A late Second Season WHN for the First Season Episode, The Amphibians... and my first attempt at a novel length story.

Amphibians Arise

by Lynn

Chapter One

“You've made remarkable progress Percy.”

“Thank you, Dr. Eaton. I wouldn't be here now without your help,” the silver haired, sixty-three year old man replied with a docile smile.

“Now remember Percy, these medications are vital to your continued health,” Dr. Eaton admonished, handing Percy Winslow a canvas bag screen printed with the hospital's logo on the front.

“I understand, I won't forget,” he added with a smile and offered a hand in gratitude.

“I'm just a phone call away,” the doctor replied shaking Winslow's hand with more professional concern than personal.

Percy Winslow nodded and headed out the security doors, first stopping at the guard's desk so he could examine the discharge papers freeing the man once deemed mentally unfit to understand his actions. The guard nodded and released the doors with a button under his desk, producing a buzzing sound and releasing the locks.

Percy Winslow took a deep breath, turned for one last wave and headed back into the world he had left behind a year ago after his experiments had been derailed by Nelson and his Captain. His docile, pleasant smile faded with every step he took as he reached up to feel his mechanical gills, still intact though he had been denied the right to use them, even in a tank. He'd been told that his “Recruits” had been successfully reverted back to their land dependence, their gills not intertwined in the same neurological fashion as indeed they were simply drones; living, walking slaves whose only function was to serve the higher class of Amphibians.

He scoffed silently. They thought they had “cured” him of his drive to build an underwater army, but the voices that once warred within himself, reverting back and forth as he questioned Dr. Jenkins about the morality of kidnapping and forcing this new “adaptation” upon Recruits had completely disappeared. He no longer questioned his decision to convert mankind to Amphibians, he deemed it right and his responsibility to do so. His plans, however, had been set back with Dr. Jenkins’ death, the loss of his sea lab, and the reverting of his previous recruits. He laid the blame squarely at the feet of two people; Captain Crane and Admiral Nelson. The two officers had taken everything from him and had stopped the progress of science, he thought darkly as he walked to the car waiting for him. This time there would be no mistakes; this time he would have both his army and his revenge.

Winslow climbed in the passenger seat while tossing his tote bag in the back seat, discarding the medication that dulled his brilliant mind and maintained his body's dependence upon breathing air through his lungs.

“Welcome back Dr. Winslow,” the young man said with a small upturned smile as he pulled from the curb.

“Thank you Thomas. Is everything ready?”

“I've prepared everything as per your instructions Doctor.”

Winslow nodded approvingly as his young protégé drove away, closer to receiving what Jenkins promised now that Dr. Winslow was free.

Chapter Two

“Steady as she goes,” Captain Crane ordered having issued a course correction and depth change. The SSRN Seaview was currently gliding through the ocean at standard on the way to its home port of Santa Barbara, California, having just cleared the pack ice.

“Skipper, message for you at the radio shack.”

Lee dropped his pencil on the Chart Table and headed back, no doubt Sparks had a boat-load of communiques transmitting from the Nelson Institute after their extensive two month voyage in the Arctic. The highest priority messages were sent first, Sparks would receive all the messages and disperse them in an orderly fashion, however this message demanded Captain Crane's immediate attention.

“What do you have Sparks?” Crane asked.

“Coded messages for you and the Admiral, Sir,” Sparks said, handing the messages to the Captain.

Lee took a cursory glance of the messages before responding, noting that the Admiral and he had both received a message from ONI.

“Very well, Sparks. I'll deliver the Admiral's for him as well.”

“Aye Sir,” Sparks replied, nodding as he continued receiving messages.

* * * * *

Lee turned the Con over and headed up to Officer's Country via the spiral stairs. He bypassed his own cabin and walked straight to Admiral Nelson's, stopping and rapping on the door.

“Come in.”

“Hello Sir. Sparks is wading through the transmissions, he sent these first off,” Lee reported as he tucked himself on the edge of Harry's desk and handed off the coded message.

“I've got one just like it,” Lee continued as Harry took the note and looked it over for a moment before rolling his chair back from the desk and heading to the wall safe.

“Hmmm,” Harry said as he opened the safe. “Looks like a low level alert to me, but we'll break out the Dick Tracy book and see what Johnson is up to now,” he finished with a smile as Lee chuckled from the desk. He too noted the low level code and the fact that the message wasn't marked 'Urgent' as Johnson was well aware that Seaview was under the ice and therefore, unavailable for the last two months.

Harry settled back into his chair and thumbed through the book until he reached the page he needed, then began scribbling out the message as Lee moved to the guest chair to give the Admiral privacy.

Lee watched his forehead furl. “Trouble Sir?”

“No. No, I don't think so,” Harry replied leaning back and tossing the code book Lee's way.

Lee caught the book deftly and began deciphering his own message. He furled his forehead, trying to decide what to think then shrugged it off and turned the note toward Harry.

Harry glanced at it and reached for his coffee, offering Lee a cup.

“So, Dr. Winslow has been deemed mentally fit and is no longer in the psychiatric hospital,” Harry said, repeating the message out loud and sitting back for a relaxing drink from his coffee mug.

“Hard to believe he could make such progress in just the last year,” Lee said, taking a sip of his own cup. “The last time we saw him he was raving mad about the benefits of amphibian life. He had no remorse for what he did to those divers and was absolutely furious to hear that they were being transformed back.”

“Yes I remember. The transformations were successful for the divers, their “gills” were successfully removed and their ability to breathe solely using their lungs was returned. And just as important, their 'drone' state was successfully reversed.”

Lee frowned his displeasure. “To think, Winslow planned on creating an army of 'drones', all men and women who were nothing more than slaves to his will,” he said shaking a bewildered head in the process. “Were they able to reverse Winslow's process?”

“No, the legalities were different for Winslow,” Harry said leaning back as he spoke. “Angela and the other divers' wills had been stripped away, their health decisions came under the authority of their families, who opted for the reversal process. But Winslow never gave his consent and after a hearing, the judge refused to order the procedure against his will. Since Winslow retained his willpower his gills were left intact, although he was clearly not the man I began the project with. He was much more arrogant and high minded after his transformation. He believed emphatically that I was holding back the science of the future by stopping his work. He simply couldn't see the wrong he inflicted on the divers, firmly believing he had given them a better life.”

“I remember,” Lee said pursing his lips in recollection. “What was that he said? 'The sea is the future'.”

Harry opened his bottom drawer and placed a relaxed foot up to rest on the desk drawer.

“I also remember some pretty pointed threats thrown your way, Sir,” Lee continued, sitting forward and looking much more serious.

“Against you too, as I remember,” Harry reminded him. “Which is why I asked ONI to keep an eye on his progress. I just never thought he would be well enough to be discharged this early.”

“Me neither,” Lee admitted. “But I'd feel better if ONI kept track of his whereabouts for a bit,” he said, his concern solely for Harry's sake, a result of the threats Winslow leveled at his competency hearing.

Harry nodded, playing with a pen on his desk as he relaxed.

“I agree. I am curious however, if his brilliant mind has stayed intact.” Harry dismissed the impending questions coming his way with a wave of his hand. “Oh I don't plan on visiting with him just yet, but eventually I'd like to talk with him. He was a brilliant man, Lee, before the Transformation changed his mental processes,” he qualified. “I'd like to believe that man I started the project with survived the whole blasted affair.”

Lee smiled at Harry's loyal sense of friendship. It was to be commended, but it also meant that the Admiral planned on making contact sometime in the future. He hoped it wasn't the near future giving him enough time to do a little investigating of his own, just to make sure Winslow really was on the mend and ready to return to society.

“Well Sir, I guess I'll head back to the Control Room. I'm sure Sparks has a handful of messages to pass on to me by now.”

“Fine Lee. I'll drop by a little later, I've got some work to do in the lab first.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee returned, standing to leave and then turned back. “Sir?”

Harry raised an eyebrow in an unspoken acknowledgment to Lee's question.

“Do me a favor? If you plan to see Winslow, will you let me know you're going?”

Harry started to protest, but swallowed back his pride.

“Fine Lee,” was all he said as Lee nodded and exited his cabin.

Chapter Three

Lee berthed Seaview effortlessly into the underground sub pen. It had been a long voyage and the entire crew welcomed the week furlough. As always, Lee was the last off the Boat as he turned Seaview over to the Deck Watch. The standard inspections and maintenances were scheduled, but none of that required the attention of the command crew, at least for the next week. Contrary to what most people thought, Lee wasn't married to the Boat and was looking forward to his own Leave. Being away at sea for extended periods of time invoked a bit of standard maintenance projects around his own house as well, and he was looking forward to ticking off a few items from his To Do List before he hit the office the following week. It was all fine with him, as he rather enjoyed the ebb and flow of life at sea. At least Seaview's next voyage wasn't scheduled for another month, giving him plenty of time to ready the Boat and Crew for her next outing, as well as work in a complete maintenance over-haul for FS1.

“So, you and Diane have plans?” Chip asked as they crossed the gangplank. They had by chance arrived on a Friday afternoon which meant the crew would get to enjoy their first night in port with all the benefits of the weekend night life.

“Yeah, she's making dinner for me at her place,” he said trying to hold back a smile as an intimate evening at her house sounded just about right after being away for two and a half months. Though he enjoyed the companionship of the women in his life, it was difficult to develop relationships past mutual attraction. Even so, he still managed to have a healthy dating life and harbored no regrets for his current bachelorhood.

“How about you?”

“Got plans with Trudy,” Chip said, raising an eyebrow.

“I thought you two weren't an item anymore,” Lee mentioned casually, the two brother-like officers easily able to shed the command structure of their positions and rank while off the Boat.

“We're not exactly going together, but we still date from time to time,” he explained with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

Lee withheld his smile as the two walked amicably to their cars, dumping their sea bags into the trunks.

“Are you headed out?” Chip asked reaching for his car door.

“I'm going to head up to the office and see what's grown in my In Box, then I'm heading straight home,” Lee informed him.

“See you Tuesday morning for racket ball?”

“Yeah, sounds good, that'll give me a chance to take care of some things over the weekend.”

“Have a nice weekend, Lee. See you Tuesday,” Chip said anxious to start his leave.

Lee waved his goodbye and headed back into the office, he didn't plan on staying long but wanted to make sure there wasn't anything pressing that couldn't wait until he returned to the office.

Chip backed out humming to himself, after nearly three months at sea he was really looking forward to his date tonight. He unconsciously waggled his eyebrows at the thought of Trudy's expected “welcome home” and headed out in pleasant anticipation.

He cleared the gate content to be on his way as a dark sedan pulled out of his parking spot from across the street, following his target.

* * * * *

Lee found his desk organized with his messages piled in three stacks, already prioritized for him by the secretary he and Chip shared. He sat down looking them over, the important ones had already been relayed through Trish in Communications once they cleared the pack ice. Next he checked the manila folders also prioritized, tucking a few away to look over at home. It was pretty routine, as Angie kept things very organized in the Admiral's absence. He was ready to begin his leave but had one last thing to check on. He reached for the phone and dialed the DC number by heart, reaching ONI's Communication's Central.

“This is Commander Crane.”

“Recognition code, please.”

“Foxtrot-Juliet-Lima-4-4-7.”

“Acknowledged Commander. What can I do for you?”

“Surveillance and Watch, please,” he asked.

“One moment, I'll connect you.”

Lee sat back, hoping to get some information on Dr. Winslow's activities since his release, consequently settling that soft niggling in the back of his mind. He was connected quickly and sat forward in his chair as the call was answered.

“Surveillance and Watch. Rinehart speaking.”

“Hi Jack, this is Lee Crane.”

“Hey Lee. What can I do for you?” he asked in familiarity.

“I need for you to check the status of a Watch on a Dr. Percy Winslow.”

Lee could hear the clicking of the computer keyboard as he spoke and a short sigh indicative of someone thinking on the other end.

“Activated over a year ago...” he stated, obviously reading and skimming the file as spoke.

“That's the one,” Lee encouraged.

“Released from the psychiatric ward just six weeks ago.”

Lee nodded to himself, this much he already knew, Winslow was released four weeks before they cleared the ice and the two weeks travel back to port had surely given him time to settle into his new life.

“I'd like to know what he's been up to since his release.”

Another thoughtful sigh was followed by more keystrokes before Jack spoke again.

“It looks to me like the Watch was downgraded.”

Lee rubbed his forehead unconsciously, apparently with his clean bill of health ONI had deemed Winslow's threats a minimal risk at this point.

“That's what I was afraid of. Listen Jack, I need a favor. I need to know what Winslow has been up to these last six weeks.”

“The Watch is still open,” Jack noted, though downgraded he was still authorized to act. “I can do a standard search through public records, see if he's got a telephone, turned on electricity and such.”

“Okay fine. Let's start with where he is right now. I'm not comfortable with the decision to downgrade the Watch when he's on record for threatening a retired US Admiral,” Lee said, explaining his interest.

“Okay, I'll do a little snooping and get back to you.”

“Thanks Jack. How are the twins?”

“Crawling all over the house. I tell you Lee, I could add baby care to Field Ops PT and really whip you guys into shape.”

Lee chuckled, the thought of chasing kids around an ONI obstacle course for physical training invoking a humorous picture in his mind.

“I think I'll pass on that one, Jack,” he jested. “Sounds too rigorous for me.”

Jack chuckled. “Coward. Alright, I'll do some checking and get back to you.”

“Sounds good, let me know as soon as you have something.”

“Will do.”

With that the two signed off as Lee leaned back pursing his lips, clearly not happy with the fact that ONI had downgraded the Watch. Maybe he was worried for nothing, he thought in self-consolation, standing and gathering what he was taking with him. He had done everything he could for the time being, now it was time to enjoy his Leave and left looking forward to both the company and the nice home-cooked meal awaiting him at Diane's.

* * * * *

Harry sat back enjoying his first evening home after the long voyage at sea. Unlike his young command crew, he preferred his first night at home enjoying the solitude so little found on a submarine, of course that didn't mean he was without plans for female companionship. He had already made arrangements for dinner the following evening with Marlene Masters, a lovely fiftyish woman he'd been seeing off and on for some time. Marlene was intriguing simply because she had absolutely no ties to either the scientific community or the military. She was intelligent but had little interest in science past the basic understanding of the high school subject, but she was extremely witty and very smart in a great many other ways. That's the part that intrigued him as people tended to push any beautiful female scientist his way and expect that they would automatically hit it off. Add to that the fact that Marlene was neither a gold digger, nor a head hunter looking for a husband in uniform meant their relationship was rather stress free. He was especially drawn to her positive outlook on life and found her bubbly personality a welcome break from the hard realities his chosen life had forced upon him. He had seen the best in people to be sure, his relationship with Lee a testimony of that. However, being a naval officer with war time experience, along with being an occasional ONI operative had put him in the position of seeing the absolute worst people had to offer as well. Furthermore, he had far more enemies than he ever expected to have in life, so being with Marlene was like a breath of fresh air. She seemed to enjoy their casual relationship as well and so far the two were content to be friends enjoying one another's company from time to time with no strings attached.

With the plans for tomorrow evening firmly established, and having already taken care of a few issues at the office regarding the flying sub's maintenance overhaul, Harry had a moment to contemplate Dr. Winslow. He and Percy and met some years ago and shared an interest in the sea. Percy had explained his very ambitious ideas concerning man's ability to adapt to underwater living. Of course Harry was interested and intrigued, but the adaptations he considered as the most useful concerned the use of equipment, gases and oxygen mixtures. He still had plenty of reservations about the idea of mechanically changing a person to the adaptations and in fact had found that the preliminary reports were too inconclusive to move to human subjects. Still the idea was worthwhile, the military alone might be interested in a SEAL force with underwater abilities without air tanks and pressure suits, and the possibilities for exploring the sea were just as exciting. From his perspective it was a work in progress, a developing idea worth the investment but not ready for production by any means.

He thought he and Percy were on the same page when he helped him launch the underwater laboratory, investing a great deal of money and logistical support, not to mention going out on a limb by attaching his and the Institute's names to the project. But as Percy's and Dr. Jenkins' work progressed, he found Winslow pushing harder for the mechanical adaptations claiming to have perfected the gills. Harry wasn't convinced as he had found the gases used to help the body acclimate to sea life had side effects that couldn't be overlooked. They were downright dangerous in his book. He was a bit concerned at Percy's reluctance to listen to the laboratory findings at the Institute, but still trusted the doctor's scientific method to win out. He was proven wrong in this case, as it later became apparent that the gases had indeed altered the personalities of both Jenkins and Winslow. He knew Percy well and the warped-minded mad scientist he saw at the competency hearing wasn't the man he started the project with.

Harry stood and walked to his sliding glass door, watching the ocean waves break on the beach of his seaside home. He sighed heavily, feeling he owed it to Percy to see if the brilliant scientist he had started the project with was still inside. The thought of his wonderful mind being altered and dulled by the adaptation process grieved him. He resolutely decided to check in on his old friend after he had enough time to settle back into life outside of the institution. He hoped with all his heart that the young Percy of long ago had emerged from the mental hospital still intact somehow.

Chapter Four

“Whoa Ski,” Riley said, sitting across from the senior rating at the table in the bar. “You look like you've had enough Dude,” he cautioned, watching Kowalski wave down the waitress for another drink.

“What'd ya' mean?” he asked raising his eyebrow to make his eyes push the two images of the strawberry blond headed surfer-turned-submariner into one image. “I've only had two beers,” he defended raising three fingers while swaying in his chair and working to stay upright.

An annoying scoff followed as Stu Riley just about lost his beer out his nose giggling so hard.

“You're drunk Dude, and just where are the chicks you bragged about?”

“Don't...” he stopped to hiccup before continuing, “...worry pal, you just stick with Fast, Slick Kowalski... I'm a Babe Magnet...”

This time Riley's reaction produced giggles that took several minutes to work themselves out.

“Say, how man---eee drinks did you say you had?” Ski asked trying to sit up tall in his chair.

“Same as you Dude, thissss is my second round.”

Ski raised an eyebrow, thoroughly disgusted with the kid as he obviously couldn't handle his liquor and sorry that Patterson was married now and not interested in partying in a bar. His disgust turned instantly in another direction when a beautiful young blonde woman approached their table.

“Hey sailors, my name is Trixie. Just get in?” she asked twirling her hair as Ski and Riley both smiled thinking they had died and gone to Babe Heaven. Trixie wore a mini-mini skirt with two inch spiked heels and a V-necked sweater at least one size too small... perfect attire as far as the two young men were concerned.

“We sure did. Why don't you sit down,” Ski asked patting his knee and showing absolutely no finesse for his come-on in his drunken state. “And we'll tell you all about our... (hiccup) voyage,” he said with a stupid sloppy smile.

“I have a better idea,” Trixie offered, blowing a bubble with her gum and still twirling her hair. “Why don't we go someplace else and you tell me there. I just love a good story,” she added seductively, rocking her shoulders from side to side in mock innocence.

Riley's face turned puppy dog sad as it looked like Ski was scoring with the Babe when his disappointment was noted by the blonde bombshell.

“You too, Cutie,” she said to Stu. “I bet you both have lots of stories to tell,” she said biting her bottom lip.

She started to leave, turning once to make sure the ratings were following as Ski and Riley waggled their eyebrows and followed Trixie out the door.

“My car's over there,” Ski said pointing to a car near the entrance.

“Let's use mine,” Trixie said, pointing toward the edge of the dark lot to a van sitting all by itself.

“Lead on, M'Lady,” Stu said, turning on the charm and hoping she'd make her choice soon and lose Ski as a third wheel.

“Come on,” she coaxed with her finger beckoning them closer as they reached the van.

Ski rubbed the back of his neck, he wasn't a prude or anything, but there wasn't no way they were all going to get into the van... Riley was just going to have to find himself his own chick. That was the last thought he had before the van side door slid open and he suddenly found himself falling to the ground. He vaguely noticed Stu falling too and was barely lucid as he was thrown in the back of the van, before losing everything to a dark unwanted sleep.

* * * * *

“There you go, Trixie, two hundred bucks,” Thomas Porter said holding out the promised cash.

“This sure is a weird fraternity trick,” the blonde said, counting her money with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Well, we don't want our pledges driving drunk and you saw their condition?”

“Yeah,” she said thoughtfully. “Yeah!” she repeated as if a light bulb went off in her nearly vacant brain. “They sure were wasted,” she agreed, blowing a pink bubble and sucking it back into her mouth.

Thomas nodded, not telling her that they did in fact have just two rounds of beer, their condition helped along with a little drug he managed to dump in their first beers as he distracted the bar maid.

“Well thanks again, Trixie,” Thomas said, walking around to the driver's side as the blonde waved, tilting her head and absent-mindedly thinking just how sweet it was that fraternity brothers looked out for one another like that.

* * * * *

Chip made his way to the kitchen of his condo for a cup of coffee, wearing a pair of navy blue sweat pants and a Go-Navy t-shirt. He hadn't been to the grocery store yet, but he always kept some frozen goods for those first days back in port. He'd been a submariner long enough to know you didn't leave meats, vegetables, and milk in your fridge before leaving on a voyage. He was known for being meticulous on the Boat and the same could be said of his home. He started the coffee pot and opened the top door freezer compartment, pulling out a frozen egg biscuit sandwich along with a frozen pastry. The coffee was just about brewed as he popped his breakfast into the microwave oven while leaning back on the counter with a smile.

He had a late night last evening as he and Trudy got “reacquainted.” It had gone rather well and he had already decided that maybe the two should start seeing each other regularly again, her enthusiasm upon seeing him only seemed to settle that thought. She was very “affectionate” and they had hit it off once again, or so he thought. Upon her goodnight kiss however, Trudy announced that they were through and thanked him for the good memories to remember him by.

Chip raised an eyebrow upon the thought. At least she had mercy on the returning sailor to not leave him without a date on his first night home. He silently wondered if there really was a woman out there he could get serious about, he really didn't intend on being a bachelor the rest of his life. It was a fleeting thought, not one he dwelt on as the coffee finished brewing and he poured himself his first cup. He breathed in the aroma first, savoring it like a good wine and then took a drink expecting an equally enjoyable first sip. He was slightly disappointed at the bitter taste and wondered if he needed to change coffee brands. He finished the mug off anyway while eating his breakfast leaning against the counter.

Chip took his dishes to the sink, intending to rinse them before stowing them away in the dishwasher but left them in the sink instead. He wasn't feeling too well as he reached for his head and rubbed his temple. He swayed, took two steps toward the wall phone and passed out cold on the kitchen floor.

* * * * *

Thomas made his way into through the sliding glass door in the dining room. He had already secured his entry point last evening while the blond headed officer was busy at his girlfriend’s house. He had placed a scant amount of water in the coffee maker reservoir then added four drops of the potent drug, knowing that once Morton had his morning coffee he'd be easy to abduct. He grabbed the car keys from the coffee table and dragged Chip's limp body to the attached garage, depositing him in the trunk without anyone's knowledge.

He left for the dock, having already loaded Seaview's other two men aboard the boat. He would have help at the warehouse pulling Morton out of the trunk and stuffing him in a crate. Then he would bring him aboard disguised as supplies for the journey. This was working out exactly as planned, he thought with an unrepentant smile.

* * * * *

Ski moaned, his hands tied tightly behind his back. His head ached as he tried to pry his eyes open, then squeezed them tightly again. It dawned on him that he was hog tied and quickly realized that something had gone terribly wrong with last night's partying. He heard another moan and focused on Stu Riley, who was waking in much the same condition.

“What happened?” Stu said groggily.

“I think we were shanghaied,” Ski noted, realizing they were in the bottom of a cargo hold. He could feel the boat moving ever so often as if it was still moored and reacting to the wakes of other boats.

“Man, all I remember was following that blond chick and then it was lights-out-ville,” Stu replied trying to see if he could wiggle his way free.

“Yeah, I should have known something was up. I've never been drunk after two beers,” Ski said, recalling the evening remarkably well.

“Shhhh,” Stu said. “I think someone's coming.”

Sure enough the cargo hold doors opened as they watched two men carry an unconscious man down the hold.

“They got Mr. Morton,” Ski whispered as the men deposited him in a corner and proceeded to truss him up in like fashion, then started to leave as Ski spoke up.

“Hey! What gives?” But the two men ignored his question and left without saying a word.

“This is really creepy,” Stu admitted. “What do you suppose they want with us?”

“I don't know,” Ski replied. “But it sure can't be good.”

* * * * *

Lee sat on the bench outside the racket ball court dribbling the ball under his racket absent-mindedly. He was geared in shorts, a pocket t-shirt and Adidas court shoes casually watching another match through the clear spectator walls of the courts. He stopped dribbling to check the large wall clock having left his watch in the locker and wearing sweat bands on his wrists instead.

“Hey Crane, looking for a match partner?” a fellow gym goer asked walking towards him in like gear.

“Thanks, but no. I'm waiting for Morton.”

“Well if he doesn't show, I'm down on Court Three.”

“Thanks Simpson,” Lee replied with an easy-going smile.

He briefly considered whether he should take the off-duty policeman up on his offer as he glanced toward the clock again. Chip was already thirty minutes late and they only had the court reserved for an hour. He quickly abandoned the thought as the idea of Chip Morton being late was almost an oxymoron. Something was wrong. Maybe it was as simple as a flat tire, or an unrelated accident on the road delaying Chip's arrival, but something was definitely up. Lee stood and walked back to the locker room. Only one way to find out, he thought to himself and headed for the courtesy phone.

* * * * *

By the time Lee changed and called Chip's house several times it was apparent that his friend was a no show, as he was already an hour overdue. A quick call to both the office and remotely accessing his own answering machine had yielded nothing. Even a fishing expedition call to Mom Morton hadn't cleared anything up, so he decided to head straight to Chip's condo.

Lee used his spare key, the two officers having exchanged keys long ago to take care of each other's places when one or the other was out of town.

“Chip?” he called, knowing the doorbell had already been ignored as he entered the house warily finding both the house and the garage empty.

At first glance it would seem everything was fine. Chip's house was neat and tidy, save for breakfast dishes in the sink and an unmade bed upstairs. Maybe not a red flag to anyone who didn't know Chip Morton as well, but definitely one for the seasoned spy. The operative in him knew how to dig deeper as he checked the shower; no evidence it had been used this morning, not a drop of water anywhere. But it was the clothes hamper that told the biggest tale. Two sets of clothes, one uniform shed from Friday evening and one set of clothes, presumably after his date Friday night. That left three days’ worth of clothes unaccounted for. Lee pursed his bottom lip, not liking this one bit as he headed for the answering machine downstairs.

There was still the possibility that Chip and Trudy had gotten so well reacquainted that they had gone away for a few days together so he wasn't ready to push the panic button yet, not at least until he heard the messages on Chip's message machine.

* * * * *

The number eight blinked insistently on the machine downstairs as Lee began working through his best friend's messages. The number of messages wasn't what concerned him, it was the fact that all the messages were time dated from Saturday on. Apparently Chip had already cleared the machine Friday night, but hadn't picked up his messages since. But the most concerning messages dashed Lee's theory that Chip and Trudy had gone away together.

