Chapter 8

Morning came too soon. He heard the rattling of the key in the door and rapidly finished the water. Crane was unceremoniously dragged out of the cell scraping his feet on the stone floor, and the blood left a trail. The two Tweedle brothers deposited him in the torture room. They bypassed the chair this time and strapped Lee down onto the exam table. Besides his wrists and ankles, a leather band was tightly placed over his waist, aggravating his damaged ribs.

Something new had been added to the room, a large screen TV was now facing him. This time Tweedledee inserted the needles in both arms. After starting the piggy backed IV at a very rapid rate, the guards gave the restraints a final tug leaving Lee alone in the now dark room. He didn't know what was coming. In their past encounters, the sadist had been merciless in the beatings but this was new, and more ominous.

He had no idea how long he was tied to the table, waiting for something to happen. waiting for something Suddenly there was an explosion of laughter and indistinguishable voices of men, women and children enjoying themselves.

Lee could not tell where the sounds were coming from. They were talking but the words were mumbled and hard to make out. More laughter, this time louder, and in different areas of the room. A short conversation began between two men. He recognized Simpson's voice but could not quite place the other.

"I'm having a great time, so easy when he's not around messing things up."

"I know what you mean, Bert; no one has to worry about their lives when the captain's gone."

The rest of what they were saying faded away to sounds of children playing coming from somewhere else. A group of unknown women was talking.

"Because of him, my husband will never see his boy grow up."

"He should be in prison for what he did."

"Don't worry, he's being punished now, the admiral is seeing to it."

All three started to laugh at this thought. Lee attempted to twist his head around, trying to locate where the voices were coming from but to no avail.

As quickly as the noise started, it stopped, leaving Lee in an eerie silence. The drug was making it difficult to tell reality from fantasy. Who were those women? What had he done to cause them to hate him? The admiral? He wanted Lee punished? Crane could not understand. After several long minutes of silence, the whole room erupted. Voices and merriment sounded all over the place. Lee again heard the men from yesterday, the same terrible thoughts repeatedly. The hateful sentiments they expressed were ringing in his ears. Men he had worked and lived closely with were staying they mistrusted him, wished him harm, even hated him.

No, this isn't true. I would die protecting these people. Why would they feel this way? I have to get to them, find out what I did wrong and make it right.

Other voices erupted, some he'd never heard before, and others he knew as members of Seaview, all saying disturbing things. Burke, who he had pulled out from a water-filled compartment, almost drowning in the attempt, was now blaming him for the accident that caused the flooding. Another crewman commented how everyone laughed at Crane behind his back, thought he was an incompetent fool. And the admiral's harsh words, "I have to get rid of him before he destroys everything."

Numerous voices rose in a chant of "yes, yes" and Nelson voice again, "I have to get rid of him." The crowd was cheering.

Suddenly the voices went away. Lee tried to see the people in the black corners of the chamber, needing to talk and reason with them.

"Who are you? Please talk to me. Let me explain, please. I don't understand why you hate me. I can't see anybody."

No one answered. Lee twisted his body trying to find anyone to speak to, he had to set things right. He pulled at the straps holding him down, but it was useless, only resulting in more pain from his damaged ribs.

Lee did not know how long before the door opened and Tweedledee returned and flipped the switch, nearly blinding him with the suddenness of the lights. The guard then replaced the empty IV bag and left without a word, turning off the lights again. He waited in silence for a long time before Decker and Alex entered. The maniac stood next to the exam table, Alex by the computer station.

"I have a surprise for you." Decker signaled Alex who started the video. "I know how you miss seeing your friends, well here they are."

Lee couldn't understand what he was seeing. Kowalski, Patterson, and Riley were on the screen. Weren't they just in the room?

The three men were facing Lee, appearing to speak with someone in the room. It was Ski who spoke first.

"We all agree, we wanted you to do it."

The German replied, his voice sounding like he was conversing with old friends. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, and make sure you do a good job."

