This story fits early in the first season, right after City Beneath the Sea.  I've always been fascinated with the last lines of the second episode, where Lee jokes with the Admiral but is not quite sure how he will take it.  Only hints of the growing relationship occurs, until nine episodes later when the Admiral attacks Major Amadi when he realizes that Crane has been captured.  I thought there must be some missing stories building up to the friendship and strong feelings later. : )

 

 

 

The Marathon

 

by Lynn

 

 

The wind blew across Captain Lee Crane's face as the breeze blew gently from the bay.  San Francisco was usually cool and foggy, and along the wharf it was even more so.  Still, it was always an interesting stay when he visited.  This visit had been especially interesting as he and Admiral Harriman Nelson had come to meet a possible new vendor of some key circuit boards for the Admiral's fantastic submarine. 

 

Lee was settling in well into his new role as Captain of the world's only privately owned nuclear submarine.  Seaview was a dream come true for Lee, as was working for Admiral Nelson.  He was pleasantly surprised to realize that he wasn't just working for the Admiral but with him.  On-boat, Lee was the Captain making all decisions as he saw fit for the boat.  Though not a “yes-man,” he respected the Admiral's opinion and sought it often.  Off-boat, the Admiral had given Lee a fair amount of autonomy and Lee felt the freedom to speak his ideas.  He seemed to truly respect his input, and Lee was thriving under the mentorship of the famous Admiral. 

 

Though young in years, some thought too young to be a full commander, the youngest in the Navy in fact; or to command a Los Angeles Class fast attack sub; and now to captain the Seaview, Lee at 31 years old felt he had found his place in life.  The place he wanted to set down his roots, even though he had been advised by a very irate Admiral Milton, that his transfer to the Reserves would significantly slow down his meteorological rise in the ranks.  Admiral Milton, who had just been transferred as commander of ComSubPac to the Pentagon was not happy to lose Lee to the Reserves in order to serve under Nelson, and told Lee as much.  It seemed that Lee had made an enemy in the transfer, still this is where he wanted to be.

 

Lee and Harry walked along the wharf in their khaki uniforms complete with service jackets and covers.  They had finished the tour of the vendor's facility, had lunch with the executives and finished their meeting impressed.  Now, they were just enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the city as they walked back to their hotel. 

 

“How are you settling into your new place Lee?”  Harry asked in comfortable conversation.

 

“Just fine, Sir.  I think I'm going to be happy there along the beach,” Lee smiled as he answered.  He was really enjoying his early morning jogs along the shore.

 

“Good.  Have you got everything shipped over from Pearl?”

 

“Almost, I'm still waiting for my car.”  Their walk was nearly complete as they rounded the corner that led to their hotel.

 

“Most people find it cheaper to sell their vehicle in Hawaii and buy again here in California,” Harry offered.

 

Lee let loose a wide grin, “I'm a little attached to this car, Sir.”  Lee was actually quite anxious to drive his '67 Shelby Cobra on the back foothill roads of Santa Barbara, the thought turning his grin into a full smile.

 

Harry returned the smile as they walked inside the five-star hotel and headed for the elevator.

 

“I know the new Commander of ComSubPac, too bad you didn't get to meet him before signing on with Seaview,” Harry said making light conversation.

 

“Admiral Stark, Sir?”

 

“Yes,” Harry nodded with a smile, “Jiggs Stark and I go way back, all the way to the Academy.”

 

Lee smiled politely, he didn't want to tell Harry that he had heard plenty about Admiral Stark.  He was a fine leader and a great tactician, but he had a reputation among the “lowly” officers below flag rank.  He was known as “Captain Bligh”, spit-polish-and-the-brig, as rough and tough as they came.  Lee's silence pretty much said it all and Harry laughed.

 

“Oh, I see you've heard of Jiggs Stark,”

 

Lee returned the chuckle, “Yes Sir, I'm afraid I have.” 

