Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Five

Idle Currents

By Steve Edward

Sunday, 0500 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1 and Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Unlike surface ship sea trials, initial sea trials for submarines after undergoing extensive repairs or modifications called for minimal crews and equipment. This was such the case for Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison. Neither vessel carried aircraft or Arms Slaves, nor there would be no extraneous passengers.

Kaname Chidori with Sergeant Souska Sagara and several others had gathered in the observation area of Melida Island's control center. Kaname obviously not a morning person sat with her head resting on Souska's shoulder mumbling. Sagara had given up long ago trying to understand what gibberish Kaname was speaking.

Ensign Aryl with hands pressed against the window focused her attention on the men and women below as they communicated with each vessel and went through the check lists.

"This is Tuatha de Danaan, pressure normal all compartments. Final leak check complete," as Morison followed moments later, the voice of Commander Ward speaking "Beginning exterior inspection of control surfaces for freedom of movement. Beginning test of freedom of movement on reverse thruster shutters."

At 0530 hours, Danaan then Morison began to maneuver clear of the dock. The voice of Captain Simms over the loud speakers, confidant and calm spoke, "Melida Island, this is Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, requesting permission for departure." Though Captain Simms already had clearance for departure, it was still out of tradition and respect that he made the request. The Mithril Dock Master, no more than a Petty Officer in rank acknowledged and gave the order to stand-by.

The Petty Officer made one final check then replied "Dock Master, Morison. Dock and maneuvering pool are clear; thrusters at your discretion Captain Simms, safe voyage sir."

The Tuatha de Danaan already clear slowed to monitor the egress of her sister astern of her. Captain Testarossa spoke, "Commander Kalinin, status please?"

Andrei replied, "Surface is clear, sub-surface picture is clear. You may maneuver at your discretion Madam Captain." Captain Testarossa fingering her hair spoke, "Helm, all ahead one third, proceed on designated course for exercise area." Her helmsman responded, "Aye, aye Captain. All ahead one third."

Lieutenant Wren took station next to Petty Officer Carter, her job to monitor the stress indicators during the trials would also serve as a verbal coach on the maneuvers. Both worked closely together as a team, regardless if Alice was in the chapel or standing next to the helms position.

By agreement and for safety, each submarine had its own testing area, so that if one suffered an engineering casualty or other calamity it would not affect the other vessels testing. If an emergency arose on either vessel the other would stop its testing and make preparations for conducting a rescue.

Commander Ward handed the completed check list to Captain Simms, "Ship is ready in all respects. Permission to begin test trial procedures?" as Captain Simms initialed the designated spot, he gazed at Lieutenant Wren who had turned to face him, "All engines ahead one third, steer designated course for exercise area." Wren acknowledged and turned back forward and repeated the command, which Carter acknowledged. Carter smiled and quietly spoke, "Ok, big girl. Let's see what yah got!" as she shifted the engine enunciators to the 1/3 bell ahead position.

Sunday, 0730 hours, Western Undersea Test Area, Melida Island

"Malfunction port lower stabilizer! Come on girl stop playing games!" as Carter slammed her foot repeatedly on the control pedal; Wren watched the stress indicators starting to climb. "Carter ease off, port shaft to one third." Carter pushed her seat back and jumped up, "Girl you slow that damn shaft!" then much to the bemusement of Captain Simms, Carter jumped as high as she could and slammed all one hundred and nineteen pounds directly onto the pedal, then the stress indicators began dropping back into the green. Wren turned and looked at both Commander Ward and Captain Simms who seemed unconcerned.

Commander Ward returned the look, "Sticky pedal unstuck I'll have engineering look into it Carter." Kayla replied, "Nothing that a little womanly touch could not fix sir!" as Wren noting the rest of the bridge crew having a few chuckles over it.

On Tuatha de Danaan, Captain Testarossa gripped her chair arms as Tuatha de Danaan was porpoising uncontrollably. "Helm all stop!" as Tessa unable to hold on finally did an unlady like slide out of the chair onto the deck and landed next to Commander Kalinin who had latched his legs to a nearby watch station deck chair.

Ensign Aryl watched the display screens in the command center spoke, "Danaan looks like it not sailing right!" Sergeant Major Mao having just joined her replied, "Tessa is getting bounced around real good, but look at Morison." Aryl turned to look at the screen and replied, "Why is it upside down?" as Mao turned back to look she replied, "Good question Ensign."

