Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Six

Commencement

By Steve Edward

Thursday, 1930 hours, Wreck of German Q-Ship, Banda Sea Island

It had been camouflaged by both man and nature in the intervening years since 1943. From the sea, it was completely unnoticeable but from shore it was viewable and it served to provide as a man made breakwater for the simple pier that held the islands three boats that were used on occasion to get supplies from populated island trading posts further to the north.

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin paused briefly at the small cemetery in a rise overlooking the wreck. The solemn headstones weathered as they were told the story of each grave. Continuing on, with Sergeant Sagara leading the way, they found Captain Simms as he was exiting the deckhouse of the wreck.

Kalinin calling out said "Captain! We have been looking for you, is there anything wrong?"

Andrew turned to the voice then seeing the gathering below waved and headed for the gangway and descended where he greeted Commander Kalinin "Andrei, I am fine. I was just following up on the historical accounts. Our theory about the Japanese and Germans jointly establishing this particular base was off the mark."

Lieutenant Wren said "Well Captain, you could have at least told someone where you were going. You had some worried." Andrew setting a camera case down on the ground said "Well thank you Lieutenant, but I did not think anyone would be worried in the first place, but I can guess Teletha was?"

Andrei nodded then replying "The Madam Captain has a meeting taking place shortly and desires your presence, which is why we are here. Have you finished with what you came to do?" Andrew glanced back at the wreck then spoke, "I found out what I needed to know," then picking up the camera case Captain Simms walked off leaving the others behind.

If Captain Testarossa was in anyway displeased with him, she did not show it. Captain Simms taking a seat at the table with Teletha set the camera case down then accepting a folder from Sergeant Major Mao opened it and the meeting began.

Though Commander Strong had made things sound simple when it came to relocating seventy-five men, women and children it was not. Mithril had agreements with numerous countries that would allow the resettlement of those whose pasts would be best left unknown, however many of the individuals now had relatives with strong ties to the Pacific Rim and as such uprooting them and returning the descendents of long dead Nazi's to what was now the European Union could very likely open old wounds.

The choice had already been made that they would establish new lives in Japan and its environs. Crafting a cover story was critical and as Andrew soon learned it would have to involve sheer firepower.

"The end result will be the destruction of the base and its contents," as Teletha outlining the proposal turned to Captain Simms. The murmurs from the gather rose slightly then subsided as Andrew rose from his seat and said "There is the matter of creating a simulated eruption. It will be brief in terms of length but it will be devastating in its finality. Mithril will remove all historical documents and other material before the detonation is to take place, and you will have your cover stories created."

It was Herman who broached a touchy subject, "As care taker of the UX-4500 I spent many years as did my father before me maintaining the vessel for eventual return to the sea. You proposal seems to include destroying the very vessel who's captain helped rescue the men that discovered the island, and who eventually became the base commanding officer whose very decision to allow those that had been so cruelly taken as laborers to be freed. I can not agree to this."

Andrew said in reply, "Herman, frankly that is out of my hands at the moment but we would need the fuel that the UX-4500 has to assist in the detonation." Herman turned to plead at Gerwalta "How can you even think to allow this?" But Gerwalta spoke her reply sad, "Herman, I am sorry." Seeing where it was going Andrew spoke "Herman, 20 metric tons of Perhydrol will be needed to create the effects of an eruption."

Herman blinked in surprise, "Twenty metric tons of Perhydrol is nothing Herr Captain. We have in the storage tanks holding two hundred metric tons! Would that be sufficient to save UX-4500?"

It was Andrew who blinked in surprise and then concern "Herman? So there is no Perhydrol on the UX-4500?" Herman stepped forward "Herr Captain, it was defueled before removal from the sea and the fuel stored in the base holding tanks. Surely Madam Captain Testarossa can allow enough to be returned to the submarine so it can sail?"

Andrew sat back into his seat then turned to Teletha and spoke softly "The ball is in your court Madam Captain. That will still leave 180 metric tons of Perhydrol as a catalyst, and besides I have enough C-12 on the Morison to make the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption look like a mere fire cracker going off if we use the storage tanks instead of the bone dry tanks of a beached submarine."

