OBSESSIONS

By

Lillian H.

*Author’s note: Sequel to ‘Saving Grace’

 

Admiral Harriman Nelson sat at the desk in his office at the N.I.M.R building, steadily working his way through the amazing amount of reports that seemed to need his attention.

The Institute had been a dream for him nearly all his adult life, culminating in the creation of his privately owned submarine Seaview and although he found the paperwork irksome he understood that it was inevitable.

Casting a glance out of his large office windows, he gazed across the rolling lawns to the specially designed sub pen where his creation lay. He never got over that feeling of pride he always felt when looking at her. She was all he had hoped for and more.

Lee called Seaview his ‘grey lady’ and Nelson thought that very appropriate; she was indeed a lady.

 Harry was proud of his officers and crew. They were dedicated and loyal. His Captain and friend Lee Crane was undoubtedly the reason for this. He led his crew with selfless determination, always willing to put them first and they responded with their devotion to him. He was more than ably supported by his Exec, Chip Morton a man of quiet fortitude and equal resolve. Together they were an impressive team!

He reluctantly returned to the work in front of him, it was starting to get late and he wanted to finish up and go home. Suddenly he was interrupted by the buzz of the intercom. “Admiral, Ms Katherine Stone is here to see you sir.”

“Send her in please, Angie, and could you bring fresh coffee?”

Katherine? It had been four months since he had last seen her. She had joined them on a mission to Central America to rescue Lee and Chip, and after a successful outcome, she had returned to Washington before he had an opportunity to talk properly with her. Why should she be here now?

As he opened his office door, he smiled in welcome. “Katherine, how good to see you my dear. What brings you to Santa Barbara again?”

Katherine Stone smiled in genuine pleasure as she was led to a sofa and sat down.       “Admiral, sorry to drop in unannounced. It’s good to see you too, how are you?”

 

Nelson frowned slightly at her formality….

 

Angie came in and served them both coffee and left.

 

Nelson took a seat beside her. “Is there anything wrong? Nothing concerning Grace, I hope.”

 

“No, nothing concerning Grace. How is she adjusting by the way?” Katherine sipped her coffee.

 

“She’s settled in just fine. Lee and Darcy have nearly completed her adoption. She is a very happy little girl and has taken on the role of big sister to young Josh Morton,” Nelson smiled broadly.

 

“She is remarkable, considering all that she has suffered in her short life,” Katherine said thoughtfully.  “Now she’s safe at least.”

 

“What is it you’re not saying, Katherine? What brings you back here?” Nelson asked gently.

 

“Harry, you know me too well,” she opened her briefcase and took out some papers. “We have received some intelligence that could affect you and the Institute.” She handed him a folder.  “As you can see, information has been intercepted that mentions Ethan Roberts as well as the N.I.M.R. directly,

 

Nelson read quickly through the file and the laid it on the table. Running a hand through his hair and jamming the other hand in his pocket, he started to pace. “Damn the man! Why does he have this obsession? What can I have ever done to him that causes him to come after the Institute like this?” Nelson looked directly at her, “How accurate is this information?”

 

“We have every reason to believe that it is genuine. He means to take his revenge on you if he can.” Katherine Stone watched Nelson go to his desk and press the intercom.

 

“Angie, see if you can find Captain Crane and Mr. Morton. Ask them to come to my office.” He flipped the off switch and stood thinking.

 

“What are you going to do?”  Katherine Stone asked carefully.

 

“Well, increase our security to start with. Seaview is due to sail in three days; at least we will be safe at sea.”

 

There was a brief knock on the door, and then it opened to admit Lee Crane and Chip Morton. “Admiral, you wanted to see us,” Lee said, and then turning to Katherine Stone both men greeted her warmly.

 

“Captain Crane, Mr. Morton. I must say you both look better than when I last saw you.”

 

She remembered the injuries both men had suffered after their attempt to rescue an informant from drug smugglers. The informant turned out to be Crane’s soon to be adopted daughter, Grace.

 

“Leave it to Jamie to repair the damage and get us back on our feet,” said Lee smiling.

 

 Quickly Nelson explained the latest news on Ethan Roberts.

 

“I’ll double the shore patrols and alert the gate guards to double check all identities. We can restrict all access to just two gates, it will cause a few delays but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem,” Morton said immediately falling into Exec mode.

 

“I’ll go down to the boat and get the Chief and watch crew together. We’ll do a complete security check,” Crane said as he stood. “We’ll report our findings Admiral.” Saying goodbye to Katherine Stone both men left on their assignments.

 

“They’re very good, aren’t they Harry? You’re very lucky to have them.”

 

Nelson smiled, he knew that all right. “They are indeed. Chip will have this place locked down in no time at all and Lee will check every bolt and bulkhead on Seaview. If Roberts tries anything he will be faced with a formidable team.”

 

“Well, I just wanted to alert you in person. Now we can get back to trying to catch him.” Katherine Stone stood.

 

“Are you heading back to Washington right away?” Harry asked casually, as he came to stand by her.

 

“No, I thought I’d stay in town overnight.”

 

“Have dinner with me, nothing too fancy just a quiet meal in a little place I know.”

 

Katherine Stone considered him carefully. “Admiral…that’s very kind but well…I’m not sure …..”

 

“Kit Kat, I’m only suggesting two old friends have a meal together,” he said smiling

 

Her expression softened, “Kit Kat…..  I haven’t been called that in a long time; you were the only one to ever use it,” smiling Katherine put a hand on his arm. “Thank you Harry, I will,” she said gently.

 

Nelson smiled, “Good. It’s time we caught up again.”  Harry glanced at her and thought she looked rather nervous.

 

They left the office together saying goodnight to Angie on their way out.

 

*

 

Early the next morning Lee Crane walked into the Admiral’s outer office and smiled at Angie.

 

“Good morning Angie, is he in?”

 

“Not yet Lee. In fact I was just about to ring you. I can’t seem to find him. I rang Eduardo at the house as the Admiral missed a special conference call this morning. I thought maybe he was ill, but Eduardo said he didn’t get home last night.”

 

Lee Crane was immediately alert, “When did you last see him?”

 

“He left just before me, with Katherine Stone. They were going to dinner. The Admiral had me ring Luigi’s for a table.”

 

“Ring Luigi; see what time they left. I’ll be in his office.”

 

Crane went through and immediately picked up the ‘phone on the large desk. Dialling he waited for an answer. “Chip, have you seen the Admiral this morning. No? Get over to his office; I think we may have a problem.”

 

As he dropped the ‘phone Angie came in. “Lee, Luigi says they didn’t show up,” her voice held concern.

 

“Angie find out where Katherine Stone is staying and check on her.”

 

Just as she was leaving Chip Morton hurried in. “What’s going on Lee? Where’s the Admiral?”

 

“Wish I knew Chip. He left here last night with Katherine Stone and no one seems to have seen him since. Angie is just checking her hotel.”

 

Both men studied each other in silence.

 

Angie knocked and entered. “Lee, Ms. Stone didn’t go back to the hotel. Her bags are still there.”

 

“Thank you Angie. Check the hospitals, just in case.” Crane got up and started to pace. “Hell, Chip, are you thinking the same as me?”

 

“Roberts!” Morton’s voice was grim.

 

“We didn’t think about his personal safety. We just assumed he was after the Institute.”

 

“I’ll check….” but Chip was interrupted by the intercom.

 

“Yes Angie?” Crane said.

 

“Captain, there is an officer from the police department calling.”

 

“Put him through,” Lee picked up the telephone.

 

“Hello. This is Captain Crane, what can I do for you?” Lee listened to the reply.

 

“I see, well thank you, I’ll be sure to send a driver to pick it up. Thanks for letting us know.” He listened again.

 

“No, I’m sure there’s no problem, probably just run out of gas. Thanks again,” Lee rang off.

 

“Well, what? Did they find something?” Chip asked impatiently.

 

“The Admiral's car, on the private cliff road, about five miles out. It was undamaged, just abandoned.  Chip, there was no sign of the Admiral or Katherine Stone,” Crane looked at his friend. “They must have been kidnapped, but why? What can Roberts hope to gain?” His frustration spilled over and he slammed his hand hard on the desk.

 

 

*

 

Nelson moved slightly, he felt a damp towel on his forehead and soft hand stroking his face. Slowly he opened his eyes.

 

“At last. I thought you were never going to wake up,” Katherine’s anxious face was watching him

 

“What the hell happened?” Nelson asked hoarsely as he struggled to sit up.

 

“Don’t you remember? We stopped on the road to help at the accident, and then we were attacked and kidnapped.” Katherine looked concerned as she helped him.

 

Harry rubbed the back of his neck, “Yes, I remember now. Are you alright?”

 

“Yes. They didn’t hurt me; I think they used chloroform on us.”

 

Harry stood a little unsteadily and started to look around. “You’re probably right. Any idea how long we have been here? Wherever here is.”

 

“No, they have taken our watches away.”

 

Nelson surveyed the small room. It was about six feet square. There were two doors, one bearing a heavy lock, no windows and only two single cots against the walls opposite each other. There was an overhead light but Harry could not see a switch anywhere.

 

“Pretty basic isn’t it? Through there is a tiny toilet and sink.” Katherine observed his unsteadiness. “Sit down Harry; we’re not going any where in a hurry. May as well rest.”

 

Nelson sat and smiled slightly. “I guess we will have to wait for that dinner a while longer. Damn, I’m sorry you’ve been caught up in all this Katherine.”

 

“It’s not your fault,” Katherine hesitated, “What do you think they want with us?” 

 

“Wish I knew.” Reaching across he took both of her hands in his. “Let’s not let our imagination run away with us. We’ll soon find out I’m sure.” Nelson tried a smile of encouragement.

 

Katherine smiled in response. “Dear, dear Harry. You were always the positive one. You always looked for solutions even when there weren’t any. I remember when you first showed us the designs you had for Seaview. Even in the face of all the derision, you never let D……well, you never got discouraged,” Katherine looked down at their clasped hands.

