Full Metal Panic!
Chapter Four
Seeker
By Steve Edward
Thursday, 0930 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
The transit of the Bering Straight was progressing well. Captain Simms allowing the junior officers to handle the maneuvering required. Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka, currently the conning officer stood to the side of the helmsperson, Petty Officer Kayla Carter observing as she made the various course changes required. To Takenaka's rear, stood Lieutenant Alice Wren with Ensign Aryl, as both young "Whispered" monitored the tactical situation around the Morison and the distant Tuatha de Danaan.
Andrew reflected on the past events that had ultimately brought them here and it began 17 years earlier…
Kuril Islands, Disputed Territory
The digital video of the event initially showed the deck then the gangway as the operator of the camera descended towards the whaler. In the frame of the video were others boarding the small boat, and they were all dressed in heavy cold weather parka's dating from that time.
The perspective changed, as the whaler now underway from the ship circled under the stern of the ship and on the transom of the ship was its name "MITHRIL" Marseille, France then the brief appearance of the French Tri-Colors as it stood out in a stiff breeze.
The video camera was turned towards a grey in appearance island, the landscape was dark in color with little vegetation and the low lying clouds sweeping past, emitting snow which swirled around the ocean which the whaler was sailing.
The final segment of the short video had given Andrew a surprise. The landing party, a rather small expedition stood together on the sandy beach, its volcanic black sand seemed to highlight the colorful protective wear of the expedition. One man had stood out, and it was a much younger Andrei Kalinin. His goatee black as was his hair, Kalinin towered over those present with him. Andrew had mused that it had been a year after the Afghanistan encounter he had experienced with Kalinin. So the man had certainly gotten around. Then there was the matter of the other members. He had frozen the scene and had enhanced the patches worn on the shoulders of the expedition. France, Italy, United States, Japan, Great Britain, Russia, Australia, and even one person from China. To Andrew it looked like a mini-UN meeting.
But it had a deeper meaning as well, likely the founding members of Mithril and the irony of seeing the name on the ship from which the landing party had disembarked from. There were including Kalinin, sixteen standing on the beach, three who appeared rather young. Could those three have been the predecessors to what were now called the "Whispered"?" Andrew returning to the present after hearing Lieutenant Wren calling his name turned to her then spoke "Yes Lieutenant?"
"High-level scrambled incoming communication. Your eyes and ears only," said Wren. Captain Simms replied, "Transfer to my day cabin. Lieutenant Takenaka you have the deck, Lieutenant Wren you now have the conn," as Andrew left the command chair and headed aft to the small compartment just aft of the main bridge door.
The day cabin was meant as a place for the commanding officer of the Samuel Eliot Morison to refresh during extended tours of duty while on the bridge and it also served as a refuge where one could utilize a communications terminal in complete privacy as the cabin was sound proof and shielded.
Andrew entered the cabin then secured the door, keying it locked with his personal code he sat before the communication terminal and conducted authentication procedures, which once satisfied activated the terminal. Commander Lewis Strong's image appeared and spoke "The council is standing-by. You may begin when ready Captain."
The image changed, and a dimmed room with a half-moon shaped table appeared with figures sitting and facing the camera as a woman's voice spoke "Captain Simms, good evening, I understand you have some questions for the council?" Andrew eyed the wall chronometer which read 1000 hours local time then replied "Yes Madam Chairperson, I do. Thank you all for taking the time to speak with me on short notice. It is regarding the recovered control crystal…"
Thursday, 1300 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
Captain Teletha Testarossa spoke "Set depth 150 meters, transit speed is 45 knots, course 185 degrees," as she turned to view the tactical board. Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin spoke "Samuel Eliot Morison acknowledges and will match course and speed when they exit the straight. Will there be anything further Madam Captain?"
Teletha replied "Has Captain Simms provided any further updates on the "Whispered" that is in his sickbay?"
Kalinin spoke "No Madam Captain, he has not. Shall I make an inquiry?" Teletha rising from her command chair said "No Commander that will not be necessary for now. Perhaps later in the evening, however send a message to the Chief Engineer of the Morison requesting information on progress of her studies of the control crystal."
Kalinin bowed slightly then replied "It shall be done immediately. Will you be taking your afternoon rest?"
