This story takes place in the Season 4 Time-line.

After the Night

by Lynn

He was laying in a bed, a soft bed. The smells were familiar, sickbay. His senses began to all register at once when an unfamiliar female voice called his name.

“Commander? Commander Crane.”

His eyes fluttered open and even before he focused he knew he wasn't in sickbay, still...a hospital of some kind. His eyes focused on a pretty face with red hair that fell lightly on her shoulders, a smart nurses' cap on her head. She smiled at him and stepped aside.

A doctor moved into her place and began taking his vitals as he spoke, “I'm Dr. Reynolds, I've been your primary physician. Let's sit you up a little, now don't move you've been stationary for a long time, let the bed do all the work.” He pressed the button on the side of the bed as it tilted to a 45 degree angle. The shift in position caused a wave of vertigo to hit and he closed his eyes until it passed.

“What do you mean, 'I've been stationary for a long time'?” Lee asked after his dizziness had passed, but his brain wasn't operating fully yet, everything was fuzzy.

“Commander, what is the last thing you remember?”

This was getting very uncomfortable, he woke up some place he didn't know, surrounded by people he didn't know, and the last thing he remembered was...a mission! His face steeled, he wasn't going to talk until he knew more.

“Lee?”

He turned his head to the left to see Commander Jerry Fries, his relief registering immediately on his face. “Jerry, what's going on here?”

“What's the last thing you remember Lee?”

Lee's fuzziness lessened slightly as he worked to bring it into focus, and his eyes widened, the Admiral! “Jerry, where's Admiral Nelson?”

“Lee, do you remember the mission?”

“Yes, the Admiral and I retrieved the intel, we were heading back through the jungle to make our extraction when we were attacked. We couldn't outrun them, they were pinning us down, the Admiral covered me while I hid the intel. When I came back he was laying on the ground, a shot to the shoulder. After that, I don't remember anything except waking up here.” From Lee's point of view, it was as if he had just went to sleep yesterday.

“Lee, listen to me. I know this is going to sound unbelievable, but you've been in a coma.”

Lee's eyes registered unbelief, what was Jerry telling him? “How long have I been out?”

“Six months Lee.” You're still on San Matel, Admiral Smith was hoping that you would wake and be able to tell us where you hid the intel. Its still just as important today as it was six months ago.”

Lee still couldn't hardly believe his ears, he had been through some wild things in his life, but this was proving to be right up there with alien abduction.

“Jerry, you didn't answer me, where's Admiral Nelson?”

“Lee...he didn't make it. By the time we found you, he had bled out. You weren't in too much better shape, they tried to beat it out of you. You sustained a serious head injury.”

Lee's eyes misted over, he closed his eyes and swallowed back his grief that was threatening to make itself known. Harry was dead. He couldn't believe it, he needed to see Chip or Jamie. He didn't want it to be real, but he'd know for sure once he saw his friends. He knew Jerry, he was Admiral Smith's aide. The intel that he and Harry secured was so sensitive that it was to be turned over directly to Smith. Only now...

“Jerry, I want to see Chip.”

“Commander Morton is under the ice pack somewhere with Seaview. I checked yesterday when you started showing signs of waking up. We haven't been able to make contact with Seaview, probably won't until she clears the pack.”

It had been six months, he guessed it would make sense for Seaview to continue with missions. The reality of Harry's death was hitting Lee hard, he raised his hand to his face covering his eyes trying to regain his composure.

“Lee, I'm sorry. I know how close you and Nelson were. I'm going to report to Admiral Smith, let you get some rest. I'll be back tomorrow.”

Lee nodded as Jerry left. The doctor finished his vitals making notes on his chart. “Commander, you've been flat on your back for six months. We'll help you sit up and move around until you build your strength back up. The IV will stay until I see you are taking fluids and solids, we'll try some lunch in a few hours, for now just rest. I know you've had a shock, just give it some time. Nurse Parker has been taking care of you since you were brought in, just ring if you need anything.”

Lee nodded again, it was just too much to figure out right now, his brain was still fuzzy and he knew he wasn't thinking as sharply as he should be. The one thing that was painfully sharp in his mind was that Harriman Nelson was dead.

* * * * *

Lee was aware that someone had come into his room, he opened his eyes realizing that he had fallen asleep. He felt very weak, and the fuzziness had not dissipated for the nap. He turned his head to see who had entered the room and saw Nurse Parker.

“I brought your lunch,” she smiled as she placed the tray on the side table and wheeled it over to Lee. Lee considered, he really was hungry, so he moved to sit higher in the bed. Nurse Parker adjusted the bed higher and rearranged his pillow behind him.

