Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Eight

Deep Gambit

By Steve Edward

Sunday, 1700 hours, Apartment of Captain Andrew Simms, Mithril Apartment Complex

Andrew studied his appearance in the mirror, and then turning his shirt collar up put on his neck tie which he began to knot as the knock on the front door interrupted. Calling out and asking who it was and hearing Commander Drake Wards voice, Andrew undid the lock and let the commander in.

Drake gave a slow whistle in appreciation, "Well my man. You are certainly spiffed up! Just who is the date? Let me guess, could it be a certain Japanese school teacher named Miss Eri Kagurazaka by chance?"

Andrew paused and frowned then undid the knot, "Guilty as charged. Why the heck are you so suddenly interested, if I may ask?" Drake pulling the drape slightly aside as he peered out the balcony glass door replied, "Well Captain Testarossa was hot under the collar when she came to your apartment and it was the kick panel she took out by the way and not the entire door. Thank goodness for the Mithril maintenance staff, anyway she found both Sergeant Majors who were in their own apartment by then and had a row with both then left to the high school, which is where they found you. Then our Madam Captain came steaming back in here with a full head of steam, scaring the heck out of Charlotte who was just coming back from shopping, when said Madam Captain did a power slide into the parking lot with that car of hers and she retired to her apartment with Wren and Aryl in tow."

Andrew satisfied with the knot turned from the mirror, "Drake? What are you looking at? And what this about our Madam Captain's car?" as Drake let the drapery return to its original position he turned to face Andrew "Well for one thing, I think Madam Captain is jealous as is Wren and Aryl and they are following your movements closely as in surveillance and our Madam Captain has transportation that pretty much allows her unrestricted movement at will and she is not afraid to use it. You better take a look and remember what it looks like because it is going to be your ghost tonight."

Andrew joined Drake and did as he asked and looked briefly at the car, which was a Japanese high performance sports car. Letting the drape fall back, Andrew turned back and entered the living room followed by Drake, "Ok so she has a rather nice car, albeit she may need some driving lessons which I will leave to Commander Mardukas or Commander Kalinin to deal with, why do you think all three are jealous? All that happened was that Mao and Wu had borrowed empty bedrooms for the night and yes I have to admit, they were walking around in towels it is obviously nothing that we grown adults have not seen before. Maybe I pushed the commingling thing a bit too far, but to upset Tessa over that and have her jealous? Come on Drake get real!"

Drake studied Andrew then spoke, "Father figure, my man. That is what this is all about! Think about it Captain! Testarossa sees you as a father figure, one that will take little back talk and when push comes to shove will ignore her commands. Then there was that little matter of you and me when we were in the Atlanta, chasing her all over the Indian Ocean! You were the only one to challenge her authority and to shake her confidence. It was her after all who sent Mardukas after you all the way in the states to recruit you for Mithril and to command the next super sub, the Samuel Eliot Morison. Hell she even let you name the damned thing. If I recall correctly she was going to name it Leonardo da Vinci or something to that effect"

Andrew glanced at his watch and said, "Look Drake I appreciate the insight, but I have to get going." Drake Ward replied, "I am not finished. There is then the matter of Lieutenant Alice Wren. She was what just shy of her 17th birthday when you and she met for the first time. No family to speak of, a "Whispered" no less. She lit up like a light bulb when she shook your hand for the first time. You took her under your wing and began to teach her the ways of a submariner. What ever training she had or how she had been trained or instructed seemed to have dulled her out look on life. It all changed that day Andrew when you sat behind her in that simulation tank and pointed out certain things to her, and never ever raised your voice in anger. Then our little ensign, Aryl, another "Whispered" who as it turned out had been onboard that freighter that you and I were under orders to sink! Guess who she has been looking up to as a father figure? It is certainly not Doc Albert! It is you Andrew, and frankly they have it in their minds that they are going to lose you to another woman, who was drawn to your side like a magnet."

