This story takes placed within the Fourth Season time-line, and is a sequel to a previous story, but it's more fun figuring out the mystery as you go. But in case you haven't read my other stories, or you just have to know now, follow the asterisk * to the end of the story. : )

When Memories Fade

by Lynn

The dark haired man picked up the receiver of the phone as it rang in his hotel room.

“Yes?”

“Admiral Nelson and Commander Morton are here to see you.”

“Thank you, send them up please.”

He paused, and then hung up the phone. Slowly he walked to his suitcase and moved clothes out of his way, he reached for the automatic handgun that was stashed inside and pulled it out. He removed the safety and looked at it for a moment. The knock on the door brought his head up, and he placed the gun behind his back as he walked toward the door.

He opened the door and greeted two men in summer Khaki uniforms, one tall and blond the other shorter, older with auburn red/brown hair. They greeted him as he motioned with his hand, inviting the men inside. After they entered he shut the door, turned around and pointed the gun at them.

Their eyes registered the gun and were obviously shocked, as the auburn haired man spoke.

“Lee, what's the meaning of this?”

* * * * *

Lee Crane stood at the door holding the gun on Harriman Nelson and Chip Morton. His eyes narrowed as if he were trying to remember something, then he studied Nelson closer.

“You're.. Admiral Nelson?”

“Lee, what's going on here?” Nelson's voice was agitated, but still in control as he realized the strangeness of the events that were unfolding.

Lee studied him again, and lowered the gun. He turned the gun butt first toward the Admiral handing it off as he spoke.

“I'm sorry, you must be just as confused as I am,” then walked into the parlor of the luxury hotel room and sunk into the decorative sofa. He lowered his head into his hands as his elbows rested on his knees, and sat quietly.

Harry and Chip followed Lee into the room and watched him sit. He looked totally confused and dejected. Harry took the Victorian style armchair across from Lee, as Chip stood behind him. They were separated by a coffee table with a lace doily on it and an empty candy dish.

“Lee, maybe you should start at the beginning.” Harry's voice was soft and concerned, as he recognized the real distress that his best friend seemed to be in. Lee's head rose slowly, and Harry caught the absolute emptiness he found in Lee's otherwise expressive eyes.

“Three days ago...I woke up in this hotel room...with absolutely no memory of who I am, or anything before that day. I know I'm Lee Crane because that's what the identification in my wallet says, but I don't remember anything about myself...or you.” Lee's head sagged, but he kept his eyes on the Admiral as he spoke.

“I've spent the last three days walking the streets here, visiting shops, trying to find anyone who might know me...” he laughed a humorless laugh, “guess I haven't made any friends here.”

“Three days? Lee we dropped you off for your leave ten days ago. You don't remember anything, anything at all?”

Lee's negative shake of his head, and his weary eyes reflected a man who had very little sleep of late.

“But you did recognize me just now?” Harry said, thinking back to the look in Lee's eyes as he held the gun on him.

Lee's eyes narrowed as he thought about his answer, “No... but there's something... familiar about you, and I have the feeling we've been through a lot together...but I don't have a single memory to go with that.”

Lee's frustration was clearly weighing heavy on him, as his head sunk again. Harry thought about the situation, and came to a decision.

“I think the best thing to do is to get you back to Seaview and my lab. There's got to be a medical reason for your amnesia.”

Lee's head raised, and he diverted his eyes away from Harry as he thought. The hotel room was the only history he had, he wasn't sure how he was going to feel leaving it.

“Lee,” the Admiral's voice pulling Lee's eyes toward him, “I know you're confused, and you've got nothing to go on, but you're just going to have to trust me.”

Lee looked at Harry, his eyes penetrating to the depths of Harry's blue eyes. He let out a small sigh, and said, “I do Admiral. I don't know why, but I do.” This small admission of trust had taken its toll on Lee, but it had also freed him somewhat, as he allowed a small, strained smile to grace his handsome features.

Harry returned the sentiment, and introduced Chip. This is Lt. Commander Chip Morton, he's your executive officer and a very close friend. Lee's eyes reached up to meet Chip's blue eyes, and he noted the concern that the blond had. He had friends, that was something more than yesterday, maybe they would figure out what was wrong with him. Lee nodded to Chip, smiling with the same strained expression he had given Harry.

“Chip, you check Lee out of the room, I'm going to get him back to Seaview.” Chip nodded his agreement, as Harry rose from his seat. Lee rose with Harry and followed him towards the door. Suddenly, Lee stopped dead in his tracks as his hand reached for his head. He became unsteady on his feet and was obviously trying to work through a great pain.

Chip closed the distance taking Lee's left arm, and Harry took the right as they guided him back over to the sofa. Lee sank heavily into the sofa making small noises of distress, still tightly holding his hand to his head. After another moment it dissipated and Lee's breathing began to return to normal.

Harry and Chip's eyes met each other as they watched Lee trying to compose himself. He leaned forward resting his head in his hands, with his elbows on his knees again. Harry moved to sit next to Lee on the sofa placing a comforting hand on his back.

“Lee? How often do you have these headaches?” Harry's eyes searched for Lee's as he finally raised his head, but Lee stared straight ahead as he answered.

“They come and go...two or three times a day,” his voice airy and strained.

They sat for a moment more, till Harry thought Lee looked stronger. “You ready to try again?” flashing a smile to Lee as he helped him to his feet.

“Sure.”

They walked to the door and out into the hall, as Chip watched, totally dumbfounded by the events that he had just witnessed. He shook himself from his thoughts and got busy packing Lee's room up and making ready to check out.

The best place for Lee right now was Seaview, Chip was sure of that.

* * * * *

Lee and Harry took a cab back to the dock where Seaview was berthed. Lee stood outside the cab looking at the gray submarine in wonder as Harry leaned over and paid the driver. Harry watched the play of emotions on Lee's face, seeing the same wonder that many people seemed to express as they viewed Seaview for the first time.

Lee looked at the gray wonder in front of him. He had spent some time at a library doing some research on NIMR, trying to figure out just what they did, that's where he had seen Admiral Nelson's picture. There was even a picture of him with the Admiral, smiling, a publicity photo. He read that he was the captain, but it meant absolutely nothing. He didn't know a thing about commanding a submarine. Still, the boat was amazing.

