Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Four

Commencement

By Steve Edward

Tuesday, 1500 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Commander Richard Mardukas listened to the static from the speaker for any sign of acknowledgement to his radio calls then said "Sergeant Major Melissa Mao this is Commander Mardukas in the clear. Do you copy over?"

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin with arms crossed, standing next to Commander Mardukas spoke "They have missed all three check-ins, Commander." Richard removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose then said "Prepare an aircraft for surveillance of the island in ECS mode. Lets see if we can find them."

Teletha Testarossa remained silent as the voice of Commander Mardukas faded from the radio tossed at her feet. The woman before her spoke again "Just who is Sergeant Major Mao? Is she the one you are treating? Answer me!"

Gerwalta Krieger had sensed that the taller woman was dangerous and she had been correct. Mao had attempted to disarm one of her soldiers and had suffered for it. Krieger had intercepted Mao and had cracked her across the skull with the German P38 pistol that she carried.

Teletha did not flinch when Gerwalta placing the P38's barrel at her skull said "I asked you some questions. Now answer them." Kurz Weber and Souska Sagara silently struggled with their bindings as the woman pressed the barrel into Teletha's skull, but could not loosen them. Kaname Chidori made a silent plea to Teletha, "Tell her Tessa."

"Very well, I will tell you. But please remove the gun from my head," said Teletha as she finished applying the bandage to an unconscious Mao.

"The woman I am treating is named Melissa Mao, she holds the rank of Sergeant Major and the two men are Sergeants Kurz Weber in the tropical outfit and Souska Sagara. My other companion is Lieutenant Kaname Chidori and I am Captain Teletha Testarossa and we are with Mithril which is a mercenary military organization."

Gerwalta Krieger stepped back then said "Very wise of you, Madam Captain Testarossa. I am Reichsführer-SS Gerwalta Krieger, I am in charge. Why are you here?" Teletha pondering the rank of her captor spoke "I came here to investigate mysterious disappearances of people from this area and to determine the validity of a covert German base, and it seems you have answered all my own questions, but one."

Gerwalta slightly disarmed by Teletha's frankness said "And what would that be Madam Captain Testarossa?" Teletha replied "Your rank of Reichsführer, was originally a Nazi Germany Paramilitary rank within the Schutzstaffel then commonly known as the SS. Your announcement of your rank suggests you command more than just those holding us."

Gerwalta said to Teletha "I command much more than you can conceive of Madam Captain. Now get to your feet. You companions can carry your wounded. We must go elsewhere. Also Madam Captain, you should convey to those waiting that any attempt at rescue will end in your deaths. Pick up the radio and answer their call."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin hearing the announcement to abort the launch of the surveillance approached an intercom station and called the bridge, "Commander Mardukas this is Kalinin. Why have you ordered an abort?"

Commander Mardukas reply "Because Madam Captain has informed us that she and the others have been taken captive by a woman holding the rank of Reichsführer. It appears Andrei that they have indeed found the mythical German base"

Tuesday, 1600 hours, Banda Sea Island

Stumbling along with a groggy Melissa, Teletha and Kaname followed by a bound and closely guarded Weber and Sagara entered the concealed entrance of the installation at the base of the extinct volcano.

Along the way, they had observed cleverly camouflaged buildings and even weapons platforms. There was very little talking allowed, but Kaname and Teletha did not have to speak to communicate with each other as Teletha merging with Kaname said to her silently "They have been able to keep this base secret for these many years, because anyone making a landing on the island obviously never leaves."

Kaname who was taking most of Melissa's weight said in reply to Teletha's thoughts

"But why still keep it a secret? Andrew pointed out in his history class, that any effort to establish a régime based on Adolf Hitler dreams of having a superior race died with him in 1945. Then there is the German SS, was it not originally commanded by Heinrich Himmler?"

Krieger leading her captives deeper into the confines of the installation entered a tunnel then stopped and turned to address Captain Testarossa "You and your compatriots will reside here for the time being. Do not attempt to communicate with each other as any attempt with will be dealt with harsh punishment."

Kurz Weber wrenching free of his captors said in German to Krieger "As a German, I protest the treatment you have been giving us. Calling yourself a German does our country a disgrace!"

