A Season Five story... over two years after Voyage's fourth season, and directly precedes my story, What's in a Name?

 

 

The Zorian War

 

by Lynn

 

 

~^~Chapter One~^~

 

Attacked

 

 

“What is that thing?”

 

“I don't know... bullets don't stop it.”

 

“Tell Seaview to hurry!  We're going to lose the antennae!”

 

“Jenkins?   Jenkins!”

 

“Who are you? …. No!  Lieutenant!”

 

“Is that all Sparks?”  Captain Lee Crane asked as Sparks replayed the taped transmission.  The distress call from the remote military outpost sent tendrils of concern across the entire command crew as Lee stood flanked by Admiral Harriman Nelson and Seaview's XO, Commander Chip Morton.

 

“Aye Sir.  I've tried to reestablish communications,” Sparks stopped to shake his head in the negative, “But there's just nothing there.”

 

“What do you mean nothing there?  They were communicating a moment ago,” Harry chimed in.

 

“I know Sir.  But I'm getting no transmission on the bounce back.  There's only one explanation for it...”

 

“Their radio was destroyed,” Lee finished.

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Lee turned toward his XO.  “What's our ETA, Chip?”

 

“We're running at flank speed, about another two hours, Skipper.”

 

Lee nodded in acknowledgment as he pursed his lips in a sure move of his concern.  “See if you can get Bobby to coax more speed out of her,” he ordered and then turned to Harry as Chip acknowledged and moved to the mic on the periscope island to comply.

 

“I think we better take FS1 out to investigate.”

 

“I think you're right.  Let's go,” Harry said taking determined steps toward FS1's entry hatch.

 

* * * * *

 

“Nothing looks out of the ordinary here,” Lee observed as they neared the beach of the small island.  The island hosted a military outpost with no other inhabitants but the small ten man crew who maintained the vital super antenna that boosted the transmission capabilities of America's Naval surface vessels.

 

“Let's check out the entire island before we land,” Harry advised wisely as Lee nodded in agreement.

 

“Admiral look,” Lee said as they neared the peak where America's super antenna once stood, now all that remained was a heap of steel and electronics lying in hapless parts strewn across the clearing of the outpost.  The antenna had once been mounted on a base of concrete; at the bottom of the base sat an underground bunker that housed the controls as well as the crew's quarters.

 

“Let's get back to the beach and land, Lee.  We'll get to the bottom of this,” Harry promised as they visually confirmed that something catastrophic had happened to the outpost.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry and Lee trekked through the well-worn path from the beach to the outpost with sidearms drawn.  The perimeter guards were noticeably absent as both officers recognized the inherent danger surrounding them.

 

“Over there Admiral!”  Lee yelled running to the first guard they found.  He was dressed in jungle fatigues and sprawled on the ground, even before Lee turned him over he knew he was dead.  Lee placed two fingers on his carotid pulse at the neck and then nodded to the Admiral as his assumption was confirmed.

 

“Look at this Admiral,” he said picking up the M-16 standard issue rifle.  The magazine was empty and was held in the soldier's hand by the barrel indicating he had used it as a club, obviously unable to reload in time.

 

Harry shook his head as the two continued on the path.  They found three more guards along the way, all in similar condition as the officers stepped up their pace to the outpost bunker.  Upon reaching the bunker they found the clearing full of debris and more guards lying lifeless.

 

“It looks like a war zone,” Lee whispered as they moved into the bunker, neither one knowing what they would find.

 

The crew's quarters were empty as they moved systematically to the control room, the last place that contact had been made by the outpost.  They found the remaining guards and bowed their heads at the carnage left behind.  A small moan caught their attention as one of the guards let out an airy breath.

 

“Hold on, we'll get you to safety,” Lee urged as the corporal held tightly to his arm as if he were afraid the officer would leave him.

 

“It was awful, Sir,” he said with considerable effort.

 

“What did you see, corporal?” Harry asked gently.

 

“A... thing, Sir.  Just one monster did all of this,” he answered, suppressing his pain to talk.

 

“What kind of monster?” Lee asked with his eyebrows tightened.

 

“Like nothing I've ever seen before,” he nearly whimpered out, but taking a deep breath to compose himself.  “Seven feet tall, at least,” he described as his eyes diverted to a place of painful remembrance.  “Long spikes out his back,” he continued.  “Red glowing eyes and strong Sir.  Our bullets just bounced off like we were using pea-shooters.”

 

“Okay corporal, just rest now.  We're going to get you out of here,” Lee promised as he and Harry stood to peruse the control room.  There was nothing salvageable so they each took an arm of the only survivor and left cautiously.   Someone or something had decimated the outpost and its Detail, as much as Harry and Lee wanted to ignore the “monster” story they couldn't.  They had seen too much in their travels under the sea.  Right now the most important thing was to get the corporal to safety and report the situation to Jiggs Stark at ComSubPac, following the Chain of Command for Seaview's Reserve status with the United States Navy.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry and Lee made it back to the beach without incident as they carried the corporal between them, each with an arm over their shoulders.  Neither said a word as they listened to the tropical jungle surrounding them for any sounds indicating they weren't alone.  They were both relieved when they spotted FS1 moored to the dock where they left her and eased the young corporal into the upper bunk for transport.  Lee covered him with a blanket and strapped him down as Harry began the start-up sequence, bringing the flying sub online and readying her for flight.  The corporal moaned as the whining of FS1's engines roused him.

 

“Easy there, corporal.  You're safe now,” Lee offered with concern etched on his face.

 

“Sir, what about Lieutenant Parsons?”

 

Lee nodded, slightly confused, “We didn't find an officer among your crew.”

 

“No Sir,” he swallowed at the unhappy memory.  “That man with the monster took him away.”

 

“What man, corporal?” Lee asked as he felt Harry troll FS1 out from the dock for take-off.

 

“That thing had the Lieutenant pinned up against the wall,” he continued, “...he fired everything he had... then I heard a whining noise.  Some sort of man appeared out of no-where Sir... they cornered the Lieutenant and when the man touched his shoulder... they just disappeared.”

 

Lee looked on with even more concern.  He could chalk this up to hysteria brought on by extreme shock, it sometimes happened on the battlefield, but the corporal's description of the monster couldn't have been a coincidence.

 

“You... you do believe me Sir... don't you?”

 

Lee nodded and adjusted his blankets.  “Yes corporal, I believe you.”

 

The corporal nodded, holding in his strong emotions threatening to expose themselves as Lee added a small squeeze to his shoulder and moved to the co-pilot's chair to buckle in.

 

“Ready?” Harry asked as Lee nodded and flipped a few switches to activate his co-pilot's controls.

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee answered, but noticeably quiet.

 

Soon the flying sub was in the air.  Harry made contact with Seaview alerting Sickbay of their incoming patient, then Harry was switched over to make contact with ComSubPac.

 

* * * * *

 

“The outpost has been completely destroyed, Jiggs,” Harry reported.

 

“I figured something was wrong; the radio transmissions to our surface vessels are operating at less than optimal,” Jiggs answered back gruffly as he sorted out the details of the attack.

 

“Survivors?”

 

“Just one.  A corporal, I don't have his name yet,” Harry replied.

 

“That would be Corporal Wilkins...”

 

“And one captured Sir,” Lee chimed in as Harry looked over, having not heard that piece of information yet.

 

“Wilkins was conscious a few minutes ago, he reported the Lieutenant was taken captive.”

 

“Any markings on the uniform to identify his allegiance?”

 

“No Sir, but I've got an idea,” Lee paused and then continued.

 

“Well spit it out Captain.”

 

“Jiggs,” Harry interrupted having not missed the corporal's description as well.  He looked toward Lee trying to ascertain Lee's apprehension.

 

“I'd like to verify it first, Sir,” Lee said answering Harry's unspoken question.

 

“Jiggs,” Harry continued.  “We've got an idea and we're going to take steps to confirm it, but I suggest you access a Sealed File, codename: Inner Space.”

 

Jiggs nearly growled, not appreciating the lack of details but acquiesced to Harry's good judgment, trusting his old friend completely.

 

“Very well Harriman, but I want a report from the corporal as soon as he's able,” with that he signed off.

 

Harry looked at Lee as they exchanged knowing glances laced with considerable concern and continued their flight to rendezvous with Seaview.

 

* * * * *

 

FS1 docked as the two officers shut down the flying sub's systems.  Behind them corpsman readied their patient for transport to sickbay via a stretcher.  They followed the corpsman up the ladder as Lee fired off a series of orders, while Harry took to the spiral stairs with the click of his oxfords sounding off the seriousness of his hasty departure.

 

“I want to be notified the moment he's awake, Frank,” Lee ordered.

 

“Aye Sir, I'll inform Dr. Jamieson.”

 

Lee headed straight to the radio shack not stopping to speak with his Executive Officer, but offering a quick nod of his head to follow.

 

“Sparks, contact the Institute.  I need all the photos from the Sealed File with the codename: Inner Space.  Break the Seal on my authorization and... the sooner the better,” he added as he turned toward Chip.

 

“Not that thing again?”

 

“That's what I need to confirm,” Lee said looking past Chip to Seaview's herculite windows and then back at his Executive Officer.

 

“Chip, spread the word to be ready.  Depending on what I find, I may bring the Boat to General Quarters at any time.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip responded efficiently, duly noting the concern in Lee's eyes and concurring completely.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee made his way to Sickbay with an envelope of photos in hand and was met part way by Harry who had come by way of his cabin in Officer's Country.  They entered sickbay and found Corporal Wilkins already in a bunk as Jamie moved to intercept their visit.

 

“Captain I understand your need to speak with the corporal, but I must insist it be a short visit.”

 

“No promises Jamie, but I won't keep him any longer than I need,” Lee offered in full command mode to which Jamie nodded his understanding.

 

“Along with internal injuries and a host of bruises and deep contusions, he's also suffering from a great emotional shock,” Jamie reported.

 

“I understand.  Jamie I may need to shock him even more... be ready with your hypo,” Lee said without any indication that the questioning was at all optional.  Jamie's eyes narrowed, but recognizing the determined look in his captain's eyes backed off, at least for the time being.

 

Harry moved forward as Lee pulled the photos from the envelope he was carrying.

 

“Corporal?” He coaxed as young Wilkin's eyes fluttered open almost frantically until he realized he was safe in sickbay.

 

“Yes Sir,” he breathed out remembering his military decorum as he caught the stars on Harry's lapel and the eagles on Lee's.

 

“Corporal,” Lee softened slightly, “I have some photographs I want you to look at.” 

 

Lee didn't wait for his response but proceeded to produce the still photos taken from the unaired science documentary thrill show hosted by Bainbridge Wells over three years ago.

 

Wilkins reacted immediately and grabbed the photo from Lee's hand, momentarily forgetting his military decorum.

 

“It's the monster Sir,” he said, with a slight quiver in his voice.

 

“You're sure corporal?” Harry asked.

 

“You don't forget a thing like that Sir,” he answered back respectfully.

 

“Take your time,” Lee said handing all the photos to the injured man.  “You're sure this is what you saw?”

 

Wilkins looked through the photos, all grainy but identifiable and settled on the last photo.  The one Bainbridge Wells himself shot from his camera as he dropped the device used to attract the creature squarely at the feet of the camera crew then ran to hide.  His cowardly act gave him time to escape as he watched the camera crew's attack without lifting a hand to help.  The creature left no survivors among the camera crew as it moved back to the sea; among the dead... Seaman Patterson's father, the cameraman.

 

The photo Wilkins held was a clear close-up shot as he nodded once again.

 

“That's the thing, Sir,” he confirmed.

 

“And the man that took Lieutenant Parsons?” Lee probed as Harry stood back content to let his captain lead the debriefing.

 

“Yes Sir, a man.  He was dressed in a funny uniform, black with white shiny specks on it.  Not a military uniform that I'm familiar with Sir,” he clarified.

 

“And you say he touched the Lieutenant's shoulder and then disappeared?”

 

“Yes Sir... you've got to believe me, I'm not out of my mind,” he pleaded.

 

Lee leaned over and placed a reassuring hand on the corporal's shoulder, “I believe you corporal.”  He added a squeeze and then gentled the photos away from Wilkins.

 

“Now, you're out of action for the time being.  You rest up and do whatever Doc here tells you,” Lee ordered with a small smile meant to encourage the battered soldier.

 

“Yes Sir... and thank you for believing me, Sir.”

 

Lee nodded and left as Jamie closed back in on his patient ready to administer a sedative.  Harry and Lee exited Sickbay, stopping just outside the closed door to converse.

 

“It's back Sir,” Lee said running a hand through his hair in an obvious move of his concern.

 

“The creatures we encountered over three years ago,” Harry stated looking down at the photos.  He too had surmised the creatures to be one in the same.

 

“Yeah, and the last time we met they whooped our butts,” Lee added his concern evident. 

 

Harry nodded in agreement.  Seaview had barely escaped the attack from not only the huge man-sized creature but its accompanying giant counterpart, at least thirty times larger.  The smaller creature had been captured using a hefty dose of tranquilizers shot from a special high velocity weapon.  The creature revived wreaking havoc throughout the boat, unfortunately it had somehow developed a resistance to subsequent tranquilizer shots.  Only Harry's quick thinking by luring the creature to the missile room with the “monster bait device” had saved the boat as the creature dove into the open bay door to the ocean depths, following the device thrown overboard.  They had escaped the giant solely by out-running the large creature, turning on flank speed as Seaview limped back to port with Harry's wise advice to return when they were more prepared to deal with the creatures.

 

“I think it's time to update Jiggs,” Harry stated with pursed determined lips.

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee responded following Harry to the Control Room.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee motioned Chip forward as they closed the crash doors behind them.

 

“Sparks, patch me through to Admiral Stark at ComSubPac.  Priority One,” Harry ordered as Lee reached to turn the monitor on.  Only a few moments passed till the black screen morphed to the clear image of Jiggs Stark.

 

“What have you got Harriman?” He inquired without any pleasantries.

 

“Corporal Wilkins has confirmed it; the creatures are back,” Harry stated flatly knowing Jiggs would have already read the Sealed File.

 

“Spit it out Crane,” Jiggs ordered as he looked past Harry to Seaview's Captain who obviously had something on his mind.

 

“I don't believe this was the same type of attack, Sir.  And I don't believe it's a case of monster-run-amok,” Lee continued.

 

“And what makes you say that?” Jiggs probed.

 

“Several things, Sir,” Lee answered confidently as Harry listened, already in agreement with where he thought Lee was headed.

 

“First, it attacked a military installation, not an uninhabited island like before and it destroyed the antenna as efficiently as a military detail.  Then...” Lee resisted the urge to pace as he laid out his reasoning, but the more he voiced it the more convinced he was that he was right, “...a new player arrives.  Wilkins described him as a 'man' in a uniform he didn't recognize, with powers that included instant transportation of some kind.”

 

“The man was out of his mind.  Hysteria,” Jiggs offered.

 

“No Sir.  He was scared, but reasonable and rational.  I believe him.”

 

“Alright Captain.  What else?”

 

“Three years ago when we first encountered the creatures, we barely made it out alive, and not because we defeated them.  The smaller creature bailed out in the missile room and we simply out-ran the larger creature at flank speed.  Now that time our speed worked for us, that's true, but once in its grasp we were all but helpless.”

 

“Your conclusion Captain,” Jiggs fired off.

 

“They're not just creatures of the deep unleashed by some unknown phenomenon, Sir.  They let us escape three years ago because the timing wasn't right, for whatever reason that may be.  Admiral, we very well may be looking at an alien invasion.”

 

“Alien invasion?  How do you jump from one outpost attack in the middle of the Pacific to a worldwide alien invasion, Crane?”

 

“I haven't got more than my gut instinct on this Sir, but if I'm right we'll see another attack.  It will be a military target with a definite military strategy,” Lee finished with his shoulders squared and not an ounce of backing down to his supposition.

 

“What about you Harriman?  Is any of this crap Crane's spitting out substantiated in any way?”

 

Harry scoffed and shook his head slightly.  “While Captain Crane,” he began enunciating Lee's naval rank as worthy of more respect than Jiggs was currently giving, “was busy formulating his supposition, I was in my cabin trying to pull together all the data we collected in our last meeting with the creatures.  I too recognized the corporal's description.  I'm afraid I concur 100% with Lee, Jiggs.”

 

“Captain Crane this is Sparks!”

 

The fact that Seaview's radio operator interrupted a conference with ComSubPac indicated that something was definitely wrong as Lee reached for the mic with Chip close behind.

 

“This is Crane, go ahead.”

 

“Sir, a Mayday.  The USS Kinkaid reports they are under attack and in need of assistance, we're the closest naval vessel around.”

 

“Crap,” Jiggs said.  “The Kinkaid left its battle group to investigate an unusual sonar pattern this morning.”

 

“Chip plot a course to intercept the Kinkaid.  Admiral Stark,” Lee said turning toward the monitor, “I assume Seaview has now been called into active duty?”

 

“Aye.  Get there, lend your aid and get me information.  Harry, use your little yellow flying machine and get to Pearl.  I'm not going to face Washington alone with all this.”

 

Jiggs signed off as the men of Seaview flew into action.

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Two~^~

 

Counter Attack

 

“Sir, we've been boarded!  Security has been breached!”  Yelled the Exec of the USS Kinkaid, a destroyer whose anti-submarine mission and heavy artillery made her a formidable foe on the high seas.  The Kinkaid, however, had just spent the last hour working just to stay afloat after the strange sonar reading shifted directions and was lost.  About five minutes later the bogie appeared right under them playing havoc with the large surface vessel as if a giant whale was trying to capsize them.  So far, all they knew was that it was directly below them, too close to drop depth charges or heat seeking missiles which would blow up their own ship just as easily.  Then just a few minutes ago, the ship stopped rocking and the sonar contact disappeared.

 

“How many?” Captain Unger shouted over the sounds of the battle stations reporting into the Bridge.

 

“Three Sir.”

 

“Three?  We can't repel three men?” He asked in unbelief.

 

“Not men Sir.  Three creatures of some kind.  We're pouring on the small arms ordnance, the bullets just bounce off the things!”

 

Captain Unger couldn't believe what he was hearing as he moved to get a view of the deck below him.  An incredible amount of smoke was obstructing his view as he peered through trying to see who his men were unsuccessfully trying to repel.  A sudden ocean breeze momentarily swept the deck clear as Captain Unger got his first look at the three huge creatures dishing out destruction on his battle deck.

 

“What's the ETA on the nearest naval vessel?” He yelled over his shoulder.

 

“The Seaview has responded and is on her way Sir.  ETA twenty minutes.”

 

“Tell them to hurry.  XO?”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“I want a ship-wide Communications.”

 

The Kinkaid's Executive Officer acknowledged and moved to Communications to make it so.

 

“We're ready, Skipper,” the Exec yelled over the mayhem on the deck.

 

Captain Unger moved with determination to give the pep talk of his life. 

