HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER
BY
Mary Elliott
Chapter 1
"Look out!"
The sound of crunching metal was instantaneously followed by a puff of white powder as the airbags inflated engulfing both occupants of the front seat. A speeding SUV had run through the light at State and Chapala, plowing into the front panel of the black four-door Ford. The driver of the Ford, employed by NIMR as a security guard, emerged with only minor injuries, but his passenger hadn't been so lucky. He was on his way to a nearby hospital wearing a cervical collar.
Fred White was setting up in bed waiting to be discharged by the ER doctor when the plastic curtain around his bed flew open. Standing in front of him were two men, including Admiral Harriman Nelson. Nelson immediately barked out questions.
"Are you all right? What happened, Fred? Where is Commander Crane?"
"Give the man a chance, Harry." Turning to the patient, Dr. William Jamieson took charge. "What has the doctor said about your injuries?"
"He's waiting for x-rays but he's pretty sure there's no major injuries. I'm going to have a fantastic black eye even with using this icepack." He took a breath and then delivered the distressing news. "Doc, they had to cut the commander out of the car and put him on a backboard. Admiral, I'm so sorry. The other driver went right through the light and plowed into us. There wasn't anything I could do to avoid it."
"I understand, Fred, I'm just glad you weren't seriously injured," the Admiral reassured him, wordlessly apologizing for his earlier abrupt manner. Nelson's outward demeanor was under control but the driver's words sent a stab to his heart. "Do you know where Crane is?"
"Sorry, Admiral. I overheard they took two critical patients from the accident up to surgery but that's all."
Suddenly there was a commotion a couple cubicles away. "Get me out of this contraption!"
The three men looked at each other and grinned; they had found Lee. Following the sound of the escalating discussion Harry and Jamie discovered a young nurse attempting to stop Lee from removing the cervical brace.
"Sir, you need to calm down and leave that alone. The doctor will be in very shortly." She took hold of his hands and held them down to his side. "Do I have to put you in restraints?"
"That will be enough of that, Commander!" Nelson, with his arms crossed on his chest, stared at the younger man. Next to him stood Jamie, shaking his head in resignation having played this game numerous times.
"Yes, sir." Lee responded automatically to the command then looked with pleading eyes towards the doctor. "Tell them to take this damn thing off, will you, Jamie? I'm fine." His body suddenly shook with a fit of coughing, and the nurse put the oxygen mask back on.
"May I see the chart, nurse?" When she hesitated, Jamie explained. "I'm Doctor Jamieson and Mister Crane's physician. I have privileges here."
"Of course, doctor," she said, handing it to him as she softly inquired, "Is this normal behavior for this patient? I was wondering if the combative attitude was a sign of concussion."
"Unfortunately, yes. No reflection on you or the hospital but Commander Crane dislikes all things medical," he replied in a similar volume, and then raised his voice so the others could hear.
"Well, Lee. For once, it looks like no concussion. You were telling the truth about not losing consciousness and the other symptoms, correct?"
Lee opened his mouth ready to give a smart aleck answer then thought better of it after seeing the Admiral's concerned expression. Sighing, he replied honestly.
"I was a little fuzzy for a minute or two right after we were hit, but never blacked out. No dizziness or nausea. My vision is slightly impaired but that should be in the notes."
"What's wrong with your eyes, Lee? Will?" Harry anxiously questioned.
"Nothing to be concerned about, Harry. The cough and vision problems are common due to the chemicals released from the airbag. I'll keep a close eye on them but things should clear up in three to four days."
"Well that's great news Jamie, but when can I get this thing off?" Lee returned to his cantankerous ways.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a while longer." The ER doctor spoke as he entered the cubicle. "Tests show there is some slight trauma. As a precaution, you will need to wear a soft collar for 7 to 10 days. I'm admitting you for 24 hours observation."
Giving Lee no chance to argue, the nurse expertly removed the brace and replaced it with a collar.
The new doctor turned and extended his hand to Jamieson.
