Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Five

Seeker

By Steve Edward

Friday, 0300 hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Buttoning her uniform blouse as she exited her cabin, Major Azura Roux headed aft for the engineering lab. It would not be unusual that the watch standers in Main Control would be unable to access the climate control system for the lab. She had isolated it from the computer systems to prevent normal access per Captain Simms's direct orders.

Entering the passageway, Azura let her eyes adjust to the dim lighting before she approached the entrance door. Since the Morison was simulating darkness, Azura did not let that bother her as she keyed her access code into the door control panel which beeped then slid aside. Entering the lab which was in darkness, she did not expect what happened next.

The welcoming glow was not from the lab lighting, but from the Control Crystal now sitting in an examination cradle outside of the shielded containment module. The bluish-green light which greeted her was followed by a sense of friendly warmth then the voice of Captain Andrew Simms who spoke nonchalantly "So Major Roux. It was you."

Turning towards the voice Azura replied "What is the meaning of this Captain?" Andrew stepped into view and replied "An experiment, which I might add has been concluded successfully." Azura wheeling about slammed her open palm onto the door release button; but Azura only went a half-step before the belt buckle of Sergeant Troy Gallium, reflecting the increasing light of the Control Crystal blocked her path. Looking up, finally seeing the eyes of Sergeant Gallium who ducked into the lab as Azura back peddled into the arms of Captain Simms, who said "Calm yourself down Major, and convey that to what ever is in that crystal before something happens. We are too deep to survive an explosive decompression if the lab section is blown clear."

"All hands this is no drill! Emergency surface! Security detail to Engineering Lab One on the double!" said the voice of Commander Drake Ward and Andrew feeling the deck tilting sharply spoke "Azura? Or should I call you Adrianna? Might want to hang on, it is going to get a bit bouncy; but don't worry about the crystal. I have it firmly secured, it will not go anywhere.

Had anyone been close by to see the submarine surface, the dark hull constructed of titanium and other exotic metals shedding the waters of the Pacific would have their emotions mixed with fearfulness and amazement, but when the Samuel Eliot Morison slammed back down onto the surface the deafening impact would have left any observers hearing ringing for hours afterward.

Simms prepared for the impact held onto Major Roux till the deck stabilized. Across from the two officers, Sergeant Troy Gallium looking nonplussed had wrapped an arm around a support column, and then said "Well the commander did not waste any time."

Azura spoke "It is not dangerous Captain. The crystal will not harm us."

Andrew spoke "I know it won't. But I have satisfied my curiosity. I think you owe an explanation to both me and Captain Testarossa as to what is going on and more importantly an apology to Kalinin."

Friday, 0900 hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin studied the woman in the display screen closely then spoke "Why Adrianna?" Andrew sitting nearby with Commander Ward was curious as well, but her answer did not surprise him as she replied "Andrei, I wanted my own life. Not one where I would be shadowed constantly, unable to make my own choices. It was Jean-Paul who helped me with my freedom and to start my new life."

Kalinin seemed to nod at her answer then said "So it was him after-all. He helped you fake the suicide plunge from the mountain road, and then took you to safety. His own contacts then aided you to fulfill your dream." Azura smiled "Yes, he did just that; but don't let this alter your views of him. Jean-Paul gave his life to protecting the "Whispered" as I have dedicated my life to my own way of protecting the "Whispered".

Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Paul Roux, deceased, killed in the line of duty during a raid on a Whispered Research Center formally located near a facility on the shores of the Barents Sea. From what Andrew had learned, it had been where the young "Whispered" named Hannah had been held. Still two others had been rescued, but the cost had been rather heavy.

Captain Testarossa's voice drew his attention as she spoke "We will discuss this matter further at Melida Island, Major. Trying to cover up the true nature of your mission is unforgivable, but considering the circumstances perhaps there is some leeway that can be taken. Captain Simms? I understand that you have sent the Control Crystal ahead by aircraft to Melida Island. Will it be there when we arrive?"

Andrew replied, "Considering what I have witnessed, I requested a transport aircraft to take it to Mithril Europe facilities for safe-keeping. Frankly, I don't feel comfortable with having it around any "Whispered" especially those who have high empathy levels such as yourself; and dealing with an unknown type of life form is not one of the things I care to deal with in the long term."

