Full Metal Panic!

Chapter Three

Currents of Time

By Steve Edward

Wednesday, 0030 Hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1, Alternate Universe

Commander Testarossa stood before the cell holding her doppelganger Captain Teletha Testarossa. Speaking aloud "Guard, release the cell." Commander Mardukas stood and approached the door and spoke "What do you want?" Commander Testarossa replied "Lieutenant Mardukas get out of my way. I want that Testarossa." Richard spoke "You shall address me as commander!"

Without blinking, Commander Testarossa unholstered her sidearm and aimed it then said "You are an idiot just like my Mardukas. Always has been and always will be in my mind, now get out of the way. I want your Tessa!"

Captain Testarossa spoke "Richard. It is alright, I'll go with her. Look after the rest of the crew for me." Commander Mardukas replied "Yes Madam Captain, I will do so."

Captain Simms shuddered inwardly then sat back in the chair as he addressed the admiral "With all due respect she did that all before she was even 18?" Admiral Simms replied "Unfortunately it appears that is the case, and for two years she has been a terror in this region with that Toy Box of hers." Captain Simms replied "The Tuatha de Danaan?" Admiral Simms nodded then continued "If that is what she calls it, yes. The obvious differences in our respective universes are apparent and from your Doctor Little's description of how you came to be here proves the theory that our scientific community has raised is valid as well since you and that version of the Toy Box you call the Samuel Eliot Morison is here."

"So your universe has experienced vanishings too?" said Commander Drake Ward via intercom, the briefing being sent heavily encrypted to the Morison. Captain Ward speaking to his doppelganger replied "Yes we have commander. All still unexplained, including the US Navy Flight 19 that went missing in 1945 in our universe as well."

Captain Simms spoke "The so called first officer of the Tuatha de Danaan, let's see, ah holds the rank of commander. Commander Teletha Testarossa, her bio is rather shallow too, but I get the drift she is the tactician of your Toy Box." Captain Ward replied "No holds barred fighter. She is tenacious, vicious and above all else shows little mercy on those she holds below her. She is responsible for taking out two of our Sea Dragon class attack subs simultaneously, one of which was commanded by a senior captain."

Captain Simms without thinking muttered "Captain Killy B. Sailor…" as Captain Ward looked back in surprise then said "Why yes. That is correct, but how?" Admiral Simms seeing the expression of Captain Simms spoke, "Leave it at that Drake. I don't think we need to rehash Killy's death in either universe."

Sitting back Captain Simms spoke "We still need to know what is happening with our Tuatha de Danaan so to kill two birds with one stone, with your permission Admiral Simms I would like to launch a spread of sensor torpedoes which will have several goals. They are to measure the surrounding area's magnetic field and I want to try to get a visuals. My Kalinin in his brief reported that our Tuatha de Danaan was still on the bottom. If so we can plan for an assault using my combat teams, and it may be better this way for all of us and the other is to see about that installation you wanted shut down. In my universe it is already destroyed but is still functional and a danger. Your installation intact or not is the same. Kalinin dodged some torpedoes on the way out but there were detonations. I have to agree that it was the installation; call it a hunch in any case. The sensor torpedoes will confirm one way or the other."

Admiral Simms replied "Very well Captain Simms please carry out your surveillance mission. However there is one concern and that is counter-fire." Commander Ward replied "No worry Admiral Simms. We are programming them to take a little detour to the north then they will turn west and then south that will take them to the installation. If any counter-fire takes place they will be firing on the wrong bearings."

Captain Ward grudgingly agreed with his doppelganger and said "Sounds good to me as well Commander, however I will move two Sea Dragons to either side of your vessel after firing just in case they get wild on counter-fire if it is ok in your tactical sense."

Captain Simms waited as Commander Ward pondered that request and replied "No problem, but give us a 2000 meter separation. We do have some things that your Sea Dragons do not, and if we do let go, it will be rather messy for any inbound traffic."

Doctor Little spoke "May I remind you all to go easy on the weapons. An explosive detonation could trigger another event that we would have little time to prepare for or evade and frankly we don't need any more crossovers from either universe. We treading on dangerous and unexplored theories that in several I do not want to test even inside a laboratory, is that clear admiral, captain?" Both Andrew's realized they had been chastised severely then looking at each other and shrugging their shoulders stood as Admiral Simms dismissed the briefing.

