The Miracle of the Ellington

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Helen Keller

Chapter 3: Voices from the Past

Crane drew a deep breath as he cracked open the door of Nelson's cabin. Although he knew it was the most likely place to find help, it seemed wrong to enter when the admiral wasn't there. It was cool and dark inside and, to Lee's eyes, neater than it should have been. Nelson's desk was cleared except for a large manila envelope in the center with "Lee" written on it in Harry's scrawling script. The captain swallowed hard. It was as if Harry hadn't expected to return but knew Crane would come, seeking.

He flicked the light on and sat on the edge of the desk, unable to allow himself to settle into Nelson's chair. He turned the envelope over several times, half-afraid of what he'd find inside. Finally he opened it, drawing out a handful of papers and a yellowed newspaper clipping dated July 1944.

The headline on the clipping read "The Miracle of the Ellington." Below it there was a photo of Harry in his dress uniform, a sober expression on his face. Crane smiled a little at the seriousness of youth. Ensign Harriman Nelson, 18, the son of John Harriman Nelson and his wife, Elizabeth, of Boston, might be the luckiest young man in the Navy. Nelson, who served aboard the destroyer Ellington, was rescued last week after spending over twenty-four hours in the cold waters of the Atlantic. Ensign Nelson was disoriented when he was pulled to safety and was unable to explain how he had managed to survive on the open sea after falling out of a lifeboat. The doctor who treated him was amazed to find him in such good physical condition in spite of his ordeal.

Lee scanned the description of the deadly encounter between the destroyer and the U-boat, then read more carefully when Nelson was mentioned again: The precocious young officer graduated from high school at age sixteen and attended the Naval Academy at Annapolis for two years before receiving his commission on his eighteenth birthday. Nelson, now back in fighting form, is enjoying a well-deserved leave in Boston with his family before returning to active duty next month. Although he is unable to offer an explanation for his good fortune, I think it's safe to say the luck of his Irish ancestors runs in Harriman Nelson's veins. I imagine we'll be hearing more from this miraculous young man!

Crane sighed, knowing that by July 1944 John and Elizabeth Nelson didn't have much longer to live. Ensign Nelson, hopefully now resting comfortably in sickbay, couldn't know that, though. He wished his friend didn't have to lurch from one horrible event in his life to the next and profoundly hoped Harry savored every moment he had with his family.

Lee carefully laid the clipping aside and turned to the admiral's letter. Holding it as if it were a precious document, he began to read: Dear Lee, if you've found this, I can only assume a younger version of myself is aboard Seaview and I'm no longer with you. Crane sucked in his breath, feeling the words like a punch in his gut. I know you're upset and astounded by this bizarre turn of events. Believe me, I share your feelings.

I've included in this envelope a newspaper story that might reassure you and the statement I made to Commander Wilshire of ONI after I was rescued. My statement was in a restricted file, but I was able to obtain a copy. Rank does have its privileges! Lee smiled, almost able to hear Nelson's satisfied tone. I've enclosed a transcript—you might find it helpful.

It's important you understand this, Lee: I was completely truthful with Wilshire about my experiences. I wasn't trying to protect the future by lying about what happened on Seaview. At that time I remembered—and still do remember—very little. I think passing through the anomaly may have blurred my recollection, but I don't think you can rely on that alone. I imagine you will have to help me forget. I leave how to accomplish that to you, but I urge you not to let sympathy for me cloud your judgment. As you can see from the newspaper article, whatever you did caused me no lasting harm.

For many years I put the Ellington and the time I was missing at sea out of my mind. When we were given the mission to return to this area and investigate the anomaly, I began having dreams about being a young man walking the passageways of Seaview, afraid of being seen. Just when I got to the door of the circuit room, I'd wake up. I also dreamed I was lying on the FS-1, looking up at Seaview towering above me. Instead of feeling proud, I was filled with misgivings. After several nights of this, I became convinced there was a chance, at least, these dreams were real memories I'd pushed to the back of my mind. Lee shook his head, thinking how disturbed Nelson must have been by the realization. He wished the admiral had confided in him.

I found a psychiatrist who specializes in hypnotic therapy. With his help, I was able to remember more while I was awake. I remembered seeing Kurt and being afraid I was a prisoner on a U-boat. I also remembered Kowalski particularly—he was urging me to be brave. I wish I knew why! It's so frustrating to have only bits and pieces of my memories!

One thing I know for certain: it's imperative you put me back in the ocean, just as you found me, in twenty-four hours. The anomaly should occur again and transport me back to 1944. If that happens, there's a chance I'll return to you as I am now. However, it's possible I may not. I debated whether to accept this mission, but I don't dare change the past even to save my own life. I'm certain I was on Seaview, and your intervention was the only thing that allowed me to survive after I fell into the sea. If I have to die, I'd rather it be now, when I've enjoyed a rich life.