Carter righted the Morison as it exited the underwater canyon at nearly 65 knots and sent it on a rapid ascent to the surface, "All hands stand-by for crash-back!" A decidedly risky maneuver and one that would in effect cause the submarine to flip backwards and plunge towards the distant ocean floor, "Commencing crash-back!"

Wren had taken an empty console seat for the maneuver and those onboard were strapped in. If they were not, they would in effect be headed for the overhead. Captain Simms felt like his stomach had flopped at the unorthodox maneuver then, with the speed indicators rising, he watched as Carter shoved the engine enunciators to the stop position.

Wren called out, "Port and starboard forward at 25 percent load and rising. Amid-ships at 20 percent, recommend speed brakes in 10 seconds, stern stabilizers at 55 percent!" Carter called out, "Deploy speed breaks, engines to reverse thrust at plus 50 percent bow thrusters at 75 percent, shifting ballast!" Captain Andrew Simms noted that the underwater indicated speed was nearly 90 knots when Carter executed the final maneuver and Morison leveled out at 1100 meters doing better than 60 knots with the main engines stopped after being shut down from providing reverse thrust.

Commander Ward spoke, "Ok that completes all tests. Minor problems have been noted captain and are easily correctable. Software maneuvering program is viable with modifications and I recommend we lock the code."

Captain Simms releasing his seatbelt rose from his seat, "I agree Mister Ward, please make it so. Helm return course to Melida Island, make depth 150 meters, speed 15 knots. Communications, advise Melida that we have completed our exercise and request permission to dock." The communications officer acknowledged then spoke "Captain, message from Melida. They are requesting we rendezvous with the Tuatha de Danaan, Captain Testarossa advises Danaan dead in the water!"

Andrew turned back to Drake, "Get our engineering team ready to go by sled." Then keying the microphone mounted on his chair, Captain Simms spoke, "Attention all hands. We are diverting to the Tuatha de Danaan. All engineering and technical teams stand-by to render aid." Looking to Wren, Andrew spoke, "Do we have a fix?" as Wren replied, "Plotting on the board now Captain."

Carter glancing briefly at her captain caught his eye. Andrew nodded, "Helm, new course 045 degrees make depth 300 and speed 25." Carter making the adjustments repeated the order and Andrew could feel the deck tilting sharply as Morison came to the new course and depth.

Tessa sat at the computer station puzzled. The starboard thruster was stuck and Danaan was slowly rotating a full 360 degrees every two minutes. Activating the port thruster would work but the delicate docking maneuvers would require the thrusters. Then there was the software controlling the maneuvering surfaces. It was somehow corrupted, and the backup was failing to install.

Danaan could maneuver but it would be like riding a roller coaster in slow motion. The fastest she would dare to go would be five knots. Tessa made a list of things she needed and waited patiently for the Morison to arrive.

Commander Ward double checking his readings spoke, "Captain? Recommend all stop. It appears the Danaan is rotating in a counter-clockwise motion. Sonar confirms the starboard bow thruster is activated and running at full power."

Andrew looked at the plot board, "Well that is going to make things interesting. Carter? Can you match the rotation of the Danaan so that we might be able to use the underwater transfer sled?"

Carter spoke, "We can give it a shot Captain. Request permission to maneuver at my discretion?" Captain Simms replied, "Make it so, but give us a 75 meter separation. If something goes wrong, you are to blow the sled cable without orders and take Morison clear without any further orders." Punching the intercom, Captain Simms called main control, "Engineering, keep the turbines spinning. We will be directly over the Danaan, so if anything goes wrong, the helm will be calling for all the speed you got. Is that understood?" An engineer replied in the affirmative.

Lieutenant Wren approached the helm, "Petty Officer Carter, here is all the closest obstructions on all headings. The closest at 235 true 5,000 meters is a low ridge everything else is 10,000 to 15,000 meters." Carter, spoke "Thanks Alice."

Commander Ward opened a communications channel to the Danaan and spoke, "Morison to Danaan? How do you read?" The screen flickered as Captain Testarossa come into focus and Andrew did not miss the bandage, and he waved Drake off, "Tessa? What the hell happened!" as Tessa replied, "We roller coastered, some got bounced around rather badly." Wren taking in the view of Tessa's bridge spoke, "Is Commander Kalinin injured?" Andrew then saw the commander, "Drake get a medical team ready as well. Carter match the spin as quick as you can."

