An early First Season story...

Profile of a Traitor

by Lynn

He sat in the corner watching the door, his face hidden by the shadows as if it could cloak his concealed intent. His contact entered and scanned the surroundings, then walked straight for his table.

“What have you got?” He said without any pleasantries as he took a seat.

“Seaview is leaving in three days. She's going out with a skeleton crew.”

“How many?”

“Twenty-five,” the Traitor said raising his glass and taking a swallow of the amber liquid.

“And you're sure you're ready to follow through?”

“We've been through this already. My loyalties no longer lie with Seaview.”

His contact nodded. “We'll need coordinates for the take-over.”

The Traitor reached into his shirt pocket and produced a piece of paper folded in fourths. He passed the paper to his contact and raised his drink again, finishing off the hard liquor in one large swallow.

“What about Nelson and Crane?”

“Nelson won't be aboard, we'll rendezvous in Pearl to pick him up.”

“And Crane?”

“He's mine. That's the deal; that was our agreement.”

The contact cracked a smile and nodded in agreement. “Don't worry. Crane is all yours,” then got up and left as the Traitor waved the cocktail waitress to his table ordering another round. She returned in short order placing the new glass down and picking up the old glass, lingering a moment in the hopes of catching his attention, but the Traitor was too deep in thought. He slid his hand up and down the glass, as he thought back to when he had first been approached to help take-over Seaview, about two months ago. His discontent had been brewing under the surface until he was finally able to agree whole heartedly; his feelings for Captain Crane and then Admiral Nelson's betrayal playing a big part in his decision. He had since provided several vital pieces of information to show his good faith and was now ready to play the game out to its inevitable conclusion; Captain Crane's execution. What they wanted Nelson for wasn't his concern, his only thoughts laid with the revenge he sought and the means by which he would satisfy his hatred. He picked up the glass and threw back the entire contents in one quick motion, then slapped down enough cash to cover his drinks and left the seedy dive out the back door.

* * * * *

Captain Lee Crane descended the ladder from the conning tower hatch to the Control Room, skipping the last three rungs and hopping with ease to the deck of Admiral Harriman Nelson's wonder-boat, the Seaview. The Control Room looked much like other Ballistic Submarines with much the same equipment and electronics, though Seaview sported the latest in technology and innovations, some even the US Navy didn't have in its arsenal yet. Seaview carried the unique role of being a privately owned nuclear submarine; a marine research vessel and a US Navy Reserve vessel at the same time. The famous windows that inspired her name were found on the lower observation deck along with the Master Control console.

Lee carried his cover in his hand as he crossed the sparsely manned Control Room's deck. He tossed his cover on the chart table and smiled at his executive officer and longtime friend, Lt. Commander Charles Phillip Morton; Chip for short to his good friends, something Lee had the privilege of being since their academy days.

“Are we ready to shove off, Mr. Morton?” Lee asked picking up the clip board and perusing its contents, then signing off on the report.

“Aye Sir. A compliment of twenty-five officers and crewman are aboard; stores are ready; all departments report their readiness; and engineering is standing by to answer bells at your word.”

Lee smiled inwardly at his XO's efficient response and equally efficient handling of the world's most powerful nuclear submarine; a ballistic sub carrying a nuclear payload of missiles that handled like a fast attack sub, despite her size. She was fast, sleek, silent and every captain in the fleet's dream to command. Lee was only too thrilled to accept command after his temporary duty assignment five months ago. She was proving to be everything the Admiral promised in technology, innovation, and adventure as the sub's mission included not only marine research but the double duty of protecting the United States of America.

“Very well, make every preparation to get underway.”

“Aye Sir.”

Chip began firing off orders as Lee moved about the duty stations, his small but efficient crew handling the under staffing well. The special sea detail unmoored the boat and dogged the hatches, then descended down the ladder as Chief Curly Jones watched the green lights replace the red lights indicating the boat was battened down and ready to dive.

“All green?” Chip confirmed.

“All green,” Curly answered over his shoulder.

“Sir, the boat is secure and awaiting your orders,” Chip reported in strict navy decorum, even with the sparse crew aboard. Lee was working on his XO, not to change his interaction with the crew but to relax their working relationship to reflect the years of friendship and trust they had acquired. It wasn't unprofessional, indeed senior officers often referred to their juniors by their first name. In fact many captains and their XO's worked under a first name basis privately and sometimes in the Control Room as decorum on a submarine was by nature a bit more relaxed than on surface ships.

“Very well, Mr. Morton.”

Lee reached for the mic shipped on the side of the chart table and spoke with confidence.

“Engineering, all ahead dead slow,” Lee said then ordered the dive and continued directing the Boat's progress.

Seaview's underwater sub pen required she dive to sixty feet to navigate the tight corridor connecting the open seas to her sub pen. It took the skills of a good skipper to safely bring her in and take her safely out to sea, something Lee Crane did exceptionally well.

“We've cleared the channel,” Chip reported.

“Very well. Make her depth ninety feet, Mr. Morton.”

Chip complied and soon Seaview was on her way.

“Chip,” Lee said speaking in low tones as he used his Exec's first name, “Has the Admiral checked in?”

“Aye Sir. He says he's more than ready to hit the high seas after we pick him up at Pearl,” Chip added with a small contained grin.

Lee returned the grin knowingly; Harriman Nelson might be a retired three star Admiral, but he was happiest on his Boat exploring the seas. This mission however, wasn't about exploration as the all-volunteer skeleton crew could attest. The details of its mission were still sealed and would be brought on board with the Admiral. Each member of the sparse crew had volunteered for the hazardous duty with limited information, but willing to follow their command team in complete trust. It was a trust that Lee had to earn after his unorthodox entry upon the boat five months ago. The crew however, warmed up to Lee's style of command and the fact that their new Skipper had proven his reputation of being the best sub commander in the fleet, despite his young years.

“Very well, take us out to sea. You have the Con, I'm going to take a little walk around the boat,” Lee said as Chip acknowledged his commanding officer and ordered “All ahead Standard,” with Lt. Bishop repeating his “Aye Sir,” in the background.

Lee only had four officers aboard this time around, with Chip, Bishop, Lt. O'Brien and the CMO, Doc Jamieson rounding off his command team. They would all be pulling double shifts as they traveled four days to Pearl and then onto their secret mission coordinates from there. Lee thought about his able crew, small as they were. They had been learning a lot about each other; Carl Bishop was an able officer but a bit on the brass side when dealing with subordinates; Bobby O'Brien was a better fit for Seaview, an even tempered young officer that was proving to be a valuable asset. Lee had recently made a decision to advance O'Brien to Engineering Officer over Bishop, a move that the brass young officer had difficulty with. To his credit he was working through his disappointment as any naval officer should as Lee continued to mentor both officers to reach their full potential for Seaview's sake, though their direct supervision lied with the XO. Doc Jamieson, or Jamie as Lee had taken to call his Chief Medical Officer, was onboard without his usual compliment of corpsman; Kowalski would double duty in that area as he was cross-trained to offer field assistance in emergencies.

The cruise would be a bit of a stretch being so shorthanded, so Lee made his rounds making sure each department was ready for any challenge that may present itself.

