This story takes place early in the second season.

Where Brothers Go

by Lynn

Lt. Commander Chip Morton made his way from the dock towards the village on the small Mediterranean Island of Nisi.* He had docked the flying sub and headed straight for the rendezvous point. The path he took on the small island led to a scenic and picturesque view overlooking the blue-green waters below. The view was spectacular but he didn't notice, he was scanning the area looking for signs of the abductors. He didn't know why he had been chosen to make the ransom drop, but the abductors had asked for him by name.

When he reached the top of the path he got a view of the ancient ruins, any other time he would have been fascinated. The olive and oak trees that grew alongside of it were probably as old as the ruins themselves. Chip laid the tube he carried with him down at his feet as he had been instructed. He slid his hands into the pockets of his leather flight jacket feeling his transponder and the little something else Lee had sent along. He continued to look around, scanning the area for unfriendlies. It was a curious place to pick for the drop-off, but as Chip scanned the top of the ridge he could see that the abductors had a clear view of the only path leading to the rocky hilltop. The only possible way to get here undetected was to scale the cliff walls and only a fool would do that. Chip schooled back a smirk, a fool...or a well-trained ONI operative.

* * * * *

Lee Crane concentrated on his ascent up the face of the cliff as he scaled the rocky vertical mammoth before him. Chip had executed the water landing and slowly brought FS1 to the dock. His landing site had been as close as they dared to the rock face he was now climbing. Lee had slipped out the bottom hatch by way of diving gear and was able to hit the rocky beachless cliffs at high tide. The waters were warm, so he had opted to skip the full length wet suit and swam in his neoprene bike shorts instead. They fit snug on his thighs and were what most of the Seaview divers preferred under their wetsuits, allowing him the freedom of movement he would need to climb. He was a little battered from the waves tossing him up against the sharp rocks on the way in, but so far the plan was working perfectly. He only hoped it would be enough to save Harry, and keep Chip safe at the same time.

He made slow but steady progress up the face of the cliff. There were plenty of hand holds in the naturally rocky cliff, for which Lee was grateful. Stopping to add bolts and hangers would take time, as well as give away his stealth approach. His only gear were the crampons he wore over the soles of his black athletic shoes, and his sidearm worn in his shoulder holster, these things having been brought by way of a water proof bag on his back. The crampon spiked cleats afforded him solid footholds and so far he was climbing without any trouble.

Chip had approached and docked at a slower than necessary speed to give Lee the time he needed to scale the cliff. Lee had figured he'd need about an hour and so far his estimation had been correct. He concentrated on the free climb, continuing to work his way up and willing his mind not to wander. He needed all his concentration; there were no safety ropes and no second chances if he fell. This wasn't the time to think about Harry or Chip. The best way to help both of them was to make it to the top alive.

* * * * *

Earlier That Day

Admiral Harriman Nelson sat at the ocean-side cafe enjoying the view as he waited for his Captain and good friend, Lee Crane. The small Mediterranean Island offered beautiful blue-green waters and a warm climate, the latter something Harry was going to miss as Seaview's next mission was a month long voyage under the arctic ice pack. This mission had offered diving in warm waters surrounded by colorful fish and clear waters as Seaview conducted experiments in the rich marine life habitat.

Harry took another sip of his coffee and checked his watch, it wasn't like Lee to be late. He took a casual look around and smiled as he spotted the tall, dark headed Captain making his way through the tables toward him. Harry pulled back the smirk threatening to invade his face as Lee caught the attention of several female patrons wearing bikinis that were barely concealed by their cover-ups. Lee seemed to be unaware of the attention he had gained as he strode in wearing his summer service khakis, with his cover tucked neatly under his elbow.

“Hello Admiral. Sorry I'm late, dealing with the Port Authorities took longer than I expected,” Lee explained as he placed his cover on the table and sat across from Harry comfortably.

“Fine Lee.” Harry responded. Lee had shuttled in from Seaview using FS1, Harry's fantastic flying submersible. Seaview was too large for the Port here at Nisi, and FS1 always got a lot of attention when she made an appearance. The Flying Sub had been a quiet secret that Harry had worked on for years. Finally, he made an engineering breakthrough and was able to produce the flying wonder with so many patents pending that he had lost track. Though completely operational, FS1 was still a prototype and Harry didn't feel it was ready to offer to the military. He had to redesign Seaview to berth the small submersible, but he was happy with the retrofit as Seaview's “Front Porch” was now visible from the Control Room making her windows more useful for the Command Crew.

“How did your meetings go Sir?” Lee asked picking up his menu.

“Fine, the research laboratory will be up and running within the year and then we can begin scheduling voyages.” Harry was pleased with the progress and it showed in his relaxed face as he too looked over the menu. The newly discovered deep sea coral reefs at 1,200 feet below sea level were certainly worthy of future study. But Harry didn't have the time to study them at length and much preferred to partner with the reputable research team, bringing his expertise and Seaview's technology in on the exploration. He wasn't worried about the length of time before exploration could begin, it would take that long to secure the leases and permits anyway.

Lee returned his easy smile and scanned the beach in a sweep to know his surroundings. It was habit, too many years of ONI covert missions under his belt. It was so much a part of him that he hardly noticed he did it. A glint of sunlight caught his attention as he casually looked down taking a sip of water and then raised his head again to nonchalantly look out across the beach again. The glint was gone, but Lee filed it away. It could be nothing, but it could have been binoculars. Was it paranoid to think this way? Maybe, but Harriman Nelson was no stranger to intrigue and danger. He was too important, and too many men wanted either his knowledge or his silence and so Lee didn't take anything for granted...not where Harry was concerned.