Carter replied "Almost there Captain, another 30 seconds and we will be matched."

Tessa spoke, "Captain Simms, I need some items for repairs, and I have made a list of what I need, which includes the maneuvering control software. It appears our backup is corrupted and primary memory failed."

Commander Ward spoke, "Tessa, we will pull a new memory module from our stores and send a fresh copy of the maneuvering software on a data chip. I andLieutenant Wren will come over with what you need and then you can send your injured to us."

Tessa spoke, "How Commander? We are in an uncontrolled rotation!" Captain Simms replied, "Tessa, Helmsman Carter has successfully matched Danaan's rotation speed. The sled will dock in the topside docking port, so there will not be any difficulty. Start having the more critically injured prepared for transfer, it will help relieve problems over there. Oh if you need crewmen for critical positions, do not hesitate to request them. Morison out."

Andrew paused a moment, "Drake are you up to getting wet?" Commander Ward smiled, "Love to. Wren lets go." Captain Simms turned to the communications officer, "Raise Melida Island on private channel, and have them get Commander Mardukas."

Sunday, 0845 hours, Command Center, Melida Island

Commander Richard Mardukas glanced at the damage report and spoke, "A catastrophic memory failure! In both primary and secondary?" Captain Simms's image replied, "You read that right Richard. Just to be safe, I've sent my own spares over since I got plenty of known good ones. Ward is going over with Wren on the sled and since he has a rather good computer background, he can write additional code if need be."

Mardukas spoke, "I heard there were injuries?" Andrew's expression shifted slightly "Kalinin has been injured. He apparently put himself between Tessa and what ever she was sliding into, but Tessa still got a nasty cut on the forehead but appears well, however I have directed Ward that if push comes to shove he will take command of Danaan once it is stabilized and return to Melida, as Tessa looked kind of groggy to me."

Mardukas replied, "I will agree with the decision Captain, but considering things try to avoid that." Andrew spoke, "Its no fun being relieved. Ward knows it and it will be a last resort. Have the Dock Master ready the docking squids just in case. I don't think Tessa will be in no mood to be scratching the paint. Morison out."

Kaname standing next to Ensign Aryl spoke, "Let's hope they get things fixed. Tessa loves the Tuatha de Danaan." Aryl replied, "Andrew and Drake will fix it. I know they will," then Aryl turned and walked out to the cafeteria.

Sunday, 0930 hours, Tuatha de Danaan

Lieutenant Wren applied the power driver to the screws and removed the face plate of the memory bank and peered within. Tugging gently she removed the damaged component then sat back and studied it. Commander Ward below her spoke, "Anything Wren?" Alice replied, "Looks like a scorch mark on the terminal connection. Pass up the compressed air can." Sending a brief burst of clean compressed air into the memory rack rail connections, she saw a small piece of ordinary fuzz floating about which Alice retrieved with her fingers.

The remainder of the face plates showed they were well sealed, so where did the piece of dust come from? Cleaning the terminal connections again, Wren passed down the bad memory module and received a new one in its place. Carefully plugging it in, Wren watched a display screen come to life which displayed "Memory module 3-A-C-6. Ready for program load…"

Doing an manual diagnostic on the module, Wren turned and removed the secondary memory module and finding nothing wrong, as a precaution cleaned the terminal connection and then installed the replacement. On a second screen, the system reported the presence of the memory module and its status. "Memory module 9-B-D-12. Ready for program load…."

Sunday, 1330 hours, Main Docks, Melida Island

The warning sirens were a mere formality but lent a sense of urgency to the task at hand and that was removing the injured from the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison. Kaname Chidori lending a hand drove an ambulance scooter with two stretchers onboard with patients as Sergeant Sagara rode in between the patients. It was maddening to her to see it, but it was organized chaos, "Souska! How are they doing?" Souska administering pain killers to both an injured man and woman spoke, "Miss Chidori they are doing well please pay attention to where you are going we do not need to wreck."

Kaname returning her attention to what lay ahead replied, "Souska, just shut up!" as she floored it.

