Strange Things Happen on Halloween - by Dizzy Dolphin

No violence but there is suggestive dialogue and scenes.

Lee stood in his cabin, wrapped in a fringed, red and black plaid blanket, and nothing else. He was extremely relieved that he’d managed to get his partner in crime hidden but it had come at a cost. That cost being him, apprehended sans clothes by Nelson and Chip. He had no idea how he was going to explain this away. It wasn’t helping that the blanket was rather itchy on his bare anatomy.

Just as he’d reached his cabin door he’d heard startled exclamations behind him and not thinking had turned to find the pair staring at him, not quite believing the sight before them. He had quickly turned back, opened his door, and scooted in, hastily grabbing the plaid blanket from his closet. As he’d wrapped it around himself Nelson and Chip had entered and closed the door.

He looked at his friends and before either of them could say anything, sputtered out, “I didn’t think anyone else was on board.”

Nelson cocked an eyebrow at him, “Do you usually go swimming in the pressure well and trot around the Seaview nude when you think you’re onboard alone?”

Lee noted that Chip had gone from astonished to openly grinning at him; he was obviously planning to enjoy listening to him talk his way out of this.

Chip leaned back against the cabin door, I don’t know what you’ve been up to buddy, but I bet it was interesting, and I’ve got a front row seat!

It had all started so innocently, sort of....

*****

Lee gave a contented sigh as he sat reading the newspaper; it felt good to have Caitlin¹ snuggled against him on the couch. They were able to spend so little time together with him out on Seaview and their both being active agents, although for different organizations. She also needed to spend some time with her brother whenever the two of them were in Santa Barbara at the same time. Occasionally these get-togethers included Lee but on those occasions, they had to pretend a polite fondness for each other, being careful not to do anything that might make her brother suspicious that there was anything more between them. Her brother was Admiral Harriman Nelson, the head of the Nelson Institute of Marine Research, genius, scientist, designer and builder of the phenomenal submarine Seaview, Lee’s boss and his good friend. All of this made Lee’s attraction to Caitlin and hers to him very complicated. At least in Lee’s mind.

Unbeknownst to them, Harry already had a fairly good idea of what was going on. They acted a little too proper with each other and he hadn’t missed the fleeting looks that they gave one another when they thought he wasn’t paying attention. He was biding his time, while his much younger sister was highly impetuous and given to be somewhat wild upon occasion, he trusted Lee implicitly. He would have no objections at all to welcoming Lee as an official member of the family, he very greatly hoped for that outcome.

Lee glanced down at Caitlin as she read her book. They still had so much to learn about each other but they already knew that they were very compatible in some areas. He moved slightly so that he could bend his head down and capture her lips in a long, slow kiss, as he did so he wrapped his arms around her, holding her body tight to his. She dropped the book and reached her left arm up to wrap it around his shoulders, encouraging him to stay put. When he eventually began to draw back, she moved her arm and brought her hand up to rest behind his head, curling her fingers in his hair she drew him back down. “Not so fast sailor,” she murmured as she caught his mouth in her own passionate kiss.

When they finally came up for air Lee pulled her up onto his lap and she rested her head on his right shoulder, nestled close to his neck. Lee caressed her long, soft titian hair.

“The Admiral is throwing a big costume party at the Institute for Halloween, have you told him you’re in town yet?”

“No, I wanted to spend some time with you first before he started making plans for me.” She moved her right arm up around his left shoulder bringing her hand up to tickle his left earlobe.

Lee gave a low growl and shifted quickly so that she was lying on her back on the couch, captured by his body.

“Ohhh, nice move sailor boy, know any others.”

“Might have a couple more....”

*****

The party was in full swing and Harry was beginning to wonder what had happened to Lee. It wasn’t like him to be late or miss an Institute event. He scanned the crowd. It is possible he came in when I was busy talking to Jiggs². He wouldn’t exactly have been eager to come over to say ‘Hi’, but he should have caught up with me by now.