Captain Testarossa replied "Yes Commander. I will be in my cabin for the remainder of the afternoon till 1700 hours. Have a data link prepared at that time with the Samuel Eliot Morison. Good afternoon to all of you."
Commander Ward entered the bridge and found Lieutenant Takenaka standing as Officer of the Deck. Greeting the lieutenant, Commander Ward spoke "Marcy? Where is Andrew?" Marcy replied "In the day cabin sir. He had been there since 1000 hours. There was a high-level eyes only communication for him."
Ward noting the time replied "For three hours? Has he said anything to you since he left?" Marcy looking puzzled spoke "No sir, he has not."
Commander Ward turning to leave the bridge saw Ensign Aryl sitting at the tactical station and spoke "Ensign? What is the current tactical situation?" Ensign Aryl replied "All clear sir. Commercial air traffic appears to be returning to normal as is commercial sea traffic. No nearby military threats detected." Commander Ward replied "Very well. Marcy, I'll be back in a moment to relieve you." Then Commander Ward departed the bridge and headed for the day cabin.
Captain Simms sat back in his chair and spoke "So the final probability is that we may have the "mate" to the crystal that was recovered those many years ago?" The image of the man was deliberately out of focus as he spoke "Yes Andrew that is likely the case. Your observations of its behavior are consistent with what we currently understand of the crystals. The precautions you have taken should prevent any further awakenings. Now that you know the full background it is imperative that no mention be made to anyone not directly involved in Arbalest or TAROS research. Also Andrew it is likely Teletha will be making inquires to Major Roux in regards to her studies of the crystal. The council recommends at this point, that no information be released to her directly, considering the circumstances which you witnessed, it would be best if all the "Whispered" be kept well clear till that item is transferred at Melida."
Captain Simms nodded slightly and then spoke "Situation is understood clearly. However knowing how Teletha is, if she makes that inquiry what then?" The woman's voice whom Andrew had identified as belonging to the Chairperson of the Council replied "Handle as best as you can Captain. The same goes for Major Roux as well, she should do the best she can to deflect any inquires. That is all. Good luck Captain."
The image snapped to black, leaving a reflection of himself in the monitor as Captain Simms came to his feet, the alert chime of the door sounded and then displayed his visitor. Sighing, Captain Simms keyed the door open as Commander Ward stepping back slightly startled then said "Damn Andrew! You are a hard man to get a hold of. I've been keying my ID code into the door for 45 minutes between pounding on it. What the heck is going on?" Andrew replied softly "Something that you do not want to get involved with. Follow me to the bridge."
Lieutenant Takenaka hearing the alert that Captain Simms had entered the bridge stood from the command chair then spoke "Captain. Several messages for you from the Tuatha de Danaan, all sent by Lieutenant Commander Kalinin. He is awaiting your replies."
Andrew taking his command seat called up the messages then typing replied to each finally spoke "Have Major Roux report to the bridge. Drake, get a hold of sickbay and find out if Doctor Albert is ready to bring his patient to full awareness. Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl stand relieved of their duties till that time." Drake turned to carry out the orders then said "Lieutenant Takenaka, you stand relieved. I have the deck. Lieutenant Wren you stand relieved. I have the conn. Petty Officer Willis report to the bridge, Ensign Aryl once Petty Officer Willis takes station you will stand relieved." All three officers acknowledged their orders and as Petty Officer Willis hurriedly entered the bridge and assumed the tactical station, Ensign Aryl with Lieutenant Wren and Lieutenant Takenaka departed the bridge together.
Hearing the bridge door opening once again, Commander Ward looked to see that it was Major Azura Roux, who joined Commander Ward and Captain Simms. Andrew spoke quietly "Major should you receive any inquires from Tuatha de Danaan regarding the control crystal you are to state you are having technical difficulties. Is that understood?"
Azura replied "Fully sir, and for the record I have already stated that toLieutenant Commander Kalininless than forty-five minutes ago."
Captain Simms replied as he glanced around the bridge "Anyone know how to deal with a "Whispered" who will not take no for an answer?" Azura spoke "Perhaps to plan for a personal visit? Neither you nor Teletha have had any direct personal contact recently. It may be wise to bring forth a palm?" Commander Ward replied "A visit? In mid-transit," as Andrew getting the idea spoke "Excellent suggestion. Drake, you of course have the deck. Azura you are with me. Drake, we'll be in sickbay, and have the hanger crew prep the gig for departure in three hours." Following Captain Simms, Azura was stopped by Commander Ward who mouthed silently "What's going on?" Azura only shrugged her shoulders and continued on.
