CHAPTER TEN:
Ascension
PART ONE: About Time
March 1st, 2034
seaQuest DSV
sea deck
17:00 hours
Nathan sat on the catwalk suspended above the moonpool lost in thought. Over a year ago he had promised Kristin Westphalen that he would marry her. Neither of them were in a hurry as things had to sort themselves out before he could marry her. But the events of the past months had made him think. Maybe it had something to do with delivering Wendy and Oliver's baby daughter Vanessa but he realized that no one had forever.
Oliver had left the Baycourt in Ben Krieg's hands and gone back to consulting on the mainland. Wendy was a devoted mother with a husband who worshiped the very ground she walked on. As it should be.
Lately Kristin had been giving him strange looks, as if to say it was their turn for some happiness. Yes, she was past the childbearing age but he decided it was time. Getting up he walked into his quarters and dug out the diamond ring he had bought those many months ago and walked to medbay. Kristin was just cleaning up her office and she turned to face him. "Nathan, what is it?" she asked upon seeing the look on his face.
He handed her the ring, "I figured it was time I gave you this."
She took it and tried it on. Granted it was not a perfect fit, but it was very close. He had guessed well at the size. She looked up at him wordlessly for a moment and then, "I wish I had something more... grateful to say. But it's about bloody time."
He grinned, shrugged, "I had a bit of a wake up call."
"In the form of something not two weeks old and by the name of Vanessa?" she asked.
Nathan nodded in confirmation. "How long did I promise to even marry you but never even produced that ring? A year? I'm very overdue. At least now I can marry you and know we had an engagement, no matter how short."
"We could always elope," she suggested.
"Ha, could you see Robert's reaction? Or Cynthia's. For that matter, Michael's? He would be extremely disappointed in not being able to be a ringbearer," he leaned on the desk. "So, now we have planning to do."
She smiled, "Yes, it would appear so."
Ensign Lucas Bridger stared at the diamond ring in shock, and glee. "He finally gave it to you?" he asked, looking up at Kristin Westphalen. "I was beginning to think he chickened out."
"Just how long has he had it?" she asked curiously.
"At least three months," answered Lucas and he scratched his palm where the skin was dry from the control yoke of the Specter. "I was thinking of asking Jess if she wanted to take the plunge, but I don't have the cash to pay for a ring yet. At least, not the one I want to give her."
"Don't get her one that will drown her should she fall in the moonpool," Kristin chided gently. "A simple ring is usually the best bet."
"They're the most expensive!" he defended. "I want a quality ring. Something you can pass along as an heirloom."
"How many generations?" chuckled Westphalen, then she look at her watch. "It's getting late. Good night Lucas."
"Good night, Kristin," Lucas waved her off and walked to Fredericks' quarters.
He found the door open and her clutching her head. Lucas rushed to her side and grasped her shoulders. "What's wrong, do you want me to get a doctor?"
She shook her head and then her face relaxed, "I'm fine. I'm fine. What did you want, Lucas?"
"Just chat for a bit before I went to bed," he answered as he helped her to her bunk.
They lay there and he could see that she was beginning to fall asleep. He slowly moved to get up and leave, but she murmured as she gripped him close, "Don't leave."
"Can I close the door at least?" he asked and she nodded.
Lucas slid out of her grasp long enough to close the hatch and, as an afterthought, spin the lock. He returned to where she half leaned on him and arranged the pillows so that he could be comfortable. Kicking of his shoes and drawing the blankets over her body he lay back. Freddie was using her index finger on his wrist, drawing little designs on it. "Have you seen Dr. Westphalen's new ring?" she asked.
How did I know she was going to ask that? Lucas grinned. "As a matter of fact, I have."
"I wouldn't be rushing you if I said I was thinking of asking you to find me one just like it?" she looked up at him.
Lucas scratched his head, "Actually, no, you wouldn't be. I was thinking the same thing. And I thought I would be rushing you."
She settled back down. "That's a relief."
"What is?"
"That we are both thinking on the same lines again. You want to give me a ring, and I want the ring," she began to laugh. "It's amazing."
He laughed, "We could be moving a bit slow if we are beginning to do that. Jess, I have to be honest. I love you. But I'm scared. The only memories I have of married life are not that great."
"Then use Nathan as your example," she said. "Look, I know you early life was not great, Lucas, but we both have to move on. You have a better example now. Granted, a slow moving and dense one at times when it comes to things like that, but look at his marriage before this one. There is an example of love. Could you imagine being married to someone for twenty-seven years and considering her untimely death too soon? Carol was his life. Now Kristin is. Use Nathan as your exemplar, and we will be just fine."
He smiled, and noticing how close her face was to his leaned forward slightly to kiss her on lips. "You're right of course."
