Author's Forward:  I studied the story board; a picture with Crane in tights and Kowalski in pirate clothes and asked Irwin what he wanted from the story.  He said, “Grit, grit, grit.  Give me action, action, action.”  “With this?” I asked in unbelief.  “Well if Al Gail can do it for Lobster Man and Charles Bennett can do it for puppets surely you can do for Robin Hood!” he challenged me.  “Yes Sir, Mr. Allen,” I said and got to work, knowing that both Gail and Bennett had turned out fine episodes despite the strange premises.  When I was done I turned it in sort of hoping Mr. Allen would use William Welch's rendition instead.  “Great!  It's got grit, it's got action, it's got period clothes already in the costume department!  Let's go with it!”   I was a bit surprised and wondered what Hedison and Basehart would think of me after this episode, but pleased none the less the story would go to production.  Then I woke up, of course I never met Irwin Allen and my story was never produced but I rather thought I had Irwin's approval on the adventure so I posted it here.  I still wondered what David and Richard would think of me, but then again that's Voyage Fan Fiction.  Lynn : )

 

A Third Season Story…

 

 

Child's Play

 

by Lynn

 

 

 

“Nelson calling Seaview.  Come in Seaview.”

 

“Admiral,” Captain Crane replied amiably.  “Good to hear your voice.  How was Washington?”

 

Harry smiled, he had missed two weeks of Seaview's three month voyage and Lee's friendly voice was most welcome.

 

“Washington was Washington,” he deadpanned to Lee's soft chuckle on the other side.

 

“I should be on your scope now,” Harry continued getting back to business.  “ETA... twelve minutes.”

 

“Aye Sir, we're watching your approach.  We'll keep the lights on for you,” he quipped.  “Uh Admiral... did you get that little something I asked for?” Lee asked cryptically.

 

“On board safe and sound,” Harry replied just as cryptically.  “Nelson out,” he said with a tight lipped knowing smile and followed Seaview's vector in.

 

* * * * *

 

“What was that all about?” Chip Morton, Seaview's Executive Office asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Top Secret,” Lee replied with a grin that said it had nothing to do with National Security as Chip kept his XO face firmly in place. 

 

“Above my pay grade?” he jested back without breaking the command face that made ratings shudder in their deck shoes.

 

“Let's just say you'll find out soon enough,” Lee replied as Chip handed him a clip board to sign-off.

 

Lee chuckled and reached for the clip-board then froze in place just as a dark headed man appeared out of thin air standing on the periscope island with his hands on his hips and wearing 17th Century attire, complete with the lace frills on his cuffs and ruffles on his shirt covered by a long tan overcoat with matching knickers, reminiscent of a Spanish Explorer.

 

Every rating was frozen in place at the duty stations in varying positions.  Some reaching for dials, some in mid-sentence.  The helmsman had his hands on the yoke, Chief Sharkey was caught in a “Look here you Bozos” expression and one was in the middle of his stride walking across the deck.

 

Sparks was leaning forward, his hand frozen on a gain dial, while at the Chart Table Chip held a clip-board as Lee's hand reached to receive it.

 

“Oh this is going to be so much FUN!” he declared as he turned in a circle and made his selections.  He pointed toward Sparks as the Communication's Officer vanished.  Kowalski was next, disappearing from Sonar followed by Chief Sharkey as the Visitor pointed to each one in turn.

 

“You... you... you... and....,” he turned in a circle, giggling as he spun and reciting a child's nursery rhyme.

 

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.  My-mo-ther-told-me-to-pick... YOU!” he declared picking his last choice as Captain Crane disappeared.

 

With that the Visitor laughed heartily.  “Now all of you stay just the way you are,” he instructed, even though none of the frozen crewmen could hear him.  “Oh this is going to be MARVELOUS!” he cackled and then disappeared leaving behind Seaview's crew, frozen and inanimate.  The sounds of Sonar bleeped in the background as Seaview sat stationary awaiting the Flying Sub, but other than the background sounds of computers whizzing and an occasional beep, the Control Room was silent. That silence was broken, however, by a radio hail broadcasting through the Com as Admiral Nelson's voice was heard demanding a reply.

 

* * * * *

 

“Seaview this is Nelson.  Come in Seaview.”

 

Harry tried again but Seaview was still silent as FS1 approached the large submarine, her bay doors already open to berth the yellow submersible but not answering his hails.  He could see silhouettes of crewmen from the windows as he circled to dock and decided the best thing to do was to get aboard and find out why his hails were being ignored.

 

Harry completed the shutdown procedures knowing something was terribly wrong as no one had opened the deck hatch to greet him.  In addition, he had to manually close the bay doors and initiate pumping the bay from inside FS1, all of which made him more than a bit cautious as he stopped at the rear storage cabinet to secure a sidearm.  He took the time to fasten the holster around his hips then climbed the ladder, undogging and slowly raising the hatch.  He exited carefully, noting immediately that something was wrong. 

 

The silence struck him first, almost instantly he realized Seaview's crew was eerily frozen in odd positions suggesting whatever happened was unexpected and instantaneous.  Harry trained his weapon across the room as he looked for any sign of an intruder or anything else that would explain his crew's condition.  He followed a circular path past Chip at the Chart Table and headed toward an empty Radio Shack.  He turned at the Position Board where the COB usually stationed himself finding only the headset lying haphazardly across the floor.  He continued his circuit forward finding Sonar abandoned and turned back toward the Chart Table where Chip's position indicated he was handing his clip board to someone as Harry realized Lee was among the missing. 

 

Harry dispelled an unhappy breath having a mystery of epic proportions in front of him and no clue to what had happened and just how he was going to fix it.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee blinked and found himself in a totally different place than he was one blink ago.  He took in the surroundings of a large hall, full of antique furniture and decorations and a rather large chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

 

“Skipper!” he heard and turned toward Kowalski's voice.

 

“Ski,” he replied, surprised but grateful to see the Rating and convinced he wasn't dreaming.

 

“What is this place Sir?  How did we get here?”

 

“I don't know Ski,” Lee answered truthfully.  “What do you remember before arriving here?”

 

“I was sitting at Sonar watching the Flying Sub approach and then I was here,” Kowalski replied a bit frustrated.  “Only this doesn't make sense and I don't know where here is.”

 

“Easy Ski.  We'll figure it out,” Lee said offering the voice of reason to a situation that was nowhere near reasonable.

 

“Skipper!”

 

Both Lee and Kowalski turned to see Sparks and Sharkey making their way toward them.

 

“Man oh man,” Sharkey said exasperated.  “Where is this place... and how did we get here?”