Gerwalta pursed her lips then said as she stepped toward Kurz then cracking him across the skull with the P38 "You have no place here you inferior vermin!" then driving a boot into Weber's ribcage, Gerwalta turned away in disgust.

Tuesday, 1800 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Conversation at the wardroom dinner table was muted and reserved. Captain Andrew Simms noted both Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl had remained quiet throughout dinner, since the notification from Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin announcing that the Tuatha de Danaan landing party had been captured and were being held on the island in the Banda Sea.

Andrew setting his coffee down said "Ok Lieutenant, Ensign. Let's hear it." Lieutenant Wren said in reply "Captain? Are we going to help?"

Captain Simms studied both briefly then said "Yes we are, but there is no sense in rushing in till we know more, which I can hope to learn from Teletha or Kaname through you two, which by the way I need to know if you have attempted in anyway to merge with either Madam Captain or Lieutenant Chidori?"

Lieutenant Wren replied sheepishly "We have already tried Captain, but to no avail."

Doctor George Albert hearing that information said "Considering the separation distance it is not surprising, young lady since we are still well over 2200 kilometers from them. The last time all three of you merged together was less than 200 kilometers or there about's and I remember what happened then."

Andrew did as well and did not want a repeat of it taking place said "Until we close with the island neither of you will make any further attempts. However if you do receive communication from either Teletha or Kaname; I want to be told immediately and that is an order. Do you understand?" Both young women acknowledged the order and then requesting to be excused, Captain Simms dismissed them.

Waiting till the "Whispered" departed, Doctor Albert spoke "Wise decision Captain. They could mentally exhaust themselves during any further attempts, and as far as we know both Madam Captain and Lieutenant Chidori could be incapacitated,"

or worse as Andrew mused. Captain Simms said "Regardless, I expect both will still attempt communication. Keep an eye on both Doctor." George getting his 50 odd year old lanky frame up from the table nodded then said "I'll do my best Captain," then he left leaving Captain Simms alone to ponder what the Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison could do next.

Tuesday, 2000 hours, Banda Sea Island

In separate cells, Kaname and Teletha still merged with each other easily. Kaname could see Souska quietly testing the iron bars one by one without success. Kurz Weber in his own cell also had no luck, though Kaname could not be sure, Weber was not giving his all due to the kick to his ribs. Melissa Mao who had been chained to her cell bunk to restrict her movements had been testing the patience of their guards with verbal taunts one of which she heard now.

Melissa Mao making as much noise as she could said "Hey you blond headed freaks. Didn't your mothers teach you how to cook?" The taunt a reference to their last meal of fish and rice, the fish already spoiled had been cooked and the rice overcooked. No one in their group had eaten the fish and none had touched the rice, which had been covered in the fish broth. Had any of them eaten, they might have become ill.

Teletha having merged with Kaname said "They are attempting to weaken us. It will likely get rougher before it gets better. Also Kaname, I expect them to soon target me directly."

Kaname knew that it had been a risk for Teletha and even her to go on the landing party; but she accepted it. With concern Kaname said to Teletha "You mean torture?" Teletha replied the sadness evident "Yes Kaname I do."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin observed the display of the console before him, the night time view of the island revealed little. The surface cruiser was still in the cove, but there was no evidence of a fire in the encampment. It was well evident that all heat signatures were well masked. The woman who called herself Reichsführer had done very well in ensuring that the island would appear to be uninhabited, which would make it difficult to find out exactly where the installation was.

About to order the aircraft to return to the Tuatha de Danaan, Kalinin saw the brief heat signature flare-up from the ridge of the former volcano. Marking the position, he ordered the pilot to circle back over and he then had the radar technician map the crater itself. The return echoes were strong but there was something wrong. What was it? The technician turned and said "Commander? According to the radar measurements, that crater is rather shallow, only 50 meters from the rim to the surface. Usually they tend to be deeper. Maybe I am just looking at it wrong sir."

Kalinin bending over the operator said "No airman, I believe your readings are indeed accurate. They just want us to believe what we see. Good work." Keying his headset Kalinin spoke to the pilot, "Lieutenant Mays, you may return to the Tuatha de Danaan at this time, we have found out what we need to know." Lieutenant Mays acknowledged the order and Kalinin then felt the deck tilting slightly as the aircraft changed course.

