A Third Season Story... Takes place immediately following The General's Son, one of my very early stories, originally posted June 8, 2013.  The reader may want to reread the original story for full enjoyment, but I've tried to reiterate the necessary details so that the story can be read alone for the most part.

 

 

The General's Son

Part II

 

by Lynn

 

 

Admiral Harriman Nelson hung up the phone with General Leonard T. Baker II, USAF.  As he hung up he heard the sobs of a man whose world had just fallen apart.  The sobs of a father wondering where he had gone wrong and just how he could have prevented the path his youngest son had taken; a path so evil the General couldn't fathom it.  He had just learned that his son, Ensign Leonard T. Baker III, had gunned down the Captain of the Seaview in cold blood, planted a bomb, and activated a transponder in an unequivocal act of high treason and espionage in an effort to turn the Reserve Vessel over to a foreign power.

 

Harry could offer little words of comfort to the Four Star General.  There was nothing else to say as the two hung up in near silence, broken only by the soft sobs that escaped enough for Harry to hear.  He had already informed ONI and ComSubPac via a joint video call regarding the attempted take-over of Seaview, and had asked for the courtesy of calling Leonard himself as Harry felt the General deserved to hear the story from him personally.  Leonard knew he would also be under scrutiny, possibly his other three boys as well, all able and dedicated officers.  But as they were all innocent each would eventually be cleared as the youngest Baker son would face the crimes that he alone committed.

 

Harry blew out a breath of disgust mixed with relief for having the phone call behind him as he sat back and took stock of their current situation.  Lee's condition had been upgraded from Critical to Serious but Improving, having finally woke from a coma as he teetered too close to death.  Harry sighed inwardly, it had been entirely too close.  The shot straight through the shoulder was healing, but the wound in the side had been far more damaging thanks to the illegal exploding ammunition used by Ensign Baker.  Lee laid in a deep coma before he woke to the silent red battle station lights blinking in Sickbay, bathing his face and calling him back to where his Boat was in peril, currently in battle without its Captain at the helm.  Jamie was presently concerned that Lee's low-grade fever of 100 degrees F signaled a fragment still hidden in his gut.  So he arranged for his patient to be transferred to the Base Hospital where better equipment would determine the need for further surgery.  Even with the possible additional surgery, Jamie was optimistic Lee would only need to spend another week in the hospital before being released to recuperate on board Seaview as she journeyed back to Santa Barbara.  There would be the expected briefings and debriefings and then there was the repair to the Boat that would be handled much better in Port anyway.  So Harry had decided to extend Shore Leaves, resupply, and effect repairs during Lee's stay in the hospital. 

 

Chip was currently providing all the leadership of a seasoned captain as he stepped in to cover for Lee.  His effective handling of the Boat during the battle had convinced Harry that it was time to put the pain of the Polidor in his past and to seriously move his plans for Seaview's new sister boat into fruition, and he knew without a doubt that Chip Morton was the man to captain the new boat.*

 

Ensign Baker was currently sitting in solitary confinement, under strict lock and key with no visitors allowed.  Admiral Jiggs Stark's MAs were standing-by ready to take custody of Baker as soon as they docked, and Harry couldn't be happier at the prospects of getting the young traitor off the Boat.  Baker's malicious handling of Seaview's wounded captain had compounded Harry's deep feelings of disgust for the Ensign.  Lee had been found handcuffed to the floor pipe in the little used compartment, bleeding out of three holes and left to die in the impending explosion Baker had arranged.  It was enough to turn Harry's stomach.  Baker was found with the transmitter in his possession; he had been positively identified as the shooter and the saboteur by Lee; and he had all but admitted his guilt to Harry as he threatened the Boat with his “friends” closing in on Seaview.  They had everything they needed to put him in jail and throw away the key, but Treason carries a death penalty.  In the case of Treason against the United States no less than two witnesses are required for conviction or a confession in Open Court.  Baker's confession in the Brig was therefore not admissible to the charge and would only be considered hearsay.  It would take Harry, Chip and Lee's testimony to convict Ensign Baker. 

 

The whole mess left a dissatisfying taste in Harry's mouth as he breathed out and decided to follow Lee's lead whenever Seaview's Captain had pent up energy.  Harry smiled and decided to take a little walk about the Boat.

 

* * * * *

 

“We'll lay-to these coordinates tonight and dock at 0900 hours tomorrow,” Lt. Commander Chip Morton reported to his Captain.

 

“I tried to talk Jamie out of transferring me to the hospital...” Lee started, still very tired only four days out of major abdominal surgery.

 

Chip's blow of the breath interrupted his best friend.  “Lee, you have a fever,” he deadpanned.  “If there is still a bullet fragment hiding inside you Jamie's going to need the full resources of the hospital to get at it.”

 

“I always run a fever after a surgery,” Lee countered petulantly having unfortunately had prior experience with bullet wounds.

 

“I don't know why you're fighting it.  Wouldn't you rather have a pretty nurse taking care of you anyway?” Chip replied with a smile, reverting back to their usual banter.

 

Lee smiled weakly, “What would Monica say, Chipee?”

 

“She doesn't call me Chipee... and I'm not the one laying with enough holes to quality me as swiss cheese.”

 

Their smiles faded as Lee breathed out resolving himself to the confines of the Base hospital for the next week.

 

“I want to be kept apprised of Seaview's repairs...”

 

“No problem, Skipper,” Chip added with a smile and noted the yawn Lee was trying to suppress just now.  “Alright, you're about to fall asleep on me, so you be a good little captain and rest.  Maybe I'll bring you some exciting maintenance reports to look at when you wake up.”

 

Lee's half smile was almost missed, “ 'kay,” he said letting down all his guard and decorum with his best friend.  He fell asleep hearing Chip's steps out of Sickbay and contemplating what a fortunate man he was to have two best friends.  He and Chip were more like brothers than anything and the friendship he had developed with Harry was just as strong... on a different level.  His satisfaction at the thought left him with pleasant dreams despite his recent ordeal.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry watched from the sail as Ensign Baker was turned over to the Base MAs.  Seaview's detail looked sharp and determined as they walked him forward while Chip signed him over.  He was taken to a sedan and paused momentarily as Baker turned toward Seaview and perused her deck, then raised his eyes to meet Harry's in the sail.  His devious closed-mouthed smile wasn't missed as Harry shot back his command glare.  The fire in his eyes was equally visible even from the distance as the MA moved Baker into the car and drove away.

 

Good riddance, Harry thought as he climbed down the ladder to the deck where his real concern currently laid.  Lee's stretcher was hoisted from the cargo hold as Jamie felt his condition was too precarious to risk a vertical hoist from the conning tower hatch.  He'd been sedated for the move in a proactive attempt to lessen the pain of the transfer.  Within moments the deck crew had Lee topside as Jamie hovered over him making sure he was stable and then motioned for the crew to load him into the waiting ambulance.

 

“How is he, Jamie?” Harry asked, siding up next to Seaview's doctor.

 

“He tolerated the move well,” Jamie replied with a relaxed smile.  “I'll get him settled in, but he won't be awake for several more hours,” he added, supplying Harry with the information he needed.

 

“Very well, Chip and I will make our way over to Admiral Stark's office, we'll stop by the hospital later this afternoon.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Jamie replied and then hopped in the ambulance to ride with his patient.

 

Harry watched the ambulance drive away and noted Chip's presence alongside him.  They were both sharply dressed in their summer service dress khaki uniforms complete with jackets and covers. 

 

“Let's go Chip,” Harry said shortly, but not grumpy in any way.  Chip understood that he was anxious to get the debriefs done and over with in order to check on Lee at the hospital.  The affidavits would be completed tomorrow morning at the Judge Advocate General's Corps office.  A JAG officer would be present today, their sworn statement would be transcribed later in the evening and would subsequently be ready for their notarized signatures in the morning.  The affidavits would be admissible as evidence in court and was deemed a very important step in the process to bring charges against Ensign Baker.

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip replied and followed Harry off the gang plank and toward the waiting jeep.

 

* * * * *

 

The day had been a long one.  Harry and Chip participated in a joint briefing with ONI and ComSubPac where each detail of the attempted hijacking was painstakingly described.  Statements, questions, and clarification were given before the meeting was finally called to an end.  They broke for a quick lunch on base and then continued by meeting with the JAG Officer, Commander Darrell Prentiss as Harry and Chip both recounted the events in what would become their sworn affidavits after it was transcribed and notarized.

 

“Very well Admiral Nelson... Commander Morton,” Prentiss said rising to leave as his aide collected the stenograph machine.  “I should tell you that Ensign Baker is telling a completely different story, another JAG officer has been assigned to defend him but I was present at his debriefing.”

 

“It doesn't surprise me,” Harry answered with little emotion, “But what could he possibly say to counter the eyewitness testimony?”

 

“He says that the Captain was delirious when he was named as the saboteur and that your crew went on what amounted to a witch hunt in his eyes and hid himself for his own safety.”

 

“What about the transmitter found in his possession?” Chip chimed in.

 

“He claims he found it and the gun in the ducts and was leaving his hiding place to report the find, despite the knowledge that he would be accused of being the traitor.”

 

“Well all of that is just plain nonsense.  Crane knows exactly who shot him,” Harry countered.

 

“Yes I know.  I have clearance from Commander Crane's doctors to interview him for his affidavit tomorrow morning,” Prentiss replied.  “I'm quite sure we'll have what we need in addition to the physical evidence.”

 

“Good.  I'd like to put this behind us and concentrate on getting my Captain well again,” Harry answered.

 

“We'll do what we can, but even with your sworn affidavits you'll be needed for the trial,” Prentiss qualified.

 

“Of course,” Harry replied evenly as he reached for his cover.

 

“Thank you, Admiral.  I'll be in touch,” Commander Prentiss replied as he took his leave with Harry and Chip following out the door.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee's eye fluttered open as the heavy sedative that allowed for his pain-free transfer to the hospital finally began to wear off.  He blew out a breath completely aware of where he was and the reason for his current incarceration at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Pearl Harbor.  He was greeted, as expected, by Jamie and a hospital staff doctor.

 

“So what's the verdict, Doc?” Lee asked with a small smile.

 

“You tolerated the move well,” Jamie answered, “and we've already done the necessary tests; there are no hidden fragments,” he finished as Lee nodded.  It was good news, it meant he wouldn't have to undergo another surgery and therefore his recovery could proceed.

 

“Good.  When can I get out of here?” He added, partially in a joke but actually quite serious in his quest for freedom.

 

“I'm Dr. Radisson,” the Base doctor introduced himself with his own doctor's smile, the one Lee was sure they all practiced in a mirror before trying on a patient.  “I think we can downgrade your stay from a week to three days, at which point you'll be back under Dr. Jamieson's care aboard your Boat,” he finished.

 

Lee nodded appreciatively.  He was feeling better every day and he was sure he didn't need another week in the hospital, though he knew he'd be on bed rest in his cabin for the next week.

