A fourth season story.

The King's Prizes

by Lynn

Captain Lee Crane stood in the Sail scanning the beach ahead as the deck crew prepared the zodiac below. He adjusted his tie and handed the glasses over to his Executive Officer, Chip Morton.

“Is Jamie ready?” He asked, noting the medical supplies being loaded as Chief Sharkey oversaw the loading operations.

“I just checked. He'll be up shortly.”

“Good,” Lee answered with a sigh as Chip cracked a small smile knowing that Lee would much rather stay behind this trip rather than play dignitary. Normally, visiting the tribal King of a native island would be handled by the Admiral, a job Lee had no regrets turning over to the OOM, but with Harry off boat seeing to Institute business the role fell squarely on Lee's shoulders. Not that he wasn't capable of making such visits, it was just that Lee would rather spend his time on his Gray Lady rather than the endless champagne toasts and mindless chats that often surrounded the dignitary visits.

Lee turned and offered an easy smile to his XO, “Station keep here, King Kekipi likes to show off Seaview's visits,” Lee ordered, then added with a smirk, “and don't scratch the paint, Mr. Morton.”

Lee's smile gave away his intention as Chip shook his head with a small chuckle, acknowledging the on-going joke between the two officers.

“Aye, aye Skipper.”

He descended down the conning tower ladder where Stu Riley stood holding his jacket and cover, which Lee donned deftly. The King would have been even more impressed with their arrival on FS1, but the flying sub was currently stationed in Santa Barbara for Harry's return flight to Seaview. Jamie was waiting on the deck by now, also wearing his service dress khakis complete with cover. Once the formal introductions and gifts were offered, the jackets and covers would be dispensed of and Jamie would commence the medical exams for the research team here by the King's permission.

Chief Sharkey and Seaman Kowalski rounded off the shore party as they climbed in the rubber zodiac sporting a small outboard motor.

“Ready to shove off, Chief?”

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey answered with a grin as the deck hands pushed the small boat away and Ski fired up the motor for a nice trolling speed to cut down on the ocean spray against the officers' dress uniforms.

Ski expertly guided the zodiac alongside the dock as Chief Sharkey threw the line to the waiting dock hands. Lee and Jamie deboarded as Ski and Sharkey off-loaded the raft's goods. King Kekipi was waiting with his entourage under a covered platform decorated with fresh cut flowers and greenery from the island's rich natural surroundings.

“Your Majesty,” Lee greeted with an honoring bow of the head.

“Captain Crane, so good to see you again. I was disappointed to hear that Admiral Nelson would not be here this time, but I am pleased that you could come,” the King offered graciously. He stood in western clothes, a white suit worn without a tie but adorned with colorful ribbons and medals and finished off with a lei of flowers worn about his neck, an island tradition for times such as this.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. May I present our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jamieson,” Lee offered in way of introduction.

“Dr. Jamieson, it is very good to meet you,” the King replied politely and full of decorum.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am most honored to be here.”

“Your Majesty, may I present a small token of our gratefulness for your hospitality,” Lee offered as Ski placed a rather impressive looking sea chest in front of King Kekipi. The King nodded as one of his entourage opened the sea chest to reveal an equally impressive model of the Seaview. A perfect scale to built model nearly two feet in length complete with windows which were lit to reveal a miniature control room, which was very non-descript to keep her operating secrets secure. The model was hardly a toy as evident by the heaviness of the die cast metal, complete with the titanium hull plates and the accompanying stand to mount her.

The model was held for the King's examination as he smiled, clearly pleased with the gift as his eyes shifted from the model to the great submarine stationed off-shore just beyond the break waters and then back to the model in a satisfied appraisal.

“Ah, it is fantastic!” He said in delight laced with the appropriate amount of a monarchy's dignity and then turned for the island's welcome of Seaview's officers. Beautiful leis of flowers were placed around the officer's necks as the young and very beautiful island girls dressed in traditional sarongs worn slightly above the knees kissed the officer's in formal greetings on each cheek. Sharkey and Ski were also greeted as each grinned from ear to ear at the pleasant welcome.

“I'm glad you approve, Sire. I know Admiral Nelson will be pleased with your regard,” Lee answered with a polite smile.

“Most certainly! I also have a gift for your submarine.” King Kekipi waved his hand ceremoniously as four opened crates were presented, each loaded with a bright red fruit indigenous to the island.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. My men will find this a most welcome treat,” Lee offered sincerely, especially since it had been three weeks since their last port and the fresh fruit had long since been consumed.

“This is for Admiral Nelson,” the King continued as he personally passed a bottle of the island's version of wine, a fermented fruit considered to be a delicacy.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I know he'll be most pleased.”

“And now Gentleman, if you will follow my aide he will escort you to the reception where you can refresh yourself before you begin your medical exams.”

Lee and his men bowed their heads as King Kekipi left the platform and boarded his island transportation, a luxurious motorized vehicle resembling a golf cart. Several other less fancy carts were waiting for Lee and Jamie, with the medical supplies having been loaded as the presentations were made.

“Take the fruit aboard, Chief. Tell the men to enjoy themselves,” Lee said turning toward Sharkey as the Chief and Ski left to deliver the goodies to the boat. “I'll contact you on the short wave when we're ready to leave.”

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey said, still flushing from his island greeting, accentuated by the deep fuchsia pink colored flowers about his neck.

Lee and Jamie boarded a cart as aides followed behind with the medical supplies in tow as the small “motorcade” made its way inland toward the King's palace.

* * * * *

The afternoon proceeded as Lee expected with the usual reception complete with tall champagne glasses and mindless chatters about nothing important. Still, he wasn't a novice at these diplomatic functions and smiled amicably while offering polite conversation and answering non-classified questions about Seaview. Jamie had managed to keep himself busy as the visiting Researchers had also been invited to the reception. When the pleasantries were finished King Kekipi excused himself and the festivities wound down enough for Lee and Jamie to leave politely and well within expected decorum.

“Well, I'm glad that's over with,” Jamie said, quickly dispensing of his coat and tie.

“What's wrong Jamie?” Lee replied with his familiar humor, “Didn't you enjoy yourself?”

“About as much as you did, although I think you hid it very well,” Jamie answered with a smile as they walked the arbor, a path almost completely covered with island foliage, and careful to speak in low tones so as to not offend their host.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Lee admitted. “I noticed you got a chance to visit with the Researchers.”

Jamie nodded. “Yes, they seem in fine health. I'm sure the island climate and lack of junk food has done them a world of good,” he delivered with a smile.

“Good. Are you on schedule for their exams? I'll need to contact Seaview if our ETA changes.”

“Aye Sir. I expect we'll be ready to leave by late afternoon.”

Lee nodded his approval as they reached their destination, a small village located just outside the palace grounds.

“Captain Crane!” Greeted the head Researcher, Dr. Lance Fargo. “So good to see you. I'm sorry I missed you at the reception.” Fargo spoke with enthusiasm and a glimmer in his eyes, clearly enjoying the visitors from “home”.

“Thank you, Dr. Fargo,” Lee offered as he reached a hand for a solid handshake, while looking around the village. “You certainly picked a beautiful spot to do your research.”

“It is at that!” He agreed whole-heartedly. “Well now, I know that you're on a tight schedule so I'll show you where we have Dr. Jamieson set up. His supplies have already been stored and my researchers and I are ready for the good doctor to give us a clean bill of health.”

Lee smiled, Dr. Fargo was likeable and his enthusiasm catchy. “Let me know if you need anything, Doc,” Lee offered as he took the opportunity to check out the small village.

* * * * *

Lee walked the small village receiving nods of greetings, the natives apparently at ease with the Research team and accepting his presence as well. Children played outside of huts, mothers attended pots cooking over small fires in dug out pits, while most of the men were said to be harvesting fruit from the tops of the trees in the nearby jungle. The traditional lifestyle of the village sharply contrasted the small but elegant palace he had visited earlier, where the influences of the western world were intermixed among the traditions of old.

“Captain Crane.”

Lee turned toward the sound of his name as Dr. Fargo walked toward him smiling.

“Mine was the first exam, and the Doctor has confirmed I'm 'Fit as a Fiddle'”, he said gleefully. “I thought I'd show you around a bit.”

“Thank you Dr. Fargo,” Lee replied welcoming the company.

“Tell me Dr. Fargo, how long have you been conducting your research here?”

“A little over two years. We're just now starting to make headway on the pharmaceutical benefits of the plant we are studying in particular. The natives here use it in many of their home remedies, and as you can see they are extremely fit.”

“I noticed,” Lee said passing by a young woman in a colorful sarong who made the point nicely. “But why not harvest some of the plants and take your studies to a laboratory. Wouldn't you gain faster results there?”

“No, no. The plant is found nowhere else but here, we can't even keep one alive long enough to transplant it for transport. No, the study must be done here if we are to unlock its secrets,” Fargo insisted.

“Well, you and your men are certainly dedicated,” Lee observed politely.

“Thank you Captain and yes we are dedicated to the project. Each of my team has taken an oath to stay as long as it takes to bring this study to a successful conclusion.” He paused for a moment and continued.

“Tell me Captain, how is Admiral Nelson? I was so looking forward to his visit.”

“He was disappointed as well, he's very interested in your work here. The Admiral is quite well and sends his apologies as the Institute business demanded his immediate attention, but he'll be joining up with Seaview via the flying sub as soon as he is able.”

Fargo's eyes lit in obvious pleasure. “Then perhaps he will be able to join us after all?”

“I doubt it. We're on a pretty tight schedule this time around,” Lee offered apologetically.

“I see,” Fargo replied, his disappointment evident as the village tour ended back up in front of the “medical” hut.

“If you'll excuse me Dr. Fargo, I think I'll check in with Dr. Jamieson.”

“Of course, Captain Crane.”

* * * * *

Lee knocked and received a quick “Come in” from within. He entered finding Jamie packing his supplies in his bag and wearing a noticeable frown on his face.

“Everything go okay Jamie? I thought the exams would take longer,” Lee asked inquisitively.

Jamie nodded. “Everything's fine... too fine.”

Lee tilted his head in inquiry as Jamie pursed his lips tightly in a familiar move when he was thinking.

“Skipper, I need to talk to you, but not here.”

“Alright, let's take a little walk,” Lee offered, intrigued by his CMO's concern.

They walked a well-worn path for about fifteen minutes until it dead ended at a mountain side where a cave was sealed off with bars, presumably to prevent thrill seekers from venturing in what appeared to be a long drop down. Lee turned toward Jamie seeking information as the Doctor continued to purse his lips.

“Captain,” he paused not knowing quite how to proceed. “The medical records show that Dr. Fargo was suffering from high blood pressure. I brought a supply for the next year to refill his prescription, but he doesn't need it.”

“What do you mean, Jamie?”

“He was under a high dosage to regulate his blood pressure, and now the man tells me he hasn't used his prescription for the last six months. To top it off, he has the blood pressure and heart rate of a long distance runner.”

“The island seems to be good for him,” Lee offered, not really seeing Jamie's “problem”.

“Yes, but there's Jenkins too. Jenkins was allowed on this expedition as a favor to a dying man. Jenkins had an inoperable tumor at the base of his neck, now I don't have the equipment to see what's going on the inside, but there is no hint of that tumor now. I saw the pictures, Skipper. The tumor was clearly visible.”