“Thanks,” Lee said, as she began to lift the lids off of the dishes.

“Turkey soup, sandwich and fresh fruit,” she shook out his napkin as she spoke laying it on Lee's lap and then moved the tray in front of him.

“No coffee?” Lee said, spotting the glass of milk on the tray.

“Sorry, no caffeine yet. Would you like some company?” Lee noticed that she seemed to be rather comfortable with him.

“Sure, although I don't know how good a company I'm going to be.” Lee politely added a small smile. She was a very pretty young lady, he thought at least about ten years younger than himself. Her shapely figure was a little hard to miss, but he didn't usually rob the cradle so he kept himself emotionally at a distance.

“That's OK, I'm just so glad to see you awake,” she spoke as Lee ate. “I've taken care of you since you came, everything from baths to shaves.

Lee coughed a little with that last bit of information. He noticed that he was clean shaven, but the necessities of caring for a man in a coma he didn't want to know about.

“You were here when they brought me in?” She nodded an affirmative. “And the injuries were substantial?”

“Yes, you were in bad shape, the head wound was the most dangerous, but you've healed well,” adding a pleasant smile to her face.

Lee wasn't a big eater when he was well, but he tried to eat as much as he could, he thought it might help return his strength. This feeling of weakness was not something he was used to, at least not when he wasn't sporting a bandage of some kind.

“You're sure you can't smuggle me some coffee?”

She laughed, “Maybe with dinner, I'll check with the doctor.” She pulled the table back and busied herself with the tray.

“Nurse Parker...”

“Please call me Cynthia, after all this time, I feel I know you.” She smiled and he returned it.

“Alright Cynthia, did I have any visitors when I was first brought in?” It just seemed odd to him that the Navy would leave him in a foreign country this long, surely the Institute would have arranged for him to be cared for closer to home.

“Yes, a slew of them. The tall blond was here constantly. But eventually, when you didn't wake up they had to move on.”

That was something, she described Chip, maybe he was being a little paranoid about this set up. Maybe everything was just what it appeared, and that thought bothered him most, because it would mean that Harry really was dead.

She noticed his countenance change and sat by his bed, taking his hand in hers, “I'm sure this must all be very confusing, but everything is going to be alright now that you're awake.” Her voice was comforting and he appreciated her concern, even if it was a bit bold for someone he had just met.

“Thanks Cynthia, but I'm afraid things will never quite be alright again.” He was feeling very tired by now and his head laid heavy against the pillows.

She stood up and adjusted his blankets, “You're my star patient but I do have to make my rounds, I'll be back to check on you later. Tomorrow we'll get you out of bed and start moving you around.” She flashed a brilliant smile at Lee, which he politely returned, but anyone who knew him knew it was strained and forced.

As she left Lee rested his eyes, it was bad enough to hear about Harry, it was worse not having his friends and family around to grieve together. His eyes misted again, and he swallowed back his sob, he'd just have to get used to it.

* * * * *

“Lee, take uncle's leg and push it in like this.” Aunt Ruth demonstrated, as she lifted his right leg and pushed it in to bend at the knee and then flex outward again.

“Will this help Uncle Brian's legs get strong again?” Lee asked as he complied with his aunt's request.

“Yes, just like that,” encouraging Lee with his help, “Yes, his muscles shrank because of the forced bed stay. Its sort of like they've gone to sleep, we have to wake them up so uncle will be strong again.”

It was hard work for him, only being 10 years old but Lee was anxious to help his uncle. It had only

been a year since his dad had died, and Uncle Brian's car accident had been a shock for the entire family. He had been in the hospital for weeks and was just now allowed to come home.

Uncle Brian let out a soft moan. “Does it hurt?”

“Not that bad Lee, I'm sure I'll get better with you helping your aunt.” That encouragement pushed Lee to work harder, he really needed his uncle now that Dad was gone...

Lee woke out of his sleep with the dream fresh in his mind wondering why he would dream about that after all these years? He looked over at the window, the early morning light was beginning to peak through the blinds. He didn't have a watch, but he guessed it to be about 0530.

As he looked out the window his still fuzzy brain began to connect a dot that would have been apparent if he hadn't been so “confused” lately. Atrophy! His uncle's legs shrank half their size in the three weeks he spent in the hospital, only three weeks.