Commander Mardukas stood with Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa observing the activity as Andrew noted Tessa's hands were shaking, "Madam Captain? Perhaps you need to go to medical." Tessa turned to reply and Andrew caught her as she collapsed. Flagging a returning ambulance scooter, and finding Kaname driving, Andrew did not have to say anything as Souska helped place Tessa onto a stretcher as Kaname spun the scooter on the dock and with Captain Simms gripping a seat and a stretcher she sped towards medical.

Sunday, 1600 hours, Medical Clinic Ward, Melida Island

Commander Kalinin grimaced slightly as the pain shot from his shoulder and he spoke, "Captain Simms. Thank you for your assistance." Andrew turned away from the observation window and replied, "Andrei, your welcome. Your lucky you did not break your neck when you wedged yourself in front of Tessa."

Andrei replied, "I seem to recall saying something similar to you, 17 years ago Captain." Andrew spoke, "Well things were different then. What passed for an Arms Slave back then is all I had. Taking the hit was part of the job at the time." A distant battlefield, one thoroughly screwed up mission. Andrew spoke, "Wren found dust in the module storage. I've ordered that Morison and Danaan's modules get cleaned again and all the filters changed. Once that is done, I will take Tuatha de Danaan out myself, regardless of how Tessa feels about it and I will shake her down like Morison."

Commander Kalinin came to the window and saw Tessa sleeping peacefully and spoke, "I am sure she will not mind. What about crew?" Andrew replied, "A mix from Morison and Danaan. Drake will stay behind in Morison with a skeleton crew and do a controlled atmospheric expulsion in dock on the bottom. Danaan's helmsman is banged up so I am using Petty Officer Carter. Wren will be acting as Morison's helm just in case." Andrei replied "In the chapel?" Captain Simms turning to walk out spoke "Where else, would she be?"

Monday, 0700 hours, Main Dock, Melida Island

Captain Teletha Testarossa sat in a wheel chair that was being pushed by Kaname Chidori. Atop the sail of the Tuatha de Danaan stood Captain Andrew Simms, gazing about as he gave the final maneuvering orders. Commander Mardukas seeing his captain approach saluted, "Madam Captain. Captain Simms reports the Tuatha de Danaan ready in all respects and is ready to turn command over to you." Tessa held out her hand, "Give me that radio Commander!"

Hanging up the sound powered phone, the hand held radio chirped and as Andrew answered he was blasted by Tessa, "Captain Simms! Get off my ship!" Andrew peered over the edge of the sail then spoke, "Jeez Tessa, are you mad that I took Danaan out for a joy ride? I'll be down in a moment!"

"What is it with her? Maybe she did not approve of the testing. At least I did not break anything," as Andrew mused on his way to the dock.

Commander Drake Ward strolling with Lieutenant Wren to meet Captain Simms spoke to Alice, "Do you suppose Tessa is a bit mad?" Alice yawned, "Maybe. It's her sub. I hope Andrew remembered to leave the seat up." Drake stopped in his tracks and replied "Alice, now why bring that up?"

Wren replied, "Well a woman likes things to stay a certain way, if you know what I mean." Drake replied, "Well I suppose, but hey why are you yawning. I heard you snoring in the chapel. You got enough sleep didn't you?" Mardukas heard Alice's reply, "I was not snoring. I do not snore." Kaname seeing Tessa twisting her hair in her fingers spoke, "So does she really snore?" Tessa starting to shake replied, "LOUDLY!"

Commander Mardukas hiding his own yawn spoke, "Madam Captain. Captain Simms is approaching." Tessa spoke, "Captain Simms? What made you decide to take my submarine out without my permission?" Andrew for all appearances looked fresh and dapper despite being up for well over thirty-six hours replied, "Let's see. Number One. The need to complete the sea trials. Number Two. To make sure that all systems were fully functional and up to specifications according to Mithril requirements. Number Three. To ensure that there was no repeat of what happened before. Number Four. To shake the dust out of the ribs so to speak. Number Five. You may have designed the Tuatha de Danaan and her sister the Samuel Eliot Morison, but Mithril spent 5 billion dollars a piece building them and so it goes back to item, Number Two. You may command her, Tessa but in certain situations things have to happen and with the agreement of Commander Kalinin and Commander Mardukas I completed requirement Number One, which goes back to Number Two. So if you will excuse me, I need to get some sleep. Oh yeah, I did leave the seat up. Good Day Madam Captain."