Thursday, 1600 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Hannah sat upright before them, fully alert and responsive. Doctor George Albert placed his stethoscope back into his pocket then pulling a chair towards him sat next to Hannah as he addressed Captain Simms and Major Roux, "My Russian is rather rusty, but she is or was from Murmansk. I've done all I can for her Andrew and frankly even with Wren's and Aryl's assistance she is still will need further guidance when it comes to handling her mental abilities that she now has."
Major Roux nodded then speaking in Russian said to Hannah "Do you recall where you were last? It is important for me to know." Andrew though fluent in the Russian language let Azura do the questioning, and it soon became apparent that Hannah was the third subject that Mithril had sought to rescue from the "Whisper" research center near Murmansk itself several months earlier. Azura taking Hannah's hand into hers smiled and assuring her that all would be well from now on out, released it slowly and allowed Hannah to place it where it would be comfortable for her.
Sitting back, Azura spoke "Doctor, will she be able to travel?" Doctor Albert steepled his hands in thought then spoke "As an ambulatory patient, yes." Andrew spoke "Get her prepared for travel George. We are taking her with us to the Tuatha de Danaan, in less than an hour." Rising from his seat, Andrew walked to the intercom and called the bridge "This is Captain Simms. Close with the Tuatha de Danaan, and Drake send a message to Kalinin that we need a face to face with Tessa unannounced. Sign it with my name and under it one word only is to follow, and that is Kuril. Is that understood?" Commander Ward replied "Aye sir. The gig is prepped."
Captain Teletha Testarossa entered the hanger bay of the Tuatha de Danaan as the inner water tight door of bay number four opened revealing the gig of the Samuel Eliot Morison. As the craft was turned in the cradle for disembarking its passengers, Teletha could see Captain Andrew Simms with his Chief Engineer Major Azura Roux and the Chief Medical Officer Doctor George Albert through the front observation window.
Hearing footsteps behind her, Teletha turned to see Lieutenant Kaname Chidori walking in tandem with Sergeant Souska Sagara. Glancing back at the gig as a stretcher was carried out, Teletha spoke "It seems Andrew was insistent and that it could not wait," as Kaname looking at the stretcher said "That is the girl that we rescued from the pod."
Both women stepped forward to meet Captain Simms who assisted Doctor Albert then Major Roux down the disembarkation ladder. Andrew seeing Teletha and Kaname spoke, "Madam Captain, Madam Lieutenant, we all need to talk in private. I believe Lieutenant Commander Kalinin is awaiting us in your main briefing room."
Directing that Hannah be taken to the Tuatha de Danaan's sickbay where they would meet later, Doctor Albert followed by Sergeant Sagara departed as the officers headed for the briefing room.
Thursday, 1900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
The image frozen on the screen behind him, Kalinin spoke "It was at this point events took place that is still unexplained. Three of the party collapsed, and when they awakened they began reciting sophisticated and complex equations while describing equipment, power systems and even weapon systems that yet did not exist."
Teletha spoke "The three that collapsed were Gloria, Adrianna and Sophia?" Kalinin nodded and replied "Yes Madam Captain." Andrew listening to the conversation interrupted and spoke "I would assume at this point they were the first of what we now know as the "Whispered"?" Andrei replied "That is correct Andrew."
Teletha spoke "Two of the three, Gloria and Sophia would eventually become my teachers, Andrew. They guided me to access the hidden knowledge within, and it was with their guidance that what you see around you came to pass." Andrew relaxing slightly replied "What about Adrianna, Andrei? You pretty much were involved in the early efforts. What became of her?"
Andrei spoke "She continued to expose herself to direct contact with what is now known as Control Crystal Number One. She eventually went mad, unable to control the "voices" if you will from within. At the time of the initial exposure, she was just 14 years old. She committed suicide at age 22."
Dumbfounded by that comment Andrew replied "The others?" As Teletha accepting a cup of tea from Kaname replied "Very much still alive, Andrew. Both are 30 and 31 years old respectfully. It was after Adrianna's death that steps were taken to shield the "Whispered". I personally never have seen the original crystal, though I did have a sensation of being drawn towards something rather strong recently. I felt a presence almost one of emotional satisfaction."