“She's a beautiful vessel, Admiral.” Lee said with sincerity.

Harry chuckled, “That she is Lee, that she is.” Then he placed his hand on Lee's back guiding him toward the plank. “Let's get you inside and see if the familiar surroundings jar some of those memories loose, shall we?”

Lee nodded, and smiled a less stressed smile than earlier. Maybe it's going to be alright after all.

Harry guided Lee through the conning tower and down the ladder. He hadn't thought it possible that Lee could actually not know his way around Seaview. Truth be told, Harry thought that Lee knew more about the boat than he did, and he designed her!

As Lee approached the last few rungs, Harry noticed that he skipped them landing on the Control Room deck with ease. Harry smiled to himself, the Lee Crane that he knew was still locked inside, they just had to find a way to get to him.

Lee stopped and looked around the sub as he entered. Nothing looked familiar, it was all a lot of computers and consoles and he realized that he didn't know what any one of them did. The Admiral descended down the ladder and stood next to him. A man shorter than himself, dressed in Khaki and wearing the insignia of a Chief stopped in front of him. He wasn't surprised that he knew military rank and insignias. He was still able to read, write, and drive a car. It seemed that military decorum was still present in his confused brain.

“Welcome back, Skipper! Boy am I glad to see you. Did you have a good time? I bet you enjoyed that club I told you about right?”

He was talking a mile a minute, and Lee didn't know how to respond, but the Admiral stepped in and took over.

“er...Chief Sharkey, Captain Crane is on medical leave, we'll be heading to sickbay now.”

Chief Sharkey's eyebrows went up and then down, then he replied, “Aye Admiral, I hope you're feeling better soon, Sir.”

“Thanks, Chief. I hope so too.” It wasn't that Lee remembered anything about this guy with the New York accent, it's just that he thought he'd make it easier on them both. Admiral Nelson guided Lee out the aft hatch toward sickbay.

Lee watched every turn they made, but he wasn't sure he could retrace his steps. It would probably take a few days before he wouldn't get lost, but he seriously doubted he would be going anywhere unescorted any time soon anyway. Still, it felt good to be here. He hadn't felt “good” since that day he woke up with no life or memory to go with his 35 years of living. As they walked along Lee took a deep breath that Harry noticed.

“Are you doing OK Lee?” Harry asked, looking sideways as he walked.

“I was just thinking, this is the first time I've felt safe since I woke up three days ago.” He looked at Harry and smiled.

“Seaview's your home, Lee. It's natural for you to feel that way.”

They kept walking and finally the Admiral stopped and opened a door motioning Lee to enter. A man in khaki's and a white medical jacket looked up from his desk and smiled.

“Hello Skipper, how was your leave?” But the look on Harry's face caused Jamie to stop and listen.

“Jamie, we've got a problem...”

As Jamie listened, his eyes shifted to Lee watching him, his concern as a doctor obviously apparent.

“OK, Skipper, first things first. Let's get you up on the table and do an examination, we'll get to the bottom of this.”

Lee appreciated the Doctor's gentle voice, and he felt comfortable with him. He wondered if that meant something. He wasn't sure, and right now Dr. Jamieson was firing a lot of questions his way, none of which he could answer.

As the Doctor worked, Lee noticed that Chip had entered the room. He walked over to the Admiral and spoke with him and then leaned against a bunk bed post watching.

“Skipper, you don't recall hitting your head?” This question he asked as he lifted Lee's hair while looking at something on his forehead.

“No, why do you ask?” The doctor had asked that question earlier, so he was curious as to why it came up again.

“Head injuries are the prime reason for amnesia cases, and you've got a small scar right here near your hairline,” probing the spot as he spoke.

Lee was slightly confused, “How can you be sure it wasn't there before?”

The doctor stepped back to speak more comfortably with Lee, “I'm your CMO, and I've been treating you for the last four years. I know every bump, bruise, gunshot wound, knife wound, broken bone and a few other things you didn't think I knew.” He stopped and smiled, “Besides, I gave you a physical right before you left, this,” he said pointing to the scar, “was not here ten days ago,” the doctor's observation adding another mystery to the case.

Lee lowered his head and sighed, a movement that wasn't missed by Dr. Jamieson.

“Skipper, how much sleep have you gotten these last three days?” Jamie asked, recognizing the signs of physical exhaustion.

“Not much,” Lee's answer sounding about as tired as he was starting to look. Jamie sighed to himself, and then looked toward Harry.

“Admiral, there are more tests I'd like to run including a cat scan, but I think the best thing we could do for Captain Crane is get him to bed. We can pick this up in the morning.”

“Alright Jamie. Chip, I'm going to take this blood sample to the lab. Take Lee to his cabin and get him settled in.”

“Aye Sir.”

Lee started to slide off the gurney, re-buttoning his shirt. He was tucking the gray long sleeve oxford shirt into his black jeans when Dr. Jamieson appeared with a small white cup in his hand.

“Here Skipper. I'd like for you to take these,” holding them out as he spoke.

Lee looked in, but didn't take the cup. “What are they?”

“Just a little something to help you sleep.” Lee continued to look into the cup, and sighed again.

“No thanks, Doc. I won't need them,” the weariness in Lee's voice was growing exponentially by now.

Jamie let out a small chuckle as Lee raised his eyebrows inquisitively. “You may know more about yourself than you realize Lee. You always did hate these things.” Jamie's smile was met by a weak and tired smile from Lee.

Lee moved forward to follow Chip, “I'll see you tomorrow, Doc.”

* * * * *

As Chip and Lee walked through the corridors, Lee tried again to follow where they were going, but right now, he was just too tired to care. The last three days had caught up with him. He looked over at Chip as he walked, his bearing was so proud and formal, and somehow Lee knew he was someone he could trust.

“Admiral Nelson said we're close friends?”

“Yeah, you could say that Lee.”

“How long have we known each other?”

“Since the Academy, over 17 years now, but this is the first time we've served together.”

“And I've been here for...”

“Four years.”