As if she suddenly realized the proximity of him to her she leaned forward so that she could be taken as the aggressor. Lucas slid his hands up her backbone in half circles that made her shiver and she deepened the kiss. Her hands were working at the buttons of his uniform shirt and his at the zipper of her black military jumpsuit. She leaned into his, momentarily confounding his efforts as she took the khaki shirt off.
She leaned back and traced the formation of the muscle that had formed in the months of military training. Gone was the gangly teenager of the first tour, and even the second. In his place was the taut muscular young man who was no stranger to the crunches and the push-up. He was not muscle bound like the other men on the boat who looked like they were about to burst at the seams, but his muscles were lean, graceful, but yet powerful - this was how she liked her men and she licked her lips in anticipation.
The motion of her lips and tongue made his blue eyes darken to a very aroused deep sapphire, the color of the sky moments before the sun stained it fuschia at twilight. Sliding the white undershirt slowly off so she could see the chest that haunted her dreams at night and kept her warm at the same time.
Finally she pulled the shirt off and neatened the golden flax hair mussed by the motion. Oh yes, gone was the gangly teenager. This young man that how haunted her dreams and could make her hunt him aching with the need was lithe and powerful all at the same time. A mix that at mere sighting could make her ache.
As if sensing this, he neatly flipped her and pinned her to the bed, his mouth just under her ear, and she barely panted, "You give me a hickey and I'll shoot you."
This got no answer but he moved lower and soon both were swept away.
March 2nd, 2034
Pearl Harbor
Baycourt
Captain Benjamin Krieg watched as the last of the crew from the Nezamiah waved to him and went to their new assignments. Some were coming on board the Baycourt as new crew, some were also coming on board in order to be transferred to the seaQuest. Those he almost envied, sometimes wishing that time would spin backwards.
In the next surface berth was the Avenger and a few of the crew was even going there. He saw a familiar figure running to where he stood and he turned as she was in his arms, and her mouth on his in the deepest most passionate kiss he had ever had the honor of being caught up in. He did the only thing that should be done, he held her tightly to him and kissed her back. The kiss finally ended and she looked up at him, "Don't you ever scare me like that again!"
Ben grinned and hugged Lonnie Henderson. "I promise I'll try not to do that again," he said. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
She swallowed, "I asked for a transfer. If you're going to do stupid things then at least let me be close to you."
"Transfer?" Ben read the crew manifest of the Baycourt. She was listed as his new executive officer. Looking at the smiling face of someone he had yearned for, she nodded with a smile on her face. "I'm glad."
She saluted and he saluted her back and she stood beside him, in her proper place as his X-O. He greeted the new crew and she explained to them where to find things, and the schedule. She saluted again, and grabbed the clipboard, "I believe that's my job, sir."
He grinned and said, "Be my guest, Commander."
She entered the ship with the clipboard in hand and soon he heard her clear voice ringing out at the newest batch of crew. "Officers, your assignments are in the galley. Enlisted, your assignments are at that desk right there. Yeah, that one. In your assignment packets are where your new quarters are and a short profile of your new roommate, if applicable. Believe it or not we actually tried to pair people up with others they could get along with."
Some laughed at that, and she continued, "Those who haven't met Captain Krieg yet, you saw him on the way in. I'm the executive officer Lieutenant Commander Lorraine Henderson, formally of the Avenger, and before that I was the Chief Engineer of the seaQuest DSV. Now that you have the short of my history, I expect I'll be meeting most of you. Dismissed, find your assignments!"
Krieg smiled at his luck. What made a ship great was not the captain, though good leadership had everything to do with a ship being run right, it was the excellence of the executive officer that backed the captain up. Henderson showed all the hallmarks of being a truly great X-O. He hoped she remained the next tour, as well as the personal level of having her on board.
March 4th, 2034
Waikkiki, Hawaii
The Hudson's home
Chaos reigned today, and it was everything he could do to be the one stable thing in the storm of that living room. Vanessa was a colicky baby, and fussy. "Come on, Princess," he pleaded. "Mommy will be home soon. There, see, this isn't so bad."
He tested the warmth of the milk on the inside of his wrist, smiled as it was- finally- the right temperature. In between cries he managed to pop the nipple into her reluctant mouth. As if by magic she quieted and Oliver breathed a sigh of relief. At least one thing had gone right today as he surveyed the damage... or the mess of the living room and kitchen.
He sat down in the comfortable chair in the living room and leaned back to make the footrest come up. Not only was Vanessa fussy she was hungry and practically demolished the bottle in minutes. At least it seemed that way. The growth spurts were mind blowingly unbelievable. She had been so tiny when she had been born. At this rate she would be an armful by the end of the year.
