Good Men

"The good man is the man who, no matter how morally unworthy he has been, is moving to become better." John Dewey

Epilogue: "We have left undone…"

Lee tapped on the door of the admiral's cabin and let himself in without waiting for Nelson to answer. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Pour yourself a cup of coffee." Nelson was sitting at his desk, reading through a sheaf of papers.

"Letters?" Crane glanced at them as he filled a cup for himself and topped up the admiral's.

Nelson nodded. "From Edith and Cloud."

"How's Cloud doing?"

"Well enough, I think, all things considered. The doctor says her limp should go away over the next few months. The emotional adjustment's harder, though." He sighed. "Edith's been called to school twice because of fights. She said the first time it started when a girl teased Cloud because she doesn't read well yet. The second happened when a boy made fun of her accent. Both of Cloud's tormentors ended up with bloody noses."

"It's a miracle they didn't end up dead," Crane said wonderingly. "Poor Cloud. She doesn't deserve that nonsense. Kids can be cruel."

"Anyone can be cruel." Nelson took a deep breath and smiled. "It's not all trouble and woe, though. Cloud's joined a Girl Scout troop. Edith says they're going camping soon."

Crane's eyes widened. "Can you imagine what Cloud will be teaching the girls while the leader's tying square knots and toasting marshmallows? It boggles the mind!"

Nelson chuckled and turned back to the letter. "Edith writes, Cloud is generally cooperative and helpful, but she's also moody and given to sudden outbursts of temper." He frowned.

"Well, she is Hurricane's daughter, after all."

"Edith says it doesn't bother her too much, though, because…" Nelson broke off, his face reddening.

"Because what?"

"Because," he continued in a tight voice, "she's used to being around me."

Crane tried unsuccessfully to control a snicker. Nelson glared at him. "I've noticed there's a disturbing culture of insubordination on this boat," he said softly.

"Sorry, sir," Crane said, unrepentantly.

"Hm." Nelson put Edith's letter aside and turned to a shorter one, written in childishly printed letters. He scanned it, his expression softening.

"What does Cloud write?"

"She says she's studying hard and trying to catch up. She never realized how much there is to know. She also says Edith is as kind as I promised and very different from the women in her country." He looked up and smiled. "Cloud wants to know when 'her Harry' will come see her."

"She has you wrapped around her finger."

"I know," Nelson agreed cheerfully.

"She honored her father," Crane observed, "but it's you she loves."

"It's a strange feeling, being loved."

Nelson spoke matter-of-factly, without self-pity, but Crane felt himself going out on a limb before he even realized it. His hand seemed to move of its own volition, reaching out and grasping Nelson's arm. Words came out of his mouth before he could process what he was saying. "It shouldn't be. Maybe you just don't notice."

The admiral stared at Lee's hand, resting lightly on the sleeve of his uniform, and blinked. "Well!" he exclaimed softly.

If Crane could have sunk through the deck, he would have. He tried to draw his hand back, but Nelson covered it with his own. "Well," the admiral began again, clearing his throat, "I can see I'll have to pay better attention in the future, won't I?" He released Crane and sat back. "How about some more coffee?"

Lee jumped up, grateful to have a moment to recover his equilibrium, and poured them both fresh cups.

"You're probably wondering why I called you here," Nelson said, nodding his thanks as Crane handed him the coffee. "Do you remember Veronica Daniels?"

Crane groaned. "Not her again? She's applied to serve on Seaview at least four times! Every time I point her towards the Institute she ignores me. If she's bothering you again, I'll talk to her."

"There's no need. I've decided to hire her."

"For the Institute?"

"No, for Seaview."

"What?" Crane bolted up in his chair. "Harry, you can't be serious? A woman serving as a permanent crew member on a submarine? I can't even imagine the problems it will cause, the pushback from the men! Why on earth would you do this when there are plenty of men who'd jump at the chance to serve?"

Crane braced himself for a blast of Nelson's temper, but the admiral's expression remained thoughtful. "We've left undone those things we ought to have done," he replied. "Lee, look around. Look at all we have on Seaview and at the Institute. Look at all I have: wealth, power, status, respect. Let me tell you something!" He pushed the cup of coffee away and rose, pacing the cabin. "When children like Cloud were being persecuted because they dared go to white schools, I watched the evening news and said, 'How appalling!' When Veronica Daniels contacted me with every credential necessary and told me it was her dream to serve on Seaview, I thought, 'Why can't she be realistic?' Then I turned back to my work, the work that interested me. And all that time— all that time, Lee— Cloud was afraid even to grow up in her own body!"

Crane's expression was troubled. "I understand what you're saying, but I think you're being a little hard on yourself. Your work is important. It's saved thousands of lives and benefits all mankind!"

"Oh, yes, mankind! Mankind hands out awards and showers me with gratitude! Mankind pets my ego and demands so little in return— only that I keep doing the work I love and would do anyway." Nelson took a sip of coffee and when he looked at Lee again his eyes shone with a strong, clear light. "Thanks to Cloud I've awakened, like Scrooge on Christmas morning, to discover there's still time for change. Bringing Ms. Daniels onboard Seaview is the first step, but there will be others. I've always been proud that the Institute is on the cutting-edge of scientific research, but it's time it took the lead in other areas, too."

"This is an experiment, then," Crane said. "When we iron out the rough spots and make it feasible for women to serve on submarines, you hope the navies of the world will follow suit."

"Exactly. They're reluctant to take the step themselves, so we'll take it for them. Are you with me?" Nelson searched Crane's face. "I can't do it without you, Lee. The crew knows I'm given to strange behavior and eccentricities, but they have complete faith in you. If you accept Ms. Daniels, they will too."

"Of course I'll support your decision," Crane said. "Did you ever really doubt me?"

X X X

That evening Chief Sharkey passed through the observation nose and found the admiral standing in darkness, gazing into the vastness of the sea. "Are you all right, sir?"

Caught unaware, Nelson flinched. "Oh, it's you. Yes… yes, I'm fine."

"Were you thinking about the last mission? The skipper said it was pretty rough."

"No," Nelson smiled. "Nothing like that. I was thinking there's no man alive with a better son than mine."

Sharkey's initial relief at the admiral's reassurances evaporated instantly. He eyed Nelson worriedly. "Begging your pardon, sir," he said, "but I'm pretty sure Miss Cloud is a girl."

"She is," Nelson agreed. "A fine girl!"

"Then," Sharkey said carefully, "I'm afraid you don't have a son, sir."

"Oh, but I do, Francis!" Nelson turned, smiling, and clapped him on the shoulder. "That's where you're wrong— I most certainly do!"

X X X

Norway's navy was the first to allow women to serve on submarines (1985), followed by the Danish navy (1988), Sweden (1989), Australia (1998), Germany (2001), and Canada (2002). I'm sorry to say the U.S. navy didn't allow female submariners until 2011.

Thanks so much for reading! You guys are awesome! I hope you enjoyed the story.