“Hi Chip... it's Trudy. I know I told you we were through, but really... I was just a little frustrated at how long it had been since you called. I really did have a good time last night... can't stop thinking about... (she stopped to giggle)... just call me, will you?” The message was time dated Saturday at ten hundred hours as Lee pressed the button for the next call.

“Hi Chip this is Trudy... come on honey, don't play hard to get. Let's get together again, call me... I know you want to... we could... you know... (more giggles)... call me.” Lee noted the message was time dated Sunday afternoon as he advanced the next message.

The mood on Trudy's next call however, was a complete turnaround. “Chip this is Trudy. You don't want to talk? Fine! We're through!”

Her third message was received on Monday. The rest of the messages were rather benign calls from several friends, a phone solicitor wanting to sell him insurance and the two calls he made trying to locate Chip this morning.

Okay, something was wrong. Chip wouldn't have ignored Trudy's first call. He might not have gotten together with her but he would have cleared the air, it wasn't like his best friend to ignore a lady friend like that.

Lee tapped the table as he thought through the situation. He didn't like this one bit, something was wrong. He headed resolutely out the door, locking it behind him and determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Chapter Five

Chip blinked his eyes open and swallowed hard trying to put the pieces together as to why he was waking up feeling so groggy and out of sorts. It dawned on him that he was strapped down on a table and immediately tried to wiggle free. Only then did he realize that he had been stripped down to his skivvies under the sheet currently covering his hips and legs. He was unable to move but his cognitive abilities rushed in like a flood as he suddenly remembered waking up in the cargo hold of a boat. Kowalski and Riley explained that they had been shanghaied but had no clue as to who their abductors were. They traveled for the next ten hours before they felt the boat moor, then without a single word from the guards they were each drugged via a hypodermic needle. By his current grogginess he suspected the sedative had been a strong one.

“Greetings Commander Morton,” he heard as he rolled his head toward the voice.

“Winslow?” he recognized incredulously.

“Good of you to remember me,” the silver haired scientist replied dryly.

“You're a little hard to forget,” Chip deadpanned. “The last time we met you were trying to take-over Seaview.”

Winslow smiled, not the docile smile of the man just released from the mental hospital, but the smug, arrogant smile of the mad scientist who wanted to convert Seaview's crew into his “Recruits”.

“Let me introduce you my new associate, Thomas. He's been keeping the project alive while I've been away and the one by the way, who provided for our first new Recruits.”

The look in Winslow's eyes was disturbing and unsettling.

“Where are the other two crewmen?” Chip demanded. “Kowalski and Riley,” he qualified.

Winslow chuckled, amused at his own game. “I've already started the deep freeze process on them,” he stated without emotion. “Show him Thomas,” he said with a tilt of his head as Chip followed the younger man's movements.

Thomas walked to a wall with large cabinets pulling out first one drawer, then a second one revealing the frozen bodies of Rick Kowalski and Stu Riley. Both lay motionless on the cold stainless steel gurneys as vapors of cold air rose from their bodies.

“You killed them!” Chip reacted moving violently, trying to free himself to no avail.

Winslow's chuckling stopped his movements as he listened to the mad scientist gloat.

“Killed? By no means Commander, dead they would be of no use to me. I've simply put them into a cryogenic sleep as I conduct the process of exchanging gases in their body.”

“Gases? For what?”

“Come now Commander, surely you've guessed by now,” Winslow chided. “For the last year Thomas has been setting up my new laboratory. Oh it's not as convenient as the underwater lab but I haven't got millions to throw into that endeavor, so we did the next best thing,” he bragged. “We relocated to a remote island and set up shop here,” he said swinging his hands outward as Chip watched Thomas close the drawers with Seaview's two frozen crewman.

“You're going to make Amphibians out of them,” he stated rather than asked.

“Now you're catching on fast,” Winslow said with another uneasy chuckle. “They will soon be ready for the mechanical gills to be surgically inserted. My new process takes a bit longer, but it makes much better Recruits.”

“You're sick Winslow.”

“That's not what the doctor at the hospital said,” he laughed. “You see I didn't waste my time while I was under the good doctor's care, I spent that time improving my methods... in here!” he said pointing to his head as his voice etched up in volume. “Thomas came to visit me and I would relay the information to him in the tape recorder in his pocket. With my instruction he made the final improvements on my equipment.”

“Your equipment was seized...”

“The ones Nelson knew about were seized,” Winslow interrupted. “Jenkins knew that Nelson would be a problem, he made provisions by building back up equipment and falsifying the records to our grant partners.”

Chip sighed, he needed more information. “You said it takes more time? How long have we been here?”

“I believe I'll let Thomas fill you in, I have some preparations to make before we begin here. Thomas?”

Winslow stepped out as Thomas, a young man of his mid-twenties stepped forward with a smug smile. His dark rimmed glasses sported thick lenses and his dark hair was greased with an overabundance of hair products leaving it to lie flatly on his head.

“You were abducted Saturday morning, by evening we docked in Mexico. You were transferred to a private jet and brought here, that was three days ago,” he stated without a hint of remorse.

“My men have been frozen for three days?”

Thomas responded with a simple nod.

“He's crazy Thomas, you can see that can't you? He's dragged you into this deep, but you can still walk away before he goes too far,” Chip urged, hoping to gain the young man's help.

“Dr. Winslow is a genius,” Thomas said reaching for his tie and loosening it to open the top button, pulling the neck down enough for Chip to see his mechanical gills already in place. “I'm an Elite Amphibian, and soon we will rule both the sea and the land,” he finished, proud to finally have the gills Jenkins promised him and believing that he'd finally get the respect he deserved.

Chip understood the process, he knew full well that Winslow and Jenkins had created two orders of Amphibians, the rulers and the drones.

“You've told me everything but why?” Chip said, not seeing any point in arguing with Thomas as he showed all the arrogant unstableness of his mentor.

“Because,” Winslow said walking back into the room. “I need subjects to test the calibrations of the new and improved conversion process.”

“You went to a lot a trouble to bring us four thousand miles from home to this south pacific island,” Chip said, fishing for their whereabouts.

“Six thousand miles,” Winslow corrected. “And yes, we went to a lot of trouble for a reason. I had three goals upon my release. First, to regain full use of my amphibian gills and lose this dependency to land,” he nearly spat out. “Second to build my Amphibian Army and third... to make Crane and Nelson pay for interfering with the greatest scientific achievement of this century.”

“The Admiral and Captain Crane were only trying to protect you and those poor souls you converted to Amphibians without consent,” Chip fired back, still trying to wiggle his wrists loose as they talked.

“Because of Crane and Nelson my work was set back and nearly lost, without Thomas here,” he said swinging his arm back to include his protégé, “It might never have been resurrected. Oh yes Morton, it's not enough to convert them into mindless drones, I want Nelson and Crane to watch as I convert their entire crew to my army of Amphibians,” he said with a wild look in his eyes that matched the air of lunacy his plan entailed. “You three were handpicked to be my first Recruits. Those two,” he said tilting his head back toward the cryogenic freezers where Ski and Riley were stored, “are two of Crane's most trusted men. They're single and as such were quite easy to take. Now you Commander Morton, you are both Crane's and Nelson's trusted friend as well as the Executive Officer. Oh I'm well aware of how highly they both think of you,” Winslow said stepping away and waving his hand animatedly.

“I have something special in mind for you,” he said, letting the thought hang in the air a moment. “You are going to join my Elites,” Chip's expression dropped clearly understanding the implications as the drone state of their last victims had been successfully reversed, but with Jenkins and Winslow it had been different.

The Admiral explained that the process to create the Elites had chemically changed the neurological make-up of Winslow's brain, confirmed through Jenkins' autopsy. He was no longer the man Harry started the project with, and even a year in the mental hospital hadn't reversed the egomaniac-warped ambition of the scientist. In short, once the Elites were converted, they lost their moral compass, believing that they were in the right to build their new society of Amphibians.

“Yes Commander, I see you understand. Once your conversion is complete you will join our ranks forever as an Amphibian Elite.”

“No Winslow!” Chip yelled as the mad scientist reached for a face mask while Thomas turned on the gas. Chip struggled violently, moving his head from side to side trying to avoid the sedative that would leave him unable to fight; unable to keep Winslow from turning him into a water breathing freak; and unable to keep the life he loved aboard Seaview.

Chapter Six

The more Lee thought about it, the more he was convinced that there was more to Chip's disappearance than meets the eye. True, he was a grown man who didn't need to give his whereabouts to his best friend while on leave, but there were certain protocols that Seaview's Command Crew were bound by. If Chip had decided to take his leave out of town, he would have given his whereabouts to the office, or security after hours; a necessity in the event that Seaview was activated to duty or called to sail unexpectedly. A call to the office had already eliminated that possibility as Lee drove straight to the Institute. He had more resources there and had the definite feeling he was going to need them.

Lee cleared the gate, parked and headed up the steps to the main office, dressed in blue jeans with a casual button up shirt and deck shoes, definitely not in uniform. He still had his sunglasses on when he reached for the handle of the large double glass doors leading into the Institute's Main Foyer.

“Skipper!”

Lee turned toward the sound of Sharkey's voice, he'd know that Coney Island accent anywhere.

Sharkey closed the distance as Lee pulled his sunglasses off to greet the COB.

“I wasn't expecting to see you here today, Sir.”

“I'm glad I ran into you Chief, I was going to call you anyway. I need you to round up a couple of men for me; Patterson, Ski, Riley... is Rodriguez due in this week?”

“Ron is here, but I've got some personnel problems,” Sharkey explained. “Patterson showed up today, he and Kowalski were supposed to work maintenance in the Missile Room,” he explained to Lee's distracted nod.

“Go on, Chief.”

“Well Sir, Ski didn't show up and it turns out Patterson hasn't seen him all weekend. To top it off, Riley was his backup and I can't get a hold of him either.”

Lee's eyes tightened as he considered this new information.

“When was the last time anyone heard from them?”

“Pat tells me the two headed straight to their favorite watering hole as soon as we docked... if those two knuckleheads ended up in jail I'll have them scrubbing the bilge tanks with tooth brushes!” Sharkey added enthusiastically.

Lee ignored Sharkey's ranting; he now had three men missing and it was too much of a coincidence for him to ignore.

“Come with me Chief,” he said opening the door as Sharkey followed behind wondering if Ski and Riley were in for a full Captain's Mast.

* * * * *

Lee explained the situation to Sharkey on the way up to his office, stopping short to head into Angie's office.

“Hi Angie. Is the Admiral in today?”

“Not officially, but he did check in with me. He thought he'd swing by around eleven to get his messages.”

Lee looked at his watch, it was 1000 hours.

“Very well, I'll fill him in when he gets here,” he said turning to recap the situation for Angie. “I came here to do some checking because no one has seen Mr. Morton since Friday evening. He missed our match this morning at the gym and hasn't picked up messages all weekend. The Chief here tells me that both Kowalski and Riley have been missing for the same amount time. Now I don't know what's going on with Ski and Riley, but I do know the Exec wouldn't leave town without checking in here.”

Angie nodded, agreeing silently.

“I was already suspicious with Chip's disappearance and this new information where the Ratings are concerned only seals the likelihood that something is up. Angie,” he said turning his attention to the efficient PA who had already grabbed her pen and pad ready to take down instructions. “You check all the usual places; the hospital, jail... the morgue,” he added rather hesitantly, “And any other rabbit trail you can find.”

“Got it.”

“Chief, you and Patterson head to the bar and find out any information you can. Find someone who can verify that Ski and Riley were actually there on Friday night, then follow the trail. I want hourly reports.”

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey replied as he turned on his heels to round up Pat.

“Angie, let me know as soon as the Admiral makes it in. I'll explain everything to him, until then I'll be in my office making some phone calls.”

“Alright Lee. We'll find them,” she added confidently to Lee's concerned weak smile.

* * * * *

Lee made a few calls looking for friends whom Chip might have contacted upon his return to port, but hit a brick wall. He already knew what Chip was up to on Friday evening and decided to hold off calling Trudy until he had exhausted some other leads. She hadn't seemed too friendly on her last phone call and he just as soon not get her involved just yet. If he continued to hit a brick wall he would definitely call her to see if she noticed anything unusual on their date.

He hung up the phone silently contemplating the dead end when his intercom came to life.

“Captain Crane, you have a phone call. Line three, Lt. Commander Rinehart, ONI.”

“Thanks Marge.”

Lee reached for the phone, mentally shifting gears from his search for Chip to his concern for Harry and Dr. Winslow's release from the mental hospital.

“Commander Crane,” he answered.

“Lee this is Jack.”

“Good to hear from you, Jack,” he said unconsciously rubbing his tired eyes. “I hope you have some good news for me?”

“I've got news, but I'm pretty sure you won't think it's good,” he replied cryptically as Lee leaned forward in his chair.

“I'm listening.”

“Winslow's gone to ground somewhere. Every typical and logical search I ran came up empty.”

This isn't what Lee needed to hear right now, he already had missing crewmen, the last thing he needed was a mad scientist with a vendetta against the Admiral on the loose.

“I upgraded the Watch and took it to a Level Two Search,” he continued as Lee understood what that entailed, looking anywhere that didn't require a search warrant. “No one's seen the guy since he walked out of the mental hospital and he didn't fill his prescriptions from the hospital.”

Lee blew a breath out. “I may need you to upgrade the Watch to Level One, Jack.”

“What's going on, Lee?”

“I'm still working on leads from my end, but I've got three missing crewmen, one of them Chip Morton. All three went missing sometime before Saturday morning. I don't know if it's related but I'd rather you get the process started just in case.”

“Okay Lee, but you know how it works. NIS* will want to see what you've got before they go to bat for search warrants.”

“I understand. Give me a couple of hours, I've got men on the streets checking out the two ratings that disappeared and I still need to brief Admiral Nelson.”

“Very well. I'll start the ball rolling, but I'll wait to hear from you before taking it through the channels.”

“Thanks Jack.”

“Good luck on your search, Lee.”

Lee hung up the phone and leaned forward with his elbows resting on the desk. Maybe he was grasping at straws... putting two unrelated problems together in one pot, but something told him that it was too big of a coincidence. Chip often teased him about his Extra Sensory Perception, not the one that reads minds but the one that could sense danger. That extra sense was currently working overtime at present as Lee tapped the desk before him. A quick check of the watch told him Harry should be in any time and rolled his chair back from the desk. Every fiber in his body said that his missing men were in danger and that Winslow was the likely cause. He headed resolutely for the door, deciding to wait for Harry in his office and hoping his Sixth Sense was proven wrong.

* * * * *

“And you're sure you didn't see them?” Sharkey asked the young waitress at the Lucky Blue, Ski's favorite pick-up bar.

“Look mister, like I already said,” the distracted waitress explained, clearly not interested in their problem. “It was packed full on Friday night. I probably served two hundred drinks that night. Now unless they were fantastic tippers I just didn't have the time to notice,” she said handing Sharkey back the pictures.

“Thanks for your time, ma'am,” Sharkey offered politely just as Patterson came up behind him.

“Chief,” he greeted excitedly. “This is Shelly and she remembers serving Ski and Stu.”

Sharkey turned in anticipation, he was beginning to think they had struck out completely.

“Hello Miss...” he drew out the Miss waiting for her reply.

“Carpenter. Shelly Carpenter and I remember serving them. The surfer guy was pretty cute but I didn't have time to talk.”

“Did you notice anything unusual about their visit?”

“Well if you call going falling down drunk after two rounds of brew unusual then, 'Yes'.”

“You're sure they only had two rounds? No one else could have served them?”

“No, that was my table. They didn't stay long, some ditzy blonde walked in and they followed her out the door like a couple of puppy dogs,” she said with a raised eyebrow. “Anyway, the dark headed guy slapped down a hundred dollar bill on a ten dollar bar tab, that's why I remember him. You keep your eye out for the good tippers, then when they come back you make sure they get special treatment,” she explained.

Sharkey nodded his understanding. “And this blonde they followed, have you seen her before?”

Shelly shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, indicating she was tired of the questioning.

“Girls like that are usually lousy tippers, I don't pay them much mind,” she explained.

“Well you've been a great help. We don't have time for a drink, so how about I just leave the tip instead?” Sharkey said, pulling out a twenty spot.

“Thanks,” she purred. “Any more questions you just let me know,” she offered, as she walked away in a good mood.

“What do you think, Chief?” Patterson asked, concern clearly etched on his face.

“I don't know Pat, but there ain't no way Kowalski was drunk after two beers,” he stated firmly. “Come on, I think that's all we're going to get right now.” Sharkey felt comfortable that they had gleaned anything worthwhile out knowing that if anyone else had pertinent information, they would have come forward after Shelly bragged about her tip.

“Let's head back and brief the Skipper. I don't know Pat, but something tells me those knuckleheads have gotten themselves into trouble.”

* * * * *

“Hi Angie, anything?” Lee asked, entering Harry's Personal Assistant's office, a very large outer office to the Admiral's. It was well known that Angie wasn't just Harry's secretary, but his right hand in keeping the Institute running, especially with his sometimes long absences at sea.

“I checked the hospitals, jail, morgue... all the usual places and got a negative,” she replied. “I was about at a standstill when I started calling the tow truck services.”

Lee eased onto the edge of her desk, clearly interested in what she had found.

“Kowalski's car was towed from the parking lot of the Lucky Blue yesterday morning. When I contacted the tow service they said it had been there since Friday night. It was parked in a front parking spot, or they might not have towed it as abandoned quite this early.”

Lee blew a frustrated breath out. Two missing ratings, an abandoned car... it all spelled trouble.

“Well hello Lee, I didn't expect to see you here,” Harry greeted having just arrived. He was officially on Leave and was also attired in civvies, a brown suit and tie.

“Aye Sir, I'm afraid I'm working on a mystery that's getting more and more troublesome.”

Harry's forehead tightened in response. He recognized Lee's tense posture and immediately shifted gears to deal with whatever problem was at hand.

“Very well, let's talk,” Harry said, striding into his office with Lee following behind.

* * * * *

Chip woke in his cell feeling strange; his mind was foggy and he felt his coordination was a bit off as he shakily reached his hand for his head and almost missed. His throat was sore and it felt like he was waking from one of Jamie’s strong sleep cocktails. He rubbed his forehead trying to clear his mind then turned his head to view his surroundings, noting he was back in Winslow’s cell and dressed in a grey jump suit. His watch was gone and had no way to determine the time, the last thing he remembered was finding out it was Tuesday and that Winslow…

Chip stopped there and reached for the sore throat he was ignoring, his brain had been too foggy when he first woke up, but now he remembered what Winslow was going to do. Sure enough he found two gauze bandages on either side of his adam’s apple. He cursed inwardly and walked to the small head in his cell, stumbling slightly as his equilibrium was slightly off but managing to reach the mirror over the sink. He focused for a moment in silent trepidation at his reflection, then reached for the bandage afraid of what he knew he would find. Sure enough, he saw his worst fears staring back at him in the mirror.

Chip stared at the small screen like circles surgically implanted on his throat, then closed his eyes and lowered his head. Winslow had gone and done it… changed him into an Amphibian freak. His knees began to buckle as he caught himself and shakily made his way back to the cot, lying down and still feeling out of sorts. As he laid there he was nearly consumed in a dark helplessness, he couldn’t stop the tears that rolled out of eyes and down his cheeks as he contemplated whether this forced deformity could be reversed once Lee found him.

The thought had almost been a fleeting one, but it should have been one of the first things he thought of! He wasn’t usually like this, he was fighter, he thought silently in self-degradation. It dawned on him that something was wrong with his thought processes, probably the result of the neurological changes that were going on in his body right now. He sniffed back his emotions realizing that all was not lost… not yet anyway. If it was Tuesday, then he had missed his court meet with Lee. He knew Lee; his best friend would know something was wrong. A small smile found its way into the slight upturn of his lips as he realized that having a super spy for a best friend definitely had its advantages.

Don’t give up… keep fighting, he silently encouraged himself. “Lee will find me,” he whispered out loud then closed his eyes trying to formulate his thoughts into something bearing some resemblance to a cohesive thought. He still had two crewmates that needed help as much as he did. It was up to him to find a way to get to Ski and Riley before Winslow turned them into mindless drones.

Chapter Seven

Admiral's Nelson's office was filled with various personnel giving their reports with Sharkey, Patterson, and Angie joining Harry and Lee for a briefing.

“And it's like I said,” Sharkey reiterated. “I just can't figure Ski falling down drunk after two drinks.”

“I think it's safe to say,” Harry noted, “That their drinks were drugged.”

“And the blonde they followed was probably in on it too,” Patterson interjected.

“To what extent we don't know,” Harry added, “But suffice it to say, someone provided just the right bait to get Kowalski and Riley out of the bar.”

“Has Kowalski's car been retrieved from the tow company yet?” Lee inquired.

“It's on its way over now,” Angie reported to Lee's nod.

“Good. Chief, you and Patterson go over it with a fine toothed comb, make sure there isn't some clue we've missed.”

“Aye Sir.”

“What about Mr. Morton, Sir,” Patterson asked.

“He hasn't been heard from since Friday night. I'm pretty sure he went home that evening, I think whatever happened must have been Saturday morning.”

“Why do you say that, Lee?” Harry asked, as Chip could have disappeared anytime up until their gym meeting.

“All the messages were cleared off the machine Friday evening. If Chip had been home he would have at least listened to the new messages,” Lee replied confidently to Harry's agreeing nod.

“What about Chip's car?” Harry asked.

“I'm still looking for it,” Angie chimed in. “I'm just about through the tow services, so far nothing.”

“Very well, just keep at it,” Harry encouraged. “Well, I think we've all got our assignments, anything else Captain?”

“Just keep the information coming into Angie, she'll make sure the Admiral and I are informed.”

“Aye Skipper,” Sharkey replied as he and Patterson left followed by Angie, who offered a reserved but encouraging smile on the way out.

Lee lingered, pacing to the window and staring out into the distant horizon.

“He's got them Admiral,” he said quietly, then turned toward Harry. “I know it as clearly as I know I'm Lee Crane,” he added resolutely.

“I admit, it looks rather suspicious,” Harry started.

“Suspicious? Admiral, I know it's circumstantial but Winslow's off the grid somewhere, has been since he was sprung six weeks ago. Then we sail into port and Boom! Three of our men go mysteriously missing,” Lee rubbed his forehead, pulling his emotions back a tad. “I'm sorry Sir, I guess I'm just tired...”

Harry closed the distance and took his place beside Lee, his hands in his pockets and staring out at the same horizon Lee was looking at a moment ago.

“It's alright Lad. I just want to keep all our options open. I'm still hoping the Percy Winslow I knew is still in there.”

“Admiral,” Lee said, drawing Harry's attention his way, and suddenly realizing what was bothering him. “What happened to Winslow wasn't your fault.”

“I can't help but wonder...” Harry said pausing a moment. “I knew the gas mixtures they were proposing had an ill effect on the neurological pathways...”

“And you did everything you could to halt the experiments. Winslow and Jenkins went ahead with the experiments against your orders and with full knowledge of the reports coming back from the lab,” Lee reminded him.

Harry nodded, then turned towards him.

“Thank you Lee,” Harry said taking back his usual confidence as he stepped away from the window. Lee followed him to his desk as Harry sat in his chair and leaned back, obviously thinking.

“If Winslow is to blame for our missing men, then the question is why?” Harry asked rhetorically in an obvious brainstorming session.

Lee sat on the edge of Harry's desk comfortably and answered with a sigh. “Revenge.”

“Against Chip?”

“Against you and me,” Lee paused and lowered his head, playing with a note pad on Harry's desk in deep thought. “What better way to get back at us?” he continued, “then to take our own crew for experiments.”

“I'm not sure I follow you, Lee. Winslow has been out of action for a year. There's no way he could have orchestrated all the equipment and assets required in just the six weeks he's been missing.”

“Then he's had help Sir. Maybe he's had it all along.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, still not convinced they had enough information to tie Winslow to their men's disappearances, but not able to dismiss Lee's concerns either. It was just too coincidental to ignore when three crewmen go missing the first night back into port after a madman who openly promised revenge in court is freed and missing himself.

“I guess we're just going to have to wait for ONI or for some clue to present itself,” Harry observed.

Lee heaved a sigh, his shoulders rounded. “I just hope I'm wrong Sir. With everything in me... I hope I'm wrong.”

* * * * *

Chip heard footsteps and swung his legs over the side of the cot. He was feeling a bit better, more in control and more like himself. He looked up, expecting to see Winslow but was relieved instead when he saw Kowalski and Riley standing in front of the cell door.

“Kowalski!” he said, standing and smiling at Seaview's men.

He took two steps toward the cell door before realizing that something was wrong. Both men wore the same grey jumpsuit that he was wearing but it was the lack of emotion that caught his attention. Then he saw the gills barely peeking out from under their collars.

“Ski? Don't you recognize me?”

Kowalski remained stoic, with no emotion at all.

“Riley?” he said trying to reach the younger rating, but Stu stood as stone faced and emotionless as Ski.

Kowalski raised a gun and indicated for Chip to step away as Riley unlocked the cell door.

So that was it. Kowalski and Riley had been turned into Amphibian Drones, mindless, will-less creatures whose function was to do all the menial work as well as serve in Winslow's Amphibian Army.

Ski motioned him out as Chip stepped forward, seemingly following his orders, but once outside the cell door threw an elbow into Ski's midsection. He threw another punch Riley's way, but didn't have time to run for the door as Kowalski quickly recovered and pistol whipped Chip across the base of his neck. Chip slumped to the ground, unusually weakened by the blow to the head and realizing that his strength wasn't up to par. He was unceremoniously injected with something and then easily man-handled by his two crewmates back to Winslow's laboratory.

* * * * *

Chip's struggles were ineffectual in his compromised condition, as he felt his limbs turn unresponsive and limp while trying desperately to reach his crewmates as they strapped him to the gurney.

“Ski? Come on you remember me?”

Kowalski's face showed no recognition as he strapped Chip's arm.

“Riley? You remember Seaview?”

Stu showed neither recognition nor compassion as he strapped Chip's legs tightly in place.

Chip swallowed hard. “I don't know what he's done to you, but fight it. I know you're fighting Ski, we'll find a way out,” he encouraged but it was like talking to stone statues. Neither man responded in any sort of camaraderie or hint that he was their superior officer, someone they respected and would have normally gone straight into hell's fire to rescue.

“Their transformations are complete,” Winslow announced entering the room now that his subject was on the table. “They belong to me now and will no longer respond to you in any way, until your Transformation is complete that is,” he qualified with a typical evil scientist smile.

“I don't understand,” Chip replied. “I thought the Transformation process involved the freezer.” Chip wasn't interested in the procedure as much as finding out as much information as possible. He needed some weakness to exploit to gain his freedom.