Andrew getting to his feet and heading for the door, "Drake, thanks for the lovely trip down memory lane, but I find it a bit absurd to hear such a thing from you in the first place. You have been onboard the Morison just as long as I have and you have interacted with Wren and Aryl just about as much as I have so being labeled a father figure just can not be the case. Tessa has Wren and Aryl stirred up over something rather trivial in the first place, and that is what it is really all about. I am sorry but I have to really get going if I am going to catch that train. See you later."

Sunday, 1730 hours, Mithril Apartment Complex, Bus Stop

Behind Andrew in the apartment complex, the block party was starting. Both Mao and Wu waved at him as they were getting the burgers off the grill manned by Sergeant Troy Gallium who was taking time off for the week from duties on the Samuel Eliot Morison.

Andrew getting off the bench casually looked around, but did not see Testarossa, Wren or Aryl. Shrugging his shoulders, he boarded the bus after it came to a stop.

Commander Drake Ward spelling Sergeant Gallium at the grill had his back to Testarossa's car when it started. He had seen Andrew get on the bus and watched it leave towards the transit train station. Charlotte bringing fresh burgers to the grill saw Tessa drive off hurriedly, "Drake? Did you talk to Andrew?" Drake setting the fresh patties on the grill replied, "Till I was nearly blue in the face. I don't know if he really understands the father figure aspect." Charlotte setting the platter near the grill walked off towards where Sergeant Major Mao and Wu were sitting and joined them.

Sergeant Major Melissa Mao welcomed Charlotte by hefting a can of soda. (Commander Ward had banned any beer.) "Mrs. Ward great burgers!" as Charlotte dressing her own burger spoke, "Thank you Melissa. I've been meaning to ask you and Wu about what happened this morning. Can either of you care to explain Madam Captain's angry outburst at the both of you?"

Sergeant Major Guan-yin Wu taking a sip of soda spoke, "Captain Simms had invited both of us to stay within his apartment since he had two spare bedrooms because our own apartment was not yet ready. Captain Testarossa called him this morning apparently from Melida Island and saw both of us in towels as we were returning from taking showers in separate bathrooms. She immediately disconnected, but then a few minutes later called back while we three were having breakfast together, all fully dressed at his dinner table and she became rather angry at the sight of us together."

Charlotte Ward swallowed a bite of her burger, "So Captain Testarossa saw you three together in the apartment? I am familiar with US Navy regulations when it comes to relationships between enlisted and officer, but tell me Melissa what are the rules regarding living arraignments in Mithril?" Melissa after chugging her soda replied, "Well the rules are similar, but not as strict. An officer can marry enlisted and vice versa. One can also live together if each agrees to it."

Charlotte mused silently, "Well you learn something new everyday," as she replied "What was the argument between you two and Testarossa? My son Raymond watched Madam Captain kick the door panel out of Captain Simms's apartment door, go in and then come out and watched them as they made a bee-line to your apartment."

Wu spoke, "Madam Captain demanded we explain why we were in his apartment in first place. She felt that what we had done was inappropriate, but Mao did best to assure all three that there had been no hanky panky as she called it. The little one, Ensign Aryl did not believe it and tried to kick Mao, but I put stop to it and told all three to leave and grow up as it was none of their business what we did with Captain Simms."

Charlotte thanked both Sergeant Majors and left their table and joined her husband Drake sitting nearby, "Drake? Just how close is Andrew to those three young women? I mean how much influence does he exert over all three including Madam Captain?"

Commander Ward munching on a cucumber spoke "Well when Andrew was recruited by Mardukas in Savannah, it was on the premise of taking command of a submarine. But when the whole ball of wax was revealed to him; it became more of being a sea going instructor. In Tessa's case, Andrew was tasked with teaching her the fine arts of submarine engagements among other things. And he did not have to directly follow her orders. Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin and Commander Richard Mardukas are her advisors only, and do not wield power over her. They are there mainly to back her up if she happens to get over her head and when it comes to making sure her orders are carried out in a reasonable fashion."

