A/N - Story edited to fit Fan Fiction Ratings. You can find the unedited, uncut version posted at Seaview Stories as Gentle Hands, Hard Resolve. Suggestive innuendos throughout, slightly visual but not graphic. Proceed as forewarned. Adventure awaits Seaview's Command Team as they answer ONI's call to go undercover in a luxury spa and resort.

Gentle Hands

A story by Sea Starr

Chapter 1

"Tell me again why I'm doing this?" Chip Morton asked as Seaview's Executive Officer rode shot-gun in the passenger seat of the rented red convertible Corvette.

"Because misery loves company," Lee Crane answered with a small half-smile, his sunglasses effectively hiding the accompanying humor in his eyes.

"Besides," Lee continued, "I need back-up and this way you can't hold this assignment over me."

"Would it help if I promised to keep quiet till the day I die, never tell a soul and pretend like it never happened?" Chip asked, already knowing Seaview's Captain's reply.

"Nope. It's a tough job Chip... keeping America safe and free, and sometimes Uncle Sam just needs a little extra help. You're it," he replied evenly.

"Tough job isn't exactly how I'd describe it. Demoralizing, sexist, humiliating..."

"Yeah, like you're really not going to enjoy being around all those women at the Spa?" Lee replied as the wind blew through his hair on the long desert highway heading to a little known resort tucked in the mountains in Nevada, a luxury hideaway for the rich and famous patronized mostly by women.

"If I was a guest maybe, but..."

"Aw come on Chip, you're telling me you don't like the assignment you drew?"

A thin smile spread across Chip's face and then widened into a full smile. "Training was sure fun," he answered honestly.

"Yeah, who'd have thought there would be so much to learn just to give a massage," Lee replied with his own grin reflecting on the crash course they had received in massage techniques. Their training concentrated on the female physique since the Spa's clientele was dominated by women and their training "subjects" had been especially desirable.

"Okay, so the massage part might be fun, but it's the other part I'm talking about," Chip said, adjusting his sunglasses and riding with his elbow laying out the window of the convertible's car door.

"Look Chip, all kidding aside. This is important," Lee said seriously. "ONI has traced a security leak to the Spa. Someone is talking and since the Spa is a popular retreat for several Senator's wives, a corporate executive with access to at least some of the information through her own company, the girlfriend of a US Ambassador and several other leads, well we've got to seal up the leak, find out who's talking and why."

"I've got no problem with that, it's the hanky-panky that's got me irritated."

Lee laughed. "Come on Chip, don't be a prude. Sure they're known to do a little touchy-feely with the male staff, but it's not like you're a virgin being thrown into a raging volcano."

"Yeah, but what about the uniforms they issued?"

Lee raised an eyebrow, completely hidden under his dark sunglasses. The white slacks were a bit tight, but only slightly tighter than Chip's uniform pants. The matching white short sleeve shirt was a bit form fitting as well, designed to show off the pecks, abs and biceps of the wearer.

"You go undercover you have to look the part," Lee added showing no mercy for Chip's concern. "Besides, I saw the way the ladies looked at you when you were fitted, and I'm pretty sure you enjoyed their response."

"Yeah well you wouldn't have known that if the pants didn't fit so damn tight," Chip responded grumpily, the fact that he had gotten turned on hadn't exactly been a secret as they made the final adjustments on his new uniform.

"Okay, so we're Massage Technicians..." Chip stated, clarifying the mission and resigning himself to his participation.

"Yeah, and remember it's not necessarily the ladies that are under suspect. They may be under the influence of a truth serum or some other kind of coercion. All we know is that the Spa seems to be the common factor in the leaks."

"Alright it's important, I concede that, but just because you've got me under wraps doesn't mean the Admiral won't take his jabs at you."

"I don't think Harry will talk."

"And just why, pray tell, do you say that?" Chip droned on.

Lee smiled deviously. "Because he's on assignment there too," he answered, waggling his eyebrows up and down, visible even with his sunglasses on.

Chip lowered his sunglasses and peered over the top of them joining Lee in a smile. "What's his cover?" He asked deviously.

Lee's smile widened. "Salon Specialist."

"As in 'hair stylist'?" Chip asked with a raised eyebrow as Lee chuckled in barely controlled glee.

Chip laughed out loud. "Come on Lee. Where does ONI drum this up from? He's America's number one most photographed officer, he was just on the cover of World in the News Magazine and even the T.V. Guide last week!"

Lee's smile widened. "I guarantee they won't recognize him," he said cryptically as Chip rolled his eyes at his best friend's vagueness.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?" Chip accused.

"Who me? I'm just doing my patriotic duty," he quipped. "Besides, maybe you and Harry will lay-off complaining every time I take an ONI Mission."

"And this mission is going to help, how?" Chip asked sarcastically.

"Well at least I won't be drugged, shot or stabbed this time around."

"The mission is young..." Chip deadpanned.

"Keep it up, Mister," Lee joined in. "And you'll be supervising the Bilge Tank Cleaning detail for the next year," he finished with a grin.

Chip laughed out loud and decided to embrace the mission. At least with his participation he could keep an eye on his Captain and best friend. Lee was right, how dangerous could it be? Chip's face turned sharp and angular as he considered his last thought. Lee Crane... working in a Spa... with "touchy-feely" female patrons... maybe this was going to be dangerous after all!

"If so, it was his duty as Lee's brother and friend to stand by his side and fend off those ladies and their 'touchy-feely' intentions," he thought gallantly as his smile widened and the wind blew his blond hair pleasantly across his forehead. He leaned over and turned up the Oldies but Goodies radio station and reclined back with "Born to be Wild" blaring through the stereo speakers as he and Lee Crane shared a quick smile for the adventure they were about to embark upon, both singing along and tapping the beat out on the side of the 'Vette door.