Harry caught sight of Chip, he wasn’t sure if he would have recognized him if he hadn’t already checked in. Chip was attired in a Musketeer costume, black pants, snug large cuffed knee high leather boots, white puffed sleeve shirt covered by the Musketeer Tabard, a rich blue cotton velvet top lined with matching satin. The front and sides of the Tabard where embroidered with the silver cross and fleur-de-lis emblem of the Musketeers and it was finished with silver trim. His mask was blue and silver. His hat, a large, black Cavalier³ cocked up on the left side with a white ostrich plume, sat on a golden brown wig with curls that trailed down to Chip’s shoulders, he also wore a matching goatee and mustache . Overall, very impressive and more than one female head turned to track him as he circulated.

Chip’s date, whom Harry did not know, wore a black and gold mask and was attired as a swordswoman. She had on tight black leggings, black spike heeled boots that travelled up to mid thigh ending in broad cuffs, a black blouse with gold trim and sleeves which had slashed puffed caps showing a gold satin inner sleeve. The rest of the sleeve for both arms travelled down to her wrists in a snug fit. She too wore a cocked Cavalier hat but rather than a plume, it had gold lace edging all around its brim. She and Chip both carried swept hilt rapiers slung to their waists in tooled leather scabbards. Theatrical versions Harry assumed but it was by no means guaranteed. When it came to Chip and Lee, it was best not to make too many assumptions.

Harry was looking forward to finding out what she looked like at midnight, when everyone would remove his or her masks, if she was someone he’d seen Chip with before, or a new companion. Harry wished Chip and Lee would finally settle down and get on with providing him with honorary grandchildren. Not that the life they led with the Institute was very conducive to that, they would have to find very special ladies. That was his only reservation about Lee and his sister getting together, how Edith would cope with Lee being away so much, not only on Seaview but on assignments for ONI. Assuming that Lee continued taking assignments, maybe the right woman could accomplish what he had never been able to, and get Lee to give them up.

He moved toward Chip to have a word with him.

“Well D’Mortagnan, have you seen any sign of Lee?”

“One for all and all for one,” Chip swept a courtly bow to Harry. “No Sir, I haven’t. I don’t know what he was planning on wearing but I’m sure he would have said hello.”

Just then there was a commotion at the doorway. It seemed that the tardy Captain had arrived. As interesting as Lee’s costume was, it was his date that captured the attention of the two men. Harry didn’t think the material she had on was enough to make a small table cloth. He heard a sharp intake of breath beside him followed by a low whistle.

“Whoa Lee, where O where did you find her...and how did you get talked into wearing that?” Chip whispered, he thought to himself.

“Good questions Chip, although the ‘lady’ seems to be displaying far more, I’d say there’s more actual bare skin visible from Lee. Harry perused the costumes.

Lee wore a Bauta⁴ mask patterned in black and white diamonds with raised silver bordering around the diamonds. There was a white bowtie around his neck and he had on a body hugging, skimpy, sleeveless, cutaway butler’s vest that fully exposed his chest and closed with two silver buttons at the bottom about 6 inches from where it met his slick, tight black pants. Black shoes and white cotton gloves finished the outfit off.

His date was wearing a very sheer, red lace outfit, which left precious little to the imagination.

While her friend wore a teeny tiny red thong with it, Caitlin had opted for a red bikini bottom. The top had a drop off the shoulder lace sleeve on the left and a full lace sleeve on the right, the lace draped over itself in several layers from the slanting neckline to drape over the delicate parts. This more or less took care of any exposure issue and from there the folds dropped down the left side to the hip. She did have a red string bikini top on, just in case. She also wore a blonde wig with a spiked sun corona fastened to the back so that her head appeared to be in the middle of it. The red sequined and feathered mask wasn’t part of the outfit but she needed it to conceal who she was. Spiked red shoes finished things off and added about 5 inches to her height. Her family wasn’t known for being particularly tall.

Lee nudged her and bent down to whisper in her ear, “There’s the Admiral to the left. I have to go over there and that means you do to. You still think these outfits were a good idea? We’re not exactly blending in.”

“Lee, one doesn’t try to blend in at a costume party. The point is to stand out.”

“On the whole, I’d rather blend in.”

“Party poop; ok let’s go get it over with.”

Caitlin was pleased with the looks Lee was getting from the women. His outfit might not be as ornate as most of the men’s at the party, but it oozed sensuality and masculinity. The fact that he moved with an easy grace didn’t hurt things one bit. “Eat your hearts out ladies, he’s mine, all mine.”

