Full Metal Panic!
Chapter Six
Deep Gambit
By Steve Edward
Wednesday, 0200 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Commander Drake Ward observed Doctor George Albert treating Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka for hypothermia. The measured air temperature had been 3 degrees Celsius when the rescue team pulled him from the raft. Both he and Andrew had likely underestimated Killy, now they knew Killy would have little regard for life. So Killy was a black op captain now, but for how long?
The intercom chimed as Doctor Albert nodded that he was ready, "Come on in Commander, he's ready to see you."
Lieutenant Takenaka tried to rise from the pillow, but the black man apparently the ships doctor pressed him gently back, "Easy there son. Just lay there and relax, and I am making that an order."
As the door opened, Marcy focused on the figure in astonishment, "Commander? Commander Ward!" Drake spoke, "Yes, Marcy its me." Marcy replied, "Doctor Simms?" Drake replied, "It is Captain Andrew Simms and yes he figured out the riddle, but he is a bit busy at the moment, so Lieutenant tell me everything. Start from the beginning."
Wednesday, 0215 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
The incessant alert chime for incoming messages had been ordered silenced by Captain Testarossa and she continued to ignore the tactical data messages as well. Tessa was however surprised at how close the Samuel Eliot Morison was, but Captain Simms would still be several hours away when it would begin. None of the bridge crew talked, except to acknowledge her orders. Her next order would startle them, "Sonar, go active. Standard search sweep." The sonar operator glanced briefly at her and replied, "Going active, standard sweep Aye."
Commander Kalinin glanced up at the clock briefly as he shifted his Rook and spoke, "Dependant on how close the opponent is, we can expect it to occur somewhere between the Tenji and the Minnetonka Seamounts." Commander Richard Mardukas replied, "That would be the most logical."
Wednesday, 0230 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Petty Officer Cal Larkin spoke, "We have active sonar! Bearing 046, range is estimated to be 195 kilometers! Captain! Sonar consistent with Tuatha de Danaan!" Andrew replied, "Acoustics that good?" Cal replied, "Just barely Captain. Fading in and out. Sounds like a standard search sweep."
Lieutenant Alice Wren spoke, "Tessa is drawing them towards her deliberately. Sir with all due respect please let me try to communicate with her!" Captain Simms replied, "Let me talk to Doctor Albert first."
Andrew tapped the intercom, "Bridge to Sickbay, Doctor Albert?" George turned away from Commander Ward and his patient and tapped the button, "George here." Marcy heard Andrew's voice, "Doctor Albert, report to the Bridge immediately."
Doctor Albert spoke, "Can we discuss it through here Captain?" Andrew's voice grew more urgent, "No George, we can't. Get to the Bridge on the double!" Commander Ward spoke, "George get going. It looks like we have to use her." Doctor Albert taking a medical kit with him as he left replied, "Well let's hope it will work."
Marcy spoke, "Commander Ward? What is happening?" Drake stood and closed the notebook, "A last resort. Start praying Lieutenant and hope that it works. If you need anything press the call button and the orderly assist you but do me a favor and don't even bother wondering around because we will be going to battle stations shortly and this is the safest place for you."
Wednesday, 0245 hours, Sea Dragon
Captain Sailor studied the plot and smiled, "Right down the pipe. Standard search sweep?" The sonar operator replied, "Rather consistent, though they are altering the timing of the pulse." Killy replied, "Good. When we close to within 20 kilometers we will send them an invitation."
Commander Ward entered the bridge catching the last bit of conversation, "The stress will be considerable. The last time that Alice and Teletha merged was about 10 kilometers apart and that was when we had a good solid link with Danaan. But now? Captain Testarossa may fight her intrusion!"
Commander Ward spoke, "Andrew, better take a look at my notes on Sea Dragon. It may have the body of a Sea Wolf, but it is not one." Glancing through the notebook, Andrew stopped and pressed the intercom, "Lieutenant Taz Norton. Lay to the Bridge on the double!"
Taking a seat in his command chair, Captain Simms continued to read "That crazy bastard set you and me up!" Ward replied, "After that incident with Tessa in the Pacific, Sailor was recalled. That supposed mere slap on the wrist was much more serious. However he was recruited for Black Ops and retained all rank and privileges to a point. He was made a recruiting officer, Andrew. He recruits those whose careers are soon to end in a bad way."
