A Third Season story... It's a cool, overcast afternoon here in Alaska; a perfect day for reading and I was wondering if you might enjoy a Rerun. I incorporated three challenge pictures from Seaview Stories to create this tale, as I explore the question of what if Seaview had never been built.
What If Tomorrow Never Comes
by Lynn
Part I
(Written for the Autumn Leaves Picture Challenge)
Harry sighed as he steadied himself and stood slowly, He had spent too many years behind a desk, he thought whimsically at the fact that he had slowed down so much at age seventy-four. His once auburn hair was mostly grey, but still managed to hold onto the vibrant colors of his Irish heritage. His blue eyes were still sharp even in his elder years and he had managed to stay fit with his evening walks around his family home in Boston. It was a proud home, rich in history as the Nelson's were counted among Boston's most honored socialites having set up stakes in America's early years after Captain Shamus O'Hara Nelson had earned the family wealth in trading, just what he traded Harry wasn't sure. Perhaps pelts from the fur rich mountains west of the Appalachians, sold to buyers after a fur rendezvous and shipped back to England for the eager market there. Perhaps even tobacco from the southern states; Harry wasn't sure but he and his family had always endeavored to use their wealth for the betterment of their community even as the family fortune grew over the years. But the proud Nelson home was also a big home; too big, even a bit lonely at times.
"I'm here to see Admiral Harriman Nelson. Is he home?" Harry heard from the study as his butler answered the door.
"Is Admiral Nelson expecting you?"
"No, but I must speak with him."
Harry tilted his head, his mind still as sharp as when he retired nearly fifteen years ago after an eight-year term as Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion. He'd still be working if the rules for rotating out Four-Star Admirals hadn't required his retirement; it was still a sore spot with him. Occasionally he did some guest teaching at several local colleges, but mostly he spent his days at home working in his hot house, or in his study reading the latest in the Scientific Journals.
"Who is it, Brady?" Harry called from the study.
"Whom may I say is calling?" Brady asked, rather formally even though he wasn't dressed in the black uniform of a butler. Harry rather hated the pomp and circumstance of the rich and as such Brady wore a men's business suit instead. Harry, for his part, enjoyed his casual attire of retirement, having worn Navy blues or service khaki's for over forty years. He was wearing a tan sweater Edith had purchased for him, over a blue oxford shirt. His baby sister had married some twenty-five years ago and was currently living in Maine. They had remained close, even though his years at sea and in the Navy had taken him away from home when she was young. Edith was his only living relative, and as she had been unable to bear children, they were the last to bear the proud name of Nelson.
"Tell him... an old friend."
Harry chuckled out loud. He had a lot of old friends, a career in the Navy had provided plenty of them, only they were all as old as he was. Jiggs Stark was a year older, and still his good friend after all these years, but the two only got to see each other about once a year. No, the voice coming from the other side of the door was much younger.
"By all means Brady, show him in so I can see who this mystery guest is," Harry quipped as he waited to greet the young man.
"This way Sir," Brady guided as Harry listened to the foot falls and gauged the height of his guest; a little game he played to keep his mind sharp. By the sounds of his stride, I'd guess... oh six feet in height, perhaps a few inches taller, he amended as the guest reached the study and Harry smiled at his correct estimation.
"Now," Harry started, "You have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am but you haven't yet introduced yourself," he finished still in full control of his wits and still carrying about the authority of his retired four-stars.
"Don't you recognize me, Admiral?"
Harry studied the dark haired man, his hazel eyes, and the concerned looked etched on his olive tone face as recognition hit him.
"Why, Lee Crane! I haven't seen you since all those years ago at the Academy!" He chuckled, delighted that his memory still served him as Harry's teaching days at the Academy were over thirty-five years ago, Thirty-seven to be exact. That thought caused Harry's eyebrows to sharpen as he studied Lee more intently.
"But you don't look a day over thirty, you must be his son?" Harry surmised remembering Lee Crane always looked younger than he actually was in those Academy days, but there was no way the young man standing in front of him could be in his fifties, No matter how much Grecian Formula he used, Harry added.
Lee shook his head in the negative, looking far too weary as Harry offered him a seat in one of the high backed winged chairs that flanked the antique round cherry conversation table.
"Why don't you sit down Young Crane, and tell me what's troubling you?" Harry offered kindly as Lee took the seat gratefully, exhaling a tired breath.
"Thank you Sir," he replied with a familiarity that intrigued Harry. He didn't think it possible that the title "Sir" could be rendered in such a fashion.
"I have a story to tell you, and all I ask is that you hear me out," Lee stated, raising his expressive eyes to meet Harry's own deep blue ones.
"Very well, Young Crane," Harry conceded sitting back as Brady returned and poured coffee for the two. Lee refrained from speaking until they were alone as Harry waited patiently, sensing the young man's inner turmoil, though he didn't know how it could possibly involve himself.
"You are familiar with the Quantum Sciences?" Lee stated more than asked once Brady left the study.
Harry smiled; very few people understood the physics of the field of study, much less the potential.
"I am quite familiar with several of the theoretical issues concerning quantum effects in physics," Harry added, intrigued with where this was all going.
"We were working with a scientist," Lee said, leaning over placing his elbows on his knees and staring out at the autumn leaves lying about in brilliant orange, yellow and red colors, but the scene was mostly missed as Lee stared out to a memory far beyond the immaculately kept grounds of the Nelson Estate.
"It was a secret project for the military, a dangerous one," Lee said lifting his head and turning to catch Harry's eyes. "It was decided that my Boat would house the experiment to protect the general population from any possible mishap."
"Boat? You joined the Silent Service?" Harry smiled, submarines had always been a love of his, having spent a good deal of his service below the surface.
"Did you know that I had been chosen to command the nation's first nuclear submarine, the Nautilus?" Harry remembered fondly. "It would have been grand but I received my first Star before the launching and ended up training my replacement before heading to Washington," he added almost regretfully. "She was a good boat, it would have been worth turning down that Star to Captain her," he noted.
"Aye Sir," Lee agreed.
"At any rate," Harry said, urging Lee to return to his narration. "You were telling me about this Quantum Experiment."
"Actually two Quantum Experiments ran simultaneously," Lee corrected as Harry's eyebrows rose in sharp question.
"The dangers of such an experiment are astronomical," Harry stated, flabbergasted at the thought. "Why the paradoxes produced by the hidden variables would be enough to cause Entanglement issues from one variable to the next."
"You're right of course, Sir," Lee stated, silently knowing that Harry had argued the point vehemently to no avail. In the end the experiment would go on, at least by having the tests conducted aboard Seaview the Admiral would be able to lend his expertise and wisdom to the process.
