Retribution - by Pauline

Nelson stood at the bottom of the spiral staircase, letting his gaze wander around the control room. Why wasn't Crane here? Seaview was due to sail in four hours. He moved to join Chip Morton, the sub's executive officer, who was busy in the observation nose. "Where's Captain Crane?" Nelson asked.

"He hasn't come aboard yet, sir," Morton informed him.

"That's not like Lee," Nelson commented thoughtfully, remembering the last time Lee had been late in returning from leave.

"No, sir." Morton agreed.

"And there's been no word from him?" Nelson shoved his hands into his pant pockets and paced in front of Seaview's large windows.

Morton shook his head. "No. Shall I call his apartment?" Morton offered. He was obviously as concerned as Nelson.

Nelson paused and looked at Morton. "Yes, do that, Chip. I'll be in my cabin. Tell Lee I want to see him as soon as he comes aboard."

"Aye, sir," Morton turned, headed for the radio shack.

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Morton made his way along the corridor to report to the Admiral. An hour had passed since he'd spoken to Nelson, and there was still no sign of Lee. Neither had he had any luck with trying to call Lee at home. Chip was sure that Lee would never be this late unless something serious had happened. Reaching Nelson's cabin, he paused out-side and knocked before entering.

Nelson looked up from his desk as Morton stepped through the door. Chip wished that he had better news for him. "There is still no word from Lee, Admiral," Morton reported.

"Any luck with his apartment?" Nelson asked.

Morton shook his head. "No, Admiral, he's not answering his phone." For a moment Nelson said nothing. Chip could imagine what was going through the Admiral's mind. Lee would have left a message at the institute if anything was wrong; Chip had checked, there had been no message.

"Have you any idea where he might be?"

"No, Admiral. Sir, I request permission to go over there, check the apartment?"

Nelson looked at him and nodded. "Very well, Chip," he agreed. "Make it quick. Whether Lee is there or not, come straight back. We need to get underway as soon as possible. If Lee isn't here, we'll sail without him."

"Yes, sir."

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