The sentry unaware that he had attracted the attention of the Mithril surveillance aircraft sat unmoving perched at his lookout post scanning the surrounding area with his eyes. Their captives were supposedly from a surface ship, but he had found no evidence of one. So where did they come from?

Wednesday, 0200 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Doctor Albert hurried after the two "Whispered" charging down the passageway. Both Wren and Aryl were making for Captain Simms' cabin when Doctor Albert had encountered them. Wren's only words as she raced past him were "Contact made, Teletha in pain."

When the door to his cabin banged open, Andrew rolled to the deck from his bunk wide awake taking in both Wren and Aryl who stood just inside his cabin wide eyed. Wren and Aryl still wearing their pullover sleepwear and barefoot were unfocused on their surroundings.

Wren seemingly puzzled why she was in the cabin in the first place finally said "Captain. Teletha contacted us. She is being tortured."

Teletha had been awakened and then forcefully dragged from her cell over the protests of Kaname and the others. Souska having managed to grab a guard was rewarded with a punishing shock from an electric cattle prod held to his arm, the shock sending him back into the cell stunned.

Teletha last glimpse of the others was as she was led out into the corridor. With both arms twisted behind her, she was more carried than walking on her own, when she entered the interrogation room, where Reichsführer-SS Gerwalta Krieger stood. Forced to take a seat before Gerwalta, Teletha said "What do you want? Your treatment of prisoners is disgusting!"

Gerwalta nodding to the two escorts said "Bind her to the chair then leave. As for treatment Madam Captain, I set the standards on treatment here and no one else. As for what I want, you will tell me where your ship is, and the communication frequencies you are using to contact them."

Teletha smiled slightly, "Unfortunately I can not tell you that and I seriously doubt you have the communications equipment to speak with them in any case. Perhaps you should not have disposed of my own communications devices in the first place."

Gerwalta stepping back slightly backhanded Teletha and toppled her over onto the ground then reaching down pulled the chair upright said "You can make this easy or hard Madam Captain. Tell me the frequencies and where your ship is?"

Gerwalta adjusting the gloves that she was wearing, circled Teletha again, and then taking Teletha's hair into her hand yanked her head back. The tears streamed from Teletha as Gerwalta looked down towards her and said "The frequencies, Madam Captain or would you prefer I have this discussion with your Lieutenant?"

Teletha replied, "She would not know and as for the location of my ship it is in a place you will never find it." Gerwalta Krieger furious shoved the helpless Teletha forward till she fell over. Teletha unable able to stop her forward momentum crashed head first into the floor then into nothingness.

Wednesday, 0300 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

"The contact was brief, but it was enough to tell both Wren and Aryl that Teletha was being tortured. So far nothing else has been heard from Teletha. Frankly Richard, I am beyond being pissed off and I will be in your area by 1500 hours today. I have a combat team and I intend to use them," said Captain Andrew Simms as Commander Richard Mardukas absorbed the news.

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin turned towards the screen and said "We have conducted over flights but have found nothing definitive Captain Simms. The only unusual feature appears to be the crater of the extinct volcano."

Andrew paused then said "What kind of feature?"

Wednesday, 0630 hours, Banda Sea Island

Teletha Testarossa felt herself being rolled over then the voice of Kaname as she said "Teletha! Please wake up!" Across from their cell, Souska watching closely said "Careful Kaname. She may have a concussion." Souska, Weber and Mao had witnessed Teletha being dragged back from where she had been taken. Kaname had pleaded with the guards to put Teletha into her cell, which they did tossing her like a rag doll.

The food cart arrived, but this time the fare was much better and the young woman pushing it turned to the guards and said "Leave us, I will be fine." Then she passed the meal trays through the cell bars to each, speaking softly as she did so. "I am Galatia, I am sorry that you have been treated this way. My older sister tends to over react."

The eggs, bacon and toast with the tepid coffee was sampled by Souska and found to be agreeable to consume and about to speak he was stopped by Galatia who held up her hand. Galatia strode purposely away from Souska and entered the passageway then said "I said you were dismissed, now leave!" as she addressed a guard who had not followed her orders.

Turning away, Galatia returned and closed the door to the passageway then approaching Melissa Mao who was still chained slipped a key through the bars and spoke "Please undo the chain, and then return the key to me." Melissa wordlessly accepted the key and did as she had been told.