Hearing the sound of a car coming into the driveway, he got up and let Vanessa finish the bottle. The little daily ritual of feed, burp, and put to bed was becoming very familiar to Hudson as, he grinned, it was Wendy who had to go to work everyday. He worked mostly from home in his home office beside the nursery. That was the miracle of modern technology. He could be in on staff meeting in Pearl and be in his boxers for all they knew. Not that he would. Life had not gotten that busy... yet.
Vanessa was yawning now, thankfully, and this would give Wendy a few hours of respite to relax from work before their lives became full again. Oliver thanked his lucky stars that he had not had a family like his sister.
Two years ago he not become Uncle to one child, but two, when Deanna gave birth to twins. That gene ran rampant in his family... Deanna was his younger sister by a mere two minutes. The fact that he was a twin, fraternal as it may be, and she had twins did not bode well for Wendy and Oliver. His own family could blossom if she quickened again...
Laying Vanessa in her crib and bringing the blankets up he sighed and leaned there for a moment after she fell asleep. He heard the front door open and close and the sound of grocery bags hitting the floor. Closing the nursery door he came down the stairs. Wendy looked up at him, "She asleep?"
"Yeah," he whispered as he picked up the grocery bags and walked into the kitchen. "I'll clean up after putting this away."
She walked into the living room and smiled, "How about we split this fifty-fifty. It's not so bad in here. It just looks like we have a baby in the house."
Oliver looked in the living, definitely not military regulation cleanliness anymore, but strewn with baby toys and other hints of the child that lived within. Seeing it in that eye, it didn't seem so bad. The toys gave it a homey look. There were no dirty diapers or spilled food. Even the empty bottles were already in the dishwasher. Going into the kitchen where the clean bottles were upside down in the draining mat, he began to put the groceries away. Wendy followed him in and grabbed a can of Pringles chips from one of the bags. "You know, I've heard that a man in the kitchen is sexy. I'd have to agree."
Tongue in cheek, Oliver turned around to face her, "We just had one and you want to try for another already?"
She leaned back and laughed. "Oh no, one is enough for now. Maybe later we can try to give Ness a little brother or sister-"
"Or both."
"Or both? Oh, yeah, you're a twin. That's genetic. Oh lord, if she had been a twin..."
"Nathan would have had a heart attack?"
Wendy looked at him open-mouthed in shock, and he began to laugh. She soon joined him and they were laughing in full a short while after. "Does your crew ever see this side of you?" she asked after she had gained control.
"I didn't even see this side of me before you happened," he answered, a little sadly. "You managed something that no one else did. Maybe Freddie suspected... but she didn't know."
"That reminds me. The seaQuest has two engagements to announce," she began and Oliver sat down opposite from her, the groceries all put away. "Nathan finally gave Kristin the ring he bought months ago. Then Lucas bought a very elegant, very expensive, platinum and diamond one for Freddie..."
Oliver had been about to put a chip into his mouth when he stopped in shock, "And I thought meeting crew from the seaQuest changed me! My God, if they are engaged she must have in Hell when Mr. Wolenczak was in Macronesia," he caught her look, "Sorry, I mean the young Mr. Bridger."
"Time passes for all of us and it waits for no one."
March 5th, 2034
somewhere in the Pacific Rim
Alexander Bourne could be patient when he wanted to be, but right now he wanted things done and over with so he could begin to rebuild as soon as possible and regain his former power. There were still areas in the world that required his strong hand leading them and he would not disappoint.
The only thing holding him back was that dratted seaQuest DSV and the now three Bridgers that were safely ensconced on it.
Bourne was by far not a stupid man either. He knew Vargas's mistake and would not repeat it. He knew that kidnapping a woman who could contact the very minds of others to alert them to dangers was no way to lure them into the open, nor was he some horrid monster that would hold a mother and her child hostage. No, no, he eschewed that tactic. If he did not no one would believe that he had their best interests at heart. However, there had to be someone out there that he could use...
He smiled, knowing the very person who could give him his answer, and she was on the seaQuest. If her subliminals could only be relied on for direct action he could even get her to do his dirty work for him but they only went so far.
Bourne sat at the computer and pushed the buttons that would activate the programming and then rubbed his hands together in anticipation. It was only a matter of time before his revenge would be complete, as well as ensuring that all loose ends were tied up. Wouldn't it be a bonus, Alex, if you could take out two birds with one stone? he grinned and then did his research.
He fairly chortled at his good fortune. The UEO mandate was about to expire, and McGath's term was ending. They would not only have to renew the mandate, but vote for a new Secretary-General. He went over the list of candidates and saw the name he was looking for. In fact, he saw two. One that made him grip the table in rage. How dare they nominate him! How utterly insulting. Bourne knew he could do a better job than he.
Two birds one stone, Alex, think!
He grinned when it came to him. The perfect way to not only collapse the UEO, but also rid him of the biggest thorn in his side.