Commander Testarossa finding an empty cabin stopped her alternate and ordered Captain Testarossa within. Walking to the center of the cabin, Teletha being shoved to the floor fell awkwardly and landing on her side turned towards the commander and said "What do you want?" Commander Testarossa addressing Captain Testarossa replied as she knelt towards her and withdrew a combat knife "Simple I want to know what your Kaname is going to do. You see my captain has promised me this boat for me and I want it badly, the power it has. All of it, because I can do things that I could never do before. Maybe have my own country, but first tell me what your lieutenant is going to do or I'll start exploring more of what is hidden beneath that long skirt of yours."

Teletha backing slowly away from her opponent till she came to a coffee table bolted to the deck and unable to continue replied "Never. My lieutenant has her own plan. Good luck in trying to find her."

Commander Testarossa's pleasant expression changed to anger as she slowly crawled across the carpeted deck towards Captain Testarossa and replied "Well then dear Tessa, you shall die anyway!" Captain Testarossa slowly slid her right foot underneath her and waited and feeling behind her felt an object. A ceramic cup.

Taking it into her left hand, gripping the handle Tessa waited as the doppelganger went to her knee and expertly flipping the knife she wielded began the downward arc of the strike. Inhaling deeply, Captain Testarossa snapped her right leg outward in an arc, the arch of her ankle striking the doppelganger just under the left ribcage and raising her right arm blocking the attack locked her hand around the wrist and swinging the ceramic cup with all her might slammed it directly into the right temple of Commander Testarossa who uttered a yelp in surprise and collapsed across Captain Testarossa's legs.

Leaning back in relief, Captain Testarossa hearing a metallic noise behind her warily turned and saw Sergeant Major Mao, who spoke "Hey nice shot captain, I was wanting a crack at her myself. We got to move and soon. My doppelganger is really pissed, well you know like that time you accepted my challenge at Melida Island. You in that M6 and me and the M9."

Captain Testarossa replied as she reached for a sidearm on the unconscious doppelganger and then suddenly yanking it out if the holster aimed it at Mao and said "Nice try, but that is too easy. Who was Kaname's substitute history instructor in high school?" Mao blinked then replied "Under the onshore persona? It was Doctor Andrew Simms. His at sea persona is Captain Andrew Simms. Satisfied?" Captain Testarossa replied "Yes. Now get this bitch off of me!"

Brushing herself off Captain Testarossa looked at her doppelganger then to her own Mithril uniform and said with distaste "Melissa help me take her uniform off and put mine on her, then we truss her up." Sergeant Major Mao withdrawing her head from the vent shaft spoke "Uh ok sure. By the way, why did you ask about Captain Simms?"

Teletha replied as she removed her tie and began unbuttoning her blouse "There is no Samuel Eliot Morison in this universe. My doppelganger was positively gushing in anticipation of taking command of my Tuatha de Danaan. If Simms exists in some fashion, I hope he is as honorable as our own Captain Simms. We may need his help to get out of this and I really hope Kalinin got lucky in finding someone friendly."

Wednesday, 0200 Hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2

Lieutenant Taz Norton quickly scanning each photograph paused as the installation appeared then he spoke "No doubt Captain Simms. It imploded, consistent with concussive detonation." Andrew turned toward Lieutenant Commander Kalinin and spoke "Your timing was impeccable. When the torpedoes hit, the Atlanta and its protective screen saw us appear. We had fired a modified Mk.53 with a Lambda Driver Crystal, charged in Alfa-Two. It triggered the control crystal which in turn we believe triggered another much larger one; where we don't know but likely somewhere below the crust at considerable depth."

Kalinin replied "So the only question is can we return to our own universe?" Major Roux standing nearby replied "In theory, but I have high hopes." Captain Simms changing the subject spoke "Taz? Did they do a counter-fire as we thought they might?" Lieutenant Taz Norton replied "As theorized, but to the north and a full spread to boot. If they fired torpedoes equivalent to our own, I think they will eventually either hit a seamount or self destruct, but I am not going to take any bets on that one sir."

