Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Seven

Commencement

By Steve Edward

Sunday, 0600 hours, UX-4500

"This is no drill, Fire, Fire, Electrical Fire, Forward Torpedo Room," the chilling announcement sent crewmen bolting towards the emergency. Andrew dressed in the jump suite like other crewmembers headed forward as well. On his heels a wide awake Acting Captain Kaname Chidori, was issuing commands on the run "Secure all electrical power forward of frame twenty, close all watertight doors and hatches forward of frame seventy-five! Move it people!"

The emergency locker already opened, a crewmember passed breathing apparatuses out along with extinguishers. Kaname about to put hers on was stopped by Andrew "Far as you go Captain. Monitor the situation, if you hear me issue the Evac Order, get everyone the hell off and have them go to the emergency staging area."

Leaving Chidori behind, Andrew with Acting Chief Engineer Becker joined the fire squad now standing in a darkened passageway. Becker squeezing past said "Ok lets get this done, all power secured. Check for visible flames, if none crack the hatch men."

"Cracking the hatch," said the team leader and opening it carefully he entered then spoke "One man down, get him clear!" Passing the unconscious crewman past them to others behind the fire team entered and located the source. What little fire there was quickly put out.

Wilhelm Becker checking the electrical panel that caused the problem, then giving thumbs up said "Looks like the preservative on the terminals has broken down. There is very little damage to wiring, First Officer." Andrew replied "What is that panel for?" Becker pointing towards a torpedo replied "The torpedo fire control panel Herr Andrew."

"Well you know what that means? Get all available personnel and do a compartment by compartment check of all electrical panels, Chief Becker. We can not have a repeat of this when we are underway." Becker nodding at the order motioned for the damage control team to gather around him as Andrew turned to leave.

Sunday, 0830 hours, UX-4500

"Considering it happened while we were still pier side, gives us an edge since we can power down respective parts of the boat while the emergency maintenance is carried out," said Kaname as she stood with her Acting First Officer Andrew Simms. Andrew replied "Call it dumb luck. The crewman had seen a fluctuation in the power circuits and had gone to investigate. He cracked the hatch and entered and seeing the fire he secured the hatch then notified the control room before he passed out."

As they discussed the incident, crewmen were moving about headed for various compartments to conduct electrical checks and closer inspections of the various compartments. A familiar voice calling out, announcing his presence the thin figure of Doctor George Albert appeared behind them.

"Well Madam Captain, I can say that your crewman will recover fully. He should be back on duty by noon." Kaname turned to greet the doctor then said "Thank you for your assistance in the matter." Doctor Albert accepting the compliments then said "The least I could do."

Andrew accepting a hand shake from the doctor excused himself from Kaname then lead Doctor Albert aft then spoke "You still having reservations?" George replied, "As a matter of fact I am, just assigning just a field medic for any emergencies onboard and not one of my qualified staff."

Andrew replied, "George, I am not taking any critical care staff period. Besides if there is an emergency we can do a transfer to the Morison, it's not like we are going to be sailing alone back to Melida anyway. The secondary mission of Morison will be to escort us there." Turning and walking away, Andrew headed forward then disappeared below trailing the Acting Captain, Kaname Chidori as Doctor Albert pondered Andrew's confidence.

Sunday, 1500 hours, Osaka, Japan JUAS Headquarters

Emiho Akio carefully replaced the jeweled encrusted dagger within the display case and resealed it. Estimates on the daggers value were in the millions of yen; but it was neither for sale nor loan to museums. It like many other pieces in the JUAS collection had been recovered over the years by both her late father and of course she and her brother Genji.

The request from the Quasi National Preserve for their services to inspect several deep resting wrecks to determine if any salvage had been carried out had saddened her. Her father had explored many of them before his death and had taken many hours of video and still photographs to chronicle the explorations. Her brother busy transferring the data to Jen Maru, the JUAS support ship had been disturbed even more, since their father had drilled into them the need to respect a shipwreck or even an ancient land encampment, and only remove articles that were in the open, not violate the confines of a site to profit.

