Time To Heal by Pauline

 

WHN to Dead Before Morning and inspired by the ‘All Wrapped Up’ picture challenge.

 

 

Chip watched Lee carefully exit the car and moving gingerly, make for the front door of the bungalow.  Lee had spent the return cruise in sickbay, recovering from injuries he’d received on a diplomatic mission gone bad. Jamieson, Seaview’s CMO, had only agreed to let Lee out of a hospital bed if he agreed to stay with Chip instead.

 

Chip grabbed Lee’s bag from the back seat. After locking the car, Chip followed Lee and opened the front door, ushering Lee in first.

 

“You want to lie down?”

 

“No, I’m fine.” Lee headed for the sliding door that led to the back deck. “I’ve been stuck in sickbay; I want some fresh air and sun.”

 

Chip knew that Lee must be itching to at least see the ocean, even if he couldn’t swim in it.  Smiling, Chip took Lee’s bag into the spare room before heading for the kitchen to make coffee.  Chip was preparing two mugs when Captain, one of Chip’s two cats, came running in, demanding food.  “Where’s your sister?”  Chip put some kibbles down for the cat and returned to the coffee machine.

 

Five minutes later Chip carried two mugs out onto the deck.  Lee had settled in one of the chairs and was absently stroking Missy, who was sitting on his lap. “There she is, didn’t take her long,” Chip observed, putting a mug down beside Lee.

 

“Thanks.” Lee gave him a shy smile. “Where is the other one?”

 

“In the kitchen, chowing down.”  Chip took the other chair. “Are you hungry?” he asked cautiously, not wanting to appear to nag Lee about eating.

 

“Maybe in a little while.  For now I only want to sit and enjoy being outside.”

 

“We can eat out here if you’d like.”  It was good to see Lee relax; being in sickbay for the duration of the return journey had not helped Lee’s mood.  Although Lee had not spoken to him about the failed mission, Chip knew Lee was feeling guilty about being unable to rescue any of his party after he himself had escaped, despite being badly injured.  All the hostages had been freed and were safely back in the States now. 

 

 

*****

 

 

Hardly able to keep his eyes open, Lee dozed in the chair.  Relaxed in Chip’s company with the gently, soothing sound of the ocean in the background, it felt good to be outside.  The barbeque Chip had prepared had been delicious after sickbay food and Lee had to admit that he’d been starving.  Now the thought of moving was too much effort.  He opened his eyes to watch Chip disappear inside, but didn’t question where he was going.

 

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed before Chip returned, rousing him from a light sleep.

 

“Hey, sleeping beauty.”

 

With an effort, Lee forced his eyes open to find Chip standing over him with two mugs. 

 

“Here.” Chip handed him a mug.

 

“What’s this?”  Lee asked, not detecting the usual familiar aroma of coffee.

 

“Drink it and find out.” Chip returned to his own chair, removing Captain, who protested at being disturbed.

 

Lee smiled to himself in amusement and took a sip.  The chocolate was rich and creamy, with a dusting of cocoa on top.  “Umm, it’s good.”

 

“Thanks.” Chip stretched out in the chair with the cat on his lap. “Anything special you want to do tomorrow?”

 

Lee shrugged. “Maybe go for a walk on the beach, paddle in the surf.  I’ve been lazing around too long.”  Jamie had told him to relax and take things easy, but he hadn’t said that he couldn’t go out.

 

It was Chip’s turn to smile.  “Yeah, figured you wouldn’t be able to resist the beach, only do me a favour and don’t try sun bathing nude, okay?”  Chip teased.

 

Remembering the incident that Chip was referring to, Lee blushed, but laughed.  “No danger of that.” Chip had turned up at Lee’s place unexpected and had caught Lee sun bathing nude.  He wasn’t sure which of them was more shocked.  “It isn’t something I am in the habit of doing around company.” 

 

“Glad to hear it. You might frighten the neighbours.”

 

The chocolate had stimulated Lee’s appetite. “Chip, do you have any cookies?”

 

“What?”  Chip regarded him in mock amazement. “You’re still hungry?” he asked incredulously.