The Watcher awoke and pushed herself up to a sitting position. Getting up she got dressed and walked to the engineering section. Seeing no one, not that they would question her, she sat at the console and began to type in the commands. Sliding the CD-ROM into the slot, she loaded the virus.
After the virus was loaded she took the CD-ROM and walked back to her quarters. After hiding the disk under a loose tile and making sure it would not be dislodged she lay back down and fell asleep.
March 6th, 2034
seaQuest DSV
shortly before first shift
The next morning, Lucas woke up to find Fredericks already up and massaging her temples. "What's wrong," he asked.
"Headache. Good thing I'm not on duty today," she answered.
He nodded and got dressed, "Unfortunately I am." He sighed, "We've been having so many problems lately it's not even funny. If I didn't know better I'd say it was a repeat of the computer problems in 2018."
"Are they that serious?" she asked.
"Yeah, they kinda are. But that doesn't stop there. There have been numerous loose screws and bolts. Someone in Dr. Bridger's team was nearly killed when a ceiling mounted light came down and landed into the moonpool. Nathan cut the power off fast enough so no one was electrocuted," Lucas finished dressing and clipped his name tags and rank bars on. "Things are getting more serious, and I don't think it's by accident anymore."
"You think someone is... sabotaging the seaQuest?" Fredericks sat up in bed. "My God, I have to check the Specters... If someone tampered with them..."
"Relax, hun, I already made sure that there is a security detail there."
She sighed a breath of relief and lay back down before getting up and dressing herself for the day as well, although in her civilian clothes. "Maybe Nathan would like some help today."
"You like working with him?"
"Yeah," she answered. "Did you know he could program a computer, or was it you who taught him how?"
Lucas looked at her strangely, and gathering by the look on his face that, no, he had not known Bridger was proficient with a computer. "No," he said. "Why?"
"Well, since you haven't been around to help him, he's been doing his own programs for his research," she answered. "Granted, it's only Visual Basic, but..."
He snorted. "Basic, ha, beginner's language. Still..." he shook his head. "I didn't even know he could do that. If he gets into a C variant, then I'll be surprised."
She laughed then and he left to go on duty. Fredericks closed the door after him and then clutched her head as another sharp pain lanced through it. Maybe I should see Dr. Westphalen instead, she thought then shook her head as it subsided. Nah, it's just a headache. Let the Aspirin take effect. If its still there then go see her.
Fredericks left her quarters, never noticing as the little flashing lights on her implant returned to normal.
PART TWO: Beautiful Day
March 6th, 2034
mid first shift
HR Clinton
Galley
Admiral Katherine Hitchcock sat at the table and watched as the crew moved around her. Deciding to take a day to herself had been a good idea. Devoid of the rank bars and name tag, the crew practically ignored her. Some due to the fact that they didn't know that an Admiral even sat in their very midst. She quietly drank her coffee as she listened to the various conversations, thankful that what little she heard about herself from them was mostly good. Sometimes she needed that boost of confidence.
A few came in a bit loud, saw her, lifted their eyebrows and then walked over the table, "Mind if we sit here?" the bolder one asked.
"By all means. No sense in a table going to waste," she said.
The three sat. They were new, just transferred from the Nezamiah likely, and fresh out of the academy. The younger woman asked her, "Been on the Clinton long?"
Katie restrained a laugh. Very new. "Awhile. What would you like to know?"
"Oh, nothing," she looked over slyly at the two young men. "These two have a bet on whether Admiral Hitchcock is actually from the seaQuest or not. I was wondering if you've met her...?"
Deciding to play a little out of character, she smiled and said, "Well, I've met her... And I heard rumors of the fact."
"Is she nice?" asked one of the young men. "Everyone seems like they work under a fair hand. Like..."
"Like Captain Montail?" she said, then smiled disarmingly. "She had us all fooled. There is no shame in admitting it. What of Ben... Captain Krieg?"
"Oh, he was cool too. We just didn't have long enough to really get used to him to know," answered the third, ah, ensigns all of them.
"That's good to know," Katie's face felt like it was going to crack from smiling so much, but it felt good to smile for once. "Krieg was always interesting."
They turned to her in surprise and she knew her mistake. "You know him?"
"I know... yes, I do," she said, then her smile widened. "What do you think of me, honestly?"
The young woman answered, "You're a lot nicer than many around here. Like work hasn't gotten to you yet and you're determined to stay..."
"Normal," finished the other.
"I'm glad you think so," she said. "I didn't catch your names..."
"Alyissa Cayman," answered the young woman. "I just got my ensign bars."
"Daniel Serrano," answered the one that had a tendency to finish Cayman's sentences.
"Milos Pernitz," came the third, the shier of the three.