“Perhaps their project is coming along better than they've let on?” Lee offered, wondering why Fargo would hide such progress from the Institute reports.

“That would be my guess,” Jamie replied.

“How is the rest of the team?”

“Each man is in top physical condition.”

“Very well. I'll let the Admiral know that there may be some inconsistencies in what they're reporting back to the Institute's Research Foundation. I'm sure he'll have a few questions of his own.”

“That won't be necessary, Captain Crane.”

Lee wheeled about towards the voice having been unaware they had eavesdroppers. Dr. Fargo stood with two guards, obviously from the King's Palace with their sidearms drawn.

“What's the meaning of this?” Lee asked, confused by the obvious show of force.

“I made a unanimous call to the Nelson Institute, it seems the Admiral is still there working but was unable to take my call. However later tonight, the Admiral will rush from Santa Barbara and fly straight to the island.”

“And why would he do that?” Lee asked as Jamie stood by watching the confrontation.

“Because your submarine will be in quarantine,” Fargo answered with a devious grin.

“You better start making sense soon, Fargo,” Lee replied darkly.

“An unfortunate incident, it seems contaminated fruit was sent aboard your submarine. I'm afraid by this evening your crew will be quite incapacitated and their only hope is for Admiral Nelson to come and aid my desperate attempts to manufacture enough antidote to save them,” he answered with dramatic flair to emphasize the lie he was dishing out.

“There's no contaminated fruit, is there?” Lee asked seeking information and the truth from his adversary.

“Actually not contaminated. It's just fruit that our locals know to stay away from, your crew will exhibit all the signs of food poisoning. There is no anti-toxin or antidote, the sickness will eventually work through their systems in three days’ time.”

Jamie shifted in his place, muttering under his breath at the thought of 125 sick crewmen without a doctor there to help.

Lee's blood was boiling, but he remained calm needing all the facts he could muster to deal with this unexpected foe.

“You wanted the Admiral here, but that's not all is it?” Lee knew the King was involved somehow as the presence of the guards implicated.

“You're very perceptive Captain. I am interested in Nelson's help to complete my work, King Kekipi however, is interested in something... bigger.”

Lee drew a deep breath in and then whispered, “Seaview.”

Fargo smiled, “Yes. What his intentions are does not concern me. I help him, and he helps me. A bit of mutual symbiotic relationship at work.”

“More like two parasites feeding off others,” Lee quipped darkly.

“Now, now Captain, is that any way to talk to your host?” Fargo motioned the guards to escort Seaview's officers as Lee had no choice but to follow, but somehow he had to warn Harry to stay away and contact Chip to dump the fruit and dive to secure Seaview.

* * * * *

Lee and Jamie were moved along the path with Jamie following Fargo and a guard in front and back of Lee as they traveled single file. Lee looked over his options and decided to take out the two guards, hoping that Fargo wouldn't be a problem for Jamie. He lunged back delivering a sharp and sudden blow with his elbow to the rear guard's solar plexus, leaving him gasping for air as he delivered a follow-up blow to the back of the neck. The guard folded as Lee instantly turned to advance on the guard ahead of him who had by now turned and was moving to bear his gun down on Lee. A shot was heard as Lee swung his leg, kicking the sidearm out of his hand and then moved to incapacitate the shocked guard. Fargo turned toward the noises behind him to greet Jamie's solid upper cut. He faltered and fell backwards as Jamie turned just in time to see Lee mop up the second guard. Lee motioned as Jamie followed him into the jungle.

They ran, darting in between large bushes that seemed to reach out and grab them. Lee wanted as much jungle between them and the bad guys as possible, so he resisted the temptation to turn toward the beach. Instead they moved parallel with the mountain putting more distance between their pursuers than if they took a tangent line toward Seaview. Lee listened for the sounds of pursuit behind him and slowed his pace to listen more intently. They had been running for at least twenty minutes and he was sure that they hadn't been followed. He turned and faced Jamie, still breathing hard for the effort of the escape.

“Lee you're injured!” Jamie said in a hushed but urgent whisper as trickles of blood ran down the side of his face.

“A graze, nothing to worry about,” Lee answered still focused on the jungle behind them. He figured the guards were out long enough to lose them and Fargo wasn't up to the pursuit himself. It was on that thought that Lee's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell forward, caught by Jamie's waiting arms.

* * * * *

Jamie lowered Lee to the ground and then looked around, they would need a place to hide out. He checked Lee's steady pulse and raised his eye lids to examine his pupils then left his side searching for a suitable place to get out of sight. He looked around thinking that “excitement” was over-rated, leave him to his medical journals in his office any day over this he thought as he continued to search. He stopped when he saw a small cave opening in the side of the mountain. He knew that caves peppered the mountainside as the volcanic activity that formed the island had resulted in many caves and cavities. It had a small opening, but Jamie thought that was all the better and went back for his downed Captain.

He dragged his patient into the cave as Lee didn't even stir at the handling; satisfied that he was comfortable Jamie went back out to remove any trace of where they took shelter. He took a branch and wiped drag marks away as best as he could and then maneuvered some branches in front of their hide-out to disguise the entrance of the cave. That was the best he could do, James Bond he was not!

Jamie loosened Lee's tie and proceeded to examine him as best as he could with the sparse light that filtered in past the foliage shielding the cave entrance. Lee's pulse was steady, his breathing regular and his body temperature felt normal indicating no sign of shock. Jamie reached into his pocket to retrieve his handkerchief and blotted the side of Lee's head. He shook his head and let out a silent chuckle as he confirmed Dr. Crane's diagnosis; just a graze.

“You might need to style your hair a little differently until this heals Skipper, but I think you'll be fine,” Jamie whispered as he sat back. There was nothing to do but wait for Lee to wake up.

* * * * *

Fargo tried to revive the guards but the blasted men just laid there; out cold. When they finally came to they were dazed and confused as Fargo listened for any sounds in the jungle to pursue Seaview's officers. The guards investigated the obvious path of broken foliage just off the path but came back ten minutes later when the “trail” died out.

“Forget them,” Fargo ordered. “Let's get back to the radio, we've got to get to Nelson before anything else goes wrong!”

The guards followed behind Fargo trotting along as each one nursed a dandy of a headache. Fargo's first stop was his hut where he made a frantic call to the Nelson Institute.

* * * * *

Harry was still in his office working through what he hoped would be the final items that needed to be dealt with before leaving tomorrow for Seaview. The necessities of running the Institute had demanded his presence as Board of Director Meetings were mandated by their charter and not subject to the convenience of planning around Seaview cruises.

“Admiral you have a call from Communications,” Angie's professional voice was heard on the intercom.

“Put it through, Angie.”

Harry watched the light blink on, signaling the call was ready and picked up the receiver.

“Nelson.”

“Sir I have an urgent call from Dr. Lance Fargo. He says it's a matter of life and death.”

“Put it through Halston.” Harry's eyebrows tightened as Halston transferred the call.

“Admiral Nelson, is that you?”

“Yes, what's the problem there?” Harry replied needing to cut to the chase and get to the information he needed.

“It's your crew,” Fargo paused for effect and then continued. “They were inadvertently exposed to a poisonous variety of fruit that Captain Crane sent back to the submarine. If only he had allowed me to look over the fruit before sending it back,” Fargo lamented. “Dr. Jamieson and I worked through the problem via radio and there is an anti-toxin available from the local plants here. But I desperately need your help to speed up the manufacturing to produce enough for all your men!”

“What do you need?” Harry questioned as he stood with the phone to his ear, obviously concerned. Fargo proceeded to give Harry a list of laboratory supplies that would necessitate his need to come to the island first and not be tempted to stop by the boat beforehand.

Harry finished jotting down the last of Fargo's supply list, “Alright, I'll be there in...” he raised his wrist to view his watch and did some fast calculations in his head, “...three hours.”

“Good,” a relieved Fargo answered. “Just hurry Nelson. We can save them if we hurry. Fargo out.”

Harry hung up the phone and immediately walked over to his radio cabinet built into his office wall. He opened the door and adjusted the radio to make contact with Seaview.

“Nelson to Seaview. Come in Seaview.”

Harry got no response and checked his settings. There was no static or any indication of a damaged receiver on the other side, just silence as Harry repeated his hail. From his office Harry could only surmise that Seaview was indeed stricken and hung up the mic with palpable concern etched on his face.

He yelled for Angie, bypassing the intercom as his Personal Assistant appeared efficiently in the doorway. Harry moved quickly across the office and met her with a paper torn from his note pad.

“Get these from the laboratory and have them loaded aboard FS1 immediately.”

Angie nodded ready to take off as Harry mercifully filled her in with one sentence.

“Seaview's crew has been stricken and we need to manufacture enough anti-toxin for the entire crew.”

“I'll take care of it, Admiral,” she said running down the hall to deliver the note herself.

Harry drew a worried hand across his neck, biting his bottom lip and then moved toward the sub pen to make ready the flying sub for immediate launch.

* * * * *

Lee's wakefulness was preceded by an airy blow of breath and a palpable groan as he reached for his head.

“Don't touch Skipper,” Jamie said catching his hand in midair. “I don't want the wound to start bleeding again.”

Another blow of breath was heard as Lee pulled his muffled thoughts together until they sharpened into complete awareness as he slowly moved into a sitting position and looked around their make-shift hide-out.

“Easy there, Skipper.”

Lee settled against the side of the small cave, “How long have I been out?”

“About an hour.”

Lee cautiously shook his head in self-recrimination. “What time is it, Jamie?”

Jamie positioned his watch to catch some errant sun rays, “About 1715.”

More sounds of displeasure escaped as Lee blew a breath. “The crew eats in shifts, we still have time. The King won't risk a boarding party until he thinks most of the crew has been fed.”

“Would he know the details of the crew's eating habits?” Jamie questioned respectfully.

“I'm sure Fargo has given him all the information he needs to plan this out,” he answered distantly. Lee started to rise as Jamie helped him with his footing. “We still have time to secure the boat.”

“How do you feel?”

“My head's pounding nicely but I'm not dizzy,” Lee answered looking around the cave, and then cracked a small smile. “Nice hide-out Jamie.”

Jamie responded with a small smile of his own. “I thought you'd like it,” he quipped back. “Complete with land crabs and everything,” Jamie finished tilting his head to the corner where several small land crabs walked around doing whatever crabs do to stay busy.

“Have you heard any activity, any indication that they've been here searching?” Lee said turning his attention to the seriousness of the matter.

“No Sir, it's been quiet.”

“Alright, let's get to Seaview.”

“What about Admiral Nelson? He'll be walking into a trap!”

Lee nodded, “I know. But our first priority is to secure Seaview. Fargo needs the Admiral for some reason... to further his research he said. He'll be safe until I can get back to the island.”

“But he won't cooperate,” Jamie answered with concern, implying that Harry was still in danger.

Lee's face hardened; his duty clear. “I know,” was all he said. “Let's go Jamie, by the time we get there we'll have 125 patients for you to take care of.”