* * * * *

The Traitor watched Captain Crane leave the Control Room and barely held back his disdain. He'd been looked over, pushed in the background like an insignificant plebe instead of the able officer he was... but that was all going to change... soon. He held back the smile he was suppressing at the thought of the Admiral's new experimental laser gun he had managed to stash. It was tucked away, just where he could get to it and he knew exactly who he was going to test it on.

* * * * *

“...'Evening Skipper,” the boisterous voice of Seaview's galley cook fondly known as Cookie, belted out as Lee smiled his greeting in return. With the crew shorthanded, the wardroom had been abandoned as the officers dined with the ratings in the Crew's Mess. Lee took it as an opportunity for the officers to interact with the ratings on a bit more relaxed terms. The officers still sat at their own table but Lee made a point of visiting with the seaman. It was a skill he excelled at, interacting without crossing the line of fraternization or favoritism.

O'Brien's easy to get along with personality lent itself to such interaction without losing his authority with the men. Bishop on the other hand, avoided such contact all together. He was an able seaman but still lacked the ability to give orders without sounding like a little “Bligh”. Lee hoped the officer would be able to find his command style before he lost his ability to direct the ratings effectively. Respect of rank would always demand obedience but respect of the officer himself could not be regulated, that had to be earned. He therefore welcomed the opportunity to sit with the junior officers and share meals during this unorthodox cruise.

Chip took the Con allowing Lee to visit with Bishop and O'Brien while Jamie scheduled his meal to coincide with Chip's shift.

* * * * *

The Traitor took the Con and checked his watch. They had been traveling for two days, the officers all taking double shifts to cover the skeleton crew. During that time Captain Crane had talked with him like there wasn't any bad blood between them, even acting like they were friends. It was true that Crane didn't have a clue how much he disdained him.

Everything had been fine when Phillips was alive, he'd been a valued officer then. Even Nelson was completely taken in by the young upstart Commander Crane. He'd seen the handwriting on the wall and he wasn't going to take it any longer. It really was too bad that Nelson wasn't on board, but he had been assured there was a plan to lure the Admiral to Seaview. The Traitor suppressed an inward smile from surfacing as he silently contemplated what the Captain would do when he realized what was happening. Seaview was being taken over. She'd get a new crew, a new mission, and most importantly... a new Captain. Tonight, once Crane finished his walk about the boat and was all snug in his rack, things were going to change.

* * * * *

Lee was asleep when he felt the Boat broach the surface as he jumped up and reached for the mic.

“This is Captain Crane, who gave orders to surface?”

There was no answer as Lee called again.

“Control Room report!”

Lee dressed quickly and headed to the Control Room, he was greeted to a blow to the back of the neck as he rounded the corner near the situation board. He shook off the surprise along with the stars he saw as he was pulled to his feet by rough hands. He scanned his Control Room, sizing up the situation in one glance. His men had been removed from their stations as men in black fatigues took their places. He was held by guards also dressed in black fatigues, whose tight grips left no doubt that he was their prisoner.

“Who are you? Who's in charge here?” He demanded as he heard someone descend the ladder and turned to see black clad legs descending down the conning tower hatch. Lee was positioned only a few feet from the ladder as the man dropped to the deck, his blond hair strangely familiar. He turned toward Seaview's Captain and glared, as Lee took in the steel blue eyes of Chip Morton dressed in the black gear of the Boat's invaders.

“Chip, what's this all about?” Lee demanded once again as Chip closed the distance.

“You wanted to know who's in charge, Lee?” Chip asked and then threw a punch deep into Lee's gut as his guards held him tightly.

Lee coughed and raised his eyes to meet Chip's. “Why?” He asked incredulously.

“You have to ask? You've been taking from me and what's mine since we were at the Academy. Then I sink five years,” Chip raised five fingers in front of Lee's face as his voice raised considerably, “into this boat, and you come waltzing in and take from me again,” Chip finished. “Nelson was prepping me to take over for Phillips when he retired, now you come in and become his Golden Boy. I'm done. I'm through playing second fiddle to you, Lee.”

With that Chip landed another blow into his gut as Lee grunted with the impact.

“Take him to the brig,” Chip ordered.

“Wait!” Lee managed to breathe out. “What about the others, what do you intend to do with my crew?”

“Your crew are all being kept under guard. They can either join us or suffer the consequences,” Chip answered with little emotion and no regret for the unbelievable words spewing from his mouth.

“If you harm a one of them Chip,” Lee warned, “there won't be a place on this earth you can hide from me,” he spat out.

Chip laid a back-hand across Lee's face, whipping his head to one side. “You are not in charge here, Crane. I've got nothing but contempt for you, that's all I've had for years so if I were you I'd keep that trap of yours shut before you cause me to act before it's time.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Lee demanded, trying to ascertain any information he could ferret out. Something was wrong with Chip, he couldn't have misread all their years of friendship... it wasn't possible.

Chip just smiled, but there was no friendship in his face, only unbridled ambitious intent. “Take him to the brig,” he ordered and then turned away as Lee was dragged to the aft hatch.

“You won't get away with this Chip. I swear, you won't get away with this,” Lee yelled as he was rough handled to the Brig.

* * * * *

Chip studied the Control Room; it all belonged to him now.

“XO,” he said to his new executive officer. “Make every preparation to dive.”

“Aye Captain.”

Chip smiled as he watched the red lights cycle to green.

“All green Captain Morton.”

“Very well. Dive and make our depth ninety feet.”

“Dive all dive,” was rendered by the XO as Chip walked to the chart table and laid his hands across it possessively. He pulled out a new Captain's Log Book and discarded the old one with Lee's signatures and initials. Seaview had a new mission now and a new captain to go with it, everything that was part of the old order would be swept away to make room for him.

“Sir the boat is sitting at ninety feet, trim satisfactory.”

“Very well Mr. Perry. Turn to heading 1-3-5. All ahead standard.”

“Aye Sir. 1-3-5, all ahead standard,” was repeated as Chip reveled in the Command that “rightfully” belonged to him.

* * * * *

Lee lay on the cot in the brig with a hand splayed over his sore gut. Chip might have not been the middle-weight boxing champion at Annapolis, but he could throw one mean punch when he wanted to. He sighed as his guard outside the cell shifted his stance and leaned against the corridor wall. Lee ignored the guard and stared up at the top bunk over him. He needed to talk to Chip, to try and reach him. To say that something was wrong was the understatement of the year. His ONI training suggested that his best friend had been compromised; brainwashed, reconditioned or perhaps threatened. He knew Chip wouldn't turn for his own safety, but perhaps someone close to him had been threatened. He had to talk to Chip and let him know that he didn't have to do this alone. Lee was resourceful, together they could beat whatever the bad guys had done to him to make him turn against everything he knew Chip stood for.

But he knew he didn't have much time; before long Chip would be calling for him, he'd have to take his fail-safe key sometime. He'd try and talk sense into his blond head then, he reasoned. The thought of the fail-safe key caused more concern. Lee knew he needed to ditch it, but he'd have to do it when he wasn't being watched. His eyes closed as he continued to think through his alternatives and heard his guard shift again. Lee turned his head to gauge the guard's attention and connected with watchful eyes peering back. He'd just have to wait and hope he could ditch the key without being noticed.

* * * * *

Chip moved down the spiral staircase to the observation deck. He bypassed the coffee and headed straight for the Admiral's stash of scotch. He swallowed back the malt whiskey and stared out Seaview's windows beyond the churning ocean and back to a memory long ago; in the past but not forgotten.