One woman in particular was staring at him and Caitlin saw her lick her lips. Caitlin was sorely tempted to stop right in front of her and caress Lee’s naked chest. “Nice thought but Lee would be mortified. When we get back to his place however...” Caitlin settled for a smug smile and a lip lick of her own as they passed by, that conveyed the message clearly enough.

“Admiral, sorry to be late,” Lee greeted Harry.

“I was beginning to worry a little Lee, but I think I may understand what kept you.” Harry inclined his head toward Lee’s date.

“Ah yes well Sir, I’d introduce you, but the lady prefers to remain anonymous until the unmasking.” An event neither Lee nor Caitlin intended to be present for.

Chip cleared his throat and Lee turned towards him.

“No introduction required Lee.” Bending in a flourishing bow from the waist Chip took Caitlin’s hand and kissed it. “Lady Gaga I believe.” Knowing Lee as he did, he wasn’t completely certain that it wasn’t really Stefani Germanotta under the mask. Although how Lee could have pulled that off, he didn’t know.

Caitlin didn’t say a word, it suited her purposes just fine to have some misdirection going on. It might stop her brother from taking to close a look. It had seemed like a good idea when Lee had suggested she accompany him to the party, after all she’d be in disguise, but now, standing in front of her brother, she found herself hard pressed not to start squirming. Fortunately, fate kicked in, the band started playing ‘Just Dance⁵’, she couldn’t suppress a small giggle and with a wink at Chip she grabbed Lee’s arm and shimmied her way, with him in tow, to the dance floor.

Lee didn’t have time to stammer much more than a quick ‘excuse me’ to Harry.

“Chip you don’t really think it’s her? She does seem a little familiar to me but I haven’t really paid much attention to the performer. She’s more your and Lee’s type of music.”

“With Lee you never can tell and some of those dance moves she’s doing sure look like what I’d expect....” Chip’s voice faded out as ‘Lady Gaga’ slithered, he couldn’t think of any other word, her body up and down Lee’s. Darned good thing that this is the adult’s only party.

The children’s Halloween party had been much earlier. Lee had made an appearance in a Dracula costume, which is what he’d planned on attending the evening party in. Caitlin had had other ideas about that, telling him that the whole point of Halloween and costumes was to loosen up and have a little fun. Lee had tried to explain to her that as the Captain of the Seaview he had to meet certain expectations and besides, Dracula was loosening up. Caitlin wasn’t buying it and after she’d applied her considerable persuasive charms he’d given in to her costume choices. A couple of quick calls to her friend had produced them.

He had vetoed the one button vest cut in a flared style below the button as well as open on top, thereby leaving not only his chest exposed but his abdominal area as well. As far as he was concerned with that vest he might just as well be going without one on at all, which Caitlin had assured him would be just fine with her. That he, in fact, had a very nice upper body, broad shouldered, lean and muscular with just the right amount of curly chest hair. He was thinking that he should have fought a little harder for Dracula as he noticed that a great many of the women present were giving him the once over, their eyes lingering on his chest. The men, he noted with amusement and not a little smugness, had their eyes glued on Caitlin.

Chip’s date was getting a little annoyed with being ignored and poked Chip with her sword. He took the hint and with a nod to the Admiral headed for the dance floor.

Harry smiled, watching his two officers and good friends enjoying themselves. Yes things would be very interesting at midnight, until then he’d bide his time.

*****

“Caitlin, it’s 23:30, we need to get out of here soon.”

“I know Lee; it’s been a lot of fun. Wish I could stay and see what your crew and friends look like without their masks.”

“Yours would have to come off too; I don’t think we want to do that, not yet.”

“I know, certainly not in this outfit, Harry would have a coronary!” She couldn’t stifle the giggle at the thought of her brother’s likely reaction to his little sister’s costume choice. “Not literally a coronary but I bet he’d turn an interesting shade of red or maybe even purple before he marched me off for his lecture on proper decorum.”

Lee rolled his eyes at her, “How does he survive having you as his sister.”

“It’s touch-and-go at times. Hmmmm, while we’re on the grounds, don’t suppose you’d like to give me the Captain’s tour of the Seaview, I’ve never been on her.”

