Wayward Son

By: Chris B.

The news was not encouraging, Admiral Harriman Nelson, founder of the Nelson Institute of Marine Research and owner of SSRN Seaview had been critically injured during their last mission. Shock waves generated from a massive undersea earthquake had seriously damaged Seaview, four crewmen had been killed and Nelson had suffered a massive head injury and electrical shock when he was thrown into the main control panel in the circuitry room. That had been eight days ago and he had yet to regain consciousness. Brain scans had been less than encouraging showing only minimal baseline activity. Dr. Jamieson, Chief Medical Officer, was deeply concerned fearing that the Admiral was slipping into an irreversible vegetative state.

“Any change Jamie” Commander Chip Morton, captain of the Seaview inquired as he entered the Admirals room.

“No” Jamie shook his head sadly. “He should be showing signs of improvement as the swelling of his brain decreases but it seems to be quite the opposite. His level of brain activity is decreasing.” Both men stood quietly looking down on their friend and commanding officer. Both lost in thought.

Chip walked over to the bed and picked up Nelson’s hand. “Admiral, its Chip. Can you hear me, sir? We need you to come back to us. Seaview needs you to make her whole again.”

“Whole again…” Chip rolled those words over in his mind. Seaview was never going to whole again since her heart and soul walked away, seemingly never to return. “God I wish Lee were here.”

******

It had been nearly three years since that awful mission that left them all wounded and hurting including Seaview. Their mission was to locate and recover a meteorite that had landed in the Marianas Trench. The whole thing had felt wrong from the start; both Chip and Lee had felt it. Something wasn’t right in how Nelson was acting.

The Admiral had become obsessed with finding and recovering this rock at all costs much to the consternation of Seaview’s captain Lee Crane. Based on what was known, the meteorite was large weighing several tons and composed of a new element that offered to provide a heretofore unknown energy source. It was also suspected that the element was highly unstable and could react violently if not handled with extreme caution. Seaview was not designed or equipped to carry out such a mission especially at the depths that would be required.

“Admiral I’ve reviewed all the mission parameter and the information you’ve provided on this meteorite and I find the safety risks too high. We don’t know enough about how it will react and at the depths we’ll be operating at the margin for error is too slim. There has to be some other means of recovering the meteorite, perhaps ROV’s or AUV’s¹ something that won’t put our crew at risk unnecessarily.” Lee Crane said to his superior.

“Damn it Captain this is exactly what Seaview was designed for,” Nelson countered. “Seaview has the capabilities and the crew is more than willing and able to accept the risks to ensure that we get the meteor first.”

“But sir I feel that we are rushing into this blindly and not adequately prepared for what could happen. It would be more appropriate to bring in a heavy lift vessel to recover the meteorite instead of trying it with Seaview. Based on our calculations the weight of that thing would put her at the very limit of her capabilities”

“Your concern is noted Captain but we are going after the meteorite in three days with or without you. If you are too uncomfortable with the mission parameters maybe you should relinquish command of Seaview to someone more capable of adapting and responding to the needs of NIMR and the nation.” Nelson countered belligerently.

Lee felt as though he’d been physically slapped. His eyes narrowed as he looked directly at the Admiral. “That won’t be necessary,…sir. I’ll see that whatever Seaview and her crew are called upon to do is done to the best of their capabilities,” he said icily. There was no way Lee was going to add another risk factor to the mission by having a new captain at the helm in less than ideal conditions. Lee was the best man for the job and that was not hubris but a well-known fact. His command and control of Seaview and her crew were the only reasons in many instances why they succeeded in their missions and returned home.

“Then see to it Mister. Dismissed.” Nelson glared at the younger man.

Lee executed a tight military about-face and walked out of the Admiral’s office sorely tempted to slam the door behind him. Something wasn’t right, Harri was never like this. Lee strode angrily down the hall to Chip Morton’s office to go over his conversation with Nelson and between the two of them identify additional precautions they could implement to throw the odds more in their favor.

“I don’t understand it Chip, he’s never like this. He just dismissed my concerns out of hand. I have a very bad feeling about this whole thing and we haven’t even left the dock.” Lee said to his XO and best friend.

“I know,” Chip agreed. “I’ve never known him to be so closed minded to suggestions or comments on a mission. I tried voicing my concerns as well and was summarily dismissed too.”

“Well let’s go over this whole thing again and see where we can factor in more precautions and hopefully turn things more to our favor.” They sat down and began dissecting the mission element by element adding more safety procedures where they could to keep the crew and Seaview safe.

Despite their best efforts the command crew was unable to counterbalance all the factors against them. The mission turned into a colossal fiasco resulting in significant damage to Seaview and injury and death to several crew members. Both Lee and Chip had sustained significant injuries that left them in tremendous pain but remained on duty to ensure that they made it home.

Nelson was absolutely livid. He ranted and raged at both Lee and Chip dressing them down in front of the control room crew for their ineptitude and dereliction of duty in allowing Seaview to be damaged and for the injuries and deaths amongst the crew. The verbal assault was brutal and had the control room crew cringing from the attack on their commanding officers. They knew it wasn’t their faults having taken every precaution they could think of to make this mission a success.

The Admiral stormed out of the nose and returned to his cabin. Lee and Chip stood there both too stunned to move. “What the hell is going on with him, Lee?” Chip finally said. “Where does he get off laying this all at our feet with no consideration to what he pushed us into?”

Lee just shook his head still reeling from the scene that had just played out in the nose. “I have no idea Chip but it’s past time to find out. He’s right though I was derelict in my duties; I should have put a stop to this long before we got here. This is my fault; I’m responsible for the safety of this vessel and the crew.”

“Lee you had no choice. You knew that if you refused he would have replaced you with someone else. He already made that perfectly clear before we even left port. Your presence here made the difference between being damaged and totally destroyed. The responsibility for this FUBAR² rests solely with him.” Chip countered.

