Full Metal Panic!
Chapter One
Commencement
By Steve Edward
Based on the original story by Shouji Gatou and the original animation series by Fumihiko Shimo, Koichi Chigira and Shouji Gatou, which these creative geniuses made Kaname Chidori, Sergeant Souska Sagara among the many in Full Metal Panic! come to life.
Author's note: TDD-2 does not exist in the current Full Metal Panic Universe. However if the name sounds familiar it is of a real person but who is no longer amongst us in this world. The Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2 is named after famed military historian and author Samuel Eliot Morison (1887-1976) whose military books among others chronicled military history of many nations.
Story time line: The author has set the story line taking place in the 2030's.
Preface:
Kaname Chidori's life as a high school student ends and another begins as she joins Mithril as a lieutenant. Her training both as a "Whispered" and that of a leader soon begins when Teletha and Kaname venture to the Banda Sea to investigate a mysterious island where their landing party is captured.
And in a surprising twist, with Lieutenant Kaname Chidori as acting captain the Full Metal Panic crew sets sail in a submarine never to have thought to exist that culminates in the Central Pacific with a deadly showdown where she has to make a fateful decision, that her acting mentor Captain Andrew Simms face 18 years earlier.
Wednesday, 1900 hours, Dress Specialty Store, Tokyo, Japan
Kaname Chidori turned slowly before the fitting mirror, the soft blue dress shimmered slightly within the lighting; the white frills with embroidered roses matching the rose embroidery of the dress.
With a final twirl, Kaname turned towards those watching her, Souska Sagara and Charlotte Ward and said "I like this one the best of all," as Souska holding out his hand clasped Kaname's to help her step down from the raised platform replied, "It matches your eyes Miss Chidori."
Charlotte Ward, the wife of Commander Drake Ward the Executive Officer of the Mithril submarine Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2 took a step towards Kaname and making a slight adjustment smiled, "It will be an attention grabber, Kaname. Now let's go find some shoes that match."
Charlotte motioned for the salesperson to approach, then after conferring quietly Charlotte Ward spoke, "Kaname. Go to the changing room and take it off. I will do the alterations myself."
After insisting to Kaname that she would pay for the dress, Charlotte Ward ensured that it was properly packaged for the trip back to the apartment and then the trio head for a nearby shoe store.
Wednesday, 2100 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1, South China Sea
"Urzu 2, you have three minutes to intercept," said Captain Teletha Testarossa as she turned her chair from the tactical board and faced forward. Beside her stood Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin, who observed the group of pursuit craft closing with Urzu 2 and Urzu 6.
Kalinin said, "In order to bring them onboard we will have to remain on the surface for 2 minutes, which will put us into the firing range of the missile boats for 1 minute and 35 seconds."
Captain Testarossa said in reply, "We will have little choice commander. Prepare to surface and recover the landing team and their package." Kalinin turned and nodded to Commander Richard Mardukas who spoke, "Surface in 1 minute. Sound Battle Stations Surface, prepare counter-measures."
The shattered windscreen of the landing craft no longer filtered the noise of the remaining three gas turbines, laboring to keep the craft ahead of their pursuers. Sergeant Major Melissa Mao glanced briefly at the injured pilot, lying on the deck behind her. Above her on the deck house the crack of a 37MM sniper rifle came thru as Sergeant Kurz Weber attempted to slow some the missile gunboats, "Urzu 6! Go for the lead craft, aim for the waterline!"
Weber said in reply, "Believe me I am trying, but someone is not steering straight!" Mao softly replied, "Idiot!" jinxing the craft as the waters in the distance began to appear as if they were boiling.
The all too familiar shape appeared from the depths its hull; wet glistened in the moon light of the rising quarter moon as the Tuatha de Danaan moved slowly across the surface, angled in such a way that the landing craft would enter the port hatch number 4.
The missiles came out of nowhere, their blazing trails of fire lending light to the chaotic scene before Mao. Melissa knew they were not from the Tuatha de Danaan and not from the missile boats behind them, but from landing crafts port quarter.
