T H E O M E G A S T R A I N

By: Winnie AKA poohbear-29

 

Friday, Nov. Third 1974

Captain Lee crane of the S.S.R.N Seaview looked around the control room at the faces; all were wearing the same look of worry and fear. They were waiting for Admiral Harriman Nelson to arrive.

They didn’t have to wait for long as he came hurriedly down the spiral staircase. "What’s wrong Lee?"

"We’ve been trying to get through to the Institute, sir. The only thing we keep getting is this message repeated over and over."

"What does the message say?" Nelson asked frowning.

"Sparks play the tape," Crane commanded….

"SSRN SEAVIEW- IF YOU ARE RECEIVING THIS MESSAGE, DO NOT RETURN TO N.I.M.R. REPEAT,DO NOT RETURN TO NIMR. CONTACT ADMIRAL STARK AT THE US NAVAL BASE IN SAN DIEGO. REPEAT- DO NOT RETURN TO N.I.M.R."

"That’s all we can get…over and over," Crane told Nelson.

"Have you tried Admiral Stark?"

"Sparks has been trying to raise the Diego since we got this message. All he gets is another message saying ‘The Base is temporarily closed’. No explanations, NOTHING, I don’t understand what’s going on."

"Sparks, "Nelson ordered, " get me the secure line to Admiral Stark and put it through to my cabin, Lee come with me. Chip you have the con."

All eyes followed the Captain and Admiral as they left the control room.

"Mr. Morton, sir, what do you think is happening?" Kowalski asked from sonar.

"I have no idea. Look, all we can do right now is wait till the Admiral finishes his call. Hopefully by then there will be some news." I only hope it’s good, he thought to himself.

Nelson and Crane entered the Admirals cabin and went to the videophone. He pushed the receive button and waited for his call to go through. When it did the signal was very weak and he could barely make out what was being said, "Harry...Sta. there. I.... on’t know if....... receiving this........I ...only hope you can. I will try…" the interference seemed to clear up and his voice and image came through more clearly.

"Harry, thank God! Things are really bad here. We need help!"

"Jiggs what’s wrong?"

Jiggs Stark and Harriman Nelson had been friends for a long time and had been on a first name basis for years.

"Where do I begin? How long have you been out of contact?"

"We’ve been on radio silence for the past two months. You knew that. We had to hide the location of the research station. We were not to let anyone know where we were until it was completed," Nelson answered.

"I know Harry, it’s just …so much as happened since you’ve been out of contact…."

"Like what Jiggs?"

"Is Captain Crane there with you? He should hear this too," Stark said dismally.

"Here sir."

"Oh good Crane. First I hope you’ll listen to what I have to say before you decide what you want to do. Everything has gone to hell and then some. I keep trying to put off what I have to say because it is so devastating. You know me Harry, better than anyone. You know I don’t over react so here goes. About a month ago, six cargo planes crashed simultaneously in six major countries. The planes were carrying some unknown virus; it’s spread all over the globe. They’re calling it the Omega Strain."

Stark looked solemn as he continued with his tale, "We’ve had the best people from all over the world trying to find a cure. No luck. The president has been taken to his secret base and he is safe, so far. I know I’m not making much sense but I’m trying to give you the facts first and then I’ll answer any questions you have."

"Any idea where the planes came from?" Nelson asked.

"That’s the crazy thing, they showed up out of nowhere."

"Are there anywhere we can go safely?"

"Not that I know of. It seems to be everywhere," Stark said dishearteningly.

Nelson was unsure as to where to start, he had so many questions but it didn’t seem like there were very many answers. "Who have you got working on this and where are they?"

Crane listened with growing concern to what Stark and Nelson were saying and remained silent as Stark answered Nelson’s questions.

"We have Dr. Johanna Newburg from Sweden, Dr. Lewis French from Canada, Dr. William Reynolds from Washington, and Dr. Karl Strickland from Germany. As I said we went for the best. Their base of operations is Scott Research Station in the Antarctic. I think that’s the best place for you to go. From what we’ve seen so far, the Omega Strain doesn’t fare well in the cold. Don’t get me wrong, the cold isn’t a cure, it just slows it down somewhat. That’s why we picked Scott Station."

"Are you okay, Jiggs?" Nelson asked, concerned how Stark had been trying to hide his discomfort.

"I think I’ve come down with this bug, too, Harry. I was just going home when your call came through. Do what you can . Find a cure… or we’re all finished. I’m getting so jumbled up… Harry, thousands of people are dead in this country alone, close to a million are, all over the world! It seems like everyone is susceptible. Once you catch it, there seems to be no way for your body to fight it, and the harder the body does fight, the stronger this bug gets! I …don’t seem to be able to think clearly anymore. Go on, Harry, find a cure…."

"How long do you think you have, Jiggs?"

"It all depends. I’ve kept myself pretty healthy , so I guess I have a week or two before my body begins to shut down. Good luck Harry. Take care of your crew. I hope I ‘ll be able to see you again," tears streamed down Starks face as his image faded from the screen.

Nelson and Crane were speechless; neither knew what to say.

"I’ll get back to the control room and set a course for Scott Station," Crane said quietly.

"I’ll come with you. We have to tell the crew."

"How do we tell them? That their loved ones may not be there when and if we get back home?"

"There’s no easy way to tell them, but you know this crew they’ll do what has to be done. They’ve always come through for us before and they will now. Let’s go."

All eyes turned as one when Nelson and Crane descended into the control room.

"Chip,"Lee ordered firmly, " set a course for Scott research station on Antarctica. Flank speed. We have to get there as soon as possible. When you have the course laid in, I have an important message for the entire crew."

It was only a matter of seconds when Chip Morton said, "Course plotted and laid in sir."

Crane picked up the mike, and began making what he thought was the worst message he had ever delivered, while Nelson stood by to lend support, "Attention all hands. We have just had word from Admiral Jiggs Stark that will affect everyone aboard…. There is no easy way for me to tell you this, but I know you will all agree that we have an important mission to perform." Crane could feel the absolute stillness of Seaview as the men stopped whatever they were doing to listen to what he was saying, " We don’t know if it was by accident or by design, but somehow there’s a virus that’s spreading throughout the globe. We know very little about this virus except that it’s been designated Omega Strain and it seems to be… fatal to anyone who catches it. There is no cure as yet. We are heading for Scott Research Station in Antarctica. That’s where the best scientists are searching for a cure… I know you are all worried about your families but there is nothing we can do until we get to the station. We cannot under any circumstances go back to Santa Barbara or dock anywhere else in the world until a cure can be found. That’s all. I will keep you posted if we hear anything else. Crane out," he was about to put down the mike and turned to see the devastated look on the faces of the men in the control room. "I’m sorry men." He added sadly.

Nelson looked at Lee Crane and said softly, "There was no easy way to do it Lee. They needed to know. I’ll be in my lab if you need me. How long till we get to Scott Station?"

"At flank speed we should be there in two days."

******

Admiral Nelson resolved to be in his lab working on all he knew about present day viruses and their cures. He didn’t know at all yet what they were dealing with, but he was determined to become more familiar with the situation they were facing and he knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

Lee Crane and Chip Morton were trying to keep the crew calm. Most of them understood what was going on, and that they would have to wait for word on their families, but there were a few men who didn’t want to go to Scott Station. They were the ones Crane was worried about. Nothing had happened yet but it was only a matter of time.

"Chip I’m going to have a talk with Martin and Davis. As far as I can tell they’re the only ones who seem disgruntled with how we’re handling the situation. You have the con."

I always have the con lately, Morton thought, and realized he was being irrational. He put it down to an overtired mind.

"Have them report to my cabin at once," Crane told him.

"Yes sir…do you want me to come with you?"

"No Chip, I think I can handle it alone." Morton always treats me like a child, he thought.

Chip watched his Captain and friend leave the control room and called Kowalski over.

"Ski, get Martin and Davis and escort them to the Captain’s cabin."

"Anything else sir?"

"Yes. Stay outside and make sure nothing happens. These two haven’t been with us long…"

"Do you think they’ll try something sir?" Kowalski asked worriedly.

"I just don’t want to take any chances," Morton replied.

*******

Kowalski found the two new crewmembers sitting by themselves in the crew’s mess .

"Are you two finished?" he asked.

"Why? We just finished our shift , Ski. Don’t tell me our mighty Captain wants us to pull a double?" Davis said sarcastically.

"What have you two got against the Captain?" Kowalski asked not bothering to hide the irritation in his voice.

"He should have let us go back to our homes! If this is the end we deserve to spend the time with our families, not on some godforsaken continent where it’s too cold to stay outside for any length of time. He could have asked us for our opinion," Martin said angrily.

Kowalski’s eyes narrowed, "Well, that’s not how we do things on Seaview. The Captain has the final word unless the Admiral disagrees with what’s being done. Of course, if you two want to mutiny…." He left the rest unspoken.

"Who said anything about mutiny, Ski, we just want to go home," Davis said.

"Well you can tell the Skipper that yourselves. He wants to see both of you in his cabin. Now."

"Why would he want to see us?" Martin asked in a sly voice.

"That’s not for me to say, let’s go."

Martin and Davis followed Kowalski to Crane’s cabin. Ski knocked on the door.

"Come in," came Crane’s muffled voice. He looked up from his papers as the two men came in and closed the door. "Have a seat, I’ll be with you in a minute."

They sat down and quietly waited for Crane to begin.

"Okay," Crane said looking at the two men, " if you to have something to say, now’s the time. This is the only chance you get to say whatever is on your mind, and we’ll try our best to work it out between us. One more thing, what’s said in here stays here, so don’t be afraid of being placed on report. There’s too much going on, and I need every man doing his job. Understood!?"

Martin and Davis nodded.

"Very well, who wants to start?" Crane promted.

"I will," Martin said. "I just don’t understand why we can’t go home, sir."

"Fair enough. Reason number one: The virus seems to be airborne and if we were to surface in Santa Barbara or anywhere, everyone aboard could become infected."

"Couldn’t you surface off shore and let us have a dingy?" Davis asked quietly.

"We don’t know if Omega Strain is capable of traveling over water and therefore we can’t take that chance." He looked at the men and continued with his reasons for not going home. "Number two, time is of the essence, we have to get to Scott Station as fast as possible so Admiral Nelson can help with the efforts to find a cure. That’s the only way to really help your families. Number three: We need every man we have to help get the equipment set up in the lab and help get the cure out when it’s found. What I’m trying to say is we need your help."

"I...I don’t know what to say," stammered Davis.

"Just say you’ll help," Crane asked, I really shouldn’t have to explain the reasons for my actions, he thought.