They reached a door, and Lee noticed the nameplate on the outside, Captain Lee Crane. It had to be real, if only he could remember. Chip must have noticed, “Don't push it Lee, it'll come back.”

They both walked inside the cabin as Lee looked around, “Have you always been able to do that?”

“What? Read your mind? Yeah, I'm pretty good at it too. Comes from years of experience dealing with my best friend who can't tell me how he's feeling because of some ONI mission.” He looked around the cabin distractedly thinking about what Chip just said.

“Best friends huh?”

“Yeah well, someone's got to do it.” Chip smiled, and Lee almost looked like he remembered, but those lost eyes returned.

Lee walked around the cabin, looking at the pictures on the wall. Pictures of him and Chip, with him and the Admiral, crew functions...he reached over pointing at a picture with a beautiful blond woman on Chip's arm, obviously their wedding day. He and Chip were in dress whites.

“Your wife?”

“Monica. We've been married two years.” Chip noted the tiredness in Lee's eyes, he was going to crash soon. He picked up the mic and showed Lee. “I have the Dog Watch tonight. If you need anything at all, you call me. Click once for the control room, and twice for all-boat.”

Lee sat on the bed and heeled off his shoes, nodding his understanding.

“I'll stop by the wardroom and bring you a tray for dinner,” Chip offered.

Lee lay back on the bed as he spoke, “Don't bother, I think I'll be fine.” He closed his eyes, and Chip was sure that he had fallen asleep instantly. He went to the closet and pulled out a spare blanket, draping it over Lee's legs. Then he walked over and turned on the desk light, if Lee woke up at least he would be able to find his way around the cabin. Chip walked to the door and opened it, taking in one last look at his best friend lying there asleep at 1800. He shut the door behind him wondering just what had happened to Lee Crane.

* * * * *

Lee was in a dead sleep, when the pain hit forcing him to sit up as he reached for his head. The pain spiked behind his eyes and he fell back on the bed curled into a ball, still clutching his head. He rode out the pain, which he noticed was longer and more severe than yesterday, until it subsided and he could breathe normally again.

He lolled his head toward the desk and found the clock, it read 0542. He had been asleep nearly twelve hours, he was pretty sure he'd still be asleep if it wasn't for his “wake up call.” The headaches had been steadily getting worse every day, maybe the Doctor would find the cause today.

He was awake now, so he got up and explored the cabin. He found his closet where khaki uniforms hung all pressed and ready to wear. He wasn't really feeling too navy right now, so he opened his suitcase and found a pair of casual slacks and a blue button up shirt, thankful that Chip had taken care of delivering his gear. He started for the head to shower and shave, feeling much better for the sleep he had finally gotten.

* * * * *

Lee sat at his desk looking over a manila envelope filled with papers, as a knock on his door interrupted him.

“Come,” Lee answered still studying the papers before him, and looked up to see Admiral Nelson as he entered the room. Lee started to rise to his feet in respect, but Harry motioned him down.

“Sit, Lee,” Harry waving Lee back toward his seat. “You look more rested today,” noting the healthier pallor to Lee's face this morning.

“First real sleep I've had since I woke up in the hotel room four days ago,” a small smile accompanying his statement. “I think I might have kept sleeping if not for...” he let the explanation fade away, and noticed that Harry had too.

“Looks like you've already had breakfast,” Harry observed pointing to the tray, with a nearly empty breakfast plate on it.

Lee nodded, “Chip thought I might not be up to the wardroom this morning, he brought it by earlier.”

“Chip's a good man,” Harry's smile was genuine as he reflected, as Lee nodded in agreement.

“Doing some reading?” Harry asked, curious about what was in the manila folder, as he leaned over to see the contents. Lee sat back in his chair as Harry sat on the edge of desk.

“My personnel file, Chip thought it might help.”

“Anything?” Harry asked, hoping that his memories would begin to return with the familiar surroundings.

Lee sighed, looking directly into Harry's eyes, “It's like reading a book on someone else's life, Admiral.”

The personnel files contained a personal profile and Lee had seen that his mother lived near New Port, but his father was deceased. It troubled him greatly to not remember his own father, at least with his mother he could build a relationship and make new memories, but everything about his father was lost.

Harry sensed the need to move Lee out of the cabin and coaxed him along, “Lee?” Lee's head raised, and Harry registered that he too, was ready to get going and find some answers. “Let's go see what Jamie can do for you.”

Lee nodded, closed the file on his desk and followed the Admiral out of the cabin. They walked side by side, and Harry noticed that although Lee was cautious, his sense of direction was leading them back to sickbay. Once he paused, letting Lee decide which way to proceed, Lee pondered his choices and correctly picked the right corridor.

Soon, they were back in sickbay. Jamie whisked Lee away to the medical lab for a cat scan, using the latest portable medical equipment that was fitted in Seaview's extensive medical arsenal. They returned to the examination room, and Lee noticed Chip had come in and was conversing with the Admiral; something about putting out to sea.

“Don't you ever sleep?” Lee said, offering a small smile as he delivered his question. He knew that Chip had the Dog Watch, and here he was still awake and looking as sharp as ever. Chip returned the smile, seeing no need to really answer the rhetorical question.

Jamie finished his tests and stepped back replacing medical supplies he had used as he spoke.

“As I said before, amnesia is most often caused by a head injury. I'll review the CAT scan for signs of injury. The other event that could cause amnesia is an emotional shock or tragedy. Sometimes the body tries to protect itself and just shuts down. Frankly, with what I know about you Skipper, I'd say it was the former.”

Jamie settled back leaning on a table as he continued. “If it is a head injury, memory often returns after the swelling has receded.”

“How long?” Lee asked, his face expressing deep concern.

“In documented cases most received their memory back after a few days, sometime a week, or even months later...”

“And sometimes never?” Lee's question really reflecting a statement of his fears.

“Yes, sometimes never. But we're not at that point to consider yet, Lee. Give me a chance to work through and eliminate the medical evidence first.” Jamie's admonishment was delivered kindly, and actually offered Lee encouragement. He took it as it was intended and nodded with a small smile.

“For now,” Jamie rising from his sitting position as he spoke, “rest is the best prescription. Have you had any more debilitating headaches?”