 

“We've agreed that your low grade fever is indicative of the trauma and the subsequent invasive surgery.  We'll continue you on a regiment of antibiotics but I expect your fever will dissipate by the time I release you,” he finished as Lee suppressed a “See, I told you” look, purely out of professional courtesy for his CMO.

 

“We'll keep you in bed today to allow your body to acclimate to the move and then we'll try for a short walk tomorrow,” Jamie promised.  Lee knew it was a painful but necessary step to gain his freedom, proving he could make it to the head on his own.

 

“And don't expect to escape Sickbay for at least another week,” Jamie warned as Lee flashed a small half-smile... that little battle he'd save for later.

 

“Very well, Commander,” Dr. Radisson said.  “I'll see to the rest of my rounds.”

 

“Thanks Doc,” Lee replied as he sunk a little heavier into his pillow.

 

“It would be a good idea to rest before the Admiral and Chip arrive,” Jamie offered.

 

“Fine Jamie,” he replied, reverting back to his familiar nickname for Seaview's doctor.

 

“Would you like me to raise your bed?”

 

“Yeah, thanks,” he said wearily, still fighting the residual effects of the sedative and the bullet wounds, now five days old.

 

Jamie adjusted Lee's bed and opened the drapes for the sunshine he knew was as much medicine as the antibiotics and turned to see Seaview's Captain already asleep.  He smiled with satisfaction and exited the hospital room quietly.

 

* * * * *

 

“Skipper?  Are you up for some company?” Jamie asked as Lee woke immediately to his voice.  He felt better for the rest and glanced at the clock realizing he had been napping for several hours.

 

“Sounds good, Jamie,” Lee answered as he reached for his bed controls and adjusted the head of his bed higher.  Jamie nodded and left, presumably to usher in his “company” as Lee breathed in, acclimating to the new position and losing his grimace just in time for Harry and Chip to walk in.

 

“Lee, you're looking good,” Harry complimented with an unashamed smile, satisfied at seeing Lee in the sitting position for the first time in five days.

 

“Thanks Sir.  I feel better.  Did Jamie tell you?” Lee asked, referring to the positive report on his condition.

 

“Yes.  Good news indeed.”

 

“Hey Chip, how's the Boat?”

 

“Geez Lee, you haven't even been gone for a day.  I'm pretty sure she's still floating nice and snug at the dock,” Chip teased as Lee shared a chuckle with his XO. 

 

“How did the debriefs go?” Lee asked, desperate for some sort of semblance to work.

 

“Just fine.  The JAG officer will be by tomorrow for your report.”

 

“I can give it now...”

 

“Oh no you can't,” Jamie stepped in using his doctor's voice with full authority as Harry suppressed his chuckle.

 

“No need Lee, Commander Prentiss is all set to interview you tomorrow morning.”

 

Lee sighed and practically begged out his next words.

 

“Chip couldn't you bring me some Boat reports of some kind?  Maintenance, duty rosters... anything?”

 

“Now Lee, you know I can't do that,” Chip said for Jamie's sake and then winked as Lee caught the message and feigned acceptance of his forced rest from anything that resembled work.

 

“Fine,” he answered petulantly while shooting his own nearly imperceptible wink as Jamie pretended not to notice.

 

“Well it's good to see you looking so good, Lee,” Harry said picking up his cover from the foot of Lee's bed.  “Now it looks like you need some rest, and I owe Commander Morton here one fine steak dinner,” Harry said as Lee nodded, knowing Seaview's XO deserved some major Bravo Zulu's for his excellent seamanship during the battle.

 

“Don't forget to bring me a doggy bag,” Lee quipped, to which Jamie sent a glare complete with a growl Lee's way, indicating Lee wasn't off the soft diet of applesauce, mashed potatoes and jello yet.  All of which wasn't missed by any of the Command Team as Harry and Chip turned to leave sporting grins.

 

“We'll stop by after dinner,” Harry promised at the door.

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee answered, satisfied with the prospect of leaving the hospital in three days.  There wasn't much else to do but be a model patient, get better, and enjoy the care of the pretty red-headed nurse who just flashed a smile his way in the hall.

 

* * * * *

 

Chip was honored to be the Admiral's dinner guest at one of the finest restaurants on the Island.  His relationship with Harry was different than the carefully cloaked paternal one the Admiral had developed with Lee, but it didn't bother him.  Chip had a great relationship with his own father, even though his choice in careers had taken a different turn from his father's career in Mechanical Engineering.  Chip's father had been both proud and supportive of his decision to join the Navy and he considered the strong family support he received during the Academy as part of the reason he had finished so high in his class; second behind his room-mate, Lee Crane.  Like Lee, he was mesmerized by Captain Nelson's strong leadership quality, something that was drilled into the Midshipmen but in the end couldn't be taught; it was indeed a quality that had to be drawn out of a man instead being drilled into him.  It was Nelson's natural leadership ability along with his sharp wit for strategy that drew him towards the Captain... anyone could tell he was a genius and every young Midshipman wanted to be just like him.  So he was flattered to realize that Nelson had kept tabs on his career even after promoting to Admiral and even more honored when Harry asked him to join in the building of Seaview from the first plank up.  Chip never counted the loss of taking the Pentagon position, or the subsequent Reserve status that came when the Boat neared her completion.  Harry had been a mentor and a friend, though that friendship looked much different from Lee's. 

 

“We know each other pretty well... been together a long time...” he remembered Harry saying as he laid on the gurney in Sickbay, wrapped like a mummy in Jamie's straight jacket after he shot Lee in the Control Room.** 

 

“That ought to mean something,” Harry said, speaking with full clarity despite his raw emotions spiked with Jamie's relaxant and the fantastic story he had to tell of Lee being “taken over” by a dead World War I U-Boat captain.

 

“Yes Sir,” he affirmed and from there Chip drew on the respect he had for Harriman Nelson, enough respect to delve into the impossible explanation thrown at his feet and take a chance to save both Lee and the Admiral.  

 

“You give the orders and I'll carry them out...”  It was Chip's respect and trust that allowed Harry to find Lee, bring him back and destroy both the island and Krueger for good.

 

“Chip?” Harry said, bringing Chip's thoughts back to the here and now as they finished their excellent meal, topped off with a New York Cherry Cheesecake for dessert.

 

“Just thinking about everything we've been through over the years,” Chip replied with an easy smile that he didn't express often except in times like these.

 

“I was too,” Harry answered leaning back and speaking without sounding too sentimental.  “And that's one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you tonight.  Chip...” Harry paused for a moment as Chip's forehead furled in question.  “You know how the Polidor affected me?”

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip answered, knowing it had been especially tough as Harry had lost a hand-picked crew on the deep dive experiment, lost to a saboteur's deadly nerve gas.

 

“Well Commander it's time to move on,” Harry said adding a small smile.  “And I've been playing with some new design ideas.”

 

Chip's face lit up with a smile; he was glad to see the spark in Harry's eyes return regarding a new boat.

 

“She's going to be a bit smaller than Seaview, but not by much... say a hundred feet, but she'll dive deeper, possibly run faster and still have an ocean view,” the last he said with an all-out grin.  “I had a chance to talk to Lee in Sickbay these last few days and he's in complete agreement with me,” Harry added cryptically.

 

“She's going to need a captain and you're just he man to do it,” Harry said laying the opportunity of a life-time at Chip's feet.

 

Chip was flabbergasted.  Sure he had wondered about where his career might go from here, but he never considered returning to active duty to pursue rank or position, he was happy aboard Seaview.

 

“I'm... honored Sir at your confidence, but what about my rank...?” Harry waived him off with a familiar move of his hands.

 

“Don't worry about that.  You'll make full Commander before the Boat is finished.  So what do you say, Chip?  Are you ready to build another Boat?” Harry asked with a gleam in his eye that seemed to light up the entire room.

 

Chip blew out a breath and shook his head in disbelief as his smile widened and his blue eyes brightened.

 

“Aye Sir... and thank you Sir.”

 

Harry nodded and picked up his glass.  “To Seaview's Sister Boat; may she glide ever as lovely, ever as deeply, and ever as adventurous as her Sister,” he said in a toast as Chip raised his goblet and the deal was sealed with the clink of the glasses.

 

* * * * *

 

Chip and Harry left the restaurant in fine spirits.  Lee was on the mend, although not nearly healed as he thought he was, and Chip's future had just gotten brighter with the promise of Harry's new boat.  It would be three or four years before he'd take command he knew, but the wait was definitely worth it.

 

They waited under the restaurant’s arched awning for the valet to bring the car around talking shop as their sedan was brought forward.  The valet jumped out of the driver's side and moved swiftly to turn the car over to its owners.  Harry reached for a few singles for the tip and looked up to meet a familiar face sporting a gun.  A shot was fired as Chip turned at the sound of the report in time to see Harry fall.  A second shot was fired as the valet ran back to the car and drove away leaving both officers lying on the sidewalk while others ran to the aid of the stricken men... gunned down in cold blood.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee fell asleep waiting for Harry and Chip's promised visit.  He figured they had made it a late night with the news Harry had for Chip, but was confident they would find a way to visit even though visiting hours were over.  He knew what Harry was going to offer his XO this evening and he couldn't be more pleased.  Chip was a great XO who had proven his leadership and captaincy skills more times than he could count these last three years; he couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the new Boat. 

 

As he slept he was unaware of the flurry of activity going on in the emergency room as two US Naval Officers were wheeled into the Base Hospital Emergency Room with life threatening bullet wounds, fired at point blank range.

 

* * * * *

 

“Doc!  Doc!” Sharkey yelled as he ran into the ER waiting room, flagging down Jamie with his insistent calls.

 

“I just got the word.  Any news?”

 

“Nothing yet Chief,” he answered.

 

“Can't you just use your privileges and go in there and find out?” Sharkey probed.

 

“That's not how it works Chief.  We're just going to have to be patient,” he added looking extremely worried.

 

“Gunned down... gunned down only a few miles from the Naval Base!”  Sharkey added in disbelief and shaking his head.  “Both of them!  But who?” He exclaimed, his Coney Island accent getting stronger as he paced.

 

“Commander Jamieson?”

 

Jamie turned toward the gruff voice of Admiral Jiggs Stark.

 

“Aye Sir?”

 

“Any word Doctor?”

 

“No Sir.  It's been quite some time, but no word yet,” he answered as Kowalski and Patterson came running in as well.  Sharkey intercepted them and filled them in with what little he knew just as the swinging doors of the Emergency Room opened and a Base Doctor emerged with a grim look on his face.

 

“Gentlemen, you're here about Admiral Nelson and Commander Morton?”

 

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey spoke up then remembered his place and deferred to the officers, standing behind them but still close enough to hear the details.

 

“Admiral Stark... Doctor Jamieson... I'm sorry to report that both Admiral Harriman Nelson and Commander Charles Morton have succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.  I'm sorry... we did everything we could,” he offered.

 

Jiggs swallowed hard and was the first to speak breaking the deafening silence in the room. 

 

“I want to see Harriman.”

 

“Aye Sir, this way.  Would you like come as well Dr. Jamieson?”

