Rolling Thunder
Chapter Three
On board the new nuclear submarine Rolling Thunder. The only ones on board were Commander Lee Crane and the security detachment. Crane had turned on satellite communications in order to stay in contact with the International Space Station.
He had received reports that the ISS had been watching from above some landscape changes when it comes to earthquakes throughout the globe. The commander on board the station didn't know what to think about the changes as he had called NASA to advise them of the quakes.
Meanwhile, Commander Lee Crane had finished up his inspection of the four main departments including engineering and the reactor. He was already late as it was with his wife Lisa putting him in different directions.
However, he needed to give his full report to Admiral Nelson at the Institute on whether or not the submarine was ready for testing with the crew and including Patterson from the Seaview.
Exhaling with climbing the hatch to reach the top deck of the Rolling Thunder. He looked up into the sky to sky several Naval jets flying over his head. While he saluted the two security officers to be standing watch on board and three at the main gate trying not to let anyone get inside the dock region.
He tells the security officers that he had signed out by leaving for his vehicle in the main parking lot of the Rolling Thunder. It had taken a great deal of effort to check the submarine since it was now ready for testing, along with a great deal of money to build it with the Institute's special accounts and from the United States government took three years building.
Lee Crane looked up into the sky to see the strange coloring of the sun as if solar flares might have been involved. Even though he hasn't been keeping up with the latest from Nasa and other private organizations and including the International Space Station. Though there has been trouble from Russia.
Starting up his red vehicle has to be his third copy during the past 18 years. Riding away, he will head back to the Nelson Institute with needing to reach the front gate and his security clearance sitting in the glove box of all places.
"Sir, I will be needing your ID badge as per request by you, yourself." he alluded with a hint of a smile.
Smiling slightly. "Of course, Lt. Lee." he will give him the badge before being waved onto the main office of the Institute.
Taking a few moments to reach the main building where his and Nelson's offices are located. He was able to find the perfect parking space since his name was listed in the first place.
He didn't bother to put up the hood since there was no forecast for when it came to rain. Moving into the building once again had to be stopped by the security officer.
Finally, he reached the fourth floor carrying the report in his hand. He opened the outer office to see Angie working on the computer terminal finishing the last of her lunch with the second cup of coffee.
"Lee, Admiral Nelson, and Captain Morrison are waiting for you with the briefing." she paused picking up the phone to let the Admiral know that he was here.
He had gone inside to be greeted by both men as Captain Morrison shook his hand with Nelson as he hands the report into the hand.
"Lee, did you have any trouble getting here? Patterson will be here in a moment." Nelson needed to ask the question.
Exhaling..."I really don't know sir what is going on. But it seems that our region is being hit with some strange weather?" Lee noted crossing his legs in the chair next to the captain.
"Actually Commander I was able to notice the strange weather events on the way here to the Institute to speak with Admiral Nelson," Morrison instructed..."Do you happen to know Commander on what might be causing it?" Morrison had to ask.
"I have no idea at the moment." Lee Crane needed to say to him.
Nelson will be the one to say something. "I will have to speak with the scientists here at the Institute on whether or not there has been a change in the weather system or rather this is the time of the year for solar flares to be causing the changes." he alluded. "Otherwise we will be needing to go over your report on the Rolling Thunder." he pointed out with the two.
Moments later Patterson arrived by knocking on the door. Angie had opened the door to let Patterson inside to join the group going over the report on the Rolling Thunder.
Nelson looked up from reading the 20-page report with Crane and Morrison listening to the notes that he had made for each of the departments. "So Patterson please sit down to meet with Captain Jake Morrison." he will move over to Morrison to shake his hand before pulling up a chair.
"It's good to meet you, Patterson. I understand you're going to be working with the Command Staff in the engineering department?" Morrison barked out with his response.
Shifting in the brown seat to get himself comfortable before answering the question. "I decided to volunteer to help out until after the Rolling Thunder is done with the tests and actually go on your first cruise." Patterson needed to say.
"Let's hope that it's going to be successful. By the way Admiral Nelson I have heard a rumor that Commander Crane might be coming along for the trip?" Commander Jake Morrison had to know about the possible rumor.
"Not true Commander, I won't be coming along since I have other obligations for the Institute. It's why Patterson and your personnel will be on their own for now." Lee says with a hint of a smirk showing on his face.
"So when do we all arrive at the Rolling Thunder along with Patterson? I do hope that the engineering department is up to specs?" Morrison had these questions on his mind.
"Three days Captain Morrison with everyone to be arriving tomorrow. Patterson anything happening with the engineering department?" Crane alluded to the information coming out of his mouth.
"Engineering is fine with no trouble at all with all of the energy levels from the Reactor room and engineering with all of the wiring working correctly," Patterson said strongly believing in the department and the engineering staff having been picked to be serving on the Rolling Thunder.