"That's why it was decided to conduct the tests at depth, in the hopes of containing the effects of the experiments if something went wrong."
Harry nodded incredulously. Why didn't anyone get him involved? He would have told them that the physics of quantum theory can't be controlled or localized without effecting the sister particles, even if they weren't in close proximity.
"By the look on your face, I'd say something went wrong."
"Yes Sir. And that's the story I have to tell you." Lee stopped to look into Harry's eyes, searching for the trust he had earned in another timeline and hoping that fragments of that trust had survived the rewriting of history.
"Very well, continue," Harry stated as he reached for his cup and saucer, intrigued by Young Crane who was surely the spitting image of his father, Lee.
Lee sat back to tell his story. He didn't know how much time he had, but he realized that the Harriman Nelson he knew in his own timeline would need these facts to make his decision. He only hoped this mess was reversible; the lives of 125 crewman and their guests aboard Seaview depended upon it; and even more than that, the whole world and its rightful future as well.
# # # # #
"I'm Commander Lee Crane, the same Lee Crane you knew thirty-seven years ago at the Academy," Lee raised a hand to dispel Harry's objections. "I know it sounds crazy, but please hear me out," he said, his expressive eyes willing Harry to listen.
"I've come to you via a Quantum Teleporter, the same Teleporter that brought you here and subsequently rewrote earth's history." Lee didn't wait for Harry's response and continued.
"In my own time I command the world's most technologically advanced nuclear submarine, the submarine that you designed and built... the Seaview."
At the last word Harry's eyes widened in disbelief as he shook his head. It had been years since he thought of Seaview, it was buried far in his past with several other dreams he had laid aside when the world had gotten too busy to pursue them any longer. He had been told it was impossible to build a private submarine and somewhere along the way he believed the naysayers, staying with the safe, tried and true innovations instead.
"How...?" Harry sighed and collected his thoughts. "How do you know about Seaview?"
"She's magnificent, Sir," Lee said reaching for Harry's notepad and pencil sitting on the table beside them and drawing as he spoke.
"Turbine engines, no more propellers. She runs sleek and silent. You broke all the rules of known engineering by abandoning the basic tear-drop shape of the nose," he said as Harry leaned over to watch Lee's sketch come to life.
"But you had to, because the herculite windows demanded innovations past the tried and true, they demanded boldness. Windows, Admiral! Windows on a submarine that we've taken below 5,000 feet. You used titanium metal, but even though other countries have started to follow suit, no one has developed a sub that can dive deeper than Seaview. She has two planes," Lee continued like a child describing his beloved toy to his best friend on the playground. "The planes on the nose are fixed, like a Manta Ray and she glides like a dream." Lee finished his sketch to include Seaview's majestic Sail and turned it toward the Admiral as Harry took the notebook with shaky hands.
"How did you know about this with such... detail?"
"Admiral, in my timeline you built this submarine. I'm her Captain and together you and I have traveled places and seen things that were once only explored tethered to the bottom of a bathysphere, not roaming the ocean freely."
Lee stood in an essential need to pace. "Seaview is a reality, she has a crew of 125 men, my Executive Officer is Chip Morton, you remember him?" Harry nodded, he always found Chip to be extremely insightful, a young officer to watch he often thought. "We have the best crew in the Navy, all top notch, hand-picked by you initially."
Lee returned to his seat and searched Harry's eyes. "Please Sir, you have to believe me."
"Let's just say, 'I'm intrigued.' But I'll need more details before we continue on this line of thought."
"Aye Sir," Lee replied as he began his story, a tale so incredible it would take a man of Harry's intellect as well as his raw faith to even begin to contemplate its truth.
"It all began two months ago...," Lee said, taking Harry back to another timeline... a timeline where Seaview and her crew still existed.
# # # # #
"Blast it, Stanley!" A fiery Admiral Nelson yelled as he slapped his hand down hard on the conference table in Washington DC.
"Haven't you heard a word I've been saying?" He finished in exasperation.
"Who couldn't hear you, Harriman?" General Stanley Barker replied just as passionate. "It's a good thing this room is secured or the entire wing of the Pentagon could hear you," he fired back as Harry leaned forward with his hands folded in front of him. "Now as I briefed you earlier, these experiments are the next logical step in the space program."
"But testing a Quantum Teleporter side by side with an intentional manipulation producing an Entanglement in TIME?" He finished loudly again.
"You know as well as I do that if the Teleporter works it will save this country billions of dollars in rockets and fuel, not to mention R & D, and that's just to break the atmosphere."
"But the Entanglement in time...,"
"...Is necessary to make space travel to other planets and systems possible. The particles must be Entangled so that the quantum state can be given as a system. Quite simply spoken; to avoid a paradox the particles must be appropriately correlated. It's all part of the package; the Quantum Teleporter will ignite the particles to faster than the speed of light and that will affect time, Einstein proved that in theory."
"Albert also discredited Entanglement as I recall, calling it 'Spooky action at a distance'." *
"Only because it messed with his Theory of Relativity, but Dr. Hayes has proven that travel at the speed of light IS possible through the Special Theory of Relativity. According to this theory, faster-than-light communication between entangled systems can be achieved because the time dilation of Special Relativity allows time to stand still in light's point of view." *
Harry sat back dropping his pencil on the table in disgust. "If we're wrong Stanley, the effects could be catastrophic."
"But if we're right, we could Teleport an entire sustainable bathysphere to another planet and begin colonization, or simply to the distant stars and begin exploration. Surely you can appreciate that?"
"I do Stanley, but not at the expense of messing with the time and space continuum. Not until we know more."
"And that, Harriman, is exactly what these experiments will determine. Now it is no longer a request; Seaview has been activated to Duty to conduct these experiments at depth. If the machine goes haywire, you drop it in the trench and it implodes at pressure. Now if you wish to resign your part in the project tell me now, but either way Crane will be ordered to take the Teleporter out for the experiments."
Harry stood up and paced angrily. "You know I won't send Seaview out without going along. Let's just hope Dr. Hayes knows what he's doing."
General Barker sat back exhaling a breath out in a hard earned victory. Everyone was banking on Nelson going along; his knowledge and genius was necessary to make on the spot decisions based on his understanding of the physics involved.
"Very well, Harriman. Seaview will sail with the Teleporter in exactly two months."
Harry stood shaking his head in reluctant agreement. "Alright Stanley, you win." General Barker nodded gracefully as the two parted while the aide collected the top secret papers strewn across the conference table.
Harry stepped outside the briefing room and sighed then left in a brisk walk, suddenly feeling the need for a good stiff drink.