“The Elites are transformed without the cryogenics,” Winslow answered, moving around the room and readying various instruments. “You see Commander, during the freezing process certain nerve endings are dulled. We add the gills and keep them frozen for their gas treatments, which makes it possible to use the gills to breathe sea water and withstand depth pressure changes. Since their transformations take place during a time when certain synapsis are affected they are unable to transmit their signals to certain neurons. The result is a fully functioning amphibian whose will has been shaped to be completely loyal. They haven't the physical ability to do anything but desire to please my will.”

“You're sick Winslow,” Chip spat out.

“Now Elites, on the other hand,” Winslow continued, ignoring the jab, “are transformed without the freezing process. With the gills now in place, we will now begin a series of gas treatments that will allow the body to shed its dependency upon land and embrace the sea.”

“Listen to me Winslow,” Chip pleaded. “The gases cause damage to the neurological system, they proved it with Jenkin's autopsy.”

“Lies!” Winslow snapped back.

“Nelson warned you...” Chip persisted unable to move, his only defense was to try and reach the scientist in some way as he continued, “...that the gases were causing damage.”

“No, not damaged!” Winslow insisted, slamming his hand down on the cabinet where he was working. “Improved. Enhanced. Upgraded,” he insisted.

“Don't you see Winslow?” Chip argued recognizing the fault in the scientist's experiments. “The freezing process kept the neurons from being affected, when you transform without freezing you are physically damaging the neuro transmitters. That's why you and Jenkins couldn't be transformed back, your brains were damaged while the drone’s nerve endings were just bypassed!”

Winslow turned around with a hypo in hand while Thomas stepped forward ready to apply a face mask, presumably to begin the gas treatments.

“I don't need you awake for this process,” Winslow said. “Perhaps as your brain acclimates to its Amphibious state you will welcome the process as we have.”

“No Winslow,” Chip argued with defiance. “Don't do this!”

“We will keep you here until each of the three sessions is completed. The next time you awaken your Transformation will be complete,” he said without an ounce of remorse, injecting the sedative even as Chip struggled beneath the restraints.

The sedative worked quickly as Chip tried to hold on to consciousness as long as he could, listening to Winslow and Thomas discuss how they were going to turn him into an Amphibian Elite and trying to hold onto who he really was. His hope waned as his eyes fluttered closed feeling completely helpless. There was no doubt in his mind that Lee would find him, the question was... just who or what would Lee find.

Chapter Eight

Lee sat with his elbows on his desk, rubbing his temples. It had been a long day and they had no solid leads to chase. Chip's car had been found at the waterfront, the boys at NIS were running prints as they spoke. Kowalski's car came up empty, but was also being put through the forensic process. He was deeply concerned, however, with the fact that Chip's car had been found at the docks and had subsequently convinced NIS to start a search for sea vessels leaving the port between Saturday and Tuesday morning. Jack Rinehart was still looking for a trail on Winslow, so all he could do was wait. The only clue he had left was the blonde at the Lucky Blue Saloon. It would definitely be a long shot, but he planned on visiting the bar tonight to see if he could find the blonde or anyone else who might have information.

The intercom broke his thought processes as he pressed the blinking button to answer.

“Yes.”

“A Trudy Chapman is returning your call, on line two.”

“Thanks Marge,” he replied reaching for the phone, he and Chip had double dated once and he hoped Trudy remembered.

“Captain Crane.”

“Hello Lee,” she replied tersely.

“Hello Trudy, thanks for returning my call.”

“If this is about Chip you can just forget it. What did he do, get you to call and smooth things over for him?” she asked snidely.

“No, Chip didn't ask me to call. In fact, no one has seen Chip since he left the Boat on Friday afternoon. I was hoping you could help me fill in some blanks.”

There was a noticeable silence as Trudy was no doubt processing the information.

“What do you mean nobody has seen him? As in missing?” she asked with a bit more concern, though still not convinced.

“We're not sure, not yet anyway. I listened to Chip's messages on his phone...”

“You heard the messages?” she interrupted clearly irritated. “I know you and Chip are close Lee, but really.”

“Trudy,” Lee said rubbing his forehead in near exasperation and trying to keep the conversation on track. “I need to know if he mentioned going out of town, visiting friends... anything that might explain why he's turned up missing.”

“You're really serious about this, aren't you?”

Lee sighed. “I really am, Trudy. This isn't like Chip. He wouldn't ignore your messages; he would have called if he could have.”

“Okay,” she relented, resigning to be more helpful. “No, he didn't mention going anywhere. He was looking forward to hanging out around the house, he mentioned going to the gym with you and said he wanted to get in a round of golf sometime this week, but he never mentioned going away.”

“I sort of figured that, but I needed to know. Thank you Trudy.”

“Sure. I feel bad about our little blow up. You tell him when you find him, okay?”

“Sure,” he replied.

“Okay, good bye Lee.”

“Good bye.” Lee hung up frustrated he hadn't found anything new and wondering just what Chip was doing dating Trudy. Her concern for his well-being wasn't exactly stellar, but he had to admit, most people didn't have mad scientists for enemies.

Lee cleared his desk and stood to leave. He had depleted all his leads, the next thing he needed to do was take a drive to the Lucky Blue.

* * * * *

Chip's eyes fluttered open, he was still on the gurney but noticed that he was no longer restrained.

“Hello Charles, how do you feel?”

Chip looked wearily toward Winslow as he stood over him offering a friendly smile.

“Tired... very weak,” he answered without any thought of the fact that Winslow was his enemy.

Winslow smiled understandably. “That's to be expected, the gas exchange treatment taxes the system but your Transformation was perfect, you'll be feeling stronger soon. Would you like to try and sit up?”

“Yeah sure,” he replied quite conciliatory and strangely at peace.

Winslow helped him sit and allowed Chip to gain his equilibrium. Chip's brain began to clear and he suddenly realized what Winslow had said; his “transformation was perfect.” He reached for his neck and felt the mechanical gills, they felt intriguing, not nearly as repulsive as the first time he felt them.

“Transformation?” he questioned as Winslow nodded with a satisfied smile.

“Yes, your body is now adapted to breathe sea water. We won't test the gills until your stitches have healed, perhaps in a day or so.”

Chip reached for his head. This was all wrong... he should be infuriated, outraged even. His choice had been taken away, his body mutilated and forever changed to conform to someone else's design for his life. Somehow he found himself warring with what he should be feeling and what he was actually experiencing. It was very confusing and his current weakened state left him with little resources to try and figure it out. Maybe later.

“Now if you feel strong enough I have something I want to show you.”

Chip wasn't sure why he was being quite so docile but decided to go along with the feeling for the moment, if he acted as Winslow expected perhaps he could use it to his advantage. The last thought caused him to blink noticeably.

“I wouldn't be concerned,” Winslow replied to Chip's obvious confusion. “It's not only your physical body going through the Transformation but your mind and thought processes as well,” he explained rather benignly. “In a few days you'll find your mind much more at rest. Now Charles if you'll follow me.”

Chip followed Winslow feeling a little stronger, though his mind was much too muddled. Winslow led him to another room in the facility as Chip viewed with wonder two large tanks of water. He stepped closer, intrigued by the sight as Kowalski and Riley were each submerged in separate tanks. They were wearing swim trunks and had several electrodes taped in several places across their chests and forehead. Chip's forehead furled, mostly in curiosity though he realized he should be outraged. He quickly decided to stay with the plan to appear docile, though he wasn't sure he was actually fooling the scientist. There was still some Chip Morton left in him, but he was oddly intrigued with what he was seeing.

“Are they...?”

“Sleeping? Yes,” Winslow said finishing Chip's question. “They've been in there for the last hour,” he replied with a smile.

“Fascinating,” Chip heard himself reply and then shook his head in disgust.

“It's alright Charles,” Winslow said placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Soon your mind will shed all its dependency on land and air and fully embrace the fact that you can now live just as easily in the water as on the land.”

“What if I don't want this life?” Chip asked, finally finding the real him inside and feeling much more defiant than before.

“You will, Charles,” Winslow said confidently. “You will.”

Chip continued to study his two crewmen, sleeping in the tanks and processing the oxygen from the water through their mechanical gills. They looked so peaceful, he thought silently before catching himself. Damn it Winslow! What have you done to me?

* * * * *

Harry sat forward at his desk and sighed. He was concerned for his crewmen, both trusted men. Kowalski was a plank owner, having signed on several weeks before the first cruise and Riley... Harry had to stop and smile. The young surfer had duly impressed him when he and his surfer friends stepped up to the plate and helped Lee after an ONI mission followed him home. He was kidnapped and injected with a concoction that mirrored food poisoning as his abductors tried to gain information from him. Since his recruitment, Riley had proven to be a valuable team member aboard Seaview. Then there was Chip. Harry sighed out loud. He had snagged the young man while at the Pentagon, signing Chip onto Seaview during the funding phase while he was still on active duty; and when Harry retired to put his full effort into building Seaview, he took the young officer with him. He and Chip had been through a lot, you simply can't build a private nuclear submarine from the keel up without going through a lot, he clarified silently. His feelings for Chip were different than Lee, though he never doubted how much he appreciated and cared for the lad.

Then he thought about Winslow. Maybe this was all a coincidence, pointing false accusations at a man that deserved to start a new life, but like Lee, he had to believe differently. As much as he'd like to think that Percy was indeed cured, he couldn't overlook the strong possibility that he staged the kidnappings in an effort to exact revenge.

Then there was Lee. He had watched his young captain all day. First the tenseness of the mystery, then the obvious feeling of helplessness when their leads ran into brick walls and now...

Harry reached for his intercom.

“Angie, would you ask Captain Crane to see me before he leaves.”

“I'm sorry Sir, but I saw him leave about an hour ago.”

Harry heaved an outward sigh. “Very well, I'll be heading out myself. Have communications keep me informed if any information comes through this evening.”

“Yes Admiral.”

Harry pursed his lips tightly. He knew just what Lee was doing. He had watched his mood darken throughout the day and recognized the look. Lee was going all-spy. He recognized the signs. It was the sleuth in him, the one that needed to solve the mystery and like so many of his ONI missions in the past, he was planning on solving this one on his own. Perhaps it was because he, Harry, had been reluctant to accuse Winslow without substantial proof. Harry figured Lee was trying to get to the bottom of the mystery without causing him distress.

Blast it! Harry stood in frustration. He and Lee had grown close these last two years. Oh he wasn't going to go over just how close. Whether he was Lee's best friend, big brother, or mentor/father figure wasn't important right now. What was important was the fact that he wasn't going to let Lee carry the burden for the missing men himself.

“Not this time,” Harry said resolutely out loud.

He once heard that it takes a thief to catch a thief and figured the same was true for spies. He smiled at the thought and nodded to himself. He was pretty sure he knew where to find Lee.

Chapter Nine

Chip watched as both Kowalski and Riley were revived. They opened their eyes and didn't seem to be the least bit concerned that they were underwater.

“See how easily they've adapted?” Winslow noted happily.

“It's remarkable,” Chip answered, truly in awe at the sight of seeing the men actually breathing sea water.

“Yes it is, isn't it?” Winslow replied, all but beaming in delight. “Soon you'll be ready to do the same,” he said with a hand on his shoulder.

Chip dipped his head, he didn't ask to be made into an Amphibian. He had vehemently opposed and fought against it, yet he somehow couldn't help anticipating the chance of breathing without tanks weighing him down. He remembered how amazing it was watching Angela Maxxon free dive in depths that were impossible without the right breathing mixture and gear. She was like an angel gliding through the water, it was fascinating even then.

“Have they been in the open seas yet?” Chip found himself asking, as Ski and Riley exited the tanks.

“Not yet, but there's no reason they can't,” Winslow replied, clearly pleased with Chip's thought processes. He silently noted that his neurological pathways had indeed been affected, as he knew the will power and personality of the officer should have produced a combative display, with the young man demanding to be set free. Instead, Charles was exhibiting all the signs he should at this stage. Morton was intrigued, curious, even impressed and yet he could see Seaview's Executive Officer was still inwardly struggling with his Transformation. But before long the questions and self-doubts would cease, then Morton would fully embrace his new life.

“Come Charles, I'll show you to your room.”

“I'm not going back to the cell?”

“Oh I hardly think that's necessary.”

Chip found himself nodding in agreement, but not because he would be in a better position to escape, it just seemed rather logical to him.

“Rick, you and Stuart may begin preparing our meal.”

Ski and Riley didn't answer, but nodded dutifully without emotion and in full acceptance of their position as drones. This too should have infuriated Chip, and somewhere inside him it did, but it was buried much too far at present to access.

Chip followed Winslow through the complex while the scientist described the rooms and their uses rather pleasantly before coming to another door.

“And this is your room Charles.”

He opened the door and found a rather nice suite, not what he was expecting.

“You're an Elite now, Charles. You were picked for a purpose, but more about that later. Why don't you rest and freshen up. Dinner is at seven,” Winslow said with a smile.

“Dr. Winslow,” Chip called. “What if I decide I don't want this life?”

Winslow smiled. “I have full confidence in you Charles. You will soon see the beauty of being an Amphibian and the freedom it entails.”

“But what about Kowalski and Riley? They look anything but free,” he noted, as Chip Morton struggled to rise to the surface.

Winslow chuckled. “They are happy when they serve. You'll see Charles, have patience.”

Winslow turned to leave as Chip ran a confused hand through his hair. This should all be rather repulsive to him, why wasn't he fighting tooth and nail instead of letting Winslow comfort him with lies? It dawned on Chip to check the door, he turned the handle and found it open but oddly stepped back into the room. Was he really able to free-swim underwater and at pressure? Something in him wanted to know. He moved about the room, familiarizing himself with the small suite. No windows, but by the construction of the complex he figured it was underground. A rap behind interrupted his exploration as he turned toward the door.

“Come in.”

“Dr. Winslow thought you might appreciate a change of clothes,” Kowalski said in a rather monotone voice, the first time he had heard him speak. Chip swallowed hard and stepped forward.

“Ski, are you still in there?” he asked, looking into his eyes and probing for some sign of recognition.

“Dr. Winslow thought you might appreciate a change of clothes,” Ski repeated.

Chip sighed, there was nothing behind Ski's eyes and apparently the rating only spoke when he was addressed and only communicated exactly what was required of him... a true drone. Chip took the clothes from Ski's proffered hands.

“Thank you Ski.”

Kowalski nodded but made no other connection with Seaview's Second in Command and turned to leave, his assignment clearly fulfilled he had no further reason to linger.

Chip took the clothes to the bed and looked them over. Up until now he had been wearing the same grey jump suit that Ski and Riley wore, but the clothes Winslow and Porter wore sent were different; black slacks and a black pullover shirt. Another distinction between the Drones and the Elites, their clothes. It wasn't any different than the jumpsuits the ratings wore on Seaview and the Khaki uniforms the officer's wore, he silently contemplated picking up the clothes to change. He took two steps toward the bathroom and stopped. No! It was different! The enlisted weren't mindless drones, created to serve the officers. Winslow's sick world wasn't anything like the roles of the ratings and officers aboard Seaview. He turned back and tossed the Elite clothes on the bed. It was his show of solidarity with Ski and Riley, he wasn't going to embrace this sick class driven society that created slaves for the very few to command.

He plopped himself on the bed, suddenly growing very tired, and completely forgetting that the door was still unlocked. He was so tired... maybe after some rest he would be able to think clearer.

Chapter Ten

Lee didn't want to take the chance of missing the night life at the Lucky Blue and was planning on making the scene around 1800 hours. He was hoping to find anyone who could point out the blonde that lured Ski and Riley away. It would be a tall order, as he had no other description of the woman except that he figured she would have been a looker to snag the two ratings so easily.

He headed home to shower and change figuring he might need to do a little flirting to get some information. The thought sort of made him feel a bit like a cad, as he was aware that some women responded to his smile and a little attention. But he was in spy mode now, so he dismissed any feelings of “flirting without intent” and got dressed.

He knew the Lucky Blue was pretty casual, so he opted for blue jeans and a navy blue button up, bypassing the light blue chambray in case he had to do some tailing. He fingered gel through his hair to keep from looking too Navy and made his way downstairs. He figured he'd be doing a bit of drinking and couldn't nurse just one beer through the night, so he made sure to eat a sandwich before leaving. With all preparations complete he backed out of the garage headed for the night life at the Lucky Blue Saloon.

* * * * *

Lee pulled into the parking lot, which was already starting to fill with cars and parked the Cobra. He got out and headed toward the door when he stopped in mid-stride, lowered his head in resignation and sighed. He raised his head and walked over to the dark sedan parked near the door with the auburn haired fiftyish man leaning against the car with his arms folded.

“Sir,” Lee said greeting the Admiral quietly, the last thing he wanted to do was lose his cover before he even got started.

“Lee,” Harry replied evenly as the two stood in silence for an awkward moment.

“What are you doing here, Sir?”

“I think you ought to drop the title,” Harry suggested to Lee's small smile as he lowered his head then raised his eyes to see through his lashes.

“I'm here for the same reason you are,” Harry continued. “To get some answers.”

Lee sighed silently. “You may not like what you find,” he answered. He was trying to protect Harry; he didn't want to cause his best friend concern if he was wrong about Winslow.

“The truth is all that matters, Lee,” Harry replied coolly. “Now why don't you tell me why you decided you needed to do this alone.”

Lee's eyes diverted to the side for a moment, making sure their conversation was private.

“Habit I suppose.”

Harry nodded, tightening his bottom lip in a familiar move when he was thinking.

“Sir...” he started but stopped on Harry's raised eyebrows. They were in the field now, and like any ONI mission, titles and ranks were left at home. “Harry,” he corrected, though he never used the Admiral's first name even privately, it flowed rather easily for him. “I'm just on a wild goose chase, it may net us a lead... or it may net us nothing but a night of nursing a few beers in a bar.”

Harry cracked a thin smile. “And you thought I wouldn't be interested?” calling Lee on his flimsy explanation.

“No,” Lee admitted. “I guess I'm just used to doing something like this alone.”

“Well that's where your thinking is all wrong Lee,” Harry challenged. “I know you're worried about Chip, and I know you're worried that finding the truth is going to be a disappointment for me, but this isn't just your battle. Chip and I have been through a lot together, and I'm just as concerned as you are,” he added gently but firmly.

Lee casually scanned their surroundings, still finding their conversation private.

“I never meant to imply that, Harry.”

Harry raised a hand, stopping Lee's apology. “Now that that's out of the way,” he said, “there's the little matter that you might need back up.”

Lee dipped his head, the thought of his superior officer offering him back up was slightly amusing. He raised his head with a smile as Harry continued.

“You and I have been through a lot as well, Lee, and by now you should know that you can count on me.”

Lee's smile widened. “You're absolutely right Si-, Harry,” he caught himself in mid-word and corrected himself.

“Well alright then,” Harry announced. “Let's go find ourselves a beautiful blonde who likes to pick up men two at a time,” he replied rather humorously as Lee chuckled.

“I hadn't thought of it that way,” Lee replied then swung his arm outwards for Harry to precede him, because whether undercover or not... Rank still Has Its Privileges.

* * * * *

Chip was escorted into the dining area by Riley. He had tried to engage in conversation with the strawberry blond, but Stu had said nothing but repeat his instructions to fetch him for dinner. Chip had defiantly refused to change into the clothes of an Amphibian Elite, hoping to keep himself grounded in his life as an officer of the SSRN Seaview and unaccepting of Winslow's sick class society.

“Ah Charles,” Winslow greeted, noting his attire but choosing not to mention it.

“Dr. Winslow,” Chip greeted as he looked around, taking in the dining room and looking for clues for the way out of the labyrinth of the underground complex.

“Have a seat my boy. Thomas will be joining us shortly.”

“What about Kowalski and Riley?”

Winslow raised his water goblet and took a drink, not holding back his smile.

“They will be serving dinner shortly,” he answered noting Chip's tense posture. “Come now, Charles. Do your enlisted eat with the officers?”

“That's different.”

“How so?”

“Because they're not designed or bred to be lower class crewmen. It's about rank and order... nothing else,” Chip replied, finding his strongest voice yet.

Winslow laughed. “I see this Transformation is going to be a lively one. You were quite docile this afternoon if you remember.”

Chip squeezed his eyes shut in confusion, he had been rather accepting of the whole situation earlier on. He opened his eyes, while trying to drive the confusion away with an unconscious shake of his head.

“It's what you did to me,” he finally said finding the inward struggle beginning to make another appearance.

“Thomas, please join us,” Winslow greeted, changing the subject and ignoring Chip's last statement. Thomas took his seat as Winslow picked up the bell sitting beside him.

“And now that we're all here let's have dinner, shall we?”

Winslow rang the bell as Kowalski appeared carrying a tray and serving the meal while Riley made his way around the table filling the wine goblets.

“Oh I do miss Angela, she had become such a fine cook,” Winslow noted almost to himself.

Chip sat with his hands in his lap staring off to the side and avoiding eye contact with either scientist.

“Come now Charles, it will do you no good to go hungry.”

The statement rang true as Chip reached for his fork, moving the food around aimlessly.

“Earlier you said that I was 'chosen', just what did you mean?” Chip asked, raising his eyes to meet Winslow's.

“Ah yes. You see we're going to lure Seaview here to this island...”

Island, Chip pondered silently, reminding himself of the details of his abduction as Winslow continued.

“...And begin processing the new recruits. When we're finished we need you to captain the submarine.”

“Seaview has a captain,” Chip interjected defiantly, making his loyalties clear.

“Well yes, but soon both Crane and Nelson will be demoted to the ranks of the Drones,” Winslow informed him. “You will handpick your command team and with the use of the submarine we can travel anywhere on earth to gather more recruits.”

Chip dropped his hands to his lap, his posture again tense.

“I'm not your captain,” he stated defiantly.

“We shall see,” Winslow replied confidently. “We shall see.”

Chapter Eleven

Harry and Lee entered the bar and found a table towards the back. They wanted a clear line of the door and this position gave them a panoramic view of the room. Though they preferred a shot of something harder, they both ordered a beer needing to keep the alcohol content as low as possible.

“I need to find out if that's Shelly Carpenter,” Lee said tilting his head toward one of the waitresses as Harry nodded and indicated “Have at it” with his eyes, both knowing her name from Sharkey's report. One waitress had been of little help; Shelly had at least given them the lead of the blonde.

Shelly was at the bar waiting for her next drink order as Lee sided up next to her.

“Hi Shelly,” he said reading her name tag and offering her a dazzling smile, while leaning against the bar quite elegantly.

Shelly started to brush him off as another flirting, non-tipping customer when she caught sight of the package standing next to her.

“Well hello there,” she responded.

“I was wondering if we could talk?”

Yeah he was moving fast, but Shelly's interested eyes told him to go full speed ahead.

“Where are you sitting?” she asked as the bartender finished her drink order.

“Over there with my friend.”

“That's not my table,” she said sadly, but then her eyes lit up. “I'll tell you what, you move to that table over there and I'll be over soon.”

Lee returned her statement with another dazzling smile. “Looking forward to it.”

Shelly watched him walk away and blew out a long airy breath of appreciation. He's just as good from the backside, she thought and picked up her tray to deliver the order... the sooner it was done the sooner she could talk to the GQ Model.

“She looked pretty interested,” Harry noted. “What did you get?”

“Nothing yet, but we need to change tables so she can talk,” Lee explained.

They moved quickly and were soon settled into their new spot, a few minutes later Shelly appeared.

“What will you have?” she asked making sure to make significant eye contact with Lee.

“Two tall ales,” Lee said returning her eye contact with an interested smile.

“Be right back,” she replied with the raise of an eyebrow.

“I feel a bit like a third wheel,” Harry deadpanned with enough humor behind his eyes to show he was pleased with Lee's progress thus far.

Lee shrugged ever so slightly and continued to scan the room. There were several blonde beauties at different tables with clear escorts, Lee hoped she wasn't one of them. It was still a long-shot she'd even be in tonight being a Tuesday evening, but he didn't have the luxury of time to wait for the weekend.

Shortly after, Shelly arrived with their drinks and a special smile for the dark headed gorgeous hunk, she politely smiled at Harry noting his very sophisticated elegant face, but kept her attention clearly on Lee.

“Anything else?”

Lee placed a hundred dollar bill on the table. “My name is Lee, and I believe you spoke to a couple of friends of mine this morning?”

Shelly put two and two together. “You mean that Sharkey guy?” Sharkey was a pretty distinctive name and she remembered the twenty spot he left.

“Yeah,” Lee smiled. “That's the guy.”

She looked a little disappointed since it looked like the hunk was on a fact finding mission and maybe not so interested in her personally, but quickly got over it at the sight of the hundred dollar bill. She was pretty sure she would be “keeping the change” if she was helpful.

“I already told him everything I remembered about those two guys.”

“I know; we were hoping you could tell us more about the blonde they followed out the door.”

Shelly withheld her sigh as she looked into the incredible hazel green eyes of Lee Crane. Maybe if she was real helpful she'd get lucky and get his phone number.

“I'll tell you what. I've got to deliver a couple of orders then I'm on break. I'll talk to you then.”

“Great,” Lee said.

Shelly left the C note on the table to cover the rest of their drinks, but she had the feeling she was going to get lucky with either Lee or a nice tip. It was definitely worth her time.

“Smooth,” Harry complimented picking up his tall glass and taking a sip. He hid the face he was inwardly making, wishing it was a good scotch instead.

Lee chuckled. “Well we haven't got anything yet,” he reminded him and reached for his own glass.

They waited about ten more minutes before Shelly came back over.

“Okay, Lindy is covering my other tables for ten minutes,” she announced and sat down next to Lee. “What do you want to know?” she asked siding up close to her dark haired quarry.

“This is my friend, Harry,” Lee introduced.

“Hi Harry,” she greeted more than politely and definitely keeping her options open.

“Shelly,” Harry returned with his own smile producing cute dimples and a twinkle in his eyes.

“We need anything you can remember about the blonde,” Lee continued.

“Hmmm,” she thought. “Pretty... you know the tall curvy type? Ummmm... just how important is this anyhow?” she asked abruptly changing the subject.

Harry placed another hundred in the center of the table. “Very important,” he said. “We think our friends are in trouble and we want to help.”

Shelly bit her bottom lip and placed her hand on Lee's leg under the table. It was clear these guys were here for information but she might still get that phone number.

Lee just smiled, accepting her over-friendly, but non-intrusive touch.

“Okay let me think...”

“Sometimes if you close your eyes you can see the scene again,” Lee coached gently.

“Okay,” she replied willing to try and enjoying this nice little diversion to her usual Tuesday work day.

“Ummm, she had on a mini skirt... got one just like it, on special for $10.99,” she added. “Ummm,” she thought some more then shrugged her shoulders and opened her eyes. “I don't know; she was just a blonde.”

“How about habits, Shelly?” Harry chimed in as Lee slid an arm to the back of her chair, not brushing against her but close enough to her back to give her goose bumps.

“It's real important,” Lee added sincerely, his eyes urging her to try.

Shelly just about melted in those eyes and squeezed his thigh. “Okay, I'll try.” She closed her eyes and concentrated then sighed. “Nothing,” she announced to Harry and Lee's disappointment. “Except...”

