Chapter 11

After Joey left, Janet sat down on the bed next to Lee and didn't let go of his hand. The admiral, Chip and Jamie were looking at him and he could tell they had something on their minds.

Looking at Janet he said, "You told them about my previous trip to Venenzia and what happened."

She nodded her head and replied, "Jamie was in the admiral's office ranting that you were hurt again on a mission. He had just gotten the call from Mark for your medical records. He also wanted to know why the admiral lets you continue taking on these missions. Chip noticed how apprehensive you were about going and didn't buy that you were nervous about taking on a mission after being off. I could see how worried they were again so I figured they needed to know why you continue to undertake these missions. I'm sorry if I disappointed you by telling them," Janet said softly.

Lee pulled her down and kissed her on the lips. "Don't worry about it. It was about time they knew why I had to keep taking on these missions."

"While we may not like it, at least we know why you need to accept them," the admiral said with a wry grin.

They continued to talk about the mission and how ONI didn't know about the tunnel. Mark came in and shooed them all out except for Jamie. He let him stay as he examined Lee. He had trouble remembering some things and actually admitted he had a pretty bad headache.

Jamie and Mark went to the back of the room to discuss what course of action they should take. They both agreed he should stay a couple more days in the hospital and not fly home right away because of the concussion. Mark decided to let Jamie tell Lee.

Jamie went back to Lee's bedside, "Lee, both Mark and I think it's a good idea for you to stay here a couple more days. After you're released, we feel you should stay in Germany for at least a week. Neither one of us thinks it's a good idea for you to fly home." Jamie said seriously. "Even if you did, I wouldn't let back on duty for a week anyway so you can stay here and rest."

Lee looked thoughtfully at both of his doctors. "Okay, I agree. I'm really not feeling that great."

Jamie was shocked that Lee admitted he wasn't feeling well but was happy he didn't put up a fight. He went into the hall and beckoned the admiral, Chip and Janet back into the room.

"Lee's going to be staying a couple more days. We also think he shouldn't fly home right away so we're recommending he stays here for another week because of the concussion. We both think its best and even Lee agreed," Jamie related.

Surprised at that last comment, Chip said, "Jamie did you get that on tape. You know Lee never agrees he's really hurt."

Lee gave him a dirty look. "How about you make yourself useful and help me shave. I can't stand this beard any longer."

"Sure, I'll get a razor and help you," Chip said with a grin as he left the room to go find a place to buy a razor. While Chip helped Lee make himself more presentable, the admiral, Jamie and Janet went to the cafeteria to get some coffee.

They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening talk about Seaview's mission to Bali. Lee was hungry and wanted a hamburger so Chip and Jamie found a fast food place and brought back burgers and fries for everyone. After finishing dinner, Lee yawned a few times and fell asleep. They decided to leave and would return tomorrow morning. Janet gave Lee a kiss good night and a gentle hug. Lee mumbled good bye and fell back to sleep.

((()))

Bidding Lee a good evening, the admiral, Chip, Jamie and Janet returned to the hotel. It had been a long day and they needed a drink so they found a bar near the hotel. Having claimed a table near the window, they gave the waiter their drink orders and sat back and relaxed as the stress of the day fell away.

"Since Lee is going to be here for some time, Chip and I will fly back to the institute and take Seaview on the mission to Bali. Jamie, you and Janet stay here with Lee. He's going to need looking after while he's here," the admiral stated taking a sip of his Glenlivet.

Jamie shook his head in agreement and looked at Janet, "We know you can take care of Lee but sometimes he can be a little difficult and…"

Janet cut Jamie off before he could continue, "I know I'm just a pushover when it comes to him," she said laughing.

"John and Frank should be able to handle any crisis that should come up on Seaview," Jamie assured the admiral and Chip.

Finishing up his drink, Chip suggested, "How about we leave tomorrow afternoon. That way we'll have time to get over the jet lag before we leave."

"Sound good," the admiral replied signaling the waiter to bring another round of drinks.

They finished up that round and headed to their rooms after agreeing to meet at 1000 hours for breakfast. Once in her room, Janet got ready for bed and climbed in but laid there for awhile. She had never been to Germany and was looking forward to doing a little sightseeing if Lee felt up to it later in the week. She also knew Lee needed to go back to Venenzia. Hopefully he would agree with her and they would be able to go there before they left Germany. Wrapped in Lee's shirt, she finally fell asleep

((()))

The group met for breakfast before going to see Lee. He was awake when they arrived. His arm had been put in a permanent cast as the swelling had gone down but he still had a headache.

"Lee, Chip and I are leaving for home today. We'll take care of this mission. You'll be ready to command the next one to the undersea laboratory. It will be a nice easy mission."

"I understand sir," Lee replied. "I wouldn't be much help with my arm in a cast."

"Lee, you're arm is going to be cast from awhile," Jamie reminded him as Lee gave him a dirty look.