"I'm Doctor Buchanan. The nurse said you were Mister Crane's physician. If you wish, I can show you the x-rays."
"Thank you, Doctor, I appreciate it. Admiral, why don't you keep Lee company? We'll only be a minute."
Outside the curtain, doctors Jamieson and Buchanan studied the films. "I'm glad you're here, Doctor Jamison. From the time I've spent with Mister Crane, I strongly believe the collar would have been tossed out a car window as his car pulled away from the hospital."
"I'm afraid you're right about your concerns. Don't worry, right this minute he's receiving his orders."
Surprisingly, Lee caused little trouble during his overnight stay. He wasn't happy about being discharged in a wheelchair but he hated to admit to the fact he needed it; waking up the next morning his whole body complained with every move, making getting dressed a painful task.
The sharp-eyed Nelson didn't miss the trouble he was having. "Maybe you should spend a couple more days here at the hospital, Lee. You can barely get around. And I'm worried about your blurry version."
"No thanks, Admiral. I just need a long hot shower to limber up. I'll be fine."
They continued to argue during the short trip to the Institute. The discussion ended when the car stopped at Nelson's bungalow.
"This is what's going to happen, so both of you listen very carefully," Jamie ordered. "Lee, you are no shape to stay at your condominium. Right now, there is no way you could handle all those stairs. Your eyes are very irritated and your vision is not clear making it unsafe to leave you on your own.
"Harry, Lee doesn't need to be hospitalized. In fact, he would drive everybody crazy. He is going to stay in your guestroom here at the bungalow. I've arranged for breakfast and lunch to be served. I've scheduled someone to give daily massages and an aide will stop by several times."
"Jamie…"
"Don't argue, Lee. It's just for three or four days at most. Then you can go home. I'm not worried about the sore muscles, you've managed much worse. However, the lungs and eyes do need to be watched. Also, until the collar comes off, no lifting or driving. Once your vision is back to normal, I'll release you to light duty. That means you stay behind your desk."
As Lee struggled to get out of the car's backseat, he saw the wisdom of the doctor's orders. He allowed himself to be settled into a high-back chair with a small pillow behind his back. Harry brought him a mug of coffee plus a sandwich and cookies. He turned the radio on to keep Lee company and left for his office, not wanting the battle of wills to start again. Jamie stayed for a short time checking on Lee's eyes and lungs and then also left, knowing how much Lee hated being fussed over.
Not hungry, Lee drank the coffee and munching on a cookie, thought over the last couple of days. Chip and Lee had been discussing Chip's six weeks TAD assignment to Hawaii. Lee had teased him about being gone during an upgrade to Seaview, knowing howserioushe was in regards to his duties as executive officer. Chip, on the other hand, ribbed Lee about who would come to his rescue when his Cobra broke down every other week. Lee couldn't say much since his beloved red sports car was in the shop at the moment. Yesterday morning Fred had picked them both up in an Institute car, dropping Chip at the airport and then going on with Lee to retrieve his car. It was on the way to the garage that the accident had happened. He probably should call and let his pal know what had happened to him. Lee could just hear Chip now, ragging on how the minute he let Lee out of his sight something like this happened.
Jamie's diagnosis was correct; Lee was back in his office in three days, diving into the paperwork waiting for him, grateful to be back to work, if only for limited duty. He promised never to complain about the never ending and boring reports from Dr. Leonard's grant requests again, well, at least not for a couple weeks. At 1300 Admiral Nelson just happened to show up at Lee's door, and hustled him off to lunch.
Disobeying the doctor's orders, he had stayed until 2000, and now, sitting on the patio watching the sunset, Lee was surprised how the first day back had worn him out. A hot shower before bed would help the sore muscles. Tomorrow he would abide by the eight-hour rule, he might even arrange for another massage mid-day to help loosen up his body from all the sitting around.
The next two weeks went by quickly, almost uneventfully, filled with the tedious chore of managing the increasing amount of paperwork that landed on his desk. His physical activities now included daily inspections of the work aboard Seaview. Finally, the foam collar was discarded and he was declared fit for duty.