He refocused and replanted a smile on his face as Harry raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Maybe nothing. Or maybe we're being watched. I'll keep my eye out,” Lee answered nonchalantly. Harry hid a smile as he raised his coffee cup to his lips; having a Captain who felt it was his duty to bodyguard him would have been annoying... if it was anyone else but Lee Crane.

They enjoyed their noon meal, leaving a generous tip for the service they had received and left feeling refreshed. They walked along the quaint street in the heart of the island's tourist section as shops lined their path. Their quiet walk was unexpectedly interrupted however, as they walked past an alley. Lee was hit from behind and dragged deeper into the dark narrow alley between two buildings. He was stunned but not unconscious as he raised himself immediately looking for Harry. He spotted Harry being stuffed into a car, the handkerchief held over his nose and mouth indicating the reason for Harry's limp body. Lee rose and ran after the car but was unable to follow as the car sped around the corner and was soon out of his line of sight.

Lee turned around looking for clues in the alley. Nothing. He picked up both his and Harry's service caps and stood for just a moment, then he placed his cover on his head and began running to the flying sub. There was no way he could get airborne in time to find them, but if they were after a ransom then he knew the place to be was Seaview. She was sitting safely outside the breakwaters, her gray conning tower visible from the island. If they wanted to make contact, he figured it would be by radio.

Lee sprinted across the dock and entered his security code that allowed the top hatch to be opened and then slid down into FS1's cockpit, dogging the hatch behind him. He left the dock, securing his port clearance as he went and headed for Seaview.

“FS1 to Seaview, come in Seaview.”

“Go ahead FS1, this is Seaview,” Spark's voice was calm and professional.

“Sparks, the Admiral's been abducted. Monitor all radio frequencies I'll be aboard in,” Lee stopped to look at his watch, “...ten minutes.”

“Aye Sir.”

Lee guided the yellow submersible toward Seaview praying that the kidnappers were after something other than the Admiral's silence. He fought the urge to slam his fist down on something and refocused. He would find Harry, he didn't know how, but he would find him...he had to.

* * * * *

Harry felt the effects of the chloroform as it wore off, leaving him feeling a little drowsy but unharmed. He was lying on a cot and raised himself to look around his windowless “cell”. It looked like a storeroom of some kind, big enough for the cot and some pacing room. He heard the handle begin to move and the door swung open revealing a big burly man holding a gun in his direction.

“The boss wants to see you,” he said, motioning Harry to precede him. Harry stood carefully, testing his equilibrium and moved forward eager to get to the bottom of this. Suddenly it dawned on him, Where was Lee?

He was ushered forward to another room where a well-dressed man stood next to a radio set.

“Admiral Harriman Nelson, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

“Who are you, and where is Captain Crane?” Harry demanded.

“I have no use for Crane, we left him in the alley with nothing more than a headache when he wakes. As for who I am,” the well-dressed man paused, “You may call me Thomas. I'm a businessman, and I need the plans for your flying submersible.”

“You want the plans for FS1?” Harry repeated, “Why?” Harry could guess why, but he wanted all the information he could get.

“Come now Nelson. We both know that your Flying Sub is years away from any other prototype on anyone's drawing board right now. I have buyers interested in producing the craft and they're interested in doing it fast. They don't want to wait for their engineers to figure out how everything works from your prototype, they want the plans to mass produce.”

Harry's eyebrows sharpened, that answered why they didn't try to hijack FS1 instead of kidnapping him.

“Surely you know that I wouldn't turn over FS1's plans to the likes of you.” Harry's tone was dark and definitive.

Thomas cracked a small smile, “Yes, I know that, but what about your Captain Crane? He seems rather protective of you. Would he be so willing to let you die over the plans?”

“Captain Crane is an officer and knows his duty. It appears you've wasted both yours and my time with this fool hardy scheme of yours.”

Thomas studied Harry's eyes, “You're bluffing Nelson. You're not sure what Crane will do, but I'm willing to bet that I can give him suitable encouragement to comply.”

“You know of course, that I don't travel with my blueprints in tow,” Harry answered victoriously.

“Aw, but I happen to know that you do, so that you can work on design changes at sea.” Thomas let loose a knowing smile and Harry's face gave away his surprise that Thomas would have access to that information.

With that Thomas turned toward the radio operator, “Raise Seaview.”

Harry's burly guard kept his gun muzzle in his back and Harry breathed in deeply, reining back his anger. Harry had every intention of sharing FS1's technology, but with the United States Military, not with the highest bidder. He knew Lee understood the implications of turning the plans over, but he was equally sure that Lee would also play along to buy time to gain his freedom.

“Seaview...calling SSRN Seaview, come in,” the radio operator called, speaking into the mic sitting on the table. A short moment later and Seaview answered.

“This is SSRN Seaview, please identify yourselves.”

“Negative Seaview. We have Nelson, put Crane on.”

There was a short delay and then, “This is Crane.”

The radio operator handed the microphone over to Thomas as Harry watched intensely.

“Crane, I have Nelson. He will remain healthy as long as you cooperate.”

Lee's mouth tightened as he listened to the demands.

“I'll trade the Flying Sub blueprints for Admiral Nelson. Lt. Commander Morton will deliver the blueprints to the top of O'rea Hill and wait at the ruins. He is to place the blueprints on the ground and keep his hands where I can see them. We will exchange Nelson after we have verified the blueprints. Captain Crane, you will stay on board your submarine. You will position yourself in the Sail and stay there within our view until Morton returns.”

