Full Metal Panic!
Chapter Seven
Idle Currents
By Steve Edward
Wednesday, 1630 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
So to "Whispered's" he was like a giant light bulb, any thought at a particular moment if "Whispered's" were in communication with each other would be "read" and in Captain Testarossa's case she had misconstrued it and had come out swinging.
Doctor Albert spoke, "Then why does not Captain Simms become a bother for you Lieutenant Wren?" Alice spoke, "Because of the shielding in the TAROS room. Even though he is only one deck above, when I am in TAROS and linked I lose his presence."
Kaname replied, "I can feel Sergeant Sagara, when he is operating Arbalest, even at great distances." Doctor Albert replied, "Ok, so were you sensing Sergeant Sagara before Captain Simms began his conversation?" Tessa replied, "We all sensed Sagara when were merged, then Andrew came. It was difficult, because I could on one side understand their conversation but on the other, I felt his thoughts about the mission and his orders to the Intelligence Officer to continue gathering information. It was at that point, I grew angry doctor."
Captain Simms spoke, "Well that adds a new wrinkle. You will have to pardon the pun, Tessa but I did not realize my light bulb was so bright." Lieutenant Wren spoke, "It is not so much that captain, it was that your analytical thinking at the time was chaotic and Ensign Aryl amplified it by a substantial margin."
Doctor Albert spoke, "The Brain is like a computer. We consider and render decisions subconsciously at an enormous rate, hence the TAROS linkup. A "Whispered", when merged with TAROS, in effect takes over all operations from the hardware computers; so when you Lieutenant Wren or Captain Testarossa are in TAROS, you are isolated. Outside of TAROS and in a merged state, you get excessive influence and interference."
Captain Simms spoke, "Well George, what do you recommend we do? They are going to continue working with Aryl, but doing it inside TAROS is not feasible, and we have to consider the rest of the crew as well."
Doctor Albert replied, "Short of not conducting the training is an option, but I recommend that the training be conducted during hours that would preclude have a large number of the crew moving about, and that where it is being conducted should be sealed to prevent normal access."
Captain Testarossa spoke, "Captain Simms that should prevent any further problems; however I do ask that you try to avoid the area when we are engaged in the training sessions for your own safety and wellbeing."
Andrew still feeling the last one from Tessa replied, "Frankly Madam Captain, I will do my best to avoid any further conflicts as my head hurts enough already. By the way Madam Captain, who taught you that attack?" Tessa getting up from the sofa spoke, "Sergeant Sagara."
Thursday, 0100 hours local, Radnor, Africa
Major Zareb stood next to Icarian and waited as the Mithril Osprey touched down. Seeing the go ahead signal, Major Zareb led Icarian to the rear of the Osprey where the mule was secured for the flight and then taking a seat nearby, the major began to nap on the flight back.
Thursday, 0400 hours, Hanger Bay, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Entering the hanger, Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa walked towards the main elevator to wait for the descent of the Osprey. The warning bells sounded and warning lights flashing, the elevator slowed to a stop as it came to deck level.
The tow tractor pulled the Osprey clear of the elevator where the rear ramp lowered and Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa watched as a mule then its handler walked off the aircraft. Major Zareb dressed in traditional African garb seemed out of place as he surveyed the environs. Walking forward to the captains, he saluted "Major Zareb, reporting."
Tessa looked at Icarian then to its handler, "Major? Did you have to bring the animal with you?" Captain Simms interrupted, "Madam Captain, the mule belongs to Mithril and as such could not be left behind. Ensign Aryl, take custody of the mule and see to its care."
Aryl approached the Major and bowed slightly to take Icarian's reigns, but Major Zareb spoke, "One moment please Ensign." Reaching into an aged saddle bag, Major Zareb withdrew a bright orange plastic square marked "Bio-Hazard" then allowed Icarian to be led away to a converted storage area. Major Zareb spoke, "Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa I have the data that you need."