"That's right Stu, he deserves everything he gets."

"Okay guys, I'm all set on this end. Tell me when to stop." Decker poured FW compound on Lee's chest right on top of the nipples, knowing it was the most sensitive part.

Lee jerked as his upper body went into spasm. Panting to get his breath back, Lee suddenly convulsed as Decker applied more of the oil to his right arm. His shouts of agony want unnoticed and his pleas ignored.

"That's what I'm talking about!" yelled Kowalski. "Let's see some more."

Decker obliged by applying a thin line on the other arm. Patterson urged Decker not to stop. Lee couldn't hold back and his screams and cries of pain echoed off the walls.

The men clapped their hands in appreciation. Riley yelled out, "keep going," the sound of applause and joyous laughter blocked out by the yells and screams from the prisoner.

With the severe jerking of the arms, the German checked the IV to ensure it was firmly in place, allowing the drug to continue to flow into Lee's body. By his actions so far, Crane was proving very susceptible to the drug's effects. This morning he had received a larger dose than yesterday, and Decker was just starting. He checked his watch, it was six minutes from the time he first poured the compound, now he used the neutralizing agent. He had realized the wisdom of using the burning agent for short durations of time.

He allowed Lee time to partially recover, his breathing slowly returning to normal.

"Drink this; I know you must be parched." Decker was once more playing his part. He held the water up to Lee. "I'm sorry to be doing this to you, but I accepted the job. These guys really hate you, don't they? I can't believe they want you to suffer so much. I pray you are never alone with any of them. Personally, I would be terrified. I'll try and get them to go a little easier on you."

"Tthh-ank you, I never knew they felt this way. I always trusted them to have my back,"
Lee stated in a dejected tone of voice.

"I'm the only one you can trust. I'll try and protect you as much as possible, but they're out for your blood. I'm sure you're horrified by what these men want to do to you."

During this conversation, the sound from the screen was muted, but now, as planned, the volume was turned up. Jamie had joined the group and supposedly addressed Decker.

"I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world. Glad I got here in time. Thank you, sir."

At the end of the doctor's words Decker had turned his back so his sadistic smile went unseen by Lee. The session was almost at the end, just a final consoling moment needed to be acted out. He took a cool, damp washcloth and wiped the drool and sweat off Crane's face.

"I'll take care of you. It's all over for now, Lee. You can relax." He lifted the glass of water to Lee's lips. "Drink some of this and take it easy. Just close your eyes, you're exhausted. You're safe for the moment. Those monsters can't get their claws into you yet."

He placed the cloth over the commander's eyes but Decker had no intention of letting him sleep. The stimulant was quickly injected. The two men left the room, switching off the lights leaving Lee in darkness once more. Loud laughter filled the room. Then the voices, those dreadful, horrifying voices of men Lee feared, started all over again. He didn't bother to try and see where they were. He didn't care, it didn't make any difference, all the people he thought were loyal to him wanted him maimed or dead. As long as Decker was around to protect him from being killed by his treacherous former friends, he knew he would survive another day.

Alex and Decker made their way down the corridor and up a flight of stairs coming to a stop at what appeared to be a dead end. A lever was pulled and the false wall swung open, allowing access to the main floor. Decker closed the wall, which appeared from this side to be the wreckage of fallen stones from a decaying castle. The hanging tapestry concealing the panel was pushed aside. They were met by Frederick, with a tray holding two glasses of wine, just like a proper butler.

"I have a light lunch set out in the living room, sir. I assumed you would want some refreshment after all your hard work."

The men continued to walk as they talked. "Thank you. Has anyone been nosing around?"

"No sir, not here or in town. I was there earlier to pick up the roast for dinner and there wasn't any gossip. A few tourists but none of them being inquisitive."

"Good, any news from Karl?"

Frederick pulled out a chair for his boss and refilled his wine glass.

"He's safely back in Poland. He was pleased to make it in time for his daughter's sixth birthday."

"I hope we sent her a present."