Lee turned to Chip expressing surprise in the terms and raised the mic back to his mouth. “Why my Exec? Why not have me deliver the blueprints?”

“Because I know what you're capable of. The terms are non-negotiable, or if you prefer I can begin the process of convincing you that I'm serious.” Thomas cracked a smile as anything Harry would have said was cut short by the reminder of the gun in his back.

“No, we'll meet your terms. When do you want to make the drop?”

Harry's eyes dropped in defeat as Thomas smiled victoriously.

“Two hours. Morton and the blueprints only, and if we don't see you in the Sail, Nelson dies.” With that Thomas ended the transmission as he gloated over Harry.

“See? I told you Crane would see it my way.”

* * * * *

Lee handed the microphone over to Sparks as Chip followed him to the Chart Table.

“Lee, you’re not going to give him FS1?”

“No, but we've got to buy time. We'll take the chance that they'll live up to their end of the bargain.” Lee stopped and looked into Chip's eyes as he continued, “I didn't even ask if you were willing to make the drop.”

Chip just nodded, “You know I will Lee,” and then smiled.

Lee responded in kind, “Alright, let's get moving. We only have two hours to put together a little surprise for the kidnappers.”

* * * * *

Lee climbed the Conning Tower ladder and stood in the Sail as the abductors had demanded. He was wearing his service jacket and cover and positioned himself to look toward the beach. The kidnappers said they would be watching for him, he surmised by high powered binoculars. He pulled out a pair of aviator sunglasses to shield his eyes from the afternoon sun and started to position them when they fumbled out of his hands. He bent down and picked them up placing them on his face and returned to stand at his assigned post in the Sail.

* * * * *

Lee was crouched on the deck of the sail looking up at his “double”. Bobby O'Brien stood sporting a silver oak leave on his collar and three full size bars on his shoulders, having flawlessly made the switch when Lee dropped the sunglasses. His dark hair and similar height provided a good match for Lee, and with the service cap and sunglasses the illusion was complete.

“Thanks Bobby, we'll see you in a couple of hours.”

O'Brien was careful not to respond and made only a closed mouth, “uh-huh” to acknowledge his Skipper. Then Lee climbed back down the tower skipping the last three rungs and hopping down on the deck. He walked quickly across the control room and descended down the Flying Sub hatch where Chip was already in the pilot's chair getting ready to launch FS1.

Lee began shedding his uniform down to his neoprene bike shorts that fit past his mid-thigh. He wore a matching black neoprene short sleeve shirt that hugged his body. He continued to don his diving gear as Chip maneuvered FS1 out of her berth and out to the open seas where he broached the surface to fly to the south end of the island.

It was a short flight and Chip landed the Flying Sub on the swells and took a course that paralleled the coastline as he headed slowly to the port where he would berth the Flying Sub.

“Okay, we're in position.” Chip turned around to make eye contact with his best friend, “Be careful Lee.”

“You too Chip.”

They broke their eye contact as Lee cracked the lower hatch and grabbed his water proof bag slinging it over a shoulder as he lowered himself down pulling his mouthpiece into position and allowing FS1's movement to suck him out the hatch.

Chip dogged the hatch and returned to the pilot's chair and made a slower than necessary approach to the port, hopefully giving Lee the time he needed to swim to the cliffs and begin his ascent.

* * * * *

Harry stood as the burly guard kept his ever present pistol in his back. Thomas stood on the other side of him with a very expensive pair of high powered binoculars in his hands verifying the reports of his posted look-out.

“It looks like Crane is keeping his part of the bargain,” Thomas commented as he watched the dark headed Captain in the Sail.

“Here, see for yourself,” he gloated handing Harry the binoculars. Harry raised the binoculars and pulled back the smirk from his face as he realized that the tall dark man in sunglasses was not Lee Crane. He recognized the officer as O'Brien but it was only noticeable to him, the illusion worked well from the distance.

Harry feigned more defeat and handed the glasses back to Thomas. The yellow manta-like craft had just landed to the south and was making its way to the port. Thomas noted its arrival and raised the binoculars back to his face as he watched Chip Morton climb out the top hatch carrying a long tube.

“And it looks like Morton has the blueprints,” Thomas finished in fine spirits. Thomas then turned his binoculars toward O'rea Hill. He scanned the hill for any sign of occupants, but didn't expect to see any. He had a man stationed at the path's entrance and they had placed tape across the path to close off the trail to visitors.

“We'll let Morton climb first and then we'll follow,” Thomas said to his men as they turned Harry toward the dark sedan and piled in. Harry held back any facial expression that would give away his understanding that Lee had a plan. He was sure the blueprints would be safe, if only he could say the same thing for Chip and Lee.

* * * * *

Lee found a good hand and foot hold and rested a moment. The neoprene dried quickly, and still allowed his sweat to cool his body. His hand hold was at a position that he could take a look at his watch, he needed to reach the top in fifteen minutes so he started to climb again. He had left his diving gear at the bottom of the cliffs, the aqua lung, face mask and flippers would be a casualty of his plan to get the Admiral back. He was sure they would be gone with the tide and crashing waves. It was low on his list of priorities. He moved along concentrating on each hand and foot hold pulling himself further and further upwards. As he reached the top he listened intently before allowing his head to rise over the top of the ridge. He had come up behind the ruins and had good cover in the trees alongside of it, just as he had planned. He checked his footing and then pushed up grabbing onto a bush growing close to the edge. It gave him just enough of a solid hold to make the final push upwards as he rolled over the top of the ridge and immediately ducked for the cover of the bushes.