Pocketing the key, Galatia gave a food tray to Melissa Mao then returned to the cell holding Kaname and Teletha, where she looked at the two captives with a frown. Reaching beneath the cart, Galatia removed a small box marked with a Red Cross symbol then taking another key from her pocket she unlocked the cell door and opening it; she entered the cell.

Kaname spoke, "Why are you helping us?" as Galatia kneeled next to the bed and opened the first aid kit she said "Because I want to. Not all of us here desire to mistreat and I can not stand-by while this is happening. Please use this dressing on her forehead."

Kaname taking the dressing applied it to Teletha's forehead and gently pressing watched as Galatia tore pieces of adhesive tape which she gave to Kaname who pressed the tape to the dressing to hold it down.

Galatia then rose and leaving the first aid kit behind, closed the door to the cell. As she was about to address Souska, the door to the passageway crashed open and standing in the entryway was Gerwalta who said "Galatia! What are you doing, disobeying my orders?"

Wednesday, 0900 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Doctor George Albert turned away from the monitors and looked at both his patients then said "The merging was brief Captain, in human terms about five to ten seconds. I can only theorize that Madam Captain Testarossa had sent out that mental scream at the moment of highest pain."

Andrew had reviewed the position of the Morison about the time both Wren and Aryl had come into his cabin. The submarine had been nearly 550 kilometers from the Banda Sea Island, and not wanting to have either Wren or Aryl go through another event unmonitored, he ordered them both to sickbay where they were lightly sedated, by Doctor Albert.

The telephone chirped briefly as a nurse picked up the handset to answer the call she then handed it to Captain Simms as she said "It is Commander Ward, Sir." Andrew thanked her and spoke "Simms."

Commander Ward's voice coming through the handset said "We are on the northern side of Maluku Island and headed south-east as ordered; anything new?"

Andrew looking briefly at Wren and Aryl spoke, "Nothing, though conceivably either of them could likely establish communication if they wanted to. What about Tuatha de Danaan?"

Commander Drake Ward viewing the tactical display spoke "Holding position to the east at periscope depth concealed by outer chain of small atolls. Commander Mardukas was not kidding that navigation is going to be a nightmare here. With both of us there maneuvering room is going to be tight."

Andrew said in reply, "The Banda Sea is a mariner's nightmare, but that is not going to stop us or the Tuatha de Danaan. We will have the briefing at 1100 hours. Alert Sergeant Major Wu. That is all for now."

Wednesday, 1000 hours, Banda Sea Island

Gerwalta Krieger sitting across from her younger sister set the portable radio down on the table then said "You have no right interfering in what I do or how I carry out the orders of our ancestors."

Galatia said in reply, "Sister for many years we have had no one not even approach this island that we call home and when someone does appear you take them hostage by force and for what reason? Our ancestors used those previously unfortunate to come here as slaves to do their bidding and we have no need now for such labor now."

Gerwalta waving a hand at a nearby bookshelf said "It is written that we will spearhead the new Reich and time approaches for that to take place. We can ill afford to have interference now or even to be discovered."

Galatia glowering said "Then if it is true why has not the Fatherland made contact as promised? Then there is the matter of not being discovered. Have you not noticed that they were in communication with a vessel of some type? You of course learned very little about them and even their vessel. It would be wise to open communication with them, using their equipment and drop the charade, as they will see through it before long. It is obvious that their technology is far beyond anything you or I have ever seen on our excursions to Indonesia and even Australia."

Gerwalta had lied to Teletha about destroying the communications equipment and even the sea cruiser, hoping for an edge but the young woman who held the rank that of a captain had seemed determined not to answer her in any fashion. Had it been any other time and place; the woman called Madam Captain Testarossa would have made a fine German officer.

Gerwalta picking up the radio said to her sister "Very well Galatia, I will converse but on my own terms. Now leave and see to your pets!" Galatia rising angrily to her feet said "Sister, they are not pets. They are humans and must be treated as such; I beg of you, let me continue with caring for them." Gerwalta looked at her sister, and then said "Do not be foolish young sister in thy care. They can turn on their handler. Do you understand?"

Galatia leaving Gerwalta in her office turned then said "Don't you be foolish either sister."

Wednesday, 1105 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

The briefing had barely begun, when radio communication from the Banda Sea Island interrupted the joint session between the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison. Lieutenant Taz Norton looked up occasionally at the video conference taking place but continued to concentrate on the satellite imagery before him.

