Lost

Gail M. R.

“Doctor Stewart can you help our son -- is Lee going to be all right -- will he recover?”

The doctor turned to address Mister and Mrs. Crane. “With treatment he could achieve a complete recovery, if we proceed carefully. It will take time, hard work on your son’s part."

"Are you saying we could have him back?"

"Yes, but you have to understand the severity of what is occurring within your son’s mind. Lee has constructed a world of his own design, deep in his subconscious. When this world becomes impossible for him to live in, he withdrawals into a world where he feels safe -- a world of wondrous adventures under the sea. He pictures himself as the Captain of a nuclear sub, working for the betterment of man, alongside his friend, Admiral Nelson.

“Doctor, you mean Seaview?"

“Yes.” He continued his observations regarding his patient’s condition. "In addition he’s surrounded himself with officers and crew. Friends that are as real to him as you are to me. Together they face dangerous missions with creatures and aliens born of his own imagination. Unfortunately every time we break through, the fantasy pulls him back in and he retreats further into his mind."

Mrs. Crane implored. “You can help him, can’t you, bring him back to us?

“Yes, Mrs. Crane I think we can.”

)(((())))(

Coming out of what he thought to be a dark disturbing dream. Crane awoke, skin soaked with a thin layer of cold sweat, it covered his body. He pulled himself slowly upright, head spinning; he rubbed trembling hands across weary eyes. ‘I have a dive this morning.’ He thought. ‘Crane, get it together.’ His thoughts, immediately drawn to his dive, over riding all concerns from the dark nightmare. Reveling in images of his beloved sea, the freedom he felt and enjoyment he always experienced on a dive, banishing the visions, burying them beneath pleasurable pursuits.

)(((())))(

Chief Francis Sharkey CPO, of the research vessel, Seaview, cracked the hatch of the missile room’s dive chamber, where three divers waited to emerge garbed in wetsuits laden down with various tools." Don't just stand there, help them with their gear.” The Chief barked at the crewmen standing by.

"Yes, Sir.” Patterson replied as he and Riley rushed to unburden the divers of their now heavy equipment.

Crane quickly stripped off his hood and scuba tanks, unzipped the top of his wetsuit as he stepped away from the open hatch.

Chief Sharkey returned his attention to the operations panel, picked up and keyed the mic to the control room.

"Admiral, Captain Crane and the diving party have returned. We’re secure sir."

Admiral Harriman Nelson was admiring the view of the swirling blue green waters of the Pacific, lit only by the sub’s running lights, through the windows of the observation nose. Hearing the Chief's call, he walked the short distance to the plot table, removed and keyed the mic. "Thanks Chief, I'll be right down."

Moments later, Admiral Nelson stepped through the missile room hatch heading straight for Captain Lee Crane. "Lee, did you get the samples we required."

"Yes, Admiral, in abundance, I consider this our best harvest so far." Crane held the collecting bag displaying its contents. A broad smile ran across his face as he relinquished the specimen bag to Patterson.

“I believe you’re right, Lee, excellent.” His gaze halted on Crane’s form, detecting the Captain’s obvious difficulty.

Without warning, a wave of vertigo swept over him, Crane’s vision blurred, a cold sweat starting along his back rushed across his entire body. The heat ran inside the constraints of his yellow wetsuit. While rivulets of water dripped from its shiny surface to the deck, he raised one hand to steady himself against the hatch.

The missile room faded before his eyes. It was replaced by numerous patients roaming the halls of a hospital. Desperate eyes, gazed from blank faces, as they followed his progress along its corridors. Suddenly, reality reestablished itself snapping back into place.

"Lee?" Nelson’s voice seemed to come from an incredible distance.

Crane lifted his dark head, strands of thick wet black curls wildly hung down onto his forehead, his green tinged liquid amber eyes appeared far away.

"Lee what's wrong?"

"Don't know, suddenly I’m dizzy." Putting his hand to his head, he ran his slender fingers through his dark wet hair.

"You've been cut." Nelson reached up to grasp Crane's hand in concern, inspecting the wound.

"Oh that, it's nothing. Just a little scrape, it’s happened before while harvesting plankton." He loosened Nelson’s grip on his hand.

"Well, have Doc look at it, and have him look you over as well." Nelson’s concern ran beyond mere Admiral to Captain; their relationship took on a deeper dimension, a profound bond, brothers, forged from enduring friendship, duty and honor.

"Admiral, I'm fine." His response was automatic.

"No you are not. You almost passed out, that's not fine. I can make it an order Captain." Nelson retorted, with more force than he had intended.