 

The two shared a little laugh as they entered the elevator, the door was about ready to close when a hand reached in and the doors opened again.  A man in a dark business suit smiled at the two officers and nodded as he moved to press his floor button.  The elevator stopped on Lee and Harry's floor and the two exited the car.

 

“I have some reports to work on Lee, why don't we meet in the lobby in say...” Harry checked his watch, it was 1400 hours, “four hours.”

 

“Sounds good Sir.  I think I might make use of the gym facilities.”  Harry nodded back at Lee as he slid his key into the door. 

 

Lee walked down the hall to the next room, opened his door and stepped into his dark room.  The maid must have closed the drapes, he thought as he reached for the light.  Without warning he was pushed up against the wall and felt a gun muzzle in his back.

 

“Hello Commander.  We're going to play a little game.”

 

“Who are you, what do you want?”  Lee asked as his face was pushed further into the wall.

 

“Shut up, Crane.  Just listen if you want to get Nelson back alive.”

 

Lee swallowed hard, they must have been waiting for the Admiral in his room as well. 

 

“We will give you instructions, follow them precisely or Admiral Nelson's a dead man.”  Before Lee could say anything else he was clubbed from behind with the butt of the gun, and slid down the wall in a heap.

 

* * * * *

 

“What's going on here?”  Harry asked with controlled concern as he was met in his hotel room by three men all training guns on him.

 

“Admiral Nelson, you're coming with us, you can walk out or we can carry you out.  It's your choice.”  Harry nodded, looking down the barrel of three guns he knew he didn't have much of a choice.

 

“Cooperate fully, don't alert anyone as we walk out or your Captain will suffer the consequences.”

 

“What have you done with Captain Crane?”  Harry demanded.

 

“Nothing yet, but I suggest you don't test me,” the thug replied, as Harry's face showed his deep anger as he was herded toward the door.

 

They left his room and Harry stole a glance down at Lee's door as another thug left his room and closed the distance between them.  They entered the elevator that was held open by the man who had slid in the elevator with them earlier, and were soon in the lobby walking toward a dark car parked at the door.  Harry was placed in the back seat between his captors as they drove off quietly.  All the while, he wondered what had happened to Lee.  He was obviously incapacitated, but how bad he didn't know.  He didn't know what his captors wanted, and all he could do was watch where they were taking him.  Then he felt a sting in his arm and realized that he had been drugged.  His eyes closed almost instantly and was soon out cold.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee felt for the back of his head, as he worked hard to pull himself up the wall.  He groped and found the light switch and looked around his room, it had been ransacked, then he remembered Harry.  He ran awkwardly out the door getting his equilibrium back even as he ran toward Harry's room.  He opened the door that sat slightly ajar and entered without knocking, finding Harry's room also ransacked. 

 

“Admiral?”

 

He ran into the bathroom looking for any sign of Harry, but he was gone.  Lee suddenly remembered that they said they left instructions and headed back to his room finding a paper taped to the dresser mirror.  He pulled the paper down and read it, and slowly lowered the note confirming that the Admiral had been kidnapped.  The silence in the room was interrupted as he turned sharply, startled by the sound of the phone.  Quickly he closed the distance taking a deep breath as he answered.

 

“Crane.”

 

“Listen up Commander, Admiral Nelson's life depends on you following instructions precisely.”

 

“How do I know the Admiral's still alive?” he asked in a controlled tight voice.

 

“He's taking a nap right now, but you can talk to him the next time we contact you.  For now listen up.  Admiral Nelson left a folder in the hotel safe.  You are to retrieve the paper and then run to the phone booth four blocks east.  You are not to talk to anyone, call anyone, or take a cab.  You have exactly fifteen minutes to retrieve the file and answer the phone.  If you miss the call the Admiral dies.  Time starts now.”

 

There was an instant dial tone.  Lee hung up and ran to the elevator and noticed it was stuck on an upper floor, so he sprinted to the stairs and started making his way down four flights to the lobby.  He was winded as he approached the desk.

 

“Admiral Nelson asked me to retrieve his folder from the safe.”

