Lee sat motionless propped against the far wall desperately trying to avoid drawing its attention and discovering what he had found. His ears rang with the sound of Kendal's screams each reaching a greater crescendo as it increased the punishment it meted out against her. He cursed himself for not coming to her aid but a move before Keeper made his play would condemn them all.
Time did seem to stand still as Lee waited for the sign that Keeper was in the house. Just as he came to the decision to grab the power stone and move in hopes of getting it to stop tormenting Kendal her screams suddenly stopped replaced by quiet sobs as she lay in ball on the floor.
It suddenly roared loudly in rage, the sound echoing across the room rattling Lee's teeth. It spun around rapidly looking for something Lee couldn't see and then it finally froze, its gaze fixed on the wall opposite the lights. He let loose the smallest of smiles and quietly said, "They're heeerrreee."
Recognizing this as his signal Lee forced himself to his feet and snatched up the power stone. It was roughly the length and width of a football only flat and coated with a slimy film making it difficult to hold on to. Afraid that he might drop it, he quickly wedged the stone under the elasticized bandaged that tightly hugged his chest. He pushed off from the wall and started running across the room towards Kendal as best he could. His meeting with the wall had given him a doozy of a concussion and the room in front of him threatened to spin out from under his feet at any moment. Finally reaching her side he knelt down and tried to rouse her.
"Kendal, Kendal, you have to get up now, it's time to go," he implored quietly.
She moaned and curled even tighter into a protective ball. Her eyes were wide and unfocused as she keened quietly between sobs.
"Come on Kendal we need to get moving if we want to escape," he said shaking her gently.
She remained unmoved and he knew that he would have to carry her to the portal if he was going to get her out. He carefully wedged his arms beneath her and slowly pushed to his feet. As he strained to lift her he felt something shift in his chest and he experienced a sudden stabbing pain and shortness of breath.
"Damn," was all he said as he realized he most likely had punctured a lung. He staggered slowly across the floor with his load until he finally reached the wall. He strained to see the green lights and pick out the ropes that the admiral was supposed to lower down to them. Try as he might he just couldn't spot them. He began to pace along the wall trying to think if he had missed any instructions the admiral had given when suddenly he tripped over something and fell hard to the floor.
Groaning in pain, he carefully disentangled himself from Kendal and looked behind him to see what he had tripped him. A wave of relief washed over him as he spotted the coiled rope and backpack lying on the ground. He crawled on his knees over to the rope grabbed the backpack unzipped it and found two harnesses inside.
He quickly withdrew the harnesses and returned to Kendal's side. Still catatonic Lee placed the harness around her chest, waist and legs and buckled it shut. Once that was done he donned his own then dragged Kendal over to the rope. He rapidly threaded the rope through the harness then tugged hard three times. Next he slipped the power stone out from his bandages and placed it in the backpack and secured that to her harness. He bent down carefully picking her up and waited for the slack to be removed from the line as his men hoisted her to safety. All the while he continually monitored it as it roared and raged at Keeper hoping it wouldn't turn around notice their escape and attack them.
It seemed like hours before the rope finally became taut and he watched Kendal rise quickly up the wall towards the portal. Once she was well on her way Lee clipped onto the other rope and then tugged signaling his readiness to leave.
()()()()()
As it tormented and tortured the human, it suddenly became aware of another presence around it. Something was drawing the planets in this solar system back into their original orbits and draining its power as it did; there was only one thing that could possibly exercise that much control. Distracted by this change it turned its attention to the outside and searched the stars leaving Kendal alone. It roared in outrage as it detected Keeper and knew that its plans to escape had somehow come to light.
'The humans, it had to be the damn humans,' it fumed. They had somehow alerted its nemesis about its activities and asked it to intervene. Furious, it shot a bolt of energy through the core causing the tectonic plates to shift radically generating a monstrous earthquake centered in the trench above. They would all pay for this. As the earth trembled Devil collapsed the force field around Crane's vessel to let the pressures of the deep dispatch those aboard.