“How about double or nothing?” Lee offered as the four plebes* readied to throw their last round of darts. Gambling was frowned upon at the Academy but not unheard of as the young naval students took the opportunity to relax, having just completed the rigorous six week basic training course known as Plebe Summer. The upper classman would be returning the next day for Brigade Reform which meant a whole new level of “training” as the upper classman midshipmen took every opportunity to “snipe” out any young plebe not performing to academy standards. The “sniping” consisting of verbal castigation in order to 'improve the performance of the Plebes'. It wasn't pleasant but part of the entire package of training that transformed a midshipman into a highly trained naval officer. Tonight however, the plebes were free of the added burden of upper classman and were enjoying a hearty and vigorous game of darts. The first game they had engaged in having lived on “The Plan of the Day” for the last six weeks, which included only a half hour a day of free time; every other moment spent on training or learning their Rates; the constant drilling of the naval information known as Reef Points that were completely memorized by each Plebe by now.

“I'm in,” Maxwell said, accepting Lee's double or nothing challenge, as Dean and Chip Morton quickly signed-on.

“The pot's pretty big,” Lee warned, “are you sure you're up for it?”

“All ready counting your winnings, Crane?” Dean said with a raised eyebrow.

“Let's just say I'm confident. How about we sweeten the pot?” He asked.

“How?” Maxwell inquired with interest.

“Losers shine the winner's shoes for the entire quarter,” Lee said with a grin.

“You that sure you'll come out on top?” the current point’s leader, Chip Morton chimed in.

“Only one way to find out,” Lee stated flatly in a challenge that couldn't be ignored.

“You're last in the points, Crane. You'd have to “ton-80” with three bulls eyes to win**. You that anxious to shine my shoes Crane?” Dean chuckled, harassing Lee good-naturedly.

“I'm just feeling lucky, that's all,” Lee returned. “So you in or out?”

“In,” was heard in near unison as each player retrieved their three darts and threw a round to determine the order of play.

“Well looky here,” Lee said pointing out the only bulls eye on the board and effectively aggravating the other players on as a series of moans were expelled, each realizing that Lee Crane was just possibly about to hustle them with catastrophic results: a whole quarter of shining his shoes!

They all collected their darts as Maxwell threw his three, producing a respectable score as did Dean. Chip walked to the line and eyed his room-mate, sometimes he could strangle the dark haired Crane. He was always coming out on top, but not this time. Darts was a family favorite in his house and he wasn't going to be hustled by the skinny plebe.

Chip took aim and threw his darts producing two bulls eyes, but the last dart hit the wire and bounced off the board as Maxwell and Dean laughed out loud, holding their mid-sections in animated delight. Chip retrieved his darts and stood back with his arms folded in front of him glaring at Lee; daring him to ton-80 and perfect score the round.

“Well Morton, it looks like you're shining someone's shoes,” Lee goaded as Maxwell and Dean's laughter etched up a notch.

“Just show us what you've got, big talker,” Chip growled out, getting real tired of Crane's perfection. Even when the Detailer's got on to him, he was able to shake off the humiliation and come out shining like a diamond. It was really annoying.

Lee smiled and stepped up to the line. He drew back and threw his first dart hitting the bulls eye just inside the circle and to the left.

“That's one, but you still need two more Crane!” Dean goaded.

Lee drew back and threw his second dart, again hitting the bulls eye but this time the dart was positioned just inside the circle to the right. He turned and smiled as the center was now the challenge; a perfect shot that wouldn't dislodge as Chip's had.

“Anyone want to double up again?” He instigated in a challenge that begged to be answered.

“What do you have in mind?” Maxwell asked with a raised eyebrow.

“If I win you all shine my shoes for the entire year; if I lose I shine all your shoes for the next year.”

“You haven't got it in you, Crane,” Chip said, sizing up Lee's ability with his steel blue eyes.

Lee just grinned and swept his hands out in front of him, still holding the final dart in his right hand.

“How about I throw it with my left hand, Morton?” He provoked.

“I'm in!” Both Maxwell and Dean yelled in unison as Chip's eyebrows tightened and he expelled a near growl. Yep... they were about to be hustled, but he couldn't let the challenge pass so he opted in.

“A little drum roll please,” Lee teased as Maxwell and Dean joined in the fun providing the animated sound on the table beside them.

Lee switched to his left hand dramatically while demonstrating there was “nothing up his sleeves” and drew back for the throw. The room turned silent when the dart found its mark and planted firmly in place as Lee turned around and bowed elegantly.

Groans and moans passed Maxwell and Dean's mouths as Chip's glare deepened.

“Now gentlemen, I'll leave the schedule up to you. But I expect my shoes properly shined and ready before morning meal formation,” he said with a yawn, effectively collecting his winnings and ready to call it a night in order to get ready for the serious business of the naval academy's rigorous training and studies, set to begin in earnest tomorrow morning.

It wasn't the worst thing that could have happened but it was the first of many events, games, sports and academic honors that Chip could have claimed if his over achieving room-mate hadn't been around. It had only been annoying in their academy days and hadn't escalated into his current feelings until Lee was advanced in rank before him. He never knew what “wonderful” thing Lieutenant Crane did to advance to Lt. Commander “below zone”, a whole year before his time in service warranted. But Chip was no slacker himself and made the grade a year later. He was working for Nelson having been recruited by the Admiral for Pentagon work several years earlier. Chip was a plank owner, part of Nelson's dream as Seaview went from blueprint to reality. The final two years of Seaview's building project was spent in the Reserves where he earned his promotion to Lt. Commander only last year. But Lee... Lee had undertaken some “great deed of accomplishment,” just what he didn't know, and had received an out of the blue and unheard of promotion to full commander along with a his own command aboard the coveted new Los Angeles Class fast attack subs.

Maybe he could have been a Commander by now if he hadn't followed Nelson's dreams and stuck with the project till completion. And one would think that Nelson would be grateful for his sacrifice, but “No.” With the first chance he could get he snagged Lee Crane to Command Seaview. Some older officer would have left room for Chip to advance as he gained the experience he needed, but putting Lee in command pretty much dictated Chip's stagnation in both rank and duties.

He was tired of Lee Crane taking what belonged to him and he was more than ready to collect on the debt that “friendship” with Crane had cost him all these years. Oh he had been careful to keep his contempt to himself, but Lee signing on to Seaview was the last straw and when he'd been approached several months ago he was only a bit apprehensive with the proposition; but watching Admiral Nelson's fondness and respect for Lee grow had been the last straw as Chip felt that Lee was stealing the favor of Nelson's respect from him as well.

“No more,” Chip said out loud as the duty officer dressed in black fatigues glanced back at Chip and resumed his watch at the master console once he realized that Captain Morton was deep in self-contemplation.

* * * * *

Chip returned to the Control Room as Sajak crossed the floor having come from the radio shack. It was Sajak who had first made the proposition of taking over Seaview and had remained his contact, the only person Chip saw before meeting his new crew. He hadn't met the “Brains” behind the heist and only knew that the Boat would be decommissioned as a research vessel and be recommissioned as a weapon of fortune; for hire to the highest bidder. Chip had long since crossed the line of turning back and had accepted the fact that he was now a mercenary. He also realized that Sajak was there to make sure Chip was playing for the same team and not tempted to take Seaview for his own, a definite possibility when considering that the new Captain was a traitor to his own people.