Lee rested breathing hard but scanning the area as he removed his crampon cleats from his shoes. The adrenalin charge he got going over the top of the ridge began to dissipate and Lee felt better for it. He spotted Chip standing with his hands in his jacket and the blueprint tube at his feet. Lee pulled his service .45 out of his black shoulder harness and began to move closer toward the trees. He moved stealthily and got as close as he dared and then settled down lower. He was in a good position, now all he needed to do was wait.

* * * * *

Harry was escorted up the path with Thomas in the lead and his burly guard following closely behind. Two more men followed up behind them as they made their way up to the hilltop. Four against three, not bad odds, thought Harry. There was no doubt in his mind that Lee would make it to the party somehow, even though there was still a guard posted at the bottom of the trail.

They reached the top and found Chip Morton standing with the blueprint tube at his feet. He removed his hands out of his pocket and raised his hands in full view of the abductors.

“Commander Morton, it's good to see you again,” Thomas said with a knowing smile on his face.

Again? Chip studied his face, “Tom? Tom Barrett?”

“You didn't think you'd ever see me again, did you? When I found out that you were Nelson's First Officer I knew I could get the blueprints and my revenge at the same time.” Thomas moved toward Chip menacingly and backhanded him across the face. Chip's head snapped to one side, he gained his composure and turned his face back toward Tom as a small trickle of blood ran down the side of his mouth.

Harry started towards Chip when the confrontation escalated but was held back by his burly guard. The other two guards produced their short automatic machine pistols hidden under their jackets and added to the intimidation. Harry breathed deeply trying to rein in his anger but stayed under control looking for any advantage that might present itself.

Tom Barrett leaned down and picked up the tube at Chip's feet. He popped open one end and slid out the roll of designs, smiling as he thumbed through it.

“Your men follow orders well Admiral Nelson, even if they are fools in doing so,” Thomas reached into his pocket and pulled out a small communication's device and spoke into it.

“We're ready,” was all he said as he moved closer to Chip. “Morton you're coming with me. Nelson, I don't need you anymore.”

With that Tom Barrett's goons pointed their guns in Harry's direction as the sound of a helicopter was heard approaching the hill.

“Thank you for the plans Nelson, I regret that you will not be designing anything else in the future, but I can't leave behind any witnesses, now can I?”

Harry's burly guard stepped away from him and took up a new position alongside of Chip holding him firmly by the arm as the helicopter hovered over the top. Harry was in a precarious position as the guards pointed their guns in his direction waiting for the order to cut him down. Everything was going just as Barrett had planned, that is, until Lee Crane appeared out of no-where.

* * * * *

Lee was surprised to realize that Chip seemed to know Harry's abductor and had to hold himself back as Barrett wielded a wicked backhand to Chip's face. This was bad. He said he was after revenge, and Lee realized the rescue had just taken a turn for the worse. He started to move among the trees to get closer to the guards when they pulled out automatic machine pistols. This definitely changed the odds, then he heard the helicopter coming in from the south. He worked his way closer as the guards turned their weapons towards Harry. It was apparent that Barrett wasn't going to leave any witnesses. The helicopter was overhead, it was now or never. He aimed his semi-automatic and moved out of his cover taking out the two guards bearing machine pistols on Harry. First one fell, then the other. They were downed before they knew what was happening, their guns silenced forever.

Harry took the cue and dropped to the ground making himself as small a target as he could as Barrett moved Chip in front of him as a shield, placing his gun to his neck. The burly guard was firing at Lee as he rolled out of the path of the bullets but he couldn't get off a shot with Chip in the line of fire. Barrett motioned the helicopter down as Burly Guard fired toward Harry. A ricochet found its mark as Harry grunted, taking a bullet in the arm. Lee rolled toward Harry and chanced a shot at the guard but the helicopter brought more men with guns and they were now in a position that shielded Barrett as he climbed in with Chip and his guard.

Lee registered the danger right away and helped Harry up, then ran a zig zag back toward the cover of the trees. The gunfire danced all around their feet as the helicopter lifted off and flew away with its nose pointed downward, picking up speed as it traveled out of sight. Lee was still breathing hard as he watched Barrett take off with FS1's plans and Chip, both in the hands of a madman bent on revenge.

* * * * *

Lee stayed in the cover only long enough for the stray bullets to cease then he helped Harry up looking over his bullet wound. He had rescued the Admiral and lost Chip, but it wasn't over yet, Chip had a transponder sewn in the pocket of his flight jacket.

“Can you make it down Admiral? We've got to get to the Flying Sub before they get out of range.” Lee's eyes were expressive, as his worry over Chip took precedent over his relief that Harry was OK.

“I'm fine Lee. Out of range?” He asked holding his arm as Lee moved them forward.

“I put a transponder on Chip,” he said as they began to pick up speed moving down the path. Thankfully the guard at the bottom had vacated his post when the helicopter appeared and Harry and Lee passed without incident. They ran through the town to the dock as Lee climbed up the Flying Sub and entered his security code. The hatch opened and they descended down. Lee dogged the hatch behind him as Harry started the pre-flight from the co-pilot's chair. Lee slid into the pilot's seat and didn't bother with his harness. He pulled his mic to his throat and activated it as Harry moved FS1 out toward the open water.

“FS1 to Seaview, Come in Seaview,” Lee said, his voice calm and steady even though he was feeling the effects of the adrenalin coursing through his veins.

“Seaview, go ahead FS1.”

“Sparks, they've got Chip. Are you tracking him?”

“Yes Sir.” Lee's sigh of relief was nearly audible as Sparks gave him coordinates to intercept. They were still on the move and Lee needed to be careful not to make themselves known, or Barrett may just kill him outright.

