This is a Fifth Season story that begins with a Fourth Season flashback to the final moments of my 4th Season story, The Better Part of Valor.  (For the back story on Admiral Milton see my story, Response and Responsibility.)

 

 

The Eagles

 

by Lynn

 

 

Admiral Gerald Johnson watched with satisfaction as Commander Lee Crane greeted the other guests during the impromptu awards ceremony.  His service award for valor was a small reward for the price Lee had to pay on this last dangerous mission.  A suicide mission, if the double agent hadn't wanted to keep Lee alive long enough to gloat over him.  Lee had been drugged to the point of being catatonic and had his extraction team not been good, he might have ended up in enemy hands.  In the end, it was Lee's information that had identified both the double agent and the inside contact, Johnson's own receptionist, who were now awaiting charges of high treason.  If it hadn't been for Lee's willingness to take the mission, ONI might still be sending out operatives unsafely into the field with their covers blown.

 

Johnson caught sight of Admiral Harriman Nelson as he proudly looked on.  He was aware that Nelson and Crane shared deep feelings of friendship and that Harriman looked over Lee like a father figure.  Gerald had high regard for Lee as well, but over the years had managed to keep those emotions in check.  He couldn't allow his feelings to enter in as he made the hard decisions on which assignments to send his operatives out to fulfill.  Still, in times like these he allowed himself to feel the pride of the Commander's accomplishments.

 

The gathering began to dwindle as Lee and Harry excused themselves to beat a weather front back to the west coast.  There were three other admirals of various star rankings who had left as well as Gerald caught the last admiral before he reached the door.

 

“You want to tell me why that boy isn't wearing an eagle on his collar and a full set of bars on his shoulders yet?” Johnson asked Admiral Bill Milton in a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is moment.  Johnson knew full well that Lee had fulfilled his minimum three years in rank as a commander last year.

 

“You know I only get a certain amount of postings, Gerald.  I need them for full-time servicemen.  Reserve Officers accept that their promotions may be slightly delayed when they accept the Reserve status,” Bill answered without any hint of the vindictive grudge that he held for Lee's decision to leave active duty when he signed on with Seaview four years ago.

 

“You and I both know that there's more to it than that, Bill.  I'm not sure what else Crane has to do to 'earn' his captain's bars.  If it's blood you want, he's shed it in pints for his country,” Johnson replied in his full four star admiral demeanor.

 

“And with his time on Seaview, he's one of the most experienced boat commanders in the fleet,” Johnson continued.

 

“That's just it, Gerald.  What's he doing floating around on that over-grown monstrosity with windows when he should be patrolling the waters for his country?”  Milton's tone was just as four-star and full of conviction as he spoke.

 

“For not being active duty he's put in enough time to earn nearly every service award out there.  Heaven knows he should have gotten the MOH* over the Davy Crockett affair two years ago**.  The only reason he didn't was because the Navy chose to sweep that one so far into Top Secret that the file won't be unsealed for another fifty years!”  Johnson's disbelief coming out in frustration as he spoke.

 

Bill Milton blew out a breath and then spoke, “His promotion orders are sitting on my desk now Gerald.  I had every intention of putting them through the board for the next round of reviews.”  Bill knew that Crane would have no trouble receiving his next rank, nor his first officer Charles P. Morton; he had made sure that one hadn't moved along as well, but he wasn't stupid.  Both of the officers had received enough attention with their exploits aboard Nelson's dream-boat to warrant the next rank.  The whole thing just grated on his nerves.  Bill never expected Crane to stay in the Reserves this long and his ploy to hold back Crane's rank to entice him back to active duty had somehow moved from working in the best interests of his country to a personal vendetta.  But even he knew when it was time to move on.

 

Gerald acknowledged Bill's statement concerning Lee's promotion as Bill left the office in a sour mood.  Admiral Gerald Johnson walked over to the window and stared outside with his hands clasped behind his back.  He would be retiring in another year or two, and he owed it to Lee to see this promotion through.  He was satisfied with the outcome of the conversation and walked back to his desk ready to read through more intelligence reports.

 

* * * * *

 

Admiral Bill Milton left Johnson's office and headed toward the Pentagon thinking the entire way.  Crane would promote, but he'd make sure it was in the second rounds.  The military had adopted a promotion in rounds to ease the fiscal strain of the promotions into two different quarters.  Morton's promotion would be effective in February and Crane's in June.  He smiled to himself, pleased with his plan.  Bill wasn't sure why this whole thing bothered him so much, but he was sure that Morton's promotion to full commander ahead of Crane's to captain would provide the added insult to injury he intended.

 

* * * * *

 

Present Day – (Fifth Season)

 

Seaview glided along the depths hugging the deep bottom of the Pacific as the oceanic wonder and her crew mapped out the floor for a new communication's array for the United States Navy.  Seaview “sat” at 2,500 feet below sea level, and was below the “published” crush depth of the US Navy's fleet of submarines.  The depth made any possible repairs to the array only accessible by diving bell or submersible, but also effectively kept other submarines away from the sophisticated junction box that linked the various cables, making underwater communications possible without surfacing to a “radio” depth.

 

Although the depth was below the capacity of the navies of the world, it was within easy reach of Seaview and her crew.

 

Captain Lee Crane stood at the Chart Table noting the sub's current depth as his first officer and XO, Chip Morton stood by making notations on the computer generated topography map.  The Command Team worked well together, and Lee was going to miss both the efficiency and friendship that he shared with his XO when Chip moved on to his own Command.  Harry had begun working on a new sub to add to NIMR's fleet several years ago and had long since tagged Chip as the sub's Skipper.***  Chip's promotion to full Commander had ensured that possibility and Harry's blueprints were about ready to be turned into reality as Seaview's sister boat was in the process of receiving bids for her construction.  Lee had enjoyed the process of meetings and brainstorming sessions with Harry and Chip, something he missed out on with the construction of Seaview, and he was truly pleased for Chip's appointment.  Chip was as efficient at Seaview's helm as he was an Executive Officer.