 

“Hey, give me a break. I’ve been on a diet of sickbay food,” Lee answered, defending himself. “Besides, a drink is too wet without either cookies or a doughnut.”

 

“Too wet, huh?”  Chip shook his head, laughing. “I’ve got to remember that one.”  Removing the cat from his lap, Chip climbed to his feet. “I might have some cookies.”

 

*****

 

Passing the spare room, Chip popped his head around the door to check on Lee. Morton smiled in amusement.  Lee was asleep with Missy curled beside him.  The tabby lifted her head to look at Chip, but made no effort to move from Lee’s side. She always adopted Lee when he came to stay and Lee had never objected to her sharing his bed.  Chip secretly suspected that Lee enjoyed her company.  Not wanting to wake his friend, Chip quietly continued on his way to the kitchen.

 

After putting fresh food down for both cats, Chip set about getting breakfast made for himself and Lee, starting with coffee. He had just finished whisking the mixture for cinnamon French toast when Lee wandered in, barefoot and wearing only pyjama bottoms.

 

“Morning, Chip.  Can I help with anything?” 

 

“No, I’ve got everything under control.  Help yourself to coffee.”

 

“No, thanks.” Lee grabbed a glass from the cupboard, walked over to the fridge and poured some juice.

 

Chip paused from soaking a slice of bread in the mixture. That was the second time that Lee had surprised him in the space of twenty-four hours. “Are you sure you’re Lee Crane and not an imposter?”  He joked.  Coffee was usually the first thing Lee wanted in the morning.

 

Lee laughed.  “I guess I’ve gotten used to Jamie’s healthy sickbay food.”

 

“Talking of healthy, go put more on. I do not want Jamie mad at me because you’ve caught a chill.”

 

Lee rolled his eyes. “Yes, mother.”

 

 

*****

 

 

Dressed in white tennis shorts and polo shirt, Lee was wading barefoot in the surf, a hand pressed into his injured side to support the freshly healed wound.  Breaking waves washed around his ankles, washing away their footprints in the sand.  The sea breeze ruffled Lee’s dark curls. 

 

In spite of Lee’s pretence that everything was fine, Chip knew that this enforced rest was tough on him.  Lee was an outdoor guy and loved to run, swim, scuba or play golf when they were on leave and he couldn’t do any of those things, he couldn’t even drive his little red sports car.

 

Lee was also missing his boat, his beloved Seaview was in dry-dock getting a new paint job; not the red that Lee would no doubt prefer, but a new type of paint they were doing a trial of.  It had special polymers that were supposed to repel light, making the sub more difficult to spot when on the surface.  Chip wasn’t sure that was a good idea, they got into enough trouble without upping the danger of collision to the list of hazards.

 

Walking in the surf beside Lee, Chip squinted against the glare of the sun off the ocean and waded in a little deeper.  The temperature was already warming up and the water looked inviting, sparkling in the sunlight.

 

Lee paused, his gaze fixed on the ocean. “Water feels great; I’d love to go for a swim.”

 

“You’ll be back in the water before you know it.”

 

“Yeah,” Lee sighed, “I don’t know why Jamie won’t let me return to light duty, there’s nothing wrong with my brain. I could do paperwork.” 

 

“Because he knows you. The minute his back was turned you’d be doing something you shouldn’t, you can’t help yourself,” Chip teased.

 

“I might bust orders anyway,” Lee grumbled.  “I feel so damn useless.”

 

“Not on my watch, you won’t,” Chip told him firmly. “Stop beating yourself up, Lee.  Give yourself time to heal. Seaview isn’t going anywhere for a while.”

 

“That’s not it...I...” Lee shrugged. “I had a bad feeling about the mission from the start.  I’m not a diplomat.”  Lee continued walking.

 

“You think that someone else could have done any better?”

 

Lee shook his head. “No, but maybe this time I should have said no. After all, what did I achieve?  I ended up getting hurt and now you have to do my job as well as your own.”

 

 “If it will make you feel better, I’ll talk to Jamie and see what I can do, okay?”  It was better to let Lee feel that he was doing something useful than have Crane take off, doing goodness knows what and getting himself into trouble. 