 

“This is Captain Unger calling all able Seaman.  The rumors are true, we have three unfriendlies... not human, something from the sea on our decks wreaking havoc.  Now I don't care if they're little green men from Mars, we ARE NOT going to dip our Colors!  GO NAVY!” He yelled into the mic as the cheers of his men rose from the decks below. 

 

The battle raged on with the creatures advancing as Unger turned toward the insistent hail of his sonar operator.

 

“Sir we've got another bogie, just entering the grid and closing fast!” Sonar reported above the sounds of the controlled excitement on the Bridge.

 

“Same as before?” Unger said leaning over the crewman's shoulder.

 

“Negative, it's a submarine.”

 

“At that speed?” Hydrophones questioned leaning over to see for himself.

 

“It's the Seaview!”

 

“Communications, verify that Seaview is on our port bow incoming,” Unger said over his shoulder.

 

“Aye Sir.” 

 

Unger looked out the windows again.  His men were holding up as well as could be expected, but the carnage of the battle was everywhere.

 

“Skipper, Seaview confirms ETA is eight minutes for reinforcements.”

 

“Aye.  Terry,” he said turning to his XO, “Spread the word by mouth.  Reinforcements are on the way.”

 

“Aye Sir,” he replied sending a runner to give the crew of the Kinkaid hope.  It was the longest eight minutes of his life as he wondered if the three creatures were going to breach the Bridge and take control of a vessel that carried heavy armament, including nuclear sea to air missiles.

 

* * * * *

 

“Get me in close, Chip.”

 

“Aye Skipper,” Seaview's Executive Officer replied as Lee snapped his holster in place and Seaview's MA, Chief Devon “Tank” Thompson dispensed the laser guns to the boarding party.

 

“Remember men, once the creature is down you must enact the containment field to immobilize it.  If you fail to immobilize it your laser gun may be useless on subsequent rounds of fire,” Lee instructed as the MA's security team took up positions around the ladder at the main hatch.

 

“We're in position, Sir,” Lee heard over the com system as he reached for the mic at the radio shack.

 

“Very well.  Surface the Boat Mr. Morton.”

 

“Aye Sir.  Blow main ballast for ten seconds.  Surface, surface, surface.”

 

Subsequent orders to the plane helmsman followed as Chief Sharkey stood by with his crew ready to launch the zodiacs.

 

Seaview surfaced as Sharkey's team hurried up the ladder followed by Lee, Tank and a six man security team.  Two boats were launched as Lee's team rushed to the destroyer a scant twenty feet from where Seaview surfaced.  Upon reaching the side of the ship Lee and his team quickly scaled the net ladders up the side of the great fighting vessel.  The smell of smoke and the moans of downed sailors filled the air as Lee was followed quickly by Tank and the Detail.  They followed the sounds of the battle forward as sailors of the Kinkaid yielded way for Lee and his Detail carrying laser pistols and rifles as well as containment sensors Harry had prepared before leaving in FS1.  Once they hit the front lines they flew into action.

 

“Down, down!” Lee ordered the Kinkaid men trying desperately to fight the creatures.  “Everyone on the deck!”

 

The men responded to the order as Lee and his detail fired double shots of laser power into each creature with two Seaview men trained in on one beast.  The creatures screamed in fury, then pain, then fell in a heap on the deck.

 

“Get those men out of there!”  Lee instructed, needing to clear away the containment area before the creatures awoke.  If their first meeting was any indication, the creatures would wake with immunity to the laser blasts, perhaps it was a stretch but Lee wasn't taking any chances.

 

The Kinkaid men quickly moved their fallen brothers out of the way as Lee and Tank began setting up the portable devices to form the containment field.  The devices elicited a high frequency pitch that at best would render the creatures unconscious, at worst provide a deterrent for further advancement.  Their plan was to seal off the creatures from the rest of the ship by establishing direct line of sight connections across the bow, creating a shield of sorts. 

 

“They're waking!” Tank yelled as Lee moved quickly to set up the final device completing the arc to contain the creatures in the bow area.  More than likely they would bail into the sea but it was the best they could do at this point. 

 

Lee caught the movement of the spiny creature's hand and worked quickly to complete the instructions on the digital keypad.  He reached for the button that would complete the circuit to activate the containment shield but was picked up and manhandled like a rag doll.  He was thrown across the deck smacking a piece of heavy artillery across his gut.  Instantly five lasers were trained on the moving creature, moving it back into the boundaries of the containment field as Tank dove for the device pressing the button and enacting the shield.  The creatures rose shakily and stumbled toward the side of the deck as each one jumped into the sea; the portable containment field having apparently weakened their foe but not producing a high enough frequency to incapacitate the creatures.

 

Lee sighed in relief as he saw the creatures retreat to the sea.  In a heartbeat Tank was hovering over his Captain.

 

“Sir? Sir are you alright?”

 

Lee nodded, the breath having been sufficiently knocked out of him momentarily.  “Other than a few bruises I'm alright,” he breathed out.

 

“Help me up, Chief.”

 

Tank lent a hand and applied an easy lift using his stout but fit 265 pound frame to help Lee stand, then backed off when he found his Skipper steady on his feet.

 

“Keep the area secure Chief, I'm heading to the Bridge.”

 

Tank gave him a once over, having plenty of experience with the cavalier habits of his Captain when any perceived danger was about.

 

Lee added a small pat to Tank's well-muscled shoulder.  “I'm fine really,” and then turned aft toward the Bridge.

 

* * * * *

 

“Captain you are one welcome sight,” Captain Unger said meeting Lee at the Bridge door.

 

“Glad to lend our aid Captain...”

 

“Unger.”

 

“Captain Unger, Captain Lee Crane SSRN Seaview.”

 

A small half smile appeared on Unger's face, “I should have known you'd have some fancy gadgets to match wits with those things.”

 

“Unfortunately, this isn't our first encounter with the creatures,” Lee offered as they made their way to the radio.

 

“I need to get a quick radio call Captain, then Seaview is under orders to escort the Kinkaid back to Pearl.”

 

* * * * *

 

“The containment fields were too weak on the portable devices, Admiral,” Lee reported as Harry listened from the pilot's chair of FS1 en-route to Pearl Harbor, his co-pilot Stu Riley currently piloting the craft. 

 

“It was enough to send them scrambling off the ship, but not enough to incapacitate them,” Lee finished.

 

“I'll send a quick spec change to increase the frequency output, I think the power source can handle it,” Harry offered.  “How about the lasers?”

 

“Just like the tranquilizers Sir.  The first blast incapacitated them, but once they recovered they were immune.”

 

“Alright Lee, I've got an idea to work on that one too.  And Lee, it looks like you were right... we have an all-out war on our hands.”

 

“Aye Sir.  This is one time I wish my hunch was wrong.  Good flight, Sir.  We'll meet you in Pearl.”

 

“FS1 out.”

 

Lee reshipped the mic as Captain Unger stepped in closer. 

 

“I can have my corpsman take a look at you,” Kinkaid's Captain suggested as he spotted Lee holding his mid-section.

 

“No need, Captain,” Lee answered confidently as Unger offered a hand.

 

“My name is Russ,” Unger said by way of introduction.

 

Lee returned the gesture with a firm handshake and a smile, “Lee.  How does it look?” He asked tilting his head toward the Bridge.

 

“Repair parties report we can get underway.”

 

“Very well.  I'll secure my Detail and transfer back to my Boat.”  Lee started toward the Bridge door then turned with a sincere smile.

 

“You've got a good crew, Russ.”

 

“Thanks Lee, and thanks for your help.”

 

Lee nodded and took his leave.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry's flight to Pearl left him time to think through the situation.  The creatures had hit two military targets but in relatively small numbers.  Relatively meaning one creature had proven to be the match for at least ten men.  The question begged what would happen if a full invasion force of these creatures were to descend upon a military target, or worse yet, the civilian population ashore. 

 

He thought through some design changes that might aid in the coming battle and then activated his throat mic when they reached Pearl's airspace.

 

“This is FS1 to Pearl.  FS1 to Pearl.”

 

“FS1 you are cleared to land and dock, Admiral Stark has a car waiting for you.”

 

“Very well.”

 

Harry made some small adjustments then executed a water landing and slowed to a trolling speed as he brought the flying submersible to the dock normally used for boats small enough to ferry personnel back and forth from the carriers.

 

He locked FS1 out even though he was on a US Naval Base and moved forward to meet the young ensign assigned to transport him to what he surmised would be some interesting video meetings with Washington.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee was the last to descend the ladder into the Control Room as he turned first toward his Security Chief.  

 

“Good job Chief.  Take the devices to the lab, I think the Admiral has some changes in mind.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Tank replied quickly delegating the job to his detail and then turning back toward Lee.

 

“Would you like me to accompany you to Sickbay, Sir?”

 

Sly Tank, thought Lee who avoided rolling his eyes as Chip's forehead furled in concern.  Ever since Tank and his faithful hound Bailey tracked Lee after his abduction, finding him only moments before he would have drowned to death,* the Chief of Security had kept an extra watchful eye over his captain.  He already had a handful of mother hens doing the same with Ski, Patterson, Riley and Sharkey not to mention his best friend Chip, so Lee graciously added Tank to his growing list of “body guards.”

 

“Something I should know about, Sir?” Chip asked evenly.

 

“It's nothing Chip, got the wind knocked out of me is all.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip replied and passed a look to Tank that said I'll take care of it, as Lee moved to the Chart Table acting as if he hadn't noticed the exchange.

 

“Chip make ready to escort the Kinkaid into Pearl.”

 

“Aye Sir.  Secure the deck.  Look-outs below.” 

 

Chip ordered the dive as Lee checked over the course his XO had already plotted out to Pearl.

 

“The boat is at ninety feet, trim satisfactory, Skipper.”

 

“Very well.  Maneuvering, all ahead Standard,” Lee ordered, and felt Seaview answer bells.

 

“Mr. O'Brien you've got the Con,” Chip said as Lee looked up knowing what was coming next.  “I'll be in Sickbay with the Captain.”

 

Lee glared, started to protest but gave up tossing his pencil on the Chart Table and headed aft.  The sooner Jamie confirmed it was only a bruise the sooner he could get back to running the Boat.

 

* * * * *

 

“That went well,” Jiggs stated gruffly as he and Harry signed off the video conference with the Pentagon. 

 

“They may not like it Jiggs, but the facts can't be denied.  It's not just the eye witness account of one soldier with post-traumatic shock.  Now you've got the Captain of a US Destroyer confirming the creatures and their formidability,” Harry reasoned.

 

“Yes, well it's not like they didn't know about the creatures three years ago when the file was sealed,” Jiggs continued.

 

“True, but then it was an isolated attack brought on by Bainbridge Wells' monster bait machine.  This time it's calculated attacks on military targets,” Harry continued.

 

“Can you make the adjustments to the laser guns in time for production?”

 

“I'm sure of it.  I'm planning on adding a small scrambler that will produce random frequencies from the guns.  Even when the creatures go immune they'll have to contend with another frequency burst.”

 

“How fast can you draw up the specs?” Jiggs asked writing down the information he needed to report to Washington.

 

“I need a couple of days of uninterrupted time to work in my lab.  You've already got some lasers in stores, we just need to add the frequency scrambler,” Harry replied.

 

“We'll get you set up in a lab here; just tell my aide what you need, you'll have it,” Jiggs responded.

 

“I have everything I need on board Seaview, Jiggs.”

 

“Very well.  What about the containment fields Crane was talking about?”

 

“Yes, the portable devices just need a little tweaking.”

 

“Good, let's get specs for those out as well, ASAP.”

 

“The Kinkaid's been met by our support vessels,” Jiggs continued, “I'll relieve Seaview of her escort duty and relay a patrolling pattern once I confer with Admiral Larson at SUBRON 1.”  Harry nodded his understanding that Seaview would join SUBRON 1, the Submarine Squadron 1 Force of Fast Attack Subs whose mission was to patrol the Pacific.  “I'll still retain Seaview under my direct command,” Jiggs clarified.

 

“Very well, Jiggs,” Harry said standing.  “Seaman Riley and I will take our leave and head back to Seaview.  You'll have the specs as soon as I possibly can.”

 

Jiggs reached across the desk and offered a hand with a sigh.  “I sure hope we're wrong Harriman, but whether it's aliens or an undiscovered creature from under the sea, I think we're going to have to plan for the worst.”

 

Harry nodded.  “Agreed.  Take care Jiggs.”

 

“You too you old Sea Dog.”

 

Harry returned his tight lipped smile and left collecting Stu Riley who had been waiting in the reception area.

 

“Let's go Riley.  We've got work to do.”

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Three~^~

 

A New Target

 

 

“We're losing trim, Skipper!”

 

“Engineering, I need more power.”

 

“We're giving you all we've got, Sir.  She's starting to red line.”

 

Captain Owen of the SSN Bremerton took a quick glance around the situation lights and made his decision.

 

“Shut down the engines.”

 

“Aye Sir.  All-Stop.”

 

Despite the engines shutting down the nuclear submarine continued to be battered around as if she were nothing but a bath toy.  Her hull creaked as crew members were tossed side to side until Captain Owen felt the Los Angeles Class submarine being released from whatever had her in its grip.  The red emergency lights flashed off as the main lights powered back on even as the sub went nose heavy.

 

“Blow ballast on all forward tanks,” Owen ordered as the boat began to correct her angle of descent but not before she hit the sea floor with a sickening thud.

 

“Damage Report all stations.”

 

A few moments passed with each station reporting its condition as battered but sound as Captain Owen received his last report.

 

“Control Room Aye.” 

 

“Hull integrity intact.  We're tight and dry Skipper.”

 

“Very well.  XO, Rig for silent running.”

 

“What are you going to do Skipper?” The XO asked in a whisper.

 

“We're going to play dead until whatever threw us around like a bath toy loses interest in us,” he answered moving toward Sonar.

 

“Go passive.  Where's our bogie?”

 

“Nearly off the grid, Sir,” Sonar whispered back.

 

“Already?”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“Alright.  We'll play 'possum till it's off the scope and then high tail it out of here.  I'll make my report then, I don't want to give that thing anything to hone in on,” Owen explained to the XO then moved quietly across the deck surveying his boat's readiness for action.

 

* * * * *

 

“That's it, Harriman.  There's no doubt about it now.  Three military targets attacked in three days.  The Bremerton barely got out of it intact,” Jiggs stated over the video monitor in the nose.

 

“What about the production of the frequency scramblers?” Harry inquired.

 

“We've got our suppliers dropping their entire production line to make them, along with additional laser weapons,” Jiggs replied.  “How are the containment devices coming along?”

 

“I've adjusted the devices but we won't know how effective they are until we use them,” Harry reported. 

 

“We still don't know what we're up against,” Jiggs relented in a frustrated gruff.

 

“With all due respect, Sir,” Lee said entering the conversation for the first time, “They made three small scale attacks, one on land, one on the surface, and one below the surface.  They're testing our strengths and weaknesses.”

 

Jiggs nodded in agreement, “For a future full-scale attack,” he stated.

 

“Another thing Sir,” Lee noted.  “Each subsequent attack has been closer to Pearl.”

 

“I realize that Captain,” Stark added and then squared his shoulders. “I'm going to light a fire under the production of those weapons.  Stark out.”

 

Lee reached over and turned off the monitor then settled back to lean against the conference table.

 

“Lee?” Harry asked knowing his Captain was in deep thought.

 

“I just can't shake the feeling we're in for something bigger than a Pacific assault.”

 

“Washington isn't completely convinced but they are forming a coalition of countries for that contingency,” Harry assured him then stood and moved to open the crash doors.  “I'll be in my lab, I've got some ideas I want to work on.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee replied straightening himself and moving to Seaview's windows.  He gazed out for only a moment and then returned to the Control Room to make sure Seaview was prepared to do battle once again.

 

* * * * *

 

Lieutenant Randy Parsons stood imprisoned against the stone face of the grotto, hidden in the depths of the ocean.  He stared dispassionately at his prison guard, a seven foot unimaginably horrible creature with red eyes and spines protruding menacingly from his back.  He had emptied the contents of his sidearm into the thing and it did nothing to deter its forward advancement at the outpost.  One by one he watched his team fall, everything happening so fast they barely had a chance to send a distress call.  He was sure he was a goner until this other guy showed up.

 

He looked like a man, but there was something about those red eyes making him as repulsive as the creature guarding his “cell”.  He was imprisoned by beams of light that crisscrossed forming diamond shapes, whenever he got too close to the lighted bars he would feel an electric surge and be forced to back off to avoid an all-out electric shock.  They had gotten everything they wanted from him already; it was a day he'd just soon forget as he lay on the table with a similar restraining light forming an almost net over his body.  The man with the red eyes would ask a question and he'd refuse to answer, but as soon as he heard the question his mind would go to that place in order to protect the information; almost immediately he would feel the information being extracted as surely as the creature had skewered it with one of its spines.  He figured out too late that to preserve the information he had to distract his mind someplace else.  He didn't want to cooperate and he hadn't given anything up by choice, they had simply reached in and grabbed what they wanted.

 

He looked beyond his monster guard to the red-eyed man watching a sort of monitor cut out of the rock face as a recent battle was being replayed as if on a giant cinema screen.  He watched as three creatures attacked a Navy Destroyer.  They were no more prepared than his men were, but the creatures had been slowed in their progress by the sheer number of sailors barraging them with bullets.  Though the bullets didn't penetrate the creatures' crusty skin the impact of the bullets had delayed their forward movement.  Where they had broken the lines there was a path of sailors lying helpless on the decks, some still alive he could tell.  They stayed low as the bullets continued to fly.  The battle raged on until the bullets stopped and beams of light were seen firing into the creatures.

 

The red-eye man widened his lens to include more of the deck and honed in on the tall dark headed officer.  Parsons watched as he adjusted his screen to focus on the naval Captain, a full bird colonel by army rank.  The Captain placed some sort of device on the deck but was grabbed by an awakening creature.  The creature picked the Captain up over his head, holding him like some big time wrestling move and then...

 

The red-eyed man froze the picture in place and pointed at the officer suspended in the air, one Lee Crane, as he and his Detail fought the creatures on the USS Kinkaid.

 

“That is the one I want.”

 

The spiney creature nodded his understanding and turned to leave as Lt. Parson realized that the creature was now on a mission to kidnap a higher level officer than himself.  Randy sank back into his cell wishing he could warn the officer and knowing exactly what awaited him once he was taken.

 

The red-eyed man turned toward Randy as if he could read his mind and smiled maliciously as his evil eyes glowed even redder.

 

* * * * *

 

Seaview was patrolling her sector but thankfully the last two weeks had offered no new attacks.  Somehow that information didn't encourage Lee one bit as he figured the creatures were regrouping and restrategizing for an even bigger attack. 

 

“I think I'll turn in for the night,” Lee said casually having checked back into the Control Room after an abbreviated walk about his boat. 

 

“Aye Sir,” the junior officer replied as Lee looked over the duty stations one last time and headed up the spiral staircase.

