Encounter
Crane was shoved through the hatch into the storage compartment. Nelson was captive there, angry to see Crane captive too. Angry Lee had walked into this deliberately.
Lee explained there had been no way to stop them from outside. They would try from here. From inside*
On arrival at the designated co-ordinates Crane opened his additional orders. Inside the envelope was a failsafe key designated for the new missile complex. He was to safely deliver it to one of the new failsafe officers at the commissioning ceremony down at the underwater complex. That was all he must officially do for the formalities. There were, however, all the other social and ceremonial activities to get through. How he managed, in his current state, was up to him and Kowalski.
"You got that errand done?" Crane asked Kowalski later.
"Yes, sir. All set, this is for you, sir." Kowalski handed over a small packet."
Crane opened and looked at it. "Very well, Kowalski, thank you." Crane put it on his desk.
Kowalski in his service blues had the Skipper ready in his blues and Nelson arrived as Kowalski was leaving Crane's cabin. "Well, Lee, you will be arriving by aircraft so you'll have rainbow sideboys." Crane huffed and shook his head; he'd been part of Seaview's compliment long enough that military formalities had lost their lustre. He fiddled with the new key on its chain and put it around his neck.
As Riley went through the flying sub pre-flight checklist with Kowalski, Crane, showed up in the nose with Nelson. The Admiral climbed down into the flying sub to check on things with Kowalski.
Chip said, "No flight jacket today, Lee. No need to complicate things for a two-minute flight." The men all wished him luck. They got Crane into the flying sub … going slowly down the ladder one-handed. Nelson at the bottom of the ladder was at the ready to offer a steadying hand if needed. He wished them well and climbed up out of the flying sub. They launched to go to the commissioning.
The flying sub was on the flight deck and Commander Crane exited through the side hatch to appropriate official welcomes as Captain of a vessel as per naval protocol. Kowalski stuck to him like glue after the initial honours were given. Riley remained with the flying sub to return with it shortly to Seaview.
During the greetings Admiral Jiggs Starke shook Crane's hand, with a piercing look he took in Crane's pallor and drawn features. "Good to see you again, Commander."
"Likewise, Admiral."
Crane then shook hands with Captain Ogilvy. The Exec, Commander Baldwin, greeted Crane warmly. "Glad to have you aboard, Lee. I've been looking forward to catching up. What happened to your arm, eh?"
"Let's just say I had an argument with a hatch." Crane jested.
Starke said, "I didn't realize you two knew each other."
Baldwin answered. "We certainly do." He suddenly feinted a playful one-two punch at Crane. Crane, instinctively protecting his chest, flinched aside with an audible gasp.
In that same instant Kowalski inserted himself between Crane and Baldwin with a, "By your leave, sir." forcing Baldwin to take a step back. Kowalski tried not to look too threatening in the presence of these senior officers but there was no doubt that he was physically guarding his Skipper. He glanced over his shoulder at Crane.
Crane tried to hide his reactions with little avail. He was obviously shaky and still breathing rapidly. He reassured Ski, "It's okay, Kowalski."
Baldwin was startled at the reactions, and eyeing Kowalski and Crane with unvoiced concern simply said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any harm." Glancing at Starke and his Captain, he said in explanation, "Lee and I boxed together at the Academy."
Lee, who was still catching his breath, responded, "No, I'm sorry … we're just … a bit … cautious at the moment." Glancing at Kowalski he nodded gratefully and added, "Thanks, Kowalski. It's ok." Kowalski stepped back.
Baldwin eyed Lee up and down with narrowing eyes. Lee wasn't one he would ever have thought to be skittish. On second look, Lee actually appeared very unwell. Lee was always very trim but now he looked decidedly thin, gaunt, and pale. Something was up. He was sure there was a story behind it and was determined to find out more.
Nearby a sailor said to the Officer of the Deck, "Where is Admiral Nelson, sir?"
"Nelson? He's not on the delegate list."
"But isn't Seaview his ship?"
"Yes, that's right, but the delegate to the commissioning is the commanding officer, Commander Crane."
"Oh, isn't that unusual?"
"Not really, this commissioning is attended by the COs."
"Ah, I didn't realize. Thank you."
The Officer of the Deck made a mental note to report this.
A briefing was going on. The delegates were given the agenda and itinerary for the event. There was a dinner aboard the carrier tonight and in the morning a descent via diving bell or FS1 to the missile complex for the official ceremonies. All four key holders would need to be there to deliver the keys to the new fail-safe officers. During the briefing Ogilvy mentioned an optional tour of the carrier to start shortly.
Commander Baldwin turned to Crane, "Lee, I'd like you to join me for that. We can catch up a bit, besides I want to show off the ship."
Starke interjected immediately, "I'm sorry, Commander, but I will need Commander Crane at that time."
"Yes, sir." said Baldwin to Starke while noting Crane's mildly surprised expression. "I'll catch you later then shall I, Lee?"
"Yes, that would be great."
When Crane met with Starke at the time of the tour, Starke kept Crane busy with small talk and insignificant discussion for a few minutes then dismissed him. Crane headed to his quarters. He was exhausted.