Major Roux spoke "Captain Simms? A word in private please?" The both officers rose from their seats and went to the rear of the room where Azura spoke "The Control Crystal that was recovered, it was likely regenerating from the power draining that it took. That transport container was barely class two, and if Teletha was sensing it or somehow in contact with it…?"
Andrew replied quietly "Get back to the gig and return to the Morison. Bring both Ensign Aryl and Lieutenant Alice Wren back with you. If they take it upon themselves not to follow your orders, use what ever force is necessary to get them here. I don't care if Sergeant Major Wu has to shoot both of them with tranquilizers, just get them here."
Andrei sensing some agitation with Captain Simms spoke "Captain Simms? Is there a problem?" Andrew turned to reply but did not look at Andrei. Instead he looked directly at both Teletha and Kaname then said "I am evacuating my "Whispered" crewmembers to the Tuatha de Danaan immediately, and will detach Doctor Albert to work with Doctor Merck of the Tuatha de Danaan medical staff. Then I am going to put as much distance as I can between us," as Andrew walked back towards the table and Captain Teletha Testarossa he spoke "I am sorry Madam Captain, but considering the circumstances I hereby order that you be temporarily relieved of command by Commander Richard Mardukas."
Teletha rising to her feet to protest was stopped by Lieutenant Commander Kalinin who placed his hands gently on her shoulders then said "The Control Crystal is a living entity Madam Captain and can influence you. I regret that I must agree with his current action." Pressing an intercom button, Andrei spoke "Sergeant Major Mao report to the briefing room immediately," then turning back to Teletha; Andrei spoke "Madam Captain, your sidearm please."
Thursday, 2100 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
Hannah looked at her surroundings then to Captain Teletha Testarossa who sat with the remaining "Whispered", Lieutenant Kaname Chidori, Lieutenant Alice Wren and Ensign Aryl. Five "Whispered" together at once. Doctor Albert observing from the nearby observation room spoke to Doctor Merck "Well it is fortunate that Aryl and Wren both followed orders. Major Roux apparently succeeded in shielding the Control Crystal rather well."
Doctor Maxwell Merck spoke "I believe it may be more than her efforts at shielding the crystal. Both Ensign Aryl and Lieutenant Wren have undergone extensive mental training and may have been blocking the effects on a subconscious level. Your measurements of their brain wave activity during the course of bringing Hannah back to a conscious level seems to indicate that both were having to interact to break the contact between Hannah and the crystal itself. Young Hannah was still somehow linked to the entity within, either voluntarily or not by choice. As for Tessa's admittance that she seemed to be drawn towards the crystal even though there was considerable separation between the transport aircraft and the Tuatha de Danaan then the Samuel Eliot Morison we can presume it was due to the still unstable magnetic fields."
"Why are they watching us?" asked Hannah. The question addressed silently to the gathering sitting around her was answered by Teletha non-verbally "It is because they must. Both are doctors who are interested in your welfare as well as ours. They mean no harm, and want to help in healing."
"Do you still sense a presence?" asked Lieutenant Wren who glanced at Tessa as she addressed Hannah in silence. Hannah smiling shook her head no "It has finally gone away. I can feel each of you though, especially Tessa, she is the strongest but I must admit Tessa you feel an emptiness."
Tessa trying to keep her features neutral replied in silence "Was it the sense of warmth that kept you in contact?"
Hannah smiled then in silence "Yes. Once I was removed from the pod, I felt warmth instead of coldness and hatred." Lieutenant Chidori sat back slightly "Coldness?" Ensign Aryl replied in silence "The entity's way of displaying hatred and fear. It was very weak when Melissa removed the crystal from its mounting into the container which we found to carry it. After it sensed it was in a safer place and could regenerate it broadcast rather weakly a feeling of warmth."
"Which explains why I was attracted to it in the first place," as Tessa replied in silence to the gathering. Ensign Aryl replied in silence "I believe it was seeking another host to communicate with, but my exposure to Arbalest II and the Lambda Driver crystal apparently dissuaded further contact as it presumed that I was already a host."