About to leave for the Jen Maru, Emiho was stopped by the receptionist striding urgently towards her, "Ms. Akio, there is an important call on your private line. They are insisting to speaking with you or Genji directly!" Emiho sighed then spoke, "Did they say who they were?" The receptionist stopped then held up a message pad then said "The caller identified themselves as "Toy Box". Would you like me to take a message instead?"

But the receptionists' words met empty air as Emiho raced past her down the hall towards her office.

Monday, 0800 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

"Surface and Air are clear Commander, Tango One is ready for immediate launch," spoke the crewman monitoring the immediate area of the Tuatha de Danaan. Commander Mardukas nodded then said "Tango One, time to surface is 30 seconds. You will have forty-five seconds to clear."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin sitting within the SH60 with Captain Testarossa replied "Very well Commander. We are ready to launch you may surface at your discretion."

The hull of the UX-4500 still glistened from its test dive. Submerged and bottomed at nearly 120 meters for three hours, the prize crew had conducted pain staking internal checks, and it was the first operational test of Walter Turbine System while the submarine sat on the bottom. Acting Captain Kaname Chidori sitting across from her First Officer looked up at the seated gathering then said "No leaks at 120 meters and the power and propulsion system functioned normally. Chief Becker? How did you feel about the testing overall?"

Wilhelm Becker the Mithril Engineer who had assumed the position of Acting Chief Engineer of the UX-4500 spoke "Madam Captain, I am satisfied we can operate the boat safely, and that the vessel is indeed ready for sea. I would like to recommend that we top off the tanks prior to sailing, because once we leave here it will be difficult to obtain a replacement fuel supply."

Commander Ward replied "I don't have a problem with that Captain Chidori, but we will time the refueling as close as possible to actual time of departure. I believe Ms. Yule has an update for all of us." Mokena spoke, "Thanks to a little extra effort, the last of the material that needed to be saved has been removed along with selected equipment for further study. Commander Ward, you may begin preparations for demolition at the time of your choosing."

Andrew having remained silent cocked an eyebrow then said "Ms. Yule? I recall that you said it would take five days?" Mokena replied "Yes I did Captain Simms; however that was based on a complete removal of the all equipment, much of which has no historical significance. I am submitting a list of material that will be left behind to Commander Ward for his immediate approval, is there anything I should review in your presence?"

Andrew shaking his head no said "No that will not be necessary."

Kaname Chidori spoke, "First Officer? Will you coordinate the demolition with Commander Ward, since it will be his responsibility to ensure that the charges are set off?" Andrew acknowledged the request then Acting Captain Kaname Chidori dismissed the meeting.

Waiting till the gathering left, Andrew and Drake began to review the placement of the charges. Drake unrolling a schematic of the base spoke "To make things look realistic, C-12 charges have already been placed at the rim above, situated near the four 155MM Naval Guns that came from that old German Q-Ship. When they go off it will collapse their supports and they will fall inward. A five second delay will be in place for the detonation of the Perhydrol holding tanks. When those go Andrew, anything in this immediate area will be vaporized. Then there is the matter of the entrance to this cavern, I recommend it be sealed, so charges have been placed there as well."

Andrew checking off the list of concerns spoke, "What about the ammunition stores? They were obviously preparing this island for a U-Boat support base and there is the torpedo magazine as well as fixed ammunition for the 88's on the 4500. We have a full load of torpedoes and Sergeant Major Wu and Sergeant Sagara had a working party yesterday loading 400 rounds for each mount giving us 800 over all. We can't carry any more."

Commander Ward spoke "I gave that some thought and recommend charges in the respective magazines. The armory contains a huge assortment of weapons as well and those should be destroyed too. Placing the charges in the magazines will take care of that and will collapse and seal the tunnels. The final charges will be placed at the exterior above ground entrance. Now all that will be left is to decide the time."

