The Whisperer
Disclaimer:"…"
--
Chapter 34
May19
2200 hours
Two days prior to the beginning of the last chapter.
Sousuke watched Kaname as she entered her building. He could still smell her scent lingering in the air but he had no time to dawdle. He walked away not giving it a second a look. He walked for about 10 steps when his phone rang. The caller I.D. did not say Chidori's name so he continued walking instead of standing still to talk.
"Sagara speaking."
"Sousuke…are you alone?" The voice was familiar, with an accent, but one he hadn't heard in weeks.
"Yes why?" Sousuke hastened his pace.
"Come to Nagasawa harbor. I'll explain it to you then." The line hung up before Sousuke could reply. Sousuke didn't hesitate as he took off down the street. The train would be the fastest way there so he made his way there.
Getting to the station did not take long with the speed he was running at. He did use the ride to take a break though. He tried to call back the number but received no answer. He sat back as the train raced across the line. When he reached his stop he did not bother taking the stairs. He leapt over trains to the other side and jumped down to the street. He could see the Harbor that down the slope about two miles from where he was. That did not stop him as he continued running down the road. He did not use a taxi for fear that something may happen, and he did not want anyone to know he was there and blame him for something he may not have been the cause of.
Sousuke caught his breath when he reached the harbor. He hid behind one of the buildings in the shadow. Unfortunately it was only a few days past the full moon meaning the light from the city was accompanied by the moon light. No clouds either. While that was not enough to ruin his stealth it made crossing in the open more difficult. Sousuke moved across the harbor still hidden. Seeing if he could identify anyone before they noticed him.
Suddenly his phone went off again. Sousuke had switched it to vibrate on the train so no noise escaped the small object.
"Yes?"
"Where the hell are you? You normally get to places in no time." The voice said still familiar yet anxious.
"I am here, where are you?" Sousuke answered with a bit of force so his caller would know he was serious.
"Playing hide and seek again aye. Well look out at the sea."
Sousuke said nothing as he scanned the water. There he noticed a familiar ship and a small light coming from atop it. He recognized the person instantly.
"Did you see?"
" Yes but do you have to make me swim out there every time."
"Of course got to make sure you still got sea legs."
Sousuke's expression hardened as he remembered his affiliation with this man.
"You worked for Travis didn't you? This is most likely a trap am I correct?"
"Nope. I couldn't betray you. My sea partner. I got a shot in me from escaping but otherwise I'm alright."
"Understood. I will come over but nothing tricky or I won't hesitate to kill you."
"So cold. Okay, just hurry up."
Sousuke made the warning but he doubted the man had any ill intentions. Sousuke braced himself as he lowered himself into the cold water. The water-synchronization class with the homosexual substitute from before for the special events had really helped his ability in the water. He made it out to the distant boat effortlessly. He was met by a strong arm as he helped raise him onto the boat.
"Hey Sousuke."
"Hello Nicolas. How have you been?"
"I just told you I ran way and got shot." Nicholas sounded completely serious.
"Understood. How have you been since your escape?"
Nicholas started walking towards the lower entrance of the boat. He signaled for Sousuke to follow him.
"Well as you know this was weeks ago. After I heard Travis talking to you about betrayal I tried to sneak away but Travis wasn't the only traitor. It turned into a gun fight as I made my way out of there. I was able to get my boat and escape before they were able to close me in. As I said I didn't get out without me share of scratches. Well they sent boats after me but none of 'em was good enough for my vessel. I knew they probably had a tracker on her so I removed her. I hid for a week or so and then I came to find you. You remember the Mahrae I told you about. Well I'm going to go pick it up now. They don't know about it, and this thing isn't being traced. So it should be smooth sailing."
Sousuke nodded as they walked into the room within the ship. It looked normal but behind many tings there was some item of use.
"I see. But Nicholas I am going to infiltrate Origin and try to get 'it'."
"You sure it's still there. They may have moved it or just scrapped the thing because they couldn't get it going."
"Negative it's still there. But they know we know where the facility is that is if they haven't destroyed it. Of course security may also be tight." Sousuke said as he walked around the small area.