Tessa paused a moment then addressed the gathering silently "The Lambda Driver crystal likely contains an imprint of the entity that formally inhabited the much larger segments that makes up the Driver Crystal. Though I still do not understand whether the entity dies or simply attains a new level of existence when the crystals apparently break into segments either through the will of the entity or through other causes, this might bear investigating on our own and it may help Hannah. With the exception of Hannah we will meet in Engineering Lab One at 0100 hours to study the spare Lambda Driver crystals, is that agreeable to everyone?"
Then Tessa spoke verbally "Hannah that is all we will do for tonight. Please have a pleasant rest." Turning towards the observation window Tessa spoke "Doctor Merck, we are done for now. Was there anything abnormal you could detect?"
Maxwell slightly puzzled at the question replied "No Madam Captain. Everything appears normal. I think all of you need to get some rest as well. It has been a long couple of days." Saying their goodbyes the "Whispered" left sickbay and headed for their individual cabins. Doctor Albert watching Ensign Aryl as she closes the door behind her spoke quietly to Doctor Merck "Max. Those "Whispered" are up to something." Doctor Maxwell Merck turning off the brain wave monitor spoke "George? I think you are just imagining things. You need some rest too. I'll take over for now, so get to bed."
The Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2 stood well south of the Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1 cruising at 60 knots. With over 200 kilometers separating the submarines and the distance growing, Captain Andrew Simms finally felt comfortable that the "Whispered" were being spared exposure to the Control Crystal, which is if he wanted to call it that. Even he was unsure what to label it. Control Crystal, Power Crystal? Still it had some form of capability to draw "Whispered's" to it.
Having learned that an early "Whispered" had likely gone insane after continual exposure to a Crystal and having committed suicide had been enough to influence Andrew to remove both Ensign Aryl and Lieutenant Wren from the Morison. Hearing Commander Drake Ward entering the Bridge, Captain Andrew Simms spoke "Good evening Commander, did you have a good nap?"
Commander Ward replied "As best as can be expected. Anything further from the Tuatha de Danaan?" as like Andrew, Drake too was concerned over the "Whispered" and how they could have been influenced. Captain Simms replied "Mardukas reported that everyone appears to be fine per the doctors. Tessa and the rest of our "Whispered" had a session with Hannah in their sickbay, which lasted nearly three hours. What went on is really anyone's guess but from Doctor Merck's and Doctor Albert's reports it can be presumed that Tessa has been teaching Hannah the tricks of the trade or what ever passes for being a "Whispered".
Commander Ward replied "Well lets hope things keep getting better. What is the plan for tomorrow?" Andrew typing into the mini-console spoke "Once we are within range of Melida Island by air, I am going to have that crystal transferred by an F-35 B Strike Fighter. Major Gonzalez and Lieutenant Junior Grade Sally Mays will fly the mission. Gonzalez will fly the package and Mays will be his escort and wing person. Commander Strong advised that a special transport will be on hand to take over the transport and it will be removed from Melida immediately."
"Sounds like this are more serious than anyone wants to admit," said Commander Ward as he moved to take the place of Captain Simms. Andrew stretching spoke "More than you want to know. Just keep us at our current speed for the remainder of the night. You have the night orders and if you need me for anything I'll be in my main cabin. Good night Drake."
Friday, 0130 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1
Despite the fact that she had been temporarily relieved of command did not stop Teletha from getting to her goal which was Engineering Lab One. It was how she got there along with the others, and she owed it to Captain Andrew Simms; who had shown Teletha how to get about the massive confines of the Samuel Eliot Morison using unorthodox methods of moving from compartment to compartment and she had applied that lesson to the Tuatha de Danaan and had evaded the security patrols.
"Even when not within the Lambda Driver, it still pulses with such hidden power," murmured Lieutenant Alice Wren. The three remaining young women glanced briefly at Wren then returned their attention back to the instruments that they were operating. Lieutenant Kaname Chidori spoke "But what is behind it? It reacts to Souska's emotional state, and the power is amplified through the circuitry. Tessa, you said you felt drawn to the other crystal? Was it like you were being drawn to it and of course why did I not feel such a thing, even though I was like right next to it in the next room?"