Lee ran a hand through his hair, nodded and sighed deeply. He scanned the control room meeting the eyes of the crew and feeling as though he had totally failed them. “I’m going up and try to have a little more rational conversation with him Chip and see if I can find out what’s gone wrong.”

“Good luck, you’re going to need it if the last conversation was any indication.”

**********

Lee walked to the Admiral’s cabin and knocked on the door. A terse “Come” was issued through the door and Lee opened it and walked in.

“Well, have you come to apologize and beg my forgiveness?” Nelson said frostily as he took in the sight of his Captain.

“No,” Lee shot back. “I’ve come to find out what the hell is wrong with you. It’s something I should have done before we ever left the dock. You’ve been acting irrationally, one might even say obsessively, about the mission forcing us into the situation we’re in now.”

“How dare you.” Nelson growled. He rose suddenly glaring at Crane. “This whole mess lies squarely at your feet Commander. Because of your inability to carry out the orders given to you this boat and my men are limping home to lick their wounds. Your incompetence has totally floored me. A green ensign could have done a better job of commanding this mission than you have. I never should have risked taking you on as Skipper, Jiggs was so right about you and your arrogant attitude. I can’t believe I was blinded enough to ever consider you an appropriate captain for the Seaview or ever think of you as a son.”

The world seemed to stop and all became silent as the last words slipped out of his mouth. Something within Nelson finally snapped giving him a hint at his inappropriate behavior of late. The look of shock and hurt on Lee’s face stunned him like a gunshot to the chest. The look only lasted a few seconds quickly replaced by the impenetrable professional façade that Lee had worn for much of his life. The temperature in the room seemed to drop to subzero as Lee glared at him, the golden eyes now afire with anger.

“If that’s the way you feel then I will gladly remove myself from your command. I have far too much concern for the safety of both the crew and this vessel to put them in a situation where they cannot rely on the unity of command. They don’t need to be second guessing whether you will be overriding my orders especially at critical moments when lives can be lost. I will see to it that we make it safely back to port and then our association is done Admiral and I mean all our associations.”

With that the Captain turned smartly on his heel and exited the Admiral’s cabin this time slamming the door with such vehemence that Nelson was deafened by the sound. “What have I done?’ as the damage he had done dawned on him.

For the remainder of the cruise Lee avoided the Admiral at all costs. When forced to interact with him, his responses were as monosyllabic as possible with no hint of the friendship or respect that once made up their relationship. As Harri tried to engage him in conversation and try to apologize Lee cut him off as quickly as possible and found other duties to occupy his time. He hadn’t told anyone about his conversation with the Admiral as he didn’t want to inject additional stress into an already tense environment.

Lee had quietly packed his gear, ready to leave Seaview for the last time. He took all the pictures from the walls of his cabin save for those of just him and the Admiral. After signing off on the last reports once they made port, he grabbed his duffle bag and head off the ship. He dumped his gear in his car and made a bee line for his office to gather the few items he had there. He pulled out his ID cards, NIMR uniform insignia and keys, placed them in an envelope and dropped the whole thing in Angie’s in box.

Unaware that Lee had already left Seaview the Admiral went to his cabin to try once again to apologize. He knocked but there was no response. He opened the door and felt a lead weight settle in his stomach as he took in the empty cabin save for the two pictures left on the wall. He turned quickly and ran down the corridor to the control room. “Chip have you seen Lee?” he asked breathlessly.

Chip looked up from his paperwork and regarded the Admiral. “He left about 20 minutes ago,” he said frostily. “Said he had a few things he had to do in his office and then he wanted to get the hell away from here for a while.” Chip was pissed and didn’t care if Nelson knew it.

Nelson pulled out his phone and immediately contacted Security. “This in Nelson, has Captain Crane left the grounds yet?”

“Yes sir he drove through the gates about 5 minutes ago.” The security officer answered.

Nelson sank down into the nearest chair placing his head in his hands. “Oh god he’s gone.”

“What do you mean he’s gone?” inquired Chip.

“I’ve driven him off Seaview. I said things that I never meant for the sole purpose of hurting and demeaning him. I don’t even know why. I’ve lost him Chip for Seaview and myself.”

With that Nelson slowly rose and walked dejectedly back to his cabin to mourn the loss of his best friend and son.

**********

Chip was conversing quietly with Jamie outside the Admiral’s room while Kowalski sat watching them from the waiting area at Santa Barbara General Hospital. The facilities at SBGH were more complete for handling brain injuries than those at the NIMR Med Bay. Ski heard the elevator bell ring from down the hall. Out of his peripheral vision he caught sight of a tall thin man stepping out of the elevator. He stared at the floor directory on the wall for a moment then turned and started walking in Ski’s direction. His hair was dark with longish curls; he was favoring his left side and walking with a noticeable limp. As he neared the waiting area his facial features became more distinct. Kowalski had to do a double take to make sure of what he had seen.

Kowalski shot to his feet and started moving quickly down the hall towards the man. “Skipper?”

Lee Crane met Kowalski with a large grin and an outstretched hand. “Ski, you’re looking good. How have you been?” he inquired shaking hands.

“Fine sir. How about you, are you all right?” Kowalski replied, a very concerned look upon his face for the Commander’s obvious injuries.

Breaking into a bigger smile he met Ski’s eye and said, “I’m fine.”

Ski laughed loudly pumping Crane’s hand. “I didn’t think I’d ever hear that again, sir.”

Chip and Jamie both turned as they noticed Kowalski’s rapid departure from the sitting area. As they took in the visage of the man coming down the hall they too broke into big smiles and hurried to greet their long absent friend.

“Lee, is that you?” Chip called as he stepped forward grabbing Lee in a big bear hug.