He raised the bed to a sitting position and pulled the blanket off of his legs. Even with daily physical therapy his legs would be atrophied. He looked down past his hospital gown to see two strong healthy legs. He had been set up, Cynthia, the doctor and even Jerry were all in on it. He moved to completely sit up in the bed. He had eaten both lunch and dinner and so the IV had been pulled. He swung his legs off the bed slowly. There were a couple of things that he knew were real; the physical weakness he felt, and the fuzziness that kept his usually sharp mind on the edge of confusion.

He placed his feet on the ground and picked up the hospital issued robe, putting it on as he sat working through the slight dizziness he felt. Slowly he stood, waiting to see if his legs would bear his weight, and then began to walk toward what he thought was a small closet.

He opened the door praying that his clothes were still there and smiled, Bingo. Inside hung the green fatigues that he had worn on his mission, he reached for the belt buckle and depressed the “alert” button that was hidden inside a false front. It blinked on, letting him know that a transmission was being sent, he only hoped that Chip and Sparks were looking for it.

He needed to get back to his bed before he was caught, he was too weak to make a get away just yet, and there were still some questions that needed answered. Commander Jerry Fries was in on it, but did it go all the way up to Admiral Smith? And what about Harry? He could still be dead, he realized that, but there was a chance that Harry got away. He was going to hold on to that hope as long as he could.

He made it back to the bed and took the robe off, replacing it where he had found it. He pulled the blankets back over him and lowered his bed back down. He would need to keep them thinking that he had totally bought into this game. This game...it was all pretty apparent, he hid the intel and they wanted it. That pretty much cleared Admiral Smith since Lee was to personally deliver the intel to him, it was so frustrating not being able to think clearly and reason things out.

Lee closed his eyes for a few minutes to think, but was soon asleep again.

* * * * *

“Hi Lee. How are you feeling today?”

“OK I guess, Jerry. Its taking some getting used to, Admiral Nelson being gone.”

Lee was sitting up in his bed in a robe, he was still weak but a little stronger than the day before. What bothered him was the fuzziness in his mind that had dissipated some by 0800 had returned after breakfast. He was sure that they were spiking his food now that he was off the IV. He also noticed that Cynthia had worked hard to distract him during his breakfast. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to skip meals and not tip them off.

Right now, he needed to keep Jerry feeling that his “plan” was working. It wasn't too hard to play the grieving son, he still wasn't sure if Harry was alive or not. So he kept as close to the truth as he could, letting his emotions show raw.

“I thought you might want to see this, Lee,” Jerry handed Lee a newspaper, “you made the front page.”

Captain Crane of Seaview wakes from coma! The story that followed told of a head injury while on business for NIMR, and of his six months of unconsciousness.

Lee scanned the date, six months later than the last date he remembered, he laid the paper on his lap, “Do you mind if I keep this?”

“Not at all. Are you feeling stronger?” Jerry's “concern” was sickening Lee, he needed them to lighten up on the drugs so he could think, so he played his weakness up.

“Not really, I'm tired all the time.” Jerry nodded, and then lowered his head as if approaching a subject that he wished he didn't have to.

“Lee, I know its too soon for a debriefing, but Admiral Smith really needs the intel. Can you tell us where you hid it.”

“I can't tell you where I hid it, Jerry, its in the middle of a jungle. Its not like I can say its on the third tree to the left.” His sarcastic tone was spoken with a touch of frustration and weariness that Lee thought added well to his situation.

“But you do know where you put it? We have the GPS coordinates for where we found you, you could retrace your steps from there, right?”

“Yeah, I know where I put it, I just need to be there to find it.” This at least would keep Lee alive, and hopefully lighten his drug intake as well. They would need to have him “recover” at least enough to get out of bed and trudge through the jungle.

“OK Lee, I'll let Admiral Smith know,” he turned to leave but stopped at the door, “I'll see you later.”

“Thanks Jerry, its been good to see at least one familiar face around here.”

Jerry smiled and closed the door behind him. Outside the door his smile vanished as Dr. Reynolds waited for him.

“You're going to have to decrease his meds if we expect him to lead us to the information, but not too much. Lee Crane is too sharp for his brain to be operating at 100%.”

Dr. Reynolds nodded in understanding, “This is a lot of work to go through, why can't we just use traditional methods?”

“The truth serum didn't work, what makes you think you can beat it out of him? No, I know Crane, the guy is loyal to a fault. He won't give us the information unless he believes its his duty.” Jerry's eyes tightened as he spoke, as Dr. Reynolds nodded his understanding.

“I'll be back to check on him later, start working his meds down.” And Jerry turned to leave the deserted hallway.