 

Thanks, Chip.  You don’t need to babysit me 24/7. Why don’t you go for a swim? I’ll stay here and watch your clothes,” Lee offered.

 

Chip regarded him suspiciously.  “You’re not planning anything, are you?”

 

“I promise.” Lee looked around.  “I’ll be right over there on that rock, waiting for you.  Go on, you deserve to relax and have some fun,” Lee encouraged.

 

“Okay, thanks.” The idea of a dip in the ocean sounded good. Chip stripped off his jeans and T-shirt; luckily he had worn his swim trunks underneath in case the opportunity presented itself. 

 

Chip watched as Lee walked up the beach to a convenient rock. He waited until Lee settled himself before he waded out into the water.

 

 

*****

 

Forced to be a passenger, Lee sat beside Kowalski; but it was good to feel the wind in his hair.  He’d arranged for the crewman to drive him out to his lighthouse home on the pretence of picking up any mail and wanting to give the car a run. 

 

It was Sunday and Lee wanted to get out of Chip’s hair for a few hours and give him and Lindsey some time for themselves.  Those two did not get much time together with Chip being at sea so much.

 

Despite their difference in their rank, Crane and Kowalski had developed a unique working relationship.  Not only did Lee regularly select Kowalski to accompany him on dives, but the senior rating had also learned to pilot FS1 and frequently flew with him as co-pilot.

 

They had stopped at Sunny Jim’s diner for lunch. Lee was agreeably stuffed after putting away a steak sandwich with salad and banana cream pie for dessert.  Crane smiled at Kowalski’s reaction at how much food Lee had managed to consume and he wondered how long it would be before the dish was included on Cookie’s menu aboard Seaview. 

 

Tomorrow Lee planned on accepting a long standing invitation to join a friend on his boat. He hated this forced idleness.  But for now he was looking forward to relaxing at home for a few hours away from his best friend’s well intended fussing.

 

Lee knew and accepted that he was not healed enough to return to full duty and would have to accept a compromise. But he did not accept the need to be placed on medical leave. Jamieson had insisted on what amounted to a babysitter before he’d even let him out of a stay in hospital.  Lee felt fine and thought he was more than capable of looking after himself.  Lee rested his head back and closed his eyes, willing himself to relax.  Why was he getting so wound up?  What was so different from all the other times he’d returned from a mission wounded, beat up or shot? 

 

By the time that Kowalski pulled up in front of the lighthouse, Lee had calmed down.  Picking up his mail, Lee headed for the den and settled into the comfy chair.

 

“Can I get you anything, Skipper?”  Kowalski asked from the doorway.

 

“No thanks, Ski.  Why don’t you take off for a couple of hours, I’ll be fine.”

 

Kowalski looked doubtful. “I don’t know, Skipper...”

 

Lee smiled. “I’m fine, really.  Come back around 18:00, okay?” 

 

“Okay, thank you, sir.”  Kowalski turned and walked out.

 

Lee listened until he heard the front door close - home at last. For a moment he just sat, soaking up the silence that had descended around him.  Settling deeper into the upholstery, Lee turned his attention to the mail that was lying in his lap.  He sorted through the assortment of envelopes for anything that looked interesting.  A package had caught his attention earlier and he recognised his mother’s handwriting. Opening it, he was surprised to see that she had sent him a copy of a book reproducing the personal log of the captain of the USS Nautilus, a distant relative, Lt. William Montgomery Crane.  Lieutenant Crane had commanded the Nautilus during the Barbary War, before being made Commodore.  Was it fate that Lee had also served on a vessel of the same name, under the then, Captain Nelson? There was no denying that the sea was in Lee’s blood.

 

His mother was not usually in the habit of doing anything that reminded her that her only son was in the service.  Lee’s father, a navy pilot, had died in an accident aboard an aircraft carrier, when his aircraft crashed on landing.  The resulting fire raged for 4-5 hours before it was extinguished.  Lee had been ten years old at the time.  That his father died in the line of duty had guaranteed Lee’s entry into Annapolis; his mother had not been happy with the idea of her son following his father into the navy.  The giving of this gift pleased him all the more because he knew that she had picked it out especially for him.