"What happens if we say no? Do we go to the brig?" Martin asked.

"I don’t think that’ll be necessary. You will, however, be confined to your quarters. Then when we have the cure, you will be given your papers and asked to leave Seaview. I don’t want anyone on my boat that isn’t happy with the way we work. So it’s up to you."

"We don’t seem to have much choice, we certainly won’t get back in the Navy if we leave here on these terms," Martin whined.

Crane knew this was a man who would cause trouble; he would need to be watched.

"I want to remain with Seaview, sir," Davis said as he meekly looked at Martin.

"Thank you Davis, you may go," Davis rushed out the door before Martin could say anything else.

"I seem to be the only one with any backbone on this boat, Captain,"he spat.

"That depends on what you mean by backbone Martin."

"I want off this boat." He replied in a huff.

"Well that’s just not possible… Consider yourself confined to quarters for the remainder of this mission."

"That’s not fair!" He yelled.

"I have over one hundred men on this boat and you’re the only one making waves."

"NO! Davis felt the same until you bullied him into your way of thinking!"

"Martin," Crane spoke slowly and softly, "you were told there was no way off this boat till we reach Scott Station. You still insist that you want off. Well, I’m not taking a chance of you trying to sabotage Seaview to prevent us from arriving at our destination."Crane picked up his mike, "Security. This is the Captain. Come to my quarters and escort seaman Martin to his quarters."

Martin was seething. He stared at Crane and said coldly, "You will be sorry."

"Is that a threat Martin?" Crane said just as coldly. Martin didn’t have a chance to answer, as there was a knock on the door. "Enter."

The door opened and Patterson and Kowalski entered. Still looking at Martin, Crane said, "I want you to take Martin to his quarters. He’s to be placed under guard. Security will remain just outside his door. He is not to leave his quarters unless authorized by Mr. Morton, Admiral Nelson, or myself."

"Yes sir. Let’s go Martin." Patterson said.

Nelson came through the door as they left. "What’s going on, Lee?" He asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Martin didn’t want to continue on our course. He wanted to go home."

"You explained about the virus?"

"It didn’t seem to matter to him. I just hope it wasn’t a mistake to put him in his quarters with a guard rather that the brig."

"Is he the only one who felt that way?"

"No, but Davis finally accepts the situation. Without Martin’s influence he should be okay. I told them I wouldn’t put them on report, but I don’t know if that’s possible with Martin’s attitude. ."

"All right, Lee. We do it your way for now. If anything changes let me know at once."

Crane nodded and Nelson continued, "How long before we reach the station?"

"We should be there in approximately six hours sir."

"There’s not much more I can do in my lab without any samples so I guess I’ll get something to eat. Care to join me?"

"Sounds great." Crane said with a smile.

******

Sunday, Nov. Fifth 1974

Seaview was an awesome sight as she surfaced off the Antarctic coast. Her Captain was the first through the hatch, he wore heavy weather gear, which included a hooded black overcoat, fleece lined gloves, as well as goggles and a new mask designed by Nelson, designed to filter many known types of virus as well as other biological disease causing bacteria.

This would be the first real test for Nelson’s Mask.

Nelson and Morton followed wearing the same thing.

"See anything Lee?" Morton’s voice sounded muffled through the mask.

Crane lowered his binoculars and turned to the Admiral, "Nothing, maybe they haven’t had time to get here. It’s only been two hours since we radioed with our arrival time. Chip, see if you can contact them again. I’ll keep an eye out. Sir, why don’t you go back inside. No need of us both freezing."

How dare you order me around!Nelson thought, now, where did that come from? "Okay, Lee. I’ll send someone up to replace you in twenty minutes if you haven’t spotted anything," Nelson said through chattering teeth.

"Aye sir," Crane watched as his friends went back down into the warmth of the boat. He raised the binoculars and continued to scout the area. Chief Sharkey stuck his head up a few minutes later and told him someone was on the way from the station.

As far as the eye could see there was nothing but white in any direction. After fifteen minutes of jumping around trying to keep warm and watching for any movement, he thought he saw something to the west. Focusing his binoculars on the spot, he saw two yellow Arctic Snow Cats, coming slowly towards Seaview. Best equipment they could have down here. These heavy tank-like machines could travel over any surface and had plenty of room for people and equipment. He opened the hatch and went back down into the heart of his boat. Nelson came towards him fully dressed, "I was just coming up to relieve you," he said.

"No need, they’re on their way. I just spotted them coming from the west. They should be here shortly," he replied, removing the disgusting filtering system from his face.

********

Martin was alone in the aft crew’s quarters, except for the guard outside the door. They had arrived at Antarctica and he had to find some way to get the information to the People’s Republic. It had taken a long time for him to get on Seaview’s roster, and he had almost made a foolish mistake by arguing with Crane, but the man was so obstinate. Crane thought he knew everything. He would have to learn the hard way. Right now Martin had to find a way to use the radio without anyone finding out. He’d just wait till most of the command crew were at the station. The People’s Republic would take care of the rest.

********

The four newcomers in the control room were removing their heavy arctic weather gear and gas masks as introductions were being made.

"I’m Admiral Harriman Nelson. This is Lee Crane, Captain of Seaview and our XO, Lieutenant Commander Chip Morton."

"I’m so glad you made it ,Admiral. My name is Dr. Johanna Newburg. This is Dr. Lewis French. These other men were at the Station before this Omega Strain was released. They are Terry Mercer and Mike Squires. They drove us here in the snow cats. Most of your men will have to stay here, I’m afraid. We don’t have much room at the station."

Patterson and Kowalski came into the control room with a steaming pot of coffee and several cups.

"Where would you like this sir?" Pat asked, gritting his teeth at being turned into a waiter.

"Why don’t we go to the nose and have some coffee,"the admiral suggested, " I think you probably need to warm up."

"Yes, please, Admiral."

"We could be working together for a long time. Call me Harry."

"You’re right of course. First name’s it is," Newburg said and French smiled in agreement.

"Is Captain Crane joining us?" French asked.

"I think Captain Crane should sit in on this meeting. Commander Morton and Dr Jamison as well," Nelson determined.

Jamison had come into the control room at that moment and without a word followed the others into the nose of the boat.

"Lee close the crash doors," Nelson ordered. Lee did as he was told and they all grabbed their mugs of coffee and sat at the table. " The first thing I would like to know, is if you’ve had any word from the outside?" Nelson asked.

Newburg set down her coffee and began to speak sadly, "We heard from Admiral Stark. Things are getting worse. There seems to be some evidence that the Peoples Republic is involved; no confirmation on that as yet." Nelson and Crane looked at each other at the mention of The People’s Republic but said nothing. Newburg continued, " The death toll has reached almost two million worldwide. Stark himself is infected though he still seems able to fight it. They air dropped some samples of Omega Strain and we’ve been running tests. Lewis discovered that it affects the immune system by breaking down the body’s ability to fight infections. Dr. Williams is working with Dr. Strickland on a cure, but there hasn’t been any progress. That’s about all we can tell you right now."

"Have you found out anything about the symptoms?" Nelson asked glumly.

"We have been speaking with colleagues all over the world," French spoke for the first time, "and they all say the same thing. It starts by causing the infected person to become extremely irritable; therefore we believe it affects the brain in some way. The next step begins within a few days, the body can’t tolerate any intake of food or liquid and the body becomes weak. The final stage usually begins about ten days after the victim becomes infected."

"What’s the final stage?" Morton asked before any one else had a chance.

"The immune system starts to break down leaving the victim unable to fight off even the slightest infection. Red blotches appear on the legs and arms slowly spreading throughout the body, swollen glands, the throat constricts causing difficulties in breathing, then death."

Nelson saw the weariness he felt mirrored on the faces of the other five people in the room, everyone seemed to have lost interest in their coffee after what they had just heard.

"Any idea how long from the onset of Omega Strain till death occurs?" Nelson asked.

"Approximately a week to ten days,".French said in a tired voice. " We shouldn’t be wasting time here, we have to get back to the labs."

"Give us about an hour to pull together some equipment I think we may need, and we can leave. Why don’t you two come with me, just in case there’s something you might need that I’ve forgotten? Lee I want you with me."

"May I speak to you in private, sir?" Lee Crane asked in a serious voice.

Nelson saw the look on Crane’s face and turned to Chip Morton, "Escort Dr. Newburg and Dr. French to my lab, I will be there shortly." He waited till everyone had left and turned to his captain, "What’s wrong Lee?"

"I’m not sure. I could be overreacting, but I’d rather not take any chances, especially with the possibility of The People’s Republic being involved. I’d like to stay with the boat and make sure nothing happens. I have a hunch that Martin may be working with them and I want to keep an eye on things here. I don’t know anything about viruses or computers so I wouldn’t be much help to you at the station anyway."

Nelson knew Crane was probably just playing a hunch with Martin but he also knew his hunches often panned out, "All right Lee. Ask Chip to get his things together to meet me topside. I also want Sharkey and Patterson. I want to leave in one hour."

"Yes sir."

******

Lee Crane watched from the deck of Seaview as the snow cats started their trip to the station. The trip would take about two hours and Nelson would contact him from there. He watched for a few more minutes and went down into the warmth of Seaview where Kowalski helped him off with his coat and gear and passed him a hot cup of coffee.

"Thanks Ski, I need this. Cold out there," he said with a slight smile."Mr. O’Brien, I’ll be in the crews quarters to see Martin, you have the con."

"Yes sir," O’Brien said. You don’t need to be so bossy skipper, he thought.

"Skipper would you like me to come along?" Kowalski asked.

"Thanks Ski, but there’s a guard stationed outside the door if I need any help. Get back to your station." My crew worries too much about me, thought Crane, as he left the control room and headed for the crews quarters.

Clarke was on duty outside the door and Crane asked, "Any problems?"

"No sir. He hasn’t made a sound since I told him we were at Antarctica."

Crane opened the door and saw Martin sitting on his bunk, a tray of untouched food sitting beside him.

"What do you want? Sir," he asked sarcastically.

"I wanted to ask you a few questions," Crane said.

"Ask away, but don’t think I’m going to answer them."

"Control room to Captain Crane," O’Brien’s voice interupted through the PA.

Crane picked up the mike on the wall and answered, "Crane here."

"Sir we’re picking up an object on sonar."

"On my way," Crane said and he ran out the door, before he could see the look of relief come over Martin.