 

A few minutes passed as the hotel manager was called over and after recognizing Lee left to retrieve the folder.  Lee signed for it and opened the folder retrieving a single piece of paper.  Plans for some military device, Lee didn't have time to figure it out as he looked at his watch.  He took the paper and tore it into three parts, placing the middle section back inside the folder and then gave the folder back to the hotel manager. 

 

“Mr. Miller, go ahead and keep this safe for me,” Lee said as he folded the two remaining parts and placed them under his jacket, into his shirt pocket.

 

Mr. Miller nodded, even though he was confused and watched Lee leave the hotel and take off in a dead run, as he shook his head and returned the file to the safe.

 

The phone was ringing when he got to it.  He grabbed the receiver pulling it to his mouth speaking through his breathing.

 

“Crane.”

 

“Very good Commander, your next call will be five blocks east.”

 

“Wait.  You said I could speak to Admiral Nelson.”

 

“You have 7 minutes to make it to the next call Commander.  I suggest you don't waste time.”

 

The phone went dead and Lee took off in a dead run, the blocks were about a quarter mile apart making it about a 6 minute mile.  Normally a six minute mile was not a problem, but Lee was in his oxfords not running shoes, and knew he'd have to pour on the steam to get there in time.  He ran through the blocks without checking the lights and nearly got ran over by a car making a right hand turn, but he moved forward dodging pedestrians and cars with little concern for his own safety.  It was obvious that the kidnappers had planned this unorthodox manner of delivering the “ransom” to keep Lee from contacting the authorities.  He saw the phone ahead and still had about twenty feet to go when someone started to pick up the ringing telephone.

 

“NO!  It’s my call!”   He yelled in a panic.  The hapless pedestrian stepped away from the phone and Lee grabbed it on the fourth ring.

 

“Slowing down Commander.  It took four rings.  Someone wants to talk to you.” 

 

Lee was breathing hard as he heard Harry's voice.  “Lee, I don't know what they want, but whatever it is don't give it to them.”

 

“Admiral, are you okay?”  His voice was obviously winded as he spoke.

 

“I'm alright Lee...”

 

The phone was whisked away from Harry as his captors took control over the conversation once again. 

 

“Alright Commander, have you got your breath?”  He didn't wait for Lee's answer but continued on, “Proceed another four blocks, you have seven minutes.”

 

Lee shed his uniform jacket and loosened his tie and then took off in a dead run.  He knew why they had given him more time, he was running uphill.  He knew once they finished their little game with him that he'd only be able to produce part of the secret plans, and he'd likely pay the price.  He was gambling however, that killing the Admiral would do them no good as they would no longer have leverage over him.  He moved along running at full speed and caught sight of the phone, it was on its third ring.

 

“Crane.”  His voice was airy and barely understandable as he listened, breathing heavily.

 

“Alright Commander, you've done well.”

 

“Why are you doing this?”  Lee asked through panted breathing.

 

“It’s my game Commander, if you want to see Nelson alive you play it my way.  Proceed to the top of Russian Hill, you have 15 minutes.  Don't be late.”

 

Lee looked up, it was steep, five blocks with the last block being the famous switch backs, eight tight hair pin turns.  Lee took off running, fifteen minutes was pushing it, and he was running on fumes as it was.  One thing was for sure, he was getting to the end of this “game”.  He wouldn't have much left after negotiating the 50% grade of the hill, and then he'd have to answer for not producing what they wanted.

 

His breathing was ragged as he made it to the top and heard the phone already ringing.  By the time he reached the phone it had stopped.  He stood leaning against the booth winded and breathing hard, and was suddenly panicked, but then the phone started ringing again and he snatched it up.

 

“You're late Crane, but I'm feeling generous.  A car has just pulled up behind you, get inside.”

 

Lee was breathing too hard to speak, so he just turned around and walked to the open back door and got in.  There was an occupant in the back seat with his gun drawn on Lee as he breathed deeply trying to recover. 

 

“No sudden moves Crane.  Put your hands in front of you.”

