Log Entry 11743 [The Storm]

I was in the lower levels when I first heard it. The alarms blaring over the sounds of pipes and hissing fumes. Callaway's weary voice crackled over the speakers:

All members, take shelter in the inner hull, now

The base had been swaying for over the past hour, but this sudden alert raised our worry - it must be pretty bad if even Callaway was shaken. We staggered as best as we could through the hallways, lights flickering along the way. By the time we made it into the inner cabin, other departments had circled around the room's office, Janson gripping the receiver. He was on call to the communications team. Despite the roaring sounds of waves crashing against the base, the air was deathly quiet

What do you mean you're not calling back the vessels? They're not meant to handle such a storm, we need to bring them back

Silence as he continued to listen on the other end

DAMN IT, this isn't the time. Those are people down there, do you understand me? We need to get them out of there now.

More silence ensued, longer this time. Janson, still fuming, froze for a brief moment. His expression shifted, hesitant. He gritted his teeth, a thick layer of resentment entered his voice.

So be it.

He hung up the phone, announcing to the rest of the crew of the news: The vessels were ordered to stay and endure the storm. Janson stormed off, muttering to his other officers. The group slowly dispersed, finding whatever vacant areas within the cabin. Sleep wouldn't come easy as my mind kept wandering toward the fate of the vessels. Dread was all that awaited me.

Log Entry 11474 [The Angelica Part I]

We lost transmissions with The Angelica late last night. The storm interrupted our signals, her vessel swallowed by the waves. Captain Callaway issued an immediate return order for The Columbia and O'Bran. When he was about to call for support, Malarky, of course, fought against this, their yelling ringing throughout the hull. His reason being was to wait until the storm fully passed - we would lead more men to their deaths than saved if we were to call for immediate distress. By the next hour, things met a stand still as a dry agreement was struck: we will wait until the storm mulls over, no less than that.

As dinner arrived, the usual bustle of the cafeteria seemed to hold its breath. A stiff undercurrent ran through all of us. We were all thinking the same thing - how could we not? We were forced to bear the weight of our missing crew and any possibility that they may be dead was because of us. But we were bound by contract. We knew the dangers of the ocean, we signed up for it willingly. But the air remained heavy and oppressive as the hours ticked by.

And so we wait.

Log Entry 11475 [The Angelica II]

We received a faint ping from the Angelica at 05:21 of the second day. She was off course by an additional 12 kilometers, the storm pushing her further south. When attempted to communicate with the vessel, our calls were met with no response. A retrieve and rescue team was sent out to reconvene with The Angelica.

The journey went without issues until a two-thirds of the journey. About 4 km from the target, reports of abnormal organic life could be detected within the benthic zone. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that clusters of coral had gathered within some of the ravines and caves along the ocean floor. This wouldn't have been anything to note if it weren't for the thermal signatures - regardless of depth or species, coral give off readings and fluctuations. However, these subjects were almost undetectable to our scanners, almost devoid of any thermal signatures. These patches would have long since been turned into bleached wastelands, their readings unsuited for any known species. And yet against all known fact, the coral maintained a glaring red hue. Was this a new species of coral? Or an undiscovered variant? Malarky burrowed into the monitor. If it weren't for the agenda of retrieving The Angelica, I'm sure the research department would have spent all day taking samples. After some fussing, a small sample of the coral was extracted.

The first few traces of The Angelica came in the form of wreckage. Abandoned metallic scraps littered far and few in between the coral. They almost missed her if it weren't for her mangled metallic maw. Nestled in between a grove of coral, she lay haphazardly in a downwards motion appearing to have crashed upon landing. The Columbia failed to get any response from the vessel and with Callaway's orders, began extracting it from the grove. Amidst of lifting The Angelica, it was reported that objects could be seen floating within the interior: the interior was already submerged in water. Any hope of finding survivors died as Callaway solemnly ordered a return to base. In the meantime, the crew of the Columbia were to ensure safe transport of The Angelica to extract her remaining data

Edit 19:34

The recovery team had returned 2 hours ago. An investigation into The Angelica's sinking was carried immediately after. Those who took part in the investigation came back with strange looks. We expected sorrow and body bags, but their expressions held told a different story. When the crew attempted to dig for answers, they held their tongues: classified until further notice.