Parallel Universe

Gail M. R.

(In order to differentiate between the two Nelsons’ the intruder is in italics and bold (Nelson) all other references to Nelson or the Admiral are in normal type face.)

All was quiet onboard the SSRN Seaview. It was the graveyard shift and most of the officers and crew were asleep. The control room was manned by the junior officers and a minimal crew. Seaview, engaged in a routine mapping mission. Mapping the Tonga Trench, the Seaview concentrated specifically on the deepest part of the trench known as Horizon Deep. The waters around the Kermadec Islands and New Zealand were calm this time of year.

So far the mission had been routine one could even say a bit dull. This being an unusual occurrence for the crew of the Seaview, but to all aboard, it was a welcome respite from their usually dangerous lives.

In the early morning hours, there was a slight shifting motion to the boat almost as if everything slid sideways, so slight in fact the disturbance didn’t register on Seaview’s sensitive equipment. Below in the missile room, an intruder stepped aboard. He was the source of the shift. The intruder remained hidden as he waited for his opportunity.

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Lee Crane, Captain of the research vessel Seaview, was off duty leaving the control room in the capable hands of Lt. Commander Chip Morton, his executive officer.

Crane now headed for officer’s country and his cabin to write the day’s logs. As he approached his quarters, Lee sighted Admiral Harriman Nelson up a head. Lee called to Nelson. "Admiral I thought you were in your lab?” The Admiral seemed to hesitate, for a moment but didn't reply then disappearing around the corner.

Aware of Admiral Nelson’s shifting moods; Lee became concerned, picked up his pace. He approached the figure from behind, with an out stretched hand; he touched he Admiral’s shoulder.

At the touch, Nelson turned, causing Crane to come to an abrupt halt."

“Admiral...?" Crane's voice faltered. This was not the Admiral. His steel blue eyes held a madness he had never encountered in Nelson, his body appeared younger... stronger, more muscled. The sight caused a chill to run down Crane’s spine.

Lee stepped back intently aware of the differences. His gaze drawn to the service revolver in Nelson’s hand; the identical gun the Admiral kept in his safe. A shadow of alarm crossed his features.

Lee began to speak, as he formed the words, Nelson raised his hand, he caught Crane with a striking blow, the force, slammed him to the deck. Lee tried to rise, but another blow drove Crane down again; this time, a curtain of black formed before his eyes as he slumped to the deck unconscious.

Nelson picked up the Captain’s seemingly lifeless body and headed for the missile room several decks down. The Captain wouldn't be missed, not for some time. The officers and crew would presume the Skipper would be hard at work in his cabin, even at this late hour. That gave Nelson enough time to get away with Crane.

Nelson stepped through the apparently empty corridors of Seaview cautiously working his way to the missile room. He shifted Crane on his shoulder, as he thrust his hand into his pocket extracting an odd device; he scanned the unit’s time display; it read one and one half hour.

There is ample time to complete my mission; before long I’ll be home in my universe along with my prize, a new Captain to command my Seaview.

Crane, half conscious, vaguely aware of being carried, he’d been flung upside down, causing his blood to throb in his head after Nelson’s vicious assault. Nausea mounted in his stomach as he fought back the urge to vomit. He could feel his body protest the rough treatment as he blacked out again.

When Nelson, reached the missile room, he found no one on duty. He knew Seaview’s schedule well, not expecting to encounter any crew at this time of night. With the Seaview on a routine mapping mission, there was no highly classified equipment to be guarded. It was crucial Nelson and Crane remain concealed in the missile room to await their time of departure. Besides, this is where he came into this universe and this is where he needed to be to transition out.

Nelson lowered Crane to the deck, leaning him against a bulkhead. He needed to confirm his charge was yet alive. He didn't want this Crane dead after the trouble he had gone to, to procure this replacement.

As Crane began to stir, he struggled to open his eyes, still stunned by the repeated blows to his head; he was shocked to find himself sitting on the deck of Seaview's missile room.

