Chapter Three:
THE GATE

PART ONE: Hope Regained

September 12th, 2033
seaQuest DSV wardroom
12:00 hours

The door swung open more to reveal two men, one of Asian decent and the other a younger Caucasian male who looked worse for wear. Fredericks stood from where she sat in wordless shock. Robert also stood , for the first time hope alighting in his eyes.

It was Ford who managed to say anything...

"Lucas!"

Lieutenant Commander Ben Krieg stood up from where he sat and gave Lucas Wolenczak his chair. Lucas gratefully sat in the chair and looked around the table, his eyes settling on Fredericks. "Shan has told me what has been going on. Thank you."

With that all eyes turned to Lieutenant William Shan, who was now in his tan dress UEO uniform. "Glad to be of service."

The only one at the table who was not overtly happy to see young Dr. Wolenczak was Jason Yamamoto. But he did seem impressed at his calm. "Forgive me, Dr. Wolenczak, for asking this so soon. Did they get anything from you?"

Shan answered, "Not a word other than 'Go to Hell'."

Yamamoto shook the younger man's hand, "Dr. Wolenczak, it seems I underestimated your mettle. I hope you can forgive my error."

"And I hope you can forgive my forwardness, but who the Hell are you?" asked Lucas, not even breaking his even and calm tone.

For Fredericks it was a it shocking to see the normally expressive Lucas so.... not expressive. She moved closer and then fixing Hudson with a glare, and being surprised when he actually got up from his seat and moved so she could take where he had been sitting beside Lucas. Hudson seemed a little bit put out by it, but only shook his head and very subtlely one corner of his mouth curled upwards in a small grin.

She mouthed, "What?"

He simply shrugged his shoulders and went to move the unfortunate X-O of the Nezamiah out of his seat so he could have it. Fredericks put one hand one Lucas's under the table and was relieved to feel the answering squeeze. She looked into his eyes and saw the emotion there. Oh yes, her Lucas still existed.

Yamamoto of course, was still asking questions, "Who I am is not important."

"Bull," came Robert's reply. "Dr. Wolenczak this is Colonel Jason Yamamoto of Section Seven."

"I assigned him here to get you and Dr. Bridger out of Macronesia hands," added Hitchcock, then she looked over at Shan. "I didn't realize that the Commodore was ahead of me with his own."

Lucas nodded and looked over to Yamamoto, "They still have Nathan."

Yamamoto nodded his head, "We know. How did Lieutenant Shan extract you, Doctor?"

"It all started when they realized that, even though by hurting me they hurt Bridger, he wouldn't give no matter what. Then they used him against me," Lucas turned to Hitchcock. "That was the real reason behind the torture tapes. We were shown the other being tortured. The tapes were never meant to be shown, I think."

Yamamoto nodded his agreement, "My colleagues came to a similar conclusion."

"When they realized that I wouldn't give them anything I outlived my use..."

"They decided to execute him," added Shan. "Alexander Bourne has lost his mind. Only those fanatically loyal to him are following him. That is the reason behind the shrinking borders."

"Execute?" Yamamoto looked up at Shan. "How?"

"By throwing me off a cliff," answered Lucas, then he grinned. "Only a certain undercover UEO agent made it look like I died and took him with him. Macronesia caught it all on tape."

"We're officially dead to the world!" Shan grinned and regained his calm demeanor. "I'm sure you can see the uses to this."

"Macronesia thinks you're dead," Yamamoto went silent for a moment. "Yes, there is an advantage. They don't know we have the information we have just received. That will be rather useful..."

Robert looked over at Yamamoto who had gone silent in thought. "Lucas, why don't you start at the beginning if you feel up to it?"

PART TWO: Escape

August 30th, 2033
Stewart Island Prison Facility
Macronesia Alliance Territory

Lucas was again led to the same room where he would be tied into the most uncomfortable chair he had ever had the displeasure of sitting in. He was strapped down. For the first time he took notice of the cameraperson and the snide comment died on his lips.

William Shan made the subtle motion of, 'Ignore me'.

Lucas did his very best.

Stassi walked into the room and checked over his bindings, "Lucas... You know what would make this go quicker?"

"If you let me go home?" Lucas responded. "You know, that won't be such a bad idea. Then maybe Commodore Bridger won't kill you."

Stassi stood up straight and glared at the young man. "That is not an option. You can greatly help Macronesia and reap the benefits."

"A sinking ship is still sinking, and even if it were not, I would never in a million years help that egomaniac dictator you call President..." a slap across the face from Stassi was Lucas's reward. "Touchy today, aren't we?"

Shan muffled a laugh. At least Lucas was still, well, Lucas.

