This is a Second Season story.

Blue Marlin

by Lynn

“I'm telling you Ski, if you're wrong you're going to end up with bilge duty for the rest of your life!” Patterson said trying to instill some sense into his long-time friend.

“That's why I'm going to check it out first,” Ski replied as he straightened his tie in the enlisted temporary berths at Pearl*. The berths weren't anything special, a place to sleep, shower and change but it was cheaper than staying at the nicer Navy Lodge and ensured their shore leave wouldn't be interrupted by heading back to the boat and being tagged for some unexpected duty.

“But if it was the Skipper you saw then you're going to find yourself in the middle of one of his ONI missions or something,” Pat urged, trying to instill some reasoning into Ski's stubborn head.

“That's just what I mean to find out, Pat. 'Cause that chick with the Skipper looked like trouble with a capital “T” and those goons weren't just there to open the limo door either.”

Ski finished adjusting the tie on his gray suit and continued. “So you head back to the boat and if I don't come back you let Chief Sharkey in on what I saw.”

Pat nodded in agreement. He was already packed and wearing his Seaview issue blue jumpsuit.

“Alright, but you be careful, Ski.”

“Hey,” Ski said spreading his hands demonstratively in from of him, “don't I always?”

Pat's furled forehead revealed his response even before he spoke, “That's just what I'm afraid of Ski.”

Ski smiled, and the two left. Pat took a taxi back to Seaview and Ski hailed a cab to take him to the high rise hotel where he spotted the Skipper and his “lady friend” earlier that day.

* * * * *

Ski paid the cab driver and straightened his tie before entering the hotel. A man dressed in a fancy burgundy uniform opened the door for him as Ski entered like he was a guest in the elaborate hotel. He walked in taking a seat in the large lobby like he was waiting for someone as he casually looked around. He was sure the Skipper was in trouble because when the big burly guy who weighed at least 300 pounds opened the limo door it just looked odd. Then he spotted the long sexy legs of the tall, thin and very beautiful Asian woman and that definitely got his attention. So he was watching when the third occupant of the limo departed, that's when he saw the Skipper holding his side as the long dark haired beauty sided up next to him looking very much like she was pressing a gun into his back. A second 300 pound gorilla exited behind the Skipper and Ski was sure something was wrong.

Ski didn't know what to do. The Skipper left on leave a week ahead of Seaview's arrival to Pearl and he really could just be enjoying the company of the pretty lady like Pat said, but something told Ski it was all wrong. At the time he was wearing his wild Hawaiian print shirt, board shorts and sandals and he was pretty sure he wouldn't blend into the crowd in the fancy hotel, so he finished his walk back to the base and changed. That's when he told Pat what he saw.

Ski kept watch in the hotel lobby; forty-five minutes into his surveillance he hit the jackpot when gorilla-guy number one walked in the door. Ski picked up the newspaper he was “reading” placing it under his arm, then followed the guy into the elevator. The guy pressed the “P” button for Penthouse as Ski reached over depressing floor thirty-seven. He would have to take the stairs for the remaining three floors but he needed to keep up the appearance of a hotel guest. Ski casually watched the floors light up as the elevator rose, avoiding any eye contact with the gorilla-guy and trying to devise a plan during the elevator's ascent.

He exited on the thirty-seventh floor and walked to the end of the hall. When he was sure the elevator was in motion again he took off around the corner and started a mad dash up the stairs. Three flights later a winded Ski reached for the door handle and slowly turned it cracking the door just a bit. As expected the gorilla-guy was already in the room. He'd have to find a way to check out the Penthouse and he wasn't even sure the Skipper was still here.

Just then the Penthouse door opened and the knock-out Asian lady left with the second gorilla-guy. This was his chance. He waited until they entered the elevator and watched the lights to make sure they were going down to the lobby. Ski's eyes narrowed, it was now or never, but one 300 pound gorilla-guy was going to be hard to take down. He looked around and found a brass planter in the immaculate hall and took it to the door knocking three times.

A few moments passed as he heard someone taking heavy steps toward the door. They paused, presumably checking out the visitor through the peep hole, but Ski held the plant to effectively cover his face.