"When you fly back to the States, why don't you stop in DC and debrief with Johnson so you don't have to make another trip," the admiral suggested.

"That's a good idea," Lee agreed.

They talked about what sights Lee, Janet and Jamie should see while in Germany if Lee was able. Janet didn't say anything about Venenzia. She would talk to him when they were alone. Soon it was time for the admiral and Chip to leave. They gave Janet a hug and patted Lee on the shoulder.

"Take care and don't worry about your 'grey lady'," Chip said to Lee, "I'll take good care of her."

"I'm not worried," Lee said disappointedly as he really wanted to be on board for this mission.

Lee's room faced the west and knew that Ramstein Air Base wasn't too far away. With Janet's help, he slowly got out of bed hoping he would get a glimpse of FS-1 as she flew by but he didn't see her. He was tired of laying bed so they went for a slow walk down the hall. By the time they returned to his room, he was more tired than he expected and fell asleep. Jamie and Janet left for the cafeteria for some coffee. They needed to get a flight out of Germany so Jamie checked out the flights from Germany to DC and then to Santa Barbara.

As they drank their coffee Jamie told Janet about their travel plans. "I've booked us a flight out of Frankfurt to Washington DC but could only get first class as that was all that was available on such short notice, same with the flight from DC to Santa Barbara. It was quite expensive," Jamie told Janet. "But this way Lee will have room to stretch out."

"No problem," Janet told Jamie, "Lee always flies first class anyway for that reason."

"We'll have to take the shuttle from Ramstein to Frankfurt which is an hour and half trip," Jamie continued. "It's not easy getting out of here."

Smiling Janet replied, "Whatever we need to do is fine with us. Thanks Jamie for taking care of the plans."

When they finished their coffee, they returned to Lee's room and he was just waking up so Jamie told him how they were going to get home. Lee was fine with all the arrangements as he just wanted to go home.

((()))

Lee was released from the hospital two days later. His ribs were still sore, he had a slight headache, his stitches were itching and the cast according to him was a nuisance. Jamie would take out the stitches once they were settled in their hotel room near the air base.

"Here are your walking papers," Mark joked handing Janet the release papers. "Please take it easy but I'm sure Jamie and Janet will make sure you don't overdo it. It was a pleasure to meet you and maybe we can meet again under better circumstances."

"Mark, thank you for everything," Lee said shaking his hand. Janet shook his hand and thanked him also.

"Mark, if you ever get a way from here, please come to Santa Barbara. I'd like to show you around the institute and Seaview," Jamie told him as he shook his hand. "Thanks Mark."

A nurse entered with a wheelchair for Lee who rolled his eyes but got in it anyway. She pushed him down the front doors of the hospital where there was a taxi waiting to take them to the hotel. Lee slowly got out of the chair and slid into the back seat. He was a little stiff but happy to be out of the hospital.

When they reached the hotel, Janet helped Lee out of the taxi. Jamie grabbed their luggage and Lee's duffle bag. He didn't have many clothes in there but they could buy something if he needed it. Janet and Jamie checked in while Lee sat on the couch in the lobby. He walked slowly to the elevator and to their room. Jamie had arranged to have connecting rooms in case Lee needed him right away. By the time he got to the room, he was exhausted so Janet helped him get settled into bed and climbed in too.

"I'm sure no fun," Lee told Janet as she nestled next him. "Why don't you and Jamie do some sightseeing while I rest."

"No it's alright," Janet said as she gave him a kiss. "I'm not going anywhere. Honey, I was so worried about you, I just want to stay with you."

Grimacing slightly as he kissed her gently on the lips. "Sweetheart, lying next to me is all we're going to be able to do for awhile I'm afraid."

"We'll see about that," Janet grinned deviously.

They laid there for a few minutes before Lee fell asleep. Janet dislodged herself from him and stood there looking at him. She needed to talk to him about going back to Venenzia but would wait a few days. There was a light knock on the connecting door, Janet opened it and found Jamie with some apple strudel and coffee. He had found a bakery not to far away. He saw Lee sleeping so motioned her to join him in his room.

"I thought we could use a snack," Jamie said as he put a piece of strudel in his mouth. "This is heavenly."

Janet took a bite, "You're right," she agreed and took another bite.

"Jamie, you don't have to stay here with us. You've never been here, please go out and do some sightseeing. I don't mind staying here with Lee. I'm sure he'll be able to join us in a few days."

"Maybe tomorrow I'll check out the area after I take out his stitches. They must be driving him crazy."

They sat there talking about what was happening at NIMR and the upcoming mission to Bali.

Neither of them was hungry at dinner time after eating the whole strudel and with Lee still asleep so they called it a night. Jamie bid Janet a good night and shut the door between the rooms. Janet got ready for bed and slipped in next to Lee who moaned as he changed positions but fell right back to sleep.