He attempted to stand, when a hand caught his shoulder forcibly pushing him to the deck. He fought in frantic desperation as his wrists were restrained behind him and his ankles firmly tied together. With a vicious jerking motion, Nelson pulled him upright into a seated position.

Lee’s eyes stung as he glared up at this deranged imposter, defiance showed on his face. His voice seared from bile he rasped. "Who are you? What are you doing on my ship? What’ve you done with the Admiral?"

A malicious smile spread across Nelson’s lips. “Yes, you will make an excellent replacement for my Crane.

"Your Crane…? What in hell is this all about? Where’s the Admiral?"

“You have no need to know.”

“What have you done with him? You can’t keep me here.” Crane struggled.

Nelson glared, meeting the Captain's eyes. "You may protest all you like Captain, your agreement is not required."

><><

On the command deck, Chip Morton had no knowledge of the events transpiring in the boat. Being unaware of the situation, he continued to concentrate his efforts on Seaview’s mapping mission, endeavoring to keep the boat on schedule. Chip, however, was acutely aware of the sonar malfunctions; the false echoes had impeded all their efforts to map the area. As techs attempted to discover the problem, Commander Morton continued to walk the deck checking readings, assessing each individual’s work and maintaining strict control over the watch. At this rate he predicted, this routine mapping mission would continue to be way off schedule.

><><

Admiral Harriman Nelson seated in his lab, deep in thought, attempting to analyze conflicting data from one of his numerous experiments, when his thoughts were abruptly dragged into reality. It started as a vague uneasiness; it rapidly progressed into a marked sense of fear. At first he made an effort to dismiss the urgency building inside him. If anything, it grew stronger. The Admiral always trusted his instincts, they rarely let him down.

He picked up the mic by the work table and keyed the control deck. “Control Room, this is Nelson. Lee, can you meet me in my lab?”

To his surprise Commander Chip Morton Seaview's XO answered, "Admiral, this is Morton. The Skipper went off duty. He was headed for his cabin, sir."

Nelson confused at first. "Of course, I didn’t realize the time."

“The Captain should be in his quarters by now. Sir, anything I can do?"

“No, Thank you Chip. Nelson out.”

Over the years, the Admiral and Captain Crane had become very close, best friends in fact. Crane may be Captain of his sub; however, Nelson regarded him as a younger brother in addition to being a valued commander for the Seaview. Foremost in his mind, were his fears regarding Lee. In the past, his instincts had alerted him to many dangers concerning Seaview and Crane. He would not ignore them now.

With the mic still in hand, Nelson keyed the Captain’s quarters, with no response. He tried again with the same result.

The foreboding increased; he continued his search to find the Captain. He departed his lab and proceeded down the corridor to Crane’s cabin. He knocked, but there was no answer. He tried the door and to his surprise the door opened. Looking in, he expected to see Lee seated at his desk, but the cabin was dark and empty. The door is always locked when he’s not here…

The Admiral recalled an earlier conversation with Crane, concerning sonar, specifically the exterior array. Sonar had been sporadically malfunctioning. On Crane's orders, Chief Sharkey had technicians running diagnostics throughout the boat attempting to trace down the trouble. If the fault was not found, the captain would send out a diving team to access the exterior array. Seaview was quite deep. Lee was concerned with the diving equipment, to be precise, the air mixture in the tanks. Lee a master diver rated for various atmospheres; knew if the mixture was not exact it could put the divers at considerable risk.

Working on pure instinct; Nelson’s concern for Lee, intensified. Without any further delay, he swiftly made his way to the missile room. On his approach the Admiral heard voices; he recognized one to be that of Captain Crane's. He didn't recognize the other angrier voice. He hesitated at the hatch without entering, not wanting to interrupt what he assumed to be a heated exchange with a crewman.

Finally he stepped lightly through the hatch and came up on a scene that shocked him. Lee Crane restrained on the deck - a gun leveled at his head…by a stranger…an obvious intruder.

