The Sugar Rush descended deeper into the darkness, Mediterranean Basin home to lost cities, lost sub and the domain of many mutated creatures. Last lights from the old coastline fainted, leaving the pursuing Caliphate submersibles behind.

The crew, tense and silent, watched the sonar display for any signs of life. and the ominous silence was occasionally broken by eerie creaks and groans of the hull. Nobuko, wide-eyed, gripped the armrest of her seat, feeling the weight of the unknown, “what can we expect to find in here?” she whispers, fearing to raise her voice.

Austin, focused on navigating was plotting the quickest way out of the situation, “I’ve only ever skirted the basin to dodge portals, I’ve never cross the Mediterranean, but I’ve heard from others that have”

Boyle and Milson lean in, Boyle asks “we’ve heard its the birthplace of the megalodon?”

Nobuko leans in too, “what else is there?”

Austin, his eyes fixed on the sonar display, responded in a hushed tone, "Rumours, Princess. Stories of colossal sea creatures, as the home to the megalodon, there's also Karkinos and Leviathan, and that the stories from the submersibles that survived”

Sugar, still monitoring the sonar, added, "Some say there are creatures here that defy imagination, born from the remnants of forgotten times. Others believe these waters hide the secrets of lost civilizations. Whatever it is, we tread into the unknown."

Boyle, glancing at Nobuko with a reassuring nod, chimed in, "Stay close to us, Princess. We've navigated through tough spots before. We'll get through this."

Nobuko nodded, finding solace in their words, brave enough to ask “We have Leviathans in the pacific but what's a Karkinos?”

Austin smirked, “it’s a giant crab, as big as sub, but they’re delicious”

The submersible continued its descent, the mysterious underwater ruins looming in the distance. The crew remained on edge, alert for any signs of life or potential threats.

The crew marvelled at the mesmerising display of bioluminescent creatures that inhabited the dark waters. Schools of radiant fish, their bodies adorned with vibrant hues, created an otherworldly spectacle as they gracefully danced around the submersible.

The eerie creaks and groans of the hull added to the surreal ambiance, punctuating the silence of the Mediterranean Basin. Nobuko, still wide-eyed, found a strange beauty in the underwater ballet of luminescent life. "It's like a dream," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the confined space.

Boyle, Milson perched on her shoulder, gestured towards a massive jellyfish with iridescent tendrils. "Look at that beauty. Nature has its own way of painting the darkness with light."

Austin, momentarily relieved by the absence of immediate threats, took a moment to appreciate surroundings. "The basin is a haven for these creatures."

Sugar, ever watchful on the sonar display, observed the peaceful passage. "Don't be fooled by the tranquillity. Remember these monsters destroyed the Malta bubble."

As the Sugar Rush approached, the isle of Crete was in reach. Its rocky crop caked in coral, as ruins, a metallic structure became more visible. The crew speculated on the origins of the ruins.

Suddenly, the sonar detected movement, not from the sea serpent but from smaller entities surrounding the ruins. Austin's brows furrowed as he studied the sonar display. "We've got movement around the ruins. Prepare for potential encounters."

Boyle, adjusting the pulse turret, remarked, "Could be aquatic life drawn to the structure. Or something more."

Austin, refocusing on the task at hand, explained, "Heraklion, the abandoned city of Crete, it is said to hold remnants of the old world.”

“These ruins are fascinating,” Nobuko eyes fixed on the scene

“Shame they didn't bubble the city. We'll navigate through the city carefully, but stay on guard Sugar." Austin ordered.

The sonar display revealed the approaching ruins of Heraklion, a sprawling underwater city with remnants of structures and sculptures. The crew, prepared for potential encounters, kept a watchful eye on the surroundings.

The crew watched as the exterior lights revealed the shapes of marine life circling the ruins. Schools of bioluminescent fish, unfamiliar to the crew, glided through the water. The mysterious ambiance intensified as the Sugar Rush cautiously approached the ancient structure.

Boyle, ever vigilant, commented, "It's like being in a museum of the past, only submerged in darkness."

Nobuko, still gripping the armrest, observed the dance of aquatic life. "It's beautiful, in a haunting way."

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Austin nodded, "A museum with potential dangers. Could make a fortune if we bring tourist”

Sugar reminds them “Keep an eye out for any unexpected guests. We don't know what else might call this place home."

Austin squinted at the sonar display, recognizing the patterns. "We've got larger entities within the ruins”

The crew, on high alert, exchanged glances, sensing an impending encounter with the unknown.

Austin's eyes narrowed as he analysed the sonar patterns. "Keep your eyes peeled, Sugar. Boyle, head to the Pulser turret, we don't know what we're dealing with.”

Boyle, hands steady on the pulse turret controls, observed the shadows of the structures. "Could be something big lurking in the shadows. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Nobuko, still wide-eyed but determined, clutched her seat, ready for any potential threat. "Whatever it is, we face it together. We're a stone thrown away now."

Sugar, monitoring the sonar with precision, noticed the entities closing in. "Prepare for evasive manoeuvres. We need to stay ahead of whatever's down there."

As the Sugar Rush navigated through the submerged streets of Heraklion, the crew caught glimpses of colossal shadows moving within the ruins.