# # # # #
"I don't know Lee," Harry said as the pair flew back to Santa Barbara in the Flying Sub. "I have to wonder if these experiments would even be considered if Seaview wasn't here to act as the host laboratory," Harry pondered out loud. He was still fuming over the decision and as it was top secret he hadn't been able to discuss the project before leaving Washington. Harry was so distracted by the entire affair that he had offered the left seat to Lee, not completely unusual but more than often Lee flew as co-pilot in the right seat.
"I'm inclined to disagree, Admiral," Lee returned, completely at ease with the discussion even though Harry's Four-Stars would normally dictate the standard, "Aye Sir, whatever you say Sir," response. "I think that as long as Washington believes that the Teleporter is possible they would be compelled to move forward. I'm not at ease with this mission any more than you are, but if it's going to be done then Seaview is the best platform for the test."
"I suppose," Harry conceded, "But Seaview was designed for the dual roles of exploration of the oceans and National Security. Now I find we're being used to validate science that is based on hypothesis, oh I know they call them "Theories" but the very scientific term implies that they have been tested and proven true. I just don't like putting Seaview, not to mention the entire fabric of time, in danger to advance a hypothesis that may or may not be valid."
Lee nodded his agreement as Harry blew a breath of resignation.
"Well... now that that's been said, let's discuss how we can make Seaview the safest Quantum Laboratory on the planet," Harry said with a tight lipped smile, knowing that Seaview's Captain was up to the task and that his Boat was indeed the safest platform to conduct the tests.
"Aye Sir," Lee rendered as the two began working through the parameters of the up-coming mission.
# # # # #
Captain Lee Crane stood on the deck with his Executive Officer, Lt. Commander Chip Morton waiting to greet Admiral Nelson and the Quantum Science Team. The two months had passed with much preparation in addition to an already scheduled voyage for another project. The Missile Room had been transformed into the Quantum Laboratory since the well for launching the Bell was located there and the Teleporter could be jettisoned in the event of a major malfunction.
A black sedan pulled up to the loading dock as Lee waited for Harry to escort the scientists aboard. Lee and Chip issued sharp salutes as Harry approached, returning their salutes and introducing his Command Team with pride.
"Gentlemen, may I present Captain Crane and Mr. Morton," Harry said as he turned to each visitor. "This is Doctors Hayes and Torrence and Mr. Pike," he finished.
"Welcome aboard gentlemen. Your gear and luggage have already been screened and stowed. Mr. Morton has assigned your cabins if you'd like to stop there first."
"Thank you Captain Crane, but I think we'd all like to inspect the equipment first off," Dr. Hayes offered politely.
"Of course... Mr. Morton," Lee said handing the guests off to the XO.
"If you'll follow me," Chip said as the three guests followed him to the Conning Tower hatch.
"Are we ready to shove off on schedule, Lee?" Harry asked taking a glance around the docks as he spoke.
"Aye Sir, we're right on schedule," Lee replied efficiently as Harry delayed slightly. "Are you ready, Sir?" Lee asked, turning and inviting Harry to precede him.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Harry nearly growled as the two moved toward the hatch.
# # # # #
"I trust you found everything in order?" Harry inquired addressing the scientists as they returned from the missile room, escorted by Chief Sharkey.
"Yes, your crew is very efficient and this ship is a wonder," Dr. Hayes commented.
"Thank you Dr. Hayes, but don't let Captain Crane hear you calling Seaview a ship," Harry chuckled as the doctor's forehead furled at the statement. "Submarines are traditionally called boats," Harry finished, filling them in on a little naval trivia that submariners took very seriously.
"Ah a boat," Dr. Hayes said with a nod, filing it away for future reference as the three men huddled around the windows shaking their heads incredulously at the view. They watched from the nose as the Control Room came to life with the Special Sea Detail climbing deftly down the ladder having secured the deck and released the moorings.
"All green," Ron Rodriguez reported over his shoulder.
"Very well," Chip replied. "Sir, the deck has been secured, we're green across the board and ready to answer bells," he reported turning toward Captain Crane.
"Very well, Mr. Morton. All back, dead slow."
The "oohs" from the Nose were ignored in the Control Room as the scientists felt the excitement of the voyage and their impending experiment with Seaview's movements out to sea.
"Gentlemen...," Dr. Hayes stated proudly as Lee ordered Seaview to dive. "Here's to a new world of exploration," he finished in a statement of dual meanings; the first the sea voyage they were embarking on, the second their experiments which they hoped would make space exploration a reality. Each of the scientists nodded in anticipation as Harry watched with a straight, even face.
He sincerely hoped that the world was ready for these experiments and that their goal was indeed met, but inside he feared the consequences of a misstep in either calculation or ego. Harry studied the scientists as they watched Seaview clear the break waters and noted that all his discussions with Dr. Hayes had indicated a level-headed but ambitious scientist. Not a bad combination when the two attributes were kept in check.
Harry sighed inwardly. He wouldn't be completely at ease until the experiments were conducted successfully, until then he'd be cautious despite his own curiosity of the exciting possibilities the experiments could invoke. The thought nearly made him break a smile as he realized that he could also be described as "level-headed but ambitious". He was glad in times like these that Seaview's safety conscious Captain would keep everyone concerned in check.
# # # # #
Dinner was served in the Nose in honor of the first night of the voyage; it was a casual affair with the officers wearing their working khaki service uniform without the coat and tie. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged rather relaxed conversation as Dr. Hayes sat across the table from Lee. Harry sat at the head of the table with the rest of the scientists and senior officers gathered around as well.
"I'm curious, Admiral," Dr. Hayes said after sharing how he entered the emerging field of Quantum Sciences, "Just how you balance the exploration aspects of Seaview with her role in National Security?"
Harry leaned back, pulling his thoughts together as if he hadn't thought about the subject in quite some time.
"Seaview was built for exploration in a dangerous world," Harry replied as Dr. Hayes tilted his head in question. "I've always had a love for the ocean and a respect for its life but exploration is best done when the world is at peace. If you study ancient civilizations you'll find that art and exploration flourish in times of peace. The so-called "Golden Age of Greece" resulted in the fantastic works of art, sculptures, paintings, and architecture we admire today. That Golden Age is dated by some to last about 200 years from the 5th to 3rd Centuries BC, but many historians would place the true Golden Age at a period of 50 years, when Greece finally defeated the Persians under Pericles. My point is, exploration is like art, it cannot flourish in a violent world where our liberties are threatened. My respect for the ocean is tempered with the essential need for freedom in order to flourish," Harry finished.
"Then you have no conflict bringing a nuclear vessel into the ocean where a catastrophic accident could cause irreparable damage to the local ecosystem?" Dr. Torrence inquired.