"Oh yeah I have some new toys for you as well."
"I do not use toys." Sousuke replied seriously.
"Sorry I forgot how you were. I have some weapons you could use."
"I see. Hopefully they will prove effective."
"They're on the Mahrae but since we're going to pick it up I might as well get them for you. For now why don't we fish on the over."
"Not a problem, but how do you fish moving as fast as we will be moving."
"You know I like the good old way but since we're in a hurry. Nicholas touched a point on the wall opening it. Behind it was a screen, computer panels and turret control."
"Uh."
"Catch 'em like this. It will also be our source of food on the way over."
"Understood."
--
-Next day-
The ride so far was fair. The boat could cut through waves so they hardly bounced even more powerful water. The way they fished was a bit more complicated and not nearly as entertaining. Shooting hooks and nets was not exactly the most attractive way to fish but it did make their food source quick. Luckily this boat was equipped enough so that at least three people could literally live on it.
Sousuke had wanted to call Kaname but refused to. It was not necessary and she would eventually call whether she was in danger or not. Sousuke sighed as they wind continued to blow his hair, and the sea water sprayed upon him. He had changed into a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and boots since his clothes were soaked form the night before. They had collected enough food to last them the necessary time so fishing had become useless. Nicholas was in his usual spot reading the newspaper despite the way the wind blew into his paper. The day was bright and warm. Sousuke watched as they passed over the water. So far he had seen dolphins, sharks, even a whale. He had to convince Nicholas not to kill the thing. He argued it was pointless to kill a whale at this point in time. He struggled with him for the controls for about ten minutes before they accidentally released a fresh catch. They of course restocked their supply after that.
Sousuke hadn't informed anyone of this but Kaname. He may have helped Mithril the other day but he was still not an official member again though they still called him sergeant, it held nothing with him.
The special place Nicholas mentioned that had the Mahrae docked was still a good distance away. Even at their speed they wouldn't be there for at least 6 hours.
Six hours seemed like a long time when you had something to do.
"Hey Sousuke!" Nicholas called from the rear of the ship. Sousuke turned toward the seated sailor.
"Yes sir!"
Aldred grinned hearing his formal speaking.
"Go make some fish. I'm not in the mood for any sushi so make sure it's cooked well."
"Yes sir! Would you like the indoor kitchen or the outdoor cooker."
"Outdoor this time." He said as he returned to his paper. Sousuke walked over to a panel and a cooking station rose from inside the boat. Sousuke noticed that as high-tech as the boat was it was not a weapon boat.
--
-Tuatha de Danaan-
Tessa took a deep breath as she stepped onto the submarine. The helicopter carrying her Kurz, and Melissa had just landed. Leonard was missing and they couldn't track him. They found a letter saying he had been taken prisoner but nothing else. No reasons or names. Though it could have been a fake by him the hand writing was not similar to his in anyway. He could have written it himself in an attempt to escape but Tessa doubted it. He would rather have told them flat out that he escaped if it was him. She would be taking over what Mac was doing. Mardukas was still having problems with these new partners. Tessa headed towards the bridge, as Kurz and Melissa were greeted by the rest of the Urzu team and went on their way.
Tessa greeted anyone she passed by as she made her way to the bridge. When she reached the door it opened before she could click the panel. She watched as Mac walked out.
"Hello Mac."
"Hi Tessa. She's all yours I have to go somewhere so we're not submerging yet."
"Huh? Where are you going?"
"Well as you know this isn't my sub, and I have business back with my guys to care of. It's not a big deal when I'm off I can come-by. Since we have this little deal Mardukas is now captain of the ship again while you're gone, and I officially have no right to lead this sub. Also all of my members are going to be removed from this sub. We're heading over to the base for a quick extraction of my members, and our machines. You guys will work from here and we'll take care of our side. It's not exactly the best idea if we start a close partnership so early in a deal. It's okay though. It's a bit of the distraction being here anyway. I'll see you later."
He said nothing else as he walked down the hall without any second glances. Tessa watched him walk down the long hallway until he reached a corner and turned. She nodded then walked into the bridge.
