Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Three

Commencement

By Steve Edward

Monday, 1600 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

"All I can say is that it was accident waiting to happen," said Bert Lance as he turned slowly in his chair away from the display screen showing the mangled wreckage in the interior of the freighters' cargo hold.

Captain Simms with chin cupped in his left hand gazed at the screen then said "So when the ship sank, the pressurized carriers of all six units ruptured and collapsed when it reached an estimated 500 meter mark?"

Bert smiled and nodded "Somewhere there about's. It did not help matters that those containers broke loose of their deck mountings, so during the sinking they were making one heck of a mess of the internal bulkheads before they joined their comrades in the forward hold."

The single overhead pass conducted by the JUAS survey team had revealed little in way of damage. It was after the Samuel Eliot Morison had moved into position some 500 meters from the wreck and had deployed the ROV's piloted by Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl that they had found what had likely caused the ship to sink and of course the cargo or what was left of it.

"Physics took over Captain," said Lieutenant Wren as she spoke from the control center of the ROV's. Captain Simms watched as the video display changed, the ROV showing the video moving back slightly then stopping.

"All the containers were filled with inert nitrogen as a way to determine if there was a leak. This left space within and of course in general theory this would provide a protective cocoon to the individual Sarin capsules within their individual shock mounts. However during the violent demise of the ship, as the containers were being battered about, they reached a point that the engineers who had designed the containers had no way of testing for this scenario. Outer pressures exceed interior and the protective casing rapidly failed and then imploded, much like the hull of a submarine would when sinking."

Lieutenant Wren then turning her ROV around to face Ensign Aryl's said "On the other hand, had they filled the containers with water vice nitrogen we might be looking at an entirely different situation, Sir."

Bert Lance said in reply "That would have been true lass, had it been any other chemical but because they were transporting Sarin, they could not risk a capsules leakage into water because of the Sarin's properties so it was inert gas."

Captain Simms said "Well either way we got lucky. There were six containers with 6 capsules totaling 36 in all and we have accounted for all of them and each one is damaged and open to the sea, which is what we were here for. Lieutenant Wren, Ensign Aryl begin your withdrawal from the wreck and bring the ROV's back to their garage. Mister Lance, thank you for your work and the same for you Wren and Aryl."

Captain Simms stood then shaking hands with Bert Lance, departed for his cabin as Bert turned to video screen he spoke, "Ok lassies, slow and easy. I'll be with you shortly."

Captain Simms entered his cabin, but left the door open. Taking a seat at his desk, he activated the computer work station and began to type his report.

"Initial approach to the wreck was on parallel course and once in position the ROV's were launched.

From initial perspective the ship appeared undamaged, however upon closer examination, it was found to have severe structural damage consistent with a vessel having been lifted between two waves, and nearly breaking in half.

Further inspection revealed that the cargo containers carrying the Sarin had ruptured during the sinking and having broken free of their deck mountings had joined the two most forward cargo containers which had also ruptured which opened the contents of the Sarin capsules to the sea. All capsules have been accounted for in the wreckage and out of respect for the men that died on the ship, no further explorations will be carried out. For further technical engineering analysis, see the attached report of Mithril Engineer Bert Lance."

Simms leaned back in his chair slightly and looked towards the overhead in thought as the knock at the open door intruded, turning to see Lieutenant Takenaka standing in the passageway, Andrew said "You may enter Marcy. What do you have for me?"

Marcy approached Captain Simms and held out a PDA which he gave to Andrew then said "Commander Ward wishes to inform you that we have begun our ascent to ordered depth of 150 meters. Due to the ROV's still outside the skin of the boat, we will not reach ordered depth till 1700 hours."

Captain Simms signing off on several items returned the PDA to Lieutenant Takenaka then said "That will be fine," as he glanced at the bulkhead mounted chronometer. "Marcy? If you would, see about getting an update on that JUAS search team when we reach communications depth. I am kind of interested in knowing if they have made any progress for their own missing vessel."

Monday, 1700 hours, Melida Island Mithril Western Pacific Forward Combat Base

Teletha had explained to Kaname that firearms' training was important when it came to being able to defend oneself, and as Teletha had pointed out one could not necessarily depend on the protection of the security force in an emergency.

Firing a gun, Kaname detested it, but hand to hand combat practice on the other hand was by far her favorite and the subject of her ire was Sergeant Souska Sagara who had been her instructor for the weapons firing.

