Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Five

Commencement

By Steve Edward

Wednesday, 1600 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

The Zodiac being employed by Captain Simms and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin was a modern day rigid hull inflatable craft. Both submarines carried them, 20 in all and six were fitted with diesel electric inboard drives that produced over 300 horse power.

Unlike the sea cruiser used by Captain Testarossa on her landing, the Zodiac had the ability to operate safely in very shallow waters at very high speeds with its Kevlar/Carbon reinforced fiberglass hull.

The primary goal of keeping both the Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison concealed from any lookouts on the distant island was important. Andrew wanted to keep the so called Reichsführer in the dark and have her assume that they were coming from some distant surface ship and to allow both the Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison a chance to conduct discreet underwater surveys of the island perimeter.

Commander Kalinin finishing the adjustments to the GPS navigation system turned to Captain Simms as he descended the boarding ladder to the Zodiac "All is ready here Andrew."

Captain Simms accepting the waterproof portfolio from Commander Ward spoke "Drake you have your orders. If worse comes to worse, move off and target the island with every Tomahawk that Morison and Danaan has. No part of the island is to be left untouched, is that understood?"

Commander Ward saluting said "Understood fully Captain, but it will be till the very last possible second. Good luck." Andrew returning the salute took in the aft mooring line as Commander Ward cast it off then the forward mooring line from Lieutenant Takenaka as Commander Kalinin engaged the throttles. The Zodiac moving off passed through the ECS field and came up on step and then passed from view.

Commander Ward waiting till the boarding ladder was retracted and the hatch closed and sealed turned towards the hanger. Lieutenant Takenaka walking next to Ward spoke "Commander, they have only 24 hours can they pull it off?" Commander Ward opening a hatch into the hanger said "Marcy, we better hope they can. Otherwise a lot of people are going to be very unhappy with us."

Wednesday, 1645 hours, Northern end of Banda Sea Island, Morison Zodiac

Both officers studied the island as the Zodiac following the GPS auto-pilot navigation route crossed the northern most end of the island. Andrew turning to the fathometer said to Andrei "Teletha is correct. We are passing over a rather deep channel. The Tuatha de Danaan or the Samuel Eliot Morison could easily fit in it."

Tapping a button, Andrew marked the center of the channel then tapping another button turned his attention back to the island as Andrei returned to the helm of the Zodiac. Andrei said "For all appearances, the island looks to be unwelcoming and uninviting. One would wonder why some would even consider beaching on the island with the number of reefs and shoals making such an endeavor difficult."

Andrew said in reply "Perhaps they found it to be intriguing or maybe they had no choice. Either way, if the number of missing in this area is any indication of how long this so called base has been in operation I will not be surprised to find that many ended up as slave labor to do the bidding of their captors."

Andrei nodding at the comment picked up the microphone and said "This is Negotiator-One. We are preparing to make a beaching in the designated area. Do we have permission to enter?"

A voice said in reply "Negotiator-One, permission is granted. However a reminder that one is not to be armed with offensive weapons still stands. Do you copy over?"

Andrei said "We carry no sidearm or other weapons as directed." Andrew cocking his head slightly smiled, "Who says one needs firearms."

Seeing the cove coming into view, Andrew said "Looks like a welcome party is waiting Andrei. Let's not keep them waiting."

Wednesday, 1730 hours, Banda Sea Island

Including Reichsführer-SS Gerwalta Krieger there were five others standing on the beach as Andrei gunning the drive beached the Zodiac. To Andrew, it was like he had come into the middle of a movie set of actors dressed in very authentic looking World War II German regalia even down to the weapons that they each held, a German MP40. Gerwalta wearing a Walther P38 still holstered but close by studied the two officers as they exited the Zodiac then said "Both of you will submit to a search."

Laying the portfolio on the ground, Captain Simms raised his arms as did Lieutenant Commander Kalinin. As each was patted down, Andrew felt curios fingers closing with holstered combat staff then as the hand closed around it, he abruptly reached down and blocked any further progress and said "Allow me to remove it, otherwise there could be a problem for you."

Gerwalta unholstered the P38 and aiming it at Captain Simms said "You were warned to come unarmed!"

Andrew did not flinch but said "The device is a staff, which is keyed biometrically to me and me alone. If one was to inadvertently touch it in the wrong spot they would receive a shock that might disable them, however I do not consider it an offensive weapon."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin spoke, "Madam, I carry one as well."