Harry cracked a small smile as if he'd heard this particular argument before. "We've taken great pains to ensure the safety of our Boat, both for our crew's sake and the ocean we explore. That risk is quite minimal compared to the knowledge we obtain and the potential benefit to humanity in the studies we conduct," Harry returned, thinking in particular of one of his "pet" projects, Food from Plankton.
"Then you must understand these experiments that we are about to conduct follow the same line of thought," Dr. Hayes jumped in. "If we can master Teleportation while solving the problem of time advancement from both the origination and destination points then the benefits to humanity would be astronomical!"
"I agree in theory. I am, however, very cautious with how fast we should be moving in such a new scientific field of study."
"I'm sure you had your fill of 'Naysayers' and 'Can't-be-done' people," Dr. Hayes continued. "But it's people like us that advance technology ahead of its time, wouldn't you agree Admiral?"
Harry nodded. "Perhaps, many people didn't believe these Herculite windows were possible, but here we are," he finished with a sweep of his hands outward.
"Then I think it is fitting, if not ironic that we are conducting these experiments aboard Seaview. Her very existence is proof of what can be done when we move past the tried and true into the bold world of innovation. Gentlemen... here's to the next level in innovation!" He said as he rose to his feet raising his glass in the air. The rest of the table followed suit with Harry the last to stand, as he raised his glass graciously but not letting go of his cautious concern over the experiments that would soon take place.
# # # # #
Harry lay in his bed staring at the bulkhead above, heaving a large breath out as he thought through the earlier conversation with the scientists. Was it really fitting and ironic for Seaview to host these tests as Dr. Hayes had declared? He shook his head, still not convinced that the field of study had proven itself enough to be conducting the two tests simultaneously. He had reviewed the previous test data conducted on a much smaller scale; the Teleporter was much smaller and the test subjects, inanimate objects. Teleporting inanimate objects wasn't nearly as disconcerting as the Time Entanglement and he again had to wonder if Washington would even consider the project without years of further research if it didn't have Seaview at its disposal as the test platform.
Seaview would hover at 5,000 feet over a trench some 10,000 feet deep. If the Teleporter posed a hazard that couldn't be contained it would be jettisoned out the Bell's well in the Missile Room. The depth at 5,000 feet would be enough to implode the machine, and the depth of the trench would ensure that the debris couldn't be harvested by unauthorized personnel. Seaview was the only sub on earth that could dive to 5,000 feet, just four hundred feet above her crush depth and here laid his own paradox. Would the innovation of Seaview's deep dive capabilities actually be the blame if something were to go wrong? He had studied the Quantum Physics in question and had considerable reservations having come to the conclusion that time could indeed be affected, to what end he didn't have enough data to determine.
Harry sat up in bed and rubbed the back of his neck. The chronometer on the desk indicated it was 0235 and he wasn't the least bit tired. Why was this experiment causing him such distress? He had taken Seaview through plenty of dangerous experiments; a few that Lee had been just as opposed to and had been forced to continue against his better judgement. This wasn't the first time Seaview and her crew had operated on the cutting edge of discovery, but was this experiment crossing the line?
He stood to pace. "What's wrong with you Harry? You've never shied away from a discovery this important before?" he spoke out loud.
He settled into his desk chair leaning his forehead into his pointed folded hands and rested there a moment, suddenly feeling very weary. Slowly he laid his forearms on the desk and leaned over resting his head on his folded arms as the lateness of the night caught up with him and sleep finally found him.
# # # # #
The Missile Room was a hot-bed of activity as Dr. Hayes and his team busily looked over the Teleporter, fine tuning and making sure it was ready for the day's experiments. As they moved about Harry couldn't help but remember the last time he had been forced to conduct a dangerous experiment aboard Seaview, against his better judgement.
Admiral Bentley Falk's atmospheric exchange experiment had allowed Seaview to dive to an incredible 36,200 feet. But as incredible as the dive was they almost didn't make it back to the top with the sensitive equipment that could only be operated by its real designer, Dr. Archer who had suffered a fatal heart attack. Add to that an attack by a two-headed deep sea creature and the whole affair had nearly sunk Seaview for good.**
Harry shook his head at the memory, hoping it wasn't a sort of premonition to this current experiment. At least this time he and Lee weren't at odds, Harry thought. Lee was just as concerned and was doing his best to keep the experiments within the parameters of the prearranged mission. But would it be enough?
# # # # #
Seaview was submerged at 2,000 feet awaiting orders to dive as Lee watched the scientists make the final preparations on the Teleporter, two tall bars sat about three feet apart with wires, leads and lighted buttons declaring a plethora of electronics involved in its function. A set of computers, the large box shaped variety sat on one side and a second set on the other; one controlling the Teleporter functions the other creating and controlling the Entanglement of Time. The last piece of equipment was a "pad" marking the final destination of the experiments; a rather benign piece of equipment representing the target destination only.
"We're ready to begin Captain," Dr. Hayes said turning with excitement towards Lee who was standing with the mic in hand.
"Very well," he replied taking one last glance at Harry who was standing by with his own clip board, actively involved in the experiment as he recorded various readings for data interpretation.
"Take us down to 5,000 feet, Mr. Morton."
"Aye Sir, 5,000 feet."
Lee felt the Boat dive as all ballast tanks were flooded and the planes lowered to reach their destination depth. He wasn't thrilled about conducting the experiments so close to Seaview's crush depth and had subsequently stationed himself in the Missile Room, ready to give the order to scrub the experiment if the machine went the least bit haywire, leaving the Control Room in the able hands of his Executive Officer.
"Sir, we're at 5,000 feet. Trim satisfactory," Chip's voice was heard over the com.
"Very well. Hold here until further notice."
Lee shipped the mic and moved toward the team of scientists. "We can begin any time, Dr. Hayes."
"Thank you Captain Crane," Hayes replied barely holding back his enthusiasm. "Now the first experiment will provide a base line for our equipment. We have safely conducted this experiment several times before, the Teleportation will take about ten minutes without the Time Entanglement activated," he explained for Harry and Lee's benefit.
Mr. Price placed a rather large book in the Threshold between the Teleport Bars, as Dr. Hayes beamed.
"It's my personal copy of Don Quixote," Dr. Hayes said with a smile, an obvious reference to the book's theme song, The Impossible Dream.
Harry acknowledged the sentiment with a tight lipped smile. For all his concern, he couldn't help the anticipation of the new discovery.
Dr. Hayes and Dr. Torrence adjusted the controls as the computers fired up and everyone fixed their darkened safety glasses over their eyes.
"Ready, Admiral?" Hayes asked excitedly.
"Proceed," Harry returned as a whining noise grew and the Teleport Bars came to life with brightly lit currents shooting from one pole to the next accompanied with a high voltage buzzing sound.
