Chapter 37

Paul knocked on the door to Kristin's office. He could hear her crying; he knew something was wrong. He didn't wait for an answer. He opened the door and saw her sitting in her chair, her head in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. He immediately wrapped her in his arms to comfort her.

"Oh, Honey, is it bad news?" he asked after a few minutes.

"He…he…no answer," she choked out, her head buried in his shoulder.

Paul just held her, knowing she needed someone to support her. He whispered soothing words to her until her sobs finally quieted.

Kristin gently pushed herself away. "I-I tried calling him," she explained, her voice still trembling. "And, he didn't answer. I thought perhaps Lucas had heard from him. Now, the seaQuest is involved." She took a deep breath. "I-I know if anyone can find him, they will…but I just can't shake the feeling something horrible has happened." She began to cry softly again.

Paul put an arm around her shoulders. "It might not have. You don't know for sure."

She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess."

"If it means anything, I'm here for you." He hugged her tightly.

"Thank you. I'm going to need it. I…I think I'm going to need some time off," she admitted.

Paul nodded. "Anything you need. And if you need help with the children, I-"

Kristin gasped. "Oh, I haven't even thought of the children." She shook her head. "I…I don't think I can face them right now."

"Do you need me to call Marta?" Paul offered.

She laid her head on his shoulder and nodded. "Her number's in my mobile."

Paul called Marta and gave a small explanation of what was going on. She agreed to take the children for a few days to give Kristin some time to recover. Then, he told the receptionist to cancel all the appointments for the rest of the day.

A moment later, he appeared back in Kristin's office. He helped her up. "Everything's taken care of," he assured her. "Marta will pick Charlie up from daycare, and she'll be waiting at your house when Michael comes home from school."

She hugged him gratefully. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Sweetie. That's what friends are for." Then, he asked, "What about you? Where are you going to stay?"

"I hadn't thought about it," she admitted. "I suppose I'll just go to a hotel. I need some time away."

"Would it be too forward if I…would you mind…you can stay with me if you like," Paul offered. "I don't think you should be alone."

She thought for a moment. "OK…thank you."

"Of course; let's get you out of here."

Macronesian territory

Nathan couldn't remember what had happened. The last thing he remembered was his small sub being attacked by subfighters. Then, everything went dark. He'd woken up on the shore, feeling somewhat disoriented. He couldn't tell what time it was, but he knew it was late in the evening, considering how dark the sky was. He had no idea if any other members of his crew had survived. And, he had no idea where he was.

But, given the time, he figured he did have a small amount of time to compose himself. He quickly tried to clear his head and figure out his next move. He decided he'd first need to figure out where he was; he stood to walk, suddenly feeling a pain shoot through his head. He instinctively brought his hand to his head and felt a large bump along with something warm and sticky. He brought his hand down to look at it, and saw it had blood on it. He knew that wherever he was, he needed to get some help. Given his own medical training, he knew head injuries often bled more. And, he didn't think he was hurt terribly bad, but he couldn't be sure. He just hoped that if he was on enemy territory, it was Macronesian rather than Chaodai.

He ripped off a piece of his shirt and tied it around his head as best he could. Then, he started walking up the beach in search of someone, anyone who might be sympathetic to his cause. A short time later, he heard voices. He hid behind a group of bushes to investigate. He breathed a silent sigh of relief when he saw the uniforms-a small group of Macronesian soldiers. They were on patrol.

Nathan took a deep breath, deciding it was now or never. He knew the possible outcomes of what he was about to do, but he hoped these soldiers might have a moral compass. He stepped out from behind the bushes and walked toward them, his hands raised in a surrender-like fashion. "E-excuse me?"

Immediately, weapons rose, pointing directly at him. "Halt," one of them ordered.

Nathan did as he was told, but continued to speak, "Please, I mean you no harm. There was an accident; I lost my boat, my crew. I just need some help. I've hit my head; maybe you could help me get back home. I'm not here to fight."

The soldier, who appeared to be in charge raised a hand, then lowered it, instructing his men to lower their weapons. Then, he turned back to Nathan. "You're not with the alliance, are you?"

"No," he admitted. "But, I don't want to fight," he said again.

The soldier turned back to his men and gave them instructions, telling them to start patrolling. Once they had departed, he said, "My name's Lieutenant Joshua Wilcox. I'll bring you to our med-station, have them check you out. But, if you try anything, and I mean anything," he paused and held his weapon up for effect, "I'll use this, understand?"

"Of course. And I'll be able to leave after that?" he asked.

"I can't say; I'll have to report this to my superior, Mr…"

"Sorry…Bridger; Nathan Bridger."

The lieutenant stopped as he recognized the name. "As in the former captain of the seaQuest? One of the UEO's heroes?"

Nathan's heart skipped a beat, realizing that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to use his real name. But, he tried not to let his panic show. "You've heard of me?"

The lieutenant smiled. "It's our job to know all the UEO leaders and the most formidable soldiers. They teach a whole course just on you in training camp."

Nathan didn't know what else to say. Certainly, he should have expected that. He was famous because of his work on seaQuest, and certainly, every Macronesian solider would know who he was. The only thing he was baffled by was the fact the soldier was being so kind to him. His thoughts drifted to a conversation he'd had with Kristin when she told him she had met Robert in Nexus. Perhaps the reputation of Macronesian soldiers being cold and heartless wasn't all true, like Kristin had said.

Finally, they stopped in front of a building. "Can I trust you to wait here for a minute?" the lieutenant asked.

"I'm not going anywhere," Nathan promised.

"It'll just be a moment." With that, the soldier went inside.