Andrei extracted his own combat staff and pressing the activation button the Mithril Combat Staff expanded in a blink of an eye as he explained its purpose "The device is merely for defensive purposes only, nothing more. Generally senior officers carry them when in uniform. As you noted, our Madam Captain was not in uniform when she and her party landed, so you would not have known about these devices."

Gerwalta slowly lowered her pistol then holstering spoke "Very well you may keep them, however any attempt at deadly force will be met in kind. Is that understood?"

Both Andrew and Andrei agreed to Gerwalta's request. Andrew adjusting his uniform coat picked up the portfolio from the ground, but one of the young men stopped him and said "Open it slowly Herr Captain."

Andrew complying with the order did so, removing the contents then turning it upside down and shaking it then gave it to the guard who removed a knife from his belt and prodded the bottom of the case. Gerwalta looked at the items placed on the gunwale of the Zodiac then spoke "What are those items?"

Andrew replied softly, "Equipment to assist in treating our personnel." Gerwalta then said "Very well you may bring them," as Lieutenant Commander Kalinin spoke "Madam, we have brought with us medical equipment to treat the injuries sustained by the previous landing party. May we bring those items as well?" Gerwalta motioning to the guards to examine the cases waited as they were carefully searched, then directing that Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin follow the group set out from the cove to the base itself.

Wednesday, 1830 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

"Ships log, Commander Drake Ward, Executive Officer reporting. Captain Andrew Simms and Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin made a successful landing in the cove located on the western side of the island. We have taken position on the northern end of the island within a man-made channel which has a depth of about 100 meters and is nearly 500 meters in width.

Based on side scan sonar readings, the channel extends apparently to the island itself, and disappears into the rock shelf. It is of similar nature to the Melida Island Operating Base, however it is unknown if the entrance is obstructed or open to the sea. I have directed Sergeant Major Wu, Urzu 10 to prepare for an underwater scouting mission utilizing the M9 Arms Slaves to determine if in fact the entry way is open and large enough for either the Samuel Eliot Morison or the Tuatha de Danaan to make entry. End log entry."

When Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin entered the living quarters where Captain Testarossa and the others were being held, the greetings were subdued at first. Teletha who had born the brunt of Gerwalta's anger; had bruising that had caused a black and blue bruising to both eyes and her forehead. Captain Simms waiting till the guards had retreated began to treat her along with Sergeant Major Mao as Lieutenant Commander Kalinin checked Kurz and Weber for their own injuries and bruises.

Satisfied that they were at least not being monitored Andrei spoke, "From what both of you have seen how many personnel altogether?" Souska said "No more than fifty, Commander; though this installation could have house more at one time."

Andrew passing a scanner over Teletha's forehead spoke "From my own observation, they are short handed in the military department. Two M9's could easily take this place down despite the bravado of the Madam Reichsführer. Then there is the matter of the guards. Despite their appearances and manner of dress in the German SS uniforms, they are amateurish."

Melissa Mao spoke "I was trying to keep one of them from making a mistake; a guard had his finger hard on the trigger of those machine guns that they carry. Had it gone off it would have cut Tessa in two." Teletha said "Is that why you attempted to disarm him Melissa?" Mao winced as Captain Simms trying to scan her skull, grazed it as he scanned her then said "That's why I acted like I did. Sorry Captain."

Kalinin spoke, "It would have mattered little Sergeant Major. The weapons are empty, except likely Madam Krieger's own weapon. The magazines are for show, but none were loaded in the party that greeted us on our landing."

As Andrew replaced the scanner into the case the door to the living quarters opened and revealed Galatia Krieger who took in the new visitors before speaking, "Is she going to be all right?"

Commander Kalinin spoke "Yes Madam. All will recover. Allow me to introduce myself "I am Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin and the officer standing next to Sergeant Major Mao is Captain Andrew Simms." Galatia bowing slightly replied "I am Galatia Krieger, please just call me Galatia."

Andrew spoke, "You are her sister?" as Galatia closing the door quietly behind her continued into the room, Galatia pausing at the open medical kit looking intently within said "Yes I am. I am not proud of her actions or of her behavior." Andrew noting the clenched fists spoke "Considering the circumstances, thank you for going out on a limb to protect Captain Testarossa and her party."

Andrew removed another device from another case and then instructing Teletha to close her eyes, he ran the device over her face and Galatia stared in amazement as the bruising vanished then said "Just who are you? I know of no country that makes such a device."

