Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Two

Currents of Time

By Steve Edward

Tuesday, 1500 Hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, Epicenter Devil's Sea

Doctor Brenda Little standing behind Lieutenant Alice Wren waited as the last sensor data was received from the modified Mk. 53 torpedo fired one hour earlier. Lieutenant Wren spoke "The sensor torpedo has reached the end of its run and has ceased to function; now streaming data for analysis."

Captain Simms waiting for the results studied the data on his mini-data terminal. The Devil's Sea or Dragon's Triangle like the Bermuda Triangle had continued to puzzle and frustrate military and civilian scientists alike since the 1940's when the Bermuda Triangle became infamous for the unexplained disappearance of a squadron of United States Navy TBM Avengers and later a search and rescue seaplane sent to look for the missing aircraft and of course the numerous events and unexplainable phenomena that still took place even inthe present day of the21st century.

The Asian brother or sister to the Bermuda Triangle dependent on one's point of view follows a line from Western Japan, north of Tokyo, to a point roughly at 145 degrees east and then turns west south west, past the Bonin Islands which include the islands of Guam and Yap, then west towards Taiwan before heading back to the Japanese mainland in a north north easterly direction.

In 1950 the Japanese government became so concerned over a rash of missing ships and even aircraft that they had declared the area off limits for a period of time but few if any heeded that declaration. Then in 1952 a research vessel, the Kaio Maru Number 5 which was sent by the Japanese government to investigate the troubled waters, vanished without a trace, and 22 crewmembers and 9 high ranking scientists from several Japanese universities were lost and never seen again. Andrew reading that particular information sat back and muttered "And now we have a 5 billion dollar submarine missing too. Go figure."

Doctor Little hearing Captain Simms speaking turned to him "Captain Simms? Did you say something?" Andrew realizing he had spoken out loud replied "Well doctor, I was just commenting over something I read. Sorry about that." Brenda seeing the data on the mini-terminal spoke "Yes, one of the many that have been reported lost and missing. However we have an advantage that those poor souls did not." Andrew replied "Technology and experience?" Brenda Little nodded "That too, but also the fact that we can safely bring forth a hypothesis that the Lambda Driver Crystals are what triggered the event."

Major Azura Roux spoke "Captain the crystals build up energy, which is gathered likely from their surroundings. In the case of the Chinese crystal, they stimulated it using a smaller power source. In the mean time, likely the crystal was drawing additional energy from the unstable magnetic fields and the electrical properties of the surrounding sea. Then it released it unexpectedly back into the surrounding structure containing it. After the self-destruct was activated it began absorbing energy however at an uncontrolled rate and then unfortunately something stimulated it. Consider that Captain Testarossa had deployed the turtles by remote control. They were still attached to the Tuatha de Danaan by their control cables when one making a close approach to the now destroyed facility gave it what the crystal was seeking and that was energy. The proverbial jump start in Doctor Little's own analogy."

Captain Simms replied "Ok let's say that did happen. We have a release of power, but there is no open atmosphere like at the Artic Circle. We have water; a good conduit of both electrical and magnetic properties and this region both tectonically unstable and subject to certain conditions creates and channels this energy because of the high iron content. Where did it all go pray tell?"

Doctor Little spoke "Part of it was channeled into the earth's crust while more was eventually and quickly dispersed by other means so it went via the magnetic fields of influence and found an outlet, which I displayed to you earlier and that was the Bermuda Triangle. Captain it is like a balancing act. If one is too full of energy, it will bleed off and feed the other and vice versa. But there readings from our last sensor torpedo tells us something and it is at certain prescribed intervals that there is an energy spike in this area, and it changes the magnetic fields as that pulse takes place. May we get closer now?"

Captain Simms replied "Ok doctor, and yes we will close with the epicenter however I want precautions taken. What can we do to prevent feeding that crystal if that is indeed has caused this event and have you begun to figure out what happened to the Tuatha de Danaan?"