Major Zareb removed his head gear, then reached within and removed several memory cartridges, "We perhaps should give these to the appropriate personnel. The Bio-Hazard bag is meant only for short duration transport." Captain Simms went to a communications terminal and spoke, "Intelligence Officer lay to the hanger. Medical Lab lay to the hanger with level 10 containment transport case on the double."
Captain Simms spoke, "Ok. Major in a nutshell, what are we going up against?" Zareb replied, "Mostly irregulars who provide their services to the highest paying. If not paid, they offer their services to another. In short who ever can pay has them for an army. As for the ranch house where the objective is being held, they have three APC's for combat support but they would be little threat against M9's."
Tessa spoke, "How heavily is she guarded?" Zareb replied "Full perimeter protection, and she is reportedly chained to her bed when sleeping and is manacled at all times when in the public view." Andrew crossed his arms, "Well it seems they don't want her to stray. Ok what's in the bag?" Major Zareb replied, "Samples of what is being produced within the former prison, Captain Simms."
Thursday, 0900 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Setting the electronic pad down, Major Zareb spoke "Approach should be made from two directions, the east and north. Of the APC's present, one is always at the gate area to the ranch, the remaining units sit east and north, in a defiled position in hand dug bermes. I would recommend the extraction take place to the North-West as there is a sufficient clearing."
Captain Testarossa spoke, "How many guards are there in and around the primary objective?" Major Zareb picked up a light pen and highlighted the areas as he spoke, "In all there are fifty in number, but they rotate in shifts, putting thirty on guard at any one time. The former bunk house of the ranch hands has been converted into barracks; it is to the west of the ranch house."
Tessa replied, "Captain Simms, I want to avoid a high number of casualties, Suggestions?" Standing and approaching the podium, Andrew studied the topography overlay then spoke, "Sergeant Weber, if I put you on this low ridge line, can you get a round off say every three seconds?" Kurz studied the proposed position then the targets, "No problem, which one first?" Andrew highlighted the APC's in order, "The gate, then the north and then the east unit. Your elevation will allow you to take out the gate APC first. Punch the north unit then began descent into Point Bravo, turn and take out the east APC and head west towards the barracks. Any ground vehicle that is observed unoccupied is to be destroyed. I want maximum chaos, while Mao and Sagara are retrieving our objective."
Andrew moving the map view slightly, high lighted a building to the north-east, "Major Gomez, Seventh Air Wing?" Major Gomez stood, "Yes Captain." Andrew brought up a computer generated view of the F-35 B VTOL, then spoke "Flight of four, two configured for ground support. Mix your load out for maximum all around performance. The remainder will be air escort for the retrieval helicopters. Have fun with that building complex. It houses a good number of the Soviet built RK-92 Savages. The two smaller buildings in the compound are ammunition dumps. We can be thankful that no development was allowed to take place and they have been proactive in preventing shanty towns from springing up. Burn it to the ground Gomez and leave nothing standing."
Captain Testarossa interrupted, "Captain Simms, must you want to kill so many?" Major Zareb replied, "Captain Testarossa, there are no barracks on site and the facility is remotely monitored so there will be no guards. It will serve as an excellent distraction."
Tessa twisting her hair replied, "I will hold you to that Major Zareb."
Andrew continued, "ECS is to be used in all flight modes, as there are man portable missiles representing several countries. Take no risk over exposing yourself. Sergeant Major Mao?" Mao stood, "After the retrieval while we are there should we deal with what is in the prison?"
Doctor Albert spoke, "No."
Andrew turned to the ships doctor, "Better explain George." The doctor taking the Captain Simms place at the podium pressed several keys, the screen split. "On the right is a live feed of a deadly live virus, which is happily reproducing inside a level 10 containment module in the medical lab. The left still is what it should look like normally, if you want to call that monster normal."
Captain Testarossa spoke, "Black Death?" Doctor Albert nodded, "It was, but somebody has been busily gene splicing as it has elements of the Ebola Virus. We do not even want to risk detonating anything in or near that prison or lab unless we can be assured total and absolute of destruction of the viruses. Frankly, they have put the facility in one of the worst places that if there is an accident, its proximity to the ocean could spread it easily in addition to being airborne capable, well you get the picture."