"I took care of it, a lovely doll I'm sure she'll love."

Frederick served the food and left after being assured nothing further was needed.

After eating in silence for a few moments, Alex spoke up.

"Are we still planning on two more sessions today, Wilhelm? Are there any changes you want made?"

"This afternoon we'll stay on script, just be alert to my signals. I might need you to adjust the volume. During this evening, I'll need more variety of voices. I need different crew members, spectators from the game, whatever you have. I'll admit, even with what we're doing to him, Crane has seemed very susceptible to the brainwashing. I think perhaps he's recovering from an illness or injury, that's the most logical explanation."

"No problem. Tompkins gave us plenty to work with. Their speeches have already been manipulated. I'll make sure to include them."

"Tompkins, Boris and you will be receiving a bonus for this job. You all did excellent work."

"I'm surprised how well Crane is responding, after all you told me about him."

"It's all thanks to this new drug he's receiving. I greatly increased the dose today. Hearing and seeing his shipmates wasn't enough, but enduring all that pain, it reinforced what Crane thought he was experiencing because of his 'trustworthy' friends. One or the other would work by themselves over a long period. This drug has an accumulative affect but will eventually wear off. In two weeks' time, our visitor will be so conditioned he'll fear for his life and be petrified being anywhere near his friends, plus everyone else if I have enough time." Decker chuckled, "That is, if he's rational enough to form a coherent thought when I'm through with him. By the way, how long is the recording set to play?"

"I've already added a few different voices that you haven't heard today. There's ninety minutes of tape, then repeats. Once that's completed, at non-regular intervals, I have key words like 'incompetence', 'kill us all', 'big mistake', 'a disgrace', that will break the silence. I can easily queue it up to repeat the ninety minutes if you require more time."

Decker smiled. "Alex, you are a very resourceful man."

"All in a good cause, sir."

They'd finished the food and sat back to enjoy their cigars. The butler returned to collect the dishes.

"Frederick, this evening I will want you to call and have Johan go to Bitburg tomorrow to look around. See what thepolizeiare doing. Seaview is still several days away but there might be an ONI operative sneaking around, but I doubt it. From my dealings with them, they tend to leave agents out to dry."

"Should he pay a visit to Heinrich? I believe he came home yesterday."

"It depends what he finds out from his source at the police station. Have him check in with you first. The less contact, the safer Heinrich is, he's the most visible of the team."

"Yes, sir. I'm planning dinner for seven if that's acceptable with you."

"Perfect, Alex and Boris will be dining with me. We have some late-night fun in store for us. Prepare something light for our friend downstairs. I must keep up the pretense and caring about his well-being. He should be able to keep food down if he's served around five."

The two men returned for the second go-around. At first Lee was unaware of their presence. Decker replaced the empty IV, adjusting it to a slower rate. Looking at a helpless man, he saw Lee was staring at the ceiling unresponsive to what was occurring in the room. Decker slapped Lee's cheek attempting to bring him out of the trance-like state. The drug and recordings had accomplished more than he had hoped for. He lightly struck Lee's face a couple more times.

"Come on, buddy boy. It's time for your next treatment. All your shipmates are anxious to see you in action." Lee started to respond to Decker's voice. "That's it. The admirals don't like being made to wait. You don't want to get them madder at you then they are already."

Decker decided to inject a small amount of stimulant to fully bring Lee around. Then, at the signal, Alex started the video. Decker was pleased how many times Tompkins was able to film face-on, making it appear the person was speaking directly to someone in the room.

The other admiral was speaking. "He wouldn't have lasted in my command. He's ineffective and indecisive. I'm amazed his men never threw him overboard, not that I condone mutiny. He's a disgrace to the uniform." Starke continued in a slightly different tone. "You have to get rid of him."

"Jiggs, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I don't know what I was thinking putting the boy in that position. Only thing to do is to replace him, it was a mistake of judgment on my part. Thankfully it hasn't hurt us."