They’re here, Martin thought to himself, now I can finally get out of here. First I have to leave my little package for Crane and his crew. He reached into a tiny hole in his mattress and pulled out two small vials. One contained the Omega Strain and the other was the cure, just enough for me, he thought, I’d love to stay here and watch Crane suffer and maybe even Kowalski. No time for that though. If I don’t get out of here and let them know my mission has been accomplished, The Peoples Republic will take care of things themselves.

He opened the door and looked at Clarke, "I have to talk to the Captain!"

"He’s busy right now, you’ll have to wait."

"I can’t! I need to see him now!" Martin said angrily.

"Just get back in there! You’ll see him when..." Martin hit Clark in the mid section and when he doubled over he hit him on the back of the head and dragged his unconscious body into the crews quarters. He reached down and grabbed Clarke’s gun and headed for the control room.

*******

"It just showed up out of nowhere sir," O’Brien told Crane as he came rushing over to the sonar station, "It reads like a submarine."

"Has Sparks had any luck contacting them?" Crane asked, peering over Kowalski’s shoulder and watching the blip on the radar screen.

"Nothing yet sir," O’Brien answered. He was about to say more but was interrupted by Martin, aiming a gun straight at the Captain.

"I want to talk to that sub," Martin ordered.

"SO do I," said Crane, "they aren’t answering."

"They’ll answer me! You, and O’Brien, stay where you are, Sparks, Riley, get over here with them. Don’t try anything foolish or I drop this." He showed them a vial and Crane immediately knew what the contents were.

"You’d become infected too," Crane said, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"That’s my problem." He moved towards the radio and picked up the mike, "This is Martin, I have completed my mission successfully, I want off this sub." He waited for a response and when it came he piped it through the ships PA system so everyone could hear.

"This is Captain Bernhardt Reich of The Peoples Republic. You will surrender The Seaview immediately or you all die."

Martin smiled and looked at Crane, "What’s your answer, skipper?"

"Tell him to go to hell," Crane’s voice was low and any one who knew this man knew it was a bad sign.

Martin ignored the captain’s comments and began to speak into the mike again, "Crane seems to think he can refuse you."

"I want to talk to Crane directly. Now." Reich said.

"You heard him Crane. Get over here." Crane knew this would be his only chance. He walked slowly towards Martin and as he passed by, he grabbed the vial from Martin’s pocket and made a grab for the gun… but missed. Out of nowhere he saw Davis grab Martin’s arm and the two men fell to the floor rolling away from the radio. Reich’s voice was still coming through the speakers.

"Martin what’s going on?" the voice kept repeating. No one was paying attention as they watched the two men fight for possession of the gun. A shot went off. The fighting between the two men continued until finally Davis stood and pointed the gun at Martin who stood more slowly.

Crane saw the vial in his hand and was surprised to see it was still intact. "Great work Davis," He turned to see Bob O’Brien lying on the floor, blood flowing freely from his shoulder. Crane knelt beside him as he heard some one call for Dr. Jamison. "Can you hear me Bob?" he asked, the concern for his friend evident in his voice.

O’Brien’s eyes opened and Crane could see they were filled with pain, "Easy Bob, Jamie’s on the way." Jamison came into the control room and Crane relinquished O’Brien’s care to him. Crane slowly walked over to where Davis was still holding a gun on Martin, "Take this man to the brig. I want a thorough search of him and his personal items. Ski, go with them. Make sure he doesn’t get away."

"Yes sir," Davis and Kowalski said at the same time and left with Martin.

Crane picked up the mike and began to speak softly and dangerously, "Captain Reich. This is Captain Crane of the Seaview. Be advised that your man is in custody. You have five minutes to clear out of these waters or I will blow your sub to bits. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"

"Perfectly, Captain Crane. We will do as you ask since none of you will be leaving here alive. I hope your death’s are very painful."

"You have four minutes and ten seconds."

"Check your sonar. We have gotten underway. Good luck Captain." His laughter sounded evil over the PA system.

Crane came over to where doc and one of his corpsmen were working on O’Brien, "How is he doc?"

"He’ll be fine Skipper. I’ve never had to treat O’Brien; I just hope he’s a better patient than the three senior officers have been. Let’s get him to sickbay." O’Brien was lifted onto a stretcher and taken from the control room.

Crane turned to Riley at the sonar panel, "Anything?"

"They’re moving away sir. What did he mean about our deaths Skipper?" He asked Crane worriedly.

Crane looked at the unbroken vial in his hand before answering, "I think this is filled with the Omega Strain. If it had broken we would have all been infected," he said, relief evident in his eyes. "Sparks, get me Scott Station."

"Aye sir." Sparks made the call, "Sir, I have Admiral Nelson."

"Can’t you put it on the videophone?" Crane asked impatiently.

Sparks turned a few buttons and nodded to Crane who turned on the videophone, Nelson’s face came immediately into view, "Everything okay Lee?"

"We had a run in with a Sub from the Peoples Republic."

"What? Where are they now?"

"They left when they found out there plans were not working out. They think Martin infected us with the virus."

"So you were right about Martin…wait a minute, how would Martin have infected you?"

Crane lifted the vial, "I think this is a sample of Omega Strain. He shot O’Brien in the shoulder but doc says he’s going to be fine." he was interrupted as Kowalski came running into the control room, "Just a minute Admiral." he said as he turned to the anxious crewman, "What is it Ski?"

"We found.... this in. Martin’s pocket... He tried to... keep us from... getting it so I... figured it might... be important." Kowalski said, out of breath.

Crane took the vial and turned back to the videophone. "Ski just took this from Martin. It may be just another sample of the strain but if that were the case he would’ve broken it before now…it could be the antidote."

"Lee, I’m going to send back one of the Snowcats. I want the two vials sent here. You may be right about the contents, if so, it could be just the break we need."

"The flying sub would be faster. I could have it to you within an hour. Is there any water for me to land her in?"

"Nothing Lee," Nelson said dejectedly, and then brightened, "Lee , there is a way. In my lab there is a secure box we use for transporting hazardous samples. It’s insulated to ensure glass vials don’t break on impact. Put the samples in it and attach a small parachute. It’s never failed."

"I’ll leave immediately."

"Lee, Mike says there is a marked landing field here for helicopters. Try and drop the package as close to it as possible."

"Aye sir. I’ll contact you from the flying sub as soon as I leave." Lee flipped the switch and the monitor went blank. "Ski, have the flying sub readied for immediate launch"

"Right away sir." Orders, orders, orders!, Kowalski thought to himself.

*********

Captain Crane was airborne in the flying sub within ten minutes. He usually loved being at these controls almost as much as he loved being in the control room of Seaview. He radioed ahead to Scott Station. Admiral Nelson was waiting for his call, "Admiral I should be at your coordinates in four minutes."

"Mercer and Squires are there." Nelson told Crane and added, "Lee, I’ve spoken with Admiral Stark. He’s not doing well. He told me he noticed some blotchiness on his arms. We don’t have much time to come up with a cure and get it to him, and every one else who needs it. More and more people are dying all over the world."

Crane listened to the passion in his friends voice and knew how hard it was for the Admiral to deal with a friend’s illness let alone his possible death, "Sir. Maybe we finally caught a break. I’m dropping the package now." Everything was quiet for a few minutes until Crane came back and spoke with Nelson. "I saw one of the men pick it up and they are on the way back to the station. Be careful with this stuff and remember Admiral Stark is a fighter sir. If this turns out to be the cure we’ll do what we can to get it to people as soon as possible. Crane out."

**********

Nelson turned to Chip Morton, "Lee made the drop. Mike and Terry will be here shortly. When they get here bring the box to the lab. Under no circumstances is it to be opened by any one. I’ll wait for you there."

"Yes sir. Admiral is everything okay back on Seaview?" Chip was always worried when things happened on their boat and he wasn’t there to look after his Captain and friend.

"There was some trouble with Martin. Lee was right about him. Martin shot O’Brien in the shoulder but he’ll be okay," Nelson turned and headed for the lab.

Lee Crane is always right, according to the almighty Admiral, Chip Morton thought with some irritation and anger. He made himself relax and began to wonder where the thought had come from. He had never been jealous of Crane’s relationship with Nelson, he had his own special friendship with both officers. I must be tired he thought.

******

Johanna Newburg was at the electron microscope when Nelson came in through the door. "We’ll have the samples from Seaview here any moment,"he said, " Are Lewis and Karl ready?"

"We are," Karl said in a heavily accented voice, "We have a containment field set up in the chemistry lab. This station is very well equipped I must say."

He was interrupted by a knock on the door.Nelson opened the door to find Morton and Sharkey with a box marked in bold lettering, HAZARDOUS MATERIAL HANDLE WITH EXTREME CARE.

"Bring it in here and place the box on the table," Nelson ordered. They did as Nelson said and moved back as he opened the box carefully. "Thank God we had this on the Seaview, it looks like everything is still intact. Karl can you help me with the seals? Chip, will you let William know that we have the samples and we’re ready to see if one of them is the cure?"

"Aye sir," he said as he left the lab.

Nelson and Strickland removed the sample vials from the tightly insulated packaging and brought them into the chemistry lab and placed them carefully into the containment field where they could be safely worked on without fear of contamination. Nelson looked up as William Reynolds came through the door followed by Johanna Newburg.

"Okay we’re all here, lets see what we can find out, " Nelson said.

"Harry," Johanna spoke quietly, "we would like for you to take charge," There were nods of agreement from the two men as she continued, "Some one has to set up the phases of testing and we think you are the best person for the job."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’ll do my best. Karl, I would like you and William to find out if this vial is really the virus. Johanna and I will do the same with this sample. If this one turns out to be different than what you have then we will proceed with testing to see if this is the actual antidote. Any questions?" they all shook their heads, "then let’s get to work.

*********

Admiral Jiggs Stark was thinking how fast the world was deteriorating, so many people had died and even more were dying, even me, he thought ,returning to the letter he was composing to Nelson,

Harry; I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again and I wanted to thank you for being such a good friend all these years. The doctors tell me there is nothing they can do for me when they come in with their masks covering their faces, as if that was going to do anything. I hope you and your team find a cure soon, even if it is to late for me at least others will survive. I am really tired now so I will just thank you again and close this letter. Our friendship is one of the best things I had in my life. No regrets. Good-bye Harry.

He didn’t know if Nelson would even get this letter but he did feel better since he wrote it. The doctors had told him his body would soon start to shut down and that was a sign of the end. He closed his eyes and slept.

******

Kowalski helped his Captain secure the flying sub and they both climbed back into the Seaview,

"How’s O’Brien doing?" Crane asked.

"Better sir. Doc say’s he wishes all his patients were like him. He didn’t mention any names." Ski said with a grin.

"I bet he didn’t. Is everything secure?" Crane asked, covering his irritation at being the object of a joke.