Tessa spoke, "Captain Simms?" Andrew replied, "I am going to err on the side of caution, since the properties make it suitable for being transmitted through various means. However, I think Mithril will want to pass this information along to those that need it. I frankly do not want to open up something like that to a country that has little self-government."
Andrew continued, "So Sergeant Major, the orders stand. Do not consider it a target and ignore if possible any hostile fire that may come from that area. That is all people; get your equipment prepped and ready for departure. Urzu 2, 6 and 7 will be feet dry at 0100 hours Friday morning. Dismissed."
Thursday, 1800 hours, Command Center, Melida Island
Lieutenant Commander Kalinin spoke, "Your actions should make it easier for the UN to gain access. How is Madam Captain Testarossa?" Captain Simms replied, "Sleeping at the moment along with the rest. Any further on Mrs. Montgomery?"
Commander Mardukas replied, "The usual parade before cameras, Captain Simms, but it is having a telling effect on her. One moment while we bring it up."
Sandra's appearance was even worse than the last, and even the media normal mute to such treatment, voiced outrage at how she was being treated before them. Before the video went black, an unidentified voice spoke "This is just sick and wrong. No more of this."
Commander Kalinin continued, "Shortly there after several media representatives were assaulted. It is unknown if that was orchestrated or not, but some have or are preparing to leave Radnor."
Andrew stood and walked to the frozen video of Sandra Montgomery, the terror on her face frozen as an assault rifle, pressed against her temple its wielder grinning in glee; his finger around the trigger.
Captain Simms replied, "Andrei, someone might want to remind the UN not to arrive early. Mrs. Montgomery comes out at all costs; she will not be terrified anymore by hooligans, not if I have anything to say about it."
Closing the communications channel, Captain Simms spoke, "Helm, new course 255 degrees, set depth 400 meters, speed to 55 knots down angle 2 degrees. Let's go get Mrs. Montgomery." Petty Officer Carter repeated the orders and sent the Morison into the black depths of the Indian Ocean.
Friday, 0045 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Ensign Aryl turned to view the hanger bay as she slowly brushed Icarian. The mule apparently used to such commotions, showed no nervousness, except for the occasional swiveling of its long ears.
Kaname Chidori stood with Sergeant Souska Sagara at the Arbalest, holding hands with each other. Aryl got a laugh when Sergeant Major Mao, put Sergeant Weber into a headlock over his leering at Sagara and Chidori. Mao grinding her fist into his ear was clearly upset with him.
Icarian jumped slightly as the launch alarm sounded and that signaled the movement of equipment. Kaname Chidori stepped back then slowly walked away, ignoring the roar of tow tractors maneuvering the aircraft and Arm Slaves to the flight deck elevators.
Kaname stopped at the converted storage bay and spoke to Aryl, "Now you know what it feels like Aryl to see them go. I have seen those that have departed and they never returned from a mission, a mission they considered routine. Never forgot those Aryl."
Captain Testarossa entered the bridge, where she found Commander Ward standing next to the command chair but no Captain Simms. Tessa spoke, "Where is Andrew?" Drake replied softly, "Topside in the conning tower, he expected you here Madam Captain and requested you take the command chair."
Captain Testarossa sitting in the command chair, pressed the intercom button for the conning tower, and spoke "Captain Simms?"
Andrew wore a headset to communicate with the lookouts and of course the men and women who were launching for the mission. Tapping the answer button, his voice with the roar of Mao's M9 as it was catapulted skyward answered, "Yes Madam Captain?"
Tessa spoke, "Will you be joining us on the bridge?" Andrew shielded his eyes as a V-22 Osprey rose skyward and activated its ECS and Andrew keyed his headset, "Yes Tessa, I am on my way now, if you would please inform Commander Ward that all craft are now clear and that he can activate ECS."
Drake acknowledged the order, then making note of the time ordered "Start Mission clock." It was 0055 hours, and at 0110 hours, Sergeant Kurz Weber opened the mission with the destruction of the APC at the gate entrance to the ranch.