 

Lee let out a humorless chuckle, “I don't Chief.  Let's fan out, see if there are any more crewmen here.  Report back here in ten minutes,” he ordered needing to get some answers but starting with the well-being of his crew first.

 

“Aye, aye Sir,” each answered, responding to the Captain's order and grateful for something constructive to do.

 

Lee walked toward the light pouring from an adjacent hallway finding it lit with torches and candles.  The hallway was filled with locked doors and a staircase at the end of the hall but he needed to rendezvous with his crew so he left the stairs for later and returned to the main hall.  The building looked very much like a medieval castle, which only added to the mystery of where they were and how they got here.  He returned to the great hall, pleased to see that Sparks, Ski and Sharkey had all returned from their scouting missions right on time and called for their reports.

 

“Anything?”

 

“Not a thing Skipper.  Looks like it's just us,” Sharkey said as Ski and Sparks agreed.

 

“Sparks do you remember anything unusual before we arrived here?” Lee asked trying to uncover any clues to help them.

 

“No Sir.  I was monitoring FS1 for the docking procedures and then all of the sudden... I was here.”

 

Lee nodded.  “Yeah, same for all of us.”   Lee sighed pursing his lips tightly as his eyebrows tightened.  “I think it's time we got some answers,” he declared as he stepped back and spoke rather loudly.

 

“Alright, you brought us here.  Now what?  Who are you?  Show yourselves!”

 

His questions were met by giggling that filled the entire hall as they each looked around for the source of the laughter.  The amused glee continued growing in intensity and loudness until it erupted into full laughter as a man materialized out of thin air in the large hall.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry's walk about Seaview confirmed his suspicions that the entire Boat was affected as well as his assumption that Lee was among the missing.  He didn't know for sure, but the only duty stations that seemed to be missing men were in the Control Room and concluded that Seaview had four missing men: Captain Crane, Sparks, Sharkey and the Sonar Operator who he assumed to be Kowalski since he hadn't seen him among the remaining crew.  But other than confirming the missing men he wasn't any closer to finding an answer. 

 

He was, however, able to determine that Seaview was in perfect working condition; all stations were operable and Engineering was ready to answer bells, if the crewmen weren't frozen in place that is.  However there was one notable exception he found in the Control Room as Seaview's Radio was completely inoperative.  There were no indications of disrepair or sabotage; it simply didn't work. 

 

Harry didn't like the idea one bit and headed to the flying sub to use its radio.  He dialed up a frequency that should have netted him a reply but soon realized that FS1's radio was also inoperable as Harry sat in the pilot's seat rubbing his chin and pondering another thought.  He leaned over deciding to test his theory as he toggled switches on and off to no avail.  FS1 was dead; no power.  He climbed back up the ladder never intending to leave Seaview but understanding that someone or something didn't want him to leave or contact the outside world.  It was an ominous thought as he leaned on the rails surrounding the flying sub's deck hatch thinking through his limited options.

 

* * * * *

 

“Why Captain Crane, you are so very cross,” the dark headed man in 17th Century period clothes declared as all four of Seaview's men turned sharply at his greeting.

 

Lee looked over their “host” and blew out a breath of unbelief which he reined in immediately and got to the point.

 

“Who are you and why did you bring us here?”

 

No, No, No, No!” he yelled, stamping his feet on each 'No'.  “This is my game and you have to play it my way,” he answered petulantly.

 

“Game?” Lee yelled back.  “What kind of game are you playing?  You had no right to abduct us from our submarine.”

 

“Captain Crane, if you persist in your rude manners I will have to take steps to teach you a lesson,” their host replied, recovering from his earlier tantrum and now standing with his hands on his hips.

 

Lee pursed his mouth tightly and brought his anger down a few notches; he needed answers if they were to have any hope of returning.

 

“It would seem you know who we are...”

 

“But of course!  Captain Lee Crane; Sparky... or is it Sparks?  Sparks! Yes that's it.  Chief Sharkey and Seaman Kowalski... Ski for short,” he answered quite pleased with himself.

 

“May I inquire who you are?” Lee asked conciliatory on the outside but seething on the inside.

 

Puddin 'n Tain!  Ask me again and I'll tell you the same!” he said, laughing maniacally in response to his own silliness.

 

Lee ran a frustrated hand across the back of his neck and resisted an outward blow of the breath. 

 

“You don't really want me to call you Puddin 'n Tain do you?” Lee threatened calmly as their host giggled.

 

“Oh Captain Crane you are such a bore!  Of course not,” he replied answering Lee's question regarding the nursery rhyme name.  “You may call me Lord Lane.  Yes, that will do nicely,” he added with a smirk.

 

“Listen Lane...”

 

“Ah – ah – ah,” he said in a sing song voice and waggling his finger back in forth in a “No-No” motion as Lee sighed and tried again.

 

“Lord Lane,” he corrected himself to Lane's delight.  “I'm not sure what game you want to play, but my men and I aren't interested.  Now if you'll kindly return us to our Boat...”

 

Really Captain Crane,” he interrupted.  “You don't even know what game I have in mind.”

 

Seaview's men all tensed up, reading their Skipper's body language easily.  Crane was getting fed up with Lane and each knew to be ready should the Skipper decide to make a move on the Bozo in the fancy pants.

 

“How did we get here Lane?”  Lee demanded.

 

“No!  I won't tell you!”

 

“Why did you bring us here?” Lee continued drilling Lane and taking a step closer with each question.

 

“I already told you... to play a game!” Lane yelled back.

 

“And what if we refuse to play?” Lee challenged nearly toe to toe with their “Host”.

 

“Are you threatening me?” he scoffed in unbelief with a hand to his chest and noting Lee's intimidating stance.

 

“You are!” he laughed and clapped his hands as he considered his next course of action. 

 

“Oh this is just grand!  If you don't want to play you will just have to suffer the consequences,” he decided with a flair of his hands in the air as Lee and Seaview's men disappeared from the grand hall and reappeared instantly in a 2nd Century Roman Colosseum dressed as gladiators and finding themselves in the middle of “games” with live Bengal tigers, surrounded by fifty thousand spectators.  They were dressed in gladiator attire with Lee sporting a skirted loin cloth covered with an overlay of leather strips hanging from the belt and extending to his mid-thighs.  His chest was bare save for a leather strap that ran from a harness on his right shoulder to his left hip while carrying a small round shield and short fat sword.  Kowalski was dressed much the same but with a leather breast plate as Sparks and Sharkey wore belted tunics that reached just above their knees.  Each carried a shield but different weapons as Sharkey held a spiked club, Kowalski a net, while Sparks carried a spear.

 

Immediately Lee took a defensive position even though the two tigers were tethered by chains to posts in the center of the field. 