Captain Simms glancing at the chronometer and then to the projected event clock spoke "Ok. It's time to move out. Open a channel to the Atlanta."

Admiral Simms turned towards the main screen of CIC, the image of his doppelganger looking back as it said "Beginning the mission, admiral. To be frank, I do not exactly feel comfortable engaging someone who I know from my own universe. However the Samuel Eliot Morison is the best option in this case. We do have minor design differences that gives us an advantage. Keep your fleet back until I give the all clear and if not you have already received my personal request if we are not successful. Thank you and your crew for the help. Samuel Eliot Morison out." Admiral Simms replied to the blank screen as it flickered to the tactical display "God Speed Captain Simms."

Sergeant Sagara heard a metallic scrape ahead of him and Kaname. Giving a hold signal to Kaname, Souska and Weber advanced slowly in a duck walk, the cramped maintenance access both a hindrance, but a blessing. They knew these access tunnels extremely well having drilled repeatedly and it was paying off. Sergeant Sagara remembered the words of a certain Mithril Captain who said "Know your own ground, leave nothing to chance. Get to know it even with the lights off."

Seeing the end of an assault rifle barrel, Souska pointed and Weber nodded. Taking a shallow breath, Souska closed his eyes and making a mental picture of what was around him, he rolled into view, sending a foot into the barrel and bending nearly double sent is other foot towards the face of his opponent as Weber snatched the end of the barrel and yanked. The impact was loud to Kaname almost an echo but the gun did not discharge, as Souska's boot heel scored a direct hit.

Weber checking the soldier found him unconscious and using the soldiers own belt bound him to a water pipe as Souska removing the soldiers boot removed his sock and stuffed it into his mouth. Waving Kaname onward, Souska continued towards their objective then spoke quietly "We are on the chapel deck now. Are you ready Kaname?" No lieutenant no miss, just her name Kaname.

Lieutenant Kaname Chidori replied "Let's do this. I got to get into the chapel no matter what happens!"

Weber replied quietly as he peered through the space of the door hinges then looking towards the chapel itself "Looks clear, but just to be sure Kaname when I jump out, you make a dead run for the passageway. Souska will roll to the deck." Kaname realizing what Weber had planned spoke "All I need is 10 seconds."

Captain Simms spoke "Lieutenant Wren assume your post in TAROS," as Commander Ward reported "Kalinin is ready as is Urzu 10, 11, and 12." Ensign Aryl replied starboard bay one is at full flood. Assault Transport One powered up and all systems are operating normal."

Andrew was gambling that the doppelganger Chidori would still be maintaining position near the Mithril Danaan. Wren in the chapel would use the abilities of TAROS to "fly" nap of the ocean at speed. For diversion, Simms's doppelganger Admiral Simms had moved three Sea Dragons 45 degrees relative to the projected course of Morison. They would fire a full spread of Mk. 53's, thirty in all with yield settings at war game settings then the Dragons would duck and run.

The installation was situated in a valley, that had it been above the ocean would likely have had a river flowing past, divided at a natural point in the terrain sending part of the river south and to the east. Morison would follow the old river bed from the south and the Mithril Danaan which was resting just below the ridgeline to theSouth-West of the facility and shielded from any further localized effects by the high iron content of the valley should another discharge take place; Andrew would have Wren conduct a low fly over just as the Dragons torpedoes were arriving.

Andrew could picture the alternate Danaan hovering over its counterpart but how much separation was there? The incoming torpedoes would force Chidori to break away at least while she launches counter-measures; which would of course cause some of the decoy torpedoes to divert from their courses and detonate.

Chidori would have to turn north, heading west would decrease any depth she could work with, going east would expose her and she would have to run the same river bed if heading north. Timing was critical. Andrew would toss a few surprises of his own. The assault craft would launch while the diversion was still underway and with Kalinin leading the assault would reboard the Tuatha de Danaan using the center escape hatch just aft of the hanger housing.

Andrew would then pursue the doppelganger Chidori to allow Kalinin to get control of their Tuatha de Danaan, however if she turned and began to battle him; Captain Simms would have no choice but to engage and facing her could be a challenge.

"Madam Captain! Incoming torpedoes!" said the sonar watch. Captain Chidori spoke "Prepare counter-measures. Communications contact Commander Testarossa immediately."