Jamie nodded as Lee cautiously listened by the cave entrance and then began moving foliage away to depart. He left quietly as Jamie matched his steps as best as he could wondering how the Captain could operate so well with the handicap of the head wound. It took about forty-five minutes to work themselves to the beach as Lee dropped to his knees still keeping with the cover of the jungle, while scanning his surroundings and studying Seaview stationed about a half mile off shore.

“Are you up for the swim, Jamie?” leaning over to untie his shoes as Jamie dropped down beside him doing the same.

“I think so, how about you Captain?”

Lee stopped and took a deep breath and then smiled. “I'll bet you a steak dinner at McKlintock's that I beat you to the boat.”

Jamie pulled off his shoes and shook his head in affirmation, “You're on Skipper.”

Lee's smile faded as he took several last glances up and down the beach, then indicated to Jamie they should high tail it to the water and took off running in a sprint.

* * * * *

Harry settled into the pilot's seat as the NIMR shore crew secured the supplies in a cargo net. He positioned his throat mic then flipped the communications devices on.

“This is Nelson in FS1 calling Seaview. Come in Seaview.”

Silence greeted his hail as Harry tried again.

“This is Nelson in FS1 calling Seaview. Come in Seaview.”

Harry turned as the dock crew indicated the supplies were secure and left the flying submersible as Harry began his start-up sequence. If only he could contact Seaview. He finished his pre-flight and activated his throat mic once more.

“FS1 ready to launch, release moorings.”

“Aye Sir. Moorings released.”

Harry felt FS1 bob freely and trolled her out a few feet from the dock located in the underwater pen then submerged the sub to navigate the corridor to the break waters. He would travel submerged for two miles and then surface, taking to the skies at Mach 2. His lips pursed in concentration as he checked his watch again. The brightness of the summer days would still give him time to make it to the island before night fall. Then he'd combine his efforts with Fargo and his team to save his stricken crew.

* * * * *

Lee and Jamie made steady strokes forward. As they approached Seaview Lee caught sight of several deck guards in the King's distinctive uniforms and realized that the boat had already been seized. He slowed his approach and silently motioned for Jamie to follow him to Seaview's starboard side, opposite the vertical sail hatch. They moved quietly forward using breast strokes to stealthily approach the boat as Lee reached the deck ladder first. Small handholds ascended from the waterline upwards as Lee climbed quietly with Jamie close behind.

He raised his head to barely pass the deck and surveyed the surroundings, then proceeded to climb aboard making his way over to press against the conning tower as Jamie waited on the ladder. A quick check around and Lee motioned Jamie up as well. Neither said a word as Jamie followed Lee's lead, matching his steps and movement as best as he could. Jamie made a mental note to add antibiotics to Lee's medical chart as the sea water invading his wound would leave all sorts of nice microbes to cause infection.

Lee pressed against the sail as he listened to the approaching steps of the deck guard moving noisily along in combat boots. As soon as the guard made his turn, Lee grabbed him placing him in a choke hold, effectively cutting off his air supply as well as his ability to call for help. The struggle lasted for a little over a minute until the guard's legs folded and Lee lowered him to the ground, ensconcing his sidearm for himself. Jamie instinctively checked the guard's pulse as Lee ignored the move and peered around the corner. The doctor climbed over the downed guard, satisfying himself that he was breathing and would wake with only a sore neck and a doozy of a headache.

Lee nodded for Jamie to follow as they moved along the deck hugging the sail with their backs. When they reached the edge Lee said something in the native language which roughly if not politely translated to “Oh Crap,” and waited for a response.

“What's wrong?” Was heard as a second guard rounded the corner and was met with a pistol butt to the back of the neck.

Lee dragged him back and relieved him of his rifle.

“What did you say?” Jamie asked, curious as to Lee's ploy that had worked so well.

Lee just smiled, and motioned for Jamie to follow. They entered the conning tower as Lee resisted the urge to enter the Control Room and took to the service hatch instead, a little used DC hatch that would gain them access to the boat from the service compartments; but not before he used the rifle to dog the sail hatch closed from the inside. Hopefully the move would ensure no more boarders until Lee could secure the Control Room and dog the hatches from there.

They crawled along the tight confines until they reached another hatch and lowered themselves down to a bigger compartment where they were free to talk.

“What's the plan, Captain?” Jamie asked wishing his endorphins would take a time out, he felt like his heart was going to beat right out of his chest.

Lee drew a tired hand across his face, “I don't know Doc, I'm making this up as I go along.” Jamie watched Lee as he quickly and efficiently worked up a plan.

“There are only two boats moored against the sub,” Lee continued. “Let's hope that means they're holding Seaview with less than twenty men. It's a big boat, we should be able to move around. What's the danger of releasing M-4 through air revitalization?”

Jamie nodded in the negative. “Unknown Sir. The crew is obviously compromised by the fruit, I can't say the sleeping gas would be harmless.”

Lee agreed silently. “Okay, it's brute force then.” He smiled weakly. “You ready to play commando?”

Jamie took a deep breath in. “I'll do what I have to Sir,” he assured his Captain and silently wondered how Lee managed to do this mission after mission for ONI.

“Not everyone likes fruit, so let's check out the brig first and find out if we have any unaffected crewmen to help us.”

“Aye Sir,” Jamie answered and followed his Captain, each padding along the deck in bare feet.

* * * * *

Harry switched his off his throat mic having tried once again to reach Seaview to no avail. He blew another breath and checked his watch; another hour and he would reach the island.

* * * * *

Lee slowly moved the wheel on the hatch and raised it only high enough to look around. Everything was quiet so he raised the lid completely and climbed out, having worked their way from A Deck to C Deck. He leaned heavily against the bulkhead and peered around the corner spotting a single guard outside the Brig. He leaned back and thought through his options then made up his mind using hand signals to indicate Jamie's part in the diversion he needed. Jamie nodded his understanding and took a deep breath then proceeded to walk out into the open holding his stomach and moaning loudly.

The guard's attention was immediately fixed on yet another sick Seaview crewman. This one was drenched in sweat with his clothes soaking wet and must have just gotten out of bed as he had no shoes on. He sighed at his luck in having to deal with the officer and hoped he didn't puke all over him as he corralled him to any available bunk to ride out the illness. As the guard passed the corner he was immediately met with a blow to the back of the neck, but the guard was resilient and lunged for Lee. They exchanged punches until the guard faltered and Lee delivered a devastating right hook to drop his opponent. Lee searched the guard's pockets and removed the key then dragged him back down the corridor stopping in front of the bars and smiling tightly at Bobby O'Brien and seven ratings, including Stu Riley.

Lee opened the brig door and pulled the downed man in handing the guard's sidearm to O'Brien.

“Good to see you, Skipper,” Bobby whispered.

Lee nodded, relieved to have some help as Riley stood by the door watching for more guards.

“How many came aboard?” Lee asked, getting down to business.

“About fifteen, maybe a few more, but by that time the Control Room was completely full of sick men.”

Lee nodded his understanding. “You're all on Delta Watch,” Lee stated rather than asked. Delta Watch, most often referred to as the Dog Watch was the late night shift. It was suitably nicknamed because if they were on land, everyone but the dogs would be asleep.* All of Seaview's crew rotated to take the Dog Watch and it was considered as valuable as any shift, although there was typically less activity than the “day” watches and therefore considerably less personnel conducting maintenance.

“Aye Sir, we were just heading for dinner when the Exec made the announcement for all abled bodied men to come forward. The rest of the Watch was already compromised by the food...”

“It was the fruit,” Lee answered, supplying the culprit to the problem at hand.

“Aye Sir. As far as I know we're all that's left. Mr. Morton stayed at the helm as long as he could but we were an easy target when they came aboard.”

“Did you get out any radio transmissions?” Lee asked.

“I don't think so Sir. The sickness came on fast and they were dropping as fast as Mr. Morton could reassign them.”

“Okay, where are the men?”

“Officers are in their quarters, Sickbay is over-run with patients so the rest of the guys are riding it out in the Crew's Quarters.”

“Very well men, it's just us. Let's go take back our boat.”

A soft chorus of “Aye Sirs” followed as Captain Crane laid out the plan of attack.

* * * * *

Harry made an impressive water landing expertly handling the craft along with the swells of the ocean and brought FS1 in alongside the dock. Fargo was waiting as Harry opened the cargo hatch at the back of the flying sub still wearing his leather flight jacket and motioned for help in off-loading the supplies.

“I'm glad you could make it, Admiral,” Dr. Fargo said with no hint of concern in his voice for the task at hand to develop enough anti-toxin for the entire crew.

“Of course. Let's get the supplies to your lab and get started.” Harry sighed in obvious concern, “I haven't been able to contact Seaview.” Harry finished handing off the supplies as they were stacked on the dock then exited and quickly entered his code to lock FS1 out.

“Yes of course. Follow me, the supplies will be along shortly.”

Harry took one last look out beyond the breakwaters where Seaview sat eerily quiet and moved to follow Fargo but his internal alarms were ringing loudly. Fargo's phone call had been a frantic plea for help and rightly so, but his whole demeanor now was one of casual indifference. Something was off, but he'd follow for now. If he didn't get any satisfactory answers he would take FS1, dock with Seaview and get his own answers.

“King Kekipi has graciously moved our work from the huts of the village to his palace,” Fargo explained as they took the path leading away from the village and towards the King's extravagant and lavish compound.

“It has greatly sped up our progress,” Fargo finished.

Harry nodded, that at least was good news. Perhaps Fargo was relaxed because the situation was in hand. Fargo led Harry past the main entrance to some side bungalows where guards were noticeably present. The bungalow had been transformed into an impressive laboratory with all the latest research equipment the Institute had supplied and more.

“It appears King Kekipi has taken a great interest in your project,” Harry noted.

“Yes. Well we sort of help one another out. It has been mutually beneficial and we are both satisfied with the results.”

Everything was sounding a bit too veiled for Harry's liking, and he would certainly revisit this discussion later, but for now his concern was for Seaview and her crew.

“It looks like the supplies are here,” Harry noted as the boxes were brought in and stacked along the wall. “Let's get to work and take care of Seaview first, then I'd be most interested in hearing about your progress on the project,” Harry offered diplomatically.

“That won't be necessary, Admiral. You see there is no cure for your crew's condition. They will be very ill for the next three days and since they are all stout, young healthy men I foresee no deaths, though they will be weak for several days after.”

Harry shifted considerably from one foot to the other and pursed his bottom lip tightly. “And just when did you come to this conclusion? Was it before or after you left a frantic call for me to bring these supplies?”

Fargo smiled, “As you have already surmised, you were lured here intentionally. As for Seaview, the King has taken an interest in your submarine, something about the People's Republic and a large sum of money. I haven't paid much attention to that, my concern is the project.”

“Your concern....” Harry started and then faded off in disbelief as he ran a frustrated hand across his neck.

“Listen Nelson,” Fargo said with a smile. “I'll tell you what I know about your submarine and then we can move on to more important matters.”

Harry sighed inwardly, but kept silent needing all the information Fargo was willing to share at this point.

“Seaview was boarded and is under King Kekipi's control. He is currently in negotiations with the Republic and I imagine he will sweeten the deal with the flying sub as added leverage. Your crew will recover as I have said, though I am unaware of their final disposition with the Republic involved. Now...” he said ready to move to the 'important matters', “...as for why you were brought here.”