 

Harry looked at her a moment, the unmentioned name hung between them. “How is he Katherine? Dale. Is he any better?” he asked softly.

 

At first he thought she was not going to answer. Then she looked him straight in the eye and said. “He’s dead Harry.” She took a deep breath. “Just about three months ago. He finally managed to carry out his threat. He took an overdose and this time I didn’t try to stop him!”

 

 

*

 

 Lee, Chip and a small shore party were searching the Admiral’s car and the surrounding area.

 

“Skipper, we’ve done a 1000 yard search in all directions sir. There’s nothing to find. This place is clean. No clues at all,” Chief Sharkey stood with his hands on his hips in total dejection.

 

“I know Chief.” Crane answered, “Arrange to have Admiral’s car driven back and take the men back to the boat,”

 

“Aye sir….eh... Skipper, the Admiral? Well, we’re going to find him…. alright…aren’t we, I mean ...this is the Admiral!” Sharkey said in concern.

 

Crane looked at his COB, “Yes Chief. Whatever it takes, we’ll find him.”

 

“That’s what I thought sir. Okay, you guys, let’s look smart here!” he shouted to the crew.

 

Chip came and stood by his Captain. “You sounded awfully sure there. You think Roberts will let us find him?”

 

“If he had wanted to kill the Admiral, this place would have been perfect. He kept them alive for a reason and I think he won’t be able to resist dangling the Admiral in front of us. He enjoys power Chip. He will want us to know. He has a plan; I’m sure of it, he’ll be in touch, just so that he can tell us what it is.”

 

 

*

 

Nelson was sitting on one of the cots, watching Katherine. Her statement came as a shock. That she was reluctant to discuss it further was evident when she lay down and turned her face to the wall. His memories invaded his thoughts….

 

“A toast to the ‘Three Musketeers’.”

 

“No, the ‘Three Wise Men’.”

 

“Hey, wait a minute, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a man!”

 

 “Oh, we’ve noticed but you don’t object to being called Wise.”

                                                                                

“Absolutely not… because I am!”

 

The three friends laughed loudly and the people at near by tables observed the two men and a woman freely enjoying themselves.

 

“Hey, we better keep it down, Dale or we’ll get thrown out.”

 

“Harry’s right, that wouldn’t do our reputations any good at all,” said the woman smiling.

 

“Oh, to hell with them. We’re enjoying ourselves.” Dale looked around the room. “Well…have you never seen anyone enjoying themselves?” he asked loudly.

 

“Dale…please,” The woman begged, embarrassed.

 

Dale looked at her and was annoyed. “Please what? Please don’t enjoy myself; please don’t let everyone see that I am?” As he saw her face flush and the tremble of her hands he was immediately contrite. “Katherine…I’m sorry. Really… I’m sorry. I guess I got carried away. Please forgive me…please…pretty please.” He finished in a cajoling voice and reached out to enfold her fingers.

 

Katherine looked up and tried to smile.

 

Harriman Nelson watched the scene with some concern. Dale Bruckman was one of his oldest friends but with Harry’s career in the Navy often taking him to sea, they had only managed infrequent visits together.

 

He had noticed a significant change in him since their last meeting. Dale’s moods were always volatile but now they seemed to balance between manic highs and lows.  Lately he could react to the most minor situation with un-predictability.

 

“Come on Harry, let’s order another bottle. We’re celebrating after all.” Dale put his hand up to call a waiter over.

 

“Dale no more…I must get back. I have meetings in the morning,” Harry stayed his hand. He noticed Katherine seemed relieved.

 

“But Harry, it’s not every day you get a Captain’s promotion.” Dale turned to look at his friend, “Good old Harriman Nelson. The boy most likely to succeed. I guess the Nelson fortune didn’t hurt you any either….”

“DALE!” Katherine said into the shocked silence.

 

“What? Harry knows I’m only kidding…don’t you Harry?” He reached out to clasp his friend’s shoulder, “You know Harry, I feel privileged to know you. You’re going to be a great, important man one day. Just think, I will be able to say ‘I know him, I’m a friend of his,” Dale started to slur his speech a little.

 

“Come on Dale let’s be getting you home,” Harry tried to release his friend’s grasp on his shoulder.

 

“But you know what Harry? I won’t envy you, no sir. I’ve got everything I want …just there… in Katherine.” Dale looked directly at the woman opposite, “She’s worth more than any fame or fortune. Without Katherine…well...without Katherine my life wouldn’t be worth living….I think I’d probably have to kill myself,” Dale finished quietly.

 

The silence that followed was heavy with implication.

 

“Well Dale…it’s time we left,” Harry dragged his friend to his feet and made for the door.

 

A few days later, he had been leaving the Naval Academy, after some meetings and was surprised to see Katherine waiting for him. She looked anxious and upset.

 

“Katherine? What are you doing here?” On seeing her red swollen eyes and obvious distress, he took her by the arm and sat her on a nearby bench. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

 

“It’s Dale…oh! Harry, he’s ill. After we left you the other night he….he got really upset. He became...violent and completely lost control. I had to call the police! He …was so out of control…they insisted on arresting him and as they struggled with him he collapsed.” Katherine drew a deep breath. “In hospital, they gave him all sorts of tests….Harry they think he’s…unstable. The psychiatrist says he’s displaying psychotic behaviour, he thinks it has been developing for quite some time.”

 

Nelson although shocked was not completely surprised, he had suspected that his friend was not mentally fit.

 

In the weeks that followed Harry did all he could to help Dale. He arranged for his aging parents to travel to be with him and paid for the best treatment he could find. Through it all he did his best to support Katherine.

 

She and Dale had been engaged for three months. They had met two years before, when Dale had been asked to carry out some Top Secret, weapons research. Katherine worked in the office of Internal Security that was vetting him and they had gradually fallen in love.

 

Harry had liked her the moment he met her. Their many meetings had deepened his affection for her. He felt slightly guilty about that, she was after all Dale’s girl but a part of him had strong feelings for her, although he was careful to keep them private. It was him that created her nickname…’Kitty Kat’. He thought she reminded him of a mother cat, the way she cared for everyone. It had shortened to ‘Kit Kat’ but Dale had never liked it, preferring her full name, so Harry was the only one to use the endearment….

 

His memories were interrupted by the sound of a key turning in the locked door. As it pushed open Katherine came awake and went to stand by Harry.

 

A figure came through the door, carrying an automatic weapon. He stood watching them carefully, when another figure appeared in the doorway, they saw the smiling face of ex Senator Ethan Roberts greeting them, “Welcome Admiral Nelson, Ms. Stone. I trust you’re comfortable in your temporary quarters.”

 

*

 

Back at the Institute, Lee Crane was fielding concerned calls from all sorts of Governmental agencies. As he dropped the phone again, he flipped the intercom. “Angie if there are anymore calls like that one, I’m busy, take messages or put them through to Craven in security.”

 

“Alright Lee, but they won’t like it.”

 

There was a brief knock and Chip entered carrying some maps and charts. “Lee, I’ve been doing some thinking. I doubt if Roberts would risk being directly involved himself, so that means he had help.  There are only two spurs off that road until you hit the city.  I went out and checked both. No one saw or heard any vehicle last evening. These are dirt roads with only a few houses. Someone would have seen or heard something. So if they didn’t take a side road they maybe went into the city. The city would be risky; too many chances of discovery, Roberts wouldn’t leave anything to chance.” Morton waited for Crane to comment. When he didn’t, he continued. “Lee, there is a small but fairly navigatable inlet just along that coast road. What if they had a boat waiting, and they went out to sea? Roberts’ luxury yacht hasn’t been found yet; it would be perfect for hiding out on an ocean.”

 

Lee leaned forward and studied the charts. “Good work, Chip. You could well be right, so how do we find them?”

 

 

*

 

Harry observed Ethan Roberts with obvious contempt, “I can’t say we appreciated the method of your invitation greatly,” Harry replied with sarcasm.

 

“No, well I suppose it was a bit dramatic. All the same, I’m glad you could come. Now please come and join me for lunch,” Roberts turned and walked away.

 

Katherine looked at Harry and he looked to the guard who motioned with his gun for them to follow.

 

Taking her arm Harry led Katherine out. They walked down a short corridor into a large well-furnished room. The windows were heavily curtained and lamps lit the room. There was a large table all ready set and the aroma of cooked food filled the air.  Roberts was pouring himself a cup of coffee and appeared quite relaxed as he smiled broadly at them.

 

“Please come in, Harry…you don’t mind if I call you Harry do you? Admiral is so formal under the circumstances, don’t you think? Welcome Ms. Stone, may I call you Katherine?”

 

Nelson observed the man’s geniality and his temper rose. “Let’s stop all this nonsense. What is it you want Roberts. Why have you brought us here and what are you planning to do with us?”

 

“Straight to the point, huh, Harry?” Roberts said as he sat at the head of the table.

 

Nelson started forward but the guard pushed him back and Nelson stopped.

 

“I suggest you both sit down and eat, after all I may decide this is the only food you get today. Then we will talk,” Roberts said firmly.

 

Nelson hesitated then took Katherine’s arm and led her to a seat, he sat beside her.

 

Roberts rang a small bell and a man entered the room and started to serve them.

 

“Now, isn’t this more civilised? Please, do eat up,” Roberts encouraged and picked up his own knife and fork.

 

For some minutes, they ate in silence. Katherine and Harry managed to eat a little as Roberts ate heartily.

 

Ethan Roberts watched the two with amusement.  The great Admiral Harriman Nelson was his prisoner. He was enjoying this feeling of power immensely.

 

After he had finished he settled back in his chair, sipping his coffee. “Well, now we shall talk.” He looked at Nelson with speculation. “Tell me how does it feel, Harry? All that power you wield.  A friend to Presidents and Premiers, advisor to this, that and every other committee. Do you know the influence you have?  I wonder if you ever stop to consider the decisions you’re responsible for ….the mistakes you make. Do you even care?” Roberts’ voice had risen and he was obviously agitated.