"Greetings Captain." Mardukas saluted followed by the rest of the staff. Tessa saluted in return.
"Hello everyone it's good to be back." She said as she walked over to take her seat.
Mardukas walked up and handed her a piece of paper.
"Captain, though we have made new allies recently, contact to each other will be limited. We are sending their recruits back to go about their own business. Though we will remain in radio contact, and support when necessary. Detail as to what is happening is in detail on the documents in that folder."
"Thank you Commander." Tessa said as she opened the folder.
"Continue along our current path and increase speed by 5 knots. Once we return the S.O.W. we have work to do."
"I assume this has to do with your brother." Mardukas asked.
"No. Someone else is on the case of locating him. It is not my job, I would only be a burden. I have already tried contacting him with resonation but receive no answer or connection so I have given up on that."
"I heard he was captured is this true?"
"Possibly."
Mardukas cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "Did you enjoy your vacation captain?"
"Yes very much thank you." Tessa smiled as she swirled her pony-tail and reads the papers. Even though she liked being a civilian, it was good to be back. She was more useful here.
"By the way how is project 'Sea God' going?" Tessa asked Mardukas.
"Well it went quickly as first but our assault on Amalgam slowed us down. Recently production has increased. It should be ready in another year or so."
Tessa took note of what he said and continued reading. It was good to be back.
--
-Nicholas's Boat-
Sousuke bent over and vomited into the ocean as they sped along it. He was not sea sick but his body was not agreeing with him again. It was a shame to eat lunch to just remove it a few minutes after. Nicholas had gone in to get a large cooler of water and a glass for Sousuke. He was one of the few people who knew of his condition. Sousuke clenched his stomach as the pain kept coming. He had not felt this bad in awhile. He wondered what he could have done to bring this on. Last night he ate fish and was okay so what was wrong now.
Sousuke took the glass and refilled as he sat back and drank, the pain subsiding. He drank three more full glasses before he stood up.
"You ok now."
"Affirmative. Sorry for being a problem."
Nicholas grunted then turned and returned to the bridge. Sousuke sat on the front of the ship. He laid back as he watched the clouds pass by, feeling the small motions of the boat as it lightly moved through the waves.
Sousuke looked at his arm. He was still a little more pale than usual, and he still hadn't gotten a haircut. They had been on the move for awhile now not once needing to stop for fuel. This machine held a lot of fuel and even though Nicholas had an extra tank this machined required a lot of gas to be full. Sousuke did nothing as a shadow thankfully blocked the suns rays from his eyes.
"Beautiful isn't it." Nicholas said standing over him. Sousuke only nodded so slightly Nicholas hardly noticed it.
"I checked the map, and the radar. We're only a couple of hours away now."
Sousuke made a small noise of recognition. He continued staring up at the sky. He squinted his eyes for a moment when Nicholas moved away.
"I have a feeling this is going to feel longer than it really will be."
"Probably." Nicholas had heard him. He turned on a radio, and pulled out another news paper.
--
"We're here!" Nicholas called into a small intercom from the bridge.
"Understood." Sousuke's voice came over a small speaker. Nicholas continued at a steady pace towards the small docking area. They were still about 15 minutes away but it was visible and that was all that matter. They were on the eastern side of Eurasia. He turned when Sousuke walked in. He had changed into military clothing, and his hair was somewhat shorter. He had taken shower down stairs, and cut his hair with his knife afterwards. It was not as short as he usually cut it but it was not As long as it was before.
"Hey kid. All cleaned up."
"Affirmative."
"I can see the place from here how about you."
Sousuke looked out into the horizon but saw nothing that would indicate a docking bay.
"Negative, are you sure this is the right place?"
"Yep. That means it's well hidden. Which is perfect. Can't wait until you see this baby."
Sousuke nodded as he examined the horizon again looking for anything that may lead him to the location of their destination.
He still could not find anything. Nicholas grinned as they approached. He clicked a button on his control panel.
Sousuke watched as a tunnel rose from the water.