"How does such an austere and respected man like Nathan Bridger deal with such a cheeky punk like you?" Stassi's voice dripped unconcealed venom. "Other than the information that you hold in this pretty little head of yours..." Each word was punctuated by Stassi jabbing Lucas in the forehead with his finger. "... you are worthless to us."

"And what I know will remain what I know," Lucas shot back. "Not one design, nor the location of one rivet, will ever fall into Bourne's hands through me."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Dr. Wolenczak," Stassi sighed and turned to Shan and another Macronesian soldier. "Dispose of the runt. He is of no use to us anymore." He turned back to Lucas. "It is only a matter of time before the old man breaks, and his death will do more to speed that up than having him hang around here."

The two saluted and Shan lifted and help drag Lucas from the cell, and then outside to the bluffs. The other soldier lifted his gun. Shan pulled the trigger and the soldier fell to the ground with a surprised look on his face. Lucas looked up at Shan, "I knew you were here to get us out."

"Yeah, well, we're out of here, Lucas," Shan looked around for a way out and knew that the water was the only way.

There were too many foot patrols around the island, and the mines ignored small biologic signatures due to the population of dolphins that occasionally frequented the area. One dolphin in specific had followed Shan to Stewart Island. Before a foot patrol could show up to question them Shan and Lucas fell from the cliff.

The first thing Lucas noticed was that the water was cool. But he didn't know which way was up and panic coursed through him. Then a familiar form pushed him up to the surface, and to air. He clung to the dolphin and saw that Shan was treading water a short distance away. Shan swam up to them and patted the melon. "He's missed you, and I think he was really worried."

For the first time in weeks Lucas smiled, "Darwin, help me get out of here."

A few hours later on a smaller islet, Shan filled Lucas in. "NorPac declared war on Macronesia and recalled the seaQuest and Avenger from UEO service. All the science personnel, except for Dr. Westphalen, left."

Lucas watched as the sun dipped below the horizon in shades of azure and fuschia seemed to flood the sea. Then he answered, "Captain Bridger would not have wanted that. Did you know that he asked them to kill him? He said it would be faster than just stringing him along. He would still not talk."

"I know," Shan took a breath to steady himself. "I was there. I was the one who taped everything."

Lucas was silent for a longer spell then he asked, "Did he know you were there?"

"He figured me out before you did, Lucas," Shan turned to him and noticed the silent tears that was running down his face. "Hey..."

"There were times when I wished they would just kill him. Times when I saw the amount of pain he was in and knew it would be a mercy. I knew they would never do it though," Lucas turned away and poked at a rock in the sand. "Then I would feel guilt over wanting him to just die. Just fall asleep and not ever wake up. I didn't really want him to die..."

Shan hugged Lucas and said, "There were times when I was praying that he would just stop breathing too. I knew it would be merciful. I felt the same guilt Lucas. But do we really want him to have to live through all that?"

Lucas shook his head once he gained control over himself again. He wiped his tears away, "I have to wonder... is the only reason he stayed alive was the hope that somehow we could escape? Now that they think we're dead, will he... slip away?"

For a long time William could not answer that. "His health isn't that great to begin with... Lucas, I don't want to raise or dash your hopes. But this is the situation: the Commodore and the Admiral have something planned. I have to get you back to the seaQuest, that much is clear. Hopefully before anything else happens."

Night fell and morning came.

Shan watched the younger man sleep and reflected on what it would take to get Lucas back to seaQuest. He needed transport out of Macronesia and that involved either a sub or some other ship. Lucas stirred and looked out to the water, "He's there."

Lucas looked over to Shan, "I can't see him."

"He probably went looking for food," Shan stood and wiped the sand out of his Macronesian uniform. "Which is not such a bad idea."

"Have any?"

"Just rations."

"I'll settle for that."

Shan sat down and passed Lucas part of the rations and they ate them in silence. "Ever read Lord of the Rings?" asked Lucas all of a sudden.

"Yeah, but in high school, why?" asked Shan.

"Well, there was a moment when Frodo Baggins asked Sam Gamgee what they had left for food. Sam looked in his pack and brought out two packages that the Elves had given them. He said, 'Look, Lamdis bread!'. The he brought out more of the same and said, 'And more lamdis bread!'. Evidently, elven or not, rations must have still tasted like cardboard," answered Lucas. "I was never that into Lord of the Rings."

Lucas laughed and Shan laughed with him, "Then why could you quote that?"

"I saw the movie."

Shan fell back laughing and Lucas laughed with him. "But I read the books too. Captain Bridger has this really old hardbound at his house. I mean it has to be as older than he is. I can't remember what date is in it though..."

"Does it have all three books in it?"

"Yeah."

"Holy shit, it's an original copy. Lucas, if you inherit that take good care of it. That one book is worth a fortune," Shan breathed. "Remind to go over the old man's library when we get back."