 

The two officers stood across the table from one another, both bearing the silver oak leaf of a navy commander.  Lee's promotion had been announced at the same time as Chip's, but wasn't effective for another three weeks.  He and Chip were planning on taking Monica and Brianna on a celebratory dinner at the best five star restaurant in town.  The promotions for both officers had been long overdue, but it was a small sacrifice to bear in order to stay aboard Seaview in Reserve status.  Lee was also not fooled in the least regarding Admiral Milton's timing of the promotion schedule, but chose to totally ignore the entire situation.  His friendship with Chip was way stronger than the petty feelings Milton was trying to elicit from him.  And things were going pretty well in his life at present, as he and Brianna were getting along quite well.  They had only been seeing each other for about a month, but he had already been making plans for a trip to the jewelers.

 

The calm and serenity of the moment however, was interrupted with a shout from Patterson sitting at the hydrophones station.

 

“Shockwave headed our way!”

 

Lee immediately reached for the mic, “All hands prepare for shockwave.”

 

He and Chip took a strong handhold as the shockwave hit sending Lee against the spiral stairs on one rock and Chip against the helmsman on the subsequent roll.  After a few long seconds of dancing across the floor they were finally able to regain their handholds on the chart table as Lee called for a damage report.  Chip instantly complied as they waited for DC's report.

 

“DC Aye.  We're tight and dry, Sir.”

 

Lee scanned the duty stations, satisfying himself that the unforeseen shockwave hadn't caused any damage, then headed towards sonar as Chip reported from the seismic reader situated above Rick Kowalski's station.

 

“Looks like a sizable seaquake, 8.0,” Chip said handing Lee the small read-out.

 

“Nelson to Captain Crane,” was heard from the com system as Lee stepped back and retrieved the mic from the periscope island.

 

“Crane here.”

 

“What's going on up there, Lee?”

 

“A seaquake registering 8.0, Sir.”

 

hmmm, everything secure up there?”

 

“Aye Sir.  I'm going to bring us to 800 feet so we can safely monitor the aftershocks and get an idea of the seismic activity below.”

 

“Good idea.  I'll be up to help with the seismic readings.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Lee shipped the mic as he gave his orders, “Chip make our depth 800 feet.”

 

“Aye, Skipper.”

 

“Captain Crane to the radio shack, please.”

 

Lee headed aft, speaking as he approached the shack, “What do you have, Sparks?”

 

“A distress call, Sir.  I've tried answering, but I think their unit is damaged,” Sparks replied as Lee motioned for the headset.

 

Lee placed the headset to his ear and heard a voice frantically speaking, “...is Sandstone Alpha, repeat... the dome is damaged, integrity of the hull is precarious... in danger of collapsing... please someone respond...”

 

“Put it on speaker, Sparks,” Lee ordered, his eyebrows sharpening in concern as both Harry and Chip arrived at the shack in time to hear the repeated message.

 

“Keep monitoring the frequency Sparks, if you can manage a reply tell them we're on our way.”

 

Lee's tight voice matched his steps back to the chart table as Harry and Chip leaned over the charts while Lee traced his finger until he found what he was looking for, tapping the map as he spoke.

 

“About 130 nautical miles...four hours at flank speed, Sir,” Lee said, looking up to Harry's eyes as he spoke.

 

“Alright, get us there Lee.  And get a message out to COMSUBPAC, that's a Navy installation,” Harry noted tapping the chart table as he turned to work on the seismic readings.

 

“Aye Sir.  Chip,” Lee said, delegating the job as he leaned over and began making the necessary course corrections to bring Seaview about and head toward the sea dome.  Chip nodded and headed towards the radio shack as the boring mapping mission they were on just turned into a Rescue Operation with way more excitement than anybody wanted at the moment.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee had Seaview operating at flank speed closing the distance to Sandstone Alpha, a domed underwater lab on lease to the US Navy.  Sparks had not been able to raise the Sandstone, but continued to transmit Seaview's approach.  Bobby O'Brien and his team in engineering had managed to squeeze out a 1% increase in speed as the boat raced to the damaged underwater laboratory.

 

Lee and Harry were sitting at the conference table in the nose going over the seismic reports on the underwater quake.  Tsunami warnings were in place, but it was expected that any possible tidal waves would lose steam before reaching the projected islands in its path.  Right now the danger lay in the underwater lab which housed fifteen researchers conducting secret military experiments at 1,200 feet below sea level.

 

“Admiral, a video call from COMSUBPAC,” Sparks hailed.

 

Harry reached for the mic, “I'll take it in the nose, Sparks.”

 

Lee reached for the control knob and soon the face of Admiral Jiggs Stark filled the screen.

 

“Harriman, how far out are you?”

 

Harry deferred to Lee as he answered, “About another hour, Sir.  We're pushing the engines to her capacity for this.”

 

“Very well.  I have a rescue ship complete with a DSRV, but it's five hours out,” Jiggs reported, speaking mostly to Harriman. 

 

Harry nodded in acknowledgment, “Well, hopefully we won't need them Jiggs, but keep them coming just in case.” 

 

The DSRV, short for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle could couple with the domed laboratory and rescue the occupants in short order once it arrived and was capable of carrying up to twenty-four people making the rescue a faster operation than the Flying Sub.  Harry figured it would take three trips to evacuate the dome occupants safely to Seaview via FS1.   Hopefully, Seaview would have the dome evacuated before the DSRV arrived, but it never hurt to be prepared.

 

“Aye, and another thing, Harriman,” Jiggs sighed an audible breath as Harry and Lee noted his concern.  “One of the Researchers is Bill Milton's grandson, Justin.”

 

Harry nodded.  The information didn't make the rescue any more important than it was before they knew an Admiral's grandson was affected, but it did accentuate the human element into the equation. 

 

“We'll do everything we can Jiggs, pass that along to Bill.”

 

Jiggs and Harry signed off as Harry turned to Lee.  “I had no idea that Bill's grandson was on board,” Harry noted.

 

“Neither did I, Sir,” Lee shook his head sadly sympathizing with Admiral Milton.  Whatever the muddy water between them, it made no difference in the rescue of the Researchers.  Lee sincerely hoped that he'd be able to give Admiral Milton good news when the rescue operation was complete.