 

“Yes... yes of course,” Jamie said in shock, unaccustomed to being on this side of the bad news usually rendered by a doctor.  Jamie turned to Sharkey promising to verify the findings with his eyes and then followed Stark through the swinging white doors.

 

* * * * *

 

Sharkey paced the floor muttering to himself about the mistake the ER doc just made.

 

“Just wait... just wait and you'll see...” he muttered.  “There's been some mistake, that's just all,” he finished as Ski and Pat exchanged worried glances for the Chief. 

 

The swinging doors pushed open once again as Admiral Stark stomped out sporting misty eyes, ignoring the Ratings in the waiting room.  Doc Jamieson followed, looking as white as a sheet and with a downcast face that haunted the Ratings... even before he spoke they knew.

 

“They're gone.  Both of them.  It was point-blank, there was nothing they could do,” his voice cracked as Sharkey blew out a breath and Ski swore under his.  A few moments passed as the seasoned Navy men sniffed back their strong emotions.

 

“Are you gonna tell the Skipper?” Sharkey asked, his voice rough and hard.

 

Jamie raised his face to the ceiling as if he could see through the floors above to Lee's room. 

 

“He's asleep.  I'm not going to wake him with this news.  Let him have one last night of peace,” he said and sat down dropping his head into his hands.

 

* * * * *

(In Lee's room at that very moment...)

 

Lee's room was dark with only the sounds of the soft beeps of his monitors to break the silence.  The door opened as a small sliver of light flooded the room and then darkened as the door closed.  A figure of a man crossed the floor and walked toward Lee's right side.  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a hypo as Lee's sixth sense kicked in.  His eyes shot open as he grabbed for the wrist holding the hypo...

 

* * * * *

 

Lt. Mabel Erickson sat at the nurses' station updating a patient's chart when the sounds of a flat line sent her and everyone else within earshot into action.

 

“Call Dr. Warren!” she yelled over her shoulder and entered Commander Crane's room.  The Commander was lying completely still as the flat line on his heart monitor sounded off loudly and Dr. Warren rushed in behind her.

 

“Make way for the defibrillator!” Someone shouted as Dr. Warren set the electrodes and the nurse charged the machine.

 

* * * * *

 

“Dr. William Jamieson, calling Dr. William Jamieson,” was heard over the hospital intercom as Jamie, Sharkey, Ski and Patterson stood in shock, trying to wrap their minds around the idea that Admiral Nelson and Commander Morton were dead.

 

Jamie stepped away to the nearest phone as Sharkey watched him carefully, his expression signaled trouble as he hung up and turned sharply.

 

“It's the Skipper!” He said running for the nearest elevator as Sharkey and the Ratings followed.  By the time they reached Captain Crane's room the defibrillator machine was being wheeled out and a sheet was being placed across Lee Crane's face.

 

Sharkey, Ski and Patterson waited for Jamie, doing their best to stay out of the way and hoping not to be ordered off the floor.  A few minutes passed as Jamie exited the room with a heavy ashened face.

 

“He's dead.  They found a hypo a floor,” Jamie said taking a deep breath.  “It will be analyzed but right now they think... it was murder men... out and out murder,” Jamie finished overcome with emotion as the sheet shrouded body was wheeled out.

 

“I've got to see,” Kowalski said reaching over and pulling the sheet down as he saw the Skipper for himself... dead... just like they said.

 

Pat reached over replacing the sheet on the Skipper's face and pulled Kowalski away.

 

“Come on, Ski, there's nothing more we can do here,” Pat said, offering the voice of reason to a day that didn't make any sense at all... Seaview's entire Command Team... dead.

 

* * * * *

 

The “Assassin” slipped into the bungalow, closing the door and leaning back heavily as he expelled a deep cleansing breath.  He locked the door behind him and headed straight for the shower as if he could wash away the events of the day: first Nelson and Morton... then Crane.  He soaked under the hot water as the events of his encounter in the hospital replayed itself in perfect clarity.

 

“How far would he go?”  They asked him, “To save the youngest Baker boy from a firing squad and to keep the family name from being dragged through the mud... How far would he go?”  He remembered the conversation as he silently entered the hospital room.

 

He wiped his brow and sighed.  “He'd done the only thing he could do... shooting Nelson and Morton,” he reasoned as he pulled the hypo from his pocket.  He hoped it was enough; they said Leonard Baker would be set free with no eyewitnesses to testify against him, no affidavits admissible in court, and only hearsay to accuse him. 

 

He blew out a breath and gathered his resolve, it was time to silence Crane.  He had to eliminated the possibility of a treason case by removing the other eyewitnesses, but Baker could still be tried for attempted murder with Crane's testimony...

 

Just then Crane's eyes popped open as the Intruder found his wrist held in a death grip.

 

“Who are you?” Crane asked darkly as his eyebrows tightened, no doubt seeing the family resemblance.

 

“1st Lt. Tyler Baker, US Air Force.  Leonard is my brother.”

 

“Are you here to finish the job?” Lee inquired, still holding Baker's wrist but not pressing the emergency call button on his bed.

 

“I'm here to save your life, Commander.”

 

“Maybe you'd better start at the beginning.”

 

Tyler nodded and waited for the Commander to release him, but continued on when he realized Crane had no intention of letting go just yet.

 

“I was contacted even before Seaview made port.  They wanted to know how far I would go to keep my brother from being executed for Treason and dragging our family name through the mud.  I listened, shocked at first, but I also needed to know what they wanted from me...”

 

“Which was?”

 

“Nelson... Morton... and you dead so there'd be no case against Leo.  I agreed to their terms and notified my CO as soon as I hung up.  The Colonel called ONI and they dreamed up this plan.”

 

“Get specific.”

 

“I shot Nelson and Morton at point blank... with rubber bullets.  First aid responders as well as ER personnel here at the hospital were in on it.  Everyone else thinks they're dead.”

 

“What's in the hypo?”

 

“A deep sedative.  You'll appear unresponsive and Dr. Warren is standing by to declare you dead.”

 

“A sedative won't do it, there are vital signs...”

 

“I'm supposed to adjust the monitors and your heart rate will slow to a nearly undetectable level.  Dr. Warren has a defibrillator machine that has been modified, you'll receive a harmless shock and appear quite dead.”

 

“So why does ONI want Leonard Baker to walk free?” Crane inquired, not buying the story yet as Tyler looked toward the door, worried they'd be interrupted and the whole thing would go bust.

 

“The League doesn't care about my brother, all they want is to parade General Baker's son around and promote their cause.  With the three of you out of the way, JAG will release my brother... and I'll join the organization.  ONI will track me and hopefully shut them down.”

 

“The League?” Crane inquired.

 

“That's what they call themselves... it's short for League of World Dominance and Control.”

 

“I need something more before I let you fill that IV.”

 

“Commander... we don't have much time.  I have to get out of here undetected...”

“Give me something else or I'll call the nurse's station,” he said threatening to push the call button.

 

Tyler sighed and nodded.  “Admiral Johnson expected as much... he sent the code word “Phaedrus”.

 

“Things are not what they seem...” Lee said releasing his hold and recognizing both the code word and the message, a quote from one of Plato's works.***

 

“Alright... do it,” Crane answered relaxing and resolving himself to the plan as Tyler inserted the hypo.

 

“Nelson and Morton?” he asked as his eyes fluttered shut.

 

“They're fine, Sir.”

 

Tyler watched as Crane succumbed to the drug. Quickly he adjusted the monitors as he had been instructed and left the hypo to prove Crane had been murdered.  He would have the League's full confidence as his work today had seemingly snuffed out Crane, Nelson and Morton.  He checked the door and left quietly, completely undetected as ONI had made sure his exit would be clean.

 

* * * * *

 

“Lee?” 

 

Harry's voice sounded metallic and far away, like someone calling from the end of a far tunnel as he struggled to return to consciousness.

 

“Lee, come on Lad it’s time to wake up.”

 

His eyes fluttered opened as he gathered his wits and lolled his head toward Harry's voice.

 

“Welcome back Lad,” Harry said with a tight lipped smile that threatened to upturn at his delight in seeing Lee awake.

 

“Are you okay?” Lee asked, spotting both Chip and Harry with noticeable relief.

 

“We're fine.  Sore and bruised, but otherwise fine,” Harry answered honestly.

 

“Where are we?” Lee asked, not quite up to proper decorum he realized, but in no danger of offending Harry.

 

“A supply warehouse on the Base.  We'll be smuggled aboard Seaview in two days,” Harry explained.  “That's how long it should take for JAG to drop the charges and for young Ensign Baker to skip town.”

 

“How much did you know about all this?” Lee asked raising himself to lean against the wall as Harry watched for any sign of physical distress in his recovering captain.

 

“Nothing until I woke up in the hospital morgue.  The ambulance drivers were ONI and made sure we were sedated before arriving at the hospital.  The ruse was pretty elaborate and my understanding is the crew believes we're all dead.”

 

Lee blew out a breath, “I bet Sharkey's fit to be tied...”

 

“I know.  It's a cruel trick to play, but necessary if we're to going to take down the League.”

 

“What about Tyler?  Is he trained for all this?”

 

Harry pursed his lips and nodded in the negative.  “No.  He's a Logistics’ Officer, not a commando or a spy, but he was willing and ONI jumped at the chance to get to the top of the organization,” Harry answered noting Lee's hand splayed across his middle.

 

“Lee, maybe you should lie down... take it easy.”

 

“I'm fine, Sir... really,” he added with a small smile.

 

“We'll know soon enough,” Harry said going all Admiral.  “Dr. Warren will be by to check on you later.”

 

Lee nodded with a silent sigh as he caught Chip's snicker in the background.  He shot an “I'll get you later,” look across the warehouse floor and leaned back trying not to show the weariness he was currently feeling and wondering what his crew was going through believing Seaview's entire Command Team was dead.

 

* * * * *

 

“You mean they're going to let that Bozo off scot-free?!” Chief Sharkey belted out in frustration as Lt. Bobby O'Brien stood sporting a black mourning belt on his left arm and working hard to keep his own feelings of disgust in check.

 

“That's right, Chief.  Without the Admiral and the Skipper's testimony they can't bring charges of treason.”

 

“But what about shooting the Skipper?” He asked, barely avoiding pacing the nose as O'Brien graciously allowed the COB to vent.  “The Captain told Kowalski who shot him,” he exclaimed.

 

“They call it hearsay and I guess they believe his story about the gun and the transmitter.”

 

“Of all the cock and bull stories!” Sharkey said and then caught himself, taking a deep breath in and composing himself.

 

“I'm sorry Sir,” he said as Bobby nodded his understanding.  “What are your orders Sir?”

 

“We have new sailing orders, Chief.  Seaview's been tagged to deliver some Top Secret cargo to an undisclosed Asset at sea,” Bobby answered as the Control Room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

 

“You mean we're not going to escort their bodies back to Santa Barbara, Sir?”

 

“The bodies won't be released until the autopsies are complete.  Maybe we'll be back for them... I don't know,” he finished and then continued returning to full decorum.

