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Observation Nose, Monday 1800 hours
The food that Cookie had prepared for dinner that night smelled delicious. Two crewmen were placing the dinner plates on the table in the observation nose. The Admiral, Captain, exec and Drs. Shaw, Highner and Malcolm were just sitting down to dinner.
"This is quite the view you have here Nelson," commented Shaw as he stared out the observation window into the deep ocean.
"Yes, I've never seen anything like this before. What did you say the glass was again?" Added Sam. The younger doctor typically spent his time locked away in computer labs and was enjoying his first chance to get out and watch his computers in the field. The fact that the first tests would have him working on the legendary Seaview was just an added bonus.
"It's herculite; a transparent piece of haul plating. One of the many innovations to come out of the Institute," informed the Admiral.
"Impressive. Your submarine is quite an accomplishment Admiral," said Highner.
"I think if we get your base up and running and performing as planned that will be an amazing accomplishment on your part doctor. If we're successful here it will change the way we approach our defensive procedures. In fact I think we will all be able to sleep a lot better with that kind of security system in place," commented Crane.
"How are we doing on getting the new computer systems up and running Chip?" Inquired the Admiral.
Chip ran his napkin over his lips and placed it back on the table.
"We should have everything up and running on this end by tomorrow afternoon. Then when we get to the base we will have to transport the final components to the base. We can have those up and running within five hours of transport," explained Morton.
"What time can we expect to arrive at our destination Lee?"
"We should arrive at the base Wednesday morning Admiral."
"Very good. Doctors we should have you and your equipment all settled on the base by Wednesday afternoon and we can begin tests Thursday morning with you gentlemen and Mr. Morton coordinating them from the base," stated the Nelson.
"Actually," came a squeak from Malcolm. He cleared his throat and tried again to explain to the imposing figure of the Admiral the new change in plans.
"I figured the best division of labour and skill would be if Archer and I remained on Seaview while my colleagues and Mr. Morton ran the tests on the underwater station. This way I can assist Archer with the equipment here and help you to find any weaknesses in our systems when we begin Seaview's test of our systems."
"Well, if you believe that's best Dr. Malcolm," stated Nelson frankly.
"Yes. I believe it would be better if I stayed aboard," replied Sam with more reassurance.
Having come to a consensus on how everyone would precede with the mission, everyone finished their meal. After dinner the scientists proceeded to their cabins for the night and the Admiral retired to his lab to work out his final presentation for the upcoming conference. Lee and Chip decided to check up on O'Brien in the control room.
They were greeted by the usual beeps and blips as they came down the spiral stair case. The evening watch were all at their stations and O'Brien was penciling points on the map on the plotting table.
"Report Mr. O'Brien," said Crane when he reached the last stair.
"We're on course and making good time sir. All is quiet here."
Crane smiled to himself. O'Brien had been a part of the command crew for years but, he always seemed to stand just a little straighter when address Lee or the Admiral. The young Lieutenant had been a great addition to Nelson's handpicked crew and was becoming an excellent commanding officer. Lee had nothing but confidence when he left O'Brien in charge.
After observing the control room for an hour Crane and Morton decided to retire to Lee's cabin for a drink before bed. Lee enjoyed being able to discuss the day's activities with Chip in a less formal setting. It reminded him of the many late night scheming and plotting sessions they use to do during their academy days.
The Captain poured two cups of tea and passed one to Chip who was sitting in the chair on the other side of Lee's desk. The exec leaned back and put his feet up on the corner of the desk.
"Well, what do you think?" he asked Crane.
"About what?"
"How close do you think the Admiral was to killing Malcolm this evening when he changed the Admiral's plan?"
Lee chuckled. "I think this mission has been a thorn in Nelson's side for weeks now. The upper brass was very insistent on the hows and whens of this mission and then to top it all off Starke was absolutely adamant that he go to this conference this weekend."
"Why would he do that?"
"He insisted there were several projects that the Admiral absolutely had to get in on the ground floor with. Though I have it on good authority that Nelson plans on sending a last minute message explaining how important matters have come up and he can't make it in time."
"I didn't think the Admiral was the type to play hookie," offered the bemused exec.
The intercom on Lee's desk chirped and Nelson voice boomed through the box.
"Lee if you have a moment I'd like to see you in my quarters."
"I'll be right there sir," answered the Captain, "well I guess duty calls Chip."
Both men stood up and walked towards the door. Morton headed down to his own cabin to go over the schedule one more time and Lee moved towards Nelson's cabin.
Crane entered the Admiral's cabin and found him seated at his desk. He was twirling his pencil and reading a printed message.
"What do you have there sir?" asked the Captain as he closed the door.
"It's a message from Starke. I sent him another message informing him that I would be arriving late for the conference and this is what he sent back. Here take a look," growled Nelson as he handed the paper over to Lee.
Nelson leaned back in his chair, kicking out his file drawer and resting his feet on it. Crane took the paper and perched on the corner of the white and grey desk as he started to read. He couldn't help but smile as he pictured Nelson's reaction to this turn of events.
"He had General Borton order you to attend? That's rather extreme even from Starke."
"I now have official order to attend starting Friday morning. And it gets better."
"Better?"
"Starke had them make me the guest of honor. I have to deliver the opening presentation. Why that man thinks he can meddle in my affairs sometimes . . ."
"I'm sure you'll be fine. We can handle everything on this end, SOP," assured the brunette.
"I'll want updates every night Captain. And don't let Highner run the show. He's a brilliant scientist but an overbearing man. Anything he tells you, you run by Chip first."
"Understood sir."
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