“Who is it?”

“Delivery from the hotel florist.”

“We weren't expecting anything from the florist,” the deep voice answered from behind the door.

“Look man, I'm just doing my job,” Ski whined. “A beautiful babe with long black hair and wearing a red business suit just ordered the plant and I was told to bring it straight here.”

There was a silence and then Ski heard the door open, his face still hidden in the fern.

“Where do you want me to put it?” He asked as he cleared the thresh hold. The gorilla-guy looked around the room pondering his choices when Ski took that moment to turn, swinging the brass pot as hard he could and connecting with gorilla-guy's head.

The guy stumbled back and regained his footing then started to lunge forward as Ski struck him again, this time following up with another blow to the back as the large man fell forward and landed in a heap.

Ski's adrenalin was racing but he swallowed hard and began looking for the Skipper in the large Penthouse. He opened several suite doors and finally found what he was looking for as Captain Crane lay on the floor in a bloody heap.

“Skipper?” Ski whispered, afraid that gorilla-guy would wake at any moment.

Lee moaned as Ski turned him over, he was black and blue and obviously in considerable pain.

“Easy there, Sir. I'll get you out of this.”

“Ski?” Lee answered incredulously.

“Here, lean on me Sir.”

Lee allowed Ski to help him up as they left the room and moved toward the front door. They skirted themselves around the gorilla-guy still on the floor and left toward the stairs. Once inside the stairwell, Lee immediately motioned for Ski to set him down on the landing as he held his sides.

“Skipper, we better keep moving.”

“Ski... I gave them bad Intel, they're off checking it out right now...”

Ski nodded, the Skipper's so cool, he knows just how to handle these bad guys he thought proudly as Lee finished his statement.

“They're going to come back and knock me around a bit more, and then I'm supposed to give them the 'real' Intel.”

Understanding hit as Ski's shoulders rounded and he noticeably deflated.

“You mean you wanted to get busted up like this?”

Lee let out a humorless chuckle, “If you give it up too soon they know you're up to something...”

“So this is part of the plan?” Ski said slowly. “And I just walked into an ONI mission, didn't I?” The last accompanied with a large audible sigh.

Lee smiled through the bruises and blood running down his mouth. “Yeah, you just did. Okay,” he said thinking things through. “I've got to get caught again, did the bad guy see you?”

“Yeah,” Ski admitted.

Lee lowered his eyes working through his options and then raised them to meet Ski's. “Okay, take me back to hotel room. We wait until the goon starts to wake, you drop me, I'll keep him busy and you high-tail it out of here. You got that?”

“You want me to leave you there?”

Lee nodded and took a shallow breath in. “Help me up, Ski.”

Ski took up a position under Lee's right arm as he steadied himself.

“I'm sorry about this Skipper.”

“We'll talk about it later, let's just get back before he wakes up.”

Ski nodded and helped Lee back to the Penthouse. When they got there Lee crouched down and felt the guy's pulse and face and then sighed.

“He's out cold Ski.”

Kowalski couldn't believe this, he should have listened to Pat. How does Pat always know these things?

Lee thought through his options. “Okay, new plan,” he said, rising without Ski's help this time. “They'll be back soon, so we wait near the stairwell. You drop me as soon as you see them, I'll keep them busy till you get away. It's got to look like a failed rescue attempt.” Lee sighed again. “If you're caught... you're my partner. I don't know if I'll be able to protect you in all this, so don't get caught,” he admonished and then moved toward the door. “We'll have to make it look good, like I'm done in.”

“Okay Skipper,” Ski said as they moved through the hallway.

Lee ran a hand through his hair, “If you're caught, I'm Lee Culver, but you call me “Boss” or something like that.” Ski nodded again, his regret apparent. “And Ski...” Lee smiled sincerely, “Thanks for coming.”

Ski nodded as they positioned themselves near the stairs and waited for the sounds of the elevator. About fifteen minutes passed and the elevator dinged sounding the car's arrival as Lee passed a commanding look towards Ski. They started moving as if they were desperate to get away when the commotion behind them signaled they were in pursuit. As instructed, Ski dropped Lee as if he were afraid to get caught and opened the stairwell door just in time to miss a bullet whiz by. The shot was preceded by only a whiff sound as the silencer effectively muffled the gun's report.