 

“Police up the place, Chief.  Admiral Stark is sending a relief Command Crew.  He's assigning a temporary Captain and XO until further notice.”

 

Sharkey shook his head in disbelief.  It would have been much easier on the crew for Mr. O'Brien to be in command of Seaview instead of two strangers, but knew his duty nonetheless.

 

“Aye Sir, we'll be ready.  We'll do the Skipper and the Admiral proud,” Sharkey offered pulling in his emotions and channeling his energy toward his job to make sure the Ratings lived up to the pride and respect the Command Crew had for them.

 

* * * * *

 

Ensign Leonard Baker exited the Base with a sense of satisfaction and a smug face to accompany it as he had just been given his walking papers from the Brig.  The JAG officer in charge of his defense explained that the case was falling apart due to lack of evidence and he was pleased that his performance was such that they believed his story over Captain Crane's.  The investigation was ongoing and he was subsequently ordered to “stay available” for further questioning, but he didn't plan on being around much longer.  His “friends” had surely arranged for his release and he was sure they would make contact soon. 

 

He wasn't currently activated from the Reserves and he wasn't welcome back aboard Seaview, so he headed for a fancy hotel along the beach to enjoy his freedom and await his contact.  He was valuable to the League; the organization had recruited him after his appointment to Seaview and they were still keen on taking over the Boat.  The fact that the League had eliminated Seaview's Command Crew to free him proved his importance. 

 

Leonard was the fourth of four brothers in a decidedly military family.  His oldest brother had been named after his maternal grandfather just before he died, the second named after his father's dear friend, killed in action.  He wasn't quite sure where the name “Tyler” came from but that left him to bear the “III” after his name.  Somewhere along the way he had come to hate being the “General's Son” instead of being known as his own man.  The League offered him both prestige and power... and most of all, recognition for something other than being the General's Son. 

 

He checked into his hotel room and shed his uniform into civvies.  It wouldn't be long before he'd be with his new friends and hailed a hero for the cause.  He stepped out to the balcony and took in the ocean air feeling the misguided sense of being in control and completely unaware of the fact that the League was using him because of his name; to them he was still the General's Son.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler Baker made his way through the Naval warehouse wearing his uniform sharply and carrying himself with confidence.  The young blonde headed officer was toned as his hobby of cycling produced both a fit physique as well as a healthy sun tanned glow.  His light brown eyes and high cheek bones were complimented by his strong square jaw, producing a strikingly handsome young man.  The fact that the Air Force officer was inspecting sensitive cargo in a restricted area of the Naval Base was a bit unusual, but not unheard of since he was a Logistics’ Officer.  The fact that the warehouse was “Restricted” had everything to do with the three occupants who were residing here until their departure tomorrow morning.

 

Tyler was cleared through security and entered the door to a separate room within the warehouse, closing it behind him and coming sharply to attention at the sight of the stars on Admiral Harriman Nelson's lapel.

 

“At ease Lt. Baker,” Harry offered softening his “admiral” mode just a tad.

 

Tyler complied on the outside, but on the inside he was still at full attention and nervous as a fox at a hound convention.  He was facing two officers he had fired upon at point blank range and one he had spiked with a deep sedative to feign his death; all three were above his grade and one was Flag Rank no less!

 

“Come on in, Lieutenant,” Harry said calling Tyler in past the racks and boxes that divided the room.  He was greeted by Lt. Commander Morton and Commander Crane, also dressed in Service Khakis with open collars and no ties.  Crane's left arm was bound in a blue sling, but looked surprisingly well for the bullet wounds his brother had inflicted. 

 

Commander Crane's reassuring smile broke the ice as Tyler expelled a breath he didn't know he was holding.

 

“It's good to see you all looking so well, Sirs,” Tyler offered sincerely.

 

“You were quite efficient Lieutenant,” Harry quipped.  “I'm just glad you're on our side,” he finished as they all chuckled lightly and Tyler allowed the Admiral's attempt to lighten the mood to put him more at ease.

 

“Thank you Sir, but this is a bit more intrigue than I'm used to,” he replied as Lee motioned him to a table with the other officers.

 

“You're doing fine Lieutenant,” Crane offered, something Tyler appreciated as he had been made aware of the Commander's association with ONI.

 

“Now, let's talk specifics,” Harry said, taking charge of the briefing.

 

“Yes Sir.  I'm to make contact with Leo... uh Leonard that is, this afternoon.  Later tonight we'll be taken by speed boat to a waiting submarine.”

 

“Yes, it was monitored coming in; ComSubPac is giving it a wide berth,” Harry explained as everyone nodded knowing that the real target was the sub's hidden base where hopefully the League's command structure was believed to be located.

 

“Chip,” Harry said turning toward the XO.  “Contact Admiral Stark and inform him of the new shove-off time.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip replied and headed for a portable radio on the other side of the room divided by crates.

 

“You've been fitted with a transponder?” Lee asked, already knowing the answer but making sure of the details nonetheless.

 

“Yes Sir.”

 

“Seaview will be tracking you, we won't lose your signal,” Captain Crane promised as Tyler nodded understanding the implications of what he was about to do.

 

“This must be a difficult time for you?” The Admiral probed as Tyler breathed deeply.

 

“Yes Sir,” he replied without emotion in his voice, but still evident in his eyes.  “But there's no confusion on my part.  My brother has already chosen his path, I can't choose it for him.  I've chosen mine, I'm following the path my Father taught me,” he said with conviction as Admiral Nelson nodded, having apparently received the answer he was looking for.

 

“Very well Lieutenant Baker,” Nelson said as he stood.  “I'm going to leave you to confer with Commander Crane; as you know, he has considerable experience in just this sort of thing,” Harry finished as he left to see to the final details before their departure this afternoon.

 

Lee waited until they were alone before speaking as he studied the young Lieutenant.  It was hard to believe he was younger than Tyler when he began his career at ONI.  It was a sad fact that the espionage agencies had to recruit at such a young age.  He broke his retrospective thoughts with a small smile to set Tyler at ease. 

 

“How are you feeling about all this?” Lee asked easily.

 

“Well Sir...”

 

“I'll tell you what, why don't we relax decorum a bit for the time being.  When I'm in the field I'm just Lee.”

 

Tyler blew a breath and chuckled.  “That's a bit hard to get used to Commander.”

 

Lee returned his chuckle with an easy smile, “I know.  Tyler I specifically asked for this briefing because I know what it's like to go into the field for the first time.  It's perfectly natural to be nervous.”

 

Tyler's confident stance deflated slightly as he shook his head.  “Is it obvious?”

 

“Not at all.  You're handling this very well, but every Rookie could use a bit of advice.”

 

“I'll take all the advice I can get, Sir.  I mean espionage and counter-espionage... it's like waking up in a dream or something,” he said with a pause.  “Can I ask you a question, Sir?”

 

“Sure.  Go ahead.”

 

“How long have you been doing this, Sir?”

 

“It's Lee, and I started training just a little after graduation from the Academy.”

 

“So you were younger than me when you took your first mission?”

 

“Yeah, about twenty-two.”

 

“They told me you're good.”

 

“You learn to be good to stay alive.”

 

Tyler leaned forward resting his elbows on the table; he knew he was about ready to be thrown into the snake pit.  He had a transponder, but if anything went wrong he'd be on his own.  If Seaview somehow lost him he'd eventually lose his cover the first time they asked him to do something against his moral fiber.  He was worried for his father's sake, losing two sons to the League if anything went wrong. 

 

His deep retrospective moment was interrupted with Lee's voice calling him.

 

“Tyler?”

 

Tyler's brown eyes rose to meet Lee's as he worked to regain his appearance of confidence. 

 

“Tyler you've been temporarily reassigned to ONI, directly under my Supervision.  That makes me your partner and there's something you should know... I never leave my partners behind.  I will find a way to get you out of there.  I wish I was going in with you, but I wasn't invited to the party,” he said with a soft chuckle that Tyler shared.

 

“Lee can I ask you a question?”

 

“That's what I'm here for.”

“In the hospital... I mean I'm standing there with a hypo in my hand and you don't know me from 'Jack' and you let me spike your IV.  How did you know I wasn't lying?”

 

Lee sat back, his hazel green eyes exuding sincerity as he spoke.  “It wasn't the code word if that's what you mean.  You sold me even before you mentioned Johnson's name or the code word.  Trust is a luxury in the field, but you often have to give it anyway, the trick is knowing who's worthy of it.”

 

“Thank you Sir,” he offered appreciatively and then continued.  “One more thing, Lee.  If something goes wrong... will my father know that I didn't sell out?”

 

“You can count on that, Tyler.”

 

“Alright, fair enough.  I'm ready to do this Commander.”

 

“I believe you are,” Lee answered sincerely.  “Now, let an 'old man' give you some pointers and we'll get this thing done,” Lee finished with a small smile that grew as Tyler laughed, expelling some tension with it.

 

“Yes Sir,” he replied and then leaned forward to glean every bit of hard earned wisdom he could get from Lee Crane.

 

* * * * *

 

Sharkey was grumbling and cursing not-so-softly under his breath at the crazy new orders from ComSubPac.  Their sailing orders had just been changed necessitating the need to receive the Top Secret cargo.  His grumbling came to a quick halt when he saw Admiral Stark cross the gang-plank as Lt. O'Brien saluted sharply and escorted the Admiral down to the Control Room.  Sharkey shook his head and wondered where the Relief Command Crew was as he would have expected them to arrive with the Admiral.

 

“Easy now... easy.  Those are extremely sensitive and fragile... can't you yo-yo's read?” He shouted as the crane lowered the crates directly into the missile room.  The third crate was lowered as Sharkey waved the crane operator away and left Ron Rodriguez to secure the detail. 

 

He climbed down the ladder into the Control Room and headed straight for the aft hatch to make sure the crates were handled properly.  As he reached the missile room he noticed that Mr. O'Brien and Admiral Stark were overseeing the stowing of the crates and oddly enough, Doc Jamieson had shown up as well.

 

“Chief,” Jiggs Stark said gruffly, but with a bit of humor that caused Sharkey's eyebrows to rise.

 

“What took you so long?  Get these crates open now.  Well step to it, Man!”

 

“Aye Sir.  Patterson, Kowalski,” he said calling the Ratings over with the crow bars as the first crate was pried opened. 

 

“Thanks Chief,” he heard from inside the crate as Sharkey's face went through a series of no less than four different emotions finally settling on recognition.  He'd know that deep baritone voice anywhere!

 

“Admiral?  Is that you, Sir?” he said sticking his head in and offering a hand as Admiral Nelson maneuvered his way out of the crate.

 

“It's me, Francis,” he said offering a smile for his friend despite their difference in rank, as Sharkey used every bit of Naval decorum he had to avoid pulling Harry into a bear hug.  His misty eyes however, were harder to hide as he sniffed back tears with a smile wide enough to stretch from ear to ear.

 

“I knew it, Sir.  I knew there was some mistake!” He exclaimed just as thuds were heard from the other two crates.