Lee and Harry both sat forward.

“She was one of those obnoxious types who always blows bubbles when she talks. You know the kind? Typical dumb blonde giving the rest of us a bad name,” she said referring to her own blonde hair. “And to top it off,” she continued, her cat claws clearly out the more she talked. “She twirled her hair when she talked. I hate that bimbo routine,” she explained and then noticeably deflated having gotten herself peeved, because if there's one thing a girl notices is when the bimbo gets the guy's attention.

“Does that help?” she asked with a tilt of her head.

“More than you know,” Lee smiled with relief in his eyes for the clues he now had to work with as Harry slid his hundred over with the other bill to indicate it was a tip.

“Listen it's time for me to get back to work,” she said with a final squeeze to his leg but then reached for her pad and pen and scribbled out her name and phone number. “But you call me if you want to talk some more... about anything,” she added.

“Thanks Shelly,” Lee offered as she stepped away fanning herself before getting back to work.

“Blonde, pretty, curvy, blows bubbles and twirls her hair,” Lee repeated while scanning the bar for a match.

Another half hour passed without a match as several more blondes came and went but none with the apparent habitual bubbles and twirls of their target girl. They ordered another round of drinks and an appetizer to keep their table and continued their vigil. Shelly came back by and indicated she was off work as Lee pulled out the phone number from his pocket to assure her he had her number. She wisely figured they were too busy looking for the blonde who gave their friends a bum steer and left the pair to their hunt.

They were just about to give up when another blonde entered the bar. Lee watched with interest as she talked to a cowboy at the bar, blowing bubbles and twirling her hair as she flirted.

“Got her,” Lee noted.

“I see her too,” Harry responded as the blonde and the cowboy headed to the dance floor.

At first Lee thought he'd wait until the dance was over to make a move, but the pair seemed to be hitting it off and were currently glued together in a slow dance. Lee made his decision and backed away from the table.

“What are you going to do Lee?”

“Cut in on the dance,” he said with a sly smile.

Harry raised an eyebrow, the cowboy was wearing tight blue jeans with a wide silver belt buckle and cowboy boots. His button up shirt was just tight enough to show off fit muscles, he was as tall as Lee but outweighed him by about twenty pounds... all muscle Harry noted.

Lee headed to the pair wondering if the Crane charm was going to do it this time, as the good looking cowboy currently had her undivided attention. He tapped the cowboy's shoulder and politely addressed the pair.

“Cutting in, if the Lady doesn't mind,” Lee added utilizing as much charm as he could.

The blonde chewed her gum with a large smile, taking in “Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome” currently vying for her attention and considered her options. It never hurt to check out all the guys before making her decision so she spoke up.

“Yeah sure,” she answered twirling her hair as the cowboy stepped aside, handing off her hand but glaring daggers at Lee.

Lee pulled her close as the slow dance continued and a new dance started.

“Hi, my name is Lee.”

“I'm Trixie,” she replied enjoying his body next to her's. The cowboy had been nice, but the new guy had elegance and a certain flair in his dance that intrigued her. She avoided blowing a bubble as she was currently parked too close to his shoulder but continued to habitually chew her gum.

“I've never seen you around here before,” she mentioned by way of conversation.

“My first time,” he answered taking the small of her back and pressing even closer, she cooed slightly and Lee thought he might have her hooked. “My friend and I just got into port.”

“Are you a sailor?”

Lee snuggled up to her ear, just close enough not to violate first dance rules, but enough to send shivers down her back.

“I'm a captain of a submarine,” he answered, figuring he needed that extra edge to win out over the good-looking cowboy waiting his turn to dance with the pretty lady again.

“Ooohhh, are you kidding me?” she asked playfully but clearly impressed.

“No really, my name is Lee Crane and my friend over there is my boss.”

Trixie looked over his shoulder and nearly squealed her delight; she turned taking Lee by the hand, tugging him along as she blew a bubble and made a bee-line for their table.

“I know you!” she squealed in delight, taking the chair next to Harry, as Lee grabbed a chair and moved to the side adjacent her.

“You're that Admiral aren't you,” she said snuggling up next to Harry.

Lee raised an eyebrow as it appeared Trixie was much more interested in the Admiral than the lowly sub driver.

“Admiral Nelson,” Harry introduced himself. “But you can call me Harry,” he said shooting Lee a “See the Old Man's still got it” look.

Lee smiled, despite the seriousness of their mission: getting beat out by your best friend is one thing, but when your best friend is seventeen years your senior... it's totally another thing.

“Yeah, I've seen you two in the newspaper...” she blew a bubble and twirled her hair as she talked, her eyes twinkling as she snuggled even closer to Harry.

“And you are...?” Harry asked, having not yet been introduced.

“Trixie Barber.”

“Trixie we were wondering if you might remember seeing a few of our friends in here Friday night,” Harry said taking the lead in the questioning since she was clearly shining up to him.

“I was here... which two would that be?”

Lee avoided clearing his throat, as her question implied she had met quite a few guys that night.

“Crewmates of ours, they're both tall... one with dark brown hair, square jaw... the other blond hair, blue eyes...”

“The frat boys!” she exclaimed in recognition.

“Frat boys?” Lee repeated a bit puzzled.

“Yeah, they said they were sailors but one of their Brothers came to make sure they got home okay because he was worried that they had too much drink,” she explained as Lee and Harry exchanged quick glances.

“Did they appear drunk?”

Trixie giggled, nearly snorting but pulling it back just in time. “Between you and me they were pretty wasted, anyway... this nice college boy made sure they had a way home, and you know I think that was really sweet because 'friends don't let friends drive drunk' you know?”

“Yes, I know,” Harry replied. “This college boy, can you describe him?”

Trixie's forehead crinkled. “Why?”

“Trixie,” Lee interjected, “Those two young men weren't college students, they're part of my crew. We had just gotten in Friday afternoon and according to the waitress that served them, they only had two beers.”

Trixie frowned. “I've never heard of a sailor who couldn't handle two beers...”

“We think that something's happened to them. They've disappeared and no one has heard anything from them since Friday night,” Lee explained as Trixie's countenance dropped.

“You mean that other guy wasn't their friend?”

“It's not likely,” Harry chimed in as Trixie sniffed back a tear.

“He gave me two hundred dollars to turn on the charm and get them outside, he said to keep them from embarrassing the Frat in public...” tears began to slide down her cheek as she reached for her purse and a tissue.

“It's not your fault, Trixie,” Harry reassured her. “You didn't know.”

“But if you could tell us anything about this young man who paid you, it would be of great help,” Lee encouraged.

“Sure...” she said dabbing her eyes. “He was just your average clean-cut college student. About as tall as the other two, dark hair, he wasn't ugly or anything but he was pretty awkward. You know? The real brainy type,” she remembered.

“Color of his eyes?” Harry asked.

“I couldn't really tell, he wore real thick black rimmed glasses.”

“Did he give his name?” Lee asked.

“Not that I remember. He approached me from outside and explained to me that some brothers were inside and he didn't want them driving home drunk and would I mind helping him out. He offered me two hundred dollars to help them come outside. They were eager as I remember, but I guess like you said, they had been away at sea for awhile... he had his van parked at the edge of the lot...”

“Description of the van?”

Trixie shrugged her shoulders. “Just a passenger van of some kind, I really didn't pay any attention to it, anyway I really didn't see what happened after that, I think they both passed out 'cause he had to load them in the side door.”

“And is there anything else you can remember?” Harry asked, comforting her as she continued to sniff back tears.

“No, I think that's pretty much it. What did he want with them? Oh I feel just terrible, if anything happened to them...” she whimpered, her tears starting to flow in earnest now.

“It's alright Trixie,” Lee said taking her by the hand. “We're going to find them, and thanks to your information we have more to go on.”

“Okay. Listen, here's my phone number,” she said reaching into her purse and producing a little note sized paper with her name and phone number already written, as it appeared she came well prepared when she visited the Lucky Blue. “Just call me if you need anything else... I think I'm going to go now,” she decided, feeling pretty rotten that she had inadvertently helped in the abduction.

“Are you going to be alright?” Harry asked.

She nodded and sniffed.

“Let me walk you to your car,” Lee offered.

“I'll make a phone call Lee, and be out in a moment,” Harry suggested, as Lee realized he was going to get ONI working on the lead right away. With any luck, the outside security camera may even have captured the young man.

Lee placed a hand on Trixie's back and escorted her out, her tears flowing and barely keeping herself from out and out sobbing.

“That's my car,” she said pointing to a little yellow VW Bug.

“Are you going to be able to drive home like this?” he asked concerned for her welfare.

“I don't live far, but thank you. Just please find them... and maybe call me and let me know?”

Lee nodded. “I will, be careful driving home.”

She nodded, sniffed and got inside as Lee closed the door for her. He stood there watching her drive away, then started to turn back to join Harry when he came face to face with the Cowboy and his three friends.

“Didn't anyone ever teach you how to treat a Lady, Fella?” the Cowboy whose personalized belt buckle read “Bud” asked.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” Lee said trying to step around Bud.

Bud straight armed him back. “I think you need a lesson in manners, Fella.”

“Listen guys, she just wasn't feeling well and decided to go home for the night.”

“She was feeling just fine before she went to your table,” Bud challenged.

Lee sighed, was he really going to get into a testosterone fight with the cowboy who got beat out on the dance floor?

Lee raised his hands to show he wasn't threatening. “I don't want to do this, so why don't you just step aside and let me pass.”

“Not until you learn some manners,” Bud said throwing the first punch which Lee blocked. Bud quickly threw a side punch causing a grunt before Lee countered with a jab. They traded punches and blows until Lee stepped back, still trying to talk Bud out of the fight.

“Let's just walk away from this now,” Lee suggested.

“Lee!” Harry's voice rang out as he closed the distance only to have Bud's friends take him by the arms to restrain him from helping.

“Whoa there mister,” one cowboy friend said. “This is between Bud and the Fella.”

Bud answered Lee's suggestion by stepping forward and swinging again, connecting with a blow as Lee countered with another jab. He took another hit to the side when it suddenly dawn on him that Bud hadn't had his friends hold him down for the fight, furthermore, they hadn't harmed Harry... just kept him from intervening. It occurred to him that Bud wasn't fighting as a jilted suitor but was actually trying to defend Trixie's honor. He hoped he was right as he lowered his defenses and let Bud deliver two powerful blows to his jaw, the second one sending him to the pavement. He stayed down, not jumping up in an offensive position or moving to defend himself as Bud stepped back.

“Where I come from Fella, we don't make girls cry,” Bud lectured in what Lee now recognized was a Texas draw.

Lee wiped the blood running down the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. “I'll remember that,” he capitulated as if he had learned his lesson to which Bud nodded, having gotten the response he was looking for.

Showing he had no hard feelings, Bud extended a hand to help him up, which Lee took. “You'll be a better man for it,” Bud added as the two shook hands. Bud's friends let Harry loose as the tension had etched down enough and followed the Cowboy to their pickup trucks; the lady's honor having been duly satisfied in Bud's mind.

Harry reached for his handkerchief and handed it to Lee.

“Thanks,” Lee said, taking it and wiping the blood from his mouth.

“You let him sucker punch you,” Harry noted.

“I took a chance he was acting on behalf of the lady's honor... guess I was right,” he said as the two walked toward their cars.

“What did you find out Sir?” Lee asked, their undercover work complete and now returning to proper decorum.

“I've reported our findings to NIS, they'll keep ONI in the loop. There's nothing else to be done tonight, they'll start with surveillance tapes tomorrow,” Harry replied.

“I know we haven't got much,” Lee said stopping in front of his Cobra, “but I'd like to know if a man matching the same description visited Winslow in the hospital.”

“Good idea, I'll make sure that happens,” Harry returned. “Are you uh... going to be alright driving home?”

“It wasn't that bad of a fight. I'll be fine.”

“Alright Lee,” Harry said agreeing with his self-assessment. “Let's meet back at the office tomorrow morning and we'll get the ball rolling on Winslow's visitors at the hospital.”

Lee reached for the door handle and deliberately paused, taking a deep breath. “Thanks for being here Admiral,” he offered sincerely, realizing that Harry's presence had been the catalyst for getting Trixie to open up.

“You're welcome Lee, and until this is over... we do this together,” Harry admonished to Lee's small smile.

“Gladly Sir.”

Chapter Twelve

Chip woke the next morning feeling much better, much more in control, and much less apprehensive. It felt good not to be so confused as he sat up and breathed deeply. He walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror curiously, reaching up and touching his mechanical gills with wonder. He pondered what it would feel like to free swim, not to hold your breath but to actually breathe the oxygen in the water. It was a fascinating thought, maybe he'd ask Kowalski what he thought of it. He rubbed his forehead thinking there was something wrong with that last line of thought but shook it off as he turned on the shower.

He emerged from the shower feeling refreshed, stopping to admire the gills in the mirror before shaving. He was really looking forward to diving and wondered when his stitches would be ready. He was wrapped with a towel about his waist and needed to get dressed. He stepped over the grey jumpsuit on the floor and headed straight for the black slacks and shirt, figuring that an officer should really look like an officer, completely forgetting about wearing the jumpsuit as a statement of his solidarity with Ski and Stu.

Chip left his room feeling privileged that Winslow had trusted him enough not to have a guard posted outside his door and smiled. The scientist was a genius, anyone could see the value in his research, and silently contemplated why the Admiral had stood in his way on such an important discovery.

He made his way to the dining room rather easily, not once considering he should be looking for a way to escape and was pleased by his greeting.

“Charles, I'm so glad to see you up and about. I can see you're feeling much better this morning.”

“I am Dr. Winslow,” he returned with a sincere smile.

“Please join us.”

Chip took his chair and wondered what Ski and Riley had prepared for breakfast.

“I was wondering Doctor,” he asked curiously, “just when do you think I'll be ready to try the tank?”

Winslow smiled and nodded approvingly, Morton's Transformation was moving along grandly. He and Jenkins had gone through much longer transformations as each one dealt with confusion and self-questioning; but he had since perfected the process and found that Thomas had acclimated quite quickly. Of course, Thomas had been a willing subject, so he was most pleased to see that Morton was acclimating on schedule. Before too long, the self-questioning would be gone and Morton would be ready for the next step.

“Well, let's give those stitches another day,” Winslow answered calmly. “You're anxious to try?”

“I can't stop thinking about it,” Chip answered honestly. “It was amazing watching Angela swim,” he remembered. “We were both amazed,” he finished and then lowered his eyes. He had watched Angela from the monitor over the Hydrophone Station with Lee by his side. The memory flash was distressing as it also brought a bit of the old Chip Morton back to the forefront of his mind.

“Are you alright Charles?”

Chip reached for his head and rubbed his eyes. “Tell me again what you're going to do with Lee.”

“Tell me Charles, what do you do when a crewman is insubordinate?”

“Proper and fair discipline,” he answered without having to think about it.

“Well that's just what we're going to do.”

“But Crane isn't a subordinate...”

“Perhaps not as a land-dependent captain, but certainly in our Amphibian order. Crane helped Nelson put our work back not just months but perhaps years,” he explained as Chip listened, squinting his eyes and oddly listening as if it somehow made sense. “We will give him the gift of the amphibian way of life, but he must be properly disciplined. He will be demoted to the rank of Drone.”

Chip raised his hand to his forehead, he thought he was free of all the confusion, he felt so much better when he had just accepted his new way of life.

“But he's my friend...”

“You have new friends now,” Winslow said. “Now Charles, let your mind rest; it will all make sense very soon,” he promised.

Chip nodded and tried to clear his mind, obeying Winslow's suggestion without thought. He was really looking forward to not being so confused.

* * * * *

Wednesday morning found Lee back in Harry's office going through the motions to track down the man Trixie described; about six foot tall, dark hair, dark thick glasses, clean cut, awkward and young enough to pass as a college student. It could describe a thousand men, but it was all they had at this point. NIS was sending a man to interview the hospital staff and they were also running the security cameras at the bar. Normally, Lee would prefer to do his own leg work, but relented to NIS as the hospital was out of state besides, he needed to stay close to NIMR just in case Winslow made contact. There was no doubt in his mind it was Winslow and hoped that Jack would be able to turn something up from the electronic search soon.

By the end of the day they had a fuzzy picture from the security camera at the bar. It had been blown up and clarified, giving NIS something substantial to aid in their interviews at the mental hospital.

Lee left that day feeling tired and worried and was currently sitting on his deck staring out into the horizon. He was afraid of what Chip might be going through just now, the “not knowing” becoming nearly intolerable. Chip was more than a friend; more than the best Exec in the Navy; he was like a brother to him. The thought of Chip being kidnapped by a mad scientist bent on revenge was bad enough, the fact that the revenge was against himself and Harry made it even worse.

He had no idea what Winslow was up to, but he was sure it wasn't good. But it wasn't just Chip, it was Kowalski and Riley too. Ski was the first crewman he met upon coming aboard Seaview, it was an unorthodox meeting to be sure as he had belted the Rating in an attempt to test Boat security. He had made quite the impression on the crewman, so much so that it took the entire voyage for the opinionated crewman to find his respect for the temporary captain. They had since formed a strong bond and Ski had emerged as one of his most trusted men; someone he could count on in tough times, dependable backup, and his diving partner whenever possible. Ski had laid his life on the line for him several times as Lee had done the same for him many times as well.

Then there was Riley. He had livened up things on Seaview from the first day he came aboard. His surfing lingo had pretty much given way to proper decorum but every now and again it sprang back up. Stu was young, energetic, loyal, dedicated, and a fine edition to the crew. The fact that Stu had saved his life only added to his respect for the young man.

Lee laid his head back heavily on the deck chair. It was late... too late to be sitting on the deck staring out into the darkness, lost in memories and grieving the fact that he couldn't help his missing men... at least not tonight.

He stood and abandoned his negative thoughts, determined to work through the brick wall. Somewhere there was a clue that would break this whole thing wide open. He would just have to find it, he thought resolutely and headed upstairs to bed.

* * * * *

Lee was in the office early, driving the investigation and coordinating between his own men, ONI and NIS. He reached for the cold cup of coffee emptying the contents and trying to think of what he could have possibly missed when his intercom buzzed.

“Lee will you join me in my office?”

“Aye Sir, I'll be right there,” he replied, setting down the empty mug and heading to the Admiral's office.

He knocked on the door entering upon Harry's beckon.

“Have a seat Lee, Salazar with NIS is due to make a report.”

Lee took a seat with interest. Salazar was coordinating the investigation from NIS and had dispatched a team to the mental hospital where they had spent the morning interviewing staff members. He was armed with the enlarged but fuzzy picture of the man who paid Trixie to lure Seaview's men out of the bar.

“Agent Salazar is on line one, Admiral.”

“Thank you Angie, will you join us and take notes please.”

“Yes Admiral,” Angie replied, transferring the call and grabbing her steno pad. She was in the office in a flash, just as Harry picked up the call.

Harry reached for the phone. “Admiral Nelson here.”

“Admiral this is Agent Salazar, is Commander Crane with you?”

“Yes, he's here now as well as Miss Watson, my PA.”

“Very well, I've also got Commander Rinehart from ONI on conference with us. Let's get right to it then. First, the man in the photo has been verified as a visitor to Winslow, making weekly visits starting almost as soon as visitations were approved. He signed in under the name Thomas Porter. Further investigation has turned up something interesting. It turns out Porter was a young protégé to Dr. Jenkins. Commander Rinehart came up with some interesting stuff for us. Jack?” Salazar said turning the meeting over to ONI's Watch and Surveillance Expert.

“It seems Porter has been well-funded having been named the sole benefactor to Jenkins' estate, which turns out to be substantial as Jenkins apparently had some family money behind him. Anyway, Porter has been quite active over the last year making some major withdrawals. Where he's spending the money appears to be a well-covered trail, he's apparently sent the money out of the country and his entire fortune was recently liquidated and transferred to a Swiss bank account.”

“Thanks Jack,” Salazar said taking back the briefing. “Secondly,” Salazar continued as the sound of paper rustling was heard through the phone line. “I did a cross check with the Agent looking into the boats sailing out from Friday to Tuesday, since Commander Morton's car was found on the dock. It seems that a mid-size yacht, Mariner's Delight, sailed out of Santa Barbara, it filed a Sail Plan for arrival in San Diego but altered its destination and docked in Mexico instead. Anyone want to guess who the yacht belongs to?”

“Porter,” Lee answered flatly.

“Yep. Mariner's Delight sailed south and we lost the trail. My guess is she's got a new name and possibly a fake registry, there are people down there who know how to make that happen.”

“Has the Coast Guard been notified to be on the look-out for a similar yacht?”

“Yes Sir, but that's not all.”

Harry and Lee both leaned closer to the speaker phone.

“Go on,” Harry urged.

“Tell them Jack,” Salazar urged.

“Remember I told you Jenkins' estate was substantial?” Rinehart didn't wait for a reply to his rhetorical question and continued. “Thanks to the inheritance, Porter is now the proud owner of his own private jet.”

Lee ran a worried hand through his hair. “Tell me you know where it's currently hangared.”

“I can tell you where it was previously hangared,” Paul Salazar jumped in.

“Mexico,” Harry offered, filling in the blank with the obvious answer.

“That's why you've got all those Stars Sir,” Salazar quipped. “They filed a flight plan for Hawaii, landed, refueled and took off immediately; flew west, turned off their Ident and were lost by radar.”

“When was this?” Lee asked, trying to nail down the time.

“They departed Hawaii in the wee hours of early Sunday morning.”

“So they're somewhere in the South Pacific,” Harry surmised.

“It's a big ocean out there,” Lee commented. “And Winslow's had them since Sunday.”

“Anything else Agent Salazar?” Harry asked, keeping the briefing moving along.

“I think that covers it Sir. What about you Jack?”

“I'm still working on the money trail, frankly it gets cold the closer to Switzerland it gets,” Jack admitted.

“You two have both done a remarkable job,” Harry complimented.

“Well, I think we should give credit to where it's due, Sir. That picture you and Crane dredged up is what blew open the investigation, I'd offer Crane a job at NIS but I'm guessing ONI would have something to say about that.”

Jack's chuckle could be heard in the background as Lee responded.

“Thanks anyway Salazar,” Lee replied. “But I'm happy with my day job and ONI already has dibs on my night one.”

“Well if you ever get tired of playing spy, you can always come over and play sleuth.”

“I'll keep that in mind. Let us know if you come up with anything... anything at all.”

“Will do. Do you have anything else to add Admiral Nelson?”

“Not at this time, just keep us in the loop.”

“Yes Sir... We really want to find them Sir.”

With that the phone line went dead as Lee stared across the desk at the now silent phone.

“Angie, will you please transcribe the meeting for me. I'd like copies for us to examine.”

“Right away Admiral.”

Lee and Harry were left alone as Lee stood and paced toward the window, looking out toward Seaview in the surface sub pen. Harry followed and settled in beside him.

“Well Lee, you were right,” Harry said softly. “I don't think we can call Porter's association with Winslow circumstantial.”

Lee nodded. “I wish I had been wrong Sir,” he nearly whispered. “I really wish I'd been wrong.”

Chapter Thirteen

They had a pretty good idea that Winslow was in the South Pacific, true the plane could have doubled back but it was more likely they had found a nice little island out of US jurisdiction. This piece of information was still enough to begin searching as the island needed to be large enough to land a private jet. This eliminated many islands not large enough to support a runway and fuel services, but unfortunately, the South Pacific was still full of possible landing sites.

Lee rubbed his neck tiredly, he had been at it nearly night and day; especially since the conference call yesterday confirming what he already suspected was true... Winslow was responsible for his crewmen's disappearance.

He hadn't slept well last night thinking about what it meant to be in the hands of a mad scientist; yeah he falling back on clichés but there wasn't any other way to describe the rantings of Winslow last year as he went on and on about how Amphibian life was the new future. Several scenarios ran through his head leading to his sleepless night. It was all catching up to him, he knew he'd have to work harder at taking care of himself or he'd be no good to Chip, Ski or Riley once he found them.

“Lee, the Admiral needs you in his office right away!” the intercom sounded out.

“Be right there, Angie,” he replied and practically ran to his office at the concern dripping from her voice.

Angie motioned him in as he entered without knocking.

“Have you got something?” Lee asked excitedly.

“Communications has just been informed that we are about to receive a video conference call in less than five minutes,” Harry explained glancing down at his watch then looking up to meet Lee's eyes. “It's from Winslow.”

This is it, Lee thought silently. Now they were going to find out if all his worst fears had come to past.

* * * * *

Lee and Harry stood side by side as the black screen morphed into the form of Dr. Percy Winslow.

“Hello Harry,” Winslow greeted.

“Winslow,” Harry nearly growled in return, avoiding the use of his first name as he reserved that for his friends.

“And Captain Crane,” he said, offering a smile with false civility.

Lee stared at the screen with dark eyes, fuming on the inside but withholding outward emotion until he knew what had become of Chip and his men.

“I'm so pleased that you are both present.”

“Cut the crap, Winslow,” Harry interjected. “We know about Porter, his money, and that he was involved in the abduction of our crewmen.”

“You're just missing a few pieces, aren't you Harry?”

“Where are our men, Winslow?” Lee chimed in, tired of playing Winslow's game.

“Your men? Oh I suppose you mean Rick, Stuart and Charles,” he stated with a grin. “Yes I was getting to that, but first let's answer the question you haven't asked... Why?”

“We know why, because you're a sick megalomaniac,” Lee replied.

“I don't think your men would agree with you. At any rate, it is you who are to blame for what you are about to see,” Winslow said as both Harry and Lee's tenseness etched up a few notches. “I could have exacted my revenge in several ways, but this one seemed the most fitting. Now as to what I want, I'll let the new Commander of my Amphibian Army brief you.”

With that Winslow stepped aside as the camera panned to the left where Chip Morton stood, his face deadly serious with more than a hint of arrogancy. Ski and Riley stood behind him to either side, clearly subordinate to him. They wore new uniforms, the Ratings sporting grey jumpsuits with a new loyalty logo on the left breast as Chip wore a black ensemble, but the most disturbing articles were the bright shiny silver mechanical gills on each side of their necks.

* * * * * *

“Chip?” Lee said, concerned for the procedure having obviously already been performed on his best friend.

“Lee,” Chip returned, dripping with sarcasm and disdain.

Lee kept his shock in check, his worst fears having been realized, his three missing men had been turned into Amphibians.

“What's happened to you, Chip?” Lee asked gently.

“Only what you and Nelson tried to deny myself and others.”

“What do you mean?” Lee returned, feeling the obvious hostility the blond had for both he and Harry.

“You two derailed one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time, but fortunately for us...” he continued as both Harry and Lee picked up on the Us against Them mentality in Chip's demeanor, “...Dr. Winslow was able to continue with his research, even after you railed him into an insane asylum.”

“That's not the way it was Chip. You remember don't you?” Harry stepped in, hoping to reach Seaview's XO.

“I remember. I remember that Crane was responsible for Dr. Jenkins' death, that you falsely accused Dr. Winslow, and that you confiscated his underwater lab, equipment and research. For what Nelson? To claim as your own someday?”