 

Fascinated, he opened the log and began to read. It soon became apparent that the Lieutenant’s command had not lasted long; the Nautilus was captured by the British in July 1812.  Reading the entries, written in a precise, formal English, Lee soon came to realize how much Lieutenant Crane had loved the navy and his ship.  Kindred souls, they were; maybe, his mother could understand that and accept it, just a bit.

 

*****

 

 

Lee hated having to ask for help, but Jamie had barred him from driving, so he’d asked Chip to drop him at the dock in Santa Barbara Harbour.  An ex-navy friend ran a boat charter company there, taking people deep-sea fishing and running trips around the Channel Islands.

 

“Hey, Lee, climb aboard,” Mike Stone greeted him cheerfully.  Five years older than Lee, Mike was 6 foot tall, and ruggedly handsome with sun bleached hair and a beard that was starting to grey around the edges. 

 

Lee carefully negotiated the gap between the dock and the rear deck of the Destiny.  Lee had a standing invitation to join them aboard the boat whenever he wanted.  The two of them went way back.  Mike’s father had worked for Lee’s uncle at his boat yard and Mike had always dreamed of owning his own boat one day. 

 

Likewise, Lee had always known what he wanted.  Although their paths had taken different directions, Mike had known that Lee Crane was predestined for great things. He’d been a high achiever and he made an impression on everyone that he came into contact with, including Admiral Harriman Nelson when he had been an instructor at Annapolis. 

 

Nelson had always wanted Lee for Seaview, however, Lee’s career path had been anything but normal and he’d come to the attention of ONI early in his career while still a young lieutenant. However, Lee wanted to be a sub commander and it was made clear to him that would not happen if he went that route. Lee had gone on to become the youngest skipper in the navy.  He’d finally achieved his dream of captaining Seaview; something that it seemed he’d been destined for from the start.

 

However, ONI had not given up, and when Lee became a reservist, they again approached him.  As well as SERE training, ONI had also recommended him for SEAL training.  ONI were not the only ones trying to get their hooks into Lee.  Being who and what he was, Lee was in demand when it came time for him to do his reserve duty and there were those who would like to see him return to the regular navy.

 

Mike joked that if ever Lee got tired of working for Nelson, he would give him a boat to skipper.  However, he knew that day would never come; Lee had lost his heart to Seaview and would never give her up.

 

“Welcome aboard. Make yourself at home.”  Mike handed him a life jacket.  With Lee’s shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, Mike noticed Lee’s bandaged hand. “Medical leave?”

 

Lee nodded. “Thanks.  Yeah, just got released from sickbay.”  He looked around. “No other passengers this cruise?”

 

“Nope, just you, Dan and me this trip.  There’s coffee in the galley if you want it.”

 

“No thanks,” Lee sat on the bench seat and watched the two men cast off from the wharf.  Mike took the helm and started the engine.  Slowly the boat eased away and headed for open water.

 

They were headed for the Channel Islands.  The 65 foot dive boat had a cruising speed of 10 knots and was powered by two 8V diesel engines, each generating 550HP.  Below decks there was a galley/lounge and a twenty open berth bunk area with head and showers.  Although this trip they would not be staying out overnight, the boat was fully equipped to do so.

 

Lee had moved to the bow and the wind and spray was turning his dark hair into a mess of unruly curls, but he didn’t care, he was enjoying himself.  Growing up in Rhode Island, Lee had been around boats most of his life.  He loved being on, in or under the water and if he couldn’t be aboard Seaview, then this was the next best thing.

 

After a morning spent touring the Northern Islands and Point Conception with its lighthouse standing high on a bluff overlooking the ocean, Mike headed east to Santa Barbara Island, where they anchored for lunch. Lee would like to have stopped to visit the lighthouse, but private visitors were not allowed.  So he had to content himself with watching from the boat.