 

He entered his cabin and tiredly moved to his desk sitting down and picking up a photo of Brianna, caressing her cheek with his thumb.  He placed the photo back on the desk and sat back.  It wasn't unusual to leave and not have contact for weeks at a time, but this time was harder.  Not only could he not warn her about the impending danger of a possible attack from the creatures, possibly even an all-out war, but he couldn't even contact her as Seaview was operating under war conditions with no unauthorized transmissions being sent from the Boat.

 

He leaned back into his seat and remembered the day he departed Santa Barbara.  They had taken breakfast on the deck and then shared some quiet time together watching the ocean waves break against the beach.  Brianna stood in front of Lee as he wrapped his arms around her holding her rounded belly gently.

 

“I think I felt the baby,” he said in her ear with delight in his voice.

 

“He's been busy this morning,” she quipped back as the baby's movements were getting strong enough to discern now that she was nearing the end of her sixth month.

 

“He?  Maybe that's my baby girl in there,” Lee answered holding her back close to his chest as he felt for the baby's movement.

 

“Could be a girl, if it is I think she's going to be a gymnast,” Brianna chuckled.

 

Lee turned Brianna gently to face him and offered a gentle kiss which she took in deeply as he held her face between his two hands.

 

“I guess it’s time,” he added with a smile as he looked over her attire.

 

“I like this dress.”

 

“Big tummy and all?” She added with a tease.

 

Especially the big tummy,” he said leaning over and applying a sweet kiss across her forehead.

 

That morning had been a perfectly peaceful and beautiful memory to treasure as they left for the Institute and said their goodbyes on the dock.  He didn't have the luxury of being sentimental often, but right now... in his cabin... it was his time.  He'd be as sentimental as he wanted.  He wished he could be there to protect Brianna and his baby, but he knew the best way to protect them was to make sure that the creatures never made it to America's shores.

 

Lee sighed and started for the head.  He was tired and morning would come soon enough so he shook off his thoughts and prepared to hit the rack.

 

* * * * *

 

The next morning found Seaview in much the same routine as she had followed for the last two weeks.  Lee had plenty of experience patrolling the ocean depths in both ballistic subs and commanding his own fast attack sub.  It was a necessary duty that hopefully wouldn't get exciting, as excitement usually meant a contact to either avoid or engage. 

 

Lee was just marking off his last check point when the excitement hit.

 

“Captain Crane to the radio shack please.”

 

Lee headed aft to the radio shaft where Sparks was waiting with a paper extended toward his Captain.

 

“New orders from ComSubPac, Sir.”

 

Lee took the orders and read, his eyebrows narrowing tighter as the seriousness of the message dictated.

 

“Very well Sparks.  Acknowledge the orders and inform ComSubPac we're on our way.”

 

He took purposeful strides to the Chart Table as Chip walked over to receive his orders with an upraised eyebrow.

 

“A surface vessel under attack.  It's about twenty miles from our present position,” Lee said quickly mapping out the course.  “Come to course 1-7-0 and run us at Flank.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Chip gave the appropriate orders to the helmsman and reported their heading and speed back to Lee.

 

“Another Navy ship?”

 

“No, and that's the problem, Chip,” Lee said with concern.  “This time they're hitting a merchant vessel.  There's nothing on it to gain any military advantage.”

 

“Looks like the war just ramped up again,” Chip said with equal concern.

 

“Looks that way,” Lee said as he reached for the mic.  “Admiral this is Crane.”

 

“This is Nelson, go ahead Lee.”

 

“Sir Seaview's been ordered to come to the aid of a merchant surface vessel currently under attack by the creatures.  ETA in... 15 minutes.  We're going to need all your special toys Admiral.”

 

“I'll be right up, Lee.”

 

Lee double clicked, “Chief Thompson report to the Control Room.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“Chip, sound battle stations.” 

 

The sound of Seaview's klaxon rang loudly as Lee brought his boat to General Quarters.

 

“What are you going to do, Lee?” Chip asked leaning over the Chart Table and speaking in low tones.

 

“Go up there and hope the lasers do their job.  In the meantime, keep Seaview at GQ, the over-sized creature may show up at any time,” Lee said walking to the weapons locker and pulling out a few tape grenades; small flat devices that activated after a tape-like film was removed.  He shoved the grenades in his pocket as Chip nodded his understanding, knowing full well that Lee intended to lead the raid once again.

 

About that time Chief “Tank” Thompson entered the Control Room, moving quickly forward.  Normally Lee would enlist his go-to team: Kowalski, Patterson, Riley, and Rodriguez; but in the current situation he needed his best Sonar and Hydrophones operators watching his back on Seaview.  Something he knew Patterson wasn't happy about, and he totally understood why.  One of the creatures killed his father three years ago in their first encounter with the spiney sea beasts.

 

“Chief,” Lee said addressing Tank who had just entered the Control Room, “assemble a boarding party.  There's a civilian ship on the surface under attack.  I don't want Seaview exposed to the surface for any longer than necessary so we'll take a team of six men again.”

 

“Aye Sir.  I've been drilling the men, they're ready.”

 

“Good.  Be ready to go in twelve minutes.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Tank moved to a mic, “Security Special Detail to the Control Room.  This is not a drill.”

 

“Sir?”

 

Lee turned to the sound of Chief Sharkey's voice.  “Permission to join the Detail, Sir?”

 

Lee responded with a firm but understanding hand on Sharkey's shoulder.  “Sorry Chief.  I need you here at your battle station.”

 

Sharkey nodded, understanding but not happy that the Skipper was going off boat again without him.  Doesn't the Skipper know that he needs me to watch his six?  

 

“Ski, any sign of that large creature?”

 

“No Sir.  The scope is clear except for the surface vessel.”

 

“Very well.  Keep a sharp watch, I don't want any surprises.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Lee headed to the main hatch ladder as Tank handed him his holster complete with the laser pistol.  The pistol had been modified with the Admiral's frequency scrambler as did the laser rifles Tank's team held. 

 

“Lee,” Harry said working his way around the detail waiting to ascend the ladder.  “These are the new containment fields.”

 

“Aye Sir,” he said as the two passed familiar sentiments of unspoken concern.

 

“We're at the coordinates, Skipper,” Chip reported.

 

“Very well, blow ballast.”

 

Chip complied as Sharkey's deck team readied to scramble up the deck to deploy the zodiacs. 

 

“We're on the surface.  Seventy-two degrees with light winds from the southwest.”

 

“Very well,” Lee answered as he hurried the deck detail up the ladder, following behind with Tank and his security detail bringing up the rear.

 

* * * * *

 

Lt. Parsons watched as the red-eyed man studied the battle from his rock monitor.  It wasn't much of a battle as the merchant vessel only had small arms and not enough to repel the two creatures wreaking havoc on the boat.  It was also evident after watching the battle on the Destroyer that the creatures were holding back, inflicting enough damage to be menacing and dangerous but not advancing to actually take the ship.

 

Randy's head dipped as he surmised that the objective wasn't the ship at all, but the tall dark headed Captain the red-eyed man had sent the creatures for.

 

* * * * *

 

Seaview's men scaled the rope ladder lowered by the ship's frantic crew as Lee landed on the deck and made his way forward following the obvious sounds of the hapless sailors trying to defend themselves.  Tank divided the team instructing three to follow Captain Crane while he took to the starboard side of the ship where the two teams would converge on the bow.

 

Lee spotted his first creature and discharged his weapon.  The laser hit the creature squarely in his chest as he stumbled backwards but didn't go down.  The laser automatically re-calibrated itself as he fired again, this time his shot was accompanied by a second blast from Tank's security team.  The creature stumbled back again, obviously impaired but still upright as Lee and his team sent more blasts into the creature's chest.  The monster finally dropped as Lee pointed out where to place the containment devices.

 

The field was activated as Lee looked over to see Tank putting the finishing touches on his target as well.  Both containment fields were set subduing the creatures with the sailors of the merchant vessel sending up a rousing cheer as Lee pulled out his portable transmitter to report.

 

“Crane to Seaview.”

 

“Nelson here.”

 

“Admiral, we've got two creatures contained in the fields...”

 

“Lee?  Say again we've lost your transmission.”

 

Lee could hear Harry's voice on the transmitter as it was knocked out of his hands by a third creature who had climbed over the side of the ship and descended quickly on Seaview's Captain, honing in on his intended target. 

 

“Captain!”  Tank yelled and fired immediately at the creature who had Lee pinned against the rail.  Tank's laser blast was joined by others until a whining sound was heard and a Man in a dark uniform with white shining specks appeared out of nowhere to stand next to Captain Crane.  He placed a hand on the Skipper's shoulder and then instantly the “Man” disappeared taking Captain Crane with him, while the creature growled in pain from the multiple laser blasts and bailed out over the side of the ship.

 

Tank moved forward with his laser pistol drawn looking for any indication of the Captain's whereabouts but found none, the Skipper had just disappeared.

 

“It's moving!” was heard as the creature Tank and his team subdued rose from his downed position and scampered over the side of the ship as well.

 

“Get those containment fields over here.  On the double!” Tank instructed hoping that the added frequency input from the second device would keep the only remaining creature contained and unconscious.  The creature began to move but the final device was put into place and its body went noticeably limp.

 

“Lee!  Report!  What's going on?”

 

Tank bent over and picked up the dropped transmitter, activating it.

 

“Admiral this is Chief Thompson.  The Skipper's been captured Sir.”

 

* * * * *

 

Lt. Parsons heard the whining sound from his cell.  He knew what it meant, the Man was going to Transport again.  The whining sound was followed by a rush of wind as a tunnel appeared, swirling in fantastic lights in various hues of blue.  From the tunnel Randy could hear the sounds of the battle on the merchant ship as the tunnel linked the two places.  The red-eyed man stepped inside and was instantly moved along the tunnel in a swish.  Parsons could see the creature on the monitor, descending upon the Naval officer and then the red-eyed man appeared from nowhere, placing a hand on the captain's shoulder as the two instantly disappeared.  Upon their disappearance from the deck Parsons could hear the tunnel activated with its travelers. 

 

The red-eyed man stepped out with the captain frozen in place under his hand.  He removed his hand and stepped away as the captain screamed in pain crumbling to the ground writhing.  Parsons looked on in empathy, remembering with detail how painful traveling the tunnel had been.  The captain reined in his scream to grunts and then mercifully blacked out as the red-eyed man turned toward Parsons in victory, delivering once again that sick malicious smile.  The red-eyed man turned toward his rock monitor, noting the captured creature on the screen and deactivated the tunnel.

 

He studied the captured creature on the deck of the merchant ship and then waved his hand over a series of glowing control buttons beneath his touch as the creature screamed in exquisite pain, its body caught in a series of convulsions that ended with the last breath of the creature expelling out of its body.  It was just a soldier drone, no great loss to the red-eyed “man” who turned off the monitor, no longer concerned with what the humans were doing on the insignificant vessel.   He had what he set out to get; a high level officer who would supply him with the information he needed before the invasion force arrived.

 

* * * * *

(Back on board the merchant vessel just as the red-eyed man destroys the captured creature)

 

“Chief, the creature!”  McMahon yelled as Tank turned, still holding the transmitter to his mouth.  

 

“What's going on Chief?” The Admiral demanded as Tank shook his head and answered in unbelief.

 

“The creature's dead, Sir.  Nothing we did, it’s like it self-destructed or something.”

 

“Very well.  Secure the detail and bring that thing aboard.”

 

“Aye Sir.  The Captain?”

 

“You have your orders Chief,” the Admiral answered curtly, but Tank wasn't fooled by what might look like indifference to the Captain's plight.  He knew firsthand what Admiral Nelson's deep concern for Captain Crane looked like and despite his apparent coolness, the Admiral was fighting his own fear and concern for Seaview's Captain.  But he also knew that Admiral Nelson would put everything aside to deal with the matters at hand: securing the first creature specimen of the conflict.

 

* * * * *

 

The mood on board Seaview was somber as the special security detail made its way down the ladder leaving Sharkey to secure the creature through the upper deck cargo hatch with instructions to take the dead creature to the Admiral's lab.

 

“It's almost like they were playing with us Sir,” Tank reported.  “The creature came up out of nowhere and honed right in on the Captain as if he were the target all along.”

 

Harry nodded.  “He very well could have been, Chief.  On the island the highest ranking officer was taken as well.  They were exposed to Captain Crane on the Destroyer, and there was no military advantage to attacking the merchant vessel,” Harry explained, concerned that the creatures had laid a trap so easily, having obviously picked a vessel close enough to Seaview's position to dictate the Boat's involvement in the rescue.  Perhaps answering the question as to why the creatures had not made a move for the last several weeks as they patiently waited for the opportunity to snag Lee Crane.

 

“They took him for information?” Chip clarified.

 

“Of course they did and it only goes to confirm Lee was right, we're looking at a full scale war here.  They're gathering information to formulate their battle plans,” Harry answered matter of factly, some might think gruffly, but Chip had thick skin and he knew that Harry wasn't unaffected by Lee's capture.

 

Harry sighed and then raised his eyes with determination.  “Their technology is formidable but they've also exposed some things about themselves as well.”

 

Chip leaned in close to hear Harry's suppositions; the man was brilliant and he had no doubt that the Admiral would glean every bit of useful information he could from the encounter.

 

“They grabbed the highest ranking officer they had contact with; there are higher ranking officers more useful in planning an invasion, including the President.”

 

Chip nodded, understanding where he was coming from.  “So they don't have a “looking glass” into our plans?” Chip reasoned.

 

“No,” Harry replied, “That at least is one small consolation.”

 

“What about their transportation?  The way that man popped out of nowhere and just took Lee?”

 

“I don't know Chip.  But we'll start dissecting the information in an orderly fashion.  Chief Thompson, debrief your men and get me a report ASAP.  Nothing is unimportant, I want all the facts.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Tank answered and left with determination in his steps.  The Skipper had been kidnapped on his Watch and it didn't sit well with the big security Chief as he made his way aft to debrief his team.

 

“Chip have Sparks open a line to Admiral Stark.  I imagine we'll be taking Seaview into Pearl with our 'cargo' so plot a course, but wait for my order.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“And Chip,” The sound of Harry's voice causing Seaview's XO to turn back toward him.  “You've got Command of Seaview, Captain Morton.”

 

Chip nodded his understanding answering with a tight expression that hid the trepidation he held for his best friend deep inside, “Aye Sir.”

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Four~^~

 

The Zorians

 

Lt. Randy Parsons paced his small cell, careful to stay away from the glowing light bars that promised a healthy dose of some sort of electrical shock if he got too close.  He had watched the two creatures return through the grotto cave entrance; it seemed only the red-eyed man traveled by way of the tunnel.  A lot of good that information did anyone, with him stuck inside the cell, he thought in self-recrimination.

 

He watched as the creatures lifted the unconscious Captain onto the interrogation table and the lighted restraining net was put into place, hovering several inches over his body and promising the same electric shock if he moved too much.  Randy had no idea how long he, himself had been unconscious when he first arrived, but he did remember vividly the exquisite pain that traveling the tunnel produced.  The longer the Captain stayed unconscious the better, he only wished he could do something to help. 

 

Randy sank back into the corner and sighed.  They would leave the Captain alone until he woke, they needed their subjects awake for the interrogations.  Randy picked up the bowl of pellets they had provided for his nourishment.  Various colors that tasted little better than what he thought fish food would taste like as it smelled like the flakes he used to feed his goldfish when he was a kid.  But he'd been here for too long and had been forced to eat the proffered food.  It sustained him and he knew he'd need his strength if there was any chance of escape.  He ate his “dinner” and watched over the Captain, it was the best he could do.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry was busy in his lab running low level tests on the dead creature.  He'd leave the autopsy to the Base Medical Examiner at Pearl, but he had some questions about the creature's “skin”, specifically how it could absorb the laser blasts without leaving gaping holes for the intensity the lasers had been set for.  He had placed a containment field around the creature, even though there was no doubt in his mind that it was dead.  Still, he didn't need the thing reviving in some sort of self-regeneration wreaking havoc on Seaview, so he played it safe.

 

For all the busy work he'd done as Seaview traveled at Flank Speed toward Pearl, he couldn't get Lee out of his mind.  The creatures had targeted Seaview's Captain and used the merchant vessel as bait to lure him there.  He knew Lee would resist any interrogation with his life, but their technology was clearly more advanced and he couldn't help but think what his friend could possibly be going through at this moment. 

 

On the outside he was holding it together like he always did, but he was getting tired of shoving his paternal feelings into a corner when things went bad for Lee.  Harry shrugged to himself.  There wasn't anything else to do, he'd always do his duty first... Lee would expect nothing less of him, and he was no stranger to making the hard decisions.  He'd left Lee in the open seas to hunt down the enemy sub that was plucking nuclear missiles from the ocean floor; he had ordered an enemy sub destroyed believing his captain was on board; he had even ordered the island containing the alien hatchery destroyed knowing full well that Lee was most probably still on the island.  These weren't things he ordered lightly, but his duty had to come first. 

 

Right now his duty was to find out everything he could about the creatures who had declared war on the United States and probably the world.  The best way to help Lee was to stop the creatures.

 

Harry sat back on his stool and rubbed a tired hand across his neck as he continued to assimilate the day's events.  The man in the dark uniform seemed to be the real brains behind the attacks, they desperately needed information about him as well.  Harry's thoughts were interrupted by a hail on the com system as the captain's voice was heard.

 

“Admiral this is Morton.”

 

Harry reached for the mic and answered, “This is Nelson, go ahead.”

 

“Sir, we're one hour out from Pearl.”

 

“Very well, I'll be right up.”

 

Harry hung up the mic and looked over at the creature lying lifelessly in his specimen tank.  He checked the containment field and left, leaving a guard posted outside the lab.  It was time to navigate the harbor, so he left the creature behind and moved forward to the Control Room looking at least on the outside, completely detached from the fact that Lee Crane had been taken prisoner.

 

* * * * *

 

“So the attack was nothing more than bait to get to Captain Crane?” Jiggs repeated as he and Harry sat in his office at Pearl.

 

“It looks that way.  They took the highest ranking officer on the island and apparently spotted Lee on the Destroyer.”

 

“I'm sorry, Harriman.”

 

Harry accepted Jiggs sentiment and then continued on, not wanting emotionalism to get in the way.

 

“Washington isn't convinced this is a prelude to an all-out war,” Jiggs continued.  “So far it's almost been like isolated terrorist tactics.”

 

“Yes, but as Lee pointed out, each one has been for a specific purpose.”  Harry stood and paced a moment as Jiggs watched, familiar with Harry's habits when he was in deep thought.

 

“They've been orderly and systematic, almost as if they were conducting scientific experiments,” Harry pondered.  “The fact that they've been so orderly may work to our advantage.  We've already been able to begin producing laser weapons and scramblers in earnest,” Harry finished.

 

“Then what would be the next logical step in their pre-war 'tests'?” Jiggs replied pursing his bottom lip as he thought through the possible objectives the enemy still hadn't explored.

 

“They hit land first, then the Kinkaid on the open seas, then the Bremerton at five hundred feet below the surface...”

 

“Land, open seas, deep seas...”

 

“Air,” Harry finished Jiggs' thought as their two eyes met in agreement.