"Admiral, whatever I've done wrong, I'm sorry," Lee yelled out at the screen. "Please sir, tell me how to fix this."

Both admirals shook their heads, "It's not too late to correct what has been done. I've never experienced such anger towards one man. Well, we all know what has to be done."

Alex had known what was going to be said and froze the video when Crane started to speak. He couldn't believe how lucky it was Nelson's words seemed to answer the man's pleas. Now it was Decker's timeto step in. He had been standing to the side, pleased the illusion was working so well.

"Yes, Admiral Nelson, I'm ready to follow the orders you issued me earlier."

The tech cut off the audio, leaving the image of both officers nodding their heads in supposed agreement to Decker's comment. Decker had already put on the protective gloves and was now approaching Lee with the open vial of the FW compound. It was poured down both legs this time. The skin rapidly absorbed the oil-like substance and in Crane's weakened state, the pain escalated to intolerable in no time. Lee didn't try to hold back his yelling. His entire body convulsed from the pain as the burning spread deeper and deeper.

Alex saw the signal and increased the volume as the video continued on. He wasn't sure how much Crane was aware of considering the excruciating agony he was in, but his subconscious was processing it. Decker had planned on a ten-minute period of burning before neutralizing the compound. The technician saw him ready another injection of the stimulant, Crane would soon be at the point of blacking out.

All through Lee's torment, the men of Seaview were repeating what have been heard earlier, plus Alex had added some new voices, all saying vile things. Finally, the ten terrible minutes were over and Decker was dousing the burning skin with the cooling lotion. Even after the pain stopped, Crane's body was still shaking from the memory of feeling as if he was being burned alive.

"Easy Lee, it's all over now. Just try and breathe normally." Decker once more washed Lee's tear stained face and when he was able to swallow, held water to his lips.

During Decker's tender care, the sounds on the screen continued.

"I'm glad I saw that. Made my day seeing he got what he deserved." John, the corpsman, was smiling.

Decker again stepped out of Lee's view so he would receive the full impact from the video. A very pretty dark haired woman was speaking to an equally attractive blonde.

"Don't you just hate it when he comes strutting into the office. I have a hard time keeping from laughing out loud."

"Well, we have to put up with it; he is an officer - but no gentleman if you ask me."

Insults after insults were spoken, along with threats and wishes for bodily harm as Alex did a fade out of the film.

"Time for you to return to your cell. The guards need to help you; your legs are too weak and sore. I'm sorry to say your arm will be burning from the prolonged exposure of the IV drug. Trying to keep it still will help the pain."

Tweedledee and Tweedledum arrived and released the straps. Even without Decker's suggestive words, Lee would have had trouble standing due to being restrained for a long period. The sores on his soles continued to hamper his walking. The guards dragged him backwards so he continued staring at the room where he had been tortured. The pulling of his soles on the rough stone floor cause even more damage to his feet.

The prison door was already wide open. The two guards had no trouble maneuvering Crane into the small room. In his dazed and exhausted state, Lee did manage to notice a couple of changes. During his absence, the straw mattress had been replaced by a cot complete with a relatively clean blanket and pillow. Placed on the new bed was an unopened large bottle of water. Following their orders, the two men use some care setting Lee down on the cot. One of them even broke the seal when he saw their prisoner was having difficulty opening the bottle. They left the man on the bed drinking his water. They exited the room leaving the door open, waiting to see what would happen.

Lee took several large gulps of water then curled up in a fetal position, closing his eyes. His mind was so scrambled he didn't know what to think. His supposed friends and crew were causing him pain and ordering him kept prisoner, while his past enemy was showing him kindness and comfort. Maybe he was safer staying closer to his 'enemy' than letting his pals get their hands on him. Everything around him was feeling surreal, as if he was in a fantasy story. Perhaps that's why he named the guards as he did. His last conscious thought was of Alice going down the rabbit hole.