Lee took a deep breath as Harry took FS1 airborne. Reaching down he fastened his harness and reined in his anger, accentuated by the audible “click” of his harness. Harry took a sideways glance at Lee and recognized the determined look on his face; the one he had when he entered the unsafe world of an ONI operative.

Lee glanced over at Harry, his arm was still bleeding. He took the controls as he spoke, “I've got this Admiral, how's the arm?”

“It's not bad Lee,” Harry said as he reached into his pocket pulling out a handkerchief and pressing it against his arm.

Lee looked down at his flight panel, Sparks was vectoring him to the coordinates. “It looks like they've landed Admiral.” Lee put FS1 into a turn careful not to approach the helicopter's landing coordinates and brought the Flying Sub in low looking for a place to land. The helicopter had left the small island of Nisi and had landed on a nearby island, a private island.

“That lagoon looks good,” Lee said pointing out a probable landing sight.

Harry nodded in agreement, “Should be fine.”

Lee took FS1 in landing in the deeper water and bringing the craft in closer to submerge. FS1 was now sitting safely and stealthily as Lee rose and grabbed the first aid kit bringing it back to field treat Harry's arm.

“I can take care of this Lee,” Harry said trying to fend Lee off. Lee just smiled and ignored his superior officer. He tore his shirt sleeve wider and began cleaning the wound as Harry bit his bottom lip. Lee was thinking as he pulled out a bandage square and then a roll of gauze.

“Looks like I'm going to take another swim,” he said breaking the silence. He was still wearing his neoprene shorts and shirt, and the warm waters wouldn't be a problem, even as the sun began to fall.

Harry looked at the arm that Lee had just finished wrapping, they both knew he wasn't going swimming and nodded his agreement.

“I'll call O'Brien and have him submerge and meet us off shore, we'll get you some backup.”

Lee chuckled, “I forgot to tell Sparks to secure Bobby's watch on the Sail.”

“You've had your hands full Lee, I'll take care of it. And Lee, good thinking putting a transponder on Chip.”

Lee nodded and sighed, “I just hope I can get to him in time Admiral.”

With that Lee grabbed an air tank and pulled another water proof bag out of the storage locker, placing his shoes inside. He grabbed more ammunition and refilled his clip, placing the semi-automatic into the bag as well. Taking one last look at the coordinates marking Chip's transponder, he opened the hatch and donned his fins and air tank.

“I'm off Admiral.”

“Take care Lee.”

Lee nodded and dropped down the hatch, dogging it before he swam on. He needed to get to Chip and fast, before Tom Barrett made good on his promise of revenge.

* * * * *

Chip watched below as the helicopter flew away. He saw Lee and Harry rise from their spots and run for cover, then lost track of them. He could only hope that they were alright. Burly Guard was still sticking a gun in his side as Tom sat holding the tube with the Flying Sub's design blueprints. This whole mess had just got a whole lot messier. Lee never intended for the blueprints to be turned over, but he couldn't execute that part of the plan, not yet anyway. He watched as the helicopter flew over Nisi and headed toward another island. He knew he wasn't alone, and was glad that Lee had insisted upon the transponder.

In the distance ahead he could see a large house with an even larger green lawn fitted into the otherwise rich foliage of the island. The helicopter pilot set the chopper down on the lawn and powered down the aircraft. Tom looked up at Chip and smiled. It was mean and hateful, and Chip realized that he was about to pay for something that happened years ago.

He was led from the helicopter to the house by a firm hand on his arm and the point of a gun in his back. They entered the house and Chip could see that it was really a mansion, full of rich decorations and expensive furniture. Tom entered and raised his hands, spinning in a slow circle as he spoke.

“Welcome to my humble home Morton. Maybe we should be less formal, how about... Chip? Can I call you Chip?” Barrett said his name with great disdain, emphasizing the consonants of his name sharply. Chip just stared at him, giving him no satisfaction at his obvious tones of insult.

“Well Chip,” Barrett emphasizing his name once again, “I bet you're wondering how I went from disgraced naval officer to having my own little kingdom?” He said, referring to the private island and all the wealth he had accumulated.

“I'm sure it wasn't by any legal means,” Chip answered.

Barrett cracked a small smile, “Oh very legal. I inherited it. You see, after you arranged for my dishonorable discharge I couldn't find work anywhere. I finally ended up working on a boat headed for the mid-east. While on-board the Captain realized I knew my way around and we got to talking. He could care less about my discharge and moved me up, before long I was his first officer. He brought me in on the family business. The boat moved drugs hidden in the cargo bays. We became good friends and I worked for him for years. Then he died, overdosed on his own stuff. Imagine my surprise when I found out that I inherited his entire fortune. I got the family business, and I branched out to other merchandise; arms and technology. So that brings me to the Flying Sub. My buyer is going to pay handsomely for these plans, and I have you to thank for it.” Barrett's satisfied smile widened and Chip realized that Barrett was now going to address him.

“You know Chip, I've thought long and hard about this day.” He started pacing the large opulent room as he spoke. “I've come up with lots of scenarios but they all had one thing in common. Pain.” He paused seeking a response and was greeted by Chip's command glare instead. Barrett ignored it and continued on.

“My benefactor was a harsh man to those who wronged him, and I have a nice little room for you to think about how you're going to die, but first,” Barrett pulled out a gun hidden inside his jacket and pulled the trigger twice. Once hitting Chip in the right arm, the second bullet lodging into his left thigh. Chip fell to his knees grabbing his leg as the burly guard man-handled him back to his feet. Another guard took up the other side and they dragged him away.