Chidori switching to tactical screens studied her options musing silently, "It must be the UNAN again, but why were they expending so much effort on just them? Did they know about the doppelganger Tuatha de Danaan?"

"Madam Captain, unable to make contact shall I continue?" Captain Chidori replied "No. Prepare to leave now. We can come back later, come about to new heading 005. Intercept the riverbed, fire counter-measures on my command."

Captain Teletha Testarossa exited the cabin and heading forward for the bridge turned a corner and found herself face to face with the doppelganger Mao who was exiting a vent shaft.

"Sergeant Major?" she said. The doppelganger frowned as she jumped to the deck then said "Commander? Did that copy have anything to say?" Teletha spoke "Nothing really new to add, but you might want to do something about her," as Teletha pointed somewhere behind the doppelganger who turned to look, as Teletha's Mao coming from a passageway behind her slugged her."

Teletha spoke "Melissa what she did to us was inexcusable, but you must resist the revenge." Mao about the reply was interrupted as the decoy torpedoes began to detonate.

Lieutenant Kaname Chidori within the chapel and merging with TAROS quickly put the detonations out of her mind. They were small and inconsequential more noise makers than any threat.

"This is Assault Craft One. Docking with Danaan," as the Samuel Eliot Morison its hull outlined from the explosive flashes moved off. Captain Simms replied "Very well. Good luck to all of you," then turning to Commander Ward; Captain Simms said "Sound battle stations. Sonar, one long ping then rang echo. Weapons Officer Takenaka load tubes 1, 2, 3, and 4; war shots set for max yield. Load Wild Weasels in remaining tubes."

Sergeant Major Wu tossing smoke and flash bang grenades emerged from the escape trunk as Tuatha de Danaan shifted. Ignoring the increased list, Wu followed by Sergeant Jaunay then Sergeant Pederson and Lieutenant Commander Kalinin with Sergeant Troy Gallium charged a small group of soldiers.

Sergeant Major Mao gripping her unconscious doppelganger as she and Captain Testarossa began to slide towards the central bridge access said "Something tells me Kaname got to the chapel! Its going to get rough!" Tessa snagging a grab handle as the Tuatha de Danaan rolled the opposite direction replied "Do the best you can, I going for the bridge!" Mao yelling as she slid out view replied "Good luck Captain!" then Tessa heard thuds as her Mao and the doppelganger both ended up sliding into a bulkhead.

Commander Ward spoke "Andrew, she is just as fast as us, and the downside she knows this part of the ocean better too." Lieutenant Wren's voice coming through the bridge speakers replied "Not necessarily for long commander. Request batteries release."

Captain Simms spoke "Fire at your discretion."

Captain Chidori spoke "Launch counter-measures! Hard right rudder!" as she exited the protection of the valley and turning east Kaname ordered maximum power as a deep sea trench soon approached.

Wren could "sense" the anticipation of the maneuver that Captain Chidori was planning and communicated her musings audibly to bridge "Oh no you don't, your not suckering us into that…" leaving Captain Simms and Commander Ward to look at the tactical display wondering what the lieutenant was seeing.

Ensign Aryl spoke "Alice firing tubes 3 and 4, but not at the doppelganger. Captain Simms, she firing at a trench opening!"

Ward replied "My counter-part's briefing covered this tactic. Captain Chidori will duck deep, and then crash back."

Captain Simms continued "Then the pursuit vessel overshoots and she punches them in the stern taking out their propulsion or even worse."

Wren spoke "Torpedo impact in 10 seconds. She is going to hit a landslide." But Chidori hearing the torpedo launch warning and preparing to turn realized her goal of going deep was out. Countermanding her own orders, she spoke "Helm up angle 20 set depth 100 meters."

Simms spoke "Alice she is going shallow. Anticipate for a turn either way. She wants to catch us on the ascent as we are slowing. Continue at current depth, prepare stern tubes."

Ward replied "Bracket the target?" as Captain Simms nodded then said "Proximity detonation at full yield, punch her in the snoot."

Captain Simms continued "Alice, she will be at her most venerable because she has to reduce speed because she will overshoot her depth. Full stern release all tubes then execute a Williamson Turn, and come back on our track; force her to the surface!"