Captain Simms replied, "And if they wanted someone in a bad way, they set the individual up and in my case it was supposedly bad Intel." Commander Ward spoke, "Lieutenant Takenaka said at first he thought that Captain Sailor was undergoing special training and that was why he was TAD to all the different subs, but it was for him an intelligence gathering operation. Sailor had him writing reports to him and if any of the subs that Marcy was TAD on, should it come into contact with the "Toy Box" he wanted full detail of what took place during those encounters."
Closing the notebook, Andrew spoke "It was not what we thought as an obsession to target the Tuatha de Danaan just for its technology, but to destroy and kill all those onboard including Captain Testarossa." Doc Albert, We really don't have a choice. Please carry it out." Doctor Albert replied, "Aryl too?" Andrew nodded, "Yes, her too. She can help boost Alice if it is need. That is all dismissed."
Petty Officer Carter spoke "Captain at 60 knots, we will arrive in the area on or around 0400 hours. We will be 45 minutes late. I am sorry Sir." Captain Simms spoke, "Keep us pointed at the Tuatha de Danaan. Our combined speeds will help shorten the arrival time. Keep up dating every 15 minutes." Lieutenant Taz Norton entered the Bridge and reported. As he did so, Captain Simms replied "There is information pertaining to the Sea Dragon in that notebook. Taz talk to that Navy Lieutenant in sickbay, you'll see the page corners folded over where I want more information and see what he knows about that Hammer Head or what ever it's called and try to give me some more options."
Commander Ward spoke, "Only 60 knots?" Andrew replied, "Props held up, but the bearings started getting hot on the port shaft. I had engineering running at 125 percent of rated output, till we picked up Marcy. The bearings are still rather hot but not squeaking and the only reason their not is because there is an enginemen apprentice directly feeding oil onto the port shaft main bearings." Pressing the announcement button, "Major Pedro Gonzalez, prep four F-35B strike fighters for air-air and air-ground strikes, and report to the Bridge on the double."
Wednesday, 0320 hours, Sea Dragon
Killy smiled as the range ring edged past "Toy Box", "Weapons Officer Fire Hammer Head 1" The man sitting at the consol acknowledged, "Fire Hammer Head 1"
"Intel to Bridge!" as Taz stared at the monitor, Captain Simms's voice replied "Captain! The Hammer Head is a sub launched multiple-dispersion missile system. When it reaches its target area, the unit will disperse 150 individual units that fall at a prescribed sink rate through the water. They operate on the same principle as a World War Two Hedge Hog system on destroyers, only the explosive yield is estimated 15-20 times greater and they will fire a secondary projectile into the hull causing further damage!"
Captain Teletha Testarossa groaned audibly and nearly bent double in the command chair while holding her head, "Alice! Get out of my head!" A crew member had seen enough and discreetly pressed an alert button.
Lieutenant Alice Wren with Ensign Aryl sitting and holding hands on the Bridge of the Morison replied silently, "No I will not Tessa! You are in grave danger, please listen with reason. The enemy has a deadly stand-off missile that can send out many small bomblets that will only explode on contact, a single one can do grave damage."
Captain Testarossa whipped upright screaming audibly even louder "ALICE! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" as Tessa refocused her attention, she ordered, "Sonar cease pining, Helm, down angle 25, all ahead flank, right hard rudder now! Heading 195!"
Wednesday, 0330 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Commander Ward looked as both Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl were wheeled from the bridge, then turned back and spoke "Mental shock Andrew. What ever had transpired it had been a powerful mental attack against both Wren and Aryl and Tessa was the source," as Captain Simms replied, "We will not try that again. Damn, what is Tessa doing?"
Lieutenant Norton hurriedly entered the bridge and inserted a data chip into the tactical consol for display, "Captain, that thing is not the only weapon it is carrying, and here is a list of others." Drake replied, "Captain, I recommend we launch." Andrew spoke, "Surface the boat! Major Gonzalez, you got one minute to get off the deck!"
Major Pedro Gonzalez replied, "Will do. We'll do our best to intercept those missiles Captain!" Ward's voice replied, "It has surface to air capabilities as well Pedro, check that six and keep it clear. 30 seconds to roll out."