Teletha spoke, "Very well Captain Simms. In light of the additional Perhydrol that is available, you have my approval to return the UX-4500 to the sea and salvage such a historical vessel. However I require submission of a prize crew roster by 0900 hours Friday with limitations on the number of personnel that can be utilized. You may use crewmembers of both the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison, but only from non-critical positions, and you may be part of the prize crew if you so desire. That is all Captain, this meeting is dismissed."

Teletha coming to her feet glanced at a much cheerier Herman then turned to Captain Simms, "Andrew, I will be returning to the Tuatha de Danaan for the evening. I expect progress when I return." Andrew nodded then spoke "You will have it Madam Captain."

Andrew gathered things together and walked out of the Common Room, sensing someone behind him he turned to find Herman trailing after him. Herman spoke, "Herr Captain? Do you have questions?" Andrew replied "Yes I do Herman. I want all the technical manuals and blue prints of the UX-4500 to be at the dock building in an hour, and then you and I have some serious discussions ahead. Herman quickly bowed then departed, and Andrew smiling continued onward; the happy gait in Herman's walk was evident.

Friday, 0500 hours, Banda Sea Island Dock Complex

The unusual hustle and bustle taking place around the dock area was the result of the Mithril Engineering Team arrival less than an hour before along with the a Mithril Historical and Archival Team whose leaders had been sent to the dock complex after their arrival.

Wilhelm Becker, the Mithril Engineer in Charge flipped through the blue prints of the UX-4500 as did Mokena Yule the Mithril Archivist in Charge. Wilhelm turned to Captain Simms and said "Restoring the Marine Railway so that the submarine can be launched will not be a problem, however reactivating a power plant that is nearly 85 years old will be a challenge."

Mokena looked up briefly at the bow of the UX-4500 framed within the window of the dock building and said "Yes it will be Herr Becker, but you have dealt with such problems before." Andrew leaning against the wall spoke "We do have to consider that the vessel is only remaining example of its type in the world today and that the Walter Turbine system was in fact the forerunner of the Palladium reactors that are on the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison."

Becker replied "Only in general terms Herr Captain. The self-replicating power source of the Palladium is much more stable. The Walter Turbine propulsion system though very powerful for its time suffered greatly from stability issues of the fuel, though for the same distance traveled there was no comparison. 180 metric tons of diesel fuel to 20 metric tons of Perhydrol, and there is the matter of the vessel itself. It was originally designed for a diesel power plant; it is rather obvious that the installation of the Walter Turbines was to give the vessel an edge among other things."

Andrew looking towards the UX-4500 spoke "An edge it did have, which allowed it to survive. Though in appearance only to a Type XXI, it is still a Walter boat Wilhelm, so conduct you own inspection and give me a go or no go by 0830 that is all I ask."

Wilhelm stood and then held out his hand and shook Andrew's then said "It shall be done Herr Captain."

Friday, 0900 hours, Banda Sea Island

Captain Testarossa entered the Common Room, followed by Lieutenant Commander Kalinin and Lieutenant Kaname Chidori. Teletha looked at the gathering briefly then took her place at the table. Sitting across from her, Captain Andrew Simms briefly stood then sat back down after greeting her, "Good morning Madam Captain."

Teletha spoke, "To you as well Captain Simms. I see there is already progress. What is there to report?" Andrew turned to Wilhelm then said "Let's start with the Mithril Engineering Report." Wilhelm gave his report and having saved the UX-4500 for last spoke "In regard to the German submarine UX-4500 an engineering study of the vessel has determined that it can be safely floated. However I recommend before it is launched that the Samuel Eliot Morison departs the dock area."

Mokena then spoke "To fully recover all documents and materials we will need four to five days to do so. Much of it will have to be packed in specialized protective containers to preserve the contents. After the transfers are completed you may conduct the demolition at the time of your own choosing." Teletha finishing her note taking spoke, "Captain Simms there is the matter of the prize crew, are you ready to submit that information now?" Andrew said in reply "Yes I am prepared to do so Madam Captain."

