CHAPTER 14

Dr. Jamieson had been busy sending and receiving messages over the last 12 hours. He had come up with a plan to help his captain, but knew he had a tough road ahead of him getting the young officer to agree to it. Not that Lee really had any choice, but it would be better if he willingly agreed. It would facilitate the recovery. The doctor also had to take into consideration the admiral's and XO's need to contribute to the healing process. It would not be easy on any of those involved. At least the admiral would have the gratification of having his hand in the plan. It was going to take some string pulling, and Admiral Harriman Nelson definitely had the clout to make it happen. Jamieson gathered his notes and made his way to Nelson's cabin to lay out the details.

He got to the room just as the steward was leaving with a half-eaten breakfast. Dobson held the door openand informed the doctor he had just delivered a fresh carafe of coffee. Harry looked up at the sound of voices.

"Come in, Will and pour yourself a cup. Have you checked on Lee this morning?"

"I managed to look into the room a couple of hours ago. He appeared to be peacefully sleeping."

Harry took a quick glance at his watch. "Two hours ago. Did you go to bed last night?"

"I needed to contact some specialists, and what with all the different time zones it was easier to take naps in between replies."

He decided to get right to the point. He knew from the past when it came to the young captain's well-being the admiral couldn't stand people pussyfooting around.

"Even though my colleagues have not examined Lee, since I have been his physician and been privy to numerous psychological traumas, they feel confident in their recommendation for a course of treatment. The final say so will belong to the actual doctor treating him, but we all concur there is a need for hospitalization. Without breaking any security regulations, I was able to inform them of what we knew so far about his mistreatment. They all are experts in the field of PTSD and the effects on the mind from torture and brainwashing.

"All four of us agree that the captain needs to be removed from any contact with the Institute. This includes members of the Seaview crew. I'm sure we don't have all the recordings of what the skipper was subject to, but I would guess most of the crew's voices would be on them. He needs to feel he's in a totally safe environment."

"But what about Chip? He's the only one Lee's been able to be in contact with. Won't it be more harmful to remove him?" What Harry didn't say, but they both knew he was thinking, what about me? He was practically Lee's father.

"Chip should accompany Lee to the clinic. He can help reassure Lee he hasn't been kidnapped again, that he is in a safe place. If you can spare him a little while longer, there are places he can stay close to the clinic where he could be on the spot if needed."

Nelson toyed with the papers on his desk, nervously ruffling the pages. "Can't I help in any way? Will, you know what he means to me."

"Don't worry, Harry, you play a big part. Dr. Freud - that's just a coincidence, there's no relation - has recommended the Dreyfus clinic. It is located near Ojai, so later on it would be quite accessible for visitation. It's not well known to the public but in certain circles is held in high regard. The clinic exists mainly for those in government or business. Because of their patient load clinic personnel have been carefully screened by numerous intelligence agencies. I'm recommending Dr. Eve Anderson to be Lee's attending physician. She specializes in psychological and stress-related cases."

"So what is this big part I'm playing? It seems you have everything all fixed up already."

"No, not quite. Not just anyone can be admitted. And we need to make sure Dr. Anderson is in charge of Lee's care, she's one of the best there is, especially if you want to keep it out of the spook community. So it will take someone, perhaps a retired four-star, Nobel Prize-winning admiral, to throw his weight around to arrange that."

"Do you have anyone specific in mind?" Harry laughed. "Who do I contact and when?"

Will knew that Harry, while staying out of Lee's view, would want to personally check out the medical facility that he was entrusting his son's care to. Will proceeded to lay out all the details. Everything was planned out, starting with the ambulance meeting them when they docked, and the unmarked Institute car that would carry Chip and himself to the clinic. After yesterday's debacle, the doctor was worried about Lee's reactions to what was to come. For him to be willingly sedated would take all of Chip's skills of persuasion.

Dr. Stillman, a world- renowned psychologist, had made some suggestions to Jamie for Lee's therapy over the next two days until they reached homeport. It would be important to keep trying to break through the terrors that held Lee's mind prisoner. The longer he stayed in his nightmare world, the chances for a full recovery diminished. A lot had been asked of Chip, and even more would be required. For someone not trained in psychiatry he was doing an exceptional job. Will was not surprised, the steadfast officer always managed to exceed what was required of him, without hesitation or need of praise. What he was going to be called upon to do over the next three days would surely test him.

Back in Sick Bay, Jamie adjusted the angle of the camera for better view, disliking what he was doing. He hated to violate Lee's, or for that matter, anyone's privacy. He was soon satisfied Lee was comfortable relying on Chip again with no after effects from yesterday's melt down. It was time to put the first part of the therapy in action. Picking up his phone, he buzzed the sick room. It looked like Chip tossed out a funny comment as he went to the wall to answer the page.

"Morton."