Andrew spoke "Tonight will be a new moon, and since we are sailing what some would consider a hostile submarine the darkness will be our friend. Set demolition charges for 2100 hours today. The UX-4500 will sail at 2000 hours. Pass the word that all non-essential personnel are to be off this island by 1900 hours." Drake finished his own notes then said "Oh by the way, Wu requisitioned twenty-three nickel-cadmiums and a charger bank with a DC converter. Just what is the world is she doing with that many batteries?" Andrew coming to his feet said "Simple. The old batteries in that were stored in the torpedo room are no good and the ones she requested, just happen to be of the right configuration and size to replace them. Wu is giving the UX-4500 some teeth."

Monday, 1000 hours, JUAS Jen Maru

Emiho and Genji Akio watched as the helicopter bearing their visitors landed softly on the Jen Maru's heli-pad. The first to step off, an older man wearing a suite, his white goatee neatly trimmed as was his hair then holding out his hand to assist a young woman off the helicopter who turned towards the observation deck looking at them. Guided by a deck crewman, their visitors entered the lounge.

Emiho dismissed the crewman then greeted their visitors "Please be seated, welcome aboard the Jen Maru. I am Emiho Akio and he is my brother Genji." Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin spoke "Thank you both for taking the time to see us.

Emiho spoke "When an old friend vouches for you, it must be very important indeed. Of what way can we be of service?" Teletha replied "Your knowledge of archeological worthy ship wrecks is well known. We were investigating the report of an incursion in a United Nations recognized protected zone. We were told that the precursor to the JUAS was involved extensively in the mapping of the Quasi National Preserve."

Genji Akio spoke "Yes that is true. Our father was heavily involved in the project at the time. The effort to place the Quasi Preserve into the United Nations registry was done to help prevent those who sought to violate the Sanctuary's rules on salvage from profiting from salvage."

Emiho spoke "Mister Kalinin, as the United Nations may be aware there are concerns over violating salvage of war wrecks. War memorabilia can fetch prices from collectors who demand authenticity. The rarer the item the greater the value and many do not care that the final resting places of those who perished in battle are disturbed."

Teletha replied, "We understand that a park ranger had observed activity. The report mentioned that the surrounding water had become unnaturally cloudy. Could you explain that?"

Genji replied "Yes Madam Testarossa, please direct your attention to the video screen," and as he activated a video the footage of a diver appear. Genji continued "The device that the diver is using is a suction vacuum. It will remove the surrounding areas of sand, rock or mud and deposit it elsewhere away from the work site; however it can be damaging to the environment if misused."

Freezing the video, Emiho spoke "It can suck up small items like coinage, jewelry and those items being heavier will discharge into a collection basket for later retrieval, while the sand and other vestiges that were carried away and not considered valuable are left piled on the sea floor."

Andrei spoke, "From our information, we know there is a military cargo wreck in the area called the V. Faust. Do you have any idea of its cargo?"

Genji replied "Yes. Amongst the cargo was silver bullion that was to have been used after the invasion of Okinawa. However it never reached its designated drop off point as it hit a mine. All told about thirty metric tons was lost in the sinking and efforts failed to recover any from the ship, so after the establishment of the preserve that vessel was added to what amounted to a special protective order and until that incident there had been no problems."

Teletha replied "What other wrecks would be of value to individuals operating as wildcatters, if they care little about the law?" Emiho spoke "There are numerous wrecks, but in total value there would be some located to the south-east of Quasi Preserve dating from the early 1800's to the early 1900's."

Kalinin replied "Would it be possible to obtain their actual positions?" Genji replied "Mister Kalinin, we can not turn the positions over to you. We must try to safe guard them for future study!" Teletha came to her feet and approached Emiho "I can understand your reluctance but we too have the same concerns but for other reasons. Genji it was you that was stranded on the mini-sub was it not?"