Accepting the folder, Teletha opened it and read the roster silently then said "You are serious about the selection?" as Andrew nodded "Yes Madam Captain, I am." Closing the folder then abruptly standing, Teletha said "Captain Simms, this way please. I need to speak with you alone."

Exiting the Common Room to a nearby alcove, Teletha turned and faced Andrew "I can not allow it."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin pulled the discarded folder towards him and opened it then reading the prospective roster could hear Teletha's voice rising as she continued to argue with Andrew "She has no experience... Absolutely out of the question!" as Kalinin closed the folder he turned to Lieutenant Kaname Chidori and said "The Madam Captain is arguing against your inclusion to the prize crew."

Then as Teletha and Andrew returned, Teletha about to retrieve the folder was stopped by Kaname as she spoke "Is there a rule that says I can not be part of a submarine crew?" Tessa sitting back into her chair glanced briefly at Andrei and then spoke "No there is not Lieutenant Chidori, however your inexperience precludes your participation."

Kaname replied "Oh really?" as she slid her chair back. "Since when do you conclude I do not have enough experience Madam Captain?" Teletha then slid her chair back and said "Because you have no command experience!" Kaname slide her chair back even more and both Andrew and Andrei began to wonder which young woman would run out of floor space to keep sliding their chairs as they argued.

Andrei and Andrew both put their respective feet down accordingly blocking any further progress and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin said "Madam Captain, Madam Lieutenant that will be enough. Captain Simms has made the proper choice."

Teletha spoke "Commander?"

Friday, 1300 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

"Thrusters at neutral position, preparing to swing the ship on command Captain." Andrew taking the final bearings said "Very well, starboard aft thruster to one-third, port forward bow thruster to one-third. Execute."

Commander Drake Ward standing at ease next to Andrew said "Needed a little vacation from the "Whispered"?"

Captain Simms cocking his head slightly towards his Executive Officer said "You might say that, but I really need to get a feel for the departure. You said it was a tight fit." Drake checking the gyroscope said "Very tight. Five meters to either side, Con to Main Bridge thrusters to neutral. Stand-by to dive."

Satisfied that the Morison was lined up, Captain Simms hit the dive alarm and pointing towards the hatch said "Dive! Dive! Set depth to 75 meters! Dive! All engines ahead one-third!"

Drake the last one down pulled the hatch shut behind him and then like Captain Simms slid down the ladder and exited the trunk and raced towards the Bridge.

The feminine voice announcing his presence on the Bridge in the background, Andrew headed for the helm station where Petty Officer Kayla Carter was sitting to view the exit from the undersea dock complex. Petty Officer Carter smiled then said "Welcome back Captain."

Ensign Aryl in the "Chapel" added her own welcome "Andrew welcome back," then closed her eyes to "view" the exterior passage of the mammoth submarine. Commander Ward monitoring the situation screens spoke "Entering passage at this time, five meter clearance either side." Fifteen minutes later, the Samuel Eliot Morison was maneuvering free and clear in the Banda Sea.

Satisfied that all was in order, Captain Simms ordered the Morison to the surface then said to Commander Ward "The boat is yours for the time being, take good care of it." Drake saluted then held out his hand "Good luck on your endeavor." Taking the outstretched hand, Andrew shook it then spoke to Petty Officer Carter "Kayla? Are you ready to drive an eighty-five year old submarine?" Kayla sliding the helm chair back then standing as the replacement helmsman arrived spoke "That will be interesting Captain. I am a ready as I'll ever be." Tapping Petty Officer Cal Larkin on the shoulder as he passed, Captain Simms followed by the two petty officers departed the bridge.

Friday, 1600 hours, UX-4500

Sergeant Souska Sagara clambered down across the forward enclosed eighty-eight MM gun mount then judging the distance to the forward deck jumped then rolled on landing coming upright onto his feet and slowly walked forward till he came to the forecastle of the submarine. Looking downward, he could see the Mithril engineering team working below on the Marine Railway installing the tracks.