"Okay, I'll go, but I feel fine now." Crane knew better then to argue. When the Admiral issued a request in that tone, you didn't ignore the man.

"Don't want to take chances with your health, Lee." Nelson said, softening his voice. Studying Crane, Nelson realized the color had drained from his friend’s face, causing a visible pallor under his usually olive tan complexion.

Lee's head still swam from the dizziness; making a concerted effort, he blinked rapidly, endeavoring to refocus his eyes. "I'll see Doc as soon as I change."

The Captain gave an affirmative nod as he turned to leave. Aware of Nelson's watchful eye and apparent calm: after years of friendship, Lee could detect the underlying worried stress in the Admirals voice.

As he departed the missile room his thoughts remained on the troubling vision, it reminded Lee of an experience from childhood, a place his Aunt was taken, the wards of a mental hospital. He remembered the frightening stories he had overheard as he eavesdropped on the adults at the tender age of ten. Lee shook his head deliberately seeking to dispel those thoughts, memories that hadn’t surfaced in years.

)(((())))(

Crane sat on the edge of an exam table while Will Jamieson, Sieview’s chief medical officer, examined his scratched hand. Gently, he turned the Captain’s hand over, looking for any further damage. Doc took notice of past scars which attested to similar cuts healing with no difficulty.

"Skipper, it doesn't look too serious. I'll clean and bandage it, should heal just fine."

"Doc, as you can see the others healed with no problem.”

“I can see that, Captain. You should have come to me with the other injuries, next time try to remember that.” Annoyance filtered into his voice.

Crane hesitated for a moment. “When I came back from this last dive, I experienced some dizziness. The Admiral suggested I be checked out," not remotely considering the nightmare from the morning and the dizziness to be related.

"What did he do, Skipper, threaten to make it an order?”

"Well, yes, if you must know." Crane looked at Doc with a sheepish grin, briefly casting his eyes downward.

"Okay, let’s have a look."

Jamieson completed his examination by listening to Crane’s heart; he slung his stethoscope around his neck making a few notes before drawing several vials of blood.

Moments later, Nelson stepped into sickbay. "Doc, how is he?"

“I’m fine, Admiral." Crane answered cutting off the doctor.

Jamieson frowned, turned to address Nelson. "Oh, some signs of anxiety, systolic is marginally elevated, nothing serious."

"Could this anxiety... is it enough to cause the dizziness Lee experienced?"

"It could, stress is most likely the cause, to be safe I’m running a series of blood tests. I’ll know more later today. And, as I was just about to inform the Captain, he should take it easy for the remainder of today and have an early night."

Jamieson crossed the cramped room towards the med cabinet, extracted keys from his pocket, opened the cabinet door, removing two pills from a vial and handed them to Crane.

"What's this?"

"A mild sedative--take it before you go to sleep."

"I don't need these!" Crane protested.

"Lee, do as the doctor says, that's what he's here for--to make this type of determination." Nelson backed up the doctor with a stern look. "Take it easy today, rest, turn in early, you can start fresh tomorrow."

"I don't need to rest I feel fine!"

Jamieson wearing his best; here I’m in charge expression. "In sickbay, I give the orders, Captain. You can relax in your quarters or I could keep you here."

"Okay, okay, you win I can't fight you both."

Crane spent the remainder of the day in his cabin, seated at his desk sorting through the stacks of paper work that littered its surface. At times he almost believed the files multiplied when he wasn’t watching, it never ended. He managed to eliminate half before becoming weary.

Crane prepared for bed, shrugged into his pajamas, brushed his teeth and reluctantly took the proscribed medication, as ordered, anxious to leave this day behind.

)(((())))(

"Chip, take us up, level off at 90 feet, all a head standard."

"Aye sir.” Echoing the order. “Nine zero feet all ahead standard." he crisply relayed the order to the helm.
Seaview continued on her journey, slicing beneath the blue seas of the Pacific, bound for the next site, to procure additional specimen samples for the Admiral’s hybrid plankton experiments.

Chief Sharkey stepped through the aft hatch into the control room. He carried a clip board, papers attached, approaching the Captain. "I have the watch schedule for

your okay, Skipper." he declared.

Lee took the clipboard, scanning it, smiling as he initialed the list. "Everything seems to be in order Chief, you can post it."

"Thanks, Skipper."

Crane continued his circuit of the control room, observing each station and speaking with individual crewmen as he went; he paused at sonar, to address a young square jawed black haired rating named Kowalski. "Anything, Ski?"

"No, sir, all clear not even a dolphin." Ski turned his head to acknowledge the Captain; he saw Crane’s eyes slide back into his head as he collapsed, hitting the deck hard.