 

“I'll check our progress, Sir,” Lee said as he moved from his perch on the conference table and headed to the control room.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee and Harry watched through Seaview's windows with a keen eye trying to ascertain the damage to Sandstone Alpha's twin domes and its impending danger.

 

“We'll have to do a fly over and see if the hatch is secure for link-up,” Lee noted as he studied the domes.

 

“There,” Harry said, pointing to an area on one dome where the outer hull appeared to be cracking.  “They haven't much time Lee, let's get this evacuation underway before it turns into a Recovery Operation.”

 

Lee shook his head, wholeheartedly agreeing as he donned his leather flight jacket.  Stu Riley was already in FS1 working up the pre-flight and Lee had opted to go as light as possible to lessen the amount of trips they'd have to make.

 

“And Lee,” Harry added as Lee stopped half-way down the flying sub hatch, “be careful.” 

 

Lee offered a small tight smile, “Aye, Sir.”

 

Lee finished lowering himself down as Harry dogged the hatch behind him and moved into the pilot's chair.  A few moments later and FS1 was lowered from her bay and heading toward the damaged dome.

 

After the fly-over, Lee reported that the hatch appeared sound and piloted the submersible to couple with the dome.  Riley used a wrench to knock on the hatch as they waited for some sign that the occupants were alive.  No sooner had they knocked than they received a reply as three solid taps were heard in response.

 

Lee blew out an audible breath in relief as Riley cracked the hatch.  A small puddle of water flowed down the hatch but the flying sub was perfectly coupled.  Lee descended down the ladder and was met by an extremely relieved group of researchers.

 

“Oh thank God you're here!  We didn't know if our calls were being received or not,” Dr. Terrence Fielding, the lead researcher said.

 

Lee greeted Fielding with a smile as they shook hands, “I'm Captain Crane of the SSRN Seaview.  What's the condition of your team?”  Lee asked, needing to get down to business and start the evacuation.

 

Fielding nodded and answered, “We have three injured, but the rest are in good shape.”

 

“Alright, we'll take your injured first plus two more; Riley here will pilot the flying sub over to Seaview.”  Lee stopped to smell the air.  “Looks like your air purifier isn't keeping up with the smoke,” Lee observed.

 

“Yes,” Fielding said, “We have two units.  One was damaged in the quake, the other is having to work extra hard to keep up.  Removing some personnel will help, but we should be able to evacuate before the air reaches a dangerous level.”

 

Lee nodded his agreement as five researchers were loaded onto FS1; Lee followed behind the last researcher dogging the hatches for Riley.  As he climbed down he reached for the transmitter that was hanging on his shoulder and hailed Seaview.

 

“Crane to Seaview.  Come in Seaview.”

 

“This is Nelson.  Go ahead Lee.”

 

“Riley's ready with the first load, Sir.  We'll need a corpsman standing by to receive three injured,” Lee stopped and coughed and then continued.  “The rest of the team is in good shape, but the air purifier has been damaged.  The quicker we do this the better.”

 

“Alright Lee, we'll make the turn-around as fast as we can.”

 

Lee placed the transmitter down on a nearby console and scanned the room.  “Dr. Fielding, let's break out the rebreathers, just in case,” Lee stated politely but in a straight forward tone.

 

“I'm afraid we only have access to about half the rebreathers, we had to seal off the companionway between the main stations due to the hull damage.”

 

Lee nodded his understanding as Fielding and several of his team helped to locate and dispense the rebreathers.

 

“Nelson to Crane.”

 

Lee picked up the transmitter, “This is Crane.”

 

“Lee, we've got your first passengers on board, looks like our total turnaround time will be about ten minutes.”

 

“Aye Sir, we'll be ready with five more passengers.”  Lee signed off, thinking through the math of having five passengers plus the pilot.  The Flying Sub was built for a pilot, co-pilot and two passengers, plus one in a bunk.  Weight wasn't a problem underwater; the issue was air.  FS1 was built for the capacity of five people without straining the air filtration system.  Six was pushing it, but it was a short “flight” and well worth the added burden on the system.  Still, more than ten minutes would be pushing it, and that's just what they were doing with three trips at over capacity. 

 

Fielding had five more passengers ready to go and the evacuation was moving in an orderly fashion, as Lee dogged the hatches once again sending Stu Riley off with the second load of evacuees.  Lee climbed back down the ladder, and took a shallow breath as he reached for a rebreather for a shot of oxygen.  The dwindling group of researchers would slow down the output of bad air, and in another ten minutes the dome would be evacuated, so Lee wasn't worried.

 

As they waited, the remaining researchers talked amongst themselves quietly and Lee turned his head as he caught the name “Justin” in a conversion.  As he looked at the young man, Lee could see the family resemblance to Admiral Milton.  Justin had carried himself with dignity and had handled the deteriorating situation well.  Lee allowed a smile to form as he watched the young man speaking with his colleague.   If everything went as planned, the next load would be the last.  They would be overcapacity for sure with seven on board, but FS1 was a good craft and Lee was sure it would make the short shuttle without any trouble.

 

“Nelson to Crane.”

 

“Crane here.”

 

“FS1 is ready for the last load, Lee.”

 

“Aye, Sir.  We'll be ready.”

 

A few more minutes passed and Lee could hear the coupling of FS1 to Sandstone.  He climbed the ladder and used a hammer to signal a clean connection as the hull reverberated the two raps they heard in response.  Lee opened the hatch and descended to allow the final researchers of Sandstone Alpha to climb the ladder.  The Researchers had happily abandoned their rebreathers as they climbed.  Lee positioned himself last in line as he waited to follow Justin Milton up the ladder.  Just then, Lee's transmitter came to life.

 

“Lee, shockwave approaching in ten seconds!”  Chip's elevated voice was enough to stop the forward movement of researchers as they turned to look toward the sound of the warning.

 

“Go!  Go!”  Lee urged as the group filed upwards, but Lee knew they weren't going to make it.  Not only did they have to seal both hatches but they had to uncouple before the shockwave hit.