Captain Andrew Simms spoke, "7th Air Wing you are clear to launch God Speed!"
Commander Kalinin braced himself as he entered the wildly tilting bridge, "Status reports!" as Tessa replied "Get off my bridge Commander! Helm up angle 15 left hard rudder new course 005 make depth 200!"
Killy rose to his feet, "What do you mean we missed! That was the third time! Get a lock on her now!"
Major Gonzalez smiled, "Ah ladies, no rain. Activate ECS now, then watch for missiles and shoot them down!"
If it was not so serious, the near musical alerts when Tuatha de Danaan was regained in the Morison's tactical combat monitoring system would have been funny to most of the bridge crew, but even Petty Officer Kayla Carter was growing concerned "That girl is throwing that thing all over the ocean so much I can't keep up with it!"
"Strike Leader reports two birds down!" Andrew turned to the Petty Officer, "Did he advise a position?" The Petty Officer replied, "Yes Sir! On the board!" Commander Ward spoke, "So that's where you are, Helm new course 020 down angle 15, set depth 200, speed to 60 knots!"
Andrew spoke, "Commander what are you thinking?" Drake replied, "He has to be below her. I am going half way with this. The thermocline is around the 250 to 275 meter mark" Lieutenant Taz Norton who doubled as the weapons officer spoke, "Captain! I might have a solution! Ready to fire."
The MK48 could travel faster, but Sea Dragon was at near its maximum range as Captain Simms thought a moment then replied, "Set for proximity detonation, max speed. Fire Tube One. Taz don't break that wire! Carter! Keep her steady!"
The sonar operator reported to Captain Sailor, "Torpedo in the water!" Killy turned in astonishment "From where!" Listening intently the sonar man replied "From 225 degrees!" Killy frowned, "Have I been duped? I'll take care of that one first and come back for the "Toy Box". Helm, new course 227 degrees, up angle 15, set depth 150 meters!"
Wednesday, 0345 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
"Captain, the target is moving away, new heading is 227, it appears contact is accelerating!" as Commander Mardukas turned back to Captain Testarossa she spoke, "Go after it, Commander!" Richard replied, "Yes Madam Captain."
Sonar reported, "Captain its altered course slightly, hmm… oh boy it's headed towards us, speed nearly 80 knots!" Andrew nodded, "Commander Ward recall the 7th Air Wing immediately, and they will need to be fast on recovery. Lieutenant Norton set the torpedo to search mode on its current heading then break the wire." The incoming message from Danaan, surprised Andrew but he responded, "Well it's about time you answered! What the hell did you do to Wren and Aryl?"
Commander Kalinin responded, "Captain Simms, my apologies on behalf of Madam Captain." Andrew calmly replied, "Accepted, for now. We are recovering my Air Wing, I launched them for CAP. Two of them nailed outbound missiles, which we assumed were the Hammer Heads that Wren warned you about." Pausing briefly he turned to Ward, "How long?" Ward smiled, "Last one in the elevator! One minute and 45 seconds!"
Andrew turned back to Captain Testarossa, "You did not have to involve you and your crew on this Tessa, so back off. I will deal with Beatrice personally. Simms out."
Commander Ward reported, "Green board! Ready to dive!"
Captain Andrew Simms replied, "Take her down Commander, set angle 25, make depth 2000, speed 25 knots, helm come right to 070."
Wednesday, 0355 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Petty Officer Cal Larkin reported, "Detonation detected no secondary. Clean miss Sir." Andrew replied, "And I expected nothing more. Stand-by counter measures; discharge one port side on my mark." Watching the depth readout, Andrew called out "Mark!"
Captain Sailor spoke, "Into the thermocline?" The sonar operator replied, "Yes Sir, and he dumped a counter-measure to boot." Killy sat back, "Ok, then. Reduce speed to 25 knots; make depth 1500, and new course 100. We will intersect his wake, come about and fire."
Petty Officer Carter spoke "2000 meters, Captain." Andrew stood then came beside her, "Carter, 8 knots on the nose please." Addressing Petty Officer Larkin, Andrew spoke "Gertrude on my command, full power to emitters."