Keeper returned its volley with one of its own and Devil screamed out in pain as the bolt ricocheted around its prison slicing through its corpulent body. Devil turned and moved to where it kept its power stone, it would not give up all it had achieved without a fight. As it reached its hiding place it immediately noticed the stone was gone. It roared out again in absolute fury and scanned the room for Crane. It looked to where it had left the other and noticed she was no longer there, there was only one place they could go and it spun round rapidly facing the lights.
As it looked towards the lights it noticed one of its prisoners being pulled through the portal, back to the outside world. Looking down the wall it noticed the other had yet to make its escape; it had to be Crane he was chivalrous to a fault and would send his companion first. As Crane was being hauled up towards the light it let loose a bolt of energy striking him and severing his rope. He plummeted back to the floor and laid there unmoving stunned by the sudden impact.
()()()()()
All hell had seemed to break loose following the XO's warning to rig for turbulence. As forecasted by Keeper, Devil struck out at the earth generating a 9.0 earthquake centered right beneath the boat. The resulting shock waves nearly barrel rolled Seaview as she swung frantically from side to side like a carnival ride in the turbulence. Everyone aboard had managed to strap themselves in so damage to personnel was minimal, the real concern was the condition of the boat.
Following the quake there was a sudden extreme change in pressure as the force field around them had been whisked away. Seaview groaned and creaked as several plates began to bend and fold under the strain, and then just as they were certain the boat would collapse under the weight of the water around them, the pressure just as suddenly abated. Nelson looked over to Keeper and nodded his thanks realizing that Devil's force field had been collapsed and as promised Keeper had stepped in to replace it.
As the turbulence passed Harri grabbed the mic. "Sharkey any sign of the captain or Kendal yet?"
"Yes sir, they've got action on the lines in Guest Cabin 1."
"Copy that. Keep all lines attended until we have everyone aboard," Harri replied. "I'll be right there."
Harri bolted from his cabin and ran down to Guest Cabin 1 to be there when they pulled his people through. He arrived just in time to see Kendal eased through the mirror. She was quite obviously catatonic not reacting in the least as she was pulled through the mirror and laid carefully down on the waiting stretcher. The corpsmen quickly rushed her out of the room and down to sick bay so they would be ready to collect the skipper when he came through.
Nelson watched in anxious anticipation as the recovery team began hauling Lee's line in pulling him to safety. Suddenly to the horror of them all the line shook violently then went slack sending the crewmen backwards into the bulkhead. They recovered quickly and pulled on their rope as fast as they could only to find a burnt and frayed end as it slipped through the mirror.
"Shit," exclaimed Nelson. He immediately grabbed the mic on the cabin wall. "Sharkey the line the captain was on snapped, make sure your team is ready to start hauling as soon as you get a sign he's there."
"Aye sir we're standing by. Sir did you get Kendal?" Sharkey asked.
"Affirmative, we only have to worry about getting the skipper back aboard. Stay sharp, I'm on my way up." Harri replied then shipped the mic and headed for officer's country.
As Harri entered Lee's cabin he was startled to see Keeper there waiting for him. "Nelson, you need to contact Crane get him up and moving towards the other rope. Devil managed to attack him as he was being hauled up and severed his rope. He's stunned and dazed but not unconscious, call to your son focus him on finding the other rope. He sent the stone through with Ferguson so I have that and I can now take steps to seal Devil in forever. I'm giving you this one chance to save him as he has saved all on your planet and to honor my promise and commitment to you. I will launch another attack to draw its attention; get moving time is short."
()()()()()
Lee arched his back in agony as the bolt of energy made contact and severed his rope. He felt himself falling helplessly back into the pit of despair. The one thought that gave him any relief was that Kendal had made it through with the stone and all those he loved and cherished would be safe; his life was a small enough price to pay to protect them.
As he laid there on the floor he heard it approach, it was breathing heavily its fury and rage nearly palpable. He knew its anger would be unchecked and steeled himself for the first of many blows he was certain would come. This would be his penance for allowing Kendal to endure that torture instead of him, he should have protected her better he deserved this.