Walking off with Ward and Wren, Andrew did not bother to look back. He already could imagine that Tessa was about to explode and he did not want to be anywhere near her when she did, "Wren where is the scooter? We really need to get out of here."

Tessa was in fact doing a slow burn and spoke out loud "Captain Simms! I will remember this!" Alice driving the scooter into the tunnel heard the faint yell, but the look from her captain was enough as she spoke, "Captain with all due respect, I really hope you left the seat up." But there was no reply as Andrew was already snoring, his head supported by Drake.

Monday, 1600 hours, Entertainment Center, Melida Island

Kaname Chidori with Souska Sagara found Captain Simms in the Base Entertainment Center surrounded by various Mithril base personnel and his own crew. More relaxed than she had seen the captain before, she joined the crowd and watched as he was engaged in a game of chess with Commander Kalinin and their idle banter would prove to be informative about both men.

The chess board showed Andrew with an upper hand and though Andrei knew he was about to lose continued, "Your presence of mind thwarted the counter-attack and despite your wounds you rallied support." Andrew, patient made another move and tapping the timer spoke, "How true Andrei, and that only after chucking that stupid exo-suite or what was left of it.

Souska Sagara spoke to Kaname, "Commander Kalinin fought along side Captain Simms, in Afghanistan. It had been a pitched battle when the Captain then a Lieutenant lead a group of US Marines out from an ambush." Andrew briefly looked up, "Souska? Will you please not mention it?" Andrei spoke, "He fought there as well Andrew, much later of course." Andrew spoke, "I know, but what happened was before he or even Kaname were born. That is one history lesson I prefer not to teach."

Andrei realizing defeat, tipped his King. "You will have checkmated in three." Andrew accepted his decision, "Well played Andrei. Thank you." Rising from the chair and accepting congratulations from those that had observed the game, Andrew retired to the television room, where several were playing various programs. He found Ensign Aryl sitting in front of the one broadcasting an international news channel.

Kaname had followed with Sagara, and Andrew taking a seat next to Aryl who was intently watching joined the pair. Captain Simms observed Aryl as she bent towards the television as a news piece from Africa was broadcast, "US negotiators are still at an impasse to win the freedom of an American Missionary who has been charged with crimes against the state. The missionary, identified as 34 year old Sandra Montgomery of Mobile, Alabama had been until last year; when civil war broke out in the region serving in the capacity of teaching at a remote school with her husband Anthony now deceased. Negotiators are attempting to prevent a death sentence from being carried out."

Aryl turned to Kaname with tears streaming down her face, "Miss Chidori, Sandra saved me." Captain Andrew Simms did not show any emotion, but rose from his seat then spoke "Miss Chidori, please take her to her room." Turning to leave, he was stopped by Kaname as she stood toe to toe with him spoke "What are you going to do about it Captain?" Removing her hand, Andrew walked away in silence. The only sign of anger was when the captain kicked the exit door open which shattered the glass and leaving behind a stunned audience.

Monday, 1800 hours, Command Center, Melida Island

Commander Mardukas turned the monitor towards Captain Simms, "It is under consideration at the moment. I am sorry Andrew, but that is the best that any of us can do for now." Andrew got out of the seat and paced, "Richard, does Mithril have any idea that because of her actions, that Mithril has Aryl in the first place?"

Mardukas spoke, "Yes they do. However there are other ongoing situations developing and you are needed to remain here. Besides your own combat team will not be due to arrive for another three weeks." Andrew replied, "Mrs. Montgomery does not have three weeks. If we don't act soon, she will be dead in two weeks, if not earlier."

Richard spoke, "It was made very clear Captain. You are dismissed."

Andrew could say nothing more and left quietly shutting the door. A door to an adjoining office opened and Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin entered. Taking the captain's chair he spoke, "Third party negotiations are failing as well, Richard. Perhaps we should speak directly with the Secretary?" Commander Mardukas replied, "Captain Simms was correct on one major point and several others. Mrs. Montgomery lost her husband to save the life of a child she did not even fully know and Mithril has Aryl who could have otherwise fallen into enemy hands." Andrei replied, "Yes we do which is what counts. Make the call Richard, I will do the talking."