Drake glanced around and continued, "As for Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl, Alice is of course part of the crew of Morison and is his confidant in many decisions, even though I am his Executive Officer. Wren could be considered the number two person on the boat and as such it actually allows me to handle the administrative side of things, from our air wing to engineering and everything in between which frees Andrew up for other things. Aryl, well she is a student if you will and her classroom is Morison. Don't let her age or size fool you, she is very intelligent and is in the equivalent education level of a third year collage student. Oh another thing, her computer programming skills are growing three-fold. In another year or so that little ensign will be able to write her own programs."

Charlotte replied, "Well that explains why Testarossa is uptight. She is afraid of loosing Andrew. While Andrei and Richard are merely advisors only, he is one that can say yah or nay to her and to openly challenge her. You told me, that Morison has anti-submarine stand-off weapons, meaning he could have used those from a greater distance but instead he went in close and got personal with Killy. Why did he do that?"

Drake replied, "Tessa was close, almost too close for comfort. Andrew knew that even with Mardukas and Kalinin onboard that the risk of Killy getting lucky was too high so he told Tessa to back off and drew Killy to us. While we were playing deep diver, and Killy came deep after us; Andrew took away Killy's ability to launch a nasty little missile called "Hammer-Head". Killy became focused on us and forgot his original target. You see Tessa, did not fully know Killy or how he behaved, and Andrew did and used that to his advantage. When Andrew found Killy and baited him, we were deeper. Killy realized too late and walked right into a full vertical spread and tried to go back down but we reloaded fast enough and fired a full horizontal spread, just as Tessa who Killy had forgotten fired too. Classic pincer engagement, no place to go and Killy was blown to bits."

Charlotte replied, "So Tessa had watched the maneuvers that Andrew had ordered. He was keeping himself between Killy and her. He became her protector at nearly 2000 meters, shielding her. If Killy had managed to engage you and Andrew, Morison would have been in the firing path, instead of the Tuatha de Danaan." Drake replied, "Which pretty much amounts to the father figure aspect. Andrew is a protector of the "Whispered" and Teletha does not want to loose him to another woman."

Sunday, 1900 hours, Restaurant Yum Yum, Shibaura District, Tokyo

Captain Andrew Simms greeted Eri Kagurazaka just outside the entrance of the restaurant then together they entered. Andrew did not miss Tessa, who had tried to park unobtrusively, but the parking lot of the restaurant was nearly empty. Musing to himself, "Ok, so they did come. Now all I need is for them to come in and have dinner and that will make my day."

"Miss Kagurazaka, please allow me to order for the both of us" as Andrew taking the menu from the waiter perused it and then spoke to the waiter, "We will start with the bouillabaisse with crab and then have peppercorn pork and garlic bread. No wine please, I prefer green tea with mint and a dollop of honey and please bring coffee. Eri is that suitable?" Eri replied, "That will be fine Andrew."

Alice Wren trying to appear casual as she walked past the windows of the restaurant looked in but could not see either Andrew or Eri, communicated silently with both Teletha and Aryl "Tessa, I think they are in the far back." Returning to where Tessa had parked, Alice spoke "Well we are dressed for an evening on the town so let's go in. We can at least watch him and that teacher."

Andrew glanced up then closed his eyes and reopened them, "Aw nuts," musing silently when Teletha, Alice and Aryl walked in. Thankfully the waiter seated them by the window.

Eri Kagurazaka setting her tea cup down "Andrew, I was rather happy to hear that you could fill in for the history teacher again. The students still talk about your last teaching visit and when my students saw you on Sea-Alpha Pacific, everyone was surprised. I had forgotten you did part time consulting work besides teaching."

Andrew glanced over to Teletha's table replied, "I guess my timing was right. Sea-Alfa had some security matters that they needed to have addressed and so their consortium chose me for the job. I can say that things were ironed out there." Eri replied, "Well Andrew, considering the circumstances of your situation have you ever considered giving teaching a full time try?"

"That was unexpected," Andrew said "Yes I have, but my schedule is still rather full and I do have other consulting contracts that I have to honor." Eri smiled slightly as she watched his facial expression. Andrew felt Eri's foot as it went up from his ankle and stopping at his knee returned downward.