"How's the Particle Accelerator, Paul?" Hayes asked Torrence.
"Within safety parameters," he answered back, speaking loudly over the whining noise.
Hayes nodded his approval and smiled. "Now Admiral, watch the book."
Both the whining noise and the light show intensified around the Teleport Bars until a flash of light caused Harry to shield his eyes, in spite of the dark tinted safety glasses he wore. He lowered his hand and examined the Threshold noting it was now empty. The book was gone.
"That's fantastic," Harry noted.
"The best part is coming," Hayes replied with a twinkle in his eyes, as everyone removed their safety glasses.
"Where is the book now?" Lee asked stepping into the conversation.
"In millions of sub-atomic particles being reassembled as we speak," Dr. Hayes replied, excited to share the technology.
"You see Captain, for Teleportation to be possible there are certain rules that must apply. So far we've proven those rules true."
"Rules?" Lee inquired as they waited for the book to reassemble, while Torrence and Price monitored the computers.
"Yes. The first is that Teleportation cannot make copies of a subject, that's called the No-Cloning Theorem. In other words, Teleportation will not make another book. What reforms will be the exact book that we transported. Similarly, we observe the No-Delete Theorem which says that the book must rematerialize without deleted particles."
"We have contact," Mr. Price interrupted as Hayes smiled.
"Now Gentlemen, focus your attention on the Destination Target Zone."
Lee stepped closer, siding up next to Harry as sparkling lights materialized in slow motion into the book. Immediately Dr. Torrence stepped up with a Geiger counter to measure the radiation.
"Radiation within the stated experiment parameters," he declared.
"Admiral, will you do the honors?" Dr. Hayes asked, sweeping a hand forward and inviting Harry to verify the book had returned complete and whole.
Harry picked up the book and thumbed through it, examining the large volume and then thumbed back through the pages finding a familiar and favorite quote. In his deep baritone voice he read, then raised his eyes and finished from memory:
"Having cleaned his armor and made a full helmet out of a simple headpiece, and having given a name to his horse and decided on one for himself, he realized that the only thing left for him to do was to find a lady to love; for the knight errant without a lady-love was a tree without leaves or fruit, a body without a soul."***
Harry's eyes twinkled at witnessing the Teleportation. "Now Gentlemen, all we need is a few giants to slay... or even a few windmills will do," he quipped as the room chuckled warmly.
"That's fantastic Dr. Hayes," Lee joined in amazement.
"Oh that's not the half of it," Hayes replied, his eyes twinkling as well. "That was our baseline test, though Teleportation does require an Entanglement of systems it's really the Entanglement of Time that allows for nearly simultaneous teleportation. That's our next phase."
"This demonstration was awe-inspiring, Dr. Hayes," Harry started cautiously. "But are we truly ready for this next phase?"
"Admiral...," Hayes replied with conviction. "I've never been surer of anything in my life. This is the next step, and we're ready for it."
"Very well, Dr. Hayes," Harry replied, noting the scientist's confidence and sincerity. "Proceed."
Dr. Hayes smiled again, like a child who'd just been given permission to stay outside and play an extra half hour before bedtime.
"Next we'll enact the Time Entanglement and teleport the book nearly instantaneously."
The Missile Room became a flurry of activity as Dr. Hayes operated the computers manipulating time and Dr. Torrence continued to operate the Teleport computers. Mr. Price readied the remaining equipment for the next experiment and deposited the book back on the Threshold.
"Are we ready Paul?" Hayes inquired.
"A-Okay from this end," he replied as Hayes shot one last glance Harry's way and smiled widely. "Keep your eye on the Destination Target Pad Gentlemen," he instructed and flipped a few switches as the whining sound and electrical currents returned to the Teleport Bars. Then he added one more switch as colorful lights from the entire spectrum joined the show; at the apex of the whine the book disappeared and reappeared in less than a second on the destination pad.
Harry blew a breath out in amazement as Mr. Price checked the Geiger counter readings.
"The subject is within experiment parameters," he reported, noting the exact readings for the records.
"Admiral?" Dr. Hayes said, inviting Harry once again to check the book.
Harry thumbed through the book, finding no anomalies. No backwards letters, missing pages, anything that would indicate an unsuccessful teleport. Having satisfied himself, Harry smiled openly in wonder.
"Extraordinary, Dr. Hayes," he complimented.
"Shall we reset the controls for the next phase?" the doctor asked barely avoiding rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
"I'd prefer we keep with the original mission parameters," Lee interrupted stepping forward as Dr. Hayes' countenance dropped.
"I agree with Captain Crane," Harry said trying to soften the blow with an understanding smile. "Let's review our data, break for lunch and resume the tests tomorrow morning.
"Yes, I suppose you're right. I'm just so ready to proceed with the next step," Hayes admitted.
"I understand Dr. Hayes, but I'd rather not hover four hundred feet over Seaview's crush depth any longer than necessary," Lee offered politely, even though as Captain he really didn't need to explain himself.
"You're right of course. We have plenty of data to review before tomorrow, and I agree we should all be fresh."
Everyone nodded in agreement, as tomorrow's experiments would involve transporting a living organism.
# # # # #
The Wardroom hosted Seaview's guests for dinner as Lee sat back watching the scientists discuss the next day's experiment with excitement. He noted that Harry's reserve had returned, it had taken a short hiatus after the successful experiments of the morning, but Lee knew that Harry was approaching the experiments very cautiously. He trusted Harry's judgement in the matter, but the two were under explicit orders to cooperate fully and interfere only if the experiments posed a clear and present danger.
"Are you ready for tomorrow's experiments, Dr. Hayes?" Lee asked, mostly out of conversation.
"I've been ready for some time," he grinned back.
"What are the dangers of using a living subject?"
"The experiment is perfectly safe, Captain Crane. In fact, my test subject is a family pet. Well, he started out being a test guinea pig, but he and I hit it off and mostly he just keeps me company. I wouldn't teleport Herman unless I was sure," he finished with confidence and then continued.
"Gentlemen, tomorrow will be an extraordinary day. Tomorrow we will make history," he predicted as the other scientists nodded in agreement. Harry added his own small nod as Lee watched the whole exchange curiously.
Dinner broke soon after as the scientists hurried off with the excitement of the experiments still fueling their conversations.
Lee headed back to the Control Room to check on the Boat status then retreated to his cabin to tackle the stack of reports on his desk. He signed off on the next day's Duty Status Report and then sat back with a sigh. He hadn't been able to get Harry off his mind. The Admiral's reticence was disconcerting, he was holding something back and Lee needed to know what. Lee stood up and tossed his pencil on the desk, having made his decision to get to the bottom of the mystery.