“You know that's not true Chip.”

“What I know is how free it is dive without the use of tanks and pressure suits. You must have known it too. I think you sabotaged Dr. Winslow's research because his discovery outshone your own work.”

“Well I see you're obviously happy with your new abilities,” Harry noted with a raised eyebrow. “But we haven't heard from Kowalski and Riley yet.”

“Rick and Stuart are quite content in their new life,” Chip replied rather blandly.

“I'd rather hear it from them,” Lee joined in.

“Go ahead Rick, Stuart, tell Captain Crane what you think of your new life,” Chip ordered over his shoulder, without bothering to turn toward them.

“I am content in my new life,” Kowalski answered in a monotone voice and with glassy eyes that never sharpened.

“I am happiest when I serve,” Riley added in the same fashion as Ski.

“What have you done to your crewmates Chip?” Lee accused. “Ski and Riley aren't operating under free choice and you know it!”

“What I know is this, Captain Crane,” Chip said, dropping his first name since he was now obviously considered the enemy.

“We're giving you a chance, more of a chance than you gave us. Leave us alone and we'll co-exist,” Chip demanded. “But if you come after us, expect a fight.”

With that the screen went black.

As soon as Lee was sure the call was severed he reached for the phone and dialed Communications.

“Trish, did you get it?”

“Yes Sir, we have coordinates for the transmission source.”

“Very well send them right up, the Admiral and I will take a look.”

“Right away Lee.”

Lee sunk heavily onto Harry's desk, leaning against it and blowing a breath out.

“He's changed them Admiral,” he said. “I was hoping to get there on time...”

“There's still hope, Lee,” Harry interrupted. “Angela and the others were successfully reverted back.”

“But they were different. Remember what Winslow called them at the competency hearing? Drones.” Lee stopped to breathe in and lowered his eyes a moment. “Ski and Riley have obviously been transformed into Drones, mindless servants to Winslow's demands...” he raised his eyes connecting strongly with Harry. “But Winslow... even after a year of treatment, he's still as crazy as the day we took him into custody. Don't you see Admiral? Chip wasn't transformed into a Drone, he's been changed in the same way that Jenkins and Winslow were changed.”

Harry breathed out an audible sigh. “Yes, Winslow referred to them as the Elites but Lee, Jenkins died and Winslow refused treatment, there's no proof yet that Chip can't be transformed back.”

Lee seemed to draw strength from that and shook his head in agreement. “Well at any rate, I'm not going to leave my men in that condition. Nobody can tell me that Chip chose this. He's as much a prisoner in Winslow's sick world as Ski and Riley.”

“I agree. We'll get them all back,” Harry added with determination.

“Aye Sir,” Lee responded just as confidently.

* * * * *

“Very good Charles,” Winslow praised. “You were absolutely superb. Now you're sure you kept Nelson on the line long enough for them to trace the transmission?”

Chip nodded. “Absolutely. It's standard operating procedure, by now Crane and Nelson are pouring over maps to determine the best route and ETA to get here.”

“What about your flying submarine?” Winslow asked raising an eyebrow.

“It was scheduled for a maintenance overhaul as soon as we docked, by now half the components are strewn across a dry dock hangar,” Chip responded with a smile.

“Excellent Charles,” he said placing a hand on Chip's shoulder. “You know how I depend on you for the military tactics, your experience will be invaluable in taking the Seaview.”

“I just want my crew to experience what I have,” Chip answered, “The freedom of living as easily underwater as on land; I know they will embrace their new life,” he added confidently.

“As you have, Charles,” Winslow pointed out with a warm hand to Chip's shoulder.

Chip nodded. His eyes signaling full agreement, completely at ease and content with what he was about to do.

* * * * *

Lee stood over Harry's desk as the two looked over sea charts of their target island made possible by the coordinates Communications provided.

“There's only one approach to the island,” Lee noted to Harry's nod of agreement.

“No doubt part of the reason Winslow chose it.”

“It's a trap if I've ever seen one,” Lee added. “What bothers me, Admiral, is the fact that Chip knows as much about Seaview as you and I. Winslow didn't just pick him to get revenge on you and me, he chose someone who knows Seaview's strengths and weaknesses.”

“Then you didn't take the warning to stay away at face value either?” Harry asked rhetorically.

Lee shook his head. “There's no reason to believe that Chip isn't accessing all the knowledge he had before the Transformation, after all, both Winslow and Jenkins were highly functional even after they were changed.”

“You're right of course Lee, I've been mulling over the same thought. Chip knows we have the capability to trace the transmission as long as it wasn't scrambled...”

“Which is wasn't,” Lee interjected.

“More proof that Winslow wants us to come to the island.”

“He wants more than you and me,” Lee considered. “He wants Seaview.”

“Yes, and for the same reason he wanted her before; for a fully functional Amphibian crew with the means to go anywhere,” Harry added, pausing for a moment then continuing resolutely. “Very well, now that we know Winslow is expecting us, let's throw him something he's not expecting.”

Lee leaned forward, clearly interested in Harry's plan.

“It's a four day voyage even at Full, that gives Winslow enough time to set whatever trap he has planned. FS1 can be there in hours once we put her back together,” he qualified.

Lee reached up and scratched his forehead a bit confused.

“I realize that I've been distracted with Chip's disappearance, but did I miss something?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Isn't FS1 out of commission?” he asked, as the Overhaul entailed a complete breakdown and inspection of just about every system.

“I belayed some key Overhaul jobs when several replacement parts missed their delivery dates, she's in the middle of some standard maintenance rebuilds but it's more than possible we could have her sea and air worthy within the next two to three days.”

“I've never been so glad for a missed shipment,” Lee replied with a small grin. “That could put us one or possibly two days ahead of when Winslow is expecting us,” he thought out loud, pacing as he thought the plan out. “So we set sail with Seaview...”

“I think that's wise, Winslow will expect it and if he has a way of tracking us...”

“I agree. I'll recall the crew, Bobby will her take out and I'll head for the island as soon as FS1 is ready.”

“We'll need another pilot to stay with the flying sub,” Harry said to Lee's raised eyebrow as the Admiral recognized the unspoken protest in his captain's face. “I know. I know...” Harry interjected with a hand raised. “You were planning on storming the beach alone, but we agreed... together,” he reminded Lee.

Lee nodded and relented with a smile. “Aye Sir... together. I hate to take Sharkey away from Seaview,” he continued thinking through the logistics, “Bobby will need him on the voyage.”

“Patterson then,” Harry suggested.

“Good choice, if I know Pat he'll be anxious to come along, he's pretty close to both Ski and Riley.”

“Very well, let's get the ball rolling. The sooner we arrive at the island; the less opportunity Winslow has to prepare for Seaview's arrival.”

“Agreed,” Lee said heading toward the door. “I'll make the necessary arrangements.”

Harry watched Lee as he left and let out a sigh. Seeing Chip transformed to an Amphibian Elite was disturbing. What was more disturbing was the fact that he really didn't know if he could be reverted back, and if he was... would he be the same person he was before? Was Chip Morton still inside or had he become just as crazy and maniacal as Winslow? He only hoped that Lee was prepared for either possibility.

Chapter Fourteen

Chip, Ski and Riley arrived on the beach anticipating an exhilarating swim. It had a strategic purpose of course, as Chip was leading an underwater detail to prepare for the “guests” they were expecting. Both Thomas and Dr. Winslow accompanied them to the beach as Kowalski and Riley loaded their burden into a raft, they would swim beside the raft guiding it to the proper location and then deploy their little surprise.

The ocean was crystal clear with the sun glinting off the pristine aqua water as they prepared. The rock formations provided adequate cover to work as the population was located on the other side of the island, with this stretch of beach privately owned thanks to Thomas.

“You're sure you can set the obstruction, Charles?” Dr. Winslow asked.

“I've already scouted the best location,” Chip replied standing in swim trunks having already peeled off his t-shirt. Ski and Riley were dressed in similar fashion while Winslow and Thomas still wore their black Elite uniforms, having no intention of joining the dive.

“Very good. I'll leave the logistics to you, my boy,” Winslow added approvingly as Chip nodded with a tight lipped smile, his sun tanned and fit body ready for the dive even though he had no other equipment save the mechanical gills that were now a part of his body's functions.

“It should take us about two hours,” Chip advised motioning Ski and Riley to begin towing the raft out to sea. They nodded their acknowledgment of the order and dragged the raft into the water, as each one pulled the tow line and began swimming.

“Very well, we'll see you back at the complex,” Winslow said and watched Chip run through the waves breaking the beach and diving in without a tank, fins or even a face mask.

Winslow smiled at Chip's enthusiasm for the water; free diving was like an aphrodisiac to an Amphibian, as the process of breathing the oxygen through the mechanical gills actually produced endorphins originating from the pituitary gland's function to manage the salt water concentrations in the body. An important and very much engineered byproduct of the endorphins was this euphoric “morphine” like state which fed the Amphibians' desire to dive, thereby helping them to accept their new life style. But Winslow had discovered another byproduct just as important and quite unexpected; the fact that these endorphins aided in the Depersonalization Disorder that turned their Recruits into Drones. He hadn't shared this part with Morton, and had led him to believe that the Cryogenic Freezing was all that was necessary to control the will. This in fact, was the difference between the mechanical gills surgically inserted into the Drones versus the Elites. The Elites' gills managed the endorphins differently, while not producing as strong a euphoric high for diving, it did keep the mind sharp and the will free. It was in fact, possible to control the will in varying degrees with this process. Of course, while the Elites bypassed the engineered compliancy of the Drones, they did for a short time suffer from small bouts of Derealization which produced the intrusive thoughts often questioning their moral decisions. Winslow had found that as the body adapted to its new chemical manipulation the side-effect of Derealization faded with a new personality emerging in its place.

He watched his Amphibian Recruits for a moment longer then headed back to the complex, hidden under the rock formation not far from their launching point. Thomas walked beside him as the two quietly planned their next step.

* * * * *

Chip, Riley and Ski reentered the complex about two hours later as Riley grabbed the towels, handing Chip his first. Both Stu and Ski were satiated in their opioid high, living for the opportunity to dive again and finding their only other desire in life to serve Winslow. Their new personalities were distinct and separate from their former selves and saw their lives only in the world that Winslow created for them, as such they had no ambition of their own. Their only true desire was to dive which Winslow offered as reward for their faithful service.

“How did it go?” Winslow asked Chip, while ignoring Ski and Riley as almost non-persons.

“Perfectly,” Chip reported. “Seaview will have quite the surprise when she arrives,” he added wiping himself dry.

“And how was your dive?”

“The most freeing thing I've ever done,” Chip answered in awe.

“Did you hear that Thomas?” he said landing a hand to Chip's shoulder. “He's the perfect Commander for our Army. Now the three of us will build the perfect society, starting with Seaview's Crew. I feel like celebrating,” he announced. “Rick, you and Stuart prepare something special for our dinner tonight.”

Ski and Riley nodded and headed to their quarters to change.

“You rest my boy,” Winslow suggested. “And we'll have a proper celebration later.”

“I feel great Dr. Winslow,” Chip returned. “I haven't felt this good in a long time, I'm not the least bit tired,” he added.

“Then you don't find yourself questioning your actions anymore?” Winslow asked quietly.

Chip sighed. “Sometimes... but it's not strong anymore. I can clearly see the wisdom in what we're doing.”

“Good Charles... good. Go change, we'll discuss the strategies later.”

Winslow watched as Chip walked away and raised an eyebrow.

“What do you think Doctor?” Thomas asked. “Do you think he suspects that he is a lower-tiered Elite than we are?”

Winslow smiled and chuckled. “No Thomas, not in the least. He believes his decisions are completely his own, as such he is still under my control... just as the other two. His whole desire is to please me; though he retains his leadership skills he will do only what furthers my plans.” He turned toward Thomas and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You are the only one I trust with the Supreme Elite Status,” he assured the young man.

“Thank you Dr. Winslow,” Thomas replied and smiled smugly, his mind thinking back to all those jocks in school that always made him feel insecure and less important because his life didn't revolve around chasing a ball around a field. They would all be singing a different tune now. Soon he and Winslow would be the rulers and they would all be Drones, their only desire to please their new masters.

* * * * *

Chip walked back to his quarters thinking about the conversation he and Winslow just had. It was true, he was still battling some self-questioning, though he couldn't understand why. Dr. Winslow was a genius and working with him was nothing less than a privilege; add to that the fact that he had been hand-picked, chosen if you will, to command the Amphibian Army and any sane person would jump at the chance to be part of this new order. The last thought made him shudder slightly, as if something wasn't right, but he shook it off. Dr. Winslow said that these little battles with his former life would cease soon, and it couldn't come soon enough for him. He was well aware that Crane and Nelson had nearly destroyed the doctor's important findings. He had inadvertently been a part of that plan to stop Winslow's brilliant work, at least now he could make amends for blindly following Crane's orders.

Chip reached his room, deluxe quarters for the Elites and stepped inside when he was suddenly hit by a blinding pain in his head. Noises started invading his mind, like memories trying to push their way out as he took a step and then fell to his knees. Pictures starting flooding his mind; Lee and him as academy cadets; Harry and his smile of approval; building Seaview; the satisfaction of working with Lee again...

The pain overtook him as he fell to the floor and breathed deeply trying desperately to push the pictures out of his mind; they were all lies. Winslow had offered him something better, something... purer. He slowed his breathing down as he successfully pushed the memories back down. He wasn't sure why his mind was fighting the Transformation, not when Winslow had offered him so much. He sat up and rested a moment on his knees, then stood, testing his legs before walking to his bed. He was determined to show Dr. Winslow the proper amount of gratitude for offering him the opportunity of being an Amphibian, much less an Elite. Even Kowalski and Riley were better off serving as amphibians than being dependent on land and breathing oxygen from the air, he reasoned silently as he sighed contently.

Yes, he had won that little battle and he truly was an Elite. He headed for the shower pleased, and more convinced now than ever that not only was he doing the right thing, but that Seaview's crew would thank him for their own inevitable Transformations.

Chapter Fifteen

It took nearly three days to put FS1 back together and make her both air and sea worthy, as some maintenance had initiated necessary replacements and added work to the already tedious task. Seaview was already underway and had a three day head start on the four day voyage. Both Lee and Pat put in a fair amount of their own elbow grease in to ready FS1. Once the craft was deemed fit it was launched without delay with a three hour flight at Mach 2 before submersing to approach the island stealthly.

“I sure wish I were going with you, Sirs,” Patterson said as he helped Harry and Lee with their tanks.

“I know Pat,” Lee answered with understanding. “But we need you here with FS1.”

“I understand, Sir.”

“Good, I don't want FS1 anywhere near where Winslow can get his hands on her,” Lee cautioned.

“And keep a sharp eye out on sonar,” Harry interjected. “Our men can now swim underwater without the use of tanks and can dive to pressure without the proper gear, consequently a bogie could mean they're attempting to board.”

“Under no circumstances will you let happen,” Lee admonished. “If you don't read the proper frequency code from our transponders then high tail it out of here.”

“Aye Skipper,” Pat acknowledged. “Please Sir, just bring them back.”

Lee placed an understanding hand on Pat's shoulder, “We're going to do everything we can to do just that.”

Pat nodded in confidence as Harry and Lee positioned their face masks in place, then lowered themselves down the moon pool as Pat handed them their waterproof bags to tow behind them. They dogged the outer hatch and began their swim to retrieve their missing men.

Pat dogged the inner hatch and moved to the pilot's chair to monitor their movements while thinking about what the Skipper told him. All three men had been surgically changed into Amphibians, the thought sent shivers down his spine but he shook off the worry and concentrated on his job. He knew that the Skipper was as close to the XO as he was to Ski and Stu. If there was any chance of bringing them back, the Admiral and Captain Crane would find a way, that he was sure of.

* * * * *

Harry and Lee kicked solid strong strokes towards their destination, following the transmission source Communications managed to secure for them. They were planning on hitting the beach very close to their target coordinates, checking the area stealthily before exposing themselves to the open beach. As he swam the half mile distance, Lee couldn't help but think about the conference call again. Seeing Chip with those mechanical gills on his throat was devastating, knowing Winslow had turned him into an Elite was even more distressing. Unless Winslow had changed his procedures, he was sure Ski and Riley could be reverted back, after all Angela and the other divers had been successfully transformed back.

He had done a fair amount of reading on their cases during his investigation. Angela and the others had been vehemently loyal to Winslow, resisting any attempt by their families to hear anything but praise for the man. Though they were still in their drone-state they were passionate about their desire to remain Amphibians, that decision was taken out of their hands however, as a judge ruled they were in effect, brain washed, turning the medical decisions over to their families. Angela and the other two divers were successfully reverted back and had completely recovered from their experience. They reported living in a strange disconnectedness with themselves in relation to the world around them and obeyed without the slightest thought of rebellion. They further described the Derealization Disorder as being incredibly bonded to both Jenkins and Winslow, though after their reversions had come to abhor the fact that they had been so manipulated and used. With loving families to support them and feeling they had received a second chance at life, each had made great strides to returning to the normalcy of life. Even the scars faded on their necks over the last year, as plastic surgery erased all physical traces of their ordeal.

This knowledge encouraged Lee that Kowalski and Riley could be reverted and return to their duties aboard Seaview, he wasn't so confident of Chip's situation however. It was clear that the procedures for transforming their “Recruits” as Winslow had called them, into either Drones or Elites was obviously different. With Jenkins dead and Winslow refusing the procedure, they had no proof a transformation was even possible.

Lee shook off the thought as the shoreline was several hundred yards ahead. He put his concern for Chip aside, he'd deal with that when the time came. Right now, he needed to concentrate and not be distracted, it was a skill he had mastered over the years as he tidied his mind for the task at hand.

* * * * *

Harry tapped his shoulder and pointed up to the surface as Lee nodded his understanding. Very slowly they broached the surface just enough to get a feel for the landing sight. The beach was completely clear and the rock formations up ahead looked like good cover so they dove and swam the rest of the way in until the sand bottom dictated they stand and run for cover. The beach was completely vacant as they shed their fins and looked around.

“Admiral,” Lee called quietly, directing Harry to the black raft pulled up on the beach.

“Looks like the hide-out must be near, by the coordinates I'd say... that direction,” Harry said pointing to a group of rocks.

Lee nodded, then looked down at the raft trying to ascertain its purpose on the otherwise empty beach as Harry turned in the direction of where Winslow's hideout should be. Lee stared out toward the ocean then back down at the raft, something was bothering him about this entire set up.

“Lee,” Harry called as he stood outside of the rock formation studying footprints in the sand.

“Sir?”

“Look here,” Harry said waving a hand towards the prints. “Several were wearing shoes, two... maybe three barefoot.”

“If it was our men, then why did they bother to take a raft? Surely Amphibians wouldn't need it,” Lee questioned.

“Something else bothering you?” Harry asked as Lee looked back at the open sea.

“I just don't like how Winslow sets up shop at Seaview's only approach to the island, especially when he has Chip and all his knowledge at his disposal.”

“I agree, but first things first. Let's shed the gear and follow the tracks, something tells me all of our questions will be answered once we see where they go.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee answered heading for some nearby rocks to shed the dive suits and stash their gear.

* * * * *

Harry and Lee followed the footsteps in the sand, each wearing a black ensemble suitable for their covert work thanks to the waterproof packs they brought with them and each armed with laser pistols. The tracks led only a short distance up the beach and then headed into the foliage toward an out-cropping along a large rock face. It appeared to be a dead end until further investigation found an opening in the rock face, quite hidden from the casual observance and only found by following the tracks.

Lee raised his laser pistol, currently set on the lowest stun rating and nodded toward the Admiral signaling the “All Set.”

Harry nodded back, his pistol also drawn as Lee entered first as point man.

* * * * *

“Very good Rick,” Winslow complimented Kowalski. “Why I think you are as good a cook as Angela was.”

Ski smiled and nodded, the only time he ever smiled was when he knew he had pleased Dr. Winslow. As a Drone he did little speaking to the Elites, somehow the social order which he would have loathed as a Land-Breather seemed quite acceptable as an Amphibian.

“Are you ready for another dive soon?” Winslow asked, baiting his Drone along and knowing that the 'high' produced by the mechanical gills as they interacted with the pituitary gland was as strong as any opiate drug. He used the dives as a reward system, fueling their dependency upon the Elites and silently marveling at the genius of the process which addicted the Drones but still left them functionally obedient. He had their wills with the freezing process and their complete loyalty with the fix the dives produced.

Ski smiled even wider and nodded; he craved the dives as much as his body craved and needed air. He had very little cognitive abilities available to him, except for his need to obey, yet he understood completely the pleasure of diving.

“Good, my boy. We'll schedule a dive for both you and Stuart very soon,” Winslow promised while shooting a knowing thin smile Thomas' way. Thomas returned a stealth smile as he reached for his water goblet while Chip completely missed the exchange, unaware of the drug-like effects produced by the mechanical gills.

“We'll be expecting Seaview tomorrow,” Winslow explained, while glancing at Chip to keep his Commander in the loop. “We must make sure we're ready to receive them,” he spoke rather melancholy and in a patronizing voice. “And we must not let Captain Crane or Admiral Nelson steal your joy of Amphibian life,” he continued in false concern. “They took my prior Recruit's gills away from them and they'll do the same to you if they can.”

Ski's countenance changed visibly as his hatred for Crane and Nelson swelled within him, his only emotions those Winslow fed to him.

“Yes, I can see you understand Rick, but don't worry... I'll protect you,” he promised.

Ski nodded, giving his complete trust to Winslow and knowing only two things; he must obey Winslow and he must dive.

“Now off with you,” Winslow said dismissing his Drone to finish his clean-up duties.

* * * * *

Kowalski returned to the kitchen where Riley was busy cleaning up.

“Was he pleased?” Riley asked, his only purpose in life now to serve Winslow.

Ski nodded and cracked a small smile. “He was very pleased,” he responded in as much emotion as his current state allowed. “He promised us another dive soon.”

Riley let out a relieved breath, grateful for the promised ecstasy and the fact that Winslow was so generous.

“And there's something else,” Kowalski said, dutifully reporting Winslow's words obviously meant for both Drones. “He expects Seaview here tomorrow, he warns us that Crane and Nelson will try and take our gills from us,” he repeated darkly.

Riley's expression moved from shock to the same dark countenance Ski was displaying.

“But Dr. Winslow says he will protect us,” Ski finished to Riley's nod of understanding, Winslow's words as powerful coming through a second source as if he had heard it himself.

With the necessary reporting complete, the two had no further reason to discuss anything further, existing only to serve the Elites and carried on with no conversations other than those necessary to serve their masters. All traces of their individuality were pushed too far back into their minds to access; their prior personalities only bleeding through from time to time in familiar gestures or facial expressions, but capable of no cognitive reasoning abilities of their own. They knew and believed only what Winslow told them.

Chapter Sixteen

It was apparent that the complex which started as an elaborate cave system was now working itself underground. The cave-like passageways quickly gave way to smooth clearly fabricated walls marking a well-constructed structure. It was also apparent that such a complex had to be under construction for far longer than the last year, perhaps indicating that Dr. Jenkins had been putting his resources into the hide-away far earlier.

They slowed their approach upon hearing the soft murmurs of computers and machines.

Lee pressed his back against the wall, listening for anything to indicate the room was occupied and nodded the “All clear” to Harry.

They entered Winslow's laboratory as Harry made a quick appraising survey.

“It's even more advanced than his underwater laboratory,” Harry whispered, the thought clearly distressing to Lee.

“It looks like he's set to process 'Recruits' like a factory,” he whispered back to Harry's agreeing nod.

“It appears the freezing bins are empty,” Harry noted, the see-through glass making his assessment possible. “I'd say he's set-up to start putting out Drones as fast as he can secure subjects.”

“Admiral,” Lee called quietly as he fiddled with some items in an open bin.

Harry closed the distance as Lee held up a gold oak leaf, Chip's insignia denoting his rank of Lt. Commander.

“Any guesses where he plans to find his subjects?” Lee asked rhetorically with visible disgust. “He's obviously lured Seaview here for that purpose.”

“No doubt,” Harry concurred. “Come on, the sooner we find our men the sooner we can leave Dr. Frankenstein's lair.”

* * * * *

Harry and Lee proceeded through the complex until they came across the living quarters which they found empty. They were surprised at the elaborate maze in the underground system and started forward when they heard the sounds of feet approaching. Quickly they ducked behind an adjacent hall, peering around the corner when they thought it was safe as they spotted Kowalski and Riley. Lee and Harry were on either side of the doorway and nodded to one another, stepping out, aiming and firing their laser pistols at their targets.

The first shot should have stunned both men into unconsciousness, but Harry was surprised to see them recover and start toward them.

“Set Stun higher,” Harry ordered as Lee complied, pursing his lips as both men aimed and found their marks. Riley stumbled and fell as Ski reacted to the stun but managed to stay on his feet. Harry adjusted one more time as the final stun blast finally felled his target.

“I've never seen a man take so many hits,” Lee observed, his statement qualified by the fact that the Admiral's laser pistols had been used on aliens and sea monsters that required such high settings, but never on a human.

“Winslow's manipulations must have an effect on pain tolerance,” Harry reasoned as the stun normally produced a momentary pain that usually gave way to unconsciousness. He pulled Riley into a fireman's hold as Lee did the same for Ski.

“Let's get them stowed away aboard FS1 and we'll come back for Chip,” Lee suggested, understanding they needed to secure their men and not really knowing how many Recruits Winslow had managed to transform by now.

Each man carried their burden, winding their way back through the underground complex when an alarm sounded.

“Sounds like they're onto us,” Lee stated. Just then Riley revived, having taken one less stun shot than Ski. He shifted his weight causing Harry to stumble as the sounds of pursuit followed from behind.

“Admiral!” Lee called in concern, turning to move back when gunfire erupted from behind them.

“Go Lee! Go,” Harry urged, currently intertwined in a battle with the strawberry blond as they fought over the laser pistol.

A bullet ricocheting entirely too close settled the decision as Lee put himself into high gear, still carrying Ski on his back. He made it out to the beach, his load harder to heft in the sand and reached for his small transmitter.

“This is Crane, do you read me Pat?”

“Patterson here,” the rating returned just as quickly.

“Emergency bug-out. Bring FS1 in and crack the side hatch as soon as you get here.”

“On my way, Skipper.”

Lee continued on his way, fully expecting pursuit behind him which strangely never came. By the time he reached the rendezvous point he could see the yellow submersible skimming the water. Pat brought her in as far as he dared as Lee met the craft, splashing through shin deep water and carrying his load. Pat helped him bring Ski aboard and dogged the hatch behind them.

“Take her out enough to submerge,” Lee ordered as he strapped Ski into the bunk, utilizing cargo straps to keep secure him. Ski started to come around as Lee ran for the first aid kit and pulled out a pre-measured dose of a sedative, part of Jamie's supply and not intended for general use aboard FS1. He'd pay the piper later where Jamie was concerned, he only knew he couldn't let Ski awaken with the obvious strength he now possessed.