 

“Riley, I'll get your hatch, prepare to disengage as soon as your hatch is secure!”  Lee yelled even as he climbed upwards.  Justin's feet barely cleared the hatch as the shockwave hit.  He turned around to see Captain Crane pulling the hatch closed over the top of him.  Their eyes met for just a moment and then Justin moved to help secure the hatch.  Once Lee realized that FS1's hatch was being secured he moved get Sandstone's hatch dogged, trying desperately to stay on the ladder as he hooked his legs around the rungs.  He barely secured the hatch when the effects of the shockwave were too much and Lee was thrown to the floor of the sea dome.  Inside the Flying Sub, Justin Milton grabbed a handhold on the supply case behind him, but his eyes never left the hatch below.  He had just helped to dog the hatch, sealing Captain Crane in the lab with a hull breach and the real possibility of an imminent implosion.

 

* * * * *

 

Stu Riley swiftly moved back to the pilot's chair to obey his Captain's order to disengage and studied the hatch secure light.  It cycled to green as they felt the brunt of a shockwave hit the dome with the Flying Sub still attached.    Stu knew that the coupling put FS1 in a precarious position and applied the power and pressure he needed to disengage.  As FS1 rose the sounds of metal scrapping against metal could be heard as well as the awful sound of distorted metal grinding.  Stu held the controls firmly as his passengers held on for dear life.  Once free from the dome, the Flying Sub received the full blast of the shockwave as the Flying Sub tumbled forward out of Stu's control.  FS1 landed hard on the ocean floor as its occupants rode out the remains of the devastating wave.  The lights flickered off and on several times before they stabilized as Stu pulled himself off the console in front of him.  He immediately started flipping switches and turning FS1's systems back online.  The first system up was communications.

 

“Seaview to FS1.  Come in FS1.”

 

Stu reached up and positioned the mic to his throat and answered, “This is FS1.  Go ahead Seaview.”

 

“Report your situation,” Admiral Nelson's unmistakable voice was heard.

 

“I've got all the researchers on board,” Stu took a moment to look around the Flying Sub, the men had sustained some minor cuts and bruises but otherwise looked uninjured.  “I think everyone's fine here, but I don't know about Captain Crane, Sir.”

 

“What do you mean, Riley?” 

 

“He's still aboard the Sandstone, Sir.”

 

There was a short delay, and then, “What about FS1?”

 

Stu finished bringing FS1 online and did a quick check over his systems.  “I think we're good Sir.  We'll be aboard shortly.”

 

Stu Riley moved the Flying Sub towards Seaview, but inside he knew that the whole situation was a real bummer, a wipe-out even. 

 

* * * * *

 

Lee's head lolled to the side as he began to come around.  The emergency lights were lit as he moved to his hands and knees to steady himself up.  The quietness of the dome was eerie, and the subsequent moans from the precarious dome signaled impending danger.  He looked around and found his transmitter still in one piece.  He breathed deeply which was a bad idea, as the air fouled with smoke caused a coughing spasm to hit him.  So he chose to sit on the floor with his back up against a console where the air was better, and flipped the switch to hail Seaview.

 

“Crane to Seaview.”

 

“Lee!  Are you alright?” Harry's concerned voice was heard.

 

Lee shook his head in the affirmative as he looked around him.  “Yes Sir.  How about FS1 and the researchers?”

 

“All hands are on-board and safe, but we have a problem Lee.”  Harry's voice trailed off and then came back strong as he described the situation at hand.

 

“FS1's lower hatch was damaged in the shockwave, it's unusable for coupling.  But the DSRV is still on its way.  What's your situation there?” 

 

Lee looked around and found a discarded rebreather, pulling it to his face for a shot of oxygen and then answered.

 

“The hull is still holding.  The air is foul, but shouldn't deteriorate as quickly now.  I have some rebreathers here, I'll try and make them last.  What's the ETA on the DSRV?”  Lee was in total control, but he also knew that his situation had moved from precarious to down-right dangerous, with a hull breach and the fouled air poisoning the breathable air.

 

“A little under three hours, Lee.”  Harry's concerned voiced was masked in his usual in control Admiral's tone, but Lee could hear it just the same.

 

“Acknowledged.  I'll make do here.  I really think the air will hold out, Admiral,” Lee said.

 

Harry acknowledged and signed off.  He knew he could trust Lee's assessment of the situation, even though Lee was known to down-play the dangerous situations he found himself in from time to time.  Still, after five years Harry could read the sound in Lee's voice, and knew that Lee was giving him an honest appraisal of the situation.  Even so, Harry knew the danger wasn't over.  There was still the chance of more aftershocks, and just as important was the condition of Sandstone's hatch.  FS1 had sustained damage during the disengagement, and there was a good chance that Sandstone's hatch had been affected as well.  They'd have to ascertain the damage before the DSRV arrived.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee looked around and gathered the abandoned rebreathers in a pile.  The air wasn't polluting as quickly now that the station had been evacuated but he'd have to conserve the rebreathers if he was going to make another three hours.  The air was lightly fouled with carbon dioxide as the single air purifier struggled to do the job of two units.  A thin layer of smoke floated ominously against the ceiling, as he sat against the console taking shallow breaths.  He glanced at his watch and did the math, even with one air purifier off-line by his estimation he would make it.  With little else to do he just leaned back and resolved himself to wait for the DSRV. 

 

* * * * *

 

Harry and Chip stood at the chart table discussing the current situation as Dr. Fielding and two other researchers stood in the nose looking out at the nearly abandoned sea dome.  The rest of the researchers had been ushered to Sickbay and then onto the Wardroom where they were now enjoying the hospitality of one of Cookie's hot meals. 

 

The two men who had opted to stay with Dr. Fielding both wore light blue jump suits with US Navy insignias on their collars.  Lt. Justin Milton studied the dome speaking in low tones with Dr. Fielding and his fellow officer Lt. Mark Hollis.  Justin and Mark were the Navy liaisons to the civilian group that the Navy had contracted with to conduct their highly secret research.