Lee grunted uncomfortably at Chip’s hearty squeeze but returned it none the less. “Yeah Chip it’s me.” Arms on each other’s shoulders they looked deeply into each other’s eyes for the longest time. Communicating on that subconscious level they had developed over the years, they took great comfort in being in each other’s presence again.

“Jamie, it’s good to see you again.” Lee said as he and the doctor clasped hands.

“Likewise Lee, though as usual you seem a little worse for the wear.” Jamie replied as he took in Lee’s limp and the way his left arm clung to his side.

Lee smiled and shrugged. “Long story. I heard about the Admiral, how’s he doing?”

Motioning to the sitting area, Jamie began relating information on Nelson’s condition to Crane. Lee shook his head sadly as he absorbed the information and noticeably paled. The concern and worry on his face growing deeper as Jamie spoke. “Can I see him?”

“Where the hell have you been Lee?” Chip finally interjected.

“Iraq.” Lee replied succinctly. “After that last mission I just had to get away. Harri was so angry and unreasonable it didn’t seem like anything I did was right. I figured I would give him a little time to cool down. I called Admiral Hardy when we got back and asked if he had any missions available. He had one but it required a greater time commitment than the ones I had undertaken in the past. I figured based on the brief it would be about six months at most but that was overly optimistic on my part. I’ve been deep undercover for most of the last three years with an Al Qaida terrorist cell. This is the first time I’ve been in the US since I left. I had just received orders to return home when our hideout was attacked by US forces. I was captured and as we were being evacuated back to the US base the truck I was riding in hit an IED killing two marines, four of the cell members and wounding the rest of us. I‘ve spent the last couple of weeks recuperating.”

“There was no way I could get in touch with you to let you know where I was or what was going on. In the end I figured it was for the best anyway.” Lee continued on. “Somehow Admiral Starke found out where I was and got word to me about the Admiral’s condition. I came as fast as I could.”

“Damn ONI.” Chip hissed. “They could have at least let us know you had returned to their service. We’ve been left wondering what happened to you since you disappeared. It really hurt the Admiral when you left. Hell it hurt us all to be left hanging like that. The Admiral has been consumed with guilt and remorse this whole time, he’s just a shell of the man he was.”

“Lee shortly after you left, the Admiral collapsed in part due to the stress and worry over your whereabouts. He was adamant that he was going to find you and was turning over every stone he could neglecting his health and to a lesser extent the Institute. When we got him to the hospital I did a comprehensive exam along with a number of neurological scans where we discovered he had a small brain tumor that was the source of his uncharacteristic emotional behavior. The neurosurgeon was able to successfully remove the tumor and the Admiral returned to his normal irascible self.” Jamie expounded.

Lee sighed heavily as the information added an even heavier load of guilt to his shoulders for causing his friends so much worry. “I’m glad to hear he was back to his old self. In all honesty I thought I did what was best given the situation. You weren’t there for our last “discussion”. He left no doubt in my mind that he had lost all confidence and respect for me as both his captain and his friend. There was no way I could continue on in command of Seaview after what he said. I’d never seen him so angry or so mean.”

“As to being left in the dark, ONI couldn’t’ tell you I was working for them because if any hint of my whereabouts emerged the whole operation would have been lost. I’m sorry I couldn’t get word to you but what I was into proved to be vitally important to our war effort and saved hundreds of US military and civilian lives.”

All three Seaview men recognized the sacrifices their errant Captain had made even if they didn’t necessarily like the fact he had left them in the lurch wondering where he had gone. “Welcome home, sir.” Kowalski finally said breaking the uneasy silence.

Lee smiled warmly at his three friends. “Thanks Ski, it’s so nice to be home again; to be with my friends in my country. Jamie can I see the Admiral now?”

“Sure come on down. His physical condition is stable but as I explained his mental condition is deteriorating. He’s comatose with no sign of higher brain functions.”

Lee entered and slowly walked over to the Admiral. He took in all the monitors and IVs to which he was attached and frowned. He gently picked up the Admiral right hand and clasped it firmly between his. “Harri, its Lee. I’m home now. I’ve missed you so much. Wake up please, I need to see your eyes and hear your laugh again. I’d even settle for you chewing me out for running out on you.”

Lee looked up at Jamie and Chip. “Could I have a few moments alone with him?”

“Sure Lee we’ll be just outside if you need anything.” Chip replied.

Lee grabbed a chair and brought it close to Harri’s bed. Picking up his hand again he began to speak. “Dad, can you hear me? It’s me Lee.” He paused for a moment relishing the word “dad”. He’d spent the majority of his life having no one to call that and then wound up walking away from the man he’d come to love as a father to shield himself from the hurt Harri’s words had caused. Each one was like a physical blow wounding him deeply. No one at NIMR knew that Harri had legally adopted Lee 7 years ago cementing the relationship between the two men that had started back at Annapolis so many years ago.

“I want you to know that I love you and I’ve missed you so much it hurts. I’m sorry I’ve been away so long I never meant it to take this long to come back home. I hope you can hear me because I really need to tell you that I love you, Dad. I need you to forgive me. Please come back to me now, please.”

Lee rested his forehead against Harri shoulder, the toll of his recent injuries and the emotional strain of his father’s condition sapped his strength. He closed his eyes and took what comfort he could from being with the Admiral again. Unsurprisingly he drifted off to sleep.

**********

He must be dreaming. He could hear Lee’s voice but it couldn’t be he’d driven him away. Hurt him in ways only those close to you can do. “Did he say he loves me? Can that be right? How could he ever forgive me for all I put him through, for what I said?” Harri thought to himself as something seemed to pull him toward consciousness. “Lee, are you there?” he tried to call out. The monitors started chattering excitedly as Harri began moving himself out of the darkness.