Aryl have the best angle to seeing what was going on, quietly informed Tessa "She is running her foot up and down his leg!" Andrew smiled slightly, "Playing footsie Eri?"

Eri sampling the peppercorn pork "One is never too old Andrew," as he carefully stopped the game least somebody nearby got more than they wanted to see.

Andrew spoke, "I'll take on the substitute positions when possible Eri, but I can not guarantee being available all the time." Eri replied "The administrators understand and would be willing to work around your current schedule. You see the students talked to others students attending similar courses at other schools and no one approaches or teaches the subject as you do. There was a rumor that someone video recorded one of your lessons and has been sending copies out to those who request it, so Andrew it seems you have made a name for yourself, and regardless of what happened in the past you have a bright future here."

Sunday, 2100 hours, Apartment of Eri Kagurazaka

After paying for their dinner, Andrew and Eri walked to the transit station together. Surprisingly, Eri lived only four kilometers from his own apartment. Andrew congratulated himself slightly in the fact that Testarossa, Wren and Aryl had been "left behind" at the Yum Yum, and had not seen the route he and Eri had taken. Andrew suspected that there would be a greeting party somewhere between the transit station and the Mithril Apartment Complex.

Opening her apartment door, Andrew ushered Eri over the threshold but did not enter himself, "Miss Kagurazaka, it was a pleasure. I hope that we may do it again?" Eri bowed slightly and smiled, "Yes it was most enjoyable, however Andrew one must persuade younger women not to follow their elders on dates." Andrew blankly replied, "You knew?" Eri softly laughing replied, "Yes. I could see them in the mirror behind you, if you like I could have a woman to woman talk to all three, perhaps help them understand?"

Andrew smiled, "I might have to take you up on that offer, Eri. I'll see you at school in the morning. Good night."

Sunday, 2130 hours, Near Mithril Apartment Complex

Andrew had debated hailing a cab, but decided against it. The walk would do him good. The offer to teach full time from Eri had been unexpected. He enjoyed the opportunity to teach when possible. After his resignation from the Navy, he had put feelers out for a teaching position at several collages; but due to the controversy of his departure all had declined.

Mentally going over tomorrows lesson plan, he nearly missed the whimper and sob of someone in pain while walking past a small park. Stopping, Andrew turned towards the source and in the light of a street light; the diffused color of blood nearly black glistened from the sidewalk.

Aryl stared out the passenger widow of Testarossa's car looking at the pedestrians as they passed. Captain Simms had given all three the slip after leaving the restaurant with Miss Kagurazaka. By the time they had hurriedly paid their bill, the captain and teacher had disappeared.

Alice Wren spotted Captain Simms standing motionless on the side of the street and pointing him out to Tessa who steered the car to the curb, Tessa rolled down her window "Captain Simms, I need to speak with you now." Andrew turned towards her "Tessa! Not right now. Get your medical kit out of the car. Lieutenant Wren, please follow me. Ensign Aryl stay in the car."

The pain and burning came from her hands and arms; she could find no relief from it. She felt the burning from her side as well as cautious footsteps approached. She had stayed late with friends and her mother calling to admonish her; had told Chie to hurry home, so she had cut through the park.

Andrew scanned the area quickly and opened the first aid kit as Wren stepped past to come to the girls other side, "Wren, have them dial the emergency number; 119 and get an ambulance now with police too." Wren did not move, but continued to help with the bandages "Tessa has been told. They are going to the complex for help." The squalling of tires announced Testarossa's departure.

Speaking softly to the young girl who had curled herself up in a fetal position, Andrew carefully rolled her onto her back. "What's you name?" Chie looked from Wren to Andrew then spoke "Chie."

Sergeant Olina Pederson was the first to hear the calls for help from Testarossa when she pulled into the parking lot. Still on light duty orders, it did not stop Olina from alerting others and joining them. The apartment complex transport van loaded with Doctor George Albert, both Sergeant Majors and with Sergeants Gallium and Pederson and Commander Drake Ward, roared out of the parking lot following Teletha back to the gruesome scene.