Realizing he had no weapons at hand, he slowly slipped back into the corridor, picked up the mic on the bulkhead, the Admiral quietly keyed the control room.

Keeping his voice low in order not to give away his presence, "Chip, this is Nelson. Have an armed security detail meet me in the missile room. We have an intruder aboard and he’s holding the Captain at gun point."

“An intruder, sir?

“Yes, Chip, an intruder. Just do as I say, quickly.”

"Aye sir, on the double." A flicker of dread darted across the execs face.

Nelson retraced his steps to take up a position behind the missile silos; where he anxiously awaited the security team. As the intruder turned, Nelson saw his face for the first time. He froze in complete disbelief - it was him but not him - slightly younger – almost a replica of himself.

"I do regret Captain you had to travel through your boat in such an uncomfortable manner."

Crane needed to stall hoping somehow he would be found or afforded the opportunity to escape. With a hoarse voice. "Where are you taking me, for what purpose?”

All the while Nelson paced anxiously, gripping the gun and the device tightly in his hands.

He suddenly halted. Those steel blue eyes widened, a stony expression shaded his face. "It could do no harm to tell you. It is simple; you are to replace my Captain Crane."

"What do you mean ‘replace’..." Lee's stomach suddenly turned.

“I am from an alternate universe; your scientist would say a parallel universe. You see on my Seaview, my Crane is dead."

"How did he die?" Crane treaded lightly.

At that question Nelson reached down catching Crane's face, his fingers tightened painfully forcing Crane's head up. "He betrayed me."

His hands released Crane with such force it almost knocked him to the deck.

Crane realized he raised a dangerous subject. "How... did he betray you?"

Nelson stared down at him almost in a daze he appeared far away for a moment. “He left me adrift at sea with little supplies. When I was found I was nearly dead."

The Captain proceeded carefully. "How did your Crane die?"

With no remorse, he stated coldly, “I arranged an accident, he deserved to die." he backhanded Crane across the face. Rocked by the blow, Crane's head thumped loudly as it impacted the bulkhead behind him. He nearly blacked out again. Stunned by the attack, the captain felt a cloth being stuffed deep into his mouth almost chocking him.

As Nelson straightened, satisfaction showed on his face at silencing Crane’s countless questions.

The Admiral, unable to stomach the scene that continued to play out in front of him, deemed it necessary to act. Regardless of the consequences, he stepped out from behind the missile silos, approaching from behind raised his hand and hit Nelson hard.

Nelson went down on one knee, the gun and the device fell from his hands and skidded across the deck. Nelson quickly realized his gun and his device were lying on the deck several feet away. Both Nelsons’ dove for the gun.

The security team led by Chip Morton and Chief Sharkey arrived moments later. Morton’s eyes moved to the two men struggling on the deck. Finding it difficult to understand what he was watching; it appeared to be two Nelsons’ fighting each other.

"Mister Morton, which one do we grab?" Sharkey exclaimed.

Before Morton could answer, a gun went off. All eyes went to the two men on the deck.

A silence descended upon the room, only to be broken by Admiral Nelson’s shouts "Chip get Doc Jamieson down here and someone get this…this thing off me."

Chip grabbed the mic off the bulkhead. “Sickbay this is Morton get the Doctor to the missile room on the double.” Chip proceeded to release Crane’s bindings, Sharkey and Kowalski went to assist the Admiral. "Sir, are you hurt?"

“I’m…I’m okay.” The Admiral hurriedly knelt down by Lee, he leaned the half conscious Crane against him. "Lee, can you hear me? It’s Nelson."

Hearing the Admiral’s voice, Crane came around with a start, his thoughts still clouded. He realized he could move his numb hands and feet. This presented him with a means of escape. Lee surged upward, dizziness claimed him, “No, Lee you’re alright.” he heard the concerned voice as he slumped against Nelson's chest.

“Everything’s okay, Lee. It’s really me.”