Doctor Little replied "I'll work with your chief engineer and one other. I also need Ensign Aryl too. As to avoiding a trigger event, until I can run certain tests just don't put us directly over that facility and as for the Tuatha de Danaan, well I have a theory and until I can do the mathematics it is just that. But please get us closer, that is all I ask."

Andrew replied "Getting close will not be a problem. Lieutenant Wren, Ensign Aryl get cracking with Doctor Little. Major?"

Major Roux turned and replied "Yes sir?" Captain Simms spoke "Will the spare Arbalest crystals be a problem? If so, I want them dumped overboard in a recovery pod; the last thing we need are those getting wild too." Doctor Little spoke "You carry spares?" Major Roux replied "Yes doctor we do," then addressing Andrew she replied "Those driver crystals should pose no difficulty sir, but in any case I will transfer them to maximum containment and shielding immediately." Andrew replied "Very well, you are dismissed. Helm engines to 25 knots, set depth to 200 meters."

The chief engineer paused a moment in the passageway and rested against the bulkhead. The dizzy spell had come back again, not as worse but still the commander following instructions took deep breaths as her assistant looked on in concern, "Commander? Are you ok?" said the ensign.

Commander Azura Roux opened her eyes then looked at Ensign Aryl and replied "I am fine ensign. Not as bad as last night. Let's proceed to the department head meeting." Ensign Aryl replied "Yes, mam as you wish but afterward maybe you should see the colonel again?" Azura walking again wondered if there was anything that Colonel George Albert could do. Everything had been normal in the tests he had conducted. Perhaps it was just her adjusting to a normal life again after working so hard to bring the powerful vessel up to her specifications, and not some pen pusher in New Washington D.C.

Crossing the quarterdeck, the highly polished granite deck inlay, a gift from the citizens of the United North America State of Georgia gleamed beneath their feet. The bronze nameplate mounted on the bulkhead stated to those who boarded the massive submarine when it was on the surface that they were on the AGFS (P)-02 Atlanta.

A command and control combat submarine palladium powered. Entering the elevator, the commander studied her reflection in the brass that covered the door of the officer only car, then making a slight adjustment to her sidearm and shrugging her shoulders as the elevator stopped, she disembarked and headed for the war room. She just hoped the Chief of Staff was in a good mood this evening.

Captain Drake Ward glowered at the intelligence officer, Lieutenant Commander Taz Norton then spoke "When the ol'man sees this crap he is going to hit the proverbial overhead. Get facts not some stupid and tired theories. Is that understood?" Taz Norton saluting then departing hurriedly ran into Azura on the way out of the war room and gave a warning as they passed "Watch it with the Chief, he is pissed again," as Commander Roux thanked him discreetly, she entered the center compartment where a horseshoe shaped table made of titanium and polished ballistic glass stood. Taking her seat, with Ensign Aryl taking station behind her who passed her PDA to her, Roux setting the device into the docking port pressed a button which raised a keyboard into position.

Two years going on three as he viewed the digital chronometer while moving the fingertips of his hand across the desk. Six months of sheer boredom, issuing orders to those junior of him; sending his squadron of Sea Dragons on missions. Two boats and their captains had never returned, since replaced by fresh faced captains and new Sea Dragons. The war had been brutal, and he had left Norfolk as a captain and had returned as a battlefield hero with numerous battlefield commissions that had followed the increasingly large number of senior command casualties. The final battle in the Indian Ocean left a defeated eastern alliance, but had left him scarred as well when his own Sea Dragon the Memphis was sunk from under him. Few had escaped that boat and those that did had credited him for saving their lives in the end.

Recovery had been difficult, but it had its rewards. At just 43 years of age he was an admiral, nearly the youngest at the time before the former United States Navy became part of the United Northern American States which included the former Canadian provinces. The chirp alerted him to an intercom call which he answered "Simms speaking."

Tuesday, 1800 Hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1, Alternate Reality

Kalinin waited patiently and as a former commando his training never forgotten helped him through what he observed on the hanger deck.