Lee mulled over the idea, there was no crew onboard, and it wouldn’t be a problem getting past security.

“OK, let’s sneak out and over to the sub pen. It might make a plausible excuse when the Admiral asks me we why were weren’t here at midnight”

It might have worked, if ‘Casanova’, a.k.a. Chief Sharkey hadn’t seen them go out the side door, or if the guards hadn’t reported to the security station that the Captain had gone on board.

*****

Lee flipped some switches in the control room and brought the lights up from standby mode. He showed Caitlin the stations and explained a bit about them, as with all visitors, the windows in the nose fascinated her.

“I’d love to see what it looks like when you’re underway Lee.”

“Impressive and, strange though it may sound, soothing to the nerves.”

Already discarded, their masks and Lee’s gloves were on the plotting table.

“Do your nerves need a lot of soothing on missions, Captain my Captain?” Caitlin teased as she put her arms around Lee and gave him a long slow kiss.

“Yes they do,” Lee finally managed to answer her, although I like your method a lot better. He took her hand and led her up the spiral ladder.

“This is what’s known as Officers Country. That’s Chip’s cabin, your brother’s and through this door is mine.”

Caitlin turned the handle and stepped in. She went over to the bunk and tested the mattress.

“Hmmm, and what, over the years, has gone on in the Captain’s cabin?” she asked as she stretched out on her side on the bunk, giving Lee a come-hither look.

Lee blushed and she laughed lightly.

“Not what you’re thinking about Caitlin.”

“Want to change that?”

Ya I’d love to but not here and not now. And I’m not falling for that look, no way I’m getting within arm’s reach. A man only has just so much willpower.

As Lee made no move to come closer Caitlin gave an exasperated sigh and got up.

“You know Lee, sometimes that Officer and a Gentlemen thing is really annoying.”

“You love it Caitlin, gives you a challenge.”

“Oh, it’s a challenge is it...”

Oh oh, that was a tactical error on my part.

As Lee backed out his cabin door Caitlin followed closely and pinned him against the corridor wall. Very slowly she ran her hands over his exposed chest and undid the two buttons on his vest. She felt Lee quiver as she moved her hands over his ribs and down his abdomen.

Lee did the only thing he could think to do to regain control; he wrapped his arms around her and turned them both so that she was now the one against the wall, he kissed her, deep and long. Then he broke away and taking her hand tugged her after him at a brisk walk.

“The missile room is this way.”

‘The missile room is this way?’ He has to be kidding!

By the time they got there, Caitlin had regained her composure and Lee was openly grinning at her, having regained his own as well. Unfortunately for Lee, Caitlin wasn’t about to let him one up her. She would find her moment.

He continued the tour, they entered a small compartment, “This is called numerous things, pressure well, moon pool, or wet porch.” Lee was indicating a large, round opening in the deck where Caitlin could see water. “We usually refer to it as the pressure well. We use it to come and go when diving with bulky equipment, in emergencies or other times when it would not be convenient to use the missile room escape hatch.”

“Very interesting Lee, ah, why is there a basket of apples next to it?”

“The pressure in the room can be adjusted to raise or lower the water level in the well. I believe that the crew was bobbing for apples earlier. You wouldn’t want to fall in when we’re underway but docked, it’s perfectly safe.”

“That sounds like fun; I’d like to try it.”

Lee looked somewhat skeptical.

“Oh come on Lee, it’s almost midnight on Halloween. How many people can say they bobbed for apples on the Seaview at the witching hour?”

Lee shrugged closed the hatch and turned a dial on the control panel. “You may feel your ears pop, I’m lowering the pressure in here to bring the water level up.”

Caitlin watched as the water rose to the rim of the well. She went over to the basket and examined the apples, choosing several she took them to the well and dropped them in the water.

Lee passed her a folded towel, “Here you can kneel on this it’ll be more comfortable. Put your hands behind your back. The person who retrieves the most apples wins.”

“I do know how to do this Lee.”

They both kneeled down, Caitlin being sure that she was in the location she wanted.

“OK, on the count of three.”

“Fine Lee, I’ll count.”

Ya right Caitlin, I can trust that.