He motioned Harry over to a microscope. “These samples will prove my point nicely,” he said motioning Harry to view the slides. Harry did so as Fargo continued. “The slide on the left are healthy human tissues taken from the base of Lawrence Jenkin's neck.” Harry was well aware of Jenkin's inoperable tumor and furled his eyebrows in question. “The slide on the right are samples taken just six months ago.” The slide showed what Harry would have expected to see of a dying man and then rose from the microscope for Fargo to explain.

“We could not isolate the healing properties of the plant, and as Jenkins became sicker he authorized using the plant on himself. He had nothing to lose,” Fargo added, “he was dying. As you can see, that prognosis has been reversed.”

Fargo began to pace as Harry waited for further explanation. “We can't transplant the plant, I don't know why but it refuses to grow anywhere but here on this island. We haven't been able to isolate and identify the healing properties, until then its potential is being lost on the 10,000 inhabitants of this small island. But if we could synthesize the healing properties we would have the cure for cancer and a host of other ailments.”

“Are you saying you've found a fountain of youth?” Harry asked in unbelief.

“No, no. However, the natives here do live to an average of 110 years old and they are quite spry in their geriatric years. What I am saying is the plant increases the quality of life for those who consume it. The natives drink it as a tea, they grind and use it in their home remedies, they even remove stains from their clothes with it! It's a miracle plant Nelson!”

“And you're willing to sacrifice the technology of Seaview, technology that could change the political power structure of the world, not to mention the lives of 125 men?”

“Don't you see, Nelson? When this project's potential is realized you could build a fleet of Seaview's with the proceeds. This discovery will make us all rich,” Fargo's eyes gleamed with greed as the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.

Harry blew a breath in scoff as he raised his eyebrows, “So this isn't really about bringing the cure for cancer to the world, is it Fargo? It's really about the millions you plan on bringing in.”

Fargo shook his head and smiled, “Not just millions. Tens of millions, Admiral. Maybe more.”

“But you're counting your chickens before they hatch aren't you? You can't bring the plant to the U.S. for further study and you can't isolate its healing properties. You've sacrificed Seaview, my men and your integrity, if you even had any to begin with. Can't you see that?” Harry challenged.

Fargo took a deep breath in and shook off Harry's obvious disapproval, “Then help me for the good that can come out of it, Nelson. Think of all the people whose lives will be extended by the cures! I'm not a greedy man and there is more than enough potential here to fill both our coffers,” he added feeling he had been quite reasonable.

“Right now, my only concern is Seaview and her crew, Dr. Fargo. Now if you'll excuse me,” Harry turned to leave, not fooled by Fargo's “passionate” plea for “humanity's sake” and wasn't surprised at all to see the doorway blocked by the King's guards as Fargo nodded his head in the negative.

“I'm afraid that is simply not an option, Admiral Nelson,” Fargo said calmly motioning Harry back to the lab table. “Now let's begin, shall we?” Fargo finished as the clicking of automatic guns in the background accentuated Harry's plight of having no alternative but to participate... for the time being.

* * * * *

Lee and his men made their way forward, their first stop having been the armory. Lee had dispensed the laser guns in the hopes of dropping the guards stealthily. They headed to Sickbay first and quickly dropped the guard at the door. On the silent count of three Phil opened the door as Lee and Riley stormed the room dropping the other guard as Jamie hurried into the now secure sickbay.

“Do what you can Jamie, I'll leave one man here with you, it's the best I can do.”

“I'll work with it Captain,” Jamie said rolling up his sleeves and ready to get to work. He may not have an antidote, but there were medicines he could give to relieve the symptoms.

“Phil, this is your post. Barricade the door and keep the room secure.”

“Aye Sir,” the tall thin blond haired rating answered as his raiding crew diminished by two.

The next stop would be the Crew's Quarters. The CQ would hold the most amounts of men and Lee needed to lower the risks of hostages being taken, he was also banking on taking out the roaming guards along the way, thereby reducing the enemy’s strength of numbers.

As was the case earlier, only one guard stood outside as Lee nodded for Bobby to take the guard down. An efficient laser blast was fired as the guard dropped unceremoniously to the deck. They opened the door slowly and found no other guards inside as the moans of the men inside indicated they were in no shape to offer any resistance. Lee took in the condition of his stricken men and walked around patting a few shoulders in comfort.

“Hang in there men. We'll get you help soon,” he promised as they looked on with relief and hope in their eyes.

“Thanks Skipper,” they breathed out as Lee moved to the door.

“Ray, this is your post. Keep the room secured.”

“You can count on me Skipper.”

Lee patted his shoulder adding his confidence to the ratings and left the CQ. His raiding party had now dwindled from nine to six men. They moved forward taking out another guard reducing the enemy's forces by a total of six. Lee divided his men with Bobby taking three men to the aft hatch as he took two men with him to the top of the spiral stairs. With their watches synchronized both officers launched an assault as Seaview's men came in shooting, dropping the King's men and exchanging blows in the fray. The guards got off shots as well as Riley and Peters both fell reaching for their arm and leg respectively. There were seven intruders in all but when the shooting subsided all seven were on the deck.

“Secure the Control Room, Bobby,” Lee ordered as he bent over Peters checking out his wound. Riley was holding his arm, but stood ready to continue the assault.

“Alright men, there's probably a few more to round up. You two are with me, we'll do a sweep of the boat, I want them in the brig.”

He selected two men to play clean up with the bad guys as Riley stepped forward.

“Sir, permission to join the detail.”

“You're injured, Riley,” Lee said with understanding. “You stay here with Mr. O'Brien and keep the Control Room secure.”

“Aye Sir.”

“I'll send Jamie up as soon as the boat's secure,” Lee said as he climbed the spiral stairs with his two men following.

Lee and his men did a sweep of the boat and found one in Engineering and another in the missile room. They dropped easily at the surprise attack, with the enemy obviously confident that Seaview's men were too incapacitated to be of any concern. Lee had one more area to sweep as he led his men to Officer's Country where they found the final two guards leaning against the bulkheads and conversing nonchalantly as though they didn't have a care in the world.

Lee issued a silent nod as his team fired dropping the two guards handily.

“Get them to the brig,” Lee ordered as he made his way to the mic hanging on the bulkhead.

“Control Room this Captain Crane.”

An efficient, “Control Room Aye,” was heard as Bobby O'Brien sounded off with confidence.

“Mr. O'Brien, there are two more men on the deck topside. Secure them and dive this boat.”

“Aye Sir.”

Lee hung up the mic and headed down the corridor. He needed a change of clothes, but first he needed to see Chip. He entered finding Chip on his bunk rolled into a tight ball and moaning as the cramps over-took him.

“Chip?” Lee whispered with concern, placing a hand on his sweat drenched shoulder.

Chip groaned and then turned over as his pain filled eyes went wide in disbelief.

“Lee?” he breathed out.

“Hold on buddy. I'll get Jamie up here as soon as we can. Don't worry about anything, we have Seaview back under our control and Bobby's got the Con,” Lee said giving Chip the information he knew he'd want.

“How'd you...” he stopped to groan as he held his stomach tight.

“Easy now. I'll explain everything later, I've got to get back to the island and help the Admiral.”

Chip wanted to talk but his voice failed him. Lee placed a protective hand on his shoulder and held it there a moment.

“I'll catch you later,” he said and left the cabin as Chip sighed wishing he didn't feel like death warmed over just now.

* * * * *

Lee took the time to stop in his cabin and grab a change of clothes. He selected the black ensemble he kept on hand for unexpected ONI missions, complete with low ankle hiking boots stuffing them in a water proof bag and then hurried back to the Control Room.

He quickly rounded the spiral staircase and was satisfied to see the ocean water pressing against Seaview's windows.

“Status Report, Mr. O'Brien,” he ordered surveying the Control Room and his skeleton crew.

“We're station keeping at ninety feet, Sir. The boat's secure and we're ready to answer bells on your order, Skipper.”

“Very well, Mr. O'Brien.” Lee moved toward the Chart Table and motioned for the young Lieutenant to close the distance. “Bobby, Admiral Nelson was lured to the island and I'm going back for him. You will contact ComSubPac and request an escort for the boat. Proceed to the coordinates they give you and run silent, there may be a naval force to deal with,” Lee surmised the latter as he knew the small island had no naval force of their own and their interest in Seaview signaled an unfriendly country may be involved. Lee's head dipped, it was hard to leave the boat when she was so vulnerable but he couldn't leave Harry in their hands.

“Get the Doc up to Mr. Morton as soon as possible. You have the Con, but if you need him you know he'll be here.”

“Aye Sir. Don't worry about a thing Sir,” Bobby cracked a small smile and continued, “Delta Watch has it covered.”

Lee placed a confident hand on Bobby's shoulder and offered a small squeeze. “I'll contact you from the missile room when I'm ready to deboard and...” Lee raised his voice for all the men to hear, “Good job men.”

He padded out, still in his bare feet as the men of Delta Watch squared their shoulders and prepared their stations to sail.

* * * * *

Lee geared up in a black wet suit, opting to leave behind the bright yellow suit this time around. He checked his bag making sure it was sealed tight and then nodded toward the rating who was manning the missile room by himself.

Lee reached for the mic on the missile room hatch. “Mr. O'Brien, this is the Captain.”

“Aye Sir.”

“I'm ready to dive, Bobby. Is everything ready?”

“Aye Skipper. ComSubPac is sending an escort and I've got the coursed plotted and ready Sir.”

“Very well. I'll contact you as soon as I can.”

“Aye Sir.”

Lee hung up the mic and stepped inside the hatch as the rating closed it behind him. Within minutes Captain Crane was ascending out the red vertical hatch and swimming towards the island.

* * * * *

Lee raised out of the water just enough to check the beach. He entered the beach about a half mile from the dock and spotted the flying sub right away. Quickly he ran to the cover of the thick jungle and scrutinized his surrounding making sure he had arrived stealthily, then proceeded to change out of his dive gear. A few minutes later he was stowing his gear under the thick jungle fern and checking the readiness of his service .45. Lee moved toward the palace staying in the jungle for cover and moving like a sleek black panther in his dark jeans and black shirt.

He was working on pure determination as the day had been long and full of dangerous intrigue as he ignored the headache he still bore from the bullet graze. He reached the palace grounds and looked over the possibilities for Harry's imprisonment. There were guards stationed around the compound but Lee hadn't remembered guards at the bungalows during his visit earlier in the day. He figured that since Dr. Fargo and the King were in cahoots then it would make sense that Fargo had moved his operations to the comforts of King Kekipi's hospitality.

Lee moved along evading several sentries until he was positioned across from the bungalow, he was about ready to set up a diversion when he heard a twig break behind him and then the tell-tale sound of a rifle cocking. He sighed in self-recrimination as he heard more twigs and realized he was flanked raising his hands as his .45 was snagged from his now loose grip.

Lee's hands were secured behind his back as he was marched past the bungalows back to the palace. Guards flanked him on both sides firmly holding his arms and ushered him into the Palace to the King's official throne room. King Kekipi sat on his throne decorated with hundreds of perfect white pearls embedded in gold casings as Lee was forced to his knees before him.

