Zeph took one last look back toward the harbor they just left, Araxis, and Sprillia Spinnererett, before addressing the joint fleet and directing the Quantum Wings of the Abyss to slide beneath the waves.
*ting*
"This is SHIELD HEART actual, attention all hands, all vessels, set condition green and begin standard open water operations under heightened contact detection stance one."
The Quantum Wings of the Abyss responded to his command with the smooth precision that came from a well-trained crew and systems that had been maintained to exacting standards. Water began flowing over the observation ports as the massive vessel began its dive, transitioning from surface operations to the realm where it truly belonged.
Zeph watched the light shift and change as they descended, the harbor growing more distant with each passing second, until finally the surface closed over them completely and they were truly committed to the path ahead.
*ting*