Lee rose and acted as if he was going to try and make a run for it but was over-run by the bad guy and manhandled up against the wall. The Lady in Red walked up, delivering a wicked backhand to Lee's face and then motioned the bad guy to drag Lee back into the Penthouse as she carried a large silver briefcase behind them.

Bad guy number one was still sprawled out on the floor as Lee tried to salvage the messy mission.

“Who's your friend?”

Lee blew a breath and answered matter of factly, “My partner.”

“I didn't know you had a partner,” she answered with sharpened eyebrows.

Lee let out a scoff, “Yeah…well after he left me high and dry out there, I'd say I don't have a partner anymore.”

“I wonder,” she stated rather than asked.

“Take him to the back room and tie him in the chair, we have more talking to do.”

Lee breathed in deeply and resolved himself to the next round of interrogations hoping the mission was still secure and that Ski hadn't inadvertently taken away the bad guy's need to keep him alive once the Intel was turned over.

* * * * *

“You what!” Admiral Harriman Nelson yelled in his full four-star furor as Kowalski stood at attention with Chief Sharkey by his side.

Harry lowered his tone and shook his head. “Kowalski, you should have come to me first.”

“I realize that now, Sir,” Ski said taking full responsibility for his actions. “But I was afraid I would lose them if it turned out that the Skipper really needed help.”

“I understand, Kowalski. But this whole thing has been a carefully planned out and orchestrated sting, and I'm not sure how your appearance is going to affect it. For now, restrict yourself to the crew's quarters until further notice.”

“Aye Sir.”

Ski turned to leave as Sharkey held back, watching Harry move to his chair behind the desk.

“Ah...Sir? Begging the Admiral's pardon, but do you think you were a little hard on him? I mean Kowalski meant well.”

Harry sighed, “I understand Francis, but this time his well-meaning interference might just get Captain Crane killed.”

Harry knew those words stung Sharkey as he reached for the intercom. “Station yourself outside my cabin until I make this call, Chief. Then we'll see what we need to do to mop up this mess.”

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey answered and left pulling the door closed behind him as he heard the Admiral ordering Sparks to put him through to Admiral Johnson at ONI.

* * * * *

Sharkey could hear the heated conversation even from behind the closed door as Johnson made his displeasure known. He was glad it was all muffled and he couldn't hear the particulars, although he had a pretty good idea what was being said.

* * * * *

“Blasted Gerald! I told you the dangers of Lee operating this sting out of Pearl. If it hadn't been my man it would have been half a dozen other Navy men who could have recognized Lee,” Harry expounded loudly. “Let's worry about the blame later and try and figure a way to keep Lee alive!”

Johnson nodded and pursed his lips in thought. “Crane will pass off the intended Intel as planned, the real danger lies with whether Crane is still enough of an asset to any further information they may want to keep him alive,” Gerald stated rather matter of factly. “We were counting on them wanting the second phase of the Intel to draw out the big boss known by code name; Blue Marlin,” he finished.

“I understand, but what can we do to ensure their need to keep Lee alive without losing your sting operation?”

Gerald's eyes drifted away as he thought through options and then smiled. “How would you like to join the party, Harriman?”

Harry leaned over the desk, moving closer to the video screen. “What do you have in mind, Gerald?”

“Lee's cover was a low level programmer from the firm contracted to provide the software for the Navy. We painted him pretty much as a weasel, it was the only way we could get them to take the bait, which is why he gave bad Intel the first time around. You're going to be his boss, and the “real brains” behind the operation. Take along your rating as your hired muscle, that should explain his presence at the hotel today.”

Harry nodded and tightened his lips as Gerald continued to lay out the plan to improve Lee's chances of survival and still salvage the mission. Harry let loose a small smile, signaling his approval and signed off. They needed to move on this, so Harry called Sharkey back in issuing hasty orders as he moved to the head to change into a dark business suit.

* * * * *

“Okay, okay,” Lee breathed out feigning his surrender with the last devastating blow. “I gave you bad stuff, but I've got the goods... you can have it.”

