"Yes, sir."
Captain Weber saluted sharply before immediately turning toward the crew.
"All hands, prepare for departure!"
The atmosphere around the submarine shifted instantly.
Crew members moved faster across the upper hull while dock personnel disconnected the final external support lines attached to the vessel. Hydraulic clamps released from the submarine's sides with heavy metallic thuds while technicians quickly cleared the docking platform.
Warning lights along the submarine pen began flashing yellow.
A loud announcement echoed across the dock.
"Submarine departure in progress. Clear all operational sectors."
Ryan stepped slightly aside with Adrian as the massive vessel slowly came alive beneath the harbor lights.
The low vibrations Ryan felt earlier grew stronger now.
Deep.
Heavy.
Powerful.
The nuclear reactor inside the submarine was ramping toward operational output.