Nathan leaned against the cool brick wall of the building. He knew he could very well be thrown into a prison camp for this, but he didn't have much of a choice. Maybe the soldier's kind demeanor was a trick, he didn't know. All he could do was wait and hope for the best.

A minute later, the soldier returned. "My superior would like to meet with you."

"Is that really necessary?" Nathan asked in dismay. "I already told you I didn't want any trouble."

"It's just standard procedure," the lieutenant assured him. "Follow me."

Presidential Palace, Macronesia

"Sir, President Tak-sin Chankul has agreed to speak with you," General Stassi informed. "He's waiting on the vid-link."

An evil smiled formed on Alexander Bourne's lips. "I had a feeling he'd change his tune. Put him through."

"President Bourne, let me be blunt. We have no interest in your alliance," President Chankul began.

"Please, with all due respect," Bourne began, "please hear me out. We have a proposition for you."

Chankul scoffed. "You couldn't possibly offer us anything we'd want."

"I beg to differ with you. We both want the same thing," Bourne retorted. "We both want the UEO gone."

Chankul paused for a moment. "I'm listening."

"I propose we form a treaty between the Macronesian and Chaodai territories. If you agree to help us overtake the UEO, we'll supply the Chaodai with all the weapons they'll need."

President Chankul laughed softly. "Your weapons our inferior to ours. What good would they do?"

"True," Bourne replied. "However, your weapons aren't powerful enough to overtake seaQuest, and neither are ours. But, if we worked together, perhaps we can create something new. The ultimate weapon."

"Weapons of mass destruction are nothing new, Mr. Bourne."

Bourne shook his head. "I wasn't referring to weapons of mass destruction. Destroying the world is not my plan. I was referring to a ship. Your Shayu subfighters are already more advanced than our Lysander class. It's obvious you have the technology. But, perhaps you need more funds?"

"So, just what are you suggesting? We create a submarine more powerful than the seaQuest? That could take years."

"If you agree, we can have something in the water within six months," Bourne promised.

Chankul gave him a doubtful look. "How can you possibly assure me of that?"

"Surely, you've heard of Deon International."

"I have, and I also heard of Mr. Deon's unfortunate situation. Seems to me he can't be much help if he's in a coma."

Bourne nodded. "True, but Deon's executors still run the company. All I have to do is offer them a substantial sum, and they'll get us whatever we need. How do you think I got my Lysander class?"

"I do recall hearing about that," Chankul confirmed. "Heard you had a very experienced scientist behind it all too."

"I did, but I grew tired of him once the work was done. He met an early demise," Bourne replied, a reminiscent smile on his face. "Of course, at the time, seaQuest was out of the picture." There was a pause, and then, Bourne asked, "Do we have a deal, Mr. Chankul?"

"Tell me, Mr. Bourne, once the UEO is out of the picture, what are your intentions? To continue your overtake of the world as we know it?"

Bourne smiled. "I see what you're getting at. Would it put your mind at rest if we promised to leave Chaodai territory as is?"

"It would," Chankul confirmed. "And if you cross me, you'll regret it."

Bourne smiled again. "I'm sure I will. I won't cross you; I just know I can't defeat the UEO alone."

"Very well; we have a deal. We'll arrange a meeting, a treaty signing. We'll be in touch." With that, President Chankul cut the link.

Stassi turned to Bourne. "Are you sure you know what you're doing? The Chaodai are ruthless; if you betray them, it could kill us all."

"I know," Bourne replied.

Meanwhile, Nathan was brought into a reception room. Luckily, he didn't see any chains or shackles, nothing that suggested he was about to be made a prisoner. Maybe the soldier was telling the truth.

"Have a seat," the lieutenant instructed.

Nathan did so, grateful for the offer since his head was pounding. He hoped the meeting with the superior officer was quick.

It wasn't long before he heard the door open, and a decorated soldier entered the room, clearing his throat.

Nathan stood, but the soldier said, "At ease, Sir." After Nathan was sitting again, he asked, "Are you really Nathan Bridger?"

"The last time I checked," he answered. "I mean, I don't have any ID on me, but yes, I'm Nathan Bridger."

"Husband of Carol Bridger, father of Robert?" the soldier asked.

"Yes, I-wait a minute. How did you-?" Nathan finally took a moment to look at the soldier, really look at him. And it didn't take him long to realize. "Bobby, is that you?" he asked in a surprised whisper.

"It's Commander Michael Hale here…but, yes, Dad, it's me." He wrapped his father in a hug.

Back in the Yucatan, Paul brought Kristin home so she could pack some clothing and anything else she might need. She wrote a note to the children and explained she wasn't feeling well, but that she'd be home in a few days and to be good for Marta. Then, he brought her to his apartment. It was small, but it was tidy. He led her to the sofa.

"Have a seat," he told her. "Uh, I figured while you're here, I'll let you have the bedroom."

Kristin shook her head in protest. "No, I couldn't possibly…I'm not here to steal your bed. I can stay on the couch."

But, Paul insisted. "Please…it's the least I can do. Just let me go make the room up for you. And, there will be no arguing," he said gently.

After a few minutes, he came back into the living room. "There…it's ready whenever you are. Did you want to lie down? Or if you wanted to talk…"

"Maybe I'll go lie down," she said quietly.

Paul nodded. "If you need anything, just ask."

"Thanks." She entered the bedroom. It was small, but cozy. She lie down on the bed and closed her eyes. But, her thoughts automatically drifted to Nathan, and she started sobbing once again. It didn't take long for Paul to hear her.

Immediately, he reacted and wrapped her in his arms. "It's OK; I'm here."