"All Ensigns I see?" she said and they nodded. "I don't tend to stand on rank. I got used to that on the seaQuest when Captain Nathan Bridger commanded her. I'm Admiral Katherine Hitchcock."
They stood up so fast to salute that it caught the rest of the galley's attention. As if by magic, everyone realized it was her and was doing the same. "As you were," she called out. "I'm not in uniform, everyone. Pretend like I'm not here."
Everyone sat, including the three ensigns who were looking at her with some awe. "Jeez, I expected Lieutenant or even Commander, but I didn't expect that," said Ensign Serrano. "Sir."
"Enough of the 'sirs', I meant what I said," she lifted a brow and grinned again. "I figured it was fair since you told me your names. I'm off duty. Don't remind me of my rank when off duty."
"Got it," grinned Cayman. "So it wasn't a rumor that you were on seaQuest. It was true."
She nodded in answer. "The 2018-2019 tour. The very first tour under Bridger and the UEO. That was an experience I'll never forget," she said and for a moment was lost in the memories. She shook her head. "That boat got under my skin and will never leave."
"You know Captain Krieg, though, you said," asked Pernitz. "If you don't mind me asking, how?"
"I married him. No, we're not married anymore. It didn't work out. But we're friends."
"You have to be the coolest Admiral I've ever seen or heard about," said Cayman. "How do you do it?"
"I told myself once that I would never let the military swallow me whole. I would always be me whether they liked it or not. And if they didn't, I was good enough that any company would clamor to have me work for them. That worked," she laughed and leaned back in her chair. "I had to temper it not to get out of hand, but having the confidence helped. I learned from a pro."
"Krieg?" this from Serrano made her laugh harder.
"No, Nathan Bridger. He was not the captain I expected to meet. In fact, I met him the same way you just met me," she said, and saw their expectant faces, wanting to know more. "He was sitting at my station on the seaQuest, and to me he was just a tourist..."
For Katherine the hours seemed to melt away as she found herself talking to these ensigns, who thankfully had just come off duty and were in no hurry to go anywhere either.
March 7th, 2034
seaQuest DSV
sea deck
Nathan was cleaning up the dust that was left from an experiment. He grinned. Seeing the look on Kristin's face when the rock literally exploded in the hyperbaric chamber was hilarious. It was an excellent experiment, more done to impress the scientific board to get more funding that anything, but spectacular as well.
He sat down once he was finished and took a sip of his tea, something Kristin had got him into, and looked over the reports. One was a very official looking envelope on high quality paper bearing the UEO logo in one corner in photographic quality, no less. Breaking the seal he took out the even higher quality paper. Wow, they went all out on this one. Likely some sort of invitation to a gala or something stupid like- Nathan read the letter on the heavy weight photo-like paper.
It was a good thing he was sitting down.
Dear sir,
It is the decision of the senate that the nomination of the next Secretary-General of the United Earth Oceans was picked. The final vote is on March 21st, 2034. If you decided to accept the nomination, your presence is required.
The nominee of the position is Dr. Nathan Hale Bridger the current Chief Science Officer of the NorPac ship, seaQuest DSV 4600.
Congratulations on your nomination and remember that if you accept the nomination you must be at the Summit on March 20th, 2034, unless you send us a reason you cannot attend and still wish to accept. The other nominees running against you are President Akira Uenishi of NorPac, and Admiral Lena Yarrow of the United Kingdom.
Sincerely,
Rear-Admiral Marie Guennette
UEO liaison
South Atlantic Confederation.
Nathan could only stare at the letter in shock. They want me to be the next Secretary General? He shook his head and reread the letter. Nothing had changed about it at all. They indeed wanted him to. He was still shaking his head in shock when Fredericks came in. "What made you so happy?" she asked, looking at him funny.
He handed her the letter and watched her reaction as she finished reading it. She screamed in the sort of scream of delight and wrapped him in a huge hug. While he was surprised at her exuberance, he quite frankly was as pleased and flattered. "You're going to make a wonderful Secretary General!" she exclaimed then calmed down when she realized what she had just done. "Sir."
"I'm not the Secretary General yet. I've only been nominated," he stated, still a bit in shock and the full implications not quite sunk in yet. "In fact, I still haven't got over it yet."
"What are you going to tell Kristin?" she asked.
"What is he going to tell me?" they turned to face the Doctor.
Fredericks grinned, "Nathan has something amazing to tell you." She left them then and Kristin turned to face him.
"What is she talking about?"
Nathan handed her the letter and let her read it for herself. For the second time in a day, someone gave a whoop of joy and hugged him fiercely. "Mr. Secretary General," she said huskily, then her eyes widened. "That would mean that you have to leave the seaQuest."