"Built it years ago for the production of this. Had a friend who helped me with it but he died a while ago. " He answered Sousuke's unasked question. The boat swiftly entered the tunnel. Suddenly the boat stopped. Nicholas braced himself against the controls. Sousuke caught himself on it not expecting the force.
Everything was completely black. No light could be seen at all. They listened as machinery moved and a small vibration went through the boat. Sousuke assumed they were moving. After about five more seconds dim green lights slowly lit up. The boat slowly over the water through a path. Sousuke examined a large room they entered. It looked similar to a hangar on a military base for deploying submarines, and other ships.
"There it is." Nicholas looked at his pride and joy. The ship was colored black, with a dark blue design similar to the look of water from above.
"Amazing. You built this yourself?"
"Of course not. I have a few friends who helped me. We went our separate ways after we finished this. It is mine and I did work on most of it. I paid them each a good share of money for their services."
"Doesn't that mean…"
"No, they were friends. I paid them so no one complained about the boat being split between us. It was more of them helping me, rather than a group hobby. I designed everything literally. They just helped me put it together. I designed the weapons systems, and everything. They helped so the process went faster. It took us 2 years to build it. Without help it would have taken me almost twenty."
"I see. Understood. I will trust you then."
Nicholas exited the bridge room followed by Sousuke. He leapt of the boat not the platform followed by Sousuke. "I'm going to need to equip it. First come with me so I can show you some weapons I made."
Sousuke realized as he said this that Nicholas Aldred was a very well-rounded man when it came to building things.
Sousuke looked at the Mahrae as they walked along the small dock path.
"It can change it coating for different forms of camouflage, as well as use EIS."
Nicholas grinned at his creation. Sousuke could tell he was a bit anxious to finally use it. Another thought came to mind as well.
This man in front of him was capable of building and doing things he thought only whispered could do. He grinned thinking of human potential. You did not have to be whispered to be a genius and build amazing things. This man was living proof of that. Sousuke followed him up some stairs into a room.
"If you wondering this is all it is. It's not some large place hidden inside the edge of the continent."
Sousuke nodded even though Aldred's back was turned to him. Sousuke was surprised by the contents of the room.
"These here are what I needed to show you."
He entered a key code on one of the containers. He lifted it up to reveal two guns, clips, and some accessories. The guns were bigger than most handguns he had seen. They used a six shooting roll similar to old western guns. The gun was all black, except for dark brown plating on the grip. The front similar to modern handguns. He handed the gun to Sousuke. It was not just slightly larger it also weighed more. It was good enough to be in the large hand-gun category.
"This is the Tyrant-M29. The bullets aren't much larger than a magnum bullet, but their very powerful. Their made of Titanium, just like the gun. The inside parts are made of strong aluminum to keep the weight from being too much. The gun does not disappoint however. It has enough power to send a person flying back, or preferably it can easily pierce an arm-slaves armor."
"Hmm. This may prove useful."
"There are two of them. Including the ammo in the gun you have 60 shots." He held up a small device holding six bullets.
"This is for instant reload. You place the bullets into the roll then click this release button on the back for a quick reload."
Sousuke opened the roll and examined one of the bullets.
"The recoil must be very dangerous."
"Nope. The aluminum is also used to cut back the recoil. That things more powerful than a sniper, and has slightly less recoil."
"I see." Sousuke placed all the items back in the container. Nicholas moved over to another one and opened it with a combination lock. Inside was a collection of grenades.
"Nothing serious. You have high-power fragmentation grenades, low power ones, and the basic. Here we have grenades you can set off with this device. Containers with different chemical affects, timed bombs, proximity, all the good stuff."
Sousuke stared amazed at the amount of weaponry this man had stored.
He moved over to another container. When he opened it; it was a single weapon. The look was definitely different. It had a long a long barrel at the end about six inches, The gun was inside some kind of plating which mostly hid the design. The handle easily stuck out. The gun had a small screen on top of it.
"The SBP-180. It's a machine-rifle. Very fast very deadly. The small screen up here is a radar as well as small computer screen for to check the gun. The thing gets hot but not enough to disable it. Be careful with it. Great for large groups not as powerful as the Tyrant, but good enough to go through armor without slowing down."