 

“So far, other than the instant transportation they used to take Crane, it's all been brute force,” Jiggs noted.

 

“I agree, but to bring down our planes they'll need to invoke their weapons,” Harry responded thoughtfully.

 

“Perhaps in conducting their 'tests' they'll tip their hand to their technology?” Jiggs offered.

 

“Assuming of course, the creatures have no flight capability,” Harry added.

 

“Do you think it's possible?”

 

“No.  No, I don't think so,” Harry surmised having studied the creature in his lab, as Jiggs fingered his intercom on.

 

“Jackson, get me Admiral Vargas at COMUSPACFLT on the double!”

 

Commander Jackson's “Aye Sir” was barely heard as Jiggs leaned back and waited for the Commander of the Pacific Fleet to answer.  Pearl Harbor would be ready, even if Washington were slow to come to the same inevitable conclusion.  War was on the way and this time Pearl Harbor wouldn't be a sitting duck on a lazy Sunday December morning.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee moved from a deep unconscious state to the place where his dreams and memories mixed.  He relived those final moments before everything went black. 

 

He was back on the deck of the merchant vessel... the two creatures had been downed and contained... he was reporting to Admiral Nelson then...

 

His cheek twitched slightly as the dreamed sharpened... a third creature appeared out of nowhere, having climbed over the side of the ship.  It pinned him against the rail with such force he could hardly breathe.  He tried to bat the creature's strong arms away and was met by the creature pulling him forward and slamming him back against the rail in a painful thud.  He could hear Tank yelling his name then a whining sound.  The sound was high pitched and painful then the “man” appeared.  He barely had time to register what was happening but remembered instantly Corporal Wilkins' description of Lt. Parsons' abduction.  He struggled but as soon as the man's hand touched his shoulder he was frozen in place.  Time seemed to stand still as he traveled through a blue tunnel in a swish moving instantly from the deck of the merchant ship to a cave of some kind.  He was only partially aware and still frozen in place until the man removed his hand from his shoulder.  That's when the pain enveloped him as every fiber of his being was affected, like he'd been pulled through the eye of a needle.  He unwillfully screamed and crumbled immediately to the ground breathing hard and trying to put the pain in place, but it was over-powering... all-enveloping.  His cries quieted to grunts and then he felt the welcome release of unconsciousness begin to call him.  He surrendered willingly allowing the darkness to take him away from the pain...

 

Lt. Parsons watched as the Captain began to show signs of consciousness.  He only had a few moments, the red-eyed man would be back soon.

 

“Captain,” he whispered insistently.  “Sir, wake up.”

 

A slight moan passed the Captain's lips then his eyes opened.  From his place in his cell, Parsons could see his eyes moving from side to side as if assessing his current situation. 

 

“Don't move Sir.  That net hovering over you is an electrical restraint of some kind.”

 

Lee moved his head carefully to the sound of the voice and found the Lieutenant encased behind his own electrical bars.

 

“Lt. Parsons?” He breathed out.

 

“Yes Sir,” Randy looked quickly toward the cave entrance.  “We don't have much time Sir, they'll be back at any moment.  I found out too late how the interrogation works.  They'll reach into your mind and take what they want so you must distract yourself from whatever they're talking about.  As soon as you go there, even silently, they'll reach in and grab it.”

 

Lee nodded his understanding.  It wasn't unlike the anti-torture training he had received with ONI.  Concentrate on something else to avoid inadvertently giving the information away through drugs or the mind's own self-defense mechanisms to stop the pain.

 

“Are you okay Lieutenant?” 

 

“Yes Sir.  I don't know how long I've been here...”

 

“Two weeks,” Lee finished, his strength slowly returning to him.  They heard the sounds of clumsy footsteps as Parsons spoke.

 

“They're coming Sir.”

 

Lee nodded slightly and watched the cave entrance as a spiney creature entered first, followed by the man in the black uniform.  Now that he was close he could see that the shiny white specks on the uniform were in fact specks of light and his eyes were glowing red just like the creature's.  Only on the man the glowing red orbs appeared more out of place in a sickening way.

 

“Ah, our Captain is awake,” the man exclaimed in English.

 

“Your friend I've met...” Lee answered referring to the spiney monster positioned near Parsons' cell.  “But who are you?”

 

“You humans are so presumptuous, it is you who will answer the questions.” 

 

“I answer a few, you answer a few,” Lee offered knowing full well the only answers he would give would be name, rank and serial number.

 

“You are a high level officer like me.  I'll grant you a bit of information, for all the good it will do you,” he smiled and then continued.

 

“I am Gaspar of the planet Zoria.  I am on an advanced military mission to ascertain your planet's specific defense weaknesses.  My small detachment will be reinforced soon by our garrison hiding effectively behind your moon as we speak.”

 

Lee resisted the urge to swallow hard and instead focused on getting all the information he could ferret out.

 

“And your friend here, is he a Zorian as well?”

 

Gaspar scoffed.  “He is from a conquered planet.  His race is war-like and untameable except by brute force.  We are their new task masters and as such they serve as our soldiers, they are nothing more than drones, performing lower function jobs in our society.”

 

“What do you want with our planet?”

 

“We are conquerors.  We take what we want.  We expand for no reason but to conquest and rule.  Your planet has much to offer in resources, but we could do without them.  What we want is to rule the galaxy.”

 

This was sounding more and more sadistic.  They didn't even have the tired old excuse of “our planet has used up its resources and we need to survive” bit, not that that particular excuse held any more validity in Lee's book.  They were the galaxy bullies, flexing their might and enslaving their conquered in the name of expansion.

 

“Your invasion force... more of them?” Lee asked needing military information to pass on.

 

“They are a formidable foe are they not?  Unfortunately they need to be reminded from time to time who they serve.  They follow me because I am bigger than they are.”

 

Okay, so that one wasn't making any sense, Lee thought.

 

Gaspar laughed.  “They are quite simplistic and respond to the bigger and the mightier.  I appear as their commander from time to time in a form they understand and fear,” Gaspar elaborated.

 

“The giant creature?” Lee said putting two and two together.

 

“Yes.  Just like the small dog on your planet who will acquiesce to the larger dominant dog.  It is a fitting if not primitive comparison.”

 

“Now Captain, I have supplied you with all the information you need at this point.  It is time for you to share a little something about your military forces.”

 

Lee took his mind to the familiar place of Name, Rank, Serial Number.  He avoided thoughts of Seaview, the Institute, his family or his life in general.  All he thought about was Name, Rank, Serial Number.  It wasn't just the formula for acceptable information to be shared in times of capture, it was a technique: something safe to settle on.

 

“You have many nuclear weapons, but they have rarely been used,” Gaspar began as Lee ignored his question and focused on his Name, Rank and Serial Number.

 

Gaspar studied his monitor, a representation of Crane's brain illuminated and a light glowed as if information was ready for the taking.  Gaspar moved his finger over the area illuminated on the monitor as Lee felt a stabbing sensation within his brain and could almost feel something being pulled from head.

 

“What is this?”  Gaspar said disgustedly.

 

As Lee refocused on Name, Rank and Serial Number.

 

“I do not care who you are, I already know you are a Captain, and your identification number means nothing to me.  Now tell me about your nuclear weapons.”

 

The light on the monitor lit again as Gaspar retrieved the information with another scoff.

 

“You cannot keep this up Captain,” Gaspar said darkly, avoiding Lee's name as he obviously didn't feel he deserved anymore consideration than the creatures they used to fight their battles.

 

“Sooner or later you will grow tired.  You will think or your mind will wander and then I will take it,” Gaspar promised.  “Now the Lieutenant has already shared with me the history of your weapons, what I want now is your current stock piles and their locations.”

 

Lee concentrated on the three most important facts of his life at present:  Name, Rank, and Serial Number.  Gaspar extracted the information with vigor, eliciting more pain than the previous times as Lee grunted and returned to his concentration.

 

“You are already growing weary, Captain,” Gaspar said.  “Nuclear weapons,” Gaspar repeated and then pulled the information again leaving Lee in pain.

 

Gaspar reached to continue the interrogation when a strange musical sound instantly drew his attention away.  Gaspar moved to another section on the wall and fingered controls until another Zorian appeared on the monitor.

 

“The Supreme Commander grows restless.  This planet is no less formidable than other planets we have conquered, he demands to know when your assessments will be completed.”

 

Gaspar squared his shoulders, “I have one more test to complete and I am still working on ascertaining the secrets to their greatest weapon.”

 

“You fool.  To use their nuclear weapons they would have to destroy their own planet.  Forget about your interrogations and finish your task at hand.”

 

The transmission ended as Gaspar stood staring at the screen, livid inside that the two humans had witnessed the demeaning tone his superior had taken with him.  He turned slowly as Lee breathed in shallow breaths.

 

“This is not over Captain.  You will tell me about your nuclear weapons and anything else I want to know.”

 

Gaspar stalked toward his remaining two creatures giving them instructions in a language that Lee couldn't understand and fitted the beasts with a device around one wrist.  The device was simplistic having only one button, to no doubt make their use easier for the clumsy hands of the spiney creatures.  The spiney beasts left the cave as Lee turned his attention to the monitor at the upper right hand of Lee's peripheral vision.  He saw the creatures swimming toward their destination, as they surfaced Lee could see plainly their objective: Pearl Harbor. 

 

“Now,” Gaspar said almost to himself.  “Time to draw out the flying aircraft.” 

 

With that he activated the travel tunnel and stepped inside, completely ignoring the two officers imprisoned in his grotto deep beneath the sea.  The whining sound was intense and then softened as Lee continued to watch the huge creature on the monitor as it appeared out of nowhere in the middle of Hickman Field. 

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Five~^~

 

Target: Pearl Harbor

 

The sound of the General Quarter alarms was heard blaring all over Pearl Harbor as the military men all scrambled to their assigned Battle Stations.  First two creatures appeared in the harbor and then moments later a large one, at least thirty times the size of the smaller ones appeared out of nowhere in the middle of Hickman Field.

 

* * * * *

 

“Special Sea Detail to the deck!”  Chip ordered.

 

“Chief, get those moorings released and make ready to dive!”

 

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey said scurrying up the ladder to hurry the detail along as Chip looked out the herculite windows to see lasers blasting toward the creatures that had emerged from the sea. 

 

“The giant creature has appeared at Hickman!”  Sparks reported as Chip pursed his lips and watched Seaview's seaman scurrying down the ladder.  Sharkey was the last one down having secured the hatches above him.

 

“All secure Sir,” he reported as Chip surveyed the Hatch Secure console watching the red lights systematically being replaced with green lights, signaling all hatches were dogged tight.

 

“All green,” Rodriguez reported over his shoulder as Chip raised the mic back to his mouth.

 

“Maneuvering, all ahead - dead slow.”

 

Chip surveyed the situation lights around the room as Seaview navigated the port.

 

“Depth, keel to bottom?”

 

“One hundred feet Sir.”

 

“Flood ballast tanks take us to sixty, feet all ahead standard,” Chip ordered.  Seaview was a sitting duck in the harbor, she needed to be where she could help the most:  Under water and stealth.

 

* * * * *

 

As soon as the alarm sounded Jiggs was screaming for information.  He and Harry had been working at a large conference table with battle contingencies strewn across the tabletop.  They were joined by the admirals commanding SUBRON 1 and SUBRON 7, the Pacific submarine fleets; and COMUSPACFLT, the Pacific Fleet that included Carriers, Destroyers, Battleships, Subs and their support vessels.

 

Jiggs looked out his window with his phone to his ear and caught the two creatures that had by now made shore.  The laser blasts from Pearl's own fighting men were being countered by a laser of some type fitted onto the creature's wrists.  The creatures' lasers dished out their own mayhem as the blue light impacted its targets and were also effectively used to deflect the laser attack by Pearl's men. 

 

The creatures were occasionally hit, stumbling back and then recovering, often firing back and silencing the source of the laser blast. 

 

Suddenly the sounds of aircraft were heard incoming from the sea as the creatures lost interest in their land assault and turned to begin firing at the fighter jets above.  Sounds of laser blasts making contact with aluminum preceded loud booms as the skies began to fill with smoke and the occasional parachute of the pilots as they bailed out of their damaged aircraft. 

 

* * * * *

 

Even from his position at Hickman Field, Gaspar could see the results of his creature's work.  He was thirty times the size of a human making him nearly 200 feet tall, batting away the artillery being fired at him with ease.  In this form, the bullets and shells bounced off him as easily as the small caliber ordnance had bounced off his smaller creatures.  He could see the effects of his creatures' lasers against the humans' aircraft, and short of dropping a bomb on him in the middle of their own field he was currently unaffected by the humans' small efforts to repel him.

 

He caused his own mayhem throwing trucks around and batting planes from the sky like flies.  The battle stirred up deep emotions of conquest that threatened to overtake him, so he decided to end the experiment and report back to his superiors.  He would be treated with great honor as the Supreme Commander could only be pleased with his systematic approach in gauging the human's military might.  If this was all they had to offer, the planet would be theirs.

 

* * * * *

 

From the table Lee could see the monitor recording the battle at the harbor as the creatures responded for the first time with their own weaponry.  From the tunnel he could hear the sounds of the giant creature, Gaspar he now knew, as he wreaked his own destruction. 

 

Lee moved his hand carefully reaching into his pocket slowly, so as not to disturb the electrical netting hovering only a few scant inches over his body.  As his hand reached his pocket he could feel the surge and received a short burst where the back of his hand brushed the netting.  He found what he was reaching for and pulled slowly.  The last thing he needed was to have the tape grenade connect with the electrical netting.  He received another shock as he shielded the grenade with his hand and grunted but continued to pull until the grenade was free from his pocket.  He breathed in and then moved his left hand to meet his right across his mid-section.  This was the tricky part, pulling the tape without blowing himself up.  He pulled the tape carefully receiving more shocks and subsequent burns on his hands activating the grenade.  He only had one chance at this, the restraint device provided barely enough room to toss the grenade through the diamond shaped net.

 

“Which panel runs the electric restraints?”  Lee yelled hoping Parsons had watched his captor operate the equipment.

 

“To your left next to the monitor.”

 

Lee held onto the grenade, “And which console operates the tunnel?”

 

“The opposite side of the monitor,” Parsons answered efficiently.

 

Everything was riding on his good aim as Lee tossed the grenade through the open space in the netting and let out a pained grunt, his hand having been the benefactor of a hefty electric shock in his attempt to make his aim sure.

 

The sound of the console exploding was followed by the electrical nets powering down as Lee instinctively rolled off the table, away from the fiery sparks burning from the console.  He looked quickly at the tunnel and sighed in relief, it was still intact.

 

Lee felt Parsons move alongside him and helped to raise him to his feet as his electrical restraint had been destroyed as well.

 

“What now Sir?” Randy asked ready to follow the Captain's orders.

 

“Into the tunnel, it will take us to Pearl,” Lee replied as Randy nodded, both remembering full well the pain of traveling the tunnel, but resolved nonetheless to escape Gaspar's prison.  They moved to the tunnel entrance as Lee stopped short and pulled the second grenade from his pocket, activating it but holding it in his grip.  They stepped in together and were immediately transported through the blue swirling lights to Hickman Field.  The two officers crumbled to the ground as they fought to keep their consciousness and rolled away from the Tunnel entrance, visible only by the small pin lights of blue penetrating the hologram that effectively hid the entrance from the casual observer.  Lee deftly tossed the live grenade into the Tunnel and then stood with Randy by his side running as fast as their unsteady legs could carry them, away from the impending blast.  The sounds of Gaspar, the 200 foot creature rang loudly in their ears as the explosion caused a bright blue light to expand around them and then to suck back in itself, sealing off Gaspar's mode of escape.

 

Helping hands of Hickman Airmen helped Lee and Randy off the field as Lee looked up in time to see Gaspar let out a furious primal roar then moved toward the harbor taking huge strides, stepping and smashing anything in his path.  Lee's eyes fluttered as his body finally gave way, losing consciousness and not feeling the caring hands that strapped him to a stretcher for transportation to the base hospital.

 

* * * * *

(Back in Jigg's Conference Room, just before Lee arrives at Hickman Field...)

 

Harry watched as Seaview slipped from port and then into the depths to safety.  He was now caught in the makeshift situation room as he joined four other Admirals all trying to get information on the attack and direct their units from the conference room.

 

“Send in air support,” Admiral Vargas ordered to his carriers.  “What about Hickman, can we get the aircraft off the ground from there?”

 

“No Sir, the creature is blocking the runway,” the aide answered from the other side of the line.

 

“Well do what you can, the fighters should be here within...” he checked his watch, “4 minutes.”

 

From the other phone on a different line Admiral Larson was directing the Pacific Submarine Fleet to converge upon Pearl but under no circumstance to enter the harbor. 

 

A few minutes later the fighter jets could be seen on the horizon but immediately began taking heavy fire as they approached.  Harry could see the creatures turning their laser weapons on the fighters and marveled at the range of their weapons.  Several fighters were hit and fell from the sky while others took to the top in an effort to avoid the lasers blasts from below.  The creatures were definitely focused on the aircraft giving the Pearl men time to hone their shots in on the creatures, causing obvious damage.  Eventually the two creatures could not regenerate fast enough to continue their air assault and were forced to turn to face their attackers on the ground.

 

Suddenly a primal roar filled the air as the men on the ground looked up and scampered out of the way of the 200 foot giant stomping toward them.  It took one final frustrating swipe at a four story building leaving a gaping hole in the side, sending floors falling below and moved forward into the harbor.  The smaller creatures followed, though obviously impaired by the multiple laser blasts from the laser guns toting the new frequency scramblers.

 

As the creatures entered the water and dove into the depths they left behind a carnage of damaged buildings, equipment and dozens of US Servicemen injured, dead and missing.  But for all the damage, Pearl Harbor Naval Base emerged operational and the creatures had not penetrated past their forces to wreak their havoc on the unsuspecting civilian population.  They had driven the creatures back to the sea, but most felt little comfort as they realized the damage caused by just three creatures.  How would they repel a full invasion force?

 

Those questions would best be solved by the Commanders of their fleets, only those same Commanders were now buried beneath the rubble of the building the giant creature had just brought down.  Five Admirals were now among the casualties as a desperate rescue party began to dig to recover Admiral Larson of COMSUBRON1, Admiral Richmond of COMSUBRON7, Admiral Vargas of COMUSPACFLT, Admiral Stark of COMSUBPAC and Admiral Harriman Nelson (Ret.) of SSRN Seaview.

 

* * * * *

(Back on Seaview just as Gaspar takes to the sea)

 

 

“Captain,” Ski called as Chip moved to the Sonar station.

 

“It's a bogie Sir, doesn't profile like a sub.”

 

“Patterson?” Chip asked looking for something from the rating who could read the 'phones' almost as well as Lee Crane.

 

Pat listened and then looked up, “It's that thing, Sir.”

 

“The giant?”  Chip confirmed.

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

The Boat was already at General Quarters with all hands battle ready as Chip raised the mic.

 

“Rig for Silent Running, rig for Silent Running.” 