# # # # #
A familiar rap on the door broke Harry's concentration as he smiled briefly, recognizing Lee's knock anywhere.
"Come in."
"Sorry for the interruption Admiral. I was wondering if you had a little time?"
Harry closed the book and leaned back into his chair. "Of course, Lee. What's on your mind?"
Lee closed the door and entered but bypassed his perch on the side of Harry's desk, choosing to pace instead.
"I've noticed you've had concerns. Reservations about tomorrow's experiments," Lee stopped and turned toward Harry. "Sir, if you perceive any danger in the next experiments beyond what we've already discussed, then I need to know what they are."
Harry blew a breath out. "Have a seat, Lee," he said motioning Lee to the guest chair as he leaned over folding his hands on the desk before him. "I do have reservations Lee, but I don't know why; that's what's so frustrating. These are dangerous experiments, but we've hosted dangerous experiments before." Harry chuckled humorlessly, "I've initiated several of them myself," he admitted standing to take up the pacing himself.
"Dr. Hayes is a good scientist. His methods are sound, his equipment is extraordinary, his support staff is top-notch..." Harry threw his hands up in the air in disgust and then settled back to lean against his rack as he was apparently paced out.
Lee stood as well, leaning back against Harry's desk with his arms folded in front of him as he thought through the situation.
"You must have some idea what's troubling you?" he probed, knowing that Harry wasn't prone to concern without due cause.
Harry shook his head. "I can't put my finger on it, Lee. It has something to do with the Time Entanglement but it worked perfectly today. Tomorrow's tests with the guinea pig should prove the process works for complex living organisms and based on what I saw today, I shouldn't be this apprehensive," Harry admitted freely.
"As Captain, I could end the experiments now... if only I had a valid and substantial reason."
Harry raised a hand to dispel Lee's concern. "We're not there yet, Lee. Right now I haven't got anything to go on but a 'feeling'."
"A feeling Sir?"
"I keep remembering a quote from Dr. Hayes' book, Don Quixote,"
"... truth, whose mother is history, who is the rival of time, depository of deeds, witness of the past, example and lesson to the present, and warning to the future." ***
Lee's eyes narrowed at the quote, seeking to ascertain its relevance as Harry rose to pace again.
"We will indeed make history tomorrow; the question is just how will history report our deeds? Will the experiment be an 'example and lesson to the present' or a 'warning to the future'?" Harry finished philosophically.
"Admiral, do you believe there is a substantial reason to stop the experiments?" Lee inquired, begging Harry to give him something definite to act upon.
"No, Lee. No, there's no valid reason to stop the experiments. I'm afraid we're back to the source of my frustration," he said turning and settling back to rest on the rack. "Washington is right. This is the next step and the truth of the matter is that if the project were my own, I'd have to move it forward as well."
Lee blew out a breath, still not comfortable but like Harry having no compelling reason for his uneasiness.
"Then I guess the experiments continue," Lee stated evenly.
"Yes, but I want you to stay as diligent as you have been where Seaview's safety is concerned."
"Admiral you don't have to worry about that," Lee said smiling as he stood. "Well I think I'll take a little 'walk' and then hit the sack."
"Fine Lee. Go tuck your Baby in and then get some rest," Harry said with his own smile as he headed back to his desk.
Lee left Harry's cabin feeling better for their banter, but not completely at ease. Harry wasn't prone to unsubstantiated fear nor was he squeamish for exploring bold new ideas. He resolved within himself to be ready to act should Harry's "premonition" prove true.
# # # # #
"Where do you want this Dr. Hayes?" Rick Kowalski asked as another set of computers was added to the busy Missile Room.
"Over there Seaman Kowalski."
"Aye Sir."
Ski raised an eyebrow as he and Ron Rodriguez toted the large box like computers and put them in place as Stu Riley stood off to the side with the plush job of holding the guinea pig. Riley had the small subject out of its cage and was currently holding and petting his new found friend.
"Hey Herman," Stu said, greeting the white and tan furry creature with delight. Herman for his part was enjoying the freedom of leaving his cage, even with the large wheel to run and plenty of "toys" to chew and play with.
"He's a friendly little Dude," Riley commented.
"Yes and very smart," Dr. Hayes agreed walking forward and adding a few petting strokes and tickling the rodent behind the ears. "Now you keep our 'star' subject in hand Riley. He'd just love to do a little exploring in here."
"Aye Sir. Herman and I will just hang out here 'til you're ready."
"Some guys get all the luck," Ski whispered to Ron as they hauled in the last computer while Stu stood content to take care of his charge. He caught Kowalski's scowl and raised his eyebrows with a shrug of his shoulders, shooting his big baby faced innocent smile Ski's way. Ski's scowl broke into a friendly smile and shook his head with a slight chuckle then got back to his job at hand.
"Where do you want this Dr. Hayes?" Ski asked holding up a large square headed plug.
"There's a junction box there," Hayes pointed out as Ski nodded ready to plug in the power source for the computers.
"Well Dr. Hayes, I see you're here bright and early ready to get going," Harry offered in a friendly greeting as he entered through the hatch with Lee behind him.
"Oh yes, this is a big day," Hayes replied beaming his excitement.
Harry looked around the Missile Room perusing the equipment and nodded his approval. "It looks like you're just about ready to make history," Harry added, finding nothing out of the ordinary.
"Do you have everything you need Dr. Hayes?" Lee inquired.
"Yes... NO!" He corrected himself. "I'm afraid we're one hand short in here, might young Riley stay and take care of our 'star' teleport subject?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course," Lee replied as Stu smiled, pleased with his new duty assignment. "Alright men, clear out," Lee ordered the rest of the crew as Ski stopped to pet Herman and then left immediately on the Skipper's order.
"Are we ready, Sir?" Lee asked, turning toward Harry.
"Doctor?"
"By all means, Admiral."
"Very well Captain. Take her down."
Lee strode to the mic shipped on the vertical dive hatch and raised it to his mouth.
"Take her down Mr. Morton."
"Aye Sir," he replied as Seaview descended to the designated test depth of 5,000 feet.
The scientists busied themselves in readiness for the test as Lee noted Harry's watchful eye, glad that Seaview's creator was here to watch over the experiments.
"Skipper, we're at 5,000 feet. Trim satisfactory."
"Very well Mr. Morton, hold this depth until further orders."
"Aye Sir."
Lee shipped the mic and moved alongside Harry.
"We're at test depth, Sir."
Harry shook his head; there wasn't any reason to hold off the experiments.
"Very well, Lee."
Harry stepped toward Dr. Hayes who was affectionately holding Herman as he raised the guinea pig to his line of sight.