"Skipper!" Ski shouted with panic in his voice. "Mister Morton!"

Commander Chip Morton Seaview's XO was working over the plot table; hearing the loud thud of a body impacting the metal deck. His mind focused completely on the still form across the room. With an audible gasp, Morton covered the distance quickly, sinking to his knees, worriedly placing his two fingers against Crane’s throat feeling for a pulse. The Captain’s pulse was weak but steady; his face appeared pale, a thin sheen of sweat blanketed his skin.

The watch crew gathered around the captain, concern showed in each man’s face.

Kowalski knelt onto the deck to cradle the captain’s head.

"Chief, get Doc Jamieson on the double."

The Chief picked up the mic, keyed sick bay, all the while not losing sight of the stricken Captain.

“Out of my way!” Jamieson demanded edging his way through, followed closely by Frank, as they approached the still figure. “What happened?” Kneeling by Crane’s side, looking expectantly at Morton.

“Kowalski, what did you see?” Morton eyed the rating.

“I don’t know sir, one minute the Skipper--we were talking I turned and he hit the deck.

After checking Crane’s vitals judging it safe to move him, the Captain, under the doctor’s direction, was loaded onto a waiting stretcher, moving him to sickbay.

)(((())))(

Lee Crane cautiously opened his eyes, aware of bright lights and an unfamiliar voice.

"Lee, are you okay?" a man garbed in hospital scrubs stood before him.

"I…I don't know."

Crane immediately took in his surroundings; he was in a hospital room, resting on the edge of a bed. Had he been in an accident and couldn't remember? He suddenly felt lost. Hadn’t he been on Seaview? Or had he?

"Lee, can you hear me?" insisted the doctor’s urgent but pleasant voice.

"Where is this place?" Crane obviously confused.

"Don’t you remember where you are, Lee?"

"Seaview?"

"No, you are at the Augusta Mental Health Institute."

“Do you remember?”

“No.” Crane gave a one word answer; he began to think, ‘Metal Health Institute. Could this be an O.N.I. mission gone wrong? But I wasn’t on a mission, I was aboard Seaview.’

The doctor’s hand reached out to examine Crane's eyes.

Lee instinctively threw up his arm to block the doctor’s attempt.

"Lee, settle down, take it easy, everything’s okay," stepping back extracting his hand and backing off.

"Does Admiral Nelson or O.N.I. know I am here?”

"Oh, yes, the Admiral, Seaview. And now you want us to contact Naval Intelligence." he restated with the same mellow voice.

“What do you mean? Oh, yes. I’ve made a rational request.” Crane voiced incredulously at the doctor’s peculiar aversion to his reasonable appeal.

"That's part of your dilution, Lee. It's not real, all of it. It’s something your mind has constructed. We've talked about this, don't you remember?"

"No, I don't remember.” Frustration filtered through his words. “I don’t remember any of this."

"We both agreed you need to distance yourself from the objects that keep dragging you back into your fantasies. In essence, remove Seaview and Nelson. You can't keep hiding in your mind."

"No! This is all wrong, I shouldn’t be here! Doctor, I know who I am. I’m Captain Lee Crane, Commander of the research vessel, SSRN Seaview. I work for Admiral Harriman Nelson at the NIMR. I demand to speak with the Admiral!" Crane shouts grew extremely agitated, sounding almost as though he was trying to convince himself as well as the doctor. Finding no alternative but escape, he pushed off the bed, determined to sort all this out in a safer location. He made for the door, intent on leaving. The disturbance alerted an orderly, who entered the room from the hall, blocking Crane's avenue of escape. The large man moved to restrain Crane.

The Doctor turned to a tray against the wall, picked up a syringe and walked directly towards Lee, as the orderly held him securely.

"What is that?" Lee's eyes widened with fear struggling desperate to escape. Pleading: "Please don't. No! Don’t do this. This is a mistake. I demand to see Nelson."

"It's just a sedative to calm you; we won't hurt you; we are here to help."

“Then why are you doing this.” Lee watched as the syringe moved closer, as the substance was injected into his arm his body became limp. His final thoughts before he was drawn into the void, ‘could I be in the hands of the enemy?’

)(((())))(

"Lee, can you hear me." The Captain clawed his way to awareness, a familiar voice called to him from across a shadowy abyss.

"Lee,…Lee" Nelson said panic spilled into his words.

"Skipper, that's it, open your eyes." Jamieson said in a much calmer tone.