Lifting his head he fought to focus, he concentrated on the face above him. "It is…you."

Suddenly panic shot through Crane, as he twisted in the Admirals arms his eyes frantically searching the immediate area. "Where is...?" his voice faded. The rapid movement caused the room to blur. Lee moaned, covering his eyes from the sudden disorientation.

"It's okay Lee. Easy, take it easy. He's dead. I shot him. Now lay still until Doc gets here."

Lee blinked attempting to process the information. "How…did you find me?"

"Just luck, lad. Just luck."

When the Doctor arrived followed by two corpsmen, Nelson hesitantly released Crane into Jamieson's capable hands.

Morton and Sharkey stood over the body.

“Who is he anyway, Admiral?” Sharkey suspiciously eyed the intruder.” He looks like you!”

“How did he get onboard?” Chip absently inquired.

Mister Morton directed his next question to Nelson. “Admiral, what do you want done with the intruder?”

“Put him in a body bag; secure it all in my lab." Nelson returned his attention to Crane and the Doctor. "How is he Doc?"

"Definitely some head trauma, perhaps a concussion, a few bumps and bruises but I’ll know more after I run a few scans in sickbay. Ask me again in about an hour."

><><

The Admiral, punctual as ever stepped through the doors of sickbay one hour later, bound for Jamieson's small office. The doctor watched Nelson's approach and motioned him to sit. "Well, Doc, how is Lee?"

“Well there’s no real damage, it’s more shock then anything. No skull fracture or broken bones, a mild concussion, and a few severe bruises. I want to keep him here over night for observation. If all is well in the morning, I will release him to rest in his cabin. Light duty for a few days. He'll be sore but he'll recover."

Jamieson’s jaw was set with a knowing look. Nelson hesitated recognizing the expression. "Can I see him?"

"Admiral, he's asleep."

“I won't disturb him." The Admiral’s expression went innocent.

"All right, just for a moment but don’t wake him."

Lee appeared so pale and fragile after his ordeal. The Admiral watched the younger man’s steady breathing for a moment. Despite his battered appearance, Crane was safe. A small smile appeared on Nelson’s lips evident of his relief.

The admiral returned to Jamieson's office. "Thanks, Doctor. If you need me I will be in my lab."

><><

In the morning Crane abruptly woke to Jamieson’s face as he hovered over him. He impatiently submitted to a series of examinations, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and a thorough inspection of his pupils.

In a raspy voice, Crane asked, " So how am I doing, Doc?"

"You’re vital signs are all normal.” With a clicked, he pulled away the pen light. “So, how are you feeling?"

Crane stretched a little then winced. “A little sore, head hurts a bit..." as he lifted his hand to his brow.

"Is there any nausea associated with the head ache?"

"No.” Drawing the word out.” I’m hungry though. I don't think I’ve eaten since yesterday."

"Well, that's an excellent sign, Skipper." Jamieson announced optimistically.

Expecting an argument Crane braced himself. "In that case, when can I get out of here?"

"Now, if you like. But, your orders are to rest. No duty at all. Admiral Nelson did leave word for you to join him for breakfast at 07:30 in the observation nose. If you are up to it, that is. I have authorized that and only that. After breakfast I want you back in your cabin resting, is that understood?"

"Okay, okay after breakfast I’ll rest."

“See that you do.”

All Lee’s muscles protested as he made his way to his quarters. Crossing the entrance he experienced a wash of fatigue, it spread throughout his body. Despite feeling weak, battered and bruised, he moved with caution to retrieve a fresh uniform; he showered, shaved and changed. In vain he tried to remove the remnants of the previous day’s events. Marginally satisfied with his appearance Lee slicked down his unruly curls and departed for his breakfast meeting with the Admiral.

Making his way along the corridor he descended the spiral stairs to the control room. He immediately recognized the customary and comforting ping of sonar. The low murmuring hum of equipment and crew, a reassuring sign of a well run command deck. Clearing the last step, he saw the familiar form of Chip Morton standing by the plot table studying the room with his ever present clip board in hand.