“Headquarters is pleased with your progress, Captain,” Sajak complimented. “They want to know about the nukes now that we're at sea,” he finished.

Chip nodded. He had protected himself by not divulging everything he knew in order to keep himself valuable to the secret organization. It was risky business associating with cut-throats, but one Chip was willing and able to do to meet his own goals.

“Time to bring Crane out to play. Once I have his nuclear key you'll be set. We'll need the other officers here as well,” Chip answered. O'Brien held the second key and Harry's key had already been issued to Chip per protocol for three key-holders on board Seaview at any time. Chip wanted all the officers present to make an important point for anyone still seeking to oppose him.

“Once you have the keys...”

“Then I'm through with Crane. He's done,” Chip said without any passion or regret for what he had in mind as he motioned for two men to follow him to the brig.

* * * * *

Lee paced the small brig and had moved enough to make his guard bored of the process. The guard was now busy cleaning his finger nails with his pocket knife, completely oblivious to his prisoner's actions. Lee had used that opportunity to covertly take the fail-safe key from his neck and flushed it down the head, his duty to protect the nuclear payload demanded action, even though he knew it would cost him.

He stopped his pacing as the guard straightened up and began looking very official in his guard capacity, the click of oxford shoes down the corridor the reason why, no doubt. Lee moved to stand at the bars and watched as Chip approached.

“What happened Chip? They did something to you, didn't they?” Lee probed as Chip gazed dispassionately at his former “best friend”.

“I wasn't brainwashed or coerced if that's what you mean,” he answered as he motioned Lee to step back from the cell door with a wave of his drawn side arm.

“Then you got bought out?” Lee deduced with disgust. “Was that all it took Chip? They waved a little money in front of your face?”

Chip didn't answer as the two guards entered the cell and escorted Lee out.

“Try and make a run for it and I'll cut you down right here and now,” Chip warned, shoving the gun against Lee's temple to make his point.

“Take him to the Observation Lounge,” he ordered and followed behind ready to make good on his threat.

* * * * *

Lee was brought through the B-Deck entrance straight into the Observation Lounge by-passing the spiral stairs, figuring Chip didn't want his presence in the Control Room for any length of time. He found Bishop, O'Brien and Jamie lined up against Seaview's herculite windows and held in place by flanking guards with side arms drawn. Lee was positioned to the side, but in view of the other officers.

“Are you okay?” Lee asked his officers.

“Aye Skipper,” O'Brien answered for the three and was met by a back hand from one of the guards.

“We only have one Captain aboard this vessel,” he spat out as Chip smiled tightly in approval.

“Now Bobby,” Chip said, using his name mockingly. “I believe you have something I need.”

O'Brien stood firm, if they wanted the key there wasn't much he could do but he sure wasn't going to give it to them. Chip ordered a guard with just a nod of his head as the man in black moved forward grabbing a fist full of Bobby's shirt. He unceremoniously loosened the lieutenant's tie and the first button and pulled cruelly, eliciting a grunt as the chain dug into Bobby's neck.

The guard brought the key to Chip as Captain Morton turned to Lee.

“Now Crane, your key.”

“Come and get it,” Lee challenged but Chip kept his distance sending his guard instead.

The guard gave Lee much the same treatment and brought the chain to Chip as he studied the key dangling before him and frowned. Chip pulled the key from the guard's hand and moved toward Lee aggressively.

“And just what is this?” Chip demanded referring to the silver key on Lee's chain, not brass like the other two fail-safe keys.

“My locker key at the racket club,” Lee smiled. “Are you up for another game? Oh wait... didn't I already whup your butt the last time out?”

“Where's the key Lee?”

“You think you can get it out of me?”

Chip turned and walked toward the conference table and reached for something, speaking as he did so.

“The only place you could have dumped it was your cell, or is it floating in the bilge tanks by now?” Chip said turning around and pointing an orange and silver gun-like weapon as Lee recognized the Admiral's latest invention. The laser gun was still in the works and wasn't ready for use yet as it was designed to produce a stun, but Harry hadn't worked the details out yet. It was dangerous and deadly and both he and Chip knew it.

“Really Lee. You could have been a bit more clever about ditching it,” Chip scoffed. “At any rate, I don't need you anymore.”

And without any more discussion he fired the weapon into Lee's chest.

Lee gasped in pain and crumbled to the ground as Jamie tried to move to the injured man, restrained by his guard.

“Let him go,” Chip ordered. “For all the good it will do him. You know as well as I do Doc that the laser will burn him from the inside out. He's a dead man.”

Jamie rushed to his side as Bishop called out in disbelief, “You killed him!”

“You want to join him Carl? If not I suggest you keep quiet,” Chip growled.

Lee's breaths were shallow and hollow sounding as Jamie loosened his tie and opened his shirt revealing a red mark where the laser hit.

“I need to get him to Sickbay,” Jamie said with passion.

Chip raised the laser in Jamie's direction in a threatening fashion.

“Shoot me if you want to Captain Morton,” Jamie offered with disdain, “but I'm going to treat this man.”

“Come on Sajak, let's take the good captain to Sickbay,” Chip said with a small smile as he motioned the guards to pick Lee up by his shoulders and legs. “For all the good it will do him,” he repeated.

Lee's discomfort was evident as he was carried to Sickbay, hurried along by Jamie's insistent urging. He was laid on the gurney as Seaview's doctor parted his shirt completely and Lee's head lolled over to view Chip watching without remorse.

“I don't know what they did to you Chip... but you've got to fight it...” he said as he squeezed his eyes closed in pain.

Jamie hurried to his medical cabinet and came back with a hypo, measuring it out and turning toward his patient.

“What are you giving him?” Chip demanded.

“You know as well as I do what his condition is,” Jamie spat out. “Now kill me if you want to, but I'm going to make him comfortable.”

Chip chuckled, “What he means to say Lee, is that you're dying and it's the best he can do for you.”

Jamie glared as Chip motioned him to proceed. The injection seemed to ease Lee's pain momentarily, but then he writhed and entered into convulsions, his body nearly jumping off the table as Jamie threw himself over his patient until Lee's movements stopped as abruptly as it started. Jamie's concern was palpable as he reached for his stethoscope and searched frantically for a heartbeat. He started chest compressions and added oxygen, hampered by the fact that he had no corpsman to help but after a few minutes stopped and looked up at Chip Morton's uncaring eyes.

“He's dead.”

Chip tilted his head toward Lee's still body and motioned Sajak to verify the Doctor's statement. Sajak walked over and felt for Lee's pulse at his neck; then moved his hand to hover over his nose, feeling no breath; then lowered his head to rest on Lee's chest, listening for a heartbeat.

“He's dead,” Sajak declared as Jamie glared.

“Get out! Get out of my Sickbay!”

Chip took a step forward but Jamie interrupted him.

“I mean it Chip. I'm going to lay him out proper.”

Chip sized up Jamie's determination and narrowed his eyes.

“You've got fifteen minutes, Doctor. Then you're back with the rest of the officers,” he stated and motioned all the men to leave the room.