Crane opened his warm gold eyes; bright light assaulted him as he gazed blankly about. He placed a hand to his head and moaned, "Admiral, you’re here, they call…" His words cut short as he realized he was back in sickbay. “How did I get here I was…”

"You collapsed in the control room; we brought you to sickbay. You began to shout, demanding to see me. Do you remember what happened?"

Crane fought to clear away the mist shrouding his thoughts, taking a deep breath trying to relate what he recalled of a nightmare he would as soon ignore. "I remember a hospital. I thought I was involved in an accident. I was told I was in a mental institution. The doctor tried to convince me you and Seaview…you all weren’t real that I was delusional. I demanded to see you. I attempted to escape, that's when I was drugged. Then---I don’t know, thought I’d been captured by the enemy, that’s when it all goes dark —I woke up here, thought I was still in that hospital” Pausing he took in a deep breath shaking his head, rubbing hands across his eyes. “It all felt so real… that other place.”

"Well, you’re here now." Nelson shot Doc a disturbed look.

"I'm sure it's just the product of stress, a waking dream." Jamieson said with little conviction in his words, striving to soothe Nelson and Crane.

"Doctor, what about the blood test, any results?" Nelson asked anxiously.

"Standard test show normal functions, except for cortisol levels. They are slightly elevated, that’s consistent with stress and anxiety."

"You said that yesterday and now he's having dilutions." Nelson’s anger flared as he turned red with exasperation, he paced the short distance to the door.

"Captain, I think it would be best if you stayed here, I can be close if this happens again." Jamieson sounded determined.

"I'll be fine in my cabin, Doc." Crane looked to the Admiral for support, gaining none.

"No, Lee, I believe Jamieson’s right. We have to get to the bottom of these episodes… you can’t go on like this…not knowing when it will happen again."

As Nelson exited, he halted, turning back to Jamieson. "And Doc, draw more blood. Have it sent to my lab, we need to do additional testing." He stormed out.

Turning back to Crane "Captain, I want to clean and change the dressing on your hand before you settle in." Jamieson carefully grasp Crane's injured hand. Peeling away the bandage, the wound appeared infected, red and angry, not at all what he had expected?

A concerned look fell across Jamieson's face.

"What is it?" Crane asked, interpreting Jamieson’s expression.

"It appears infected. I'll give you an anti-biotic shot that should clear it up won’t take but a minute."

Jamieson injected Crane with the medication, obtained a scraping from the wound before re-bandaging his hand.

"Now, let’s get you settled, Skipper."

Under protest, Crane changed, easing into a bunk.

Jamieson handed the captain a stronger sedative with a cup of water. "This will help you sleep, Skipper."

Crane gave the doctor a look of protest; he knew voicing any objections at this point were useless. To further demonstrate his disapproval, he forcefully crushed the paper cup in his hand. Crane was well aware he was trapped, making the best of an intolerable situation Lee attempted to relax. Without thought, his mind wandered to the disturbing nightmare, trying to make sense of it all, before he drifted off to sleep.

)(((())))(

A determined intensity ran through the single figure stalking Seaview’s dim corridors. The form moved quickly and quietly to the main reactor room, effortlessly subduing the only guard on watch with a back handed blow to the head.

Proceeding with resolve into the compartment, pulling the rods on the reactor pile acting swiftly shutting down the reactor system. Than all control panels were opened, circuitry ripped out; that completed the damage. Pulling the rods would drain the power away from essential ships systems sending Seaview to the bottom. Disabling the installation would keep Seaview immobilized.

)(((())))(

In the main corridor of deck A Crane could feel the huge ship beneath his feet begin to list. Unable to hold her trim, the great ship lurched forward, impacting the sea bottom with her starboard plane, angling down sliding across the ocean floor sinking deep into thick silt. Leveling out Seaview came to a sudden stop with a resounding jar.

The Captain gathered himself up off the steel deck. He came to his knees, getting his feet under him, intent on heading for the control room; he suppressed a gasp as he held his side, his body protesting the damage it had just sustained. Overcome by the dizziness that had plagued him for days, with its return, his thoughts clouded over once again. Crane changed course, he slowly edged his way to his cabin. He managed gradually by degrees to cross what felt like miles of exposed deck before collapsing onto his bunk.

Given no warning the control room watch were flung around like rag dolls, colliding with the deck, bulkheads and equipment lining the rooms exterior walls.

When the grey lady finally settled, chaos erupted on the control deck as crew struggled urgently to regain their stations.

As a main circuit breaker went down the lights blinked out; emergency back-ups cut in flickering on the alternate lighting, it suffused the room in a red glow.