* * * * *

Lee got out of bed and walked slowly toward the window. He was rarely left alone and he was curious about what kind of escape was possible. His hopes were dashed when he reached the window to find decorative bars that prevented him from using the window as an escape. He leaned on the sill heavily, looking out toward an outcropping of trees across the grassy area beyond the garden.

He noticed that the lunch drugs had not taken as heavy a toll on him physically, but they were still keeping him fuzzy, he would just have to work through it. He heard the door open behind him and Cynthia's concerned voice.

“Lee, you shouldn't be out of bed without help. Here.” She brought over the wheel chair and he slid into it gratefully.

“Thanks, I was just feeling a bit shut in.”

“Still, you must be careful, you are still very weak you know.” She knelt down in front of him holding his hands and feigning concern as she spoke. Lee returned the gesture with a smile that he knew she expected from him. Any other time, this would have been quite pleasant, but he knew her job was to distract him with a romance, keep him from looking around and figuring out what was really happening. So, he played along as much as his ethics would allow.

He reached down and stroked her cheek as he smiled. Then he looked distractedly to the window. “Cynthia, what's the chances of taking a stroll out in the garden today? I really hate hospitals, and it would feel good to get out for awhile.” His request was accompanied by a charming smile that reached to the full twinkle in his eyes.

“I'll talk to Dr. Reynolds and let you know. Now, how about we get you back to bed for a rest?” She wheeled him over to the bed, and helped Lee to stand. He allowed himself to lean heavily on her as she guided him to a sitting position on the bed. He pulled her down to sit next to him, and reached out to

stroke her face. Gently he pulled her close and kissed her, she returned his kiss with enthusiasm and

when Lee released her she was breathless.

“Thanks for everything Cynthia,” a smile gracing his handsome face.

“I'm glad I'm here to help Lee.” Cynthia helped him back in bed, and tucked him in. Lee closed his eyes and went to sleep as Cynthia walked to the door, looked back and then left.

When Lee heard the door close, he opened his eyes. He hoped he had thrown Cynthia off balance. He never believed in playing James Bond type ethics with women on these missions. But he figured that since she was throwing herself at him, he had better do some responding. His life depended on making sure that these people believed he was still in the dark.

* * * * *

The sun shone brightly on Lee's face as Cynthia wheeled him out to the garden. He was in a robe and pajamas, and a blanket was placed over his legs. It was a bit much for Lee, but it helped to keep his helpless patient appearances up.

She stood behind him and parked him in the garden, her hands resting on his shoulders in a most familiar way. Lee reached up and took one of her hands and held it, as he spoke in a soft voice.

“I still can't believe he's gone, Cynthia.”

“I'm so sorry for your loss, Lee.” His head dipped and he held onto the newspaper that Jerry Fries had brought him. It had several paragraphs on Admiral Nelson's death in the same article and he had let her see him read and reread it.

“Cynthia, would you take me out there?” She looked up to see where Lee wanted to go.

“Its a bit far, are you sure you're up to it?”

“Its not that far, and I really need the quiet time.”

She wheeled him out across the well manicured lawn and parked him beside the trees that bordered the hospital grounds. A small white bench was placed against some thick bushes and she turned him around to face the hospital beside the bench. She started to sit beside him when he lowered his head and began to sob in grief for his dead friend.

Cynthia put her hand on his back, and he looked up at her, his eyes misted.

“Cynthia, I'd rather you not see me like this. Could I have some time alone? Please?” It was the “please” coupled with the deepness of his hazel green eyes that caused her to agree. But Lee knew that she was not happy that he had not allowed her to “comfort” him.

“I'll be waiting in the garden.”

Lee sat with his head down, when he heard the sound that he had been praying to hear.

“Lee, its Leta.”

He kept his head down as he answered her, “I was hoping you'd be out here.” Leta was Lee and Harry's local contact when they reached the city. Her information had been the key to getting into the facility and retrieving the intel.

“Lee, we've been worried sick about you ever since you fell off the grid.”

“How long ago, how long have I been missing?” Lee wasn't sure who to trust, he wanted to hear her side of the story.

“You were missing three days before we got your signal, two days ago. I've been trying to get in to see you, but they have it closed up tight.”

Five days, only five days. He kept his head down as he continued to speak, “Leta, how is the Admiral?”

“Worried sick, hasn't stopped pacing since you went missing. He was shot in the shoulder, a through and through, he's alright though.”

This time, Lee's silent sobs were real, but they were an expression of his extreme relief.

“What's been going on Lee?”

