Wishing you a very merry Christmas

Chapter 12th

Captain Lee Crane was determined to find the sniper. He had a great deal to prove even though this is going to be his last mission. Ever since Admiral Nelson had been on his case in regard to standing down as Captain and with taking over the Institute. While Admiral Nelson will be able to get back into his science work with his labs and one of them was his wife Commander Rosemarie Crane. Though things have changed lately with her wanting to get back into her work full time.

Crane had made sure his two crew members were watching carefully for the sniper. They had to go slow with the heat and humidity stopping every once in a while to drink the water and a protein bar. He wasn't cut out for this type of mission. Even though it was his decision to continue on with the search.

They headed up forward into the high grounds for where the sniper might be hiding. There were rumors that there were other terrorists on the island. Even though Intel wasn't able to confirm it.

Meanwhile on board the Seaview. Everybody was arriving with the whirlwind of activity. Doctor Jamieson and Doctor Anthony Sterling were busy with taking care of Kowalski and Colonel James Reeves. Admiral Nelson with Commander Rosemarie Crane came in needing to know just what the hell was going on with the mission.

All of the doctors and other members of the team had been sent to the conference room to wait for a briefing with the Admiral. "What happened Colonel Reeves?" Nelson was pissed off with the entire situation even though the science personnel had been rescued.

"Captain Lee Crane ordered me back as with Kowalski. So that he can search for the sniper that had taken out me and Kowalski. I wanted to go along to search as well since I am more suited with this type of environment. However my leg was getting worse with the bleeding and other issues." As Doctor Jamieson wanted to get the Colonel into the surgery bay in order to remove the bullet and repair the damage. But Admiral Nelson was being stubborn with the questions.

"Colonel Reeves why do you think Captain Lee Crane had gone off to search for the sniper?" Rosemarie needed to asked her new friend.

"I have no idea. But I suspect that he's trying to prove something to himself that he's able to do it with finding the sniper. Even if it means that he's going to die trying."

"Kowalski when your able and ready. I want you to pick a team that has the experience to head back to the island and search for Crane. Do I make myself clear with the order?"

"Aye Admiral." Kowalski was brought into an area so that Doctor Sterling had fix up his shoulder though the bullet had gone straight through him.

Once the Admiral left sickbay. Commander Rosemarie Crane stayed for a moment so that she could speak with Reeves. He was along until Doctor Jamieson was ready to work on his leg. "I am sorry you had to get mixed up with my husband's antics. This is why I have lost interest in him the past year James. I am glad you're going to be alright. Though as she Crane Lee Crane, he's going to get himself killed in the process."

"Knowing what I heard about Captain Lee Crane. He's going to be strong enough to survive the elements and hopefully find the sniper as well Rosemarie. Maybe later we can share a meal together here in sickbay. No doubt the doctor isn't going to let me out of here?"

"Doctor Jamieson is like that James. He wants to be sure that everyone injured will be able to take care of themselves once they leave here." And speaking of which Doctor Jamieson was ready for his patient with the corpsman with a wheelchair to bring Colonel Reeves into the operating sector. One of the many expansions made on the submarine.

Commander Rosemarie Crane was angry with her husband. Even though she was going to file for a divorce once they get back to port. While he will be able to have shared custody with the two boys and the one she is carrying. Her feelings had been cleared for while even though Captain Lee Crane wasn't able to see it...

Meanwhile Admiral Nelson had a briefing to get to with the doctors in the conference room.

Doctor Ben Wilson had been discussing with the Admiral that the terrorists didn't bother to question us all that much for the Intel on our knowledge on nuclear fusion. They were very anxious to get off the island to another location. We didn't know there were others on the island Admiral Nelson."

"And why the sniper was able to take out Colonel Reeves and Kowalski. Hence the issue with other terrorists on the island and with Captain Lee Crane moving into a trap of sorts." Admiral Nelson had to make mention to the group.

"What is going to happen with us Admiral Nelson?" Doctor Wilson asked with concern for his work.

"Once we are able to find Crane and the other two crewmembers. We will then head back to port to be questioned by the nuclear commission. But in the meantime all of you are to stay into your quarters until this crisis is over. There are going to be security guards being sure to protect all of you."

Admiral Nelson walked out to head for the Control room to bring Commander Chip Morton up to date on whether or not the team he asked for will be ready.

"From what I understand sir. Some of the marines had volunteered for the search of Captain Lee Crane along with our own team. Kowalski, Patterson and Hanson will be taking the flyer with the volunteers to the island."

"Has the flyer been checked out by Chief Sharkey?" Nelson had to asked with searching the Control room.

"Aye Admiral and ready to go with the power levels." Commander Chip Morton had to say to his boss.