Lee ducked his head slightly, “This morning,” he answered truthfully.

Jamie nodded, “Your vitals are still good, blood pressure's a little elevated, but that's to be expected,” he placed his hand on Lee's shoulder, “don't worry, I'll get to the bottom of this.” Lee appreciated Jamie's confidence even though he didn't quite share it, and simply nodded in reply.

“The film should be ready in about an hour, I'll let you know what I find, Admiral.”

“Fine, Jamie,” nodding as he turned his attention towards Lee, “How about a boat tour, Lee. You never know, something could trigger it all back.” Lee nodded and followed Harry towards the door.

“I'll see you later, Lee,” Chip said, also turning to leave.

“Sure, Chip.”

* * * * *

Harry and Lee walked toward the missile room, as Lee thought. They passed a few crew members dressed in red and blue jumpsuits, who greeted him warmly but with concerned looks.

“Does the crew know about all this, Admiral?”

“It’s a small boat Lee, word gets around.” His voice calm and reassuring, even as Lee's face registered his own concern. “Don't worry Lee. We're a tight family here, they're worried about you.” Lee nodded and they continued on.

They toured the boat, and Lee felt more lost than ever, their tour ending up in the Control Room. Lee noticed that Chip was at the chart table and realized that with the captain out of commission, he was probably pulling double shifts.

He followed Harry and stopped behind two ratings, one obviously training another, as they shared a gentle laugh. “That's a fish! Now, can you hear the difference in what a propeller sounds like?” turning a knob as he spoke. The crew member in blue, a young blond headed boy that Lee thought wasn't too many years out of his teens was cross training another crew member. Beside them both sat a crewman in a red jumpsuit at the sonar panel.

Riley looked up to see his captain, and continued talking to his trainee. “Now if you don't recognize a sound, ask the Skipper here, he's got the best 'ears' are on the boat,” beaming as he spoke. Lee's face registered embarrassment, and Riley quickly recognized his error.

“I'm sorry sir, I forgot that you didn't remember...uh...what I mean is...”

Lee interrupted the poor rating and placed a hand on his shoulder patting as he spoke, “That's OK, maybe when this is all over, we'll all have a good laugh over it.” He added a smile letting the young man off the hook.

Harry moved him on, introducing him to Kowalski, hoping that the close relationship Lee shared with his oft diving partner might spark Lee's memory, but Lee offered a polite greeting without recognizing him.

They moved past the chart table, and Harry noticed that Lee's eyes were fixated on the herculite windows in the bow. He allowed Lee to move forward and stayed along the chart table near Chip as they discussed their current course to Pearl.

Harry kept track of Lee's movements, and noticed that Lee stopped in the middle of the deck that separated the chart table and the herculite windows. His head lowered, and his eyebrows pinched as if he were trying to concentrate.

He moved closer to Lee placing his hand on Lee's elbow, “Lee?” The concern in his voice evident but controlled.

“Something...important happened here,” Lee emphasizing the last word, meaning 'this spot'. Harry watched as Lee continued to focus, then his head dropped in defeat.

“I can't grasp it, it's too far away.”

“It’s alright Lee. It's a start, it'll come back, I'm sure of it.” They stood for a moment more then Harry guided Lee toward the spiral staircase, where after a few turns, Lee recognized the corridors of the Officer's Quarters.

“The crew calls it 'Officer's Country',” Harry offered lightly with a smile. Lee noticed how much he enjoyed the Admiral's smile, it made him feel warm inside and he thought that was a clue to his feelings toward his superior officer. Harry led them to his cabin, which was bigger than Lee's.

“We've spent a lot of time in here planning missions. I thought you'd like to see it too.” Lee nodded in appreciation, as Harry waved his hand inviting Lee to look around the once familiar cabin. Lee looked at pictures, consoles, other things that he wasn't really noticing and dipped his head in a clear movement that he was thinking.

“What are you thinking about, Lee?” Lee turned to him slowly with a serious look on his face, he lifted his eyes to squarely meet Harry's.

“How does a man start his life completely over, Sir?”

“Nobody says you'll have to do that Lee, give it time.”

“Admiral...how long can you afford to keep a Captain who doesn't know his way around his own boat?”

Lee's frustrations and fears were pouring out like a flood. It didn't feel right somehow, somehow he pictured himself much more confident...but that was probably nothing more than wishful thinking. Right now, all he had were these fears, and he was sure he wasn't dealing with it well.

“You heard the Doctor, my memory might never come back, and everything I know about commanding this vessel is locked in memories and experiences that I don't have. Right now...I couldn't tell you if a blip on the sonar was an enemy vessel or,” his hands motioning as he spoke, “a pod of whales.” His voice becoming low as he seemed to deflate, “I know that, and you do too.”

Harry crossed the room to stand in front of Lee, answering back with passion in his voice.

“I know that Lee, but I also know something that you don't. You're one of the finest officers that I've ever known. You've taken this boat through more dangerous and life threatening situations than I can count. You've saved us all time and time again with your quick thinking and gut decisions. That kind of command ability doesn't come from a book, Lee. It comes from deep inside a man, and the Navy won't be ready to give that up so easily. I won't give up that easily, you need to know that.”

Lee felt his confidence return as he looked into Harry's fiery eyes. He smiled an almost natural one, and let a sigh out, nodding his head as he did so.

“Alright, Admiral. I'll try to be patient.” He didn't remember his life before four days ago, but he knew that Harriman Nelson had been more than a small part of it, and he was grateful for the strength that he borrowed from the Admiral just now.

A knock on the door broke their attention from one another, and Harry moved to answer it, opening it as he addressed a young crewman that Lee had not met yet, not that tall, of Filipino origin he thought. Harry stood at the open door signing papers on a clip board. Lee's attention diverted from the door as he turned to look at some snapshots on the Admiral's bookcase when it happened.

A shearing pain attacked his head once again, as he bit back a gasp. His hand reached for the pain trying to transfer some relief to his head. He felt his equilibrium fade as he stumbled, and another gasp of pain escaped his efforts to rein it in, then he felt his knees begin to buckle.