The first police car on the scene manned by a rookie officer and his senior partner a grizzled Tokyo police sergeant had joined Captain Andrew Simms. The rookie cop, unable to stomach the amount of blood, was still trying to retch the remaining contents of his stomach into a flower bed as the transport van screeched to a stop

Both the police sergeant and Andrew worked carefully and quickly as possible applying bandages. The sergeant had pulled Wren away and had taken her place, Andrew turned towards the hurried footsteps and seeing Doctor Albert "George, multiple wounds both offensive and defensive injuries. Major bleeding to the left side and I can not stop it."

George replied, "I'll take your place. Have that police sergeant find out where that ambulance is. I doubt his partner is in any shape to talk on their radio," as he jabbed a thumb in the direction of the rookie cop. Andrew coming to his feet turned toward Commander Ward, who was coming from the van "Drake, we need to check the area and see if there are any other victims. Sergeant Majors, divide up in pairs. One high and one low each side. I'll take point. Drake please watch after Tessa, Wren and Aryl. Be back in a few."

Drake replied, "You might want this," as he shielded the PPK from the Tokyo police sergeant's view; Andrew shook his head no "I am going to have enough explaining to do. Keep it out of sight; I'll be fine since I have my staff."

Doctor Albert, using years of surgical experience with gloved finger tips, gentle inserted his fingers into the more serious wound on the girl's side and sought out the bleeding. One would worry about infections later; if the blood being pumped out was not stopped infection would matter little. Finding the source, with thumb and forefinger Doctor Albert clamped the artery closed then with his free hand began inserting sterile gauze.

Commander Ward scanned the area warily, as Andrew in the lead with the combat teams searched the area. It was an open and inviting park, one of hundreds in Tokyo that had been established for green space. The stone retaining walls that rose above him on either side stretched for some 50 meters in either direction. But neither would offer very good concealment for long.

Most of the grassy area was visible, but squatting slightly, Drake Ward looked again. The decorative security lighting would be in the eyes of someone small in stature, who would find the lights casting a glow into their eyes. The young girl likely ambushed near the entrance had been dragged back into the park. If she had lain on the sidewalk, passing drivers would have missed her anyway because of the guardrails lining the roadway, and with only a narrow opening for pedestrians the darkness had hid her even more between the retaining walls. Simms finding the blood trail had been the only indication that there had been a crime here.

An ambulance screeched to a halt, and the medical team hurried to where Doctor Albert crouched. George who spoke Japanese was finishing up the medical briefing as Andrew Simms returned with the search teams, "I will be riding with you to the hospital as she will need urgent surgery and I am credentialed at that hospital. Notify them to have a surgical room ready when we arrive."

George stretched his slender frame as he came to his feet, "Andrew, I'll go with her to the hospital. The police sergeant has her identification." Andrew about to turn away was stopped as the doctor placed his hand on his arm "Andrew. The girl is a Jendi High School student. Third year." Captain Simms replied "I have the contact number for school system information center. I'll have the parents there as soon as possible."

The police sergeant interrupted, "Excuse me doctors, but a detective is on the way here now. Can you both speak with him?" Albert about to reply was stopped as Andrew spoke, "He can speak with me directly. The man next to me is a qualified neurosurgeon and his skills will be need at the hospital." The sergeant nodded and allowed Doctor Albert to leave.

Andrew spoke, "Follow me. The people that are with me are contract security specialists and work closely with me. I believe we have found where the attack began." Pausing briefly with Commander Drake Ward, Andrew spoke "Get the ladies back to their apartments and then contact Lieutenant Commander Kalinin and inform him of what happened, then have Mao get the equipment prepped and put them on standby and have Jaunay and Weber flown in." Drake smiled, "Sounds like you want to go hunting." Andrew replied, "Yeah you could say that."