* * * * *

Jamie waited until the last of the bad guys left Sickbay and moved to the door, listening for their departing footsteps. Quietly he locked the door and ran to his medicine cabinet pulling out a hypo already measured and ready for use.

As he moved he heard a noise from behind him, but ignored it as two khaki clad legs dropped from the air vent and lowered to Sickbay's deck. He moved up next to Jamie as the doctor inserted a long narrow gauge needle directly into Lee's heart.

“Jamie?” Harry whispered, having spent the last two days in a maintenance compartment in between decks, after being alerted of the plan to take-over Seaview.

“In a minute, Admiral,” Jamie answered back just as quietly, not wanting to divide his attention in any way, as Harry nodded his understanding and watched with concern.

Jamie finished the injection and then raised his stethoscope listening with intensity. His facial expression reflected the heartbeat he heard as Lee gasped a second later. Quickly Jamie added oxygen as Lee's head slowly tossed back and forth.

“Easy Skipper,” Jamie said comfortingly in his ear. Jamie raised his head and caught Harry's eyes, sighing audibly.

“He's back,” he said as he allowed his head to fall and breathed deeply, then composed himself and continued.

“Skipper?”

Lee's eyes fluttered and followed the sound to Jamie's face as he lolled his head to the left. Jamie's first injection wasn't pain medication as he had informed Chip, but a drug that slowed Lee's heart functions to a dangerous but undetectable level. He had a short window to administer the adrenalin and jump start Lee's heart functions before heart and/or brain damage set in due to lack of oxygen. With expert care he had applied the medical technique, saving Lee's life.

“How do you feel?” Jamie asked as he raised the oxygen mask for Lee to answer.

“Tired,” he croaked out.

“That's to be expected, the drug I used was very potent. You're going to have to take it easy until your strength returns. The Admiral here will monitor your vitals for me, but I'm certain you'll make a full recovery,” Jamie added.

At the words “the Admiral” Lee's head lolled to the right and caught sight of Harry's concerned but relieved blue eyes.

“Chip?” he asked.

“Still in command,” Harry said as Lee nodded.

“Okay Admiral. Let's wheel him out of sight to my examination room, they'll be coming for me soon,” Jamie said as they rolled Lee's gurney behind the curtain.

“Thanks Jamie,” Lee said with a tired grin.

“You can thank me by staying put till this is over, Skipper,” Jamie offered, but knew it was wishful thinking. Though the Skipper had only been with Seaview for about five months, Jamie had learned that Lee Crane would always do what it took to keep both his Boat and his Crew safe.

Jamie added one last pat to Lee's shoulder and headed to the main examination room, unlocking the door. He glanced at his watch noting the time, as the door opened and a guard motioned for him to return to the crew's mess, where the entire crew was being kept under guard.

* * * * *

Harry pulled the blanket higher on Lee's torso.

“Just rest Lee. I'll see what's going on in the Control Room,” Harry said. “I'll be back to check on you later.”

“Just go, Admiral. I'll be fine,” Lee said wishing he wasn't so tired at the moment, but his near brush with death, be it intentional or not, demanded his body rejuvenate with rest.

Harry left the same way he entered, taking to Seaview's oversized ducts to move stealthily about the Boat. As he moved carefully along, he thought back over the plan to allow the Boat to be hijacked in order to flush out the powers behind the plot. To stop Seaview's Traitor now wouldn't stop the real power behind the plan to take-over the world's most technologically advanced submarine. So Lee and Harry had engaged in a dangerous game to outwit their invaders, a game that had nearly gotten Lee killed. Harry shrugged off the thought, at least Lee would be safe now that it was established that he was dead. He would no longer be a target of the Traitor.

Harry made his deck changes, carefully watching for sentries and ended back in the Control Room peering through the slats of the air vent. His eyebrows tightened as he caught sight of Chip Morton standing in Lee's stead at the chart table.

* * * * *

“Captain, we've arrived at the coordinates,” the helmsman reported.

“Very well. Mr. Perry, make our depth 200 feet and station keep until further orders.”

“Aye Sir, 200 feet.”

“So we wait?” Sajak queried; more a hired goon than a submariner, there to make sure Chip Morton didn't get any delusions of grandeur.

Chip looked at his watch. “We wait. Orders are to rendezvous and link up with the Scorpion to transfer Seaview's crew for ransom, at which time our Leader will board and the Seaview will be recommissioned as Fortunes of War,” Chip replied evenly.

“And you're okay with all this?” Sajak probed once again.

“Look,” Chip said turning toward Sajak and getting in his face. “They wanted the Boat, I took it. They wanted Lee Crane dead, I did it. I've proven all I'm going to prove with you, so back off. From now on, I answer only to the Leader,” he declared. “Mr. Perry, you have the Con,” he added over his shoulder, daring Sajak to follow him.

Sajak held his place, convinced that following Chip Morton right now would be a grave mistake. His efficient handling of the hijack and the Boat's operations had made him a valuable resource to the Leader. He was smart enough to know it was time to get on Captain Morton's good side and ride to the top with him.

* * * * *

Chip stomped angrily through Seaview's corridors as sentries moved out of his way, his facial expression attesting their need to give the Captain room. He walked with purpose, needing to see for himself, to know...

He entered the darkened Sickbay and looked around spotting the curtain partition and headed for it. He barely took two steps when a firm arm wrapped around his neck while the other pressed precariously on the opposite side of Chip's skull threatening to snap his neck at any wrong move.

“Don't move Captain Morton,” he heard darkly in his ear as Chip tried to breathe without choking.

“Geez Lee, you could have taken my head off with that move.”

“Well, you could have pulled at least one of those gut punches you know,” Lee replied loosening his grip and allowing Chip to turn around as the two looked into one another's face and sighed in relief.

“Sorry about that, Sajak was watching too closely. It had to be believable,” Chip offered in way of explanation. “How are you doing, Lee?”

Lee chuckled quietly. “Pretty good for a guy who nearly became a permanent guest of Davy Jones' Locker,” he answered.

“I hated that part in all of this...” Chip answered in self-rebuke.

“No time for that Chip,” Lee admonished. “It's not over yet and you can't let down the part you're playing or you'll slip up,” Lee warned, knowing full well that total immersion in a cover was necessary to pull it off.

“I don't know how you do this Lee.”

“Call it a gift,” Lee said with a grin meant to encourage Chip, but then his mood changed. “We just do what we have to do to keep others safe. You're doing great, don't let up,” he charged as Chip nodded.

“Okay, so I go back to being the biggest SOB who ever lived,” Chip said putting on his I'm a bad guy face.

Lee chuckled, as Chip placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, then left Sickbay.

* * * * *

Harry watched the Control Room as the activity etched up. Chip had returned to the Con and had done a good job of making sure that certain information was given out-loud specifically for his benefit.

“Mr. Sajak.”

“Aye Captain.”

“The Leader has verified coordinates; the Scorpion is scheduled to rendezvous in one hour.”

“Aye Sir. Should I ready the prisoners?” Sajak asked, moving into a subordinate role to Captain Morton.

“Not yet. He may want to determine which crewmen are willing to join us. The rest will be ransomed as indicated earlier.”

“Very good Sir,” Sajak replied and walked forward through the curtains taking the spiral stairs down to the observation lounge.