"Yeah, it would. But that's not so bad. I would be in San Diego, or I could get them to move the Senate somewhere else," he sighed. "This would mean quite a few changes. Then again, I actually have to get voted in first."
Kristin sat down opposite him and said, "These changes... I think I can live with them. I cannot see anyone more suited to take that job than you. But I will miss the seaQuest."
"You automatically want to come with me?" he asked, amazed.
"Of course! The Secretary General needs his wife at his side."
"I'm not the Secretary General yet, Kristin. Hell, I'm not even sure if I want the job!" he leaned back in his chair. So many decisions... Ah hell," leaning forward as he shook his head. "Freddie will tell everyone and I'm going to have to accept at least the nomination."
"Nathan, it isn't a bad idea."
"What?"
"It's not a bad idea. Like I said, it's a job made for you."
"You've got to be joking."
"I'm not!" she exclaimed then leaned into his embrace. "So when are we going to take that plunge, Nathan? When do I get to call myself Mrs. Bridger?"
"When would you like to?"
"Yesterday, if you want to get technical," Kristin sighed and laid her head on his shoulder. "We have been engaged for how long?"
"A few days," he steeled himself for the half-playful punch coming, it hit him mid shoulder. "Okay, I said I'd marry you over a year ago. So I guess we should really think about wedding arrangements."
"It's about time!" she exclaimed, then pulled the wedding planner out that seemed like it was about to burst, and laughed at Nathan as he paled a little bit.
"How long have you had that?"
"Since last February," she answered and opened the part about the groom, which was surprisingly empty. "I figured you would want a say on what kind of wedding we were going to have, but I have some ideas. Big or small?"
"Small. Had a big wedding last time, and as fun as that was, I would rather a small intimate wedding," he answered. "Same with the reception, assuming we have one."
"Define small."
"Under forty people. I say that because I know there is going to be crew that want in on this. How about we see how many want to come, then go from there?" he suggested.
She thought a minute, "Good idea. My guess is a relaxed, non-formal wedding?"
"Please."
"How about a intimate wedding of under thirty and a bigger reception?" she suggested.
"That's good," he agreed. "Then we could get married on my island."
"Why not the seaQuest? It's where we met."
"Why not the very corridor where we met?" he drawled this out and she laughed, then he suggested: "Nah, not what I imagined. I see more a tropical getaway wedding. Then hold the receptions a few days later someplace else."
"Okay, we can go with that. But you could hold the reception there too."
"I have enough space for the wedding, not the reception."
"So we work on the wedding invitations and the reception's separately," and the rest of the day was spent on planning the wedding.
March 7th, 2034
Pearl Harbor
15:34
The HR Clinton slid into the docks gracefully and Admiral Katherine Hitchcock watched from an out of the way spot on the bridge. She had all the faith in the world that her crew would see them in without any problems but old habits were so very hard to break. And so she stood on the bridge while they docked.
Soon after the crew began to go ashore and Katherine watched them leave with a feeling of trepidation. The tour was getting so close to ending, and many of them would be moving on to other ships or positions. Some even were leaving the military altogether as their contracts ended. She smiled at that. Once she had thought of doing the same thing but decided not to.
When most of them had offloaded she walked down the ramp to the dock and looked up at the Clinton. So deeply was she in her thoughts she never noticed as a man came up to her and asked, "Are you Admiral Katherine Hitchcock?"
Whirling in surprised she answered, "Yes, I am."
"I have orders to give you this. It's about the UEO mandate renewal," he said, then saluted and then walked away.
Opening the letter she had to read it twice and then she was still in a state of disbelief, but also of great joy. "Captain," she called as the captain of the Clinton walked past her.
He came to a stop and saluted, "Yes, ma'am?"
"NorPac has agreed to let us return to our old duties in the UEO come the start of the new tour. We will have a multi-national crew again," she smiled. "And the seaQuest DSV will return to her role as a science vessel, the Avenger as Search and Rescue, the Baycourt as their support."
"That's good news," he said.
"It is. There is more... we are to escort Dr. Nathan Hale Bridger to the UEO Senate where he will run for the office of the Secretary General," she finished and the captain smiled.
"That's even better!" he saluted sharply and went about his business.
That was even better in Hitchcock's mind. His ascension was long overdue and it was only proper that he be in that position. If he wasn't voted in he was guaranteed at least an Ambassador's position. But that increased the dangers on his life, she knew. This was not going to be a popular decision on the UEO's part where it concerned both the former Macronesia and the Chaodai. Would those threats worsen upon Bridger gaining that office? She could only speculate, and hope that his leadership would lessen the threat.
PART THREE: The Watcher Awakes
March 12th, 2034
seaQuest DSV
En route to San Diego
Nathan really had no idea what was in store for him. By now the news had spread across the ship, and over to the Avenger and Baycourt. When the seaQuest had changed its course, they naturally want to know why. When they had been told, Ford's face looked like it might split in two his smile was so wide and heartfelt.