Monday, 0700 hours, Jendi High School Staff Lounge

Eri Kagurazaka rapped the podium with her pen "Thank you all for arriving early. Doctor Simms who is substituting this week in history will now speak. Doctor Simms, you have the floor." Thanking Eri, Andrew took her place.

"I know I am just filling in, but I was the person who found the student who had been attacked on Sunday. According to the Tokyo Police, this was not the first attack but the fourth since Friday evening." The stirring of the voices caused Andrew to pause as he waited for them to stop.

"Two middle school students, and now two Jendi High School students. The two middle school students were attacked on Friday, the first Jendi student a freshman was late Saturday evening and the second Jendi student a junior was attacked late Sunday evening. All the attacks took place in or near parks. All were attacked with knives and who ever the attacker is knows how to handle the weapon with great skill."

Eri spoke, "Doctor the school was not informed of the attack on the first Jendi student till this morning. I expect they were going to do the same thing in Chie's attack had you not found her." Andrew replied, "The detectives working this case and others similar in nature were not trying to tip their hands on what they know plus they did not want panic to ensue; but unfortunately as you have already seen the morning news broadcasts Miss Kagurazaka the news reports will spread panic, and that is the last thing we need."

The injuries to the student named Chie were meant to maim and disfigure but Doctor George Albert skill as a surgeon had saved her from suffering permanent scarring. The robotic laser scalpels and skin knitters utilized by Albert in surgery were top of the line and cutting edge. Repairing the severed tendons in both wrists had been a priority. Chie played piano and without use of her hands, she would have been unable to continue her studies. Chie had also lost one kidney in the attack. But at still such a young age she would be able to go through life with just one.

Eri spoke, "Doctor Simms, many parents are voicing concerns over safety of their children transiting to and from school. Will the police be able to assist with providing some semblance of security?"

Andrew replied, "Obviously they can not have an officer on every corner but there will be an increased presence in our school district since all the attacks have taken place in the surrounding areas of the school. I recommend that all the teachers brief their respective students on safety in numbers, though the two middle school students were together when attacked each made enough of a ruckus to attract attention which saved them from serious injuries. As for the description of the attacker, there is very little to go on. He wears a knit pull over ski mask black in color with dark clothing and a leather jacket. So if someone is seen walking around in such a getup and since it has been at or above 23 degrees Celsius all week and no cooler than 18 degrees Celsius they need to alert someone to that persons manner of dress."

Captain Teletha Testarossa and Lieutenant Alice Wren were sitting next to Kaname Chidori when Miss Kagurazaka entered the classroom. Sergeant Souska Sagara sitting behind all three was all business and had been since 0500 hours. Captain Simms had spoken very little while at the gymnasium at the apartment complex, but what he had conveyed to Souska had been chilling. "Sergeant, the attacker is proficient with close in hand to hand combat tactics. The average civilian man or women and even child would not be able to protect themselves. If you have to go up against him, don't give them room to maneuver. It will have to be up close and very, very personal."

Eri called the class to attention, "Many of you have already heard of the attacks against students attending both middle and high school of Jendi. Till the person responsible is caught, I ask that all of you go to and from school in large numbers. Those who may not have others living close by to them can be escorted till you arrive home. Please contact me after home room if that is the case. That is all."

Andrew had no first period class so it had allowed him to prepare for the upcoming class. Feeling a presence behind him, he turned. Captain Teletha Testarossa stood in the doorway, "Andrew may we talk? I have first period free?" Andrew spoke, "Take a seat. You are in my second period anyway."

Teletha took a desk then spoke, "I must apologize for my rude behavior. I overreacted when I saw Mao and Wu in your apartment, then when you went out with Miss Kagurazaka, I did not feel right with your…" Unable to complete the sentence, Teletha stopped.

