This story occurs early in the fourth season. I always thought that Dr. Gamma was too good a villain to drop from the Voyage storyline. As most of you probably guessed, Dr. Gamma made an appearance in one of my previous stories. This story is less of a sequel to “Marathon” and more like the third installment of a trilogy starting with the pilot episode, “Eleven Days to Zero”, then “Marathon”, then “Duty's Reward”.

Duty's Reward

by Lynn

Lee Crane strolled along the pristine deck of the 400 foot, six story yacht, the Southern Belle. He was dressed in a black formal dinner jacket with a ruffled white shirt at the black tie event. He smiled politely as he walked with his date on his arm, a dark haired beauty that drew as much attention as the handsome young captain. He smiled at Felicia as they strolled the deck of the opulent yacht, looking comfortable and relaxed. News of his arrival into the small Caribbean port had stirred the attention of the owner of the yacht, and adding the Captain of the famous submarine to the gala event's invite list was seen as a stroke of genius on the part of Mrs. Wentworth, the social mistress of all things in vogue among the rich and famous. Lee had graciously accepted the invitation, as he enjoyed his holiday on the island.

A waiter dressed in black and wearing a perfectly pressed linen towel draped across one arm offered them glasses of sparkling champagne from the round silver tray he carried. Lee reached for one long stemmed crystal goblet offering it to Felicia and then took a goblet for himself. He guided her over to the port side of the yacht to seemingly gaze out toward the open ocean. They were far enough from the other guests for Lee to speak to his “date”.

“The office is down below,” he spoke in low tones and smiled as if he were engrossed in the beauty of his fellow ONI operative. “Once you start mixing I'll meander my way down.” He smiled at her, and raised her hand kissing it lightly as she responded with an appropriate smile.

“Okay, be careful.” She smiled seductively matching his mood, and nothing in her demeanor gave any indication to the content of the conversation they just had.

The guests were on the main deck, which was the fourth deck. The fifth and sixth decks were situated at the bow and were half the length of the ship, leaving a grand and open main deck for the guests to stroll. Below the main deck sat a luxury floating mansion, including the office where Lee needed to be.

He guided Felicia to the dance floor and danced several ballroom dances. Her long black silk dress sported a heart shaped dress line across the bosom and was accentuated by her small waist. Her slit up one leg was tasteful, rising only to her knee, but providing a dramatic view of her calf none-the-less. Her dress had been specifically chosen to bring attention to her as Lee gracefully moved her around the floor. It wasn't sexist, Lee himself had been chosen in the past for missions specifically because his looks were an asset to the objective. They danced several dances before leaving the floor and mixing with other guests. Felicia's smile and the way her long dark hair danced about her bare shoulders were hard for several unattached men to miss, and when Lee needed to excuse himself she hadn't lacked for dance partners. This too was the plan, as she provided a subtle distraction to Lee's absence.

Lee made his way across the deck to the door that he knew led to the stairway down to the living quarters. He needed to be on the third deck, just one flight below. His “holiday” had been a well-executed plan to gain access to the yacht, as his arrival had been leaked to just the right sources. The profilers had pegged Mrs. Wentworth right as her invitation arrived upon Lee's first day on the island. The island was a favorite of the jet-set, and Mrs. Wentworth's gala was the highlight of the social season. But what ONI needed was what an accountant had hidden in the office the last time he and his employer had been guests aboard the yacht. The accountant worked for an associate of Mr. Wentworth and had deposited a microfilm of his boss's illegal money laundering deals. His deals had put many high tech weapons into the hands of unfriendly countries with existing arms embargos in place; though Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth knew nothing of their associate's dealings. The accountant, Walter Reynolds, wanted out, and he was willing to trade the microfilm for a new identity and a spot in the witness protection program. So Lee and Felicia had been called in to retrieve the microfilm as quietly as possible.

Lee made his way down the stairway and listened for approaching steps. He had studied the floor plan and knew where he was headed, and Reynolds had provided the exact location so he wouldn't have to search. If he were caught in the halls, he could feign a story about getting lost, but it would be much harder to sell if he were caught in the office.

Lee checked the handle of the office door and wasn't surprised to see that it was locked. He reached into the inside breast pocket of his dinner jacket and pulled out his lock pick kit and made quick work of the lock as he listened for servants. The door opened and he entered quietly, pulling out a pen light as he worked his way over to a dramatic original Monet painting on the wall. Lee pulled the frame slightly out from the wall and felt at the corner of the frame finding a small plastic bag taped to the back of the painting. Lee pulled it off gently and deposited the microfilm in his pocket, then headed to the door opening it just a crack and listening for the smallest of hints that someone was around. Hearing none, he opened the door wider and headed for the stairway. He made it back up to the deck and used the shadows to place himself in a position to re-appear back into the party.

Lee headed back to the dance floor and spotted Felicia dancing. He had to smile at her ability to charm her partner without appearing forward, her innocence adding to her desirability. He walked up to the dancing pair as he reached into his pocket and palmed the microfilm. Politely he tapped the shoulder of her partner cutting in, completely within the decorum of the social event. Her partner recognized Lee as the man Felicia had come with and handed her off gracefully as Lee smiled and whirled her around the floor enjoying the current role he was playing. He pulled her close and whispered in her ear, and she smiled and laughed delightfully.

“I've got it,” he said making his straight forward message appear to be provocative, while palming the microfilm into Felicia's hand as they danced.

Felicia gazed into his eyes and winked her understanding. Lee had successfully passed off the intel; now, even if he were approached for the office break-in, he would be clean. Now all they needed to do was to leave the party and make the extraction point. The dance ended and thankfully, so did the orchestra set, giving Lee the opportunity to guide Felicia out to the deck for a romantic walk in the moonlight.

“Ah Captain Crane, I'm so glad that you were able to accept my invitation,” came from behind the couple as they moved to the deck. Lee turned politely and gracefully took the gloved hand of his hostess applying a tasteful and socially acceptable kiss upon her hand.

“I wouldn't have missed it Mrs. Wentworth, thank you for your kind invitation.”

Mrs. Wentworth giggled and blushed as several of her social peers gathered around to meet and greet the handsome captain. Felicia gave Lee a coy smile, enjoying what she knew was an embarrassing moment for Lee.

“Lee, darling,” Felicia cooed, “will you excuse me while I powder my nose?”

“Of course, dear,” he replied as he kissed her fingers in good-bye, their fingers lingering over one another's as if parting were difficult as Felicia made her way to the ladies room where she would deposit the microfilm into the special “pocket” in the elastic of her thigh high hosiery. It would be secure there, even if she were frisked.