Slowly, like swimming through molasses, Harri emerged from his coma. The light assaulted his eyes as he looked frantically around the room for the voice he had heard. As he scanned the room he noticed someone was holding his hand and a head resting next to him. He looked to his right to see a mop of long black curls against his shoulder. He reached over slowly with his left hand and gently placed it on Lee’s head. A smile spread warmly over his face. My son is home. He sighed contentedly.

The subtle movement of Harri’s chest rising with that sigh nudged Lee awake. He felt the hand on his head and the squeeze of his hand as Harri returned his grip. Lee sat up slowly to see the Admiral’s eyes shining brightly at him. “Dad” he said softly.

At the sound of that one word a huge smile spread quickly across Harri’s face. “Son, I’ve missed you. It’s about time you came home,” he said hoarsely.

Lee rose painfully to his feet and leaned across Harri giving him a gentle hug. “I’ve missed you too. I’m so sorry.”

“You’ve nothing to be sorry for, it was my fault. I thought I’d lost you lad.”

The door to the Admiral’s room swung open as Chip and Jamie came back to claim Lee. They stood there stunned to see the Admiral alert and talking. “Admiral,” Jamie exclaimed. “How are you feeling?”

Harri looked up, the impish gleam that had long been absent clearly shining in his eyes. “I couldn’t be better,” he said with a smile. “My son is home.”

Chip and Jamie looked at each other with the same question in their eyes and smiled. Jamie moved to Harri’s side and immediately began checking him over, taking his vitals and generally ensuring he was on the road to recovery. Thrilled with his findings he recorded his observations on the Admiral’s chart.

Meanwhile Lee limped carefully over to Chip’s side to get out of Jamie’s way. He laid his arm lightly across Chip’s shoulder enjoying the feeling of being with his brother of heart and soul again. Chip returned the gesture by placing his arm around Lee’s shoulder as well.

“Where’s Ski?” asked Lee.

“He went back to NIMR to let everyone know you’re home.” Chip replied with a huge smile.

The Admiral had noticed how slowly and stiffly Lee moved and how he was favoring his side. “What’s wrong?” Harri asked.

“Nothing,” Lee replied “I’m fine. I haven’t felt this good in three years. ” That remark elicited rolled eyes across the room. He laughed heartily, it felt so good to be back with his friends and family he had missed them so much. The last three years had been hell, away from those he loved most, living a life not his own with the ever present threat of being discovered and summarily executed.

As the three men asked and answered questions about what had occurred in each other’s lives over the time they had been separated the door to the Admiral’s room swung open. The duty nurse stepped in, “Excuse me but is there an Admiral Crane here?”

All eyes snapped to Lee as he blushed slightly at the news of his promotions. “Yes, I’m Admiral Crane,” he replied to the nurse.

“There’s a telephone call at the desk for you.”

“Thank you. Would you please let whoever it is know I’ll be right there.” The nurse nodded and went back to her station.

“Admiral?” Chip voiced the question that was on all their minds.

“Long story,” Lee replied. “I’ll be back in a few moments.” He turned and left the room to pick up his telephone call.

“Where has he been?” asked Nelson. “What happened to him?”

“We don’t know much,” Chip started. “He arrived about an hour or so ago apparently alerted to your condition by Admiral Starke. He said he’d been undercover for ONI most of the last 3 years and was injured as he was trying to come home after his assignment was over. He said he had been recuperating for the last couple of weeks.”

Jamie continued to check out the Admiral much to the Nelson’s consternation. He wanted to be left alone so he could begin mending fences with Lee. The minutes passed and they were all getting a little nervous that Lee might have taken off again when the door opened and he reentered the room.

“Took you long enough,” Chip chided. Lee smiled self-consciously and blushed a bit. “Care to share what that was all about.”

“Nothing really,” Lee answered. “Seems ambulatory did not mean allowed to leave the hospital.”

“What?” Jamie exclaimed. He moved menacingly towards Lee ready to take him to task for ignoring doctor’s orders and escaping from the hospital.

“Down, Jamie. I’m fine. I’m just a little sore and tired nothing a good night’s sleep won’t take care of.”

“I bet. You and I are going for a little walk to the nearest examination room and find out what all you’re hiding.” Jamieson said slipping firmly into CMO mode.

Lee smiled. “I don’t work for NIMR any more Jamie, so there’s not too much you can say to make me take that walk.”

“As I recall you never tendered your resignation and I would not have accepted it any way.” Nelson cut in. He stared intently at his son. “Even if you are an admiral I still outrank you so go with Jamie. Please son.”

Lee fidgeted under the scrutiny but didn’t seem ready to concede. He was sorely tempted to say that he was under the impression he had been fired but didn’t want to open those wounds again when everything seemed to be resolving itself. He finally sighed heavily and motioned Jamie to precede him out the door.

An hour later Jamie and Lee returned to Harri’s room. Both were somewhat flushed often a sign of one of their legendary debates regarding Lee’s health. During the examination Jamie found a number of partially healed shrapnel wounds that were red and swollen irritated by Lee’s escape activities. There were also signs that a couple of them were infected leaving him with a slight fever.

“Well?” Harri asked raising an eyebrow looking back and forth between both men.

“He needs to be in a hospital bed until his wounds have healed more. He’s underweight, slightly dehydrated, has a fever and is exhausted, same old story.”

Lee rolled his eyes. “As I said I’m fine. Jamie gave me a shot of antibiotics and a couple of pain pills. I’ll down a quart of water and then I’m good to go.”

Jamie glowered at the younger man rolling his eyes in return. “I’m serious Lee you need to take it easy and let your body heal. You’re not as young as you used to be and your body needs more time to recover from your little antics.”

“Jamie I just got back. I’m not going to spend my first night home in a hospital bed for cripes sake.” Lee retorted.