"Yes sir."

"Back to your station, Ski, and keep checking for that sub. I don’t trust their Captain."

Crane watched as Kowalski sat at sonar. He’d been so busy he hadn’t even noticed how exhausted he was feeling, not enough sleep, he thought. As Seaview’s Captain he was always on duty and many times he’d had to do without sleep in emergencies, but for some reason it seemed to bother him more at the moment then ever before. No rest for the weary, he thought as he realized he was here for the duration.

"Skipper," Sparks called to him.

"What!" he snapped.

"Admiral Nelson wants to speak with you," Sparks gave Crane a worried look.

Crane picked up the earphones and began to speak into the mike. "How are things Admiral?" he asked, irritated that the Admiral had interrupted him.

Nelson heard the tone of his Captain’s voice. "Lee, is everything all right?"

"Why wouldn’t it be sir?"

Nelson began to worry; Lee Crane would never speak to him like that unless there was something wrong. "I don’t know," he said, "It’s just that you don’t sound like yourself."

"What the hells wrong with the way I sound?" Crane stopped when he realized what he’d said,"Sorry sir, I don’t know what came over me," he said apologetically.

Alarm bells were going off in Nelson’s head; this was definitely a bad sign, "Lee why don’t you give Sparks the con and go see Doc?"

"Why would I need to see Doc?" Crane snapped, " I’m sorry sir, I’m just tired,"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir. We’re all running on adrenalin. Lack of sleep will do that. If I need to rest I’ll leave Sparks in charge. How are things going?"

"We’ve been running tests all day. There is no way to speed up the process. It will take another day of testing before we know conclusively that the second sample you sent us is a cure. The first thing we did was compare the sample we had with the ones you sent us. One of them was a complete match; the other could be the antidote. That’s what we’re working on now. Get some rest, that’s an order. Nelson out."

Crane turned to Sparks, "I’ll be in sickbay if you need me. Kowalski, if that sub shows again let me know immediately." Crane left the control room and headed towards sickbay. He almost ran into Davis.

"Excuse me sir."

"Be more careful where you’re going next time!" Crane snapped and hurried off.

Looks like things are starting to heat up, Davis thought. I have to let Captain Reich know the Omega Strain is starting to take effect. It’s a good thing they gave me the cure and I took it before I broke the vial, after the Captain talked to Martin and me. With the performance I put on for Captain Crane and the rest of the crew, maybe I might even get a promotion if that idiot Martin hadn’t messed everything up by letting them get their hands on the cure. Hopefully, the man at the station will be able to stop the Admiral from finding out how to duplicate it. If not Captain Reich’ll probably blow up the station. We have orders to keep Nelson from getting the cure to the world no matter what we have to do. When this is ove,r the only nation left will be The People’s Republic. Davis smiled as he walked to his quarters.

******

"How is he Doc?" Crane asked as he walked into sickbay and saw O’Brien sitting up on his bunk.

"Ask him yourself!" Doc snapped…. "Sorry Skipper, I guess I’m tired," he explained as he noticed the look of shock on Crane’s face at the way he had spoken to him.

"Seems to be a lot of that going around. Just don’t let it happen again, Doc or I’ll throw you in the brig with Martin," Crane said, unsure if he was kidding or not. He turned to O’Brien, " He looks like he can return to duty. I need him in the control room, we’re a little shorthanded, and with the Admiral and Morton being away…."

"I have the last say as to whether he returns to duty or not!" Doc nearly shouted.

"Hey, I can answer for myself!" O’Brien’s voice sounded irritated. "I want to go back on duty as soon as possible. I’ll be there in five minutes sir." He said and stared at the Doc as if he dared him to contradict him.

Doc stared back and realised something was wrong. They would never speak to each other like this. The Skipper knew he would not let O’Brien out until he was good and ready, yet O’Brien himself had just shouted at him for the first time since they had known each other.

What were the symptoms of Omega Strain again? Irritability? Yes, he remembered was the first sign. It could be they were just tired, after all they’d been awake for almost twenty hours, but he couldn’t take that chance. He turned to Crane, "Lee we have to talk."

"I have too much to do, and since when do you call me Lee?!"

"Calm down and listen for a second. I think we’ve been exposed to Omega Strain."

"You’re crazy Doc. I took the vial from Martin before he could break it." Crane said, more loudly than he had intended. I really need to get some rest, he thought.

"Will you answer me one question before you leave?" Doc asked forcing down his need to hurry.

"All right Doc. One question," he snapped again.

"Have you noticed how much you’re snapping at people just for talking to you, and have you noticed others behaving in the same way?"

Crane was about to tell the Doc he had asked two questions, not one, when he to remembered what Dr. Newburg said was the first sign of infection.

Crane sat down heavily on the bunk next to O’Brien who still didn’t understand what was going on.

"Do you really think we are infected?" Lee asked.

"I won’t know for sure till we run some tests, but I think it’s a good possibility. I’ll take some blood from O’Brien, you and myself. If the Omega Strain were in our system it would show up there. Have you noticed any one else becoming irritated or angry with others?"

"I haven’t really been looking. If I do I’ll send them to you immediately. I’ll wait for your call before I tell the Admiral."

"I think we better keep it from the crew as well."

Crane tried to keep the irritation at being told what should be done, out of his voice. It was so hard when all he wanted to do was yell. "You’re right." He said in a controlled voice, " Is O’Brien able to return to the control room while I try to figure out who released the Omega Strain on Seaview?"

"Against my better judgement I am willing to let him go back as long as he doesn’t overdo it."

"I need you there O’Brien, but if you can’t handle it you can stay here."

"I’ll be okay, Skipper." They were all showing signs of barely concealed irritation.

Doctor Jamison took their blood samples and O’Brien left for the control room.

"Jamie I’m going to the brig to question Martin,"Crane said, " Let me know what you find out?"

"Yes sir." Doc answered tiredly.

******

Davis watched the captain leave sickbay and head towards the brig; he had to hear what Martin said. Martin didn’t know there had been a second man assigned to Seaview and therefore couldn’t betray him. He slowly made his way after the captain and waited just out of sight.

Crane saw Martin sitting on his bunk and again had to force himself to speak calmly. "We have to talk," he stated flatly.

"I have nothing to say to you," Martin said as he lay back on his bunk.

"I think you might change your mind," Crane looked at the guard and dismissed him, telling him he would call when he was done.

"Nothing you could say would do that."

"Who else on board works for the Peoples republic?"

"What makes you think there was any one else?"

"Lets just say I speak from experience. I know your group doesn’t send one person to do a job; they always have a contingency plan. Someone has infected Seaview with the virus," Crane watched as Martin’s eyes gave away the panic he felt.

"They wouldn’t do that to me. Captain Reich was to pick me up after you were all dead." Martin yelled.

******

I better shut this guy up, Davis thought. He reached into his pocket and felt for his gun. It was tucked in there nice and snug.

"Do you really believe that?" Crane asked, again fighting the building irritation. He watched as Martin’s shoulders suddenly slumped.

"I don’t know who else they would have sent. I thought I was to be the only one on the boat and there would be........." Martin slumped to the floor as blood soaked the front of his shirt. Crane went to his side; blood began to slowly seep from the side of his mouth. "Skipper.....I....m......so...sorry...sir. One more....at.....at....the .......st....station. I had.... to .do..it." his eyes closed and Crane knew he was dead.

Crane ran for the mike, but stopped in his tracks as he saw Davis standing there with a gun pointed at him, "I should have known," Crane let his anger show.

"Yes Captain Crane, you should have. If you had realised before now that the Peoples Republic would never send one man you might have had a chance to stop us before you were all infected." Davis laughed. "Now since I need a hostage to get me off this ship and you seem to be the only one available, let’s go."

Crane dropped the mike and stepped through the door of the brig. He would have to watch for his chance, no point in any one else getting hurt. They made their way to the control room where O’Brien was the first to see them.

"Skipper. Did you find out anything?" he asked.

"You could say that," Davis said as he showed O’Brien and the others in the room that he was holding a gun at the Captains back. "Kowalski, get over there and open up the hatch to the flying sub, and don’t try anything or the Captain gets the first bullet and I can’t possibly miss at this range."

"Do it Ski," Crane said angrily. Kowalski did as he was told and moved away from the flying sub. Davis made Crane move closer to the hatch and told O’Brien and Kowalski to get on the other side of the crash doors and close them. Riley watched from the dive panels unsure of what to do. When the doors were closed Crane asked, "What now?"

"Well Captain since I don’t know how to fly your little toy, you have to go with me."

"And if I refuse?" Crane questioned.

"If you refuse, I start shooting members of your crew until you do. Your choice."

Crane started down into the flying sub. Davis waited till he reached the bottom and told him to move away from the hatch but to stay where he could be seen. When Davis reached the bottom he told Crane to go up and close the hatch, again he had no choice but to comply. "Now Captain, lets get going. Oh, one other thing. If you should try anything before we get to my sub I will not only shoot you but I will detonate some little bombs. One will disable the radio on Seaview and one at the station if our man did as he was told." He saw the understanding in Crane’s eyes as he realised what no radio would mean, "That’s right. With no way to communicate there wouldn’t be any way to get the antidote, if they discover what it is, to others in time, and more people would die. You see, Captain I did have a plan to get off the Seaview. I just didn’t think I would have such a special hostage. I just might get that promotion after all."

Crane put on his headphones and sat in his seat, Davis did the same and nodded for Crane to get going.

"FS1 to Seaview," Crane said.

"Skipper are you okay?" O’Brien asked.

"Just open the bay doors so we can get out of here," Davis said into the mike.

"Do as he says," Crane said harshly. He felt the doors opening and the flying sub slid out into the cold waters of the Antarctic. "Where to now?" he asked Davis.

"I know you sent Captain Reich away but he didn’t go to far. We have our own secret base just a little to the north. You’ll know when we reach it. So just head north."

*******

O’Brien turned to Sparks and told him to get the Admiral immediately. When Sparks signalled that he had the admiral, O’Brien picked up the head piece and put it on just as the Doc came in the room, "Just a minute Admiral," he put his hand over the mike and asked, "Find anything Doc?"

"Afraid so. Where’s the Skipper?"

"Davis kidnapped him in the flying sub. I have Admiral Nelson on the radio and was about to tell him what happened. I’ll let you speak with him as soon as I’ve explained about the Skipper." O’Brien started speaking into the mike and when he was done passed the headpiece to the doc.