Kaname Chidori spoke "Galatia, we are part of mercenary organization that has many advanced devices at our disposal. That is just a small sample of not only the medical abilities of our organization; the military capabilities are far beyond you or your sister's comprehension." Kaname stopped suddenly unsure if she had revealed too much, but Captain Testarossa continued "These men and women are under my command Galatia. Lieutenant Commander Kalinin is my tactical officer and Captain Simms commands another of our vessels."

Galatia pulled a chair from a nearby table then sitting spoke "You mean vessel like a ship?" Teletha with eyes still closed said in reply "No Galatia. Vessels, two of which are the most advanced of their types in the world today. Submarines," as Galatia paused in thought then spoke "You mean U-Boats?"

Teletha nodded at the comment, as Captain Simms satisfied the skin stimulator had done its job returned it to the carrying case then said "If that is what you prefer to call them, yes. Captain Testarossa commands the first ship of the class of the submarine she in fact designed. I command the sister ship."

Galatia rose from her chair then said "I think we should have further discussions at dinner which is now ready to be served in the common room. Please follow me."

Wednesday, 1900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Commander Richard Mardukas viewed the video relay from Urzu 10's M9 as Sergeant Major Guan-yin Wu maneuvered in formation with Urzu 11, Sergeant Graham Jaunay and Urzu 12, Sergeant Olina Pedersen the trio sweeping the man-made channel that lead to island.

Wu speaking as she looked at the sea floor and then the vertical walls "They followed the natural course of the magma that flowed from the secondary vents below the surface. The engineering that went into this was definitely meticulous. Continuing towards the island now Commander Ward."

Commander Mardukas spoke, "Drake? The maneuvering room how do you feel about it?" as Commander Ward glanced at the nearby video displays replied "Any tighter and our dive and stabilizer fins would be scrapping, but we will get by. Urzu 10 hold your position."

Commander Mardukas muttered in disbelief at what he was seeing, "What the hell? Could it be that simple?" Wu shifting to infrared sensors looked towards the opening in the bed rock of the island, and then said "Commander Ward? I would have to say that there is plenty of room." Sergeant Pederson Urzu 12 drifted slightly to get a better view then spoke "And they left the porch lights on too."

Commander Ward replying said "Ok, Urzu 10. Bring your team back. I've seen enough." Turning to Lieutenant Taz Norton, Ward said "Lieutenant? Care to hazard a guess what's inside that cavern?"

Lieutenant Taz Norton reviewing measurements spoke "How about the theory of an underwater entrance to a dock to be true?" The voice of Commander Mardukas spoke "I'll take that into consideration as a yes."

Following Galatia, the group entered what was called the Common Room. Both Andrew and Andrei noted there were no "armed" escorts either with them since leaving the living quarters or even in the room where they found Gerwalta already seated, and she was no longer dressed in a German SS uniform.

Captain Testarossa motioned by Gerwalta to sit next to her took her seat then spoke "Why the charade?" Gerwalta glanced at her sister then towards Teletha and said "It was the wishes of my ancestors, and I half believed it would actually happen." Captain Simms spoke "That Nazism would return? Is that why you tried so hard to be convincing?"

Galatia spoke "Sister. You must tell them why." Gerwalta adjusting her napkin replied "I feared that we would be punished for the crimes that they committed. We have been to many places over the years and on many occasions the visits include museums. But what was there contradicted with the writings of our forbearers."

Sergeant Kurz Weber spoke "So neither of you have ever been back to Europe nor have no idea what it is really like now? What was the idea of mistreating us in the first place? There is no excuse!"

Captain Andrew Simms interrupting said, "That will be enough Sergeant!" as he turned to Gerwalta.

Gerwalta sensing Captain Testarossa anger spoke, "Yes Madam Captain, my mistreatment of you was an attempt to instill fear. Teletha said in reply "You hoped by putting on a display of force and then the interrogation that it would influence me to have Mithril forces withdraw?"

Shoving her chair back, Teletha Testarossa rose to her feet and before anyone could intercede Teletha reared back and punched Gerwalta squarely on the chin nearly sending her to the floor. Andrew heard a bolt action being activated and sought the source, but Gerwalta spoke "Put it down now!"

"Do it now, put it down!" as a shaken Galatia having stood approached her sister. Sergeant Sagara waiting for the signal from Commander Kalinin, bolted as did Sergeant Weber; both men placing themselves between Captain Testarossa and any possible shooter.