"An interesting way to get around Sergeant," the voice belonging to Captain Andrew Simms who walked the narrow deck passage of the conning tower towards him; as Souska replied "It was the quickest way at the moment, Sir."

Andrew pausing at the base of the conning tower said "True, it may be quicker but remember we are still on the railway and there is no water to break your fall if you had missed your mark. Besides Herr Becker would have taken a dim view of your acrobatics had you landed on one of his men instead."

Sergeant Sagara spoke "I will remember that Captain. My security report is ready, Sir." Andrew crossed his arms then said "I am not the one that is to receive that report, please make it to your commanding officer, Acting Captain Chidori." It appeared to Andrew that Souska had frozen briefly in place contemplating his statement but then Souska quickly saluted and departed leaving Captain Simms alone on the forecastle.

"These will be the initial training assignments. We less than five days to learn the entire ship by heart, is that understood?" as Acting Captain Chidori standing in the cramped mess and galley set the chart down. Lieutenant Alice Wren spoke softly "Understood, however it is called a boat and not a ship," as some laughter rose from the gathering; Kaname Chidori acting captain of the UX-4500 replying "Alice? Boat or ship, it does not really matter. All of us knows we have to understand how it works. Ok?" Alice smiling nodded then departed headed towards the engine room.

Sergeant Sagara voice intruding on Chidori's thoughts spoke "Acting Captain Chidori. Madam I have my report ready!" Kaname rolling her eyes turned to Souska then said "Ok Sergeant go ahead with your report." Sagara going to parade rest spoke "The caretaker has turned over all keys to the submarine's weapons locker and the launch keys for torpedo launch authorization. Will you accept custody?" Kaname holding out her hand said "Souska. Just give me the keys!" then Sagara continued "A sweep of the boat has been completed and nothing found out of the ordinary and your First Officer has reported onboard for duty."

Kaname spoke "Captain Simms?" Souska replied "Yes Acting Madam Captain." Kaname stepping past Souska walked forward leaving Souska in the mess deck/galley but stopping spoke "Sergeant? Set the security watch immediately." Sagara replied dead serious "Yes Madam Captain."

Andrew found the First Officers Quarters to be more like a closet than anything else, but satisfied at his surroundings he set his brief case down and then removed a laptop computer. The single outlet on the wall did not look promising enough to support the power requirements so he powered it up on batteries and tabbed through a graphical program of the UX-4500. Taken directly from the blue prints of the UX-4500, Andrew could do a compartment by compartment review which he was doing so when Acting Captain Kaname Chidori knocked on the bulkhead and spoke "Welcome aboard First Officer Simms."

Andrew turning to greet Kaname said "Thank you, Captain. I was just about to do a compartment by compartment review. How have things progressed so far?"

Kaname positioning herself in the narrow passageway replied "Well except for saying it is a ship instead of a boat, no one is really complaining. I have posted the initial training assignments in what passes for the mess hall/galley and everyone has accepted their positions, how about you?"

Andrew replied "Considering that Tessa will be looking for anything that gives her an excuse to intervene, I have to walk on eggshells; so don't back down. You are ready for this and you have to prove yourself in her eyes." Kaname replied "In what way?"

Andrew tabbing through another screen spoke "Tessa views "Whispered's" to be protected, no matter what and she is willing to take risks. Her intelligence is superior and she learns from her mistakes quickly and does not repeat them. I may sound odd saying this, but in some fashion Tessa sees you as a sister, in some ways superior to her own abilities. She can teach you the ways of a "Whispered", but she can not show the skills of being a leader; one that is able to make a decision and not go back and reflect on it; because you already have that ability."

Kaname absorbing that statement and about to speak was interrupted by the Acting Chief Engineer Wilhelm Becker who called out to Kaname as he walked up the passageway "Madam Captain? I need to speak with you." Andrew glancing up at Kaname nodded then pulling the privacy curtain shut as he did so turned back to the computer.