"A living entity could be rather choosey about who it wants to make contact with," said Ensign Aryl turning away from the magnetometer which she had used to measure the field around the crystal. Aryl stepping down from the raised stool and approaching the crystal continued "I could sense a presence, but it was weak however it was giving me a feeling of warmth but I felt no compulsion to make direct contact with it."
Tessa lowering a spectroscope then activating the instrument spoke "The result is that we are looking at the remains of a Control Crystal that segmented. What reacts to Souska is no longer intelligent; it simply reacts to his thoughts."
Tessa raising the instrument continued "It shows no reaction to us as a group. This is frustrating." Kaname replied "Then we must get the subject that causes the reaction," then turning to leave Alice stopped her and spoke "Kaname? Are you serious?" Kaname gave a slight smile "Why yes I am? Care to join me?"
Commander Richard Mardukas listening to the voice over the speaker replied "Crewman? Have you been drinking?" as the bridge watch standers tried their best to keep from laughing.
"No Commander I have not been drinking anything but coffee. I swear on my Pappies grave that two of those "Whispered" were dragging Sergeant Souska Sagara down the passageway by force! One of them the taller of the two, I think it was Lieutenant Chidori was like whacking him on the head with a large fan. The other was that lieutenant from the Morison, Wrench or Wren something like that."
Richard had seen previously how Kaname would react around Sagara, but the other one, Lieutenant Wren? Two "Whispered" after Souska? Why? Of course then there was Madam Captain Testarossa. There had been some "feelings" shown by her towards Souska as well, so why was she not there as well; which left two "Whispered" unaccounted for, Captain Testarossa and Ensign Aryl and since he knew that the new "Whispered", Hannah was still in sickbay; what were they all up to?
"Crewman, which way were they going?" as Commander Mardukas picked up telephone and dialed the cabin of Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin, the crewman spoke "Sir, I think they were headed somewhere aft. They dropped him down through a scuttle and slammed the hatch shut behind them!"
Sergeant Major Melissa Mao rolled from her bed, eyeing the pack of cigarettes laying nearby but dismissed them from her thoughts as Lieutenant Commander Kalinin, his figure filling the passageway door spoke "Sergeant Major, you are to locate and detain all the "Whispered" and then contact me directly. We have no idea what they are up to or what they are planning, but it involves Sergeant Sagara."
Melissa spoke "Understood Commander. Should I consider them armed?" as Kalinin moving aside as Mao exited her cabin spoke "That should be taken into consideration. Teletha is missing as well and so we can assume she may be leading them, despite being formally being relieved of command. Cautions should be taken." Melissa heading forward towards the crew quarters where Sergeant Kurz Weber slept replied "I will handle it delicately as possible." Kalinin unable to see her expression of joy could hear Mao cracking her knuckles as the former Marine rounded the corner and disappeared. Kalinin spoke to empty air "Delicate is the key Sergeant Major…" then Kalinin reaching behind his back removed a Sig-Sauer 9MM hand gun and racked the slide chambering a live round.
Friday, 0230 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2
Captain Andrew Simms had thought he could get some sleep, but after much tossing and turning had eventually lain awake in his cabin in thought reviewing mentally what he had learned in the past twenty-four hours. Major Azura Roux, his new Chief Engineer was according to her Mithril Service Record was an expert in the Lambda Driver among other things as well as a top notch Palladium reactor engineer. She knew just how much power she could coax out of the propulsion system without causing damage to the drives axles and the known weak points of the propulsion system, the propellers themselves. The speed that the Samuel Eliot Morison had managed to obtain through the water would likely never be released publicly.
Then there was the uncomfortable familiarity that Azura had with Ensign Aryl, and Aryl who seemed to look up to her as a mother and teacher. Aryl's comment of Azura teaching her the ways of the "Whispered" stuck in his mind.
The story of how the original control crystal was found and what happened later. The suicide of a "Whispered", while the remaining two who were present at the original discovery still lived. Then he recalled the reaction of the control crystal within the Engineering Lab. Though he had learned that he could seemingly "broadcast" his presence to "Whispered", he did not think he could cause a reaction with the control crystal but he apparently did. Bolting upright in his bed, Andrew spoke out loud "I was not the one the crystal was reacting to. It was Azura. Still I have to be sure."