“Oh to be young and in love again!” Cooed one of the matronly social butterflies that had taken up flanking positions around Lee.

“Tell me Captain, does your submarine have an exercise gym? How DO you keep yourself so fit and trim?” Several ladies, all with either white or bleached blonde hair giggled as the question was asked.

Lee would have liked to have rolled his eyes, but kept his very socially acceptable smile pasted on and gracefully explained that life on the boat was very active, despite the tight surroundings. He looked over and caught sight of Felicia barely making her way to the powder room, as she had been stopped to socialize along the way as well. He started counting down the seconds to her return as he answered the ladies' questions mixed with ever so slight innuendos. Finally, he saw his moment of freedom, as he spotted someone that he wanted to speak with. He ever so politely excused himself from the giggling matrons as they each began making plans for each of their grand-daughters to snag the eligible bachelor, because even though he wasn't rich, he was still after all, famous!

Lee really didn't see anyone in particular he needed to speak with but made good his escape anyway. As he moved forward however, he was caught off-guard by the familiar feel of a handgun in his back.

“It's been a long time Commander.”

In an instant, Lee knew the voice. He started to turn, but another man took up a position to his side taking hold of Lee's elbow.

“Come this way quietly Commander, you wouldn't want any of Mrs. Wentworth's guests to get hurt now would you?” The voice from behind him said.

Lee allowed the men to move him back to the same stairway that he had used to gain access to the office. Lee didn't know the identity of the man behind him, but his voice...his voice he'd never forget; he heard it over and over in dreams. Dreams of him hanging by his handcuffed wrists as they shot the Admiral in front of him; His disembodied voice on the telephone sending him running through the streets of San Francisco carrying the ransom, secret plans Harry had been working on for the military. Lee hid the plans, and in the end San Francisco PD and the FBI had raided the warehouse saving both Lee and Harry; but the man behind him, the one with the distinctive voice had gotten away. That was four years ago, but even after all that time, Lee remembered that voice.*

They guided him further down into the bowels of the yacht, all the while keeping Lee in front of his adversary. Nothing was said about the microfilm and Lee began to think that perhaps this was a meeting of opportunity having nothing to do with the intel he had just passed off to Felicia. They continued to move him deeper down the ship past the living quarters, and Lee realized that they were taking him out the cargo hatch so their departure would be missed by the other guests who departed off the main deck's dock.

As they reached the cargo hatch the large guard holding his arm landed a devastating blow to his gut and threw Lee against the wall as he recovered his breathing. He proceeded to frisk Lee coming away with a service .45 automatic handgun. He continued to hold Lee's face into the wall as the mysterious leader moved up behind him.

“You cost me a lot that day Crane.” Then he turned addressing the guard, “Make sure he's silent and take him out the hatch. Don't damage him too much, I'll take my recompense from the many secrets he still holds in his head.”

At that, the sounds of the mysterious Leader's footfalls could be heard walking down the hall and then ascending back up the stairs to continue his mingling with the guests. The guard let loose of Lee and slowly Lee turned just in time to receive a blow to the ribs by a metal bar wielded with power by the huge guard now standing before him. Lee was pushed back to the wall, but evaded the next swing moving out of the way and landing a double fisted blow into his assailant's back. The huge guard grunted and then stood straight composing himself. His next swing connected and Lee felt the breaks of several ribs with the blow as he fell back against the wall holding his mid-section.

The guard advanced with a swing that would have done major damage had he not raised his right arm to deflect the metal bar aimed at his head. As soon as the bar connected with his forearm he both heard and felt the breaking of bones as he yelled in exquisite pain. Lee needed to end this, because the next blow would likely put him away. As the guard advanced, Lee made a flying leap aiming a kick squarely into the bad guy's knee. He yelled in pain, dropping his bar as he fell to the floor. As the guard began to rise Lee landed another kick to his jaw leaving the guard seeing stars and then finished him off with another kick in full swing aimed at his head. Both Lee and the guard fell as Lee watched the guard twitch and then his eyes close as he blacked out. Lee's left hand reached for his injured arm as he realized that he needed to leave the ship through the cargo hatch. He couldn't take the chance of the Leader having more men topside. He opened the hatch and started down the small gangplank used by the servants and loading crew, but as he staggered along he heard the whiz of bullets being shot from a silencer. He had no choice if he wanted to get away. The gangplank was still a full story above the water line and Lee grimaced holding his arm as he dove feet first into the dark water below.

* * * * *

Felicia secreted her intel and left the powder room. She had expected to see Lee still surrounded by Mrs. Wentworth and her friends and was surprised to see that he wasn't in the middle of their circle any longer. She scanned the deck and saw his tall dark hair heading forward. She had never told him before, but she always thought that his wavy hair was very handsome, downright sexy, especially when he fingered the hair gel through as he had on this occasion. A small smile escaped and then she composed herself realizing that it was time to make their departure. She started to take a step forward when she realized that Lee's body posture wasn't right, nor the facial expression that she caught on his profile as he moved toward the stairways. Something was wrong. She had the intel, it's what they had come for. Her job was to get it to safety and she saw no way to do that and follow Lee down into the ship's bowels. She hated to leave him to solve this himself, but her duty won out, the intel had been handed off to her for just this possibility. Felicia made an inward sigh, followed by a quick prayer for Lee, and turned for the main deck's gangplank. She retrieved her wrap, winding the black silk wrap around her head and then flipping the end over her shoulder and proceeded down the gangplank. Lee was good; she knew that if he could get away he'd head for the safe-house and she left hoping that the odds weren't stacked too highly against the seasoned operative this time.

* * * * *

The long fall into the water was everything Lee had anticipated it to be as his arm and ribs both felt the impact even though he entered the water with a perfect pointed toe entrance. As he hit, he fought the urge to yell in pain, keeping himself from aspirating water and sunk as he recovered from the debilitating pain. Then he found both his strength and his awareness and realized that he needed to make it to the top for air. He swam painfully, one handed and kicking powerfully with his feet towards the dark shadow of the gangplank. Normally, he could hold his breath nearly five minutes, but this time he was fighting the urge to pant and barely made it underneath the gangplank as he took a silent gasp for air. He could hear his pursuers talking quietly as they scanned the waters looking for their target. The way they had been shooting at him he figured they were no longer trying to take him alive and that the Leader was going to cut his losses and run. He stayed near a piling, they hadn't seen him as he listened to their steps over him as they walked the gangplank and scanned the waters. He swam a good distance before surfacing so they were looking in the wrong area for him. He figured if he stayed put for a while, he'd be able to make good his escape.