With the modifications complete on Seaview and the rest of the crew returning soonLee worked with O'Brian to set up a training schedule, intending to get all the sonar and radar techs up to speed on the ungraded systems as soon as possible. Past incidents where an undertrained crewmember was forced to take over a station supported his plan. The remodeling work in Sick Bay did not call for any additional training, but it did make for one happy CMO. After getting a coffee refill, the captain signed off on the schedule and turned his attention to his calendar.
The annual charity ballgame was five days away and NIMR teams would need more practice. Charity or not, his men didn't like losing. Too bad Chip wouldn't be returning for another four weeks, in the past he had made a great first baseman. This year Lee elected to manage instead of play, with Sharkey taking charge of the second team. The institute's teams would each play the Santa Barbara Fire Department or Police Department's squads with the winners competing for the trophy. Lee went to work on his lineup and had just finished penciling Kowalski in at the cleanup spot when his secretary buzzed the intercom.
"Commander, Admiral Johnson is here to see you."
"Admiral Johnson? Thank you, Susan. I'll be right out." Lee quickly straightened his tie and grabbed his coat, putting it on as he walked towards the door.
What the hell is he doing here? Does he even know I'm just off limited duty? He can't possibly expect me to go on an assignment, can he?
Lee walked into the reception room of the NIMR office spaces. Standing at one of the expansive windows was a man in Service Dress Whites, facing outside. The uniform fit snugly on the medium-sized frame. As he pivoted around, he revealed a head covered by short white hair. His thin, hawk-like nose sat above a medium-sized mouth. Lee knew that in the turning Admiral Johnson had scrutinized every corner of the room with his hooded blue eyes, including a swift, appraising glance at Bonnie, the Institute's personable receptionist. This was confirmed by the daggers-like look she was giving back to Johnson.
He forced himself to give the usual greeting. "Admiral Johnson, it's a pleasure to see you. What can I do for you, sir?"
"Well, Commander, I was in the neighborhood, thought I'd drop by and see how you're doing after your accident."
"I'm fine, sir. Would you like to come into my office? Can I get you a cup of coffee?"
"No coffee. In fact Crane, I need to speak to you about a matter that just came up and decided to do it in person."
Lee opened the door for the senior officer then followed him inside. "As I was saying, there is something I want to tell you personally."
"Could it be because you knew Admiral Nelson was out of the office today, Admiral?"
"Can't put anything past you, can I, Crane." The sarcastic tone was obvious. "I have a new assignment for you."
"Sir, with all due respect, I just returned to full duty."
"No worries, it's not dangerous or strenuous, just paying a social call on an old friend. Well, sit down man; I don't have all day to explain this to you." He waited until Lee settled behind his desk. "We received a communication from your old friend Professor von Kempner requesting a meeting with you. He said he had information he didn't trust giving to anyone else. You are aware the professor has been living quietly in Germany the last four years due to increasing health problems. You kept up your relationship with him for several years, haven't you? I believe you met him at the Academy."
Lee took a few seconds before replying to think back about the last time he had seen his old professor. They had met during Lee's first year at the Academy, when the German, famous for his work in applied physics, had spent the school year teaching on a visiting fellowship. "Yes, sir. Since then we've met several times and have exchanged letters and e-mails on a somewhat regular basis. He was well enough to make a short trip to New York last year, and I had dinner with him. He didn't look well, and I was afraid it would be for the last time. Did he give any indication of what he needed to talk to me about? Why not call? He could arrange a secure line with our consulate."
"The message said the professor thinks he is being watched and won't risk leaving his house. I'm sure he's imagining things. Although brilliant, the man hasn't been active in research for several years. I can't believe he has anything of importance to tell us. I feel we owe him the courtesy of you seeing him. If nothing else, it will give you a chance to say goodbye. My source tells me he doesn't have much longer to live."