Kaname Chidori turned towards Wilhelm then spoke "Chief, what's on your mind?" as Becker passed a PDA to her he said "Final estimates for completion of repairs to the Marine Railway. I also have included the approximate launch time for returning the boat to the water, Madam Captain." Kaname scrolling through the screen, then touching the accept button spoke "Very good Chief Becker. Give my thanks to your engineers for their hard work. It is appreciated." Wilhelm replied "Yes Madam Captain I will. Thank you." Kaname thought about interrupting Andrew again, but did not. Excusing herself, Acting Captain Chidori headed aft.

Wilhelm waiting till Kaname was well out of ear shot spoke "Herr Captain Simms?" Andrew sliding the privacy curtain back open said "Wilhelm? Is there a problem?" Wilhelm spoke "You should know that Madam Captain Testarossa has decided to make an unannounced visit."

Andrew came to his feet, shutting the computer down replied "How long do we have?" Wilhelm removing an antique pocket watch and opening its protective cover spoke "One hour and fifteen minutes." Andrew stepping past Becker said "Well that is nice to know. Can you get the supply hatch open so Madam Captain Testarossa does not have to do another free fall?" Wilhelm laughing slightly "First Officer, consider it done."

If Petty Officer Kayla Carter was worried about anything, she did not show it. To the rear of the control room sat Petty Officer Cal Larkin. Both late of the Samuel Eliot Morison had been chosen by Captain Simms to man the UX-4500 for the sailing to Melida Island.

Kayla had examined the helm station of the UX-4500 and though its control system was antique in comparison to the sophisticated control systems of the Morison, it would not be a problem for her to handle.

Petty Officer Cal Larkin busy with checking the sonar equipment gingerly held a vacuum tube then placed it back into its socket as he said "Sure brings back some old memories." Kayla chuckled as she adjusted the seat, "That it does. Are you sure you can get that thing working?" Cal half bent over into an access panel his voice obscured spoke "I have never met any sonar I did not like, and I guess the care taker was pretty astute about doing his job. Everything looks clean so far."

Andrew entering the control room abruptly stopped then said "Have you two seen our acting captain?" Kayla swiveling the chair spoke and then pointed aft "She went that way Sir. Maybe in the engine room," as Andrew suddenly sprinting headed aft gave a wave in thanks; Kayla said to Cal "Uh Oh, the brass is coming."

Friday, 1715 hours, UX-4500 Main Engine Room

The clatter of tools on metal sounded as Andrew swinging through the hatch landed feet first on the deck plates and uncoiled his upper body as he rose to a bent over position and gazed at the work taking place. A Mithril engineer looking towards him waved and returned to his work in an open access panel on one of the two Walter Turbines. Two pairs of legs were peeking out from underneath the port turbine as Andrew approached.

"One more turn and that will do it," spoke Kaname to Sergeant Major Wu. Sensing another presence, Wu then Kaname pulled themselves to a sitting position to find Andrew kneeling down next to them. Andrew pulled a cloth from his pocket "Better get cleaned up Captain. We have company coming." Accepting the cloth and wiping grease smudges from her face, with a little help from Wu; Kaname spoke "Is it Tessa?" Andrew nodded then said "An unannounced visit to say the least. I would like to suggest a general muster of the crew on the aft deck for her arrival, which will be in 15 minutes."

Helping his Acting Captain to her feet then Sergeant Major Wu, Andrew looked around the engine room one last time and said "I've passed the word verbally on the way back to those I saw so a general announcement will be in order. I expect she will want to take an official tour this time around." Kaname replied "Make it so First Officer."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin operating the control lever of the elevator glanced at Captain Teletha Testarossa as he stopped the car at the boarding level to the UX-4500. If Tessa was surprised she did not show it. In formation on the aft deck, stood the prize crew with their acting captain, Kaname Chidori in formation. Then the Bosun's pipe sounded and they came to attention.