Genji nodded then replied "Yes it was I along with two others." Teletha turned her PDA to face Emiho. "You may by now recognize the latitude and longitude position of a certain wreck; it is that of the Imperial Japanese Navy Submarine I-26, is it not?"

Emiho speechless nodded and then Teletha continued "A vessel using the code name "Toy Box" rescued your brother as its captain followed the unwritten rules of the sea and risking discovery of a classified submarine answered your distress calls. We will safe guard the information that you will provide to us as we safe guard the actual position of I-26 even now. Please help us."

Thirty minutes later, the SH-60 lifted off racing eastward as Emiho and Genji turned to view a video of the Akio's rescue. Video that could have only been taken by another submersible, Emiho spoke "Do you think brother that the vessel they call "Toy Box" will be able to help stop the wildcatters?" Genji hearing his own voice coming from the video thanking the honorable captain of an unknown submarine as he ascended towards the surface and safety replied "Sister, anything is possible. But let us proceed to the Preserve and do what they have asked of us. Only then we will know how sincere they truly are."

Monday, 1300 hours, Groznyy Class Merchant Submarine, Liberation

Crosby viewed the final steps of the cleaning operation taking place in what was normally the forward hold. The converted merchant submarine bore the adept name of Liberation and for a reason. It liberated wealth from the sea. The haul from the wreck of the old American military transport had been substantial, and the irony of it was that the silver they had "reclaimed" had been ear marked for use during the occupation of Okinawa.

Hearing footsteps, Crosby turned to see his boss, Sergey approaching "Good afternoon, the work crew is about finished." Sergey leaning against the railing replied "It is about time. How much of each did we get?"

Crosby replied "The manifest listed thirty tons, coinage then the bullion bars but no exact figure or breakdown on each; but it looks like twenty five tons. I guess it was worth the risk." Sergey frowning replied "You could have done better, but still we got the diversion we wanted. The UN, Japan and the United States will be tied up in knots looking for us, and we will be in the last place that they expect us to be."

Crosby replied "Well what if that ship does not stop and starts screaming bloody murder? How the hell we supposed to stop it?" Sergey coming about to face Crosby directly spoke "Simple. Just like the practice shot on that patrol boat. We shoot modified torpedo into their propulsion pods and then jam their transmissions. They will be unescorted, and who would think anyone would target such a traveling exhibit in the first place. Any possible interference is many kilometers away even by air and when we are done we leave. The crew is not military and will only offer light resistance, however if they resist too much we simply put another torpedo into them to explain our seriousness. Is that ok Crosby?" Crosby swallowed and replied, "Ok sure thing, what ever you say boss."

Monday, 1600 hours, Banda Sea Island

The gentle breeze from the ocean touched the flower petals that lay on each grave within the cemetery. The two Mithril support ships in the distance were the only other company for the moment besides the wreck of the Q-Ship below, as Captain Simms turned the pages of a diary written by a crewman of the ship. Hearing someone clear their throat behind him Andrew turned to find Sergeants Graham Jaunay and Olina Pedersen pausing before him. Behind them stood Acting Captain Kaname Chidori and Sergeant Souska Sagara with Lieutenant Alice Wren.

"I hope we are not disturbing you Andrew," said Kaname as she gazed about the headstones. Andrew Simms replied "No Madam Captain you are not. I was just giving myself a history lesson." Lieutenant Wren spoke "Is this where it all started Sir?" Andrew nodded then said "Yes, at this very spot…"

Eighty-Seven years earlier … September 1943

"The captain said the final prayers for our fallen crewmates, and then we lowered them one by one into mother earth. We have lost 15 close friends, two of which were my friends since childhood. We were pursued relentlessly for three days by American and Australian ships, until entering the sea called Banda.

Today was a chance to bury our dead, the storm that hides us is passing, but what we counted as good fortune has turned against us. Our ship dragging anchor and unable to maneuver has been driven hard ashore and is hopelessly grounded with the propeller damaged."