Chip nodded his approval at Sajak's new found respect, as he looked over his Control Room. Everything was nearly ready. He resisted the urge to look toward the vent to where he knew Harry was watching and made a circuit around the duty stations instead.

* * * * *

Sajak rounded the spiral stairs and checked in with the duty officer at the console, then took a moment to stare out the mesmerizing view of Seaview's windows. He turned back to the staircase and noted the laser gun sitting on the table. It was a formidable weapon, one that the Leader would want, so he reached for it. He felt the laser gun in his grip and was morbidly fascinated with its potential. Watching Crane writhe had proven the laser gun to be an effective discipline tool, he decided to test his assumption. He checked his watch, he still had about thirty-five minutes before the rendezvous with the Scorpion.

Sajak exited the B-deck hatch, bypassing the spiral stairs and noticed a sentry making his pass down the corridor. He raised the laser gun and watched with satisfaction as the red beam reached across the passageway, immediately taking down his own guard. The guard reacted in brief pain then crumbled to the deck. By the time Sajak reached the guard he was coming around as he blinked and sat up, stunned but not exhibiting any of the devastating pain and symptoms he witnessed with Crane.

“What happened?” The down guard asked, but Sajak ignored him running in a sprint for Sickbay instead. He burst through the door finding the room darkened and reached for the light. He moved about the room and verified what he already knew; Crane was nowhere to be found.

Sajak turned with determination having sized up the situation handily. It was all a set-up. Morton had made a point to ensure that Crane was taken down by him personally; they had set up the laser blast and the subsequent scene in Sickbay to convince him that Crane was dead. He'd bet his bottom dollar that Crane was alive and well somewhere on board.

* * * * *

Harry backtracked through the vents, his first stop the crew's mess; he would need help to take back the boat. As he approached the vent that led directly to the crew's mess he caught a figure in the shadow and shook his head, he wasn't surprised to see Lee Crane waiting for him, in his hand one of the Admiral's new laser gun prototypes.

Harry reached his destination as he nodded to Lee, their unspoken responsibilities clear. Lee wasn't in any condition for a physical confrontation, he'd take out the guards with the laser and the Admiral would clean up what was left. Not exactly the way Lee liked to do things, but not so arrogant to know that he was handicapped and that Harry was more than capable of cleaning up the bad guys, and barely breaking a sweat in the process, he noted.

Harry readied himself as Lee pushed open the vent and began firing. He got three clean shots out before the guards began to take cover. In an instant Harry jumped down and dove for the nearest guard, as the remaining guards found themselves in hand to hand combat with Seaview's crew. The fracas lasted only a few moments before the door burst open and three more guards poured in, taken out deftly by Lee's aim from the vent. The laser gun did its job stunning the guards but causing no permanent damage as Harry lunged for the door taking out the final guard with several right hooks, delivered with skilled precision.

Lee slid down from the vent as Chief Jones made his way over to lend aid to his obviously weak Skipper, leaning against the bulkhead.

“Okay men, you know what to do,” Lee ordered as the prearranged plan took shape. O'Brien took four men and headed to engineering; Bishop took three men and headed to air revitalization; Curley took four men and headed to the missile room; Cookie took three men and headed to his battle station, the Reactor Room as Lee motioned for the rest of the men to follow him and the Admiral to the Control Room. They armed themselves at the Armory with the intention of cleaning up the Boat along the route to the critical areas they were each assigned.

* * * * *

“Captain,” Sajak called as Chip turned toward his voice and spotted the laser gun pointed at him.

“Funny thing about this laser gun, Captain,” he taunted. “It only seems to work on your friend, Crane,” he finished.

“I don't know what you're talking about Sajak. Get in here, the Scorpion is 2000 yards off our port side.”

“Let's see how it works, shall we?” Sajak continued and indiscriminately fired at one of his own crewman dressed in black. The crewman fell to the deck, stunned but unharmed.

Sajak lowered the laser and simultaneously raised the Glock.

“At least I'll have one dead captain to present to the Leader,” he said dispassionately and fired. Only a thud followed the loud report as Chip fell to the deck holding his mid-section tightly. Sajak stepped over him with little regard for his pain and headed for the radio shack.

“Seaview to Scorpion, come in Scorpion.”

“This is Scorpion, go ahead Seaview.”

“This is Sajak. Morton betrayed us, do not approach Seaview until I have secured the...”

The message was cut-off in mid-sentence as Scorpion turned about and the sounds of mayhem filled the Control Room.

* * * * *

Lee and Harry were making their way to the Control Room when they heard the gunfire. The original plan was to wait until the Leader boarded to take back the Control Room, but the situation had clearly escalated as Lee etched up both his speed and determination. He ignored the weakness he felt, an aftereffect of the drug that had slowed his heart functions down so low that it was unperceivable to Sajak's watchful eye. They reached the aft hatch, but this time Lee didn't give way for Harry to play point man. He peered around the green curtain and perused the Control Room spotting Chip on the ground and then found Sajak at the radio shack. Lee made his way further in to clear the situation board and then fired his laser gun just as Sajak warned the Scorpion off. His team filed in behind him firing and taking down the black clad invaders as several pieces of equipment sparked in the fray.

The surprise attack yielded the desired effect, however, and with the Control Room firmly in their hands Lee made his way to Chip, curled by the chart table.

“How is he?” Lee asked as Harry had already made Chip's side.

“Serious, better get Jamie up here.”

Lee reached for the mic to address the Boat.

“This is Captain Crane. All details report.”

“Engineering all secure.”

“Missile room secure.”

“Environmental Controls secure, Sir.”

“Reactor Room secure, Sir.”

“Very well,” Lee replied double clicking.

“Sickbay this is Crane.”

“Sickbay Aye,” Jamie answered.

“Better get up here fast, Doc, Chip took a bullet.”

“Aye, aye Sir.”

Lee reached for Chip's shoulder as a moan signaled the Exec's distress, but Lee's attention was short lived as he rose to deal with the crisis at hand.

“Contact Sir, 2000 yards off our port side,” Kowalski reported.

Lee rose and followed Harry to the sonar station. “What do you have Ski?”

“Profiles like a sub, Sir.”

“She's turning,” Harry observed.

“She's going to fire,” Lee noted, the situation escalating even before he could give the next order.

“Two fish in the water,” Ski reported in subdued excitement.

“Hard right rudder!” Lee yelled over his shoulder as the helmsman responded.

“Hard right, Aye.”

“Closing fast,” Ski reported.

“It's going to be close,” Harry predicted.

“Brace for explosion,” Lee ordered as the skeleton crew each grabbed a hand-hold.

Ten seconds later the men found themselves rocking and rolling with the concussion. Lee grabbed the mic as the Boat found its neutral buoyancy.

“Missile room. Load torpedoes one and three,” Lee ordered then clicked again.

“Sparks, any word from the sub?”

“Negative Sir. All hails are being ignored.”

“Inform the sub that we are prepared to return fire, any further act of aggression will result in their destruction.”

“Aye Sir.”

“Control Room – Missile Room,” Curley called.

“This is Crane.”

“Torpedoes one and three ready for your word, Sir.”

“Very well, stand by.”

“Captain, our hails are being ignored,” Sparks cut-in.

“There's your answer Lee,” Harry said as hydrophones reported almost simultaneously.

“She's flooding her tubes!”