“Where is it? And you better deliver this time,” the Lady in Red admonished digging her finger nails into Lee's jaw as she held his chin.

“I will... I will,” Lee promised, putting in enough fear in his voice to invoke confidence that he was through deceiving them. Lee audibly sighed in relief as goon number two, Rafael, stepped away from him, “It's in my apartment.”

“Your address and your key,” she demanded.

“In my pocket,” Lee answered in defeat.

She moved toward Lee, his arms still tied tightly behind his back, and hovered over him. Her long black hair fell forward brushing Lee's face as she looked him in the eyes and reached into his front pant pocket slowly pulling his keys out. Then she smiled and stepped back as Lee supplied the address to his cover apartment, a small one room flat secured specifically for the mission.

* * * * *

The Lady in Red inserted the key into the lock of the small and unimpressive apartment. Rafael preceded her entry making sure everything was secure, but they were both greeted to three handguns trained squarely on them as they entered.

“Who are you?” She asked, never losing her cool as she stared at the auburn haired man with the deep blue eyes.

“You first,” he answered, just as cool.

“Karin,” she answered, avoiding her full name.

Harry put his gun away but the other two guns stayed drawn. Kowalski stood nearby still wearing the gray suit he wore earlier, but now wearing dark sunglasses and looking appropriately menacingly. The second gun belonged to Chief Sharkey, who begged his way onto the mission, also wearing a suit and dark sunglasses. Harry originally thought to bring hefty Ron Rodriguez along to play the second “muscle man” but Sharkey did some fast talking and Harry subsequently agreed.

“Harold,” Harry replied, supplying his cover name. “Ricky here,” he said pointing towards Ski, “tells me you got my other boy.”

“I wondered if he worked alone. He's a looker alright, but he doesn't seem to be too bright. He tried to sell me bad stuff you know?”

Harry scoffed. “Culver's an idiot, but he does have his uses which is why I need him back,” Harry replied. “He has access to Phase Two.”

Karin cracked a half-smile in response.

Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a three and half inch hard cased diskette holding it up to her line of sight.

“Is this what you're after?” Harry's eyes twinkled, his tight lipped smile portraying a man of confidence as Karin reached for the disk. Harry pulled it away, his smile widening. “My price still remains despite Culver's blunders.”

Karin stood a moment assessing the new player to the game. She admired his confidence, not to mention the dimple in his chin along with his piercing eyes. Her smile gave away her appreciation as she held out her hand.

“The deal's still on.”

“Good, you'll get it once I have Culver back.”

“Agreed,” she said withdrawing her hand as Harry motioned for Ski and Sharkey to holster their sidearms under their jackets.

Rafael relaxed his stance as well as they turned to leave taking separate limos back to the hotel.

* * * * *

Harry entered the Penthouse as Karin's guest with Ski and Sharkey not far behind. He was guided into the back room where he spotted Lee still tied to the chair with his head tilted forward and resisted the urge to run to his side.

“Culver, you IDIOT!” Harry said loud enough to wake Lee who raised his head instantly aware of Harry's voice and the use of his cover name.

“I told you to hold out for more money, not try and sell junk!”

Lee recognized the game and played along handily.

“Sorry Mr....”

“Don't Mr. Jackson me!” Harry bellowed, easily providing his cover name. “Those puppy dog eyes may work on people of the female persuasion but they don't do a thing for me.”

“Sorry Mr. Jackson,” Lee said petulantly as Ski and Sharkey moved in to free Lee's hands.

Harry turned towards Karin handing her the disk. “You verify this and we'll talk about Phase Two,” he said adding a wink and changing his tone to match the interest in her eyes.

Karin took the disk offering a seductive smile in return and then turned it over to Gorilla number one who stood eyeing Kowalski and hoping for a chance at retribution for the bumps he now bore on his head.

“Run this through the computer, Norman,” she said returning her gaze to Harry. Norman nodded and moved to the parlor as the rest of the group followed. Ski and Sharkey helped Lee walk but Harry ignored him, not giving him a second thought and keeping with his part as uncaring and uninterested in his hired man's condition.