Tessa replied "I accept your decision on that matter Captain Simms. Please continue your present course and speed. You will arrive several hours ahead of us in any case. Major Roux, please make yourself available for further inquiry at Melida Island. That is all, Testarossa out.

Saturday, 1300 hours, Melida Island Mithril Western Pacific Combat Support Base

Charlotte Ward set the final dish into the dishwasher then activating the machine, turned away and picking up a tray of drinks walked out of the kitchen to where her husband and son were sitting on the patio outside. Charlotte had met the Samuel Eliot Morison when it had returned to Melida Island earlier in the morning. She had been looking forward to meeting Lieutenant Wren and Ensign Aryl but had found out that both were on the Tuatha de Danaan still some six hours out from the base. Drake had not been talkative about what had happened and neither had Captain Andrew Simms; both men doing their best to change the subject altogether.

Setting the tray down, Charlotte removed the glasses and set them before Raymond and Drake and then taking a seat across from both said "Well husband, you have not been this animated in years. So what is really going on? You and Andrew left with "Whispered" onboard and come back with none? Just how are you and Andrew supposed to operate the Morison in the first place?"

"Because we don't need them all the time my wife," said Drake. Checking his watch Drake took a gulp of tea and spoke "Stop prying for now. Tessa and company have only been back for less than two hours, and Andrew is going to hands full with a pressing issue. If it becomes permissible for discussion later, I will talk to you about it but until then just stay out of it."

Raymond spoke "Father? Does this have anything to do with Aryl? I mean is she in trouble?" Drake running his hand through his son's hair spoke "No she is not the one, but it does concern her. I promise though you will see her again soon."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin standing relaxed next to Captain Andrew Simms as both officers viewed the base activities from within the waiting area next to Captain Teletha Testarossa's office spoke "Then the crystal's reaction to her presence do not surprise you Andrew?" Andrew replied "It was a gamble to do it, but when it reacted as it did I was relieved. Part of the equation was solved, but it still left several unanswered questions. Azura's familiarity with Aryl was one and just how long she had been connected to the crystal was another. Tessa's request for a second Arbalest being met so soon was the other piece of the puzzle. Azura was already air born with Arbalest II before the intervention request was even made to Mithril."

Captain Teletha Testarossa looked up to Major Azura Roux who sat across from her desk then said "You realize the evidence that has been gathered is overwhelming? Nevertheless, you do indeed hold the engineering qualifications so badly needed. But I must ask you Azura is why you wanted to gain access to the crystal in the first place?"

Azura spoke "It was more of wanting to be close to the entity again. The first time I sensed its actual presence was about the time Mithril Intelligence discovered the Artic Test Facility itself. I wanted to feel the friendliness, the warmth and the love that the crystal projects towards the human contacts. I wanted that feeling again Teletha."

Tessa replied "So in other words you are a "Seeker"? You can sense a complete crystal, one still containing an entity?" Azura closing her eyes spoke "If that is what you want to label me, but yes I could be considered a "Seeker". As for what I have done Madam Captain, I accept responsibility for my actions."

Tessa replied "I must admit I felt drawn to the crystal as well Azura. I am in a way grateful that it was a transport aircraft from the Morison that carried it. I was tempted to have them divert to the Danaan, but your experience and knowledge showed how critical it was to prevent an unprepared "Whispered" from being exposed, though some will likely ask how Lieutenant Chidori and Ensign Aryl did not come under the same effects that you and I experienced and for that matter Lieutenant Wren?"

Azura smiled "The entity within had been severely depleted and was in what could be called a limited stasis. Aryl could sense it very clearly, but I believe her recent exposure to the Lambda Driver Crystal within Arbalest II, prevented a more direct merging though she has experienced such with the original crystal. Lieutenant Wren seems not to have a direct ability to interact and as for Lieutenant Chidori, I can only hazard a guess that the entity assumed that she was how we shall say mated already."

Tessa somewhat shocked at the suggestion could not say anything but to press the intercom button "Please show Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin in."

"Azura, the time you have spent away from your true family of course can not be made up but at least you could admit to them that you are still alive," said Captain Simms. Azura turning abruptly towards Andrew replied "I have no desire to see my mother or father again. The life that Jean-Paul helped me create is what I have now. Mithril is now my only family and will remain so at least till a decision is made whether to allow me to continue with Mithril."