As he waited he strained to hear the two men talking above him; he didn't catch much as they spoke quietly but he did hear them say something to the effect that, “Gamma wasn't going to like this.”

Gamma? Lee thought. Dr. Gamma was the megalomaniac that tried to stop Seaview from deploying their nuclear bomb in the arctic to stop the devastating earthquakes and tsunami's on Lee's first mission with Seaview.** They didn't know it at the time, but Intelligence had since ferreted the information out. Now he had a name to go with the voice, making his predicament all the more precarious. Gamma would now have to be very persistent in finding Lee as Dr. Gamma's name or more likely, his alias on Mrs. Wentworth's Invite List would be traceable. Lee knew the stakes were high, he had to get to the safe-house.

He held his right arm across his body as the buoyancy of the water rocked it occasionally with the swells of the water. It sent spasms of pain up his arm. He knew the break was a compound fracture, he felt the bone protruding out as he held it earlier. Lee listened as he heard the men walk back up the dock to the ship and stayed put for about five minutes more, then he began to tread the water moving under the planks making his way to shore. Once he was close enough, he left the protection of the gangplank over him and tread the water in a parallel direction with the shore. He followed the dark shadows until he found a place he could pull himself up and still be hidden in the darkness of the night. The fog hid his position as he moved out of the water and felt a chill run up his spine. He knew both the air and water were warm here and he shouldn't be chilled like this; he needed to get warm and dry soon. He looked around and stole a glance back toward the ship, satisfying himself that he had made a clean getaway and headed for the safe-house.

There was no way to get to the safe-house without walking through the quaint streets of the port town. Most of the shops were closed at this late hour, but there were still restaurants and night clubs open. He realized that he was a sight walking along dripping wet and decided to take a chance on a cab ride. He stepped up to a cab waiting at the curb for his next fare. Lee leaned in the window and gave the driver directions and then hopped in the back allowing himself to sink into the bench seat with his head leaning back. The driver stole several glances back at Lee in the rear view mirror as he finally spoke up.

“Take a late night dip in the water?” The driver asked curiously.

“Yeah, I guess I had a little too much to drink,” he answered hoping his reply gave adequate excuse for his wet appearance, his staggered steps and his obviously unwell look. Lee took the opportunity to loosen and remove his black bow tie and loosened a few buttons to get more comfortable and to hopefully, add validity to his story.

The driver smiled and nodded through his rear view mirror and proceeded to drive Lee nearly ten miles towards the very exclusive and high priced homes that dotted the hillside with their ocean views.

“Let me off here,” Lee said casually.

“Here? Don't you want me to take you to your house?” The confused cabby asked.

“I don't want my wife to hear the car,” he said feigning the fact that she wouldn't be happy at his late night arrival. The cabby smiled and stopped at the spot Lee indicated. There were several long driveways and another street to turn down, but it was impossible to tell which one he would take from this position. Lee leaned over handing the driver a fifty dollar bill.

“Keep the change,” he said with a small smile and stepped away from the curb. He watched the driver make a u-turn and when he was out of sight Lee headed back a quarter mile to his intended and real destination. There was no doubt in his mind that Gamma was connected enough to find the cabby, and hoped that his ploy of doubling back to the safe-house would be adequate enough to throw him off. He took a quick look around as he held his arm tightly. The well lit streets were quiet in this exclusive neighborhood as Lee turned to move up the walkway of the stone-walled house. The walkway led to a rounded wing that rivaled the looks of a medieval tower, it was in fact the foyer that led to the opulent home's main house, inset further back on the property.

He pressed the door bell and leaned against the stone wall letting the coolness of the stone cool his now hot face. He was wet, but he no longer knew if it was the swim he took or the perspiration that seemed to flow from every pore in his body just now. The door opened a crack and then swung open as Lee was pulled inside.

* * * * *

“Lee! I've been worried sick about you!” Felicia helped Lee move out of the foyer and into the nearest room, a sitting room, as she guided him towards an expensive lounge sofa. Felicia had long since changed from her striking evening gown and was now sporting dark slacks and a matching pull over sweater. Lee leaned heavily on her as his adrenalin finally gave way inside the safe-house. She sat him down on the sofa and noticed that he protected his right arm and was breathing heavily in pain.

“Let me get this wet jacket off you,” she offered as Lee complied barely able to nod back. As soon as the jacket was shed she could see the bone protruding from the bloody tear in his white shirt. She started unbuttoning his wet shirt as she spoke quietly and soothingly.

“What else besides your arm Lee?” she asked.

“A couple of busted ribs,” he answered through an airy voice. Felicia was sure that he was going to pass out soon and made quick work of his wet shirt pulling it off and then gently guiding him down on the sofa.

He let out a long breath as he allowed himself to finally rest, still holding onto his arm. Felicia left his side but he kept his eyes closed managing the pain as best as he could. She returned a few minutes later with a blanket and a first aid kit.

“Did you secure the intel?” Lee asked. Felicia was surprised to hear him speak and thought he had already passed out.

“Yeah, it's safe,” she said as she positioned two splints near his arm.

“What happened?” She continued, “We're you spotted in the office?”

“No,” he said as he took another long breath, “A fluke. Someone I ran across in the past recognized me. Dr. Gamma.” He answered as he now opened his eyes to watch Felicia.

At Gamma's name her head rose, they had both read the dossier. He had his hands in many illegal dealings. Though the Intelligence Community had a strong dossier on the man's criminal activity, they lacked his identity or a face. Gamma walked around freely, conducting his dark dealings in secret.

“He'll be after me, he knows we can do some tracking with the guest list. Take the micro-film and get to the extraction point, I'll wait and come when I can.”

Felicia just nodded a negative. “Sorry Lee, but you're my partner and I'm not leaving you behind, and don't try and convince me otherwise. I've been told I'm very stubborn by a certain Admiral we both know and love.” The last she said with a small smile, referring to Admiral Johnson. Lee cracked a small smile as he watched her pull out a syringe and started to protest.

“Lee, I need to set the fracture and you need the rest,” she explained as Lee agreed, too tired and pained to care. Besides, they were in the safe-house, if he couldn't sack out here, where could he?

“'Kay,” he answered closing his eyes and allowing Felicia to inject the needle as a warm feeling flowed through his blood stream. Before he knew it, he was asleep and never felt the grating of the bones as Felicia yanked the compound fracture back into place and splinted his arm.