 

“Aren't you supposed to say, 'We who are about to die salute you'?”

 

Lee heard the distinctive whiny voice of Lord Lane and turned sharply toward the Emperor's Box to see Lane sitting in Roman Attire surrounded by female servants wearing long togas fanning him, feeding him grapes and sitting at his feet waiting for his next command.

 

“Lane!” Lee yelled, fed up with their Host.

 

“Careful Captain,” Lane cautioned.  “This isn't the game I had in mind, but if you won't play my game this one will do,” he giggled.  “In fact...,” Lane waved a hand flippantly in the air as Sharkey and Sparks disappeared from among the “gladiators” and reappeared tied to posts with only Lee and Kowalski between them and the tigers.

 

“This should make it more exciting,” he grinned and then leaned back for a servant girl to feed him a grape.

 

“Lane!”

 

Emperor Lane,” he corrected.  “Now if I were you I'd pay attention,” he said as the chains holding the tigers were released by invisible hands as Lee and Kowalski responded by taking defensive positions to protect their crew mates.

 

“Is this real Skipper?” Kowalski asked in unbelief.

 

“I don't know Ski, it sure feels real,” Lee returned as they tried to intimidate the tigers away from the easy prey tied to the posts.

 

“Sure wish I had something besides a net,” Ski said regretfully.

 

Lee tilted his head back toward Sparks.  “Move back slowly and grab the spear,” Lee said.  “I'll cover you.”

 

“You've got your hands full, Skipper.”

 

“Just move slowly,” Lee coached moving to cover Ski's six as he retreated for the weapon.

 

A menacing growl from the large cat signaled its displeasure at Ski's movements.

 

“Slowly,” Lee cautioned jabbing his sword forward to intimidate the black and orange striped jungle cat.

 

“Captain!” Sparks warned when a tiger stepped toward Lee's left side trying to flank him as Lee responded by lunging forward and swiping, the aggression holding the tiger back but not for long Lee knew. 

 

Ski successfully retrieved the spear as the tigers began to separate in a calculated effort to divide Lee and Kowalski as each had to side step to protect the men tethered helplessly to the post.

 

“Skipper,” Sharkey whispered.  “If you could just cut my ropes...”

 

Lee nodded, it was a good plan... if only the tiger cooperated. 

 

“Be ready Chief,” Lee said moving to keep himself between the tiger that was now pacing back and forth but managing to move around the post slowly.

 

“Skipper!” Kowalski yelled as his tiger leaped forward.  Ski managed to prod it away with his spear but realized just how short his weapon was compared to the swiping reach of the tiger.  The long claws protracted and swiped his way barely missing his knuckles holding the spear and managed to scare him something awful.

 

Lee risked a glance seeing Ski still standing, but his tiger used that moment to advance closer as Lee jabbed with his short sword while trying to keep his shield between himself and the beast.  Then it happened, Kowalski took a step back and stumbled landing on his back.  In a flash the tiger was upon him as he screamed at the sight of fangs reaching for his throat.

 

“Ski!” Lee yelled flinging his shield and striking the tiger, unable to come to his aid without leaving Sparks and Sharkey completely unprotected.  The shield distracted the tiger as he growled at Lee while still hovering over Kowalski, completely at its mercy, raising its extended claw to swipe as the rating screamed.

 

“Captain Crane!”

 

Just then Lee's tiger leaped toward him as everything froze in place with Ski only an inch away from a devastating swipe of the tiger's deadly claw and Lee only feet away from a tiger frozen in mid-air pouncing toward him, ready to cover his body in a full frontal attack.

 

Though the scenery froze around them, Seaview's men were still aware of their surroundings as Kowalski moaned at the sight of the claw ready to tear half his face off.

 

“Now Captain Crane...” Lane said from the Emperor's booth.  “Do you want to play my game or should I let these games proceed?”

 

“You win Lane; we'll play your game,” Lee relented knowing Ski was about to be killed and even if he could bear his short sword into the tiger's leaping chest, Sparks and Sharkey would be unprotected once the other tiger finished off Ski.

 

“Say... Un-cle,” Emperor Lane demanded with his fist in the air ready to thumbs up or thumbs down their fate.

 

Lee swallowed his pride for the sake of his crew, “Uncle!” he yelled feeling like a kid losing to the neighborhood bully but having no other choice before him.

 

Instantly they were back in the grand hall with Ski still on the floor ready to insignificantly bat away the tiger's claws and Lee ready to defend himself though, he realized, his sword was now gone.  Both Lee and Kowalski breathed deeply and blinked away their confusion as they realized they were no longer in the Colosseum and donning once again their ship board uniforms as both Sparks and Sharkey let out audible sighs at nearly becoming tiger meat.

 

“Now Captain Crane, we will play my game,” Lane said having changed from his toga and appearing once again in his 17th Century attire raising his hand with flair.

 

“Wait Lane,” Lee interrupted and then corrected himself at his Host's displeasure.  “Lord Lane,” Lee said trying to add more respect in his voice.  “I would like to know more about this game.  I'm responsible for the safety of my men...”

 

“Oh Pooh!” Lane declared rather flamboyantly.  “Don't be so dramatic Captain Crane, we're just going to have a little party... but my, my, my... You're not dressed for the occasion.  No, not at all,” he tsked, tsked.

 

“What sort of party?” Lee asked with a controlled smile to hide his own displeasure, however having no choice but to follow along until they discovered Lane's weakness.

 

“Well that's the funnest part,” he declared happily.  “A costume party!” he finished with flair as Lee shook his head in disbelief.  Was he really going to play dress-up with this over-sized five year old?

 

“Lord Lane, I must protest,” Lee offered with as much decorum as he could muster.  “We were on a sea voyage conducting important experiments and we simply don't have time for this.”

 

“You said 'Uncle' Captain Crane.  Are you welshing on your promise?”

 

Lee breathed out and nodded in the negative, remembering they were almost eaten by live tigers in a Roman Colosseum.

 

“No, I'm not reneging,” he relented.  “But is it necessary for all of us to play.  Why don't you send my men back and I'll stay.”

 

“No!” Lane answered with a pout.  “It wouldn't be a party with just one guest and besides... I already have your costumes picked out!”

 

Lee exchanged glances with his men and raised his eyebrows in surrender, promising without words they'd get out of this but to play along until he thought of something.

 

“Kowalski!” Lane said raising his hand in a flair as Ski's red jumpsuit immediately transformed into a pirate's costume complete with a red puffy shirt under a black leather vest belted at the waist.  His attire included the typical black bandanna tied tightly around his head and finished off with a sword.

 

“Shimmy me timbers,” Ski growled in a most pirate sort of way as the costume apparently came with a personality.