* * * * *

Harry closed the door, having finished signing off on the reports and turned towards Lee, seeing Lee once again caught in a debilitating headache. He ran to Lee's side calling out and catching him as his knees gave way. He lowered him down to his knees as Lee continued to battle the pain, practically oblivious to Harry.

He wasn't sure that Lee could hear him, but Harry offered encouragement, holding Lee's shoulders, keeping him from collapsing completely onto the deck. The pain began to subside, and Harry noticed Lee beginning to relax under his hands. Gently, Harry coaxed Lee back against the wall where he leaned heavily, trying to get his breathing under control.

Harry left his side and came back a moment later with a glass of cool water. Lee took it gratefully with shaky hands as he took a drink. Harry took the glass back as Lee's hands began to falter, and placed the glass up on the bookshelf beside them.

“They're getting worse, aren't they?” Harry asked, as he noticed Lee's eyes returning from their previously pained expression. Lee nodded cautiously, still feeling the residual effects. When Harry thought he was ready, he helped Lee to his feet and over to a guest chair in the corner. Lee sank down gratefully, and leaned forward.

A ring from the phone on Harry's desk caused him to raise his head, as Harry listened and reacted to the caller.

“Very well, Jamie, we'll be right there.” He replaced the receiver and looked toward Lee, “Jamie found something.” Hope filled Lee's eyes as he stood steadily.

“I'm ready Sir.”

* * * * *

Lee sat on the edge of Jamie's desk watching Harry and Jamie confer over the film that hung on a lighted panel in front of them. Jamie was pointing to a spot on the film, obviously a head shot.

“Shrapnel?” Harry guessed, but Jamie shook his head in the negative.

“That was my first guess, but look at the edges,” Jamie traced the parts he wanted to point out with the point of his pen.

“Rounded edges,” Harry's eyebrows went up, “man-made?”

“Yes, Sir. Right under the small scar I spotted on the Captain's right forehead.”

Understanding started to flood Harry's eyes as he turned to include Lee in his observation.

“Someone implanted something in his head surgically, but what?”

“We won't know until we go in, but it’s most certainly the cause of his headaches, and very probably his amnesia.”

“Can you remove it Doc?” Lee chiming in for the first time.

Jamie cocked his head to one side, “Yes, I think I could. But I'd rather not,” shifting his attention back to Harry.

“How long till we reach the nearest Naval Base Admiral?” Jamie spoke with complete control and competence.

“Three days at standard to Pearl,” Jamie nodded as Harry answered and turned to Lee.

“Lee, I know you're anxious to get to the bottom of this, but neurosurgery is a dangerous procedure. I can do this, but I'd much rather have a team of surgeons with me. I want to give you the best chance of recovering your memories, not to mention the best chance of coming out of the procedure alive.”

Lee thought, nodding in agreement as he did so, then he lifted his head to greet the doctor, “Alright, Doc. I guess I've waited this long, I can wait three more days.” His voice filled with the first real hope he had since this nightmare began.

“What about his headaches, Jamie? He just had one that buckled his knees right out from under him,” Harry asked, his concern evident.

“We'll just have to play it by ear. I really think that getting him to Pearl is the right decision,” Jamie speaking with all the authority of a CMO, and turning towards Lee.

“Captain, get as much rest as you can, avoid stress, and eat well. We'll need you at your strongest for the surgery.” Lee nodded his agreement, as Harry spoke up.

“OK Jamie, three days to Pearl,” then he turned towards the first relaxed look on Lee's face since they found him in the hotel room.

“Come on Lee,” Harry smiled warmly, “I heard the Doctor say rest and food,” stepping towards Lee, “first stop the wardroom.”

* * * * *

It was after midnight, but Lee couldn't sleep, he was just too excited. Three days till he got his memories back. His cabin was feeling too small right now, he needed a little room and maybe...a little company too. Smiling, he knew just where he wanted to go.

He made his way to the Control Room, finding his way to the spiral staircase with a cautious ease. His steps descending the staircase were not lost on the officer in command, even though they were soft soled deck shoes, instead of oxfords.

Chip turned his head toward the staircase and smiled as he greeted Lee with an upraised eyebrow.

Lee answered the unasked question with a shrug, “Couldn't sleep, thought I'd come here for some space,” pointing toward the glass windows in the bow. Chip's eyebrow returned to its proper location, as he motioned him forward.

“That's OK, it’s really not unusual for you to check in even this late,” Chip replied, and then nodded to the junior officer standing beside him at the chart table. He followed Lee into the nose and picked up a carafe sitting on a credenza. “Coffee?” Chip held up the pot pouring himself a cup and offering the same to Lee.

“Thanks, sounds good.”

They both sat down as Chip took a sip of his coffee. “Did the Admiral tell you?” Lee asked, also taking a sip. The coffee was good, probably not the best idea for a sleepless night, but it was what Lee needed right now. That and this little talk he and Chip were having.

“Yeah, he's got us running at full, might break some speed records getting you there,” smiling as he spoke.

“First real hope I've had since I woke up in that hotel room,” Lee's voice reflective but calm, pausing as he continued. “I hope I've never taken you for granted Chip, you've been great.”

Chip's eyes reflected his feelings back to Lee, but not quite being able to respond with an appropriate come back he just smiled and shook his head. They drank their coffee and talked about nothing important, but it meant everything to Lee right now. It would feel good to be able to remember the times he had spent with Chip. His sense of humor, and their easy banter had felt natural to Lee, even the first day.

Lee's cup was empty, and Chip rose to refill his lifting the pot in Lee's direction.

“No thanks, Chip. I think the day finally caught up with me, I think I'll head back to my cabin now.”

Chip nodded his agreement and followed Lee as he rounded the conference table, but stopped suddenly when Lee fell forward catching himself on the table. His hand rose to his head grasping in obvious agony. Chip ran to his side catching his arm.

“Lee?”

“Chip...I think you'd better call Jamie....” as he crumbled to the deck, with Chip guiding him down safely. Lee rolled into a ball, as the pain in his head took all his concentration. He heard noises all around him, but couldn't make sense of the confusion, until he heard Chip's voice in his ear. He felt a hand on his back and took comfort in his best friend's voice.

“It’s alright Lee. Jamie's on his way. Everything's going to be alright.”