"Chip, you need to do exactly what I say. After you hang up continue talking with Lee, make sure he's feeling secure. Then tell him you are leaving for ten minutes to speak to me in my office. When he becomes upset, calm him down but be firm, you are leaving for ten minutes. You are not going anywhere else, only the office and back. You might offer to leave the door open if he wants."

"I don't know about this."

"Sorry, you have to do it. We've got to do more to assist him with his recovery, Chip. We can watch the monitor in my office and if he really freaks out you can go right back."

"Okay, I don't like it, but you're the doctor."

Sitting back down next to Lee, Chip finished the 'conversation' they were having and then brought up his leaving.

"Lee, I have to meet with Jamie for short while."

OKAY

"I'm meeting him in his office."

NO

"Yes, his office. Just for ten minutes."

NO NO

"I have to. Ten minutes, I promise. You want me to leave the door open?"

PLEASE NO

"Do you trust me?"

YES

"Then believe me when I say nothing will happen."

No answer. Lee's eyes were wide with fear.

"No one has attempted to hurt you since you returned."

U R HERE

"You know if they were determined, one man couldn't stand in the way."

Chip stood up and walked to the door with a sinking heart. I hope Jamie knows what he's doing. "I'll be back in 10 minutes, Lee, I promise. I'll leave the door open a little just in case. Keep an eye on the wall clock. Ten minutes." He was gone.

Chip didn't let Jamie say a word. "Why is it so important for me to leave him alone? Can't you see how scared he is?"

"We need to try to wean you away from him."

Jamie laid out plans for Lee's hospitalization while Chip's eyes never left the monitor. At five minutes, Lee was standing, head turning between clock and the door. Jamie continued on with what Chip had to do later in the day, part of the suggested therapy. With seven minutes gone, Lee took a couple hesitant steps towards the door and stopped. It seemed to Chip Lee was on the brink of hyperventilating. Jamie showed him the paper with some of the comments from the CD along with the true conversation. Lee made it to the door, pushed it open a little wider and stuck his head out, searching for his friend. Chip couldn't stand it any longer and grabbed the paper from the doctor and rushed to his buddy. He quickly folded the page and stuffed it in his pocket.

Once back in the room, Chip placed his arm around the trembling man's shoulders and gave him a quick hug. "See, told you I'd be right back and nothing would happen." Chip got Lee back into the chair then he squatted down next to Lee, waiting for the breathing to slow down. Lee had a sheepish grin on his face as he looked at his friend.

"I knew you could do it. Next time it will be a little easier. You just have to keep fighting the thoughts Decker placed in your head."

In his mind, Chip knew the doctors were right. He would not be able to be with Lee 24/7 once they reached Santa Barbara. The psychiatrists were trained and better suited to treat his brother, at least that's what his mind kept telling him. What his heart said was a different matter.

Over the next two days, Chip managed to leave Lee for short periods. At dinner last night, he had been able to stop being the food taster. However, Lee would still not let anyone else into the room. And worse, when Chip attempted to ask questions about what had happened with Decker, Lee shut down, withdrawing into himself. The blonde officer had been told to stop the interrogation if it brought forth any negative reactions.

On this last day, two things had to be accomplished. The first, trying to bring up the truth over the conversations on the CD. Chip had put this off since the first visit with Jamie. He hadn't wanted to push too hard, since he decided the separation issue was more important. The second, the need to explain about Lee's immediate medical care.

Now that the sores on the feet were improving, after breakfast both walked around the room several times, as they had done the last few days. Due to the other injuries, this was the only exercise available. Chip settled him down in the chair when he saw Lee starting to limp, the feet were still painful to walk on. It helped release some of the restlessness Lee was experiencing, so he kept pushing through the discomfort. Chip placed the laptop in front of him. In a calm voice he started.

"Lee, I want to discuss the CD Agent Gordon found."

NO

"Yes, Lee. We need to address this. Don't worry, I'm not going to play it again. Just listen to what I say, that's all I ask." I've got to get him to listen to the words spoken by someone else. Then he might listen to an explanation.

He waited for a response and finally was rewarded by a small nod. He read the hurtful words off a sheet of paper in an expressionless voice attempting to give little meaning to them.

"Should never have been given that command."

Lee's body stiffened at the words and his eyes tightly closed. When nothing more happened, Chip continued.

"The Admiral did say this, but not about you. Think about how he feels towards you, the special relationship you both have. You have to believe the truth - that he was speaking to Starke about Admiral Bernardi and his job at the Pentagon. He would never say these words to us, but we both know his feelings regarding politics over ability. Doesn't that make more sense than not wanting you on Seaview?"

Becoming agitated, Lee pressed his hands over his ears, shaking his head. Chip immediately stopped, grateful for the nonviolent reaction and that he was also able to finish the explanation. It wasn't much but it was an improvement. If he could just make a little crack in the wall Lee was hiding behind...

The hands came down as Lee staggered over to the bed. Having tried to help and been pushed away before, Chip let him get in by himself. He was allowed to cover the shivering body.

