right. She's awake and ready for you." Sun nodded at Blake, "Good luck."

Sun opened the door and let in two mask less men. The first was a broad man that barely squeezed through the door. He had the physique of an elephant with the ears and trunk to match. The second man was tall and lean. His eyes were reptilian. Scales dotted his cheeks like freckles. Fangs hung over his lips grotesquely.

"I love that looks of revulsion when they first see us," said the reptilian, "Don't you, Elijah?"

"It never gets old that's for sure, Septim," said the elephant man, "Even from our own kind. People like us –"

"I'm nothing like you," said Blake glaring at them.

"Perhaps not exactly," Septim looked into her eyes, "It's true you only have a pair of ears, fair skin and shape, even your cat eyes are less pronounced. By human standards you may be considered pretty."

Septim grabbed her hair and pulled her close. His hissed and flicked his forked tongue against her cheek.

"But we are still Faunus. We are still kin," Septim pulled off Blake's bow, "No need to hide your true self. We are all Faunus here."

Elijah circled around the room. Each step pounding against the metal floor. He stopped behind Blake's seat. His heavy trunk rested on Blake's shoulder and squeezed tightly. Septim took the seat across her and folded his hands in front of his face.

"This is how it is going to work," said Septim, "I will ask you a question. You will give me an answer. If I do not like your answer…"

"I will break you. Slowly. Until you give us an answer we like. Do you understand?"

As much as she wanted to defy them, saying 'no' would be stupid. Blake nodded.

"Excellent. Hands on the table where I can see them. Let's begin with an easy one. What is your name?"

"Beth. Beth Flowers."

Elijah smacked the back of her head.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. A very poor start after our understanding, Blake Belladonna," Septim smiled, "Surprised? The White Fang has changed much since you were last a member. Now let's try another simple question. What academy are you with?"

"Beacon."

"Very good. Your team?"

"RWBY."

"How many more hunters were sent?"

Blake didn't answer. Elijah smacked her harder with his trunk and pounded her hand on the table. He gave her the back of his hand as he returned to his spot.

"Not answering isn't an option. How many hunters? What teams? What nations?"

"Does it matter? They know about you. They know about the submarines. They will find you."

Elijah smashed Blake against the table. As she rose he smashed her again and again. He grabbed her hand and pulled her smallest finger back. The bone snapped and the joint dislocated. Elijah grabbed her other little finger and tore it back as well. He wrapped his trunk around her neck and squeezed. She opened her mouth and gasped silently.

"Enough, Elijah."

Elijah released his grip. Blake sucked down air and coughed.

"How did you learn of this vessel?"

"We found one off the coast of an island."

"This is not that ship. How did you learn of the others?"

Blake had no answer. Septim raised his hand to stop his compatriot.

"How many teams were sent to stop us?"

"Two, just two," said Blake, "Both from Beacon."

"On Mistral ships without a Mistral team?"

No answer. Septim nodded. He grabbed another finger and broke it.

"Sun, bring in a bucket" hollered Septim, "This will only get harder if you refuse to answer."

Sun opened the door carrying a large bucket filled with water. His eyes met Blake's and he quickly turned away. He placed the bucket on the floor and walked out without a single word. Elijah threw Blake from the seat and dragged her to the bucket. He dunked her head into the water and held her. Blake held her breath for as long as she could. The water bubbled and churned as air ran from her lungs. She twitched and thrashed to escape the sea but the elephant kept her in. Water rushed down her lungs.

COUGH! COUGH! HACK! HACK!

"Who supplied those depth charges? What do you know about the monsters? Who was in command? What were the names of your comrades? Where were they headed? How many more fleets deployed? What teams?"

Elijah dunked her over and over and over again. The questions never ended but she kept her lips kept sealed. Septim's voice boomed and thundered only silencing when her head went under. Elijah yanked her hair and jerked her head. After every dunk he gave her the back of his hand. Her nose bled and turned the water red. She wasn't allowed more than a breath. Her lungs were filling with water and the world was turning into a blur.

"Septim," said Elijah pulling Blake out, "I don't think she will last much longer."

"Damn. Sun! Bring it in!"

Sun re-entered the room with an audio player. Elijah discarded Blake and stood behind Septim. The snake unhappily put the player on the table.

"Just so you know, I despise this," said Septim, "Far too efficient. It takes the joy out of my work. Right, Elijah?"

"Yes, less blood and broken bones. But there is pain when first starting."

"Ah, yes. I almost forgot about that. This will hurt… much."

Septim played the music. The eerie tune began slowly. The notes ran into her ears forcing its way into her mind. Excruciating pain pounded against the inside of her skull. She could feel the blood begin to trickle out of her ears. She curled up into a ball as the music continued its onslaught. She looked at Sun standing by the door. She wanted to call for help but she could only muster a wispy breath. The world was disappearing in a mist of purple and violet. Sun turned into a swirl of yellow and orange. Blake saw her hands turn deep dark blue like the night sky.