"Jamie here Admiral. I hate to give you more bad news after what Mr. O’Brien just told you but I’m afraid you need to know. Seaview is infected with the Omega Strain. O’Brien, Crane and myself test positive to a foreign substance and we all show the first sign. Sir, we can’t send you samples in the flying sub, that’s right ,he took off in it with the Skipper. Yes sir, I’m going to take samples from all the men. They should be done by the time Mr. Morton and Patterson get here. I’ll get started right away." He passed the headpiece back to Sparks and gazed into the fear filled eyes of the crew within earshot, he half smiled as he said, "Just remember we have Admiral Nelson working on this." There was some relief in the eyes of the crew.

Clark came into the control room, "Doc, I just found Martin shot in the brig." He said, panic evident in his eyes.

"Mr. O’Brien I’m going to check this out, I think it’s safe to say Davis shot him before he took off with the Skipper." O’Brien nodded as the doc and Clark left for the brig.

*******

Nelson turned to Morton, "You heard?" he asked.

"Yes sir. What do you want me to do?"

"I need you to go back to Seaview and return with the samples as fast as you can. Take Patterson with you."

"What about Lee?" Morton asked, worry for his friend in his voice and eyes.

"We can’t do anything for Lee right now Chip. I’m afraid our first priority is to find a cure and get it to those who need it. That means the crew of Seaview as well if Doc is right." He snapped. I don’t have to explain anything to this man, I’m in charge and I give the orders, he stopped as he realised he was becoming irritated with his friend, an early warning sign of infection. "Sorry Chip, don’t leave just yet. Ask everyone to come to the lab. There’s something I need to check." Morton nodded and left.

While he was waiting for everyone in the outer lab he took a sample of his own blood and was comparing it with the sample of the Omega Strain, the virus was present in his sample and he sat back from the microscope as the others came in the door.

"Have a seat," he said.

"What’s wrong Harry?" Johanna asked.

"Most of you heard by now what’s happened on the Seaview," at their nods he continued. "I have to know if any of you feel overly irritable. More so than normal." Of the eight others in the room six of them said they had been feeling overly irritated. "I need samples of everyones blood. I just tested my own and it showed positive for the virus. I don’t think we need to send anyone to the Seaview for samples when we have it right here." The blood was taken and tested.

********

Monday Nov. Sixth 1974

Nelson had grabbed a couple of hours sleep and was now working with Karl Strickland on the samples when Strickland said, "That’s strange."

"What’s strange?" he asked in a tired voice.

"Terry Mercer doesn’t show any sign of Omega Strain."

"Are you sure?"

"I know what I’m looking for Harry. His blood is clean!"

"Let’s see what he has to say about it. Is he the only one?" Harry asked overcoming the exhaustion he felt.

"Yes. I said I know what I’m doing," Strickland snapped loudly.

Nelson tried to ignore the irritation in Strickland’s voice, but found he was losing the battle. "You were one of the people who put me in charge here. If I have questions as to your abilities I will ask them," he stopped when he realised how he sounded. "Sorry Karl," he apologized.

Strickland nodded his head and asked, "What do we do about this?"

"I think the first thing we have to do is find out why he’s not affected. Maybe we should get every one in here and just tell them they’re all infected."

Strickland’s eyebrows rose as he understood what Nelson wanted, "You think maybe he’s working for the group that did this and you want to set a little trap. Maybe he’ll give himself away."

"That’s right. If he is working for the other side and they gave him the antidote he’s going to be upset that it’s not working and I don’t think he’ll be able to keep it to himself. If he’s not then we have to find out why he’s not affected."

Nelson picked up the mike and requested that everyone come to the lab for the results of the tests. Within ten minutes the others were seated around the small lab tables. It was a solemn group.

"I have here the results of everyone’s tests and they’re not good. I’m afraid we all have traces of the virus," he said watching Mercer for any response, he was rewarded by a look of fear which Mercer tried hard to conceal. "We are going to step up the testing of the sample we got from Seaview and if we’re lucky one of them is the antidote."

He stopped as he saw Mercer pull a gun from his pocket and aim it at Dr. Newburg’s head. She gasped and Nelson continued to speak, "Terry what are you doing?"

"I’m going to take the sample you have. Nelson you bring it to me or I’ll kill her now!" anger and fear evident in his voice.

Nelson knew he was dealing with a serious situation and had to find a way out of it before any one was hurt. "What makes you think the sample we have will help you?"

"Because they told me that three people were sent on this mission and we were all given a sample of the Omega Strain and the antidote. I took mine just before I exposed you all to it here."

"Well if you already took yours, doesn’t that mean the antidote is no good?" Nelson saw the truth dawn in Mercer’s eyes.

"Shut up Nelson," he snapped, "I have to figure this out. They wouldn’t just leave me here to die with the rest of you."

"Maybe you took the wrong sample and that’s why it’s so concentrated in your blood sample."

"You could be right Harry." Strickland said looking at Mercer. "I think that’s exactly what he did. He’s already going to the last stage, look at those blotches on his arm."

Mercer looked down at his arm and that was all Newburg needed as she came back with her head connecting with his, and at the same instant Morton, who’d been sitting next to her when all this had started grabbed the gun and the two men fell to the floor each trying for control of the gun. Morton, who had been in similar situations many times, quickly overcame Mercer and pulled the man roughly to his feet.

Nelson looked at Newburg and Morton, "Great work you two." He looked at Mercer, "Are you sure the second sample we have is the antidote?"

"What does it matter I’m a dead man."

"Not if it’s the antidote."

"They told me it was but they lied. I know I took the right one. So it doesn’t work and we’re all doomed."

"Chip lock him up where he can’t hurt anyone else. Mike, will you and Sharkey stand guard?" Mike Squires nodded and followed Morton and Sharkey out the door. Nelson turned and saw the smile on Strickland’s face and couldn’t restrain his own. "Let’s not jump the gun Karl. We still have some tests to run."

"What are you two talking about?" Reynolds asked.

"Tell them Karl."

"We believe the sample we have is the antidote and it won’t take long to prove it."

"But Harry you said Mercer was infected." French said.

"I lied." Nelson said with a sly grin on his face, "we had to let him believe it was no good so we could get him to admit he was working for the other side. Worked rather well don’t you think?" at the smiles on their faces he knew they agreed.

"Why didn’t you tell him the truth about the antidote." Newburg asked.

"I would like him kept in the dark, so to speak, at least until we prove we’re right. We don’t have much time. I’d really like to get this sample tested because if we’re wrong I don’t want to waste to much time on it." He looked at the door as it opened and Morton came back inside, " Chip, let O’Brien know what’s happening and find out what you can about Lee." He said quietly walking into the containment area.

Morton went to the radio station and put through a call to the Seaview, Sparks immediately put O’Brien on.

"Mr. Morton, what’s happening?" his voice sounded anxious.

"Admiral Nelson ran some tests here and we all have traces of the Omega Strain. The good news is we found out who their spy was over here and he admitted that one of the samples Lee took from Martin could be the antidote."

"How long before you know?"

"Not sure. They’re running more tests. We’ll let you know as soon as they finish, any word from Lee?

"No sir, we had the FS1 on sonar but it disappeared from the screen about twenty minutes ago. Nothing since.

"Keep checking and let me know right away if you hear from the Skipper."

"Aye sir."

Morton was about to step away from the radio when he noticed one of the panels was loose. He gently pulled on it and was surprised when it came away in his hand and revealed a clock slowly counting down, immediately he ran to get the Admiral.

Nelson left the others in the lab and went with Morton to the radio room. "Is that what I think it is?" Morton asked.

Nelson nodded and began talking to himself, "Looks like we have Thirty minutes to figure out how to stop it. Bring Mercer down here. If he was the one who set it maybe he’ll help us take it apart." Morton left and Nelson began the tedious task of checking the bomb, it wasn’t very big and didn’t seem to have much potential. There was no way it would destroy the station. Maybe it wasn’t meant to. Maybe it was only meant to destroy any means of communication with the outside world and Seaview, he thought. There was only one wire, and it was clear to Nelson that it wasn’t a very sophisticated weapon. The wire connected the timer and the explosives. Basic and simple, undiscovered it would have effectively done its job, but now he just had to separate the wire from the explosives and they were home free. Here goes, he thought and snapped the wire.

He smiled when the timer stopped and waited for Chip to show up, it wasn’t long. "Never mind Chip. It was easy to diffuse. Take him back where he belongs. There was only one wire," Nelson said when he saw Chip’s questioning look, "I think it was only meant to destroy the radio. I have to get back to the lab, when you’re done have some one get rid of the explosives."

"Gladly," Morton was amazed at how well everyone was able to keep the first stage of the virus at bay. It was a good thing because they all needed to work together. "Admiral," Nelson turned back to Morton, "I’m going to have O’Brien check the radio on Seaview. There could be a bomb there as well."

"Good idea Chip. Have him check the wiring and if it’s the same as this one tell him to just snap the connection."

"Aye sir," Morton checked with Seaview and there was exactly the same type of explosive device. After O’Brien had disposed of it Morton asked how everyone was getting along.

"It just seems like every one is set off by the smallest thing. I’m keeping the crew together as best I can but even I can’t seem to help yelling at times. I hope they finish the testing soon."

"Me to. Morton out."

******

"Don’t get any ideas Captain. I have the gun and the remote for the bombs and if you try anything I won’t hesitate to blow them. Now if you would be so kind as to follow the signal you are now hearing we will be at our base very shortly."

"There’s no base around here." Crane snapped.

"Oh but there is Captain, it is just hidden from view because it ‘s in a submerged cave. You won’t believe your eyes when you see it. We have the latest in sonar and radar equipment as well as the latest in computer technology. Ah there’s the entrance, take her in nice and slow."

Crane brought the FS1 expertly into the mouth of the cave and realised it was bigger than he had first thought. He was amazed at how much room there was to move. It began to widen even more the further in he went, and he began to see the glow of lights in the water.

"Okay, Captain bring her to the surface and you’ll see our base." Crane did as he was told. Once they had surfaced he cut the engines and turned to Davis, "What now?"

"Open the hatch. Then we’ll wait until I have some backup before we leave you’re little toy. The Peoples Republic will be very happy when they find out I brought them this bonus. Go ahead Captain ,open up." He said as he waved his gun. It wasn’t long before two men joined them with guns in their hands. They recognized Davis immediately.

"Robert it’s so good to see you. You were lucky we didn’t blow you up. Who did you bring with you?" he asked glancing at Crane.

"This is Captain Lee Crane of the Seaview." Davis said with a grin.