Andrew returning to his desk replied, "My relationships? Mao and Wu are 13 and 15 years of age younger than me Tessa, and I do have standards that I will not cross. Did you think that of all things?" Getting up from his desk and walking to the rear of the classroom with a CD to put into a computer, "Seriously Tessa, I am used to living with members of the opposite sex. I had women on my Navy boat and I have them on Morison. Including Wren and Aryl I have 180 women onboard when underway to 170 men. You have about the same ratio on Danaan. Having both Mao and Wu walking around in nothing but towels is nothing new. I see it everyday. As for Miss Kagurazaka, well that is different. A year's difference in age. She is 39 and I am 40."

A soft knock interrupted as a faculty member at the door of the classroom entered and left a message on Andrew's desk and then departed. Andrew waiting till the man left continued, "I have no idea why she is attracted to me. I am of sorts attracted to her, but nothing serious as of yet. Drake Ward had a chat with me yesterday and I came to an understanding last night with what he said, so I can understand your view."

Tessa replied, "We overdid it?" Andrew spoke "Eri spotted all of you in the restaurant and likely figured things out. She also offered me a full time teaching position, but I did decline, so there will be no further worries as I will still be around to challenge you when needed." Teletha replied, "Thank you, Captain Simms. I am grateful." Then she opened her history book and began to study.

Monday, 1100 hours, Jendi High School History Classroom

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin stood outside as Captain Andrew Simms in his role of Doctor Simms spoke, "The turning point in history was the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War in the year 1904. Due to concerns over having an unstable region; then U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt assisted in negotiations that would set Japan on the path of becoming an Imperial Power by holding negotiations in 1905 after the Japanese Imperial Navy defeated the Russian Imperial Fleet in the Battle of Tusuhima. Your homework will be to outline the impact of the Treaty of Portsmouth, and how its ramifications are still being felt today some 130 years after it was signed. Thank you for your interest. You are dismissed."

Andrei waited till the last student had departed then entered the classroom closing the door behind him, "Interesting topic Andrew," as Simms walked to the rear of the classroom; he replied "It is an interesting topic to say the least. One might say that on September 5th, 1905 were sown the beginnings of what would be called World War II. So what brings you here Andrei?"

Andrei replied, "Concerns over the safety of the "Whispered". You should know this is not the first such attack in Japan." Andrew retrieving the CD spoke, "So my queries set off some alarm bells?"

Andrei leaning against the desk replied, "Yes they did. In six of the incidents, at least four of twelve victims were suspected of being "Whisper" candidates. All told including the incident from last night there have been 12 attacks in all."

Andrew returned to his desk, "Ok, so how much does the local police know?" Andrei walking to the classroom widow spoke, "They only believe that it is isolated, and not a serial event contrary to one's own personal knowledge." Andrew sighing replied "Terrific. Attacks on school children are rare in Japan. Surely somebody might have connected the dots by now?" Andrei replied, "The attacks were widely scattered and occurred in different prefectures months apart. It is perhaps wise that the local police involvement is low key, as this will benefit us."

Andrew closing his briefcase replied, "So Mithril has approved of my request?" Andrei spoke "Yes they have, but with limitations. A maximum number of four M9's and a class B load out. Only two of the M9's should be active at anyone time under normal surveillance operations. Any greater number could result in being detected by the Self-Defense Force. As for additional personnel, what we currently have in place will have to suffice with the exception of Sergeants Weber and Jaunay. They are at the apartment complex now, making preparations for this afternoons escort and surveillance of the students. It need not be said captain that our operations here must remain undetected and the "Whispered" that are currently here; their safety must take precedence."

Andrew going to the window next to Andrei replied, "The "Whispered" that we have here will be safe, however what worries me the most is the undiscovered. If Mithril has a crystal ball that can help us focus our protective measures better it would be helpful to have some information on the candidates, because if the pattern holds up our attacker will be going after another "Whispered" real soon. By the way Andrei, who is responsible for giving Teletha driving lessons?"

Kalinin turned looking somewhat perplexed, "Driving lessons Captain?" Andrew replied, "As in driving a car. I draw the line at that. Teaching her how to do combat maneuvers with a submarine is one thing, but driving a car; well that is somebody else's department. Would you find time to give her some lessons, her driving is atrocious. See you later Commander."