Legion Britannia, "Steam and Steel"

Chapter 9 : from the depths

Captain Otto Haussmann stood in the heart of the massive Steel and Iron bunkers of Saint Nazaire, his eyes drawn to the imposing U-boat before him. The vessel, a formidable sight, was a testament to raw industrial power. Its Iron and Steel construction was riveted together with colossal iron bolts, creating a sturdy and impenetrable shell. As he climbed down into the belly of the great sea creature, he was thrust into a strange world of tight corridors and huge hatches. Brass pipes crisscrossed the U-boat's interior, gleaming against the backdrop of polished wood. Enormous dials and instruments adorned the walls, their purpose known only to the skilled crew who operated them.

As Captain Haussmann ventured deeper into the vessel, he was surrounded by a symphony of mechanical sounds. The noise of steam hissed and roared, intertwining with the rhythmic clanking of cogs and pistons in perfect harmony. The U-boat was a living, breathing entity, pulsating with the energy of its powerful machinery.

The U-boat itself was a marvel of engineering. Powered by two colossal coal-fueled steam turbines, it cut through the waters with an awe-inspiring force. Yet, the true genius of the vessel lay in its filtration systems. IG Farben's Germany's infamous Chemical company had designed chemical filters that absorbed the noxious coal fumes and smoke, purifying the air within the U-boat. Flowing sea water washed away the absorbed impurities, allowing the steel-plated submarine to remain submerged, invisible to the enemy's eyes.

Captain Haussmann stood amidst the pulsating heart of the U-boat, he marveled at the fusion of man and machine. The crew, unified in their purpose, and the relentless power of the Leviathan combined to create an unyielding force of nature. In this extraordinary submarine, life teemed with adrenaline, danger, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

Captain Haussmann lifted the brass cap on the internal communication speaker, its polished surface gleaming under the dim lighting. As he did, the air pipe alarm blared, its shrill sound echoing through the corridors, notifying the entire boat that an important message was forthcoming. The crew, their senses heightened, paused in anticipation.

"All crew, all crew, this is your captain speaking," Captain Haussmann's voice resonated through the iron confines of the U-boat. "It is time to leave the safety of concrete and steel and set out to our hunting ground. Set the engines to quarter speed. Let us head out."

With those words, a surge of electricity filled the air. The crew sprang into action, their training and instincts guiding them flawlessly through the labyrinthine passages of the U-boat. The Leviathan came alive, its engines rumbling to life, vibrating through the hull as it prepared to venture into the vast unknown.

As he ascended the brass ladder that led up to the conning tower, anticipation filled his veins, a sense of adventure and the unknown guiding his every step. The daylight embraced him, offering a fleeting glimpse of the bustling port of Saint Nazaire. It was a momentary respite, a reminder of the world he was about to leave behind.

"No2, guide us through the locks and into the vast expanse of the sea," he commanded, his voice carrying a mix of determination and excitement. Above him, the cries of seagulls echoed through the air, a symphony of freedom that contrasted with the impending plunge into the depths below. Leaving behind the safety of home, they were about to embark on an extraordinary journey.

"All crew, prepare to dive!" The words reverberated through the U-boat, a call to action that stirred the hearts of every sailor on board. Captain Hausman and his fellow officers descended once more, their descent punctuated by the closing of water-tight hatches, sealing them off from the outside world.

With a hiss of steam and a surge of power, the colossal steam engines roared to life. The U-boat shuddered, as if taking a deep breath, and then exhaled with a rush of anticipation. Tons of seawater cascaded into the ballast tanks, shifting the balance of the vessel. "Down plane 20 degrees," Captain Hausman ordered, his voice steady amidst the mounting excitement. "Dive, dive, dive!"