 

“Chip, ready the flying sub for launch again.  We're going to have to ascertain the damage to Sandstone's top hatch and determine if the DSRV can couple,” Harry said, matter of factly but with concern in his eyes.

 

“Aye Sir, I'll see to it myself,” Chip said as he pushed off the chart table and summoned Chief Sharkey over to the Flying Sub's hatch.

 

Harry stood at the chart table staring beyond the windows toward the sea dome in front of him.  The underwater laboratory was of unusual construction in that the facility actually housed two domes connected by a rounded corridor.  It was large, as the fact that its facility supported fifteen researchers testified.  As he studied the structures before him he was interrupted by one of Dr. Fielding's team members.

 

“Admiral, permission to join the detail for the hatch recon, Sir.”

 

Standing before Harry was a young version of Admiral Bill Milton, standing smartly at attention awaiting his reply.  Before Harry could answer, Justin continued, trying to strengthen his case for going.

 

“I'm familiar with the facility, Sir and may be of use for answering specific questions regarding the domes.”

 

Harry cracked a small smile, Justin reminded him of a very young Lee Crane years ago on the Nautilus.  Not so much in his looks, as the determination he saw in the Lieutenant’s eyes.  In the end, Harry decided it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

 

“Very well, Lieutenant.  We'll be ready to leave as soon as FS1 is checked out again.”

 

Justin walked away relieved that Admiral Nelson had agreed to his tagging along.  He really didn't know if his presence was that necessary, but he needed to be busy doing something about getting Captain Crane out of Sandstone.  It hadn't sat well with the young officer to help dog the hatch over the top of Crane, and he sure wasn't just going to sit around and wait to see what the outcome was.  He needed to help.

 

Chip climbed back up the ladder, followed by Sharkey as Harry was pulling on his leather flight jacket.

 

“She's ready, Sir,” Chip reported efficiently.

 

“Good, Chip.  Mr. Milton will be accompanying me on the recon.  We'll stay in touch.”

 

Chip nodded and helped Harry step down the hatch as Justin followed wearing a guest flight jacket.  He secured the top hatch behind them and then moved to the chart table to begin the launch procedures.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee sat with his knees bent and his forearms resting on his knees.  His head was resting back against the console with his eyes closed.  Sleeping wasn't a good idea with a mixture of carbon dioxide and smoke in the air, and he was too wound up to sleep anyway.  He was thinking through a list of maintenance projects he wanted completed on Seaview.  He was presently keeping his mind occupied as he slowly took apart the compressor unit for a standard maintenance.  Lee had served as an officer in engineering on the Nautilus and had plenty of experience with such maintenance.  The thought reminded him of the “good ol' days” working under then Captain Nelson.  He had learned a lot on the Nautilus, and working for Harry had been great even back then.  A small smile broke forth on Lee's face as he remembered how he would shudder when Harry came to Engineering.  Harry had a presence about him, but he always found his advice sound and helpful.  Lee's revelry was broken with the sound of a hailed call on his transmitter.

 

“Lee, this is Nelson.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee responded.

 

“Lee we're inspecting Sandstone's hatch for link up with the DSRV.”

 

Lee nodded, even though Harry couldn't see it.  He could already tell Harry what he was going to find when they got here.  The last thing he heard before he lost his balance and fell from the ladder was the grinding of distorted metal as FS1 disengaged.  Lee heard an audible sigh, as Harry apparently got a close enough view to confirm Lee's suspicions.

 

“The hatch is a no go, Lee.  It's in even worse shape than FS1's hatch,” Harry answered barely hiding his disappointment.

 

“Sir?”  Lee heard an unfamiliar voice coming from FS1.

 

“There's another hatch on the second dome,” Justin finished, pointing out another possible solution.

 

“Lee, we'll check out the second hatch and call you back.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee responded as he tilted his back against the console.  Already he was thinking through the possibilities for link up with the dome in danger of collapsing and the chances of it doing so with the DSRV attached.  Lee shook his head in a negative, he just didn't think that was going to work, much less the fact that he was going to have to transfer between the domes through the corridor.  Right now, he was protected against a collapse with the corridor sealed off.

 

A few minutes passed as Harry called in reporting his findings.

 

“Lee, the hatch is solid.  We could link up there and get you out.”

 

Lee hated to break this to Harry, but there wasn't any way he was going to risk the crew of five aboard the DSRV if the dome collapsed while it was still coupled.

 

“Negative Sir,” Lee continued on before Harry could reply.  “There's just too great a chance of the hull imploding with the DSRV still connected.”

 

“Lee...”

 

“There's just got to be another way, Sir,” Lee said interrupting Harry and assuring the Admiral that he wasn't resolving to die, only to lessen the danger for the rescue team.  There was a short silence and then Harry answered.

 

“I'll get back to you, Lee.  But if I order you to the dome, you better high tail your six there!”  Harry said with fervor.

 

Lee let out a little chuckle, he really peeved Harry off with his last statement.  He recovered but answered with a smile, “Aye Sir.”

 

* * * * *

 

Admiral Nelson's determined look could bore a hole through a solid metal plate, Justin was sure of that as the Admiral piloted the Flying Sub back to her berth.  He had wisely kept quiet during the exchange between Crane and Nelson.  Justin had to admire Captain Crane for his composure and his desire to keep the DSRV crew safe.  Less than ten minutes later, and the Flying Sub was seated back in her berth in the belly of Seaview.

 

Justin followed Admiral Nelson up the ladder.  Nelson hadn't said a word except in orders to bring the submersible on board.  Justin could almost see the wheels turning as the Admiral maneuvered the yellow manta-like sub, obviously trying to work through possible solutions to Captain Crane's dilemma at the same time.  Justin had spent plenty of time around another Admiral, his grandfather, and knew when to keep quiet and when to speak.  Right now was definitely one of those “keep quiet” moments.  Justin moved out of Nelson's path and took up a position out of the way but where he could still hear Morton and Nelson confer.

 

“The hatch on the second dome is safe, but Lee doesn't want to risk a link up with the damaged hull,” Harry explained.