In the nearly two years of exposure to Souska, Lieutenant Chidori had picked up a few things and was in the process of slamming Souska into the mat backwards when the public address system in the gymnasium sounded, "Tuatha de Danaan Combat Team and Lieutenant Kaname Chidori report to Main Briefing."

Captain Teletha Testarossa sitting at the head of the conference table waited for Kaname to take her seat then said "Lieutenant Chidori, under normal circumstances one would not be sent out onto a mission so early however due to mitigating circumstances this upcoming mission will be your official commencement of your career with Mithril.

"My commencement?" as Kaname looked on in surprise. Commander Richard Mardukas said in reply "Consider it the beginning point, Lieutenant." Teletha then continued, "The Tuatha de Danaan has been tasked with investigating the remains of a World War II German Base that may be in an area called the Banda Sea, which is the dividing line between the Pacific and Indian Oceans."

Teletha nodded to Commander Mardukas who continued "The whereabouts of the alleged German Base was only recently uncovered and it was believed to have been used by both the German and Japanese governments. Researchers while finding information concerning the base, also uncovered references to a German submarine that may have been ordered sent there just before Germany fell, however it may only be rumors."

Lieutenant Chidori said "Then the satellite view showed something interesting?" Captain Testarossa said in reply, "Yes Lieutenant, the observation photographs did reveal certain things that do bear investigation."

The chirp of the intercom then as Lieutenant Commander Kalinin answered and spoke "Kalinin. Yes very well then. Patch the communications to the Briefing Room,"

As the display monitor shifted and changed, Kaname saw Captain Andrew Simms sitting in his command chair on the Samuel Eliot Morison as he spoke "Captain Testarossa Good evening."

Captain Testarossa smiling replied "Captain Simms! How is the mission progressing?" Kaname seeing Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl manning consoles behind and to the side of Captain Simms looked up briefly but turned their attention back to their stations when Andrew said in reply "Mission successfully completed as of one hour ago. Cargo was already destroyed by the sinking and impact with the ocean floor. We are transmitting the full report on our findings to you now for reading at your pleasure. Excuse me one moment, Teletha."

Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka had whispered something into Captain Simms' ear and Andrew turning about in surprise could clearly be heard saying "How in the hell did they do that?" Takenaka shrugging his shoulders at the question pointed to something on the PDA at which Captain Simms and Commander Drake Ward both looked at intently.

Captain Testarossa coughed then said "Captain Simms? Is there a problem?" Commander Ward speaking replied "Yes there is Madam Captain. Sub down; it is what we call a Navy Blue." Andrew turned back to the display to face Captain Testarossa then said "It's the JUAS exploratory mini-sub, Akio. The JUAS got lucky and found their target the Imperial Japanese Navy Submarine I-26; however they have somehow become entangled with the I-26 and are unable to surface."

Captain Testarossa tapped her finger briefly then spoke, "How deep and how long before they run out of oxygen? Lieutenant Takenaka said in reply "They have thirty-six hours of oxygen remaining and they are at 2200 meters."

Teletha spoke aloud "Too deep for normal rescue, and no time for a rescue to be mounted from either Okinawa or Japan."

Andrew nodded and said in reply "I can be over her in five hours and send out the Scorpion ROV. We can easily stay out of direct visual contact and JUAS will think we are a military submarine that just happened to hear about their problem and came by to help." Captain Testarossa said in reply "Permission is granted to assist in the rescue Captain Simms. Good luck on your endeavor. Melida Island out."

Captain Simms sat back in the command chair then spoke, "Helm new course 330 degrees, set depth 1800 meters down angle 25, speed 50 knots." Petty Officer Kayla Carter acknowledged and repeated the orders then pushing the control column forward spoke "Ok Sammy lets go find us a mini-sub!" Commander Ward pressed the general announcement button and spoke "Mister Bert Lance, prepare the Scorpion ROV for deep ocean sub rescue operations."

Lance bracing himself in a passageway because of the sharp descent stood next to Sergeant Major Wu and said "When you think the job is done, they go find another." Wu waiting till the Morison leveled off to continue towards her own destination spoke "Yes that may be true, but who would you prefer to have save you if you were in the same predicament?"

Monday, 1900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Commencement. A beginning. How appropriate thought Kaname as she walked the length of the passageway to the Bridge. Barely settled in and here she was on the Tuatha de Danaan again headed for some place called the Banda Sea.

All of this because of a rumor, but one that appears to have been substantiated; surely by now, someone would have discovered the old base and would have reported it to authorities, but Teletha had said in reply to her very same question "There is the possibility that any that have found the base were unable to do so afterward and there is numerous reports of persons and small vessels missing in the region."