Kaname Chidori spoke "Tessa. I think there has been enough revenge," as a commanding voice of a woman spoke in agreement "I second that motion Lieutenant!" as Sergeant Major Wu entering the Common Room from one passageway sent a red laser beam towards a young man holding a German MP40 then more laser beams crisscrossing through the air joined in.

Gerwalta blinked in surprise then said "Submarine?" Captain Simms nodded then spoke "Yes. Elements of the Mithril Combat Teams attached to the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison."

Striding in behind the combat team from the Morison was Commander Richard Mardukas and Commander Drake Ward. Mardukas spoke "Madam Captain! The island is under our control."

Captain Simms then said "Sergeant Major Wu, proceed with caution, only return fire if fired upon. Is that understood?" Wu saluted then said "Orders understood. Ok people move out."

Gerwalta rose to her feet then held out her hands towards Captain Testarossa then said "I accept responsibility and will be your prisoner." Teletha stared at Gerwalta then spoke "You will have your freedom, what happened in the past is history. We must at times forgive." Andrew observing the exchange noted Kaname Chidori seeming to be bracing herself against the chair, almost ridged. Then after the conversation between Teletha and Gerwalta; Kaname Chidori appeared to relax slightly then she released the chair and turned towards the passageway as Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl charged into the entrance.

Captain Simms turned to Commander Ward then said "Ok, who is left onboard the Morison?" Drake seeing the reunion taking place said "Lieutenant Takenaka. I could not hold them back. Alice brought the Morison in at her own request then demanded to join the shore party. Oh by the way, you are not going to believe what we found after we surfaced. A German U-Boat, the damn thing is sitting on a marine railway!"

Andrew turning back towards the "Whispered" spoke "Drake. Frankly, I would not have been surprised if you had found a pocket battleship, get the search of the island fully coordinated and collect the firearms, then have everyone shift to class D load out. I don't think we will need any heavy firepower from this point forward.

Thursday, 0700 hours, Banda Sea Island

There were children running about, one young boy bragging that it was he who had reeled in the submarine. A relaxed Captain Simms turned to watch the them puzzled over that statement as Commander Mardukas walking with Captain Testarossa approached. Teletha said "A group of children were fishing from the end of the pier, when Commander Ward ordered combat surface, not knowing that the Morison had been "hooked" by the child's fishing gear; fortunately the children were not hurt."

It was a gutsy maneuver carried out by Commander Ward and Lieutenant Wren, which had allowed an unopposed landing. All told there were only 75 men, women and children remaining in what once had been a secret German military installation that had held at it's the height of its greatest occupancy nearly 1,000. No shots had been fired and all firearms had been accounted for.

Gerwalta Krieger dropping the military rank had gone with Captain Testarossa to comfort frightened women who had hidden their children in other nearby living quarters as Mithril soldiers raced through the complex. The search of the base was complete and even Andrew who was a military historian was astonished at what was being found. He had since ordered that all discoveries were to be reported to Commander Ward and he would review the findings later.

Teletha glanced briefly at the Samuel Eliot Morison moored at the end of the simple stone pier in Med-Moor fashion its loading ramp extended to the pier then back to Captain Simms who had turned his attention towards the German U-Boat. Teletha said "Have you been able to identify the type of U-Boat Andrew?"

Captain Simms crossing his arms spoke "By all historical accounts and known records that submarine should not even be here. But what we are looking at was known as a Type XXI. I checked the database archives and I found blue prints matching that vessel. If it is indeed the XXI series we have an extraordinary opportunity to look at ancient submarine history."

Unlike Mithril's Melida Island, there was no dry dock. Instead a marine railway had been constructed to allow the removal of the submarine from the water, and sitting in the cradle, the submarine was even more ominous. Finding an elevator that could take them to the gantry way to board the submarine; Captain Simms with Captain Testarossa and Commander Mardukas boarded it and ascended.

On the aft deck of the submarine stood Sergeant Major Mao and a man who called himself Herman and as the elevator stopped, Mao saluted "Captain Testarossa, Captain Simms and Commander Mardukas welcome to the UX-4500."

Herman stepping forward held out his hand and welcomed each officer with courtesy then said "Herr Captains', please this way. I am Herman. I am the caretaker for this vessel."