"Skipper, I heard Jamison let you out." Chip said with a sly smile, adding, "How are you feeling?"

Crane answered, flexing the muscles in his arms and back. "A bit sore, I'll be okay. How are things here, any problems I should be aware of...? How is sonar? Did the techs pinpoint the problem?"

"Whoa, Skipper, everything’s fine, we are back on schedule. But you know I have my orders. So do you. Rest, remember.”

"Yeah, don't remind me."

"He's waiting for you." Chip motioned to the observation nose.

“I know, thanks."

Crane walked the few steps to the nose, through the windows; the blue green water of the pacific could be seen illuminated only by the subs lights, with a few small schools of colorful fish swimming above the boat.

Lee then turned to greet the admiral. Nelson asked how he was and invited him to sit.

Crane noticed Cookie had set out a very nice table with all of Lee's favorites for breakfast. Like a man with a secret, Nelson smiled. “It’s my understanding, Doc called ahead.”

A warm smile spread across Crane’s features. "You know Admiral I always enjoy having a working breakfast with you but...."

"But we need to discuss what happened." Nelson interrupted.

"He's dead. That should be the end of it."

Nelson snorted a laugh. "Well, for one thing, I have the body of my doppelganger lying on a slab in my lab. How do we explain that?"

Lee thought for a moment. Coming back with a mischievous smile, "I can’t. I’d like to forget it ever happened. I don’t suppose we could dispose of the evidence, maybe…a burial at sea?"

"That's not necessarily an answer. Besides, we can’t, not yet." Nelson replied with a chuckle.

"I suppose you’re right." Lee frowned.

"Last night I did preliminary tests on the body. The tissue samples prove it's me. Jamieson confirmed my findings the tissue samples are a perfect match to mine. The most reasonable explanation he’s from another universe much like our own. As far fetched as that reality may be, it's the only explanation. He had to have been quite mad but brilliant to have devised such a desperate plan. And to think he almost succeeded."

"I can personally vouch for the madness. I witnessed it first hand. I have no doubt he murdered his captain for betrayal. Then he devised this mad scheme to replace him with me. If that's not the definition of mad, I don't know what is. What about the device the

intruder carried?"

"I haven't had time to examine it properly. I intend to do that today. You know Lee; it may pose more questions than it answers."

“It’s all so unbelievable, Admiral.”

“Lee, a mystery like this may be best left unsolved.”

With nothing really resolved Nelson and Crane finished their meal discussing ships business. Both knew there would be ample time to settle any potential problems associated with recent events. Seaview was not yet due to head for home.

Crane reluctantly returned to his cabin, intent on reducing the mountains of paper work stacked on his desk. However, he realized he felt worn out, his head hurt, a background throb that made it impossible to concentrate. Grudgingly, he did as ordered and rested.

Nelson proceeded directly to his lab intent on examining the device, which had been discussed previously.

><><

In Nelson's lab a body bag lay open on one of the narrow tables exposing the body of his double. The Admiral perched on a seat at an adjacent work station fully engrossed in examining the strange device, attempting to understand its function. With Nelson's imagination and inventive mind, he usually could turn unexpected random connections into tangible answers. He hoped for that type of insight in this situation. Nelson knew he was attempting to comprehend forces almost beyond his understanding.

When he noticed the timer on the device, it had reset itself in the night. If he was reading this correctly, it had ten seconds remaining. Nelson took a chance; he laid the unit on the intruders body touched what he considered to be the corresponding controls and stepped away.

As he observed the scene, the device counted down to zero, the body started to shimmer, it blurred almost as if two bodies were present, but neither appeared solid. Under his feet, he felt a shift in Seaview, as if everything slid sideways, then the body, the body bag and the device vanished.

"Well, that relieves us of any evidence."

Nelson, quite pleased with himself departed his lab and headed for the captain's cabin.

Thinking to himself, “Well, this is where I came in.”

The End.