* * * * *

Felicia's hazel green eyes revealed her concern as she finished dressing Lee's arm and then moved the blanket off his torso to view the dark bruises that lay across his mid-section. It looks like Lee got whacked a couple of times by a bat or something, she reasoned. She felt and found the broken ribs he told her about and took out an ace bandage to wrap his mid-section. Lee was totally out as she leaned over him, her hair lightly touching his chest as she secured the bandage tightly in place with the aluminum grabbers from the first aid kit.

Felicia sat back looking over her “patient” as she felt his forehead. His previously clammy face was now giving way to a healthier glow and she pulled his blanket further up to keep him warm. She left his side and returned with a cool wet rag and blotted the dry sea water from his face as he slept peacefully under her care. Finally, when she had done all she could, she left his side and moved to make her radio call. They were going to need help. With someone like Gamma on their trail, leaving by the island's airport was going to be an impossibility. They needed another extraction plan.

* * * * *

Lee slept through the night on the sofa lounge, exhausted by the evening's events and feeling secure in the safe-house. He woke the next morning in manageable pain as he pulled the blanket off his legs and sat up, holding his arm. After he stabilized he assessed his condition. Felicia had done a good job on his arm; it still hurt, but not like the debilitating pain of last night. The house seemed quiet, but he wasn't worried. It was a big house and so Lee made his way to his bedroom where he could shower and change, then he'd find Felicia and find out what he missed while he was out.

He headed up the stairs and entered his room. His overnight bag sat on the bureau and he picked it up taking it with him into the bath. He showered one handed, careful to keep his right arm out of the water. He had taken off the ace bandage and soaked in the heat of the shower letting the steam take some of the ache away from his body. After a one-handed hair wash he exited the shower and toweled off. It was a job with his handicap, but he had experience dealing with life one-handed on several other unfortunate occasions. He exited the bathroom wearing black denim jeans and toweling his head when he stopped at the sight of Felicia sitting on the bed holding his ace bandage.

She smiled a sweet, embarrassed smile. “I thought you might need help with this,” she said holding his bandage on an end.

Lee smiled back, “Yeah, I guess I do.”

She stood as he lifted his arms slightly and she wrapped the bandage tightly around his ribs once again. As she wrapped, Lee couldn't help notice the scent of Felicia's hair, from her shampoo no doubt. It was an exotic scent and was hard to miss as she wrapped her arms around his back and then reached around the front to fasten the bandage with the aluminum grabber clips.

“Thanks,” he said with a smile, “it feels better. I'll finish dressing and meet you downstairs,” he said, feeling a little self-conscious over her care, especially when he was half dressed.

“Okay, I made some coffee, and I'll bring you up to speed,” she answered settling back into her ONI Operative role.

“Sounds good.”

* * * * *

Outside the expensive neighborhood, at the very spot Lee had been let out of the cab sat a man with a clean shaven bald head in the back of a cab.

“You say you let him out here?” he clarified as he reached into his billfold.

The cabby nodded, “Yes sir. He said he didn't want the Mrs. to hear him come in so late.”

The man flipped several large bills through his fingers, holding them for the cabby to see. “Tell me again about his condition.”

The cabby eyed the bills and answered happily, “He was wet, said he fell in the water 'cause he had too much to drink. He was holding his arm and pretty much looked like he had partied too hard 'cause he leaned his head back the entire trip.”

The man with the shaven bald head handed over the bills to the cabby and left the cab, thanking the driver for his information and then taking the back seat of the dark sedan that was waiting for him.

“Continue to monitor the area, nobody leaves this housing development that you don't know about.”

His men nodded their understanding as Dr. Gamma's dark sedan drove off.

Gamma had no idea that Lee was an ONI Operative, and he believed he could still contain the problem of Crane escaping by finding the injured Commander before he could report to his superiors. He had tracked down the cab last evening and had made arrangements for the phone lines to be cut for the entire region. But even so, he had taken precautions having already made arrangements to move his assets to another alias. It wouldn't be the first time he had left society by one name to re-appear by another name.

He could just cut his losses with Crane and order a hit, but Gamma wanted Lee Crane. Once again, he had underestimated the young commander and once again the commander had gotten the best of him. Not this time. This time Lee Crane was going to pay for the millions he had lost four years ago when Crane had foiled his attempt to get the secret military plans, not to mention the ruined plans to rule the devastated world after the earthquakes and tsunamis had struck. Crane had a lot to pay for, and Gamma was determined not to underestimate him again.

* * * * *

Lee headed downstairs following the smell of the fresh coffee and found Felicia standing at the stove whipping up a skillet of scrambled eggs. She raised her head at the sound of his arrival and smiled, motioning him to the kitchen table.

“I'm afraid we're not that well stocked, but this will do,” she said bringing over the skillet and a plate of already buttered toast.

“Thanks, it's perfect,” Lee answered sincerely.

“How's the arm?” Felicia asked as she loaded a plate for Lee and then herself.

“It's better,” he said with a smile, but they both knew that he was still in considerable pain. The arm was only splinted and needed a cast.

“Thanks for the first aid, I'm afraid I was out for the count once I got the pain meds.”

“You're welcome,” she said smiling back and then continued, “I radioed ONI with the code for the successful retrieval of the intel, and told them we needed a new extraction plan. I updated them on Gamma with what little I knew, but they want your report this morning. And something else, the phone lines have been dead since last night.”

Lee nodded his understanding, having Gamma show up at the party changed a lot of things.

“Did you get a good look at Gamma?”

“Only his profile as you walked by,” Felicia asked as she stopped for a sip of coffee. “There were two men,” she continued, “one behind you, the other on your side.”

“The one behind me,” Lee clarified.

“It was only for a few seconds, and the view was obscured by people mingling, but I think I could identify him if I saw him.”

Lee was thoughtful as he held his arm and then raised his eyes to Felicia and smiled. “Well, I think I'd better make that call now.”

Felicia followed him into the library of the large house and opened a large dark oak “secretary” desk. Inside was a small, but powerful radio unit. Lee sat down and turned the knob to the correct frequency and then picked up the mic with his good hand.

“Blue Base this is Scout One come in,” there was very little pause before Lee heard his answer.

“Scout One this is Base Leader, turn to alternative frequency for a secure transmission.”

Without answering, Lee put down the mic and turned the knob to the prearranged frequency and then picked the mic back up. His right arm laid across the desk and was throbbing nicely at this point, but Lee ignored it and addressed Base Leader.

“Scout One to Base Leader, are you reading me?”

“Yes Commander, Lt. Manning has already reported that you secured the intel. I'm more interested in how Gamma got involved.” The voice of Admiral Johnson was familiar to both operatives as Lee answered matter of factly.