“And just where did you escape from Lee?” Chip chimed in.

All eyes were fixed on Lee as he averted his eyes staring at his shoes. Finally looking up from under his long dark lashes, appearing very much the little boy caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar, “Umm, Germany” he replied softly. The look of exasperation on the other men’s faces was priceless and Lee couldn’t control the laugh that bubbled up. He broke into one of his most charming and disarming smiles. “I had to come home and check on you, sir.” They all broke into laughter at that remark.

“My question now, Admiral Crane, is how did this all come about?” asked Admiral Nelson.

“When I took the assignment with ONI it came with a promotion to Captain. It seems each year after that one more rank was tacked on. When I came to in the hospital in Germany I was addressed as Rear Admiral Crane, upper half by the way. I knew that had to be in error so I called Admiral Hardy. He said he’s retiring in six months and apparently I’m targeted as the new head of ONI. How they pushed all this through I have no idea.”

A stunned silence consumed the room. The eyes of the other men were as big as pie plates as the surprise of that announcement registered. “Are you going to take it?” Chip asked. They all waited expectantly for his reply.

“I don’t know yet, I’ve been giving it serious thought.” Lee answered. “There’s nothing for me at NIMR, you’re the Captain of Seaview Chip and it would be unfair to ask you to step aside nor should you. I wouldn’t be happy stuck back in port taking care of the business end while you all go out to sea, at least not yet. I think I could make a difference at ONI, hopefully implement some changes to improve the program and save the agents from many of the experiences I’ve had.”

“Lee I would gladly step back to XO to have you back. We’ve missed you especially your Gray Lady. It’s just not the same. I’ve been a good captain but I’m nowhere near your level Lee and Seaview deserves the best.”

“I appreciate that Chip but I just don’t see that working out. She’s your command, your crew now.”

Nelson still sat there in a daze taking in the recent turn of events. Ever since he had brought Lee to the Institute he had envisioned them working side by side until he retired and passed the reins to Lee. He paled and looked suddenly very old. Jamieson caught the subtle change in the Admiral’s appearance and moved to settle the man in for the night.

“Admiral, it’s time for you to get some rest. I’m going to give you a sedative and let you get some sorely needed sleep. You and Lee can talk later. I’ll make sure he follows my instructions and gets some rest as well.” Jamie injected.

Nelson looked at Jamie and nodded deciding not to fight the doctor. His return to consciousness had had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster and he was ready to get off for the moment. “Alright Jamie, I am a little tired.”

Both Chip and Lee bade the Admiral good night and stepped out into the hall. “Just relax Harri; there’ll be plenty of time to sort things out. Lee’s only now returning to the life he left behind and that life by no means was simple. You both just need to sit down and talk. You’ll find a solution that works for you both.”

“I can only hope Jamie, I can only hope.” Nelson said as he faded into sleep.

**********

Jamie came out of the Admiral’s room to find Lee and Chip chatting quietly. “He’s asleep and should stay that way until tomorrow morning. Now Admiral Crane it’s time that we put you in the same position.”

“Eventually Jamie.” Lee responded. “I’m hungry and want something to eat. I’m fairly sure there’s nothing edible in my house after all these years. Are you all up for a pizza? I’ve had a wicked craving for a Roberto’s special for the last year and a half.” He grinned broadly and licked smacked his lips.

“Count me in” Chip piped up. “And since you’re pulling down the big bucks now you’re buying.”

“Alright Lee, count me in as well. That will satisfy one portion of my prescription. We can get the pizza to go and then we will escort you home, have dinner then tuck you in bed.” Jamie added.

“Deal” Lee responded. It felt so good to be bantering with his friends again, he couldn’t say that enough. He had missed this all so much.

**********

Lee sat comfortably out on the deck savoring the pizza, beer and companionship he had so sorely missed. The night was warm and the stars and moon shone brightly. The three men sat in a companionable silence taking in the waves as they danced against the beach. Lee sighed contentedly and just smiled at his friends.

“Okay Lee now you need to dish on this deal with ONI.” Chip finally said taking a deep swig from his beer.

“I had no idea any of this was in the works. I was happy with the promotion to Captain but figured I was going to earn it on this mission. The promotion to Admiral was a total surprise and when SecNav and Admiral Hardy presented me with the proposal I was shocked to say the least. It’s a three year tour and a Vice Admiral billet so I would pin on another star. It’s not that I am really looking for rank but now that I’m more or less ranked out of field operations it seems a logical step.”

“Are you really sure you want to get saddled with a desk and have to deal with that three ring circus back in DC?” Chip asked. He had only just gotten his brother back and didn’t want to let him go. The only saving grace was that he would be out of the field work and no longer taking the risks Chip had so long crusaded against.

“I just don’t know yet.” Lee said honestly. “After that blowup with the Admiral I really felt as though I’d lost everything, his respect, Seaview. I’ll be very honest it hurt more than you can imagine and for reasons you’re not aware. You’ve all known how close we’d become over the years, well after that incident with Magneson³, Harri was very disturbed by it. For the first time he opened up and told me that he had considered me his son for quite some time and the thought of never having told me that before I “died” shook him up badly. I of course told him that I felt the same way towards him, considering him my father for probably even longer. Following that baring of our souls he said that he had long envisioned me taking over NIMR after he was gone, to see his work continue. To that end he wanted to make me his heir and son so 7 years and 16 days ago Harry legally adopted me.”

Chip and Jamie just gaped in surprise. They had long recognized the close relationship and genuine affection between the men but were still caught off guard by the news.

“The adoption paperwork was filed in some one-horse town in Wyoming to keep it out of the media. It’s not that we were embarrassed by it we just didn’t feel it was anyone else’s business. This was something just for us. You can’t imagine how happy I was with all of this. I don’t care how old you are if you’re an orphan the thought that someone wants to claim you as their own makes you feel whole for the first time in your life. I felt as though I was walking on clouds.” Lee continued.