Admiral Simms observing the distant running sea battle heard the alert tone of additional contacts being discovered. Captain Ward spoke "Sir, we have possible hostiles inbound. Sound signatures indicate they are Turbot class."

Admiral Simms replied "Notify the Morison. Looks like the Eastern Naval Alliance are coming in force; have him withdraw for his safety and give specifications on the Turbot's just in case he does not have those in his universe."

Commander Richard Mardukas rubbing his wrists walked along side Lieutenant Commander Kalinin. Finding the doppelganger Testarossa dressed in the Mithril uniform of their Testarossa was confusing at first and he nearly ordered her released until Kalinin spoke "She is the doppelganger. Our Tessa is still on the bridge, though you should prepare yourself for her appearance."

Wednesday, 0500 Hours, AGFS (P)-02 Atlanta, Alternate Reality

"We still have some repairs to conduct to our Tuatha de Danaan Admiral Simms," said his counter-part from the bridge of the Samuel Eliot Morison.

Admiral Simms replied "Based on the time left, will it be able to make the transit to your own universe?"

Captain Simms replied "We will have it back to full operation by then, however there is a detail we have to deal with."

Captain Ward spoke "Ah yes, the doppelgangers. We have a solution for that and that is to use them for a prisoner exchange."

Captain Simms shrugging his shoulders replied "Well that sounds good to me since it benefits you. One thing, any idea what happened to Captain Chidori?"

Admiral Simms replied "After we gave you the heads up on those Turbots, they surrounded her and escorted the Toy Box from the area and they were last seen headed northwest towards the China Sea. I can say you had her dead to rights, but captain I don't fault you in any way. You made the right choice."

Andrew had given serious thoughts about engaging the Turbots, but as their class code name suggested he would have been engaging robotic vessels with advanced AI's. Not a comforting thought, so he had taken his counterpart's suggestion to heart and retreated.

By the time he had returned to their Tuatha de Danaan, the interior battle was over and it was back in the hands of its actual crew and the doppelgangers who had taken control were finding their roles reversed.

Closing communications with his counterpart on the Atlanta, Captain Simms turned his attention to the Tuatha de Danaan. Directing Ensign Aryl to hail the submarine he turned back to face the view screen as the bridge of the Tuatha de Danaan appeared.

Captain Teletha Testarossa still wearing the uniform of her doppelganger appeared in the wide shot unaware that her doppelganger had disabled certain alarm notifications.

Teletha busy inside a console heard the slight intake of breath as she heard Captain Simms voice "Oh My God…" and turning looked at her own communications screen and seeing Captain Simms replied "Captain Simms, what is your status?" Andrew turned his chair completely around then said "Ah, um, Madam Captain. Don't you think that uniform is a bit much on you?"

Lieutenant Wren still within the chapel adding her comments replied "Actually Andrew, I think it accents her figure." Teletha blinked then looking at the female repair technician then back to the screen and then down at her very exposed legs blushed and replied "Lieutenant Wren since when are you into fashion?" The petty officer looking at her captain then seeing Captain Simms peering with some respect around the command chair spoke "Madam Captain with all due respect, but when you were bent over; those guys over there saw everything."

Teletha glanced back at the view screen and spoke "Captain Simms? For just how long were you looking at me?" Andrew turning away again replied "For about a full minute. A certain lieutenant when she gets out of the chapel will have to explain herself because I could not close or blank the communication visual, despite using my override command."

Teletha replied "Alice! If any portion of that video appears on the Mithril Net I will …"

Captain Simms quickly cut communications, then turning the command chair to face forward spoke "We will all be in hot water. Commander Ward get a damage control team over to the Tuatha de Danaan to assist in repairs, and have Doctor Little, Lieutenant Wren, Ensign Aryl and Chief Engineer Roux report to main briefing in 30 minutes. I want to have answers for Tessa about just how we are all getting home."

The first person to meet Kaname on her exit from the de Danaan chapel was Sergeant Souska Sagara, who spoke "Feeling better?" Lieutenant Chidori sighed then blinked as she collapsed into his arms from exhaustion.

Joining Kaname was Teletha shortly after. Commander Mardukas directed that both be transferred to the Morison for treatment as their own sickbay still crowded with injured personnel would have been hard pressed to give them the care and the rest that both needed.

