It was six weeks since the memorial service for Chip, and things were slowly turning back to normal, or as normal as they could get considering the circumstances. Nelson was starting to accept missions for Seaview, but they were mostly observation and scientific research missions. Nothing, that was even remotely considered high risk, and certainly nothing that involved hunting down those responsible for Morton's death. The risk of repeating past events was too great without detailed information about this new enemy, and so far intelligence had produced very little.

Lee felt his frustration grow with each passing day. The week retreat to Jamieson's cabin had only served to push his feelings of guilt to the side until he brought those responsible to justice, not resolve them. Mrs. Morton called weekly, to check up on him but Crane couldn't bring himself to take the calls. So every week, Mrs. Morton would talk to the Captain's answering machine and ask him to call, and every week Crane would play the message over and silently promise that he would call when he finally had something to give the mourning family. The problem was they were not out there looking for the culprits.

The incident investigation only answered the basic questions. Dr. Sam Malcolm had been cleared of any wrong doing and released from custody. It was clear that there was or had been an operative on the inside, but so far there was not enough evidence to clear or condemn the late Shaw and Highner. Malcolm and tech Archer were charged with reviewing the data collected by the brief test Seaview had conducted to determine what had been tampered with.

Malcolm had concluded that sensor shadows and failure of one of the sensors had masked the presence of enemy submersibles. The bomb could have been planted after Seaview went chasing their red herring, but someone on the underwater base still had to manipulate the sensor data. The question still remained as to why or if Shaw or Highner would be party to those events. Someone also had to be sending and intercepting communications between Nelson and Starke to have the Admiral attend the conference in New York.

The biggest unanswered question was who was behind this. They were good; they left no trace behind. Even the young man they had taken into custody at the conference center couldn't tell them anything. Crane didn't even get a chance to question him since he was found dead in his cell a mere two hours after being arrested. Whoever was responsible, they meant business. This man knew how to hurt the Captain, and thus far had been extremely successful at it, but there had been no further word from his tormentor. Crane had a sinking feeling it was the calm before the storm.

He sat in a chair outside Nelson's office like a child called before the principal. Crane listened to the muffled screaming match that was taking place within the office. It sounded very similar to the argument that took place three weeks ago. Lee had been waiting in the same spot for that argument to end too.

The office door slammed open with a tremendous thud, and out stormed Lt. Commander Daltry. The man marched past the Captain without even acknowledging his presence.

Daltry had assumed the position as acting XO three weeks ago. Lee despised the man and needless to say, they did not along very well. The tension did nothing for the performance of the crew either.

As soon as Daltry was out of Nelson's line of vision he bellowed, "Lee, in this office, now!"

Yep, definitely like being called in front of the Dean. Lee entered the office, closed the door and sat opposite a rather irate Admiral. Nelson finished writing some notes before he looked up at his Captain.

"In case you couldn't tell, Commander Daltry has resigned his position with Seaview. That's the second potential XO you've managed to dissuade in the last four weeks. That's a rather impressive score, Captain, don't you think?"

"With all due respect, Admiral, Daltry was incompetent and a detriment to this crew."

"Daltry came highly recommended. I don't think it was his qualifications that you had an issue with," said Nelson.

"It's my job to take care of this crew, and I don't feel he was up to our standards."

The Admiral rubbed his hand on his forehead a few times while he collected his thoughts. The real issue was not lost on Nelson. There would be no one 'qualified' to accept the position of first officer aboard Seaview in Crane's opinion. In truth, the older man wasn't sure he would be able to find someone he felt could fill the gap left by Morton.

"This crew can't function without a first officer, Lee. Someone will have to fill the position."

"Why can't you promote O'Brien?"

"We both know he's not ready. Besides, in light of recent events, the Pentagon wants to sign off on the command staff, and they would never agree to promote the Lieutenant. They want someone with more experience. Now, I have to spend tomorrow looking for someone brave enough to come and work with you. Since I have to spend my time reviewing service files, let me tell you what you will be doing."

Lee knew that Nelson would have nothing good in store for him. He knew he had gone out of his way to make Daltry's life difficult, and now it was time to pay the price.

After pausing for a moment to make Lee squirm, Nelson continued, "Karen Morton called the other day. She will be flying in tomorrow morning to start packing up Chip's house. She said they found a place to store his things, and I want you to help her."

"But sir, I don't think it's a good idea for me to be around Chip's mother . . ."

"But nothing, Lee. You will pick her up at the airport, you will help her pack, and you will drive the truck to where ever she wants. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," was the subdued answer.

In a more concerned tone, the Admiral added, "Lee, she's worried about you, frankly, so are Jamie and I. You can't keep avoiding this forever."

Nelson finally dismissed Lee and allowed him to leave the office. Crane came to conclusion that he could handle one day. He would be pleasant and charming and do anything Mrs. Morton asked.

Not that Lee had anything against the Mortons: quite the opposite. They were his second family. If he needed anything, they were there for him. It made the whole situation more difficult. They were a tight knit family, and had welcomed Crane with open arms. The Captain had spent many holidays with Karen, Jack, Chip and his older sister Ashley, and their kid sister Mackenzie. When Lee told the Mortons what had happened, he expected them to be angry, to hate him, but instead Mrs. Morton hugged him and cried on his shoulder. He had let their son and brother die, and they were worried about him. Lee knew he didn't want to spend a day having them be concerned for him, have them tell him that it was going to be ok. He would do it, though; he would do it for Chip.