It was obvious he was in an alternate reality, but vastly different from his own world. Men and women whom he commanded and now prisoners of their counter-parts who behavior and mannerisms were so different it was like night and day; were carefully sorting his own crew in ones and twos and escorting them away at gun point.

His Sergeant Major Mao had attempted to escape twice but her counter-part seemingly knew what her other self was doing at any given moment that the alternate Mao was toying with her and feigning surprise at each attempt had finally grown weary and driven the butt of her assault rifle into the base of her counter-parts skull. Her inaudible comments though had drawn a round of laughter from the alternate reality soldiers afterward.

Helpless to do anything, Andrei carefully retreated back into the duck work and moving about finally entered an access and repair tunnel where he rested briefly. He could not stay in hiding forever. As the alternate reality crew of the Tuatha de Danaan carried out repairs someone would discover him. He would have to leave, and there was only one chance and one way to do it.

The Samuel Eliot Morison slowed then came to a stop at 20 kilometers distance from where the Tuatha de Danaan had vanished. Captain Simms heading aft to Engineering Lab One, passing through the hanger altered his path and entered the gymnasium and combat simulation area where the embarked combat teams worked to hone their skills.

Sergeant Major Guan-yin Wu standing behind Sergeant Graham Jaunay looking towards the holographic display in puzzlement addressed her sergeant as Simms approached "Graham? Stop kidding around with me. What did it do again?" Sergeant Jaunay replied his heavy Aussie accent indicating frustration "Look, I fired. But the bloody round zagged! Then little missy sergeant over there firing in her simulation, her round came into my simulation! What gives?"

Sensing someone behind her, Sergeant Major Wu seeing Captain Simms quickly saluted then said "Sir! My apologies, I did not hear your presence announced." Andrew replied "At ease all of you. Sergeant Jaunay? What is the problem?" and then listening to what had occurred, Captain Simms ordered both sergeants to resume and witnessing for himself the results of the simulation which included having Sergeant Jaunay being kicked back by the simulated recoil of the weapon and nearly bowling he and the Sergeant Major over in the process; Captain Simms replied "Now that is a serious malfunction," as he viewed the readout on the simulator that showed Sergeant Jaunay had apparently just fired a 75 MM assault rifle, which was not possible since it was normally used by an M9 Arms Slave. Sergeant Pederson bent over double from her own malfunctioning simulator looked up at its display then said "This is getting dangerous. It says I fired a 53 MM M9 sidearm!" Captain Simms replied "Sergeant Major! Shut everything down, before somebody gets injured," then walking to the ships intercom he called the bridge.

"This is the captain. Drake is there anything going on up there? Like say the computers are acting strangely?" Commander Ward watching the helmsperson of the Morison, Petty Officer Carter doing a good imitation of playing a pipe organ as she utilized the numerous foot controls replied "Yes sir we are having some unusual behavior, but nothing we can't handle."

Andrew replied "Like what?" Wu watching Captain Simms slam the headset down into the cradle and leaving quickly spoke "Captain?" Captain Simms replied "Our resident and guest brain trusts are overloading the entire computer system of this boat and why? I don't know now but stay tight and shut down those holograms and do it now."

Doctor Brenda Little studied the graphic display, then spoke "Ok Lieutenant Wren, now add into the equation the degaussing system and get ready to run it again." Alice typing the additional parameters glanced up briefly when Captain Simms entered Engineering Lab One.

Major Roux spoke "Good evening Captain Simms." Andrew acknowledging replied "Ok what are you four doing to the computer systems? Even helm control is being affected."

Doctor Little replied "Running simulations Captain Simms. Our data indicates that there is a 74 percent chance that there will be another event similar to what the Tuatha de Danaan experienced. If so we are running simulations to determine a counter-defense against the magnetic and electrical discharges."

Andrew replied "Doctor just how large of a discharge field could it be? If I recall correctly the barrier shield that was generated in the Artic Circle was only two kilometers or so in diameter."