“An elaborate attempt to get me to lead them to the intel. They've spent the last two days trying to convince me that I've been in a coma for six months and that the Admiral is dead. Jerry Fries is in on it. They're in a hurry so I expect them to move me soon.”

“I'll make contact and let Nelson know, try to keep your transmitter with you so we can follow you.”

“Leta, its been a very confusing few days. I won't turn the intel over to anyone except Admiral Nelson.” If Leta's feeling were hurt she didn't show it, and answered without emotion.

“I understand Lee. He'll want to know how you are?”

Lee sighed. “They've been drugging my food, keeps me weak and confused, but they're cutting back, I'm feeling better.”

“The nurse is coming back Lee.”

Lee did not respond, but carefully deposited the newspaper on the bench and then let his hand slide it down into the bush. Leta would take it back to Harry, at least he would know what was going on.

Cynthia came back and placed her hands on Lee's shoulders once again. “Ready?” she asked with a smile.

He nodded and she escorted him back to his room.

* * * * *

Harriman Nelson sat at the table in a secure safe house reading the newspaper that Leta had brought. Harry's right arm was wrapped around his midsection in a black sling. Behind him stood Chip, bent over and reading over Harry's shoulder.

Harry threw the paper down in disgust. “I can't imagine what he's gone through these last few days.” Chip echoed Harry's sentiment as he shook his head in agreement.

“You say he wasn't injured?” Harry said, looking up to Leta.

“He said that they were giving him drugs, he was weak and confused but otherwise OK.” Leta said, retelling the same information again.

Harry nodded, “OK, Lee thinks they're going to move him soon...Leta we'll need you back at the hospital in case Lee can get a message to us again. We can't take a chance on trusting anyone from Smith's office so we'll have to handle this with our own personnel. Chip prepare a special detail, we'll be waiting in the jungle at the point where you found me, if I know Lee he didn't go far when he hid it. We'll also need a second detail to trail Lee, in case they take him to another location first.”

“Aye Sir, I'll get right on it.” Chip turned toward the radio. Like Harry, he was not in uniform, instead he wore a pair of blue jeans, and a dark button up long sleeve shirt. His tall frame towered over the radio operator as he connected with Seaview. They couldn't afford for FS1 to be spotted, so they would bring the flying sub to shore submerged, and the crew would swim the rest of the way. There were a lot of details to work out, and Harry was glad to have Chip taking care of those things just now.

His mind went back to Lee, waking up in the hospital, being told that he had been in a coma and that he, Harry, was dead. He knew how he would feel if their roles were reversed. Still, it was a testimony to Lee's skills as an operative to recognize the sham. Now, their job was not only to rescue Lee and secure the intel, but to bring down the men who had planned this charade.

* * * * *

Lee was sitting at the small table in his room gazing out of the window. He was feeling stronger, even after the dinner meal. His captors were definitely decreasing the drugs in his food, but he noticed that his brain was still fuzzy, and he found it hard to plan. Apparently, they were keeping those drugs at a fairly consistent level. Still, Cynthia always accompanied his meals, and he saw no way to avoid the spiked food. He thought he'd just have to deal with it, and hope his weakened thinking abilities didn't get himself killed.

It had been such a relief to speak with Leta. She was a good operative, and Lee knew that by now she had reported the situation to Harry. Harry...was alive and the news had relieved some of the mental strain that he had been under. Still, he had to keep his moments of grief visible for his captors to see. Besides, it gave him a perfect opportunity to ask to be alone.

Cynthia had been especially affectionate when they returned to the room, giving him a shoulder rub to help him relax. At one point, she let her hands trail down his chest a little ways and he was sure that she was making sure that Lee was still interested in her “comfort”. He caught her hands in his when he thought she was getting a little too affectionate and pulled her around to sit next to him in a chair. Seemingly to look into her eyes as he spoke.

“I'm glad you're here Cynthia, I don't know what I would have done to face all this completely alone.” He lifted her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingers. He saw a strange look in her eyes, and wondered if Cynthia was getting a little too close to her assignment. So he decided to play on that possibility, he needed to keep her confused and off balance so that she wouldn't notice any subterfuge on his part.

He looked into her eyes, and then drew her close to kiss her. He figured he was eight to ten years her senior, but she was at least twenty-five and old enough to be involved espionage. So he kissed her passionately and then released her with a smile. Her eyes betrayed confusion, and that's all Lee wanted, so he shifted gears, told her he was tired and needed a rest. She put him to bed and left, giving Lee a chance to think some more.