Septim's voice was sweet and soothing and fading. She looked up at him and saw a form of royal blue. As he asked his questions the world turned black.

"Blake, Blake."

Blake sat in a corner staring blankly into the light. Sun shook her shoulder and called out to her. A small tray of simple food and a glass of water sat beside them. Sun clapped his hands and shook her violently. Blake finally blinked and exhaled.

"How long was I…"

"A few hours," said Sun, "You passed out when he started asking questions."

"Why did I hear the song? It was…"

"Painful? It takes a few moments for the audio cancellation to kick in. You were out cold when it started so, I guess it kind of balances out," Sun grabbed the glass of water, "Drink."

Blake sipped the cold water, "Sun, what are they doing with the stolen goods?"

"They're building enhanced androids to make an army. The White Fang have been taking losses recently in Vacuo, Atlas, everywhere really and they can't keep up."

"What about the grimm? Why control them?"

"To keep everyone off their trail. They are using them to push on every border. And they've found more unique grimm too. The armies hare having trouble keeping pace and hunters are being deployed to stop these super powerful grimm. With the kingdoms spread thin the White Fang can move for easily."

"But why build an army? What's the reason?"

"The same reason we've always had. To make a land where we can walk without being afraid, without being looked at with disgust and distrust."

"Where we are our own," remembered Blake, her eyes widened, "A kingdom. They want their own kingdom."

Sun nodded, "I don't know if it will work, but if they build an army they want to go to war. And if they lose…"

"All Faunus will be blamed. I need to get off this ship and tell – Oof!"

"You're in no condition to move right now. Listen, I a couple of hours the night shift will come on. I can get you off then. Just be patient, okay?"

"If I get off, where will I be?"

"We're near the coast of Atlas now. Hopefully a ship will find you."

"Hopefully?"

"Would you rather stay on the ship?"

"Good point."

"Good. I'll be back in a couple of hours. You should be alone until then. Can you keep yourself entertained?"

"I can think of a few things to do. Don't give me that look."

Sun stepped out of the room and the long wait began. The clank and clatter of the machines kept her from sleeping. The dim and dying light kept her mind from full wakefulness. Her mind wandered. She saw her friends, their smiling faces turning into grieving. Memories of her time with the White Fang resurfaced bringing back all the terrible sins she had committed with them. Farther and farther her mind wandered. A strange song began its melody. It was whispering to her in a strange and ancient tongue. The words were strange but their meaning was carried by the tune. She drifted into a violet mist in her mind and waited serenely until the hour.

The door creaked open. White light streamed through the crack into Blake's eyes.

"Sun? Sun, is that you?" she asked.

"One and only," he whispered, "We got to be quick. Come on."

Sun took Blake by the hand and led her out of the room. Her legs were unsteady. Blood rushed from her head and the fatigue of the torment still lingered though it was hours away. Sun put an arm over his shoulders and carried most of her weight. The halls were largely abandoned. The few crewmen still awake were monitoring the critical systems: the bridge, engineering, and the torpedo tubes.

Sun took Blake to a small room filled with diving suits. Sun pulled one off the wall and quickly pushed Blake to put it on. The red rubbery exterior was loose fitting but warm. A small pouch wrapped around the waist and a pair of air tanks sat at the rear. She pulled the transparent hood over and the suit began to fill with air.

"Go through that hatch and pull this right away. You should hit the surface in a few seconds."

"A few seconds? Are you serious?"

"Their mysterious benefactor has some very neat toys," said Sun, "Once at the surface open the pouch. There's a quick inflating life raft and a signal. Okay? Good luck."

"What about you, Sun? Come with me."

Sun smirked, "I've got more to do. Don't worry. I've done fine so far."

"But I'll be missing."

"Don't worry I'll manage. Now hurry. We don't have much time to waste."

Blake grabbed the hatch, "Come back safe."

"I promise."

Blake stepped through the hatch and sealed it. Water rushed into the tiny compartment. The sea was cold and dark. She pulled the cord and the suit expanded with air. She floated out of the vessel. The air tanks opened and shot her up toward the surface. She looked around her as she quickly ascended. The serpent and squid were lurking below the submarine, their red eyes glazed over. For a brief moment she seemed to catch their glares.

Blake broke through the surface and pulled off her hood. She took in the pleasant fresh salty air. The life raft jumped out of the pouch and bobbed on the waves. Blake climbed in, still warm from the suit. She activated the signal. A white light flashed and a small electronic buzz filled the airwaves.

"Now I just have to wait," she said to herself, "Thank you, Sun."