Wednesday, 0900 Hours, Samuel Eliot Morison TDD-2, Alternate Reality

Doctor Brenda Little rubbed her eyes then sitting up stretched as the simulation ended. Beside her, stood Major Azura Roux who spoke "So three out of three simulations shows the focal point to be 20 kilometers from the wrecked installation which like our own universe's installation is situated in such a way to trigger and focus the energy much like a parabolic mirror."

Doctor Little replied "It's a miracle that the Tuatha de Danaan even survived. If the remains of the turtles were any indication, they were within2000 meters of the installation, which put them almost dead center between the valleys to the south."

Major Roux spoke "How true and it explains what could be construed as eddies much like sea currents. Appearing and disappearing at various intervals upon what is and is not in the path of which they flow. Then there is the matter of even ending up in this universe."

Doctor Little replied "It may have to do with the control crystals. We know that each has an intrinsic frequency that each harmonizes at. If both control crystals are trigged at the same instance then the harmonic energies in theory would coalesce; on a level that transcends time and space which created the vortex which we traveled through. Now there lies a conundrum, if we utilize the same triggering event will it reopen the door that we came through so that both the Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison can in fact return and hope that the same event will take place in our universe or will we be cursed to wonder between worlds till we can find our own?"

The door to the lab opened and walking in was Captain Andrew Simms who overheard Doctor Little speaking and he replied "What ever our fate maybe, we signed on to be here. You got your assignment during the briefing we had, now can either of you tell me if we can return to our universe; as also there is another matter too, how early can we trigger the event?"

Major Roux spoke "Triggering another event is feasible, however we have to wait for certain events to take place. Namely the time of day and of course the hopes that the main crystal has built up enough charge to be triggered unnaturally."

Captain Simms replied "As in sending another torpedo with a charged Lambda Driver crystal?" Doctor Little replied "Yes that is the unnatural event, but there are other factors such as the earth's magnetic fields. They too have to be in alignment which will not take place until after sunset at the earliest."

Major Roux spoke "Is there something else we are facing?" as Captain Simms approaching the nearby display typed in a command switching it to tactical.

Turning to face the women he replied "Azura you worked briefly with Aryl in conducting experiments to determine the feasibility of controlling combat vessels or aircraft via TAROS did you not?"

Azura replied "Yes sir, I did but it had limited success and there were complications which could only be corrected by the use of drug inhibitors. Mithril of course refused to utilize such procedures deeming them inhuman and dangerous because of the effects of that could occur after long term exposure by the human operator."

Doctor Little replied "Captain Simms, I was privy to that classified report concerning the "Whispered". Why bring it up now?" Andrew pointing over his shoulder replied "Because apparently in this universe they have no qualms about using "Whispered" to control remote combat vehicles. Major Roux remember the warning given to me by my doppelganger about the vessels they call Turbots?"

Azura replied "He said they were AI's? But from the tactical display it appears that he may have been mistaken." Andrew nodded then spoke "The Andrew Simms in this universe has very limited knowledge of "Whispered" and thought that the Turbots were AI's, when in fact a "Whispered" is controlling them from this universes equivalent of TAROS. Those contacts on the screen is why I am asking if we can leave early. It appears the doppelganger of Chidori is riding herd on three squadrons of those things. We might be able to handle four or five by ourselves, but not 21 and my doppelganger can not risk engaging them either. In a straight out shooting match we would loose as would he."

Major Roux replied "There is a slim chance captain of creating an earlier event, however it carries some risks." Captain Simms spoke "Lets hear it, just what would happen if we did carry that out?"

Doctor Little replied "The risk is that in triggering the event, we cause a disharmonized resonance which affects the crystal not only in this universe but our own as well; which would result in the likelihood of the crystal matrix of each to crack and shatter, which would strand us here. Then there is the matter of taking both the Tuatha de Danaan and Samuel Eliot Morison through the event horizon itself."

Major Roux spoke "Forcing the opening is one thing, but keeping it established is another. In short sir, we will have only one minute and 30 seconds to get through, before the event horizon closes. Both submarines will have to travel at nearly 50 knots to enter the event horizon and both have to be rather close together."