It was nearly 2000 and although conserving his strength was imperative, he was still going slightly stir crazy. He had allowed his captors to believe that he was weaker than he actually was in an effort to convince them to lessen the drug dosage even more.

The door opened, and Lee turned to see who had come in. He smiled warmly and addressed that snake in the grass that had set him up.

“Hi Jerry.” Jerry returned the greeting and went to join Lee at the table, sitting in the opposite chair.

“Hey Lee, look at you. Already out of bed, and getting around on your own now.”

“I'm still tired, but its getting better. You're not here to check on my health are you?” Lee preferred to shift Jerry back to his intentions. The sooner they decided to move him out, the sooner he would be free.

Jerry cracked a half smile, “You've been with ONI long enough to know I see. Yeah, Admiral Smith is keen on getting to that intel Lee. I know you're just now finding your land legs, but what if we could arrange transportation as close to the coordinates we found you at...would you be up to trying to complete the mission?”

“That would be fine with me, I'm going stir crazy in this room, you know how much I hate hospitals.”

“That's an understatement Lee,” smiling as he delivered what would seem to be genuine banter between the two men.

“I'll talk to Doctor Reynolds, he probably won't be too happy about it, but he's being paid by the Navy to take care of you, so I suppose he'll get on board.”

Then Jerry cracked a mischievous smile, “Although, I'm not sure why you're so ready to leave with a pretty nurse like Parker here to take care of you.” He finished the statement with a wink and Lee performed the expected laugh in reply. He really didn't like messing with people's minds, and he had already decided that he wouldn't encourage her anymore than was necessary.

“She's a nice lady, I'm glad she's been here. I'm uh...having a hard time getting used to the Admiral being gone. Having her here really helps.” OK, so he lied. He had a hard time reconciling this part of espionage, the constant lies, but he knew that the information he secured, the people he rescued, and buildings he destroyed on his missions were important targets for keeping his country free. He had no doubt about that, and so his cause was just.

He still had a mission to complete, and he needed to stay alive to do it. It bothered him to have to use Cynthia's emotions against her, but she was playing a dangerous game and maybe she could be turned from it before it killed her too. He doubted her sincerity, he wasn't a fool, but he was an optimist and he hoped that when this was over she would rethink her life's decisions.

“Alright Lee, if we get the OK, we'll try for the day after tomorrow.”

Lee smiled, by then he was sure that he would make miraculous improvements in his recovery, he only hoped that that would also include the fuzzy mind drug.

“Very well Jerry, see you later.”

* * * * *

After breakfast, Lee found his strength returning, almost like recovering from a bad flu. He was still tired, but it wasn't debilitating. The stronger he became physically, the more apparent the drug was that kept him at a near confused state, but it wasn't anything he couldn't work through.

He had talked Cynthia into a stroll in the garden, she held onto his arm lending her strength as they walked. She seemed quiet this morning, so much so that Lee had noticed it.

“Lee? Why do you take these missions for ONI?” Her question was out of the blue, and he tried to answer her in sincerity.

“Because my country needs me, if I have the skills to complete the job then its my duty to do it.”

“But this isn't the first time you've been injured because of a mission, is it?”

“No, happens far too much. There's a price for liberty, its never free.” He stopped to look at her, his hazel expressive eyes trying to impart something to her that would help her make the right choice in this matter. He kissed her on the forehead and smiled. This was him, not a game. He truly hoped her part in this was reversible. He had no plans for a future with her, but if she did not choose a different route, he feared she would have no future at all.

“But why should you pay for other people's freedom?” It was an odd question to him, because he never had to think about it. Someone had to do it, and if he was the best one for the job, he did it.

“We live our lives to touch other people's lives. I don't have to know the people that I'm saving, the mothers and their children, the fathers who will go home to them at night, the sons that never have to go war because of the work I do. Its my honor to do my part.” He smiled and they continued to walk. Maybe she had something to think about, he hoped so.

They continued walking as Lee purposely guided her to the bench along side of the property's edge. He feigned a slight collapse onto the bench and appeared winded.

“I'm sorry, Lee. I shouldn't have let you walk this far. I'll go get a wheel chair.” She left and Lee kept his shoulders sagging as he spoke with his head tilted down.

“Leta, are you there?”

“I'm here Lee.”

“Jerry wants me to take them to the site tomorrow afternoon.”

“OK, I'll relay it the the Admiral, he already has assets in place for several contingencies.”

Lee smiled to himself, it felt good to not be alone in this. “I doubt I'll be able to make contact again, they'll want me to rest up for tomorrow I'm sure.”