Wednesday, 2103 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, South China Sea
Captain Andrew Simms observed the missile strikes with Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka from the sail of the Samuel Eliot Morison which was 5 kilometers North-West of the Tuatha de Danaan. Refocusing the Target Director, Marcy said "Firing 4, 5 and 6," as the shrieks of the Hell Fire missiles left the forward starboard side missile pod.
Captain Simms said, "Lieutenant Takenaka! Good shot!. Shift to aft starboard pod, target the remaining three with two apiece. Fire when you have solutions on all three. Make them all count, I don't want us or the Tuatha de Danaan to be followed."
Commander Ward on the bridge swiveled the periscope towards the Tuatha de Danaan and keyed his head set "Captain! The landing craft has been recovered, and Tessa has pulled the plug! Recommend we do the same!" as six more Hell Fire missiles roared skyward.
Tapping the top of Takenaka's battle helmet and pointing towards the hatch, Captain Simms hit the dive alarm as he said, "Dive, Dive! Commander Ward standard evasive, make it a left turn new heading is 095. Take us to 150 meters."
Wednesday, 2230 hours, Tuatha de Danaan, South China Sea
Captain Teletha Testarossa closed the folder then looked up at the image of Captain Simms and said "Andrew? I had presumed that you were still involved in dealing with the weapons smugglers in Manila. Perhaps you might explain why you involved yourself with my mission?"
Andrew raising an eyebrow slightly said in reply "Well Teletha, I had finished early thanks to Wu and her combat team. We intercepted the man-portable anti-craft missiles before the militants were able to take delivery, plus the militant base was destroyed and the survivors were turned over to the Philippine authorities so since I had nothing else better to do; I thought it prudent to back you up."
Taking her hair into her fingers, Testarossa said in reply, "I am seeing through your explanation Captain Simms. Please tell the truth," as Lieutenant Alice Wren sitting at the weapons console said softly "Andrew she is not buying it."
Andrew smiled sheepishly, "Ok Tessa you caught me. I am lying through my teeth. I did not want you having to waste time dealing with some missile boats so I intervened. But my mission did complete early anyway, so stop fretting over it." Andrew looked at the bridge chronometer then said, "Besides I do not want you to be late for the prom."
Testarossa stopped in mid-twist, "Prom? What Prom Captain Simms?" Lieutenant Commander Kalinin coughed softly as he spoke, "Madam Captain, the prom for Jendi High School this coming Friday." Commander Mardukas added as he said, "You were to attend with Miss Kaname Chidori and Sergeant Souska Sagara." Captain Testarossa coming to her feet and sounding annoyed said, "Captain Simms? You have no business meddling in my personal affairs. Good night Captain," then the transmission abruptly ended.
Lieutenant Takenaka said, "Captain Simms? The Madam Captain appears upset? I would have thought that she would have enjoyed attending the prom?" Commander Ward said in reply "Well Marcy it is like this, the Madam Captain has had no opportunity to get a consort, though Sergeant Sagara has offered to escort both her and Miss Chidori, the Madam Captain stills consider herself the odd person out."
Andrew came to his feet, "No Drake. It is something else entirely." Andrew heading towards the bridge door said, "I have a feeling that not having a consort is not all there is to it. Commander you have the con, set course for Melida Island, but keep us astern of the Tuatha de Danaan in any case as I'll let her go in first. Perhaps by the time we arrive she might be more open to talking about it Captain to Captain. Good night."
Thursday, 0500 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, Western-Pacific Ocean
Sergeant Major Guan-yin Wu finished the weight lifting segment of her workout as Captain Andrew Simms did. Both headed for the hanger bay to begin a 50 lap run.
Wu spoke, "Captain? I heard that Madam Captain was perhaps annoyed with our intrusion?"
Andrew loping along said, "Well you could say that Wu. She may have been already preparing to fire when we took out the missile boats, but I bought her some time so she could get her landing team back."
Waving at Major Pedro Gonzalez as he passed, Captain Simms said "In truth, I knew about the invitation to the Jendi High School Prom from Miss Chidori to the Madam Captain, since Lieutenant Wren had received one as well; so I did not want her to miss it." Wu said in reply, "Perhaps she is not looking forward to such an event."