"Sergeant Sagara! Be still, it will not hurt in the least bit," said Captain Testarossa as she adjusted the spectroscope. Souska had found himself accosted by both Kaname and Alice while on his security patrol. Lieutenant Wren had distracted him and he had not seen Kaname till she had literally grabbed him from behind and slammed him down onto the deck. Souska quite able to defend himself found that Kaname knew all the counter-moves and in essence had check-mated him; and much to his dismay he had been dragged, dropped through various scuttles and dragged even more till they had arrived at the Engineering Lab where he found Teletha with Aryl waiting for him. From there, all four had finally strapped him to a chair to keep him from moving.
"Magnetic field rising slightly," said Aryl as Teletha moving the Lambda Driver crystal towards Souska spoke "I am detecting increased spectra activity. It is from the visible range to ultraviolet levels." Kaname spoke "Souska, can you think about us all being in danger?" Sagara looking perplexed replied "In danger from what Miss Chidori?"
Kaname grimaced then wielding the slapper she seemed to carry with her everywhere said "Stop calling me Miss Chidori! I am not a Miss! What am I?" as Kaname now rather angry followed through with a direct hit.
Teletha about to intervene smiled "Lieutenant Chidori. Do that again." Souska shaking his head spoke "Ouch! Madam Captain. It does sting!" Lieutenant Wren replied "Suck it up soldier! We need to know!" Kaname winding up and preparing to strike again stopped in mid-swing as the voice behind her yelled "That will be enough!" The "Whispered's" turned as one to face Sergeant Major Mao who was aiming a P-90 assault weapon at all of them.
He had sealed the lab with his personal code. Any attempt to override would alert him to anyone attempting to gain entry. Inside the inner containment module, Andrew Simms operating the manipulators opened the case then lifting the crystal set it onto the examination cradle which he then withdrew into the airlock door of the module and wearing only latex gloves, withdrew the crystal and set it upon a nearby table.
Dimming the lights, Andrew circled the table and noting that it was not reacting to his presence tried several things to get it to react, none of which worked. No radioactivity, a slightly higher magnetic field and no mesmerizing refractions of light from the crystal structure. Still the crystal was beautiful to look at. Replacing the borrowed equipment, Andrew left the crystal upon the table then he called the bridge and spoke "Drake? Good, go private and let me know when ready."
Commander Ward placing the handset to his ear replied "I am private now. Andrew? Just what the hell is going on? I just got a priority message from Tuatha de Danaan. Richard has his hands full with not only our "Whispered", but his too. They apparently kidnapped Sergeant Sagara and dragged him into an Engineering Lab. They were in his words conducting some kind of weird experiment to cause a reaction with a Lambda Driver Crystal? He is requesting a conference with Major Roux."
Andrew replied "What kind of experiment?" Drake called the message to the screen of the mini-console and replied "Well, according to what Sergeant Major Mao witnessed the "Whispered" were whacking Sagara over the head with a fan slapper or more specifically it was Lieutenant Kaname Chidori who had it in her hand. They were apparently trying to elicit an emotional response of some type. Mao further added that she saw the Lambda Driver Crystal emitting a soft glow."
Andrew spoke "Well send a reply in my name to Richard and tell him to congratulate the "Whispered" on the experiment though using physical means to obtain what they wanted to know was not needed and Teletha needs to be admonished for doing that in the first place. Also state to Commander Mardukas, that Captain Testarossa can resume command. Then send a messenger to wake Major Roux, make an excuse that you have detected an elevated temperature in Engineering Lab One inside the containment module and that Main Control can not make adjustments."
Drake replied "Well what about Commander Mardukas? He really wants to talk to her?" Andrew spoke "Tell him that she is busy with a problem in our own Engineering Lab, which in truth is true and she is unable to reached because of a communications blackout in the lab. Make it happen now Commander. Also get Sergeant Troy Gallium on alert, class D security load out. I would like him to take station in the passageway leading to the lab after Major Roux enters the lab. I will explain things later, Simms out."
Commander Ward replaced the handset, then turned to Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka and said "Send a messenger to Major Roux's quarters on the double. She is to be advised that we have detected an elevated temperature level in the containment portion of Engineering Lab One and Main Control can not make adjustments." Takenaka acknowledging the order spoke into his headset as Commander Ward picking up inter-ship telephone dialed Sergeant Troy Gallium and issued orders to the former Army Special Forces Ranger.