Commander Ward approached Captain Simms, "Horse Shoe?" Andrew smiled, "Uh huh. With us pointed into that natural feature, Killy won't get a fix and he will know we are here somewhere, but where exactly well that will be a guess he has to take." Turning towards Petty Officer Larkin, Andrew nodded, "Now."
The Sea Dragon sonar operator spoke, "Sir. You need to hear this." Killy replied, "Hear what? Put it on speaker!" The watery echoes were distorted, but Killy recognized it, "Oh Beatrice. I am not too pleased with you, picking on defenseless women, accusing them of things that they had never done, and to top it off calling me a coward Beatrice; such a shame all of that went to waste."
Killy spoke, "Where is he?" The sonar man struggled to locate the source but could not "It's bouncing all over I can't find it!"
Ward waited till Andrew hung up the handset then spoke, "I figure he came left, dumped the speed and is around 1500 to 1800 meters and wanted to do a spread after hoping to find our wake, say a snap shot to port?"
Andrew spoke, "Yep. Helm, right standard rudder, new course 220, speed five knots set angle 5, make depth 1100 meters. Weapons Officer standby to fire full spread, vertical divergence 1.5 degrees, set for proximity detonation at full charge, rapid reload all forward tubes without orders for flooding and opening outer doors."
Ward spoke, "He will do one ping for range, but all he will get is the seamount wall behind us, rather risky if we are off by as so much as 100 meters on estimates, he will go full active and catch us coming up when we are still reloading." Andrew replied, "I did not give it a name for nothing Drake. Deep Gambit is just that, I use a similar maneuver when I am within a chess game, its called Kings Gambit. However I think the torpedo loading system is up to snuff, and Killy is in for a surprise anyway, because he forgot somebody, Cal anything?"
Petty Officer Larkin spoke softly, "Right to left movement. Slow turn…Port. Now Captain." Captain Andrew Simms spoke "Weapons Officer! FIRE!"
"Torpedo's in water!" Killy spun around "Active search now! Fire counter measures! Hard right rudder! Max dive angle! All ahead flank!" Lieutenant Taz Norton reported, "All tubes reloaded!
Killy was slammed against the periscope well railing as two of Morison's torpedoes detonated. One above and one below, "HELM! MAX UP ANGLE! HARD LEFT RUDDER!"
Wednesday, 0410 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
Captain Testarossa spoke "Fire all tubes!
Captain Andrew Simms spoke, "Hard left rudder, engines to flank, down angle 30, on my mark fire. Mark! Helm, set depth 2200 meters new course 170!"
Morison descended and Sea Dragon ascended. Killy realized too late and tried to cancel his last order, when 8 of 12 torpedoes struck and then vaporized him and his submarine, the blasts echoing off the seamount facing, resonated across the distant Pacific.
Wednesday, 0700 hours, Northern Pacific
They were separated by 1,000 meters but Captain Andrew Simms could see that Lieutenant Alice Wren was ready to fight when Tessa's image came on the main screen, Wren spoke "When we get back to Melida Island, you and I are going to have it out!
Ensign Aryl seemed to be in the same mood, "I may be small Tessa! But I promise I will kick your highnesses butt! What was the idea! We were trying to help you!"
Captain Teletha Testarossa replied "Are you threatening me?" as Commander Kalinin stepped in to intervene, "Captain Simms?" Andrew casually glanced up and spoke "Yes Andrei?" Commander Kalinin replied, "You should ask them to show more respect and restraint."
Alice Wren replied, "Put a sock in it Andrei and shut the hell up!" Ok, we have crossed the line as Andrew mused then interrupted, "All right that will be enough, from all three of you. Wren turned away in disgust and walked off the bridge with Aryl.
Tessa remained silent next to Commander Mardukas who replied, "I see we may have some issues again." Commander Ward spoke, "That is putting it mildly, Richard." Commander Kalinin spoke, "The US Navy Lieutenant? How is he?"
Drake replied, "Defrosted. He told us what he saw of that sub, and Lieutenant Norton filled in the blanks. All of it was advanced, too advanced for our liking." Commander Kalinin replied, "It appears we did not get all the data back that was stolen by Gauron. However with the destruction of that vessel, they will have a large setback to contend with."
Captain Andrew Simms spoke, "I'll be returning him to Osaka by tonight. He stated to Drake that he can trust some people there to open an investigation into the Sea Dragon, though it will matter little now since Sailor is dead."