“Anyway following that horrible mission to recover the meteorite I went to talk with the Admiral to find out was going on with him. He got really abusive and nasty and said that he couldn’t believe he was blinded enough to ever consider me an appropriate captain for the Seaview or ever think of me as a son. He should have just shoved a dagger through my heart; it would have hurt a lot less. As you can imagine I was completely stunned, those words devastated me and the only thing I could think of was getting as far away from the son of bitch as possible. Enter ONI. I hadn’t intended to get so involved with the mission but I had been accepted so readily into the cell that it posed an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up. As I said earlier the information I was able to get out to ONI saved hundreds if not thousands of lives all the while keeping my mind off how my life had come crashing down around my ears.”

Jamie and Chip continued to stare at Lee. “Well that explains a lot about the Admiral’s behavior after you disappeared.” Jamie said quietly. “No wonder he was so torn up about what happened and so focused on trying to find you. God Lee I’m sorry you had to go through that alone.”

“Yeah, bro I can completely understand why you felt you had to get away. I just wish you would have talked to me before you did anything. Nelson wasn’t the only one torn up about your departure. I had a feeling that you had gone back to ONI but there was just no way to confirm that.” Chip added.

“With this potential appointment as ONI head, the adoption will come to light. Aside from being very concerned about Harri’s condition I had to know where we stood after all this time. I didn’t know if he had taken measures to revoke the adoption or if he was even going to talk to me. I was so happy he seemed his old self and not the unbalanced tyrant I remember from that last mission.”

“Lee we all know that the Admiral wants you back at NIMR, on Seaview and in his life. It’s all he’s really been focused on since you left. You really need to sit down with him and talk honestly about everything past and present.” Jamie interjected.

Lee shifted uncomfortably in his chair grimacing slightly at the tug on his healing wounds. “I know and as I said I’m thrilled he’s even talking to me so hopefully that will make things easier. Hardy’s not retiring for six months so we have time to talk this over and I have time to make my decision.”

Jamie stood up and started collecting the empty beer bottles and pizza box. “Not tonight though. You need to go to bed and get some sleep. You have been up way too long given your condition and I’m sure your body is not too far from telling you that. Why don’t you go get ready for bed then I’ll come up and check your wounds, slather some more antibiotic cream on them and wrap you up for the night.”

Lee couldn’t suppress the massive yawn that overtook him. Just the mere thought of sleep was making him giddy. He slowly stood up and moved toward his bedroom more than ready to sleep in his own bed for the first time in three years.

Chip and Jamie continued to neaten up throwing away the boxes, paper plates and napkins. They both were lost in their own thoughts going over the evening’s revelations. Jamie went out to his car to collect his medical bag and headed up to Lee’s bedroom. He conducted a detailed examination of Admiral Crane - that sounded so odd to him but nice - taking all his vitals, inspecting his wounds and taping him up. He got Lee all tucked in and he was asleep before Jamie even made it to the door.

He came downstairs finding Chip back out on the deck staring out over the ocean. He walked up behind Chip and placed his hand on his shoulder. “It’s been quite a day hasn’t it?”

“That’s a bit of an understatement don’t you think.” Chip said with slight chuckle. “I don’t think I could have withstood another surprise today. How about you?”

Jamie shook his head. “No I’ve had more than enough upheaval for the year.” They stood there quietly a few moments more. “Well I need to get home and catch some shut eye. There’s no doubt in my mind that Admiral Nelson will up and at ‘em early tomorrow morning.”

“I think I’m going to crash here tonight. I don’t want Lee to be alone especially if any nightmares come calling after his time in Iraq. I also want to get into that freaky head of his and find out exactly what he’s thinking about all of this.”

“Sounds like a good idea Chip. Try and get some rest yourself, you’ve put in more than your fair share.”

“Will do Jamie. Good night.” As Jamie left Chip made sure everything was locked up and headed off to bed in Lee’s spare room.

**********

Will Jamieson had totally called it. Harriman Nelson was awake bright and early and very agitated following yesterday’s events. As Jamie came into the room he could tell Nelson was giving serious thought to climbing out of bed and making a break for it.

“Halt.” He ordered. Harri froze knowing he’d been caught contemplating an escape attempt. “Don’t, I repeat, don’t even think about it. You are in no condition to be even thinking about getting out of that bed let alone leaving this room.” He nailed the Admiral with his best disapproving CMO stare and Harri quailed under its intensity.

“I wasn’t doing anything Jamie.” He said innocently trying to deflect some of the admonishments he knew were coming his way.

“Don’t try and con me, I’ve known you far too long not to recognize that look in your eyes when you’re going to do something really stupid.” Jamie walked over and started taking Harri’s vitals and reviewing the readings from the previous evening.

“Well?” Nelson inquired.

“You’ll live.” Jamie deadpanned. “Actually everything looks good Admiral. All your readings are nearly normal and since you’ve been unconscious for so long you’re healing up nicely.”

Harry snorted at that remark. “How’s Lee? Did you get a chance to talk with him much last night?”

“Yes we had quite a long chat with all kinds of revelations coming to light. I couldn’t be happier to find out you’re a father. You know you really could have told Chip and me that you and Lee are officially a family; we would have kept it quiet.”

Harri blushed slightly. “I know that Jamie, we both do. We just felt that if it came out it would put an even bigger microscope on our relationship and didn’t really want to deal with that. I’m surprised he told you. He always seemed so proprietary about that bit of information. It was like this prized possession, wrapped in velvet and stored securely away. I got the impression he felt that if he said it out loud it would somehow prove to just be a dream and disappear.”