He found himself being led down a series of staircases that turned several times until stopping at a large wooden door, he was barely coherent as he realized that he was in a basement of some kind. He scanned the room, it was a classic dungeon and Chip took an inward sigh as he realized that his burly guard had positioned him against a wall intending to snap chains on his wrists. He didn't have any fight left in him and was soon manacled to the cold stone wall in a standing position. Both of his bullet wounds were screaming in pain, the bullet had passed clean through his arm but the manacles held it in an uncomfortable position. He tried to take the weight off his leg, but his strength was waning fast as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply.

Chip reopened his eyes and looked around as the guard backed off. It looked like a torture chamber from the dark ages, still he kept his face neutral as Tom Barrett stepped up.

“Get used to it Chip, you're going to spend a lot of time here. I intend to take every bit of those two years in prison out on your hide.”

Barrett left as his laughter filled the room, and then through the dark halls outside the chamber.

Chip pulled on the manacles, there was no way he was going to pull them out of the walls and the manacles were too tight to slide off. So he rested his head back against the cool stones and thought about the fact that he had a transponder in his pocket. If Lee had survived the barrage of bullets, then he knew he'd find him. That thought just about did him in. If. No, he wasn't going to think like that. Lee knew how to take care of himself. Lee was alright and he was out there right now looking for him. Having a best friend who's also a seasoned spy guy came in handy from time to time. The thought eased his grimace of pain as he closed his eyes thinking what a long day this had become.

* * * * *

Lee swam the lagoon toward the small beach. He hadn't wanted to let on to Harry, but he was bone tired. He had already had a nice little swim earlier followed by an hour of climbing a vertical cliff, not to mention the fact that his endorphins had gotten quite a work-out today, but none of that mattered. At least Harry was safe aboard the Flying Sub, now all he needed to do was to get to Chip before this Barrett guy started in on him.

As Lee broached the surface, he rose his head only far enough out of the water to look around; his recon position making him look like a crocodile stalking its prey. The beach appeared to be clear so he quietly moved out of the water and into the trees for coverage. He scanned the trees for cameras, it might be far-fetched but he and Harry had spent some time on a tropical island full of security cameras just last year.** He pulled his shoes from the water proof bag and put them on, along with his shoulder holster. He checked his clip, holstered his gun and moved toward his objective quickly. He jogged along watching for any signs of unfriendlies or electronic surveillance units. Lee had placed FS1 down about two miles from where he saw the helicopter make its descent, and running through the thick foliage wasn't like running a track so he wasn't surprised that it took him a good part of half an hour to reach his goal.

He squatted down at the edge of a clearing, barely breathing hard at all. The helicopter sat on the grass, and he was sure his assumption that Chip was here was valid. He moved along the perimeter of the trees that bordered the yard to enter alongside of the house where he had the best chance of entering undetected. There were fewer windows on this side, and more cover as the tree line sat closer to the house. He realized that the “house” was a mansion and that the occupants possessed both money and power. No one owns their own Bell 206 chopper without having a lot of both.

Lee moved toward a window and peered in, and seeing the room was clear he pulled the screen off. The window was already open to let in the evening breeze and Lee climbed in stealthily replacing the screen to hide his entry point. He moved toward the door and pulled his semi-automatic out as he flattened himself against the wall, listening for any signs of life in the hall. He opened the door to a crack and peered through; satisfied that the hall was clear he moved out.

* * * * *

Chip rested his head against the wall trying to stay conscious, there wasn't much else to do but think.

It had been about ten years ago, when he and Tom Barrett had served together on-board a Destroyer. They were both JGs, Lieutenant Junior Grade, and Tom was actually pretty likeable. He got along well with the crew and officers alike. He was always putting together some card game and was always in the middle of the off-duty fun. He wasn't a stand-out officer, but he did his job and knew his business. Then came the day that Chip ran across a little “deal” going on in a back corner. Several crew members were surrounding someone speaking in low tones and exchanging money. When he “ahemed” to get their attention they turned around and he found Barrett in the middle conducting “business”. Drugs. Barrett thought he could bring Chip in on the business and buy his silence, but Chip wouldn't have any part of it. He reported the incident and the Master at Arms led the crewmen and Barrett away to the brig. No one would talk, but an investigation found the drugs hidden inside Barrett's mattress. The evidence was circumstantial, except for Chip's testimony. Barrett was court martialed, served a two-year sentence and was dishonorably discharged.

Chip hadn't thought about him in years, and never in a hundred years did he expect it to come up again like this. He heard the door begin to creak open and wondered what else Barrett was going to inflict on him as he hung tethered to the wall.

* * * * *

Lee moved through the mansion and noted a definite lack of security, but then again, Barrett was down two men from O'rea Hill. He peered around a corner and heard Barrett talking to the big burly guard that had shot Harry and manhandled Chip to the chopper. Barrett said something about getting Morton ready and Big Burly Guard headed toward the hall where Lee was hiding. Lee tucked into a doorway and watched as the guard passed. When he had gone far enough, Lee slipped out and followed him as he descended down a series of steps leading to a basement. Lee figured it was now or never as he closed the distance and clocked him on the back of the neck with his gun. The guard fell into his arms as Lee opened the door and pulled him into a cold stone-walled room. The guard began to come around and Lee fell to one knee dropping his gun and putting him in a chokehold, bracing himself against the big man's struggles. Lee kept the pressure on his neck until the lack of oxygen won out and the guard went limp in his arms, sleeping off what would be one heck of a headache when he woke up. Scratch one Big Burly Guard, he thought and allowed a brief smile to cross his face.