 

Nelson looked confused, “What mistakes?  Just what have the Institute or I done to you? I don’t remember ever having met you, why this obsession?  I don’t understand the reason for all this.”

 

Roberts laughed mirthlessly, “You don’t understand!” He got up and started to pace. “My God! You make me sick!” Coming to stand near Harry he glared at him. “I’ll tell you what you did Nelson, you murdered my son, that’s what you did!” Roberts suddenly and viciously, backhanded Harry across his face.

 

*

Lee had pursued Chip’s theory and they had learnt that a small powerboat had been seen in the area. Some fishermen had seen three men late yesterday afternoon apparently relaxing on the shoreline. Now the boat was gone and so were the men.

 

Crane was sure that somewhere out at sea the Admiral and Katherine were being held by Roberts. He had instigated a search but there was an awful lot of ocean out there.

 

 

 

 

*

 

“What are you talking about? I’ve never killed anyone!” Nelson replied in shock, struggling to sit up with Katherine’s help.

 

Roberts walked back towards his chair and pouring himself another cup of coffee and sat down. “Oh, you didn’t pull the trigger. No, you just allowed it to happen,” he said angrily.

 

Harry studied Roberts, as he rubbed his jaw. He didn’t understand this situation. How could he have allowed someone to die?

 

“Well, are you going to explain?” Nelson asked fiercely.

 

Ethan Roberts sipped his coffee. “Three years ago you worked on a Task force that arranged the asylum of three political refugees. You and the rest of this bleeding heart administration didn’t consider them to be a threat to our national security. Of course they were a damn threat!”

 

Nelson jumped up. “Don’t be ridiculous man! They were scientists. They had no political interests!” he shouted.

 

The guard came forward and roughly pushed Nelson to sit down again.

 

“You’re not denying that you freed those men?  I know that it was your recommendation to the President that made it possible. He listened to you Harry and followed your advice.”

 

“Those men were not a threat. They had been persecuted for their principals….they took a moral stance against…..”

 

“I don’t care about their principals! Their country sent assassins to kill them and the explosion that resulted, killed thirty of our citizens… good loyal Americans…. including my oldest son.” Roberts shouted.

 

“For God’s sake man! You can’t hold the President or me responsible for that! The scientists were the targets…” Harry tried to reason with him. “We all regretted the loss of life but ….”

 

Roberts stood up in anger, and leaned on the table looking directly at Nelson, “Regretted, regretted.  If you allow all the world’s fanatics to take refuge here, our country is going to be used as a battle ground for their petty vendettas…. bringing death and destruction to innocent Americans!”

 

“Mr. Roberts, are you suggesting we refuse refuge to the world’s oppressed?” Katherine’s quiet steady voice interrupted both men.

 

Roberts looked startled by her question. Then he sat and seemed to compose himself. “I’m suggesting, Katherine, that we should keep America….secure. If the rest of the world want to kill themselves let them get on with it…. but don’t let them bring their quarrels to our streets.”

 

“Is that your answer to making our country secure…. close our borders and keep the foreigners out? That’s ridiculous. The world looks to us for freedom from persecution, for safety and justice, for sanctuary,” Katherine replied.

 

“You’re so naïve my dear. The world expects from us strong leadership. The only way to make our country great is to show strength. Might is always respected!  We need positive leaders who don’t shy away from the tough decisions. We need to rid our streets of the perverts, junkies and misfits. We must use our military superiority to our advantage and don’t let mis-guided compassion become our weakness. With a leadership prepared to re-enforce our rule of law, no-one would attack us,” Roberts spoke passionately and both Katherine and Nelson looked at him uneasily, this man was utterly sincere and extremely dangerous.

 

“Is that why you used drug smugglers to amass your fortune?” Harry asked menacingly. “You murdered innocent people and would have murdered an innocent child to protect yourself. Where does that fit into your morality?”

 

“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon Harry. I’ve had to struggle and fight for everything I have and I’m not about to let that effort go to waste for the lack of money! ” Roberts said aggressively. “ Don’t lecture me Nelson; you’ve never had to fight for anything in your life.”

 

Katherine Stone leant forward and looked directly at Ethan Roberts. “What are you going to do with us? Where do we fit in to your plan? Obviously you have a plan?” she stated.

 

Just then the door opened again and a younger man entered. He came across to Roberts who looked at him with an un-voiced question and received a nod in return. Roberts smiled broadly and turned to his prisoners, “Oh, yes I definitely have a plan.”

 

 *

Lee and Darcy Crane along with Chip and Grayling Morton were trying to eat the sandwiches that Grayling and Angie had arranged for them but no one was really hungry. Grayling looked at her three companions, their concern was obvious. She too was worried. This man Ethan Roberts seemed determined that Harry should ‘pay’ for some illusive crime that they were unaware of and now poor Katherine was also involved in his hunt for revenge.

 

“This wasn’t such a good idea. Was it?” Grayling asked looking at the untouched plates.

 

Chip reached for her hand, “Sorry love. I’m not very hungry.”

 

Darcy and Lee also apologised.

 

Suddenly the door opened and Bill Craven the head of security came in. “This just arrived at the front gate by courier,” he held up a small package in his hand.

 

Immediately Lee and Chip were on their feet as he brought it over to the desk and laid it down.

 

Lee looked at it carefully. “Has it been checked?”

 

“It has. No evidence of explosives and it came with this.” Bill handed Lee an envelope, addressed to ‘Captain Lee Crane, SSRN Seaview.’  It was typewritten and sealed. “It’s been X-rayed.”

 

Lee picked up a knife and slipped it along the seal. Opening it he withdrew a single sheet of paper and read aloud,

 

Dear Captain Crane,

 

By now you are surely aware of Admiral Nelson’s disappearance.

Please do not be alarmed; he is quite well… for now.

The enclosed videotape will provide the proof you will

undoubtedly demand.

 

I hope that it is not necessary for me to warn you that any

outside interference will not be tolerated, this is a private matter between us, if  you wish for your friends to stay alive I strongly suggest you keep it that way.

 

Please do not cancel or delay your departure date. We will be in touch before then.

 

Yours Ethan Roberts.

 

 Lee looked at the faces around him then dropped the letter and picked up the small package. He tore it open and took the tape over to the video machine. Chip switched on the T.V and both men backed away as the picture suddenly appeared.

 

It showed a small room seen from a high angle. There were two cots and sitting on them opposite each other were Nelson and Katherine, There was no sound but they were obviously talking. Nelson was holding Katherine’ hands and both appeared to be unharmed. Then the picture disappeared.

 

Everyone in the room was silent. Then Grayling went to stand by Chip and putting her hand in his, said quietly. “Well, at least we know for certain they’re still alive.”

 

 

*

 

Harry and Katherine were sitting quietly both considering their predicament. After the arrival of the young man, Katherine had identified him as Caleb Roberts; Ethan Roberts had sent them back to their cabin. 

 

Harry had quickly realised that they were on a boat, probably hiding out at sea.

 

“Well, I suppose we know more than we did but just how it may help us, I’m not sure,” Harry said thinking aloud.

 

“My God Harry he hates you…. he’s positively…” Katherine hesitated.

 

“Unstable? Mad? Obsessed? Any of those descriptions could apply. The man’s totally insane and very, very dangerous,” Harry finished deep in thought. So preoccupied was he that he almost missed Katherine’s reaction.

 

Katherine Stone stood and started to pace slowly, her arms wrapped around her and her thoughts elsewhere. Nelson looked up and seeing her agitation suddenly realised what he said, “Katherine I’m sorry. I didn’t think. Please sit down.”

 

“Harry it’s all right. Really I’m okay. Just your comments … brought back painful memories...” She allowed herself to be guided by him to the cot and sat.

 

Nelson watched her expression, “Would it help to talk about it?”

 

“What’s there to say Harry…..? He’s dead. It’s finished, over at last. Dale got what he wanted; he usually did in the end anyway,” she spoke with a detachment he knew she didn’t mean.

 

“Katherine all those years of devotion. You can’t just sweep them away. I know how you must feel.”

 

“Feel?” She spoke with vehemence. “You have no idea how I feel Admiral! I grew to hate him! I hated the way he controlled my life! I hated his emotional blackmail, the way he manipulated my feelings,”she looked straight into his eyes. “And finally… I let him die!”

 

Nelson was shocked. Katherine could never harm anyone, she was gentle and caring.

 

“Katherine…., what do you mean? You would never hurt anyone…”

 

“Oh, under enough pressure, anyone can do harm Harry.” She turned away from him.

 

Harry went to sit on the edge of her cot. He placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her gently towards him. “Katherine, talk to me. What happened?”

 

Katherine looked at Harry and lifted a hand to stroke the side of his face that was now bruising. As though suddenly realising what she had done, she snatched her hand back and scrambled to sit up, her back against the wall, she faced him.

 

She looked into his eyes, seeing his determination she sighed deeply and spoke. “Do you remember the days after your Captain’s promotion? Dale was in the hospital and I came to you for help.” He nodded. “Harry you were wonderful, the way you organised everything. Dale’s parents, the private sanatorium. For a while I thought it would be all right, Dale would recover and everything would be back the way it was. Then slowly I could see that it never would be again. Dale was a …difficult patient. He often refused his medication then became even more delusional…. which meant more drastic treatment…so on and so on. It was difficult managing Dale, his parents and my job. It was only your regular visits that kept me sane. I found I looked forward more and more to your company, I guess Dale must have picked up on it and that’s why he reacted the way he did.”

 

Harry remembered his last meeting with Dale…

 

 Katherine had dealt with Dale’s insecurities with patience and caring.  Harry had visited whenever he had leave and she was always pleased to see him, however Dale had come to resent him and on one particular visit he had raged at him until the doctors of the sanatorium had persuaded Harry to leave so they could settle him. It had been so hard watching her struggling to cope with Dale’s erratic behaviour.