"Damage control report!" Chip shouted into the mic, leveling himself up off the deck.

"Power is out all over the ship, sir. Weakened plates near the starboard ballast tanks.”

“Get a detail down there to shore up those plates. What's our depth?"

"Three Two Zero feet, sir." A nearby rating answered.

"Engineering, can we blow main ballast?"

"No, sir, we don't have enough power."

Nelson quickly descended the spiral stairs to the control room. "Chip, what's our situation?"

"We are dead on the bottom, Admiral."

Picking up a mic. “Engineering, what’s our status?” Nelson bellowed.

“Reactor power has shut down, sir no apparent cause.”

Nelson re-keyed the mic. "Reactor room, what's the status of the reactor?"

"Sir, the watch has been attacked. All the rods have been pulled on the reactor pile; control circuits have been damaged.”

"Chip, get a security team to meet me in the reactor room on the double. You’re with me Chief. “

"Aye, sir.” Chip picked up the mic to convey Nelson’s orders.

At a run, the Chief and Nelson exited the control room.

"Sickbay to Nelson." Nelson picked up a mic outside the reactor room.

"Yes, Doc."

"The Skipper’s missing, I went to check on him after we settled and his bunk was empty."

“What do you mean Crane’s missing? I thought you gave him a sedative.” A blunt tone entered Nelson’s voice. His temper blazed at the situation.

“I did. A rather strong one.” Uncertainty edged into his words. “I honestly don’t understand it. He should be out for hours. ”

"Okay, Doc.” Irritated. “I'll have a detail look for him." Nelson turned to Sharkey, who hovered near by; Sharkey recognized the visible signs of the Admirals frustration and flaring temper.

“Chief.”

“Aye, Sir.”

"Get engineering down here to re-initialize the reactor and repair the damaged circuits. Oh, yes.” With a nervous habit Nelson tapped his forehead with his fingertips. “Organize a detail to locate Captain Crane.” The sentence forced its way through Nelson’s pursed lips, the irritation plain on his face.

“The Captain, Sir?”

“Yes, Chief, the Captain, he’s missing from sickbay, it’s important he’s found.”

Aye, sir, right away,” Sharkey hesitated. “Admiral, any further instructions?”

“Yes, when you find the Captain, don’t do anything. Call Jamieson or myself, is that clear?

“Yes, sir.”

“And, Chief, post additional security on the reactor room; it appears we have a saboteur on board.”

"Aye, sir." ‘Oh Boy.’ Sharkey thought shaking his head as he proceeded down the corridor.

)(((())))(

"Lee, can you hear me, it’s Mom."

Crane found himself looking up into the emotional faces of his parents. His mother’s eyes glisten with unshed tears.

"Oh, Lee, we’re here for you son."

Crane gradually became aware he was laying prone on a hospital gurney; he felt as though he had been drugged. He try to move, panic surged through his body, as he realized he was being securely held down.

"He seems to be lucid for now--the drugs haven’t taken full effect--speak to him, try to draw him out."

"Lee, you must do as the doctor’s says. You must convince yourself, that world is not real, they’re not your friends," his mother pleaded.

"Mom, Dad?" Crane said incredulously.

"Your dad and I miss you. Oh, my poor boy. Lee, come back to us,"

patting his arm. “Your father and I will be right here when you come out. We love you,” kissing his forehead.

Lee looked anxiously at his mother. “What’s going on here? Why am I restrained, what’s happening?” Fear and agitation settled on him.

“Lee, we are going to try a new treatment - electro convulsive therapy,” the doctor explained stepping into view. “You will be asleep during the procedure, it won’t hurt. Afterwards, you will feel much better.”

Hearing that, Lee’s eyes widened and a cold tide of alarm swept over him. “No…no you can’t, Mom, Dad, don’t let them do this to me. Dad, call the institute, you need to speak with Admiral Nelson, tell him what’s happening, he can stop this.”

“Son, Admiral Nelson isn’t real, he only exists in your mind. We are all here to help you, please son, stop fighting us.” His dad touched Lee’s shoulder, affectionately running his hand down his arm.

Crane witnessed the pain and sincerity in his father’s eyes. ‘Could this actually be happening, be real, everything else being a distortion of reality?’

Moments later. “We’re ready, Doctor.” A nurse entered from a nearby door.

She wheeled the gurney he occupied into an adjoining room. Sensors were placed into position on his chest to monitor his heart. At the same time an IV needle was carefully inserted in the vein of his right arm. A cold gel like substance quickly spread on both temples; electrodes were placed securely over the gel. All the while Crane lay there terrified, groggy and totally helpless, not able to halt or escape the procedure.