 

“Ski?” Lee questioned trying to determine if Kowalski was aware of what he just said.

 

“Aye Captain Crane,” he answered, accented by a very good swashbuckler imitation from the late-late-late show on Saturday night.  “But me loyalties lie with Captain Blackbeard,” he declared.  “So just ye watch ye self,” he warned with a grin as Lee raised an eyebrow.

 

“Lane...”

 

Lord Lane ignored Lee's protest as he turned to Chief Sharkey waving his hand as Sharkey's khaki uniform was transformed into a 1930's Mobster in a double breasted pin-striped suit complete with a Tommy Machine gun, dark glasses and a black fedora.

 

Ummm, youuuu dirty rats,” Sharkey said in his best Jimmy Cagney voice.

 

What now? Lee thought in exasperation as Lane turned toward Sparks who was standing with his eyebrows raised begging with his eyes for something less dramatic. 

 

Lane smiled as if he knew what Sparks was thinking and reached in to grab the quiet, reserve Communication's Officer's most hidden dreams as his khaki uniform was transformed into a black tux stylishly fitted over a white shirt with a black bow tie.  His abundant hair was swept backwards as he crossed his arms in front of him and held his gun fitted with a silencer ever so suavely.

 

“Who would ye be?” Pirate Ski scoffed.

 

“Bond... James Bond,” Spy Sparks replied with a single sophisticated raise of an eyebrow and sporting a perfect Sean Connery imitation to go with his new look.

 

Lee rubbed a hand over his face.  “Lord Lane, is this really necessary?”

 

“Now for you Captain,” he said with a flamboyant wave of his hand.  “You go off on little spy missions playing the bad guy who's really a good guy,” Lane explained.  “So why don't we make you the Prince of Thieves himself; righting wrongs in this unfair world,” he said with flair as Lee looked on guessing right away he was going to be a man in tights. 

 

Lane waved a dramatic hand as Lee was transformed into Robin Hood himself, complete in a Lincoln Green tunic worn over a flamboyant white shirt, fittingly opened collared and indeed he wore the famed matching tights, which he sported quite well by the way.

 

“Now isn't that better than that dull black turtle-neck you wear when you spy?  Now you can fix the world in style,” Lane declared as Lee stood fully immersed in his Robin Hood persona with his legs spread in super hero position, his hands on his hips and a fencing sword in his scabbard.

 

“I vow to rob from the rich and give to the poor; to treat all women equally, whether rich or poor, Norman or Saxon,” he declared with an Old English accent and then flipped his head back for a hearty laugh.  “Just don't tell Maid Marian that,” he added with a wink as Lord Lane's party got going in full swing.

 

* * * * *

 

“Chip?” Harry coaxed trying to bring Seaview's XO out of his frozen daze but those blue eyes just stared straight ahead without recognition.

 

“Chip can you hear me?” Harry tried again risking a touch but finding his efforts in vain.

 

He moved on to Ray the helmsman and gave him hearty shake.  “Helm, wake up!”

 

When that didn't work he tried his Admiral's command voice to see if it would penetrate the daze.

 

“All right you men stop goldbricking and get to work!”

 

It didn't work, not that Harry expected it to but it was worth a try.  He lowered himself to the periscope island to sit and rested his elbows on his knees.  He really didn't know what else to try; he didn't want to leave these waters as he still had four missing men and no clue how to bring them back.  Harry sighed in frustration, it appeared all he could do was wait; for what he didn't know, he only hoped it wouldn't be too long.

 

* * * * *

 

“Now Gentlemen, we can begin the fun.  Here's the game: Hide and Seek.  I'll hide and you'll seek,” Lord Lane explained in glee.

 

“Who's the Fancy Pants?” Sharkey asked, pointing his 'Tommy' Lane's way and adjusting his shoulders in perfect Cagney form.

 

“That's Lane... Lord Lane,” 007 Sparks added in suave sophistication.  “And don't be fooled; Mr. Fancy Pants may be as tough as Goldfinger or Dr. NO, but don't worry,” he smiled with charm.  “Her Majesty's Secret Service is here,” he announced proud to represent MI-6.

 

Kowalski looked rather bored with the whole conversation, waving his sword around as if it had been way too long since his last scuffle. 

 

“Lord Lane, when do ye serve the Ale and where be the wenches?” Pirate Ski asked looking around as Lane giggled at the pirate persona the rating wore so handily just as Lee jumped down from the top of the table where he had been fencing with an imaginary foe.

 

“Hide and Seek is all well and good,” Robin Lee Hood said, “But what prize will you be offering?  Every archery contest must have a prize... and a Lady's hand to kiss,” he added with a raised eyebrow and hoping Maid Marian would make an appearance.

 

“Really Robin of Loxley,” Lane said addressing Lee's persona.  “Is that all you think about?” he asked to Lee's raised eyebrow as he eyed the items in the room deciding which ones he should take from rich Lord Lane to give to some poor over-taxed peasant.

 

“If you find me... IF you find me, the winner shall be handsomely rewarded!” he announced.

 

“Treasures?” Kowalski piped in, pirate “aarr” and all.

 

“How many G's?” Sharkey asked calculating whether the search was going to be worth the payoff.

 

“I'm with the Pirate,” Sparks asked distracted with the whole game.  “When do the Bond Girls show up?”

 

“Alright men!”  Lee jumped in taking command.  “Since my Merry Men aren’t around, you'll have to do,” he said enlisting the Pirate, the Mobster, and 007 into his band of Sherwood Forest Outlaws.

 

“How did you get to be the Big Boss?” Sharkey asked through tight lips and dark eyes.

 

Norman,” Lee accused with a scoff, as he was a champion of the Saxons and folded his arms in disgust.

 

“Gentlemen,” Lane interrupted.  “Time for the game to begin.  Look for me to get your prize!”  With that Lane disappeared as Seaview's men fully lost in their costume personas, stared each other down deciding what to do next.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry was still sitting when a Spanish Explorer suddenly appeared in the Nose, standing with his hands on his hips and smiling profusely.

 

“Why Admiral Nelson, so good of you to join us!”

 

Harry stood cautiously, he was hoping the force who had abducted Seaview's Crewmen would come back.

 

“And just who might you be?” Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Lord Lane at your service,” he answered bowing elegantly with an exaggerated wave of one arm and the other bent behind his back.

 

“Lord Lane,” Harry repeated without emotion or surprise.  He reasoned that since the entire crew was frozen and he wasn't, meant that Lane wanted something from him.

 

“And now that I know your name, just who are you?”

 

Lane laughed throwing his head back with his hands still on his hips.  “Why Nelson you are just as bossy as Captain Crane!” he announced as Harry's eyebrows rose slightly.