Captain Andrew Simms listened to the woman's voice that had identified herself as Reichsführer Gerwalta Krieger as she spoke to Lieutenant Commander Kalinin "Those are our demands, and any attempt at landing by military force will result in immediate execution of the hostages. Do you understand that Commander?"

Commander Kalinin said in acknowledgement "You have made yourself well clear Madam Reichsführer Krieger but I propose a face to face meeting; perhaps as early as this afternoon and there will be two negotiators both of whom will be unarmed."

Gerwalta paused looking out towards the sea then said "Very well Commander, you and one other of your choosing and you must arrive by surface craft. Any other means will be fired upon without question. Is that understood?" Kalinin replied "Fully Madam Reichsführer."

Commander Ward speaking after the transmission ended said "Well she certainly does not mince her words," as Captain Simms turned in his chair back to the screen then said to Lieutenant Commander Kalinin "Well Andrei that changes things."

Kalinin watching the locator signal fade as Krieger turned off the commandeered radio said in reply "Then I can assume you will join me in the negotiations?" Andrew standing said in reply "We'll rendezvous as scheduled, and I'll have a sea going Zodiac prepped for departure. If we are lucky enough, we might make it in time for dinner, Morison out."

Wednesday, 1300 hours, Banda Sea Island

They had been removed from the holding cells and taken under armed guard to a large common area where Galatia Krieger was waiting. The table of food that greeted them was lavish and well prepared, and Galatia dismissing the guards then turned to her guests "Please will you not sit? This food is for you."

Sergeant Major Melissa Mao warily watching the guards retreat to a respectful distance said "Ok, there has to be a catch." Galatia Krieger said in reply, "There is no catch Sergeant Major Mao. Please sit and enjoy your lunch."

Captain Testarossa having taken a seat said "Ms. Krieger? Did you have something to do with this?" Galatia said "Madam Captain, please call me Galatia. Yes, I did in a way. I requested to my sister who you know as Reichsführer Gerwalta Krieger, that you and your party should be treated much better than you have and she granted my request with limits of course."

Sergeant Sagara said to Galatia "Is this because she has been in contact with someone on the outside?" Galatia replied "Yes. My sister has contacted someone named Kalinin who along with one other will arrive sometime this afternoon to conduct negotiations for your release."

Teletha said "Our release?" as footsteps from behind her approached the table Reichsführer Gerwalta Krieger voice spoke "Yes Madam Captain your release."

Sergeant Kurz Weber standing to greet the Reichsführer said "It is a pleasure that you grace us with your presence." Gerwalta turning and walking past Weber spoke "Do not press your luck Sergeant. I just as soon would return all of you in coffins." Galatia stood abruptly, "Sister! There is no need for threats, what harm have they caused us?"

Gerwalta taking a seat at the head of the table spoke "They have come at a time that is most crucial, and we ill afford them interfering." Teletha spoke "Madam Reichsführer, what are you doing that you don't want us interfering with?" Gerwalta said to Teletha "The rise of the Fourth Reich!"

Wednesday, 1500 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl both felt the presence of Teletha at nearly the same time and the diagnostic monitors within sickbay alerted Doctor George Albert to a change in brain wave activity within both women. Picking up the intercom handset, Doctor Albert called the Bridge; "Alert Captain Simms that both Wren and Aryl are engaged in a merging."

Captain Andrew Simms looking towards the Tuatha de Danaan watching Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin board the Zodiac heard his name called by a deck crewman who held up a telephone receiver. Walking to the crewman and accepting the handset; Andrew announced his presence "Simms speaking."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin arrived shortly to the Samuel Eliot Morison which stayed on the surface with its ECS system engaged. Behind him in the distance, the Tuatha de Danaan slipped quietly back beneath the Banda Sea where it slowly moved off to take a position near the island. Aided onboard by Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka, Commander Kalinin approached Captain Simms who was still talking on the intercom to Doctor Albert in the submarine's sickbay "Ok have them keep the merging open. Andrei is with me now and we are on the way."

Hanging up the receiver, Andrew turned to Kalinin and said "Teletha and Kaname both are conversing with Wren and Aryl. And they are telling a great deal. Let's go have a chat with our "Whispered"."