“Aye Sir. I retrieved the intel and passed it to Lt. Manning and we were about to make our exit. Felicia left to secure the intel; while I was on deck I was approached from the back. I recognized his voice as the Leader who kidnapped Admiral Nelson four years ago in San Francisco. He escorted me under gunpoint down to the cargo hatch. I didn't know his name at that point, but he did intimate that I had a lot to pay for, and left me guarded. I overpowered my guard and headed out the cargo hatch gangplank but had to take a dive when I took gunfire. I evaded two men under the gangplank, that's where I heard them talking, identifying Gamma. When the way was clear, I headed to the safe-house. Not completely clean, I took a cab, but hopefully muddied the water enough to keep Gamma from knocking on our front door. But our position is precarious at this point, Sir.”

“I agree. What's your physical condition Crane?” Admiral Johnson's question was made without emotion, a simple inquiry of the facts.

“A compound fracture of my right forearm and a couple of broken ribs,” Lee answered honestly.

“Are you functional Commander?”

Lee and Felicia exchanged glances as Lee answered.

“Yes Sir, to a point. I'm not up to combat, but I can still function.”

Lee could almost hear the wheels turning and clicking in Johnson's mind, so he wasn't surprised when the head of ONI responded.

“Crane, we have an opportunity here. I assume Gamma has no idea you were on a mission?”

“No Sir, he didn't seem to know anything more than what my cover story dictated.”

“Good. Gamma is going to need to silence you Commander. He's not aware that we know his name, but he's well aware that we can check all the guests on the invite list. He's going to lose his alias over this, and he's an egomaniac. He's going to want to deal with you personally.”

Lee nodded, already knowing where this was headed and already knowing his duty.

“We need you as bait Commander, to bring Gamma out into the open.”

“Aye sir. But Lt. Manning needs a secure extraction,” Lee motioned Felicia who was about to protest to stay silent as he continued.

“Sir, Felicia can identify Gamma.”

Lee could almost see the light bulb go off over Johnson's head. It was a major break in putting a face to the dossier of a man who had eluded every intelligence agency in the country for the past decade.

“Agreed,” Johnson answered evenly and without emotion. “We'll move her out by speed boat. You Commander will make your way to the airport to catch your original flight back. Make it look good, like you're an easy target. We'll have you covered. I'll put together the assets and contact you again with the details. Base Leader out.”

“Aye Sir, Scout One out.”

Lee put the mic down, and turned off the radio unit, turning the knob off the frequency for security's sake. He leaned back into the chair holding his arm. He really didn't mind doing what it took to put Gamma away. He had woke many times over the years full of sweat, reliving the moment Harry had been shot while he hung there useless and unable to help.

“Are you okay Lee?” Felicia asked with concern.

Lee let loose a small smile, “I'm fine. It's just that I have a history with Gamma...” and I'd rather you weren't involved with all this, he finished silently.

She nodded and then noticed Lee grimace as he stood, pushing away from the desk.

“Let me put the sling on your arm, it will help with the throbbing,” Felicia offered.

Lee held his arm and considered, “Alright,” he sighed. “I guess I'll take a couple of aspirin too.” He couldn't take the good stuff, not when the mission had just gotten extended and the details were still being worked out. Felicia nodded and headed off to get her first aid kit as Lee held his arm wondering if this time they could finally put Gamma away for good.

* * * * *

Lee had fallen asleep in the arm chair, his arm still ached despite the aspirin. He hadn't wanted to go far from the radio set knowing that Johnson would be calling with the details any time. He woke to the faint beeping sound that alerted him of an incoming transmission. Felicia was already at the radio and turning the dial to answer the radio call.

“This is Scout Two, I'm reading a clean transmission. Go ahead,” she said into the mic as Lee moved over sliding his hip onto the desk as he held his arm now supported in a sling.

The familiar voice of Admiral Johnson was absent as the Deputy Director proceeded to outline both the extraction for Felicia, now a very valuable eyewitness, and Lee the bait to snag Gamma. The two operatives acknowledged their affirmatives on the mission details and signed off. They'd get Felicia out tonight, and Lee would take his original return flight out via the public airport tomorrow. The necessary arrangements had been made by ONI, all they needed to do was be at the designated place at the right time.

Lee moved from his perch and paced the floor. He wasn't completely happy with the arrangements. He'd have to stay put in the safe house or risk being seen before the trap was set for Gamma. On top of that, his presence would endanger Felicia if Gamma thought he could get to Lee through her. It didn't sit too well with him sending her off in a cab in the middle of the night, even if an ONI operative had been substituted for the cabby, but it was the plan. He'd just have to live with it.

The ache in his arm reminded him that he needed to relax and let himself down easily into the arm chair, feeling his ribs protest at the movement. He breathed in, putting the pain back into place and opened his eyes to see Felicia's concerned expression. He allowed a small smile to escape, he liked Felicia. She was a good operative, but also confident enough in her own abilities that she didn't feel threatened at his concern for her safety. It wasn't something he could just turn on and off, taking care of other people just came natural to him.

He closed his eyes, deciding to rest as he heard Felicia leave the room and head upstairs, probably deciding to rest as well, he thought. Maybe tonight, when Felicia was safe aboard the speed boat, heading for a covert sub hiding in the ocean depths, maybe then he'd really rest.

* * * * *

Felicia walked down the stairs wearing dark slacks and a dark pullover sweater. Her hair was pulled back into a neat pony tail that trailed down her back gracefully. Lee was still sporting his sling as he met her at the bottom of the stairs.

“Your cab ride just pulled up. I'll position myself behind the door, if he doesn't give the code word invite him and I'll take care of him.” Lee spoke matter of factly and Felicia nodded, but smiled.

“I think you better let me take care of him Commander,” she said playfully referring to Lee's arm.

“Alright, I'll hold him down, you slug him,” Lee said with a smile and then turned serious. “You did a good job on the yacht, getting the intel out was the right decision. It's been a pleasure working with you.”

“Thank you Lee,” Felicia whispered, as they heard the doorbell ring. “I'll see you back in DC.”

Lee nodded and positioned himself behind the door as Felicia turned the knob and opened the door. The code word was “Texas” anywhere in the greeting, as Lee listened, ready to act if necessary to secure Felicia's safe extraction.

* * * * *

“You call for a ride lady?”

“Yes, do you have your meter running?”

“Yep, all the way to Texas, it's going to be some cab fare,” the blond haired, blue eyed cabby said with a grin and an awful southern drawl.