"Captain Crane, I’m sure Captain Reich will be so glad to meet you. He was really ticked off when you told him to leave without his prize. It’ll be good to see him happy again. Let’s go, Captain and don’t try anything stupid." Davis went up the ladder first followed by Crane and the other two. When the four men were standing on top of the FS1, Lee had his first chance to see the underwater base. FS1 was not the only vessel in the cave; there was also a small sub. He watched as one of the newcomers got into a dinghy and signalled for Crane to follow. They were only about twenty feet from shore and it wasn’t long before Crane found himself being pulled roughly onto solid ground where his arms were pulled behind his back and secured with rope and he was shoved towards one of six tunnel entrances.

What he thought was a tunnel turned out to be the entrance to a cave. There were file cabinets, what looked to be a well-stocked liquor cabinet, and a large desk with an even larger man sitting behind it. "Well, well who have we here Marcus?" the man asked in a surprisingly mellow voice.

The taller of the two newcomers came forward and smiled, "A gift from Davis," he said, " This man is Captain Crane of the Seaview."

The man’s face took on a stormy look as he stood and walked towards Crane, and without another word he hit the Captain with his huge fist and Crane fell to his knees dazed, blood streaming from a cut on the inside of his mouth "I’ve wanted to do that since you ordered me away from your precious Seaview." He signalled to Marcus and Jackson to help Crane to his feet, "My revenge for what you did Captain, is to let you watch as I blow up the radios at both Scott station and Seaview. It won’t do much damage but if your boat is anything like mine the radio is always manned and you’ll have to live with the fact that you caused one of your crew to die," he knew he’d hit home when he saw the look of pain that crossed Crane’s face. "Davis you have the remote, you may do the damage."

Crane watched helplessly as Davis pushed the button, knowing he was probably witnessing the death of a friend from afar. It was such a waste. "I’ll find a way out of here!" Crane said.

"I don’t think so Captain, I have so many plans for you. You do realise that our virus has infected you. I’ll enjoy watching you suffer through the stages knowing the rest of your friends are doing the same."

"You’re an animal!"

Captain Reich’s huge hands connected twice more to Crane’s head and he lost consciousness.

"I want him chained to the wall over in that corner. Marcus, show Davis to the living quarters and let him get some rest. Jackson you make sure the flying sub is secure after you finish chaining the captain."

"Aye sir,"

********

They’d been testing for nearly six hours and Nelson was certain he’d never been so tired in his life. He needed to find out if this was the antidote and there was only one way to be sure. He watched as Johanna Newburg lifted a needle filled with the serum, he had volunteered to be the guinea pig and she was to give him the shot. If this worked the way they hoped they’d have their answer in about six to eight hours, and they could get the formula to the outside world immediately. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice Newburg put the needle into her arm. "Johanna what have you done?" he asked as he rushed to where she sat.

"I just felt I should be the one to test it." She stated flatly.

"Why?"

"I don’t know. It just seemed like the thing to do at the time. It doesn’t matter who took the serum it only matters what the outcome is. Right."

"Harry, it’s done," Strickland said from behind him, "now we just have to test her blood every hour to see if it has any effect."

Harriman Nelson shook his head and knew there wasn’t anything he could do. "Okay, Johanna looks like you now have the distinction of being our guinea pig."

For the next six hours they took her blood and tested it for any reaction to the serum. On the seventh hour everyone held their breath as Lewis French checked it against her other tests, "Harry can you look at this?" he said the excitement evident in his voice.

Nelson studied the slide while the others waited impatiently. He lifted his head and smiled. "It was your test Lewis go ahead and tell them."

"Johanna, there is now only a very slight trace of the Omega Strain in your sample. We will know for sure in one hour." Everyone knew there was still one more test before they knew for sure about the antidote, but at last there seemed to be a chance, which was more than they’d had before.

The next hour dragged by. They were all passing the time together in the lab, drinking coffee and talking excitedly. Everyone knew exactly when the hour was up and Nelson drew the blood sample and prepared the slides. He turned to Johanna, "I think you should have the honour of checking this test yourself." He held his hand out to her and she took it and slid into the seat.

There wasn’t a sound in the room as she lowered her eyes to the microscope. It seemed like hours but was actually minutes before she lifted her head and smiled, "It’s gone. Harry we did it. Look for yourself." Everyone took their turn looking at the slides even those who had no idea what they were looking for. When they were finished Nelson let them all have a few minutes to pat each other’s back and then got serious with them.

"Chip. I need you to get me the World Health Organization, WHO for short; they’re the best way to get this formula to the rest of the world. They’re linked to health organizations all over and most countries trust them. Does everyone agree with this?"

Everyone was in agreement and William Reynolds smiled as he said, "Harry, I’m going to get to work synthesizing the serum for everyone here and on Seaview."

"Excellent. Lets go Chip" They went to the radio room and within ten minutes they were talking to Dr. Taylor Reed of WHO, "Taylor, we tested a serum on Dr. Newburg and it effectively erased the virus. We haven’t had time to test it on others yet. I’m going to give you the formula so you can produce it in higher amounts and it will be ready if the rest of us turn out to be negative."

"That’s terrific Harry, we can test it here as well and we will have a wider test subject group." Nelson gave him the formula and said he would call him in approximately six to seven hours. When they were finished Nelson asked Chip to see if he could reach Admiral Stark at the Bethesda medical research facility. He waited as Chip was passed from operator to operator, finally he passed the headphones and speaker to Nelson and he heard a very weak voice asking who he was speaking to.

"Jiggs it’s Harry, yes Harry Nelson. I can barely hear you. I wanted you to know we are pretty certain we have the cure. Yes that’s right we have a few more tests to run and if they’re ok we can start inoculating people against it. Oh okay Jiggs, you do as the doctors tell you and you’ll be okay. Get some rest." He passed the headphones and speaker back to Chip and answered the exec’s unspoken question. "He didn’t sound very good. The doctors were just coming in to see him and take him for more tests. I can only hope we get the antidote to him in time."

"I hope so to sir." They walked back to the lab to await their turn for the inoculation when it was prepared.

******

"Open your eyes Captain. That’s it, we need to talk."

Crane was trying to open his eyes but only succeeded in squinting. He felt like some one was playing the base drums inside his head. "I have nothing to say," he replied defiantly.

"Oh , I think I can change your mind." He suddenly hit Crane open handed until Crane felt as if it would come off his shoulders. "You will show me how to operate your flying sub."

Crane laughed through clenched teeth, "Go to hell," he said quietly.

"My dear Captain, don’t you realise you’re already there. It is only a matter of time before you start feeling the effects of stage two, or are you may be already there. Let me figure this out. You were exposed about a week ago, give or take a day if Davis did what he was instructed which I’m pretty sure he did. Then again how long has it been since you had anything to eat or drink. I’ve been lax in my duty as a good host. Would you like a drink from the bar, Perhaps a good Chablis, no what about a glass of champagne to help celebrate the victory for the People’s Republic. That’s right our victory. It’s only a matter of time before the people outside my country are dead and we will own everything."

He walked away from Crane and went to the bar, poured something into a glass, and came back to Crane, "Open up Captain. I said open your mouth."

Crane kept his lips clamped together as Reich held the glass to his mouth. Reich grew angry and walked out the entrance of the makeshift office but returned with the two men Crane had seen when he first arrived.

"Captain Crane refuses to drink to our success and you know how I hate to drink alone. Hold his head back and we will force him to make the toast."

Crane tried to keep his mouth closed but when they closed off his air supply through his nostrils he had no choice but to breathe through his mouth. He gagged as the liquid flowed down his throat and he was forced to swallow or choke. When Reich had poured the entire contents of the large glass down his throat, Crane was released. He was coughing violently and gasping for air. The three men in the room were laughing at his discomfort.

"I’m sorry Captain but that wasn’t my good Chablis, I wouldn’t waste that on you, so I gave you what I think your country men would call rotgut. It tastes terrible and can cause severe cramping in some people. I do have a way to stop the cramping but unless you agree to show me the flying sub controls, you will just have to suffer. What do you say?"

"I repeat, GO TO HELL," Crane could feel his stomach cramping even as he spoke.

"As you wish, but this is only the beginning. I promise you you’ll be begging to show me when the real pain starts and I am the only one who can help you. I have to leave for a few hours but I’ll be back. Maybe you’ll be in a more cooperative mood by then."

"Never," was Crane’s only response.

"We’ll see Captain." Reich said as he left.

********

It was time for the final blood test for the eight remaining people at Scott Station and they were all anxious for the results. So far the tests were showing a marked improvement in everyone and this was the one that would confirm that they were all free of the disease. Since Johanna Newburg was the original guinea pig it was decided that she would be the one to check the results and she would tell them what they were when all tests were complete.

She finished the final test and turned to the waiting group. "It’s confirmed. We are all in the clear."

There was a loud chorus of cheers and congratulations. All that remained was to inform the WHO and let them begin to distribute the serum to the world. Nelson signalled Morton to follow him and they left the rest of the group to celebrate.

Morton knew who the Admiral wanted to talk to and he put the call through and soon had Taylor Reed on the line. "Taylor. It worked on the test subjects here, myself included." He listened as Reed told him they had just finished testing fifty subjects who had volunteered to be guinea pigs and they were all in the clear. "That’s great. I know it’s only a small test group but it’s a positive outcome." Once again Nelson listened as Reed told him how they were proceeding with distribution of the formula and serum. It was going to be a worldwide operation involving all countries. Everyone was to have access to the antidote from the richest person to the poorest. Nelson said good-bye to Reed and turned to Chip, "We have to get back to the Seaview as soon as they have enough of the antidote for the crew. Once the inoculations are underway we can start the search for Lee. I just hope we’re not to late."

"What if we don’t find him in time. He was also infected with Omega Strain."

"I know Chip, but there’s nothing we can do until we finish here. Lee is just going to have to keep himself alive till we get to him."

*****

Lee Crane had not seen any one in a long time. He had been in and out of consciousness and had lost track of time. He was in agony. Whatever had been in the glass had done more than Reich had said. He had lost whatever had been in his stomach and was now suffering from dry heaves. His clothes were stained with dried blood and vomit, and he barely had the strength to turn his head when he felt someone watching him.

It was Reich and he looked dangerously angry.

"Something happen to mess up your plans?" Crane’s voice was hoarse and raspy.

"Shut your mouth Crane or I’ll shut it for you. Marcus get in here." He shouted.

Marcus came hurriedly through the entrance wearing a nervous look on his face, "Yes sir."

Reich sat at his desk and picked up a half bottle of liquor and through it across the room, "They did it, some how they got the antidote." Crane smiled slightly at the news. "The bombs didn’t go off at the station the way they were supposed to and they were able to get the formula out. We’ve been ordered to return home. Do you know what that means?" Marcus shook his head, but didn’t speak. "It means that the homeland has ordered our deaths. We can’t go back and we can’t stay here."