Captain Simms replied "Just how close?" Doctor Little spoke "In order to match the magnetic fields of each vessel, we have to be no further apart than 5 meters."

Captain Simms nodded then said "That is doable. We have outside of three hours before I have to decide to engage the alternate Danaan. Can you start working on getting an event trigger in place before then?"

Doctor Little looking towards the display screen replied "Two hours captain is the best we can do, but we will have it ready."

Captain Simms spoke "Thanks," as he departed the engineering lab for sickbay.

Doctor George Albert if he had never met the real Testarossa would have declared the doppelganger her identical twin except for one glaring difference; her personality.

For security reasons the doppelgangers had been transferred to the Morison from the Tuatha de Danaan and it had been Doctor Albert's task to examine and treat each one.

When Captain Andrew Simms arrived in sickbay at 1030 hours, he found Doctor Albert reviewing blood work from the alternate Teletha Testarossa. George spoke "Sorry for the extra precautions, but your Sergeant Major insisted and from my initial examination of this realities Teletha it is warranted. You should keep your distance; she tried to kill one of my nurses."

Captain Simms approached the bed then stopped. The doppelganger spoke "So it is true, Admiral Simms does have a doppelganger. I will enjoy taking you apart!" Captain Simms replied "I don't think so," then to the surprise of everyone slugged the doppelganger knocking her out cold."

Doctor Albert coming to Andrew's side to restrain him spoke "What the hell are you doing?"

Captain Simms replied "She's a "Whispered" doctor just like our Teletha only worse. Get her sedated and keep her in that state and prepare all the doppelgangers for immediate transfer to the UNAN battle group."

Doctor Albert delivering orders to his staff, turned back to Captain Simms and said "As I was about to say the doppelganger's blood work reveals presence of certain chemicals that inhibit and alter brain functions, hence her behavior and aggression. In short the same drugs and chemicals that we have encountered during raids on "Whispered" labs."

Captain Simms waiting as Doctor Albert administered a strong sedative to the doppelganger Testarossa saw the doppelganger Mao laying nearby and walked to her bed. The woman looking at him spoke "You are just like the admiral, a pain in the butt in everyway." Captain Simms replied "Perhaps, but once you get to know me I am a rather nice guy."

Seeing her strain at the restraints Captain Simms spoke "Doctor Albert? Do you have any more of that sedative?" Doctor Albert turning towards him replied "Yes I do captain."

Andrew turning away from the doppelganger replied "Sedate her too." The alternate Mao had one thing in common with their own Mao. She too could cuss up a storm and did so as Captain Simms headed for another part the sickbay to speak with Captain Testarossa.

Wednesday, 1130 Hours, Tuatha de Danaan TDD-1, Alternate Reality

Captain Kaname Chidori opened her eyes and sighed. Her Teletha could no longer communicate. The image of the man standing before Teletha before she lost contact still burned deeply within her mind; Andrew Simms, but not the North American Naval Admiral she knew only through intelligence briefings.

The submarine that had pursued her was like her own, and Teletha's last conscious thought to her was that he was the captain. He had succeeded in causing some minor damage but little else and now angered over the capture of her First Officer, Kaname wanted revenge.

Her controller had other things on his mind and said so as she returned her attention to the screen "Kaname, we will get them back but it is critical that you not stir any further trouble. We have bargaining chips and we will use them."

Captain Chidori replied "Gauron, every moment I waste means they have a better opportunity escape me. I want both. Imagine the edge it would give us!"

Gauron smiled slightly as he rubbed the scar on his forehead then spoke "Yes my dear I know, but at least allow me to pursue the venue of discussion with Admiral Simms. It is he who apparently has Commander Testarossa."

Captain Chidori replied "Since when?" as Gauron looked briefly off camera replied "As of thirty minutes ago, she along with the remainder of your boarding party are in his custody. The UNAN desires a resolution to this incident and will overlook the installation itself."

Captain Chidori replied "I am through talking. You will convey to Admiral Simms that he will return my people when I arrive or I will launch a full scale attack. I will not take no for an answer." Then closing the connection, Captain Chidori spoke "Issue commands to the Turbots to follow in formation and then when in range begin hailing the UNAN battle group with my demands."