“I can understand that. Lee has had some crushing blows in his life.” Jamie’s intonation led Harri to believe that Lee had revealed yet another one of those blows in the course of their conversations.

“He told you why he left, huh?” Harri asked ashamedly.

Jamie looked up and locked eyes with Harri. “I probably would have hauled off and hit you had you said those things to me. I know you were being influenced by the tumor but your attack on him was calculated and overwhelmingly brutal. I really can’t blame him for leaving as he did. I can see why he didn’t talk to Chip as well. If you had even a hint that Chip knew where he was you would have ridden him until he cracked or he walked away too.”

“I know Jamie. I’ve been berating myself since those awful words left my mouth. Deep down I knew what I had done, crossed a line that never should have been crossed. That seemed to snap me more back to normal but the damage was done. I tried to apologize to him but he was far too hurt to want to listen. I can’t blame him one bit. So where is he now?”

“Chip and I tucked him in bed last night at his place. Chip spent the night at Lee’s saying it was to make sure someone was there in case Lee had nightmares. I suspect that it was to make sure he didn’t go AWOL again. Their relationship runs as deep as yours and Lee’s. I’ve seen the hurt and loneliness in Chip’s eyes ever since this happened. He just wants to hang with his brother.” Jamie responded.

“Lee still cares very deeply for you Harri. He had no idea what had caused your change in demeanor and was fearful you wouldn’t even talk to him. He wants to make things right between you. I’m sure he’ll show up once Chip feeds him and is willing to let him out of the house.”

Harri smiled at that and settled back into his pillow and started drifting off as Jamie’s sedative began working its magic.

**********

Chip woke very early and silently moved to Lee’s bedroom to check on his friend. Lee was still sacked out and looked as though he’d stay that way for some time. He quickly went back to his room and got dressed. He headed downstairs and out to his car to make an emergency run to the local market. He returned an hour later loaded down with eggs, bacon, potatoes, bread, pastries and most importantly coffee. He went to the kitchen and started the coffee maker filling the house with the inviting aroma.

Not 20 minutes later he heard the telltale signs of Lee moving about his room upstairs. As he heard Lee coming down the stairs he poured him a large cup of coffee and walked into the living room to greet his friend. He had to smile, dressed in a ratty old t-shirt and baggy shorts, his long curly hair sticking up in all directions, gently rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Lee looked like a groggy 5 year old coming down for breakfast. Lee spotted the coffee cup in Chip’s hands and made a bee line for it.

“Oh my god, ambrosia,” he finally said after inhaling half the cup. “Thanks Chip I really needed this.”

“Yes I imagine you did. You’re always such a joy to be around until you have your first pot.” Chip replied.

“What are you doing here by the way? I thought you went home the same time Jamie did.”

“No I spent the night. I wanted to make sure you didn’t run off and join the circus or something dumb like that. Plus I knew if I weren’t here in the morning you wouldn’t eat anything until someone cornered you.”

Lee sent him a faux glower and then broke into an easy smile. “Thanks Grandpa.” He placed his hand on Chips shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

“Anytime, Junior” Chip responded in kind. Chip turned and went into the kitchen to start breakfast.

Between the two of them they whipped up a very respectable breakfast of scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon and toast. They devoured their efforts with relish.

“So what are your plans for today, Admiral,” Chip said with a wink. “Admiral, that sounds damn good Lee and you deserve it.”

“It all seems a bit much” Lee confessed. “It definitely makes things a little trickier with Nelson. I’m rather dreading the talk we need to have.”

“Don’t worry about it Lee, he’s not the man you left. He has been tearing up the Navy trying to find you these last three years. After finding out about your adoption and what he said to you I completely understand his actions now.”

“I hope so; I don’t think I could withstand another round like that. It felt good talking with him last night and hope that he still wants me as a friend and a son.”

“So why didn’t you tell me about getting a dad? You know I would have kept it quiet if you asked me.”

“I don’t know really. I think I was afraid of telling anyone for fear that it would all fall apart. I didn’t want the public scrutiny or the snide remarks and raised eyebrows that the announcement would elicit. It was enough for me that it was just between the two of us.”

“I couldn’t be happier for you both Lee. You’ve each needed someone for a long time and now that he’s back on an even keel things will work out fine.” Chip smiled and got one in return from Lee. “Well you’ve been rested and now fed so I suppose it’s time to go check in on your dad. No doubt Jamie wants to get his mitts on you as well.”

Lee groaned at that last thought. “Yeah I need to go face the music. I’m going to grab a shower and then head over to the hospital to see if he’s up to visitors.”

“Sounds like a plan. Why don’t you come over to the Institute around 1300 we can have lunch and then you can say hello to everyone there. You know Kowalski has raised the alert that you’re back in town and the crew will be quite put out if you don’t show your face sometime soon.”

Lee smiled broadly and agreed. “I’ll be there.”

**********

It was just after 0900 when Lee stepped off the elevator at the hospital. He spied Jamie down the corridor making notations on a chart at the nurses’ station. He walked slowly down the hall to meet up with him. “Morning, Jamie.”

“Morning Admiral.” Jamie responded with a smile. “How are you doing this morning?”

“I’m feeling well thank you. I had a great night’s sleep and Chip and I whipped up a big breakfast so I’m well fed too.” Lee answered.

“How about you come down the hall with me and let me check your wounds out again.”

“Jamie I’m fine.”

“Lee I was serious about what I said yesterday. You really should be in a hospital or at the very least in bed until those wounds of yours have healed a little more. You did yourself no favors getting on that plane and flying back here. You need to take it easy and let yourself heal.”

“Okay, okay Jamie I get the message. Lead the way doctor.” Lee conceded.