He stared at the enraged demon as it drew near, and then stared in surprise when it suddenly turned and moved in the opposite direction. His mind clouded by all he had been through had a tough time processing what was happening. It roared in pain and anger again as the unseen force took yet another shot at it pulling it away from him. He then became aware of the return of Harri's voice and smiled, he was glad he'd have the opportunity to tell him how much he meant to him and to tell him goodbye.
"Lee, Lee can you hear me?" Harri called out.
"Yes sir, I hear you. Is Kendal safe, did you get the stone?" Lee asked.
"Yes son both are safe thanks to you. Lee I need you to move towards the other light, there is another rope there and we can pull you out."
"Too tired sir, too much pain. Don't waste the time or take a chance with Seaview's safety, leave me ."
"Hang that Captain; get your ass moving now," Nelson thundered. "There are people and a certain entity taking risks to make sure you make it home, now do your part and find that other rope!"
"Aye, aye sir, I'll try," Lee replied weakly.
"Good boy, come on Lee I know you can do this. We want you back home where you belong, lad."
As Lee began crawling his way in the direction of the other rope Harri became grimly aware of just how much pain the man was in as he shared what Lee was feeling through their mental connection. He was struggling for breath, his chest felt as though it had been crushed, his back pulsated in pain and his head throbbed endlessly as he fought to hold on to consciousness.
"Come on son, you're almost there. You can do this," Harri urged.
"Got it sir," Lee replied. "Tying on now… haul away."
Breaking the connection, Nelson looked up at the team poised to recover the captain. "Pull! Pull like there's no tomorrow we need to get him in before anything else goes wrong!"
The recovery team needed no encouragement as they laid into the lines and began pulling so hard and fast it was as though the rope was attached to a winch. As they reached the end of the line Lee's head popped through the mirror and Nelson and Sharkey moved in to gently ease him through the opening. He was now unconscious having finally given in to his injuries and exhaustion. Just as his feet cleared the sill the mirror exploded showering them in a spray of glass. The boat suddenly lurched as it was tossed around in the concussive wave from the explosion.
They somehow managed to keep their feet and keep Lee protected from the jolt. Once the shaking stopped they moved him carefully into the main cabin and laid him down gently on the waiting stretcher. Jamie was there to greet them and immediately jumped in evaluating his condition. He was a mess more broken ribs, a major concussion on top of the one he had sustained earlier and even his bruises had bruises. Jamie listened intently to his respiration and tracked his pulse. "Let's get him to sick bay stat he's got a pneumothorax; we need to get him stabilized before his lung collapses."
"He's in a lot of pain Jamie and not all of its physical." Nelson said as he watched the doctor work.
Jamie looked up at the admiral and easily read the pain and sorrow he felt over his captain's condition. "He's going to be fine in time Harri, as will Kendal."
Harri gave him a melancholy smile. "Thanks Jamie, take good care of them they deserve it, they saved us all."
Jamie nodded and then indicated to his corpsmen that they should pick up the stretcher and get the captain down to sick bay where he could work his magic and start taking some of that pain away. They left, followed closely by Sharkey and the recovery team as they moved to carry out their DCP duties leaving Nelson alone in Lee's cabin. Harri quickly perused the pictures of he and Lee hanging on the wall then closed his eyes and sighed in relief at finally getting his son home.
()()()()()
As the mirror exploded, Seaview was once again tossed by violent turbulence quickly followed by a searing bright light that rose up from the depths of the trench enveloping the boat and momentarily blinding those in the con as it blazed through the windows. They then became aware that they were in motion rising rapidly as though riding an express elevator to the top of some monstrous skyscraper. As quickly as it started the boat came to a gentle stop and floated calmly on the surface of the ocean triggering a relieved cheer across the control room as sunlight poured in through the windows in the nose.
Chip immediately started calling out commands to resume monitoring Seaview's detection systems, establishing a deck watch, reestablishing communications with NIMR and mobilizing damage control parties to evaluate the damage done to the boat during all that had just occurred. "Admiral this is Morton, we've just broke the surface."
"Thanks for that information Chip, that's fantastic news. Just to let you know we have both Lee and Kendal safely aboard now and in Jamie's capable hands," Nelson replied.
Another resounding cheer passed through the entire boat.