* * * * *

Chip watched Harry pacing back and forth as they waited in Jamie's office. It had been over a half an hour, and Lee's distressed grunts had been heard the entire time. Finally, Jamie entered the office walking heavily.

“Jamie?” Harry asked.

“It finally subsided, he's resting now,” Jamie reported, sitting heavily in his chair.

Harry walked back over to the wall and flicked a toggle switch turning the light panel back on. Lee's film was still hanging in the box, as Harry pointed to the foreign object in the picture.

“Jamie, he doesn't have three days, he doesn't even have one day. That thing is killing him, the next time it will,” Harry had been thinking the entire time he had been waiting. He had personally witnessed two of Lee's attacks, this third one was exponentially more severe.

“What about the flying sub?” Chip asked, offering a possible solution.

“No, we can't take a risk of this happening in flight. He needs surgery now, Jamie.” The Admiral's authority unmistakable in the matter.

Jamie nodded and blew a breath, “I agree Admiral, but I'll need your help in there,” Jamie nodding towards the surgery room.

Harry nodded his agreement, breathing in relief as he did so, “I'll talk to Lee,” he said, turning toward sickbay's examination room.

* * * * *

Harry walked into the examination room, separated with a white portable curtain on wheels. Lee lay on a gurney with one knee bent, and the other extended, his right arm resting over his eyes. As he approached the gurney, Lee removed his arm and looked toward the person who had entered the room.

“Hi Admiral,” Lee's voice was strained and weary.

“Lee,” Harry greeted. “Lee, it’s time to take whatever that thing is out of your head,” Harry's eyes gave away his complete concern for his friend lying in front of him, “before it kills you.”

Harry looked into his eyes, and was honored at the total trust Lee offered. Lee had only “known” him for two days, and yet the trust was there.

“Go 'head Admiral, take it out,” Lee's voice was whispery and soft, though completely confident.

“Lee, you know the dangers of doing this surgery on board, here – now?” Harry wanted to make sure that Lee understood what he was up against.

“Just take it out, Admiral. I'm ready to have my life back.” He smiled a small tight smile, but it was Lee all the way. Harry nodded and returned his smile.

“Alright Lee, we'll get you prepped for surgery,” squeezing his shoulder before leaving the room.

* * * * *

Back inside Jamie's office, Harry relayed Lee's approval for surgery to Doctor Jamieson and Chip. Jamie got moving right away calling in his entire corpsman team as Harry turned to Chip.

“Chip, bring us to all stop, 90 feet, neutral buoyancy. Stop all non-critical maintenance work on board. We need a safe, secure ride, absolutely no bumps.”

Chip nodded his understanding and headed to the control room to turn Seaview into the steadiest operating theater he could, as Jamie motioned Harry to join him to scrub up for surgery.

* * * * *

Lee lay on the surgical table with a white sheet covering his bare chest. His head lay to one side exposing his right forehead. White gauze held his hair away from the surgical area, as he lay asleep, completely anesthetized.

Jamie stood over him, donned in surgical gear and mask, as did the other participants in the room, two corpsmen and Admiral Harriman Nelson. Slowly Jamie took the scalpel and began making his first incision over the small scar on Lee's forehead.

A corpsman read off Lee's vitals, and Jamie nodded, continuing his skilled ministrations. The process of reaching the foreign object was long, as Jamie worked his way through the five layers of skin. Jamie finally reached the object attached to the skull, as the corpsman applied gauze keeping the area clean for the doctor to work. Harry stood beside Jamie watching the procedure, detaching himself from the fact that it was Lee lying on the gurney.

“Look here, Admiral,” Jamie leaned in closer, even though he was looking through a large medical magnifying glass; clamps pulled the skin away as the object was revealed.

“A computer chip!” Harry exclaimed, identifying the foreign object and leaning closer himself.

“Look at these leads...” Jamie's voice trailed off as he examined tiny wires running to the microchip and attached to Lee's scalp with micro sized clamps. Tiny shoots of light emitted from the microchip through the translucent wires and were visible in short flashes as they were absorbed through the clamps.

“Someone's gone to a lot of trouble here,” Harry speaking as he examined the leads, “They're emitting some sort of electrical bursts or impulses,” he hypothesized as he watched the lights. “It seems that we must be careful which lead to detach first.”

“Agreed, this is definitely the cause of Lee's headaches, and most likely the source of his amnesia. If we don't do this right, we may set something off that blocks Lee's memory permanently, or worse, kills him outright.” Jamie was working through the problem even as he studied the situation.

“Admiral, I'm no computer whiz, I'm going to need your help deciding which lead to disconnect first.”

Harry continued to study the microchip and leads imagining all the possibilities of the function of each. “This one first,” Harry indicated with a sanitized surgical pointer. “These clamps are spring loaded, see?” Pointing to the micro-clamps head, “I think if you apply equal pressure on both ends, it should release the clamps.”

Jamie was grateful for Harry's mechanical mind as he moved to remove the first clamp. It was successful, and the entire room breathed a relieved sigh together.

“Now this one,” Harry pointing to the next lead he surmised should be dealt with next. Jamie moved to remove the clamp in the same fashion when a corpsman began calling out vital signs showing Lee's body going into distress.

Jamie looked down into Lee's face, realizing that Lee was experiencing another attack, his face evident of the pain even though he was deeply anesthetized. The room was becoming loud as confusion became evident. Harry noted that the activity of lights running from the microchip had increased as well. The corpsman continued updating Lee's vitals, as Harry made a decision.

“Cut the leads Jamie!”

“But...”

“Cut the leads! It’s self-destructing and it’s going to take Lee with it,” Harry's voice bellowing over the other voices in the room.

Jamie instantly made his decision as well. He took the surgical scissors and began cutting the remaining leads as Harry pointed out their order. As he reached the last lead the remaining lights blinked off and the corpsman began reporting Lee's vitals as falling back toward normal. They had averted the disaster.

A collective sigh was again heard as Jamie refocused his surgery team, “All right people, excitement's over. Let's finish detaching these clamps.”