 

Much later, when Katherine was able to leave she found Harry waiting for her.

 

 “Is he alright now?” Harry had asked with concern.

 

“Yes, they managed to settle him,”she’d said tiredly.

 

He remembered how he had persuaded her to go with him for something to eat.

 

“Dale… is feeling threatened by you Harry. He’s afraid of losing…..”

 

“You?” Harry asked quietly.

 

“Yes,” she whispered.

 

For some moments they had sat in silence.

 

 “Katherine…. would you ever consider leaving him. He will get the best care…I’ll see to that …. but you can’t carry on like this. It’s been months and he’s no better. The doctor’s don’t think he ever will be n… able to cope.”

 

“Normal, that’s what you were going to say isn’t it? Dale will never be normal again!”

 

“Kit Kat…”

 

“Don’t….don’t call me that, Dale doesn’t like it,” she said angrily.

 

Harry considered her. “Katherine, you know I would do anything for you…and Dale but you need to think about the future, about our future. Katherine I care deeply for you…..”

 

“No, don’t talk like that. We must not talk like that …I belong to Dale.” She had begun to leave and Harry had placed an arm around her. She leant against him as she welcomed his support, then looking at him their eyes met and he bent his head to hers. Gently and with great tenderness he had kissed her lovingly, only to have her respond with eagerness and passion. They had lost themselves in each other. Then slowly they had parted.

 

“Kit Kat, we must sort this out. I love you. I believe you love me, we need to face this…. and Dale.”

 

“Harry you must see how impossible that is. He relies on me…his parents…they’re convinced he will recover….that we will marry. His mother ….it’s only hope that keeps her going. I can’t give up on them,” Katherine said anxiously.

 

“You can’t live your life to meet other’s expectations, what about you, what about us?” Harry demanded.

 

Katherine looked deeply into eyes and sighed.

 

“Harry it’s late and I’m tired, I need to think. Take me home…we can talk in the morning, about everything,” she smiled at him and he agreed.

 

When they reached her door he kissed her again unwilling to let her go.  Eventually she opened her door just as the phone started to ring and she hurriedly answered it, she had paled and after listening had agreed to come, then hung up abruptly.

 

“Katherine, what is it? Is it Dale?” Harry held her hands and spoke gently to her.

 

She looked up at him dazed, “He tried to commit suicide tonight. Someone told him they saw us leave together and he tried to cut his wrists with a broken glass. He keeps asking for me. I must go to him.” She started to pick up her purse and keys.

 

“I’ll drive you…. you’re in shock.”

 

“No Harry, not tonight. If he sees you.... it’ll only make things worse, Please try to understand…. we can’t risk upsetting him, you must see that.” Her eyes pleaded with him.

 

Reluctantly he had let her leave alone, agreeing to wait for her call.

 

Katherine watched him and saw the conflicting emotions cross his face. “When that call came I felt so damn guilty! Dale was possibly dying and all I could remember were your kisses.”

 

Harry looked at her and reached out to hold her hand.

 

“That’s why I didn’t call you. I couldn’t trust myself to talk to you.”

 

When her call hadn’t come, Harry went to seek her out. As he walked along the corridor to Dale’s room he saw Katherine talking intently to Dale’s parents. As soon as Mrs Bruckman had seen him her expression had hardened. Katherine had stood and come towards him.

 

“Harry I …I meant to contact you…I’m sorry but Dale has been quite ill. It’s been a bit difficult…….” She looked tired and tense. Taking her hands Harry had tried to give her his support but Mrs. Bruckman had interrupted them.

 

“Captain Nelson….I know you have done many good things for Dale and we are grateful but ….now…now you are not helping him. You’re stopping his recovery. You don’t mean it we know but Dale relies on Katherine and she is like a daughter to us. She doesn’t need your….attentions. You’re supposed to be Dale’s friend, please, Captain don’t take her from our Dale, he needs Katherine…. we need Katherine…please don’t confuse her…. she loves Dale, he will get better and they will marry…so ....please leave her alone,” she finished with sobbing tears.

 

Harry looked shocked and glanced at Katherine who kept her head down and was obviously embarrassed.

 

“Katherine?” He wanted her to respond. “Kit Kat…?”.

 

“Harry, please not now. Dale needs me at the moment. I have to be here,” Katherine’s said quietly.

 

Harry looked at her and knew that this was not easy for her; she could not let Dale and his family down, nor would she.

 

“I see.”  He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry Katherine…. truly sorry. I will do all that I can to help. Maybe…when …things…settle down….” He glanced at the Bruckmans. “I’ll be in touch Katherine…in a few days….”

 

“No....please leave her alone, she doesn’t want you, she loves Dale…don’t you…you love Dale!” Mrs. Bruckman had become near hysterical and Katherine soothed her.

 

“Please go Harry…there is nothing more you can do here.” She turned away from him and refused to meet his eyes.

 

He had waited hours for her to come out but he wanted another chance to speak with her privately.

 

As he had approached her, she had watched him nervously. “Harry what are you still doing here?” she took his arm and dragged him away from the building, “do you want us to be seen together.”

 

“Katherine…. we need to talk.  It can’t end like this.”

 

“End like what Harry? We have nothing to end. We had a fantasy, which for a while we both shared but that’s all it was a fantasy. There can be nothing between us while Dale’s….. ill….he won’t ever let me go and I can’t walk away, I owe him some loyalty after all,” Katherine finished bitterly.

 

Harry held her hands and drew her into a diner. He ordered coffees and sat facing her.

 

“Katherine, do you love him?”

 

“Oh! For God’s sake Harry, what has love to do with it? The Dale I loved was gone long ago. This Dale is suicidal! His mother is grasping at any straw to keep her son alive and the doctors tell me that it’s only his obsession for me that gives him a reason for living. That’s not love but how I can I leave him?”

 

“Surely in time the doctors will be able to help him. Maybe if we just wait…”

 

“And what Harry? Sneak around; meet in hotel rooms in out of the way places. How could we build anything meaningful out of a relationship we were ashamed of?  The guilt would be too much, we’d grow to hate each other…..you know that. It’s over Harry, we were never meant to be,” she said softly. “Go Harry, go build your submarine, go and do something meaningful.” She stood and as she made to leave Harry grabbed her hand.

 

“Katherine… Kit Kat please, there has to be a solution, I’ll find it.”

 

She smiled at him and leant forward kissing his cheek. “Not this time Harry, sometimes there just are no solutions. I won’t leave him Harry, so don’t wait for me” She quickly left.

 

A few days later the Sanatorium had contacted him and told him that his funding was no longer necessary as the patient had been moved to Washington….

 

“I hated sending you away but you saw them, how could I let them down. They were depending on me. They never gave up, always working to make him better. I had to at least try to help them.” Katherine leaned forward, “I did love you Harry, but we could never have been truly happy with Dale still between us.”

 

“What do you mean you let him die?” Harry asked quietly.

 

Katherine retreated. Wrapping her arms around her she shook her head. “No Harry. I can’t talk about it.”

 

“Please Katherine; you at least owe me that. I don’t believe you could harm Dale, please Katherine, how did he die?”

 

 She looked at him and then sighed. “Okay Harry, I’ll tell you but you won’t like it.”

 

She took a deep breath. “For years Dale went from hospital to residential care and back again. His parents died within months of each other and then I was left alone with him. By then his obsession for me was totally ingrained. He rang me a dozen times an hour some days, threatening to kill himself if I left him. I was lucky with my job; they were very understanding and supportive. Eventually I found a way of managing Dale and for a while it got easier.” Katherine stood and walked around. “Then he saw a newspaper article about you, that award you received in Washington.  Well that set him off again. He became convinced we had been seeing each other. I tried to convince him but he wouldn’t believe me. One night I was packing to go on an assignment when he rang. I explained that I had to go away for a few days and he thought I was going to you,” she sat on the cot next to Harry and emotionally continued to explain. “Harry he threatened suicide again if I didn’t come. This time something just snapped…..I shouted that if he was going to do it, then why didn’t he? And slammed the phone down. I didn’t think he would…. really I didn’t, he had threatened it so often. He had made bungled attempts at it a few times, but the doctors were convinced that he didn’t really want to die, he used the threat to keep me with him.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Only this time he really did…and I’m the one responsible…I pushed him to it!” As she wept Harry held her close, thinking how different their lives might have been.

 

 Harry and Katherine stirred instantly when the light that had been turned off, suddenly flooded the room. They had not seen anything of Roberts for hours; their meals had been brought to the cabin by the guards. Blinking they sat up and heard the door being unlocked. When it swung open they were standing together.

 

Again the guard entered but this time alone. He pulled Harry towards the door and pushed Katherine back. “You, alone.” He uttered in a heavily accented voice.  Harry looked at Katherine in reassurance. “Don’t worry I’ll be back soon.” This time the gunman pushed him through the doorway; another armed man was waiting and pushed Harry ahead of him.

 

Entering the same room as before, Harry saw that the curtains were drawn back and they were obviously at sea. It was dark and he could not make out any landmarks. Looking around he noted a video camera on a tripod and a chair placed in front of it. The second gunman moved Harry towards it, pushed him to sit down, and using straps securely tied his wrists to the arms of the chair. Then he moved back and they waited. As Harry listened to the soft hum of the engines, he looked around the room, he had a feeling apprehension, this was not good.

 

The cabin door opened and Roberts came in smiling. “You know Harry; I’m beginning to understand the affinity you sailors have with the sea. It really is quite relaxing.” He went and poured himself a drink. “Now then. I suppose you’re curious as to what happens next.”

 

“I expect you’ll tell me, as you’ve gone to all this trouble to get my attention,” Nelson said sarcastically.

 

A flash of annoyance quickly flitted across Ethan Roberts face. “Damn you Nelson, don’t forget who’s in charge here.” He crossed the room and hit Harry hard on the jaw. “You’re not on your bloody submarine now. I call the shots, so you had better be civil or I will make you sorrier than you have ever been.”