"Attention on deck! Tuatha de Danaan arriving!" the voice of Acting Captain Kaname Chidori's First Officer making the announcement, Andrew Simms. Tessa boarding the UX-4500 returned Kaname's salute then said "I am here to conduct a prelaunch inspection Captain Chidori. Are you ready?" Kaname unflinching replied "Yes Madam Captain, the prize crew of the UX-4500 stands ready."

The prize crew was dressed in blue jump suites, all immaculate and pressed. Then there was Acting Captain Kaname Chidori, Tessa did not miss the pair of eagles on her jump suite collars, which nearly sparkled. Teletha followed by Kaname began inspection of the crew, a mix from the Tuatha de Danaan and the Samuel Eliot Morison with a mix from the Mithril Engineering Team. Stopping briefly before Wilhelm Becker the Acting Chief Engineer, she said "Chief Engineer is your engine room ready for inspection?" Becker peered down at Tessa then said "Herr Captain! It is ready!"

As Chidori lead the way, Andrew approached Andrei and spoke "I can assume that Tessa initiated this little inspection?" Andrei replied "Yes she did, I and Commander Mardukas were not made aware of it till an hour ago. How did you find out?" Andrew watching Captain Testarossa descend through the supply hatch replied "A grease monkey told me."

Friday, 1900 hours, Quasi National Undersea Park and Preserve, Okinawa

Park Ranger Koru clung to what was left of his small patrol craft as it drifted over the Quasi National Undersea Park and Preserve. Koru checking on reports of wildcatters operating illegally within the park confines to salvage valuables from war wrecks had suddenly been attacked.

It had been swift and sudden, and no warning. The explosion had torn his craft in two. Ranger Koru could faintly see the mammoth vessel that had attacked him as it crossed underneath him in near silence. It bore no markings, it hull black the strange vessel slowly disappeared. Why disturb the sanctuary itself? There were many wrecks here, American Navy, Imperial Japanese Navy among others; the remnants of a great battle long ago, to disturb the sleeping warriors were blasphemous in itself.

Paddling with his good arm, Ranger Koru began a long and slow journey to a buoy in the distance. It housed a wireless phone and a small shelter, it would take him four hours to reach it, but Koru would survive and tell the tale of the mysterious intruder.

Saturday, 0700 hours, Melida Island, Western Pacific Mithril Combat Support Base

Commander Lewis Strong turned back to the monitor displaying Captain Teletha Testarossa on the bridge of the Tuatha de Danaan and said "The vessel was observed to be on a south-south east course from Quasi and word of the attack did not reach authorities until nearly midnight after the park ranger was rescued Madam Captain."

Teletha looking at her mini-control panel on her command chair replied "The preserve is a protected area Commander. Do the authorities know what may have been taken or salvaged?" Lewis scrolling through the report spoke "They are baffled Madam Captain. There are numerous war wrecks in the area, United States Navy, Imperial Japanese Navy ships and a smaller number of other nations that participated in the invasion of Okinawa during World War II. Dive teams are scheduled to begin surveys of the area to determine which wrecks may have been boarded and tampered, however several do lie in deeper water and they will have to use mini-subs to investigate those wrecks."

Teletha beginning to type spoke "Very well Commander, keep us informed on the progress. The Tuatha de Danaan will depart the Banda Sea Island Base in one hour and return to the Pacific. Any indication as to what type of submarine class may have been used Commander?" Lewis replied "The only description was it was large, wide and black with the conning tower nearly centered. The ranger who saw it said the deck appeared almost flat all the way across, but he was sure it was not a military vessel."

Teletha thought a moment to herself "Broad and flat" then said "Commander Mardukas the description of the vessel what do you think it may be?" Commander Mardukas standing at ease said "A centered conning tower would seem to place it in the civilian sector, however if the ranger's patrol vessel was indeed attacked using a low yield torpedo it would likely be a variant of the Russian Groznyy merchant submarine class. They are of only two civilian class vessels to carry torpedoes; but they are used only to help break up heavy ice and the Groznyy's are favored for artic delivery work with heavily armored upper decks that are even thicker than the Tuatha de Danaan. The other class is British built but it conning tower is well forward." Teletha said in reply "Commander Strong, conduct a search of all Groznyy's currently registered and determine their locations then try to match them to the incident location, that will be all for now, Testarossa out."