“You are going to go to sleep now,” said a calm quiet voice.

As he slipped away a rubber block was pushed in to his mouth the taste, reminiscent of a diving regulator.

In his final moments of being in that torturous room Crane’s mind went to Seaview, his friends, wanting nothing more than to make his way back to the life he loved so dearly. But an unbidden thought crept in as the drugs took full effect, ‘What if Seaview isn’t real?’ That being his last memory as he rapidly descended into unconsciousness.

Crane was surprised to find himself in his cabin perched on the edge of his bunk. Nelson was standing directly in front of him; his gaze warm with quiet concern.

"Lee, come on, look at me." Nelson carefully urged. "How did you get here? I left you in sickbay. Doc said you were asleep."

The dark head rose. Nelson could see the anguish in Lee's hazel eyes. "I…I don't know. What's happening to me? I’m having difficulty holding on to reality…what's real, what's not.” Glancing around, “How did I…I get here?"

“This is where we found you.”

“Is this real? I don’t know anymore. I keep returning to that other place.”

The Admiral gathered Lee's hands in his; it pained him to see the vital self-assured Captain in such a state. "Lee, Seaview is real, I'm real. Have I ever lied to you?"

A fleeting smile ran across Crane's face. “No, you haven’t.”

“I do want to believe you.” He replied in a whisper, barely audible. His voice garnered strength as he spoke. “I try but I can't seem to stay here, I keep losing control and I slip away again.”

Suddenly Crane dropped his head, staring at his hands. He began to speak, slowly, uncertain at first, eventually the words tumbled out. "I should be stronger, have more restraint…I want to stay on Seaview but I keep switching from place to place...I find myself doing things…don’t know where I belong." He stopped suddenly, shaking his head, trying to hide the growing hysteria creeping into his voice.

Nelson knew the events of previous days were destroying Crane physically and mentally. This switching from reality to dilution was driving the normally confident Captain slowly insane.

"Lee, stay here tonight. I'll post a guard and stay until you’re asleep."

“So tired…but… don’t want to sleep, afraid I’ll slip back,” Crane mumbled. Locking his eyes on the Doctor, Lee sought confirmation. The very idea of sleep frightened him.

“It’s okay, Skipper, lay back, just rest, that’s it.” Crane slid back onto his narrow bunk while Nelson pulled the blankets over Crane’s trembling body.

“Don’t want to sleep, don’t...don’t…” His voice trailed off as he slid into a restive sleep. Nelson watched Lee, fresh beads of sweat appeared on the Captains face as his agitated body tensed and relaxed in turn.

“Admiral, he shouldn’t even been awake, let alone moving around. I gave him a very strong sedative.”

“So how did he manage to get here?” Nelson, losing patience with the situation, combed his fingers back through his auburn hair.

“Something must be over riding the medication; don’t ask me how, I couldn’t hazard a guess.”

“I’m beginning to see that, Doctor; I’ll stay until Lee is asleep. It shouldn’t take long, he’s exhausted. I’ll meet you in my lab, about thirty minutes.”

Nelson sighed, pulled up the desk chair, wearily slumped into it next to Crane’s bunk.

)(((())))(

Aligning the grey bulkheads of the small lab, numerous built in fish tanks surrounded the work space each filled with brightly colored tropical fish. Assembled on an adjacent work table sat Nelson’s neglected plankton experiments.

The only subject of interest to Nelson and Jamieson were the two circular images that appeared on a small screen stationed directly in front of them: one projected Crane’s recently taken blood sample, the other a scraping from his wounded hand. Both appeared relatively normal with the exception of microscopic cylindrical cells that did not belong.

"An unfamiliar, blood borne pathogen,” Nelson whispered almost to himself.

"Now that we have found the possible source…all we need to do is find a method to remove the pathogen from his body," Jamieson stated skeptically. “That’s an awfully tall order, Admiral.”

“Yes, Doc. Yes, it certainly is,” with a snort.

“Admiral, I found evidence of previous scratches on Lee’s hands. They all appear similar, as if coming from the same basic source. I believe this has been building in his system over time,” Jamieson related with grim reflection.

“I’ve noticed his white blood cell count is only slightly elevated.” Nelson was re-reading the results of the earlier blood tests. “This pathogen - it isn’t presenting like anything I’m familiar with, that along will impede our efforts to create a suitable vaccine, one that won’t injure the patient.

“I agree, Admiral. I’ve observed it’s building and multiplying, staying in the blood, similar to a toxin. It’s not inducing a normal reaction from Lee’s immune system.”