"…"
Sousuke looked over the weapons. This was definitely an interesting collection.
"What is the purpose of so many items?"
"You never know. But they're yours to choose from now. Since you're the one going in. Oh yes you'll need silent ones as well."
Nicholas opened a box with a collection of weapons that make little sound, or were completely silenced.
Sousuke sat and listened to his explanations on the weapons he was unfamiliar with.
"Well now to show you the main event." Sousuke followed him out of the room.
"The Mahrae is an excellent vessel. Its name comes from the water spirit that resonates with a soul of self-control. Though the machine is powerful you can't go blowing all your stuff because you think it'll make you win."
"Uh…I'll remember that." He remembered Kaname often questioning his over use of weapons in certain situations.
"Good let's go inside." He led Sousuke down the stairs to the platform leading to the Mahrae.
"Oi! Open up!" He called to the ship.
"Voice I.D. verified. Welcome Mr. Aldred."
"I said call me Nicholas. Or at least drop the mister." He scolded the boat!
Sousuke looked from him to the boat. "You gave it an AI?"
"Yes say hello to Amnis."
"Greeting what is your name."
"Sagara Sousuke."
"Sousuke Sagara officially recognized. How are you Sousuke?"
Nicholas mumbled something Sousuke could not recognize as the rear let down a path onto the large vessel. He silently followed Nicholas onto the Mahrae.
"This thing's made of aluminum and fiberglass to keep it light and powerful. I have some other special materials I don't need to tell you about. I'll explain the rest on the tour."
Just as Sousuke entered someone appeared in front of them from another door. The man had short black hair, and wore glasses over his green eyes, he seemed to be in his late thirties, or early forties. He was obviously Japanese.
"Oh you're here. I was wondering when you'd get here. Everything ready to go. You just need to put in the final check then we'll go." The man finally noticed Sousuke.
"Hello. Kouchi Saitou at your service."
"Sagara Sousuke." They briefly shook hands before Nicholas started walking towards the front of the ship.
"Come on, just because we're not in a hurry doesn't mean we can waste time." Nicholas had gone into captain mode. Like this he was usually more quiet except when he needed to give orders, or speak at all.
"While I'm checking this thing Sousuke you meet the other members, Kouchi you help him get the weapons on board."
"Aye captain!" Kouchi saluted then started walking down the ramp.
"Amnis tell everyone else about it. I'm coming up now as well."
"Aye captain." The robotic voice sounded only near Nicholas.
"C'mon. I'll introduce you when everyone gets here, for now let's go get those weapons." Kouchi placed his hand on Sousuke's shoulder and led him back out of the Mahrae.
"Nicholas mentioned you before. Said he liked your style. Said you were a great fisher."
"I believe my skills in fishing are proficient yes. It used to be a main source of food when I had no rations."
"Great. Well I'm sure he told you we helped build the ship."
"I see. But he said he paid his allies and they went on their way."
Kouchi chuckled. "He said that. He paid us but it's not like we were going to let him take this thing out by himself."
"But he also said no one was here. Why would he if you were all waiting for him?"
"He wanted to see if you had a problem going in alone."
"Negative, I have no such problems."
"Brave aren't you."
"…" Sousuke said nothing as they climbed up the stairs. He noticed other people exiting the ship as well.
They entered the room he had come to with Nicholas not five minutes ago.
"So what are you taking?"
"I have a large arsenal with me but Nicholas has a few items I'm interested in." Sousuke lifted the container to the Tyrant-M29 by himself and began walking out the room.
"Strong little bastard."
"Physical training as well as errands that I have gone on with Chidori. I usually insist on carrying most of the heavier items. Please get the case for the SBP-180 as well. I will instruct the others to what I need when I return."
"Sure kid. But there's an elevator to your right."
"Understood. The stairs may be too crowded with the others coming up anyway. I will wait in the elevator." He said before walking out the tower room.
Once Kouchi entered the elevator with Sousuke, they took down the weapon cases then returned. They were greeted by a group of people sitting on some of the containers or in chairs.