Tessa typing some information to her mini-data terminal spoke "Commander Kalinin please inform Acting Captain Chidori and Captain Simms that we will be unable to attend the launch ceremony for the UX-4500, and inform Commander Ward on the Samuel Eliot Morison of the incident at Okinawa. He is however to maintain position to ensure that the German Base is destroyed as scheduled, regardless if the UX-4500 is able to actually get underway or not." Commander Kalinin acknowledged the orders and began to make the required notifications as Captain Testarossa issued orders to the helm.

Saturday, 0900 hours, Banda Sea Island

Including the prize crew, part of who were standing on the stone pier there were 65 total present. The former care taker Herman stood with Gerwalta and Galatia Krieger to bear witness to the launch of the UX-4500.

The small donkey engine started and began to take the strain of pulling nearly 2100 metric tons of steel, with squawks of protesting metal frozen in place for 85 years the UX-4500 began the descent down the Marine Railway.

"Board is full green; all hatches show secure, now on internal battery power only. Helm controls to neutral Captain!" as the noise of protesting metal grew from the outside the hull the vibrations increased.

Andrew leaning against the chart table missed the pencil as it rolled off and skittered across the deck plates, coming to a stop at the feet of Captain Kaname Chidori who had taken a brace position near the helm.

Commander Ward standing on the pier observing speaking over the noise said "In about 5 seconds the dollies will hit the greased section and when they do those onboard are going to be in for a wild ride," and then as he predicted the speed suddenly increased."

"And we have water!" the general announcement made by the acting chief engineer, Wilhelm Becker as the U-Boat plunged into the water.

Drake began a mental count, as the stern disappeared into the frothing water the only thing now visible was the conning tower. Herman spoke "Is it stuck?" Commander Ward replied "No Herr Herman. It has to regain its sea legs." Gerwalta watching the submarine once commanded by her father turned to speak when the U-Boat plowed back to the surface, coasting under its own momentum she said "Herr Herman it is now home."

Though listing, the submarine was afloat and Captain Kaname Chidori gave her first official command "Dive control, cycle and vent starboard tanks. Main Control stand-by for maneuvering commands." Andrew viewing the inclinometer mounted to the forward bulkhead said "Lookouts to the conning tower," then ascending first through the access trunk followed by Kaname then Souska, Andrew entered the conning platform.

Kaname spoke "First Officer, if you would do the honors." Andrew nodded then speaking into the sound powered phones as he eyed the far wall of the cavern "Helm all engines back one-third, rudder to amid-ships. Check your head."

Lieutenant Alice Wren repeating the orders replied to the head command "Engines back one-third, head is 005 degrees true." Ordering all engines stopped, Andrew paused as the commands were carried out then waiting as the UX-4500 drifted quietly listening for any unusual sounds; Andrew spoke to Kaname "Madam Captain, the boat is yours. Recommend left rudder, port engine back one-third and starboard ahead one-third."

Captain Chidori accepting the sound powered phone, then issued the commands and for the next 30 minutes the UX-4500 was jogged about as her new captain learned its ways.

Andrew stepped back then watched as Kaname continued to issue maneuvering commands and as the crew answered them, he spoke softly into a headset "Well Drake how does she look?"

Commander Ward stepping away from the gathering replied "Like a hunter she was to be. Better bring her in yourself when possible, I just got something in from Tessa." Looking up towards Kaname Chidori and Souska Sagara, each standing side by side he spoke "Captain Chidori? We need to go pier side."

Saturday, 1300 hours, Banda Sea Island, Pier side

Andrew set the PDA down then spoke "Ok, so it is true. A rogue wildcatter is on the loose somewhere in the Western Pacific, and they have a sub to boot. But why try to kill an unarmed park ranger much less attack his unarmed patrol vessel?"