 

Lee complied with no other options at this point as the bad guy slid handcuffs on his wrists.  His breathing was still hard and his lungs were burning.  He was done in.  He knew they were taking him to the Leader.  He didn't have the ransom, and unless he produced the missing middle part...the plans were worthless.  But what concerned him most, was the fact that he didn't have a plan to save the Admiral.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee's head lay heavily against the backseat, his eyes had been covered with a black cloth and he had lost track of where he was in the city.  They had driven about a half hour, which in traffic didn't necessarily mean they had gone far.  Lee's breathing had recovered but his energy level was definitely low.  The car came to a stop as he heard a heavy door slide open, and then the car moved forward again, and stopped.  Lee was pulled out of the back seat and left to stand with his eyes covered for a few minutes.

 

He listened for sounds around him, but it was quiet, until he heard the footfalls of several men approaching him.  His blindfold was removed and Lee blinked back the brightness that flooded his face.

 

“Commander Crane, you played a good game.  Now, I'll take the plans.”

 

Lee made no attempt to move, as a guard pulled the folded paper that bulged slightly in his shirt pocket and handed it over to the Leader who stood in the darkness in front of him.

 

“Who are you?”  Lee asked, realizing his question would most likely be ignored.

 

“Let's just say, that you've dealt with me before Commander.  I realized then that we underestimated you, that's why I put together your little run.  You didn't have time to contact the authorities, and you didn't have the energy to plan a daring rescue.” 

 

Lee had no clue who the man in the darkness was, he didn't recognize his distinctive voice and so far he hadn't gotten any information that would identify him.  He saw a small light and realized that the Leader had turned his back and was now examining the two halves of paper.  Lee let loose a small smile when he turned around with the flashlight still burning.  He thumbed it off but not before Lee caught sight of the shaven bald head of the leader.  The rest of his features were lost in his contorted face as he barked orders.

 

“Hoist him up, and get Nelson.”

 

Lee heard the overhead crane and looked up to see a hook descending down, his arms were pulled over his head as the hook was lowered to meet and connect with the handcuffs.  One of the guards thumbed up to the crane operator and Lee was lifted by the hook as the thin handcuffs tore into his wrists.

 

He breathed heavily and bit back his grunts as he was raised so that the tip of his toes barely touched the floor.  Not enough to support him, just enough to keep him from swaying.

 

Lee kept his eyes focused forward as he recognized Harry's silhouette move from the shadows to standing just on the inside of the light shining down on him.  He looked ruffled, but uninjured.

 

“Lee!” Harry said, attempting to move forward, but was held back by his guards.

 

“I'm alright Admiral,” Lee said with obvious concern on his face.

 

The Leader's voice was heard from the shadows once again as Lee strained to see.

 

“Commander Crane failed to see the seriousness of the situation Admiral Nelson.  He brought me only part of the plan, two useless parts.”

 

Lee spotted the satisfied small smile that Harry let loose and then pulled back.

 

“I will now remind him what is at stake,” the Leader continued, as Lee watched one of the guards produce a gun and point it at Harry.

 

“No!” Lee cried out, his movement causing more strain on his wrists.

 

The guard stepped back and fired the gun, shooting Harry high in the right shoulder as Lee struggled ineffectually to free himself.  Harry fell clutching his shoulder as the Leader continued.

 

“What did you think Commander?  That you alone would bear the consequences?  Bring me the rest of the plan or I'll send him back to you in a body bag.”  The Leader's voice was eerily soft as Lee watched Harry struggle to speak.

 

“No, Lee.  Don't do it...” Harry was interrupted as they hauled him up roughly and took him out of the light.

 

“Admiral!”  Lee called even as several of the Leader's goons advanced on him.  He tightened his stomach muscles as they each landed blow after blow to his mid-section and then finally lowered him down where he fell in a heap.  He struggled to regain his breath as his hands were freed from the hook and he was hauled back up by his arms. 