"So the blokes were chased into the Banda Sea by American and Aussie Naval Forces?" as Sergeant Jaunay pointed at the shipwreck, as the sea coursed around it.

Andrew replied, "Yes. According to the log they had ambushed what appeared to be an unescorted convoy in the Indian Ocean, however it was not. The escorts were masked by the smoke of the convoy and were on the far side, so when the Q-Ship opened fire they started receiving long range shelling then realizing what they were facing they began to retreat and a three day running sea battle began."

"The captain ordered that all salvageable equipment and material be removed. He ordered a transmission sent to the Monsoon Flotilla in hopes of rescue, and we have high spirits that it will be answered."

Kaname spoke, "The Monsoon Flotilla? Kalinin mentioned something about them operating with the Imperial Japanese Navy?"

Andrew said in reply "That is correct. The Germans needed allies as did the Japanese so the German military established presences at three bases operated by the Japanese that were to support both U-Boat and German Q-Ship operations in conjunction with the Imperial Japanese Navy. They were at bases in Penang, Malaysia, Jakarta, Indonesia and Sabang, Indonesia."

Turning the page Andrew continued "Then there was the twist. The Germans knew sooner or later that as the rate of Japanese losses climbed, so would their loss of territory so they wanted to establish an independent base and the distress call from that Q-Ship made the plans come true."

"It has been over a month, but a U-Boat arrived. The U-532 is taking selected personnel to Penang, but the captain has asked for volunteers to stay behind. Explorations have found natural caves that lead to interior of extinct volcano and there is plentiful supply of fresh water. I have decided to stay since the soil seems to accept my flower."

Andrew had read the further entries until reaching the final entry dated May 10th, 1945. The hand writing was different but it conveyed the sadness of the writer. Andrew spoke "The final entry of this diary was made by another, three days after the arrival of the final ship from Germany."

"Our reunion was short, the happiness brief. The rains have come again and as that day so many days ago he stood witness to those that had fallen before him, he too now joins them in sleep on such a grey day. May Alger rest in peace."

Andrew turned the diary around and held it up for those to read the signature, then said "Gerwalta's and Galatia's grandfather was named Krieger and this was the diary of a crewman named Alger Krieger."

Sergeant Olina Pederson spoke "It was an accident perhaps?" Andrew replied "Alger made mention that they had orders to remove the naval guns from the wreck and move them ashore. Miss Yule found a log entry on the base log reporting a death, but it did not say who. It occurred on May 10th, 1945 but it did state the death occurred during operations to remove the naval guns from the wreck of the Q-Ship."

Kaname Chidori spoke "Fall into formation." Turning to Andrew, Kaname continued "First Officer, if you would do the honors." Captain Andrew Simms nodded then pivoting spoke "Attention to honors! Hand salute!" then as the ocean breeze seemed to stiffen slightly, Captain Simms spoke "Two!" Andrew turning to face Kaname spoke "Permission to post the crew Madam Captain?" Acting Captain Chidori raised her hand in salute then spoke "Permission granted, First Officer. Post the crew to their stations."

Monday, 1800 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Captain Testarossa glanced briefly at her mini-data terminal then said "Ahead of schedule? Very good Commander Ward, my compliments. What is the status of the UX-4500?" Commander Drake Ward spoke "She sails in two hours Madam Captain, then at 2100 hours local the charges will be detonated."

Typing into the data terminal Teletha spoke "Commander there is a change of plans for the escort. The UX-4500 will proceed independently to Melida Island. The Samuel Eliot Morison is to head for the southern end of the Philippine Sea and take station east of Davao. We are looking for a rogue Groznyy class submarine. Information on your mission along with further orders for Acting Captain Kaname Chidori will follow this transmission, Testarossa out."

Monday, 1945 hours, UX-4500

"Engine room reports ready to answer all bells, green board except for main conning tower hatch," the voice of Sergeant Olina Pederson repeating the statement of the phone talker below. Captain Kaname Chidori turned to her First Officer then said "You have the conn, take her out Andrew." Andrew looking over the length of the submarine for the final time spoke "Hold forward, cast off aft, right full rudder, port ahead one-third, starboard back one-third."