Drake replied "Maybe to keep him from finding out about their activities? Either way that preserve contains numerous wrecks both Japanese and American, military in origin. So what would be of value is unknown. Tessa got a possible hit on two of the subs in question, both privately owned however they are with known shipping concerns but each has routes that would take them into or near that area."

Andrew rubbing his temple spoke "I doubt that two private shipping concerns would be involved in illicit activities, and they have schedules to keep so rule them out. Tessa is on the right track, but I am betting we have someone who acquired one either thru legitimate means or they circumvented the purchase process. Now onto our other problem, use the worker Turtles to bring the food supplies and other necessities to the 4500. When by the way do the remainder of the island residents depart for screening at Melida?"

Drake spoke, "1600 hours today then the island will be to ourselves. I'll check with Mokena to see about her status on material recovery. From what I have heard they have taken nearly five tons so far back to the research ship." Andrew closing a file on the PDA replied "Speaking of her, when you see Mokena can you have her stop by. Since she conducts a lot of research, maybe we can get some answers for Tessa." Drake nodded then left the dock shack."

Saturday, 1700 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

"Entering the Pacific Madam Captain" said Commander Mardukas as Captain Testarossa entered the Bridge. Teletha have taken a nap was refreshed and took her command chair as she viewed the various displays "Very well Commander, any further word on the submarines?"

Commander Mardukas spoke "Both have been ruled out as being involved, though one was within 100 kilometers of Quasi the shipping company tracking system confirmed it was on course and at specified position at the time of the incident." Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin spoke "Madam Captain, incoming transmission from the Banda Sea. It is being relayed through the Morison."

Captain Testarossa nodded then spoke "Put them through Commander," as the video jumped briefly then stabilized showing Captain Andrew Simms and Mokena Yule sitting in the communications center. Captain Simms said "Good afternoon Madam Captain."

Tessa replied "And to you as well Andrew. What do you have to report?" Andrew pulled a PDA towards him then said "Launching took place without a hitch and I might add refueling was completed two hours ago. Acting Chief Engineer Wilhelm Becker conducted a successful restart of the Walter Turbine system. In essence Tessa, the UX-4500 is fully operational."

Tessa smiled then said "Then congratulations are in order for Acting Captain Chidori, is she nearby?" Andrew shaking his head no replied "No she is not. Madam Captain Chidori is conducting emergency drills at this moment; however I will pass the message on. The main reason I am contacting you is regarding the Quasi incident. Ms. Yule has some insight to what may have been sought by the wildcatters."

Commander Mardukas spoke "What would be of value on military wrecks? Many have been sitting on the bottom for over 80 to 95 years, and of course many would be war graves." Mokena spoke "Yes that is true Commander; however certain wrecks can hold high value material. One of the wrecks at the Quasi Preserve was not a warship, but a cargo ship that was sunk by a mine in deep water, much very near the position of the attack on the park ranger. That vessel the V. Faust carried occupation monies in the form of silver coinage that was to be delivered after the invasion of Okinawa was completed. Of course it sank at a depth too great for the level of technology they had at that time so none of the cargo was recovered. Then after the war, and the establishment of the preserve some 20 years later it was declared off limits for any form of salvage as it was declared a war grave. According to research carried out by the JUAS some ten years ago, the V. Faust did indeed carry several members of her crew with her. She sits at the outermost fringes of the Quasi Preserve."

Teletha replied "Andrew? Was it not a JUAS mini-sub that you rescued earlier from a wreck it was exploring?" Andrew replied "As a matter of fact it was. The Akio if I recall correctly." Mokena spoke "Genji and Emiho Akio. The mini-sub bears their family name. Brother and sister a year apart, their father was an undersea archeologist. They are based out of Osaka, Japan and I should add they have been instrumental in preserving archeological sites both above and below the sea."

Andrew spoke "Might make it worth while to contact them Tessa. If anyone knows valuable wrecks, they would likely be the ones." Captain Testarossa spoke "We will do so. Thank you both, Testarossa out."