Lee smiled from behind the door, he recognized Chip's voice, even before he added that crazy accent.

“Okay, let me get my purse, I'll be right with you,” Felicia said playing along with the roles they had been given to play as she stepped away from the door, leaving it open.

“How're you doing Lee?” Chip asked, knowing his friend was within earshot.

“I'm alright,” he said from his hiding place, “I'm glad you're here Chip, thanks.”

“You're covered on your exit tomorrow Lee, the Admiral wouldn't have it any other way.” Lee nodded, even though his best friend couldn't see it; their connection was strong, even with the door separating them. Chip headed out to the cab as Felicia closed the door and locked it from the outside, as if the house were empty. Then she climbed in the back seat, with her intel hidden securely as the cab drove away towards a secluded beach with a zodiac waiting.

* * * * *

The house was even quieter with Felicia gone, but Lee slept soundly having received a radio message indicating the package was delivered safely. His arm and his ribs ached as he finished toweling off after his shower. He opted to forego the ace bandage around his ribs, he couldn't replace the bandage anyway. The thought of Felicia wrapping his mid-section brought a short smile to his face. She was a nice young lady, about 7 years his junior and even though she was just trying to help, it had been a pleasant experience.

He finished dressing, fitting his arm back into the sling and headed downstairs to make his final radio call. Soon his “cab ride” would be here and maybe, just maybe, they could put Gamma away this time. The Doctor had his hands in too many national security issues; he had targeted Seaview, the Admiral and had even murdered John Phillips, Seaview's first captain. Lee would do whatever it took to put Gamma behind bars. It wasn't just that it was his duty, it was the right thing to do.

The cab arrived and Lee took a stealth look out the window watching the distinctive walk of his first officer move up to the doorway. Lee smiled then school it back as Chip stayed in character playing the cabby all the way back to the car.

Lee took the back seat and sank back, alert but weary, as his injuries wore him down physically. Still, his mind was sharp as he scanned his surroundings while Chip made a U-turn and headed the cab down toward the airport.

* * * * *

Gamma sat in his long limo with darkened windows as he waited at the island's only airport. Both private and commercial flights took off from here, and Crane's return flight was scheduled to leave in a little over an hour. The Doctor was banking on Crane feeling secure in his escape to make the flight, he'd snag him and then the fun would begin.

A small beeping sound was heard and Gamma raised a radio to his mouth and answered, “Yes.”

“He just passed us in a cab.”

“Very well. Tail him, report when you confirm his destination.”

Gamma replaced the radio beside him, and cracked an evil smile. He knew that Crane had a very high security clearance, not to mention the technical data he could retrieve from the Seaview's Captain. He didn't lack for money, but money meant power, and more money meant more power. Snagging Lee Crane was going to get him more of both.

* * * * *

“The transponder's in the ash tray,” Chip noted, as he watched through the rear view mirror.

Lee opened the ash tray on his left side and found the small round transponder. It was a one way unit, used only for tracking the bearer of the unit, but it looked exactly like a quarter and would be overlooked if he were frisked. He deposited it into his pocket as he answered Chip.

“Got it. Everything go okay with Felicia last night?”

“Yeah, it went fine. We brought her on-board Seaview last night and she was flown out to a carrier this morning.”

Lee let loose a small smile of relief, at least that part of the mission was complete.

“You're looking a little tired Lee,” Chip observed as he drove to the airport.

“I'm alright Chip, I'm supposed to look like an easy target to grab,” Lee could see Chip's head nod ever so slightly as they both realized that they were probably under observation even as they drove. What Lee didn't tell Chip was that he felt as bone tired as he looked with only a day and a half from the party, his dive in the water and the freshly broken bones to go with the intrigue. Oh well, it was par for the course, he thought with an inward smile.

“Okay, here's the airport. We'll follow you wherever they take you Lee,” Chip added with sincerity as their eyes met for a brief second in the mirror, and then Lee's diverted toward the airport's loading zone on the right. Chip pulled up to the curb and Lee leaned forward paying the fare. Then Lee exited the car as Chip moved the cab from the curb pulling up a little further where other cab drivers waited for fares. Lee moved toward the automatic doors and headed to the ticket counter. He was surprised to make it all the way there and got his boarding pass. He turned and walked towards the security belt, but as expected, was greeted with a gun to his side as one of Gamma's men took his good arm and spoke quietly.

“This way Commander, someone wants to see you. Move quietly or I have orders to kill you on sight.”

Lee moved back out the airport doors as a black limousine pulled up along the curb. Another man got out opening the back door and moving in first, with Lee next and his guard following. Lee now sat in between two men in dark suits, both holding a gun to his sides. Across from him sat a man with a shaven bald head, wearing a black business suit and dark sunglasses. He reached up and pulled the sunglasses off as he smiled and spoke.

“Welcome Commander.” His voice confirming his identity, Dr. Gamma.

“Put your hands in front of you,” his guard on the left demanded.

“I've got one arm in a sling,” Lee said with a dark sarcastic tone. The guard on his right roughly removed the sling from around Lee's neck as his hands were brought together and cuffed. He bit back the pain and breathed deeply watching Gamma in front of him.

“You're a very resourceful man, Crane,” Gamma said with a smile, “I won't underestimate your abilities again.”

“What do you want with me?” Lee asked, hoping to gain all the information he could.

“You cost me a lot of money in San Francisco. You cost me a chance of ruling the world in the Arctic. I'm after revenge, Commander. Pure and simple.”

Gamma replaced his dark sunglasses but Lee continued to stare at him, hoping to do a little intimidating himself but then felt the sharp sting of a needle in his bicep as his eyes closed almost instantly. He was still unconscious when they reached the wharf and the private dock where Gamma's yacht was moored. The car was driven into a garage area as Lee was off loaded, carried by his shoulders and his feet and placed on a cot. He was out soundly as Gamma approached the cot, once again removing his sunglasses.

“Remove everything from his pockets, leave nothing behind,” he ordered as Lee was manhandled and his pockets emptied. The contents were placed into a box as Gamma examined them. Coins, his wallet, his watch and his ring were removed. Even Lee's splint was removed as Gamma satisfied himself that Lee was not traceable, or held anything that could be used as a weapon. And even though Gamma had not discovered the transponder it did Lee little good, as it was no longer with him.

Lee began to stir, the sedative wearing off led to renewed pain at his rough handling and the fact that his broken forearm was no longer supported by the splints. He held in his moan, as he woke fully aware of his current predicament. He opened his eyes just as Gamma's men pulled him off the cot and began leading him to a 220' yacht waiting outside. Not quite up to Mrs. Wentworth's standards, but a luxury boat none the less.