"Great to know sir. How are they doing?" Chip asked his concern quite evident.
"Lee is pretty beaten up; he was unconscious by the time we got him back on board. Kendal is catatonic last I knew but Jamie was hopeful that she would regain consciousness once she has an opportunity to rest. I'm heading down to sick bay now; join me when you have things squared away up there."
"Aye sir, will do. Morton out."
Harri smiled in appreciation as he listened to Chip expertly direct recovery activities to return Seaview to operational status. He thanked his lucky stars again at having purloined the man from the Navy, he was certain there was no finer exec anywhere. As he shipped the mic and turned to go to sick bay he saw Keeper standing behind him.
He gave it a small smile. "Thank you Keeper. Thank you for giving us the time to rescue my son, you have no idea how much that means to me."
"You are more than welcome Nelson; we both owe him a world of thanks and Kendal too. Their courage and bravery under the most dire of conditions is a lesson to us all and leaves me humbled at their willingness to sacrifice everything to ensure the safety of this world and this universe. There are few in this universe that could have adapted so rapidly to things so beyond their common frame of reference and prevailed. You should be proud of both and proud of having them as members of your team."
"You are quite correct on all counts," Harri said in agreement. "What about the devil; is it locked safely away now?"
"Yes and I've taken measures to ensure that no one will ever enter its domain again. It lost much in its attempt to escape its prison and it will be eons before it ever potentially recovers enough power to try again. I've also added more barriers around its cell to prevent it from gaining any outside materials that can be used against those around it. You're sun will be long dead before it could ever present a threat and I will be much more vigilant of its activities in the future. It will still have the ability to enter your dreams but your kind has dealt with that successfully for thousands of your years and I have faith that you will continue to do so."
"Thank you for that and speaking for the planet we appreciate all you've done to let us survive. Hopefully we don't waste the opportunity you've given us." Harri replied.
"You have potential as a species Nelson, yet you are only in your infancy. If your people are capable of overcoming their warlike and aggressive natures, they should one day evolve into an advanced race standing among other great peoples in the universal community. I hold out great hope for you humans and look forward to welcoming your children when their time comes."
Harri laughed. "Well I'll be long since passed by the time that happens. It would be amazing to see that day though."
"You will in your own way. As I said you are an adept and have many great talents that if used correctly will go a long way in moving your people to that end. Take good care of Crane and Ferguson they are especially gifted and have much to give to your world if given the opportunity."
"I will Keeper, believe me I will," Harri replied seriously.
"Well Nelson I must return to my realm as you must move forward in yours. It has been an enlightening experience; please give my thanks to Crane and Ferguson for all they did."
"I will and thank you again," Nelson answered. With that Keeper smiled, nodded and disappeared.
()()()()()
Harri walked into sick bay just as Jamie finished taking Lee's vitals and pulled the blanket back up to his chest. He looked up at the admiral and smiled.
"He's fairly well busted up inside but will fully recover," Jamie said. "He's got another four broken ribs, three cracked, a very nice concussion and has added a new definition for the term exhaustion so it will be some time before he'll be in any condition to try an escape from my domain. As best I can tell neither he nor Kendal have suffered any long term effects from their exposure to the carnotite so that's one less thing we need to worry about."
Nelson nodded acknowledging the report. He walked over to Lee's bunk and looked down at the sleeping man. He reached out and placed his hand gently on his cheek then closed his eyes in silent prayer thankful to have been able to pull him back from hell. After a moment he turned catching Jamie's slight smile. He flashed a brief grin in return somewhat embarrassed at his display of emotion, there was really no point in denying how much the young man meant to him but somehow he was still uncomfortable with the thought of stating it out loud even to Lee.
"How's Kendal?" he inquired desperately trying to redirect Jamie's scrutiny.
"I think she'll be fine, she's resting comfortably as you can see. There were signs of her becoming more responsive before I sedated her. She doesn't have any physical injuries but if she was subject to the kind of torture you indicated she will need time and possibly counseling to recover mentally from that. She's every bit as exhausted as Lee which may be playing a role in her catatonia. Once she's had the opportunity to rest up she may snap right out of it."