In the minds of the crew, Bridger was already the Secretary General and they were merely taking him to his office.
Add to it that all knew that Nathan and Kristin were to marry upon reaching the shore, and the plans were made, and the very atmosphere on board was snapping with electricity the excitement was so high.
Lucas and Fredericks decided to hold off so as not to steal any of the excitement of Bridger's wedding, and his nomination.
Nathan leaned back in his chair on the seaQuest, in his lab, to take a break from the eyestrain caused by squinting through a microscope. For him, until all these things came to pass, it was business as usual. The changes to the sea floor required him to help update the GIS on global access. Granted it was a boring part of his job, but a necessary part. If the map was inaccurate it would cause problems with navigation.
And so he mapped.
I'm a Geologist turned Geographicist, he mused. How utterly boring! After awhile someone, likely Lucas, helped him with the data gathering and loading into the computer. He looked up and saw that it wasn't Lucas at all but Colonel Jason Yamamoto. "When the Hell did you get here?" he asked.
"A few moments ago, Doctor," he said in the midst of a bow.
"I had no idea you were interested in Marine Geology," Nathan said.
"I am interested in a great many things, sir. You, for instance. When the other nominees are writing their acceptance speeches you are simply doing your job on the seaQuest. How humble..." he seemed to muse. "You are nothing like I expected."
"I get that a lot, Colonel. Now why are you here?"
"To protect you, of course," answered Yamamoto, a touch miffed. "It is my job to protect the Secretary General of the UEO."
"I'm not the Secretary General yet," Bridger rolled his eyes. "I may not be even voted in. So why worry about it?"
"Are you not? The vote was tallied, sir. You are required to be there to get sworn in," said Yamamoto and Bridger looked up, the shock plainly on his face. "Yes, I am very serious, Mr. Secretary General. Your life is in danger and I am assigned to you to make sure that danger does not come to pass."
"I can refuse..."
"Would you?"
Bridger thought a moment and sighed, knowing he would not refuse. "No. I wouldn't."
Yamamoto sat down and watched as the man returned to his ocean mapping, "I don't believe it... Tell a man he is the Secretary General and he simply goes back to doing his job."
"It must be done, and I don't have a replacement yet," said Bridger.
Jason mused on that. No wonder he was the new Secretary General. A man of science would ensure that peace would be sought out, but a man would know that things should be done and how to do them. If such a man had led them when seaQuest had been missing those ten years, many things would have been very different. Would Bourne had come to power? Possibly, but Macronesia would have never been allowed to gain as much power as it did. Nor Larry Deon...
But knowing what he did, Jason was going to be very alert to ensure Nathan Bridger's safety. Not all the moles had been exterminated, and Alexander Bourne, while brought low, was still at large.
So he sat his watch, then assigned his SEALs to follow Bridger and Westphalen.
Fredericks shook her head in confusion. This had to be the third time in a week she had simply woken up from sleepwalking.
March 17th, 2034
Outside of San Diego
2:30 pm, local time
If he was nervous of receiving the office of Secretary General, it didn't compare to the nervousness he now felt. Nathan was dressed in full dress uniform, his silver hair combed to as silver as it would get. Beside him stood his son, also in full dress uniform. Lucas could be seen outside of a tent in his new full dress uniform.
In fact, everyone who was in the military was in their full dress uniform. From where he stood he saw Crocker, Ben Krieg, Jonathan Ford and even his longtime friend William Noyce. No doubt Noyce had nominated him in the first place for the office of Secretary General. It wouldn't surprise him. Share the pain...
Some of the crew, namely Lonnie Henderson and Katherine Hitchcock, had decided against a dress uniform, and wore filmy dresses that clung to every curve. Finally he saw Wendy and Oliver arrive with a baby carrier over one arm on Oliver. Vanessa was undoubtably in attendance. In fact, the small grassy crest was fairly crowded. When all had arrived, Nathan nodded to Lucas, who disappeared into the tent.
A chord sounded and all stood to face the tent and Cynthia appeared first with Michael, who carried a box with the rings in them. She walked down the aisle, gave Nathan a kiss and Michael handed the box to his father Robert.
Then the crowd turned as Kristin came into view and Nathan found himself unable to breathe. Her simple, but elegant, white silk dress only came down to halfway above her knees and showed her legs. It was sleeveless. She only had a few strands of white pearls in her hair and some baby's breath woven into the coils it had been put up with. She wore no veil, instead she wore a translucent shawl over her shoulders that was a little longer than the dress. In her hands she held three calla lilies tied with a turquoise and gold ribbon.
As she walked down the aisle he was mesmerized by her. Finally she stood beside him and they faced the Justice of the Peace, neither really wanted a Priest so decided on the legal method.
