A horrible noise shook the whole building, knocking pictures off the walls and smashing glasses and bottles at the bar. Looking outside, they all saw a pirate sub looming large and then ramming into the city dome, cracks spreading out of sight. The honeycombed prow punched straight through the althropic plas and stopped, a circular spray of water from around the crumpled metal bow knifing into the city. Wherever it struck, buildings and bridges were cut apart, the chunks tumbling to the ground.