"I'm not surprised in the least, that was a horrific experience that would overwhelm just about anyone, especially someone who hasn't had the experiences we've shared. I just hope the scars aren't too deep and she's able to shake it off and move forward," Harri replied.
"I don't doubt that she will, she's one resiliant lady. Why don't you come on in my office and we can relax have a cup of coffee and wait for Chip, all they'll be doing is sleeping for some time."
Harri nodded in agreement with Jamie's suggestion. He looked down once more at the sleeping man and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "We've got you home now son and everyone is safe. You can relax, you're duty is done for now."
Harri turned and followed Jamie into the other room and sat down in front of Jamie's desk. As they exited Keeper silently appeared in the sick bay. It moved over to Kendal and gently placed its hand on her forehead and directed a single thought at her, 'Forget'. The memory of Devil's torture would no longer plague her dreams and she would be able to shrug it off as nothing more than a nightmare and it would have no more power over her.
It next moved over to Lee and did the same as it erased his guilt and self-condemnation for being unable to come to Kendal's aid even though it was well beyond his powers. Its hand then grew red and hot as it sent a wave of energy through Lee's body repairing all the damage he'd suffered at the hands of Devil; it was the least it could do for one who would have willingly sacrificed so much.
Even deeply unconscious Lee sighed in relief as the pain rapidly subsided and vanished. He shifted to his side and curled up sleeping soundly for the first time in over a month.
()()()()()
It was a slow and leisurely return to Santa Barbara as Lee didn't want to stress the damaged hull plates any more than necessary, plus everyone needed a little time to decompress and recover after all they'd been through. The command team also needed to determine how best to report what Seaview had encountered during the voyage. They seriously wondered how long it would take for the authorities to label them crackpots and tote them off to the loony bin if they actually reported defending the earth against the devil with the help of ET.
Ultimately Admiral Nelson and Dr. Ferguson agreed that they would report that the most probable cause of the increased seismicity was due to massive anomalous buildups of methane and other gases along and in the subduction zone most likely produced from the loss of permafrost, the collapse of methane hydrate deposits and other factors attributed to global climate change. The earthquakes were caused when the tectonic plates shifted in response to the increase in pressures. With the last large quake they suggested that the subduction zone had now been purged of the excessive pressure and would return to its normal pattern of activity. To support their hypothesis they would submit the information they had collected when Seaview encountered the two massive subsea bursts, the first that dropped them to the bottom of the sea and the second that burped them back to the surface. That and Seaview's warped hull plates should buy them at least a shred of credibility.
Harri and Kendal knew that their report would be greeted with a great deal of skepticism and in some quarters there would be calls of government cover ups most likely obscuring illegal underground nuclear testing or other weapons research. None of the crew was overly willing to talk about what had occurred finding it all more than a little unsettling. Cover story firmly in place, the crew sworn to secrecy in the name of national security they closed the book on the expedition.
()()()()()
They were two hours out from port and Harri had Lee surface the boat so they could enjoy the view coming home. He, Chip, Lee, Jamie and Kendal sat on Nelson's front porch enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee and taking in the view. Kendal was for all intents and purposes a valued member of Seaview's crew following all she'd been through, she had even come to like Cookie's coffee in the course of this adventure and now was drinking hers black with no sugar.
"Kendal I've been thoroughly impressed with the work you've done on this mission and the incredible support you've provided throughout. I can't begin to thank you for the assistance you gave in sick bay; Jamie says you quite literally helped save the day. Also the way you handled yourself in the face of the unknown and your abduction from the boat was impressive, you adapted well given everything that was thrown at you." Harri started. The rest of the men at the table smiled and nodded their agreement.
Kendal blushed a bit at all the praise. "You're quite welcome Harri, I was glad to pitch in where I could. I have to tell you how impressed I've been with you, Seaview and her excellent crew. I can honestly say it was a once in a lifetime experience I'll not soon forget."
"That brings me to the topic I'd like to discuss with you. I've been contemplating establishing an astrophysics division at NIMR for some time now to help us possibly anticipate and better prepare for the encounters like we just had. I'm looking for someone to head up that effort and help me establish the new division, recruit personnel and oversee their work. I was wondering if perchance you might be interested in taking on that challenge."
