Chapter 42 - Epilogue
Lee returned to Santa Barbara the next day. He headed to the Institute to deal with some paperwork before he intended to return to L.A. for a few days. Admiral Nelson caught him before he could leave.
"Lunch, Lee?"
Lee looked at his watch. "Sure, if it's not a real long one."
They walked to the cafeteria. "Planning on using some of your leave for a change instead of working right through it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. I hope you've got something fun lined up."
Lee smiled, but didn't share. They settled into a private dining room and gave their orders to a waiter.
"Lee, I want you to know that after long and difficult consideration, I have decided to pursue financing for a sister sub to Seaview to be based in the Atlantic. She'll be significantly smaller and carry only minimal defensive weapons. She'll be faster and more maneuverable than the Seaview."
"I know it's a tedious process, sir, but I'm glad to hear it."
"I've been working on it since that last Atlantic cruise. I did listen to you, even if I didn't like the message."
"What about it troubles you so?"
"Besides the hassle of making it happen? The implications for the crew. Change, lad. I like things the way they are. I have a great comfort level with you and Chip both here. I know that I can't uproot Chip's family to the East, so I rather assumed you would go. I'm not sure I'm ready for that."
"It wasn't about me personally, admiral. Frankly, I never thought through those sorts of details."
"Now you'll have to."
"O'Brien is more than ready and capable to captain his own ship."
"That's a relief to me," the admiral smiled.
"Well, a few months ago, I might have given you a different answer."
"I've noticed changes in you. Care to let me in on them?"
"That whole incident with Roger and Rachael put my mind in a new place. Well, not exactly a new place, but it highlighted the fact that I've become a little more isolated than I'm comfortable with."
"There's nothing wrong with craving a family, Lee."
"Only how to make it work doing this job."
"That's the challenge for certain. If and when you want to take a stab at it, maybe we can get creative. You may have to give up some control, however."
"I know. I don't want to overwhelm Chip, though."
"You can't have it all is what they say. Everyone compromises to get the things they want. For instance, I'd be willing to have you as a half-time captain rather than not at all."
"Half-time? How could we work that?"
"You and Chip essentially share the load now. Let's say that as we get the Atlantic project off the ground, we alternate trips some giving you and Chip both more time off. We give O'Brien more opportunity to lead, groom two new execs, one for each coast, and then by the time the Atlantic project is operating, you and Chip should be able to regularly alternate trips. The devil will be in the details, but I'm sure that we can work it out. When you're interested, that is."
"Rachael's back. She's living in Los Angeles, working for N.C.I.S.. I just found out yesterday. I saw her. I'm heading back there for a few days."
"I guess we'll be working on those details soon, then. I'm glad for you. She's very self-sufficient. I think that bodes well for maintaining a relationship in your current circumstances."
"Why do I feel like I just got my father's approval?"
With a twinkle in his brilliant blue eyes, Harriman Nelson unleashed a broad smile and a wink to answer to Lee's question.
The End