 

Harry remained silent, but concentrated his attention on Roberts with angry eyes.

 

As he went to sit down in a chair near the camera, Ethan Roberts smiled smugly. “You see, it can be done. If you co-operate all sorts of unpleasantness can be avoided. Now Harry, I want you to make a little appeal for me… to your Captain.”

 

Nelson was suddenly alert. What could Roberts want with Lee? “What are you talking about, what sort of appeal?”

 

Roberts gently rolled the glass between his hands and smiled malevolently, “I thought that would get your attention.” He stood and came to stand in front of Nelson again. “My God you’re so predictable. You would let me kill you rather than put any one close to you in danger. Heroes, you’re all the same, you put everyone else before yourself and you know what Harry…. that’s your fatal weakness. I have no compunction about killing to get what I want, but you…. you would never kill in cold blood would you Harry?”

 

Nelson felt his temper rising…keep it together Harry; let him have his say, he fought to maintain his composure. “Seaview is that what you want? Why? You could never sail her!” 

 

Roberts went back to his seat. “Oh Harry, I know that. Without your excellent officers and crew, no-one could sail her.” He leant forward, “but with your help I will have her! Now, I want you to read this statement to the camera, as it is written, without any tricks.”

 

The gunman produced a typewritten sheet of paper and held it in front of Nelson. Quickly he scanned the wording and when he finished he looked at Robert’s. “You can’t be serious. Turn over the Seaview to you! There’s no way Crane would do that even to save me.”

 

“Oh, I think you underestimate your value Harry. Crane looks on you as the father he never knew, you’re his mentor, and he will do everything he can to save you. Heroes Harry, he’ll do it because he knows he will be responsible for your death otherwise.”

 

“You can’t make me do it? So you might as well kill me, I won’t help you.”

 

“I thought you’d say that. I could use physical coercion, although it is rather crass, you probably wouldn’t crack anyway, Morton didn’t. That’s why I was so pleased when you were taken with Ms. Stone.”

 

“Katherine?” Harry sat up straighter, fearing what was coming.

 

“Yes Harry, Katherine. She’s a very beautiful woman, don’t you think? Be a shame to mar such beauty. Or maybe I could just give her to my men…. they have been without feminine company for a while now, I’m sure they could amuse her, maybe you’d like to watch?”

 

Harry struggled to release himself, futile though he knew it was. He wanted to put his hands around Roberts’ neck…right now he felt quite capable of killing!

 

Roberts laughed at his efforts, “Please Harry, calm yourself, I don’t want you damaged yet.” He watched as Nelson stilled himself and looked at him. “That’s better. So what’s it to be Harry, will you co-operate, however reluctantly, or do I use Katherine as the leverage I need?”

 

“Damn you to hell!” Nelson ground out, “You know I’ll do it but I tell you Crane won’t hand over the Seaview to you. No matter what you threaten.”

 

“We’ll see Harry, we’ll see,” Roberts smiled confidently.

 

 

*

 

“Mr. Morton, are we ready to get under way?” Crane called out.

 

“Yes sir. We’re secure and ready to answer bells.”

 

“Very well, go to all ahead standard, heading one-two-zero.”

 

As Mr. Morton repeated the commands with a hint of resentment, he was aware of the Captains reaction.

 

 When they had received the second videotape, Lee and Chip had been concerned at the Admirals request. Obviously he was being coerced; they could see the bruises and his obvious reluctance.

 

 When Roberts had appeared on the screen, he had demanded the Seaview and a crew to man her, or the Admiral and Katherine Stone would die. In Katherine’s case he had been very graphic as to her fate. Lee and Chip had no doubts that he was sincere but the decision had not been an easy one for them. They had discussed their options long into the night, knowing they had no choice; they had set sail on schedule.

 

 Roberts had sent his son, Caleb, and eight armed men to sail with her. They had taken up stations in all vital areas of the boat and watched the crew very carefully. Right now Caleb was seated in the nose watching their departure procedures.

 

“Is there a problem Mr. Morton?” Crane asked severely.

 

Morton turned with a blank expression and said with lightly veiled sarcasm. “No Captain, sir. Your orders are being followed,” The silence in the control room was electric.

 

Crane came to stand next to his XO. “Chip, for God’s sake, I know you don’t agree with my decision but remember the crew,” he pleaded sternly.

 

 Chip Morton narrowed his eyes and replied with irritation in a strained whisper, “I am thinking of the crew Lee. You’re the one who’s not.”

 

Caleb Roberts watched the men and listened to their hushed conversation with suspicion. He had noted the tension between them but his father had told him they were best friends, so he was suspicious of their attitude.

 

Crane glanced tensely around the control room and at Caleb Roberts then he turned back again to Morton. “Mr. Morton….I’ll take the watch, I’m sure you have reports to finish…in your cabin,” he said it quietly but the words were audible to all.

 

Morton looked up suddenly at his Captain. “Are you relieving me of duty, Captain?” His obvious annoyance barely controlled.

 

“No Mr. Morton ….not if I don’t have to,” Crane had spoken softly but firmly, looking directly at his Exec.

 

Roberts watched the flush of humiliation flood Morton’s face, he thought for a moment he was going to argue but he turned and walked smartly out the hatch. Crane looked relieved.

 

“Captain,” Caleb Roberts called. “You want to explain that little drama?” he questioned as Crane joined him.

 

“I don’t know what you mean? I merely suggested Mr. Morton get some rest,” Crane looked uncomfortable and Caleb knew he was lying.

 

“Morton doesn’t agree with this does he?” He asked smiling.

 

“Mr. Morton is a good and loyal officer. He wants to rescue the Admiral just as much as the rest of us,” Crane said defiantly.

 

“I sure hope so Captain, because a loose cannon could be very hazardous to everyone…especially the Admiral!”

 

Crane looked at Roberts with revulsion, “Don’t worry about my crew. If your father keeps his bargain, so will we!”

 

*

 

Harry and Katherine were sitting opposite each other. When he had been returned to the cabin she knew immediately something was wrong. After some direct questioning he had told her everything.

 

“Harry, for God’s sake you shouldn’t have done it! You can’t turn a vessel like Seaview over to a maniac like Roberts.”

 

“I had little choice. He would have carried out his threat Katherine…. and made me watch,” Harry said angrily.

 

 She watched him wrestling with the possible results of his decision. “Harry…  I don’t matter. Roberts will obviously use Seaview to further his ambitions. The whole world could be at risk!”

 

Nelson stood up and ran his hand through his hair in irritation, “I know that! But ….I couldn’t let him harm you.” He sat down beside her. “At least on Seaview there is a chance to stop him. I know he will have planned well but he doesn’t know Lee, Chip or the crew. They will have anticipated him…I’m sure of that. All we need to do is play along, let him believe we’re defeated for now…then look for our chance to beat him!”

 

“Do you realise, our lives seem to have been controlled by other people’s obsessions?” Katherine Stone said bitterly.  She looked at the man beside her. “Harry, I’m sorry….about Dale. I had to stay with him. I wished with all my heart it could have been different…that you and I …”she said tenderly.

 

“I know, Kit Kat, I know. I had hoped for so long that you would love me…. then when you did ...it was cruelly snatched from us. Nobody’s fault…  I never stopped loving you …. I tried but you were always there just out of reach.” when he saw her look of dis-belief he continued, “Oh there were others of course but they were only pale imitations of you. You had my heart even if you didn’t know it.” He bent forward and kissed her gently. Katherine responded and for a few moments every thing else was forgotten.

 

“Harry, please…. don’t make it harder. Even without all this….” she waved her hand vaguely at their surroundings. “It’s too late for us. I’m not the same person any more….”

 

“Do you still love me?”

 

“Harry...I…can’t…” she saw his unwavering look and smiled forlornly. “Yes Harry I still love you…but...”

 

“There are no buts. We love each other and for now that’s all that matters.” He smiled,  “I once told Grayling that ‘regrets were poor companions when you’re lonely.’ I’ve been lonely a very long time Kit Kat….but not any more.” Harry took her in his arms and kissed her. “Not any more.” he repeated contentedly.

 

*

 

Lee Crane and Chip Morton met in the corridor leading to the officer’s quarters.

 

“Chip, where have you been? I thought you were in your cabin,” Lee questioned his friend.

 

“I’m sorry Captain, I didn’t know I was confined there, sir,” Morton replied and pushed passed him, opening the door to his own cabin.

 

Following Chip inside Lee slammed the door, which didn’t catch and opened again slightly.

 

“Damn you Morton,” the Captain said firmly. “What the hell do you think you’re playing at? I trusted you to back me up in this. The Admiral’s practically your family…don’t you want to save him?”

 

Morton rounded on Lee and angrily answered him, “Of course I do! I know what he means to Grayling! I don’t need you to remind me. But this is not the way Lee. You’re putting Seaview and the crew at risk, in the vague hope you can, by some miracle, stop Roberts and save the boat. You don’t even have a plan for God’s sake.”

 

“And you do I suppose?” Crane demanded.

 

Morton looked defiant. “You know I do!”

 

Crane sat wearily on Morton’s bunk. “Chip, I told you that won’t work. Roberts will be expecting it. He knows we’ll try something but flooding the boat with knockout gas and hoping we stay on our feet longer than them, well….it’s far too risky.”

 

“And letting him take Seaview isn’t? Lee you’re letting your…loyalty to the Admiral cloud your judgement, think about what you’re doing, you’re risking everything. Even some of the crew think so too.”

 

“Oh. You’ve been talking to the crew, have you Mister? Let me guess, Kowalski and Patterson, they were always your men weren’t they Chip; I always had my doubts about them.”

 

“Lee…”

 

“No, Mr. Morton, no more! I will not do anything to endanger the Admiral You will follow orders and you better tell your men to obey as well, …or I’ll throw you all overboard!” with that Crane slammed out of the room.

 

A figure watched and listened then slipped quietly away.

 

*

 

The door to their ‘cell’ opened and the armed guard and Roberts stepped in. Harry stood with his arm protectively around Katherine and a defiant look on his face.