Teletha spoke "Caretaker, Herr Herman?" Herman smiling replied "Yes, Madam Captain. I ensure that the UX-4500 remains ready to sail, though now that possibility is highly mote." Captain Simms walking the length of the deck to the stern, occasionally kneeling to examine areas of the hull and fittings turned towards Herman then said "How long has this boat been out of the water?"

Herman pausing at the question replied "Herr Captain, it has been sitting on the cradle that now bears its weight for 85 years." Melissa Mao spoke "Herman took me for a tour of the inside already. It looks like it just came off the builder's ways just yesterday." Andrew coming to his feet said "Ok. Herman if you would take the lead."

For Captain Simms and Commander Mardukas both of whom were old school submariners, going through the UX-4500 brought back fond memories of their early days in submarine training boats. Captain Testarossa on the other hand when it came time to descend into the vessel itself, Teletha found herself perched on Mao's strong shoulders as Melissa following after Andrew and Richard did what they were doing and that was sliding down the ladders at break neck and bone jarring landings onto steel deck plates.

With Herman off to the side attending to cleaning a piece of equipment in the main control room, Commander Mardukas said "The vessel has been well maintained, and there is equipment onboard that neither I nor Captain Simms was aware of Madam Captain. It would be gross neglect to just abandon it."

Teletha spoke "That would be true Commander, however I would doubt that the marine railway that is below the surface of the water would bear the weight of the dollies so launching it back into the water is out of the question." Herman, who carefully closed an access panel, said "The rails that were originally part of the marine railway were removed from below the water and have been stored. It would be a simple matter to restore them to their original positions."

Teletha said "That is all well and good, however operating this vessel is not like our own and there is no guarantee it will still be water tight. Having enough personnel to operate it will be difficult to find and even train." Captain Simms said "Tessa, you are wrong on that account. We have two Mithril submarines sitting here. If we put together a sailing crew from each and train them, then we just might be able to sail it out of here."

Tessa eyeing the ladder then walking towards it spoke "I will consider that suggestion Captain Simms, until then good day," then Captain Testarossa followed closely by Sergeant Major Mao ascended to the main deck, leaving the officers behind.

Thursday, 1130 hours, Banda Sea Island

Lieutenant Kaname Chidori followed Gerwalta Krieger as they made their way towards the cove with several children. Except for the sea cruiser and the Zodiac, the beach area was deserted. Gerwalta patted one child on the head then said "Go on and swim," then placing a beach towel on the ground with the help of Kaname she sat down to watch the children frolic in the water.

Kaname spoke, "You were shielding them from the past and the present?" nodding in the direction of the children. Gerwalta replied "Yes. I made up the part about resurrecting Reich. As you can see, there are few of us left. Our ancestors that came to make this island their home followed the beliefs of the appointed leaders at that time. Most of course began to die in the late 1950's and 1960's broken hearted and disillusioned. Of course there were those that continued the beliefs and needing labor would either deceive passing ships and smaller vessels or those just curious about the island when they beached here would never leave."

Kaname looked briefly at the children then said "Some of the children have Asian features? I would have assumed that the philosophy would have not allowed such diversification."

Gerwalta smiled then said "As the hard liners died off or in some cases left the island altogether, beliefs changed. Those that had been taken as laborers were finally allowed to leave by my late father, but over the years that so many had been here they voluntarily stayed and integrated themselves into our culture, it was really only a matter of time."

A child ran up holding a shell then smiling gave it to Kaname then ran off, as Kaname accepted it, Gerwalta spoke "The base was built in stages, with the concealed dock being built last. My great-grandfather actually commanded the submarine that is sitting on the marine railway. It was he who decided that the vessel would be removed from the sea to protect it. A German cargo freighter delivered the last of those that would occupy the island, the day Germany surrendered May 7, 1945, and the vessel itself was dismantled.

Over a course of 10 years, those here sought word of a new Reich but then of course the world had other concerns. The hard liners in communication with others in Argentina, had heard rumors that the new Reich would begin there and they migrated never to be heard from again. When my father assumed command of the base, its population was being depleted by various situations, accidents, old age and even sickness."

Kaname opened the small cooler and removed some chilled drinks, giving one to Gerwalta and said "So after luring people here to be laborers, and realizing that his own race was not superior he set them free?" Gerwalta nodded then said "Yes. But many fell in love the remaining Germans still living here and they married. Many did leave in the late 1990's and mid-2000's never to return. We presume that they found life to be bearable where ever they had gone, but there was this fear within me that wanted to protect the remaining that was still living here; so hence my "act.""