“So Captain Crane, I see the reports of your death were greatly exaggerated,” he quipped exhibiting his knowledge of the American author Mark Twain's famous quote. “And I suppose you are to blame for Seaview's sudden disappearance with my prize crew?”

“Your prize crew is in my brig,” Lee offered defiantly, “And Seaview is safely out of your reach.”

The King rose, hovering over his prisoner in an intimidating manner and spoke darkly. “You cost me a great deal of money Captain Crane, but I still have the Flying Sub and Admiral Nelson. I'll simply re-negotiate with the People's Republic. They were greatly disappointed when I reported that you were dead, it seems they have a personal interest in you.” King Kekipi smiled deviously, hoping he had instilled fear into his prisoner but Lee remained dispassionate keeping his face dark and determined.

“But I am certain the Republic will not deny my right of retribution.”

With that Lee was pulled to a standing position and held securely on both sides.

“When you are done reunite him with Admiral Nelson,” he ordered his men as King Kekipi left the dirty business to his henchmen and exited the large opulent room with sounds of multiple blows and grunts filling the room.

* * * * *

Lee could only guess how many millions of dollars the King's guards had taken out on him as his face bore multiple bruises and blood trickled from the side of his mouth. They finished by throwing four or five, (whose counting anyway?, he thought) heavy blows to his gut and then backed off as he leaned forward, held up only by the strong grasp of his captors. His breathing was ragged as they dragged him out of the palace and toward the bungalow. He hadn't missed the fact that they were taking him to where Harry was being held. All he needed was a little time to recuperate and then he'd work on a plan of escape; he thought as his eyes closed heavily.

* * * * *

Harry sat leaning over a microscope as Dr. Fargo worked on the other side of the table. Harry worked putting only a show of effort into his research as he thought about how he was going to make good his escape. He had already been informed of Seaview's sudden submersion and smiled tightly to himself as he recalled King Kekipi's temper tantrum.

“No matter,” the King lied. “Your Flying Sub is still of interest to the Republic and I have the added pleasure of informing you that my men found a blood trail. Your Captain Crane is undoubtedly dead!” he sneered.

Harry could hardly believe it, and frankly he didn't. If they hadn't found a body then he'd bank on Lee Crane's survival skills any day. Seaview was obviously back in the hands of the crew and he hoped with everything he had that his Captain was responsible.

The sound of the door opening and Fargo's colorful shocked remarks turned Harry's attention to the door as Harry recognized at once the dark haired man being dragged across the floor even though he couldn't see his face.

“Lee!” Harry called as the guards all but threw him to the floor and left with sneers and jabs in their native language regarding the once “pretty” face of the prisoner.

Harry reached Lee and quickly untied his wrists then turned him over gently on his back, blowing an audible breath at the beating Lee sustained. He reached for his handkerchief and began blotting blood away feeling with relief the rise and fall of Lee's chest under his hand.

“Lee?” Harry called as he cleaned his face.

“Here,” Fargo said handing Harry a wet rag which Harry took with considerable disdain for the “fallen” researcher as he used the cloth to further clean Lee's face. Fargo got the message and stood back considerably, keeping his distance.

The wet rag seemed to revive Lee as he blew out a pained breath and his eyes fluttered open. His cognizant abilities sharpened immediately as he smiled weakly.

“Hello Sir.”

Harry let out a relieved chuckle, “Hello Lee. You certainly know how to make an entrance.”

Lee's smile widened until he groaned for the effort.

“How bad?” Harry asked.

“Not bad,” Lee replied with confidence. “No broken ribs, no concussion,” he finished having had plenty of experience with both maladies to answer in full assurance of his self-diagnosis.

He took another breath in and swallowed hard, but remained on his back as Harry recognized that “not bad” didn't mean he wasn't in pain.

“You took back Seaview?” Harry asked with a small satisfied smile on his face as he gave Lee the time he needed to regain his strength.

Lee's smile was small but proud. “You can thank the Dog Watch Sir. Jamie and I swam back, made our way on board and found O'Brien and seven ratings unaffected in the brig. The boat's ours again and headed for unknown coordinates to meet with an escort from ComSubPac.”

Harry let out a long audible breath of relief. “Good work Lee, but...” Harry shook his head and ran a hand across the back of his neck, “...why did you come back? You knew the odds were against you.”

Lee locked eyes with Harry in a strong, sincere connection. “You have to ask Sir?”

Harry didn't break the connection and nodded slightly his understanding. He would have done the same thing, but “blast it all” he would have preferred for Lee to be safe and sound aboard Seaview just now.

They continued their connection as Lee passed on an unspoken message to Harry with the strength of his eyes which Harry acknowledged with a slight twitch of his mouth. Lee was stronger than he appeared and given the right opportunity they would make a break for it.

* * * * *

Harry continued with his “work” after they settled Lee on a small office sofa where he was sleeping off the beating when the door unexpectedly opened. Lee lolled his head over, playing the part of an injured man as a guard motioned with his gun toward the door.

“The King wants to see Nelson and Crane,” he demanded.

Harry moved quickly to Lee's side helping him to sit and then stand as a second guard moved in to take an elbow.

“I'll take him if you don't mind,” Harry said glaring daggers with his eyes. The guard stepped back as Lee made a good show of it, leaning heavily on Harry. A guard preceded them and a guard followed with Fargo bringing up the rear, curious as to what King Kekipi wanted. He was concerned that the King would pull Harry from the project before he got what he needed and he desperately needed to hold on to his “ace in the hole”. Without Nelson, he might never unlock the secrets of the wonder plant.

As they exited the building they were relieved to realize that there were only two guards on the detail to retrieve them. Other guards walked sentry patterns throughout the compound but this was the opportunity Harry and Lee were looking for as Lee gave the signal; a quick groan as he lunged forward holding his stomach. The guard behind him lowered his rifle to catch his prisoner, and that's when Lee reacted throwing all his weight into a devastating elbow blow into the guard's gut. Harry reacted simultaneously with several blows of his own to the front guard as Lee finished off his man. Both Harry and Lee relieved their guard of their sidearm and took off into the jungle as Fargo yelled, raising the alarm that the prisoners had escaped.

* * * * *

Harry and Lee took off running making for the cover of the nearby jungle. They could hear the sounds of their pursers and soon after gunshots began to whip past the foliage as they ran. They had a decent lead, so Lee stopped to return fire silencing a gun and continued on behind Harry. Another shot rang out way too close as Lee turned once again waiting for the next shot so he could spot the pursuer by the gun-flash in the fast darkening jungle. Another shot rang as Lee got what he needed and fired expertly, silencing another pursuer then standing to continue the escape. But as soon as he stood another shot was fired eliciting a loud grunt from the impact as Lee fell heavily to the jungle floor.

* * * * *

Harry dropped for cover when he realized that Lee was laying down firepower. He watched with his weapon drawn as Lee took out his intended target and then rose, almost instantly another shot was fired and Harry watched as Lee fell hard. Harry honed in and shot in the area of the gun-flash as the sounds of his target indicated the guard was injured and down. Quickly he took the three steps back as Lee held his side tightly.

Harry swung an arm over his shoulder and the two continued their retreat into the dark jungle. The quietness of the jungle behind them signaled they had lost their pursuers as they moved on steadily but at a much slower pace. Lee hadn't said a word as he concentrated on making his feet work, but his heavy breathing clearly communicated his distress.

He leaned heavily on Harry as his feet began to stumble and passed an unwilling groan. Harry stopped their forward movement and lowered Lee down, satisfied that they had evaded the guards and had put enough distance between them to rest and evaluate Lee's injury.

Lee's eyes squeezed tight as Harry pulled his shirt out from its tucked position to get a better view. Only the sparse evening sunlight filtered through the dense trees but what Harry saw wasn't good, a high caliber bullet wound fired from a rifle at much too close a range. He needed more than a field dressing, he needed a surgeon.

Lee's bloodied hand reached for Harry's sleeve, “Admiral, go on. I'm slowing you down, just stash me somewhere,” he breathed out with considerable effort. “You can come back for me later.”

Harry scoffed out loud, “Let's not start that nonsense, Lee. You know I won't leave you.”

Lee knew it, but he also knew his body; he was in bad shape this time. “Sir, please...”

“Enough Lee.” Harry said angry that Lee would even suggest leaving him. Then he pulled back his anger and laid a comforting hand on Lee's shoulder. “We do this together Lad.”

Lee nodded and breathed shallowly. “The caves... ,” Lee offered knowing they would need to get out of sight.

Harry nodded his understanding and helped Lee to a standing position as Lee breathed deeply and nodded that he was ready. Together they moved further inland seeking a place to hide out from what would inevitably be a hunt for the King's prisoners. With Seaview safely away, the Flying Sub was the next big prize to sell to the Republic, but Harry was well aware that he and Lee were also considered part of the negotiated package. King Kekipi would not lose his prizes so easily; this time he would be relentless to deliver the goods.

Lee moved on without complaint until his feet would no longer work; Harry settled him against a volcanic rock formation as Lee's head laid heavily back.

“How much... further?” Lee asked using as few words as possible.

Harry was winded, having practically carried Lee for the last ten minutes. “We're close,” he said as his blue eyes unashamedly showed their concern for Lee's condition.

Beads of sweat ran down Lee's face as he looked deeply into Harry's eyes and swallowed. He smiled serenely as if at peace.

“It's been a pleasure working with you Sir...”

“No Lee, we're not finished yet...”

“The best years of my life...” Lee continued wanting desperately to say the unspoken things that he and Harry never discussed.

“Lee, don't give up. You keep fighting. Do you understand me?” Harry said moving from exasperation to his four-star admiral's voice.

“I'll try Sir,” he offered, but he was losing too much blood and he didn't think he could move anymore. On that observation his eyes rolled back and he slipped into a merciful unconscious state as Harry checked his carotid pulse relieved to feel rapid thready beats beneath his fingers. He lowered his head willing his glistening eyes to turn off the water works; he could see that Lee was fading fast.

A sudden noise behind had him turning swiftly to spot a band of native men with a white man standing in the middle wearing tan jungle gear and sporting a floppy matching hat with mosquito netting over his face. Harry stood, he wasn't going to try and make a run for it, not with Lee this bad off. The westerner took off the mosquito netting as Harry recognized the researcher, Lawrence Jenkins. It was Harry who had approved his dying request to go on the expedition.

“Lawrence?” Harry said, just now realizing that he hadn't seen the rest of Fargo's research team while in the bungalow.

“We've got to move fast Admiral Nelson, while the setting darkness will hide the blood trail.”

Harry's face showed his relief as the natives gently carried Lee and moved silently through the jungle.

* * * * *

They traveled for another twenty-five minutes until they reached the clearing of a traditional native village. Jenkins spoke in the native dialect urging the women to prepare a place for the injured man. An older woman who seemed to be in charge signaled the use of her hut as the native men brought Lee in and placed him carefully on the bed; a small cot raised about four inches off the ground and made entirely of the jungle resources around them. A blanket was placed on Lee's legs as the matronly woman unbuttoned Lee's shirt and parted it down the middle. The black shirt had effectively hidden the large amount of blood Lee had lost as the woman “tsked, tsked” at the damage.