 

“Well Harry, it’s time for us to leave. Your excellent Captain has brought Seaview just as I told you he would. So we are going to meet him and board my new command vessel.” Roberts was barely able to contain his pleasure. “However I’ve decided that Ms. Stone will remain here, just to keep you honest Admiral.”

 

“No…. she comes with us!” Nelson protested as he left Katherine and came towards Roberts. “Damn you, I will not leave her here.”

 

The guard swiftly intercepted Nelson and used the butt of his gun to fell him.

 

“I told you before Harry, I’m in charge!  She will remain here and she’ll be safe for as long as you and your crew co-operate.”

 

Katherine went to help Harry. “Harry please, it will be alright. Just do whatever you have to.” she said to him quietly and kissed him gently.

 

The guard lifted Nelson roughly and moved him towards the door. He looked back and saw Katherine’s encouraging smile then she blew him a kiss and he was pushed out into the corridor. Roberts sneered at him, “Heroes, bloody heroes. You just remember that kiss Nelson because if you try to cross me….she will suffer!”

 

*

 

Seaview had surfaced and was waiting for Ethan Roberts’ arrival. As Crane looked around the control room he could see his men were watching him carefully. Chip was standing by the chart table studiously avoiding his eyes. Then someone started down the ladder.

 

Ethan Roberts descended to the deck with a broad smile. “Good afternoon Captain!” He looked around the control room with undisguised arrogance. He moved forward to embrace his son as another figure came down followed by two more armed men.

 

“Admiral, are you okay?” Crane asked with relief.

 

“Yes Lee… but you shouldn’t have done this. You should have kept Seaview and the crew safe.”

 

“We couldn’t leave you to die,” Crane replied passionately.

 

While they had greeted each other, Ethan Roberts had been talking intently to his son, Caleb.

 

He came towards the group of men, noting Morton’s stony expression. “Well Harry, it seems not all your crew are as loyal as you believed. Isn’t that right Mr. Morton?” Ethan Roberts turned directly towards Chip.

 

Chip Morton flinched but remained silent.

 

“Not holding a grudge are we Chip? After all, our last meeting was entirely your own fault. If you had co-operated…? Bet you wish you had now. Crane’s not as loyal to your friendship as you thought….hmm.”

 

Chip cast a hostile glance in Lee’s direction, then glared at Ethan Roberts and said nothing.

 

“Well Captain, shall I throw Mr. Morton and his disloyal crew overboard for you?”

 

Both Lee and Chip showed surprise, Roberts laughed.

 

“Mr. Morton will serve as his duty commands, so will all the crew. I demand they stay, I had your word no-one would be harmed,” Lee faced him defiantly.

 

Roberts grew obviously angry, “You demand! I decide Captain, not you,” Roberts looked to one of the guards.

 

“Enough of this, put …  Kowalski, Patterson…. and Morton on the launch and take them back to the yacht. Lock them up with Ms. Stone. Go to the rendezvous and await my orders.” Roberts watched as the three men were dragged to the ladder and when their wrists were secured forced to climb out onto the deck and away.

 

Nelson was confused by what had happened but noted that Lee seemed relieved with the turn of events, although to any one else nothing would seemed apparent.

 

Roberts ordered them to get underway again and brought Harry to the nose with him.

 

“Why did you have those men taken away?” Harry demanded.

 

Roberts smiled. “Why Harry, I hate to be the one to tell you this but your first officer was at odds with the good Captain over how to rescue you. He was all for risking your life, no matter what the possible outcome. Crane is much more anxious to save you, even to the point of losing his best friend. Morton was much too dangerous to keep on board; you can never be sure what reckless men will do but he’s still a useful as hostage. He and his men will be much easier to handle on the yacht.”

 

Nelson absorbed the information, careful not to betray any outward emotion. Chip Morton … reckless, not the man he knew and since when were Kowalski and Patterson Morton’s men. No, they had a plan to rescue Katherine and that cheered his heart immensely! To Roberts he snarled, “Damn you, if anything happens to any of them I’ll see you pay…”

 

Roberts laughed heartily, “How Harry? I have the woman you love as my prisoner, the mighty Seaview and her crew at my command and I have you. You’re a spent force Nelson…so sit down and shut up!”

 

*

 

Chip Morton, Kowalski and Patterson were pushed roughly through the cell doorway, landing in a heap on the floor. The door was pulled shut and locked.

 

“Mr. Morton!” a startled Katherine Stone looked down at him.

 

“Ms. Stone. Are you all right? Do call me Chip by the way, this is Kowalski and Patterson.” Chip struggled to stand up as his wrists were still tied. “Do you mind?” he asked holding out his wrists to her.

 

“What? Oh yes, of course.” She hurriedly undid the tight knots and when he was free he proceeded to do the same for his men.

 

“What are you doing here? Have you seen Harry? Is he all right?”

 

“Yes we’ve seen him, he’s aboard the Seaview and well as far as we could tell.”

 

Chip then sat down and told her why they were here.

 

“So you and the Captain planned all this?” Katherine asked surprised.

 

“We did. Lee and I purposely made Caleb Roberts think I was un-reliable, we both felt he would find my defection easier to buy than Lee’s, besides Lee needed to stay with Seaview. We needed Roberts to believe we were at odds over how to rescue the Admiral. A little sarcasm here, a little insubordination there and a supposedly private full on row in my cabin, where we just let slip that Kowalski and Patterson were more loyal to me than Seaview…”

 

“How could you be sure they would hear your argument?”

 

Chip laughed smugly. “I’d taped my cabin door lock so it wouldn’t shut properly; Lee slammed the door knowing it would open again…so anyone listening heard every word.”

 

“I see but how did you know I would be left here?”

 

“We didn’t for sure. Lee thought it was a pretty safe bet. Roberts would need to keep the Admiral defensive and obedient. I guess Lee’s ONI training told him the rest.”

 

“Mr. Morton sir, if we could just have your jacket.” Kowalski asked.

 

“Sure Kowalski, here” Chip shrugged out of the black flight jacket. . He dropped it casually on the floor against the wall, within reach for Kowalski. “Be careful of the camera.” He flicked a glance at the ceiling. Luckily Caleb Roberts hadn’t questioned the fact that Chip wore the jacket as part of his uniform, probably didn’t realise the significance

 

“It’s okay sir, we got it pegged,” Patterson replied.

 

“Camera, what camera?” Katherine Stone started to scan the room.

 

Chip quickly sat in front of her. “Don’t alert them! Katherine there is a camera in the ceiling watching us.”

 

“How do you know?” she whispered.

 

He quickly told her about the first video.

 

“My God, you mean they’ve been watching us, listening to us?” She seemed embarrassed.

 

“I don’t think it has audio capability. Just visual,” Chip noted the blushes and speculated quietly to himself.

 

He got up and casually appeared to inspect the room, making himself the focus of the group. As he wandered around he tested walls and checked the overhead light. “How’s it coming Patterson?” he said carefully not looking at the two men sitting on the floor with their backs against the door, behind the camera’s forward visual range.

 

“We’re nearly ready sir,” came the reply.

 

Katherine Stone kept her head down but from beneath her lashes watched as the two seamen stripped the lining from the jacket and produced several tools and other equipment.

 

She transferred her attention to Chip. “You really did come prepared, didn’t you?” she said with her back to the other men.

 

“A little trick Lee used to rescue the Admiral once. He thought it might work again for us.”

 

“Okay sir. We’ve assembled the gun. You only have one shot, but it’s better than nothing. Should we blow the lock now?” Kowalski whispered.

 

Chip sat down. “Not yet Ski. Let’s let them settle for the night. Then we’ll make our move.”

 

*

 

Roberts was gloating as he looked out of the large ‘Herculite’ windows that were so unique to Seaview.

 

“I must say Harry, this is spectacular!”

 

Under other circumstances Nelson would have been flattered but not at this moment.

 

Both Harry and Lee were sat awaiting Roberts’ orders. They had not been allowed to talk together and could only observe each other covertly.

 

As he turned his attention to them he noted how Crane tried to hide his relief at having Nelson back aboard. Caleb had told him, how Crane had warned Morton that he would do nothing to endanger Nelson’s life...…that was evident by the way he watched the man constantly. Ethan Roberts knew he could use that to his advantage.

 

“Well Captain, I will give you some co-ordinates and you will head there at standard speed and submerged at ninety feet. That is your operating level for long wave communications, isn’t it?” Roberts smiled confidently.

 

Lee looked startled but tried to hide it. “Usually. Sometimes we can go lower.”

 

“Don’t lie to me Captain! I know a lot more than you suppose. I warn you Crane; I will not be taken for a fool! Lie to me and someone else will suffer for your mistakes. Do you understand?”

 

Lee flinched angrily but said. “Yes”

 

“Good. Now, just so we have no mistakes, accidental or otherwise, I feel I ought to warn you that the yacht on which your beloved Katherine…” Roberts smiled confidently at Harry. “And your XO and crewmen now reside, is wired to explode at my command.” He watched both men’s worried expressions.  “Nothing of course will happen if you all do your jobs and obey all your orders completely.”

 

Harry was suddenly blinded with rage. Unconsciously he launched himself at Roberts trying to get his hands around his throat. “Damn you to hell!”

 

One of the guards hit Nelson with the butt of his rifle, once in the side and once on the back of the head before he fell to the deck stunned.

 

Lee could only watch helplessly as another gunman held a weapon to his chest.

 

“You shouldn’t have done that Nelson! By God I will make you pay for attacking me!” He looked down at the semi-conscious man body. “Contact the yacht and tell them to kill one of the sailors.” Caleb Roberts went away smiling towards the radio shack.

 

*

 

Chip was carefully feeling his way to the door. The overhead light had been switched off a couple of hours earlier and everything seemed quiet outside.

 

Patterson had already located the small camera lens installed in the ceiling in front of the door and effectively sabotaged it.

 

“Okay Kowalski, Patterson let’s make this work.”