It seemed to end in only a few short moments, and then the woman judge said, "By the State of California I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss your bride."
Nathan did so and Kristin threw her arms around his neck.
After they broke the kiss, the judge said, "I give you Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Bridger."
Amidst the instant cheering that went up, he heard a woman's voice that he had known since before Robert say in his ear, "It's about time Nathan."
He knew that it was Carol, and his own peace descended as he realized that his life had finally taken a turn for the better.
March 21st, 2034
San Diego, California
UEO Senate Chambers.
Nathan stood in front of the Senate chambers and saw his new wife of only days in the gallery of the chambers. Yamamoto had been very right. The vote had been tallied and the decision made before he had even received the letter notifying him of the open position. Now the... whatever she was that was going to swear him in... was before him with a legal book and the UEO mandate.
"I swear to uphold the mandate of the United Earth Oceans Organization. To promote peace and negotiate for it. If all fails I swear I will not hesitate to act in the best interests of all," that said, he was handed the new identification card.
The woman turned to face the audience, the television cameras, and the other Senate members who were all standing. "Under the international law, the new Secretary General of the United Earth Oceans Organizations, Nathan Bridger."
Finally everyone clapped and Nathan felt a sense of coming home, as well as the biggest weight he had ever felt descend on his shoulders.
None noticed in the pandemonium the lone figure making their way to the front.
Nathan tried to call them to order, then giving up he shouted, "Can we get down to business, people? We have a mandate to renew."
It was then they saw JJ Fredericks standing there with the gun in her hands, crying at the same time. "Jess, what are doing?" called Lucas in horror.
"Someone please stop me, it won't let me stop..." she pleaded.
It was then that McGath noticed the abnormal activity of the psych. implant, "My God, it's her implant, it's going nuts!"
Nathan finally grasped the severity of the situation, but there was literally no where to run. Looking over he saw Yamamoto pressing his way through the crowd. Thankfully, Fredericks was trying to fight the implant, trying to regain control. But she was losing. In the time gained, Yamamoto finally reached the podium and pushed her down as she pulled the trigger.
Bridger dropped to the ground.
A different type of pandemonium erupted, "The Secretary General has been assassinated!" shouted one delegate.
Panic ensued as everyone tried to exit at the same time. Nathan was aware of it, and stood, and revealed the grazed shoulder. "STOP!" he shouted.
Everyone stopped and Yamamoto sighed a breath of relief, but grunted as he was kneed in the groin. Fredericks struggled to stand, and seemingly torn from her lips, "Get the Captain out of here!"
Security swooped in, Yamamoto's people among them, and Nathan was taken away to safety.
Finally Fredericks stopped her efforts and Yamamoto dragged her to her feet, noticing that her implant had returned to normal. He didn't take any chances and had her cuffed and taken into custody. Hudson came to him, "What happened?"
"Her implant was compromised. We have to remove it," answered Yamamoto. "But I can bet who was responsible."
"Bourne."
March 22nd, 2034
Secretary General's office
San Diego
Secretary General Nathan Hale Bridger read the reports that were left over when McGath had left the position. And I thought being the captain was a lot of work. This is crazy! he thought as he leaned back in his chair. Lucas walked in and saluted, Nathan said, "That's really not necessary."
Lucas grinned and sat in one of the comfortable chairs in the spacious office. "Yeah, but I have to do at least once. Hey, this is much better than that cramped little office on the seaQuest you had. I think it's even bigger than the wardroom..."
"It is," answered Nathan, going through the paperwork again. "I measured."
"Jess had to have her implant removed..." Lucas was subdued. "She's okay... but I think she's nervous about how things will be."
"She's strong, Lucas. And you're there to support her. She'll be all right," he reassured him. "If she feels up to it, I'd like to see her."
March 23rd, 2034
seaQuest DSV
seadeck
noon
Lieutenant Jessica Jean Fredericks petted Darwin and thought about her life. How different would it be without the implant? She knew that it would take her a long time to get into a Specter again. Maybe, she grinned. I have been in and out of them so long that I feel funny not in one.
Lucas came in and said, "How are you doing?"
"I feel different, yet the same," she shook her head and looked up at him. "I may not be able to pilot anymore. Could you handle command of the Specters for awhile?"
"Yeah, but Dagwood is next in line, get him to do it," said Lucas.
She nodded in agreement. "Is the Secretary General upset?"
"Nah, he knows it was the implant and is concerned for your health. I think it scared him to think that they could be compromised more," he took a breath. "They have been recalled, or in the very least those who still have them put under closer watch."
"Good," she said, and she meant it. "I don't want it happening to anyone else."
Lucas leaned in, "I'm glad I have you back."
She kissed him and let him carry her away.