“We're submerged Sir,” Pat reported just as Lee finished up.

“How deep are we?”

“Only fifteen feet.”

“Good. Take Ski back and rendezvous with Seaview, under no circumstance are you to unstrap him. Have the MA put him the Brig, solitary confinement, and I don't want Doc to examine him unless he's fully restrained.” Lee sighed and looked into Pat's eyes to offer an explanation. “We had to stun him three times to bring him down Pat, we can't take any chances.”

“Aye Sir. I'll get him back. Do you want me to return with FS1?”

“Yes, but we're already maxed out so don't add anyone else to the detail. Also our element of surprise is gone so you'll have to be careful. Position yourself off shore and don't approach the island or disembark without my direct order.”

“Aye Sir, take care Skipper.”

“And one more thing,” Lee said over his shoulder, “Raptor 1.”

“Aye Sir, Raptor 1.”

Lee nodded and opened the moon pool hatch. He lowered himself down and took several deep breaths to fill his lung capacity then jumped feet first. He dogged the lower hatch and made a quick ascent up fifteen feet of water, then began swimming back to shore.

* * * * *

Riley was showing an incredible amount of resilience for just waking up from a dose of two consecutive stuns as he wrestled Harry for the laser pistol. If it hadn't been for the sounds of pursuers coming, Harry thought he would have overcome the rating. He wasn't sure he could get out cleanly so he did the only thing he could do and sent Lee ahead even as gunfire erupted behind him. He rolled until he had Riley under him and threw a punch, dazing the young man as he stood to make good his escape but was met by the sound of a gun cocking at much too close of range.

“Don't move Nelson, I'd just assume kill you as look you,” he heard from the familiar voice and turned to see Chip Morton leveling his sidearm at him with deadly aim.

Harry looked deep into his eyes to see if he could find the man he knew so well, the one he had picked to be Seaview's one and only Executive Officer; the one who had helped him lay the first plank on Seaview... but saw nothing that resembled the man he once knew and regarded as a friend.

“Now, now Charles,” Winslow said coming up from behind, obviously waiting until everything was secure before making his appearance. “Is that anyway to treat our special guest?” He smiled then chuckled as Chip returned the sentiment with his own twisted tight mouthed grin.

“Bring him along Charles,” Winslow said, motioning him back into the complex as Riley stood on Harry's other side, obviously recovered from the assault. “Put him in a cell, I want him to witness what I have planned for his crew.”

“What about Crane?” Chip asked. “I can still catch him.”

“Not necessary my boy, he'll be back. Wouldn't you agree, Admiral?” Winslow replied, clearly happy with himself despite the fact that he hadn't expected to see Nelson quite so soon.

Harry remained silent, but inside he knew Winslow was right... Lee would indeed be back. The thought was both comforting and distressing as he knew Lee was walking into a trap, he only hoped Seaview's Captain would be ready.

* * * * *

Lee hit the rocks for cover, settling himself next to the gear he and the Admiral had stashed earlier. He couldn't just storm back in, they would be looking for him and lying in wait. He settled in to wait it out, not knowing if Winslow had other Amphibians and if they would be patrolling the beach. He hated the fact that he'd left Harry inside, but both of them getting caught took away all their options. When things settled down, he would make his way back in. He was banking on Winslow's incredible ego to keep Harry safe for the time being as he figured the doctor wanted to gloat over his plan. It was the best he could do at this point as he surveyed the beach for patrols.

* * * * *

Even at Mach 2 it was an hour flight to rendezvous with Seaview, Pat was almost there when he heard Ski starting to rouse.

“It's okay buddy, we're almost home,” Pat said quietly over his shoulder.

“Pat?”

Patterson turned his head to see Ski trying to move under his restraints.

“Don't let him get me Pat!” he suddenly cried out.

“It's okay Ski,” Pat replied, glad they had gotten Ski out of Winslow's reach.

“Don't let Crane get me,” Kowalski continued. “Don't let him take my gills!” he insisted while trying to break free.

Pat swallowed hard realizing that Ski didn't seem to know who the good guys were and who the bad guys were.

“Don't let Crane take me Pat!” he yelled persistently all the way until the submersible docked.

* * * * *

Chief Sharkey was the first down, along the Master at Arms, Tank Thompson, followed closely by Jamie; by then Kowalski was a raging mad bull, thrashing around like a madman.

“Captain Crane said it took three stun blasts to bring him down,” Pat reported. “He ordered me to keep him under restraints and in the Brig.”

“The Brig?” Jamie stepped in, Surely the man needs medical attention, he thought silently.

“The Skipper said not to examine him unless he was fully restrained,” Pat continued then lowered his head. “Something's wrong with him Chief,” he added sadly raising his eyes to meet Sharkey's. “He scared to death of the Captain and he's just as scared of losing those gills.”

“That son of b....” Sharkey started, describing his feelings for Winslow, then pulled it back in the presence of an officer.

“Alright Doc, we're going to need some help,” Sharkey advised seeing the fierceness of Kowalski's struggles.

It wasn't the first time Doc Jamieson had cared for an Amphibian so he sighed reluctantly, pulled a hypo from his kit and nodded.

“Hold him still Tank,” Jamie advised as Ski caught sight of the hypo and started fighting all the more.

“No! Crane's going to take my gills away! Don't let him do it Doc!” he yelled as Tank held on firmly.

The effects of the sedative put him out as Jamie backed away shaking his head.

“I think you'll have to move fast,” he advised Tank and Sharkey as they let loose his restraints and placed him on the stretcher then secured him once again for the transport.

From his drugged state, Ski fought his way back tossing his head back and forth.

“Don't you see,” he whimpered out. “Crane wants to keep you all from having gills... Don't let him get me Doc...” he pleaded as the sedative left him with nothing more than sobs as he begged for protection from Captain Crane.

“What's wrong with him, Doc?” Sharkey asked in concern as Pat sided up next to him. “He knows the Skipper would never do anything to harm him.”

“I'm afraid it fits the profile of the other Amphibians before they were successfully reverted back,” Jamie replied regretfully, having spent a great deal of the voyage reading the reports on Angela and the other two men Winslow kidnapped and turned into Amphibians.

They watched while Tank's men took Ski out the cargo door as Jamie offered a sympathetic look to Pat and followed the stretcher to the Brig.

Patterson watched mournfully then turned his attention back to his duty.

“The Skipper wants me to return to the island,” Pat reported as Sharkey distorted his face in a mixture of concern and anger for what the scientist did to Ski.

I really should be going along to watch the Skipper's back... and what about the Admiral? he thought before blowing a resigned breath out.

“Does he want an armed detail?”

“'Fraid not Chief, we'll be maxed out on weight once he retrieves Mr. Morton, Riley and the Admiral,” Pat replied as Sharkey nodded, acknowledging the Skipper's orders.

“Alright Pat,” Sharkey replied reluctantly. “Ready FS1. I'll inform Mr. O'Brien.”

* * * * *

Lee staked out the beach for several hours, satisfying himself that Winslow's entire “army” consisted of only his own kidnapped men. He reasoned that Winslow had been careful not to recruit from the island inhabitants as their disappearances would invoke an investigation and risk his secret hideaway. If his presumptions were correct, there were only four Amphibians currently inside the complex. The thought left him with little comfort as the thought of trying to overcome four men as resilient as Ski was alarming.

The tropical sun and ocean breeze had done a good part in drying his clothes as he stuffed his pockets with the tape sized canisters he had stowed in his waterproof bag. He moved for the complex mentally calculating Seaview's arrival by tomorrow afternoon. Pat would be back with the flying sub soon, and if he could take the Amphibians out one by one he would do so. Otherwise, he had a few other ideas to fall back on.

Chapter Seventeen

Harry had been kept waiting in the cell for several hours before he was summoned to the dining area for a night cap with Winslow. Both Chip and Riley were dispatched to retrieve him and he was forced to submit for lack of options at this point. Besides, the more he learned about Winslow's scheme the better he could formulate a plan to stop the mad scientist.

Chip walked behind him, leveling his sidearm in Harry's back as he was escorted to meet Winslow. He was motioned to sit with Riley standing behind his chair guarding his every move, while Chip sat across from Harry eyeing him darkly. Winslow arrived in the room dramatically making an entrance with Thomas by his side and taking his chair at the head of the table.

“So good of you to join us Nelson,” he said waving a hand to Riley who left his post to retrieve the wine decanter and glasses.

He measured out wine for each of the men and then returned to his post behind Harry's chair.

“You've got your own personal slaves, don't you?” Harry noted at Riley's complete acceptance of his role.

“Come now Nelson, you have stewards aboard Seaview...”

Harry pounded a fist on the table in front of him. “Those are duties of rank, not labor for mindless slaves,” Harry countered. “Each of my men is a free individual who submits by his will to rank and order, not because he's been manipulated and altered to mindless obedience.”

Winslow smiled as he took a sip, not convinced in the least of Nelson's argument. “My men are loyal, they want to serve,” he replied replacing his glass in front of him.

“Your men are forced to serve and they don't want for anything because you've removed that capability from them.”

“Do you see why he's so dangerous, Stuart? He wants to take your gills from you, your ability to dive in the depths... your pleasure,” he added as Riley's face turned dark, Harry could almost feel the hostility from behind him as Winslow continued.

“Why Crane has already taken one of our own, but I promised Rick I would protect him,” Winslow said nonchalantly while taking another sip as Harry ignored his glass in front of him. He noticed that Chip did the same, continuing to glare at him from across the table.

“And I have a plan to rescue our comrade, or I should say my Commander has a plan,” he chuckled.

“Chip, you can't possibly believe this madman?”

“You disgust me Nelson,” Chip answered. “You're a pompous fool. I know why you derailed Dr. Winslow's plans last year, because you wanted to deny your own crew the freedom of the Amphibian life.”

“You call this freedom?” Harry challenged. “Look at Riley and Kowalski. Do they have free choice? Look at yourself, Chip. You're not the same man.”

“No, I'm not,” Chip agreed loudly. “I'm stronger. I can dive at depth without a pressure suit, I can breathe oxygen from sea water... I'm an Elite.”

“The Chip I knew would never submit willingly to this sick class society that breeds slaves for you to master over.”

“You're right,” Chip agreed with steel cold eyes. “I'm not the man you used to know... thanks to Dr. Winslow.”

Winslow watched the exchange with cool satisfaction. Watching Nelson struggle with the condition of his crew was everything he had hoped it would be. Everything would be perfect once he had Crane as well, but first things first.

“Shall we proceed, Charles?” Winslow asked rhetorically, guiding the meeting along to its true purpose.

Chip pulled out the transmitter from his pocket and placed it on the table in front of him.

“He obviously arrived here in the flying sub,” Chip explained, as their paid snitch at the air strip would have notified them of their arrival through the island air services. He was obviously miffed that his assertion that FS1 would be unusable was proven wrong and held up Harry's confiscated transmitter with a sneer.

“Whoever is manning the submersible will be looking for a certain frequency as they approach the flying sub,” he continued, utilizing both his strategic knowledge as well as Seaview's standard operating procedures.

“And do you know which frequency that is?” Winslow asked nonchalantly.

Chip nodded with a smile. “Sea Dog's frequency used for covert missions,” he replied.

“Chip you don't know what you're doing,” Harry said, pleading with his XO not to give away their secrets as Riley made his presence known by placing a hand on his shoulder and keeping him in his chair.

“What about our little surprise for Seaview?” Winslow asked cryptically.

“All set. Seaview and her full complement of men will soon be at your disposal,” Chip promised as Winslow nodded victoriously.

“And to think, your abilities were hidden behind Crane's ego all this time,” Winslow observed to Harry's glare. “He kept you down because he knew you could command Seaview as well as he,” Winslow continued while Harry recognized the power of suggestion as Chip's eyes narrowed in full acceptance of the doctor's words.

“He's feeding you lies, Chip. Can't you see that?”

“I don't think we need Nelson here any longer,” Winslow said dismissing their guest with a slight wave of his hand. “Show him our full hospitality Charles,” he said picking up his wine glass and emptying the contents as Riley pulled Harry to a standing position.

Chip rose with him from across the table, producing the gun once again and motioned with it to head back to the cells. Once out in the halls Harry tried once again to reason with Seaview's Exec.

“Chip you have to listen to me,” Harry said, knowing he retained more of his will and that Riley's self-awareness was completely inaccessible at present.

Chip appeared to ignore him but found himself trying to blink away the pain at the back of his eyes. His breathing increased as he gripped the gun firmly and pushed Harry along with the muzzle in his back. He fought back the pain, the memories, that persistent voice in the back of his mind that seemed to question all the good Winslow was doing and cursed Nelson for his interference. He blinked the pain away with resolve as they arrived in the detention area and guided their prisoner to his cell. Chip pushed Harry into the cell then handed his gun to Riley, stepped in and closed the door behind him. Winslow said to show Nelson their “full” hospitality and that's exactly what he was going to do.

Chip lunged at Harry catching him off guard with an uppercut that sent him spinning as he tried to recover to deliver his own defensive blow back. He stumbled back against the cell bars at which point Riley grabbed him, pulling his arms back through the bars as Chip delivered several devastating blows to his mid-section. Harry doubled over but Riley pulled him back up as Chip threw punches into Harry's jaw, taking out his frustration over the questioning voice he had elicited with every well-delivered punch. He hit him again and again, whipping Harry's head side to side, believing Nelson had tried to trick him into betraying Winslow. His anger ran deep as he finished off with three heavy, mean blows into Harry's mid-section then stepped away as Riley released Nelson and he slid helplessly down the cell bars.

“You'll never take my gills away, Nelson,” Chip spewed out. “You ever try and I'll kill you,” he promised then stepped out and slammed the cell door shut behind him, satisfied that he had shut down the voice inside his head.

* * * * *

Lee made his way back into the complex finding it quiet, cautiously confirming his assumption that Winslow only had three Recruits; Chip, Riley and Thomas. He stopped periodically and placed a cylinder from his pocket into strategic locations along the way as insurance, just in case things got complicated. He headed for the cell block first, expecting that's where he'd find Harry and entered without any sign of guards. Harry was asleep in the last cell as Lee retrieved the keys from the wall and opened his door. Quietly he approached the cot and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Admiral,” he called in a near whisper as Harry stirred with a slight moan under his hand. He turned over from his side to his back when Lee caught sight of multiple bruises and angry red scuffs on his face and cradling his side.

“What did they do to you?” Lee asked, mostly to himself as it was apparent Harry had been worked over.

“Chip can throw one mean punch when he wants to,” Harry said with a tight smile as Lee helped him into a sitting position.

“Chip did this to you?” Lee asked in disbelief.

“He had a little help from Riley holding me in place...”

Lee swore under his breath, trying to remember that his men... his best friend, were victims in all this as well.

“Let me get you back to the flying sub.”

“No, I'm alright. I'll help you round up our men...”

“Admiral their strength is almost too much when you're at a hundred percent...” Lee stopped himself when he realized that Harry wasn’t buying his over-protectiveness at present. “Fine, like I really have anything to say about this anyway,” he mumbled under his breath as Harry smiled.

“That’s why I’m the Admiral,” Harry quipped to Lee’s small surrendered smile.

“Alright, you don’t have to say it,” Lee relented. “Together,” he said, repeating what had become their mission motto as the two exited the cell.

“So have you got a plan?” Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Divide and conquer. We take them one at a time tonight. I don’t think Winslow has any other Recruits besides our two men and Thomas.”

“That’s all I saw this evening, and Lee… Chip is completely gone. He’s completely loyal to Winslow.”

Lee nodded his understanding taking in all the implications of Harry's assessment and filing it away as the two made their way to the crew's quarters.

* * * * *

Kowalski's screams permeated the empty corridors of Seaview's lower deck. Access to the compartments adjacent to the Brig was limited as Tank's security team enforced the Captain's order of Solitary Confinement.

“You're all crazy for following Crane!” he yelled, as Marco his guard outside the cell, tried to remain emotionless for his friend in distress. “He's going to kill me... if he can't take my gills from me, he'll kill me and you'll all be to blame!” he continued in a ranting rave using far more emotion than he had experienced since becoming an Amphibian. His strong emotions fueled by a deep seated fear that Crane would take his gills away and having no clue that he was being driven not only by Winslow's power of suggestion but by the fact that his body was craving the “high” of the next dive, one that was being denied him while he was locked away in the Brig.

“If you knew what it was like you'd beg to become one of us!”

Sharkey stood at the outskirts of the denied access area and heaved a heavy sigh.

“How long has he been going on like that?” he asked Tank, the well-muscled Chief of Security for NIMR.

“Ever since he woke up,” Tank replied calmly, but with a hint of worry for the well-respected Rating still screaming.

“Man oh man,” Sharkey said, letting out some frustration in the presence of another noncom. “I'm sure glad Mr. O'Brien increased our speed to Flank. He's managed to shave off a couple of hours from the ETA, we should reach the island by mid-morning,” he said trying to ignore Ski's loud protests that suddenly turned to pleading sobs.

Tank nodded, his Master at Arms duties aboard Seaview were rotated with his staff and he actually didn't sail with every Seaview voyage. Nevertheless, he was glad he was aboard for this one after scheduling himself in once he found out about his kidnapped comrades.

“I've got a detail ready to scramble as soon the Skipper gives the word,” Tank advised as Sharkey nodded, It couldn't happen too soon for him, the COB thought as he headed top-side to Ski's laments over losing his gills mixed with dark threats for Captain Crane.

* * * * *

Harry and Lee made their way to the crew's quarters. As expected they found the room dark and entered expecting to find Riley asleep in bed. They got half-way across the floor when the lights suddenly turned on as both Harry and Lee spun toward the sound of the voice behind them.

“Hello Lee.”

Lee turned toward Chip's voice with his laser pistol drawn, but before he could find his target he was hit with the full force of Chip's laser pistol, confiscated from Harry earlier. Lee felt the stun, which should have produced a sudden minor pain, followed by a short period of unresponsiveness and then unconsciousness; but instead he grunted in pain as he grabbed for his shoulder and fell, blinking heavily as Harry crouched beside him.

“Sorry Lee,” Chip said unrepentantly. “I guess it was still set for Amphibians,” he mocked as Lee's eyes closed, giving way to the pain still rippling through his body as he took a level three stun.

“Blast it Chip!” Harry yelled as he opened Lee's shirt to examine the impact zone and sighed in relief to see that he wasn't damaged beyond a red mark.

“You see Charles,” Winslow said smugly. “I told you he'd be back.”

* * * * *

Lee groaned as he woke up feeling groggy and a bit out of sorts.

“Easy there Lee,” Harry cautioned as Lee moved to sit up.

“No, I'm okay,” he replied, blowing a breath out and getting his bearings as he realized he and Harry were back in the cell. “So I take it Chip is really ticked off at me?” he deadpanned rubbing his shoulder which was sore but thankfully not permanently damaged.

“Royally,” Harry returned just as dryly. “It appears you and I are the meanies that kept Winslow from bringing his 'gift' to the world last year.”

Lee sighed. “He really does believe it, doesn't he?” he realized, lamenting Chip's apparent Transformation.

“I'm afraid so, Lad.”

Lee nodded then stood to check out their surroundings, spotting Riley on guard duty.

“How long was I out?”

“About an hour and I guess you've spotted our guard?” Harry said tilting his head ever so slightly Riley's way.

“Not taking any chances, are they?”

“I think the best thing to do is get some sleep Lee. I think you're feeling that high stun more than you're letting on. You were exhausted before this all began...”

Lee nodded and sat on his cot rubbing the back of his neck and conceding to Harry's wisdom.

“Alright Sir, if you'll do the same,” Lee replied shifting his concern back to Harry whose bruises broadcasted his own ill treatment.

Lee watched as the Admiral took the cot on the opposite wall as he lay down gingerly and closed his eyes. Harry knew him pretty well, and the truth was he was running on the ragged edge of exhaustion as it was. Seaview was due in tomorrow afternoon. He had taken precautions having already suspected Winslow's plans for the Boat, and had subsequently ordered her to stay three miles out and to remain on high security. Maybe after a good night's sleep he could level the playing field before calling in the troops to take care of the doctor and his little shop of horrors. On that thought he allowed himself the luxury of a restorative sleep, thanks in part to a few surprises he had already put in place.

Chapter Eighteen

Lee was already pacing his cell by the time they were summoned the next morning. Chip ensured his cooperation by holding the laser pistol on Harry, no doubt still on a level three stun, as Riley secured Lee's hands behind his back. Harry's hands were secured as well, but in the front as they were escorted to the laboratory.

“So good of you to join us,” Winslow greeted jovially. “I'm sorry you missed breakfast this morning, but with Stuart here playing guard we had to improvise,” he explained.

“You mean you actually had to fend for yourself?” Lee scoffed as Chip jabbed his laser pistol in his back for his lack of respect.

“No matter, we will have more recruits soon,” Winslow continued as he motioned Harry and Lee in front of a rather large screen. “Now, Charles informed me that you rather fancy yourself as a spy, isn't that right Crane?” he continued pleased to have the upper hand with information that wouldn't normally be known. “He says you're quite good in fact, so you'll have to excuse our added security,” Winslow said with false remorse, explaining his hands secured behind his back.

“It's only a matter of time Winslow,” Harry said still trying to reason with the man inside. “You've only got three men here; you can't hold out forever.”

“You forget that each of my Amphibians is as strong three men, and besides, I shall soon have all the recruits I need, isn't that right Charles?”

Chip nodded, still glaring darkly at Harry and Lee.

“Now Thomas if you please,” Winslow directed as the large screen came to life, displaying an underwater scene.

“You did an excellent job of setting the camera Charles,” Winslow complimented as he fiddled with the controls, slowly panning to the left.

Lee's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of something coming into view as the camera settled on its target. His countenance changed immediately as he recognized the apparatus, an anti-submarine net.

“The frame was left in place after the war,” Winslow explained with glee, “It seems the Japanese used this island as a communications outpost and wanted to ensure there would be no enemy frogmen infiltrating their ranks unannounced. Charles and my Amphibians erected it as a little surprise for Seaview.”

Lee's concern etched up considerably realizing that he'd better put whatever plan he had into action before Seaview arrived this afternoon.

“Why don't you tell them the best part, Charles?”

Chip spoked without an ounce of regret as he continued to level the laser pistol on Harry's mid-section.

“It seems our over-achieving Lt. O'Brien has increased speed to Flank in an effort to offer Seaview's assistance to his illustrious leaders,” he explained passionately sarcastic as Thomas panned back creating a wider view.

“Charles estimates Seaview will arrive in only minutes,” Winslow chimed in.

“You're a madman Winslow!” Harry declared.

“Chip you can't do this!” Lee yelled taking a step forward as Seaview's nose came into view through the only approach to the island deep enough for a sub to navigate. “Think of the men Chip! A collision at that speed will rip Seaview apart!”

* * * * *

Kowalski was pacing the deck in the Brig, he felt the speed increase to Flank and knew what was ahead. It was only a matter of time before Seaview belonged to the Amphibians, then Winslow would rescue him and he'd rejoin his friends. It can't be long now, he thought silently and wrapped his hands around the cell bars tightly to prepare for the impact.

* * * * *

“Obstruction ahead!” Sonar reported as Bobby ran to the station.

“Engine room, all back Full!” he practically yelled into the mic at the periscope island, but Seaview's inertia was too great.

“Sound General Quarters!” he ordered as Sharkey repeated the order and the anti-collision doors outside the Boat's windows were closed while the crash doors separating the Admiral's Front Porch from the Control Room slammed shut.

“All hands, prepare for collision!” O'Brien ordered as he watched their approach to the obstruction signaling an imminent impact. He was traveling in tight conditions without a lot of wiggle room as Bobby silently berated himself for not giving himself more options.

“Impact in ten seconds,” he advised as everyone took a strong hand hold. Hydrophones counted down the ten seconds dutifully as Seaview collided with the obstruction, the lights went out instantly as men were thrown and tossed about despite their holds. Secondary shocks rattled the boat as the inertia of Seaview's speed finally gave way to the net ripping in places, but managing to wrap itself like a glove around the nose, entangling itself in the stationary planes and barely missing sheering off the conning tower in the process.

When the mayhem finished the only sounds heard were moans in a dark Control Room as Seaview was dealt a heavy blow.

* * * * *

Lee took another step forward as he watched Seaview try to slow her approach but ramming into the net with way too much speed.

“Damn it Chip!” Lee yelled taking several steps toward him even though his hands were still tied behind his back. He was met by a karate chop to the base of the neck which sent him to his knees but managed to stay conscious as he studied the screen for signs of a hull breach. He searched frantically for air bubbles which would indicate severe damage but gratefully saw none. What he did see was bad enough, as Seaview hung limply, entangled in the anti-submarine net, no running lights and no light coming from Seaview's windows. At least the crash doors were closed he noted, hanging his head for his stricken crew.

“Blast it, Chip!” Harry yelled. “Can't you see Winslow is a madman?”

Chip scoffed a satisfied smile as Winslow addressed him.

“Now that we have Seaview, you can retrieve the flying sub,” Winslow said as Chip reached into his pocket and retrieved two transponders confiscated from Harry and Lee.

“Who do you have manning FS1, Lee?” Chip asked with a raised eyebrow. “Patterson is my guess. Won't matter, he'll see the ident for you and Nelson swimming toward him and welcome us aboard,” he gloated.

“Excellent. Excellent Charles. Now if you will kindly take Nelson and Crane to their cell, you and Stuart here can take a dive.”

* * * * *

The tension back to the cell was significant as Chip and Riley clearly bought into all of Winslow's lies. Lee offered a side-glance to Harry; two years of working together spoke for them as they returned to their cells without incident.

They were shoved into the cell as Harry's bonds were cut, but Lee's were left on as the cell door slammed shut behind them.

“Think about what you're doing Chip,” Lee urged as Chip stepped away.

“I have Lee. I'm going to give the crew what you denied them.”

“What? A life serving you Elites as mindless slaves?”

“No! That's only half the story,” Chip replied defensively. “I'm talking about the freedom of diving without tanks, pressure suits or time constraints. And as for the mindless slaves... you'll find out about that part soon enough,” he stated without remorse and turned on his heels to leave.

Riley followed without the slightest indication that the conversation bothered him in the least, as if being referred to as a mindless slave wasn't the least bit demeaning.

* * * * *

Harry worked the last of the rope off his wrists as Riley had just cut the binding in half, then started working on Lee's ropes from behind his back.

“I suggest we get busy affecting an escape if we want to stop them from taking FS1,” Harry advised working the last of his knots free. With his arms now free, Lee spent a moment working the circulation back into his wrists, rubbing them as he spoke.

“It's not FS1 I'm worried about,” he said to Harry's raised eyebrow. “It's Seaview,” he finished as he sat on the cot and worked his lock pick kit out from the heel of his shoe, having come prepared like the good espionage operative he was.

He stood and headed for the cell door, grateful that Chip took Riley along and that they didn't have a guard this time. He started working the lock as Harry stood back with his arms crossed.