Unconsciously, Nelson finished Jamieson’s sentence… “As if his body is unaware of the attack, undoubtedly that’s how we missed it.”

“Doc, let’s get started, I don’t imagine we have an abundance of time." Nelson started by entering all the data at hand into the labs computer terminal.

“Control Room to Nelson.”

“Nelson here.”

“Repairs are complete, Admiral.”

“Thanks, Chip, take her up to 90 feet, continue our previous course and speed and Chip, maintain the 24 hour security team on the reactor room.

“Aye, Sir.”

Nelson could feel Seaview respond below his feet, quickly rising through the water ready to resume her course.

)(((())))(

Lee arose from his bunk as though entranced by unseen forces, not fully rooted in this reality. He was vaguely aware…of the Admiral’s departure.

Lee Crane changing quickly, all his actions born of procedural memory, opened his safe retrieving his service weapon. He secured the clip, slamming it home, concealed the weapon in the back of his belt, snug against his body. Silently he opened the door; stepping beyond the slivered gap, dispatching the single guard with one sound blow to the base of the head, securing the unconscious figure inside his cabin.

Crane refocused, continuing down the corridor, descending the spiral stairs, stepping lightly to the command deck, staying masked in the shadows. He studied the room familiarizing himself with the positions of officers and crew, centering his attention on Nelson. The Admiral leaned against the plot table, standing opposite the exec, deep in conversation with Chip Morton. Neither man detected the Captain’s approach. Crane deliberately advanced towards Nelson, unnoticed by all occupants in the room. "Admiral you’re coming with me!"

"Lee! What are you doing?" Nelson identified the feel of a gun muzzle pressed sharply into his back.

Chip Morton Seaview's XO heard the distress emanating from Nelson’s voice as he shifted around the plot table, ready to intercept.

"Everyone stand where you are. Don't move. Chip, don't try it, back off." Crane ordered while he closed the crash doors, securing his grip on Nelson. Determinedly he dragged Nelson towards the stairs.

Crane’s statement froze the entire watch stationed on the control deck; they stood motionless, holding their collective breath fixed on his words.

Chief Sharkey, standing alongside the sonar station quickly sized up the situation, slipped quietly from the control room through the aft hatch.

“Lee, what’s this about, let me go, talk to me.” Nelson desperately tried to reason with Crane.

“No.” Crane roared, “Admiral, this is the only way.”

“The only way…the only way for what, Lee?” Nelson strove to keep Crane talking while he searched for a solution.

“To be free…this…all this, it isn’t real,” forcefully pulling Nelson towards the stairs.

“Lee, stop, think about what you’re doing, we’ve been over all this, I’m real, Seaview’s real, why won’t you believe me.” Crane faltered slowing his pace almost to a stop.

“Want to stay.” Violently Crane shook his head. “No.” He shouted. “It’s all a dilution…not real! I’m sorry Admiral!” Nelson caught the break in Crane’s voice mixed with indecision.

Moments later, Sharkey and Jamieson appeared on the spiral stairs. Stepping free of the last rung they positioned themselves behind the Captain.

Jamieson, syringe in hand stepped forward plunging it into Crane’s shoulder.

Crane turned in utter shock, his eyes unfocused; the gun fell from his grip clattering to the steel surface. Nelson and Sharkey instinctively reached for the Captain’s body, catching him within seconds before he plummeted to the deck.

"Get him to sickbay." Nelson roared. "And put him in restraints until we sort this thing out."

Nelson pushed the controls opening the crash doors.

"Are you all right, Admiral?" Chip approached the now retreating barrier, seeing the distressed look on Nelson’s face.

"I'm fine, Chip.”

"What about Lee?"

“As for the Captain, I honestly don't know.” His temper flared, his voice rising progressively, he stopped abruptly, raining in his emotions, he grated. “I'll be in my lab if I’m needed." Doubt shadowed Nelson’s features; he ran a shaky hand through his hair massaging the back of his neck. His heavy footsteps ascended the spiral stairs.

Nelson seated at one of the labs work station, searched for an answer. He knew he was on the verge of a breakthrough. All his work pointed to that fact; so far it had eluded his grasp – as he worked expeditiously, combing through notes, checking his results, yet again -- determined to discover what he knew he had missed. Finally he saw it. ‘That’s it the solution. We attach the pathogen to a relatively harmless virus, causing Crane’s immune system to react.’ Nelson realized there were several extremely troubling drawbacks to this method.

"Sickbay, this is Nelson."

"Yes, Admiral"

"How is Crane?"

"Unconscious and restrained, otherwise unchanged. You have something?” Sounding expectant.