 

 Santa Barbara Island was home to a large colony of seals, and they were used to people. Seals are opportunistic and some came out to visit the boat, looking for a free meal or a diver to play with.  Watching the seals having fun around the boat, their sleek bodies gliding through the water with ease, Lee would liked to have gone diving with them, but Jamie would have a fit if he found out, so Lee had to content himself with merely watching them.

 

“Hey! Come and eat!” Mike called.

 

“Yeah, coming.” Lee turned and headed back to where Mike had set up a foldaway table on the aft deck.  It seemed to be all he’d done for the past few days was eaten and slept. But now that he thought about it, he realised that he was hungry. Must be the sea air.  It certainly felt good to be out on the water, even if it wasn’t aboard Seaview; Lee loved being in or on the ocean.  Maybe he would take Mike up on his offer to skipper a boat, if only when other commitments allowed.  He certainly would never give up commanding Seaview.

 

*****

 

Dan was an excellent cook, and everyone enjoyed the fresh halibut steaks, asparagus spears and garlic bread coming out of the galley.  They had sat around and swapped sea stories for a time, until Mike had checked the weather channel, realized a storm was coming and it was time to head back.   Returning to the helm, Mike started back to port, leaving Lee standing on the aft deck.  The sea was starting to build, but they would be back in Santa Barbara in plenty of time before the real storm hit.

 

As they neared the coast Mike noticed a boat coming towards them, fast – too fast. “Damn fool,” he cursed under his breath.  Even as he watched, the two craft closed rapidly.  What’s the matter with them?  Destiny is lit up and should be easily visible, even in the deteriorating conditions.  

 

Mike hit the horn, but the trawler held her course.  Swearing under his breath, Mike yelled a warning. “Hold on!”  He spun the wheel, veering away.  Destiny heaved over, but the wash from the trawler caught them broadside and Destiny pitched and rolled – there was no danger of her capsizing, but it was a rollercoaster ride until the sea calmed.  The other boat sped on, seemingly oblivious to the trouble it had caused.  Mike made a mental note to contact the harbour police once they’d docked.

 

“Everyone okay?” Mike turned to check on Lee, only he was no longer there.

 

Shit!

 

Mike killed the engine, feeling sick to his stomach.  If Lee had gone overboard there was a danger that he could have been sucked under the propellers. “Man overboard!  Dan, get up here,” he yelled to his crewman who was in the galley stowing the lunch things away.

 

The weather was closing in, the wind was rising and the sea was getting rough.  Telling Dan to take the helm, Mike desperately scanned the sea, searching for any sign of Lee.  “Bring her around slow,” he instructed.  Should I call for help?  Just then he spotted Lee’s yellow life jacket, he was swimming towards the boat.  Thank goodness he’s a strong swimmer. 

 

“Kill the engine, let her drift.”  Mike quickly moved to the platform at the stern of the boat, ready to help Lee aboard.  “Geez, Lee, this was no time to go for a swim.  You scared the crap out of me,” Mike teased once Lee was back aboard.

 

“Yeah, sorry,” Lee gasped, collapsing to his knees with an arm wrapped around his middle.”

 

“Are you hurt?” Mike asked, worried, as he kneeled beside Lee.

 

Lee shook his head. “Winded...hit the rail...on the way over.”

 

Mike glanced up as Dan appeared with a towel and handed it down to Mike. “Is he okay?”

 

“I think so, thanks.”

 

Lee was soaking wet and shivering, water dripping from his dark hair.  Mike placed the towel around his shoulders. “You’d better go below and get out of those wet clothes.  I’m sure I can find something to fit you.”  After I have made a radio call, he thought silently.  Taking Lee’s arm, he helped him to his feet.

 

“Thanks, Mike, but I can manage.”

 

Stubborn as usual, some things never change.  Mike shook his head as he watched Lee head below.

 

*****

 

Mike manoeuvred Destiny back into her berth alongside the wharf and killed the engine while Dan made fast the ropes fore and aft.  When everything was secured, Mike went below to check on Lee.  After a quick stop at his own cabin to grab the first aid kit and some dry clothes, he made for the galley, expecting to find Lee drinking coffee there.  However, the galley was empty, so he continued to the bunk area, where he found a still damp Lee Crane had wrapped himself in a red plaid blanket.