Andrei replied "We are not saying that you have to meet them face to face; there are other ways Adrianna." Azura spoke "Andrei, I am no longer Adrianna so please stop referring to me by that name. I am Azura Roux, and nothing that you, Teletha or Andrew can say will change my mind on this issue."

Teletha spoke "Very well then, if that is your decision I will honor it as will Captain Simms and Commander Kalinin; now onto other matters."

Teletha opened the folder and removed the contents placing the papers about the desk top then pointing to each as she spoke "These are written reports concerning you actions. Your professionalism in ensuring that Arbalest II was operational for the mission which ensured a successful completion has been noted. Captain Andrew Simms showed very high praise at the operation of the engineering plant of the Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2 that allowed his vessel to quickly join and deploy their strike team which ensured the mission was completed.

But he was critical of your deception, but still feels that your abilities can be used. Then there is a letter that was written to me. It is from Ensign Aryl. Before I say anything further, I would like you to read it." Captain Testarossa passed the letter to Major Azura Roux for her to read. Andrew counted six hand written pages in all.

"Major, I would like you to wait outside while we discuss your situation. Please take the letter with you," said Captain Testarossa as she pressed the call button for Sergeant Major Mao.

Waiting till Azura left the office, the officers stood then Captain Simms walked to the small kitchenette and prepared drinks for Teletha and Andrei. Pouring Teletha's tea, Andrew making coffee for he and Andrei glanced out of the kitchenette towards Testarossa who had gone to an office window.

"Whispered" or not, Teletha bore a heavy burden. Just seventeen years old, any decision by her would be final. She could state that the violations were a serious breach of the Mithril Code of Justice. The MCOJ was based similarly on the US Military's own Uniform Code of Military Justice, but unlike the UCMJ which numbered 146 articles, the MCOJ numbered a total of 205 articles, many which touched upon how a "Whispered" acted. None could have anticipated that a MCOJ article violation involving a "Whispered" would have taken place in such a short period of time; just seventeen years since the creation of Mithril.

Picking up the tray, Andrew walked out to the office and setting it upon the coffee table spoke "Madam Captain, your tea is ready." Teletha rejoined the officers as they took seats then she said "Your arguments have valid points Andrew as does Andrei's own. The actions she took were deplorable; but we can not retroactively punish her for what she did as the Mithril Code of Justice or Mithril itself was in full existence at the time. As for the late Lieutenant Colonel Roux we can not punish him either nor can he answer the reason why he did it for her."

Andrew replied "Taking my own actions into account, having to interact with the Council which for the most part seemed to accept what was going on, I can only speculate that the Council was intrigued at the possibility that another form of a "Whispered" had manifested itself. But they left it up to me on what to do and of course regretfully my decisions to have Commander Mardukas temporarily relieve you of both command and any decision making, in order to ensure you were not under the influence of what has proven to be a living entity. Now since it was proven that Azura has the ability to seek out or sense an active crystal and in someway communicate with it; if we are to dismiss her from Mithril we loose an asset and one that also has extensive training in operating systems of a certain class of submarine and that also of a super secret Arms Slave. Azura still followed my orders when it came to securing the crystal. She actually caused me a problem, since she had placed the crystal inside a high-level containment transport case and then inside the shielded module of the engineering lab, I almost ran out of time before she arrived."

Teletha spoke "Then in your mind Captain, you feel that you can still trust her to follow orders?" Andrew sipping is coffee looked at Testarossa and said "Yes, with my life and that of my crew."

Andrei spoke "Madam Captain, in light of what has transpired the only thing that Azura had truly broken in terms of the MCOJ is the fact of her deceiving Captain Simms to obtain the crystal for what would have been further study. The entity or entities that occupy the crystals have yet to reveal to anyone the reason they parted with information that has changed this world from what it was nearly 17 years ago or for that matter where they originate. I too would be concerned to have her leave Mithril over this and to be out of our control could open doors that neither of us would want to see opened. I must agree with Captain Simms, that Major Azura Roux be retained, with perhaps a stern warning issued on your part."

Teletha paused in thought then said "Captain Simms? Would it be acceptable to have her remain as the Chief Engineer of the Samuel Eliot Morison?" Andrew nodded, "Yes it would be acceptable, besides I think it might help a certain Ensign." Captain Testarossa coming to her feet walked to her desk and pressed an intercom button then said "Have Major Roux return to my office."