"I think I have a solution.” Nelson delayed the inevitable. "But I have no way to test it” Pausing again, "We have to test it on Lee!"

Jamieson’s brows furrowed as he listened. “Do you consider it worth the risk?”

“Yes, I do.” The Admiral’s reply sounded confident.

)(((())))(

Lee Crane wedged himself protectively against the corner of his padded cell, drawing his knees up to his chest, defensively wrapping his arms about his body, closing his eyes with finality, his mind drifted back to Seaview and home.

“I am very sorry he's gone back into his mind, he’s non responsive.”

"Lee, can you hear me. It's Nelson." With great authority. "Captain Crane!"

The Captain’s eyes snapped open staring up questioningly at Nelson.

Moderating his words. "Can you hear me, Lee?

“Admiral?” His voice rough and low.

“We found a vaccine."

Vulnerable eyes blinked. “A what---Where am I.”

“You’re in sickbay.”

“I’m on Seaview?” Relief filled his face.

“Yes, Lee, you are.” Nelson’s demeanor reassured the Captain.

"Lee, your hallucinations all this… they were all caused by a pathogen. Doc administered the injection a few hours ago… How are you feeling?"

"I,… I don't know." Lee’s lips were so dry he found it difficult to speak.

"Is the dizziness gone?"

"Seems… to be."

Crane tried to move, realizing with renewed horror that restraints were keeping him immobile. A fresh rush of panic shot through him as he struggled to free himself.

“Easy… Lee. Easy son, you’re alright.” Nelson rested both hands firmly on Lee’s shoulders, in an attempt to calm the fear building inside Crane.

As Lee stared into Nelson’s sea blue eyes, he found solace in the man’s gaze, support he needed but rarely sought. All the tension drained out of him, at the reassuring touch.

Lee let out an audible sigh as he laid back. In a shaky voice. “Can I have some water?”

Nelson held a cup to Lee’s lips. “Take it slow, that’s it.”

As the Admiral gently pulled the water away. “Is this…really necessary?" Lee looked down at the restraints.

"Until we know how your body reacts to the injection. I'm sorry, but yes. Jamieson's completing the tests on your blood now." Nelson looked anxiously towards the door to the doctor’s small lab.

Jamieson strode purposely out of the lab towards Nelson and Crane. "The Skipper's blood is clear, Admiral, no sign of the pathogen or the virus.” Doc moved at once to release the restraint straps. "I don't think these are necessary any longer." Jamieson assisted the Captain to a seated position.

"What do you mean my blood is clear?"

“Things were not what they seemed. Your scratched hand, all the scratches for that matter, infected you with a pathogen; it matched nothing in our computer data base. We believe it was the source of all the hallucinations.”

“The hospital, the treatments…?” A haunted plea shot across Crane’s features.

“It’s all over, none of its real, all induced by a pathogen. It took the form of your childhood fear, your nightmares and enhanced them in your mind until it all felt as though it was your reality.”

“What about you, the ship. I tried to sink her…oh God – I tried to kill you.” Crane’s shoulders slumped at the disturbing thoughts. “Oh God, I almost destroyed everything. I tried to resist, stay in control …I kept losing myself. I was beginning to believe I belonged in that hospital. I nearly lost…I felt myself slipping away.”

“It’s over now, Lee, you’re not responsible for your actions, you were being driven by the hallucinations the pathogen was producing, distorting your reality. In any case you didn’t do much damage. I don’t think you were entirely convinced or you would have succeeded in your attempts.” Nelson placated.

"This means the hospital was all part of a hallucination…but my parents were there…" Thoughts raced through Crane’s mind, attempting to untangle the nightmare visions.

Nelson grinned placing comforting hands on Lee’s arms. "You’ll be fine now. Lee, you're safe aboard Seaview, and it’s the real world, without the hallucinations, no hospital. You won’t be going anywhere." Nelson stated with finality.

The Captain was reassured by the Admirals words; he felt the familiar comforting throb of Seaview below his feet. Quickly a myriad of emotions registered on Crane’s tired face; heaving a great sigh, his features ultimately settled on relief. Once again his world had become sane and rational. “Thanks, Admiral.”

“Well, I couldn’t lose the best Captain Seaview has ever had, could I?”

“Gentlemen, might I interrupt? Captain this has been an ordeal for you, mentally and physically. You need rest. May I suggest, going to your cabin for some much needed uninterrupted sleep?”

“Yes Doc, gladly.” Lee’s broad smile was all Nelson needed. It reassured him the Captain had returned to his normal confident self.

The End