Shan and Lucas waded out to meet Darwin and soon had to swim to another island where Shan would try and procure a boat to at least get them out of Macronesian territory. UEO territory would be nice, but anywhere but Macronesia or Chaodai would be just as good.

Lucas pointed out the sailboat before Shan saw it. They walked down the dock, and Lucas hung back and out of sight as Shan negotiated with the owner. When they had shook hands and Shan gave Lucas the all clear, Lucas was on board and below deck in seconds. He found a few other refugees that were fleeing.

When Shan came down to join him, Lucas asked, "What did you pay him with?"

"Revenge," answered Shan. "This is his family, Lucas. The fact that your escape will hurt Bourne and Macronesia is enough for him. Not only that, I agreed to help him get amnesty with the UEO."

Lucas stayed below until Shan cleared him. When he came out all he could see was the warm tropical azure of the water and a near matching periwinkle sky. The small girl who had attached herself to Lucas during the trip followed him up and her eyes grew wide at the view. "Pretty incredible, huh?" asked Lucas.

"Pretty," she agreed. "I've never seen blue on blue until now."

"Never?"

She shook her head, "We always lived inland."

"I don't get to see this often either, but that's only because I work on a submarine," answered Lucas. "Sometimes you miss this though, as cool as that is."

The girl asked, "You never see the sun?"

"Once every three months or so," he answered and saw her horrified look. "For about a month leave. But we see it periodically in between. My work sometimes involves dives and trips to other places."

She nodded her understanding, "Do you ever get lonely on a submarine?"

He laughed, "I did at first when I was younger and had never been on a sub before.

I was there at least three months then I met Darwin."

"Who's Darwin?"

"A dolphin on board. He has these tubes you see, that run all through the ship that he can swim in so he can be a part of everything. And he can leave whenever he wants to, and come back," Lucas sighed. "It's been a few months since I last saw him, and when I did, he nearly chittered me to death."

She laughed at his impression of the dolphin that now swam beside the craft. "Speaking of whom," he pointed to the dolphin.

"Is that him?"

"Yeah, that's Darwin."

She lay herself flat on the deck and ran her arm down the side of the netting that ran between the hulls of the trimaran. Darwin sprayed her and she giggled. "Now I'm wet!"

"That means he likes you," answered Lucas.

"Does he follow you everywhere?"

"Nah, he has someone else to do that to..." Lucas trailed off.

She looked up with her eyes wide, "Who?"

"A friend of mine that found him," answered Lucas quietly. "Nathan Bridger. He, uh, when I needed someone to talk to he was the father I never really had."

"What happened to him?"

"He was captured by President Bourne. I haven't seen him since," Lucas went completely silent then unable to continue and he felt he small hand on his.

"Don't cry, Lucas," she said quietly. "Daddy says those Bourne takes away we will see again in Paradise."

He smiled and said, "If only that were so in his case."

September 3rd, 2033
Macronesia/South Atlantic Confederation border
Midnight, local time

"Tack hard to starboard," called Shan. "We'll catch that failing breeze and outrun them... barely."

The owner did as Shan ordered and the sailboat picked up speed. It would be close, but once over the border where the waiting ships of South Atlantic Confederation would stop the pursuing Macronesian ones from recapturing the sailboat. Gunshots raked the boat and Lucas saw the owner fall as he was caught in a barrage. Not even thinking Lucas grasped the helm and kept the boat on course.

Two seconds later the SACon ships closed the gap and the gunshots were on the other side. A smaller ship came up to the side and Shan called, "The captain requires immediate medical attention!"

An answering voice answered, "And to whom are we giving it?"

Lucas stood in clear sight and in the spot light and heard the same voice say, "Oh my God, it's Doctor Wolenczak."

PART THREE: The Death of Innocence

September 12th, 2033
seaQuest DSV wardroom
14:00 hours

The silence in the wardroom after Lucas and Shan finished relating the escape was almost deafening if silence had a sound. No one spoke. Finally Yamamoto cleared his throat and said, "It is amazing you lived to even tell us what happened, Dr. Wolenczak."

Finally Kristin Westphalen called an end to the meeting, "That's enough for today for him. They are both suffering from exhaustion, especially Lucas."

Admiral Hitchcock nodded her head, "A good idea. But we will need to speak further of this. Lucas, it's good to see you again. Rest up and recover. Lieutenant Shan, you are on limited leave as of now until Dr. Westphalen clears you. This meeting will be reconvened later this afternoon. Dismissed."

Some left, including Fredericks who followed Lucas and Westphalen. Hudson walked up to Robert and said, "That will greatly improve her mood to have him back."

Robert nodded in agreement. "I'll see about giving her a few days so she can spend them with Lucas."