“OK, Lee. Be careful, we'll be watching for your departure.” There was a short pause, and then, “Your nurse is coming back.”

He did not reply or respond, and soon Cynthia was back with the wheel chair. He smiled at her, “I don't think I need that now, I just needed a little rest.”

“I think you better ride, Dr. Reynolds would have my head if he found out I let you push yourself like this.” She spoke even as she helped him into the chair. It sounded so innocent, what she just said, but Lee could tell, she had already made her decision. He was a good read of people, he knew whatever moral questions she had were settled in her mind. He couldn't trust her, and he would not allow himself to be distracted any further than he had been. Maybe she was better than he thought, maybe she was playing him. It didn't matter, all that mattered now was completing the mission and getting back home alive.

* * * * *

Lee sat on the helicopter his head tilted forward. They had surprised him, instead of decreasing his meds today, they had increased them leaving him weaker than yesterday and more, his mind just as fuzzy.

“Just rest Lee, we'll get you to the site soon and this will all be over.” Jerry words were not very comforting to Lee right now. He hoped that the Admiral was tracking him, he was dressed in his green fatigues again, and he had checked his transmitter, it was still functioning.

He looked across to see Cynthia sitting, watching him. He didn't see any confusion in her eyes, she seemed hard and calculated. Yeah, she had made her decision. She could have warned him, or left the room during breakfast and lunch, but she dutifully maintained her watch over Lee, making sure that he ate heartily. His head tilted downward again, they weren't taking any chances with him. If the Admiral wasn't in place, he feared he would end up dead, because there was no way that he was going to turn over the intel.

Thinking was beginning to hurt, so he let it rest, he needed to conserve his strength. Soon the helicopter landed and they were transferred to waiting jeeps. The jeeps traveled over a tight rough trail for about an hour when they were forced to stop.

“We've got to walk from here Lee. Probably about an hour to where we found you.”

“Sure Jerry, I'll be fine.”

As Lee walked he noticed that he was flanked by several guards, with several more following. Jerry led the way, studying his GPS and making adjustments as they walked. Cynthia walked behind them dressed in fatigues, and she hadn't spoken to him at all.

Lee was tired, and he knew he wouldn't be much help in the scrap that was about to take place. His exhaustion was also affecting his brain, and things were getting more fuzzy as he walked. In just about an hour they reached the spot marked on Jerry's GPS. Lee looked around the jungle, as if searching for the place he hid the intel, but he was really hoping to get a hint that his backup was here.

There was nothing that gave their presence away, if they weren't here, he'd just have to toughen up and ride out the consequences.

“OK Lee, where did you hide it, we can wrap this thing up, get the intel to Smith and then you'll be on your way home.”

Home sounded good just about now, but he knew that Jerry had no intention of letting him out of here alive. There really wasn't any reason to keep up the charade, so he looked at Jerry with an expression that ended the subterfuge on both their parts.

“You really think that I'd turn the intel over to the likes of you, Jerry?”

Jerry returned Lee's hard look. “How long have you've known?”

“It doesn't matter, you know you won't get it from me.”

“Maybe not, but its sure going to be fun trying.” With that Jerry landed a blow to Lee's stomach that doubled him over gasping for air. “You and your duty!” He spat out, “Who's going to get you out of this one, Lee?”

“I am,” came from behind them followed by multiple “pfitt” sounds. Guards dropped clutching at various parts of their bodies pulling out offending darts and then dropping heavily.

Lee smiled, he would know that voice anywhere, Harry's deep baritone voice sounded like an angel's just about now. Another “pfitt” sound dropped Jerry, as Lee's exhaustion got the best of him. He had let himself fall to his knees then he heard a “click” sound.

He looked up to see Cynthia standing over him with a gun to his head.

“Everyone stay where you are,” motioning to Seaview's crew who had emerged from their hiding places in the jungle. Since dart guns had to be reloaded after every discharge, she felt secure in her timing. “Drop your weapons to the ground, or Commander Crane will be the first to get it.”

Her cold voice and the expert way in which she held the handgun caused everyone to comply immediately. She laughed a harsh meaningless laugh, “Did you really think that I could be turned by your chivalry Crane? Duty. Loyalty. Its all a bunch bull.” She scanned the area as she talked, never losing sight of the situation. “I told Jerry you were up to something, but he didn't believe me. Now, you and I are going to take a little walk out of here together.”

“Commander Crane is not in any shape to go anywhere.” Harry said, trying to reason with the red-headed woman before him.