Monday, 2230 hours, UX-4500, Banda Sea

The distant echoes of the secondary explosions rolled across the darkness, a full hour and a half since Commander Drake Ward pushed the enable button. Andrew with Acting Captain Kaname Chidori turned away from the island and picking up the portable radio said "Looks like a volcano to me, Drake." Somewhere to the port side of the UX-4500, the Samuel Eliot Morison at periscope depth; Commander Ward spoke "I tend to agree. The news statement has been released and as far as anyone is concerned the long dormant volcano became active. So Andrew, I guess this is where we part company, good luck on your voyage back to Melida. Ward out."

Kaname spoke "If you like, I can take the first watch." Andrew smiled briefly then replied "No Madam Captain. The watch rotation is rather clear on that. You did set it up your self. Strike below and get some sleep." Acting Captain Chidori stepping back saluted "Very well First Officer, I stand relieved."

Tuesday, 0600 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

"We received confirmation from the JUAS that the V. Faust's silver cargo was salvaged. They did not get all of it, but it is of significant amount." Commander Ward replied looking towards the monitor displaying Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin "Well then if that's the case they should and would be high tailing it out of the Pacific and not scoping out some other wreck."

Captain Testarossa replied "We believe that they may undertake another illicit operation. There has been extensive traffic on several web boards that are used by wildcatters that are making mention of a high value cargo; however as to where that cargo is or was and what vessel may have been carrying is still unknown."

Ward glancing at his PDA replied "Well there are hundreds of wrecks Madam Captain, and of course many date back to the beginnings of when man started to sail the seas to present day ship wrecks. Did the JUAS offer any ideas?" Teletha replied "Five in all, two of which lie in your patrol area. The information files on both are being sent to you now. However Commander, there is a modification to your orders. Proceed north-north east, splitting the two wrecks. Based on their resting depths, they could be easily reached, even by the methods being employed by the wildcatter so your patrol is to ensure no activity is taking place. Maintain that course till you can link up again with the UX-4500 while observing for salvage activity."

Ward acknowledged then replied "Madam Captain? By chance have you made contact with Captain Chidori?" Teletha's visible response to the question was neutral as she spoke "I am sure she is doing well as is her first officer, and no I have not spoken with either Commander Ward, that will be all, Testarossa out."

Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka turned to Commander Ward as the transmission ended said "Is there something we are missing Commander?" Drake pausing to review the tactical board said "Not counting that we will have to hunt for the 4500, but that we are looking for a rogue submarine that could be anywhere; Teletha has admitted she should have never had us split up especially with all the military forces in the region stirred up. Plot the courses Marcy, and put our final leg to the south of Peleliu Island."

Sergeant Major Wu, expecting to have to wake her Acting Captain from her sleep was pleasantly surprised when Kaname entered the control room at 0400 hours checked the current navigation plot and then heading aft towards the galley then returning with coffee managed to make her way up the conning tower where the Acting First Officer, Captain Andrew Simms was standing watch and holding navigation classes.

"Unlike a GPS unit, which can suffer from loss of power to other problems which include the possibility that the satellites themselves would be shut down in the event of war, the sextant is your best friend," said Andrew as a crewmember making a final adjustment to the Tamaya Marine Sextant that she held. Writing the reported readings taken by the crewmember, Andrew picked up the sound powered phone passing the information to Sergeant Major Wu who plotted the position on the chart.

Sergeant Jaunay reached down and helped his commanding officer through the hatch then returned to his look out position. Kaname spoke "Coffee anyone?" Andrew accepted a cup turned his attention back to the sextant being held by the crewmember and directed that it be placed in its storage case.

The young crewman saluted then departed, disappearing quickly through the hatch as she slid down to the control room.