 

“Ski,” he continued, “keep a close watch on the bogie, we're going follow at a distance, if it changes course sound out.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Chip adjusted their course to follow the creature hoping to find its lair and followed at a distance.

 

“It's gone Sir,” Ski reported.  “One minute it was there and then it was gone, just like before.”

 

Chip sighed, “Very well.  Log the contacts, I'll report the last known position to ComSubPac.”

 

Chip made his way to the radio shack where Sparks was listening intently but looked up upon seeing his commanding officer arrive. 

 

“It's pretty bad Sir,” he said listening to the reports from Pearl.

 

“Patch me through to ComSubPac.”

 

“Aye Sir.”  Sparks made his connection and received a fuzzy reply.

 

“Seaview this is Pearl Harbor.  ComSubPac has been heavily damaged.  State your condition?”

 

“Pearl this is Captain Morton, the Seaview is undamaged and ready to answer bells.  Can you connect me to Admiral Nelson?”

 

“Sir... Admiral Nelson is missing along with four fleet Commanders.”

 

Chip and Sparks exchanged worried glances as Chip relayed the last known coordinates of the creature.

 

“Very well, Seaview.  Continue monitoring your sector and report any new sightings.”

 

“Aye.  Seaview out.”

 

Sharkey walked from the position board to the radio shack practically wringing his hands.  “Sir?  Are we going to help find the Admiral?”

 

“You heard our orders Chief,” Chip said dispassionately and moved to the Chart Table holding his concern tightly behind his stoic command face.

 

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Six~^~

 

A New Command

 

 

 

Harry coughed as dust and dirt seemed to coat his lungs in healthy portions.  The cough elicited a piercing pain in his shoulder as he tried to move.  Bad idea, he thought as he laid there until he heard the moans of the other men around him.

 

“Jiggs?” he called trying to follow the sound and ignoring the pain in his shoulder as he tried to move debris out of the way.

 

Another groan followed as Harry found a hand protruding from the rubble.

 

“Jiggs!” He called making his way over and trying in vain to clear the rubble away as one arm was totally useless, unable to bear any weight.  The best he could do was to settle down next to him and reach out to grasp his friend's hand.

 

“Hold on Jiggs.  Do you hear me you Old Pirate?  I can hear the rescuers digging, just hold on.”

 

Jiggs didn't speak but gave Harry's hand a small squeeze as Harry responded and began calling to the rescuers to signal their position.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee felt the soft bed under his tired body and sighed.  He passed an airy breath and then worked to open his eyes; as expected the lime green walls of the Base Hospital greeted him.  He had the unfortunate experience of being a guest here several times before and had previously marveled at someone's bright idea of choosing the almost putrid colored walls.  This time however, he couldn't be happier to see those lime walls.  He turned his head slightly to see Chip standing nearby in his khaki service dress, complete with cover.

 

“Hey, you gonna stay awake this time?” Chip asked in his usual easy banter, laced with the brotherly concern Lee had come to expect from his longtime friend.

 

“How long have I been out?”

 

“You appeared out of nowhere yesterday in the middle of the battle,” Chip explained.

 

Lee nodded, he remembered everything all too well.  He glanced down at his hands, both wrapped in gauze.  He'd been treated for the burns he had sustained in destroying his restraining net.  The tiredness was a direct result of traveling the Tunnel, it would pass as it had the first time.

 

“Seaview?”

 

“She's on a patrolling pattern; I brought FS1 in to claim her Captain,” Chip replied with a smile that turned to unbridled concern.

 

“I thought we'd lost you when that thing took you, Lee,” he admitted readily.

 

“Yeah, me too,” he replied understanding Chip's sentiments.  “How about Lt. Parsons?”

 

“He's recovering as well.  The two of you are getting “star” treatment,” Chip said tilting his head toward the MAs standing guard through the small window in the door.

 

“The big brass is just itching for you two to wake up and talk.”

 

“Tell them I'm ready.” 

 

Lee's eyebrows furled as it suddenly dawned on him that someone was noticeably missing from his hospital room at present.

 

“Chip where's the Admiral?”

 

The Admiral could only mean Harriman Nelson as Chip's eyes lowered a bit and then found Lee again.

 

“He was injured in the attack Lee.”

 

Lee responded by trying to rise out of bed as Chip pushed him back gently.

 

“Whoa there,” Chip said effectively keeping Lee in bed.  “He's going to be alright.  He dislocated a shoulder and has some colorful cuts and bruises but he's okay.”

 

Lee sighed and nodded.  “I guess I missed out on a lot.”

 

“I'll try and fill you in before they run me out.”

 

Lee settled back onto his bed and listened as Chip gave him the run down on everything that happened since he was taken prisoner.  He had barely given him the bare bones version when Commander Jackson entered the room.

 

“Good to see you awake, Lee.”

 

“Hi Jerry.”

 

“I hate to do this to you buddy, but the Brass is waiting for your debriefing.”

 

“I'm fine, let's do it,” Lee offered confidently.

 

“Good, Admiral Stark is conducting the meeting from his hospital bed.  I'll get you a wheel chair.”

 

“Belay that, Commander.  I'll walk and I need a uniform.”

 

Jerry passed a knowing grin Lee's way.  “I thought you'd say something like that.  Your Exec here brought one.  I'll give you ten minutes.”

 

Lee nodded in agreement moving slowly to sit upright then swinging his legs over the side of the bed and waiting a moment for his equilibrium to catch up to his new position.

 

He sighed.  “I'm okay, Chip,” he said waving off his best friend's proffered hand to help and made his way to the head for a quick shower and change.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee emerged from the head and found Harry waiting for him, also in khaki service dress but wearing a blue sling on his left arm holding it snugly in place across his chest.  The two locked eyes and passed an equally concerning glance that morphed into sincere smiles.

 

“Lee, good to see you Lad,” Harry offered sincerely, unable to shake hands due to Lee's burns and barely avoiding the paternal hug Harry was very nearly compelled to give Lee after his abduction.

 

“Good to see you Sir.  Are you alright?” Lee asked indicating Harry's shoulder.

 

“I'll be fine.  You heard about Admirals Larson and Vargas?”

 

“Chip told me.  Is Admiral Larson still critical?”

 

“Yes,” Harry stopped and paused.  “Vargas passed this morning.”

 

Lee nodded his regret.  “How is Admiral Stark?” 

 

“Barely a notch above critical but still barking out orders like always,” Harry answered with a grin that faded quickly.  “It was close Lee, and he's much too weak to be running ComSubPac from his bed, but he's just too stubborn to know it.”  Harry added a grin at the thought of his resilient friend of many years.

 

The door opened as Chip reentered, having given the two officers the time he knew they needed alone.

 

“They're ready for you Lee.”

 

“Very well,” Lee answered in full military decorum as the three officers left for the debriefing.

 

* * * * *

 

The debriefing was conducted at Admiral Stark's bedside with a video monitor feeding straight to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington DC.  Lee's information was of the most interest as he and Lt. Parsons had firsthand information pertaining to the aliens and their technology.  Lee recounted in detail his capture, interrogation, escape and finally the destruction of the Tunnel as he continued to brief his superior officers.

 

“They call themselves Zorians and they're from a distant planet in our galaxy.  They are conquerors and militaristic in nature, though they use the spiney creatures we saw to do their dirty work.  The large giant creature is actually the Zorian known as Gaspar.  He appears as the giant, not only to aid in the battle but to instill fear and respect among the creatures they use as soldiers. 

 

“I was eyewitness to a transmission stating that there is a Zorian invasion force presently hiding behind our moon even as we speak.

 

“Gaspar's mission was to ascertain our strength and weaknesses for the invasion, but from what I heard they're growing restless and the Supreme Commander is ready to deploy the invasion force,” Lee finished.

 

Their strengths and weaknesses Captain?”  Asked the Secretary of Defense from the monitor.

 

“Their strengths are the spiney creatures that seem to grow immune to everything we throw at them.  We'll need to find a way neutralize them before they can revive and join the battle again.  Their travel Tunnel is formidable, almost impossible to see, but only Gaspar travels that way.  I suspect because the creatures would have a similar experience as I had, it's very painful and physically draining.  Their weakness... relying on conquered slaves to do battle.  From what Gaspar told me they're not necessarily loyal but serve out of fear.”

 

“Very well Captain Crane.  Your country is indeed grateful for your quick thinking in effecting your escape and bringing us this valuable information.”

 

“Thank you Mr. Secretary,” Lee offered sincerely.

 

“Now gentlemen a bit of housekeeping,” the SecDef continued.  “We have some major holes in the Chain of Command.  The following field promotions have been approved by this body under the Articles of War.  Captain Crane...”

 

“Aye Sir,” Lee said snapping to attention.

 

“Upon recommendation of Admiral Stark you have been appointed the Interim Commander of SUBRON 1 and subsequently will accept the field promotion of Rear Admiral.”

 

Lee nearly blinked in surprise but managed to keep his military decorum.

 

“Aye Sir.  Thank you Sir.”

 

“Admiral Nelson, upon recommendation of Admiral Stark, and the formal Nomination of the President, and by approval of this board you will assume the responsibility of COMUSPACFLT as the Pacific Theater Interim Commander.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Harry responded in like fashion as Lee.

 

“Do you require a Captain for Seaview?” The SecDef inquired.

 

“No Sir,” Harry answered quickly.  “Commander Morton is my Captain of choice in Admiral Crane's absence.”

 

“Very well.  Admiral Stark will retain command of ComSubPac.  Admiral Crane you will offer whatever assistance is necessary until Admiral Stark is discharged from the hospital.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“Very well Gentlemen.  Keep this office advised of any and all developments.  We will look to the issues of defending our world from space, but right now the battle is in your backyard.”

 

A chorus of “Aye Sirs” followed as the screen went black.

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Seven~^~

 

The War Ramps Up

 

 

The cat was out of the bag as the world got its first view of the giant creature destroying everything in its path on Hickman Field.  Full film footage was aired in the middle of the battle as news crews filmed from the hill tops surrounding the Field.  A news team on base at the time of the attack also reported “live” near the beach as frightening shots of spiney creatures aimed their laser devices with precision.  The newscast reported that the creatures had been driven back to the sea, but everyone living in a coastal area around the world perused their beaches apprehensively as the next possible landing area.  The fact that America and her Coalition were preparing for an all-out alien invasion had not yet been made public knowledge. 

 

“Are you really okay, Lee?”  Brianna asked over the phone as Lee finally got some time to himself after being discharged from the hospital.

 

“I'm fine,  Bri.  The bandages will come off in a couple of days,” he answered having only given her the short and condensed version and offering no more information than was currently being shown on the network news.

 

“How are you and the baby?” He asked sincerely, but also wanting to deflect her attention away from his recent ordeal.

 

“We're both fine.  The sonogram was exciting, but baby's leg was in the way.  He couldn't tell if it's a boy or girl.”

 

“I'm glad.  I'd rather be surprised,” Lee offered with a smile that Brianna couldn't see but could hear in his voice nonetheless.

 

“Me too, but it would have been nice to know what color drapes to put in the nursery.”

 

They both shared a little laugh as Lee soaked in the sound of her voice.

 

“Will this new post keep you away from Seaview?” She asked, unsure of exactly what the Field Promotion entailed.

 

“It's only temporary.  Once this is all over they'll appoint a permanent Commander and I'll go back to the Reserves and Seaview, which is fine with me,” he answered honestly and then continued reluctantly, knowing it was time to get back to work.

 

“Well, I guess I better get going.  I've got an awful lot of reading to do tonight and I'll be spending the day with Admiral Stark tomorrow.  Communications will likely be sparse, so don't worry if you don't hear from me.  I could be here in Pearl or off on a Carrier somewhere.”

 

“Okay, it was good to hear from you.  Take care Lee.”

 

“I will.”

 

They exchanged their goodbyes pledging their love to one another and then hung up.  Lee leaned back thinking about his new post.  Commanding ten fast attack subs and reporting directly to Admiral Stark.  If he had still been in active duty it would have been the appointment of a lifetime, but he found himself missing his Graylady already.  He was glad that Chip was at the helm, he was more than an able Captain and in fact was a little over a year away from commanding his own boat.  Harry still hadn't settled on a name, but Seaview's sister boat was moving along on schedule.  She too sported herculite windows; she was a hundred feet smaller but designed to dive even deeper than Seaview.

 

Together the two boats would continue to explore the ocean depths, the thought eliciting a smile from Lee.  It was where he longed to be right now, exploring the depths... even counting seals, anything but preparing to battle aliens intent on taking over the world.  Lee sighed and rose from his easy chair, another perk the admiral's quarters, actually a bungalow with an ocean view, had over the usual officer's quarters.  He stretched out the kinks from his still sore body and moved to the desk to finish reading the files his aide dropped off to prepare him for tomorrow's briefing. 

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar swam back to the depths of the ocean.  He had been driven back to the sea, swimming like one of his drone soldiers instead of traveling his Tunnel.  He was aware of the submarine following him but ignored it; he needed to return to his grotto base.  As he neared the base he enacted his short-range tunnel and entered.  He knew he'd disappear from their crude sonar scopes, the thought exacting satisfaction.  As soon as he stepped into the Tunnel he transformed back to a Zorian and stepped inside his base.  He already knew that his prisoners had escaped, and just who was responsible for destroying his Tunnel at the battle. 

 

Gaspar inspected his inoperative panels and monitors, destroyed by a blast of some kind.  He knew who had inflicted this damage as well...  Captain Crane.  He had underestimated his enemy, a fact that wouldn't sit well with his superiors.  He knew they had seen the battle from their own monitors in space as the recording devices that floated above the spiney creatures were effectively cloaked by their own holographic projection, effectively melting the devices into the background.

 

Despite the setback however, he had proven that the humans were not ready for a full-scale attack.  This at least would work to his advantage.  He squared his shoulders to make contact with his superiors and if he survived their expected criticism with his command still intact, he would make sure that the human who had caused his humiliation would suffer adequately.  Gaspar's eyes glowed in even deeper hues of red as he contemplated his revenge on the human, Crane.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee and Harry spent the next few days in briefing after briefing, as they acclimated to their new command posts.  They also spent a great deal of time with Jiggs Stark as Lee offered his assistance to ComSubPac's Commander, handling decisions and paperwork above the pay grade of Stark's aide, Commander Jackson.  Within a week Jiggs was discharged from the hospital as Lee emerged himself completely in his new Command. 

 

Admiral Larson had been upgraded to “critical but stable” but unfortunately couldn't offer too much help in the change of command.  COMSUBRON 1 was one of two submarine fleets attached to Pearl Harbor and reporting directly to Admiral Stark.  SUBRON 1 consisted of ten submarines and because Lee had the most experience with the aliens, his fleet concentrated heavily on the areas of the creatures' known activity. 

 

Several weeks passed without enemy activity as Lee set patrolling patterns and engaged in high level strategy briefings.  The whole process made easier by the fact that Harry had assumed the responsibility of COMUSPACFLT, commanding the entire Pacific Theater.  Though Lee reported directly to Jiggs Stark he still had occasion to see Harry.  Unfortunately, they had very little “down” time as they prepared for an all-out invasion of the spiney creatures.  They were busy ordering retrofits with some of Harry's special “toys” and subsequent training was also in order.  Everything was falling into a routine, only Lee knew it all could blow at any moment.  He'd been in the Zorian's lair, he knew what was coming.

 

“How is the progress coming for fitting the lasers on SUBRON 1 and SUBRON 7?” Harry asked, directing his question to Admiral Stark.

 

“Admiral Crane?” Jiggs said, delegating the answers to one of the two Pacific submarine fleets.

 

“Slow going, Sir,” Lee replied.  “I've got three on-line and operational with staff fully trained; the La Jolla, the Charlotte and the Texas.  We're rotating the fleet in and conducting training and retrofits simultaneously.  The Seaview is already fitted and ready for action,” Lee added. 

 

“And SUBRON 7?” Harry asked penciling the information in for his aides to transcribe later. 

 

“We've got two ready, the Louisville and the Tuscan,” Admiral Richmond, SUBRON 7's commander answered.  His fleet was currently patrolling the South Pacific.

 

The briefing was interrupted as an aide entered the room, bypassing all protocol and passing a note to Admiral Nelson.  Harry read the note and raised his eyes to meet the commanders of the naval groups under his command, including Carriers, Destroyers, Battleships, Subs and all the subsequent support vessels. 

 

“Gentlemen, the war has gone into full gear.  Four unidentified flying crafts have landed in the oceans, two in our own back yard.  The USS Constellation reports she is under attack.  See to your commands Gentlemen,” Harry said effectively dismissing the group as the Admirals and their aides filed out of the room.  Lee started to leave as Harry stopped his movement with a touch to his arm. 

 

“What assets do you have in the area, Lee?”

 

Lee looked Harry square in the eyes and answered, “The Greeneville and Seaview.”

 

Harry nodded, as Lee took his leave to enter the situation room located in an underground bunker where information funneled in to all the Admirals and Generals conducting the war in the Pacific Theater.

 

* * * * *

 

“Contact Captain!  Dead a stern,” Kowalski called out as Chip moved quickly toward sonar.

 

“What have you got, Ski?”

 

“Multiple contacts and they're not ours!” Kowalski answered in controlled excitement.

 

“Chief sound General Quarters,” Chip ordered. 

 

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey replied, “Battle stations all hands Battle stations,” his voice ringing in the background as Chip continued working through the bogies on Ski's panel.  

 

“Where are they headed?”

 

“Toward the fleet, Sir.”

 

“Bobby, bring us around to course 1-2-5 relative.”

 

“Captain,” Spark's voice cut in through the com.  “The Constellation reports they've been boarded.”

 

“Inform their Skipper we're on our way.  ETA eight minutes at flank.”

 

* * * * *

 

The Constellation's Skipper watched the unbelievable sight before him from the Bridge, towering three stories over the flight deck.  Sonar had detected a mass of small objects making their way toward the carrier.  Biologicals, but not fish.  Rear Admiral Peabody, the Carrier's Skipper, immediately sounded GQ, but no one was prepared for the unbelievable sight of the seven foot creatures being catapulted like bullets from the sea and towering twenty feet above the flight deck before they descended, landing deftly on the Constellation.

 

“We've been boarded!  Protect those air craft.  Scramble as many as you can.  Clear the flight deck!” Peabody yelled firing off orders.

 

The navy men took up defensive positions with their new modified laser rifles as the creatures landed and began firing their own laser devices attached to their wrists.  Jets scrambled off the deck, with several making it only a few hundred yards before they were targeted by alien lasers.

 

“Hold that line!” Peabody yelled into his mic to the deck officer below as the deck crew worked feverishly to clear the flight deck; some airplanes being lowered below on the huge flight elevators, others taking off to protect the assets and their payloads.

 

About ten creatures landed on the deck while the crew of the Constellation kept a distance allowing their new laser weaponry to work for them.

 

“Sir, the Seaview is on the scope and closing fast!”

 

“Tell them to stop those catapulting aliens from their source,” Peabody fired back, relieved that reinforcements had arrived and hoping his crew could hold off the advancing creatures invading his ship.

