The stack of files on Nelson's desk that appeared since yesterday was rather impressive. He had spent all morning going over service records for possible candidates, and had made it maybe an eighth of the way through the pile. All were qualified on paper, but were they really qualified for the type of missions Seaview often found herself on? Nelson had to be confident enough in them to trust his prize sub with them when he and Lee were off on missions. They had to understand how the crew worked and how to get the best out of them. They had to know how to manage Lee and his way of doing things. Lee's biggest enemy was often himself, and Nelson needed to know that his new XO would have the Captain's back - he needed Chip Morton.

The Admiral lit a cigarette and thought back to when Crane had joined the crew. The circumstances were somewhat similar. Captain Philips had been killed in the line of duty, and Seaview needed a new skipper to complete a vital mission. Nelson knew Lee was good, but it was after their first conversation on Seaview that he knew Crane was the right man for the job. The success of the mission only confirmed that for the rest of the crew.

Now here he was again, in need of a key player so Seaview could proceed with a vital mission. The world wasn't in jeopardy this time: this was personal. Nelson needed someone who wasn't personally invested in tracking down Morton's killers to keep himself, Crane, and the crew together and focused. More importantly, he needed someone to keep Lee from going on a personal crusade to bring down this new enemy that would probably get himself killed as well.

The intercom on the Admiral's desk buzzed and he clicked the button.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Admiral Starke is here to see you sir," answered Ryan.

"Send him in, Ryan."

A few moments later, the door opened and in stepped Starke. He was dressed in uniform and carried a brown briefcase. He wasted no time in sitting across from his friend.

"To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of your company today, Jiggs?" asked Nelson as he put his cigarette out.

In his ever abrasive fashion Starke replied, "Heard your boy ran off another one. Two in four weeks. Kind of impressive, don't you think?"

Nelson let out a sigh. News travelled fast.

"It was two in five weeks, and they weren't very qualified for this position."

"Not qualified! Harry we gave you the best."

While it was true both candidates had been more than qualified, Nelson knew they were missing that certain something that would make them valuable member of his crew. He wasn't about to let Crane know that he agreed with his assessment. Lee had been eliminating them based on more personal reasons, but the Admiral knew that, in the long run they would have been a detriment to his organization.

"Well, your best isn't good enough, Jiggs!"

"Alright, I have one more for you." Starke reached into his brief case, pulled out a thick file, and threw it towards Nelson. "People either love him or they hate him. I've heard glowing reviews and petitions to have him thrown out of the service. Apparently he's one hell of an officer, but never met a rule he didn't break. Naturally, I thought of you."

"Naturally," conceded the Admiral as he picked up the file, "and why do I want a high-maintenance officer?"

"Because Greg highly recommends him and is willing to loan him to you," explained Starke, knowing that would pique his friend's interest.

"Greg Hitch highly recommends this kid?"

Starke nodded. Hitch had a talent for making some of the best officers in the fleet. Anyone he recommended would be worth a try. If he could look past some of the more interesting spots in the kid's record, then maybe this would be the solution to Nelson's problem.

"You don't have a lot of options left, Harry. You can either take this officer, or find yourself sitting on the sidelines while ONI goes after your bad guys."

Starke watched as Nelson ran the options over in his head. After a few moments, he stood up and grabbed his brief case.

"Come on, Harry: let's go meet your newest crewmember."

Reluctantly, Nelson followed Starke out of the office. He instructed Ryan to cancel his meetings for the next two days, and have the Institute private jet prepared to fly to San Diego. As the pair drove to the airport, the Admiral couldn't help but wonder how his Captain was fairing with his task today.