“Missile Room, Fire one! Fire three!”

“Aye Sir. One fired. Three fired.”

“Load torpedoes two and four,” Lee ordered.

“Two fish in the water, bearing 1-3-0 relative,” Kowalski reported.

“Hard left rudder!” Lee ordered, as the sounds of the torpedoes swished by the boat harmlessly. “Where's our fish?”

“Torpedoes are locked on target. She's trying to outrun them Sir. Time to impact in five-four...

“Brace for explosion,” Lee ordered.

“...three-two-one,” Kowalski continued the countdown as the explosion hit right on cue, rocking the boat with vigor. The shock waves finally settled down as Lee hovered over Sonar for Ski's report on the outcome of the Scorpion.

“Target destroyed, Sir.”

“Very well.” He double clicked the mic. “Damage Control Report.”

“Damage Control Aye. We're tight and dry Sir, no damage.”

“Very well.”

Lee and Harry exchanged glances as Lee blew out a breath and shook his head.

He was finally able to turn his attention back to Chip, as Lee knelt next to Jamie who had entered during the battle and was now tending his patient.

“Bullet's still lodged, I'll let you know. I'll need Kowalski for the surgery,” Jamie replied as several ratings were tagged to carry the Exec to Sickbay.

Lee relieved Ski and then leaned heavily against the chart table; the adrenalin charge draining away and taking his energy with it.

“Skipper...”

“I know Jamie, when everything's secure,” Lee promised as Jamie left not pushing his “suggestion” into an order with a skeleton crew and an officer down.

“Chief Jones report to the Control Room as soon as your detail is secure.”

“Aye Skipper,” Curly replied as Lee leaned against the chart table, content to let Harry make the circuit for him.

“How does it look Sir?” Lee inquired as Harry returned to the chart table.

“All stations are operational and ready. Seaview's just fine, Lee.”

Lee acknowledged with a satisfied blow of the breath and a small nod as Curly entered from the aft hatch.

“Reporting as ordered, Sir.”

“Chief, take a detail and search this boat from stem to stern. Make sure all unfriendlies are in custody.”

“Aye, aye Sir,” Curly replied with enthusiasm in his familiar husky voice.

Lee brushed a tired hand across his forehead and turned to chart a new course as he reached for the mic again, his motion met by Harry's restraining hand.

“I need to report to Pearl, Sir,” he explained tiredly.

“I'll take care of the report and the new course, Lee. Right now I want you to get some rest.”

“I'd like stop by Sickbay first,” Lee started as Harry's negative shake of his head effectively denied the request.

“Jamie's taking care of Chip, now get some rest Captain. That's an order,” Harry added invoking his Stars with a soft smile.

“Aye Sir.” He took one last look around, ensuring that everything was well and exited through the aft hatch.

* * * * *

Lee sagged into his rack fully clothed, All I need is a few hours, he thought and closed his eyes. He couldn't help but think of Chip, in surgery at this very moment with a bullet in his side. The thought keeping him from dropping off to sleep as he remembered his discussions with Chip several months ago.

Chip reported that he'd been approached, non-too-subtly, with the idea that he'd been passed over for Seaview's command. His ability to put on a command face had given Sajak the impression that he was willing to listen, as Chip tried to ascertain just where the discussion was headed. He listened as the discussion turned darkly toward Lee and felt he needed to see just where the mysterious stranger was headed with his insinuations. The second time Sajak made contact he introduced the idea of Chip taking command of Seaview by force, from there it escalated as ONI sought to rein in the threat to the highly sophisticated submarine bearing US nuclear missiles. The plan was to allow Sajak to convince Chip with every subsequent meeting to turn on Seaview and his friends. Chip and Lee's contact away from Seaview lessened to enhance the illusion that their friendship was suffering under Lee's command; their only communication occurring in Lee's office, after an electronic's sweep to ensure confidentiality.

“I don't know if I can pull this off, Lee,” Chip admitted, but willing to do what it took to protect Seaview and his best friend who Sajak seemed to target in particular, though he wasn't seasoned in the game of espionage and certainly unfamiliar with playing such a dark cover.

Lee nodded, understanding Chip's dilemma. Chip was tough; could make a rating shake in his boots with just his glare, but he was inherently fair and his morals were never in question. Playing a traitor was definitely a stretch to say the least.

“You need to make your hatred for me believable, Chip,” Lee coached as they talked in hushed tones despite the bug sweeper certifying the room as clear.

“How do I dredge up hate from nowhere?” Chip asked sincerely.

“You draw on any and all times I ever ticked you off,” Lee said with a half-smile. “Come on, Chip, there's got to be times I royally messed up and got you mad.”

“Sure, but not enough to hate you,” Chip said leaning back as if it was all so absurd.

“When I'm undercover I have to become the person I'm playing. To do that, I make up a whole scenario of circumstances that I draw on, it's called a Profile. I study it until I know who my cover is inside and out, so I'll act and react the way my cover would. I take on his emotions and feelings to make it believable and so I won’t slip up. Lee Crane is there, but he's way under the surface.”

“I'm not an actor, Lee.”

“Me neither, but it all works the same anyway. If you can't draw off some real life situations, you make something up. You twist the facts and draw on them.”

Chip expelled a breath, clearly having trouble with playing the part of a man who wanted to hijack a submarine and kill his best friend.

“Like what?” Chip asked.

“How about our last night of Plebe Summer...”

“When you hustled us into shining your shoes all year long?” Chip laughed at the memory. That evening had been a blast and certainly marked the last time in the next year when they could totally relax the way they did that night. The Dart Game had been like a precursor for the next four years with Lee's high achievement being everyone else's benchmark and yet with an ability to stay humble and likable in the process. Indeed, Lee had even cancelled the debt of all three plebes before the night was done, stating that he didn't think any of their shoe shining skills could pass muster anyway. It was all in good fun and they all knew that Lee Crane had let them off the hook.

“The Profile is important because sometimes you'll be called upon to use those stories to convince the bad guys you're for real,” Lee explained. “Just turn the night into something different and then let your cover play the part. Whenever you feel the real Chip Morton start to rise, you recite your 'credentials', for hating me.”

Chip nodded.

“So... I took your opportunity to advance aboard Seaview when I came aboard...” Lee started expecting Chip to continue.

“Yeah... and I should have been the next in line for Captain. The Admiral...”

“Nelson,” Lee corrected. “Keep us at a distance even in your thoughts, alienate our friendship even there,” Lee coached.

“Nelson,” Chip said emphasizing the name, “over-looked me in favor of you.”

Lee smiled. “Don't have too much fun with it Chip,” he teased.

“No wait. I'm just getting started,” Chip chimed in as the two shared a laugh and then settled back to the seriousness of the matter.

“They want you dead, Lee.”

“I know, and we're working on a plan to deal with it and to strengthen your cover at the same time,” Lee answered as the two worked through the details that would culminate into the mission they had just completed.

Chip had been an unwilling if not unlikely participant, but he had taken on the challenge and had played his part well.

Lee's body finally gave out on the last thought as his eyes closed and he fell into a sound sleep. He didn't stir until two hours later when he woke feeling much better. He showered and changed, making his first stop the Control Room, checking on the Boat's progress to Pearl. Bishop and O'Brien were handling things so he headed to Sickbay and was happy to see Chip in a bunk, already out of surgery and seemingly resting comfortably.