Coming to a stop, Captain Simms said "Sergeant Major? Just what do you mean by that?" The Sergeant Major standing before him said in reply, "It is perhaps Captain that she considers herself to be an outsider, and not being there full time precludes her from taking a date, then there is matter of one to dance with. To have proper date to prom, one must have dance partner."
Andrew pondered that a moment and said, "Sergeant Major? Out of curiosity? Can you dance?" Blushing slightly Sergeant Major Wu said, "But of course Captain. Once as enlisted in Chinese Army, one would accompany junior officers to special functions, where we would be dance partners."
Captain Simms said in reply, "Wu. Thanks for the insight. Now I know why she is hesitant to go. See you later." Captain Simms discontinued his run and headed forward towards his cabin leaving a puzzled Sergeant Major behind.
Thursday, 1300 hours, Melida Island Mithril Western Pacific Operations Base
Andrew would have spoken with Teletha on their way from the dock, but she had gone out of her way to avoid him. Entering the administration building and heading for the operations center, Captain Simms met up with Commander Lewis Strong who was on his way there as well. "Lewis? Is there anything in the mission box that is outstanding?" asked Captain Simms as the two men entered the operations center.
Commander Lewis Strong, a former US Navy aviator who had lost the use of his legs nearly 10 years earlier and now confined to a motorized wheel chair glanced questionably at Captain Simms as he replied, "Nothing that requires either the Tuatha de Danaan or the Samuel Eliot Morrison. Say Andrew just what is going on? You are the second one to ask me that question today?" Following Lewis to his desk overlooking the situation room, Andrew pulled a chair out from a nearby desk then sitting said in reply "I was just curious. Who was the other person?"
Commander Lewis scanning the world situation board said "Captain Testarossa that's who. She even came up here looking at the situation map, then after a short while she left. Frankly she looked rather disappointed; it looked to me like she was looking for anything that she could get involved with."
Captain Simms getting to his feet said in reply, "Well do me a favor, if anything does come up, notify me first and assign Morison not Danaan to the mission." Lewis turned his chair slightly then said in reply "Tessa would usually do that. What is going on Andrew?" Captain Simms patting Commander Strong on the shoulder said "Tessa is trying to avoid a certain event she has been invited to. I would like for her to attend it. Is that good enough?" Lewis shrugged his shoulders and said "Well if that is the case, then I'll do it. But keep in mind if Tessa finds out, you could land yourself in very hot water."
Thursday, 1500 hours, Melida Island Officers Quarters, Residence of Captain Testarossa
Teletha fingered the envelope containing the invitation from Kaname Chidori then glanced out the window at the passing gulls. The familiar greeting then the invitation itself, "Tessa, I will be looking for you on Friday at the Prom as will Souska and there will be plenty of food and of course music and dancing."
Teletha slipped the envelope back into the desk drawer then closed it. Getting up from her chair, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts and approaching the door she said "Who is it?"
"Captain Andrew Simms. Tessa, I need to talk to you," as Teletha stopped after hearing Captain Simms's voice. Teletha frowning said, "Captain Simms, I can not talk right now." Captain Simms stepping back, looked at Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin then said "Madam Captain, please open the door otherwise, I and Andrei will kick the door down."
Teletha said in surprise, "You would not dare Captain Simms! Commander Kalinin you will do no such thing!" Commander Kalinin said in reply, "Madam Captain, perhaps it would be in your interest to hear what Captain Simms has to say?"
Andrew hearing Teletha's footsteps then the sound of the security locks being released waited till she opened and then stepped away from the door.
Entering her spacious quarters, Captain Simms noted the luggage near the door and said "So you are going after all?" Captain Testarossa stood her ground and said, "I am still considering it," as Andrew pausing before her suddenly reached out and picked her up and slug her over his shoulders. Over Teletha's objections Captain Simms said "Andrei get her luggage. I'll carry her out. We have got a plane to catch."