 

* * * * *

 

Seaview arrived at the battle scene to the incredible sight of alien creatures being catapulted through the water and breaking the surface above.  A group of creatures waited their turn to step onto the cylindrical shaped disc that floated in place in the depths.

 

“Target that device, Chief,” Chip fired off.

 

“Aye Sir,” Sharkey replied drawing the laser controls to his face to aim.  He let loose a blast and held it until the disc exploded as Seaview rocked lightly with the relatively small concussion.

 

“Good shooting Sharkey, now start in on the reinforcements,” Chip ordered as Sharkey took aim at individual creatures who seemed to be startled and unsure what to do.

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar watched the battle from his monitor in his rebuilt grotto bunker.  The battle on top of the carrier wasn't progressing as he expected.  He reasoned that the humans had modified their lasers once again.  His attention was drawn to the ocean depths as an explosion ripped apart his underwater troop deployment disc.  The soldier drones looked around confused, waiting for orders from Gaspar when they began to be picked off by laser blasts.  The beam was more intense than the lasers they faced previously as creatures began falling for the ocean floor, not reviving as quickly as in past battles.

 

Gaspar's eyes glowed intensely as he spotted the source of his irritation, the windowed submarine inflicting damage to his troops.  His anger was countered by a satisfied, if not malicious smile as he ignored the battle on the carrier and moved toward his reconstructed Tunnel.  The windowed vessel carried the human that had almost cost him his command.  He imprisoned the lieutenant for two weeks without any difficulties, so there was no doubt just who was the source of his humiliation.

 

Gaspar stepped inside his Tunnel and appeared instantly at the depths as the giant two hundred foot creature.

 

* * * * *

 

“New contact Captain,” Ski called out.

 

“Can you identify it?”

 

 “It's the giant, Sir!” Ski called out.  “It's right on top of us!”

 

Chip barely had time to turn toward Ski's voice when Seaview engaged in some major rock and rolls, moving violently like a child's snow dome toy.  The crew was thrown from side to side unmercifully as Chip struggled to find a hand hold as did the Ratings at their stations, with each subsequent rock and roll leading to more injuries until the movement suddenly stopped.  Seaview's crew lay strewn across the deck, moaning and too battered to move as Chip found his way to a standing position leaning heavily on the Chart Table.  He reached for the mic when his attention caught the red-glowing eyes of the large 200 foot creature holding Seaview in its hands and looking in the windows, systematically searching for something inside the submarine. 

 

Chip's eyes narrowed as a thin line of blood slid down his temple.  The creature locked eyes on Seaview's captain, then dropped the submarine like a child's forgotten toy and moved away sending the nose heavy Seaview sinking in a deadly angle of attack downward.

 

“Blow forward ballast, ten seconds,” Chip ordered.  “Hold that trim.”

 

“Ski, where's the creature?” Chip asked as Bobby O'Brien tended to the DC reports.

 

Kowalski was just making it back to his station rubbing his neck as he perused his station.

 

“It's gone Sir, and the smaller creatures are retreating.”

 

Chip nodded.  “Keep watching.  That thing could return at any time.  DC Report, Bobby,”

Chip ordered, turning toward his acting Exec.

 

Chip listened as the various stations reported in as battered but battle-ready.

 

“Very well, Sparks raise the Constellation and advise them that the seas are clear.  Chief Sharkey?”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

“Man the lasers.  Blast anything that moves out there!” Chip ordered with fervor.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee paced the situation room watching the lights indicating his two subs in the area.  Seaview reported they had engaged the enemy, destroyed the creatures' underwater launching device and further reported on the laser's success in taking out the smaller creatures.

 

Across the floor Lee could see Harry receiving reports from every direction as another Carrier reported it too was under attack four hundred miles away from the Constellation.  Lee scanned the assets as he stood over the radio operator assigned to SUBRON 1.

 

“Deploy the Texas,” Lee ordered, reassigning the Los Angeles Class fast attack sub from her present assignment to the newest battlefront as she was the closest sub fitted with the new lasers.

 

“The Constellation reports the creatures have been repelled!” An excited aide announced as subdued cheers rose from the aides and enlisted men in the situation room.

 

“Quiet down,” Harry said still trying to ascertain the battle situation on the USS Independence, the second carrier under attack, as Lee ignored the other sounds in the room and continued to issue orders to the sub under his command.

 

“Contact the Texas and relay all useful information regarding Seaview's engagement,” Lee ordered his radio operator and stood back to watch the situation board.  He was responsible for ten subs, including Seaview and the lives of every man aboard depended on his assimilation of information and the best deployment of assets to the battle.  The weight of command was heavy but ignored as Lee's face reflected his concentration laced with considerable determination as the Independence fought the newest battle for freedom.

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar reentered his Tunnel, appearing once again as the Zorian commander.  Captain Crane wasn't visible on the sub and he didn't have time to deal with the windowed submarine as the battle above wasn't going well.  The humans had cut off his ability to launch reinforcements and his troops weren't advancing in the assault on the carrier deck.  He reached over and turned a dial, inflicting a high-pitch sound that signaled his troops' retreat, calling his creatures back to the lair.  They didn't travel the tunnel, their “frail” bodies not able to withstand the pressures of the Tunnel, and instead swam back on their own.  But he had suffered casualties; he would need more drones for the next battle, he noted.  His only consolation was that the Zorian commander of the assault against the second carrier had suffered similar losses and his failure couldn't be singled out to his command alone.  In the midst of all he had to consider, his hatred for the human Crane festered inside.  He would not be bested by the lower species, he vowed silently.

 

* * * * *

 

“The new laser configuration was effective,” the reports of the battle flooded into the conference room safe inside the bunker as Harry listened, taking notes and formulating new battle plans.

 

“I'm surprised they didn't try an all-out invasion, hitting us from land, air and sea?” Lee offered at the brain-storming session meant to bring out all possible contingencies and ideas.

 

“I believe their systematic approach in the invasion thus far is the reason.  They seem content to analyze their enemy in smaller compartmentalized attacks.  This one stepped up by the increase in force, multiple assault points, and the introduction of their catapult device,” Harry reasoned.

 

“Are they just playing with us?” Jiggs said entering the conversation with his usual gruff flair.

 

“Admiral Crane briefed us on the perceived superiority the Zorians feel they have over humans,” Harry postulated.  “It could be working for us since they don't feel a need to step up their battle plans.”

 

“But that could all change in a heartbeat.  We can't continue to just react to their latest attack, we need to take the battle to them.  Engage them at our choosing,” Lee offered as others in the room concurred with nods and verbal affirmation.

 

“We haven't been able to locate their underwater base as of yet, how do you propose we draw them out, Admiral,” Harry inquired respectfully.

 

“We employ the 'monster bait' device, Sir,” Lee offered.  “The device Wells used to draw the creature out the first time.”

 

“Yes, but he had a general idea where the creature was hanging around with the reports of its sightings on the atoll off the coast of Chili,” Stark added.

 

“The device will need to be boosted somehow to further its reach,” Lee replied.

 

“Is this possible Harriman?” Jiggs asked.

 

Harry nodded with a small one sided smile.  “I've been thinking along those lines and working on some ideas to boost the ultrasonic signal.  I've got our boys in R&D working on it.  Until then, we will keep this battle at sea.”

 

“And how do we do that?” Jiggs asked leaning forward.

 

“It's just a hunch,” Harry replied, “But I don't think they'll advance to the land assault until they've satisfied themselves that they can win the front on the seas.”

 

“Perhaps because the water is where the spiney creatures are most at home,” Lee added.

 

“Possibly.  Very well Gentlemen, if there is nothing more we'll adjourn and I'll report our findings to the SecDef,” Harry said ending the meeting as the Admirals filed out and Harry prepared his notes for his meeting with the Secretary of Defense.

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Eight~^~

 

Operation Powder Keg

 

The war was ramping up with hit and miss attacks cross the Pacific, as well as the Atlantic and Antarctic.  Another month ticked off the calendar as Lee suffered his first submarine loss.  The North Carolina had not yet been fitted with her lasers and had subsequently been sunk to the bottom of the sea in a run-in with the giant creature.  Fortunately the sub sank in relatively shallow waters of 300 feet, as all but fifteen men were rescued.

 

“How is Brianna doing?” Harry asked as he and Lee shared a dinner together, a rare event these days. 

 

Lee cracked the first smile of the evening.  “She's doing good.  She's eight months along now.”  Lee's smile faded, “You know Sir, I've been a warrior a long time, as a sailor in the seas and... other places,” he added covertly in the restaurant.  “But I've always did what I did for other people's families, it's a whole a new ball game knowing that if I don't do my job my own family may perish.”

 

“How do you deal with it?” Harry asked curiously.

 

“I'm not sure that I do.  I can't afford to think of any of them in the middle of the battle.  I have to put all those families, including my own, out of my mind and focus on my objective at the moment.”

 

Harry shook his head slightly in silent agreement, by now the cat was completely out of the bag and all of earth's inhabitants knew of the war with the Zorians.

 

“How is Seaview?” Harry asked knowing Lee wouldn't play favorites with any vessel under his command, but also knowing Lee would keep track of his Graylady.

 

“Chip's doing a fine job.  I think you're going to have to light a fire under the production of his new Boat.  He's a good captain and deserves his own command.”

 

“I agree.  When this war is over a lot of things are going to change,” Harry promised.  “I think Washington will be ready to offer more assistance to Seaview's sister sub, especially after witnessing Seaview's contribution to the war effort.”

 

Lee nodded and smiled.  “And you won't have a single complaint with your choice of Skipper, Chip's chocked up quite a bit of combat experience with this command.”

 

“How about you, Lee?  Do you miss being out on the seas?”

 

Lee offered a small smile, “Aye Sir.  It's hard being safe inside a bunker Situation Room when I'm ordering subs into battle.”

 

“You're doing a fine job, Lee.”  Harry didn't want to embarrass Lee, but the truth was he was a natural at making the tough decisions of high command.

 

“Thank you, Sir.  But when this is all done, I'll look forward to standing at Seaview's helm again.”

 

Harry nodded again, pleased that Lee wasn't tempted to return to active duty now that he had a taste of the interim rank of Rear Admiral.  He knew it was selfish of him, Lee deserved to wear that Star on his lapel, but he couldn't possibly imagine anyone else at Seaview's helm.

 

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Harry asked returning to the war that had enveloped their lives for the last two and half months.

 

“Aye Sir.  I only hope the ultrasonic emitter is strong enough to bring them out into the open.”

 

“I think it is,” Harry assured him rising as he spoke.  “Well, I better head back and see what pile of reports my aides have left for me,” he quipped.

 

“Aye Sir.  I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning,” Lee answered in easy camaraderie despite their difference in rank.  Lee had a lot to do as well.  Tomorrow the United States Navy was taking the fight to the Zorians.

 

* * * * *

 

Harry and Lee boarded the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, both wearing their summer white service dress; a short sleeve, open collared white shirt with white slacks and white belt at the waist.  They had come for business, not to inspect the carriers in their high collar chokers, but to do battle and hopefully, seriously inflict damage on the Zorian invaders.

 

The plan was to “invite” the creatures to the party by activating Bainbridge Wells' new and improved “monster bait device.”  Its ultrasonic emitter promising to irritate the spiney creatures, forcing them to come to the source of their extreme irritation.  They were counting on the fact that the formidable creatures were not loyal to the Zorians, but served as a conquered race.  Thus, when the emitter discharged they would react out of instinct as they had witnessed in their first encounter three years ago, and hopefully ignore their “orders” to not advance upon the monster bait device.  It was a lot of assuming, but was a reasonably good plan to draw the battle out on the US Navy's terms, not the other way around.  To this end, Harry and Lee were both conducting their Command Posts from the carrier, the USS Constellation.

 

Upon landing, they were greeted by a Boatswain's Call, piping them aboard in addition to the “rainbow sideboys”, two sailors in each of the rainbow colored shirts that denote their respective duties all lined up as a colorful carrier honor guard.

 

“Admiral Nelson,” Rear Admiral Peabody said addressing the Commander of the Pacific Fleet and indeed the entire Pacific Theater, saluting with full decorum.  “We're honored to have you aboard, Sir,” Peabody finished and then turned to Lee.

 

“Admiral Crane,” he said addressing the Navy's newest Rear Admiral and the Commander of the Pacific Fleet of Submarines as Lee returned the greeting in proper form when addressing an officer of the same rank.

 

“Now Gentlemen,” Harry said full of confidence, “Let's get this show on the road and kick some alien butt.”  His response eliciting soft chuckles from the rainbow sideboys as Harry greeted his honor guard instilling confidence in his men for the task ahead of them.

 

* * * * *

 

The Command Post was set up in the Bridge as communications were established with all the assets, running directly through the Constellation's communication system.

 

An Auxiliary Ship, a support vessel normally used for resupplying the fleet at open seas, was chosen to house the ultrasonic device so that the battle could be isolated on a ship offering as little damage to the destroyers, carriers, battleships, and subs in the impending battle.  The usual crew of the Auxiliary Ship was replaced by Marines, armed with the latest laser weapons to engage the enemy.  It was expected that the creatures would employ the catapulting device to launch onto the twenty-four story carriers, as well as climb the rails as they had on the Destroyers.  So each ship was ready to defend her Colors and inflict damage on the enemy.  Lee had three subs deployed for the battle, the other eight patrolling their sectors and attached to escort duties around the Pacific.  Among the subs: the La Jolla, the Hawaii, and the Seaview, each formidably fitted with lasers as well as torpedoes.

 

“We're ready to activate the UD, Sir,” the Marine Lieutenant reported in his transmitter.

 

Harry perused the Bridge, gauging the fleet's readiness and then answered.

 

“Activate.”

 

The Marine Platoon leader, Lt. Harris, activated the Ultrasonic Device and then retreated to a defensive position with his weapon drawn and ready for action as the platoon expected a flood of alien spiney creatures to converge upon the Auxiliary Ship at any moment.

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar's control room was guarded by only one drone soldier so he didn't notice when the spiney creatures began to react to the ultrasonic frequency emitting a shrill sound and inducing a primal rage into the creatures' beings.  They acted upon pure instinct, as if they were a panther in pursuit of its prey.  Once the prey begins to run, the jungle cat's instinct will automatically shift from “stalking” mode to “kill” mode.  Such was the instinct of Gaspar's troops as the ultrasonic device drew his troops to the ships waiting above, some scaling the sides of the ship where the sound was the most strong, others employing the catapult device as their instinct to kill, maim and destroy over-rode their fear of their masters, the Zorians.  They acted as individuals with no plan of attack, no battle plan; just the need to act out the aggression instinct that had been invoked upon them as they boarded the vessels without their wrist lasers in place.

 

* * * * *

 

“The creatures have reached the target area,” Lt. Harris reported.  A containment field had been enacted behind the platoon, effectively funneling the creatures to the bow of the ship where the creatures were affected by the ultrasonic sounds, but unable to reach the UD in the bowels of the boat. 

 

“Fire at will men,” Harris ordered as twenty creatures boarded the boat, their small numbers not underestimated as each creature was proven to be the physical match for at least ten men, but the creatures were hampered by the fact that they couldn't advance without their lasers as the Navy had used the last two and half months to continually improve the lasers and their frequency scramblers.

 

Creatures began to fall, remaining unconscious for longer periods of time as more drones boarded.  Still, Harris' platoon held them back.  When one creature finally broke the line he was met with the combined force of three lasers sending him backwards until he lay in a heap.  The first confirmed death inflicted by US forces in the war.

 

The Platoon kept up its vigilant work needing the optimum amount of creatures to board the Auxiliary Ship before Operation Powder Keg was put into place.

 

* * * * *

 

Creatures were launched through the air driven by their need to attack, some landing on the carrier deck and others on the destroyers and battleships.  Each ship was ready to offer its resistance as these creatures had also come with no weapons, relying on their brute force in the most primal of basic instincts of the alien soldier force.  As the creatures boarded the US Navy vessels, Gaspar's battle recording devices automatically deployed with the troops movements; floating in the air but concealed to the humans and displaying the battle not only on Gaspar's monitor but also on the Supreme Commander's in space.

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar's attention shifted from his current work when several monitors began transmitting.  He studied the screens before him, flabbergasted at not only the unauthorized attack of his drones, but the fact that the humans were actually winning the battle.  Creatures lay on the decks, no longer a threat to the human race as others moved desperately toward some unknown objective.  They seemed driven and yet operated not as a cohesive fighting unit under his command, but as a mob of creatures whose only intent was to destroy without any military objective.

 

He shifted his attention to the ocean depths, as the recording device transmitted the battle from its place in the seas.  What he saw enraged him, not because of his concern for his troops, but purely because his command was being obliterated by the lower species called humans.

 

* * * * *

 

“Come about ten degrees relative,” Chip called out.

 

“I've got it Sir,” Sharkey reported with the laser sights pulled to his face and ready to fire.

 

“Fire at will Chief, pick them off before they board the disc,” Chip said, relaying the orders from Admiral Crane who had advised that if the disc was still operational the creatures would be drawn to use it and thereby provide a concentration of creatures for the three subs to engage.  The Seaview, the Hawaii and the La Jolla all positioned themselves in a row and fired OK-Corral-style to prevent cross-firing as the subs inflicted heavy losses on the enemy.

 

A few creatures reacted by trying to board the subs, but only Seaview had a moon pool, which had been sealed for the battle with Tank Thompson and three security men there to repel any possible boarders. 

 

This time the battle was a clear victory for the Navy as the drones began to retreat.  With the creatures in full retreat Chip enacted his pre-arranged order.

 

“Target the disc, Chief.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Sharkey aimed and fired until the disc exploded, destroying the alien's deployment device once again.  Sharkey nodded in self-satisfaction and then turned toward Captain Morton.

 

“Scratch one enemy launching device, Sir.”

 

“Well done Chief.”

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar watched the retreat of his drone soldier force from the seas below, cutting off their own reinforcements to the surface vessels above.  No wonder they were so easily conquered, Gaspar spat out, still unaware what had elicited his drones to go into what could be compared to a shark's feeding frenzy; only his drones weren't the hunters but the hunted.

 

His attention was drawn to the third battle recorder on the carrier as Gaspar suddenly leaned forward, his eyes penetrating the screen as if they could drill a hole through the monitor, for there in the tower of the carrier stood Crane.  His anger boiled; the Supreme Commander was hailing him but he ignored the call, driven to exact revenge on one human in particular.

 

* * * * *

 

Lt. Harris noted that the creatures' reinforcements stopped arriving and ordered his platoon to set the secondary containment device.  Quickly and efficiently a containment field was put in place, offering a stronger shield than the first devices used earlier in the war as Harris and his men bailed out of the Auxiliary Ship to the waiting speed boats below.

 

They raced away as the remaining creatures began working their way to the bowels of the ship, where the source of their primal rage emitted its ultrasonic sound.

 

Lt. Harris raised the transmitter to his mouth once the speed boat reached an acceptable distance from the Auxiliary Ship.