 

“And just how are the Captain and my crew?”

 

“Having a grand time.  In fact... I think you should join us,” he said raising his hand to wave as Harry interrupted his move.

 

“Before you do that,” Harry asked, realizing he was about to disappear to wherever his missing crew was.  “I have a few questions to ask you.”

 

* * * * *

 

Lee quickly assigned search duties intending to take the prize and give it to the poor in true Robin Hood fashion.  He looked Sparks over who was suavely eying him back while holding his ever present pistol, blowing a hot breath on it and polishing it with his sleeve.  Lee figured the Pirate and the Mobster were Normans, obviously of Viking descent for their crudeness but he was trying to figure out the black tuxed debonair man standing in front of him.

 

“Whom do your loyalties lay with Bond?”

 

“I am an agent in Her Majesty's Secret Service.”

 

Her Majesty?” Lee questioned, the last time he looked England had a King on the throne.

 

“For which country?”

 

“England,” Sparks answered resolving to be as simple as possible with the green tighted Robin Hood.

 

“Jolly good,” Lee declared, approving of 007 as of Noble Saxon blood.  “Let's fan out Merry Men!” he directed with flair and then leaned over to Sparks for a private word.  “And Maid Marian is mine,” he added, laying out the ground rules as Sparks smiled with a “No promises” look in his eye as they each began their search starting with the long hallway and the doors which were now unlocked.

 

* * * * *

 

“It be here!” Kowalski shouted after entering a room.

 

Lee followed in behind to find an immaculate, opulent room with a rather large canopied bed in the corner sitting on a fine tapestry rug with elegant bedding adorning the grand piece of furniture.  He perused the room turning in a circle looking for either Lane or the Prize.

 

What did you find?” he asked naively and then spotted the bed.

 

“Now all we be needing is a wench or two,” Kowalski added, swiping his sword in the air, warming up to impress the ladies with his skill.

 

“Is that all you think about?” Lee asked.

 

“Treasure and wenches,” Ski qualified.  “Not necessarily in that order mind you,” he added.  “And besides, ye be mentioning Maid Marian twice already.  Ye don't fool me.”

 

Lee placed both hands on his hips and laughed heartily.  “You're a bit like my friend Will Scarlet,” Lee said with a grin.  “He's had his face slapped so many times he's a bit dappy,” he finished with a laugh.

“Now let's get busy, the sooner we find the Spaniard the sooner we get our prize.”

 

Aaarrr!” Ski returned in agreement, looking back longingly at the bed and wishing Lane would liven up the party a notch.

 

* * * * *

 

Youuuu dirty rats!” was followed by a rat-a-tat-tat as Lee ran into another room to find Mobster Sharkey standing on the table and firing off his Tommy Machine Gun at several large rats with long tails scurrying along the floor back and forth like they were caught in an arcade game, as his aim was very bad.

 

“Hey you!” Lee yelled as Sharkey stopped and looked Robin Hood over then turned his attention back to the rats before they got away.

 

“I said, 'Youuuu dirty rats',” he repeated, his Cagney in perfect form.

 

“Did you know Cagney never actually said that in a movie?” Lee said losing his Robin Hood persona as Sharkey dropped the machine gun and looked over.

 

“No kidding?” he answered back before they both blinked and looked down at their clothes.

 

Lee ran a hand over his dark hair in exasperation mixed with humiliation remembering everything about the “Game” he'd been forced to play as Sharkey did the same thing, jumping down from the table and ignoring the rats as they scurried away.

 

“Let's find the rest of the crew,” Lee said taking back his senses and looking down at his costume, noting his tights.

 

“They look good on you, Sir,” Sharkey assured him.  “I mean... only a real man can wear tights and have Olivia DeHavilland go crazy for him,” he finished.

 

“Let's just find the others,” Lee said chuckling off his costume.  “I know where I left Ski, we just need to find Sparks,” he said entering the hallway and wishing he had his service khakis back.

 

* * * * *

 

Sparks leaned against the wall with his pistol drawn in the air, ready to kick down the door.  Lane might be able to fool the rest of them, but he knew the man was an evil megalomaniac with some sort of diabolical plot to take over the world.  He charged in the room raising an eyebrow as he looked around, training his weapon in the direction he walked as he hummed the famous Bond song to himself, “Do-do-do-dooooo, do-do...”

 

He stopped at a long ceiling to floor drapery reasoning it was the perfect hiding place for the bad guy that was always sent to do him in.  It could be Jaws, or the dude with the iron hat, in any case he'd get the drop on him.  He tore the drape back and sighed at the lack of a bad guy to fight with.  He hadn't had one fist fight, gun battle or car chase today, he thought petulantly, sighing at the fact that he hadn't even gotten to use the gadget Q had devised for him or order one dry martini, shaken not stirred.

 

“Sparks,” Lee interrupted as 007 turned toward the sound of Robin Hood's voice with his gun trained on Captain Crane.

 

“Sparks... listen to me,” Lee said raising his hands in front of him.  “Remember Lane... the game?  This isn't real,” he coaxed as Sparks blinked and lowered his weapon.

 

“Skipper?” he said, gaining his senses back though he was still a bit dazed.  “Sorry Sir,” he apologized, realizing he just drew a bead on his commanding officer.

 

“It's alright Sparks, we were all caught up in the game.  Let's get back to the main hall and wait for Lane.  Sooner or later he's going to get tired of us not finding him and come back.”

 

“Aye, aye Sir,” Sparks said, glad the Skipper didn't question his secret fantasy to be James Bond.

 

* * * * *

 

“Questions?” Lord Lane replied. 

 

“Yes.  You're obviously an alien to our world,” Harry deduced trying to encourage the obviously arrogant man into giving him some information he could work with.

 

“I'm a Spanish Explorer,” Lane answered and then laughed.  “Ah but you are so right Admiral Nelson.  You know, my cousin would so like to meet you,” he thought wistfully.  “An Admiral and everything... but you know what they say?  Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers,” he sing-songed with a smile.

 

“Why did you take my men?”

 

“To play a game,” Lane answered, heaving his shoulders in boredom.

 

“When can I expect them back?” Harry continued as Lane's facial expression darkened.

 

“Your Captain Crane was just like you, but I taught him some respect.  Maybe I should do the same for you,” he answered with pouty lips.

 

Harry raised a hand, trying to dispel the coming tantrum.  “Now Lord Lane, all I want to know is if my men are alright.”

 

“Your men are fine, but we haven't got much time,” he announced and finished the wave of his hand as Harry disappeared from the Control Room.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry reappeared in a grand hall of a medieval castle taking in the surroundings when he heard Lee's voice.