She raised her head and addressed Harry in clear but accented English. “I will need to remove the bullet. I have everything I need here, you will wait outside,” she told Harry as several young women dressed in colorful sarongs entered with boiling water that had been prepared to sterilize the surgery tools.

Harry started to protest but Jenkins placed an understanding hand on his shoulder and spoke.

“Admiral, let them do their work. They are very skilled and Wikolia is a very good Healer.”

Harry nodded, almost in shock and allowed Jenkins to lead him out of the hut as he walked forward taking deep breaths and regaining his composure. Seeing Lee's wound and all the accompanying blood had been greatly disturbing, no wonder Lee was saying his good-byes.

Harry took one last deep breath and turned toward Jenkins. “How do you fit in all this Lawrence?” he asked point blank.

Jenkins motioned Harry over to some stumps positioned around a camp fire as the remaining research team exited a nearby hut and took a seat.

“The research has been slow and frustrating,” Jenkins explained, “but we know without a doubt the plant is ever as promising as Dr. Fargo believes.”

“Your tumor?” Harry asked.

“Yes. I haven't had an MRI or anything, but the tumor is no longer visible from my neck and I feel better than I have in years,” Jenkins explained. “Fargo got impatient and we could tell he was willing to cut corners on the research, but we all stuck with it knowing that the project's success would be a gift to humanity.” He paused and sighed. “None of us had any idea what Dr. Fargo was up to, but when we heard about Captain Crane and Dr. Jamieson's arrest we were terribly concerned. Later we heard that the Captain had been shot and killed, that's when we left. Fargo was busy moving our laboratory to the palace and we slipped out to find our friends here,” Jenkins said moving his hands outward demonstratively. “We heard the gunfire in the distance and went to investigate, that's when we found you. The young men of the village are removing the blood trail, I believe you will be safe here,” he finished.

“I'm grateful for your help,” Harry's eyes lowered as he studied the fire; the warm glow revealed what he couldn't see earlier, Lee's dried blood on his khaki shirt blossomed in a large circular pattern.

“Admiral, Wikolia will remove the bullet and then she will use the same plant remedy on the Captain that was used on me. It's his only hope,” Jenkins said with sympathy as Harry nodded his understanding.

* * * * *

Sometime later, Wikolia exited the hut as Harry stood waiting with visible concern for the diagnosis.

“I have removed the bullet and repaired the damage inside,” she replied as if she were a surgeon in one of America's finest hospitals. “But he has lost a lot of blood,” she continued. “We have remedies to help his body replenish its loss. Your friend is young and perhaps strong enough to last long enough for the remedies to begin to work. You should talk to him, help him to fight; it would be too easy for him to give in and welcome death,” she stated in a straight-forward manner that was laced with all the concern of a doctor taking care of her patient.

“Thank you Wikolia,” Harry offered. “May I see him now?”

She nodded and motioned for him to follow her to the hut where a young woman sat blotting Lee's face with a cold compress. Wikolia said something in her native tongue and the woman left as she motioned Harry into her place.

“He will be coming out of his sleep soon,” she stated. “It would be good for him to see you then,” she finished and left Harry alone with Lee.

Harry sighed, looking down at Lee's face, his pallor was slightly off but he appeared to be resting without pain. Harry looked down at the water basin and noted the sweat forming once again on Lee's face, reaching down he wrung out the cloth and began blotting, taking up the duty left behind by the young woman. The bruises of Lee's earlier beating had taken a definite backseat to the bullet wound in his side and as Harry used the compress he found the bullet graze adding to his long list of injuries this time out. He smoothed the hair away from Lee's forehead and spoke quietly to his unconscious Captain.

“I'm sure she did it better,” he said referring to his blotting technique. “And I'm sure she would be a whole lot prettier to wake up to,” Harry continued, “but I wouldn't mind right now if you'd open your eyes and tell me 'you're fine' Lad,” Harry said quietly.

The glow of the campfire peeking in through the slats on the hut door was all the light Harry had to work with, save the natural moonlight that saturated the clearing where the village was situated. But even in the poor light Harry could make out the bright white bandages wrapped around Lee's middle, another indication that the natives lived a mixed lifestyle with both traditional and modern conveniences.

Harry continued to cool his face as Lee let out an airy moan and tossed his head slightly as if fighting his way out of a strong sedative. Harry didn't know what Wikolia had used for the surgery, but it certainly had Lee out cold.

Another sound escaped as Harry leaned forward. “Lee? Can you hear me?” he coaxed.

A small blow of breath preceded his eyes opening as Lee searched the hut ceiling trying to make sense of where he was.

“Lee? Can you hear me, Lad?”

Lee tilted his head slightly and caught Harry's face. “Admiral?” he breathed out.

“Yes Lad, it's me Nelson. We're in a native village with the other researchers. We're safe Lee. You're safe,” Harry said as Lee weakly reached for his damaged side finding a tightly wrapped bandage.

“Jamie?” he asked, his mind in a fog and wondering how Seaview's doctor had made it back to the island.

“No, but you've been cared for by a skilled physician,” Harry smiled. “And she has a very pretty nurse helping.”

Lee cracked a small smile and then sighed. “Tired,” was all he said as Harry nodded in agreement.

“You lost a lot of blood Lee,” Harry said being up front with his Captain. “You're going to have to fight to stay with us Lad,” Harry encouraged as the hut door opened and Wikolia entered carrying a small wooden cup. She lowered herself beside Lee and raised his head slightly.

“You need to drink this young man,” she said gently but firmly. “We must replenish your lost fluids.”

Lee drank what he could and then leaned heavily back. “That is good,” she assured him as Lee's eyes closed and his breathing indicated he fell asleep.

Wikolia looked across at Harry as she felt his forehead. “Continue to keep him cool, each time he wakes he must drink the tea,” she explained.

“Will he recover?” Harry asked.

“It will be a long night, I cannot say for sure.”

Harry searched the eyes of the matronly “doctor” whose gray hairs gave away her age more than the sparse wrinkles in her face. She was spry and full of wisdom that came from years of experiencing the journey of life.

Wikolia stood to leave, “Talk to him through the night, he will hear you. I will bring another bed for you to rest in.”

“Thank you Wikolia,” Harry said sincerely as she turned to leave. He let out a long sigh and wet the compress squeezing out the excess water as he ran the rag down Lee's face and neck and remembered Wikolia's words; It would be a long night.

* * * * *

“Come on Lee, wake up,” Harry urged as Wikolia brought more tea. Lee seemed to be in a deep sleep, and although he needed the rest, Harry feared he would sink into a coma and never return. He had so much so say, all those years of silently regarding the man lying before him and only taking a few specific times to share how proud he was of him. It wasn't just because Lee was the best submariner in the fleet, or that he somehow had a sixth sense for spotting danger, or that he had an unparalleled ability to deal with the life threatening situations Seaview often faced. No, it wasn't just his abilities, but because Lee Crane was his best friend in a special way. Not like Jiggs, though that relationship was also a solid friendship. He had come to realize that working with Lee transcended the superior/subordinate relationship and teetered closer to a father/son relationship. Lee was his own man, and legally in charge of all operations of the boat, but the two had forged a relationship of mutual respect and admiration. Blast it all! He loved Lee, like the son he never had, and never once had he told him.

“Lee?” Harry continued to coax as Wikolia checked his pulse and felt his forehead, feeling heat emanating from under her palm.

“We must wake him, this remedy will bring down the fever and help to restore his blood loss,” she explained with concern in her dark black eyes.

Harry nodded, “Lad, you need to wake now. Come on Lee.”

Lee's head moved slightly as Harry passed a small one-sided satisfied smile. “That's right, wake-up Lad.”

Lee swallowed hard and opened his eyes again looking for and finding Harry hovering over him.

“We need you to drink the medicine Lee. Can you do that for me?”

Lee nodded, still somewhat dazed from his fever as Wikolia raised his head and he emptied the cup easily, then closed his eyes and drifted off again. She lowered his head and pushed the wet curls from his forehead and then placed her hand comfortingly upon his chest above his heart.

“This one has a good heart,” she said as Harry nodded his understanding that she wasn't speaking of Lee's physical heart but the part of Lee that made him Lee. But Harry wondered how she could have ascertained that knowledge having never met Lee before today.

Wikolia looked across at Harry and answered his unspoken question as she ran her hand to several scars not covered by the white bandage. “He puts himself in harm's way often, does he not?”

Harry nodded at her perception. “Yes. He never puts a crewman in a danger that he wouldn't take himself,” Harry answered, not sure why he was being so forthcoming right now.

“When he was brought in he woke briefly. His first concern was for you,” she stated kindly. “You have a strong connection with him?”

“Yes,” Harry answered without delay.

“He is not your son, and yet he is,” she stated as if she was privileged to some fore knowledge of their relationship.

Harry sighed and nodded without answering as he gazed down at Lee's sleeping form.

She rose to stand and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, patting it several times as she spoke.

“Someday you must tell him,” she stated flatly and then left the hut.

Harry nodded to himself in silent agreement and welcomed the solitude of the hut as a tear slid silently down his cheek.

* * * * *

Sounds of distress woke Harry immediately as he moved quickly to Lee's side. He was thrashing about in obvious pain and grunts as moans escaped.

“Lee? I'm here Lad.”

“Hurts,” he grunted trying to curl into a ball with his arms across his middle and his eyes squeezed tight.

“No Lee, stay flat,” Harry urged as Wikolia came rushing in the door carrying her wooden bowl and a handful of green leaves.

“Put this under your tongue young man,” she said firmly as Lee obeyed immediately, though he wasn't fully lucid or aware of his surroundings. He reacted to the bitter taste but she admonished him to leave it and a few minutes later he responded by taking slower, deeper breaths.

“Better?” she asked, to which he nodded slightly. “Good, now drink all of this.”

Wikolia watched as Lee emptied the cup, grateful for the liquid and the pleasant mint-like taste of the tea. She felt his forehead and left the hut as Lee found Harry once again.

“Still hurt, Lee?”

Lee blew another breath and nodded in the affirmative but added, “Bearable,” and swallowed hard for the effort.

“Admiral...” he started, “Some things I want to say...” he took another breath and closed his eyes but they were too heavy to lift again.

“It's alright Lee. I know,” Harry said grasping Lee's hand and squeezing. “I know.”

The sounds of his breathing and the soft grip of his hand indicated Lee had succumbed to Wikolia's remedy tea, no doubt laced with a strong sedative as Harry continued his vigil through the long night.

* * * * *

Lee breathed out an airy breath and moaned. It was early morning and he vaguely remembered Harry saying they were safe in a native village. That would explain the thatch ceiling he was currently studying with shifting eyes as his awareness returned. He had little memory of the times he woke in the night or even the conversation he was trying to have with Harry before he fell asleep again.

“Lee? Are you awake now?”

He lolled his head slightly and found Harry looking worn out, but sporting a satisfied smile. Light was filtering in through the slats of the door as well as through the small pin holes of the thatched walls.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“Tired, but better; not in pain.”

Harry's face was more relaxed than the multiple times they had woken Lee throughout the night, most of those times Lee had been too far gone to even recognize that Harry was there. Now to see him so alert was deeply gratifying. He knew that the “miracle” plant was part of the remedy that Wikolia used, and he couldn't wait to put it under the microscope and examine its properties.