 

“Aye sir.”

 

“Pat can you find the lock….”

 

Suddenly the overhead light came on and there was the sound of approaching feet.   The two crewmen looked at Morton, he nodded. Kowalski took out a short pipe object and tossed it to him; he slipped it up his sleeve. As the lock was turned and the door opened Morton was perched on the end of a cot, Kowalski and Patterson were sitting on the floor and Katherine was lying on the other cot.

 

An armed man entered looked casually at the officer and the woman and turned his attention to the men on the floor.  “You up,” he pointed to Kowalski.

 

“What do you want with him?” Chip asked as he stood up.

 

“Stay out of it and you don’t get hurt.”

 

Chip put his hands up defensively and moved back slightly.

 

Chip looked at the crewmen and nodded faintly. Kowalski got up and slowly headed to the door, accidentally tripping, as the guard turned to look at him, Chip moved forward and put an arm around his throat, applied a little pressure and the man slumped unconsciously against him.

 

“Well, it seems the door is open has been opened for us, so let’s move. Kowalski take his gun, Patterson you back him up.”

 

Putting the gunman on a cot Chip turned to Katherine. “It may be safer if you stay here. We’ll come back for you.”

 

“No way! I’m going along; I don’t want to spend any more time in here.”

 

“Okay, but stay behind me.” They all moved swiftly out of the door.

 

In the main cabin two guards were watching a football game on satellite T.V. Their concentration on the set they didn’t hear the two men who crept up behind them.  Kowalski and Patterson smiled as they knocked them out.

 

“Put them with the other one and lock the door,” Chip ordered.

 

Chip moved towards the main door but stopped when he heard voices coming towards them. He signalled to Katherine to move back and he went to stand behind the door.

 

It opened and two men strolled in laughing. When they saw Katherine they stopped and were momentarily surprised. Suddenly they walked forward and started to draw their guns. Katherine kept her fearful eyes on them as Chip stepped out from behind the door and held the small metal gun to the head the nearest man. “I wouldn’t. Just stand still and no-one will get hurt.”

 

For a moment the two men were still then both rounded and knocking Morton’s hand away rushed towards him. Just then Kowalski and Patterson returned and firing a warning shot got both men’s attention.

 

When they returned a second time from the cell Chip said, “That’s five. Let’s check out the deck and then find the radio shack.”

 

After careful reconnoitring they were sure that there was no-one on deck. They headed back inside and made for the radio room.

 

Outside the closed door they listened to a voice from inside. “Yeah. I just heard the shot, one of them is dead. Kane wouldn’t miss. I’ll get him and he’ll tell you which one. Over and out.”

 

There was a sound of footsteps and the door suddenly opened. The radio operator was startled to be faced with the barrel of a gun. Chip pushed him back inside and glanced around, he was alone.

 

“Okay, we can do this nice or we can do this not so nice, you’re choice,” Morton said menacingly as he glared at the obviously frightened man.

 

The radio operator swallowed nervously and nodded, “Whatever you say, I just work the radio.”

 

“Who are you talking to?”

 

“Caleb Roberts, on the submarine.”

 

“What does he want to know?”

 

The operator looked nervously around. Chip prodded him with the gun. “Which one of the sailors we shot …... it was on Roberts’ orders…I swear.”

 

Chip looked at his companions, “So that’s why they came for you,” he said quietly to Kowalski. He thought quickly. “I want you to answer. Tell them it was Kowalski and that everything is fine. No tricks.”

 

The operator nodded and turned slowly to the radio. “No. Wait,” Morton said urgently.

 

“We need to get a message through without alerting them. Kowalski could you piggy- back a Morse code message at the same time….make it sound like interference?”

 

Kowalski thought for a moment, “Morse sir? Probably could, but who would hear it except maybe the bad guys.”

 

“I’m betting the Captain or Sparks is near that radio. We have to try. Now how to let them know just in case one of the ‘bad guys’ knows Morse,” Chip smiled at Kowalski’s description of Roberts and his gunmen.

 

“Maybe I can help,” Katherine said. “Send this….’Kit Kat and all the kittens are safe and well.’

 

Kowalski looked confused “Ma’am?”

 

 After glancing at Katherine, Morton ordered. “Don’t argue Ski, just send it.”

 

Patterson smiled at Kowalski who shrugged and moved to the radio.

 

 *

 

Ethan Roberts paced Seaview’s nose. Admiral Nelson was handcuffed and sitting with his back against the spiral staircase.

 

Nelson’s head throbbed and his vision was blurring slightly. Jamie would have his guts for this! He cursed himself for his rash actions. His temper had overridden his logic….and now someone would die because of it!

 

“Samuels is finding out which one it was,” Caleb Roberts reported.

 

“Bring them!” Ethan Roberts ordered abruptly and strode off towards the radio.

 

Captain Crane bent down to help the Admiral up and supported him as they walked through the control room.

 

“I warned you Nelson! Now maybe you’ll finally understand, I’m in charge; you do as I say.”

 

Nelson stood unsteadily leaning heavily on Lee. “He needs medical help. His head wound needs treatment,” Crane said forcibly, “Or do you want to lose another hostage?”

 

Roberts looked at Nelson…he did seem to be almost unconscious. “He can wait; I want him to know just what his actions have cost him.”

 

“Patriot calling Seaview, Patriot calling Seaview…come in Seaview. Over”

 

“This is Seaview...come in Patriot. Over”

 

“Caleb that you?”

 

“Yeah Samuels… so who did they toss overboard?”

 

“Kowalski. Kane says the rest are quiet.”

 

“Okay, Samuels…keep them that way. Any trouble let us know.”

 

“Okay Seaview…over and out.”

 

Roberts watched the obvious pain that the two officers in front of him couldn’t hide. He saw Nelson sway and Crane’s visible shock. Now they’d obey him! They wouldn’t risk the repercussions again.

 

“Take him back to the nose,” Ethan Roberts ordered Crane.

 

“Please, you have to let me take him to sick bay. He needs the Doctor!” Crane almost begged.

 

Nelson was slumped and it was only Crane’s support that kept him on his feet. Roberts hesitated…

 

“Bring the Doctor to him. Nelson stays here.”

 

Lee wanted to argue but was relieved to get that much. “Mr. O’Brien, call the Doctor to the control room.”

 

“Aye sir,” said O’Brien and picked up the microphone.

 

Jamie came through the control room with his medical bag and went immediately to the nose.

 

“Caleb, check the Doctor’s bag…just in case,” Ethan Roberts ordered.

 

Jamie stood and watched as Caleb pulled the bag from his grip and proceeded to search it. He saw that Lee was by the spiral staircase with a gun trained on him and that the Admiral was on the deck not far from the table…he looked in a bad way.

 

When he was handed it back he, ignored the other men and went straight to his patient.

 

After a methodical examination he turned to Ethan Roberts. “He needs to be in sick bay. He has a concussion and at least one cracked rib. I need to bind his chest and lay him flat for the concussion.”

 

“He stays.”

 

“Dammit man. He will only get worse without my help…I can do nothing for him here. Please a few hours flat on his back and he’ll recover,” Jamie pleaded.

 

Roberts looked at Nelson. He was deathly pale and his eyes were closed.

 

“Caleb, go with them and don’t let him out of your sight. Don’t try any tricks Doctor. You have an hour to get him back on his feet. One man has already paid the price for his officer’s disobedience. ”

 

Jamie looked in confusion at Lee.

 

“They murdered Kowalski,” Lee said bitterly.

 

Jamison was shocked and looked down at Harry. He knew how much this would eat away at both men.

 

After a couple of the crew had carefully carried the Admiral aft, Roberts turned to Crane.

 

“Here are your co-ordinates Captain. Maintaining your present speed and depth…it should take us approximately three hours to arrive,”he handed Lee a typewritten sheet.

 

“Will you tell me why we’re going there?” Lee asked curtly.

 

“When we get there Captain, will be soon enough for you to know,” Roberts smiled with assurance.

 

*

 

“Easy Admiral, take it slowly,” Jamie eased Nelson to a sitting position. They had been in sickbay for nearly an hour. The Admiral had been suffering from concussion but thankfully his ribs were only badly bruised.

 

He had started to recover and was now struggling to sit upright.

 

Harry saw Caleb Roberts sitting nonchalantly on the edge of Jamison’s desk watching him. “What’s the damage Jamie, will I live?”

 

“You will have a headache for a few hours, how’s the vision?”

 

Jamie leant forward and started to check out Harry’s eyes.

 

“Jamie, can you get a message to Lee?” Harry said softly.

 

“Look up,” Jamie said firmly. “What am I to tell him?” he whispered.

 

“Tell him Kowalski’s alive. Katherine sent a message….in the Morse code,” Nelson said quietly.

 

Jamie stood back and observed him carefully…was Harry hallucinating?

 

“No Jamie….I’m not imagining it. Tell Lee that it was in the Morse message. Whatever he and Chip planned, has worked. ...Katherine is safe.”

 

“What are you whispering about?” Caleb Roberts came forward.

 

“I was just testing the Admiral’s memory…checking his responses,” Jamison replied.

 

“Well, is he all right?” Roberts asked brusquely.

 

Before Jamison could protest further he was interrupted. “I’m fine Will…. leave it alone now,”  Nelson warned.

 

Jamison was going to argue but decided to allow the Admiral to manage the situation.

 

“Here take these, they’re only a mild painkiller…. for the headache.” Jamie handed Nelson two tablets and a glass of water. “I’ll check you in an hour or so, just to be sure.”

 

Sometime later Dr. Will Jamison came through the aft hatch and saw the Captain at the periscope while Ethan and Caleb Roberts, along with the Admiral were seated in the nose. He headed for Lee.

 

“Captain?” he said in a low voice.

 

Crane turned and noted Jamison’s surreptitious attempt to attract his attention. He casually moved back towards the computer area and said softly, “What is it Jamie?”

Will quickly explained the message from Nelson.

 

“Is he sure?”