Alice Wren saw both Captain Simms and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin enter her vision as the men sat down across from her and Aryl. Teletha and Kaname sitting together quietly in a room that they had been taken to instead of being returned to the holding cells were each given a brief look of the two men before the conversation began.

Teletha said to Alice "Please advise Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin that the woman they are to be negotiating with has a goal of creating what she calls the Fourth Reich."

When one is listening to those involved in a merging of "Whispered" the recipient will verbalize what is said from the sender word for word. In this particular situation, both Wren and Aryl were speaking as one.

Kalinin said "Madam Captain, can you ascertain as to how many are on the island?" as Alice sent that question silently, the answer returned "It is unknown exactly. However we have observed the number of armed personnel to be around twenty; but that is only an estimate. You should both know, that we have not observed any older adults. The Reichsführer herself appears to be the oldest among the inhabitants that we have observed."

Andrew spoke, "Madam Captain, are there any unusual features that you have observed?" and as Alice and Aryl replied with the answer, Captain Simms made notes "When one is approaching the northern end of the island where the extinct volcano is the most prominent feature located you will see a channel beneath the water exceeding 100 meters in depth. It does not appear to be natural and it leads towards the islands volcano. The other is of a European flower; you will see it in a small clearing after your landing. Someone is coming we must go now."

Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl closed their eyes briefly then reopening them as they focused on Captain Simms said "Teletha has closed the merging." Andrei spoke "A low number of inhabitants, that is interesting." Andrew replied "That is a bright spot in the picture, but it could also mean that the Reichsführer has been careful not to reveal too much to them or show them anything of value. But Teletha seemed intent on telling us about that deepwater channel then the flowers. The Sunda Islands here in the Banda Sea are surrounded by reefs, inhibiting normal close-in navigation and she knows that. Then of course she said it leads towards the extinct volcano from the open sea to the north."

Doctor Albert knocking on the door and entering said "Captain Simms, Lieutenant Taz Norton just called and asked that you meet with him in Main Briefing." Doctor Albert turned his attention to Wren and Aryl and said "Ok ladies let's get those sensors off your heads. Enough merging for the day and that is doctor's orders."

Lieutenant Norton standing at the podium began his briefing when Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin took their seats. "Commander Kalinin you can give a lot of thanks to the aerial surveillance run made by the Tuatha de Danaan Mithril 6th Air Group. What they took last night certainly sheds some light on things."

Turning to the view screen, Taz clicked the remote then said "The rim of the former volcano is about 1000 meters in diameter and supposedly its greatest depth from the top of the rim is no greater than 50 meters both visually and by radar measurements. However it is deceptive. Using a little computer magic, it is my belief that the bottom of the crater is in fact artificial."

Pressing the remote Taz continued, "Infrared tells a different story. If you notice the crater is much colder than the surrounding terrain and though there is plant life about the crater, it is too well organized to be a random creation of Mother Nature. Then there are these heat signatures, each at a certain point about the rim itself. If you notice the size and placement you will see that they are in fact gun emplacements."

Andrew spoke; "Can you estimate the types?" as Taz brought the next screen up and Taz said "Yes sir. I believe so. They are likely German 155's. Naval artillery, possibly of the same types employed on German Q-ships of that era, in short if they get a visual on us they could lob shells at their leisure because they will have long ago established a firing perimeter, and if I am not off my mark; each piece has an overlapping firing arc as well."

Andrei absorbing that said "What about anti-aircraft emplacements?" as Taz clicked on the next screen he spoke "They have those as well and they are I believe were called Flakvierling 38's. They have done a good job of concealing them, but nevertheless they are there. The weapons had the capability to be remotely linked and I would not be a bit surprised to see them in the same configuration."

Sergeant Major Wu spoke "Then direct air approach is out. A direct undersea approach?" as Andrew turned to Wu and said "Plan on that for the time being. Also since Mao and her team are with Testarossa we can not count on fire support except from the support team of the Tuatha de Danaan. Work with Commander Mardukas on the landing phase, however we do not want to jump the gun when it comes to that. I want to end this peacefully if at all possible. Commander Ward, prep four Tomahawks for land strikes. The crater will be the primary target followed by anything else that catches your eye; also we can assume that underneath that crater it will have a hollow interior. You will have a 24 hour time limit. No more, no less. That's all I have; Andrei, I guess we should get going."