Doctor Little replied "Yes that is true, but we are not describing a direct physical barrier. It will be an energy field discharge and I should add captain that when it occurs I estimate that it will cover an area roughly 50 kilometers in circumference."

Captain Simms spoke "How do you know this?" Doctor Little replied "It is purely speculative, but the magnetic fields in this area are disturbed. If you look at monitor number two, it shows how the magnetic lines would appear if visible. It also displays the point where they meet, which is where the undersea laboratory is located. The energy is flowing like that of a battery, negative and positive fields in their clockwise and counterclockwise movements. The Tuatha de Danaan was very close, less than 2000 meters and took the full brunt of the release based on the final position. I need to fire three more probes from this exact spot. If I am right, I believe captain we can attempt to go where they went."

Captain Simms spoke "How much time do we have?" Doctor Little glanced at Major Roux who replied "On the outside of four hours or less. We have to fire the three probes in the next 15 minutes to confirm but the next cycle discharge is in that time frame."

Captain Simms replied "Ok Major Roux I am convinced. Have Tanaka prep three for firing, but do me a favor, I want enough computing power returned to helm, engineering, and weapons control systems. Your simulations are having a telling effect on this vessels operation."

The major acknowledged then as Captain Simms turned to leave Doctor Little spoke "Captain Simms?" Andrew replying "Yes doctor?" as Brenda walked past Ensign Aryl she spoke "To be honest, I do not know if it is a two-way trip; or if we will even end up wherever they are and even if we will be in the same time reference but I have calculated that if we adjust our magnetic field surrounding this ship we will open a theoretical door, that could change or make history as we all know it. Do you understand what I am implying?" Andrew opening the lad door replied "Yes I do Doctor Little. I think that we are about to move heaven and earth as we know it. Keep me posted, I want to be ready to go wherever we have to go when that discharge takes place."

Tuesday, 2100 Hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1, Alternate Reality

The brig complex of the Tuatha de Danaan was not equipped for creature comforts. Various officers from the different divisions had been incarcerated along with him and included was Captain Testarossa and Lieutenant Chidori.

Teletha with Kaname had been housed in the same cell holding Mardukas and he had been doing his best to give them privacy when needed.

Looking at the thing red line on Teletha's left leg, and the slit uniform skirt she still wore made Richard ponder the reality they were in. Was there other realities as well? Addressing Captain Testarossa, Mardukas spoke "Madam Captain? I can try again to have them bring something for the scrape."

Teletha replied "No commander. That will just make us weaker in their eyes. It is rather apparent that the reality we are in our doppelgangers are sadistic, and would enjoy nothing more than to torment."

Teletha looking at the other nearby cells that she could see then looking for any eavesdroppers spoke "Commander Mardukas, did you see Lieutenant Commander Kalinin anywhere?" Mardukas replied "No Madam Captain. The last time I saw him was early this morning just before we were boarded. He had left the bridge to go to sickbay to check on you and Lieutenant Chidori."

Teletha smiled "Then we might have a chance. What about other crewmembers?" Mardukas replied "I accounted for all of them per that doppelganger Mao's order but I did leave out Kalinin and the fact they made no mention of him might mean he is not part of their crew in this reality." Lieutenant Chidori spoke "What about you commander?" Mardukas replied "It seems I am but a lowly lieutenant and their Tuatha de Danaan's weapons officer."

Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin picking up the satchel peered into the passageway then exited the arms locker. Heading for the access ladder then climbing into the maintenance access, Kalinin headed for a small crawlway which took him upward into the aft superstructure. Pausing before opening a watertight scuttle then hearing nothing, Kalinin opened and left the crawlway, finding himself at his objective.

Keying a bypass code into the keypad, the locking mechanism released and as it did so Kalinin looked at his ancient divers watch then he entered the storage bay which housed the repair squid.

Approaching the ungainly looking craft, Kalinin setting the satchel down removed its contents and among the items he had picked up along the way a small spray can of paint of which he removed its top and carefully staying out of view of the surveillance camera approached it and sprayed the lens.

