NIMR

Lee had left Jamie with the Admiral and made his way back to his office. They had decided that for this mission it was best that Chip stayed in Santa Barbara. It was a decision they had agreed on with a heavy heart but there was sound reasoning behind their decision. Although Chip would not be placed on Sick leave he would have the option to stay at the institute and break into returning to duty gently or take some leave. Jamie had made it clear that Chip was to be placed on light duties for at least two weeks then gradually build up to full duties as XO.

Seaview was scheduled to be at sea for five days before returning to port to review the new radar system. Lee was going to miss Chip on the mission. This was the first time that they hadn't sailed together and on top of that he had no-one to play a hand of gin with. Maybe he could win a hand or two against the Chief…or for this sailing only his XO.

The afternoon passed by and Lee was just about ready to leave. He gathered up some paperwork and letters to be completed whilst he was gone and since Janet had now agreed to act as secretary for both him and Mr Morton he would drop this to her before he left for the evening. He walked round to her office and noticed she was busying filing.

"Knock Knock" he said

"Hi there. Where have you been hiding today? I haven't seen you all day" Janet closed the filing cabinet and made her way back to her desk.

"Yeah it's been busy today. I was wondering while I am away on the test mission if you can have these letters typed and sent? All the details are on this top sheet of paper." Lee put them on her desk

"Sure thing" Janet placed them in her tray to be completed on Monday. She could see that something was bothering him.

"What's wrong?"

Lee shook his head and perched himself on the edge of Janet's desk. "Chips not making the trip with us"

Janet sighed and could see the disappointment in Lee's face. " Do you think you can put up with it just being you and me for a bit longer?"

Janet knew what he meant. "Of course I can" She smiled. "Although I will say this…Chip does bring me coffee in the morning"

Lee laughed. "Got it. The first day I am back I will bring you coffee. If you are really lucky I may even stretch to a pastry"

"Hmm…you may be my new favourite" They both smiled at one another. Lee took her hand in his "I'm going to miss you" He said

"I'm going to miss you too" She replied placing her other hand on top of his.

"I have really loved spending time with you these past few weeks and you have helped me more than you will ever know" He leaned over and kissed her on the lips.

"Does this mean then that I am dating the boss?" She asked

"Guess it does" Lee smiled

"I hope it comes with benefits" she said laughing as she stood up and hugged Lee tightly. It wasn't just her helping Lee these past few weeks but Lee helping her. Their mutual friendship for Chip had brought them closer and they were both grateful for that. They had found something special and they were hoping it could be as good as what Chip had with Lynsey.

MORTON RESIDENCE

A couple of hours had passed by since Chip and Lynsey were on the deck. Chip now lay asleep on the sofa as Lynsey held his head on her lap and softly stroked his hair. He seemed at peace for the first time in a long time and Lynsey was relieved he had opened up.

They had not heard from Jamie so far but after they had talked they had both decided that Chip was not ready to return to duty. Although the physical effects could no longer be heard both were aware that Chip was not himself. He needed a bit more time to recuperate to be ready to return.

The doorbell rang and Lynsey gently lifted Chips head and placed a pillow to replace her lap and went to answer the door.

"Hi Lee. Please come in" She moved out of the doorway as Lee entered removing his cap. She gestured to the living room and Lee could see that Chip was asleep. They walked through to the kitchen.

"Can I offer you a drink Lee?"

"No thanks I'm fine. I just wanted to talk to Chip briefly"

"Do you want me to wake him? He won't mind. He has been expecting you actually. Or Jamie"

"No its ok leave him to rest. I think he already knows what I am going to say anyway"

"I think I do too"

Lee nodded. "While Jamie thinks he is fit for duty we think he needs to take a break before he returns. I think both you and I know that he needs a bit more time"

Lynsey nodded. She could see that Lee felt uncomfortable having this conversation and she couldn't let him suffer. "Lee its ok. Chip knows himself that he is not ready to return to work. He wasn't expecting you to come over tonight and say that he was going on the mission"

"I know he does. We talked this afternoon but I feel that I am letting him down leaving him behind"

"Nonsense. You and I both know that 6 weeks was going to be ambitious from the start. We have seen Chip at his worst in these past weeks. No-one knows him better than you and I. It's ok Lee; He is going to be just fine" She walked over to him and gave him a peck on the cheek.

"I know he will be. I'll kill him if he's not" Lee said just to convince himself. He stood up and took out an envelope from his jacket pocket.

"While we are gone he is going to need something to do. Can you give this to him when he wakes up?" He asked handing it over to Lynsey

"Of course I will. Lee?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for everything. I really appreciate you and everyone's support in the last few weeks and I know Chip does too."

"You are most welcome. That is what families are for" He replied. He gave Lynsey a kiss and put his cap back on as he headed towards the door. He looked through the living room door and see Chips sleeping form unmoved and he smiled as he left.

DOCKSIDE – 3 days later

Seaview was bobbing about in her pen as a hive of activity went on around her. The supplies were being loaded as Lee, the Admiral and the acting XO were making their way through the checklist.

"I'll set the special sea detail sir and check the loading progress" Sharkey said

"Thank you Mr Sharkey" Lee replied

He left them to it as he set about his new duties. Thirty minutes later they were ready to get underway and they were about to make their way aboard. As they made their way towards the bridge Chip made his way down the loading bay. He felt a little out of place in his dark jeans and white t-shirt and he stood out amongst all the khaki uniforms.

"Hello Sir. It's good to see you!" Sharkey was just elated to see the XO. Chip shook his hand and wished him luck on his first mission as XO.

"Thank you Sir. I have a lot to live up to." He said with a slightly nervous quiver in his voice

"You will be absolutely fine Commander. You are a very capable officer" Sharkey smiled and said his goodbyes.

"Hello Chip – how are you?" The Admiral asked

"I am doing just fine Admiral" Chip smiled

"We are going to miss you on this you know" The Admiral said as he gestured to the sub

"Thank you Sir. That means a lot but we know that I am not quite there yet" He replied

"I know but you will be. You enjoy the rest because no doubt we will have plenty to keep you busy upon our return"

"Yes Sir – I will do my best" he said as the Admiral turned and made his way aboard

Lee walked a little along the dockside with Chip before he boarded Seaview.

"Lee I have come to say thank you for everything" Chip said stopping them both in their tracks

"There is no need. I know you would do the same for me" He replied

"I don't just mean in the past few weeks; I mean re-organising my honeymoon". Chip smiled

Lee had not seen him smile like that in a while. He wanted to do something to help Chip complete his recovery and begin his married life properly like he was planning to do all those weeks ago.

"Well…what are best men for?" He replied.

"I don't know but I get the feeling that I will know shortly" Chip jested to him. Lynsey had filled him in on the budding romance between Lee and Janet. Chip had completely approved and like Lynsey he thought it was time Lee had someone special to share his life with.

Lee smiled but didn't take the bait. They had reached the bridge and Lee had to go.

"Well here we are" Lee said and he turned towards Chip

"Yes here you are. You better get going; Seaview's Captain can't be seen to be late"

Lee gave Chip a hug and patted him on the shoulder before crossing the bridge. Chip stood and watched the Captain go into the hatch and close the door behind him. He watched Seaview leave and he closed his eyes and took a long deep breathe taking in the sea air. He opened his eyes as he felt Lynsey grab his hand and put her hand on his shoulder.

"You ok?" She asked

"Yes…I think I am. You ready to go?"

"I've been ready for since the day I met you" She replied

"Good to hear because so was I" Chip smiled and kissed his beautiful wife. In one swooping moment he lifted his bride and carried her along the dockside setting out on their own special little mission. Operation Honeymoon.