“Did anyone ever tell you, you have great timing?”

Lee looked in the direction of Chip's voice and found his friend secured to the dungeon wall, blood running from both wounds. He picked up his gun and holstered it as he moved towards Chip.

“Yeah, a time or two before. You okay?” He said with concern and doubting he could believe Chip's answer anyway.

“If I said fine, would you believe me?” Chip said with a half-smile on his face.

Lee looked around and found the keys hanging on the classic round ring on the wall and answered as he opened the manacles.

“Definitely not,” he said, returning Chip's playful attempt to lighten the mood.

Chip fell into Lee's arms as he was freed from the wall and steadied himself a moment catching his breath. When Lee thought he was stable he urged him on.

“Come on Chip. I think Barrett's on his way down here.”

Chip nodded and helped Lee move him as best as he could. Taking the stairs was excruciating as the bullet in his thigh grated on his bone with every step. When they made it to the final landing at the top of the stairs Lee positioned him against the wall as Chip steadied himself. Lee leaned against the door and listened; slowly he opened the door to a small crack and then opened it wider as he verified that the hall was empty.

He pulled Chip's good arm over his shoulder and entered the hallway taking a doorway up ahead. They were on the ground floor now and all Lee needed was a window to make good their escape. He closed the door and headed Chip over toward the window, opening it and quickly taking off the screen as Chip leaned against the wall holding his arm and listening for sounds from the hall.

“Okay, let's get you out of here,” Lee said as he positioned Chip on the window sill and helped him raise his injured leg over the sill. Chip bit back his moans and allowed himself to fall to the ground as Lee climbed through the window himself. Lee crouched down beside Chip and looked into his eyes. He was entirely too weak and Lee didn't bother asking him if he could walk. He lifted Chip onto his shoulders and carried him in a fireman's hold to the cover of the trees, setting him down behind some thick brush. Then Lee unholstered his gun and handed it to Chip. Chip questioned him with his eyes as he reined in his breathing from the exertion of being carried.

“I can't let them get away with the blueprints. Do you still have the detonator?”

“Yeah,” Chip said reaching into his pocket and pulling out the small pen sized detonator Lee had given him before the ransom drop. Lee had placed an incendiary device inside the blueprint tube, just in case. But igniting the detonator would do no good if the blueprints weren't inside the tube. He had to be sure.

“Take the gun Lee,” Chip insisted.

Lee just smiled, “I'll pick up another...somewhere along the way.” His smile faded as he reached over and squeezed Chip's shoulder. “The Admiral's on his way with back-up, we shouldn't have to hold out too long.”

He stood to leave as Chip spoke, “Be careful Lee.” Lee nodded and left the safety of the cover of the trees and headed back for the house.

* * * * *

Lee stalked along the outside walls, careful to crouch below window sills and headed for the front end of the house. It's where he heard Barrett talking with the guard, and he figured it was the best place to begin his search for the blueprints. Blowing up the blueprints wouldn't be a major loss, as the Admiral kept an original set of all his blueprints securely locked away at the Institute. All he had to do was to make sure the plans were either secured or destroyed. Well, maybe that wasn't all he had to do; he also needed to make sure that Barrett didn't have the opportunity to exact his revenge on Chip again. His face darkened at the thought and he immediately schooled it back. He wasn't after revenge, as much as he'd like to permanently put Barrett away. But the guy had too much money and power to let him slip away to come back and haunt them another day.

As he reached the front of the house he took a peek inside a window. The room was empty and he headed to the door turning the handle and entering quietly. A dark cherry wood desk sat at the far end of the large room and Lee spotted the tube sitting on top of the blueprints as they were held unfurled with books keeping them flat. He moved to the desk and began rolling the drawings, listening for movements as he worked. He picked up the tube, sliding the plans inside and tapped the lid back on. The house was still quiet and Lee made a hasty retreat, barely making it to the door when he heard a sound that stopped him in his tracks.

Click.

Lee froze, one hand holding the tube the other on the door handle as he heard the voice that went with the cocked gun pointed at his back.

“I should have killed you in that alley Crane. I would have, except I needed you to make the decision to bring the blueprints. Turn around.”

Lee turned slowly, still holding onto the tube to face Tom Barrett holding a gun on him, with Big Burly Guard standing behind him looking extremely ticked off.

“I'll take the blueprints now Crane, then you can tell me where you stashed Morton.”

Lee took on a defeated look and moved to toss the tube over to Barrett, but as he did he thumbed the pen sized detonator that he held in his hand and activated the incendiary device. The tube descended from its arc in the air and exploded less than two feet from Barrett and his guard. Lee took the opportunity to run and crash through the picture window tumbling to the ground and rolling with the inertia of the small explosion behind him. He started to rise and realized that something was wrong and only then realized that he had been shot in the shoulder. Barrett must have gotten a shot off.

He made his way to his hands and knees and then pushed up to rest on his knees, still not able to stand when he was shocked to hear his name.

“Crane. I'm going to kill you Crane.”

Lee turned toward the voice and saw Barrett standing with half his face blackened and burned. He held the gun in his shaky hand but it didn't matter, at this close range he wouldn't miss.

“First, you show up out of nowhere and rescue Nelson; then you take Morton out from under my nose; then you destroy the blueprints. You're a dead man Crane.”

Lee was done in. His adrenalin had gotten him this far, but as he knelt on the grass looking into the barrel of the gun, he couldn't think of a way out of this one. At least Harry and Chip were safe. The secrets of the Flying Sub were safe. He had done everything he knew how to do, if they were all safe and his life was forfeit, then his death wouldn't be for nothing.