Kaname entered the Bridge of the Tuatha de Danaan and approached Captain Testarossa with the PDA that she was carrying and giving it to Teletha, Kaname said "The reports of the missing extend back as far as the mid-twentieth century; the first known reports were filed circa 1955."

Teletha scrolling through the list said "A full ten years after the end of World War II, and a full two years after the Korean Conflict then nothing afterward. The Banda Sea may appear empty and unpopulated on most world maps, but it is heavily populated with thousands of islands from small atolls to many that have volcanic origins and are which of capable of supporting human life. The Banda Sea is a treacherous navigation route containing many shallow reefs and shoals. The one atoll that we are interested in has volcanic features, but appears to be unpopulated. However the satellite survey picked up indications that there may have been man made modifications to the atoll landscape that have been well concealed."

Lieutenant Chidori taking back the PDA studied the list of the missing and lost. The percentage of missing came from the Indonesia region, but the oddity was that many were native, born and raised there so one would assume they would be familiar with the area; so why had so many been lost?

Turning to leave, Kaname noted that Commander Mardukas was studying a navigational chart displayed on a nearby monitor then said "Commander? Just how difficult is it to navigate there?"

Commander Mardukas pausing, turned and said "Lieutenant, it is a challenge for surface ships. For submarines, the Banda Sea is best left alone; but we will manage."

Monday, 2230 hours, Wreck of Imperial Japanese Navy Submarine I-26

Genji Akio turned back from the console and lay back in his seat in the small mini-submarine Akio. The celebration of finding the lost Japanese World War II submarine, which was a Type B-1, had been tempered when Akio had become entangled in the nearly invisible remnants of the submarine's radio antenna wires which now held it to the wreck.

Genji picked up the microphone and spoke to the support ship "This is Akio. We have released all ballast however, the ascent speed was not fast enough to break the cable holding us, and we are now about 50 meters above I-26. Over."

"Akio, this is Jen Maru. Situation understood, brother. Help is coming, so please conserve all you have," said his sister Emiho Akio. Genji smiled at hearing her voice once again. Both siblings shared a love of history and archaeology, and undertaking a study of Japanese military history had lead both to where they were now.

Genji looked briefly at his two close friends, Rin and Hami both who appeared to be sleeping, but were not. All three men trapped in the Akio knew the dangers of diving on wrecks, but none had seen the cable drifting in the current until they heard it scrapping down the side of the Akio and by then it was too late to stop the propeller.

Genji had long since turned off the outside lights as well as the internal lighting, to conserve power till rescuers could arrive, but the brave and assured voice of his sister could not hide the fact that by the time help could arrive from the Japanese mainland they would be likely dead.

Closing his eyes, Genji tried to rest. There was very little noise to be heard at that depth, the whirring of the ventilation motors was the only thing that was making any sound though Genji imagined he was hearing a slight whine from somewhere else, and he initially dismissed it until Rin stirring next to him said "Genji? Has someone come to rescue us?"

Monday, 2245 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Bert Lance tapped the joy stick slightly with his right forefinger then adjusting the Scorpion ROV altitude peered at the monitor and said "Ok, Lieutenant. I'll handle the close-in maneuvering and you go for that cable."

Captain Andrew Simms looked at the video feed from the Scorpion ROV as it slowly approached the disabled mini-sub then said "Lieutenant Takenaka. Try to hail the Akio and let them know we are about to cut that cable. I don't want them skyrocketing towards the surface without some warning."

Emiho slumped in the control center chair onboard the Jen Maru stirred as an unfamiliar voice began to speak over the underwater radio "Exploration submarine Akio, this is Toy Box. Please stand-by. We are preparing to cut free the cable holding you to the wreck."

Genji, Rin and Hami startled at hearing the voice looked at each other as Genji reached for the microphone and said "This is Akio. Your message is understood."

Commander Ward studied the computer generated graphical display then turned and said "Mister Lance, you can now cut the cable," as Lieutenant Wren operating the manipulators, slipped the cutters around the cable itself and squeezed her hands slowly together and nearly 4500 kilograms of cutting force was exerted through the mechanical manipulators.

The metallic screech of protesting metal came to Genji's ears then the Akio wobbled and shifted, as the depth readout began changing. Akio was free and ascending towards the surface and safety.

Emiho staring in disbelief at the readout's shouted out loud then pressing the general address button said "Deck crew, prepare to recover the Akio. It has been freed and is on its way to the surface!"