Teletha thrashing about landing several blows to Andrew's back yelled "Andrew Simms! Put me down this instant!" Andrew ignoring her fists and clamping an arm around her waist then grabbing her feet said, "Tessa, you are going whether you like it or not and that is final. Miss Chidori is looking forward to this, so stop thrashing around!"
Teletha looking up as best as she could saw two pairs of feet, one belonging to Commander Richard Mardukas and the other of course to Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin said "Commander Mardukas? You too!" as Commander Mardukas said in reply "One must not disappoint Madam Captain, Miss Chidori is expecting you."
Lieutenant Alice Wren slide the door open and stepped out of the way as Captain Simms entered the van and planted Teletha in the seat. Alice said, "Welcome aboard Tessa!" as she sat next to Captain Testarossa who tried to hit Captain Simms but missed as the van lurched forward and then gained speed.
Teletha seeing Commander Drake Ward sitting in the front passenger seat, could not see the driver said "Who is driving this van! Stop it this instant!" The unseen driver said, "Sorry Madam Testarossa, but they promised me I could drive," as the voice of Ensign Aryl cheerfully replied. Teletha said "Aryl?" Commander Ward looked over his shoulder and said "Well if Aryl can drive a five billion dollar submarine around the ocean, then I have no problem with her driving while she is on the island," as he paused and issued instructions, "Next left Aryl."
Captain Testarossa said, "Captain Simms? What about my luggage?" Andrew throwing back a thumb over his shoulder said in reply "Mao and Wu have it in their van. I am bringing everybody, Mao, Wu, Weber, Jaunay, and Pedersen. I think Commander Kalinin is coming a little latter tonight. Commander Ward, did you get hold of Charlotte?"
Drake said in reply "Yes I did. Charlotte says she looks forward to the experience again. She said she did have fun shopping with Miss Chidori." Teletha spoke, "Shopping?" Andrew looked over at her and said, "Of course. You do need a dress and shoes for the prom as does Lieutenant Wren so when we get to Tokyo, the dress store will be you and Wren's first stop. Charlotte will be waiting and Mao and Wu will be going with you as well as Sergeant Pedersen."
Aryl lurched the van around a corner just Teletha still furious tried to slug Captain Simms again, but missing was flung across his lap. Wren said as she grabbed Teletha's legs "Do you suppose we will have to fit her in a dress when she is wearing leg irons Captain?"
Andrew trying to restrain her freehand said, "Alice, I don't think Mrs. Ward will appreciate that; Madam Testarossa will you please stop, jeez that hurt!" as Captain Testarossa managed to hit Captain Simms in the kidneys.
Thursday, 1800 hours, Private Field near Tokyo
With Sergeant Olina Pederson driving, Andrew watched as the van carrying Captain Testarossa departed, the glare she gave both he and Commander Ward was not meant to be friendly. The flight had been turbulent and not in the bad weather sense. Tessa finally had been forced to sit between both Sergeant Majors on the flight, much to their amusement.
Drake watched the van turn the corner then said, "Andrew? Technically she could charge all of us with kidnapping; I hope you know what you are doing."
Captain Simms said in reply as he got into the drivers seat of the rental van "Well I do. Now if Charlotte will do her part, we might have a happy captain once again." Turning to Aryl sitting in the passenger seat, Captain Simms said "Sorry you can't drive here. The Tokyo police might take a dim view of a 12 year old doing the driving," as he started the engine.
Thursday, 1845 hours, Dress Specialty Store, Tokyo, Japan
Teletha Testarossa eyed Charlotte Ward as the woman returned with several dresses. Teletha had finally given up and decided she would go along with what ever Simms was planning. Andrei and Richard both had been in on it, so it meant that those above her in Mithril had spoken.
Charlotte Ward already forewarned about Teletha's resistance to even coming to Tokyo placed the individual dress on a hanging rod mounted to a table and said, "Miss Testarossa. Though it is no where to be found in my job description, I am doing this as a favor to my husband and for Andrew. Now please stand and let's take your measurements, then we shall see how you like these dresses."