"Hey guys. This is Sousuke Sagara." Kouchi introduced the young mercenary.
Sousuke examined everyone. They all looked to be around the same age as Nicholas, and Kouchi. From left to right people introduced themselves.
"Sherrill Corbin is my name. I'm in charge of all radar functions." A woman with auburn hair, freckles, and brown eyes introduced herself.
"Lisa Fields. Communications expert." She had black hair down to her shoulders, her face was plain with blue eyes. Sousuke noticed her hair was dyed.
"Michael Cormick. I'm in charge of combat." A muscular man but not nearly as much as Kouchi stood up. He had natural black hair, and brown eyes.
"Terry Solomon. I'm also in combat." This man had blond hair with dark yellowish eyes, and a strong jaw.
"Rochelle Martinez, engineer." This women had dark brownish red hair. Her skin was dark probably tanned, and had brown eyes as well.
"You know me Kouchi Saitou, co-pilot, and engineer. We all have experience in all fields so we can help each other. If one of us is injured or something it doesn't mean we're out. We all take turns cooking, or sometimes work together on it. We basically do everything together but those are our major fields. Which means while here you will too. We'll see what you know and teach you what you don't. I hope you can cook because it's your turn tonight."
Sousuke began to sweat as he looked around.
"I can cook over a fire but I have little to no skills in cooking large meals. Once Chidori tried to teach me to cook and I put her rice pot on an open fire on her balcony. I made the neighbors upstairs clothes that were drying black, I also knocked her friends unconscious with the smoke entering the apartment. When I actually completed the task, I used too much salt. Apparently a pinch of salt means very little."
"How much did you use?" Lisa was the one to ask.
Sousuke took a piece of cloth and held it as though it were a handful. Everyone gasped.
"Did you eat it?" Terry asked.
"Affirmative. Chidori said hunger is always the best spice. While it did not seem so bad to me she did not like it much. I tried again later at my apartment and brought her something I made which I made into a ration. She ate it for lunch, and enjoyed it. Otherwise I am a failure at making meals."
Most of them missed the last part because they were gagging about the first.
"You keep mentioning Chidori. Who is this person?" Sherrill asked.
"She is a classmate of mine."
"Really is that all." Lisa smiled and leaned forward.
"…" Sousuke's expression soured for a moment. He did not want to talk about this…her right now. He needed as little distraction as possible.
"Okay we'll leave you alone. Come on kid. Let's load these bad boys up." Michael said standing up and grabbing two smaller cases.
The rest of the loading held only small insignificant conversation as people traveled back and forth.
Finally everything was loaded on board. Amnis closed the door when everyone was loaded. Sousuke was actually grateful for the spaciousness of the ship. The ship even had a special AC system.
Suddenly Amnis's voice spread throughout the craft. Everyone report to your stations prepare to dive."
"Dive…" Sousuke was confused. This was a boat right? He asked one Terry as he went by heading to his station. "This is a ship, and submarine. Very complicated to build. We made sure no one knew about this thing. We'll explain it to you when were off and safe." Terry turned and went down the hall then around a corner. Sousuke was once again awed by what normal people could do. If what he said was true this was truly an amazing creation.
"Sousuke come up to the bridge." Nicholas voice sounded through a speaker. Sousuke did not hesitate as he headed towards the front of the ship. He still hadn't received a tour but his skills made it easy to locate either way.
Nicholas did not turn when the door opened to the bridge. Sousuke silently walked in.
"Amnis activate the docks security systems once we're out."
"Ate captain."
"Get ready guys. Now is the first departure for the Mahrae."
"Aye captain." All voices came in over various speakers. Sousuke could tell this man had great respect from and for his allies.
The large vessel lowered into the water. The window was closed over by some type of covering. This was obviously to protect the ship while underwater.
"Everything is okay." Lisa called in.
"Here too." Sherrill, and Rochelle called in together,
Terry called in for him and Michael.
"Let's go." Kouchi said sitting not far from Nicholas.
"Launch!"
