Disclaimer: The Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea characters are not mine, just borrowed for this story.
Reviews are always welcome.
The Day Evil Returns
Admiral Nelson opened the door to his cabin and came to an abrupt halt just inside the door. The cabin wasn't nearly as empty as it should have been. His desk chair was turned to face the wall and was currently occupied. Irritation started to course through his veins. After the many frustrating setbacks he experienced in the lab that afternoon he really didn't need to deal with whatever this was.
"Can I help you?" asked Nelson, wanting to know the reason for the intrusion into his space. This was his personal cabin after all and no one had the right to enter without his permission.
The chair slowly turned to face Nelson revealing a young woman with bright red hair and amber eyes. She looked perfectly at ease sitting there at the Admiral's desk. A large smile engulfed her face as she answered his question. "You most certainly can Harry."
"I'm sorry, who are you?" The only people that were supposed to be aboard were the crew and this visitor certainly wasn't a member of his crew.
"You can call me Lucy and I believe you knew a colleague of mine." Her voice was almost lyrical and her eyes sparkled with delight at the Admiral's confusion.
Nelson stepped further into his cabin and shut the door. Even if she had somehow managed to sneak aboard Seaview she didn't strike him as much of a threat. It was probably safe to hear her out before he had the master at arms take her away. He wracked his brain trying to connect the name to anyone he knew because he certainly could not remember having ever made the young ladies acquaintance. There was a familiar presence about her that he recognized; a familiarity that he hadn't felt in years.
Sensing his confusion she added, "It's not important at the moment. I have a proposition for you to consider. One that I believe you will be more than willing to entertain."
"Oh, and what might that be? I must confess I'm equally interested in how you managed to get aboard Lucy. It is a somewhat difficult task, what with us being at sea and all."
"A girl never reveals her secrets Admiral." Leaning forward she whispered, "you should get the door."
The Admiral startled as someone knocked. Reaching around, he opened the door. Lee was standing there, a piece of paper in hand. Nelson quickly brought his attention back to his desk only to find the chair and the room empty.
"Are you alright Admiral? You look like you've seen a ghost." A pang of concern shot through Crane as he watched his friend pale slightly.
Crane gave no indication of having seen anything out of the ordinary. Nelson was going to ask but why call attention to something that apparently wasn't real. It would only cause the young Captain concern .
Shaking it off as a symptom of too many long hours locked inside the lab, Nelson pushed his recent encounter out of his mind. Ryan had being pushing for him to take a vacation and Angie had insisted she could look after the Institute if he took the time off. Perhaps he should give their offer some serious consideration. "What can I do for you Captain?"
"Starke has a request for us to transport some supplies back to Santa Barbara for him."
"He thinks we're his personal errand boys does he?" There was a slight amusement in Nelson's voice. It never ceases to amaze him the liberties that Jiggs was willing to take with their friendship sometimes.
Lee smiled. "He asked that I tell you that everything will be ready and waiting when we make port and will not interfere with our schedule. I'm also supposed to mention that 'this will make you even for the thing in Baltimore.'"
"He already cashed in Baltimore." Nelson moved over to his desk and reclaimed his seat. Everything appeared to be exactly how he left it. "No tell him if he wants me to haul his cargo, he has to cash in Wellington."
"Aye, aye sir." There was a certain amount of curiosity Crane held for the adventures the admiral alluded to but despite his best efforts he rarely got to hear any of the tales. He'd have to remember to bribe Jamie with a bottle and try to get the doctor to spill the beans.
Nelson continued, "If he accepts that deal let me know, and have Chip get on rearranging the cargo holds to accommodate Starke's shipment."
"I'll get right on it. At our current speed we're scheduled to make port in five hours. We have everything under control Admiral, why don't you catch up on your rest. No disrespect, but you look like you could use a couple hours," offered Lee. The Admiral had been looking a little rough the last few days. His current project had demanded long hours in the lab and Nelson rarely came out for meals or rest breaks. Crane also knew how much time his friend had devoted to this project before they had left the NIMR. It had been a source of concern amongst the senior staff.
Nelson scrubbed his hand over his face. Crane wasn't wrong and if his hallucination earlier was any sign, it was only a matter of time before Jamie showed up and threatened him with a cot in sickbay. "I might just take you up on that Captain."
The skipper nodded and took his leave. The Admiral leaned back in his chair and let out a deep sigh. He still couldn't place Lucy. His imagination had to dredge her up from somewhere and it was going to gnaw away at him.