“You look much better today,” Harry offered sincerely. “But you're much too weak to attempt to travel.”

“What about the flying sub?”

Harry allowed a small chuckle to escape, pleased that Lee was back and fully aware of the situation at hand.

“Yes I know. The King will surely contact the PR for the sale before he loses that prize as well,” he reasoned.

“There's a way,” Lee breathed as a bit of pain began to rise up from his battered body, but mostly from the hole in his side.

“Easy Lee.”

“I'm fine, Admiral,” Lee said and then grinned when he elicited a response from Harry who was shaking his head and grinning himself.

“Alright Lee. What do you have in mind?”

“My diving gear is stashed about a half mile west of the dock. You could enter from the bottom hatch, but you'll need someone to release the moorings,” Lee said taking a breath for the effort of the long sentence.

Harry sat back and watched Lee as his facial expression turned devious. “You... Captain Crane... are sneaky.”

“Yes Sir,” Lee agreed returning the sentiment with his own playful smile.

“That someone can't be you Lee. I'm afraid you're out of the action for a while.” Harry's face turned serious and solemn. “It was a tough night Lee, and you have a lot of healing to do.”

Lee didn't argue, he knew all too well that he wasn't even capable of sitting up at present.

Their attention was turned to the opening door as Wikolia and her “nurse” walked in carrying supplies indicating that the patient was about to have a house call from his doctor.

“This is Wikolia, your doctor,” Harry said by introduction. “Don't let him fool you Wikolia, he's an expert at getting out of bed before it's time,” Harry quipped.

“He is a good boy and will not give me any trouble,” she stated with complete assurance.

Harry nodded, he was sure not too many people could give Wikolia too much trouble and get away with it. Lee's tired smile gave away his appreciation of his doctor's spunkiness and he wasn't too injured to recognize the pretty nurse Harry told him about.

“Now, it is time to change the bandages,” Wikolia said ushering Harry to the door. “You go eat,” she ordered as he caught Lee's smirk before Harry “obeyed” her command and left the village CMO to her work.

* * * * *

Chip made his way to the head and splashed water on his face. He ran a quick comb through his hair, donned his royal blue robe and padded slowly to his desk, easing himself down carefully. Jamie had given him two shots, one eased the cramps the other effectively stopped the vomiting. He was still weak and obviously still affected as Jamie's hypos weren't a cure, but did go a long way in treating the most painful symptoms.

He took a deep breath and cleared his throat then fingered on his intercom.

“Control Room this is the Exec.”

A quick, “Control Room Aye,” was heard as Chip recognized Lt. O'Brien's voice right away.

“Mr. O'Brien please report to my cabin at your earliest convenience.”

“Aye Sir, I'll be right there.”

Chip sat back wondering how long he'd be able to stay in the upright position and was grateful to hear Bobby's quick knock on the door.

“Come in.”

“How are you feeling Sir?”

“Better. Just need a Boat Status Report and then I'll go back to bed before Jamie comes rushing in here,” he quipped with a small smile to match his tired eyes.

“Aye Sir,” Bobby replied, gratified to see Chip alert, even if he looked like he was going to slide down the chair any time now.

“We're station-keeping at ninety feet under nearly the entire Pacific Fleet. Admiral Stark has ordered us to stay put until we can ascertain the Admiral and Captain Crane's disposition. Stark is giving the Captain until tonight to make contact, if he doesn't hear from either of them, he's getting the State Department involved. I'm told that ONI has already been informed of the situation. The crew has been treated and Doc Jamieson reports that the men are as comfortable as he can make them and he foresees no complications. He's been run pretty ragged and I sent him to his cabin to grab a few winks. Seaview is in top condition and ready to answer bells, even with the skeleton crew. I've got a crew of seven able bodied men, but I think I can pull a few who are responding to treatment to help out. They won't be able to stay at their stations for long, but we'll get the job done if we get called back to the island, Sir. Stark has a relief crew being flown in, ETA is six hours. Eight men from the SSN Baltimore, a cook for the galley, and a corpsman to help Doc.”

Chip sighed in weariness. “Good job, Bobby. I know Captain Crane has the utmost confidence in you, or he wouldn't have left the boat. Call me if you need me.”

“Aye Sir. There's not much to do right now Mr. Morton. Get some rest and I'll keep you apprised of any new developments.”

“Thanks Bobby.”

Bobby left and closed the cabin door behind him. He stayed by the door until he heard Chip's tired steps back to the rack and watched the light from under the door extinguish. Satisfied that the Exec made it back to the bunk safely he turned to head to the Control Room. He had been giving his seven man crew rotating rest periods and hadn't taken one for himself yet. He was dead tired, but wasn't planning on taking a break until the relief crew arrived. Then he'd grab a few hours’ sleep and keep it together a little while longer.

Bobby rounded the spiral stairs, checked the situation lights and headed to the credenza, pouring himself a mug of coffee. He took a moment to gaze out Seaview's windows and took another gulp of the strong over-brewed java.

“Here Sir.”

He looked up and saw Stu Riley's reflection in the window and turned toward him reaching for a sandwich on the oversized serving tray.

“They're not very pretty,” Stu said referring to the fact that he had to make the sandwiches one handed, with the other in a sling, “But I think they'll do.”

“Thanks Riley.” Bobby looked across the Control Room and nodded approvingly at his tired crew as they ate their sandwiches at their stations. “Why don't you take up hydrophones Riley, you look like you need to sit down.”

“Aye Sir.”

Something caught Bobby's attention, something he wondered about earlier but really wasn't important enough to ask about at the time.

“Riley?”

Stu turned back toward Bobby. “Aye Sir?”

“You weren't scheduled on the Dog Watch. How did you escape the fruit?”

“Oh that Sir. The fruit reminded me of mangoes and I just don't like them. Ate too many one time and paid for it, if you know what I mean Sir... and well, ever since then I just can't eat them.”

Bobby nodded his understanding. “Very well, Riley,” he replied barely hiding his chuckle at Riley's interesting explanation and headed to the chart table with his coffee and sandwich in hand. He might need to high-tail it back to the island and he wanted to chart out a course, just to be ready. Somewhere back on the island the Admiral and the Captain might need them and he was going to make sure that Seaview was ready.

* * * * *

“Admiral Nelson,” Jenkins called pleasantly. “Please join us for breakfast.”

“Thank you Lawrence,” Harry answered as he sat down and another researcher placed a wooden bowl with a flavorful rice complete with a fresh fruit relish in his hands. He was hungry and ate heartily, after he made sure to fully identify the cut fruit in the bowl.

“How is the Captain, Admiral?”

“Better. I'll know more after Wikolia has examined him but I think he'll make it.”

Jenkins and the other researchers each added comments of their pleasure of Harry's assessment.

“The plant was used in his remedy?” Harry needed to confirm the fact, because he knew that Lee had been precariously close to death last evening.

“Yes, and believe me Admiral the results you saw were somehow from the plant properties. It is worth the investment of our research to unlock the secrets, but not at the cost Dr. Fargo paid. I just don't understand what got into him?”

“I do,” Harry said. “Plain and simple; greed. That's why he didn't report your favorable response to the plant remedy.”

The men shook their heads in disbelief, they hadn't figured on Fargo going off the deep end the way he did.

“I'm not even sure how we'll continue the research,” Harry added. “King Kekipi is involved and it would be far too dangerous to leave a team.”

“Perhaps that is where I can help.”

Harry turned toward the voice of a young man. He was of an impressive stature and bore himself proudly. Like most of the young men he wore a brightly covered lava lava, a wrap worn about his hips and extending past his knees; he wore no shirt, just a strand of beads mixed with shells and some sort of wild animal teeth, Harry guessed a large jungle cat of some kind. His dark bronzed skin healthily glowed in the morning light as his well-muscled shoulders proclaimed the strength of the young man.

“My name is Peleke, and King Kekipi is my cousin.” He let that sink in as Harry's eyebrows sharpened at what the young man had to offer.

“I am the rightful heir to the throne. At the time of my father's death I was very young and not able to stand against the uprising. I was quietly removed and my grandmother and I retreated to the jungle for our safety. But the time has come to retake my father's throne.”

Harry noted the noble bearing of the native man and the accompanying determination in his eyes and nodded, but before he could respond Peleke spoke again, looking past him toward the hut.

“Ah, there is Kuku Wahine now,” he said as Harry turned recognizing the Polynesian word for 'grandmother', and saw Wikolia; instantly he recognized the family resemblance.

“How is he?” Harry said standing as he spoke.

“He is weak, but I believe the danger has passed. Still, it is important for him to rest flat on his back for the next three days. He will not be able to travel for at least a week,” she finished as Harry now understood why Wikolia and Peleke's English was so good. As part of the royal household they had been educated in the ways of the western world to further trade and diplomatic functions.

Harry nodded in apparent relief. “May I see him now?”

Wikolia smiled, her first one since arriving with Lee yesterday evening, and motioned Harry toward the hut.

* * * * *

Lee was lying on the cot with his eyes closed. His wound had been cleaned, a painful chore, and his middle had been wrapped with a clean set of bandages. Though his eyes were closed he wasn't asleep as they opened instantly upon Harry's arrival. He smiled weakly, his entire body feeling like a tired heap, too heavy to move at present.

“Good morning Admiral.”

Harry let loose a light chuckle to accompany the smile he currently wore. “Good morning Lee,” he replied sitting next to Lee. A pleasant odor still lingered in the hut and Lee looked somewhat refreshed as Harry surmised he had been given a sponge bath.

“How are you feeling, Lad?”

“Pretty sore... and tired. More tired than I can remember.”

Harry nodded in agreement. “Wikolia says you'll be flat on your back for the next three days and not fit to travel for at least a week.”

Lee's eyes diverted away in thought. He wished he could argue his way out of this one, but he knew his body well and recognized Wikolia was right. He reconnected with Harry's eyes acknowledging her recommendations.

“What about the flying sub?”

Harry nodded with a tight lipped smile. “I think we've found an ally, Lee. I'm going to hike back to your gear and enter from the belly hatch as you suggested.”

“And the moorings?” Lee inquired, tired but still lucid.

“I think my young friend will be able to handle the task with ease,” Harry offered confidently. “You're out of danger now Lee, but you must rest,” he admonished.

Lee cracked a one sided smile that found the twinkle in his eyes. “I'll be good. Wikolia is tougher than my DI when I trained with the SEALS,” he quipped as Harry shared the humor of comparing the spry old woman to a special ops drill instructor.

* * * * *

Harry and a small band of native men made their way to the beach and began the search for the diving gear ensconced somewhere under the large ferns. After a ten minute search they found the gear as Harry suited up. He checked the beach and made a dash for the ocean as the breaking waves effectively covered his entry. As soon as he was covered, the men made their way closer to the dock and signaled using the call of an island bird, where another larger group of men waited in the jungle and watched as Peleke made his way underneath the dock. He waited for the sentry to move away from him then climbed up, silently releasing the moorings on FS1. Peleke made his way back down and waited for the sentry to turn his back then sprinted for the jungle cover diving under the ferns to the safety of the dense foliage. Almost immediately the whirring sound of FS1's engines were heard as guards ran from all directions, just in time to see the yellow flying wonder skim the water and rise in a spectacular take-off as bullets ineffectually whizzed by.