 

Mike couldn’t help smiling at the sight of his friend.  “Are you sure you’re okay?  I bought the first aid kit,” he said, laying the kit on the nearest bunk.

 

Lee nodded.  “I’m fine. It’s only my pride that is bruised.”

 

“Yeah, sorry, it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing,” Mike apologised.

 

Lee shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault.”

 

They were interrupted by footsteps on the wooden stairs.  Chip appeared and stopped at the bottom. “What happened?  Do I need to call Jamie?”

 

Mike stifled a laugh as Lee groaned.  “Lee took a little spill,” he informed the blond.

 

“I’m fine,” Lee stated firmly, glaring at Mike.

 

Chip shook his head. “I swear, Lee – you really are not safe to be let out alone,” he teased.

 

“Maybe we should let him get dressed,” Mike suggested, taking pity on Lee. He knew that Chip would not let him live this down.  “I’ll put your wet stuff in the dryer.”

 

Thanks, Mike.”

 

“Come on, Chip.  We can have coffee while we wait,” Mike picked up Lee’s wet clothes and headed up the steps to the galley.

 

*****

 

 

“Well?” Lee asked as Jamieson finished his exam and hung the stethoscope around his neck.

 

“You’ll live,” the doctor told him, grudgingly. “I’d prefer you stay overnight for observation, but I know that is not an option.”

 

Here being the Institute medical facility, where Chip had insisted that Lee get checked out.  Lee carefully eased himself down from the exam table. “I’m fine, Jamie.” The swim had not helped his injury, but he was not going to tell Jamie that.

 

“Don’t worry, doc.  I’ll take him home and tuck him in,” Chip joked, handing Lee his shirt.

 

Lee sighed and shook his head in resignation.  There was no point arguing. He’d been in this situation enough times and understood his friends were only concerned for his well being.

 

“I want to see you back here tomorrow,” Jamieson told him.

 

Lee looked from Chip to the doctor and shrugged.  “Aye, sir,” he conceded, knowing that there was no way of avoiding Jamieson’s orders.  He may be Chip’s CO, but Chip was tenacious and would hassle him until he gave up.

 

“You’re lucky you didn’t bust that wound open,” Jamieson replied sternly.

 

Lee bit back a retort as he finished dressing. It wasn’t Jamie’s fault; he was just doing his job.  Lee was just anxious to get back to the Seaview.  “Can I go now?” 

 

Jamieson shoved his hands into the pockets of his white coat and regarded his patient.  “Could I stop you?” 

 

“Sorry, Jamie.  I’m just tired of being put out on the beach.  When are you going to let me return to my job?”  What really bothered him was the thought of Seaview sailing without him if Jamie didn’t clear him for duty soon.

 

Jamieson’s expression softened. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

 

“Come on, Lee – let’s get out of here before he changes his mind.” Chip opened the door and motioned Lee out ahead of him.

 

*****

 

Lee had shown up bright and early at the Institute hospital.  Now he was perched on the exam table, buttoning his shirt.  He’d worn a uniform in the hope that Jamieson would clear him for duty.

 

“You decent, Lee?”  Nelson asked, poking his head around the door.

 

“Yes, come in, Admiral,” Lee smiled, in spite of a sudden suspicion that doc had told Nelson about his mishap the previous day.

 

“How is he doing, Will?” Nelson asked as he entered the exam room and closed the door behind him.

 

Jamieson folded his arms and regarded Crane.  “If it will keep him out of trouble, I will clear him for light duty.”

 

Lee smile widened to a grin as he slid down from the table. “Thanks, Jamie.”

 

“NOTE, I said light duty,” Jamieson warned. “No crawling around in air vents or other such activity.”

 

“Don’t worry, Will – I’ll see that he follows orders,” Nelson assured him before turning to Lee.  “You heard him; it’s back to duty for you,” he put a hand on Lee’s shoulder and steered him towards the door.

 

“Aye, sir,” Lee replied happily.

 

 

End

 

 

*Once again I would like to thank by betas, especially Helen for all her helpful suggestions and comments.