Alice Wren, who had settled on several different dresses found Charlotte Ward even attending to her and both Sergeant Majors as well as Sergeant Pederson. Alice said to Charlotte, "Mrs. Ward, do you enjoy doing this kind of thing?"
Charlotte removing a pin from the holder nearby said, "I have not done this in a long time Alice. It kind of brings back memories."
Teletha looking at the edge of the dress just above her ankles said, "Memories?" Charlotte laughed lightly, "Yes. I did seamstress work to put myself through college. Of course with Raymond, I did a lot of his clothes, so I never lost my touch. I had a lot of fun with Kaname yesterday too; helping her select her Prom dress."
Teletha turned slowly and stopped then said "Mrs. Ward? I think this will be the one." Melissa Mao overhearing Teletha leaned around from the next fitting mirror and gave a low whistle, "Now that suits you, Tessa!" Testarossa said in reply "And why is yours such a low cut Melissa? Are you trying to embarrass me again?"
Charlotte Ward stepped back as 17 year old and 27 year old went nose to nose making disparaging remarks about each other then said "Ladies! For what it is worth, I think that both dresses compliment each other. Now stand still so I can finish doing the hems!"
Thursday, 2130 hours, Common Meeting Room, Mithril Apartment Complex
The chatter of voices from the nearby walkway intruded briefly, but Andrei Kalinin and Andrew Simms ignored them as the group entered the Common Room. Teletha about to speak held back watching two men then two young teenagers, Ensign Aryl and Raymond Ward as they played chess.
Commander Ward held a finger to his lips then turned back to watch both games. Charlotte Ward slipping into a seat next to her husband said softly "How long has the games been going?" Drake Ward glancing at the wall clock, said "Little more than two hours for both. I got to give Aryl credit. She has been giving Raymond a run for his money. They have played to three draws a piece and Andrew and Andrei have won two a piece.
Andrew tipped his King and then said, "Andrei well played," as he stopped the timer. Ensign Aryl coming to her feet and looking closely at her field of play from the sides and top said, "Ray, I can not think of a counter move." Raymond Ward coming to his feet nodded and said "The same here. We are at another draw. Uncle Andy? What did we do wrong again?"
Both Andrew and Andrei pondered the remaining moves as Lieutenant Wren approached the table. Alice cocking her head slightly began to shuffle the pieces quickly then said "Aryl, you opened with Queen's Gambit, which young Mr. Ward countered with the Chigorin, and then Aryl began to utilize the Tarrasch Defense and young Mr. Ward then went to the Albin Countergambit and Aryl introduced a variation of the Queen's Indian Defense. Both should rethink the defensive stance utilized," as she tipped each King.
Andrew seeing Teletha in the background said "I think that is enough for the night. Aryl, Raymond if you would take care of the chess sets for us. Madam Captain? Could I and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin have a word in private?" Charlotte Ward taking her cue, helped Raymond and Aryl clear the chess games from the tables then taking both of them with her, they departed the Common Room, as Charlotte said "Captain Simms, Commander Kalinin please do not forget we will be having breakfast together here in the Common Room at 7:30, so don't be late."
Lieutenant Wren said her farewell and departed leaving Captain Testarossa alone with Andrew and Andrei. Getting up from his seat, Andrew walked to the door then closed and locked it, then said "Teletha, I regret having to put you through this, but Andrei has a letter of explanation for you."
Commander Kalinin opened a nearby briefcase and extracted a red envelope and upon its face was written "To My Daughter, Captain Teletha Testarossa."
Teletha accepting the envelope turned it on its back, the wax seal bearing the imprint of the Testarossa Family Crest; Teletha slipped a finger nail underneath and broke the seal and extracting the letter began to read.
"My Dearest Daughter,
I have for the past several years entrusted your safety and wellbeing to Lieutenant Commander Kalinin and Commander Richard Mardukas and both men have surpassed my expectations in such an endeavor. In the past year, you accepted into the service of Mithril; Captain Andrew Simms, formally of the United States Navy.
Your choice was wise and as you have since determined, Captain Simms can and is a worthy opponent when it comes to submarine warfare; but you have also noted he will ignore your orders. Do not blame him my daughter for such transgressions as he has done so at my bidding and he will continue to do so.