 

“Well Chief?  I think your Captain and XO are anxious to be let out as well,” Harry said with a grin as the missile room let out a roar of excitement.

 

“Alright you Bozos... ah begging the Admiral's pardon,” Sharkey said realizing that Admiral Stark was right behind him.  “Alright you men, get those crates open!”

 

It only took a moment to open the other two crates as Captain Crane and Mr. Morton made their exit to a hearty welcome from the crew. 

 

Stark stood back with his hands clasped behind his back in a standard “admiral's pose” sporting pursed lips, but his good mood was given away as he rocked back and forth on the heels of his feet.

 

“Emotional Boat,” he deadpanned to Captain Crane as Lee agreed with a small smile.

 

“Aye Sir.  Chief calm the men so I can make a boat-wide announcement,” he said, his blue sling broadcasting his recent ordeal.

 

“Aye Sir.  Alright men keep it down,” Sharkey said as the Ratings settled down, though they still sported their smiles.

 

“She's all ready for your announcement, Sir.”

 

“Very well, Chief,” Lee said as he picked up the mic.  “This is Captain Crane.  Three crates were just loaded aboard Seaview carrying myself, Admiral Nelson and Mr. Morton.  We are all very much alive and apologize for the deception that undoubtedly caused this crew undue pain.  We were however, unknowingly drawn into a mission requiring our “deaths”.  As of this moment, we are undertaking a Top Secret mission that is vitally important to the safety of the United States and her allies.  This Boat will stand battle ready until further notice.  That is all.” 

 

Lee shipped the mic with a bit of satisfaction as the Ratings tore off their black mourning bands and tossed them in the air in celebration.  His satisfaction was slightly marred however, when he spotted Jamie waiting not-so-patiently by the hatch.

 

“Mr. Morton, head on up to the Control Room... I've got some fast talking to do,” he said with a wink as he approached Jamie and followed him out the hatch; not for a moment intending to be incarcerated in Sickbay or his Cabin.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee entered the Control Room having negotiated Restricted Duty Status from Jamie.  Admiral Stark had left the Boat and Seaview was ready to shove-off.  Seaview needed to be out to sea long before the Baker boys made their rendezvous with the speed boat.  The enemy sub would undoubtedly track Seaview's departure but Lee would make sure they lost contact with his Boat.  Pearl Harbor was a busy Naval Port and the Brass made sure to order several other deployments to sea, effectively cloaking Seaview's real intent. 

 

He was moving slowly as the mild analgesics couldn't keep up with the pain, but he'd been flat on his back in Sickbay when Seaview was brought in and he wasn't going to miss her departure.  Once Seaview was out to sea and hiding stealthily he'd take that nap he promised Jamie and another dose of the pain meds, but for now there wasn't anything that could keep him from Seaview's helm.

 

“All back... dead slow,” he ordered as Chip repeated the order and Seaview answered bells.

 

Lee noted the contentment of his crew as they attended their posts sharply.  It was indeed satisfying to be back but he hadn't lost sight of the mission.  Before long, young Tyler Baker would be boarding an enemy sub with nothing but a transponder between him and freedom... and he wasn't going to let the General's Son down.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler knocked on the door of the luxury hotel room and was greeted in much the same fashion he had anticipated.

 

“What are you doing here, Tyler?”

 

“Is that any way to talk to your brother?” Tyler asked pushing by the partially opened door and entering without an invitation as Leonard closed the door behind him.

 

“Why don't you come in and make yourself at home?” he added sarcastically.

 

“Let's just cut all the bull, Leo.  Who do you think took care of your three little problems so you could walk free?”

 

Leonard's forehead furled.  “What do you mean?”

 

“Are you that dense?  I silenced your witnesses to keep you from facing a firing squad and this is the thanks I get?” Tyler said sitting smugly in a chair and waiting for Leonard's response.

 

Leonard blew and audible breath out.  “And why would you do that?”

 

“I could say that 'You would have done the same for me,' but I'm not sure that's true... or maybe, 'It's a brother thing,' but I'm not sure you'd get that either,” Tyler stood up and paced to the lanai then turned around softening his approach a little.  “You're my little brother Leo, shouldn't that be enough?”

 

Leonard nodded and moved toward the small wet bar, “So what now?” he asked pouring a drink and offering it to Tyler who waved it off.  Leonard downed the hard liquor in one swallow as Tyler returned to his chair.

 

“The League offered me a way out.  I can't go back, sooner or later they'd ID me so I guess you're stuck with me.  I have the instructions for our pick-up tonight,” he added as Leonard stood in front of the open window. 

 

“You're my contact?” Leonard asked, turning around in obvious shock.

 

“Yep,” Tyler deadpanned in a mock Texan accent.  “So you want to hear how we're getting outta' here?” He finished as Leonard moved to take the chair across the table from Tyler.

 

“One more thing,” Leonard probed.  “You know what the League stands for?  Its goals?  It just doesn't sound like you, Tyler.”

 

“Yeah well, I didn't think it sounded like you either, but here we are,” Tyler added.  “I lost everything to save you Leo... what more do you want?”

 

Leonard nodded but avoided expressing any gratitude, If it hadn't been Tyler the League would have sent somebody, he reasoned silently.  He had little room for loyalties for the brother who seemed to out-shine him at every turn; always taking the lime light and always ending up on top. 

 

“Alright, tell me how it's going down,” Leonard said as the two leaned forward and spoke in hushed tones across the table.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler and Leonard drove to a secluded beach and flashed three short blinks with their flashlight.  In the distance they heard an outboard motor start up and head toward them.  A small speed boat approached the beach as the brothers moved waist high into the surf, hauled themselves in and then sat back for the ride out to sea.  A sub was waiting one mile out and would surface long enough to take on its new passengers and then slip back into the dark depths.  They were almost home... their new home with their new 'friends', Leonard thought with a smile and sat back enjoying the ride.

 

* * * * *

 

“They're on the move again,” Lee reported as Harry rounded the spiral staircase.  They were currently tracking the sub with Seaview's sophisticated sonar whose range exceeded the capabilities of other subs at present; meanwhile Sparks was working a double shift monitoring Tyler's transponder.  Seaview was observing “radio silence” to prevent their transmissions from being intercepted and would tail their target within the small tolerance of the enemy sub's maximum radar capability and Seaview's minimum radar capability.  It was a fine tuned dance that Lee wouldn't chance to anyone else's supervision; if he failed Tyler would immediately be suspect being the newest member of the League.  Shutting down the League was their main mission and bringing Leonard Baker back to justice was high on his list of priorities, but neither goal was going to be accomplished at the expense of Tyler Baker... Lee would make sure of that.

 

“All ahead one third,” Lee ordered, careful to keep Seaview's distance.  “Sing out if she turns, Ski.  We need to match her every move,” he finished as Kowalski acknowledged his order.

 

Lee returned to the Chart Table where Harry and Chip were looking over the sea charts.  The Boat was already at Silent Running as the quiet hums of the computers filled the Control Room.  Lee was rested, having spent several hours in his rack, though his mid-section still felt the effects of his recent wounds and he still wore the sling to immobilize his shoulder and arm.  He ignored his pain and perused the charts.  It was too early to tell where they were headed just yet but they were following at depth which necessitated the need for diligence in their pursuit.

 

“Captain will you join me in the Nose?” Harry said with a sly smile and a not-so-veiled attempt to get Seaview's Captain off his feet.

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied as Chip suppressed a small upturn of his mouth to which Lee feigned a “wipe that smile off your face” look and then cracked his own smile, resolving himself to a coffee break. 

 

“Steady as she goes, Mr. Morton,” he ordered and joined Harry at the conference table, carefully lowering himself to the chair with his good arm, something the Admiral didn't miss but deliberately ignored.

 

“Everything under control?”  Harry asked, setting a cup of hot coffee in front of Lee.

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee answered a bit reticently.

 

“You're worried about Lt. Baker?” Harry stated, more than asked.

 

Lee nodded an affirmative and took a sip of coffee, then sighed and answered openly.  “He's a competent young officer and he's handled this very well, but he's not trained for this... I'm sure it's way more than he signed up for.”  Lee raised his eyes making contact with Harry's as he spoke sincerely.  “I just don't want to see the General lose another son to the League.”

 

Harry nodded his understanding at Lee's statement, but also knowing that his Captain's protectiveness over Tyler Baker ran deeper.  He recognized Lee's inherent need to watch over Rookies in the field and to make sure they made it back home.  Only Tyler wasn't a trained ONI operative; he was a Logistics’ Officer who stepped up to his duty, despite the cost he might pay.

 

“I think Tyler Baker is made of the same stuff his father is.  I think he can handle this Lee.”

 

Lee nodded his agreement and allowed the Admiral's confidence to calm his concerns.  “I agree, Admiral.  He's conducted himself better than a few Rookies I've taken out for their debut.  I just wish I could have gone in with him.”

 

Harry allowed a thin smile to form as he spoke.  “Then get back into the Control Room and look after the lad,” he said with humor in his voice as Lee returned his smile, grateful to be dismissed from the forced coffee break.  Where he really wanted to be right now was smack-dab in the middle of the pursuit making sure that Tyler Baker's six was covered.

 

“Aye Sir,” he replied as Harry watched Lee return to the Chart Table, then stride over to Sonar as the Control Room instantly responded to the strength of Seaview's Captain at the Con.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler followed his brother down the conning tower hatch of the rogue submarine, Sea Conqueror.  Upon reaching the deck he was immediately “patted down” for anything resembling a transmitter or tracking device.  The search had been quick but thorough as Tyler silently sighed, grateful that ONI had surgically inserted the transponder.

 

“It's good to have you back Leonard and you must be Tyler.  I understand you took out three prime targets,” the officer said with a devious grin of satisfaction.

 

“Just did what needed to be done to pull baby brother here out of the fire,” Tyler answered dispassionately as Leonard's lips tightened and the officer laughed heartily.

 

“I think I'm going to like you Baker.  I'm Reed, the First Officer,” he said as Tyler noted the motion of the submarine submerging with a slight angle downward.  “Now, you two are dripping on my deck.  This man will take you to your quarters where you can change, then you'll meet Captain Green.  He has a few questions for both of you,” Reed finished, his demeanor leaving Tyler feeling somewhat vulnerable but he walked along like he belonged, just like Commander Crane instructed him.

 

They walked in silence through the narrow corridor as they were led to private quarters, presumably for officers.  The compartment was tight, only big enough for two bunks and their built in lockers, each filled with two changes of clothes.  The black button up shirt and slacks were similar to Reed's and were obviously officer's uniforms.  Leonard moved around perfectly at ease as if familiar with his surroundings, pulling his uniform out along with deck shoes and socks.

 

“You know I didn't appreciate your 'baby brother' comment, Tyler.  I think you'll find I'm respected here.”

 

“I'm not sure where you're coming from Leo.  You were always treated with respect at home and your career aboard Seaview... do you know how many guys envied your appointment?”