“It was my idea to increase the drugs for this little trip. He's too good to leave at his best.” Cynthia's voice was sounding more like a seasoned operative, and Lee realized that she was as deadly as anyone he had cross paths with before. “He has enough energy to walk out of the jungle back to the jeeps.”

“Come on Crane, on your feet.” She pulled him up with one hand, moving the gun to press against his neck with the other.

“All of you, over there,” motioning with her gun.

She walked backwards, holding Lee in front of her shielding herself with his body. Lee had no doubt now that she would pull the trigger, and he didn't want his crew injured either. So he complied, besides, he didn't have much left to fight with, the walk through the jungle had done him in.

They took a few more steps when all of the sudden Lee was pushed forward and he saw a head of blond hair fly past him tackling Cynthia like a linebacker. Chip ended up on top, pinning her shoulders down with his knees as the rest of Seaview's crew recovered, taking her into custody.

In an instant Harry was by his side, helping him up and leaning him against a tree to rest.

“Lee, are you OK?”

Lee smiled, yeah he was OK, the best he'd been in over a week. “I'm alright Admiral, just tired. It'll wear off,” referring to the drugs that were in his system. Lee looked at Harry, who had squatted down to get at Lee's eye level. He didn't even try to hide the satisfied smile he felt forming on his face. “Its good to see you Admiral.” They allowed the moment to hang for just a moment as Lee regained his strength. Then Harry rose extending a hand to Lee, pulling him up as he did.

“Are you up to finding the intel?” Harry's concern was evident, but they still had a mission to complete.

“I'm good Admiral.” Lee led Harry and Chip off to the left walking and counting off banyan fig trees. They were easy to spot, their huge trunks twisting and turning as they rose to the green foliage on top. One...two...three, he stopped at the third banyan tree to the left, and reached inside one of the holes left by the twisting tree pulling out a small plastic bag with the microfilm. He smiled to himself, remembering what he told Jerry, third tree on the left. He handed it off to the Admiral as Chip helped him to his feet.

“Let's get you back to Seaview, Lee.” Chip's concern over the last week was evident in his face, as was his equal relief.

“Thanks, Chip, it will be good to get back.”

* * * * *

Admiral Nelson descended back into the Control Room from the conning tower ladder. The mission was finally completed as he had just delivered the microfilm to Admiral Smith. Lee followed him down, skipping the last two rungs and hopping easily to the deck. The drugs had dissipated from his system, as Jamie helped it along with a saline flush. He had spent a few days resting in his cabin, but was now feeling mostly up to par. The “fuzziness” had also subsided and his mind felt sharp again. He had just returned from his mission debrief and was glad to put the whole thing behind him.

“Mr. Morton, secure the deck and prepare to dive.”

“Aye Sir.”

Chip's orders resonated across the Control Room, and the ratings answered in their well trained fashion. The great submarine began to slip into the depths and before long Chip was reporting their heading, depth and speed to the Captain.

“Very well, Mr. Morton.”

A steward walked by with a tray of fresh coffee, and Lee reached for it gratefully. Good high octane coffee, he took a satisfying sip and noticed Chip doing the same.

“What was it like Lee, waking up to that kind of news?” It was the type of conversation that he and Chip were comfortable with and so Lee just looked up to put it together in a thought.

“It felt like waking up to a dream, like it was always night.” Lee took another sip of his coffee, their conversation kept low, just between the two of them.

“How did you get through it without going crazy, all those strangers around, the newspaper, the Admiral?”

Lee smiled, “I don't know Chip, I just did what I needed to do, and it wasn't much since I couldn't think straight. But there's always hope...after the night, there's always morning. I'm just glad that I didn't have to face that morning without him.”

Chip nodded his understanding, and knew that that was as deep as this conversation was going to go. So he switched gears, as Lee reached up to loosen the knot in his tie. He was definitely feeling better, but he had to admit that he still tired easily.

“Hey Lee,” Chip turned toward Seaview's huge windows, sporting a mischievous look on his face as he spoke.

“Monica said that she knows this cute little red head she wants to set you up with...”

Everything else was lost as Lee looked in total unbelief as Chip went on, and on...and on. He had enough of cute little red heads to last him a long time.

“...and we thought we could make it a double date and go dancing...”

Harry watched from the conference table as Chip continued with his long dialog designed to pester Lee. He was equally amused at the look on Lee's face, and smiled at both of them, chuckling to himself. Lee was right, after the night...always comes a morning.

The End

After the Night

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