"Are you ready, Herman?" he asked with a smile, as if Herman could reply. "Alright, Riley put him back into his travel cage and then place it on the Threshold."
"It's not going to hurt the little guy, is it?"
"No, no. Herman will be teleported to that pad and will emerge in perfect health," Dr. Hayes replied, enjoying the lesson he was giving Stu.
"What about the cage, Sir? Does the machine know the difference between Herman and the cage?"
"The machine doesn't, but the particles do," Hayes answered stepping behind his set of computers.
Riley's forehead furled in question as Dr. Hayes gladly filled him in.
"You see the particles know what system they were formed from. Why if a fly were to enter the Teleporter at the time of the transport a new system would be formed and both the fly and Herman would emerge safely on the pad."
"That's a relief," Riley observed. "A combination fly/guinea pig wouldn't be much fun."
Dr. Hayes smiled as Riley stepped out of the way with the scientists chuckling lightly.
"In fact Riley, if a human were to step into the Teleporter the particles would recognize the person as a separate system than say his clothes, his watch, his wallet, and so on."
"Oh," Riley replied, his furled forehead still visible and then grinned widely. "Radical!" he replied, letting his old surfer lingo out in a moment of excitement.
Dr. Hayes smiled and then turned serious as he turned toward Mr. Price who was placing several electrodes on Herman's head.
"All set," Price reported and headed to the new set of computers brought in by Ski and Ron; from here he would monitor Herman's vital signs.
Lee stepped back to the diving hatch and unshipped the mic, ready to use in an emergency as Dr. Hayes checked his stations.
"Vitals?"
"On line and ready to go," Price reported.
"Teleportation?" Hayes inquired.
"A-Okay," Dr. Torrence replied.
Dr. Hayes checked his own station, reporting out loud his findings as well. "Time Entanglement, set and ready to go."
Hayes raised his eyes, seeking Harry's go ahead.
"Proceed," Harry said as the experiment began.
"Let's make history, gentlemen," Hayes declared as everyone donned their safety glasses and he nodded to Torrence who started his equipment.
"Teleportation ready," he spoke over the whining sound as Dr. Hayes operated his set of computers invoking the colorful lights of the rainbow when the Time Entanglement was initiated.
"Watch the pad," Hayes instructed over the loud whining as a flash of light preceded Herman's disappearance and a new flash of light appeared at the Destination Target Pad. Each man pulled off his tinted safety glasses and fixed their eyes on the perfect Teleportation of Herman, still sitting in his cage and seemingly unaffected by the unorthodox transport.
"Mr. Price?" Hayes inquired as he stepped toward Herman.
"Vitals all normal," he declared and then rounded his machine to check the radiation levels.
"Radiation within acceptable safety standards," he verified as Dr. Hayes threw his hands into the air and let out a gigantic whoop and yell.
"Yee-haw!" He ran to the cage and pulled Herman out, spinning in a circle as the confused guinea pig endured the happy dance.
"We did it," he said with satisfaction as he returned to a less euphoric tone.
"Congratulation Dr. Hayes," Harry said, amply impressed and stepping up to the scientists as he spoke.
"This is truly incredible," he finished.
"Thank you Admiral. Now let's gather our data and review it before conducting another test," Hayes suggested returning to his professional mode.
"Dr. Hayes, I noticed that the flash of light seemed to reach out a bit more than the last experiments," Lee said stepping into the conversation.
"Yes, very good observation Captain Crane, I noticed it too. Mr. Price, will you be so good as to measure this distance," Hayes said, walking to a spot about two feet from the Teleport Bars. "Would you concur on my estimation Captain Crane?"
Lee nodded in agreement.
"Aye Doctor, that looks about right," Lee replied as Dr. Hayes placed a piece of tape down to indicate the anomaly. Having done that, the Team gathered their data and proceeded to reset their equipment for the next test.
"One more test for the day," Dr. Hayes said, staying with the mission parameters already agreed upon. "Herman will take another ride to determine the effects of multiple Teleportation and a second radiation exposure," he explained as Riley held Herman stroking his fur.
"Will he be alright Doc? I mean he's not going to fry or anything is he?" Riley asked protectively.
"No son, the dose is far less than the radiation received in even an x-ray which is why we're all safe here without radiation gear," Hayes explained.
Riley nodded and placed Herman back into his cage. "Come on Herman, time to ride another killer wave," he declared as he placed the guinea pig back on the Threshold.
Lee returned to the diving hatch and took the mic in hand once again as Riley returned standing beside Harry. They kept a safe distance, to the side but in front of the computers where Dr. Hayes' team each resumed their tasks behind their equipment.
"All stations reset?" Dr. Hayes inquired.
"All set," both Torrence and Price answered in unison.
"Very good. Let's begin," Hayes instructed as the whining noise began, followed by the electrical current lights flashing across the Teleport Bars, followed by the colorful rainbow of lights and finally the flash of light which reached out much further than the last time stopping just short of the scientists' computers as Lee yelled from his safe position next to the diving hatch.
"Admiral!" Lee called as he watched the flash of light envelope both Harry and Riley. The flash intensified in brightness as the colorful rainbow of lights sparkled around them in an unexpected light show; then in an instant, the light disappeared, taking Harry, Riley and Herman with it.
"Admiral!" Lee repeated stepping forward and watching the Destination Target Pad.
"Where are they?" Lee demanded as the whining and lights disappeared returning the Missile Room to its normal state.
Dr. Hayes threw off his safety glasses as he examined the Time Entanglement equipment just as Seaview received a jolt causing everyone to stumble.
Lee ran back to the mic. "Control Room, what's going on up there?"
"This is Morton, Skipper. We're not sure, some sort of shock wave but neither Sonar nor Hydrophones had any warning of its approach."
"Oh no!" Dr. Hayes let out as Lee looked his way.
"Stand-by Chip," Lee ordered shipping the mic and moving toward Hayes.
"Tell me what's going on?" Lee demanded, sensing Hayes knew something.
"It's a Time Tremor," Hayes replied as his voice cracked slightly.
"Just what is a Time Tremor Doctor?" Lee probed more insistently.
"Something went wrong Captain. We thought we had accounted for this possibility," he said trailing off as he shook his head.
"Go on Dr. Hayes," Lee demanded.
"We have opened a Time Portal."
"A Time Portal?" Lee repeated rubbing his hand across the back of his neck. "There was no mention of this possibility in the Mission Parameters," Lee accused as Dr. Hayes shook his head in the negative.
"It was only a theory, no one believed it possible. Even so we did everything we knew to prevent it."
"Dr. Hayes," Lee said focusing the scientist's attention on the problem at hand. "Where are Admiral Nelson and Seaman Riley?"