 

“Operational Powder Keg is a go.  Repeat.  Operational Power Keg is a go.”

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar's revenge drove him on; if he was going to lose his command he would make sure that he had this one last satisfaction.  He stepped into his Tunnel and emerged on the other side as the giant creature.

 

* * * * *

 

“The subs are reporting complete victory below, Sir,” Lee's radio man relayed as Lee moved toward Harry to report.

 

Lee sided next to Harry.  “All three subs report victory.  No casualties.”

 

“Good, good,” Harry replied effectively splitting his attention between his report from COMSUBRON 1 and the incoming call from Lt. Harris and the Marine platoon currently making its way from the Auxiliary Ship when Sonar suddenly reported a new bogie.

 

“Huge bogie has just appeared, it’s right under us!”

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar's tunnel opened directly under the Constellation; he rose from the seas so dreadful and menacingly that it caught the brave fighting men by surprise.  Instantly they turned their lasers to hone in on the huge creature, but its 200 foot frame also sported a thicker outer armor as their laser rifles and pistols did little but irritate the creature.

 

Gaspar swatted away anything in his path as he ignored the vain attempts of the humans to inflict damage upon him.  All his attention was honed in on Crane as he tore away the entire side of the Constellation's Bridge as easily as if he had opened a can of sardines.  His hand reached for Crane, throwing other insignificant humans against the walls with force.  The radios were rendered useless as sparks flew in all directions as Gaspar tore through the Bridge to his intended target.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee turned toward the sound of metal tearing to see not the port side of the Bridge but a gaping hole.  Outside the hole was the face of the giant creature, his eyes glowing sickeningly.  Even in its creature form, Lee knew that those eyes belonged to Gaspar as his hand reached in throwing seaman and officers out of his way and moving directly toward Lee.  There was no escape, nowhere to run as Lee pushed Harry down to the deck just in time for Gaspar's hand to encircle him.

 

Gaspar squeezed unmercifully as he pulled his hand out of the Bridge with his prize in his grasp and let out a primal scream, reminiscent of the smaller creatures when they were enraged.  The scream instilled fear in the men on the deck but they kept firing their lasers even though they inflicted little damage.

 

Gaspar brought Lee uncomfortably close to his glowing orbs as he tightened his grip eliciting a painful cry as Lee felt as well as heard the breaking of ribs.   Gaspar smiled, toying with his prey as he carefully applied only enough pressure to damage Lee's midsection, determined to make his revenge long enough to be satisfying until he heard a large explosion that sent debris flying into the air and rocking the ocean around him.  Gaspar turned toward the sound of the explosion to the Auxiliary Ship where at least fifty of his drones had been lured.  The explosion was so severe that little was left of the ship as creatures floated face down on the seas surrounding the fleet as the humans executed Operation Powder Keg with precision.

 

Gaspar's rage increased and intensified for the human in his grasp.  He turned his attention back to Lee who was struggling to breathe and trying in vain to free himself when all of the sudden Gaspar squealed in exquisite pain and subsequently dropped Lee to the deck below, as the creature sank into the depths.

 

* * * * *

 

(Back on Seaview, just as Gaspar appears at the Constellation)

 

“Contact Captain.  It just appeared out of nowhere!” Ski called over his shoulder as Chip moved to the Sonar station.

 

“It's the giant,” Chip said reading the sonar blip profile with ease.

 

“Should I take a shot at him?” Sharkey asked as Chip looked out Seaview's windows to view only the legs of the creature treading water with its torso completely out of the water.

 

“You don't have a clear shot, you'll risk hitting the Constellation,” Chip answered and then making his decision instantly.  “Chief, you and Kowalski take FS1 out and blast that thing from the air.  Make sure your aim is good.  Riley cover at Sonar,” Chip finished as Sharkey and Ski ran for the flying sub's hatch.

 

“Sparks,” Chip hailed over the mic at the periscope island.  “Inform the La Jolla and the Hawaii to hold their fire on the creature.  Tell them we'll neutralize the target with FS1.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

Sharkey and Ski launched under emergency conditions and raced for the surface, breaking the water and taking flight in a seamless maneuver.  They circled the fleet gaining altitude and made for the giant creature.

 

“It's got an officer in its grip!” Ski yelled.

 

“Hold it steady Ski, I need a clean shot,” Sharkey advised as he raised the laser sights and aimed for the creature's back.  He fired a long steady blast until the creature dropped its prize and slithered back into the sea.

 

“Let's follow it below, Ski,” Sharkey said glancing below at the dark headed officer lying curled on his side.

 

“I think it was the Skipper, I mean Admiral Crane!” Ski exclaimed. 

 

“Yeah I think you're right Kid,” Sharkey said with determination.  “Let's make sure that thing doesn't get away, Ski.”

 

“Aye Chief,” Ski replied and dove but by the time they hit the water their scope was clear.  The creature had disappeared once again.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee lay curled on the deck trying to breathe in shallow breaths to counter the tremendous pain in his rib cage.

 

“Easy Admiral,” a deck crewman offered helping Lee roll over on his back.  “Someone get the Doc up here fast!” He yelled over his shoulder as Lee concentrated on managing the pain with a hand splayed protectively over his middle and a leg bent at the knee to help curb the pain.

 

“Lee!” Harry called as the circle of sailors parted to allow the Four-Star Admiral in.

 

Lee blinked and swallowed hard.  “You... okay?” He all but whispered with little breath to say much more.

 

“I'm fine, Lee,” Harry answered as the Corpsman arrived with a stretcher along with one of the ship's doctors.  That was the extent of their conversation as Lee was painfully moved to the stretcher and whisked away to Sickbay.

 

Harry stood on the deck studying the condition of the Constellation.  She was battered and scarred but the proud Carrier had stood firm in the midst of the battle.  Harry mentally placed Lee in the able hands of the carrier's Sickbay and tended to the most important duty at hand.

 

He walked among the sailors, some in slight shock at the sight of a 200 foot creature hovering over them and attempting to squeeze the life out of one of their own.  Others already composed and seeing to the policing up of their duty stations.

 

“Well done, men,” Admiral Harriman Nelson, Commander of the Pacific Theater offered sincerely taking the time to shake the sailors' hands and patting others on the back as the Constellation's deck crew gathered around their Commander letting up hoops of rousing cheers for the battle won at sea and on the US Navy's own terms.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee woke to a welcomed floaty feeling, grateful for the current lack of pain induced solely by the medication currently in his system.  His left hand trailed toward his mid-section where he felt the expected swathe of bandages as his eyes fluttered opened.

 

“Admiral?”

 

It took a moment for Lee to realize the corpsman was addressing him and turned his head to the right as the corpsman smiled and then spoke over his shoulder.

 

“Doc, the Admiral's coming around.”

 

The Doctor arrived with a slight smile and his stethoscope ready.

 

“How are you feeling, Admiral?”

 

Lee took a breath, still shallow he noticed but without pain.  “Better.”

 

“Good.  You sustained three broken ribs, and two cracked, miraculously they all stayed in place.  I'd like to monitor you for internal damage, but so far everything is looking good,” the doctor reported.

 

“Thanks Doc.  I need to speak with Admiral Nelson as soon as possible,” Lee said as the doctor and corpsman took his vitals and marked their charts.

 

“Well Admiral, I don't think that would be the best course of action.  You need rest...”

 

Now Commander,” Lee ordered remembering that he wasn't a commander or captain in sickbay anymore, but a Rear Admiral.  So he invoked all the authority the star on his lapel demanded as the doctor nodded, knowing there was no medical reason why such a visit shouldn't take place.

 

“Aye Sir.  I'll send a runner.”

 

“Very well,” Lee replied returning to a softer tone.

 

His eyes drifted closed as the doctor finished his vitals and pulled the blanket higher on Lee's chest.  About twenty minutes passed before Lee felt someone settle in beside him as he turned to greet Harry's deep blue eyes giving Lee's condition a once over.

 

“Hello Admiral,” Lee said with a small smile, personally satisfied to see Harry looking so well.  Harry's uniform wasn't pristine white any longer as he bore the signs of the battle and the giant's attack on the Bridge.

 

“Hello Lee,” Harry returned with his own tight lipped smile, the one that reached his eyes even when Harry was trying to hide his satisfaction in a matter.

 

“The battle?” Lee asked, wanting to know first things first.

 

“A complete victory.  Casualties are low, we lost no assets except the sacrificed Auxiliary Ship and we dealt heavy losses to the enemy,” Harry relayed as Lee nodded in relief.

 

“My fleet?” 

 

Harry had to smile at that one, it was Lee Crane all the way looking after his command even in Sickbay.

 

“All three subs report no damage and no casualties.”

 

“It was Gaspar,” Lee said, filling Harry in on the identity of the giant creature.

 

“It seems he has a personal vendetta against you,” Harry surmised as Lee nodded in agreement.

 

“Admiral I don't think we should let them regroup.  Gaspar will call for reinforcements and we'll be back to square one.”

 

Harry sat back in his chair a bit, “And just what do you have in mind, Admiral?”

 

“Let's give Gaspar what he wants,” Lee said with the hint of a veiled meaning as Harry leaned closer to hear Lee's plan.

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Nine~^~

 

Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts

 

 

Within hours the Flagship was transferred to the USS Saratoga as the Constellation limped back to Pearl for repairs.  A second Auxiliary Ship was employed to house another ultrasonic device.  The Hawaii, La Jolla and Seaview were ordered to back off as the fleet gave the Auxiliary Ship a greater berth and the UD was activated. 

 

* * * * *

(Back at Gaspar's lair just after he is fired upon by FS1...)

 

Gaspar squealed in pain dropping Crane out of self-preservation as he sank back into the depths and instantly employed his Tunnel to escape back to the lair where thirty creatures awaited his orders.  He straightened in obvious pain but still functional as he stepped out of his Tunnel and moved shakily forward.  He couldn't show any weakness or the drone soldiers would turn on him, so he glared at them instilling fear in their beings through those terrible eyes.  They backed off, moving to the corners of the cave as he dismissed them from the control room.

 

His battle reporting devices were no longer hovering over the seas as they were deployed with his troops, so he didn't know what was happening up on the surface.  He looked over his control panels, the Supreme Commander was hailing him but he ignored the call moving instead to a vertical chamber where he would rest and regain his strength from the injury he sustained.  When he emerged from the chamber he would be able to retake command of his drones and evaluate the battle, but for now he needed to rejuvenate his injured cells.

 

He stepped into the chamber as lights enveloped him, feeding him, healing the laser burn on his back.  Several hours later he emerged from the chamber and breathed deeply, feeling strong once again.  He moved to his console ready to face the Supreme Commander when the battle monitors went live once again as Gaspar spotted his drones attacking another smaller vessel just like the last time, apparently deploying without his orders while he was in the chamber.

 

“Fools!” Gaspar shouted aloud, as he witnessed his drones falling for the same bait a second time as they placed their instinct to attack over their “loyalty” to their Zorian masters.  He was about ready to contact the Zorian space ship for more reinforcements when the battle monitor caught the tall dark headed naval officer on the small vessel.  He was firing at the drones but noticeably separated from the men under his command.  Gaspar saw his opportunity; he wouldn't make the same mistake twice appearing as the giant spiney creature.  He activated his Tunnel instead, stepping in and appearing to materialize out of thin air on the deck of the Auxiliary Ship right in front of Crane.  He touched Crane's shoulder and instantly disappeared with his prisoner.

 

From the deck of the Auxiliary Ship the lieutenant reported into his transmitter, “Operation Trojan Horse is a go.”

 

“Acknowledged.  Set the containment shield and bail out.”

 

“Aye Sir.”

 

The containment shield was quickly set in place as the small detail retreated to their speed boat.

 

* * * * *

 

Traveling the Tunnel was ever as painful as Lee remembered as he crumbled to the rock floor of Gaspar's lair.  The Zorian glared at his prisoner as Lee fought to remain conscious, until Gaspar's attention was forced to the battle monitor as the Auxiliary Ship exploded with most of his remaining drone soldiers on board.

 

“You think that makes a difference, Crane?” Gaspar yelled, barely in control of his anger and pointing to the monitor behind him.  “Those creatures are nothing!  I can call for reinforcements at any time,” he boasted.

 

Lee said nothing, choosing to save his strength as he dealt with the painful effects of traveling the Tunnel on top of his damaged mid-section.

 

“And now Crane,” Gaspar said towering over his captive. “You will pay for the humiliation this loss has cost me,” and advanced upon Lee to administer his revenge.

 

 

* * * * *

(Back on board Seaview before the second Auxiliary Ship blows...)

 

“Operation Trojan Horse,” Chip muttered to himself sarcastically as he watched FS1 launch.  He knew very well who the bait was in the operation as Chip had taken his orders straight from Lee himself.  Lee was practically offered like the Greek gift to the Trojans setting himself up to be abducted once again, but like the Trojan Horse, all was not what it seemed to be.  Lee had tried to soften the blow knowing Chip's big brother tendencies were in full gear by quoting with a chuckle from Virgil's classic, Aeneid, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.”  Lee thought the quote was amusing as his dark hair and complexion had lent itself to undercover work in the Mediterranean countries on several occasions.  Chip wasn't in a position to argue sense into Admiral Crane and knew that the success of getting Lee out of there alive relied solely on the submersible currently clearing the bay doors.

 

Seaview was well away from the action up above, having given the creatures plenty of maneuvering room to travel freely to the second Auxiliary Ship.  They needed as many creatures to empty the lair as possible.  Chip watched FS1 engage her engines following Lee's active transponder and wishing he could command the assault team, but as Seaview's captain during a war he had to think of the Boat first.  So he sent Lee's Go-To team headed by Chief Sharkey; Kowalski, Patterson, Riley and Rodriguez, all able bodied men who had proven their skills and loyalty to Lee time and time again in the past.

 

They were on radio silence and the lair could be anywhere with the use of the Travel Tunnel Lee briefed him about.  Chip found himself checking in with Sparks despite the radio silence as FS1 followed the transmitter.

 

Sparks looked up acknowledging Seaview's captain and removed the earpiece of his headset.

 

“Lots of chatter, Sir,” he informed Chip referring to the simultaneous attacks Harry had ordered throughout the Pacific in the other “hot spots” of the war.

 

“How's it looking?”

 

“I think they're holding their own Sir,” Sparks replied.  Though Seaview's strong radio allowed Sparks to monitor the radio transmissions he wouldn't contact the ships in the middle of the battle.

 

Chip nodded and took a circuit around the back of the Control Room and stopped in between the Sonar and Hydrophones stations.

 

“Can you still see FS1?”

 

“She's almost off the scope Sir,” Phil replied, the tall wirey rating had been around almost since the first plank had been laid.

 

“Stay with her as long as you can.  Widen your beam if you can muster a few more minutes of contact.”

 

“Aye Skipper.”

 

Chip finished his circuit ending back at the Chart Table holding back a small smile.  The crew had accepted his captaincy well with Lee's promotion to Admiral but they were just now beginning to address him as “Skipper” usually reserving that for their well-respected Captain, Lee Crane.  He never felt like he was in Lee's shadow, and maybe he'd be in command of his own boat by now if he had stayed in the Navy instead of choosing the Reserves and Harriman Nelson's dream of a windowed Research Vessel, but he'd been happy and content here.  He wished he could say that being Seaview's Exec was still enough, but as Seaview's sister boat neared completion he knew he was ready for the new challenge.  It would mean a lot of changes and he would miss the outstanding working relationship he and Lee enjoyed, not to mention having his all-but brother around every day, but he also knew it was time.  He'd get a new crew with only a handful of selected men allowed to transfer to the new Boat; a new Captain deserved a crew loyal to him and so he would be building a new team.   He had done it before, helping Harry and John Phillips fill Seaview's crew roster.  He knew how to recognize talent and Harry knew how to persuade the best and brightest of the Navy to join the team.  Chip sighed inwardly as he looked over their current position on the sea chart.  Right now all of those plans were shelved very low on his priority list as his main concern was FS1's ability to find Lee Crane before that Zorian got hold of his best friend.

 

* * * * *

 

FS1 neared the grotto entrance as Sharkey guided her in.

 

“Be ready, those creatures could be around anywhere,” Sharkey admonished as he strapped on his holster armed with the Admiral's latest new and improved laser.  Sharkey looked over his team indicating for Kowalski to open the side hatch as Riley stayed to man the flying sub.  The team streamed out and made quick steps following the transponder on Admiral Crane.

 

* * * * *

 

Gaspar's instinct for revenge fueled the color of his eyes to a deeper red as he wheeled back delivering a kick to Lee's damaged side.  Lee let out a loud grunt as one of his previously damaged ribs broke and pierced his skin, he wasn't recovered enough from traveling the tunnel to take on Gaspar and instead attempted to roll out of the Zorian's way. 

 

Gaspar found himself in a dangerous position, he knew he shouldn't be engaging in the primal emotions of hatred and revenge, it was too close to the deep instincts he had fought to control all his life.  There was little difference between the Zorians and the Critons, the spiney creatures used as drone soldiers.  The Zorians liked to think of themselves as superior to the spiney creatures, but in fact they were just as ruthless and their aggression just as unbridled.  The fact that they used the Critons to do their dirty work only soiled the hands of the Zorians even more, proving that they weren't as “civilized” as they believed themselves to be.  Gaspar knew all this and yet his hatred for Crane drove him past his good sense.  The human had risen in the ranks and was now bearing the rank of Admiral, he'd be an excellent prisoner to take to the Supreme Commander, but Gaspar couldn't see the logic of that scenario at the moment.  At present all he cared about was inflicting pain.  He advanced again ready to deliver another devastating kick when he heard the sound of laser blasts in the grotto caves.

 

The wrist lasers were kept locked away from the Critons to discourage uprisings, so that left one improbable if not impossible conclusion:  the humans had found his lair.

 

His supposition was confirmed as four humans made it past what was left of his Criton soldiers and trained their combined laser blasts on the Zorian.

 

The multiple laser blasts sent Gaspar stumbling back to the interrogation table where he crumbled to the ground as Sharkey and Ski advanced to help Lee.

 

“Easy there, Admiral, we'll get you out of here,” Sharkey said raising Lee to stand on his feet.

 

“Put Gaspar on the table,” Lee ordered.  Sharkey tested Lee's steadiness on his feet and then moved to obey as Lee stumbled to the control panel.  Gaspar's head started moving as his consciousness began to return.

 

“Clear the table,” Lee ordered as Sharkey and Ski moved away from the awakening Zorian.  Lee fiddled with the controls until the electric net descended upon Gaspar.

 

“Crane!” he yelled in his fury, realizing that he had been imprisoned by his own device.

 

“Let's get out of here,” Lee urged as Sharkey and Ski took up positions on both sides moving him through the grotto while Ron Rodriguez guarded their exit and Patterson set the powerful explosive device inside Gaspar's control room.

 

Lee's legs weren't moving too well at present but he helped as best as he could, the effects of the Tunnel still causing him pain and draining his reserves.  They reached the flying sub as Riley executed the start-up sequence and Rodriguez dogged the hatch.