 

“He’s sure. Whatever you and Chip planned, worked, Katherine is safe.”

 

Lee glanced at the nose. He had recognised the not generally known version of a newly revised and more secure Morse code, and wondered at it. The message hadn’t made much sense to him, Kit Kat….kittens? He had felt the Admiral tense as he held him, when the message had been received and now he certainly appeared less tense since his return, even after Roberts insisted that he was handcuffed again. Crane made his decision.

 

 “We’re going with the plan…pass the word…22.00, be ready.” It was now 21.15.

 

Jamie had checked the Admiral over under the watchful gaze of father and son, declaring him reasonably recovered. As he was about to leave, he whispered “22.00 be ready”. Nelson caught his eye and frowned slightly but gave no other acknowledgment.

 

 Thirty minutes later a voice rang out. “Sir we have a surface contact, bearing zero three zero,” Riley called from sonar.

 

Lee came to stand at the sonar station. He observed the readings but before he could question Riley further, Ethan Roberts came to the plot table and smiling he said. “That Captain is our assignment.”

 

Crane looked at him confused. “Assignment? What do you mean? What are you talking about?”

 

Roberts strolled to the large windows and looking out he laughed. Lee followed him forward casting a casual glance at the Admiral.

 

“On that cruiser are the President, some of the Chiefs of Staff and several Senators and Congressmen, all there to inspect the new stealth technology for Naval vessels.” He turned to observe Nelson and Crane. “The Seaview is going to sink that ship!”

 

Lee Crane was genuinely shocked. He had not expected this. He looked to the Admiral.

 

Nelson glared at Roberts in pure hatred. “You can’t kill the President and all his staff.       For God’s sake man, it’s insane……absolutely insane!”

 

“I think not Admiral , this will clear the way for a new order. The right men are already in place to fill the vacuum. America will thank us when we save our country. Now Captain I want you to load two of your missiles and ….”

 

“No, Captain Crane, I order you not to do this…..the cost is too great!” Nelson commanded, as a guard came and trained a gun on him.

 

“Nelson, just don’t forget what that cost is. …… remember I have Katherine, Morton and the sailor in my power.

 

The Admiral paused and for a moment looked out through the large scenic windows, then closing his eyes he appeared to hesitate. Opening his eyes he looked straight at Roberts and said very quietly. “I know the cost but I also know that Katherine or any of my crew would not want the cost of their lives to be the death of all those innocent people. We will not commit murder for you.”

 

Roberts grew angry and snatched a gun from the nearest guard and advanced on Nelson. “I could kill you right now and you couldn’t stop me! You will obey!” he turned towards Lee. “Load your torpedoes Crane….and sink that ship or I will begin killing your crew….starting with Admiral Nelson!” he held the gun threateningly at Nelson’s head.

 

Lee looked at the scene in front of him, and then glancing around saw that the tension was written on the faces of all the control room crew. Lee Crane drew a deep breath and picked up the microphone. “Missile room…load tubes two and four, prepare the firing sequence.” Then clicking it off turned to Chief Sharkey, “Chief go to the missile room and take control….no matter what happens here you will follow my orders and do your duty.”

 

Sharkey appeared to hesitate then nodded positively “Aye sir, you can rely on me.” Then turned on his heel and headed aft. It was 21.57.

 

“Lee you can’t do this! For God’s sake that’s the President!” the Admiral tried to stand but was held in his chair by the guard.

 

Ethan Roberts was grimly holding the gun and watching Crane carefully. “Don’t do anything foolish Crane, I will kill him!”

 

Crane’s reply was interrupted by the sound of the alarm claxon sounding loudly throughout the boat.

 

He ran forward and grappled with Ethan Roberts for the gun, just as Nelson turned on the startled guard and using his tethered hands double fisted him on the jaw knocking him to the ground, then with extreme force struck him on the back of his neck and he fell unconsciously to the deck. Harry turned to see his crew overpowering Caleb Roberts and disarming him. Looking back to Lee he saw Roberts fighting almost maniacally. His face was distorted with rage and he was trying to use the weapon to shoot Lee. Harry ran forward and grabbed the gun when it suddenly went off. Lee Crane staggered and fell backwards.

 

Chief Sharkey and several crewmembers came running through the control room and came to the Admiral’s aid, dragging Roberts away and securing him firmly.

 

Nelson dropped to Lee’s side and called to him. “Lee! Lee son are you all right? Talk to me….” 

 

Jamie came and moved Nelson aside, “Let me see to him Admiral.”

 

“Admiral, let me unlock those sir,” Sharkey took hold of the Admiral’s wrists and swiftly unlocked them. Harry barely noticed, “Is he hurt badly Jamie? Will he be alright?”

 

“I hope he dies Nelson! I hope you know what it’s like to lose your son! You can live with the knowledge that you killed him, your precious hero!” Roberts was still trying to struggle free and shouted at Nelson with increased venom.

 

Harry turned and rushed towards him, “If he dies, by God, I will not be responsible for my actions! Get him out of my sight; lock him and the rest of his people in the brig!”

 

A worried crew dragged out Roberts and his son.

 

 Nelson went back to Jamie’s side and hovered. “Jamie, how bad is it?”

 

“Admiral, it’s okay. The bullet only creased his hard skull.” He moved aside and Harry could see Lee struggling to stand rather unsteadily.

 

“I’m okay Admiral. It doesn’t even hurt,” Lee said as Jamie took hold of his arm to steady him.

 

“That’s a lie and it won’t stop you from going to sickbay,” Jamison said firmly.

 

As he was about to argue, Nelson stepped forward and taking hold of both of Lee’s upper arms said, “Jamie’s right Lee. You need to be treated properly. Go with him for now. Seaview’s safe and Roberts is locked up.” He finished with a broad smile.

 

“But sir, we need to rescue Chip from the Roberts yacht and……”

 

“Lee son, you saved the boat and Chip and Katherine are already safe…..we’ll go pick them up but you need to look after yourself or Mr. Morton will hold me responsible and I don’t want my Exec angry at me as well as the CMO. Go, you will be back in time to welcome them back aboard, you have my word.”

 

Crane hesitated and then looked at Jamie who was standing determinedly watching him. “Okay Admiral, I’ll be gone just long enough to get patched up,”he said firmly, including Jamison in his statement.

 

Jamie sighed and followed his Captain to sickbay.

 

*

Two hours later Seaview was surfacing again, this time to bring its own crew back aboard as well as Katherine Stone.

 

It had been a busy couple of hours. Nelson had contacted the President’s ship and given an edited report of the past few days’ events. The President had been grateful and promised a meeting when they were all back in port to discuss the ramifications of Roberts actions.

 

Next Harry had contacted the yacht and after assuring himself that every one was safe, arranged a rendezvous for the pickup.

 

Lee had returned to the control room wearing a stark white bandage on his forehead. Harry had contacted Jamie and been assured that he was fit for duty…just! Jamie had decided he would cut his losses and keep a discreet eye on Lee from a distance. He would be alerted if there were any serious developments.

 

 

 “Captain, we’ve got an approaching craft sir,” The voice of the topside lookout rang out over the intercom.

 

“Very good bring them aboard,” Lee turned to see the Admiral coming to join him.

 

“Well Captain, it’ll be good to have them all safely back on board,” Harry said. “Admiral Kendal has arranged a crew to take the yacht back into harbour, Roberts and his men will return with us.” As he finished speaking there was movement at the ladder and a pair of slim, shapely legs descended to the deck.

 

As she turned Katherine Stone’s eyes searched for the one face she wanted to see more than any other. Harry stepped forward and she went to meet him, they wrapped their arms around each other, watched by a smiling Captain and crew.

 

Kowalski and Patterson were the next to descend and Lee met them. “Welcome back, both of you. I’m glad to see your ‘demise’ was greatly exaggerated Ski,” the Captain joked.

 

“Yeah, so am I sir,” Kowalski replied smiling. Both men moved aft towards a smiling COB.

 

“About time you two loafers got back, cruising around the ocean like tourists!” Sharkey said gruffly.

 

 Patterson and Kowalski smiled at each other and Patterson said. “We’re glad to be back too, Chief.” They all walked through the aft hatch laughing.

 

“Permission to come aboard, Captain?” the familiar voice sounded from above.

 

“Permission granted Mr. Morton,” Lee said with a broad smile.

 

Chip Morton came down the ladder and landed gently on the deck, turning to greet his Captain and friend. He looked alarmed when he saw the bandage, “What did you do to yourself this time?”

 

Lee laughed and clasped his friend in delight. “It’s good to see you too Chip.”

 

Both men laughed and turned to the Admiral as he came towards them. “Mr. Morton…Chip, welcome home. I…well I want to thank you for rescuing Katherine, I …mean…. thank you lad,” he said emotionally.

 

Chip looked at him and said softly, “You’re welcome sir. She’s quite a lady.”

 

Harry turned to look at Katherine standing by the large Herculite windows. “Yes she is, that she certainly is.”

 

Several hours later, when all the explanations had been made, Jamie had completed his check ups and they had all managed a little food and rest, Katherine and Harry were sitting with arms wrapped around each other, in the nose listening to the gentle activity of the control room and looking out into the dark sea.

 

“Oh, Harry this is so peaceful after all that’s happened. I feel like a new woman,” Katherine sighed contentedly.

 

“Not too new I hope, I’m very fond of the old one,” Harry said smiling and hugged her closer.

 

“How long before we get back?”

 

“Katherine, when we get home…. what I said before…about us. ..., will you…..”

 

Katherine turned and put two fingers on his lips, “I’m already home Harry.” She smiled and taking away her hand she kissed his lips softly and Harry responded with passionate enthusiasm.

 

In the control room the crew were smiling as they pretended not to notice but two of the command staff were smiling broadly and looked at each other, “Guess that means we have another addition to the family,” Chip said warmly.

 

Lee Crane laughed and nodded, “ It’s nothing less than they deserve!”

 

 

The End

 

 

 

 

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