Kalinin then set about taking certain items apart and placing the containers into the various manipulators. Satisfied at his handiwork, he turned his attention to the access door and placed two more items into place and rigging trigger wires to the door which if opened would setoff the gas and stun grenades; Lieutenant Commander Kalinin gathered the remaining items and boarded the squid and sealed the cockpit to wait for the surprises he had left behind to activate.

Tuesday, 2205 Hours, AGFS (P)-02 Atlanta, Alternate Reality

The Command Duty Officer in the Atlanta's Combat Information Center or CIC took note of the energy flux then getting more concerned as it increased exponentially till the degaussing systems of the Atlanta began to report by that control by computers were unable to be maintained, he sounded Battle Stations.

The disturbance so close to the Atlanta itself caused instrument malfunctions and electrical failures ship wide. Commander Azura Roux entering Main Control overheard the report from CIC that something was or had appeared virtually in front of them then the communications systems went dead except for sound powered phones. Shouting out orders to get systems restarted, Azura hoped it was friendly.

Commander Drake Ward shouted "Oh hell! Multiple contacts captain! All bearings including dead ahead, cleanest course is 220." Captain Simms replied "Hard left rudder, new course 220 down angle 20. Give me depth reading!"

Petty Officer Larkin replied "6000 meters!" as Samuel Eliot Morison plunged towards the depths.

"Admiral in CIC!" said the watch officer as Admiral Simms entered followed by his Chief of Staff, Captain Drake Ward. The two men assuming their stations, side by side looked towards the main display then Admiral Simms spoke "Very well, status reports from all units."

The watch officer replied "Dragons One and Three report malfunctions electrical in nature and global positioning systems have failed. Units Two and Four report high speed contact on heading 220 going deep. They are requesting permission to pursue and attack. All other units report operational and Unit Five is reporting possible underwater detonations at over 20,000 meters!"

Captain Ward spoke "Did we have a visual of what appeared in front of us?" The watch officer nervously replied "Yes sir we did for a moment, but the image is not very clear. We are trying to enhance it now." Admiral Simms replied softly "Let's have a look at what you do have. Display it now."

Captain Andrew Simms studied the tactical display then turning back towards Commander Ward spoke "Where the hell are we?" as Drake looking at the navigational system display replied "It appears we are in the same position as we started, but there sure was no other contacts surface or subsurface when we went into whatever we sailed into." Captain Simms replied "Helm set depth to 1200 meters, reduce speed to 5 knots."

Admiral Simms sat back in his chair then spoke "So the Eastern Alliance Navy sends in their Toy Box, and puts it right under my bow no less. But why did they not attack? We were sitting ducks!" The watch officer interrupted again "Sir, Units Two and Four requesting orders again."

Captain Ward replied "Have them shadow only, do not engage under any circumstances except if fired upon." Captain Ward waiting till the orders were transmitted spoke to Admiral Simms, "Andrew? It is responsible for sinking two of our Dragons. I can change to the orders to search and destroy."

Admiral Simms replied "No. Something is just not right about this. But do this instead. Dispatch Unit Six and Eight to assist Two and Four. Move Five to aft position and when One and Three recover from their casualties enough to maneuver have them assume station port and starboard. Have Units Two, Four, Six and Eight maneuver so that they will force the Toy Box's hand. I want them to herd it back to the Atlanta. If they accept that herding then maybe we can chat, but if not prepare to launch everything we have against it and alert Colonel Kalinin to prepare his marines for boarding."