Yamamoto walked over to him, "As unfortunate as is this, I must speak with Shan and Wolenczak. We must know what else we are walking into. What can we expect... they will know the answers, Commodore."

Sighing, Robert turned to Yamamoto, "I am as eager as you are to get this show on the road. But if we push Lucas too soon there is no telling what that will do, Colonel. From what it looks like from what they have told us your intelligence is correct."

"Yes but..."

"Not only that I have picked up on something you haven't," said Hudson to Yamamoto. "Whether they realize it or not, they just gave us the way into that prison that avoids the foot patrols."

Robert and Yamamoto turned to face Hudson, "What would that be?"

"The minefield is not as impregnable as we thought. Remember what Shan said when he told us that there are periodically a pod of dolphins or other sea life in that area?"

"The minefield was programmed to ignore them... Damn! That's our way in!" exclaimed Robert. "Oliver, that was brilliant."

"If the cliff is climbable..." Yamamoto started to point out.

"All faces are climbable," retorted Hudson. "If you don't think it's possible you don't belong in this man's navy."

Yamamoto fell silent. "Of course Captain. All faces are climbable."

Jason watched as the two captains left the wardroom, then he turned to face Katherine Hitchcock who was still going over the various reports that had been given her. "Admiral, as much as I admire Commodore Bridger and Captains Hudson, Ford and Montail, they are.... in my way."

Hitchcock looked up then with a quizzical look on her face and Jason closed the

door. "In what way, Colonel?"

"Hudson feels he can order me around when in the command structure we are technically equal. Bridger is... Bridger-ly uncooperative and suspicious," replied Jason and startled when she began to laugh. "I'm afraid I fail to see the humor, Admiral."

"That is a new one, 'Bridgerly'. I've got to remember that," she started

laughing again.

He stood there and then shook his head and continued, "Admiral, if Nathan Bridger had broken we are in serious trouble. I don't think we can risk that. I request that I be allowed to take the Shadow Warrior and investigate this prison with my team."

"Denied," came her answer. "I can't risk losing more good people. Did their escape sound too easy to you?"

He thought a moment, "Yes, it did. But stranger has happened in the field and if Macronesia is truly coming apart at the seams that is not too hard to believe. That is the very reason I wish to take only the Shadow. One ship of a generic class is easy to miss."

Standing and shaking her head she reiterated, "No, Colonel. And that is an order. When we go in, we go in as one team. I will not have all my ships running off in separate directions on a hunch."

He turned to say something and she held up her hand, "As accurate as your hunches may be for obvious reasons, Jason, no and no again. And I swear if I catch you disobeying this one your ass is grass, and it will find itself court-martialed."

He bowed slightly, "Very well, Admiral."

September 14th, 2033
Clinton
Macronesia Border

Hitchcock stared out at the choppy sea before her and across the invisible line that denoted the Macronesian border. A while more and she spoke into the ship wide speaker, "This is Admiral Hitchcock. We are at full stop at the North Pacific Confederation/Macronesia Border. In two minutes we cross it and are in enemy territory. Your full focus will be required. You have two minutes to contact any loved ones."

She turned to the bridge and said, "Get me the seaQuest."

The comtech punched a button and on the vidscreen she saw Krieg in the command chair. "Good morning, Commander."

"Good morning, Admiral," he answered. "It's time."

She nodded and cut the connection.

seaQuest DSV

Commodore Robert Bridger walked briskly past the clam doors and entered the bridge of the seaQuest DSV. "Captain on the bridge," called out Krieg.

"As you were," Robert saluted back and everyone went back to their duties. "Commander, what are we waiting for?"

"The Admiral is giving everyone two minutes to contact their family while still in NorPac waters, then we are heading into Macronesia," answered Krieg. "Have you talked to Cindy and Mike?"

"Yeah, just finished actually..." Robert suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

"Thinking about your father again?" asked Krieg.

Nodding, Robert said, "The strangeness of this. Twenty or thirty years ago my Dad always did the same thing when he probably headed into similar situations. My Mom wouldn't stop crying for days, but at that point I didn't really understand why. I hope I'm not putting Cindy through the same thing..."

For a moment, Ben appeared to think, and then he said, "Cindy will understand. This time the strike has been significantly more personal. You are going after your father. Think of how much worse it would be if you decided to sacrifice your father so that you wouldn't make her worry for awhile. This will be over and we will all go home."

"Now I think I know why we always made such a great team," Robert said. "You always were my confidence builder."

"Why do you think they made me your X-O?"

Lieutenant Mara Johansen turned around, "Sir, Admiral Hitchcock has given the clearance to cross the border."

Robert looked at the bridge and around at his crew, realizing that although in the past he had good crews, none could compare to this ship and what she brought out in the people who served on her. He sat in the command chair and took a breath, "All ahead full. Lead the charge."