A thunderous noise could be heard as the Mahrae was propelled though a tunnel.
"How are we doing?" Nicholas called into speaker.
"We're doing alright. Pressure is slowly increasing." One of the girls called in.
"Speed increasing." Kouchi said.
"We're doing alright. Pressure increase is slowing down and stabilizing. We're almost out of the tunnel." One of the men called in.
They remained silent as the low hum of them shooting through the water could be heard. Nicholas held on to the controls until the sound stopped. He sighed then an image appeared on a screen that came out of nowhere, as if made by light. Sousuke was surprised at the technology put into this.
"The first launch of the Mahrae is successful. We're in the ocean guys." Nicholas said grinning. Cheers could be heard over the radios.
"Look stay on alert we're not in international waters yet. The Chinese could still get mad if they find us in the water. Activate EIS then continue as quickly and as carefully as possible. Inform me if anything happens." Nicholas pushed pressed a button and his chair moved back.
"Aye Captain." They called a moment later.
"So what do you think?" Nicholas turned to Sousuke.
"Amazing." He replied.
Nicholas grinned.
--
Present
One day past the end of the last chapter.
Sousuke sighed sitting on the bench in the locker room. They spent the first day making sure the thing was absolutely functional in both modes, and working under certain conditions. They had reached the base not long after there depart. Since it was not far from Japan and this thing was considerably fast it only took about 1 hour. He had suited up when he heard they were near. He put on a plain black full body suit under a pair of boots, dark army slacks which he tucked into his boots, and a jacket over a bullet proof vest. Though he didn't know how much the vest would help. He even prepared his weapons. The problem is they had no way of getting near without being noticed. The EIS would work to an extent. The enemies had on incredibly high security measures. Sousuke guessed they must have had a fight with someone earlier. Maybe Mithril got into a scuffle with them, and they were being cautious. Whatever it was it would not make taking them out easy. Hell he was going in without an arm-slave and he was sure they had arm-slaves in there. Sousuke looked at his hand. Other then weapons he had another defense which he was not so willing to use.
Suddenly Amnis spoke.
"Sousuke please report to the briefing room. Aldred has come up with a plan that may work."
"Roger." Sousuke rose and hurried to the briefing room.
"Okay this is what we're going to do." Nicholas held a laser pointer in his hand using it to signal to images on a light screen.
"We're going to test how far this thing can go. We're going to dive as low as possible, I mean low. Sousuke were going to load you into a torpedo pod. We're going to get as close as possible in EIS mode, then launch you at a slanted rising angle towards the island. You shouldn't be noticed because you won't rise that much. Now how long can you hold your breath."
"About five to ten minutes."
Everyone paused and stared at him a moment.
"Well that's perfect, but we'll give you an oxygen mask and tank. You'll have to open the pod yourself. We'll contact you over the small radio implanted in you ear. Sherrill will tell you when to open it. From there it's about a five minute swim up. You shouldn't be noticed. We'll pull back and stay near. We'll keep communication through the ear radio. That's one of Lisa's masterpieces; she'll take care of communications mostly. From there we'll rise to the surface and switch modes into a ship, and remain in EIS. If anything happens we'll fight but if it becomes too much you're on your own."
"Roger."
"Right then everyone be ready. We'll start in five minutes. Someone go load Sousuke into the pod. Make sure you know which launch tube he's in."
As stated everyone prepared themselves for the launch. Sousuke was a little disturbed remembering something about Mardukas saying he would launch Sousuke out of a torpedo pod if anything happened to Tessa, while under his watch. Too bad someone else was taking Mardukas's dream. Sousuke shook away the thought and prepared himself. He had put his clothes, and boots in a water proof bag to be put on after he reached shore. He had a small jet system, with a floatation device to carry up his weapons. All these were tied to him. He was hoping it all worked and didn't get him ion trouble. He heard nothing as everyone else worked on the final preparations.
"Sousuke we're getting close. Get ready it's going to feel like hell." Kouchi spoke to him.
Sousuke had no choice but to trust these people. Even the fact that they were amazingly proficient with technology did not help the feeling Mardukas may have planted inside him.