Norman carried the disk over to the large silver briefcase on the table and opened it, booting the computer and sliding the diskette into the side drive. Karin moved over to view the code as her smile morphed to satisfaction. She enjoyed doing business with the top guy, and although she had definitely noticed Culver's looks, his boss fascinated her. She enjoyed the sharp features of his face, the wave in his auburn hair and the cut of his suit against his trim but husky body. Mostly, she enjoyed a man with “experience” and she perceived Harold Jackson was just that sort of man.

Karin turned, her red short cut business suit accentuating her curves, and offered her satisfied smile to Harry.

“I think I'm going to like doing business with you Harold.”

Harry took a step closer lifting her hand to his lips, “My friends call me Harry.”

Karin nodded, accepting his token of affection and agreeing that “Harry” seemed to fit him well.

Harry turned his attention back to Lee whose face was battered, bruised but showing no emotion, even though he was smiling inside watching the “master” at work.

“Culver here needs a doctor,” he said without emotion. “Or he'll be no good to us when it's time to access Phase Two.”

“His condition will be a little hard to explain,” Karin noted sitting down and folding her long legs as her skirt hiked up a bit.

“I've got a doctor who doesn't ask questions or report bullet wounds and the like,” Harry replied. “And another thing, I like my privacy.”

Harry walked over to the hotel phone, not bothering to ask for permission, and dialed up the desk.

“This is Harold Jackson, I'd like Penthouse Number 2. Fine,” he answered in response to the desk clerk who had already been informed and was holding the second Penthouse for this call. “Good, my man will be waiting for the key.”

Harry motioned to Sharkey who nodded in return and left the Penthouse to wait for the bell-boy.

“When will Phase Two be available, Culver?” Harry asked dispassionately.

“Not till midnight tonight, after the nightly processing,” Lee answered.

“I suggest we make ourselves comfortable and wait it out,” Harry said with a playful smile. “Would you care to dine with me this evening?”

“Fine, but here in my Penthouse,” she answered coyly.

Sharkey re-entered the room signaling the second Penthouse was ready as Harry, Lee and their “muscle men” turned to leave.

“Shall we say seven o'clock?”

Karin agreed with a seductive smile to match Harry's charm.

“Until then my Dear,” Harry said adding a sophisticated kiss to Karin's hand and left. Norman, Karin's muscle man, watched the group leave making sure they had indeed taken the second Penthouse on the floor positioned on the other side of the elevator shaft, and returned to report to Miss Karin.

* * * * *

Once inside the Penthouse, Harry's indifference for Lee's condition disappeared as he motioned Sharkey and Ski to one of the bedroom suites. They worked Lee over to the bed as he sat on the edge.

“Just collateral damage, Sir. Nothing serious,” Lee reported.

“Well let's just let Jamie tell us that, okay Lee?”

“No need to bring someone else in on this...” Lee said as Harry helped him lie back on the bed.

“Why not? The more the merrier,” Harry answered in humorous sarcasm and then nodded to Sharkey who left knowing just where to pick up Doc Jamieson waiting in a nearby medical building; in the event they were tailed it would all look legitimate.

Ski went into the bathroom to fetch supplies to begin applying first aid as Lee cracked a smile at Harry.

“I think you and Karin are hitting it off nicely,” he said with a chuckle. “What's the plan?” he added seriously as Harry pulled a chair over.

“Johnson's in agreement that your part in all this will most likely be deemed expendable once they have Phase Two. We're going to try and flush Blue Marlin out and wrap this up tonight. Until then, I'll wine and dine Karin and insist on meeting her boss for the final exchange. In the meantime, you rest up and let Jamie take care of you.”

“I'm fine, really. Just need a little rest.”

Harry rolled his eyes and left the chair with a smirk as Ski settled in dabbing blood away from Lee's face. Lee, for his part, fell asleep almost immediately as Harry moved to the phone to order up a tux from the Concierge services of the hotel.

* * * * *

Jamie arrived wearing a business suit and carrying a standard black doctor's bag. Sharkey reported to Harry that Norman had indeed followed them, but everything went as planned.