Entering the exam room Lee unbuttoned his shirt and gingerly removed it. The wounds were still irritated but the swelling seemed to have gone down. Will poked and prodded Lee and was not all that pleased. He popped a thermometer into Lee’s mouth and grabbed his wrist to take his pulse. He removed the thermometer and frowned.

“You’re still running a fever. These two wounds are infected,” he said lightly touching each one. “I’m going to give you another shot of antibiotics and write you a prescription for oral antibiotics which YOU WILL TAKE. Got it Mister?!” Lee nodded. “How’s the pain, do you need anything stronger than aspirin?” Lee shook his head no. Will glared at him for a moment to make sure Lee would comply. “All right I suppose I can let you visit with the Admiral since I don’t suppose you came down here to spend time with me and my winning personality.”

They both burst into laughter at that. “Thanks Jamie, for everything.”

**********

Lee knocked lightly on the Admiral’s door. “Come in.” came the answer.

Lee pushed it open and entered the room. Seeing Harri sitting up and relaxed he smiled and approached his bed. “Morning, sir. How are you feeling today?”

“Sir? What happened to Dad?” Harri inquired. One of Lee’s quicksilver grins shot across his face making Harri feel hopeful that he hadn’t completely destroyed their relationship.

“I didn’t want to presume too much.” Lee replied. “You were fairly well lubed last night.”

“Lee, son and I mean that with all my heart, I am so sorry for what I said to you. I have no idea what possessed me to say such awful things but I meant none of them. I am truly honored and privileged to have you as my son and sincerely hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” Harri said with tears glistening in the corners of his eyes.

Lee stepped forward and gave his father a hug as he too fought back the tears that threatened to escape his eyes. “Forgiven and forgotten. I’m just thankful that you are all right again. I missed you so much.”

Harri held Lee tightly thankful to have his son back home again. “I missed you too lad. Welcome home.”

As they separated each surreptitiously wiped the tears from his eyes. Minutes passed as they just stared at each other happy that things were coming back together, that they were a family again.

“So Admiral Crane, how are you feeling this morning?”

“I’m doing well Admiral Nelson, thank you for asking.” They both laughed openly.

“I bet if I polled Jamie on that the answer would be different.” Lee just rolled his eyes and Harri laughed.

“He’ll die a mother-hen you know that don’t you.” Lee retorted. Harri chuckled again and Lee reveled in that deep rumble.

“Congratulations on the promotions Lee, you are very deserving of them. I couldn’t be prouder of you.” Harri said earnestly.

“Thank you, Dad.” Lee said his face flashing with delight. Harri couldn’t help but be warmed by the genuine look of affection in Lee’s eyes. “I’m still getting used to it. I didn’t really get a chance to get used to Captain Crane. That little bit of information could have proved very problematic to me on my last assignment. Admiral is a whole new ball game.”

“Yes it is for a lot of things. Are you really giving serious thought to taking the ONI assignment?”

“Yeah, I think I am. Harri I’m thrilled that you still want me as your son and had things gone on as they had been up to that mission, I would have given no thought to leaving you or NIMR. But things didn’t and everything has changed. There’s nothing I’d love more than taking back the helm of Seaview but that’s not possible. It’s Chip’s gig now and I’d never ask him to give it up, I know how special she is. I’m also not a scientist so I couldn’t even go out on research missions and serve a useful purpose. Going with ONI I could have a chance to make a difference in how the program is run. I still envision coming back to NIMR once I’ve finished my Navy career. The need to protect and preserve the oceans of the world is too vital and will always be of great interest to me.”

“Lee I don’t know what to say. You have very good reasons for what you want to do and I don’t have one good one to rebut them. There’s nothing I’ve wanted more over the last three years than to have you back here at my side. I missed working with you; I missed talking with you, just hanging out with you. I can’t think of what I could offer you that would make you happy right now.” Nelson said sadly.

“This wouldn’t be forever Harri. The assignment is only for three years and by then I may have had my fill of the bureaucracy and bullshit that goes along with the Navy upper echelon.“ They both sat quietly for a long moment.

“I understand Lee,” Nelson finally said. “You know I think I may have something to occupy your time once you’ve had your fill. I’ve been giving serious thought to adding another submarine to the NIMR pen.”

Lee’s head shot up. “Really, how long have you been mulling this over?”

“I’ve been thinking on it for the last four or five years. We have enough requests for Seaview to support at least three subs. Thanks to you and Chip you’ve made NIMR into an international power in marine research. With the track record you both have created it would be feasible to get the necessary funding to commission a new boat.”

The interest in Lee’s eyes was immediately apparent. “Gotcha” thought Harri. “While you complete your obligation to the Navy, I can start the process of securing funding. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight so there would be time for you to get your fourth star.” Harri chuckled. Lee rolled his eyes and chuckled as well. “We can design the new boat together and then I would turn the project over to you to get her built. Is that something that could keep you interested Son?”

Lee just shook his head and smiled. “Sounds like something well worth considering, Dad.”

“In my quest for funding I would naturally have to spend a great deal of time in DC. That would give us more opportunity to meet up and work over our designs and just be a family again. Hell you could even go after your PhD in marine engineering if you found the workload at ONI too light.”

Lee’s face lit up as he considered the possibilities. “I think I would like that. There’s definitely enough challenge associated with a project like that to keep me out of trouble.”

Harri snorted. “Lee there’s not a project big enough in this world to keep you out of trouble. Chip is soundly convinced that you are a trouble magnet of the first order.” Their eyes met and they both broke out laughing.

Things were going to work out well, they could both see that. They would take all the time they needed to sit and discuss what had happened, rebuild the trust and to plan where they needed to go next. Lee and Harri felt whole again for the first time in three years. Harri smiled contentedly, his wayward son was finally home.

The End.

¹ ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle – AUV –Autonomous Unwater Vehicle

² FUBAR – F**ked up beyond all reason

³ A Pawn’s Promotion