Emiho then picked up the radio microphone and said "Jen Maru to Toy Box. Can you hear me over?" Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka looked at Captain Simms questionably and Andrew stood then walked to the communications console and took the headset from Marcy and spoke "Jen Maru, this is Toy Box Actual. Go ahead."

Emiho realizing it was the commanding officer of the vessel replying to her call said "Toy Box? How can we thank you. Over?" Captain Simms paused briefly looking at the video display from the Scorpion ROV then said "You have done enough. Make sure that you tell the history, no matter how disturbing it may be. Good luck to the both of you. Toy Box out."

Genji listening to the conversations pondered that statement as the Akio rose towards the surface. "A long ago war had taken untold millions of lives. Each one had a story to be told, but that would be impossible. For the I-26, its crew had partaken in atrocities that would be disturbing for some, but had to be told. Those who would read the story and see the documentary would have to be their own judges."

Commander Ward joined Captain Simms and said "Mister Lance wants to know if you want to make a pass of the I-26?" Andrew returning the head set to Lieutenant Takenaka said in reply "Sure why not, have it look good too, besides our high resolution cameras may help the researchers later. Have him bring the ROV back to the docking bay when he is done," and then turning to leave the bridge Andrew looked at the screen showing the battered conning tower said "Let the warriors sleep in peace. Head south and come to ordered cruise depth when the ROV is back on board."

Commander Ward issuing the orders, watched as Captain Simms left the Bridge. The battered 100 meter long Japanese Imperial Navy Submarine began to recede slowly as Bert Lance piloted the Scorpion ROV back to the Morison, Drake rendered a salute to the fallen submariners and then spoke softly "Rest in peace while you can."

Tuesday, 0600 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Commander Richard Mardukas briefly studied the navigational plot then said "Helm, left standard rudder, new heading 155 degrees, set depth at 120 meters," as Captain Testarossa entering the Bridge paused next to Mardukas.

Teletha said "Commander. You decided to use the Eastern approach?" Richard waiting till the Tuatha de Danaan was steady on its ordered course said in reply "Yes, Madam Captain. Going past Buru Island would have been more difficult. If we transit on the east side of Maluku then turn south it will put us onto a more direct path for the alleged German Base." Teletha taking her command chair said "Very well Commander."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin in his stateroom looked towards the monitor which displayed Captain Andrew Simms then said "Andrew, you are more familiar with the history of this region, in terms of the German and Japanese establishing bases. Could there have been a German installation established without the general knowledge of the Imperial Japanese government?"

Captain Simms tapped a key which displayed a map on the screen then said "It is entirely possible Andrei. The German submarine squadron was called the Monsun or Monsoon depending on the spelling. The German U-Boats operated from 1943 to 1945 which huge successes early on and some likened it to the so called "Happy Days" that took place during the 1939 to 1942 time period in the Atlantic."

Andrei clicked on the map bringing it to the forefront then said "It does however appear that it did not last." Andrew said in reply "You are correct. It did not take the Allies too long to figure out that they had a problem, so they moved the battle hardened and experienced Anti-Submarine Warfare Units to the Indian Ocean in late 1943 and early 1944 to put a stop to the both the Japanese and German submarine activity, along with German Q-Ship activity."

Andrew tapped another key then said "The Germans did themselves in by having a flotilla so far from Germany by stretching their support and supply lines. They operated out of two known bases established in Jakarta and Penang, but rumors persisted of a base being established in the Indonesian Island chain, the Sunda's. They suffered from a variety of problems; bad torpedoes, fuel and even routine maintenance. Had the Germans been able to utilize the Japanese Long Lance torpedo, things might have turned out differently."

Andrei sat back and studied the information displayed then said "Records indicate that the Germans undertook or attempted to undertake trade with Japan. How successful was it?" Andrew tapped another key then said "Very limited and too little too late to help with the war effort. As you can see most did not make the trip back to Germany. Losses were heavy and most of those attempting to reach Japan or other safe havens after the fall of Germany failed."

Andrew looked at Andrei who seem puzzled and said "Ok Andrei? What's bothering you?" Andrei spoke "Captain, lets assume that Germany established a base for later use." Andrew replied "If the Indonesian base is reality, then it is likely possible the Japanese were not made aware of it. One thing of note is that rumors of a German super-sub have existed for generations, and that it disappeared from the German yard before the end of the war. It was no ordinary submarine either; but used what was called the Walter Turbine propulsion system. It used hydrogen peroxide in a stabilized form called Perhydrol, but the stuff was highly explosive. Upside of the propulsion system was that the submarine using the system could exceed nearly 30 plus knots submerged and 25 knots surfaced, and at that time would have been nearly unstoppable, since at low cruising speeds, they would have had more than enough range to make it from Germany to the alleged Indonesian base since the estimated cruising range exceeded 4000 kilometers." Andrei absorbed that information then said "Thank you Andrew for your insight. I will contact you later." Andrew signing off pondered the question and answer session with Andrei. A German base after all this time? That would be an interesting find.