Furthermore it was at my insistence that he was to ensure your presence at the Jendi High School Prom. I close this letter, with hopes that you will enjoy a Prom that you never had.
Signed
Your Loving Father
Teletha placed the letter on the table and said "Andrew, Andrei? How long did you know?" Andrei said "Madam Captain, I was made aware of the invitation of course by Commander Mardukas who noted that Lieutenant Wren of the Morison too had received such a request from Miss Chidori. It was decided that Captain Simms would ensure that you came to Tokyo, since he was already tasked with being the devil's advocate; and one I might add he has not enjoyed."
Andrew said in reply, "My methods Tessa that I have used against you, how I act around you was done at the request of your father. Adding me to the mix has helped you both emotionally and I might add physically. Being the age you are Teletha, most young women of your age would be doing normal teenage things, like going to the movies, going out with friends and of course going to a Prom. Andrei relayed to me that you were how shall we say in a "waffle" about what to do, so when push came to shove; I shoved."
"Then there is the matter of Miss Kaname Chidori," said Andrei. Andrew taking a folder from Andrei opened it and said "Miss Chidori will graduate on Saturday, and per an earlier agreement between you and she; Miss Chidori will be joining Mithril. She officially signed the papers tonight."
Teletha came to her feet and said as she turned towards the door "I presume that both of you will be attending the Prom as well?" Andrew said in reply, "Yes those are our intentions. Perhaps Madam Captain would enjoy the company of a dance partner. Would one of us suffice?"
Watching Testarossa clench her fists, Andrew said "One just needs to follow the lead of the partner and things will be well. Teletha, you father told me you have to left feet so don't worry about it." Teletha spun abruptly and said "He told you!" Andrei said in reply "Captain Simms assumed it Madam Captain and spoke with your father, hence your father's permission to bring you to Tokyo so you could enjoy yourself."
"Embarrassing myself in public, I will do no such thing" said Tessa as she turned away. Andrew came to his feet and catching up with Teletha before she reached the door said, "It is neither the intentions of your father, Andrei nor me to do that to you. Listen, I can help you with that problem. It is not insurmountable. If you have any doubts, just ask Commander Ward and his wife Charlotte. They set me up on so many blind dates, that I had to learn how to dance. I know a few tricks so relax and enjoy yourself, Ok?"
Teletha shook Andrew's arm free then opened the door and left, without giving a backward look, she slammed the door on the way out. Andrew said as he watched Teletha storm down the walkway "Well that did not go well."
Andrew turned back towards the table and rejoined Kalinin and said "There might be one who can help with this." Andrei said in reply "Who might that be?" Andrew with a slight smile said "Souska Sagara."
Friday, 0500 hours, Apartment Complex Gymnasium
Souska Sagara placed the barbell back onto its storage rack then turned to Captain Simms who was toweling off. "Madam Captain Testarossa has become gifted Captain Simms when in command situations, however relatively speaking, she has been known to trip on her own two feet, Sir," said Souska.
Andrew slipping the top of his gym shirt over his head said, "There lays the problem Sergeant. Put her into a command situation and she will be fine but physical coordination she can fall flat on her face. I have tried to reason with her, but Tessa will go ballistic if one mentions physical activity such as dancing in public."
Souska said, "The Prom is tonight which leaves little time for her to become confident. Your supposition that she would be willing to learn in such a short period of time is reasonable, but only if she considers it a challenge."
Andrew sitting on a nearby bench said "Commander Kalinin mentioned to me about the time you taught her how to operate an Arms Slave. You succeeded in that endeavor, and she while utilizing an M6 defeated Sergeant Major Mao who was in an M9. That was to say the least an impressive achievement."
"Yes it was, however there were circumstances that allowed her to win," said Souska. Andrew leaned backward and said "Yes that is true. But you gave her the confidence to succeed, and I expect you can do it again. Simple dance steps will suffice, and that is all you really have to concern yourself with. Just get her confidence back, which is all I ask."
