Breaking the Deadlock (Now available for paid reading-could I get a monthly vote to start the month?)

One minute earlier, in the Imperial Bridge Control Room.

"Are you sure this thing won't suddenly come crashing down?"

Standing at the window and watching the bridge deck rise, Anthony spoke with a cynical smile.

"I just can't imagine what kind of force could lift something that heavy... that deck isn't made of wood, is it?"

"Of course not."

The burly engineer watching the console was clearly irritated with Anthony, but he kept his temper in check and answered his questions. After all, Anthony was here to investigate, and he had to cooperate.

"Could you explain it?"

"What happens if this lifting mechanism develops a problem?"

"We designed a backup emergency system. If pressure is lost, the bridge deck automatically locks in its current position until repairs are complete, at which point we can proceed with-"

"BEEEEEP!"

Before the engineer could finish, a shrill, urgent alarm sounded amid flashing red lights, instantly filling the Control Room with tension.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"The bridge is releasing pressure automatically! It's happening fast!"

An employee at the console stared at it with wide eyes and shouted.

"How is that possible? Is there a problem with the Hydraulic System?"

"I-I don't know..."

"Shut it down! Lock-"

The engineer hurried to issue orders, but Anthony couldn't be bothered with any of that now. He switched on his radio and shouted.

"Boss, run!"

BOOM!

Before Anthony's voice had faded, the two bridge sections, each weighing thousands of tons, came crashing down into the river. Water erupted skyward, spraying straight through the Control Room window and soaking Anthony before he could get out of the way.

He had no time to worry about that. He rushed straight out of the Control Room, taking out his radio again.

**"Big guy! Check the area! Find the boss and