“Good,” Harry replied as he watched Jamie open Lee's shirt and felt his ribs for breaks. He exchanged a smile with Sharkey as the expected banter between the doctor and his patient began to play itself out.

“Jamie, I'm fine. Really.”

“Oh really?” Jamie said pressing in a particularly sensitive spot as Lee gasped. “Ski tells me you actually set yourself up for this?”

Lee just smiled innocently and decided to let Jamie have at him, he'd get some rest and then tonight he'd be ready to play his part again.

Forty-five minutes later, Lee was asleep again; his middle now wrapped with an ace bandage, as Jamie reported to Harry.

“Well, he was right. No broken bones, no concussion, and no sign of internal injuries. He's bruised and battered but he'll be fine.”

Harry nodded and ushered Jamie out of Lee's room. “Good. We'll order up a five star dinner for all of you, until then enjoy the view on ONI's ticket.”

Jamie's eyebrows tightened in question. “Aren't you eating, Harry?” He asked, feeling funny not using Harry's title of Admiral.

“As a matter of fact, I'll be dining across the hall this evening,” Harry replied with a glimmer in his eye and in a tongue and cheek fashion that Jamie recognized.

“Oh? Blond or brunette?”

“Brunette. Definitely a brunette,” Harry answered as he entered his room to shower and change.

* * * * *

Harry emerged from his room wearing an elegant black tuxedo complete with a white shirt and black bow tie. He was somewhat surprised to see Lee in the parlor sitting comfortably in a chair. His bruises were nice and ripe but he was cleaned up and looked much better.

“Well, that ought to impress her,” Lee offered knowing he would embarrass Harry, but not able to pass up the opportunity anyway.

Harry adjusted the bow tie and shot over a “just eat your heart out” look which Lee received with a smile and a chuckle as he held his side in response to the uncomfortable effects of sore ribs.

“Has he eaten yet?” Harry said, directing his question to Jamie.

“It's on the way up now,” Jamie answered as Harry nodded in satisfaction.

“Good. Okay gentlemen, be ready to begin again at midnight,” Harry admonished as Lee's facial expression changed from playfulness to concern. He moved carefully from the chair across the room to meet Harry at the door.

“Be careful Sir, she doesn't exactly play nice,” Lee warned, the bruises on his face broadcasting the message clearly.

“I will Lee.”

Harry left as Lee bolted the door behind him, his concern still evident on his battered face.

* * * * *

Harry and Karin dined on the terrace alone, but Harry was sure that Norman and Rafael were still somewhere about. Karin had allowed her interest for Harry to be quite transparent, making Harry's job of keeping her busy an easy task. She was at least fifteen years his junior and quite an exotic beauty as her emerald green eyes contrasted her dark silky hair. She sat across the table wearing a deep blue sequenced dress that hugged the curves of her well-trimmed body, the slit up one leg revealed the matching silver sandaled toed heels on her dainty feet. The cut in her neckline was especially inviting and Harry decided that he was at present enjoying this unexpected assignment. He didn't, however, lose sight of the fact that Karin was a dangerous adversary seeking to gain important military assets.

“Would you care to dance?” Harry said, rising and offering his hand to Karin who unfolded her legs and allowed herself to be pulled into his arms.

The soft, romantic dance music played lightly in the background as Harry pulled her close and glided her about the terrace.

She stood back, still dancing in his arms and traced Harry's bottom lip seductively with her manicured red painted finger nails. Harry responded by pressing her closer and offering a deep passionate kiss which deepened at her welcoming response...

* * * * *

Lee paced the floor, it was 2315 hours and the game would be in full gear once again as he needed to play his part and “break into” the software firm by midnight. He thought Harry might call it a night by now to prepare, but figured his lateness was a good sign.

“Lee, will you please sit down. You're wearing me out,” Jamie implored, feigning weariness but really intending for Lee to rest longer.

“I'm fine, Jamie,” Lee answered politely but with his command voice firmly in place. The usual banter between the two put aside as Lee prepared for the next part of the mission.

The sound of the lock being keyed turned everyone's attention toward the door as Harry entered.

“How'd it go?” Lee asked professionally, ignoring Harry's bow tie hung loosely around his neck and the fact that the first two buttons were loosened on his shirt.”