Sandra Montgomery cried in pain as an explosion threw her from the bed onto the stone floor. Twisted awkwardly, with one leg and arm still chained, she only saw a black figure enter the window with determined purpose, as the doors to her prison were opened.
The bright flashes concealed what happened next, but the figure returned to her side then kneeled and fired a hand gun into her chains which freed her.
Mao spun and fired at the source of the anti-tank missile which had exploded just beyond her, "Urzu 7! Hurry it up, Urzu 6 lay cover fire on the barracks, they have anti-tank missiles!"
Captain Simms on the bridge listened to the transmission and looking at Tessa spoke, "May I?" Captain Testarossa replied, "Yes, you may Captain Simms." Andrew noted where the fighter bombers were, and spoke "Flight Leader 7-1, new target ground, anti-tank missile suppression 95 meters west of primary objective. Take it out!"
Major Gomez glancing back at the diversion target replied, "Flight-Leader 7-1 affirmative, we saved some just in case. 7-2, this is 7-1 break right. Approach will be south to north, set for proximity."
Sergeant Sagara placed the unconscious body of Sandra Montgomery within Arbalest and closed the hatch. The sedative would keep the woman from panicking. "This is Urzu 7, package onboard proceeding for extraction."
Souska seemingly ignored the blast just meters behind him, as 7-1 and 7-2 dropped their ordnance the pilots watched as the automatic protection systems of Arbalest went into operation shielding it and its valuable cargo from harm.
Weber conducting pop up firings spied an errant RK-92 approaching the ranch gate and the wrecked APC which it threw aside, "Urzu 2, one Savage at the gate" Mao replied, "Fine. I'll get it!"
The last thing the pilot of the RK-92 saw was the flash in the chaotic night time sky as a 75 millimeter armored piercing round slammed dead center into his Savage. Captain Testarossa seeing the live image, briefly closed her eyes. Captain Andrew Simms noted her reaction, but did not speak and turned away.
Weber sent one last grenade in the direction of the ranch house itself, the detonation collapsing the structure into burning wreckage and joined Souska in the dry wash, "So Souska how's the passenger?" Souska softly felt the woman's pulse, "Alive and breathing."
Mao landing with a thump spoke, "Let's get moving to the pickup point we got 3 minutes!"
Friday, 0600 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Doctor George Albert studied the readings briefly and then turned to Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa. Sitting behind him at the hospital bed was Ensign Aryl who was holding Sandra Montgomery's hand, "For starters, malnutrition, dehydration and some evidence of physical torture, but nothing sexual. They got her out in time, another two maybe three days tops and Mrs. Montgomery would have been dead."
Andrew had memorized Sandra Montgomery's physical attributes. At 172 centimeters and 61 kilograms before her imprisonment, Montgomery weighed just over 36 kilograms when treatment began for her injuries.
Ensign Aryl had been on the hanger deck when the medical team gingerly extricated Montgomery from Sagara's Arbalest and had initially refused to leave the woman's side, a woman who had sacrificed so much to save hers.
Aryl had slammed her tiny fists into the shoulder blades of Captain Simms then Lieutenant Wren as they had ended up having to physically separate her from the injured woman. It was Kaname Chidori's surprisingly calm influence that helped calm Aryl down to a point where she was manageable.
Captain Simms spoke, "George carefully document her injuries and her current physical condition. I want the right people to have that information available when we transfer her." Doctor Albert replied, "Will do captain. When do we conduct the transfer and where?" as Captain Simms turned to leave he replied, "Diego Garcia on Saturday afternoon. Alert me if and when you remove the sedative. I would prefer to speak with her concerning what has happened." Doctor Albert nodded then turned back to his patient.
Followed by Captain Testarossa to the wardroom, where the two officers were to have breakfast, Tessa spoke "Considering the circumstances Andrew, you did well minimizing casualties." Entering the wardroom and seeing that they were alone, Andrew replied, "Madam Captain, I am not a blood thirsty killer. There will be casualties no matter what you try to do to prevent it. We can at least be thankful that there are not thousands dying. Commander Kalinin wants to debrief at 1000 hours, he says he has rather good news."