"But, where will we go?"

"That’s what we have to figure out. Damn it, bring Davis here. He’ll pay for not setting his bomb properly!"

Marcus went out and returned with Davis.

"You wanted to see me sir?" Davis asked.

"It’s your fault. You and the other incompetent fools who were supposed to destroy the radios. You’ve cost us our country and the glory of returning home heroes, now we can’t go back." He lifted his gun from the desk and fired two quick shots at Davis. Both bullets struck him in the upper chest and he was dead before he hit the floor. "Get that thing out of here," he said pointing to the body.

He then turned his attention back to Crane, "What’s the matter Crane? You think my method of punishment for failure is to harsh?"

"I think you’re an animal." Crane replied flatly. He was not going to show this man any emotion if he could help it, he was sure it would be used against him.

"You’re life is so simple. You don’t have the threat of death hanging over your head if you fail to do what your government wants." He glared at Crane angrily, "you have no right to judge me or call me names, and don’t worry Captain, wherever we go I plan to take you with me. I will have the pleasure of watching you die slowly and I will send your body back to your submarine so they know how horribly you died." He went to the bar and poured a drink, which he downed in one swallow. "I have to make some arrangements before we leave, don’t go anywhere." He laughed as he went through the cave entrance.

Crane was alone again with his thoughts. He knew this man was dangerous and he would have to try something soon before he was too weak. Whatever had been in the drink he’d been given was not helping, his stomach was cramping again and he felt terrible. Oh what he wouldn’t do to be on Seaview and maybe in sickbay with Doc hovering over him. God I must be sick to even think that, he smiled weakly and passed out.

********

The two Snowcats had been secured in the cargo hold of Seaview and Mercer had been taken to the brig. Nelson and the other four scientists were helping Doc give the antidote to the remaining members of the crew.

Morton was in the control room making plans to get underway. Approximately eight hours had passed since the Admiral and his team had manufactured enough of the antidote to inoculate the members of Seaview and they’d all agreed to return to the boat and look for her missing captain. "Admiral, all preparations are finished and Seaview is ready to get underway." He said into the mike.

"I’m on my way," Nelson answered almost immediately. He came down the spiral staircase a few moments later followed by Patterson who went directly to sonar and took Kowalski’s place so he could go get his shot. There crew gave a combined sigh of relief as they felt the slight vibration of Seaview as her engines started, "Okay, Chip, let’s see what we can do to find Lee. Has there been any more sonar contact?"

"I was just going over the log, there was one unknown contact. It could have been a small sub. No way to know for sure but it disappeared in the same area as the FS1 did."

"That’s as good a place to start as any. Head for those coordinates at flank speed."

"Aye sir." Morton said, and Seaview was underway.

******

"Is everything ready?" Captain Reich asked Marcus.

"Yes sir. We’ve taken everything we could make room for. There is not very much left and what we are leaving behind is unimportant. What are we to do about the flying sub?"

"I would like to take it with us but without Crane’s cooperation that’s impossible. Blow it up. How is Crane anyway?"

"Whatever you put in that drink you gave him yesterday has sped up the effects of the virus. He has blotches spread all over his arms and legs, and he smells sour."

"I must say taking my revenge against the captain makes me feel a little better. I want him put on the sub. Chain him up in the control room where I can watch him suffer. I want to leave here in ten minutes."

"Yes sir," Marcus said as he left to take Captain Crane to the sub.

*******

Seaview was almost at the coordinates where the last sonar readings had showed the object. Nelson was hoping they would find Crane there. All the crew had been given the antidote except Lee. He should be just going into stage two, according to the WHO, that meant he was starting to reject food and liquids, they still had time. Lee, we’re coming son, just hold on. I promise we’ll find you. Chip Morton interrupted his thoughts. "Anything new Chip?"

"Not yet sir. Patterson is watching sonar and aside from a few small objects, nothing. I just can’t help feeling we’re close."

"I know what you mean Chip, its probably just wishful thinking but I believe we’re close as well. Tell Patterson to let us know if there’s anything big enough to be the FS1."

"I think he’ll throw me in the brig if I ask him one more time." Chip said trying to get Nelson to relax, even if only for a moment.

"I’m worried Chip. I should have sent the Seaview after the FS1 as soon as Mr. O’Brien told me Lee had been taken away by gunpoint." Nelson’s voice was filled with anguish.

"You did what you had to sir. Lee will understand."

"He always understands. I wish, just once it was possible to do what I want instead of what I have to. Lee always seems to be the one I have to leave for the good of others. I’ll be in my quarters if anything happens." He left the control room before anyone could see just how much this had affected him.

Morton watched the Admiral climb the spiral staircase. He knew the toll this was taking on Nelson because he felt the same way. Of all the subs in or out of the Navy the unique relationship between the Seaview’s three top officers was legendary. That’s why we’re as successful as we are in our missions, he thought before returning to watch the sonar over Patterson’s shoulder. Hope I don’t make him nervous.

******

Crane awoke to find himself being half carried and half dragged towards the small sub next to the FS1. This is my only chance. If they get me on that sub there’s no way to escape. All he had to do was draw on that extra ounce of strength he always seemed to have at times like this. One of the men carrying him stumbled and without even realizing what he was doing Crane put all his weight into pushing the man down and pulling the other on top of him. There was a muffled thump as the head of one man struck against the others. Crane’s weight and that of the second man had been enough to knock the falling man out. The second man was dazed and Crane hit him twice in the face before he could regain his senses. He stood slowly and was shocked to see how easy it had been to escape and almost forgot there were others around who would come looking when these two didn’t show.

He stumbled to the edge of the cave and fell into the water. Swimming was hard in his weakened condition but he made it to the flying sub and managed to pull himself on top. With a silent prayer he tried the hatch and found his prayers answered when it opened easily. He climbed into the sub and secured the hatch. He had to get strapped into his seat and get out of here. His luck was sure to run out at any moment. He started the engines and turned on the small nose camera. Reich was staring at the Flying sub and shouting at his men. Crane couldn’t hear what was being said but he was sure they were being told to get him out of there. He turned the Fs1 slowly away from the dock and started to dive towards the cave entrance. Suddenly there seemed to be something holding him back. He put all FS1’s power into forward engines and felt the vibration as the flying sub strained to pull free of whatever was holding it back. At first nothing happened, then with a lurch Fs1 leaped forward and Crane fought to regain control before he ran into the cavern wall. He barely made it. He slowed the craft down and turned on the running lights. Slowly he made his way out of the cave. Knowing they wouldn’t be far behind, he grabbed his mike and began to speak.

*******

"Mr. Morton, I think I have something."

Morton saw what Patterson was talking about and asked anxiously, "Is it FS1?"

"It seems to be sir, but it just appeared out of nowhere." He said excitedly.

Morton went to the chart table and made some notes, he brought it to Kowalski and told him to set course for these coordinates immediately. He then picked up the mike and

contacted the Admiral. "I think we have the FS1 on sonar sir."

"Change course to intercept immediately. I’m on my way."

"Already done sir."

******

"FS1 calling Seaview. Come in Seaview," Lee said, and realized he was beginning to feel lightheaded and was having difficulty breathing. "I need help....being......follow..d by enemy sub.....help..having trouble breathing.......no how ..long I...can control...........sub." He was fighting for every breath.

Nelson came rushing into the control room and went to the radio as Spark’s handed him the mike, "Lee, hang on son. We’re almost there. Just another few minutes." There was no acknowledgement.

"His last transmission sounded garbled and he sounded like he couldn’t breathe," Morton told Nelson worriedly. "We should reach him in approximately ten minutes. Lee’s a fighter sir. He’ll wait for us."

"I know Chip," he was interrupted by Patterson worried voice.

"I have another contact baring down on FS1. It appeared out of nowhere." Nelson and Morton look at the screen and both knew Lee was in serious trouble.

******

"We have two sonar contacts, Captain Reich." Marcus said.

"What do you mean, two? There should only be the flying sub!"

"Two sir, one’s the flying sub but the other is much bigger. It’s probably the Seaview sir."

"Contact Seaview and lets see if we can come to an agreement about what should be done." Reich said angrily.

******

"See if you can contact that sub," Nelson yelled at Sparks. "Chip have Sharkey ready torpedoes."

"Yes sir," Morton said.

"They’re hailing us sir," Sparks said, " Captain Reich wants to speak with you."

Sparks handed Nelson the mike and earphones and he began to speak. "If you take any hostile action towards the flying sub I will launch our torpedoes and blow you out of the water!"

"Admiral, I am a reasonable man and I know when I’m outgunned you might say. I may not have the capability to destroy your Seaview but I can destroy the flying sub, so we seem to have a standoff." Reich said in a confident voice. "I have a proposal that may help us both but you better agree fast because your captain Crane is now in the final stage of Omega Strain. I sort of gave him something to enhance the effects so you need to get to him quickly."

"What do you propose?" Nelson asked, not bothering to hide the hatred in his voice.

"Simple, you are to allow us to leave without following us, and you can get your Captain back. Maybe we will even meet again."

"Get out of here and mark my words we will meet again." Nelson passed the radio back to Sparks. "How long Chip?"

"We’re almost on top of her, sir. Lee must have passed out because she’s just sitting on the bottom. Jamie’s on his way with the antidote," Morton told him as they went to the hatch that allowed access to FS1. It seemed like forever for the auto-retrival system to pull the small craft upwards to the mother ship before they heard the telltale sounds of the flying sub docking with Seaview.

Nelson turned the wheel and opened the hatch. He slid down the ladder, missing most of the steps as he rushed to his captain’s side. Lee was having difficulty breathing and barely had a pulse. "Lee, you’re home son. You’re back on Seaview where you belong." Nelson watched as Doc, who seemed to show up out of nowhere, pushed the captains sleeve up, quickly swabbed his upper arm and injected Crane with the antidote.

"Chip, bring that oxygen over here quickly," Doc commanded.

Morton helped the Doc get Crane on Oxygen and they began to lift him up the ladder into Seaview, where he was placed on a stretcher. Without a word Morton and Nelson picked up the stretcher and carefully carried their precious cargo to sickbay.

"I’m going to need your help getting the captain ready for the isolation room,"Doc ordered the two senior officers, "once that’s done I want you both to get some rest. I don’t know how long before there’ll be any change and I don’t need any more patients. Got it?"