“One.....two......three!” Just before she finished saying three Caitlin lurched forward as if to make a grab for an apple. Lee had been expecting it and moved at the same time. He came up with an apple and looked towards Caitlin, but she wasn’t there.

“Treat or Treat, Lee.”

He’d just turned his head to the side to locate her when the water from the hose hit him. He wasn’t able to gain his feet and he slid into the well.

When Lee had gone for the apple Caitlin had quickly gotten up and released the fire hose from the bulkhead, she flipped the safety switch and was ready when Lee’s head came up, apple firmly clenched between his teeth. She was careful not to use too much pressure, she only wanted to soak him down, Lee sliding into the well was a bonus.

Lee surfaced, sputtering and spitting water.

“You are so going to pay for that!”

“Now Lee, remember you’re an Officer and a Gentleman. Not to mention I’m wearing a bikini anyway so there’s not much point in getting me wet.”

She backed up as Lee hoisted himself out of the water.

“Sort of depends on how you’re going to get wet.”

Caitlin was no fool, she had moved so that she was next to the hatch. She tried to push it open it but it wouldn’t budge.

Lee gave her a predatory smile as he approached, his green gold eyes sparkling.

“Remember Caitlin, the pressure in this room is less than in the corridor, sort of makes the hatch ‘sticky’.

Damn, didn`t factor that into the plan.

Lee wrapped him arms around Caitlin and lifted her from her feet and started walking.

“Hmmm, you’re nice and warm, I’m cold and wet.”

“Yes Lee, I had noticed that.”

“Let’s see now, you’re down by one apple.”

“Lee you wouldn’t!” Caitlin noticed that they were getting awfully close to the well.

I wouldn’t drop you in on your own, just in case, but since I’m already wet...

Just as Lee was about to step off the edge and take them both into the water he froze and cocked his head.

Caitlin figured she shouldn’t complain but she was curious.

“Lee?”

“Someone just came onboard. Control room hatch opened and closed.”

“How on earth would you know that? Are there signal lights in here somewhere?” Caitlin started to look around for whatever could have alerted Lee.

“No, I felt it. Wouldn’t notice if we were underway but in a quiet boat you can feel things.”

“Maybe you can, I don’t think anyone else would.”

Lee moved back from the well and set Caitlin down. No matter who it was he didn’t want to be caught in un-captainly behaviour.

“It’s probably just security doing a walk through.”

Lee fiddled with the dial and Caitlin felt her ears pop and saw the water recede in the well to its former level.

The hatch opened easily when Lee gave it a push, but he didn’t go out.

“Problem Lee?”

“I don’t want to track water through the boat; we’ve made enough of a mess in here as it is.” He stripped off his vest and undid his pants. Caitlin was thinking that things were getting interesting when he reached down and grabbed up one of the towels. After wrapping it around his waist he shed the rest of his soaked clothes and his shoes.

He looked sternly at Caitlin and with his best Captain’s authority voice said, “Not one word and not one move.”

Caitlin grinned at him and tried to look innocent, “Don’t know what you could possibly think I’d do Lee.” At least not until we’re out in the corridor. Why oh why didn’t I bring a concealed camera, love a picture of Captain Crane streaking in the Seaview. Of course there isn’t really anywhere I could have put the camera.

Lee could almost read her mind and he gave her another very stern look, before he could say anything more Caitlin relented. “Fine Lee, you have my word, I won’t pull anything.” She couldn’t hide the smirk as she eyed the towel around his waist.

Lee cast his eyes heavenward. “Lord, give me strength.”

As they passed the missile room Lee made a snap decision, “Caitlin wait in here for me, as a matter of fact, get in the escape hatch. If the guards come through here before I’m back they’ll do a circuit of the room but they shouldn’t open the hatch. Crouch down under the view port so they won’t see you if they look in.”

Caitlin had her own reasons for co-operating, since her mask and wig where in the control room anyone seeing her would be able to describe her to her brother and he’d put 2 and 2 together. She and Lee planned to tell him they were a couple soon, but not this soon. Besides, she enjoyed the sneaking around part, little sisters loved putting things over on big brothers. Well, at any rate, this little sister did. Especially since it involved Lee Crane, a man her brother had adopted all but legally. She wondered if Lee was aware of how much Harry cared for him. She pondered the relationship between the two men as she waited for Lee’s return.