Friday, 0700 hours, Common Room Kitchen
Charlotte Ward peered around the corner of the door to the interior of the kitchen, where the sound of mixers was coming from. His back was to her as she silently entered before announcing her presence. "Andrew Simms! Just what do you think you are doing?" said Charlotte as her husband Drake entered behind her.
Commander Ward pausing beside his wife said "He can't hear you Charlotte. He has on his ear buds to his music player." Setting aside the knife, Andrew turned to a nearby bowl and pushed the chopped tomatoes into the container then as he went towards the sink he finally acknowledged their presence "Oh good morning Charlotte, Drake" said Andrew as he removed the ear buds from his ears.
Charlotte reaching for the off switch of a mixer said "Andrew? How long have you been in here?" Andrew rinsing the cutting board said "Since about 0530 this morning. Had to mix the biscuit dough and start their baking." Charlotte crossed her arms then said "You and your cooking. Why am I not surprised. What else is left to do?"
Captain Simms wearing an apron looked around briefly in thought then said "Well I suppose you can crack some more eggs and then put the bacon in the oven. I'll start cooking the ham and the sausages, then Charlotte you can go sit and watch TV or read the paper. Breakfast is my treat." Charlotte setting the trays of bacon in the oven turned and left saying "Men. Now they go into a kitchen without asking and start cooking."
When Kaname Chidori arrived at the Common Room she was not alone. With her were Sergeant Souska Sagara and Captain Teletha Testarossa. Commander Ward noted that Tessa was doing her best to avoid Captain Simms and even Commander Kalinin. Finding a chance to speak with Souska, Commander Ward took him aside and said "Ok Sergeant, you seem to know what is going on so spill it and that is an order."
Sagara leading Commander Ward out of earshot of Tessa spoke "It is regarding Teletha. I have been ordered to assist her in gaining her confidence when it comes to dancing, Sir."
Drake withheld the laugh trying to bubble forth replied, "Ok, so that's what this is all about. After breakfast, take Madam Captain to the patio. I and Charlotte will be waiting."
Friday, 0830 hours, Common Room Patio, Mithril Apartment Complex
Kaname Chidori had sensed Teletha's disposition since breakfast had begun. Kaname set her cup down and said, "Ok, Tessa. What is going on between you and Captain Simms? You have been avoiding him all morning."
Teletha stirring her tea said in reply "He forced me to come." Kaname trying not to laugh said "The Captain Simms? He made you come? I sent the invitations to you and Alice and really never expected anyone to show up."
Teletha glancing in the direction of the kitchen said in reply, "My father asked him to do it, because I never have been to a prom." "Well if that is what this is about, then why not just get up and leave and go back to the island," said Kaname as Souska approached the table.
Souska stopped and addressing Teletha said "Madam Captain. Commander Ward would like to see you on the patio. He has a private matter to discuss with you." Teletha getting up from the table said "I doubt I could leave Miss Chidori. Commander Kalinin and Captain Simms would likely just bring me back again."
Charlotte Ward set the CD into the CD player and turned towards the patio door as it opened. Teletha followed by Souska Sagara and Kaname Chidori walked out onto the patio.
Charlotte said, "Miss Testarossa please join me," as Drake Ward entered from the walkway.
Charlotte said, "Teletha, I have been in your position of being nervous about being in public when dancing, and I would like to help as would my husband. Your Sergeant, Souska Sagara has agreed to help as well."
Teletha starting to back away felt a hand on her lower back as Kaname said "Tessa, give it a shot. You have said before that Souska is a good coach."
Souska Sagara said as he held out his hand, "Madam Captain. It is not that all difficult and the dance steps are rather simple." Teletha grasping Souska's hand was led out to the center of the patio where Drake Ward stood with his wife. Kaname walking to the player, stood next to it and smiled, "Well Teletha there is no sense in holding back; just give it a shot."
With the Ward's demonstrating the simple steps, Teletha and Souska followed. Teletha stumbled at first, stepping on Sagara's feet but within three hours, Teletha and Souska were dancing and Teletha no longer had two left feet.