Kowalski helped the Skipper get into his mess uniform. Kowalski explained, "Sir, the meal tonight is steak. I have arranged to have yours cut already so you can manage with one hand. I hope that's alright with you."
"Very well. Good thinking." Crane nodded to him, feeling nauseous at the thought and wondering how he would pretend to eat steak. "Thank you, Kowalski."
They had enough crewmen in their network to get three keys copied with well planned deft manoeuvring as the delegates prepared for dinner.
Kowalski's constant attendance on Crane made it inadvisable to use the same tactic to copy the fourth key. Copying Crane's key moved to plan B
The ship's surgeon was at the dinner and during conversation privately mentioned to Commander Baldwin that Crane didn't look well. He thought there must be some pretty poor medical practice in the Seaview's sick bay if Crane was not on a sick list. Baldwin replied that he must be on light duties only as he had a cast on his arm.
As the dinner progressed Crane became more and more fatigued. At the end of the meal, he looked absolutely grey, but Baldwin attempted to corral him into drinks and conversation. He wanted to catch up with Lee and hear the scuttlebutt from Seaview. Admiral Starke, however, seeing how fragile Crane looked, bulled his way over and interrupted, apologized to Baldwin and said he would like to steal the Commander for a few minutes. He conducted Crane out of the compartment and directing their way walked with him back to Crane's quarters making social small talk along the way.
"There you go, Commander, I thought you could use a little less conversation and a little more time here. Have a good night."
Crane looked at the Admiral with dawning awareness that Starke was protecting him. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate this."
It was nighttime, the door silently opened and two figures stealthily entered the cabin. One approached the bunk where Crane was sleeping and fumbled at Crane's neck trying to locate the fail-safe key. Crane stirred and woke to find a dark figure looming over him, his worst nightmare a reality.
He yelled and grabbed at the person with his good hand. The assailant backhanded Crane across the face and hauled the key from under his PJ top. Crane grappled with the attacker and was pulled bodily from the bunk onto the deck. The assailant kicked Crane's midsection and his resistance was over. The wind was knocked out of him and clutching his chest he felt his ribs creaking as he struggled to catch his breath.
The second attacker quickly worked with the key, which was still around his neck, made the impression and indicated to his companion that the task was done. They left Crane as he was, and rushing out bumped into Kowalski who had heard the noise and was running through the open cabin door. With his blood instantly up Kowalski was momentarily torn between chasing down the attackers or going to the Skipper. He went to the Skipper.
Crane raised himself to an elbow gasping and asked, "Is the key safe?"
Kowalski checked, "Yes, sir. It is."
"Very well." He sank back to the deck more than shaken. He couldn't stay like that his ribs wouldn't let him. He pulled his knees up under himself so that he was kneeling and hugging his chest.
"Sir, let me help you up." Kowalski squatted beside the Skipper,
"No … not yet. Wait a bit." Sweat stood out on his face, which was contorted with a grimace. Kowalski waited a few moments.
"Sir, I can help you to the chair." Kowalski offered his arm to support the kneeling man.
"No, Kowalski. Don't … don't touch me." That was too much for Kowalski. The Skipper was in trouble. He got help.
Kowalski roused Admiral Starke frantically telling him he needed help for Captain Crane.
Admiral Starke managed everything, the call to sick bay, a quick mention to the ship's surgeon of Crane's recent injuries. He informed Captain Ogilvy. He contacted Seaview to update Admiral Nelson on the situation and to advise of a request for Crane's medical records.
Nelson, on being awakened to talk with Starke, instantly decided he was going to the aircraft carrier. The Chief pulled Riley and Patterson from their bunks, "Get up, you're taking the Admiral over to the carrier, put on your blues, on the double." Doc was roused as well to confer by radio. The Seaview's support for Crane was formed up.
They were standing in the passageway outside Crane's cabin conferring. Crane had told them about the key and the attacker's interest in it. He had told them other things as well. Examination of the key showed evidence of the compound used to make the impression on its surface. Additional examination of the other three keys also showed evidence of the compound. The keys had been compromised. Flurries of communication were ongoing with ONI as this new intelligence changed the strategies and plans.
The ship's surgeon, who was caring for Crane, examined the medical records that had come from the Seaview. He was aghast and demanded of Nelson, "Why is this man here? He should be ashore on medical leave not even aboard his own boat."
Nelson cringed and shamefacedly agreed.
The admirals and captain of the aircraft carrier discussed the situation. The obvious thing was to fly Crane home to Santa Barbara as soon as possible; however, Nelson made them aware that Crane's orders mandated his attendance at the commissioning, regardless of his condition. There was no leeway; he must attend.
They decided to leave Crane where he was in the cabin on the carrier. Careful examination of his orders showed that if necessary he could leave once he handed over the key. This would not be courteous or ceremonial but would avoid a court martial if he ducked out once that was done.
The much-delayed decision on Crane's return home needed to be made right now. Nelson had a long, agonized radio discussion with Doc.