Kaname glancing at the sextant spoke "A Tamaya Jupiter Andrew?" Captain Simms closing the case turned back with a surprised look then said "Yes Madam Captain, it is." Andrew rising to his feet spoke "I am not even going to guess how you knew that. If you are ready for the briefing we can begin."

Tuesday, 0630 hours, Melida Island Mithril Combat Support Base Western Pacific

Commander Lewis Strong read the message then turned to back to his keyboard and typed "Sorry we can not vid-link. Transmitting updated orders per Danaan "Actual". Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2 enroute to rendezvous south of Peleliu Island on Thursday, as heavy patrols to west by various forces are still underway; and there is no further word on rogue Groznyy. Tessa suspect's vessel has made it out of Pacific and is no longer concern. See you on Saturday. End of Message."

Acting Captain Kaname Chidori turned to Andrew Simms, "First Officer, prepare to dive."

Tuesday, 0700 hours, Emperor Realm

Captain Tony Carmichael lowered the binoculars after scanning the horizon from the bridge of the ship he commanded. The Emperor Realm had been at one time a cruise ship that had carried up to 4,000 men, women and children on holiday trips throughout the Pacific Rim, but now it was home to the world's largest traveling exhibit.

It had taken the Chinese shipyard six months to convert the ship to carry the exhibits and to hold the various performance stages scattered through out the ship. Including the performers, tour guides and other support personnel there were 900 souls on the ship.

Carmichael had been chosen to command the traveling exhibit, with 45 years of sea going experience the Chinese National Museum which had provided many of the artifacts they had wanted a man who would be experienced and the British born captain had fit the bill.

As Carmichael walked across the bridge passing the crewman who monitored the automated helm station, he ticked off the countries they had visited. Japan, Korea, Okinawa among others. They had stayed in each port an average of two weeks and he had been impressed with the number of visitors young and old alike who had taken the tours and who had viewed the performances of the plays, the musicals and of course his favorite the Chinese circus performers.

Approaching the chart table, Captain Carmichael stopped then turned to greet his First Officer Lee Wong who had just exited the chart room "Lee, good weather to Palau?"

Wong setting a dispatch onto the chart table nodded "Yes Tony. Excellent for this time of year, and since we will approach Malakal Harbor from the eastern side, we will be shielded from prevailing winds of the west."

Tony who was given the weather dispatch read it briefly then returned it to Lee spoke "Very good then. Once we pass south of Peleliu, we will turn north. Keep us at the 100 fathom limit during the transit, and then we will set the navigation detail for entry into harbor at 1600 hours. The pilots will meet us at the outer bar. That will be all until then."

Tuesday, 0900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

"The search forces have completed their sweeps Madam Captain. If anything the wildcatter is seeking safer grounds," as Commander Lewis Strong looked towards her.

Teletha replied "Very well Commander. We can assume that is the case. What is the status of the Samuel Eliot Morison and the UX-4500?"

Lewis who could be seen shuffling papers spoke "Commander Ward advises that he is now enroute to rendezvous with the UX-4500 and Acting Captain Chidori reported all operations normal. They are on schedule to meet the Samuel Eliot Morison early Thursday."

Teletha smiled then spoke "Very well Commander. We will be enroute to Melida ourselves. One thing Commander, has intelligence continued to monitor the wildcatter boards?" Commander Strong replied "Yes Madam Captain, and the only thing that was mentioned was something called Emperor Realm. It reportedly had significant cargo of value but the oddity of it has been the purported locations it supposedly sank."

Commander Mardukas felt a tap on his arm from a crewmember at her watch station then the petty officer spoke "Excuse me commander, but did he say Emperor Realm?" Richard replied "Yes he did crewman." The petty officer turned to her crewmate who nodded then she replied "Well Sir, if that is the case, the Emperor Realm is very much afloat, and at least it was three weeks ago when I took in the exhibit that it was carrying in Okinawa."

Captain Testarossa overheard the conversation and turned her chair "An exhibit crewman? What kind of exhibit?