"You rest for a while. I'll wake you in time for lunch."

When he was sure Lee was asleep, Chip paid a fast visit to Jamie's office.

"At least he wasn't reaching for a gun this time. Do you think I made any real headway, Jamie?"

"He definitely responded in a more rational way. Doctor Stillman's suggestion seems to have proved successful. Hopefully Dr. Anderson can take your place as the neutral voice."

"He won't or can't listen to the tapes. You saw how he reacted to my saying them. I'm not sure he even took in the explanation."

"That will be the major key to Lee's recovery. Anderson needs to find the trigger to Lee's terror at hearing the recording. By the way, when are you planning on telling him about his stay at Dreyfus?"

"After dinner, I don't want him brooding about it for the whole day. Until then, I'm keeping things light. He's been happy hearing the ship's reports, he cares about what's happening."

After double-checking a few points with Jamie, Chip left, not wanting Lee to wake up alone.

Lee seemed to enjoy dinner even if Chip had to feed him the peach pie à la mode. Over their second cup of coffee Chip explained what was going to happen when Seaview arrived home.

"You've always wanted people to shoot from the hip, so here it comes. We have your therapy all set up when we get back to Santa Barbara."

WILSON

"I admit Doctor Wilson helped you after the People Republic brainwashed you but a couple sessions a week with him is not enough this time. You need to be in a controlled environment with round-the-clock supervision. Jamie has made arrangements to admit you to Dreyfus Clinic."

NOT LOCK ME UP

"We would never do that, just providing the help you need."

IN ASYLUM

Lee's eyes easily showed the panic he was feeling. Chip had to remain firm.

HELP ME

"Dr. Anderson has been highly recommended and the facility is very discreet. It looks more like a resort. There's even a tennis court and a putting green."

Lee held up his encased arms.

"I'm just thinking ahead, Lee. Your golf game could use a little work." Chip prayed a little humor would calm the situation. By the look on Lee's face as he slowly shook his head it gave him some hope. Chip continued discussing the arrangements.

"The ambulance will be dockside to immediately take you to the clinic. When you wake up I'll be by your bedside, I promise."

WAKE UP

"We thought sedating you would be the easiest way to get you out of the room and off Seaview." When Lee didn't argue with that, Chip said, "I'll follow you in the car. Dr. Anderson bent some of the rules and I'll be able to spend several hours with you over the next couple days."

CRAZY NO CHOICE

"Will you be sensible? No one is saying you're crazy or insane. This is the best thing for you, Lee. You have trusted me so far, just do it for a little longer."

Lee reluctantly typed YOU DO IT

"Jamie thought you would demand that. Okay, I'll give you the injection." Pausing for the moment, Chip made sure that Lee was looking straight at him before he continued. "I'm not going to lie to you. We anticipate an extended stay. You won't be able to pull your normal Sick Bay stuff. You'll get the physical and psychological help you need. Believe me when I say this is what you need, Lee. Have I ever been wrong?"

A small smile appeared and rapidly disappeared. Lee tossed down the pencil and ran his right hand back and forth through his hair in the familiar gesture, however this time the casted arm managed to really mess it up. A shoulder shrug told Chip he had made his point.

No more was said about Lee's hospitalization the rest of the evening. Chip managed to find a funny movie in the box of DVDs kept for Sick Bay patients. It seemed to help as Lee climbed in bed and soon drifted off to sleep without too much tossing and turning.

The next morning was hard. Lee was extremely anxious, only eating a couple bites of breakfasts. Chip repeatedly reassured him about the clinic. There were no padded cells or straitjackets. He would be free to wander the grounds. Even though that wasn't going to happen for a while, it seemed to comfort Lee.

Shortly before docking, Chip administered the sedation without any problem, and Lee fell peacefully asleep. As the stretcher moved through the deserted passageways Chip was glad he'd given the order to have the crew go ashore before moving Lee off the boat.

On the other hand, he should have known that the men under Lee's command would find a way to honor their commanding officer.

"ATTENTION! HAND, SALUTE!"

As the stretcher came through the hatch topside, Chief Sharkey bellowed the words and 110 men snapped to attention on the deck and saluted their captain as he left the boat. A fitting tribute to the man and officer they all held in the highest regard.

Admiral Nelson was standing at the brow. Chip halted and watched as the orderlies carried the stretcher across to the waiting ambulance, and then saluted and uttered the time honored words to Admiral Nelson. "Permission to go ashore, Admiral."

Returning the salute, Nelson said, "Permission granted." Dropping his arm, he took Chip's hand in a warm handshake, then let go and reached for a handkerchief in his pocket. "Sorry, damn allergies acting up this morning," he said as he daubed at his red-rimmed eyes. "Good luck, Commander Morton. Bring him back to us."

Nelson didn't have any allergies.

"I'll do my best, sir." Straightening up, he saluted the ensign and left the boat.