Captain Ward spoke "What if the purported captain of that boat does not want to be herded? Do we attack first by launching or do we try a moving boarding raid?" Admiral Simms typing on his keyboard looked at the image displayed and replied "Then Captain Chidori will have to accept her fate one way or the other." Captain Ward replied "Very well sir. I will issue the orders immediately."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin barrel rolled over the alternate reality Tuatha de Danaan as he headed west towards the open Philippine Sea. He could picture the anger on the face of Tessa's doppelganger as the fire alarms began sounding and of course her cursing as she found out he had locked out the command remote control of the squid. The only minor worry he had had been the torpedoes fired, but releasing the canisters which behaved like miniature seltzers was enough to decoy the torpedoes fired, but he did not realize the significance of the explosions. The alternate reality lab had been in the firing line. Confused by the decoys the torpedoes continued through the canisters and 30 seconds later impacted on the lab and imploded the entire structure.

"Lieutenant Mardukas! What have you done, you idiot!" as Captain Chidori approached him in anger, as Mardukas tried to back peddle he felt the pistol in the small of his back. Sergeant Souska Sagara spoke "Please explain lieutenant. Madam Captain is waiting."

Petty Officer Cal Larking spoke "Captain Simms, the thermal line is well below us and it appears that our undersea maps do not match up exactly either. We could hit an undersea mount by mistake at speed sir." Andrew hearing the report then about to reply was interrupted by a series of pings.

Petty Officer Larkin spoke "Starboard bow, amidships and starboard quarter. I have four separate sources all moving at high speed. Uh sir? Sound signatures, well they sound like that boat Captain Sailor had."

Ward replied "Larkin? You mean the modified Sea Wolf? Takenaka? What did he call that damn thing?" Lieutenant Marcy Takenaka replied "It was called Sea Dragon."

Captain Simms spoke "Four against one. Bad odds. Can't go deep, might hit something. Go shallow, but change course. Helm. Set depth to 150 meters, new course 040, set ascent angle to 5 degrees speed to 15 knots." Commander Ward replied "Andrew that will takes us back nearly the same way we came and there is the matter of those contacts. It will put us directly in their path." Captain Simms spoke "I don't think we have a choice. We have to head back in that general direction sooner or later, because that is where the Tuatha de Danaan is most likely located. Let's hope who ever is in command of that fleet is reasonable and maybe understanding. Who knows maybe in this reality they are here to find out what is going on. It would stand to reason that in the first place."

Commander Ward replied "Well I just hope it is not Killy. That could be awkward seeing him alive again."

The gifts left by Lieutenant Commander Kalinin had several benefits. They trigged fire alarms including sending false signals to the brig of the Tuatha de Danaan, which released several of the cells. Sergeant Major Mao not waiting around took advantage and with Sergeants Weber, Sagara, made good their escape. Captain Testarossa turned quickly to Kaname and said "Go with them. Use the maintenance shafts and corridors for evading. We need to buy Kalinin time, and remember no merging. That witch can apparently sense or detect our thoughts." Kaname scrambling out of the cell replied "Affirmative, but one thing. That other one is the witch and not me. Take care." Then following Sagara up an access ladder as shouts of alarm from nearby guards sounded, Kaname slowly lowered the scuttle as guards raced past.

Tuesday, 2215 Hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, Alternate Reality

The static filled call from the familiar voice caused Captain Simms to look at the tactical screen then reply "Commander Kalinin, this is Samuel Eliot Morison Actual. How do you receive?"

"Kalinin?" said Captain Drake Ward as he turned towards the tactical display. "They have a Kalinin apparently I wonder if they are related," said Admiral Simms. Captain Ward replied "Admiral with all due respect the Toy Box is getting rather close. Just how much longer are you going to allow it to continue?"

Admiral Simms spoke "It is no longer known as Toy Box. Its name is the Samuel Eliot Morison and the voice? Who did it sound like?" Ward replied "You sir, it sounded just like you." Admiral Simms spoke "Communications Officer, have that last transmission from Morison run through the voice analyzer and see who it identifies."

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin at first with disbelief spoke "Confirm authentication. Morison Actual, where did we first meet and what was your military rank and branch of service were you serving and the unit that you were TAD with at the time?"

Admiral Simms turned to Captain Ward "Ingenious. He knows. Somehow he knows he is not where he is supposed to be." Captain Simms replied "United States Navy, Lieutenant, Afghanistan with 71st Marine Expeditionary. Countersign, what did I do for you?"