 

“Admiral!”

 

He turned in relief to finally find Seaview's men and blew a breath of unbelief out, raising an eyebrow at his men dressed in bizarre costumes.  Harry rubbed a hand across his mouth trying to hide his chuckles as Lee approached him.  Finally he couldn't take it any longer and chuckled outwardly.

 

“Lee!  I'm glad to find you... to find you all, but just what are you dressed as?” Harry asked comically.

 

“Believe me Sir this wasn't our idea.  We've spent the last hour playing Robin Hood, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dick Tracy and James Bond,” Lee said with a sigh.  “We were totally lost in it and just came to now,” he explained.

 

Harry shed his humor, realizing they needed to find a way back to Seaview and out of the influence of Lane.

 

“How did you get here Sir?” Lee asked, hoping Harry had found a way to get them back.

 

“Lord Lane,” he deadpanned.

 

“Did someone call me?” Lane asked reappearing dramatically.

 

“Okay Lane,” Lee stepped in.  “We played your game.  We're done now, send us home.”

 

“No,” he answered with all the social graces of a three year old grabbing for his favorite toy.  “Not when I just brought a new player in,” he said referring to Harry.

 

“No more!” Lee yelled. 

 

“Oh you're no fun at all!  Now let's see, we played Robin Hood, Gangsters, Spies and Pirates, what next?” he said with a hand to his chin in thought.  “I know, Cowboys and Indians!”

 

Noooooo!” Lee yelled with a hand extended as his next blink found him looking across at Sharkey and Sparks decked out in Indian gear.  Sharkey wore Apache Indian clothes complete with a red band tied around his head as Sparks got to be the Chief, similarly dressed and sporting a head dress full of feathers.

 

Lee looked toward Harry finding him sporting all white “Good Guy” cowboy duds complete with the white hat, cowhide vest and a sheriff's badge pinned prominently on his left breast.  Lee looked down to see he too was wearing cowboy duds only his were of the Clint Eastwood variety complete with the Mexican Poncho slung to the side so he could reach his six shooter and an overly worn-out flat-brimmed cowboy hat to match the cigar hanging out the side of his mouth; he even sported a day old beard to round off the look.

 

Lee exchanged glances with Harry and raised an eyebrow at the Admiral's Sheriff's star as opposed to his Deputy badge pinned to his poncho.

 

“Rank has its privileges,” Harry quipped back and turned toward Lane who had shed his Spanish Explorer outfit for an 1800's Banker suit playing the respectable businessman wearing a dark blue suit over a matching paisley vest.

 

“Now Gentlemen, here's the game... the Indians are going to raid the town for our Fire Water, which you Sheriff Nelson and you Deputy Crane will defend with your lives, keeping our Saloon safe.”

 

“Saloon?”

 

“They deposit the most funds into the bank,” Lane said explaining why the Sheriff was protecting that particular business establishment over the others in town.

 

“Quick Lee, how did you break out of the persona earlier?” Harry asked realizing they were about to play a Game.

 

“We didn't, they just wore off,” Lee replied as they were suddenly transported to the Old West.

 

Lee sighed as he and Harry stood in the center of the dusty main street of some Dodge City look-alike town.

 

“I feel like I'm in Westworld,” Lee grumbled and then realized he wasn't lost in his cowboy persona this time, unlike Harry who had taken on an old west draw while busy organizing against the coming Indian attack.

 

“There's a new Sheriff in town,” Harry declared, letting the thought hang dramatically and then looking the town over before moving into action.

 

“This way Deputy, the word is the Indians are on the Mesa and are ready to attack.  Quick, barricade the street with those wagons,” Sheriff Nelson ordered.

 

“Admiral?” Lee said trying to find Harry inside, to which he returned with a raised eyebrow.

 

“That's Sheriff to you,” he corrected as Lee decided to play along, at least until Harry's persona wore off and wondering if Sparks and Sharkey were also lost in their costume personas.

 

That question was answered with whoops and hollers of the Indian variety heard in the distance as a cloud of dust followed two charging Indians on horseback.  Lee sighed spotting his crewmen playing their parts to a “T” while Harry drew his six-shooter in response.

 

“Quick Deputy!  Light that wagon on fire.  They'll never get through us,” he declared pulling back the hammer and drawing a bead on Chief Sparks.

 

Lee pulled his pistol and regretfully thudded Harry in the back of the neck.  He picked him up by the shoulders and dragged him toward the Saloon knowing he couldn't let Harry shoot Sparks.  He wasn't convinced how real this all was but he couldn't take a chance.

 

Lee made it into the Saloon where Banker Lane was standing against the bar with a shot of whiskey in his glass as Lee laid Harry carefully down on the wood planked floor.

 

“You're not playing the game Crane,” Lane said displeased.

 

“What kind of sick person are you?” Lee asked.  “Those are our friends we're not going to open fire on them.”

 

“Then you better think of a way to keep them from scalping you,” Lane said with a grin and then disappeared as Lee heard the Indians on main street, their horses having jumped over the wagon barrier and landing on the other side, still whooping and hollering.

 

Sharkey, decked out in war paint, followed Chief Sparks into the Saloon as Lee briefly pondered that Rank Had Its Privileges even with the Indians as Sparks' lieutenant bars won the Chief roll in Lane's world.

 

Lee moved in between the Indians and the unconscious Sheriff with his hands in raised showing he meant them no harm.

 

“Sparks... Sharkey... are you in there?  Remember Lane's game,” he urged, to which the two looked at one another in confusion.

 

“What him say?” Sparks asked Sharkey.

 

“Him say something 'bout game,” Sharkey answered as they conversed in the stereotypical Indian dialog of the Saturday Matinee movies of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

 

“This no game,” Sparks announced folding his arms across his chest.  “You give 'um Fire Water!”

 

“Fire Water?” Lee asked.  “Is that all you want?  There, take all the Fire Water you want,” Lee said trying to placate his crew so they would leave before he was forced to defend himself or Harry.

 

“This too easy,” Sharkey said, analyzing the situation like a good Indian Brave having had a “rich and full childhood”.

 

“Maybe him poison Fire Water,” Chief Sparks surmised with a raised eyebrow as Harry started to moan on the floor.

 

“No, it's good stuff,” Lee said walking carefully toward the bar and reaching for the glass Lane left behind. 

 

“See?” he said taking a drink and reacting to the strong proof whiskey with an appropriate face then quickly recovering.

 

“Here want to try?” he asked as Chief Sparks sent Sharkey over to “test” the Fire Water.

 

Sharkey threw back the entire glass in one swallow and smacked his mouth gauging the vintage of the whiskey.

 

“Look you can take all the Whiskey you want,” Lee bargained, again playing the stereotypical western plot with no other choice.