Lee's sleep filled with dreams, this time ones having pleasant endings. The first, Lee was in danger;someone waschasing him through the jungle, shooting at him. He felt the sting of the bullet as it entered his right side. Trying to staunch the bleeding with pressure from his hand he continued to zigzag through the dense foliage. Finally, he stumbled into a clearing. A man was running towards him, yelling. Lee was afraid. The man reached him, putting an arm around his waist to help him stand, telling him he was all right now, he was safe. Lee looked at the face of the blond man, seeing only compassion in the blue eyes; a sense of serenity washed over him.

The pain in his side brought Lee out of his sleep. Instinctively he touched his side and knew there was no gunshot, just ribs badly bruised from the beatings. He reached for the water bottle and took a couple of gulps, easing himself to a better position on the cot, taking the pressure off his side. The burning sensation fromthe IV drug was still there, but it was negligible, andsoon he drifted off to sleep.

Sometime later Lee found himself again strapped to the chair with the IV stuck into his arm. The conditioning went the same way as the others except this time it lasted longer and introduced several new faces and voices. Lee didn't try to deny what was being said, too disheartened to fight the devastating words. When the ordeal was over, the guards had to half pull, half carry him back to his cell. He could still hear in his mind his own screams from the inconceivable pain he had experienced.

Decker's words of caution ran through his head.

If you see one of those men, run or hide. You have a real reason to be terrified of what they plan to do. Don't trust any words of friendship they offer. You heard and saw what they truly feel. You're smart to be scared of them. Your reaction will be to panic and beg them not to hurt you, but they have no compassion for you. You have to get away, if the doctor gets near you, you're dead. In seconds the restraints will hold your body down, and the hypo of poison will beinches away.

Lee propped himself up, leaning against the wall. When was this going to end? He had withstood torture before but this was meaningless punishment. When being brutalized for information you have some reason to resist, but this was senseless. How do you fight against all those people hating you? Was there no one left except Decker on his side? His head drooped as the exhaustion took hold. Even the pain his body was experiencing could not prevent his eyes closing.

He felt the muddy ground give way under his feet as the edge of the cliff crumbled. Trying frantically to grab something to stop the slide down the hill, he managed to hook an exposed tree root with his hand just as he heard his name called.

"Lee, where are you? Lee, answer me."

"Down here, be careful, the ledge isn't safe."

"Damn it, hang on, bro! I told you we'd need the rope. I'm going to tie it to a tree, so just hang on."

"'Bout the only thing I can do, Chip."

A few minutes later Chip, rope braced behind his back, was leaning over the edge.

"Okay, here comes." He tossed down the loose end.

It was difficult but Lee managed to crawl his way back up with Chip half pulling him. Finally Chip hauled him over the rim and both collapsed, exhausted.

"Thanks."

"Hey, I wasn't about to explain to my mom why I was the only one of us to come back from the camping trip. Next time, when I say stay together, would you please listen?"

"Stop acting like my big brother. I can take care of myself." Lee grinned a little sheepishly as he continued, "With a helping hand from my friend, that is."

Chip helped Lee to his feet.

"Come on, let's get you back to the cabin and see what new bruises you've added to your collection."

Lee smiled in his slumber. He stirred just enough to slide down onto the bunk and fell into a deeper sleep. Unfortunately, the happy thoughts from the dream were soon pushed aside by a nightmare. The admiral and others were holding him down. Jamie had something sharp in his hand. When he fought to escape, his arms and legs were tied. He couldn't understand what they were saying but the men kept a tight hold on him as Jamie advanced closer and closer with the object.

He awoke with a yell, as much of a yell as his sore throat could allow. His voice was hoarse from the earlier screaming. He felt ashamed. He should have been able to resist crying out butthe burning would not let up until Decker applied the antidote. Each time he thought it wouldn't get any worse and each time it did, the inferno lasting longer and longer. How much more did those men want to do to him? Lee heard them say over and over again they wanted him dead. The question now was how soon would they be coming for him, and what method had been chosen?