 

“You will return to the hotel and bring back the missing piece.  I'll contact you again with your instructions Commander.”

 

Lee's eyes were covered once again and he was led back to the car where he sank into the back seat trying to figure a way out of this.  The stakes had been raised, now the Admiral was shot and possibly bleeding out.  Everything had just gone from bad to worse.

 

* * * * *

 

The car began to slow and Lee's blindfold was removed, as his eyes were adjusting he felt his hands being freed from the handcuffs. 

 

“Don't look back Crane, just head straight to your room, you'll be contacted there.”

 

The car stopped and Lee was allowed to exit the vehicle.  He did as he was told, not looking back and heard the car move from the curb and drive away as he opened the large glass doors and headed for his room.  He stood at the elevators and wearily pressed the “UP” button.  Entering, he leaned back heavily against the wall as the car lifted him to the fourth floor.  Hanging from his wrists had added to his fatigue, and the work over the guards gave him hadn't helped.  He needed time to think, he needed help...he needed back-up.

 

The elevator door opened and Lee reached into his pocket retrieving his key, he entered turning the light on and noticed two things: the room had been cleaned and two men were waiting for him.

 

“Come in Commander Crane.”  Lee entered not knowing who he was dealing with.

 

“The maid reported both your's and Admiral Nelson's room being ransacked and the hotel manager called us.  I'm Detective Mackey and this is Detective Taylor, San Francisco PD.  Now, do you want to tell us what's going on here?”

 

Lee leaned back against the door lowering his head, it wasn't the knock on the head he had gotten earlier, or the wild run they had put him through, or his treatment at the warehouse that had him done in...it was all of it.

 

“You can tell us here, or downtown Commander.”

 

Lee's head shot up, “No, they said they would contact me here.”

 

“Who?”

 

Lee needed backup, so he decided to tell them everything.

 

“I don't know who.  They kidnapped the Admiral, and they'll kill him if I don't produce the plans they want.”

 

Lee ran a tired hand through his hair, as he did the sleeve of his khaki shirt slid down enough for the Detectives to catch the red raw flesh on his wrist.  Detective Mackey closed the distance and reached for Lee's wrist.

 

“What did they do to you?”

 

“I'm alright.”

 

But Detective Mackey wasn't buying it as he led Lee to the chair in the sitting room.  He lowered Lee down noticing his hand as it reached protectively around his middle.  Detective Taylor moved swiftly to the wet bar and came back with a glass of water which Lee took and downed completely.  When he handed the glass off he explained everything.

 

“They're looking for plans that Admiral Nelson had locked in the hotel safe.  I tore the plans into three parts and put the middle section back into the safe.  They sent me on a run, from phone booth to phone booth until they picked me up and took me to a warehouse.”

 

“Did you see where?”  Mackey interrupted.

 

“No, I was blindfolded.  They were furious that I hadn't produced the plans and shot the Admiral in the shoulder to prove to me they would kill him.”

 

“And they roughed you up a little?”

 

Lee nodded, he was feeling better after drinking the glass of water and realized that he was probably dehydrated.

 

“They're supposed to contact me again with instructions on where to deliver the missing part.  But I can't give it to them, the Admiral knows I can't.”  Lee got up and started pacing the floor.  “The Leader says I've ran across him in the past, but I know I've never heard his voice before.”

 

“Can you describe him?”

 

“About my height, shaven bald head, that's it.  He was in the shadows.” 

 

Taylor nodded his head, “Alright Commander, we'll have to play along with their demands and follow you to the drop-off.  Are you willing to make the drop?”

 

Lee turned around, “Of course I am, but you'll need to stay out of sight.  I'm sure they're watching me.”  Lee headed back to the faucet and filled his glass again drinking it down, and then turned sharply when the phone rang.  He moved toward it quickly as Detectives Mackey and Taylor leaned in close to hear.

 

“Crane.”

 

“Well Commander, it’s time to start our game again.  I have someone watching the lobby, proceed there and get the missing part.  If you try anything, I'll know.  You’re going to retrace your run again, I hope you're rested up.  You have fifteen minutes to make it to the phone booth before I put another bullet in Nelson.”