* * * * *

Chip paced the floor of sickbay, he had started in Jamie's office but he ran out of pacing room and ended back up in the middle of the main sickbay. Six hours, it had been six hours! How much longer could it take? He had the boat sitting quiet, with no maintenance work going on. He placed crewman at the circuitry room, the reactor room, and air revitalization...just in case anything went wrong so it could be dealt with quickly.

The entire boat waited nervously, knowing just was at stake with the surgery. A group of off duty crewman had gathered outside the sickbay in the corridor, and Chip didn't have the heart to disperse them.

He continued pacing when he heard a sound behind him and turned toward it. Harry stood there with a tired, but victorious smile on his face. “He's through the surgery, he came out OK, and his vitals are strong.”

Chip's sigh was audible, “And his memory?”

“We won't know until he wakes up. Jamie says one to two hours.” Chip nodded his understanding and moved toward the door.

“I'll secure the all-stop Admiral, and update the crew, Sir.”

“Very well, Chip,” Harry said, sagging against a bunk as he spoke. “I think I could use a sandwich and coffee.”

“I'll take care of it Sir, I'm sure Cookie already has it covered,” Chip smiled and left, feeling much better. Now they just had to wait for Lee to wake up.

* * * * *

Harry and Chip sat at table in the Recovery area looking over the microchip they had removed from Lee's head. Harry's inquisitive scientific mind taking in all he could learn from the highly sophisticated device.

“It was actually sending data...” Harry was giving Chip a run down on the surgery as they examined the chip.

Meanwhile, Jamie stood at the gurney with a stethoscope listening to Lee's heart. Lee turned his head slightly as he moaned, indicating he was coming out of the anesthesia.

“He's waking up, Admiral.”

Harry flanked Lee's left side and Chip moved to his feet. Lee's head was lying facing the left and his right side was heavily swathed in bandages. Harry leaned down and began to coax Lee awake as Jamie continued monitoring his progress.

“Lee? Lee, can you wake up for me?”

Lee swallowed hard and moaned slightly. His eyes began to flutter open as Harry bent down to his line of sight.

“Lee, are you awake now?”

Lee focused, finding the Admiral first. His throat was dry from the anesthetics and he swallowed again finally finding his voice.

“Admiral...” Harry waited for some sign of recognition as Lee's eyes seemed to sharpen. His head moved slightly to the right as his eyes moved back and forth as if studying something on the ceiling. His eyes found Harry again.

“Admiral...I remember.”

“What do you remember Lee?” Harry asked, patiently waiting for clarification.

Lee let a small laugh escape, “Everything. I remember everything.” Lee's misty eyes betrayed the emotion that was threatening to explode and he raised his right hand to rub his eyes. He held his hand there trying to compose himself; even so, a single tear ran down his left cheek.

Harry's triumphant smile was dazzling as he allowed Lee the time he needed, he laid his hand on Lee's left arm rubbing it soothingly, “Welcome home, Lee. Welcome home.” Harry continued rubbing his arm, as Chip looked up to the ceiling reining in his own emotions. Then he turned and left the recovery room.

He walked to the sickbay door and opened it, looking into the eyes of the crewman gathered there as they waited for word on their Skipper.

“The Skipper's back,” was all he said, and the corridor erupted into loud whoops and hollers. Chip smiled and stepped back into sickbay sure that Seaview's grapevine would spread the news faster than a boat wide announcement.

He walked back into the recovery room. Jamie had raised the head of the gurney slightly and Lee had composed himself, but the smile he had on his face beamed with joy and relief. Lee spotted Chip and flashed him an appreciative smile.

“Hey, Chip.”

“Hey yourself, Lee.”

“Lee?” Harry's baritone voice resonated soft and gentle to the recovering patient, “Can you tell us what happened?” Lee gave a gentle nod, aware of the pressure on the right side of his head.

“After Seaview dropped me off, I went straight to the hotel and checked in. When I got to my room they were waiting for me.”

“Who Lee?” Harry's eyebrows sharpening as he spoke.

Lee sighed and continued, “Dr. Paris, Vanessa Paris and her thugs.”

Everyone in the room knew who Vanessa Paris was, and the pain that Lee went through as he endured five injections of her brainwash/truth serum. Chip's low murmur echoed everyone's feelings on the matter as Harry spoke.

“I didn't know Vanessa Paris was free, she still had five years to serve on her sentence.”

“I didn't know either, and I don't know how she knew where I was going to be.”

“What did she want with you Lee?” Harry questioned, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Lee's eyes were dark as he spoke, but in total control. “A subject for her latest experiment.”

“And a little revenge?” Chip pined in.

“Yeah, that too. They took me to a warehouse on the wharf where she had a laboratory set up. She told me everything she was going to do. She told me she was going to keep me sedated for seven days.”

“Why?” Harry asked, unbelief ringing in his words.

“To give the sutures time to heal,” Jamie answered, a flat statement not a question, as Lee nodded.

“Yeah. She didn't want to give me any clues to go on. She didn't expect me to live past the fourth day and...she wanted you to be here Admiral.”

Harry's eyes burned with anger, but he quickly reined it in for Lee's sake.

“Do you know where they took you?”

“Yes, she didn't think it would matter. I can take you there.”

Harry chuckled, and Jamie was about to protest when Harry waved him off.

“Lee, you've just been through a very long and tedious surgery,” he stopped and smiled, “I don't think your doctor is going to let you out of bed. Just tell me where. I'll take care of it.”

Lee returned the smile, and tried to hide his fatigue as he gave the detailed directions to Dr. Paris' secret laboratory. Harry issued orders to ready the flying sub, and Chip left promising to see Lee later. Harry turned to leave as Lee reached up to stop him.

“Admiral, be careful. She's taken an interest in you.” Lee's face made a grimace as his pain medication began to lose the battle with the invasive surgical procedure, and Jamie stepped up to care for his patient, spiking his IV with pain medication and a sedative.

“I'll be careful Lee, you just rest and get better.”

Lee's eyes closed and a soft “Aye Sir” was heard before the sounds of a peaceful sleep could be heard in the room.

“Jamie?”

“He's recovering fine, Admiral. I want him to sleep a good eight hours before I allow him to wake again, and he'll be in bed for a several days, but he'll recover.”