 

“I got all that because of my name Tyler, a favor from Nelson to Dad.  Well here, I'm recognized for my own merit,” he said pulling on his shoes.  “You don't seem too happy to be here Tyler.”

 

“I'm here out self-preservation, why do you think I got the 'pat down' on the way in?  They know I had to come to save my own neck after I did their hit job.”

 

“Yeah but you did it.  You're not such the good guy you always thought you were, are you Tyler?” Leonard said with a chuckle.  “A word of advice, big brother; you're in it too deep to rethink your morals.  You're one of us now and believe me, they know how to deal with traitors.  If you screw up you're on your own,” he finished standing and trying to tower over Tyler who was still pulling on his shoes.

 

“Don't worry Leo, I've got no place else to go... you've seen to that,” he said with more than a hint of displeasure and stood to match his brother's height.  “I couldn't let you face a firing squad, but I had a good career going and now it's gone.  So you'll just have to excuse me if I seem a bit bitter.”

 

“If you had it to do all over, would you do it again?” Leonard probed.

 

Tyler blew out an audible breath.  “That's the crazy thing Leo, yeah I'd do it again.  Like I said you're my brother.”

 

“And what about swearing allegiance to the League?”

 

“It doesn't matter anymore.  I've already made myself Public Enemy Number One,” Tyler finished as Leonard cracked a satisfied smile and turned toward the door.  Somehow Tyler thought that Leonard had received a great deal of pleasure at seeing him lose his career and didn't seem to bat an eye that he had “killed” three men.  It was unnerving... and he didn't think he really knew his brother anymore. 

 

They left the cabin as Tyler silently realized he had passed his first hurdle in joining the League.   Crane had advised him to conduct himself as if he was constantly being watched, and by his brother's pointed questions he had no doubt that their conversation had been monitored.  To this end Lee had helped him build a believable cover.  He was a dedicated military officer up until this point and so his motive for “turning” had to be for Leonard's sake alone.  His discontentment with his brother would be seen as a natural by-product of the decision forced upon him.  The fact that they believed he did in fact murder three men would be enough to earn their respect.  He would feign acceptance to his new life, and slowly take on their “new world order” rhetoric. 

 

Tyler walked along hoping that this little trip to the secret base wouldn't take too long, because the role he was currently playing was making his stomach turn.

 

* * * * * 

 

Sea Conqueror was only 300 feet long; half the size of Seaview and operated on a much smaller crew complement than its military counterparts.  She was small but sleek, running 28 knots submerged and able to dive to 1,300 feet.  The sub was nuclear powered, a little known fact that another privately owned nuclear sub existed besides Seaview.  The League's two submarine fleet was a testimony to the power and money behind the organization, one which sought to control the resources of the world for its own goals of power and control.  They were altogether too powerful and had in fact been suspect to the recent sinking of a US Ally's submarine, perhaps as it unknowingly ventured too close to the secret base.  The League had also been identified as the instigator behind several bold art gallery heists, no doubt to fund their cause.  But their dealings had escalated when Intelligence Agencies positively identified their covert actions as responsible for starting a bloody armed conflict on the African Coast, bringing instability to several oil producing countries.  They were ruthless, leaving a bloody trail behind them for anyone who got in their way or weren't seen as valuable to their cause any longer.  In short, they were a dangerous cancer growing stronger with each successful underhanded and illegal dealing.  A recent unsuccessful attempt to assassinate an Ally's Prime Minister had accentuated the need to shut down the League and the reason ONI had jumped at the chance to infiltrate the organization, even with an untrained “operative”.

 

Tyler Baker was keenly aware of all these facts as he walked the tight corridor back to the sub's Control Room.

 

“Ah the Baker Boys,” the Captain greeted as Tyler's concern etched up a notch.  Captain Green wore similar attire, topped off with a captain's cap and a sidearm holstered in a shoulder harness along with a sheathed knife on his belt.  The long scar down one side of his face along with the black eye patch that followed the path of the scar, produced the undoubtedly correct assumption that Captain Green was not someone to be messed with. 

 

Tyler steeled himself, as Lee cautioned him that to show fear would weaken the respect he needed to stay out of their cross-hairs and keep his cover.

 

Leonard and Tyler were flanked on both sides by two men on security detail, their presence no doubt intended to intimidate the young men.  The enlisted crew wore black as well, except they wore mock turtle-neck knit shirts over their black fatigue slacks.

 

“Now Leonard, let's start with you.  The High Command wants to know why you activated the homing device before the second sub was in position?”

 

“Crane happened into the compartment, I shot him twice but his absence would be noticed sooner or later.  I figured it best to set the device early before it was discovered in a boat-wide search for Crane.”

 

“How was your aim?  Two bullets should have killed him,” Green asked, his question as unmerciful as his motive behind asking it.

 

“He nearly died.  The man has nine lives,” Leonard shrugged off. 

 

“You should have taken lessons from your brother here, he doesn't seem to have any problem taking down his targets.”

 

Leonard's lips pursed tightly as Captain Green continued.

 

“However the High Command is willing to overlook your mistake and cautions you to use more diligence in the future.”

 

“Aye, aye Sir,” Leonard replied dutifully and at full attention as Green turned toward Tyler.

 

“Now Tyler... what's a good little military boy like you doing with the likes of us?” He asked in pointed sarcasm.

 

“I think I made it quite clear when I was approached.  I did what I did to save my brother, not for your cause, but now that it’s done I've got no place else to go,” he answered dispassionately. 

 

“They told me you tell it like it is.  That's okay with me, I like to know where I stand with a man,” Green said taking a step closer in a move to intimidate Tyler and set the ground rules for who was in charge.

 

“So now that you're here... what are your plans?”

 

“Stay alive.  I understand to do that I need to be useful.  I can get on board with the League's ambitions as long as there's something in it for me... something more than my life.  I left behind a good career, I want at least that much and more,” he answered not backing down and letting his “ambition” for adequate compensation be known.

 

Green cracked a one sided smile, the other side hampered by the scar that apparently left his muscles partially paralyzed.

 

“I think we'll get along just fine, Baker.  The League excels at offering rewards for successful service, and I can always use a man who knows what needs to be done and does it,” he added approvingly, referring to the three “body bags” Tyler left behind at Pearl. 

 

Leonard watched the exchange, irritated for the extra attention Green was paying Tyler.  It always seemed that Tyler one-upped him, he thought, annoyed at his brother's presence and already seeing the handwriting on the wall if this present appreciation for Tyler continued.  His eyes darkened until Green addressed him once again.

 

“Leonard, the High Commander has a special job for you to do.  I'll give you details later,” he said cryptically as Leonard nodded, feeling his usefulness return. 

 

* * * * *

 

Captain Lee Crane rounded the spiral staircase speaking even before he reached the deck.  His blue sling was noticeably missing having removed it to shower, but the hail from the Control Room had necessitated the need for haste, subsequently resulting in his missing sling.

 

“Report Mr. Morton.”

 

“The Target came to a full stop and then disappeared from our scope,” Chip replied as Lee closed the distance to the Chart Table.  “I ordered an All-Stop; we're at 100 feet, neutral buoyancy,” Chip finished.

 

“Very well,” Lee replied reaching the Table and looking over their current position as the clicks of Harry's shoes announced his arrival from the aft hatch.

 

“What have you got, Lee?”

 

“We lost her on the scope, I'd say the secret sub pen is somewhere around this sea mount,” he replied circling an area on the chart with his pencil.

 

“I'm going to maneuver Seaview behind this ridge, there's still the possibility of the second sub showing up,” Lee continued.  “We'll travel through this trench and station-keep within one thousand feet of her last known position,” Lee finished raising his eyes to meet Harry's.

 

Harry cracked a tight-lipped smile at Lee's ingenuity of utilizing the nearby trench to stealthily maneuver the sub closer.

 

“And your plan?” Harry asked, knowing Seaview's Captain had something in the works.

 

“Wait till they tip their hand and show us their location, then send a team of divers in to retrieve our man and disable the sub's ability to run,” Lee answered matter-of-factly.

 

“Very well, Captain Crane,” Harry said in approval as Lee maneuvered Seaview to the ridge just a quarter mile away from the sea mount.  On the other side of the ridge was a trench that dropped 8,000 feet into the depths, well below Seaview's crush depth if anything should go wrong but the perfect place to stake-out the bad guy's hide-out and wait undetected.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler was duly impressed as he exited the Conning Tower hatch to find the Sea Conqueror berthed in what appeared to be a sea cave, a large natural grotto.  Flood lights illuminated the grotto as more men in black secured the sub with moorings.  He noted several “official” looking men on the dock as well as a second sub berth which currently sat empty.

 

“This way Baker,” Captain Green said, guiding Tyler to meet the men on the dock, presumably the High Commander. 

 

“He's prior military and hates Dad,” Leonard said, walking beside Tyler and leaning in to whisper.

 

“You two should get along quite well,” Tyler quipped back, a sad but true observation.

 

Leonard withheld further comment as they approached while the men around him executed some crazy quasi-Roman type salute by pounding a fist to their chest and swinging it outward toward the League's Leader.  Leonard offered his salute as Tyler stood there, having not been introduced to the League's protocol.

 

“So these are Baker's sons?” the leader spoke, his voice surprisingly “whiny” sounding; it had a high-pitched nasal tone that reminded Tyler more of a spoiled brat rather than the head of a ruthless secret organization seeking to destroy the fabric of American society and rule the world.

 

“Leonard and I have met, but you,” he said addressing Tyler.  “You remind me of your father... same strong bearing, same look that says 'you're never wrong',” the Leader observed as Tyler stood his ground, playing the part Lee had coached him to play.

 

“If you mean, I'm a man confident of my decisions, then I guess I am... Sir,” the last he added making sure he remained respectful, his tone less sarcastic than he had previously used.

 

“Yes, that's what I mean... confident.  I like a man who's confident.  I also like a man who's not afraid to clean-up loose details.  I understand you took out three prime enemies of the League.  Do you know how many men have tried and failed in that quest?  Your brother here will attest to how difficult it has been to rid the world of those three,” he finished with a smile.

 

“Just lucky I guess, Sir.”

 

“No, not luck.  I perceive you are a very competent person.  I think I will hold you in reserves for now...  I have other enemies just as elusive as Nelson and his boys,” the High Commander pondered as Tyler's blood ran cold at the thought of being the Leader's personal “hit-man”.  He kept his face neutral as the Commander turned his attention toward Leonard.

 

“Now your brother here, I think I'm ready to put him to further use.  Are you ready to serve the League, Leonard?”

 

Leonard snapped to attention all the tighter and executed a sharp salute as if he were addressing a Roman Emperor.

 

“I'm ready to serve,” Leonard replied as the High Commander cracked a smile. 

 

“Good.  We are ready for you to record a little greeting,” he replied and turned with Leonard and Tyler following as they were obviously expected.  They were flanked by the High Commander's Security Guards, something Tyler wasn't sure was standard operating procedure or an indication of the High Commander's lack of trust of the Baker Boys.  He'd have to step carefully, one wrong move would get him killed before Commander Crane found a way to keep his promise and pull him out of this snake pit.