“Alright. Suppose you tell me why you're not worried about the flying sub being commandeered by two Amphibians of a Mad Man's army?”

Lee cracked a one-sided smile, as the sound of the lock “clicked” to announce their freedom. He opened the door and swung an arm for Harry to proceed as he explained with two words.

“Raptor 1.”

Harry returned a tight-lipped one-sided smile. “Raptor 1,” he repeated and nodded approvingly.

* * * * *

Bobby O'Brien found himself waking on the deck to darkness. He groaned as he moved, his arm bent unnaturally behind him, just as a generator kicked on and the red emergency lights engaged.

“Mr. O'Brien!” Sharkey called, reaching to help the lieutenant to his feet as Bobby leaned against the Chart Table. He remembered starting out by Hydrophones and hanging on to the periscope island for dear life; but the ride had been a tumultuous one and ended up next to the Chart Table when everything was settled.

“I need Status Reports, Chief,” he gritted out as Sharkey made sure he was steady and started working his way through the stations.

“Listen up men, sound off by station, if you require a corpsman pipe up now...”

Bobby scanned the Control Room as Seaview's men began pulling themselves off the floor, no one had escaped without some bump, scrape, bruise or worse. A quick check at the Christmas Tree lights showed All Green, denoting the water tight doors were still functional as he reached for the mic.

“Damage Control, Report,” he ordered and waited for what he knew would be a lengthy list.

* * * * *

Ski was holding on tight when the Boat impacted the net, but Marco his guard wasn't so lucky. By the time the ruckus was over, Marco had been tossed in several directions before ending up leaning against the cell bars. Ski reached through the bars and held tightly to the limp rating's unconscious body until the worst was over, then rummaged through his pocket and grabbed the cell keys.

He opened the door and dragged his guard inside, then locked the cell behind him. It would be some time before Damage Control had time to check on the Brig, so he headed straight for his objective, skirting himself around DC Details working in the red emergency lights and not stopping as he stepped over downed crewman asking for help. He ran until he reached the room he needed, he could smell the sea water even before opening the door and reveled in the thought of diving the depths. The room was clear as he wasted no time jumping into the moon pool and swimming away from Seaview.

The swim was exhilarating, refueling his need to experience the Amphibian delights of free-diving as well as his devotion to return to the man who had given this gift to him. He had no other reasoning ability but to report back to Winslow and receive his new orders, so he started back to the island feeling the safety of the ocean around him while simultaneously receiving the opiated high of the oxygen moving through his mechanical gills, vowing to kill anyone who tried to take this freedom from him.

* * * * *

Patterson watched two “blips” making steady progress from the shore heading straight for the flying sub. He checked the Ident on the transponders verifying both devices bearing the Sea Dog covert codes of Red Dog and Blue Dog. Pat waited until he heard the sound of the lower hatch opening and cracked the deck hatch, then stood back with his hand resting on the console behind him as two blond heads broached the surface.

“Mr. Morton! Stu!” he said, sinking further back into the console.

“Stay right where you are Pat,” Chip said, wearing only swim trunks, his silver mechanical gills glistening under the cabin lights.

“Whatever you say, Mr. Morton,” Pat said obediently.

“Dog the hatches Riley,” Chip ordered as he turned toward Patterson.

“You're being quite reasonable Pat. You'll thank me when you're one of us,” he said as Riley secured both hatches behind him. “Now, move aft,” he ordered Patterson.

“Aye Sir. There's just one thing Sir,” he said as he turned a switch. “You're not Raptor 1,” Pat finished as he released a blast of smoke into the cabin; a little surprise he and the Skipper worked out while they were preparing FS1 in Santa Barbara. The blast of ozone was especially putrid, having been stored in the tank just for this purpose as Chip and Stu both began coughing profusely, grabbing for their throats as Pat pulled out his own laser pistol and aimed. If the ozone didn't do it, he was prepared to blast both men, the baby-faced Rating packing as much can-do ability in a fight as any man aboard Seaview. Thankfully, both men succumbed to the ozone, falling to the deck and becoming as weak as kittens. Chip made a desperate move for the deck hatch but lost consciousness trying to turn the wheel as Riley lay beside him.

Pat coughed, not immune to the effects of smoke in his lungs but not incapacitated as the surgically altered Amphibians were. He stepped over Stu and found his breather, putting it in place before taking his young friend and dragging him to the cargo hooks. He cuffed his hands behind his back and then secured the cuffs to the cargo tether ring, then pulled Mr. Morton over and did the same.

Once he was sure his “cargo” was secure, he went about the business of scrubbing the air.

Chapter Nineteen

As much as Lee wanted to head straight to Seaview, he had to make sure that Winslow was shut down for good. They made their way to Winslow's lab figuring he was still monitoring Seaview. When they reached the main hall Lee retrieved one of the cylinders he had hid earlier. The others were hidden closer to the cave's entrance, as he held up the disk.

“I've only got this one, we better make it count,” Lee suggested as Harry pursed his bottom lip. If they used the small tape sized cylinder too early, they could blow their chances of escape and find themselves being prepped for Drone Transformation.

“You look for the right time, I'll distract Winslow,” Harry suggested as Lee could see a strategy formulating in his mind. Lee knew that look well, the one that said the Admiral had a plan, so he nodded putting all his trust in his best friend.

“Follow my lead,” Harry said to Lee's “Aye Sir,” as the two approached the lab without any subterfuge, their only weapon the cylinder hidden in Lee's pocket.

* * * * *

“It's over Winslow,” Harry said as they walked into the laboratory.

Winslow turned sharply at his voice, surprised at his arrival but recovered quickly.

“That's what I like about you Nelson, so unpredictable. Now this is the second time you've escaped and the second time we've captured you,” he said as Thomas produced a sidearm. “Now the thing about the laser pistols is they're just so temporary,” Winslow continued placing his hand on the laser pistol sitting on the table beside him, and patting it affectionately. “But I assure you, the bullet is much less forgiving,” he quipped tilting his head toward Thomas and the gun aimed at them.

Lee and Harry cooperated, as Thomas motioned them over with a gesture of the sidearm. They obeyed without protest, giving Winslow and Thomas a false sense of security.

“You're just in time to watch your crew try and cut the net away,” Winslow said, watching the divers as they swam for the bow with torches in hand.

“You know Nelson, I'm almost sorry I'm demoting you to a Drone,” Winslow mused. “Your brilliant mind could be used so fantastically, but no... No, it would never work.”

“And just what do you get out of this Thomas?” Harry asked the quiet assistant, dramatically changing the subject. “I mean I know you're footing the bill for this entire operation, just what do you get in return?”

Winslow started to speak but thought better of it and visibly bit his bottom lip, watching the exchange.

“Dr. Jenkins was a great man. I was grateful... even privileged to be chosen by him to be an Elite, before you killed him,” he added hatefully.

Harry exchanged glances with Lee.

“So it was Jenkins who recruited you?” Harry asked thoughtfully. “Well now that makes sense.”

“What difference does it make?” Winslow asked, annoyed with Harry's discussion with Thomas.

“Well I just noticed that Thomas here never speaks unless he's spoken to,” Harry noted as Thomas raised his head sharply. “And he seems to do everything you tell him without thought or question,” Harry continued.

“So does your crew, Nelson. What's your point?”

“Now Morton I can understand,” Harry pondered methodically. “You need his knowledge of Seaview, and his military experience, but even though he's an Elite he's obviously lower ranked. Am I right? I mean you don't want a military commander who's too ambitious,” Harry finished knowing he had struck a nerve.

Thomas exchanged glances with Winslow, telling Harry what he wanted to know as Lee watched the situation, ready to act when the gun was no longer a threat.

“So you have Ranks among the Elites,” Harry surmised. “Now it seems to me that Thomas here is ranked below you Winslow.”

“No,” Thomas spoke up, pushing his thick glasses up the bridge of his nose as it slid out of place. “I'm a Supreme Elite, just like Dr. Winslow here.”

“Supreme Elite,” Harry repeated with a nod, as if that cleared everything up. “Isn't that what the problem was before Winslow? When you had two Supremes you couldn't keep control, could you? Wasn't it Jenkins who recruited Thomas here? And wasn't it Jenkins who set this entire laboratory up, using funds from the project and rerouting its use for the backup computers and equipment? You didn't know Jenkins had done that, did you Winslow? Not until Thomas came to visit you and begged to be made an Amphibian like his mentor.”

“I still don't know your point, Nelson.”

“Then I'll spell it out for both of you,” Harry said, including Thomas in the conversation.

“Jenkins was taking over the project. More and more he was making the decisions. We know this because after Angela and the others were reverted back they retained all their memories. You both spoke freely around the Drones because they were mindless slaves, obedient to your will. Angela told us how Jenkins was becoming the leader, even taking decisions out of your hands.”

“Only because he received the first gill transplant. The process was further along with him,” Winslow shot back.

“So having two Supremes creates a bit of a problem, doesn't it Winslow?” Harry goaded, knowing Winslow was becoming more agitated at their current line of thought. “Because the relationship you and Thomas have is nothing like what Angela described. Thomas is lower ranked, isn't he?”

“No,” Thomas said stepping forward. “I'm a Supreme Elite, just like Dr. Winslow promised me,” he replied emphatically, trying to convince himself as much as Harry.

“Winslow here uses the first names of all his Recruits, even you Thomas. Why don't you call him Percy, if you're the same Rank as him? Was it you he needed or was it Jenkins' inheritance he needed?” Harry asked, adding the final blow.

Thomas swallowed hard.

“Thomas,” Winslow stepped forward, using a clear patronizing voice. “He's just trying to confuse you… Trying to drive a wedge into our perfect work. He wants to take your gills away from you. You know that don't you?”

“You said you trusted me,” Thomas whimpered as he turned toward Winslow, the gun now pointing his direction and visibly shaking in his hand, feeling rejected and used yet again.

“But I do, Thomas. You're the only one I trust.”

“But in the end there can only be one Supreme Elite. Isn't that right Winslow?” Harry interjected as Thomas' hand shook dangerously.

Lee sized up the situation and decided to take the opportunity before bullets started flying. He reached into his pocket for the cylinder, pulled the tape and threw it into the middle of the confrontation. Harry followed his lead, ducking to avoid the bullets as Thomas fired both indiscriminately and frantically. Both he and Winslow were coughing and sputtering as the smoke bomb filled the room.

Lee heard the gun drop to the floor and made his move toward Thomas as he tried to crawl for the exit. Lee grabbed him and tugged him back to where the ozone was strongest to keep Thomas weakened and delivered a swift uppercut. Thomas moaned but it took two more blows before he went limp. Lee searched through the smoke, following the direction of Winslow's coughs and sputters finding Harry holding the gun on the mad scientist as the smoke began to dissipate.

“Let's get them into the cell before the ozone effect wears off,” Harry suggested as he motioned a defeated Winslow to his feet.

Lee picked Thomas up in a fireman's hold and reached for the laser pistol still sitting on the table where Winslow left it. They made their way back to the detention area and before long both men were in the cell once occupied by Seaview's officers as Lee locked the door behind them.

“Let's get to FS1, we'll send Pat back to guard them,” Lee suggested to Harry's nod, silently marveling at Lee's confidence that FS1 was still in their hands.

* * * * *

Harry and Lee made their way back toward the cave entrance when their way was suddenly and unexpectedly blocked by Kowalski.

“Crane!” he yelled, his hatred bred into him with every chance Winslow got. “What have you done?” he continued. “You're trying to take away our gills, just like Dr. Winslow said!”

“Ski, listen to me,” Lee said trying to reason with the rating and not wanting to fire on his crewmate again. “Winslow's been lying to you. You didn't choose this life... to be a slave to Winslow's will.”

“You're just jealous! He told me all about you,” he yelled back defiantly and lunged forward as Lee had no choice but to issue a blast from the laser, still set on level three.

Kowalski stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet.

“I'm not going to let you take me again. I'll kill you first, Crane!” he yelled making another move forward as Lee fired again. The shot found its mark but Ski was upon Lee just as fast swinging violently as his fist connected with Lee's jaw.

“Lee!” Harry called, as Lee lost the laser pistol in the fray and issued his own blow to Ski's face.

“Don't fire, Admiral,” Lee yelled as he stepped forward issuing several more blows with Kowalski staggering backwards, the two laser blasts having weakened him considerably. One more blow sent Ski on his backside with no retreat with his back against the cave wall.

“Dr. Winslow!” Ski called for help in a frantic plea. “Don't let him take my gills...” he sobbed as Lee lowered himself to Kowalski's level.

“You're going to be alright, Ski. I promise,” he said as Kowalski continued to sob until his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he passed out cold.

Harry retrieved the laser pistol on the cave floor as Lee picked up Kowalski, shouldering his weight and carrying his fallen crewman, vowing to bring this nightmare to an end.

* * * * *

Once they reached their hidden gear, Lee was able to secure Ski's hands behind his back. He reached for a communication's device and raised a hopeful eyebrow at Harry as he attempted to reach FS1.

“Raptor 1 to FS1, do you read me Pat?”

Lee held his breath, sharing an anticipating glance with Harry as he waited for the reply.

“Skipper! It's good to hear your voice Sir.”

Lee blew a sigh of relief out as Harry nodded, issuing a tight smile of unspoken approval.

“How are our guests doing?”

“Pretty loud, Sir, but under control.”

“Very well, bring the Flying Sub into shore, I've got Ski here as well.”

“Sir?” Patterson said, confused as he had delivered his best friend to Seaview hours ago.

“I'll explain when you get here.”

“Aye Sir, on my way Skipper.”

* * * * *

“I'll send a Detail to relieve you as soon as I can.”

“Aye Skipper, you can count on me,” Patterson replied sincerely, to which Lee smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I know I can, Pat.”

Lee added a squeeze then left him on the beach and waded to the flying sub, entering and dogging the side hatch behind him.

“You try and change me and I'll kill you, Lee,” Chip snarled from his place on the deck, squirming for all he was worth to get free.

Lee ignored him and headed for the co-pilot's chair.

“Seaview is free from the net and O'Brien is ready to dock us,” Harry said bringing Lee up to date. “Ready?” he added in a side glance.

“Aye Sir, let's go home,” Lee replied, referring to Seaview.

* * * * *

The three Amphibians were escorted to the Brig under Tank's heavy guard as Lee finally made his way up the ladder into the Control Room.

It felt good to be back, even though his Grey Lady was currently nursing damage from the collision with the anti-submarine net. O'Brien was ready at the top of the ladder to give the Skipper a Damage Report as Chief Sharkey stood by his side. Lee cleared the top hatch, took one look at O'Brien and frowned.

“O'Brien, did you break...” Lee started, as Bobby sighed heavily.

...Aye Sir, I broke your Boat, he started to say, but wisely didn't voice his rehearsed apology as he heard the rest of the Captain's question.

“...your arm?” Lee asked, grimacing as he examined the field wrap. “Why haven't you got this set yet?” he questioned, taking the clip board from the young officer and handing it to Sharkey.

“No time, so much to do...” Bobby answered as he shrugged his good shoulder slightly. “You know how it is, Skipper,” he added shyly.

“Yeah I know,” Lee assured him. “Brief me on the way to Sickbay.”

“I'll take care of things here,” Harry chimed in taking the clip board from Sharkey and perusing over its contents.

Lee raised an eyebrow for the fact that he'd really rather Harry get checked out for the beating he took yesterday, but let it go, knowing it was a losing battle just now.

“Aye Sir, I'll be back up after we get Mr. O'Brien here settled in,” he said as they left with the Control Room ratings hearing Mr. O'Brien's report and the Skipper's affirmation of a job well done under difficult circumstances. O'Brien's shoulders squared despite the pain of his arm as he realized that he still held Captain Crane's trust and continued the report with confidence.

Chapter Twenty

Lee leaned over with his elbows resting on the desk and his head cradled in his hands. He was tired, even after spending the night in his own rack. He was working through a myriad of reports, both his and Chip's. Bobby was trying to take up the slack, but with his writing arm in a cast the work was mostly left to him.

Seaview's repairs were underway but they were in no hurry to leave the island anyway, as Harry and Jamie needed access to Winslow's lab. They were scouring over Winslow's notes, records and equipment in an effort to understand the new enhancements that were made since his last Transformations over a year ago.

Winslow and Thomas had been retrieved and were currently in the Brig, kept in a separate cell from the other prisoners. The thought of calling Chip, Kowalski and Riley prisoners was distasteful, but in their current frame of mind they were definitely being kept against their wills and were still vehemently loyal to Winslow. That thought was especially disturbing as Lee was sure the three men wouldn't like the decision he had already made regarding their Transformations.

He leaned back resting his head on the back of the chair and recalled the conversation he had with Chip yesterday, after all the prisoners had been settled in. There was nothing there that would indicate that the two of them were best friends, more like brothers than anything. So to hear Chip threaten to kill him and the Admiral was surreal, it bordered on insane. Chip looked at him through the bars and spewed out nothing but hate and venom. In some ways it was hard to overlook the damage he had done to Seaview, setting up the net the way he did, but he knew that Chip was as much a victim as Kowalski and Riley.

Lee rubbed his eyes, he knew what he had to do and he was pretty sure Chip was going to fight him all the way.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to rest a moment when the Boat comm system blared out trouble.

“Medical Emergency in the Brig!”

Immediately he was on his feet and out the door, running at full speed to the Brig.

* * * * *

A full Detail of security was armed with laser pistols set on Level 3 for their Amphibian crewmates as Kowalski and Riley were completely incapacitated on their bunks, holding their mid-sections and tossing back and forth in gut-wrenching pain. Chip was in bad shape but still conscious and still glaring daggers whenever he caught sight of Lee despite his obvious illness.

Jamie and his corpsmen were examining the men as Harry and Lee stood by supervising and watching for any deception or attempt to escape when Jamie stepped up to report.

“They're going through withdrawals,” he reported.

“Withdrawals?” Lee repeated incredulously.

“Yes, the others went through a phase similar to this, though nothing I read was nearly as severe. It has to do with how the mechanical gills interact with the pituitary gland when they dive, producing endorphins and euphoria as strong as morphine or other opioids. They're being readied for transport to Sickbay,” he reported and then stepped back to care for his patients.

“They're Amphibians now,” Winslow interjected calmly, speaking through the bars in his cell. “They crave the sea; you're killing them by not allowing them to swim.”

“But it doesn't seem to be bothering you and Thomas in the least,” Harry replied. “Or is that the way you engineered it, Winslow?”

Winslow retreated back to his cot with a smirky smile. “The burden of command, Nelson. As Supremes we don't get the same benefit of Sea Ecstasy, but as such we adapt easier to forced land breathing.”

“You're sick Winslow,” Lee piped in. “What you mean to say is that you engineered the process to addict your Drones and Elites so that you can control them.”

Winslow kept silent, obviously through talking and not wanting to give anymore “free” information away. If Nelson was going to revert his Recruits back, let him do it without his help, he thought petulantly while Thomas continued to follow Winslow's lead, despite the fact that he had been lied to. Indeed, Winslow had managed to convince him that though he was Second in Command he was still a Supreme, the fact that he wasn't in withdrawals seemed to support this fact, though he failed to recognize Winslow's continued ability to guide his thought processes.

Lee watched as all three men were carried out on stretchers, each with an armed guard escorting them to their destination. He ensured the remaining guards were adequate and then followed his stricken men to Sickbay.

* * * * *

Lee straddled the chair in Jamie's office with his chin resting on his folded arms across the top of the chair's back. In the treatment room he could hear his men's cries of pain mixed with fear one by one die out until the room was quiet. He swallowed hard and waited for Jamie to come in. Harry had opted to head back to his lab as he was still pouring over Winslow's notes, knowing that his full understanding of the process was going to be required soon.

After another twenty minutes, he heard Jamie's oxfords clicking lightly behind him. Lee stood up and turned his chair around but didn't take a seat just yet as Jamie sunk into his chair behind his desk.

“Jamie?”

Jamie took a deep breath out and started his report. “It's pretty textbook, Skipper. The treatment for withdrawals is an antagonist opioid, I have some on hand since it's also the treatment for accidental overdoses. It works within seconds when administered intravenously. Kowalski and Riley were the worst off, exhibiting full narcotic withdrawal symptoms, the Exec as well, but his was in the early stages.”

“The Admiral believes that since Chip was engineered to be an Elite, he was affected to a lesser degree than the Drones.”

“Comparatively less, yes, but he's definitely going through withdrawals as well. This will be a lengthy wait for them until the courts authorize their reversions back...”

“I'm not letting it get that far, Jamie,” Lee said moving to sit in the chair and leaning forward.

“But they don't want to be reverted back, you heard them in there begging me not to touch their gills?”

“They didn't ask for what happened to them, they were in effect, brain-washed. Then Winslow adds this 'Sea Ecstasy' into the mix rewarding them with dives that satisfy a fix for an addiction they didn't even know they had.”

“Alright, I see your point morally, but what about legally? Can you force this on them?”

Lee abandoned the chair and began pacing.

“The other Recruits were civilians, their families had to go through the courts. I have no say over Winslow or Thomas Porter, but each of my men was targeted specifically because of their roles here on Seaview. That puts these events under my responsibility as Captain, and I'm invoking Military Medical Power of Attorney.”

He stopped his pacing and faced Jamie with determination in his eyes for the decision he had already made.

“The Admiral believes we have the capability to transform them aboard Seaview. Do you concur?” he continued.

Jamie blew a breath out. “Yes. I've been studying the procedure since we left Santa Barbara. While the gills are a complex mechanical miracle, the actual surgical procedure is pretty straight forward. They'll need plastic surgery later, but I have every confidence I can remove the gills.”

“According to what I've read...” Lee said sitting down again, “the neurological functions will reset once the pituitary gland is operating correctly again.”

Jamie cracked a small weary smile. “You've been doing your homework haven't you?” he complimented then nodded in agreement. “Yes, along with some hormone therapy, but we have no precedent for Chip's case.”

Lee ran a tired hand through his hair and nodded. “I know, but he's obviously been 'engineered' differently than Winslow and Porter. Whatever the case, I can't leave him like this.”

“You do realize that Chip may never forgive you for making the decision for him? You may lose his friendship,” Jamie noted softly.

“I've already lost it in his current state... but I'm not just trying to reach my best friend or even Seaview’s Exec.... I'm trying to save his life.”

Jamie raised an eyebrow.

“He's a naval officer, Jamie. If this doesn't work and his thought processes remain as they are he'll lose both his career aboard Seaview and the Navy, and most likely land himself in a Court Martial for Treason against the United States.”

“Treason?”

“He was the Commander of the Amphibian Army, Jamie. He was planning on raising an army against any country, including the United States.” Lee sighed. “What he did to the Admiral was enough for a Court Martial alone.” Lee stood up angrily, taking two steps before stopping and breathing deeply.

“I swear Jamie, I could have beaten him to a bloody pulp after I saw what he did to the Admiral. He beat him with his bare hands,” he said turning once again. “And you know how strong they are,” he said, referring to the Amphibians as he returned to the chair and deflated once again. “I really had to remind myself that he's just as much a victim in all this as my other men.”

“And... because you know what it's like,” Jamie added softly as Lee lowered his eyes a bit.

“Yeah... I know what it's like...”

Lee stood, leaving behind the reflective transparent moment. “I'd like you to begin with Ski and Riley as soon as you deem it safe.”

“Very well Captain, I'll draw the necessary paperwork for you to sign.”

“Thanks Jamie,” he said turning to leave but stopping short at the door. “For everything,” he added with his back toward Seaview's doctor and left his office.

* * * * *

Lee took a few moments to check on his men, stopping by Ski's bunk first. All three were heavily restrained and a guard was posted both inside and outside Sickbay. Kowalski was sedated, the pain lines in his face were gone as Lee placed a hand on his shoulder, patting it lightly and walking toward Riley. Stu was also sedated and resting peacefully, his youthful face free of the hateful sharp lines that plagued him earlier as Winslow had done a good job of turning all three of his men against him.

“It will all be over soon, Riley,” he promised quietly and headed for the last bunk.

He was surprised when he found Chip still awake, though obviously exhausted from fighting his restraints.

“You're going to change us, aren't you?” he asked with the same steely hate-filled eyes he had exhibited since becoming an Amphibian.

“You didn't choose this Chip,” Lee started before the blond interrupted him.

“You have no right! They might be Drones,” he said tilting his head sharply toward Ski and Riley. “But I have complete free will. You can't change me without my consent, and I don't give it,” he continued rather logically but still spewed out in anger.

“Do you remember anything before the Transformation, Chip?” Lee asked, hoping to reach his friend deep inside.

“Only that you kept me down, playing second fiddle to you. Winslow saw my potential and offered me the chance of a lifetime. The gills are a part of me now, and I'll kill you the first chance I get if you try to take them away from me,” he promised darkly as Lee studied him closely.

He couldn't find the Chip Morton he knew behind those blue eyes he knew so well, so he stepped back and turned to walk away.

“Do you hear me, Lee? I'll kill you. You and Nelson both!” he threatened loudly as Lee left, closing the door behind him and walking toward the Control Room with resolve in his steps for what he knew needed to be done.

* * * * *

The lighting was subdued in the Nose and the crash doors shut, but not completely. He could hear the bleeps and soft sounds coming from the Control Room, they were as much a soothing comfort as the blue ocean pressing against Seaview's windows. On the conference table behind him sat the three medical files of his crewmen.

“I thought I'd find you here.”

Lee turned with a soft smile to the sound of Harry's voice.

“I was just relaxing a bit.”

Harry nodded and fingered the folders on the conference table.

“Are they ready to go?”

“Aye, I'm confident in my decision it's just...”

“Not knowing?” Harry finished for him.

Lee nodded. “You should have seen him Admiral,” he said moving to sit adjacent Harry who had taken the chair at the head of the table. “He hates you and me with a passion, and he believes everything Winslow told him... even now.”

“It's the Transformation, Lee. He's still in there, I'm sure of it,” Harry encouraged.

“I'd like to think so. All I know is I've got to give him this chance.”

They sat in silence for a few moments until Lee spoke again.

“How long does Jamie think the Reversions will take?”

“I was just talking with him about that. He figures two to three hours for each surgery. He's going to schedule Kowalski in the morning and Riley in the afternoon. He thinks their apprehension will be too great if he schedules them on separate days.”

“I agree. They're scared to death to lose those things.” He folded his hands in front of him as he continued. “I'll put a hold on all maintenance, just to make sure Jamie has a steady platform to work from.”

“That's fine, Lee.” Harry reached over and placed a reassuring hand on his captain's shoulder. “You've done everything you can, Lee. Now it's up to Jamie.”

Harry reached for the three folders and picked them up. “I'll deliver these to Jamie. Why don't you turn in for the night?”

“Aye Sir,” he replied with a weary smile as the Admiral nodded and left by way of the spiral stairs.

Lee turned and took another look out Seaview's windows. They were still sitting just off the island as Damage Control finished repairs and their investigation of Winslow's laboratory continued. He heaved one last sigh then turned and opened the crash doors, taking a quick lap around the Control Room deck before heading to Officer's Country.