Barrett's gun was already cocked, and Lee watched as he smiled and started to squeeze the trigger when he heard another voice.

“Barrett!”

Tom Barrett turned toward Chip, turning his gun as well and Lee heard the reports of both guns. It all happened in slow motion. Barrett's shot went wide; Chip's found its mark as Tom Barrett fell first to his knees and then face down on the grass. Chip hobbled over to Barrett and took the gun out of his hand, turning him over on his back. Tom Barrett looked up at him, started to say something and then blew out his last breath.

Chip made his way over to Lee who had moved from his knees to a sitting position on the grass holding his shoulder. They sat side by side as Seaview men in red and blue began to converge on the lawn area.

“Anyone ever tell you, you have great timing?” Lee asked his best friend offering a pained smile, just as Kowalski reached him taking a defensive position around his Skipper and XO, while other Seaview crew entered to secure the house.

“Yeah, I've been told a time a two,” Chip quipped back and then got serious. “Thanks Lee. I knew you'd come.”

“I'd say something clever right now Chip, but I think I'm going to pass out,” Lee was laughing as Kowalski guided him down to the ground while Jamie who had just arrived with Harry, did the same for Chip. Having a cocked gun pointed at his forehead less than two feet away and with no more options had caused a spike of endorphins, and Lee found himself besides himself in laughter.

Chip started laughing as well, as the adrenalin gave way to his exhaustion and pain. Their shared ordeal coupled with the life threatening situation they had just averted had both men in a near euphoria. Their laughter grew as the tension gave way to relief.

Jamie looked at Harry with an inquisitive eye as the officers laid on the grass giggling like a couple of kids, then true to Lee's prediction he passed out.

Harry just shook his head, they'd sort it all out later, right now he was just relieved to have both Chip and Lee back alive.

* * * * *

It was a rare occasion for Jamie, having treated all three of the Senior Command Crew in one day. Harry's arm had been treated and he had been released to his cabin for rest. Lee was resting in a sickbay bunk with his arm in a blue sling as Jamie wheeled an unconscious Chip out and began settling him into a bunk as well. His leg was fitted in traction, elevating it and the bandage on his arm was visible even with the sickbay gown he was wearing. Lee smiled, Chip's going to love this, no scrubs! His smile faded as he succumbed to the rest his body insisted he take.

The next morning found the entire Command Crew receiving visitors as the Nisi Police and Port Authorities came to take their depositions. They were accompanied by a US Consulate Representative, and ONI was expected to make their appearance as well, as kidnapping two Naval Officers, attempted murder and the threat of the Flying Sub's technology nearly being stolen had all parties in a barely controlled tizzy.

Chip's story about Tom Barrett was immediately verified, and the authorities were looking into his business, having already found enough evidence in the mansion to convict Barrett...if he had lived. It looked like Barrett's “family business” would be shut down for good, and one less drug runner was polluting the population with his poison.

Eventually, Jamie chased out the investigators and sickbay was once again quiet. Jamie looked over his two patients resting after the long day of interrogations and headed to his office to update their medical charts. He was glad that they had both willingly slept, and that he hadn't had to resort to the sedation. He poured himself a cup of coffee and opened their charts to begin his record keeping.

* * * * *

Lee heard Jamie's footsteps as he headed for his office and couldn't help the mischievous smile that crossed his face. He pulled the covers off his bed and sat up, holding his shoulder and steadying himself and then headed over to Chip's bunk. Jamie's rolling exam chair was nearby and he sat down in it rolling closer to his friend and brother.

“Chip?” he whispered, as loud as he dared, taking a sideways glance toward Jamie's office.

One of Chip's eyes peeked open as he asked, “Is he gone?”

“Yeah, in his office,” Lee cracked a smile as they both knew they would be so busted if Jamie found out they had both feigned naps.

They proceeded to talk about the kidnapping and Barrett, both admonishing the other for taking chances to save them, and then both thanking the other for being there when they needed it most. Their conversation was kept low and they hardly even remembered the subterfuge they had engaged in to have this quiet conversation. Neither one noticed Harry and Jamie standing in the doctor's office doorway watching the quiet conversation of the two officers.

Harry and Jamie slipped back inside the office as they watched Lee pat Chip on the shoulder, and then rise to take his position back in his bunk. They smiled at each other as Lee pulled the covers back over himself and soon settled into a real nap. Jamie had nearly blown his top when he realized that Lee was out of bed without a corpsman to help, but he figured that the talk Lee and Chip were having was as much part of their recovery as the healing rest they needed. So he let it slide, and now watched with satisfaction as the two officers drifted off to some real sleep.

Harry left sickbay and headed for his cabin, the picture of Lee and Chip's conversation still fresh in his mind. He couldn't hear their talk, nor did he want to intrude on the private moment the two had stolen for themselves, but he was struck by the brotherhood he had seen among the two. It was a fine thing to have witnessed. The events that had unfolded had been out of all of their controls; his kidnapping, Chip's capture and injuries, Lee's rescue of both of them and then Chip's rescue of Lee. He was just grateful that where one brother had gone, the other was willing to follow, even when the cost was high. It reminded him of a quote he had once read and the thought brought a smile to his face as he headed off to his own bunk for some much needed sleep.

“How fast has brother followed brother, from sunshine to the sunless land”

William Wordsworth

1770 - 1850

The End

Where Brothers Go

* Nisi – a fictitious Island in the Mediterranean created to suit my story!

**See First Season Episode, The Enemies

Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

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