 

Chip nodded, it sounded just like Lee, but he didn't have to like it.  “What about the Bell, Sir?  We could drop it from Seaview, and if an aftershock was imminent we could cut the line,” Chip offered, knowing that Lee wouldn't risk Seaview any more than he'd risk the DSRV.

 

Harry nodded as a smile began to form, “You're right Chip.  He can't object if we assure him the Bell would be cut away at the least bit of a problem,” Harry answered with enthusiasm.

 

“He'll still object to the potential danger...” Chip started, but was interrupted by Harry.

 

“He can object, but it won't do him any good,” Harry said waving off Lee's objection as if Lee were actually here to see it.  Chip smiled, Lee was going to get rescued whether he wanted it or not!

 

“Admiral, a video call for you Sir,” Sparks reported over the com.

 

Harry reached for the mic at the chart table, “Put it through to the nose, Sparks.”

 

Harry moved toward the video console as Chip turned the video monitor on and Admiral Stark's face appeared on the screen.

 

“Harriman, what's your update there?” His voice rough with the tenseness of the situation.

 

“We've evacuated all fifteen researchers but Captain Crane is trapped at Sandstone,” Harry explained as Jiggs' eyebrows sharpened, needing an explanation.  “Sandstone was hit by an aftershock with FS1 still coupled.  Lee was able to dog the hatch and my pilot disengaged, but both hatches are now damaged.  Our only solution now is to move Captain Crane to the damaged dome and link up with the diving bell,” Harry finished.

 

Jiggs nodded his understanding, “I'll keep the rescue ship on course Harriman, keep me posted.”

 

Harry acknowledged and turned the monitor off. 

 

“Come on Chip, let's inform the Captain of the plan and get the diving bell ready.”  Harry had a gleam in his eye, ready to pull his four star rank on Lee should he balk in any way.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee listened to Harry acknowledging that it was a good plan.  Seaview would position itself over the dome at 700 feet, that would give Seaview 500 feet of slack in the cable.  If an aftershock occurred Seaview would disengage and have plenty of room for the inevitable rock and rolls.  Now that Seaview had moved into position the Bell would begin the descent down 500 feet of water to link up with the damaged dome.  Lee had stayed in the safety of his dome until the last minute, now he would need to make his way across the corridor that connected the two domes and open the water tight door.  If the dome imploded it would take him with it.

 

Lee gathered up several rebreathers that weren't spent and headed for the corridor.  He had been briefed by Dr. Fielding on the best route to take to reach the hatch.  The corridors were lit only with the red emergency lights and the eerie creaking noise of the dome settling was enough to unnerve anybody, but Lee ignored it, moving on towards his objective.

 

“Lee, the Bell's away,” Chip's voice was heard on the transmitter hanging on Lee's shoulder.  Lee repositioned the transmitter and answered.

 

“Aye, Chip.  I'm heading to the hatch now.”

 

With Chip still on Seaview, Lee knew who was piloting the Bell.  He hated that Harry was taking the chances, but he knew better than to argue with Harry when he sported that, “I'm the Admiral,” tone. 

 

“Very well, we'll keep you posted.  Seaview out.”

 

“Crane out.”

 

Lee made it to the end of the corridor and sat down the torch he brought from the undamaged dome.  He hoped he wouldn't need the flashlight, but he was unfamiliar with the dome and needed to see his way around.  He reached for the water tight door and began to turn the wheel.  At first, it didn't budge and Lee had to lean his entire body weight into the turn.  Finally, the wheel “gave” and Lee breathed a sigh of relief.  He picked up his gear and proceeded through the hatch carefully dogging it behind him; if anything went wrong he would need to make his way back to the safety of the undamaged dome. 

 

He followed the directions Dr. Fielding gave him and entered the section that housed the hatch for link-up.  He dogged every water tight door behind him, but he knew that if the dome collapsed, nothing would save him.  Once inside the dome he settled at the base of the ladder and waited it out for the diving bell to make its appearance.  He didn't want the Bell waiting for him, they needed to make the link-up and disengage as soon as possible.  Now all he could do was wait.

 

* * * * *

 

“900 feet,” Kowalski reported as Chip supervised the Bell's descent from the missile room. 

 

Chip raised the mic to his mouth and reported, “The Bell's 300 feet above you, Lee.”

 

“Okay Chip.” 

 

The line was still open when they heard Bobby O'Brien's voice from the Control Room, “All hands brace for shockwave in ten seconds.”

 

Immediately Chip reacted, “Halt the descent Ski!”

 

He doubled clicked and continued, “Admiral!  Hold on, shockwave approaching!”

 

* * * * *

 

Inside the diving bell Admiral Nelson was holding on for dear life, as was the second occupant of the bell.

 

“Hold on Lieutenant, it's going to be a rough ride!” Harry said speaking from experience.  The diving bell swayed and moved precariously as the water churned around them.  If the cable broke they would likely be lost, probably taking the damaged dome out with it.  But Harry was confident in his equipment, and the aftershocks were coming at less intensity now.  Just as Harry expected, the waters around them calmed and both he and his young traveling companion took a deep breath as Harry smiled a tight half smile.

 

“Well, that's one to tell your grand kids about,” he quipped as Justin nodded and smiled back.

 

Harry raised the mic back to his mouth, “Bell to Seaview, come in Seaview.”

 

“Morton here, Sir.  What's your condition?”

 

“We're fine, Chip.  Start the descent when you're ready.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

A few moments passed and then Harry could feel the downward movement of the Bell once again.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee held on to the ladder as the shockwave hit the dome.  He could hear the creaking of the dome and knew that he was sitting in a rather precarious position.  Though the shockwave wasn't nearly as strong as the previous ones, it still managed to put out the lights.  He sat in the dark groping for both his torch and his transmitter.  He found the torch first and thumbed it on and then retrieved the transmitter sitting just out of his reach.  Just as he reached the transmitter he heard Chip's voice.

 

“Lee, report your situation.”

 

Lee took a breath and smiled, “I'm alright Chip.  I've lost my lights, but I've got a torch.  I'm stationed right at the base of the ladder and I'll just stake out here till the Bell arrives.”