Tuesday, 0900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Captain Teletha Testarossa standing at the head of the briefing room spoke "Because of the circumstances of this mission, we will land on the suspect island using class D weapons load out, and will make the exploratory landing utilizing the surface sea cruiser."

"Madam Captain! Nothing heavier?" said Sergeant Major Mao who showed some concern.

Teletha said in reply "Melissa for all practical purposes we must appear as ones enjoying a mid-summer outing, therefore concealable side arms only. The landing team is as follows. Myself, Lieutenant Kaname Chidori, Sergeant Souska Sagara, Sergeant Major Melissa Mao and Sergeant Kurz Weber; Commander Mardukas will surface for the launch of the surface cruiser in 30 minutes."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin spoke "Madam Captain. If I may suggest others?" as Teletha turned to him then said "Andrei, there will be no need for others. You have the communication schedule, as do I. We shall adhere to it that is all commander."

Andrei bowed slightly then said in reply "You orders are understood Madam Captain, but please do not undertake any unnecessary risks." Teletha walking past Andrei winking said "We will try to avoid that situation commander."

Surfacing out of direct view of the island and under ECS the Tuatha de Danaan disembarked Captain Testarossa and her landing party. Lieutenant Commander Kalinin waited till Souska shifted the sea cruiser's diesel-electric drive into operation then pressed the hatch closer button. A crewman coiling a rope looked up briefly at the landing party in the sea cruiser then said "Commander? Is that supposed to be a exploration party or a beach party?"

Commander Kalinin said "Let's hope it is just a beach party crewman."

Melissa Mao was not accustomed to her current attire of civilian shorts and a cotton tank top that was not military green. Kurz Weber dressed in an outrageously loud Hawaiian shirt and matching trunks sat back in the seat next to Souska with his bare feet lying up on the dashboard.

Teletha dressed in white cotton cargo shorts and matching tank top, wearing sunglasses sat next to Kaname Chidori who was dressed in a denim skirt and cotton pullover which covered her full body swim suit.

Kaname looked ahead at where they were headed and said "Teletha? What if we find someone? Maybe they are living there?" Melissa Mao peered over her own sunglasses said in reply "There are no known settlements on the island itself Kaname. However the Mithril Intelligence looking over the satellite data said there could have been life on it at one time, the landscape of island would have made life difficult, but not impossible. We just need to take a discreet look around," as Souska noting a sudden increase of depth beneath the keel of the sea cruiser being indicated on the fathometer spoke "The terrain is rather interesting Captain. The water beneath us is over 100 meters."

Teletha shielding her eyes from the sun looked to either side of the sea cruiser then said "It is almost too natural. Keep going to the designated landing site." Kurtz picked up the binoculars and scanned the shoreline and then the hillside. Lowering the glasses he spoke "Definitely not what I would call an inviting place. It was volcanic alright, several thousand years ago, but the flora has garnered a good foot hold. Did not see any trails though, might be a good sign that there are no big animals."

Souska replied "That would be in our favor then." Kaname listening to the exchange looked at the hillside of the old volcano could only see the rugged beauty of a tropical island. The small twinkle from the summit that Kaname saw she did not point out but only assumed it was a rock reflecting the sunlight.

Gerwalta Krieger placed the Zeiss binoculars within the protective case mounted to the steel beam and continued to follow the progress of the sea cruiser with the naked eye. The deep green of her eyes, set off her blond hair which had it not been tucked beneath the beret would have complemented her features. Picking up the nearby handset, she turned the hand crank just once then spoke "We have visitors. They are making for the western cove, make preparations. There are three women and two men all young. I will be down shortly."

Souska Sagara slowed the cruiser to idle and scanned the waters ahead then spoke to Teletha "Madam Captain, the barrier reef is rather close. Should I continue?" Teletha stood and joined Souska then said "Take us in slowly Mister Sagara. Mister Weber go to the bow and look for anything that is just below the surface."