Heading out of the missile room Lee noticed his damp footprints on the floor. He took the towel from around his waist and quickly rubbed them out, then backtracked cleaning as he went. All he needed was for security to spot something like that; there would be men swarming the boat in short order. There wasn’t much he could do about the pressure well area, he’d just have to hope that if the guards looked in there they’d assume the crew had left the mess. Probably feel sorry for them if they didn’t have it cleaned up before the XO or Chief found it.

He didn’t bother putting the towel on again, he tossed it into a corner, closed the hatch and started back to his cabin. He had just made it to his door...

*****

Midnight had arrived and Harry looked around for Lee, he couldn’t see him but it was crowded. People were removing their masks and enjoying finding out how accurate their guesses had been regarding who was who.

Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned, expecting to find Lee behind him. It was Chip sans mask and his very pretty partner, whom Harry did not recognize even without her mask.

“Admiral Nelson may I introduce Jacqueline Bonacieux⁶.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you. I hope you’ve enjoyed the party.”

“Very much Admiral Nelson.”

“Your last name ‘Bonacieux,’ an interesting coincidence.”

“Not so much coincidence Sir,” Chip replied, “It was the inspiration for our costumes.”

“Well done Chip. I don’t suppose either of you know where our once again missing Captain Crane is?”

“No Sir, haven’t seen him in awhile. Wouldn’t mind being around for the unveiling of his date.”

“Excuse me Admiral; did I just hear you ask about Captain Crane?”

“Yes Francis⁷, do you have some light to shed on the mystery.”

“Well I don’t know how much of a mystery it is Sir, but I did see the Captain and Lady Gaga leaving through the side door awhile ago.”

Chip snorted, he was amused that others were making the same observation about Lee’s date.

“Thanks Chief. Aside from wanting to speak with Lee, and yes, I’ll admit to it, seeing who is under his date’s mask, I’d like the opportunity at a rebuttal to his remark about my costume when he was hastily removed to the dance floor.”

Jacqueline looked Nelson up and down, “I don’t see a problem with your costume Admiral, Mad Scientist isn’t it?”

Harry watched the grin spread across Chip’s face, even though he was fighting it hard. Sure Chip, Lee said it but I can tell you’re thinking it as well.

“Thank you Jacqueline. Yes Mad Scientist indeed, seems Lee felt I wasn’t really in costume, that I’d come as myself.”

At that Chip laughed. “Well Sir, given some of our experiences....”

“Don’t bother finishing that sentence Mr. Morton.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Sir.”

Harry pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, on a hunch he dialed the main security station.

“Nelson here, have you any reports on Captain Crane’s whereabouts? Yes, I see, with a companion you say. When was that? Thank you.” He flipped the phone closed.

“Chip it seems Lee has gone aboard Seaview with his date.”

“That means that his date has a high level security clearance, Lee wouldn’t have taken her onboard otherwise.”

“It’s getting even more interesting eh Chip? What say we go do a little investigating?”

Chip motioned Sharkey over, “Chief would you see to it that Ms. Bonacieux is kept entertained, I have something I need to do.”

“Sure thing Mr. Morton.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can Jacqueline.”

“Go ahead Chip, I understand that even off duty at a party, sometimes things require attention.” Chip gave her a not quite chaste kiss and then he and the Admiral headed for Seaview.

The guards on duty assured them that the Captain had not yet left the sub.

Harry and Chip quickly spotted Lee and Caitlin’s masks on the chart table along with the blonde wig and while gloves.

“Probably giving her a tour of the boat, let’s start looking around for them Chip.” The men headed aft. They kept their ears cocked for the sound of voices as they moved from area to area but so far nothing and no sign that anyone was onboard aside from the masks they’d found earlier. Then they entered the pressure well compartment.

“Someone has been here; the crew had the area policed up from apple bobbing before they left. It’s a mess now.” Chip replaced the hose on its rack. He was thinking about retrieving the apples from the water when he noticed Nelson pick something up from the deck.

Nelson looked over at Chip, a silent question in his eyes and raised eyebrows as he held up the soaking wet vest and pants that Lee had been wearing earlier. Chip saw a wet towel over in a corner.