Lieutenant Commander Kalinin replied "You forced the pilot at gun point to take us with you."

Captain Ward replied "Must have been some kind of land battle?" And Admiral Simms replied "Must have been. Break radio silence; attempt to communicate with that submarine calling itself the Morison." Captain Ward spoke "Communications Officer! Send a challenge to the Samuel Eliot Morison, request to know their intentions."

The communications officer replied "Aye sir, also for the record sir voice analysis is complete. Computers have positively identified the voice as belonging to Admiral Andrew Simms with 99.9 percent probability."

Commander Ward spoke "They are demanding to know our intentions, and for the record sir the vessel hailing us is the Atlanta." Captain Simms replied "Reply that we are on a rescue and scientific mission; request free pratique subject to limited inspection."

Captain Ward hearing his own voice looked towards Admiral Simms and spoke "It sounds like me too," as Lieutenant Commander Kalinin spoke "Morison request immediate docking instructions. Be advised two directly astern, they appear to be Sea Wolf class."

Captain Simms nodded to Ward and said "Give him clearance and tell him we already know. I'll inform him later that they are Sea Dragons. Then after he is onboard call that boat calling itself the Atlanta. We will have to follow their rules for now, because if we don't they'll blow us out of the water."

Sergeant Major Mao gave the hold signal as she approached the junction of the maintenance shaft then slowly reaching for the manual bolt to secure the exit hatch she slid it home then eased back against the bulkhead and sighed.

"Ok, how many others you think made it?" as she turned towards Kaname. Lieutenant Chidori balled up against a support rib replied "Maybe six or seven, but I think the doppelganger guards got them."

Sagara spoke "My cellmates said they would try for a diversion so it may have worked. But we have to be concerned with our doppelgangers, especially yours Melissa. She is rather sadistic in my view." Melissa replied "Believe me I already know that. She must have had a worse life than I had, but you are right; it won't take her long to figure out we are using the maintenance shafts. We need to get weapons and fast. Kalinin had to be the one that caused the alarms to allow our escape, so he may have a plan and sheer hope in finding someone that can help us."

Sergeant Weber spoke "Hey guys. Company is coming, looks like the other Mao is on our trail." Sergeant Major Mao replied "If so we're sunk. Look, Kaname don't you have a passkey for the chapel." Chidori reached for the nearly invisible monofilament around her neck and slowly extracted the flat shaped key.

Mao smiled then said "We are going for the chapel guys. Once you are in there Kaname you can bypass the affected systems more quickly right?" Kaname replied "Yes I can." Melissa spoke "Good because what we need to do is shake things up really bad. Get the boat off the bottom first and well you know then give this boat the shakes really hard, but like give us some kind of sign before you start."

Weber spoke "Yeah so the shaking starts, what about the other Tuatha de Danaan?"

Kaname replied "We'll deal with them when the time comes. Now let's get moving we got a plan."

Tuesday, 2315 Hours, AGFS (P)-02 Atlanta, Alternate Reality

Captain Drake Ward, flanked by two naval marines and Colonel Andrei Kalinin waited as the submersible from the Morison turned slowly on the turntable coming to a stop facing them.

Captain Ward stepped forward as the hatch opened the whine of hydraulics the only noise to his footsteps, approached the steps of the turntable and climbed to the deck. The crafts pilot did a double take mouthing several words silently as she continued to stare at him. In the back of his mind the pilot seemed rather familiar but he could not immediately place her among the 1500 crewmembers of the Atlanta. Turning his attention back towards the open hatch, a tan uniform appeared then the man filling them.

Captain Andrew Simms setting foot on the deck of the Atlanta oriented himself and seeing Ward's doppelganger spoke "Pleasure to meet you Captain Ward. I am Captain Andrew Simms of the Mithril Submarine Samuel Eliot Morison," then rendering a salute which was returned by the doppelganger who said "This way Captain Simms. Welcome to the AGFS Atlanta. How many others in your party?" as Captain Simms aided Doctor Brenda Little out of the shuttle then Lieutenant Commander Andrei Kalinin following her he replied "Two others. My pilot will be staying with the shuttle. We are all unarmed."