I prefer to be an optimist, though, so I won't say goodbye. Take care of yourself and the crew, look after Seaview, and don't be swayed from your duty. I'll see you tomorrow—Harry.

Crane felt a sob force its way up his throat and he crumpled the letter in his fist, holding it close to his heart. He stayed that way for a while, weeping alone in the silent cabin, then smoothed the letter out and placed it in his pocket.

Listlessly, he began flipping through the transcript of Harry's interview:

Cmdr. Wilshire: Ensign Nelson, do you swear to tell the complete truth in this statement for the Office of Naval Intelligence?

Nelson: I do.

Cmdr. Wilshire: Do you still claim you were a prisoner on a submarine on July 11, 1944?

Nelson: I'm not certain. I think I was held on a submarine.

Cmdr. Wilshire: Who was holding you prisoner?

Nelson: I believe they were Americans, sir. I'm not sure. There may have been a German, as well.

Cmdr. Wilshire: You don't seem very sure of anything, ensign. Did you hit your head against the lifeboat?

Nelson: No.

Cmdr. Wilshire: What did your captors do? Did they ask you questions?

Nelson: I don't think so, sir.

Cmdr. Wilshire: Why not?

Nelson: I don't know. Maybe they assumed I wouldn't know anything of interest.

Cmdr. Wilshire: Did you tell them we'd asked you to try to obtain Enigma code books, since those from the U-505 have proved so helpful?

Nelson: No, sir. They didn't mention Enigma, as far as I remember.

Cmdr. Wilshire: As far as you remember?

Nelson: Yes. I wish I could give a better answer.

Cmdr. Wilshire: I wish you could, too.

Nelson: I believe they were Americans, sir.

Cmdr. Wilshire: So you've said. Were you drugged?

Nelson: I don't remember.

Cmdr. Wilshire: You're aware no trace of drugs was found in your system when you were examined?

Nelson: Yes, sir.

Cmdr. Wilshire: What would you say if I told you there was no U-boat or American submarine activity in the area during the time you were adrift?

(Note that Ensign Nelson remained silent.)

Cmdr. Wilshire: Answer the question, ensign.

Nelson: I can't answer it, sir.

Cmdr. Wilshire: Is it possible you were delirious and imagined this encounter?

Nelson: I don't think I imagined it.

Cmdr. Wilshire: But is it possible you did?

Nelson: Yes, sir. Perhaps it's possible.

Cmdr. Wilshire: You did the right thing to report this, but I think your mind has played a trick on you. The Ellington was hell, son— you can be excused for some confusion in the aftermath. There's nothing to be gained from investigating further, though. I'm sorry, but there's simply no evidence to support your claims.

Nelson: I understand, sir. I just thought it was my duty…

Cmdr. Wilshire: It is always your duty to report, Nelson. Take a couple of weeks at home to rest. When your next assignment comes through, I'll be back in contact.

Crane stared at the document, rolling its contents over in his mind. He knew Nelson had worked for ONI in his younger days, but he felt a surge of resentment that they'd practically plucked his friend out of the cradle. Still, he supposed he shouldn't be surprised. The admiral was just the kind of young man ONI's recruiters would seek out.

He was profoundly grateful Harry had given him so many clues to the puzzle. Even though he'd had no choice, Lee hated the way he'd had to treat his young guest. Somehow, having the admiral's permission and forgiveness meant a lot. It was clear Harry's memory of the Seaview was impaired, and to Lee that could only mean one thing: As much as Jamie would protest, they would have to keep Nelson drugged with a sedative that would be out of his system before the Navy doctors could run any blood tests.

He re-read Harry's letter, wondering about the variety of memories he recounted. Some of the events had already taken place but some hadn't occurred yet. Crane frowned when the admiral wrote that he remembered Kowalski particularly and the crewman had urged him to be brave. Lee had specifically ordered Pat and Ski to keep their mouths shut. He wondered what the two of them had been up to while he was busy in Harry's cabin.

Shaking his head with regret, Crane made for the door, planning to go to sickbay and give Jamie his unwanted orders. He'd only taken a few steps when Seaview tilted suddenly, sending him to the floor. Warning sirens sounded throughout the boat.

Lee pulled himself up and grabbed the intercom before the boat lurched in the other direction. "Crane to control room! What's going on?"

"It's the anomaly again." Chip's voice was steady, but Crane could hear the strain in it. "I think you'd better get up here right away. It's worse this time and I'm getting reports of leaks across the lower level."

"Can you maneuver? Get us out of here?"

"Negative. The reactor's offline and there are shorts in the circuitry."

"I'm on my way!" All thoughts of Ensign Nelson fled from Lee's mind as he raced for the control room. Seaview was in trouble and that trumped all other concerns.