 

The phone went dead, and Lee hung up taking just one second to look into the Detective's eyes before he tore out of the room and headed for the stairs.  He couldn't take the chance of the elevator stopping on all the other floors, boarding and deboarding passengers, so he ran down the four flights of stairs and back to the front desk, where he was met by the hotel manager.

 

“I need the folder out of the safe again.”  Mr. Miller hesitated only a moment and then went into his office to retrieve the folder.  Lee took the missing part and turned around placing it in his shirt pocket in an obvious manner and took off running again down the four blocks, picking up the phone on the second ring.

 

“Crane.”

 

“The Admiral is standing here Commander, don't let him down.  You have 7 minutes.” 

 

The Leader hadn't bothered giving him directions, Lee knew where he was headed and sprinted as fast as he could hoping that Mackey and Taylor were around.  He had the rest of the plans on him now, and he knew he couldn't trade his country's security for one man, he had to do something, just in case this didn't work out.  He saw a blue mailbox up ahead and pulled out his wallet stuffing the missing part inside, and threw it in the mailbox as he passed.  If they were watching, he may have just signed Harry's death warrant.  But if not, the Detectives could follow him back to where they had Harry stashed, and the plans would be safe.

 

He poured on the speed to make up for slowing down for the mailbox, his long legs taking long strides as he reached the booth picking up the phone on the third ring. 

 

“7 minutes Commander.”

 

Lee took off in dead run again, the incline he was following was slowing him down and he barely reached the next phone on the fourth ring. 

 

“Very good Commander, you're almost making as good of time as before.  You know the drill.  You have fifteen minutes, and Commander...don't be late this time.”

 

Lee didn't bother hanging up the phone and started running up the steep hill, the grade getting steeper and steeper with every block.  He couldn't sprint it, he could barely run it, but he kept going until he reached the switch backs.  The 50% grade made it like climbing a mountain and as he reached the last of the eight turns he heard the phone ringing.  He poured on the steam and reached for the receiver breathing too heavily to talk.

 

“The car is pulling up behind you, get in.”

 

Lee moved wearily again for the car door and again sank into the back seat where his hands were secured with handcuffs and once again the blindfold was placed on his eyes.  He wondered if Mackey and Taylor had been able to figure out where the run was headed.  If they weren't at the top of the hill waiting, then he knew they would lose him.  If they did, Lee was sure that both he and Harry would be dead, there would be no more chances to deliver the plans.  Especially since Lee had deposited it in a place better than Fort Knox.  The plans were safe, at least he could tell Harry that.

 

His breathing slowed and his adrenalin began to fall as well, but the impending danger kept Lee alert as the car again slowed and he heard the sliding metal door again.  The car pulled forward and Lee was once again pulled from the back seat.  He heard the crane lower and his arms were lifted to meet the hook.  He couldn't keep the groans down this time as the cuffs dug deeper into his already damaged wrists.

 

The blindfold was removed from his eyes as he felt someone frisk him.

 

“It’s not here!”  The guard said turning back around to the silhouette in the shadows.  Lee watched as the Leader took one step closer, but remained in the darkness.

 

“Where is it Commander?”

 

“Someplace even I can't get to.”  Lee saw the Leader make a movement with his hand as the guards who had roughed him up before stepped up again.  They landed more blows to his stomach as he grunted with every punch, every blow driving the cuffs further into his wrists.  He barely heard the Leader again as he spoke.

 

“Bring Nelson here.”

 

Lee raised his head breathing hard.  It didn't look as if Mackey and Taylor had been able to follow him, and now Harry was going to pay the price.  He knew the Leader was going to make him watch and his heart was breaking.  Why couldn't I have thought of a way to rescue the Admiral?

 

He heard the sound of someone being dragged in and saw that Harry was in bad shape.  They hadn't dressed his wound and he was weak from blood loss.  Lee looked into his eyes.