Kaname digesting the information said "Your sister said you and she had taken some trips off the island and had visited Australia among other places. Were you seeking something?" Gerwalta pulling her knees back and laying her chin on them said "A new place to live, where our back grounds would not be questioned and a place for the children to thrive. It is difficult at best living here. The fear and uncertainty of how we would be treated in the eyes of the world for the mistakes made by those from our past; how would the world look at our children?"

"The world would welcome them with open arms and no ill judgment," said Captain Teletha Testarossa as she walked up to Gerwalta with Sergeant Major Mao. Teletha sat next to Kaname and looked at the children swimming in the distance then said "Mithril has agreements with many countries and we can help establish you and the others in any country of you're choosing, though it appears many would be more comfortable living in Asian surroundings."

Gerwalta spoke in reply "Do you have a suggestion Captain Testarossa?" Teletha smiled "Yes I do, but please call me Tessa or Teletha, but how does Japan sound for relocation?"

Thursday, 1600 hours, Melida Island Mithril Combat Support Base

Commander Lewis Strong wheeled his chair about abruptly then said "Seventy-Five? That is a mere drop in the bucket Madam Captain and should not be a problem. I'll start arrangements immediately. As for the other matter, a Mithril engineering team and a Mithril research and preservationist team have been dispatched per earlier requests and should be off the island by first light tomorrow."

Teletha looking into the view screen of the portable communications system respond "Very good Commander, thank you for your quick action, Testarossa out."

After closing the link, Teletha stood and walked out of the borrowed communications center that had once been used by hardcore Nazi's to make grand plans among their own ilk. Encountering Galatia, Teletha spoke "Have you seen Captain Simms recently?" Galatia pausing a moment with Sergeant Olina Pederson said "He had asked where the records of the base had been stored and I showed him. I believe he may still be there. If you like, I can show you where." Teletha said "If you can just give me directions, which will be fine. I am sure I can find it."

Teletha stopping occasionally to get her bearings finally located the records room and library of the base, but not finding Captain Simms did find Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin who had been reading journals that had been kept by many of the previous occupants.

Andrei sensing her presence turned and greeted her "Madam Captain." Teletha said "Good afternoon Commander. Have you seen Captain Simms?" as Andrei closing the journal stood from the table and returned it to the shelf.

Andrei replying "No Madam Captain, not recently; Andrew was here briefly reviewing the log books of the UX-4500 and those of the wrecked German Q-ship, but then he left. As to where he was going he did not say."

Teletha turned about the room glancing at row after row of journals and other written materials, some labeled and others not then spoke "The engineering and research teams will arrive at first light tomorrow Commander and I have spoken with Commander Strong to begin preparations for resettlement of those now living here. Would you locate Commander Ward and Commander Mardukas to inform them that we will have a meeting to discuss some issues later this evening and see about trying to find Captain Simms as well; since he too needs to be a part of this operation."

Acknowledging the request, Commander Kalinin spoke "Madam Captain, have you rendered a decision on the UX-4500 as well?" Tessa fingering her hair as she viewed a shelf of log books replied "I am still considering the request. That is all Commander, dismissed."

Thursday, 1900 hours, Banda Sea Island

The chatter in the common room from the gathered families as they finished eating was mixed with children asking various Mithril soldiers about life off the island. Sergeant Sagara had been surrounded as had Lieutenant Kaname Chidori, each trying to answer the questions of the excited children.

Teletha seated with Gerwalta and Galatia had already discussed in great length of what would take place, but to her dismay still no Captain Andrew Simms and even Lieutenant Commander Kalinin was at a loss to explain the captain's absence when asked "Madam Captain, I have ordered a search of the base for Captain Simms however none of the search teams have reported success."

Gerwalta spoke, "Teletha? If you are looking for Captain Simms, perhaps a check of the southern end of the island would be in order. He had mentioned something about visiting the wreck site of the Q-ship." Teletha looked back questionably then said "Wreck site?"

Galatia taking up where her sister left off "Yes, that is where it all began and how our ancestors discovered this island in the first place after a German raider disguised as a merchantman sought succor here after a running gun battle at sea."

Commander Kalinin excusing himself rose from the table then said "Madam Captain, I will attend to the matter personally." Catching the eye of Sergeant Sagara, the commander and the sergeant briefly talked and then joined by Lieutenant Wren and Lieutenant Chidori they all set out for the southern end of the island.