Receiving the items from Dr. Wilcox, I yanked off my Oceania clothes and folded them neatly, which was the only way they’d fit inside. Opening the seal, I slid the clothes in and resealed the bag. Immediately, the entire bag possessing my clothes shrunk to the size of a typical gum container. Retrieving the small pack I had tucked under my left arm, I easily tossed the shrink bag inside.
“Okay, we’re inside.”
I followed Dr. Wilcox into the docking bay, the door sliding shut and sealing airtight with a hiss behind us. We found ourselves in a see-through chamber I hadn’t noticed before when Dylan and I had come into Oceania. It was square in shape, but had what looked to be rubber tubing lining one side of it. I assumed it contained an expansion port, but I wasn’t sure.
“What is this?”
“This is an observation/work area. This cube can be transported throughout the docking bay and be kept entirely dry the whole time. It’s used to help repair the submersibles. Instead of shutting down the whole docking bay when any of the subs need to be fixed, this cube can simply attach to the area that needs to be fixed, create a watertight seal, and be secured into place. It allows the engineers and mechanics to remain working on a sub even if the docking bay becomes submerged in water.”
“So, why are we using this?”
“We’re using it because there is no allocation for a single person without the protection of a sub being in the docking bay. Without this cube, the sensors in the docking bay would detect a human being and not allow it to be flooded with water. Since this is the only way in or out of Oceania for you, we have to use this.” Dr. Wilcox walked over to the far edge of the cube where the rubber-looking tubing was. “This area will expand out into another section that acts as a wet area. It has an emergency hatch you can pull once the docking bay is completely submerged. You can then swim out into the hangar, through the gate, and out into the ocean without being detected as an anomaly to the system.”
“Got it.” I held a thumb up.
“Good.” Dr. Wilcox hoisted the propulsion device onto my back and secured it. “You’re about ready to go. I’m going to place this helmet on your head last and then I’m going to put in the command for the docking bay to flood. I’ll remain in this section of the cube to secure it as you step into the other half. Once over there, simply unlock the hatch on the floor and lift it up in order to swim out.”
“Okay, I understand.” I stumbled backward a couple of steps due to the unexpected weight of the jet propulsion device. Leaning forward to compensate, I caught my balance.
As Dr. Wilcox attached the small backpack, he added, “Once you swim out of here, wait for the A.I. to give you the okay to turn on your jet propulsion device. Every command needs to be relayed verbally. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” I nodded back, confident I was ready.
“Okay.”
Dr. Wilcox lifted the helmet and placed it on my head. It was much lighter than I expected it to be, especially after the shock of the jet propulsion device. I waited for it to be strapped on, but instead, I felt the suit stretch to fasten and merge with the helmet itself. The skin of the suit further stretched to cover the whole helmet as well. I felt a small tug at the base of my neck as the helmet and suit completed the seal. Finally, I was covered completely from head to toe without a seam in sight.
Dr. Wilcox pressed a button from within the chamber and the outer edge began to expand into an antechamber. Without hesitation, I stepped inside and shut the door behind me, which sealed immediately afterward.
“All right, now, Allie. I’m going to put in my code and give it the command to begin room immersion. Is there any message you want me to give to Dylan when I see him again?”
“Tell him that I’ll be waiting on the other side. I’ll be at the beach every day waiting for when he’s able to return. Tell him he hasn’t lost his friend.” I smiled and just in case Dr. Wilcox couldn’t see it, I nodded as well.
Dr. Wilcox’s smile extended into his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell him.”
Watching the enormous gate, I waited for Dr. Wilcox to push the button that would allow the water to begin to flow.
I never saw him press the button, but a rush of water flooded the room with more force than I was ready for. Although the doors opened slowly, the rushing water hit the cube like a tsunami. Startled, I sucked air in between my teeth and watched as the entire docking bay dimmed to be replaced by blue lights. Worried I wouldn’t be able to see enough to get out, I was relieved when I glanced down and noticed that the emergency hatch was also lit by the same blue lights.
The water seemed to take an eternity to fill the entire area. I waited until the thumbs up from Dr. Wilcox, and then reached down to examine the hatch. Four sturdy safety locks caused me to have to tug hard in order to release each one. After the last one, I grasped the handle firmly and twisted it clockwise. The hatch opened easily and I swam out.
Not realizing I was holding my breath, I began to breathe normally and was delighted that I could. The air smelled a bit like the suit. It was so strong that I could taste it, but it wasn’t