Kendal sat there stunned, never in a million years expecting such an opportunity to be tossed into her lap. As she looked around the table she saw each man nodding in agreement and silently encouraging her to accept the position. "Wow, that's some offer Harri, I don't quite know what to say."
"Yes would be acceptable," Harri replied with a chuckle. "I know this is a bit of a surprise but I don't want to lose you or your expertise. You work well with the men on the boat and would be a welcome addition on any of the cruises you choose to take with us. Even if you don't feel like you want to ship out on Seaview again given your recent experience, you would be an excellent administrator for the new division."
"Thank you Harri, it's a great opportunity but I definitely want to think about it a bit."
"Quite understandable, take all the time you need, I don't want to push," Harri replied. "I quite honestly think this was our most challenging mission ever and everything will be a cakewalk after this."
"You're giving her a real choice? You had me thrown out of the Navy and basically made unemployable elsewhere so I had to take the job," Lee said in mock indignation then laughed.
Harri harrumphed. "Well she has more common sense than you do and can make the correct decision," Harri taunted back.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Chip, are we home yet?"
Chip laughed out loud. "Another hour, Skipper. Are you going to take her in or would you like me to do it?" Chip replied.
"I'll bring her into port, you scratched the paint last time and I don't think the hull plates can take it," Lee kidded.
Chip scowled at him. "Did not! That scratch happened when the whale rammed us. Oops, probably shouldn't have said that," Chip replied with a wink towards Kendal. Harri and Jamie laughed thrilled everything was back to normal.
"I think it's getting a little stuffy in here," Lee answered. "Kendal would you like a little room to think along with some fresh air?"
Kendal smiled thrilled at the opportunity to go outside and breathe fresh air for the first time in over a month. "Yes I would love to Lee, thank you."
"Excellent, please follow me."
()()()()()
Lee and Kendal quickly exited the nose and climbed the ladder to the conning tower. They both squinted in the bright sunlight as they made their way to the edge of the tower and reveled in the sun on their skin and the feel of the wind in their face and hair.
"Oh my god this is fantastic," Kendal said as she took in huge breaths of fresh sea air as she scanned the horizon. "I honestly thought I'd never get a chance to breathe this again."
"I know what you mean; I had some serious doubts there for a while myself," Lee replied honestly.
They stood there side by side quietly enjoying the fresh sea air and the warm sunshine. After a moment Lee turned and looked at her. "I really hope you give serious thought to the admiral's offer, we would all like you to become a part of our team permanently. Plus I'd like the chance to get to know you better."
Kendal's head shot up surprised at Lee's comment.
"That would be all right wouldn't it? I'll understand if you don't feel the same way, I mean after what happened with the devil. And even if you don't want to hang out, I still want you to honestly consider joining NIMR; you would be an incredible addition."
"Yes it would be more than all right, I'd love to get to know you better too Lee. You weren't responsible for what the devil did and there was no way you could have prevented it, we both know that. You saved my life and there's no way I can ever thank you enough for that. You're the only man I know who'd go to hell and back to make sure I got home. As far as Harri's offer I will give it serious thought, it's a great opportunity and most likely something I can't afford to pass up."
Lee smiled one of his million watt smiles. "Great, once we get back and you've rested up a bit I'll show you around Santa Barbara and try to convince you it's a great place to live and an even better place to work."
Kendal returned his smile. "I'd like that Lee, I can't wait."
()()()()()
Hundreds of miles below their feet the devil roared out in anger and rage, humiliated at the thought of having been beaten by the barely evolved humans that scurried across the face of this planet. It would resume its work infiltrating their dreams pushing them harder and harder towards bringing an end to life on this planet and ultimately setting it free. There was more than one way to achieve its goal and there were so many opportunities to convince them to push the button, all it would take is a little more time, and it had all the time in the world.
The End.
Note: Thank you to all who have toughed it out reading my tale. I appreciate all the comments of support and your patience as I unmercifully strung you along chapter after chapter. I guess I could say the devil made me do it.