Friday, 1000 hours, Command Center, Melida Island
Commander Kalinin displayed on the video screen spoke, "Good news Madam Captain, the UN task force met no resistance when they landed at Radnor. They were able to enter the former prison without a shot being fired."
Tessa spoke, "There was none?" Commander Mardukas replied, "That is correct Madam Captain, it was perhaps fortuitous that Captain Simms selected the storage depots for the Savages as well as their ammunition storage facilities for diversionary targets. It took the wind out of their sails."
Commander Kalinin continued, "Captain Simms in regards to the virus samples do you still have them in containment?" Andrew replied, "Yes we do, and frankly there is no place for neither the original samples nor the genetically modified versions on earth."
Andrei replied, "Mithril agrees Captain, and recommends disposal via your palladium reactors, as it will ensure complete and total destruction. You are to carry that out before returning to Melida Island."
Commander Mardukas spoke, "Is Major Zareb present Captain?" The major rose from his chair and acknowledged his presence, "I am here Commander." Commander Kalinin spoke, "In regards to your excellent work in the field well done. Also since it has been some time since you have had any leave, you are being granted such at Melida Island as we need to further debrief you on other matters." Major Zareb replied, "Thank you Commander. I and Icarian look forward to the rest."
Commander Mardukas spoke, "Captain Simms? Can we go private?" Andrew replied, "Give me one moment to clear the briefing room, shall Captain Testarossa stay as well?" Richard peered over his glasses, "Likely it would be best for her to hear this."
Reassuming his seat Captain Simms replied, "Ok Richard let's hear it."
Commander Mardukas spoke, "In light of the reports that were received concerning activities of the "Whispered" onboard the Morison and other incidents Mithril scientists have reached a conclusion into the effects that have been experienced. They have termed the events as "Idle Currents" for the lack of a better description."
Tessa spoke "Commander, can you explain?" Richard replied, "The neural pathways of the brain are electrical in nature and when not fully employed they lay in wait for signals. There is a slight electrical current that is always present, at least of course until death. Based on perceptions of those affected, Mithril believes that the last signals carried by the pathways, left behind a static signature if you will a cached memory."
Andrew replied, "That would allow for rapid retrieval, but that does not fully explain Ensign Aryl's ability to connect unless the same static signature was present within TAROS?" Mardukas spoke, "It was in fact present Captain. Each user of TAROS left behind a minuscule imprint of their neural pathway "Address" similar to what one would consider an internet address in a computer. Ensign Aryl while in the closed loop testing sorted through those addresses and sought one out; which was Miss Kaname Chidori, and as a result of Ensign Aryl had unconsciously attempted to connect even after being told not to do so."
Tessa replied, "Commander, you are aware she is a focal point facilitator?" Richard replied, "Yes Madam Captain. Your reaction to the overload was a predicted reaction. Ensign Aryl directing the merged towards Captain Simms caused you to focus your anger towards him."
Andrew replied, "So she was amplifying me Richard?" Mardukas replied, "Yes. The scientists believe it was due to Lieutenant Wren's exposure to you and your own imprint that Wren remembered your "physical address" and it had been sitting idle." Tessa turned to Andrew, "You merged with Wren, Captain?"
Andrew pondered how and gave up, "Not to my knowledge." Tessa rising from her seat continued "Then what about physically?" Commander Mardukas interrupted, "Madam Captain I believe making accusations is out of order. I doubt seriously Captain Simms would involve himself in such conduct."
Tessa clenching her teeth spoke, "Captain Simms, if you have consider it the last. However you must understand the implications, do remember that." Turning on her heel, Captain Testarossa left the briefing room. Commander Mardukas spoke, "Andrew?"
Captain Simms turned back to the video screen and replied, "Richard, I can promise you that I would never stoop to that level, and frankly I think someone needs to write an instruction manual on the "Whispered" for us less fortunate brain dead types. I'll see you on Tuesday. Morison out."