Hayes expelled a large breath out. "They are in another Time, somewhere here on earth."
"Where in Time?"
"I'm not sure, but we may be able to make a calculated guess."
Dr. Hayes' explanation was interrupted as Seaview was hit with another Tremor.
Lee returned to the mic. "Control Room, prepare to surface."
"Surfacing won't help Captain," Dr. Hayes said eerily as the Missile Room got dead quiet.
"Belay that order, Chip," Lee amended, shipping the mic and stepping forward.
"Why not?"
"Because, what we're feeling are Time Tremors. Where ever Nelson and Riley are, they have affected Time. The shock waves we're feeling will get stronger the closer we get to the Epicenter of when Time was affected."
Lee paced running a frustrated hand across the back of his neck. "You're saying that the Admiral and Riley have traveled back in time and have at some point affected the outcome?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying."
"What will happen when the Epicenter reaches us?"
"If the change in time is significant, the Time Tremors will increase in intensity. My guess is we won't even come close to reaching the Epicenter. The Tremors will tear this world apart to remove any paradoxes in the new Timeline."
"This is exactly what the Admiral was worried about," Lee said in frustration. "In other words, the world will come to an end?"
"Not the world... OUR world. The new Timeline will continue without knowledge that we ever existed," Hayes replied.
Lee stopped pacing and turned around resolutely. "All right. You opened a Time Portal, is it still open?"
"No, it's closed until we fire up the equipment again."
"I assume returning the Admiral and Riley to Seaview will correct the time change?" Lee inquired, trying to come up with a way to save the world from the impending Tremors.
"Only if they are returned to the point in time before they were originally taken," Dr. Hayes said with a shake of his head.
"In other words, we have to re-set time?" Lee clarified.
"Yes."
"Is it possible?" Lee asked, effectively hiding his inward trepidation.
Dr. Hayes walked slowly from one set of computers to the other as he stopped to look up and study Dr. Torrence's face and then turned.
"I believe it is, but I would suggest we stay exactly where we are until we're ready to do so."
Lee nodded his agreement, hovering 400 feet over the sub's crush depth wasn't nearly as unnerving as the entire world being pulled apart to protect an alternative Timeline.
"And we'll need someone to retrieve them," Dr. Hayes continued. "They'll have to be guided to the Portal."
"I'll go," Lee said in a no-argument tone. "But how will I find them? It's a big world out there."
"We'll open the Portal and place you in close proximity to their signature radiation levels," Dr. Torrence said stepping closer into the conversation as Dr. Hayes nodded a fast affirmative.
"What signature radiation levels?" Lee asked.
"The Teleportation invokes is a very distinctive radiation count. The chances of someone else having that exact level would be very high, of course it would be even better if they managed to stay together, that would make them easier to identify."
A look of relief swept over Lee's face. "You mean you can track them?"
"Only with the Portal open," Hayes clarified.
"There is a way we could improve our tracking once you're on the other side," Dr. Torrence offered almost apologetically.
"It would be too dangerous," Hayes interjected without explanation.
"What? Tell me," Lee demanded as another jolt rocked Seaview. "I'd say we don't have much time," he finished.
"We could add a higher exposure of radiation to you. It would help us monitor your progress as you returned to the Portal," Hayes replied, obviously not comfortable with the idea. "But it would be a potentially dangerous dose... enough to make you sick and eventually fatal."
"Would I still be able to function?"
"Yes, I believe so," Hayes said sadly.
"But once you returned you would arrive to the time before the exposure and the effects would be negated," Torrence jumped in, offering a solution to the distasteful outcome.
Lee nodded, the details of Time Travel proving to be more complicated than he could ever have imagined.
"Alright let's do it," Lee decided. "And let's make it fast, before whatever changed in time tears apart this Boat and all chances to right the mistake."
The Missile Room went into another flurry of activity as Lee moved to the mic.
"Mr. Morton, report to the Missile Room."
"Aye Sir."
Lee glanced around at the scientists resetting their equipment and had to wonder just what Harry and Riley were going through in the new Timeline.
# # # # #
Harry covered his eyes as the bright flash of light enveloped both him and Stu Riley; even with their safety glasses on they were overcome by the intensity of the light. Then Harry began to feel a distancing from everything he knew as he and Stu seemed to be spinning through a stark white tunnel. The vortex of the tunnel seemed to be moving toward them faster and faster as Harry felt a tugging away of certain emotions, knowledge, and even people dear to him. He held on tightly as the tunnel tugged at even his memories of Lee. If only Seaview hadn't been used for the experiment, was his last thought as he was suddenly tugged away from Riley and pulled through the end of the tunnel.
# # # # #
"Admiral!" Riley called as he watched the Admiral disappear through the vortex. Stu kept a tight hold of Herman's cage as the tunnel pulled him unwillingly forward as well.
…
…
…
…
...
Stu woke up on the wet grass of what appeared to be a park. He stood up, finding Herman gnawing at some clover through the travel cage.
"Admiral!" He yelled, cupping his mouth and calling in several directions before realizing he was alone. He'd been 5,000 feet below the surface just a few seconds ago, and now he had woken in a suburban park, it was all so confusing. Stu picked up Herman's cage and walked to a park bench, sitting down heavily.
"Well, here we are Herman. The question is just where is here?" he asked talking to the guinea pig who looked up at him, his mouth still full of clover and chewing profusely. He spotted a newspaper wrapped around a tree, apparently caught by the wind and ran for it, hoping it was a local city paper.
Stu stared at the paper for a moment and then carried it back to where he left the guinea pig, his new best friend. He sat down and heaved a sigh as he discussed the situation over with Herman.
"I guess I asked the wrong question. I should have asked 'when' are we," he said as he laid the paper down next to him, the headline blaring the unbelievable date of 1951, two years before he was even born.
Riley sighed. "Okay if I really am in 1951, just where is the Admiral?" he inquired out-loud as Herman stopped his munching and looked up inquisitively.
He leaned over with his elbows on his knees in deep thought and then sat up with resolve. He was here and he didn't know how to get back. He needed to find the Admiral and he didn't know where to start. But one thing he did know... Captain Crane would find a way to get to them, that he was sure of.
# # # # #
*Quoted directly from Wikipedia article on entanglements and quantum theory
** See the first season episode The Condemned, written by William Read Woodfield, directed by Leonard Horn, original air-date April 12, 1965.
*** Quotes from Don Quixote, a classic novel written by Miguel de Cervantes, published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615. The Impossible Dream was written by Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh, and was the principle song for the 1965 musical and the 1972 film The Man of La Mancha, and made popular by Andy Williams' rendition in 1971.