Inside the flying sub Admiral Harriman Nelson smiled tightly at the fact that the King had lost another prize, but his victory was marred by the fact that he had left Lee behind on an island whose inhabitants were about ready to engage in a civil war.

* * * * *

“FS1 to Seaview. Come in Seaview.”

An excited, “Seaview here!” was heard. “We read you loud and clear FS1.”

Harry sighed with satisfaction. “Vector me in Ray, I'm coming home.”

“Aye Sir, hold for Mr. O'Brien Sir.”

A moment later a very tired but relieved Bobby O'Brien took the mic.

“Admiral this is O'Brien. We're ready to berth the flying sub, Sir. Do either you or Captain Crane require a corpsman?”

Harry sighed. “Negative Mr. O'Brien, Captain Crane is not with me. I'll explain when I get there.”

“Aye Sir,” Bobby answered as his relief notched back up to concern. They were still a man short, this wasn't over yet.

* * * * *

Admiral Nelson was welcomed aboard to the cheers of the Delta Watch skeleton crew and was indeed met by Jamie, but waved off any need of the doctor's services. Immediately, he made a report to Admiral Stark and Admiral Johnson at ONI via a split screen transmission from the monitor in the nose.

“Captain Crane was badly injured, sustaining a near fatal bullet wound,” Harry reported. “But we were able to take FS1 out of King Kekipi's hands before he turned the craft over to the People's Republic. The rightful heir to the throne is currently engaged with the King to take back the throne.”

“I'll get with the State Department on this, but I'm going to suggest we put assets on alert and move them just outside the territorial waters. That should warn off the PR against trying to aid in the civil war. We'll just have to wait and see who comes out on top before taking the next step,” Johnson stated as Jiggs wrote notes and nodded his acknowledgment.

“What about Crane?” Johnson asked. “What are his chances of being caught and held as a hostage?”

“He's far enough from the action for the time being, but if King Kekipi comes out on top the odds are high that he would be found,” Harry stated flatly.

“Very well. We'll just have to wait this out at this point,” Johnson stated. “Anything else?”

“No, that covers it,” Harry said hiding his concern for Lee's vulnerable position.

“Good. I'll contact you when the movement orders have been authorized by the President.”

The split screen went black as Harry sighed and Mr. O'Brien moved in beside him.

“He'll be okay Admiral. The Skipper knows how to take care of himself.”

Harry blew a breath. “Not this time O'Brien. He's flat on his back with no strength left to fight,” Harry said in a forthcoming moment brought on by his weariness. He took a deep breath, composed himself and made a solid decision as he turned to the young Lieutenant and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Get some rest Mr. O'Brien, when the assets move... Seaview's going too.”

“Aye Sir,” Bobby replied, glad to hear the fire back in the Admiral's voice. “She'll be ready Sir.”

* * * * *

Seaview's sailing orders came as the great boat was authorized to move with assets from the Fleet to make a show of force in the international waters surrounding the island. They had no word from the island until the fourth day, by then Seaview's crew began to trickle back to duty still recovering but giving the Delta Watch and the Relief Crew a much needed rest.

Chip was weak but well enough to be at the Con, albeit sitting on a stool instead of standing at the Control Table as Sparks received a radio call from the island.

“Admiral! We have contact with the island,” Sparks reported with controlled excitement.

Harry hurried to the radio shack with Chip close behind as he raised the mic to his mouth.

“This is Admiral Nelson. To whom am I speaking?”

The noble voice of a young man was heard, “This is Peleke, the rightful heir to the throne. We are still engaged in conflict but we have managed to take control of a field radio. We are making good progress with the help of Kapena.”

Harry's eyebrows furled trying to remember if he had been introduced to a native named “Kapena” as Peleke continued.

“Kapena understands the strategies of the enemy and teaches us how to use the weapons of modern warfare.”

Harry let out a chuckle as it dawned on him that the Polynesian name “Kapena” translated as “captain.”

“We will contact you when it is safe to return,” Peleke replied and signed off.

Harry looked at Chip and cracked a smile. “Lee's just sent us a message; he's fine,” Harry said as Chip's eyes gleamed with the news.

* * * * *

Another two days passed before Seaview was contacted again and informed that the island was secure and in control of the rightful heir to the throne as Harry and Chip arrived via a zodiac to verify the island's stableness. Harry didn't want to take a chance on FS1 being compromised until he could confirm the status of the island monarchy. Furthermore, the presence of a submarine bearing a PR signature on the sonar had the fleet on high alert, but was quickly noted as retreating to the depths and moving out of radar range once aircraft were deployed to patrol the sea.

Harry, Chip and two crewmen bearing sidearms were escorted to the palace as natives worked to clean up the grounds left untidy by the conflict of the civil war. Harry was pleased to enter the throne room and find the noble young man, Peleke on the throne still wearing his traditional lava lava and bare chested with a lei around his neck. At his side in an honoring position sat Wikolia similarly dressed in a traditional sarong and also adorned with a lei.

King Peleke welcomed his guests as the traditional greetings of respect were exchanged. Colorful leis were again presented as Sharkey and Kowalski once again reveled in the island greeting by the beautiful young women.

“Please gentlemen, I have a reception waiting where we can dispense of the formalities of this room. The researchers and Kapena are waiting for you there.”

Harry smiled politely, “Thank you Your Majesty.”

Wikolia was escorted out of the hall on Peleke's arm, a sign of respect to the native elder as Seaview's men followed behind. The reception hall was full of young men all wearing lava lavas, apparently a show of Peleke's warriors. Lawrence Jenkins greeted Harry excitedly, barely able to control his pleasure.

“King Peleke has graciously extended an invitation to stay and further our research!” Jenkins reported gleefully.

“Good, I'm curious myself to spend a little time on it,” Harry returned as he scanned the hall looking for Lee.

“He is weak, but doing much better,” Jenkins offered realizing Harry was searching for Seaview's Captain. “I'm not sure how he managed to provide the aid he did,” Jenkins finished.

“I was under the impression he only acted as a consultant?” Harry inquired as Jenkins nodded in the negative.

“Hardly. The natives were up against arms supplied by the People's Republic, I fear they would have been wiped out had he not intervened. His recovery is a testimony to the plant's healing potential. One we must unlock for the good of man-kind,” he finished.

Harry nodded in agreement and then caught the dark curly hair of Seaview's Captain working his way through the warriors. His progress was impeded by the young men offering their greetings and gratitude; when the warriors finally parted he spotted Lee with Wikolia on one arm and his beautiful native “nurse” on the other.

A small chuckle escaped as Chip muttered to the Seaview men to remember their decorum as Lee approached wearing a colorful lava lava wrapped around his hips. As was the case with the other warriors he wore no shirt, but was now wearing a strand of beads and shells about his neck that Harry recognized as once belonging to Peleke; a gift from the King, Harry presumed. He too wore a lei about his neck and only a small bandage square remained on his side to indicate his bullet wound. The bruises on his face had faded considerably, another benefit of the miracle plant Harry surmised as Lee approached.

Harry reached up and awkwardly scratched the side of his head as he held back the smirk threatening to appear on his face. Lee looked perfectly at ease with the cloth wrapped around his hips and the young island woman on his arm seemed to appreciate his attire considerably.

“Sorry Sir. I'm a bit out of uniform,” Lee said slightly embarrassed. “You wouldn't happen to have one with you?”

“Yes, yes Lee,” Harry said with a grin. “But I do believe you are required to stay as you are so as to not offend your host,” he added deviously.

Chip's smirk escaped as Lee grinned back. “They're actually quite comfortable Sir,” Lee said bearing himself proudly.

Wikolia “tsked, tsked,” and then continued. “Do not listen to them Kapena. You are most handsome as you are,” she stated as the young woman cuddle tighter on Lee's arm as if on cue.

Lee raised an eyebrow as if to say, “Need I say more?” as Harry rubbed his forehead unsuccessfully holding back his own satisfied smile.

The reception moved on until Wikolia motioned for Seaview's men to follow her. “Kapena is still recovering and it is time for a rest,” she said taking her matronly doctor's duties very seriously.

Lee pulled Ski aside. “Ski, bring my uniform,” he ordered with a familiar and friendly pat on the rating's shoulder.

“Aye Sir,” Ski replied and left wishing he had a lava lava if the island girls liked them that much.

* * * * *

Lee sat in the nose enjoying the Front Porch as Seaview made her way back to her home port. Seaview's crew was on the mend and for the most part back at full force. Lee had come aboard in full uniform, did a quick circuit around the Control Room and then headed to Sickbay where Jamie was waiting to examine Lee for himself.

Seaview's doctor was amazed at Lee's progress given the seriousness of the wound and after a battery of tests had released Lee to rest in his cabin, clearing him for light duty in the morning. For now, Lee was content to sit in the dark with a cup of coffee watching the ocean illuminated by Seaview's forward flood lamps. The crash doors were closed but not completely, giving Lee privacy but affording him the pleasant sounds of the soft beeps and hums from Seaview's Control Room in the able hands of the Delta Watch.

The soft steps of oxford shoes signaled Harry's arrival down the spiral staircase.

“I thought you'd be in your cabin resting?” Harry asked, concerned Lee was over-doing it.

“I'm good here, Sir. I was away too long, it's peaceful here,” Lee answered in easy camaraderie with the Admiral.

Harry nodded in agreement and filled his own coffee cup and then settled beside Lee watching the beauty of the sea life passing before them. Everything had been wrapped up on the island with Dr. Fargo being extradited to the US to stand trial for his part in the kidnapping of two US Naval officers; the new King had graciously invited the research team to stay and continue their important work hoping to one day unlock the secrets of the island's wonder plant; and Seaview's crew was on the mend and heading home. The rightful King to the throne had been restored and Harry was pleased that King Kekipi had been denied his prizes; Seaview, FS1, and the two officers currently sitting in the nose of the great windowed submarine.

Harry noted the content gaze on Lee's face as he watched the ocean before him and smiled. It had been too close, and he was well aware that without the wonder plant, Lee might not be here sitting beside him just now.

Harry's mood turned reflective. “You know Lee, it was much too close. I thought Seaview had lost her Captain.” Harry chided himself silently, that's not exactly what he wanted to say.

“Aye Sir, I know,” Lee responded just as reflective. “I feel very fortunate to be here right now.”

Harry nodded in agreement and responded with quiet sincerity.

“As do I Lee. As do I,” he repeated as he and Lee exchanged a knowing glance passing all the sentiments through their eyes that neither one would say at the moment. They smiled contently and then let the moment pass as the two officers leaned back and stretched out their legs before them enjoying the peaceful ocean in the quiet company of two dear friends.

The End

The King's Prizes

* The Dog Watch – There are several meanings for this nautical phrase. One refers to a half shift from 4pm – 8pm and is designed to help with rotating two shifts so that no shift has to continually keep the late watch, as well as to provide the two shifts required for serving meals at a traditional dinner hour. The second is the scenario I described, and the one I use in my stories to denote the last of the four, six hour shifts aboard a submarine. (Oh the details we must keep track of in Voyage Fan fiction!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_watch

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Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and her main characters belong to Irwin Allen