Captain Testarossa called the meeting in her cabin, a simple get together. In truth she had to know. It was rare to have a gathering of "Whispered" so many in number in one place.
Alice Wren nearly choked when Tessa asked her the pointed question which she answered, "Tessa, if you are asking if we have had intimate contact? Most assuredly not, as Andrew is not a womanizer and all our contact is strictly on the professional level."
Kaname spoke, "Tessa, where is this going? Is it because of Captain Simms's rather high empathy? Souska is the same way, but he shows it differently."
Tessa spoke, "Aryl influenced you to seek out the captain, of whom you eventually did of course. But what I am trying to understand is how she did in the first place?" Aryl replied, "Tessa, I sensed him near Kaname at times which may be the reason she can sense Souska when he is piloting the Arbalest."
Alice spoke, "Tessa, it really matters little the how or why. I and Captain Simms have worked closely together for many months and you have yourself have benefited from his presence with Mithril. I thing I do ask of Aryl is to please don't seek out contact on a whim or try to direct others without being asked. It has already shown that it tends to make us do things that we have no desire to do."
Friday, 2000 hours, Sick Bay, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Sandra Montgomery surveyed the surroundings of her room. The warmth of the colors in the room was peaceful to her. The doctor who had been treating her had been at her side when she had awakened. She had many questions, where was she, how did she get here? The doctor whose name tag simply read "Albert" had assured her that some of her questions would be answered in time.
The knock on the door to her room announced the arrival of her visitors. Captain Simms had pondered whether to do the Q&A alone, but decided that Captain Testarossa should assist in more certain delicate matters as there were some things that a man just should not ask.
Sandra spoke, "Are you my rescuers?" Andrew replied, "Not exactly, there were others that brought you here to us."
The visitors were sitting at the end of her bed, the lights of the room dimmed to near darkness precluded her seeing who they were, but one was a man and the other a woman.
Sandra spoke, "Am I still in Africa?" Tessa replied, "No you are now far from Africa. We are taking you to an island where you will be flown to Europe for further treatment."
Sandra replied, "What kind of ship am I on?"
Andrew replied, "I am not at liberty to identify this ship to you." Sandra replied, "Are you with the United States?" Andrew replied, "No Mrs. Montgomery we are not."
Sandra spoke, "Then who are you?" Tessa replied, "We are members of an organization that is dedicated to righting of wrongs. We are independent of political and cultural differences and we answer to no nation."
Sandra replied, "Then how did I get rescued? Who sent you?"
Andrew spoke, "Your plight had been in the news for sometime and your country had been endeavoring to negotiate your release. However it is the policy of most nations that they will not negotiate with terrorists and despots. The negotiations were failing so were third party negotiations. It was after a request to retrieve you that our organization became involved."
Sandra spoke, "But who asked for your help? If it is money you are seeking I have none and my church it could never pay for this." Tessa replied, "We seek neither money nor fame, and as to who asked us for our help perhaps it is time that you meet her."
Captain Simms picked up the telephone and dialed, speaking to someone he hung up. The knock on the door announced another visitor. Sandra watched the man rose from his seat and opened the door; the darkness precluded her from seeing who it was.
Ensign Aryl ushered in by Captain Simms, approached slowly and as she entered the light, Sandra spoke, "Aryl?"
Aryl replied, "Mrs. Sandra, yes it is I." Tessa spoke, "Mrs. Montgomery, you sacrificed many things including sadly the life of your husband. Aryl survived the trip onboard the freighter and was eventually rescued by our organization. It was she who asked that we try to rescue you, and of course it was successful."
Aryl hugged Sandra then stepped away, her hand touching Sandra's hand one last time, then Ensign Aryl turned and joined Captain Simms and Captain Testarossa in the darkness.
Sandra spoke, "Will I see any of you again?" Andrew replied, "Because of our circumstances and of Aryl's this will be the last time. It is regrettable but it is for your sake as well as ours. Also should anyone ask you what you recall of your rescue or rescuers, it would be best to say all you can remember is of this room. Good night Mrs. Montgomery and thank you for your time."