Captain Testarossa spoke, "How much can he be trusted with knowledge of you and the Morison, Captain?"
Commander Ward replied, "I think he understands our position but did ask one favor Madam Captain." Tessa replied "Yes Commander?" Drake swallowed, "No more undersea chicken with US Submarines."
Commander Mardukas glancing at Captain Testarossa replied, "I believe such a thing can be arranged."
Wednesday, 1900 hours, Sea-Alfa Pacific, The Grand Sea Hotel Atrium
Kaname Chidori walked towards the elevators to take her to the upper floors when a figure stepped out from a decorative column into her path. Looking more closely, she smiled "Hello Souska, what took so long?" Souska Sagara replied, "There was a slight detour Miss Chidori; however I hope you like these." Kaname nodded and accepted the lilies, the soft blue petals fragrance seeming to cheer both up.
Wednesday, 2030 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka was helped into the helicopter by a crewwoman who helped with his seatbelt harness. Standing outside the aircraft, were Captain Andrew Simms and Commander Drake Ward.
Captain Simms spoke, "Marcy, I appreciate what you did. Going against Killy was not easy to do." Lieutenant Takenaka replied, "Captain. Captain Sailor chose his own path to destruction, and it was only a matter of time of when and where."
Commander Ward spoke, "True. The behavior he exhibited was likely starting to even unnerve those controlling him."
Lieutenant Takenaka replied, "Perhaps with information given to the proper authorities there will be no attempts to form another such operation." Captain Simms nodded then replied, "What you have will be an eye opener for JAG and they will run with it. Thank you again, Marcy." Holding out his hand to Marcy who shook it, Captain Simms turned and walked away.
Marcy spoke, "Commander Ward? Will we see each other again?" Commander Drake Ward replied, "That will depend entirely upon your decision. Give it some thought; don't rush it, and when you think you are ready, well you have the number but remember Marcy there can be no going back when you do. Good luck Lieutenant."
Shaking hands, the Commander pulled the door shut and gave a thumb up to a deck crewman standing at a control panel and turned away as the alarm bells signaling activation of the elevator sounded.
Saturday, 0900 hours, Melida Island, Mithril Operations Base
Walking next to Commander Lewis Strong, Captain Andrew Simms spoke "So I guess you saw the broadcasts?" Lewis replied, "Yeah I did. It explained a lot of things. The Secretary of Defense resigning, and the arrest of three senior ranking generals and one about to retire admiral, the exposure of the black budget they had, it is a big mess. I guess you saw the video of the abandoned Aleutians base?"
Andrew spoke, "Yes I did. I am assuming that was where Sea Dragon had been assigned at. Of course the Russians claimed to have destroyed an interloper that destroyed a research platform in the Bering Sea. Killy sure did get around a lot."
Lewis replied, "That he did. By the way have you figured out a way to deal with our three "Whispered"? I heard Tessa really gave both of them headaches, and well they have been seeking to have it out. Base Security is getting weary of it."
Andrew replied, "Yeah, I know. I thought they would have cooled down by the time we got back. Sergeant Gallium, my Master-At-Arms did not enjoy having to carry both over his shoulders when he left the dock, but I've something in mind." Lewis stopped his wheel chair, "Really? What is it?" Andrew smiled, "A little bit of Drill-Sergeant love."
Lewis spoke, "Say what?" as his wheelchair jolted to a stop.
Sergeant Major's Mao and Wu waited on either side of the obstacle course, their screams of disparagement being heard rather clearly. Mao enjoying herself immensely yelled, "Tessa! You call yourself a Captain! Get lower, Wren! Aryl! Stop slacking work together!"
Commander Kalinin watched as the three "Whispered" were put through the obstacle course. Feeling a presence behind him he turned and then greeted Captain Simms, "Good morning Andrew." Andrew perched on the outcropping next to Andrei replied, "That it is. How is the "There is no "I" in teamwork progressing?" Andrei spoke, "Rather well, Andrew. It is reinforcing the command structure while highlighting, the goal of teamwork."
Andrew spoke, "I had considered just letting Tessa and Wren settling it amongst themselves, perhaps with a boxing match but that would have left out Aryl, so I came up with this instead. Mao and Wu were agreeable to it and so here we are."