“Bring attention to yourself Commander and I'll kill you on the spot,” Gamma warned.

“I'm a dead man if you get me on that boat, why not just end it now?” Lee challenged.

Gamma smiled knowingly, “Because you're an optimist Crane. As long as you're alive you think you can escape.”

Gamma's smile faded as Lee was motioned towards the boat. Lee was fully aware that his transponder and everything else he previously had on him was lying in a box in the garage. But he was sure that Chip and the rest of the team covering him had traced him this far. He only hoped they were watching as he walked across the gangplank with his hands in cuffs, his injured arm held tightly by one of Gamma's men.

* * * * *

“I don't like this Admiral,” Chip said as they watched Lee walking across the gangplank. He didn't look well, and Chip had already noted the fact that Lee no longer sported his splint.

“I don't either, Chip. His transponder is obviously no longer on him. But we can't take the chance of Gamma getting away here on the island, he has too many connections. If we snag him at sea then there's no place for him to go.” Harry nodded to himself, knowing his duty; knowing it was the right thing to do, and hating it just the same.

“Let's make it back to FS1. We'll tail them. I've already lost one captain to Gamma, I'm not going to lose Lee to this madman!” Harry's determined words were matched by his just as determined face as they exited their reconnaissance place and headed for where Riley waited with the flying sub submerged.

* * * * *

Lee was led into a cabin off the main deck and deposited in an armed straight-backed chair. One cuff was removed and then fed through the right arm of the chair securing him in place. Beads of sweat rolled down Lee's face as he dealt with the pain of the bones grating together with every jolt and move. At least they hadn't cuffed his arms behind his back, he thought thankfully.

“Now Crane, you'll be my guest aboard until we reach the private cove on my secluded island. You're going to be my guest for quite some time, so I suggest you start thinking about how much easier life will be if you cooperate.” Gamma turned and left with a satisfied look on his face as Lee looked around assessing his situation. His chair wasn't mounted to the floor, but his right arm couldn't bear any weight. He heard a guard being posted out his door and knew any noise he made would be heard. He felt the boat as it moved from the dock and realized that soon they would be out in the open seas. His only hope was Chip and Harry. He closed his eyes and worked on managing the pain as he conserved his strength, hoping that Admiral Johnson had thought of every contingency on this one.

* * * * *

Harry guided FS1 along relaying coordinates back to Seaview. Lt. Bobby O'Brien was at Seaview's helm moving the great boat to an intercept course. They weren't alone in this, Johnson had a host of other assets ready to move into place. There was no way to know for sure, but they had all assumed Lee would be safe at least until Gamma reached his destination. What a mess this turned out to be, Harry thought sourly. It started out as a covert mission at a high society party and had ended up being a high stakes chess game with the world's most dangerous criminal and megalomaniac. Harry purposefully calmed himself as he glided FS1 through the depths, keeping their sonar contact on a short leash.

“Seaview to FS1, come in FS1.”

“This is FS1, go ahead Seaview,” Harry answered as he reached up and adjusted his throat mic.

“Standby Sir for Admiral Johnson.” Sparks professionally handed the mic over to the head of ONI.

“Harriman, we've got a projected course. Barring any course changes they're headed for a private island.”

“We'll have to take him now Gerald or we could be facing a small army once he reaches his home base,” Harry reasoned.

“Agreed. I'll call up the assets. Let's go with “T” minus 30 minutes. Mark time now.”

With their watches synchronized they signed off as Riley took over piloting and Harry and Chip began suiting up for a dive.

* * * * *

The door to Lee's cabin opened slowly as a very large guard entered. He was sporting bruises on his face, and Lee recognized him immediately as the guard he had overpowered when he made good his escape on the yacht.

The guard walked over menacingly and stood in front of Lee. He bent down resting his hands on the arm rests, moving his face into Lee's direct line of sight speaking darkly.

“Every chance I get Crane, I'm goin' to make your life miserable.”

Lee returned his dark glare with his own as the guard rose up and then delivered a devastating blow to Lee's gut. Lee gasped in pain and struggled to breathe as he watched the guard smirk and leave the cabin. He knew he couldn't take too many more blows like that, sooner or later those busted ribs were going to move someplace they didn't belong. He looked around the cabin for anything of use to him and spotted what he needed on the desk. The trick would be retrieving it. He knew it wasn't going to be fun, but carefully moved to stand wrapping his left hand around the arm of the chair and grimacing at the pull of the right arm as he moved. He only had to move about two feet and leaned down grabbing the paper clip with clenched teeth. Perspiration ran down the side of his face as he ignored the considerable pain the effort had produced and moved the chair back to its original position. Slowly he lowered himself back down, careful to keep his movement quiet. He breathed hard, still holding the paper clip in his clenched teeth and then lowered himself over his hands dropping the paper clip into his opened left hand.

He sat back resting heavily into the back of the chair and recovered from the exertion, then leaned back over and began straightening his paper clip using his left hand and his clenched teeth for leverage. It only took a minute as he quickly had the clip straightened and began the painful work of twisting his wrists into position to pick the handcuff lock. His eyes diverted to the door, listening for sounds from the hall and then back to the lock in front of him. After about three minutes, the cuff clicked open as Lee breathed a sigh of relief. He positioned the cuff to look as if it was still secure and leaned back to rest after hiding the paper clip under his leg, where he could get to it later if he needed it. Now, when the raid started, he wouldn't be so vulnerable.

* * * * *

Gamma sat in an extremely expensive and well decorated lounge having changed into a dark paisley smoker's jacket with green velvet lapels. He was very pleased with his “prize”. Not only was he going to get his revenge on the resourceful Commander, but he'd also cash in on some very important military secrets that would gain him both power and prestige in the underground world. Gamma was still at the center of plans to cause havoc across the world and then arise as its ruler. Every opportunity to gain power now would ensure that he and he alone sat in the supreme position.

He raised the large brandy glass to his lips and took a sip of the expensive and exclusive brand from his private stock. Crane intrigued him. He was resourceful and sharp, not like the imbeciles that he was surrounded with. He could use a man like Crane, but he already knew that the Commander couldn't be turned. He was too loyal and cared too much about right and wrong. So if he couldn't have Crane working for him, he'd have Crane's information; and he had plenty of ways to get to that, even with the officer unwilling to comply.

Yes, this was all going to work out just fine, he thought as he continued to sip his brandy making plans for Lee Crane and his military secrets.

* * * * *

“Assets are two miles out, Harriman. It's now or never.”