“I don’t know Sir. I don’t see any red lace lying around...”

Nelson snorted in reply.

Chip regretted the comment as soon as it was out of his mouth; he knew Lee wouldn’t be up to anything like that. At least not onboard the boat.

Nelson dropped the garments and motioned for Chip to follow him. The only thing to do was to continue their search, if it proved fruitless then he’d use the intercom to track down his errant Captain and friend.

Caitlin heard the hatch to the missile room open, too soon for Lee to be back, must be the guards. She scrunched down below the window but then couldn’t resist the temptation to take a peak. She wished she hadn’t, she saw her brother and Chip standing by the hatch looking around. They did a quick check, then left.

Holy crap on a cracker! It was a quote from a TV show⁸ she enjoyed and it seemed to fit in here quite well. She eyed the ladder on the side of the tank. OK, Lee, I’m sure you’ll understand, I am abandoning the boat.

It was a very startled guard who observed the escape hatch open on the deck and a scantily clad woman climb out. She moved quickly down the gangplank muttering something about Captain Crane being along shortly and kept on going. The guard was about to stop her when his partner, senior in rank and experience to him, grabbed his arm.

“Never mind. She came onboard with Captain Crane, the Admiral and Mr. Morton are onboard now too. Trust me; we don’t want to get involved. We didn’t see a thing.”

*****

“Only place left to check is Lee’s cabin, Sir.”

“So it seems.”

*****

“I’m waiting for an explanation, Lee.” Nelson tried to sound gruff but the humour of the situation was starting to win out. Lee roaming the boat naked and now huddled in a red check blanket looking like he was facing the inquisition and there was nothing he could or would divulge. Nelson also noted a slightly rumpled bunk.

“Ah, strange, inexplicable things happen on Halloween, Sir...”

“I see, and your date would be where?”

Oh holy crap on a cracker! The corners of Lee’s mouth tried to twitch into a smile as he realized that it was one of Caitlin’s favorite sayings.

“You find the question amusing, Captain?”

Lee was saved from answering by a chirping in his cabin. He wasn’t sure if he should answer his cell or not.

“Want me to get that for you Lee?” Chip offered all innocence personified.

“Leave it, Chip.”

“Go ahead and take your call Lee, might give you a moment to make something up to tell us,” Harry instructed.

Lee wiggled his right arm out of the blanket making sure he had a tight hold of it with his left hand. No way was he risking the blanket cascading to the floor and leaving him exposed again.

He flipped open his phone without checking the caller ID, “Crane here.”

“Lee, it’s Harry and Chip onboard, I’ve gotten out and I’m headed back to my apartment. Meet me there as soon as you can.”

“I see. I have company in my cabin just now, not sure when I might be free.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something to tell them. See you later.” With that, she was gone.

Oh aren’t you a bundle of help. Lee was relieved that he didn’t have to worry about her being found on Seaview, but it didn’t help him much at the moment. He put his phone down.

“Well Lee, I’m waiting. I think you can come up with a bit better explanation than you have so far.” And I can’t wait to hear what tale your agile mind spins. He fought down his own twitching lips.

“Yes, Sir.”

Lee was toying with a modified version of the truth when the Admiral’s cell phone pinged.

With a scowl he answered it, and like Lee didn’t check caller ID.

He growled into the phone, “NELSON.” Then he turned red.

“Oh, sorry, no I didn’t know it was you. Where are you?”

“Really, that’s wonderful Edith. I’m looking forward to seeing you it’s been quite awhile. Lee, yes I’m sure he’d be available.” Nelson frowned at Lee. “Right now, well that’s a little short notice. OK, I’ll be right there. Bye.”

“You are in luck Lee, I have to leave and pick my sister up at the airport. Don’t think we’re through with this conversation though. Edith would like you to join us for dinner tomorrow night, I trust that won’t be a problem for you.”

“No Sir, tomorrow night is fine.”

“Good. Lee put some clothes on and accompany Chip back to the party, you can take my place as host and give them my apologies.”

“Yes, Sir, not a problem.”

“Didn’t think it would be. I imagine right now you’d be happy to do just about anything I wanted done. Seems to me that it wouldn’t be fair for the crew to have to clean up the pressure well area again, I trust that you will personally take care of that later this morning.”