Lee was shocked by the sentimental comments coming out of the ONI director's mouth. Usually he didn't appear to care about anything or anyone unless it affected the result of a mission. Nevertheless, Lee didn't hesitate with his answer; he was very fond of the old man who he saw as a favorite uncle.
"What's my cover and when do I leave?"
"You go as yourself, a friend paying his respects."
"And if he really has something?"
"Use the consulate to relay anything or use their diplomatic pouch. However, I don't think anything will come of the meeting. His doctors said von Kempner's mind has been affected by his illness." The admiral tossed a packet on the desk. "My aide has arranged your flight and other travel information, you leave tomorrow. He still lives in Bitburg, you'll fly into Frankfurt."
"Yes, sir. I just need to inform Admiral Nelson." And convince him there wasn't anything risky about this trip. Lee knew he had better have all his arguments ready for that conversation. "Is there anything else I need to know, sir? Has there been any indication of terrorist movement in Germany?"
"No, all indicators show normal. I have a plane to catch, give my regards to Harry when he returns this evening. And do tell him not to be such an old worrywart, this is a simple assignment. Do you good to do some sightseeing, Commander."
After Admiral Johnson left, Lee called his secretary into the office to dictate several letters. Ordering O'Brien away from inspecting the work on Seaview, the captain spent the next hour going over items that needed handling in Lee's absence. He had time before Nelson's return to go shopping for a gift bottle of California wine to take to von Kempner. There was a long-standing private joke between the two that they called the Battle of the Vines, and he would need something special to win over his old friend. He finally chose an Alexander Valley Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, a superb California wine.
As he predicted, the conversation with the admiral didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped, but Lee finally convinced Nelson there was no danger in just visiting a dying friend and reassure his distressed and wandering mind. Besides, as Admiral Johnson pointed out, he could do some relaxing sightseeing while he was in Germany, relating an urge to tour one of that country's many castles. At that Nelson laughed, telling him to look out for ghosts. He had heard some of those old castles' dungeons were haunted.
Lee arrived at his hotel very early but without incident. The nine-hour time difference and 12-hour flight to Frankfurt had been tiring, since he could never sleep on airplanes. First things first - he'd take a nap.
Upon awakening, he called von Kempner to let him know of his arrival and was invited to a late lunch at the professor's home. After a shower and fresh change of clothes to a pair of slacks and comfortable polo shirt, Lee was ready to visit his friend.
He walked the short distance to the professor's house where an attractive young woman answered the door and showed him into the living room. Lee was shocked at how much the professor had aged since last he saw him. His hands trembled on the blanket covering his knees as he sat in the wheelchair. Hair that had once been black, fading to a steel grey was now almost gone. He had lost weight and his shrunken skin had an unhealthy pallor to it. Perhaps most distressing was seeing him confined to the chair; Lee remembered a straight back, almost military posture during the many walks they'd taken during their discussions. At least a couple of things hadn't changed; those weren't crow's feet but laugh lines around sea blue eyes that still twinkled, and there was a broad smile on his face, as if to say he would not be beaten down by his infirmity.
"Guten Tag, Herr Professor! Es ist schön, dich nach so langer Zeit zu sehen."
"Ja, it has been a long time since we have seen each other! But you are so busy; it is verständlich, understandable, no? I am so happy you were able to visit me. I was afraid you might be out sailing the seven seas in that magnificent Seaview. You have been well since we last met?"
"I'm fine, sir. They tell me you have been ill, but to me you look very spry. Maybe you just wanted that pretty Fraulein to fuss over you." Lee keep the tone light, even if his heart wasn't.
"You always had an eye for the beautiful ladies, Lee. Sadly, you were told the truth about my health, but let's not talk about that. Come, sit down, the food will be ready very shortly. Perhaps a glass of Riesling before lunch?"
"Speaking of wine, I have something for you." Lee handed the bottle to von Kempner.
"I see you haven't forgotten how much I enjoy your California wines. We'll save this for later. Now, tell me about some of your great adventures under the sea."
The next two hours were spent over a leisurely lunch of Sauerbraten and Noodles, filled with much talk as the two friends caught up. Professor von Kempner finished his strudel and looked purposefully at Lee.
