Creaking and buckling sounds greeted my ears, though I couldn't see a damn thing. "I need damage and crew reports, and someone get working on the lights". Multiple depth charges jolted us some more, sending the ship rolling severely from port to starboard, and in a few cases, on all axis. In the distance explosions sounded but we couldn't be sure what they were.
Otto, one of our trusted Helmsmen was seriously injured, Doc was working on him frantically to close a large gash in his side. A few crewmen came to help us move him back to a bunk and Bull appeared in the doorway between flickers of light and a torch haphazardly held to report the loss of three men. Oskar, Erwin and Felix. I nodded slowly, wiping blood off my hands. As I made my way past Bull the boat jumped again - slamming hard on what could only be the ocean floor - and grinding along what sounded like a rocky outcropping. Hopefully she doesn't tear apart along the seam.
Lights flickered, then went out and at the same time we all hit the deck, hard. Then silence.
The DC's faded at least temporarily, and then with a last deep gurgle the boat lurched to one side and stopped, listing to port by some 9 degrees, it was surreal to realize we were on the bottom of the ocean and still alive.
When I made it back to the command room the lights flickered on for half a heartbeat, went off then started to brighten from a dull glow. Klaus screamed from the foredeck that partial lights were restored, and that he and Chief were checking the batteries. Petre appeared from below the table, a nasty cut on his head, but he still held the watch in his hands. I helped #2 over to a bunk, and checked his wound. You'll make it old friend, and hopefully we all will.
A few moments later the wretched death throe sounds of a ship coming to join us could be heard, the joy and sorrow that moment brought won't soon be forgotten as I made my way over to the gauges, wiping condensation to clear the dials, and checking positions. Water reported in the rear torpedo room, but it was under control. I squinted through the haze at the depth, blinked then wiped again. #2, came staggering over and peered over my shoulder...
207 meters.
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