 

“Aye Skipper, I'll pass that along to the Admiral.  We should have you out of there in no time.”

 

“Thanks Chip.  See you top-side.”  Lee signed off, hoping that the last aftershock signaled a reprieve for a while as the aftershocks were occurring further apart.  He really wasn't sure if the dome would take another hit from a shockwave.

 

About fifteen minutes later, Lee felt the “thud” of the Bell on the hatch.  He shouldered his transmitter and tucked his torch under his arm and ascended the ladder.  It was sweet heaven to hear the wrench reverberating through the hatch above.  Lee smiled and took his torch rapping in response and then began to undog his hatch.  A flow of seawater trapped between the two linking vessels flowed down on him but he was in near ecstasy as the bell hatch opened and he looked up to see Harry's auburn hair and deeply expressive eyes looking down at him.

 

“Permission to come aboard, Sir,” Lee said as he climbed, not bothering to wait for an answer.  As he cleared the Sandstone's hatch he turned around and dogged it down and then finished his ascent.  It was possible that the Sandstone's hull could hold out for repairs, so Lee secured the dome.  As he cleared the Bell's hatch helpful hands lowered the hatch dogging it tightly.  It was only then that Lee recognized Justin Milton.  His eyes were inquisitive, but right now they needed to uncouple and get clear from the dome.

 

Harry picked up the mic, “Okay Chip, we've got our passenger and our hatch is secure.  Ready for disengagement.”

 

“Aye Sir.”  Lee could hear the relief in his Exec's voice, and frankly he was feeling pretty good himself about now.

 

The Bell began to rise and Lee settled into his seat as the diving bell ascended safely back to Seaview.  Lee sent a relieved smile over to Harry, which Harry returned. 

 

“Thanks Admiral.”  Harry returned the sentiment and busied himself with his controls, not wanting the young lieutenant to witness his near ecstatic euphoria that was threatening to make its appearance just now.

 

Lee turned his attention to Justin.  “How'd you get a ticket on this ride, Lieutenant?”

 

Justin smiled sincerely, “I didn't like dogging that hatch over your head, Sir.  I just wanted to be here to help in case we ran into any situations that my experience with the dome might help with.”

 

Lee extended his hand and shook Justin's firmly, “Thank you, Mr. Milton.”  He smiled and the sincerity in his eyes deepened the regard of the handshake.

 

* * * * *

 

Chip was waiting in the missile room as the diving bell was raised and then positioned into her berth.  The detail was secured and the side hatch was opened.  Lee was the first to exit and sported a broad smile that Chip wholeheartedly returned.

 

“Welcome back Skipper,” Chip said with a gleam in his eye, “Jamie says you're to report to Sickbay immediately.”  The glimmer in Chip's eyes was met with Lee rolling his own as he exited the Bell completely, with Harry and Justin following. 

 

Harry tapped Lee's shoulder as he walked by, “Report to my cabin when you bust out of Sickbay, Lee.”

 

Lee smiled back, “Aye Sir.”

 

* * * * *

 

Lee was surprised how tired he was after being sprung from Jamie's clutches.  He had breathed compromised air and so Jamie had placed him on oxygen and admonished no diving for a week, and finding nothing more than a tender spot on his head from his fall from the ladder, released Lee to his cabin.  Lee made a quick stop to the Wardroom to greet his guests as Seaview was station-keeping at 700 feet awaiting the arrival of the rescue ship on the surface.  He hit the Control Room and greeted his relieved Crew, made a circuit around the room and then reported to the Admiral's cabin where he, Chip and Harry sat back and decompressed in comfortable camaraderie.  He excused himself on his second yawn and after a quick shower found himself out like a light.  It was a short nap, however, as he had asked to be informed when they were ready to off-load their passengers.

 

“Captain Crane, we are in your debt,” Dr. Fielding graciously offered as they shook hands.  Their dramatic rescue was underscored by the shockwave that hit when the damaged hull did indeed, implode. 

 

“I'm just glad we were able to help,” Lee returned as each of the research team offered their thanks in turn.

 

“Thank you Captain Crane,” Justin offered with a firm handshake, there was no doubt in his mind that Crane and Nelson's fantastic submarine had saved them all.  Even though the second dome survived the damaged dome's implosion, there was still the real problem of fifteen men adding poison to the air with each exhale; add to that the fact that only a DSRV or a diving bell, definitely not stock equipment on most surface ships, could have evacuated them.  Watching Captain Crane's heroism was inspiring, and Justin filed away this event as a shaping moment in his career, and indeed his life.  He knew the type of officer he wanted to be, and the calibre man he wanted to grow into.

 

Lee returned Justin's handshake and added a smile truly pleased that Jiggs Stark had good news to relay to Admiral Milton.  “It was my pleasure, Mr. Milton,” Lee added as they broke their handshake and Justin took his turn to step into the waiting zodiac and transfer to the rescue ship.

 

* * * * *

 

Nelson Institute of Marine Research, Santa Barbara – Three Weeks Later

 

Seaview was back in her home port of Santa Barbara and was in between voyages.  Lee sat at his desk going over the latest engineering reports and their recommended maintenance schedules when his intercom came to life.

 

“Lee, this is Nelson.”

 

Lee pushed the intercom button and answered, “Yes Sir, what can I do for you?”

 

“Could you come to my office?  I have something we need to discuss.”

 

“Certainly.  I'll be right there.”  Lee leaned back a moment pondering the odd sound in Harry's voice.  It didn't sound like anything was wrong, just...different.  He shook off the thought and headed toward Harry's office.  Today was a significant day for Lee, at 1700 Eastern Time, Lee's promotion to captain would be effective.  He and Chip had planned a dinner at Santa Barbara's finest restaurant, and Lee was looking forward to sharing this moment with Brianna.  What a difference she had made in his life, and he knew with all certainty that she was the missing part that made him complete.

 

Lee entered Angie's domain, Harry's executive secretary and all-around glue that kept the Institute running, as she motioned him on.  “Hello Captain Crane, he's expecting you.” 