Both men nodded and began to help Jamison remove the captain’s clothing which still held the sour smell of vomit. The angry red blotches all over the Captains body shocked them. They soon had him bathed and ready to be taken to isolation. Jamison made sure the IV and oxygen were flowing properly and left the room. "Okay, you two go to your cabins and get some rest. I’ll call if anything changes."

"I have to relieve O’Brien in the control room," Morton said.

"Don’t give me that Chip, have Chief Sharkey take your place," Jamie said, and knew instinctively that the only way they would rest was if he kept them here and watched them himself. "Belay the cabin command, Chip you take that bunk, Admiral you get into that one and I don’t want to hear a sound for at least four hours."

"Dr. Jamison," Jamie turned to see Frank, one of his corpsmen, coming into sickbay. "I couldn’t help overhearing what you just told them to do and if I’m out of line I’ll apologize later but you need some rest as well."

The three men looked at him with surprise written on their faces.

"Doc," Morton began with a smile, "I think you’ve just been ordered to bed, too."

"I think you’re right Chip," Doc said quietly looking at Frank. "Admiral what’s the punishment for insubordination?"

"On this boat, usually a pat on the back," Nelson said and couldn’t help but laugh as Frank pointed to a bunk for Jamie.

Frank was surprised to see the three men still sleeping four hours later. He put on the specialized suit and went into the isolation room where the Skipper was still unconscious. He checked Crane’s vital signs and made sure the IV line was clear and the oxygen was flowing properly through the mask. Just as he finished Jamie came into the room dressed in the same type of suit.

"Any change?" he asked.

"None sir, I was just about to draw blood for another test."

"I’ll do it." Jamie took the syringe from Frank and began to draw the sample from the inside of Crane’s elbow when he heard a low groan. He looked up into Crane’s open eyes. "Welcome back Skipper. Just a minute and I’ll see if you can go without the oxygen for a while. Frank will you test this?" Frank took the sample of the captain’s blood and left the room. Jamison lifted the oxygen mask from Crane’s face and watched for any change in his breathing.

"How did you find me? Why are you wearing that suit?" Lee asked, weakly.

"I’ll let Admiral Nelson explain how we found you, but I can answer the second question. You were in the final stage of the virus and it was beginning to weaken your immune system. If your immunity system were to break down any further, almost any illness, from a cold to an infected cut could prove fatal. I put you in here because it was the only place I could change into an isolation room. It’s not perfect but it’s the next best thing." He looked up as he heard the door open and Nelson entered wearing the suit Frank had worn. "Five minutes sir. He needs to rest."

Nelson nodded and looked down at his friends face. "How do you feel Lee?"

"I’ve been better. How did you find me?" he asked weakly.

"We came back to Seaview and began the inoculation of the crew. Chip and I went over the sonar readings of the time you disappeared and we were able to figure out approximately where you were. Then the Fs1 showed up on sonar. We knew we had you."

"What about Captain Reich and his sub?" Lee asked.

"He was ready to destroy FS1 with you on board. We sort of struck a bargain, your life for theirs." Nelson said.

"You should have captured them!"

"Lee, there was no way I was going to let them kill you. Can you lie there and tell me you wouldn’t have done the same thing if our roles had been reversed."

"I guess not," Crane said tiredly. "I just know first-hand what a madman Reich is. I had hoped we wouldn’t have to add him to our list of dangerous enemies."

"We have enough of those, believe me I know. If I had to do it all over again son, I wouldn’t hesitate."

"How is Admiral Stark doing?" Crane asked, effectively changing the delicate subject.

"I was just going to check on him. You get some rest and I’ll come back when Jamie lets me in. No regrets Lee, don’t forget that." He said with a reassuring smile.

Crane was left alone with his thoughts and some of them were troubling ones, Reich, youré a madman, killing Davis in cold blood like that . Now because of me, the Admiral’s set you free. One day, Reich, one day, I’ll find you and you won’t escape. He finally slept.

In the outer room Nelson removed his protective suit and walked over to where Jamie was talking to Chip, "Everything okay Doc?" he asked.

"The virus is still present in his blood but we expected that. I’m not going to bother with another sample until the full eight hours are up. So far that seems to be the amount of time for the antidote to take effect. How does he seem to you Admiral?"

"I don’t know Jamie, not himself, a little depressed maybe. Blames himself that Reich got away, I think. He was falling asleep when I left."

"That’s good, sleep and rest are exactly what he needs right now. Chip, I’ll let you know when he’s awake and ready to see you."

"Thanks Doc. Admiral care to join me for coffee and breakfast?"

"I will as soon as I contact the naval hospital and see how Jiggs is doing."

Doc smiled as they left, nothing ever changes, Nelson always worries about everything and everyone. He’s quite a man. His concern is always for those he cares about. One of the reasons the captain and crew of Seaview are so loyal to the man, Jamie thought.

******

Chip Morton walked into Crane’s room to find him awake and propped up on his bunk, a silly grin plastered on his face, "What have you been up to Lee?"

"What makes you think I was up to anything?" he said still wearing the silly grin.

"Oh no, now I’m certain you’re up to no good. When you start answering questions with questions we’re all in trouble!" Morton laughed.

"I don’t do that, do I?"

"I’m glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour. I saw Jamie leave just now. What did you do to him, I thought he was going to blow his stack."

"The usual. I told him I wanted out of here." They turned to see Admiral Nelson enter the room. "I think I’m in trouble." He said.

"You are,Captain. I just had a talk with Jamie and he threatened to give you something to make you sleep if you keep insisting on trying to bribe Frank to let you out of here." Nelson said

"That’s what he always says." Lee said.

"He means it this time Lee. I know you feel better but you have to stay in Isolation till Doc clears you. He said you are the most exasperating person he knows." Morton couldn’t suppress a laugh, "Don’t you start, Chip, he had a few choice words for you as well." Nelson said.

"Me. What did I do?" Morton asked, watching Crane try not to laugh.

"Nothing right now, but when you’re in here you’re just as bad as Lee. Seriously Lee take it easy on Jamie. He can only take so much." Nelson told his friend.

"Yes sir. I just don’t understand why I’m the only one who had to be put into isolation."

"I can answer that for you. Nobody else on Seaview was in the third stage of Omega Strain. It’s important that you let your body heal itself. That means rest and isolation till Jamie says otherwise. If you even think about trying to leave here without Doc’s permission I’ve given orders to have you restrained."

Lee Crane didn’t know if Admiral Nelson was serious or not, "How are things outside Seaview?" he asked effectively changing the subject again.

"I talked to Admiral Stark and his doctors told him he would be out in a day or so. The World Health Organization has set up a hotline where the smaller Countries can call and get information on the antidote and I think we can safely say we’ve overcome Omega Strain. Chip and I have to go back to work. With you in here I’m helping in the control room whenever I’m needed. Seaview is fine Lee, so rest easy."

Lee Crane wasn’t alone for long. Frank came in the door, "Hello Skipper. Time for another sample."

"I don’t know if I have anymore to give."

"Now Sir, hopefully this is the last one. Jamie will know if you’re clear of the virus in about ten minutes," he told Crane while the syringe filled with blood. When he was done he left the room to be replaced by Admiral Nelson.

"Thought you had to go to the control room." Lee said

"I figured you could use some company until Jamie finished his tests."

"Thank you Admiral… you don’t know how much your being here means to me. Sometimes… it’s hard to ask for help even when you know the person would gladly give it."

"Chip and I had to toss the proverbial coin to see who would stay in the control room and who would be with you. For a change Chip lost the coin toss and here I am. Every member of this crew would be here if they could, we’re a close bunch."

"What if the drug Reich gave me changed Omega Strain into something the antidote can’t fight?"

"Let’s cross that bridge if and when we come to it." Nelson said softly.

"Are we heading back to Santa Barbara?" Lee asked, again changing the subject.

"We have to make a couple of stops. Our scientists want to go home and check on their families. Of course Mercer will be turned over to the authorities when we get home." He saw the look of surprise on Cranes face and realized he hadn’t known about Mercer. "He was the one who tried to sabotage the stations radio with a bomb. Chip found it before it could be detonated. It was just a matter of disconnecting the wires. Very simple."

"Shouldn’t Doc be here by now?" Lee asked impatiently.

"It’s only been a few minutes Lee. Give him a chance to finish the test’s." Lee Crane will never be known for his patience. Nelson thought.

The silence was broken when Jamie opened the door and stepped into the room, "All signs of Omega Strain are gone." He said happily.

"Then I can get out of here," Crane said with a smile.

"No way Skipper. I said the virus is gone. You still have to let your body heal. Your immune system was affected and you need at least two more days in here." Before Lee could say anything Jamie stopped him. "Misbehave and I swear I’ll make it a week. Got That?" He said with a try me expression on his face.

"He means it Lee. I know that look. It means he’s got you right where he wants you and you can’t do anything about it." Nelson laughed at Cranes chagrined look, "I think I better leave before the fireworks start."

"There aren’t going to be any fireworks."Doc said, " This is my sickbay and I have the last word. Get some sleep Captain or I’ll give you something that will keep you in lullabyland until its time for your release." Crane almost believed he would do just that.

"Aye, Aye sir," he said with a weak smile plastered on his face.

******

Thursday Nov. Ninth 1974

Three days later Crane walked into the observation nose. It still took his breath away whenever he looked out the specially enhanced Windows. It was his favourite place to be if he wasn’t allowed in the control room, and Doc had ordered him to stay away from that particular spot. The boat had just surfaced and they were almost in Santa Barbara where most of the crew resided.

"I thought we’d find you in here," Nelson’s voice pulled him from his reverie, and he turned to see the Admiral and Chip standing behind him.

"I was just thinking of home." He said in a quiet voice.

"What are your plans for the next week?" Nelson asked.

"Well Jamie ordered me to rest. I guess I’ll catch up on some reading."

"You could do that, or you can join Chip and myself at my cabin on the lake. You can even bring a few books if you like." Nelson was relieved to see Crane Smile.

"I don’t think Jamie can argue with a relaxing trip to the lake."

"Well…" Nelson had a sheepish look on his face.

" Well what Admiral?" Crane asked suspiciously, and noticed the smile on Morton’s face.

"Jamie said the only way he’d let you go is if he could tag along." He saw Lee’s crestfallen look and continued, " Lee, you said it yourself: he’s a natural Mother Hen." Nelson said.

"That may be Admiral, but if he acts like a mother hen he’ll put me in a very fowl mood." It was said in such a serious voice that it took Nelson and Morton a few seconds to catch the little play on words Lee Crane had used. Nelson patted Crane on the back and all three began to laugh.

They arrived at Nelson’s Cabin two days later but that’s another story!!!!!!!!

T H E E N D