Chapter Twenty-One

Kowalski and Riley's surgeries went well as Jamie removed the mechanical gills while Harry stood by with Dr. Winslow's notes for fast reference when required. Lee stayed busy in the Control Room, though all maintenance and repairs had been suspended to prevent any unexpected trim changes. Ski's surgery was over by 1000 hours, followed by Riley's who was scheduled at 1400. By 1700 both men were back in their bunks, their restraints still in place but kept sedated as Jamie began hormone therapy to jump start the correct functions of their pituitary glands. Chip had also been sedated, as his struggles against his restraints continued during the ratings' surgery.

“We have every indication that the surgeries were successful,” Jamie reported. “Fortunately, Dr. Winslow's notes secured from his underwater lab included the procedures for removing the gills.”

“He apparently wrote those notes before his Transformation altered his own mind,” Harry added. “He did make some changes to his procedure, but thankfully still retained enough scientific method to fully document those revisions.”

“How long before we know if their personalities are intact?” Lee asked.

“According to Winslow's notes,” Harry explained, “The Drones' slave-like personalities were mostly affected during the cryogenic freeze. Certain synapses were targeted and in affect put to sleep while the gas exchange was completed.”

“We'll continue the hormone therapy through the night so we can monitor their post-surgery conditions, then the easiest way to correct the gas exchange is the hyperbaric chamber,” Jamie finished. “To answer your question Captain, I'll allow them a short period of wakefulness in the morning before we transport them to the chamber. Until then, I think it best they stay sedated.”

“Very well. When will you be ready for Chip?”

“Tomorrow afternoon, after Kowalski and Riley's prescribed “dives” in the chamber. The Admiral has calculated the recompression at 2.8 bars for five hours.”

“How soon did Angela and the other recruits respond to therapy?” Lee asked, clearly concerned for his men.

“Quite soon, by the time they leave the chamber their personalities will be returning. We'll keep them overnight for observations, but by morning they should be well on their way to recovery.”

“Good job, Doc,” Lee offered sincerely. “Now if your patients are stable, I 'suggest' a hot meal in the Ward Room.”

“Aye, aye Skipper,” Jamie replied wearily, gladly obeying his Captain's soft order.

“That sounds good,” Harry said standing. “Are you taking your own good advice Captain Crane?” he offered in a light jest.

“I'll be there shortly. I'm just going to check in on the men.”

Harry and Jamie headed to the Ward Room, giving Lee the time he needed to see for himself that his men were resting comfortably.

* * * * *

Jamie reported that the Ratings were less combative and fearful upon waking the next morning, but Lee avoided visiting with them just yet to prevent any agitation before their hyperbaric oxygen therapy. By 1200 hours they were back in their bunks, this time without restraints though Tank's MAs were still posted both in and outside Sickbay. By 1400 Chip was on Jamie's surgical table with Harry assisting the doctor and his corpsman once more.

Lee approached Ski's bunk, careful to note any agitation that might be present and ready to retreat until Kowalski was ready to see him.

“Hi Skipper,” Ski said softly, with a hint of embarrassment mixed with a heavy dose of shame in his voice.

“Hi Ski,” Lee said offering a smile and relieved to see both his demeanor and the recognition in his eyes return. “How are you feeling?”

“Strange Sir. I've been lying here remembering the last week and thinking it couldn't possibly have been me doing all those things,” he said sheepishly, the bandages on his neck indicating the physical healing had begun, but Lee knew the psychological healing would take a bit longer.

“It wasn't your fault Ski. Your choices were taken away from you.”

Kowalski blew a breath out and nodded. “I said some pretty bad things, Skipper...”

Lee held a hand up, stopping any self-condemnation from rising any further in his repentant crewman.

“It wasn't you, Ski. I know that.”

Kowalski nodded, trying to accept his Captain's confidence but finding it hard at present.

“Stu and I talked a little in the chamber... it's like we were watching ourselves in an out of body experience. We could see what we were doing but had no inclination or desire to do anything but what Winslow wanted,” he said regretfully. “We were slaves and didn't mind one bit,” he added. “And this thing with diving, we lived for it... like it was life itself.”

“The mechanical gills produced a narcotic effect when you dove. Jamie will continue to treat you for the withdrawals, but he told me you were successfully reverted back.”

Kowalski lowered his eyes and swallowed hard. “Then I didn't blow it... I mean I still have a place on Seaview?”

Lee placed a hand on his shoulder offering confidence to his words. “You've got some healing and therapy to go yet Ski, but you have been and still are a valuable member of this crew.”

Ski sniffed back his strong emotions and nodded. “Thanks Skipper... thanks for everything.”

“You just rest now. It's going to be alright Ski.”

He had a similar discussion with Riley, then retreated into Jamie's office turning over the visiting to Patterson and Sharkey as he waited to see if Chip's surgery would produce the same favorable results.

* * * * *

The lights were dimmed in Sickbay as Lee came in, his last stop on his nightly walk about the Boat. He nodded toward John, the corpsman on duty and passed Ski and Riley's bunks as they slept soundly. He slid a chair close to Chip's knowing that like the others, Jamie had given him a strong sedative after his surgery. The white bandages on his best friend's neck shouted out the mistreatment of Winslow's sick class society. He would avoid seeing Chip tomorrow after he woke, to avoid adding agitation before his session in the hyperbaric chamber, so this would be his only chance to sit by his bedside like his best friend had done so many times for him.

Chip was still under restraints but the deep creases of hate on his face were now gone, at least under the sedative, Lee had no idea if the real Chip Morton was still inside or had been physically changed forever. Both Harry and Jamie couldn't fully answer the question, but they expressed hope that Chip's Transformation was completely possible.

Lee leaned forward with his forearms on his knees, afraid to even talk. He didn't want Chip's restful slumber to be interrupted, especially with the reversion process still ongoing with hormone therapy. And he was pretty sure Chip wasn't ready to talk to him, so he just sat alone with his thoughts.

I don't know how I'm going to break this to your Mom and Dad if this doesn't work, he thought silently then chided himself for being so negative. He took a deep breath and stood, risking a hand on Chip's shoulder as he squeezed slightly then left. He still had a Boat to run and needed a few hours of sleep before morning.

* * * * *

Chip opened his eyes, listening to Lee's soft steps toward the door. He felt someone beside him and somehow knew it was Lee. He could tell Lee was hurting, but he wasn't ready to talk yet. His mind was currently being assaulted with memories. Memories from long ago... Seaview... his abduction... fighting Winslow's Transformation... and his full participation in Winslow's plans. It was all so confusing as his first reaction was to fight his restraints at a chance to get Lee's neck into his hands, but he was quickly pulled back by the conflicting knowledge that Lee was as close a brother as he'd ever had.

It made no sense. His body wasn't functioning properly yet and it was like having two distinct personalities warring for their right to exist. He squeezed his eyes shut trying to make the conflicting voices go away and remembered doing the same thing during his Transformation, only it was in the opposite direction. Now, everything in him was shouting that he wasn't an Amphibian, he was Chip Morton, Seaview's Executive Officer.

The withdrawals were currently held at bay through Jamie's medication and he found it easier to think without the constant voice in the back of his head counting down to the next dive. But as quickly as he'd find a pleasant memory aboard Seaview or with Lee and the Admiral it would be squashed away by Winslow's promises. He couldn't call them lies, not yet, but something told him everything Lee told him was true.

What had he done? he thought regretfully only to be answered by his own mind, They had no right to take my gills! He felt bandages at his neck and flexed his hands under the restraints, growing furious that he couldn't even reach to feel what he already knew; They had changed him... Lee had changed him. His last thought before the sedative took him to sleep again was what he'd do to Crane once his hands were free.

* * * * *

Lee stayed away from the hyperbaric chamber as Jamie reported that Chip had been agitated during the first hours of the five hour session, pacing the deck and refusing to respond to the doctor's questions. Later, he had been civil enough upon completion of the oxygen therapy in the chamber but refused the hormone and withdrawal medication; necessitating the need for the restraints once again. His recovery was definitely not taking the same path as Ski's and Riley's. It was now 2100 and Jamie felt that he was stable enough to allow the visit. Lee's visit was not only a matter of personal concern or even Boat business; it was also a litmus test to see how Chip would respond to the one who had authorized his reversion without his consent.

“Hi Chip,” Lee said evenly, taking the chair beside his bunk.

“I was wondering when you'd show up,” he answered as Lee searched his eyes for recognition.

“How are you doing Chip?”

Chip blew out a frustrated breath. “I'm a mess, Lee,” he admitted after a few awkward seconds of silence. “One minute I'm plotting how to wring your neck, the next I'm trying to figure out how I said and did all those things.”

Lee leaned forward, sorry for the inward struggle his friend was going through but glad to hear the familiarity return in their conversation.

“It wasn't your fault, Chip. You didn't ask for what happened, and Winslow changed you without your consent.”

“I'm still having trouble believing Winslow lied to me,” he admitted.

“Your brain, your hormones, everything was changed for the Transformation, Chip. Give it time, you're going to be alright.”

“The restraints?”

“They stay on a little bit longer Buddy,” Lee replied firmly but sympathetically.

“I wanted to kill you, Lee,” he said then turned his head toward the bulkhead.

“It wasn't you, I won't accept that. You, Ski and Riley were all brain-washed by Winslow's engineering and design. He told you what he wanted you to believe and he made sure you had no other choice but to trust him.”

“How are Kowalski and Riley?” he asked still studying some obscure piece of bulkhead instead of looking at Lee.

“They've been released to guest quarters. They're still under MA escort and Jamie's care, but I think they're going to be fine.”

“Lee?” Chip said, his hands suddenly turning into a tight fist under the restraints.

“Yeah.”

“You need to go now, I'm having one those moments where I want rip your throat out,” he said with pained jest, trying to control himself but finding it difficult to work past the conflicting emotions assaulting him.

“Alright, but I want you to know, I'm going to be here for you. We'll get through this together.”

Chip closed his eyes, his fist opening and closing as he breathed heavily, his trust for his best friend returning only in small waves as the voices battled within him; blaming Lee for taking the ecstasy of diving from him; for taking his command away; for locking Dr. Winslow up...

Lee stepped away as Chip heard him leave Sickbay, then finally relaxed.

What's wrong with me? he silently chided himself and closed his eyes wondering if he'd ever be the same again.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lee's walk about the boat the next evening was made with a lighter heart than the previous nights since returning from the island. His visits with Chip today had been encouraging and his personality was returning strongly. Though he was admittedly still facing inner battles with his thought processes, he was still showing significant improvement and Jamie was confident that by morning the restraints could be removed. He would still be monitored in sickbay for several more days as hormone and withdrawal therapies continued, but there was definitely a light at the end of the tunnel.

Likewise, they had turned over Winslow's island hide-away to ONI's and NIS's evidence teams and it looked as if they would be cleared to leave the island tomorrow as well. Unfortunately, they would retain their two prisoners, Dr. Winslow and his assistant Thomas Porter, until they docked at Mare Island; a five day journey as Lee didn't want to run at Full until the repairs at sea were certified as fit.

He was beginning to feel like the worst was over, but he knew from experience the physical healing was really the easiest. Now the hard part would come, as the healing of the heart and soul took longer, especially when one feels they have betrayed not only their country and friends, but themselves as well.

As was his custom he always stopped by the Lab to make sure it was secure for the night. He often found that being here brought him to a closer connection with Harry, as it was here where the Admiral's brilliant mind was able to shine so freely. He smiled slightly and reached for the door, opening it and finding the light still on.

“Excuse me, Sir,” he apologized lightly. “I didn't know you were still working.”

“Oh, not really working... mostly just thinking,” Harry replied, stretching a bit for the end of a long day.

Lee closed the door and entered the room completely.

“Is there something troubling you? Something I should know about?” Lee asked, growing concerned for Harry's obvious uneasiness. Harry considered for a moment before deciding to answer, then relented with a sigh.

“Jamie tells me that Chip is opening up to you,” Harry started to Lee's affirmative nod.

“He's been very honest and open with what's been going on,” Lee said adding a light chuckle. “Especially when he gets one of those thoughts about wanting to do me in,” he finished jestfully and then noticed Harry was still concerned.

“He's opened to Jamie as well.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied, understanding that Harry was leading someplace and realizing the seriousness of his concern.

Harry nodded, pursing his lips tightly. “He won't look me in the eye, Lee. I don't know if I've lost his confidence or what, but he's not letting me in.”

Lee sighed. “It's not what you think Sir,” Lee assured him. “In fact, it's exactly the opposite. He's ashamed, Sir.”

“For this?” Harry said pointing to his fading bruises. “You know as well as I do that I've been roughed up before...”

“Not only what he did to you, but the things he said, Sir,” Lee replied. “He's not ready to spill it all yet, and he's really only giving me hints as to what's bothering him, but I think he's working through the shame.”

“Shame?” Harry said nearly throwing his hands into the air incredulously as he held no ill will toward Chip, knowing full well he was forced into his actions by Winslow's transformation. “Very well, I suppose it's just a matter of time.”

“I'd like to talk to him about it...” Lee started as Harry raised a hand in light protest.

“No Lee, this is between Chip and I. We need to resolve this if we're going to continue to be the strong team we've been in the past.”

Lee lowered his eyes a moment as Harry caught the introspective moment and waited for his response.

“Sir, do you remember what you told me out in the parking lot of the Lucky Blue?” Lee asked, definitely going somewhere with his question.

Harry nodded. “Something about going through a lot together and solving the problem together,” Harry responded with a raised eyebrow.

“Well Sir, I think I know what Chip needs and I think it's going to take both of us together to bring him around.”

Harry cracked a smile that Lee had thrown his own words back at him, then sighed.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Oh, just some wise words from a wise man who helped me through a hard time,” Lee answered cryptically to Harry's tight lips threatening to crack a one-sided smile.

“And when do you propose this conversation?”

“Not in Sickbay, in the privacy of his cabin. We'll give him a chance to work through it some more, but if he doesn't come around on his own...” he replied, trailing off with a slight shrug of his shoulder.

Harry nodded at Lee's wisdom, knowing that the friendship the three shared was strong enough to allow this intervention.

“Very well then,” Harry agreed. “Together.”

There was a small moment of silent satisfaction fueled by their mutual trust and strong friendship as Harry broke the moment with a good-natured slap to Lee's shoulder.

“Come on, Lad, let's finish that walk about the Boat and call it a night.”

Lee smiled, the one his friends got to see when he was truly at ease. “Aye Sir,” he replied as the two left, locking the lab behind them and enjoying a relaxing walk through Seaview's corridors.

* * * * *

Chip's reversion progressed along slower than Kowalski's and Riley's but he had finally gotten past the second set of voices in his head. He remembered everything. He knew who he was, how he'd been changed, and what he'd done. He was no longer a threat to Lee, Harry or the Boat prompting Jamie to authorize the rest of his recovery in his cabin. Seaview was underway again as Chip paced the deck, though his cabin was large living quarters for a submarine, it wasn't nearly big enough to work off his frustration and boredom. A knock at the door broke his stride as Chip turned and answered.

“Come in.”

“Up for company?” Lee asked before entering, the MA outside standing dutifully at his post.

“Oh I don't know, I'll have to check my social calendar,” Chip answered a bit too grumpily to Lee's understanding smile. “Yeah come on in,” he relented pulling his chair around from behind his desk to the same side as the guest chair. “Have a seat,” he offered and then sunk into his own.

“You look like you're going stir crazy,” Lee noted sympathetically.

“Can't do reports... confined to my cabin... I have a guard posted at my door...”

“It's out of my hands Chip,” Lee said, referring to the fact that Chip's Reserve Status was on temporary hold until he was evaluated and cleared. “We'll be pulling into Mare Island for dry dock repairs by tomorrow evening,” Chip closed his eyes, the fact that Seaview's repairs were directly due to his actions was still too painful to bear at times. “ONI is sending someone to interview you there,” Lee continued.

Chip leaned forward on his knees studying the floor between his feet.

“I don't know if I can do this, Lee.”

“You can do it.”

“I don't even know if I deserve to be reinstated.”

“How can you say that?” Lee asked, knowing that Chip needed to talk this whole thing out, his mood had been decidedly dark since being discharged from Sickbay even though his personality had returned in full.

“You need a list?” he asked sarcastically, standing to pace as he counted off his 'failures'. “First, I help a mad man try to steal the Boat,” he said illustrating with one finger in the air. “Then I beat the crap out of a Four Star Admiral,” he continued ticking off another finger. “I lay a trap that damn near tears this Boat in half, then I threatened to kill my commanding officer every time I saw him. Did I leave anything out?” he asked holding up four fingers demonstratively.

“I know what you're going through, and you can beat this,” Lee assured him.

Chip deflated back in the chair and slumped backwards, looking Lee in the eyes as he spoke.

“How can you know Lee? It was like having two people live in my head... and I wasn't strong enough to hold out.”

Lee stood up and walked to the bulkhead wall where there were several pictures of Seaview's command crew hanging. He seemed to study them for a moment, then dropped his head.

“That's how I felt... like I should have been able to hold out. I still feel that way,” he replied as Chip realized what his best friend was talking about. Lee turned toward him and held up a finger, counting off his failures in like fashion.

“First, I sabotage a station and send my own crewman to Sickbay. Then I damn near ram the Boat into a sea mount,” he said ticking off a second finger. “I sabotaged missiles meant to defend my country, I framed you for it then I top it all off by trying to shoot the Admiral,” he finished holding up all five fingers.

“You were brainwashed Lee. They tortured you until your mind gave in, it was survival.”

Lee moved back to sit across from Chip, keeping strong eye contact and getting exactly the response he was going for.

“And that's just what happened to you Chip. We've got the proof that you fought the Transformation, both Ski and Riley have come forward to corroborate the fact. Winslow's own notes explained the process, he documented your case well. And the Admiral has verified the science, nobody's going to hold this over you, the question is can you forgive yourself?”

Chip hung his head. “I don't know, Lee... What does the crew think of me? I was helping Winslow try to convert them into mindless Drones.”

“I wondered the same thing. How can the crew have confidence in a Captain who was brainwashed as an enemy agent and actually brought aboard the explosives to blow the Boat out of the water?”

“You earned your place with them, they accepted you back without question,” Chip defended without thought, as Lee raised an eyebrow having baited his friend along successfully.

“The crew knows you were victimized Chip and they're waiting for you to come back as well. They've accepted Kowalski and Riley back and they'll be ready to take your orders in a heartbeat.”

Chip sat back and smiled wearily, knowing that he had been expertly handled by his best friend. He had rightly defended Lee's actions after the People's Republic kidnapped and brainwashed him last year without a second thought. In his heart he knew there was no difference. Different bad guys; same result.

“So what do I do?” he asked, referring to the ONI interview.

“Be honest, but confident. They'll grill you, try to push you over the edge, but it's only to see if you're sincere. Defend your values and be the man I know you are. You'll make it through.”

“Alright,” he conceded. “Anything else?” he asked looking for whatever coaching Lee could give him to save his commission.

“Yeah,” Lee answered drawing Chip's eyes in a deep connection. “You've been avoiding the Admiral. He tells me you won't look him in the eye.”

Chip sighed, his heart completely bared. “The man gave me a chance of lifetime Lee. He brought me into the Seaview project when it was just a blueprint, and look how I repaid him. It's not just what I did... you should have heard the things I said to him.”

“I'm going to tell you the same thing the Admiral told me while I was confined to a hospital room with barred windows. It was at Mare Island while new herculite windows were being installed,” he added to remind Chip of the similar positions they now found themselves in.

“It's time to forgive yourself. Seaview still has work to do and you're still the best man for the job,” Lee said letting the words sink in and then added. “Chip, the only way Winslow can win now is if you let him take everything you love away from you.”**

“Wow, that's pretty profound,” Chip added with a raised eyebrow.

“That's because that's what the Admiral told me about the PR,” Lee admitted with a smile.

Chip smiled, guessing as much and then dropped his countenance once again.

“Does it still hurt? I mean does it ever go away?”

“Yeah, if I dwell on it, but it does gets better,” Lee replied with confidence, then added. “We've got things to do Chip, and I need you by my side.”

Chip's blue eyes found the resolve Lee had been looking for as he answered, “Alright, I'll try.”

“Good. Someone's waiting outside to see you.”

Chip's eyes widened, then he closed them and nodded as Lee opened the door and invited Harry in. Chip stood to greet him as Lee left the cabin, he was the first to speak as the door closed.

“I want to apologize, Sir,” he started as Harry stepped forward waving him off.

“If I thought you really meant those things Chip, I'd ask for an explanation, but it wasn't you talking.”

“No Sir. I have nothing but respect for you, and I'm sorry I struck you...”

“Enough Lad,” Harry interrupted, taking control over the conversation and where he wanted it to go. “We've been through a lot together, haven't we?”

“Aye Sir.”

“Then let's put this behind us Chip. Seaview still has a lot of work to do, and you're still the best XO in the Navy,” Harry said adding confidence to his words with sincerity in his eyes.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Harry clapped his shoulder fondly. “Now that that's settled, dinner is being served on the Front Porch.”

“But I thought I was confined...”

“What good is it to be a Four Star Admiral if you can't buck an order?” he grinned, as Chip smiled back wearily.

“Aye Sir, and thank you Sir.”

* * * * *

Chip's interviews weren't nearly as taxing as Lee's over a year ago as ONI had already received reports from Seaview's doctor and was much more interested in the scientific transformation process. They dutifully questioned his loyalty to his country and then went on to more of a debriefing of his experience.

Winslow and Thomas Porter had already been turned over to NIS upon reaching the shipyard and both were being very uncooperative, refusing to speak even with legal representation present. Seaview had turned over Winslow's island hideout directly to a NIS evidence team and the Admiral was interpreting the doctor's notes for the investigation. With Chip's successful reversion there was strong reason to believe that both Winslow and Thomas could be reverted back to their rightful personalities with the same treatment, but that would be decided by a court. Until that time, Chip was the only source of firsthand experience they had for an Elite Transformation.

Though he appreciated not being accused of being a traitor, he still found it difficult to explain how his thought processes morphed until he believed everything Winslow told him. But as Lee coached him he was both honest and confident, shedding as much light on the Transformation as he could. In the end, they deemed the physical manipulation of the Amphibian mind control as non-threatening to his future service, as his brain functions had reset once the mechanical gills had been removed. After two days he was given his clearance, his commission returned to Reserve Status and authority to render him fit for duty turned solely to Seaview's CMO, Dr. William Jamieson.

Three days later Seaview was ready to put back to sea, her hull damage minimal as the repairs at sea were deemed fit. Harry, Lee and Chip made their way from across the gang plank, stopping to salute the colors sharply, all three attired in their service dress, complete with caps and ribbons. The trio commanded an impressive presence on the deck as the Admiral was piped aboard, keeping with naval tradition while in the shipyard.

The dry dock had already been flooded and readied to put Seaview to sea as they descended down the Conning Tower ladder. Lee made a bee-line for the chart table, quickly assessing the Control Room stations as Chip began preparations to launch.

Mr. Morton issued his orders crisply, without missing a beat as he had done so many times before. The crew responded just as crisply, their “Aye Sirs” offering complete respect and confidence in the XO as they demonstrated both their skill and willingness to serve under him. No tension or hard feelings existed between the Exec and Kowalski who sat at Sonar, or Riley who manned the station next to Patterson at Hydrophones.

“All stations manned and ready,” Chip reported to his commanding officer. “She's ready to put to sea Skipper.”

Lee nodded, scanning the situation lights for himself and then turned toward Seaview's Executive Officer, speaking so the entire Control Room could hear.

“Very well, Mr. Morton... she's yours to take to sea,” he ordered as Chip cracked a small smile for the confidence Lee had in the tricky maneuver to launch from the flooded dry dock.

“Aye Skipper. Maneuvering, all-back. Dead slow.”

Lee and Harry watched from the Front Porch as Seaview departed, her Conning Tower riding the waves tall and proud as Seaview's impressive profile made quite the show. They traveled on the surface until they hit the open sea when the klaxons rang loudly and Chip dove the Boat, taking Seaview on her final leg home.

“Sir, she's at 90 feet, trim satisfactory and running at Standard,” he reported to his Captain with purposeful military sharpness to show his respect to his best friend and commanding officer.

“Very well, Mr. Morton,” Lee replied. “Join us for a cup of coffee?” he invited with a sweep of his hands.

“Steady as she goes Mr. O'Brien,” Chip ordered then poured himself a cup, taking just a moment to pause and look out Seaview's windows as he heaved a sigh of thankfulness. Thankful to have the life he loved back and the opportunity to serve with two of the finest men on God's earth. He turned and moved to the table taking his seat next to Harry and across from Lee, basking in a friendship that would go to the ends of the earth to rescue a brother in need.

The End

Amphibians Arise

Credits and Author's Notes:

My story contains paraphrases, storylines and original characters from the First Season episode, The Amphibians; written by Rick Vollaerts, directed by Felix Feist, original air date, March 8, 1965.

*NIS – Naval Intelligence Service. Part of the fun of writing in the same timeframe as the television show is keeping historically accurate. In 1966 NIS was formed to distinguish the organization from the rest ONI. In 1992, the organization was again clarified becoming mostly a civilian agency and the name was changed to the now familiar NCIS. Therefore, in the timeframe of the Voyage series (late 70s to early 80s), criminal investigations would have fallen under NIS. JCMB Just covering my bases. : ) source: wikipedia.org

**Quote from my story Out of the Darkness (originally posted 11-16-13), a WHN for the first season story, The Saboteur. My story contains references and plot paraphrases from The Saboteur, written by George Reed (William Read Woodfield), Directed by Felix Feist, original air date February 22, 1965.

Notes:

For my rendition of how Stu Riley came aboard Seaview, visit my story The Surfers (originally posted 1-1-14).

Tank Thompson is my original character who made his debut in my story Bailey's Victory (originally posted 5-31-14) as Chief of Security at the Nelson Institute. He makes appearances every now and again as a supporting character and has become part of Seaview's Crew in my Universe.

Dr. Winslow's Evil Scientist Science – A little bit of research, throw in some buzz words and make it look official... it's called plausibility with an emphasis on science fiction. It's true that the hormones produced by the pituitary gland does, among other more well-known things, control water/salt concentration. So adapting this to my story for how the Amphibians handled the sea water led me on another rabbit trail. Namely, endorphins that are produced by the pituitary gland which may produce euphoria. That led me to more interesting stuff as endorphins have been known to play a part in Depersonalization Disorder, which I used to explain the Drone state of Dr. Winslow's Amphibians. The euphoria is also said to be as strong as morphine or other opioids, which led to the idea of Sea Ecstasy and the Amphibians actually becoming addicted to diving. The opioid antagonists drugs used to treat addiction withdrawals are also real. It all made for some half-baked truths wrapped in a science fiction story to make my evil scientist appear really smart. My apologies to the people who really know how this stuff works! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synapse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pituitary_gland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid

Copyright 2016, All Rights Reserved

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

And the respective production companies