Admiral Johnson's voice was heard as Harry stood in his diving gear with the laser sights pulled to his face. It had to be a perfect shot at the yacht's turbo jets. Too close to the engine and he could blow both the yacht and Lee sky high. Harry held his breath, as did Chip, as Stu Riley matched the yacht's speed of 17 knots. It was a fine tuned dance they were performing. Just one hiccup and the whole deal would be a bust. Harry concentrated and when the cross hairs were perfect he squeezed the trigger in two short blasts and then watched through the sights at the result.

* * * * *

The guard had just opened the door taking a cursory glance over at Lee and then shut the door satisfied that the prisoner was just where he was supposed to be. It wasn't more than a few minutes later when Lee heard a loud noise followed by a sudden jolt as the forward momentum of the boat was severely affected by some unknown source. Lee knew instantly that the raid was on. He moved quickly to the door and as expected, the guard entered the cabin to check on his prisoner. Lee was ready, and as soon as the guard stepped into the room he struck the back of the guard's neck with a karate chop using his left hand as he held his right arm painfully against his stomach. The guard dropped and Lee turned him over finding him out-cold. Quickly he moved to the chair, retrieving the handcuffs and cuffed the guard's hands behind his back and then picked up the guard's discarded gun and headed stealthily out onto the deck. He heard gunfire and turned to see Gamma's men shooting upwards towards two gunship helicopters. The marine snipers were taking care of business, so Lee moved aft looking for Gamma.

He opened the next door he came to and found an empty room and moved on. The next door was locked and Lee made quick work of the lock by standing back and firing at the door knob, sending it flying off with the impact. He kicked the door in and found Gamma standing and speaking loudly into a radio unit. The huge guard bearing bruises pulled his gun out and Lee fired with his left hand as he rolled to escape the guard's gunfire. The guard fell as Lee held his injured arm in pain, but recovered enough to aim at Gamma who had moved seeking to secure the downed guard's gun.

“Hold it, Gamma!” Lee yelled.

Lee's tone was serious and demanding as Gamma stopped in his tracks assessing his position while Lee pulled himself up to stand, holding his gun with deadly aim.

“I can make you rich, Crane,” Gamma said trying to entice Lee to switch sides. “I could use someone like you. You're smart and resourceful. I could make you a powerful man, second only to me.”

“You think you're offering me the world,” Lee said in disbelief.

“I am Crane, don't be a fool.” Gamma urged in a tight whispery voice, as Lee kept his aim steady on the man before him.

Lee scoffed, “You don't understand a thing about duty and honor. You have nothing you can offer to make me even consider helping you.”

“Think about it Crane. When the military is done with you, you'll retire with nothing, and you'll have nothing to show for doing your duty or keeping your honor,” Gamma persisted.

Lee shook his head in disbelief and then answered, “My honor is my reward, and it's something that's earned. No amount of money, power or prestige can buy it.” Lee wasn't even tempted with Gamma's offer as he trained his cocked gun on him. Just then, the door was kicked open again and commandos entered securing the room. Lee uncocked his gun allowing the weapon to hang innocently from his forefinger as he identified himself to the Navy SEALS.

“I'm Commander Lee Crane, and this is Dr. Gamma, your prisoner.”

The SEAL commando recognized the commander from his briefing, and called for a medic as other SEALS surrounded Gamma and proceeded to escort him out. Gamma stared intently as he walked by Lee and hesitated just a moment.

“Don't think this is over Crane,” he said darkly, but Lee looked at him with his command face firmly in place.

“Get him out of here,” Lee said with conviction as Gamma was escorted out. The medic entered the room with Harry and Chip following closely behind still wearing their dive suits. Lee's adrenalin was just about spent and he faltered slightly leaning into the SEAL still standing by his side.

“Easy Commander,” the SEAL said leading him to a nearby chair as Lee allowed his head to sink into the high back wing chair.

Lee's energy was gone, but watching Gamma walk away defeated was worth it. The man who had killed Phillips, and tried to kill Harry along with a host of other evil deeds had finally been taken into custody. His thoughts were interrupted as he spotted Harry's concerned face behind the medic. He thought of everything evil that Gamma was, and the fact that Harry was the exact opposite. Where Gamma couldn't even define honor, Harry was the epitome of it. And where duty and honor meant nothing to the mad megalomaniac, it was the essence of who Harry was, and he hoped, the man that he, himself had become.

His eyes were fixated on Harry's as he spoke, “Good to see you, Sir.” He smiled, and then everything went black.

* * * * *

Lee and Harry were back in Washington, the capture of Dr. Gamma was a major victory for ONI, and it seemed that every alphabet soup intelligence agency the US had, wanted in on the briefings. Lee was no longer sporting the sling, much to the displeasure of his CMO***, and his cast was mostly hidden under his uniform service jacket. It had only been three days since the capture and though Lee could have used a little more time to recuperate, he and Harry found themselves on FS1 making the trip to DC. Gamma had already been transported and was being held in a high security military installation awaiting trial for numerous crimes from money laundering and embezzlement to treason and crimes against humanity. The list was long, and the prosecutors were working hard to make every charge stick.

Lee had enjoyed seeing Felicia again as she had been present at the briefings as well. He had worried for her safety when she alone could identify Gamma. Now her testimony only strengthened the prosecutor's case, but there was plenty of other evidence, to at the very least, nab him for the kidnap, assault and attempted murder of a high level Naval officer.

The day of briefings had concluded, and there were more scheduled for tomorrow, but Lee wasn't thinking about that just now. He stood looking in the mirror of his hotel room, adjusting the black bow tie he was wearing over his white tuxedo shirt. He had skipped the ruffles this time and hoped it wasn't too plain. The tuxedo shop had done a good job altering his sleeve to fit over his cast as he donned the black formal dinner jacket. He made one last adjustment to the tie and headed out to pick up his date. She was stationed here in DC, so Lee drove across town in his rental car, a sleek red corvette, and knocked on her door feeling like a kid picking up his prom date. When she opened the door he didn't even try to hide his delight as she wore the dress he hoped she would wear. Felicia stood there as dazzling in her long black silk evening gown as she had looked that night aboard Mrs. Wentworth's yacht. The two exchanged smiles as Lee escorted Felicia to the car. Felicia stole an approving glance as Lee bent to open the car door for her and they drove off for an evening of dinner and dancing with hopefully...not a bad guy in sight!

The End

Duty's Reward

* See my story “Marathon”

** See the Pilot Episode, “Eleven Days to Zero”

*** CMO = Chief Medical Officer, in this case Dr. Will Jamieson

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