“Jamie?” Lee greeted as Seaview's doctor raised his head, having been updating his patient's chart.

“You're looking better, Skipper,” Jamie noted, standing and motioning Lee to the examination table. “Let me check your vitals,” he finished.

“How's Chip doing?” Lee asked as he sat on the gurney.

“He's going to be fine. He's exhausted and I wouldn't be surprised if he sleeps through the night, even after the anesthesia wears off.”

“Yeah, it can really fry the brain having to play a cover so deeply,” Lee stated without emotion as Jamie nodded, understanding that Lee Crane would certainly know what he was talking about.

“Well Skipper, everything looks good. I'll clear you for full duty tomorrow morning. Just take it easy for the rest of the night.”

Lee nodded and slid down the table, buttoning his shirt as he did so. “Thanks Jamie. Get some rest yourself. I'll stay with Chip.”

Jamie bit his bottom lip, he was dead tired and recognized Lee's unofficial order. “Sounds good, Skipper,” he said patting Lee's shoulder as he stepped away.

* * * * *

Lee pulled over a chair next to Chip and reached for his limp hand. “You did it buddy,” he said in soft tones. “You saved the Boat and my life too...”

“...And got shot in the process...” Chip breathed out, his eyes fluttering open in mid-sentence.

“Yeah, what kind of doofus gets shot on his first ONI mission anyway?” Lee said grateful to engage in a little good old fashion brotherly aggravation.

“Would that be you?” Chip replied, returning the jest.

“Not me, just beat up little.” Lee smiled broadly, remembering his first mission for ONI and then sighed. “Are you okay?” He asked more seriously.

“Yeah. I guess I messed up somewhere. Sajak knew the laser gun was a set-up.”

“You did fine, Chip. These bumps in the road happen all the time in the field,” Lee encouraged.

“How are you doing, Lee?”

“I'm fine. Had myself a nice little nap, like you should be doing,” he answered as if speaking to a child.

“The Boat?” Chip asked, ignoring Lee's hint to rest.

“Seaview's fine, no casualties.”

“And the bad guys?” Chip inquired with more air and extremely heavy eyes.

“We destroyed the Scorpion. Sajak and his bunch are riding out the trip to Pearl under close guard. And before you ask, we'll reach Pearl by tomorrow morning.”

“hmmmm,” Chip added as Lee smiled.

“Rest up, Chip... everything's going to be alright now.”

Chip drifted off to sleep again as Lee heard a noise behind him and turned.

“Ah Sir? Doc sent me to relieve your watch,” Kowalski said sheepishly.

Lee nodded. “Very well, Ski.”

He left Sickbay and headed to the Control Room. He wasn't officially cleared for duty so he just checked in with Bishop and headed forward through the green curtains, taking the spiral staircase down to the observation lounge.

“Good evening Lee.”

“Hello Admiral,” Lee returned noting the observation lounge was dark and lit only by the flood lights illuminating the ocean in Seaview's windows.

“Join me in a cup of coffee?” Harry offered as Lee smiled and nodded, pouring himself a mug.

“I just talked to Chip, he's going to be fine.”

Harry nodded. “I know, I checked on him while you were asleep.”

“How did Johnson take the news that we had to destroy the Scorpion?” Lee asked drinking the strong brew and relaxing as the waters churned in front of him.

“While he would have preferred to have taken the Leader into custody, he was satisfied with the results nonetheless,” Harry finished, though everyone realized that destroying the Scorpion with the Leader aboard didn't necessarily mean the end of the organization.

Lee nodded and watched wistfully out the windows, allowing the final effects of the intrigue to wash away as he blew out a breath.

“I was just thinking about the Profile we built for Chip's cover,” Lee stated after a noticeable period of silence. “A lesser man could have taken any one of those points and harbored true resentment,” Lee finished. “I mean, if you had chosen a captain closer to retirement...”

“Lee,” Harry interrupted, as Seaview's Captain leaned forward with his forearms resting on his knees studying the swirling patterns of water pressing against the windows. Harry expelled a breath and then smiled, his tone of voice bringing Lee's eyes to meet his own.

“Every effective Profile has to be based in some truth to make it believable. The difference in this case is that Chip Morton is more of a man than any of those men who could so easily believe that he could harbor such thoughts about you or me. It was believable not only because of the plausibility of the credentials of the Profile, but more because the men of the Scorpion lacked the integrity and high sense of honor of Chip Morton. He played the part well to his credit, but it was really the bad guy's lack of character that made the charade possible.”

“You're right Sir. Chip is one of the best men I've ever known in my life.” Lee stood to leave as Harry sat content to continue his own thoughts in his comfortable spot. “I think I'll turn in now, Sir. Jamie's cleared me for duty tomorrow morning.”

“Fine Lee,” Harry answered, completely at ease.

“Sir?” Lee addressed, as Harry responded inquisitively. “It's my honor and pleasure to work with two of the finest men on God's earth.”

Harry smiled, acknowledging Lee's high regard. “Good night, Lad. Sleep well,” as Lee returned his smile.

“Good night, Sir.”

Harry listened as Lee's steps rounded the spiral staircase to the upper deck. He was indeed fortunate to have snagged Lee Crane to command Seaview, as well as his equally young and able Executive Officer, Chip Morton. He took another swallow of his lukewarm coffee as he continued to ponder Seaview's XO. He had scored a mighty coup when he so handily snagged Chip all those years ago. It was true, working to make Seaview a reality had indeed slowed down Chip's opportunities for advancement. Chip was the best XO he had ever had the privilege of commanding; only his lack of combat experience hampered his promotion to command Seaview when Phillip's died.

Harry breathed in deeply. He was fortunate that Chip's ambition was tempered by his integrity. The Polidor's recent destruction was too fresh in Harry's mind to consider replacing Seaview's sister boat at this time, but if Chip were willing to wait he was sure he'd have an equally fine boat for him someday.***

Harry nodded and decided to check in on Seaview's Exec before turning in himself. He rose from his chair and swallowed back the last of his coffee, then smiled at the thought of commanding both the youngest and best Command Team in the Navy.

* * * * *

Chip was resting comfortably, the soft hums of Seaview's engines at standard lost to most people, but not to Seaview's XO as the engines rocked him to sleep like a lullaby. As he slept his dreams revisited a delightful memory of years past... his last night of Plebe Summer... and a game of darts with his best friend, Lee Crane.

The End

Profile of a Traitor

* Naval traditions:

Plebe – a first year student at a military academy, particularly the naval academy – source: Bing dictionary

Plebe Summer – source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plebe_summer The following facts are also cited from the same source:

Detailers – Like drill instructors, they are the trainers for the plebe's six week basic training.

Plan of the Day – A planned list of daily activities, all mandatory, for the six week training course.

Rates/ Reef Points – Required knowledge at the academy and will be mostly memorized by summer's end, includes: “enlisted and officer ranks of all branches in the military, proficiency in the NATO phonetic alphabet, information on all current Navy and Marine Corps ships and aircraft, and certain quotes which promote esprit de corps" which the Plebes are expected to recite verbatim.

**Ton-80 – highest score in darts, 180 points http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darts

***The Polidor – See Voyage first season episode The Fear-Makers for the story of the Polidor's destruction at sea.

Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved

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