Monday, 2030 hours, Parade Ground, Melida Island

Frustration, anger it had welled up within him. Going to the gymnasium had not helped as Sergeant Kurz Weber holding the punching bag gave up after Andrew had launched back to back blows that resulted in the bag breaking open, and Kurz trying to dodge the last leg kick that ended up being aimed at his rib cage, "Yo, Captain chill out," as the sand spilled onto Weber, Andrew replied "Kurz put a sock in it," as he left. Sergeant Major Mao wisely stepped aside, the chilling look in the captain's eyes were enough of a warning to her.

Running laps on the parade ground he had pretty much advertised he wanted no company, but the foot steps pounding behind him only made him run faster leaving who ever it was behind. Kaname Chidori stopped and panting she waited, "Ok so you can run fast Captain Submariner but try to run through me Ha!"

Making another lap, Andrew saw Kaname Chidori standing in the middle of the track and stepping out from the trees, Sergeant Major Mao who planted herself next to Kaname. Briefly looking at each other they turned back to find the captain had drastically altered course and he was now headed for the road.

Mao sprinting after the captain spoke, "That man apparently does not want to talk right now. Just how are we going to tell him the news?" Kaname replied, "With that!" Mao stopped and watched as Kaname hurled a regular baseball nearly at the head of the captain.

"Damn that was close, now I am really pissed. Civilian or not Miss Chidori I may spank you!" as Andrew mused watching the baseball bounce ahead of him. Whirling about, Captain Andrew Simms took off again at full speed, his first target Melissa Mao. "Mao you had better start running, cause when I get my hands on you, I am turning you into a pretzel!" Kaname spoke, "You think we overdid it?" Mao turning to run replied, "He's mad, he's a Mithril Captain. Run!"

Commander Kalinin walking out of the administration building watched the ruckus play out before him. "Mao and Chidori, which one first I wonder?" Idiots, Andrew thought. They are running together, this will be easy. Putting on a burst of speed, Andrew caught both Mao and Chidori and brought them down together, and Andrew proved something to Mao. The captain not only had her, but Kaname as well and he had them in a rather effective arm and leg locks, both face down in the grass.

Sergeant Souska Sagara walking from the gym changed his heading and trotted towards Captain Simms, but Commander Kalinin intervened, "Sergeant leave them alone. The Captain has some personal issues with both." With Commander Kalinin, Souska approached quietly and listened as Andrew spoke, "Mao? Of all the stupid things you could do! You too Kaname! Did you both not get the sense that I wanted to be left alone? What do I have to do? Post a big "Do Not Disturb Sign!" while I am running?

Kaname trying to speak "Ow! You are hurting me!" Andrew replied, "You have not felt pain Kaname, trust me. That was a twinge, Mao knows pain and she can pretty much guess that I can inflict it and I don't need a submarine to do it!" Letting both women go, Andrew got to his feet and turned away. Mao rubbing her arm ignored Andrei's hand signal not to do it, but she did it anyway.

Andrei, stepped back bringing Souska with him, "Sergeant you will only break it up when I tell you. Is that understood?" Souska went to parade rest and replied just as Mao was slammed into the ground, "Understood Commander."

Mao shaking the impact off charged, "Captain, you are not playing fair!" as Andrew took the impact, he picked up Mao, whose legs wildly wind milled in the air and took her over his head and body slammed her into the ground, the shock of the landing loudly exclaimed by her cry of pain.

Twisting away, he glanced at Kaname who wisely was scooting across the ground away from the combat zone. Mao went low, taking the captain briefly by surprise but he countered and twisted around bending her backwards, her head in an arm lock when Commander Kalinin spoke, "Sergeant break it up now, before he injures or kills her."

Andrei spoke, "Andrew! Enough! She got the message!" Souska spoke as he increased his grip to break the arm lock "Captain Simms sir, the combat has ended. Release Mao."

Rising to his feet, Andrew breathing heavily spoke, "Mao, consider yourself lucky, and when your ready to work on your hand-to-hand combat skills let me know, I am not going anywhere."

Commander Kalinin spoke, "Perhaps Andrew I should have broken the news to you?" Removing his torn sweat shirt, Andrew replied "And what news is that Andrei?" Andrei replied, "The mission is a go. Go rescue Mrs. Montgomery, Mithril has approved."

Sighing, Andrew turned away then approached Sergeant Major Mao still on the ground and held out his hand, "Mao? Let's get you to the clinic. Sorry about the headlock." Finally picking Mao up off the ground, with Captain Simms on one side and Sergeant Sagara on the other, they carried a dazed Mao off the field.