Weber ducking through the windshield opening kneeled on the forecastle then said "Ok Souska bring it on slowly and which ever way I point turn that way." Souska easing the throttles forward turned the wheel when Kurz pointed left. Melissa Mao spoke, "If you two put us on a reef, I swear I'll kick your butts all the way back to the Tuatha de Danaan!"

Tuesday, 1100 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Captain Simms sitting at the wardroom mess table with Bert Lance as both men was having lunch spoke "Bert? How many other wrecks have you had to conduct dives on and what kind vessels were they?"

Lance setting his fork down said "Well Andrew, all told not including that Japanese submarine; I have done a total of twenty one. The break down so far is eleven freighters, six aircraft, and four submarines."

Andrew spoke "Weapons recovery?" as Bert nodded and said "Mostly that yes. The Russians lost four of their boats over the last 35 years while on patrols mainly to mechanical problems. The Russians being nuke happy at the time carried a considerable number and so when those subs were finally located, Mithril recovered the war heads which in turn were returned to the country of origin for proper disposal. Two of the aircraft were US and when they had gone down they too were carrying nukes; same scenario for recovery. The freighters, were various nationalities employed in weapons transport like that old Cape class. It keeps me occupied," as Bert smiling took a sip of his coffee.

Andrew thought a moment then said "What about the rumors of a World War II German submarine having left Germany in the closing days and making a run for it. What have you heard about that?"

Bert chuckled then said "Well all sort of things were mentioned about that. Supposedly it carried everything from gold and silver bullion to classified documents that outlined the establishment of the Fourth Reich. Researchers still uncover the odd document or two mentioning such an operation and the use of a submarine to carry out the mission; but nothing firm has ever been established and of course the hot bed for such activities centered on Argentina but you are a historian so you would likely already know that."

Andrew of course knew that being a military historian. Argentina had been for years after World War II sympathetic towards former German military officials, but still rumors had always persisted of secret dealings and secret cargos taking place and being smuggled into Argentina.

The intercom chirped and Captain Simms answered "Simms speaking." Commander Ward speaking from the Bridge, "Captain, Mister Lance's transport advises they are standing by at the rendezvous point." Simms said "Very well Commander, surface the boat at your discretion and have them lay along side for equipment transfer."

Setting the handset down Captain Simms said to Bert Lance, "Your surface transport is on station. It looks like we will be parting company," as Bert replied "It has been a pleasure Captain Simms. Perhaps we can do this another time" Rising from their seats both men shook hands and Bert Lance departed for the hanger bay as the Samuel Eliot Morison began to rise towards the surface.

Tuesday, 1230 hours, Banda Sea Island

It seemed to Kaname an island of paradise. The pristine cove that Souska had beached the sea cruiser in was spotless and the waters clear to the bottom. Setting up a small base camp, the landing party set out to explore the island. Sergeant Major Mao leading the way found the going easy, much too easy for her liking as she said "Teletha, the path we are on is not natural. Someone or something has done a good job keeping it clear."

Teletha paused at the crest of a small ridge and the casually looking about said "I believe you are right Melissa. From above the trails are well concealed by the canopy of the trees. Let's look about to see if we can find any recent foot prints or signs of human habitation. Only humans could have created these trails and in doing so did it in such as way as to conceal them."

Sergeant Kurz Weber seeing something in a small clearing nearby said "Well that is definitely not native to a place like this," as he walked away from Sergeant Major Melissa Mao who turned to see what he was looking at.

Teletha followed Kurz as did Kaname and both women stepped into a clearing that was covered in orchids.

Kurz Weber knelt before a plant and cupping it into his hands he said "It is from Europe." Kaname Chidori looked at the purplish colored flower said "Mister Weber? What is it called?" as Teletha taking in a nearby plant sniffed the scent of the flower.

Kurz said in reply "It is known as the Ophrys Araneola." Melissa Mao said to Kurz "Ok, so how do you know about this thing Kurz?" Weber releasing the plant came to his feet and said "The root of this orchid can be made into a powder called Salep. When one cooks then dries the root itself and grinds it into powder; the powder when added to cereals and breads can add nutrition for sustenance and it can also be added to drinks."

Kurz looking about the small clearing said "During my early years Melissa, my father taught me the value of plants. If one runs out of ordinary food, one only has to look at what is around them for supporting life."

Melissa said in reply "Kurz, never ask me to go on a picnic with you. I likely would regret it." Then as the group turned back towards the path, Souska quietly said "Sergeant Major? We have company, to our left."

Teletha turning towards where Sagara had indicated saw movement then several figures stepped forward, a woman dressed in black said "Do not any of you move!"