Captain Ward looking at Kalinin with curiosity then said "Very well. Please follow me then. Your counterpart is waiting in the wardroom."

Colonel Andrei Kalinin seeing his doppelganger descending the stairs of the turntable saluted which was returned by Commander Kalinin and then each man sized up the other, as Andrew watched in silence. Then the Colonel Kalinin held out his hand and speaking with very little accent "Welcome to the Atlanta, Commander Kalinin."

With the greetings over with, Colonel Kalinin spoke to the marines "Man your posts. Contact me directly and no one else if there is any problems." The two marines smartly saluted and jogged to the stairs then went to parade rest.

Doctor Brenda Carter a scientist first was stunned then recovering her thoughts she made many observations along the way. The passageways ordered cleared did not allow her to meet other doppelgangers, but the two she had already met proved that there were alternate universes. Just how different each was would be subject to considerable speculation later.

Entering the elevator, which quickly rose she pondered what each of the men was thinking looking at themselves reflected back on the brass doors of the elevator. A copy of a copy of a copy each looking identical in many ways but still different in personality and mannerism.

As the doors opened a young girl stood waiting then saluting stepped aside. Captain Ward sensing Captain Simms having paused to look at the young girl watched intently. The young girl named Aryl stood at attention, as Captain Simms spoke "Ensign Aryl?" The ensign stiffened and replied "Yes sir. I am Ensign Aryl, fourth engineer of Atlanta."

Captain Simms returned her salute then said "Very well fourth engineer. Carry on." Then nodding to Captain Ward the party continued onward to the wardroom, leaving a puzzled ensign behind.

Admiral Simms hearing the door open did not turn, but continued studying the monitor which displayed his doppelgangers personal history and a brief outline of the organization that he reportedly belonged to in the alternate universe from which he and his submarine had come. Speaking softly, Admiral Simms addressed Captain Ward and Colonel Kalinin "Secure the room," then turning Admiral Simms faced himself.

The alternate Teletha running through a series of commands stopped then choosing one waited as the computer system of the Tuatha de Danaan initiated the command. Rising from her seat, the alternate Teletha moved to the communications console and activating a laser beam communication to the other Tuatha de Danaan spoke "I have locked all weapons lockers, however four are apparently still on the loose."

Her Kaname replied "Very good Tessa. Who is among the missing?"

Sitting back in the chair. Teletha replied "Their Mao, Souska, Kurz and their Chidori Madam Captain." Captain Chidori turned her chair and facing it forward spoke "Interesting. Talk to their Testarossa. I want answers. Do it now Tessa." Teletha reached for the hilt of the knife and licking her lips smiled as she spoke "Yes Madam Captain."

Each Simms had one thing in common and that they were historians. Captain Simms realized that everything started to go wrong around the time that the original control crystals were found. But instead of Mithril in his universe it had been a rare joint survey party consisting of Japanese and Russian scientists.

This universe had experienced World War III, his had not, and in his universe he had been tasked with sinking a freighter reportedly containing a nuclear weapon which he discovered carried refugees instead and in Admiral Simms's universe the freighter had been a military cargo ship bearing a palladium bomb. Admiral Simms, then a Rear Admiral had led his squadron through stiff resistance and though suffering the loss of his own boat in the end had successfully sunk the ship.

Each man looked towards the other then Admiral Simms spoke "You have a convincing argument and I will allow you to proceed on the rescue and scientific mission, however considering what you will be facing you will need help. The United North American Navy is at your service. Perhaps we should retire to the war room. It is better equipped to plan our joint mission planning." Captain Simms replied "Thank you admiral. Lieutenant Commander Kalinin can brief us there in more detail. Shall we go sir?"