Nelson, Riley, Kowalski and Crane were in Crane's cabin. Patterson was stationed outside the door to prevent any further disruption to his Skipper. Kowalski was dressing the shaky Skipper in his service blues. Once Lee was ready he sat down gingerly, carefully not leaning back or forward.
Nelson approached the Captain looking at him intently, "Lee, how are you?"
"Ah, not great, sir." This from the man who frequently, fervently, and firmly proclaimed to the Admiral he was fine when he obviously wasn't. It told Nelson much more than the words said.
"Mm hmm." Nelson glanced at Kowalski and Riley, his eyes moved to Crane, and then back to Kowalski and Riley. Riley was eagerly taking in everything that was being said and done. Nelson spoke to them both, "Umm, can you men not take note of anything said in the next few minutes, please?"
Quick on the uptake, Kowalski responded, "We've been having a bit of trouble with our ears, sir." He rubbed his ear, glanced at Riley. "Haven't we, Stu?"
Riley clued in and with brightening eyes rubbed his ear, "Yup, that's right, sir." Both men of course were all ears now but glanced away from the officers to give the illusion of privacy.
"Thank you." Nelson turned to Crane, "Lee?"
Crane glanced at the men then back to the Admiral, "Admiral, Kowalski puts me to bed at night and dresses me in the morning. I don't have any pride or privacy left."
"Mm hmm, okay, there's ten minutes before you go." Nelson sat facing him. He moved his hand back and forth between them. "No rank here. Just you and I talking for the next few minutes."
"Yes, Admiral." As usual Crane continued to use proper naval forms of address with Nelson even when they were conversing as friends.
Nelson smiled wryly at this very formal address in response to his offer of informal discussion, which was so typical of Crane. Riley, who was of course not paying attention, noticed the wry smile and, although it was well known amongst the rest of the crew, realized for the first time that he had never heard the Skipper call Nelson anything but Admiral or Sir even though they were apparently the best of friends. The Admiral used the Captain's first name often, even in the hearing of crewmembers. The Skipper never used the Admiral's first name.
"Lee, the next part is up to you, if you are not up to it, say the word. Orders or no orders, we'll pull you out and risk the court martial." The Admiral again glanced at the two sailors who quickly ensured they are pointedly looking away although listening intently.
Crane looked at the men, judging their reaction to Nelson's offer of insubordination. Seeing bland looks on their faces he nevertheless did not offer to disobey orders. "Admiral, I've seen what you've been through on this mission already. I can't add to that by having you aid and abet my insubordination and dereliction of duty. It's too late to change anything now, sir. My orders are crystal clear, I have to."
"Can you? Is it in you?"
On a scoffing but also dispirited sigh, "You know the answer to that … I can't … it isn't … I've got nothing left to do this with … But it has to be done, so I have to."
"How?"
"Sir?"
"How will you do it?"
Crane straightened up a bit, squared his shoulders, just a bit because it hurt, lifted his head and looked the Admiral in the eye. "Sir, I am angry … furious really. Rage … will get me through the next hour." A very faint wry grimace, which passed as a smile at the moment flickered and was gone, "I can't see beyond that right now."
Nelson smiled wryly himself at hearing his own words echoed back by Lee as preparation for the task in hand. "That's it, lad. You'll do." He lifted his hand but checked himself from giving the back slap and rather helplessly and vaguely waved it by Crane's shoulder instead.
Riley while not officially doing so was listening intently, especially to the surprising suggestion to disobey orders, taking in the interaction between his senior officers to ponder later.
Riley took Nelson and Patterson back to Seaview then returned to the carrier to be ready to ferry the delegates to the underwater complex and then take the Skipper and Kowalski back as soon as the Skipper was free to leave.
They get through it. The Skipper was amazing. He pulled it together to get the form of the thing correct, saying and doing the right things at the right time. He somehow managed to not look like he was ready to fall over at any moment too.
When Crane went to ceremonially hand off the fail-safe key he pulled the key from his neck but instead of handing it to the new fail-safe officer instead handed it to Kowalski. Kowalski in turn pulled a key from his neck and exchanged it for the one the Skipper had. The Skipper then did the presentation of the key Kowalski had held to his counterpart. There was a slight gasp from someone in the group. Eyes turned to that man and he was arrested on the spot under suspicion of treason.
Once the kerfuffle died down and everyone had returned to the aircraft carrier it was time for Kowalski to get Crane home to Seaview. As they headed to the flight deck two men and Lieutenant Commander Hendley briefly stopped them in a passageway near a cabin with an open door. The men seemed to indicate that Hendley was to speak with Crane. Hendley simply said, "I'm sorry to bother you, sir." To the other men he said, "No, this isn't who we are looking for." The three men carried on down the corridor.
Later Hendley in anger told the men. "That wasn't Nelson!"
"But you wanted the top officer of Seaview."
"No, that wasn't Nelson. You have to get me Nelson. That's our agreement"
The men just looked at each other, they were a bit confused and surprised, but they devised a different way to get Hendley and Nelson together.
* The Machines Strike Back