“Of course, Sir.”

“Humph!” With that, Nelson departed to get his sister. He had a feeling that he’d probably never get the whole story out of Lee, but he’d enjoy trying.

Lee let out a relieved sigh. OK, I take it back Caitlin, you were a huge help. Quick thinking my love.

“The Admiral may be gone Lee but I’m still here, and waiting for the full Monty, so to speak, on what you’ve been up to.”

Chip smirked at Lee, then went to the closet and pulled out some clothes and tossed them in Lee’s direction.

Lee grimaced at Chip’s joke, such as it was. He imagined he’d be a long time living this one down. “What did you think of the Admiral’s Mad Scientist costume? Spiked purple hair is an interesting look on him.”

The abrupt change of topic by Lee let Chip know that any explanations were a long way off. He was a patient man; he could wait Lee out. Eventually he would get to the bottom of Lee’s tricks and treats this Halloween night.

The End

IT'S HALLOWEEN

It's Halloween! It's Halloween!
The moon is full and bright
And we shall see what can't be seen
On any other night.

Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls,
Grinning goblins fighting duels,
Werewolves rising from their tombs,
Witches on their magic brooms.

In masks and gowns we haunt the street
And knock on doors for trick or treat.
Tonight we are the king and queen,
For tonight it's Halloween!

Jack Prelutsky

¹Introduced in my story Knight Light as an Edith Nelson’s middle name and one she often goes by. Not necessary to read it for this story, they don’t intrinsically tie together. ‘Caitlin’ and Lee had some involvement in another of my stories ‘Thunder Rolls’, but again not necessary to read it for this story. Just know that they are attracted to each other but at this point do not want her brother, Admiral Nelson in on it. Caitlin is an agent for NSA (National Security Agency), Nelson is blissfully unaware of this as well.

² Jiggs Starke, good friend of Harry and seen in season 1 episode 18, Mutiny. Lee and Admiral Starke don’t exactly hit it off. Starke has issues with Lee’s command style, thinks he is too lax. Lee is always proper with Starke but doesn’t back down, which irritates Starke further. Starke also objects to Harry’s friendship with Lee, a subordinate officer.

³Cavelier -  a variety of wide-brimmed hat popular in the 17th century. These hats were often made from felt, and usually trimmed with an ostrich plume. They were often cocked up or had one side of the brim pinned to the side of the crown of the hat which was then decorated with feathers. Cavalier hats get their name from supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, known as cavaliers, noted for wearing extravagant clothing. It was a common hat style throughout Europe during the 17th century, until it was later replaced in fashion by the tricorne. Other articles of clothing also are designated as Cavelier and date from the same period and exhibit extravagance in their design.

⁴Bauta Mask - The Bauta is to be considered the traditional venetian mask, the one mostly used to cover your features, made in a way that it is still possible to eat and drink without having to take it off. The name bauta does not have up to now, a definite interpretation: it may came from the German "behüten"(to protect), as well as from "bau" (or "babau"), typical Italian representation of the monster, or bad beast, used by adults to scare children: "Se non stai bravo viene il babau e ti porta via … (if you do not behave, the babau will come over and take you away …)"

⁵ Just Dance - Lady Gaga, released in 2008 as the lead single from Gaga's debut studio album The Fame. The song was written by Gaga in ten minutes as "a happy record.” ‘Just Dance’ also has influences of R&B and lyrically speaks about being intoxicated at a club.

⁶ Bonacieux - Madame Bonacieux  -  Wife of Monsieur Bonacieux and lady-in-waiting for Queen Anne. Madame Bonacieux is loyal to the Queen through and through. D'Artagnan falls in love with her, and in doing so gets involved in the Queen's secret affairs.

⁷ Francis - Chief Sharkey’s first name, revealed in season 2 episode 2, Time Bomb. Later in season 3 episode 71, The Lost Bomb, we find out that his full name is Francis Ethelbert Sharkey.

⁸ The Big Bang Theory. The phrase has been around for a long time but the character ‘Penny’ on the show has given it new life. Sort of reminiscent of the military term for creamed chipped beef on toast, but meaning is different.