“She agreed to bring Blue Marlin to the drop off,” Harry replied heading for his room to change as Lee nodded with satisfaction.

* * * * *

Lee entered through the security system of the software firm using his “employee badge”. ONI had previously ferreted out the real mole in the organization and had replaced the thief with Lee Culver. They had one half of the leak plugged; now securing Karin's boss, Blue Marlin, would shut down the deal for good.

Lee went through the motions of accessing the computer as if he were really stealing the software to keep up appearances in the likely event he was being watched. To anyone with binoculars watching through the mostly glass walls, he looked the part of a rogue employee engaging in industrial espionage.

Once Phase Two, which was loaded with fatal errors to kill the program should something go wrong, was secured Lee left the building, walked a block and was picked up by Harry's limo. Sharkey and Kowalski were along to play out their parts, but they left Jamie at the hotel.

Lee handed the disk over to Harry as he climbed in.

“Okay, let's get to the rendezvous, pass the Intel and see who shows up for the party,” Harry said with a tight lipped smile.

The driver, an ONI undercover operative shook his head and drove toward a specified beach on Oahu. The driver placed the limo in park as Harry and Lee waited for the second limo to appear. Upon its arrival Harry and Lee deboarded followed by Ski and Sharkey who took up positions nearby, looking appropriately intimidating as they stood among the small mounds of sand dunes on the beach.

Karin stepped out, now wearing a chic black business pant suit followed by Norman and Rafael.

“I thought I was going to work with your boss,” Harry said dryly.

“First let me see the goods,” Karin answered all business, despite their intimate dinner earlier.

Harry reached into his breast pocket and produced the disk. Karin motioned for Norman who placed the large silver briefcase on top of the hood of the limo and booted the computer once again. He inserted the disk as Karin moved the cursor, examining the menu options.

“Thank you Harry, I like doing business with you,” she motioned to Rafael who produced another briefcase and opened it on top of the hood as well.

Harry stepped forward and examined the briefcase, picking up a wad of cash and shuffling through the bills making sure they were real. His eyebrow rose in question as Karin started to leave.

“I thought I was going to meet Blue Marlin?” Harry asked, as Karin turned with a knowing and seductive smile.

“I am Karin Kurokajiki.”**

Instantly Harry understood. He had spent enough time in Hawaii to know how to order blue marlin at a restaurant.

“Kajiki,” Harry pondered out loud as Karin smiled, “You're Blue Marlin,” he stated rather than asked with an upraised eyebrow.

“Why look so surprised? This operation is mine, and that ship out there,” she said pointing out to a yacht off shore, “is waiting to take possession of the software.”

Harry shot a glance over to Lee, who casually reached into his pocket and activated his transponder. Suddenly, without any prelude or warning two whiff sounds were accompanied by both Norman and Rafael reaching for the unexpected darts shot by a Special Forces sharp shooter, as the two crumbled and lost consciousness.

Almost as quickly, five mounds of dunes around them erupted like volcanos as five Navy SEALS rose from their stealthy hiding places all training their automatic rifles on Karin and her limo driver who threw his hands up in instant surrender.

Out in the distance floods lights from three coast guard vessels lit up as a helicopter dropped more commandos to the deck of the waiting yacht.

Karin's head whipped from scene to scene as she saw her musclemen fall behind her, the SEALS appearance out of the dunes and the yacht being boarded, then in quick recognition of her defeat turned her head back to Harry who stood coolly before her.

She composed herself even as her hands were cuffed in front of her.

“You were good Harry, in more ways than one,” she issued tongue in cheek. “Congratulations, you've bagged a trophy fish,” she finished referring to every fisherman's dream of pulling in a blue marlin; with that she was escorted away.

Harry blew out an audible breath and turned toward Lee who was fighting back a one sided smile.

Harry turned on his four star tone in mock displeasure, “If you weren't a walking mass of bruises I'd keel haul your six for that smirk on your face, Commander.”

Lee's one sided smile morphed into full bloom giving way to a chuckle as Harry placed a friendly hand on his shoulder and guided him back to the limo.