 

“I'm sorry Admiral,” he offered through pained breathing.

 

“The Commander here chose to defy me once again Nelson, and now he's going to watch you die.”

 

Harry smiled through his pain, and Lee thought he caught a “that's my boy” look as the Leader stood ready to give the order to execute the Admiral.

 

Suddenly, the light shining over Lee went dark and the warehouse was left pitch black as Lee heard the sounds of a raid going on around him.  He wasn't in a position to help so he just listened, waiting to see who would be left standing when the lights came back on.  There was intermittent gunfire, but mostly single shots, effectively taking out targets.  It seemed like Lee hung in the dark for an eternity, as a thin trail of blood began to run down his torn wrists.   Suddenly the lights were turned back on illuminating the entire warehouse. 

 

Lee blinked back until his eyes adjusted and searched for Harry.  A black figure with FBI written in yellow across his back was bent over Harry, a pair of night vision goggles lay by his side.  He hardly noticed Mackey and Taylor as they flanked him and the overhead crane was lowered bringing him down into their arms.  His handcuffs were removed, and Lee tried to move toward Harry.

 

“Easy there Commander, the ambulance is on its way.”

 

Lee's vision got blurry and then he fell forward as the Detectives eased him to the ground carefully.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee sat beside Harry's bed in a wheelchair.  His wrists were wrapped in bandages.  His ribs were sore and bruised, but he didn't have any cracks or breaks.  He had slept through most of his care and had been released from the hospital, although he hadn't left.  The FBI had been by to get Lee's preliminary statement and ONI was also sending someone to debrief both he and Harry.  Unfortunately, when the lights came back on the Leader was nowhere to be found.  Somehow, Lee thought it wouldn't be the last they heard from him...whoever he was.

 

Harry began to stir, and Lee stood to get closer to him.

 

“Admiral?”  Lee called softly.  He was still wearing his khaki's and could sure go for a long hot shower and a soft bed, but he had to see Harry first.  The doctors had assured him that Harry would be fine, and Lee was relieved.  Still, he needed to see him, to talk to him.

 

A soft moan escaped Harry's mouth and Lee watched as he struggled to wake from the anesthesia.  Harry's eyes fluttered open, looking glossy and then sharpened as he recognized Lee standing over him.

 

“Are you alright?” Harry asked in a rough tired voice.

 

“I'm fine Sir.  A little tired, but fine.”  Lee let a small smile finally escape as his relief showed through. 

 

“How'd you get us out of that one, Lad?”  Harry asked as he started to wake in earnest.

 

“Not me Sir, San Francisco PD and the FBI.”

 

“There's more to the story, I'm sure of that Lee.”

 

Lee ducked his head, “The doctors say you're going to be fine.”

 

“And the secret plans?”

 

“They're safe, the FBI retrieved them from the mailbox.”  Harry's eyebrow lifted on one side and then he smiled.

 

“I think you better tell me all about it, something tells me it's an interesting story.”

 

“Yes Sir,” Lee's countenance changed as he raised his eyes back to Harry.  “Admiral, I'm sorry that I couldn't figure a way to do this without them hurting you.”

 

Harry chuckled, “Lee, you kept the plans out of enemy hands, and we both got out alive.  I'd call that a successful end to this affair.  You did a fine job, Lad.”

 

Lee took a breath and returned Harry's smile.

 

“Now, fill me in on what happened and don't leave anything out.” 

 

Lee nodded and started from the beginning.  He'd tell the story over and over as each department filled out their reports, but this debrief was the most important one. 

 

Lee knew that he admired and respected Admiral Nelson, but he hadn't been prepared for the emotional connection he had with him.  It was a friendship that Lee knew was just developing and growing.  But it was satisfying, and Lee appreciated even more so the fact that he was Seaview's Captain and that Admiral Nelson was his boss. 