 

Lee entered Harry's office, but was surprised to see not one, but two Admirals to greet him.  Admiral Milton stood by the window and had obviously just been viewing Seaview as she sat in her surface berth.  Milton turned slowly, not sure of the reception he would receive, but being an Admiral held all the confidence in his demeanor that said, “I'm an Admiral...I'm always right.”

 

Lee greeted both Admirals.  “Admiral Nelson.  Admiral Milton, this is a surprise.”

 

Bill nodded and then stepped forward, “I've come to offer you and Harriman my deepest gratitude for the rescue of all fifteen researchers on board Sandstone Alpha...but especially for my grandson.”

 

“It was our pleasure, Sir,” Lee said sincerely and with no hint of the bad air that had existed between them since the day that Lee told Milton he was accepting Nelson's offer to captain the Seaview.

 

Milton continued, “That event opened my eyes to several realizations that have, quite frankly, humbled me beyond words.”  Bill stopped a moment, swallowed and continued, “Justin reported to me that their situation was imminently dangerous, he doesn't believe they would have survived until the DSRV arrived.  Your boat, Harriman,” Bill turned to speak to Harry, “is truly a wonder.”

 

“Thank you, Bill,” Harry offered graciously, but holding back full acceptance of Bill's under the table apology for the years of opposition he had received from Admiral Milton.  He was holding back for what he knew Bill needed to say to Lee.  Bill's vindictiveness had held back Lee's well-earned promotion, delaying it a year and half beyond what Lee deserved.

 

Bill nodded, understanding Harry's unspoken regard and turned back to Lee.  “Commander, I have come to offer you my apologies.  I am well aware of your service record, indeed with every accolade you received I felt it strengthened my case that you were wasting your talent on a research vessel, even one in Reserve status.”  Bill plunged forward, having obviously made his mind up with what he wanted to say, “My grandson...Justin relayed to me the specifics of the rescue and how you stayed behind to secure the hatches to give your submersible the best chance of surviving the shockwave.  It is what you have done over and over again in your career with the Navy and aboard Seaview.  You made quite an impact on my grandson, and I want you to know that if he grows into half the officer and man that you are, he'll do me proud.”

 

Bill's eyes lowered and then rose as he took a breath; his next words obviously hard to form.  “I've come to offer my apologies, your promotion was long overdue and your country is honored to have you serve.”

 

Lee's face softened, and his expressive eyes lent their sincerity as he addressed Admiral Milton, “Apology accepted, Sir.”  Then he nodded, and offered his hand to Bill, as Harry stood off pleased for the exchange he just witnessed.  This had been a long time in coming, and as difficult as it was for Bill to humble himself, it was the right thing to do.

 

Bill released Lee's hand as he glanced at the clock.  He reached into the pocket of his Service White uniform and pulled out a small box. 

 

“I do believe you are now Captain Crane, USNR,” Bill said as he handed Lee the box.  These were mine.   I’d be honored if you’d accept them in the spirit they’re given, and allow me to present you with my eagles.”

 

Lee opened the small box to view the two eagle insignias worn by naval captains.  Lee returned his eyes to Admiral Milton, “Thank you, Sir.”

 

Harry looked on, proud for Lee at this moment.  This was a hatchet that Bill needed to bury, and to know that Lee would no longer be hampered by an ill-placed vendetta was very satisfying.  He wanted to speak to Bill about Lee's rank last year, but he knew that Lee wouldn't want the promotion that way.  He wanted to earn it, even in the eyes of Admiral Milton.

 

Bill removed Lee's insignias from his collars and placed the silver spread eagles in their place.  He placed the insignias stepping back and before Lee could offer the traditional salute to his superior officer Admiral Bill Milton crisply delivered his salute first, expressing his deep regard for the officer before him.

 

Lee returned the salute and then reached to shake Milton's hand, “Thank you, Sir,” he offered with a smile.  He turned to Harry and saluted his superior officer, best friend, mentor and father figure as he greeted Harry's infectious smile with a smile of his own.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee stood out on his deck watching the moon reflect back her beams off the waters before him.  His evening out with Chip, Monica and Brianna had been very pleasant and he had just dropped Brianna off at her home.  He reached into his jacket and pulled out a velvet ring box and opened it looking down at the solitaire diamond before him and smiled.  Tonight wasn't the right time, but he was sure that it would be soon, and he was equally sure that Brianna would say “yes”.  He placed the ring box back inside his jacket and smiled.  Then his thoughts turned toward Seaview.

 

He remembered back to the thoughts he had after accepting Harry's offer to command Seaview; fully understanding even then Admiral Milton's determination to lure him back to active duty. 

 

“Rank was never his ultimate ambition.  It was both the reward and responsibility of his duty but he could wait a couple of years for it.  Seaview was worth it, and right now Lee knew with all certainty, that his time working with Harry was definitely worth it.”****

 

He felt like he was on top of the world right now.  It wasn't just the promotion coming through, it was everything.  Serving under Harry these last five years, finding Brianna...everything.  Finding Brianna was freeing.  She was supportive of both him and his work, and he no longer felt like being a sub commander and a part time spy was a detriment.  He had finally found a woman who understood that doing his duty was who he was and nothing he needed to apologize for.  He viewed his duty as being like the laurel leaves and arrows held by the eagle on his new rank insignia, reflecting the peace he secured for his nation, and the victory of the many battles he had fought for his country. 

 

He sighed in contentment realizing that he felt as free as the eagle in flight he now wore on his collar...soaring the heights.  And even though the winds of adversity had threatened him many times serving both aboard Seaview and in the Navy, he had done what the soaring eagle did:  He rose above the wind, caught a draft and took his flight higher. 

 

He smiled, sighed and left his contemplation on the deck to hit the sack and prepare for another day as the Captain of the most powerful and fantastic submarine on earth.

The End

Eagles courtesy of Col. (Ret.) Warren Foss

 

* MOH – Medal of Honor

 

**See my story, When Danger Calls

 

***See my story, The General's Son

 

**** A quote from my story, Response and Responsibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

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