“Let's wrap this thing up and go home.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied contently.

* * * * *

“Very well Commander. I'll expect your After Action Report tomorrow.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied as the video screen went black.

The mission was wrapped up with Harry and Lee's video call to a very happy Admiral Johnson. The People's Republic Agent had been secured aboard the yacht, the real software thief had been put away, and Blue Marlin had been put out of business for good. And though the mission's plans had been subsequently altered due to Kowalski's involvement; it was agreed by all that Harry's part had been the determining factor in flushing out Blue Marlin as Karin's obvious preference for “older” gentlemen had tipped the scale in their behalf.

All and all a successful mission, Lee thought despite the bruises he currently sported.

“Well that wraps that one up,” Harry said contently. “You better get on that AAR and then take your shore leave, Lee.”

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied with a satisfied smile and left the Admiral's office. Outside Sharkey waited with Kowalski who was ready to receive his penance. Lee stopped, placing a sorrowful hand on Ski's shoulder and shook his head in sympathy, then turned for the Captain's Cabin with his smile stealthily hidden from Ski's sight.

Ski swallowed hard and entered the Admiral's Cabin as ordered, psyching himself up for one of the Admiral's famous four star tirades. He took up position in front of Harry's desk standing erectly at attention ready to bear bilge duty for the rest of his life for interfering with the Skipper's mission.

“Kowalski,” Harry started in full command tone. “I'm well aware of the circumstances that drew you into this mission, and while it was admirable of you it very nearly could have killed the entire mission as well as seriously endanger Captain Crane.”

Ski stayed completely navy and resolved himself to accept this well-deserved dressing down.

“Now while I appreciate your concern for the Captain's well-being, I can't overlook your actions without due discipline,” Harry said sternly and rising to pace in front of his desk as Sharkey looked on.

“Now it appears that Doctor Jamieson will not clear Captain Crane for duty until he has taken a real shore leave. The Captain has opted to take the next week sailing the islands and is in need of a deck hand.”

Harry took on a sympathetic tone and looked sadly at Kowalski. “I'm sorry to have to do this to you, lad,” Harry's voice returned Four-Star, “But you are hereby ordered to keep the Captain out of trouble for the next week! He is to take absolutely no calls from ONI and I will hold you personally responsible for any such communications. Do I make myself clear, Sailor?” Harry bellowed emphasizing the last word sharply.

Ski's lips twitched as he struggled to pull back the smile threatening to erupt on his face.

“Aye Sir.”

“Very well, repeat your orders.”

“I am to keep the Captain out of trouble and intercept any communications from ONI, Sir!” Ski added the last “Sir” with the appropriate amount of Navy decorum when one receives discipline from an Admiral.

“Very well, Kowalski. You are dismissed.” Harry added in his best Jiggs Stark imitation complete with pursed sour lips.

“Aye Sir,” Kowalski added and executed a perfect about face smiling as he reached for the door thinking about how interesting the night life was going to be...the Skipper was a real chick magnet, even with the bruises he sported!

Harry returned to his seat and sank down with pure contentment written on his face. His subsequent chuckles filled the cabin as he leaned back in his chair and smiled at the satisfied ending to the unexpected mission.

“Ah... Sir?” Chief Sharkey said shyly. “Begging the Admiral's pardon, but don't you think you were a bit hard on Kowalski? I mean a full week of keeping the Skipper out of trouble?” He added with a grin.

“I'm sorry, Chief,” Harry added with his own grin. “I know it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!”

Harry and Sharkey's chuckles filled the cabin once again as Harry rose, feeling the need to check on the Control Room with Sharkey following him out the door, both still pulling back chuckles as they descended the spiral staircase of the Admiral's oceanic wonder, the Seaview.

The End

Blue Marlin

* Enlisted temporary berths at Pearl Harbor – Exists only in my fan fiction as far as I know and was necessary to explain the window in the challenge picture. ; )

** kajiki – the Hawaiian fish market name for blue marlin, kurokajiki is Japanese for blue marlin

http://www.hawaii-seafood.org/wild-hawaii-fish/billfish/blue-marlin-kajiki/

Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved

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