"Now!"
Sousuke felt the rush of pressure as the torpedo launched. He clenched his teeth and hung on to the walls as best he could.
"Get ready to release in…5…" Sherrill spoke to him.
"4" Sousuke gritted his teeth and forced his eyes to stay open.
"3…" He kept his feet firmly placed against the bottom.
"2…" He gripped the trigger tightly preparing to press the button. He pulled the goggles over his eyes.
"1…" He sucked in his a good breath and placed the mask on. He was sure with how long the five seconds felt the 5 minutes after this would feel longer, if he made it in five minutes, if at all.
"Now!"
Sousuke pressed the switch. He heard a brief hissing noise and the sound of something detaching. He swirled around in the water as it slammed into his. He clenched his mouth closed in order to hold in as much air as possible. He accidentally released a bit as the water smashed into him at first. Sousuke opened his eyes when he was finally steady in the water. His body felt sore and relieved form the release of all the pressure. He floated in the water a moment collecting himself. Sousuke looked up. He activated the small jet on the weapons bag to get it going. He also released one of the strings to open a floatation balloon. He checked himself before making his way up. Sousuke stopped again. What if he could find a way directly into one of the docks. Maybe there was some other path other than going on shore first. Sousuke racked his memory for what he could remember about this place. Finally he got something. A little farther around the island about 50 yards from where he was there should be a tunnel once used for dropping useless trash, and things into the ocean. That had been stopped for environmental reasons but he doubted they had sealed it. Sousuke informed the crew of the Mahrae before making his way over. Sousuke made sure his tank was still good as he swam around. When he finally made it he was not pleased. They had sealed it off. The enemy was not stupid, which would be a problem. Sousuke started thinking of another way in. He couldn't think of anything other then one of the main underwater entrances. He only had 70 percent air left.
"Forget it it's closed off." Sousuke informed the Mahrae.
"Well unless you have another way you're going up." Nicholas said bluntly.
Sousuke did not receive the information he had hoped. Nicholas had been here too. Luckily he hadn't used this place to make his ship or it would have been taken and used against him. Sousuke heard a low sound coming from below. He swam lower searching for the source. It grew louder as he descended. Sousuke grinned when he found the source. An open shaft the sound coming from it was obviously coming from a machine inside. Sousuke swam through the tunnel. Luckily it did rise. Sousuke swam all the way up. He was surprised that it was completely filled with water. He sighed when he found the top to be blocked by a vent. He easily removed putting a bullet into each of the corners then removing it.
When he went through it he noticed he was at the bottom of something. He swam farther up. His tank which was supposed to be for short-term use was down to 20 percent oxygen. Sousuke swam about 30 yards up. He noticed only small string of light made it into the water. He could not identify what was blocking them. He swam through it for about another 10 yards. He swam all the way up. He did not like what he found when he reached the surface. The things blocking the light were bodies. Hundreds of them. Sousuke did not give the reaction of disgust you'd expect. He simply moved them away as he swam over to a small platform. Most likely the useless bodies or ones who died that they did not wish to dissect. He was sure they had most likely engaged in vivisection on some subjects. Sousuke removed the equipment and spoke back to the Mahrae.
"I'm in. I may have entered a dumping sight for useless vessels. There are hundreds of bodies disposed here."
"Those bastards." He heard Lisa's reply.
"There is a small platform with a ladder leading up to another platform then a door. I will use this as my entrance. I have not yet identified the sound that lead me here but it can still be heard."
"Okay. You be careful." Nicholas spoke.
"Thank you for your help. However if anything happens you can go. This was my choice you will not need to worry."
"Geez Kiddo you're so serious." Kouchi commented.
"Uh…"
"Don't worry we'll be here now get going." Nicholas interrupted.
"Roger."
Sousuke began to change, and prepare himself.
He looked up the ladder taking a deep breath.
"Travis…"
--
Sorry it took so long I missed two days to work on it for certain reasons…
Also I will not be going back days between Kaname and Sousuke. This is the only one the rest will only continue from each other unless I need to go back a little bit.