 

“I'll even help you load it on your horses...”

 

“No you won't Deputy,” Lee heard as Sheriff Harry rose from the floor with his pearl handled six shooter pointed at Lee.

 

“You should be ashamed of yourself Deputy,” Harry scolded.  “Giving whiskey to the Indians, what's next... Winchesters?” 

 

“Harry listen to me.  You can't fire on Sparks and Sharkey,” Lee tried to reason.  “Remember Seaview... remember this is Lane's Game.  It's not real!”

 

Sharkey shook his head.  “This Fire Water stink-um.  We go to Laredo, they 'um have better Fire Water there,” he declared as Chief Sparks raised his hand in agreement and Harry allowed them to leave, distracted with disciplining his Deputy.

 

“The Saloon is saved,” Harry declared as the light glinted off his Sheriff's badge.  “Now to deal with my liver-bellied, yellow-streaked Deputy,” Harry said as Lee blew a breath out, having averted the Cowboy and Indian Showdown... now if he could just keep Harry from hanging him until his persona wore off.

 

“You ruined everything!” Lane said reappearing and angry that the Cowboys and Indians hadn't shot it out over the Fire Water.

 

“Stop playing with our lives Lane!” Lee yelled in frustration. 

 

“Poor Sport!” Lane declared.  “You've been most cross through all of this and so...”

 

Lane raised his hands as all of Seaview's Crew returned to the Grand Hall wearing service uniforms once again.

 

Harry blinked, coming to his senses remembering everything about his little trip to “Dodge City” and rubbing his sore neck from being decked.

 

“Sorry Sir,” Lee offered, realizing that the consequences in Lane's Games were real.

 

“It's alright Lee, you did what you had to do,” Harry replied.

 

“Now Captain Crane, I have a new Game just for you,” Lord Lane announced back in his Spanish Explorer costume and losing all his amusement of earlier. 

 

He raised his hand as Lee was transformed into chainmail armor and dressed for a joust.

 

“Lane!” Harry protested, also realizing the consequences of his Games were real and worried where this costume would take Lee. 

 

“Don't worry Admiral, you'll all get to see!” Lane smiled and waved his hand as the scenery instantly changed to a jousting event of “Ivanhoe” days.  Harry was dressed as a King from a visiting country in long flowing elegant garments, with a rather impressive crown on his head and seated in the King's Box, to which sat Lord Lane now appearing in his Kingly garments with an even more impressive crown on his head.

 

Sparks stood beside Harry dressed as a 12th Century nobleman offering aid to his King as Sharkey and Kowalski held Lee's horse and weapons, dressed appropriately as his squires.

 

On the other side of the jousting field sat the Black Knight on his horse looking exceedingly dangerous as his black steed danced in place, anxious to be let loose on the run.

 

“Lane, this isn't a fair contest,” Harry stated, knowing the reputation of the Black Knight.

 

“King Nelson, you chose your Champion and I have mine,” King Lane announced and then spoke loud enough for the entire assembly of an invisible crowd of 12th Century spectators that made all the noise and cheers as if they were actually there.  

 

“Knight Crane as you are the Champion for King Nelson, his fate is in your hands.  Should you fail your King will die,” King Lane said explaining the simple but barbaric consequences as Lee's horse trotted in place, also ready for the joust.

 

“At least put him in a full armor!” Harry demanded.

 

“These are my Games, King Nelson,” Lane insisted loudly demonstrating he was in full control.  He had left all of Seaview's men with their personalities intact as Sparks made a move closer to Harry to protect him but was held back by a spear toting guard.

 

“Can you take him, Skipper?”  Sharkey asked holding Lee's lance as Ski worked to keep the horse settled.

 

“I've played with jousting before at a fair, but not for keeps,” Lee admitted as he looked across at his opponent.

 

The Black Knight's face plate was up as Lee saw a featureless face with inhuman glowing eyes staring back at him.  He lowered his plate as his eyes glowed through the slats and his black steed pranced under him.

 

“I've got a bad feeling about this Skipper,” Ski said sincerely worried for his Captain's welfare.

 

As in the early days of Jousting the field had no divider separating the riders as King Lane stood and held a handkerchief ready to drop.

 

“I think you better take this Skipper,” Sharkey said, muttering under his breath some choice words for Lane.

 

“Thanks,” Lee said lowering his face plate as Sharkey handed him his shield which he held in the same hand as his reins. 

 

“You've done this before, right Sir?” Ski asked trying to encourage himself.

 

“Once or twice... in a practice run.  The real jouster took it easy on me and I was sore for weeks,” he said taking a deep breath as he looked over once again at the King's Box where one of Lane's faceless soldiers had moved to place a sword over Harry's heart. 

 

“Jousters ready!”

 

The squires stepped away as Lee raised his lance then lowered it horizontally for the run while Lane dropped the handkerchief.  Lee let his horse loose running at full speed as the Black Knight did the same; Lee hit his opponent on the mark however, his lance bounced off the Black Knight's armor jarring him, but leaving him seated on his horse.  Lee however was only wearing chainmail and when the Black Knight's lance hit his shield it jarred him back on his horse as Lee lay flat across the horses back but still managing to stay seated.  He righted himself as he trotted his horse back to his starting spot.

 

“Lane be reasonable!” Harry protested.  “Crane isn't trained for this and not properly suited.”

 

“Are you withdrawing your Champion, King Nelson?  Should I choose one of the Squires?”

 

“Let me joust,” Harry offered.

 

“No,” Lane replied.  “Crane has been rather cross through-out these Games, this will teach him a lesson.”

 

“But at what cost?” Harry argued trying to reason with their Host.

 

“Not another word King Nelson or I shall choose a Squire to take your Champion's place.”

 

Harry sat back, knowing Lee had skills that he might be able to draw on just now and wondering just how they found themselves in a 12th Century Jousting Contest anyway.

 

“How are you doing Skipper?” Sharkey asked at Lee’s labored breaths. 

 

“Got the wind knocked out of me,” he admitted and then settled in for round two.

 

“Skipper, his armor.  There's a space just under his breast plate,” Ski offered as Lee nodded.

 

“If I can get through that shield,” he noted as the jousting referee indicated they were ready to begin again.

 

Lee lowered his face plate and raised his lance, then pointed it horizontally as the two riders charged at each other once again.  He aimed his lance just under the Black Knight's shield as he rammed, while simultaneously taking a devastating blow that sent his shield flying out of his hands and struggling to stay on his horse.  He was leaning over heavily but the fact that he wore chainmail as opposed to full armor left him lighter and he was able to right himself, as he walked his horse slowly back to his starting position.