Saturday, 1800 hours, Melida Island Officer Quarters

Ensign Aryl closed the personal diary in which she had been writing, then opening the room safe; Aryl placed book within and closed the door. Changing into civilian clothes, Aryl exited her quarters and headed for the recreation center of the base to join up with Kaname Chidori and Alice Wren.

Along the way, Raymond Ward met her and the two young teens walked together along the many walking paths scattered about the base. Raymond and Aryl stopped at an ocean overlook to view the setting sun and Raymond spoke "So Aryl, did things work out? My dad has not wanted to talk much about it and neither has my uncle."

"I have not heard all of the details and I doubt any of us will know what really went on but Azura is staying with us. She is going to stay as the chief engineering officer on your dad's boat for now and I think it is for the best," as Aryl continued on towards the recreation building.

It had been Azura who had carried her from the crowded hillside filled with refuges to the waiting Mithril helicopter. The man with her had been Lieutenant-Colonel Jean-Paul Roux and both had looked after her with Azura giving her first lessons of how to use and develop her "Whispered" powers.

And when it had come time, Azura had taken her to see the crystal which had communicated to her. It was not a forceful encounter, but an encounter by Azura crafted to help the young "Whispered" understand what was within. Though wary of the encounter, Aryl had finally opened her mind and the entity seemed to embrace her.

Aryl had been told never to discuss the encounter openly, not even to her future Commanding Officer, Captain Andrew Simms by the crystal itself.

How the crystal's entity knew that was still beyond her comprehension, but it also said to treat all crystals with suspicion. The last one she had done so, blocking any efforts by the entity to communicate to her. Aryl was thankful that Kaname had been with Souska as it viewed Souska as a companion to Kaname.

The teens entered the recreation center which was a beehive of activities. The crews of both submarines were mingling with each other as were the aircrews of the air groups. Walking past the "adults only" bar, Aryl spotted Kurz Weber trying to score yet another date with a crewperson from the Morison. The young woman with an expression of distaste was rearing back to slug Kurz as they walked past. Both teens heard the fist hitting Kurz as they continued down the hallway and Kurz Weber's startled reply "Well I guess that line did not work…" and then the laughter from within as his fellow mercenaries picked him up off the floor.

Entering the general recreation area, the teens headed for the gathering at the back of the room. Captains Teletha Testarossa, Andrew Simms and Commander Richard Mardukas with Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin were sitting around a large table with the remaining "Whispered", Lieutenant Kaname Chidori and Lieutenant Alice Wren who had Sergeant Souska Sagara sitting between them were all playing a board game that was a favorite of the Ward's. Charlotte Ward and Commander Drake Ward were "officiating".

Aryl stopping at the table looking around did not see Major Roux and asked Charlotte where she might be "Mrs. Ward? Have you seen Major Roux?" Charlotte replied "Aryl, I saw her headed for the soda shop to bring everyone drinks. You might catch her there, since she may have to be helped to bring things back."

Grabbing Raymond by the arm, Aryl dragged Raymond after her "Let's go help the major." Then both teens disappeared from sight as they rounded the corner. Drake spoke "Aryl is kind of being forceful today." Sergeant Sagara replied "Yes, a smaller version of Miss Chidori." Kaname without speaking sent a winding strike across the back of Souska's neck with her fan. Sergeant Sagara turning to speak to her only blinked as the anger still present in Kaname when Teletha spoke "Yes we know sergeant. It stings."

Azura stood at the service counter trying to decide which tray to take first when Aryl and Raymond appeared. Aryl said "Need some help?" as she took one of the trays and Raymond another and all three walked back to where the gathering was. Azura without verbalizing merged briefly "Thank you little one for your kind words," as Aryl smiling followed after Major Roux.

Sunday, 0900 hours, Mithril Europe Research Center, Location Classified

The technicians gently removed the cover of the shielded container and conducted a short visual examination of the crystal. Satisfied all was in order, the men lifted the crystal and placed it upon a special cradle set upon conveyor belt. Stepping back, one of the men pressed a button and the conveyor began moving the crystal and the cradle through a series of doors which opened and closed as it passed.

Entering the final chamber, where the lights had been dimmed the crystal began to glow softly, the sparkling nature of its crystalline surface grew as another crystal entered the chamber from the opposite side.

Both women felt the warmth and friendliness being release by both crystals and they non-verbalized their respective greetings "Peace be with you both. Welcome home."

Fini.