 

* * * * *

 

“There,” Lee pointed out on the monitor screen beside the Hydrophones station.  Divers had carefully placed several cameras on the ridge as Seaview monitored the sea mount looking for the secret sub pen.  He was currently watching two enemy divers emerge from a rock cropping to patrol the waters around the secret base.  They carried harpoons and swam menacingly then retreated back into their secret hideout.

 

“That's our entry point,” Lee said turning toward Harry.

 

“Fine.  Is the dive team ready?” the Admiral asked turning toward the aft hatch as Lee followed.

 

“Aye Sir,” he replied barely holding back his disappointment at not leading the team.  He wasn't physically up to the dive and had been forced to turn the responsibility over to Harry.  Lee knew the team was in good hands, but he wasn't used to not being highly involved in an operation such as this.

 

“We'll be in constant radio contact,” Harry said in the missile room, pulling on his tanks over his silver dive suit.  “Be ready, we may cause quite a disturbance as we leave,” he finished with a sly one-sided smile.

 

“We'll be ready.  Be careful Sir,” Lee offered sincerely as Harry nodded and added his confident tight-lipped smile before pulling his face mask into position.

 

* * * * *

 

Leonard read over the statement he was to give; rhetoric, hyperbole, and propaganda.  Delivered by the General's Son for full effect, but the most damaging part of the speech was in the last line.  It was a crock of bull Leonard knew full well, but he was in this too deep and he had already bore witness to what happened to those not seen as loyal to the League.  He took a deep breath in as he placed his black beret on his head, bearing the League's symbol and stood confidently in front of the camera.  He towed the “party line” delivering the speech perfectly, even as he recited the last line as he wrongfully implicated his father as a co-conspirator of the League.

 

Tyler's tension etched up as Leonard implicated his father to the treachery and treason of the ruthless organization.  His step forward to silence his brother was countered by the guards beside him who slid their sidearms into his back, demanding his silence.  By the time Leonard finished Tyler was fuming, but kept silent.  He shot a glare toward his brother as his displeasure was made known to even those who didn't know him.

 

“Calm yourself, young Tyler,” the High Commander spoke placidly.  “In time you will come to appreciate the wisdom of my decisions,” he finished with an icy hand on his shoulder and feigning genuine concern.

 

Now wasn't the time to fight, so Tyler offered a weak nod of the affirmative as the High Commander left the room.  He walked back to his quarters silently with Leonard by his side.  They were left alone as Leonard closed the door behind him and stepped forward.

 

“Tyler...”

 

Leonard's impending explanation was cut short as Tyler wheeled about and delivered a fist full of his fury to his brother's jaw.  Leonard dropped immediately, recovering quickly and speaking as he tried to rise.

 

“Tyler, I didn't know about this,” he explained.

 

“You didn't have any problem conspiring to ruin his life,” Tyler countered.

 

“You think having two sons defect to the League hasn't already done that?  Face it Tyler, you're in this as deep as I am, and if you're smart you'll get in line... or you'll find yourself dead,” he finished without any remorse as Tyler dropped to his bunk and tried to pull himself together.  He had to find a way to stay alive long enough for Crane to get to him, as he silently swore with everything he had in him to do whatever it took shut the League down for good.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry led his team consisting of Kowalski, Patterson and Rodriguez to the sea mount, a thousand feet from where Seaview was stashed safely away, hidden in the trench.  Carefully they approached the entrance as Lee and Chip watched on the monitor.

 

“Contact Sir!  Just now entering the grid,” Riley reported. 

 

Seaview's sophisticated sonar was able to track from nearly twenty miles out, a definite advantage over most subs’ capabilities of ten miles.  But a fast attack sub traveling at 28 knots would close the distance in a little over thirty minutes, placing the rescue operation for Tyler Baker in serious danger.

 

“Chip, warn the Admiral.  I'm going to lure them away,” Lee said heading toward the nose.

 

“With what?” Chip asked with raised eyebrows.

 

“Live bait,” Lee answered, as Chip closed the distance to raise the hatch for Lee, still hampered by a bad shoulder. 

 

“What about a co-pilot?” Chip asked.

 

“Can't afford one, you may be taking her into battle again.  Take care Chip,” Lee offered sincerely then continued favoring his shoulder as he descended.

 

“You too, Lee,” Chip replied as he closed the hatch over Seaview's Skipper.  They didn't have the luxury of time to debate the wisdom of the move, though Chip was well aware it was their only solution.  He just wished Lee wouldn't be so cavalier with his own health, running to the rescue only a week out of life threatening injuries. 

 

Lee belted himself in, adjusted his throat mic and began flipping switches.

 

“Engage emergency launch,” he ordered into his mic.

 

“Emergency launch, Aye,” was heard as the bay doors opened while Lee finished the start-up routine.

 

“Launching,” Lee reported as the flying sub dropped into the ocean trench.

 

“FS1 has cleared the bay doors.”

 

“Aye,” Lee replied and proceeded forward to intercept the incoming sub and draw them away from the action.

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler and Leonard were summoned back to main the Control Station where the atmosphere was decisively more intense. 

 

“Ah Tyler,” the High Commander greeted.  “Your brother has demonstrated his allegiance to the League, now it is your turn.”

 

“I don't understand what you mean?”

 

“We have very sophisticated equipment here, the best electronics in the world.  It has come to my attention that there is an undefined signal coming from this base.  Now you wouldn't know anything about that would you?”

 

The jig was up, but Tyler held his face as straight as he knew how as the ever present guards closed the distance.  One was carrying a hand-held electronic device and began waving the bug-finder over Leonard.

 

“He's clean,” he declared and then turned toward Tyler.

 

He waved the wand as it beeped, setting off an alarm.  The guard honed in on Tyler's arm where the beeping turned insistent as the guard held him tightly and pointed to the inside bend of his elbow.

 

“Positive identification,” he declared as the guards tightened their grip.

 

“Young Tyler Baker, did you really think you could get away with this?  You've been abandoned you know.  There's no rescue boat out there and your transponder is useless past fifty miles.  In short, they lost you,” the High Commander bragged.  “Now it's time for you to tell me everything.”

 

The grip on his arms tightened as Tyler felt the first punch deep in his gut.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry motioned his team on as they rounded the rock face and saw the light over their heads.  Harry ascended barely breaking the water just enough to peruse the situation.  Two guards walked a sentry on the dock as the sleek sub sat in its berth; the second berth was empty, though Chip had informed him of its impending arrival and Lee's plan to draw it away.  Harry lowered himself back into the depths and motioned the men to follow him to the far end of the dock.  He divided the team with Kowalski and Patterson taking one end and Ron following Harry with an extra air tank to the other end.  When the enemy guards reached the far end of their posts they suddenly found themselves losing their footings and falling into the water.  They were quickly dispensed of as Seaview's commando team pulled themselves onto the dock and moved cautiously toward their objective as Harry followed the transponder's signal.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee guided FS1 through the trench so as not to tip off the second sub to Seaview's position.  He monitored his sonar and closed the distance, when the second sub was within ten miles he ascended from the trench and ran a zig zag pattern as if searching for something.  He knew the enemy sub could see him now and his obvious “search” pattern indicated he wasn't privy to their presence.  Carefully he moved his search pattern away from Seaview and the secret underwater sub pen.  He was relieved to note the sub had changed course to intercept him as he continued his ruse. 

 

The sub was closing fast as Lee instinctively reached for his mid-section.  Taking the ladder down hadn't helped his stitches and he wasn't fooling himself, it was way too early to be out here pretending like he didn't almost die last week.  He knew there'd be hell to pay with Jamie, but he was still the Captain, and life and death situations still over-rode “light duty status” orders in his book.

 

Lee returned both hands to the control sticks and continued to widen his search, drawing the sub further off course.  She was within five miles and well within range for the new advanced lightweight torpedoes.  He scanned his sonar carefully while maintaining a search pattern when he spotted two “fish” in the water and closing fast at an incredible 40 knots.  He executed a hard right turn and powered full speed to outrun the incoming torpedoes.  Collision alarms were sounding as the torpedoes continued to close the distance as Lee executed another hard turn, this time to the left.  He was fighting the controls as he pushed his “Baby's” performance past her specified design capabilities.  He wasn't going to make it, so he released counter-measures and executed a hard right rudder.  The torpedoes followed the counter-measures and detonated with FS1 way to close, as the subsequent shock waves rolled her end over end driving her nose-first into the sand.

 

The red emergency lights illuminated the flying sub's cockpit as Lee's head hung limply forward, still strapped into his seat by the safety harness, while the enemy sub celebrated their accomplishment and continued on to the secret sub base.

 

* * * * *

 

Back aboard Seaview Chip cursed under his breath, as sonar tracked both Lee's retreat and the torpedoes' explosions.  He marked FS1's last known position and noted the enemy sub closing the distance to the sub pen.  There was nothing he could do but wait for the dive team to make its appearance from the secret sub pen.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry moved forward as Kowalski and Rodriguez took out unsuspecting guards along the way, ensconcing their firearms as they moved forward.  He checked the portable tracker, but by the sounds of the grunts up ahead, he figured they had found Tyler Baker. 

 

* * * * *

 

Tyler was worked-over without one sound of protest from his brother.  At one point he made eye contact with Leonard and saw nothing there to indicate any distress.  Just hold on, he told himself, Crane promised he'd come for me.  He held onto that promise like a lifeline and withheld giving the High Commander any information.  The guards dropped their hold on him when several loud “booms” were heard and the room went into a frenzy of activity.  In the confusion he heard his name from a familiar if not unanticipated voice.

 

“Tyler?  Come on Tyler get up, you have to help me.”

 

Tyler opened his eyes to see his brother over the top of him.  Leonard helped Tyler to his feet and pulled his arm around his shoulder as they moved toward the exit, but stopped in their tracks when they heard the High Commander's voice.

 

“Take one more step Leonard and you're a dead man.”

 

Leonard looked into his brother's eyes, and for the first time since this nightmare began Tyler recognized the brother he always thought he knew.  Leonard passed his regret in that split second then pushed Tyler to the ground as he spun around and two reports were heard even above the current firefight.  Tyler looked up in time to see both his brother and the High Commander falling to the ground.

 

“Leo!” He yelled as he crawled over to his brother holding his gut and bleeding profusely, while the High Commander laid dead with eyes wide open from the perfect shot in the center of his forehead.

 

“I'm sorry, Tyler... tell Dad... I'm sorry...”

 

Tyler heard his brother's last breath expel and dipped his head in grief just as frogmen appeared to help him up.  He left his brother behind as he allowed Seaview's men to guide him out; Leonard was dead, there was nothing he could do.

 

* * * * *

 

“Set those charges!” Harry yelled as Seaview's small but efficient commando team lobbed grenades to disable the enemy and gas bombs to cover their advance.  Patterson and Kowalski found Tyler and made their way back to the docks as Ron set the charges to slow down any pursuers. 