"I think it is best we continue our conversation in my study. I'm afraid the walls may have ears."
The elderly man wheeled himself into the room. After making sure Lee closed the door behind them, he removed a large package wrapped in brown paper from a wall safe.
"Each day I spend more and more time in this wheelchair but what is more disheartening is my mind is betraying me, my friend. Maybe I am imagining things; my mind could be playing tricks on me. I have noticed objects being moved just slightly, a picture hangs a bit off center as if someone keeps searching for something. Helga, my housekeeper has been with me since I brought my bride home 50 years ago. I trust her, but others come several times a week, the health care agency keeps sending different people, and I know nothing about them."
"What could they be looking for? I thought you gave up working?"
"A mind never stops working, my young man. Perhaps they want a lifetime of memories. That's what is in the package, a copy of a manuscript about my life's work. I want you to see it safely into the right hands." von Kempner placed the bundle on Lee's lap. "Now, let's have a toast with your California wine, and we can see if your palate has improved. I know you are a beer or scotch man from our dinners with Admiral Nelson but it pleases me you still enjoy fine wines."
"I have you to thank for that part of my education. The Riesling at lunch was excellent."
"It is from my cousin's winery in Hessische-Bergstrasse. He sends me a case every year. I have eight bottles left of the vintage we had with our meal. I confess to drinking three of them while working on my book. When I'm gone, I have arranged for them to be shipped to you, as a final token of my friendship."
"Herr Professor, that hopefully is a long way off." How I wish that was true.
"No, Lee, my doctor has kindly stopped evading the truth. I have very little time left. Now that I have seen you, I will rest easier knowing everything is in your capable hands. Remember the first time we met, you had so many questions? I told you never to stop questioning, to always look for the hidden truths, in science or in life. Always keep searching; you will be surprised at what you can find. Things are not always as they seem at first glance. You should always keep searching until you get to the root of your problems."
"As my job on Seaview can attest. Sir, is there anything else I can do for you? Would you like to go out for dinner tonight, or a short stroll, the weather is very nice?" Why didn't I try harder to pay him a visit on my last leave? I knew he was ill. I could've easily given up one day to spend time with a man who always made time to answer my questions.
"No, no I think it best you leave the country quickly, if someone is really watching me, you might be in danger."
"Don't worry. I'll return to my hotel and arrange for a car to take me to Frankfurt. This manuscript is going right into the diplomatic pouch at the consulate."
"It might be safer if I call for a taxi to take you directly there, and not return to your room with it."
"Don't bother, I don't think I'll be in danger during the short walk. I made no secret when I arrived that I was just visiting a long-time friend that was ill."
"Please my friend, humor me. I don't wish to put you in harm's way."
Lee really didn't see the need for all the cloak and dagger. He was saddened to see how far such a brilliant mind had faded, filled now with imaginary fears. What could be in the manuscript? Most of the professor's scientific discoveries had already been published, or in many cases, implemented by the American military. In fact, many countries have benefited from von Kempner's brilliant mind. Not wanting to cause his companion further distress, Lee agreed to the taxi, first placing a call to Frankfurt to alert them of his late arrival.
While waiting they enjoyed a last glass of wine together. He wished he could stay longer but the professor was very anxious to see the manuscript safely away. Possibly after all that was taken care of, he would have a chance to return and they could spend the day together.
When Lee's ride arrived, the professor arose from the wheelchair and shakily walked the few steps to the front door, wanting to say his goodbyes standing on his own two feet.
"Auf Wiedersehen, mein jungur Freund. Möge Gott über dich wachen."
"Danke, Professor." So far he hadn't needed God's protection on this trip. He couldn't say the same for many of the other times he'd spent in Europe. At least this trip was different.
Lee impulsively hugged the man whose friendship he had enjoyed for many years, promising to call upon his return to the hotel. As the taxi drove off, Lee leaned out of the window for a final wave, somehow he had the feeling this might be the last time he would see his friend.