Harry gave Jamie his thanks, and left grateful for the quality of the healing hands of his Chief Medical Officer. But those feelings of gratefulness were replaced with rage and steel determination to get Vanessa Paris before she got away.

* * * * *

The flying sub was ready to launch as Harry and his team prepared to descend down her ladder when a video communications was received from an unknown source.

“I'll take it up here Sparks,” Harry said answering the hail of Seaview's communication officer.

Harry motioned Chip to a location just out of view, this video message was unusual in that the transmitter code was being scrambled. Sparks was working on identifying the source as they spoke. Harry had a good idea who the transmission was from, what he needed to know was “where”.

His suspicions were realized when the beautiful but deadly Dr. Vanessa Paris' face appeared on the monitor.

“Admiral Nelson, so nice to see you again.” Harry fought down his rage and revulsion for Dr. Paris and spoke calmly.

“Dr. Paris, I wondered if we'd hear from you.”

“My transmitter stopped sending data abruptly, I take it Captain Crane survived the surgery, and is alive and well?”

“Very much so, his memory is completely intact,” Harry hoped that her pride would be wounded by that knowledge, “The last I had heard you were still incarcerated.”

“My brother escaped, and arranged for my “early release,” her voice calm as she smiled.

“I see, and so you continued your “fascination” with Captain Crane. Why?” Harry needed to keep her on the line as long as possible. Sparks was the best, if anyone could decode the jammed transmission, he could, but he'd needed time.

“Why?” she repeated, in disbelief. “I spent two years rotting in a prison with all these ideas and no way to work on them. I built that computer chip in my head a thousand times.” Her voice had elevated, and then returned to calm.

“When Jason arranged for my escape, I knew exactly who I wanted to test my procedure on. Captain Crane beat me in keeping his secrets, so I decided to take everything he knew and loved away from him by removing his memory. Ironic isn't it? What he knew sent me to prison, so I took everything he knew away from him. It was almost worth those two years watching him walk around that village like a lost puppy dog.” Her face was contorted as she spewed her venomous statements.

“But why keep him sedated so long?”

“To give you a time to get find him, of course. You see Admiral, I could have had my little fun with the Captain and he would have been dead by the fourth day. But then...I would have never known.”

“Known what?”

“Just how good you are,” she smiled, but nothing in her face lit with beauty, it was all bitter ambition and evil intent as she continued, “to know if you were good enough to follow the clues to save your Captain in time. I'm quite impressed with how you removed the chip, that's the only way my data would have ended in that manner.” Her compliments were lost on Harry, as he barely held back how much he despised her.

“I hope that your fascination with Captain Crane has been satisfied.”

“Completely, Admiral. You on the other hand are another story. I'd be most interested to see what else is in that beautiful mind of yours.” Her head tilted to one side as if deciding how much further she would go, but obviously decided against it. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some more research to do. It seems my subjects keep dying before I can collect all my data. Till we meet again, Admiral Nelson.”

“Dr. Paris, you'd better hope that we never meet again.”

But his dark tone was missed on Vanessa Paris, as she signed off with a smile. The transmission ended, and Harry immediately picked up the mic to speak.

“Sparks, did you get it?”

“Aye Sir, I have a transmission ident and coordinates, she's near Pearl, Sir.”

“Pearl?” Harry smiled, he had banked on Vanessa Paris' ego to contact him and gloat, what he hadn't banked on was her ego being so inflated that she would hide on an island full of military personnel.

“Get me Jiggs Stark at ComSubPac, Sparks.” The smile on Harry's face was still present as he turned to Chip.

“I think Dr. Paris is in for a little surprise.”

* * * * *

Harry walked down the spiral staircase and scanned the control room looking for the dark head of his Captain. He walked up to Chip and raised an eyebrow in question.

“He's still topside, Sir.”

“Still?” Harry questioned as Chip nodded an affirmative.

“I can go up and get him Sir.”

“No,” Harry smiled, “No, I'll go.”

Harry walked across the deck thinking about these last five days. Lee had recovered well from the surgery, and today was his first day back on duty, albeit light duty. Vanessa Paris had been apprehended by the military police, and was now in custody in a top security cell at Pearl. The warehouse where she had taken Lee had been raided and produced enough evidence to put her away for a very long time.

He climbed the ladder to the sail and continued up to the bridge finding Lee looking out toward the sunrise, the wind gently lapping on his face, causing his hair to flutter in the light breeze. He was thinking, but not so lost in thought that he didn't hear Harry's approaching steps.

He took a sideways glance at Harry and smiled, then returned his eyes to the sea before him.

“I always have loved the sea, even when I was young boy,” Lee spoke breaking the silence. “I'm afraid I've been up here being quite nostalgic Admiral.” Harry smiled, recognizing that this was a very private moment, and that Lee was choosing to share it with him.

“You know something strange, Sir?” Harry tilted his head in response. “Even the difficult memories, the hard ones...I find myself cherishing even those...because they're mine again.” Lee looked back out at the sea, his memories of his father now his again, “Even with the pain, it's worth remembering.” Harry wisely kept silent, not needing to add anything more.

“Admiral,” Lee's head dipped slightly, “Jamie told me about the surgery...what you did. I don't how know how to thank you...” but Harry stopped Lee before he could go any further, their eyes meeting comfortably.

“There's no need to, Lee.” Harry's reassuring voice was like a balm to Lee. This last week had been a roller coaster of emotions. The devastation and loss, the fear and pain of being alone, the elation of regaining his memories, and then quiet contemplation of remembering some of the most painful times of his life...things he used to wish he could forget, now he knew they belonged to him as much as the good memories. He cherished them all, along with his friends who had stayed by his side and brought him through; Chip, Harry, Jamie and the entire crew. Lee sighed, letting it all go, his broody mood passed as Harry placed a hand on his shoulder guiding him towards the ladder.

“Now Lee, how about you and I go find ourselves...a pod of whales?” Lee returned Harry's smile with a twinkle in his expressive hazel eyes.

“Aye, Sir!”

The gentle laughter of the two men as they descended the ladder warmed the hearts of the crew as they heard their Skipper give the orders to dive.

The End

When Memories Fade

*Sequel to the story “Integrity”

Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved

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