 

“Chip, be ready to seal off the sub pen!” Harry ordered as Chip stood ready to create a landslide using Seaview's sighted lasers.  Seaview was now positioned precariously above the ridge line and completely visible on the second sub's sonar as he waited for the go ahead to seal off the Sea Conqueror's only escape route. 

 

Harry and the team reached the dock and returned fire from men aboard the Sea Conqueror before they retreated down the sail hatch, having just released the moorings for their escape.  The team donned their tanks and jumped in with little fanfare as Ron tossed one last grenade toward the tunnel leading to the Control Station. 

 

“Fire Chip!” Harry ordered.

 

“Are you clear, Sir?” Chip clarified.

 

“Just fire, don't let her get away!” Harry ordered, his four stars surely rattling if he could have worn them on his dive suit, as Chip complied.  The perfect shot started an avalanche as Harry and the team barely rounded the cave entrance and swam with everything they had to meet Seaview, less than 300 yards away. 

 

* * * * *

 

“The second sub is turning away Mr. Morton!” Stu Riley reported as Chip bit his bottom lip and reached for the mic.

 

“Missile room, inform me when the dive team is back aboard!”  His voice reflective of the intensity of the situation as Chip monitored the sub's new course.  She was moving at flank speed, they'd lose her if they didn't pursue soon.

 

“The divers are back aboard, Sir,” Chief Sharkey replied.

 

“Very well.  Secure the dive and get to the Control Room Chief,” Chip ordered as he fired off orders to raise the planes and blow ballast to clear the ridge.  Ten seconds later Seaview was in full pursuit at flank speed.

 

Sparks notified ComSubPac of the underwater base's location as well as their pursuit of enemy sub number two as Chip matched her moves turn for turn.  She had apparently been warned away by the secret base and it appeared that Seaview's firepower was more than the enemy sub wanted to deal with at present, though Chip surmised by her speed and maneuverability that the sub was likely well-armed.  It was more than probable that she was retreating to fight another day. 

 

“Report Mr. Morton,” Harry said arriving in the Control Room in his khaki's, having changed in his cabin. 

 

“We're in pursuit of the second submarine, but she'll be off the grid in a few minutes.  I'd like to break pursuit Sir, and retrieve the flying sub.” 

 

Harry's eyebrows raised in question as Chip continued.  “Lee drew the sub away and came under fire,” he said pointing to his last known position.  “Sparks hasn't had contact with him since.”

 

“Get us there, Chip,” Harry said, hating that the second sub got away but concurring with the futility of the pursuit as the enemy sub had too great a head start.

 

Chip issued orders to bring Seaview about and proceeded at flank speed to FS1's crash site.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee woke leaning forward as he pushed himself back into his seat and allowed his head to rest heavily on the pilot's chair.  His shoulder was burning, protesting its overuse as he had to use both hands to pilot the craft and his mid-section felt like hamburger meat again.  He only hoped that he had bought Harry and the team enough time to get to Tyler and retreat to safety before the second sub arrived. 

 

He reached with his good arm to activate his throat mic and received an ear full of static, but sent a message anyway.

 

“FS1 to Seaview, come in Seaview.”

 

He repeated the hail but received no reply as he dropped his hand back to his mid-section and stared out at the dark ocean before him.  His eyelids dropped in weariness and soon found himself out cold once again.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee heard Seaview's emergency magnetic retrieval system as the flying sub was gently raised into her berth.  He breathed heavily for the pain and waited for help to arrive; he couldn't move, he was done in.  He knew Jamie would have something to say about going out in the first place, but there was no way he was going to order a pilot out in what could have been a suicide mission.

 

“Lee?”

 

He woke on Seaview's deck, unaware of being hoisted up the flying sub hatch or even how long he'd been laying there.  The sight of Harry over him brought a pained smile as Jamie stabilized him for the transport to Sickbay.

 

“Dive team?” He asked.

 

“Everyone is fine.  Tyler is in Sickbay, Doc says he'll be fine.”

 

Lee nodded nearly imperceptively; he could really go for some of Jamie's pain meds about now and allowed his eyes to close as his stretcher was raised.  He never felt the ride to Sickbay or the doctor's subsequent work to ascertain the damage done, but did wake as Jamie and the corpsman were putting him in the bunk. 

 

“Jamie...”

 

“Easy there Skipper, I'll adjust your meds once you're in the rack,” he promised noticing Lee's grimace.  “And when you wake again, you and I are going to have a little discussion on what 'Limited Restricted Duty' actually means,” he finished with pursed lips.

 

“No choice... had to draw them away... promised Tyler...”

 

Jamie smiled and tucked his patient in then adjusted the IV as he watched the pain lines recede from Lee's face.

 

“I know Skipper,” he said in quiet reassurance, “I know.”

 

 

Seaview's Doctor placed his hand once last time on Lee's forehead even though he had just taken his temperature, and moved back to his desk to start his reports.  As he walked he didn't notice young Tyler Baker who lay in his bunk with a mix of emotions to deal with.  His brother was dead, but somehow he thought maybe Leonard had found himself again in those last moments. 

 

“You would have done the same for me...” Tyler remembered mocking his brother and, “It's a brother thing...,” but at the time it was issued in humorless sarcasm, a simple fact of life that Leonard had lost his way.  But at least now he could tell his father that in those last moments Leonard had found himself and was truly sorry... that would be all the comfort the family could get out of this mess; that and the fact that the League's plans were sorely disrupted if not destroyed by the sting.  No one knew for sure as the second sub and all her resources had gotten away, but at least whatever personal vendetta the High Commander had with General Baker had been foiled by both his sons.

 

His grief was tempered temporarily when he heard Captain Crane explaining his reasons for bucking his medical duty status to get the job done and keep his promise. 

“I never leave my partners behind...” Tyler closed his eyes remembering the promise kept and allowed the comfortable feel of the sickbay bunk and his pain meds to take him to sleep.

 

* * * * *

 

Jamie was adamant.  Lee was still stuck in Sickbay even when Seaview slipped into her berth at Pearl.  He had pushed back his recovery playing white knight by staying on his feet longer than his body could tolerate, not to mention FS1's crash into the ocean floor.  By now it didn't matter to Lee, he was still done in, even after several days of complete bed rest.  His current visitor however, was back on his feet and readying himself for departure.

 

“I want to thank you for all your advice, Captain.  It really helped,” Tyler offered sincerely.

 

“You did a good job out there,” Lee returned, he was at least, not flat on his back at this point with his torso raised by several pillows and comfortably fitted with a sickbay robe for the conversation.

 

“I also want to thank you for coming for me.  It seemed pretty hopeless, but I never gave up on it.”

 

Lee nodded understandably, knowing that “hope” had gotten him through many a mission.

 

The sting operation was being cleaned up by ONI as assets had been sent to rescue and take into custody the League survivors as well as recover the Sea Conqueror from its secret berth.  The second sub had indeed gotten clean away, and would no doubt have to be dealt with another day, but for now the mission had been deemed a success.  Right now, however, Lee's concern was for the young Lieutenant before him.

 

“And how are you doing Tyler?”

 

Tyler dipped his head, knowing that the Captain wasn't asking about his bruised face or his taped ribs.

 

“It hurts that Leo's dead, but somehow we'll get through it.  At least they didn't take Dad down with them,” he finished in consolation.

 

“You're not going to let ONI talk you into a night job, are you?” Lee asked more serious than anything, but sincerely hoping the Intelligence community didn't put their sights on the young man who was very likely a “natural” for the game.

 

“No Sir.  If I had wanted that much excitement I would have been a pilot like my two older brothers.  I think I'll just return to Logistics,” he answered with a smile. 

 

Lee returned the smile and offered a hand to Tyler.  “Take care Tyler.”

 

“Thank you, Sir,” he replied, shaking his hand and then firing off a sharp salute as he rose to leave.

 

* * * * *

 

Seaview's nose was lit as she made her way home to Santa Barbara.  She was docking tomorrow and Lee was enjoying his first freedom from Sickbay in a week, though he wasn't cleared for duty... Restricted or otherwise.

 

The simulated evening of the Boat's lighting found the Nose subdued as the Delta Watch worked quietly behind him.  He was wearing civvies, not wanting to invoke the Doctor's ire; a pair of jeans and a button up casual shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the forearms.

 

“I thought I'd find you here,” Harry said, rounding the staircase and descending into the nose.

 

“I just got off the horn with General Baker,” Harry finished as he took a comfortable seat next to Lee.

 

“How is he?”

 

“Mourning one son, but celebrating the other.  It's been quite a roller coaster ride for him, but he sends his extreme gratitude for pulling Tyler out of the fire.”

 

Lee cracked a smile.  “That was your doing Sir.”

 

“A Team effort, Captain,” Harry qualified shooting his own smile Lee's way.

 

“So what are your plans for your sick leave?” Harry asked placing his feet up on the small sill of Seaview's Herculite windows to rest.

 

“Not much if Jamie has anything to say about it.”

 

“Well I think you'd better placate the CMO on this,” Harry quipped.

 

“I plan to, Sir.  I'm afraid I pushed the envelope on this one,” he returned with a grin as Harry chuckled in agreement.  “And I've made a mental note not to get shot ever again,” he finished with a wide grin before continuing.

 

“But I am planning on taking Chip and Monica out for dinner.  Would you care to join us to celebrate the plans for Seaview's new sister boat?”

 

“That sounds just fine,” Harry answered, pleased for the invitation to celebrate with his “boys”.

 

They sat in comfortable silence enjoying one another's company as Lee thought about the General and his sons: two men, taking two different paths. 

 

“My brother has already chosen his path, I can't choose it for him.  I've chosen mine, I'm following the path my Father taught me.”

 

Lee pondered the words so eloquently spoken by the General's Son and realized how true that was for him as well.  He had endeavored to walk the path that his own father taught him and even though he had died at much too young an age, Lee had the privilege of knowing another man who walked the same path of integrity and strength.  He smiled at the thought and vowed silently to tell Harry... someday.

 

 

 

The End

 

The General's Son, Part II

 

 

 

 

Credits and Notes:

* See the First Season Episode, The Fear Makers for the Polidor backstory

 

** My story contains scenes, quotes, and paraphrases from the Second Season Episode, Return of the Phantom written by William Welch, directed by Sutton Roley, original airdate March 20, 1966.

 

*** A quote from Plato's The Phaedrus, “Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden.”  http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/209465-things-are-not-always-what-they-seem-the-first-appearance 

 

Treason Against the US - http://www.nytimes.com/1861/01/25/news/treason-against-the-united-states.html

 

Torpedoes - I based the enemy sub's torpedo performance on the Mark 50, designed in 1974 by Honeywell.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_50_torpedo

 

Author's Notes:  I heartily admit to evoking a great deal of “fiction” in my interpretation of the military laws and Ensign Baker's ability to walk free... but this is fiction and it was a sting operation so it didn't have to be correct, just plausible. : )  Thanks for reading.  Lynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015, All Rights Reserved

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