 

The Black Knight took a hit to his side but maintained his own shield as he repositioned himself for the last joust.

 

Meanwhile, Ski ran to retrieve Lee's shield but it disappeared just as he reached for it.

 

“Come now Squire Kowalski,” Lane scolded.  “Knight Crane lost his shield fair and square.”

 

“But he can't survive a hit without it,” Harry yelled.  “His chainmail is no match for the Black Knight's armor.”

 

“The games will proceed,” King Lane declared as Lee breathed hard, sore and hurt from taking the blows, even with his shield.

 

“Do you concede, Knight Crane?” Lane asked as his guard placed the sword over Harry's heart, demonstrating the consequences of quitting the joust.

 

“No!” Lee yelled back.

 

“Skipper, you can't beat the guy,” Sharkey reasoned.

 

“Lane can't keep this up for much longer, Chief,” Lee said.  “Each of the Games lasted only an hour before we were returned.  Remember how our personas wore off at the Castle?  And in the Old West, I kept my memories.  He couldn't handle all five of us.  My guess is these Games are taking a lot of energy to produce, that's why we didn't get lost in our costumes this time,” Lee surmised.

 

“I hope you're right, Skipper,” Sharkey replied.  “Cause if you're not...”

 

“I know Sharkey,” Lee answered.  “Believe me, I know...”

 

“Jousters ready!”

 

Lee lowered his face plate and took off aiming above the shield this time snagging the Black Knight in the neck, an illegal move he was sure, but since his opponent wasn't a real being and he was fighting for Harry's life he chanced the move.  It worked as the Black Knight's head whipped back with the famed knight falling off his horse in the process.

 

Lee's victory however wasn't without consequence, as the Black Knight's lance also found its mark directly over Lee's left shoulder.  His chainmail held but Lee felt his shoulder dislocate and fell from his horse in pain.

 

“Cheater!  Cheater!  Cheater!” Lane yelled stomping his foot.  “That was an illegal move Knight Crane.”  Then turned to Harry, “Your Champion issued an illegal move and now you must die Nelson!”

 

“No!” Lee yelled struggling to sit up with his squire's help, but Lane appeared to have no mercy in mind as Sparks was held at bay by the end of spear while the guard drew his sword back ready to strike Harry.

 

Calane,” a woman's soothing voice was heard high above the arena and stopping all the momentum of the Game.

 

“Yes Mother,” Lane answered looking up, acting less like a fully grown man and more like a child.

 

“It's time to go.  We have to meet your cousin Trelane*, let’s not keep your uncle and aunt waiting,” Calane's mother replied.

 

“Oh okay.  Can we come back to this planet some time?  I was just starting to have fun,” he answered walking toward the center of the arena.

 

“We'll see son, now put away your toys... oh Calane,” the voice scolded.  “You damaged one of your toys.  Now return your plaything to its original condition so we can go,” she said no doubt referring to Lee sitting with Kowalski's help and holding his dislocated shoulder.

 

“Ah Gee Mother, can you help?” Calane asked as the mess was bigger than he anticipated.

 

“Yes dear, but you must be more careful next time,” she answered as a glowing light touched Lee's shoulder and his pain was instantly gone.  “Now you put away the rest,” she instructed. 

 

He raised his hands as they were instantly transported back to Seaview's Nose and thankfully now wearing their respective uniforms.  Calane stood once again as a Spanish Explorer in the periscope island, lording over the five men as the rest of Seaview's crew still stood frozen in place.

 

“Farewell.  You've been a lot of fun,” he declared, shedding his child's persona and returning to the arrogant man that originally abducted them.  “Maybe we'll take another holiday here someday.  My cousin would really like you Admiral Nelson, but I'm not going to tell him, Trelane takes all the fun toys for himself.  Farewell!” he said with a flamboyant arm raised in the air as Seaview's crew came back to life, blinking and dazed but having no memory of their blackout.

 

“Are you okay, Lee?” Harry asked concerned as Lee rubbed his shoulder, testing the now healed injury.

 

“I'm okay Admiral.  It was dislocated, but now it's fine,” he reported to Harry's relief.

 

“What about the rest of you?” Lee inquired turning to Sharkey, Sparks and Kowalski.

 

“We're okay Skipper,” Sharkey answered for all of them as Chip walked to the Nose a bit dazed.

 

“What happened?” he asked, knowing he missed something important as the last thing he remembered Harry hadn't even docked yet and then stopped, raising an eyebrow at three crewmen away from their posts.

 

Lee placed a hand on Chip's shoulder and chuckled.  “I don't think you're going to believe it,” he said and then laughed.  “I'm not even sure I believe it.”

 

“Chip, why don't you have Cookie send up some coffee and we'll tell you all about it...” Harry said content to sit down and decompress after their latest adventure.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee took a walk about his Boat, still a bit dazed at everything that happened with Calane aka Lord Lane.  He stuck his head into the Crew's Mess as the little surprise he told Chip about earlier was in full swing, compliments of Admiral Nelson's special delivery via the flying sub.  Seaview was going under the ice for the next two months and he wanted to reward his crew for their hard work.  Their movie library was well watched, so he replenished it with classics, among the titles:  Robin Hood with Errol Flynn, Public Enemy with Jimmy Cagney, The Black Swan with Tyrone Powers, several westerns, a few James Bond flicks, Ivanhoe with Robert Taylor and Spartacus with Kirk Douglas.

 

“Are you going to watch the next movie Skipper?” Riley asked holding a large bowl of popcorn and ready for the second installment of the double feature to start.

 

“No thanks Riley, you men enjoy yourself,” he smiled and finished his walk about the Boat then headed to Officer's Country thinking that after his experience in Lane's castle he'd hold out for a good submarine movie.  His smile widened knowing tomorrow they were showing Enemy Below with Robert Mitchum, Kurt Jurgens and a promising new movie star... Al Hedison.  

 

He reached his cabin grateful that the next mission was quite routine; after all, what could go wrong counting seals?**

 

 

The End

 

Child's Play

 

 

Author's Notes and Credits:

*The astute reader will note that I borrowed a nemesis from another science fiction kingdom.  Trelane is of course, a reference to a Star Trek, The Original Series character, from The Squire of Gothos.  I borrowed from Trelane's story to create his equally bratty and powerful cousin Calane for my story.

 

Star Trek TOS, S1E17, The Squire of Gothos; written by Paul Schneider, directed by Don MacDougall, original air date January 12, 1967. 

 

**See the Third Season Voyage episode, The Mermaid for the intended joke.

 

One last thing... the “only a real man can wear tights” lines in my story are in reference to punch lines in Mel Brooke's Robin Hood, Men in Tights parody movie.

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved

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