 

Their talked eased into a comfortable silence as Lee watched Harry drift off to sleep.  He stood and walked wearily to the door, headed to the hotel for that nice hot shower...and the soft bed.  He also wanted to thank Mr. Miller for calling San Francisco PD, and there was a certain maid who deserved some flowers for her part as well.  Lee smiled at that thought, her name was Carmelita.  They had met as she freshened his room the first day.  He had enjoyed practicing his Spanish with her, she was pleasant company and very pretty, his smiled widened.  Yeah, a dozen long stemmed red roses he thought, as the door closed behind him.

 

As Lee left the hospital room, Harry peaked an eye open watching the door swing closed.  The boy looked done in, and he knew that Lee wouldn't leave until he was sure Harry was resting, so he had feigned a nap.   He could barely keep control as Lee gave him the details, no wonder Lee looked so tired, being run ragged all over the streets of San Francisco.  And he had been there for the treatment his captors had given Lee.  Something in him was deeply affected.  Oh, he would have had sympathy for anyone receiving the same treatment, but it had hurt even more to see Lee hanging from that hook and being beaten like he was.

 

He had known Lee for a long time, first at the Academy when the young Plebe listened intently to his lectures and even questioned him in his tactics courses.  He and Chip had been quite the pair then.  And then aboard the Nautilus, the Navy's first nuclear submarine.  Lee had been assigned under him the year before Harry got his first star.  He had exhibited his natural leadership skills even then, and Harry knew that Lee was bound for his own command someday.  He had heard about Lee's fantastic feat of sub handling in the Bering Sea several years ago*, and wasn't surprised at all to hear him touted as the “best sub commander in the Navy.” 

 

And now, Lee had proven his skill and ability once again by bringing Seaview safely to her destination in the Arctic to lay the charges that would correct the earthquakes and their impending tsunami disasters.  Harry smiled, he had waged a small war to secure Lee to the Seaview.  The Navy hadn't wanted to give up their young rising star, but in the end it was an Executive Order that finally put Lee at Seaview's helm. 

 

Harry knew he admired and respected Lee's skills, and he was equally impressed with his wit and intelligence.  What he wasn't prepared for was the way the two of them seemed to get along.  Almost as if they were meant to be a command team. 

 

Harry smiled and yawned, must be getting tired, I'm getting a little melodramatic here, he thought as he settled in for a real nap.  He was glad Lee was resting, and he'd check with the doctors later to make sure that he was really okay.  But for now, Harry was satisfied.  He knew he had made the right choice for the Captain of the Seaview, and something told him the adventures had only just begun.

 

 

 

 

The End

 

The Marathon  

 

 

 

*See my story “Deadly Envy” for the back story

 

 

 

Author's Notes: Blame it on Irwin Allen for not promoting Lee to Captain during the four year series!  We fan fiction writers keep trying to make it fit.  My pre-series story-line has Lee promoted to Commander two years before signing on with Seaview, which will make him a Commander for 6 years before the series end.  I did this purposefully because I wanted Lee to prove that his reputation for being the “best” was based on more than the initial mission that earned him his young rank.   I solve this with the fact that promotion is not only dependent upon TIG (Time in Grade) but also TIS (Time in Service).  In the case of a Naval Captain, 21 years of service is required even though Lee has fulfilled the minimum 3 years TIG as Commander, so Lee will not be in danger of promote or retire.  (And my back-story includes an irate Admiral that is squelching any possibility of a TIS deferment, there's definitely a story there!)  Once a candidate has fulfilled BOTH TIS and TIG, then they have three opportunities for promotions, Below Zone, In Zone, and Above Zone.  They must promote within this period, about two to four years, if they are passed over during Above Zone then they must separate or retire.  But don't worry, Lee will get his Captain's bars after season four...and before his TIS requirement.    P.S.  If I haven't got this figured out just right, I'd say its close enough for horseshoes, hand grenades and science fiction!  ; -)

 

P.P.S – OK, so I admit, making Lee only 31 yrs old is pushing it, but when doing the math, the absolute earliest one makes Commander is 34 years old if they graduated from the academy at 21, so I just fudged a little!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

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