Suddenly, the sonar detected rapid movements, converging toward the Sugar Rush. Austin's instincts kicked in as he swiftly directed the submersible into a series of evasive manoeuvres, attempting to lose whatever was pursuing them.

Boyle, her gaze fixed on the approaching entities, fired the pulse turret to create a distraction. "We've got company, and they're fast!"

Nobuko, holding onto her seat, felt the tension rise. "What are we dealing with, Captain?"

Austin, gritting his teeth, replied, "I don't know. I am not about to ask it. We're in their territory now."

The Sugar Rush danced through the submerged maze, trying to shake off the mysterious entities. The pursuing shadows, agile and relentless, weaved through the ruins in pursuit of the submersible.

Sugar, using her nanobots, initiated holographic decoys to confuse the entities. "I'm trying to create diversions. Hold on, everyone!"

The crew, clinging to their positions, experienced a nerve-wracking cat-and-mouse game with the unknown entities. The Sugar Rush's exterior lights flickered, casting eerie shadows as it darted through the ancient ruins.

Boyle, unleashing bursts from the pulse turret, shouted over the chaos, "Whatever they are, they're not giving up easily!"

Nobuko, her senses heightened, scanned the surroundings. "How many are there?"

Austin, his eyes fixed on the sonar, responded, "Can't tell. They're agile, staying in the shadows. We need to make a break for it."

As the Sugar Rush accelerated through the ruins, the entities continued their relentless pursuit. The crew, hearts pounding, determined to escape the clutches of the mysterious creatures of Heraklion's depths.

Boyle, focused on the pulse turret, fired bursts of energy to deter the pursuing entities. "Hold on tight, everyone! We need to get out of this maze."

Nobuko, gripping her spear, kept a vigilant watch on the surroundings. "Captain, any idea what these things are?"

Austin, concentrating on the sonar display, responded, "Not a clue. But they're persistent. Sugar, any chance you can find a way out of this mess?"

Sugar, immersed in her cyber interface, worked swiftly to analyse the patterns of the pursuing entities. "I'm scanning for potential exits. Brace yourselves, we're making a run for it."

As the Sugar Rush accelerated, the crew felt the pressure of the chase intensify. The entities, undeterred by the decoys and defensive measures, continued to pursue with unrelenting determination.

Austin, studying the sonar for any openings, spotted a narrow passage leading to what seemed like an open expanse beyond the ruins. "I've found a way out. Hang on, this might get bumpy."

With precision, Austin guided the Sugar Rush through the narrow passage, the pursuing entities hot on their trail. Boyle, firing pulses to create a barrier, tried to slow down the relentless pursuit.

Nobuko, her eyes fixed on the looming exit, tightened her grip on the spear. "We're almost there!"

Sugar, injecting a burst of speed through the submersible's thrusters, initiated a sudden burst of energy, leaving the pursuing entities momentarily disoriented.

As the Sugar Rush burst into the open expanse beyond the ruins, the crew felt a surge of relief. The entities, unable to match the submersible's speed, fell behind in the ancient city's depths.

Boyle, catching her breath, glanced at Austin. "Captain, where to now?"

Austin, still navigating the submersible away from the ruins, responded, "We need to put more distance between us and whatever those things are. Sugar, set a course for the Federation, port of Athens, hopefully we dodge any portals."

Sugar, working on charting a course, acknowledged, "Brace yourselves, we’re still in No Man's Land."

The crew, having narrowly escaped the pursuit in Heraklion, prepared for the journey ahead. The Sugar Rush delved into the depths of the Mediterranean Basin, inching closer to safety, only hours away from Athens.

As the Sugar Rush emerged from the dark depths of the Mediterranean Basin, the crew glimpsed the welcoming lights on the horizon. Civilization was within reach, signalling the end of their harrowing journey across the Mediterranean.

The crew, though relieved, remained on edge, being close to the frontline, the number of portals were high.

Laying low and slow, hiding as much of the emission as they could the Sugar Rush crept into European Federation territory.

Suddenly, a set of powerful lights cut through the dark waters. A Federation interceptor, sleek and formidable, approached the Sugar Rush with a sense of urgency.

Austin and Sugar exchange glances, Austin “how the hell did they get the drop on us!”

On the display panel, a holographic image of a Federation Ai, within a soldier uniform, flickered to life. “Sugar Rush, this is Interceptor Alpha-7. Identify yourselves and state your purpose.” The crew members exchanged glances.

Austin, taking charge, responded promptly. “This is Captain Austin of the Nomad Sugar Rush. We've just navigated through the Mediterranean Basin, narrowly escaping hostile entities. We're seeking refuge with the Federation.”

The Federation Officer, after a moment of consideration, acknowledged. “Captain Austin, your vessel matches the design of the Kingdom of Albion. You are granted permission to proceed to the bubble of Athens. A diplomatic envoy has been notified. Follow our interceptor for safe passage, failure to do so will lead to impound or destruction..

Boyle, still wary of potential threats, muttered under her breath. “A diplomatic envoy? Fancy words for a potential interrogation.”

Nobuko, maintaining her composure, chimed in. “Let's cooperate for now. See if they can assist in getting us to Madrid.”

The Sugar Rush followed the Federation interceptor, weaving through the dark waters with the precision of a synchronised dance. As they approached the Bubble of Athens, the crew prepared for the next chapter.