 

“Get us out of here Riley!” Sharkey yelled as they piled Lee into the bunk.

 

Riley responded with FS1's hasty departure navigating the cavern of the grotto and barely making it out of the entrance before the explosion hit, sealing the cave and its underwater lair under tons of rock and debris.  The concussion caught up with FS1 sending the submersible through a series of end over end turns until it lost power and floated surreally to the ocean floor.

 

* * * * *

 

“Shock wave in twenty seconds, Sir!” Hydrophones yelled out as Chip reached for the mic.

 

“All hands prepare for shock wave!” 

 

The shock wave sent the familiar rock and roll sensations across the boat, enough to send anyone without a handhold scampering across the deck but causing no damage.  As Seaview equalized out Chip raised the mic demanding a DC report.

 

“All decks report tight and dry, Sir.”

 

“Very well.”  Chip double clicked, “Sparks, any word from FS1?”

 

“No Sir.”

 

“Keep trying,” Chip ordered and then turned toward Phil.  “Sonar, do you have the flying sub on the scope yet?”

 

“Negative Captain.”

 

“Keep a sharp eye out, report as soon as you see their profile.”

 

“Captain,” Sparks hailed.  “I've got contact Sir.”

 

“Patch it through here, Sparks.”

 

Chip was relieved to hear Chief Sharkey's voice coming over the com loud and clear.

 

“FS1 to Seaview.”

 

“FS1 this is Seaview, we hear you loud and clear.  Report your condition.”

 

Sharkey's relief was palpable as he answered with satisfaction, “FS1 is sound and Admiral Crane is on board.  We'll need Doc Jamieson but he informs us he's “Fine”, Sir.  We're on our way, ETA fifteen minutes.”

 

“Well done Chief,” Chip said as the Control Room let loose a rousing cheer.

 

“Quiet down, back to your stations men,” Bobby O'Brien admonished as Chip smiled inside at the Lieutenant's impression of the famous Morton XO glare.

 

Chip raised the mic again, “Sparks, raise COMUSPACFLT.”  Chip looked out the windows of Seaview's bow with satisfaction as he waited for his call to connect.  This was one radio transmission he was going to make himself.  The grotto had been destroyed and Admiral Crane was on his way back to Seaview.

 

* * * * * *

(Back in Gaspar's lair just before the explosion...)

 

Gaspar struggled under his own electric netting as he saw the human set the explosive device and then run.  His body was much more resilient than the frail humans as he screamed pushing himself through the electric shock of the netting and then rolling off the table.  He worked his way shakily over to his Travel Tunnel controls and keyed in new coordinates, honing in on the Supreme Commander's vessel where high level officers as himself reported.  His Tunnel appeared and Gaspar stepped in as the blue lights swished him forward traveling 239,000 miles in just a few seconds to arrive at his destination.

 

He stepped out and moved towards a console to shut down his Tunnel when another Zorian yelled in a panic, “You fool!  You've killed us all!” The Zorian exclaimed recognizing that the explosion in the grotto was linked to the Zorian space ship by the Tunnel.  Gaspar turned toward the Tunnel in time to see the fireball traveling toward them.  His frantic attempts to shut down the Tunnel couldn't match the speed of the fireball traveling faster than one and a half times the speed of light as the explosion ripped through the space ship causing a chain reaction.  The great ship imploded upon itself as a spectacular brilliant blue light accentuated the destruction of the Zorian ship hidden behind earth's moon.  The result was a fantastic blue ring that illuminated the moon and was clearly visible even in the daylight hours as earth's inhabitants witnessed the defeat of their enemy's high command.

 

* * * * *

 

 

~^~Chapter Ten~^~

 

A Grateful Nation

 

FS1 docked as Lee waved off the stretcher and opted to climb the ladder ascending into Seaview's nose.  Maybe not such a good idea with busted ribs, Lee thought but he had missed his Boat and he wasn't going to arrive flat on his back.  He was greeted with the Boatswain's whistle and piped aboard as was fitting for his rank of Rear Admiral.  When he cleared the hatch he caught sight of two lines of crewmen in Seaview's own version of the Rainbow Sideboys with Chip and junior officers greeting him first and then two rows of ratings in their blue and red jumpsuits sporting sharp salutes.  Lee swallowed the lump in his throat and greeted Chip.

 

“Captain Morton.”

 

“Admiral Crane,” Chip returned with a twinkle in his blue eyes as Lee cracked a smile.

 

“Thank you men, you sure are a sight for sore eyes.” 

 

Lee's smile widened as he walked through the “receiving line” greeting each rating by name when he reached the end Jamie was waiting to escort Lee to Sickbay, Star or no star, Jamie promised silently. 

 

As Lee made his way toward the aft hatch he took the opportunity to look over the situation boards, purely out of habit.  The Boat was under Chip's command at present, but it still felt good to be home.

 

“Chip,” Lee said dropping the formal titles they had used in the Control Room, “Contact COMUSPACFLT, I've still got subs engaged in battle.”

 

“Aye Sir,” Chip rendered and then added, “It's good to see you again, Lee.”

 

“Thanks, it feels good to be here.”

 

Chip nodded and turned to see to his latest order from the Commander of SUBRON 1 and headed back to the Control Room with considerable relief in his steps.

 

“Okay Admiral, you know the routine,” Jamie said with a smile as Lee took off his shirt for the series of x-rays Seaview's doctor had in mind, one compound fracture having already been sized up by Jamie.  Lee laid on the gurney as Frank wheeled him into x-rays and somewhere in the middle he fell asleep listening to the hum of Seaview's engines running at Standard.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee's trip to Sickbay was short-lived as he stood at the radio shack receiving his orders from Admiral Nelson.

 

“We're still cleaning up two battles at sea, how fast can you return to the Saratoga?” Harry replied.  He had already informed Lee about the fantastic sight in the skies and the confirmation of debris floating in space indicating the mother ship had been destroyed, and coinciding nearly exactly with the destruction of Gaspar's grotto.  It was easy to surmise that Gaspar had more than likely engaged his Travel Tunnel to catastrophic results.

 

“I'll check with Captain Morton,” Lee replied with the smallest of winks indicating his pleasure at seeing Chip in full command.

 

“FS1 is all checked out and ready to go, Admiral Crane,” Chip reported.

 

“We'll leave right away, Admiral,” Lee answered back into the mic.

 

“Very well, and good work, Lee.”

 

Harry signed off before he could reply as Lee shipped the mic, turning toward Chip.

 

“Whenever you're ready Captain,” Lee said and followed Chip forward to the flying sub's hatch.  Stu Riley was waiting with a leather flight jacket as Lee noted the golden shoulder boards bearing a single star indicating his rank as Rear Admiral (Lower Half).

 

“How...?” Lee started as Chip filled in the blanks.

 

“They're Admiral Nelson's, he told us where to find them in his cabin.”

 

Lee smiled and put the flight jacket on, for now it was his right and duty to wear the rank.  After the war was wrapped up he would revert back to his rank of Captain as his field promotion had bypassed the Senate confirmation and was only temporary.  Still, it was a nice gesture that Lee appreciated and wearing Harry's shoulder boards was especially satisfying.

 

* * * * *

 

FS1 made a perfect landing on the deck of the USS Saratoga with Lee at the controls.  It had been nearly three months since he flew her and it felt good to take her out for a spin.  His mid-section was sporting a new set of bandages swathed around his middle and he was operating on mild analgesics.  The local anesthetic Jamie used to set the compound fracture and stitch him up had worn off, but he couldn't take the good stuff until all his subs were out of danger.

 

Lee deboarded wishing Riley a good flight back and immediately headed for the Bridge.  He had deployed Seaview to the grotto coordinates to verify its destruction and two battles were winding down; he needed to be where he could make the decisions for his fleet.

 

Lee entered the Bridge and was greeted with a nod from Harry who was receiving a report from the battlefield.  Lee was escorted to the radio where SUBRON 1 command information was filtering in and received an update from a captain filling in for him.  He made a subsequent report to Jiggs at ComSubPac and was pleased that his subs had faired the battles well.  With the mother ship destroyed the Zorians found themselves in retreat as three spaceships broke the water's surface and headed toward deep space, presumably toward one of their outposts.  The surviving spiney creatures were left behind like surplus war weapons no longer needed.  Some continued their aggression as others retreated into the depths below the sea.   It was unclear at this point how the spiney creatures left behind on earth would affect man-kind.  Would they simply adapt to their new home and stay in the seas where they were most comfortable and once again free?  Or would they make for land and be a danger to the inhabitants?  No one knew yet, accept that the creatures hadn't been violent before Bainbridge Wells activated his “monster bait device”; up until then, there had simply been sightings.  It was hoped that the creatures would co-exist in the vast oceans, if not, the world's navies were prepared to do battle with the creatures once again.

 

Seaview reported that the grotto had indeed been completely destroyed and all the loose ends were being tied up enough for Harry and Lee to take their leave of the Saratoga and return to Pearl.  They boarded the Seahawk as Lee leaned back, ready for the good stuff, but since he knew Jamie's pain medication would put him out for the count, he held out. 

 

“How are you doing, Lee?”  Harry asked through the com system of the ear phones they wore.

 

“A little tired.  Bed is going to feel good tonight,” he replied easily.

 

“Do you need to stop at the Base Hospital when we reach Pearl?”

 

“No need.  Jamie's already given me my terms of parole,” Lee quipped back with a slight smile as Harry returned the gesture.  They both sighed almost in unison as they finally allowed the satisfied feeling of victory to penetrate their command modes.  No further words were necessary as they enjoyed the ride back to Pearl Harbor.

 

* * * * *

 

The Zorian War, as it had been aptly named by the press, was deemed a complete success.  Though a coalition had been formed, the US had taken the brunt of the action as the Zorians had apparently chosen to gauge the earth's readiness for war by evaluating the strength of the United States. 

 

With the victory came the standing down from War to Alert and finally to Peace.  Seaview was released from active duty but Lee and Harry were needed until their interim posts could be filled.  Though Lee longed to be at Seaview's helm he felt it was fitting for Chip to Skipper her back to Santa Barbara.

 

If Brianna hadn't been so far along in the pregnancy Lee could have arranged for her to fly to Pearl now that it was safe, but she was only three weeks from her due date and couldn't travel.  Lee only hoped the Navy would see clear to grant him shore leave if they weren't ready to release him back to the Reserves.  Admiral Larson's injuries had proven to be severe and he subsequently retired, content to enjoy life with this family after his close call.  Lee had been approached with returning to active duty and retaining the position of COMSUBRON 1, but had graciously declined.

 

Finally a week later, it seemed everything was falling into place as both Harry and Lee's replacements had been named.  During the war time situation Lee had been granted a field promotion to Rear Admiral, a rank that usually requires not only the President's nomination but a majority confirmation vote by the US Senate.  Now that the war was over Lee would revert back to the rank of Captain.  It wasn't an affront or even a demotion, it was simply the way things were done.** 

 

Today Lee would take part in the age old tradition of the change of command ceremony; full dress whites were in order including the saber.  He was ready to return to his life in Santa Barbara and if the baby would just hold on till its due date, he might even make it home on time.  He was assured that first time mothers often carried their baby's full term and even one to two weeks later. 

 

Lee was driven by his aide to the pavilion where the ceremony would take place.  Navy personnel were in attendance in their white service dress as several rows of chairs held the family and friends of the new commander of SUBRON 1.  Harry presided over the ceremony as Lee engaged in the time honored tradition of the Change of Command.***

 

Lee read the orders of the Change of Command in a formal gesture for all to hear then turned toward his successor and stated:

 

“Admiral, I am ready to be relieved.”

 

As the new commander of SUBRON 1 replied, “Very well, Admiral.  You are relieved.”

 

The new commander gave a short speech encouraging the men under his command and praising their efforts in the war as the ceremony came to an end.  Harry returned to the podium to officially end the ceremony when Lee was surprised to receive a call for “front and center” by Admiral Stark.  Jiggs flanked Lee as Harry read a rather official looking document.

 

“Admiral Crane, I have been authorized to read a proclamation by the President of the United States:

 

'In as much as Admiral Crane has performed his duties to the highest standards and traditions of the US Navy, and in as much as he has performed above and beyond the call of duty in placing himself in harm's way in the recent Zorian War, and in as much as this office wishes to acknowledge that service I am hereby pleased to announce the following promotion.  By recommendation of the Secretary of Defense, and nominated by the President of the United States of America and with the consent of the United States Senate, Rear Admiral Crane's interim rank has been made permanent.  As the Commander and Chief of the United States of America I speak for a grateful nation in saying, “Well done and God Bless America.”'

 

Lee stood at attention in full military decorum as he saluted both Harry and Jiggs and received the proclamation, his official orders of his promotion to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) along with his return to Reserve status.

 

Lee offered his thank you to the President and graciously thanked the Navy for the opportunity to serve as the unexpected ceremony came to an end.  The stage cleared and the guests headed for the reception as Lee locked eyes with Harry and they both smiled.  It was only then that he caught the blond hair and blue eyes of his best friend who had apparently arrived stealthy just for the ceremony, also wearing his dress whites.

 

“Chip,” Lee greeted with a smile, pleased that his long-time friend had been there for the presentation, as Chip snapped to attention and rendered a sharp salute.

 

“Admiral Crane,” he greeted all military and holding his salute for Lee's salute back.  Then he cracked a smile and filled Lee in.

 

“Admiral Nelson thought you'd like a ride back in FS1.”

 

“Thanks Chip, and thank you Admiral,” Lee said turning to Harry.  The only thing that would have made it perfect was if Brianna could have been here.  But having been relieved of command and returned to the Reserves Lee was now free to head home.  The thought plastered a smile on his face even more than the promotion or the Star he wore on his lapel.

 

* * * * *

 

~^~Chapter Eleven~^~

 

The Homecoming

 

Lee sat in the pilot's seat reveling in the feel of FS1's control sticks in his hands as Chip sat back content to let Lee handle the flight home.

 

Lee wanted to change into civvies but Chip had insisted they wear their dress whites claiming that he hadn't come with a change of clothes and if he had to endure the high 'choker' collar so did Lee.  Lee found himself to be quite agreeable, he was going home and at this point he could really care less what he wore on the flight back.  He'd been gone for three months and even at Mach 2, it seemed like forever even though the flight would only take three hours as they traveled nearly 1,500 miles per hour. 

 

Harry had yet to turn over his command but had insisted that Lee head home in the hopes of beating the stork.  As he neared Santa Barbara it seemed the Zorian War was a lifetime ago.  All he cared about was seeing his wife and then Seaview... exactly in that order and he was quite content to put off seeing Seaview until after he had fully greeted his wife at home.

 

As they neared Santa Barbara, Chip informed Lee that FS1's bay in Seaview was receiving maintenance and to dock the flying sub at the surface dock.  They were on final approach as Lee saw why Chip had arranged for this particular dock as it was lined with Seaview's crew as well as Institute personnel all waiting to welcome him home.  He docked FS1 and opened the side hatch looking for the one person he'd been longing to see.  He dropped his duffel bag and threw decorum to the wind as he reached for Brianna pulling her into a gentle hug for her near full term belly and then kissed her passionately as Seaview's crew let out a whoop and holler for their returning Skipper.

 

* * * * *

 

Lee didn't feel much like a hero, he was just doing his duty he reasoned, but graciously accepted the well wishes and congratulations for his permanent promotion.  After a short reception, everyone understood when Lee and Brianna slipped away.  Everything was perfect as the events of the day were topped off by his wife's special attention at home.  As they lay in bed, he placed a hand over her swollen tummy as a strong kick elicited a smile and tears glistened in his eyes.

 

All those years of doing his duty as a sailor and a spy, he had served and even suffered for nameless people.  He had once said that, “We live our lives to touch other people's lives.  I don't have to know the people that I'm saving, the mothers and their children, the fathers who will go home to them at night, the sons that never have to go war because of the work I do.  It’s my honor to do my part.”****

 

It was as true today as it was the day he said it, but now he knew it on a deeper level, because now he knew it was also his family that he was preserving and he'd go back into Gaspar's lair a hundred times over to protect Brianna and his child.

 

He held her close as the two shared that tender moment between parents-to-be when their unborn baby moves under their hands proclaiming a new life waiting to be born. 

 

Lee sighed contently.  Right now he felt like a different kind of hero... Right now he felt like... a father.  He thought of the Heroes in his own life, the thought eliciting a smile and as the baby moved once again he knew exactly what he wanted to do.

 

 

 

The End... almost. 

 

For the epilogue to The Zorian War,

See my story “What's in a Name”

 

 

 

Notes and Credits:

 

* See my story Bailey's Victory

 

** Battlefield Promotions vs Battlefield Commissions: A battlefield promotion (or field promotion) is an advancement in military rank that occurs while deployed in combat. A standard field promotion is advancement from current rank to the next higher rank; a 'jump-step' promotion is advancement from current rank to a rank above the next highest.  A Battlefield Commission is the promotion of an enlisted man to an officer as Audie Murphy was promoted from Staff Sgt to Lieutenant in WWII.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battlefield_promotion

 

My research is unclear whether the field promotion I described would actually take place.  It is also unclear to me whether a combat field promotion like I described would be permanent after the war.  I try to research and bring plausibility into the stories, but sometimes I'm left with writer's creative license as my only excuse. : )

 

*** Change of Command ceremony research:    http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/change_command.htm

 

**** Quote from one of my earlier stories, After the Night

 

Naval history, traditions, vessels, Pearl Harbor etc researched using the resources of wikipedia.org

 

Episode Credits:

The Zorian War is a WHN (What Happens Next) for the third season episode, The Thing from Inner Space; written by William Welch, directed by Alex March, original air-date November 6, 1966.  My story contains scene, paraphrases and plots from the episode.

 

Author's Notes:  Please accept my apologies for my simplistic rendering of the naval scenes and battles.  I am quite certain that they did not do our naval forces justice but hope that the reader got at least a small taste of their important work in freedom's call. 

 

This story wraps up my Season Five series and sort of acts as a Finale with Lee, Harry and Chip's lives mapped out before them.  Between this story and Of Captains and Legends we see that Lee has more children, that Brianna is the love of his life whom he spends the rest of his life with, and that he continues to Captain the Seaview as an Admiral.  Harry continues to live the same life full of excitement, continuing to bring the world brilliant new ideas and inventions except now he has added a new layer in his relationship with Lee and his family, becoming the surrogate grandfather to Lee's children.  In my world, Harriman Nelson lives to see Lee's grandchildren, but of course still remains brilliant and spry even into his nineties, he and Lee even write several books together chronicling their adventures, entitled: Our Voyages to the Bottom of the Sea.   Chip's family grows as well and he does indeed Captain his own boat, taking on a new crew with Harry dividing his time among the two Boat fleet.  Change is a good thing and our boys deserve a full life full of families and new challenges.

 

Though I said this is my Season Five Finale, I reserve the right to add to the Season Five Series any time the “story whim” hits, but will spend most of my time in the Voyage Four Season time line.  Thanks for reading and joining me in these VTTBOTS adventures... according to Lynn's universe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2014, All Rights Reserved

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