Andrei replied, "It is having an effect on all three. Tessa seems to realize now, that she is not the only one that can be called on to handle things; and Wren with Aryl is following Tessa's commands and she is in return listening to suggestive criticisms."
Wren spoke, "To your right Tessa! Turn over then slide thru." Muddy, hot and sweaty all three "Whispered" pushed, pulled and dragged the package between them pausing as another paint round slammed into the dirt. That courtesy of Sergeant Kurtz Weber firing alternatively with Sergeant Graham Jaunay, they were forcing them to keep their heads low.
Ensign Aryl the smallest of the trio took a short cut and slid through a muddy and water filled hole and at its edge grabbed the line attached to the package as it was thrown by Tessa. Judging the distance to the next opening, Aryl flipped over the wire and landed safely but on her back as another round splattered into the ground where she had been moments before.
Sergeant Major Wu removed the flag from her pocket and waved it signaling an end to the ordeal for all three, as Tessa reached for Wren's outstretched hand and pulled her through the final obstacle
The footsteps behind them announced their visitors, as Commander Andrei Kalinin and Captain Andrew Simms with a back pack joined them at the end of the course.
Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl both tried to stand, but they were exhausted and laid back onto the ground. Sergeant Major Mao saluted, "Mission complete, Commander, Captain."
Captain Simms returned the salute and removed the backpack setting it on the ground spoke, "Thank you both for your efforts and relay that to your firing teams. Their efforts did not go unnoticed either." Sergeant Major Mao replied "Anything else we can do Sir?"
Andrew replied, "No that will be all, both of you are dismissed. I and Commander Kalinin will see that they get back to quarters." Both Sergeant Majors saluted then walked away, "Say Guan-yin, have you been shopping in Tokyo? There is a wicked store there…"
Captain Teletha Testarossa felt a tap on her shoulder as Captain Simms handed her a cold drink, "Pass it along. You three need to be rehydrated. Pass it along to your team, Tessa." Andrew waited as all three gulped the drinks down, and then spoke "You learn anything from this Captain?"
Tessa replied, "It is team work that accomplishes the goals set forth in the mission plan." Andrew removing an orange and passing it to Andrei who sliced it in half then into quarters, "What ever prompted you to act in such a rash manner, I truly hope you never do that again Tessa. Let me tell you a little story."
Andrew spoke, "A young engineer, with the lowest rank of all stood her watch monitoring what the power plant was doing. She saw the problem develop and made the notifications. But did she stop there? No she did not. Being the lowest of lows in an engine room means she got most of the dirty jobs, the hot ones. She did not wait for orders, and instead took action. When her crewmates returned, she was in position and waiting and for nearly six hours she lay on her stomach as another passed the life giving fluid to her so she could keep a critical component cool. In the end she helped save the life of a man she did not know, who in turn would offer time critical information that would save others."
Tessa replied, "The team work, saved something else too?" Andrew replied, "Yes it did. It saved the Tuatha de Danaan. Her efforts and that of her crewmates allowed me to continue running at 125 percent above recommended output levels, so I could get there in time. That young enginemen endured 55 degree plus Celsius temperatures to keep the port shaft spinning on the Samuel Eliot Morison. She could not be replaced, because she was the smallest that could fit inside that bearing well. She did her job without complaint, and remained focused on the mission at hand. Think about her next time Captain Testarossa and remember how many people it takes to get just one submarine underway on a mission and to support it during that mission."
Rising to his feet, Andrew picked up the backpack, "I think you three have learned your lesson. We'll give you lift back to your quarters." Captain Testarossa standing replied, "No Captain, we will walk all three of us. It will be over when we return to quarters on our own."
Helping each other the three "Whispered" set off on foot for the 6 kilometer march, supporting each other as they went, the base personnel who witnessed their march, three dirty, muddy young women having forged a friendship refusing any offers of help marched together as one.
Commander Kalinin observing from the passenger seat of the idling jeep as it followed the trio spoke, "It appears that their bond has finally formed Captain Simms." Andrew at the wheel spoke, "Sometimes it takes a little incentive. Care for a game of chess before I fly to Tokyo?" Andrei replied, "That Captain sounds most agreeable."