59Epilogue:
Once in the relative safety of open water, Adm. Nelson finally apprised the crew on the exact nature of their mission, and specifically why the boat had been on such high alert. While not happy with being kept in the dark for so long, most understood the Admiral's logic. But whatever ill feelings they might have held were overshadowed when the Admiral made the announcement of Captain John Phillips and their four fellow crewmates' deaths.
A memorial was to be held in the wardroom, with Seaview's chaplain, Dr. William Jamieson, leading the service, which would be piped through the boat for those unable to attend due to duty.
Once again, Lee felt like the intruder aboard. He was the stranger amongst a crew that the Admiral had hand-selected for what the press once labelled, "Nelson's Folly".
He wanted to attend the memorial, out of respect for a fallen comrade, but decided that remaining in the Control Room, and freeing up a few more men to attend the service, would be best for everyone.
There was, however, someone he did need to talk with, and it was not going to be an easy conversation for either of them.
*.*.*.*.*
After the memorial service, the Admiral called Chip into his office to speak with him on a matter he felt was of importance.
"Please have a seat, Commander."
"Thank you, sir."
"I realise it's been less than two weeks, but I wanted to discuss with you a replacement for John." He lit a cigarette, and offered the XO one.
"No thanks, sir, I'm trying to cut back." He waved the proffered pack away. "The same thing's been on my mind, as well."
"I'm thinking of offering the position to Cdr. Crane, but I wanted to get your opinion first."
Chip was grateful that the Admiral had enough respect for him to ask his view on the matter.
"You two have a long history together, and from what I recall a close friendship." He flicked the ashes into the tray, and put down the cigarette. "Though, I didn't see much informal interaction between you two."
"We're still friends, sir, if that's what you're wondering," replied Chip. At least, I hope we are. Lee had been one hell of a taskmaster for this mission, but then he, like the Admiral, had the survival of the Northern Hemisphere sitting on his shoulders.
"You want to know how I'd feel serving under him on a permanent basis?"
"That, and if you think he'd make a good fit within the Institute."
"Lee's always been good at anything he sets his mind to; so, I doubt he'd have any trouble working for the Institute, sir. His rescue of Wilson and Malone gave the men a chance to judge his merits, and I think quite a few were impressed."
Nelson nodded his agreement.
"As for me," Chip paused before continuing, "I think we'd be able to work well together. Of course, there'd need to be some adjustment on both our parts to maintain a distinct line between the personal and professional, so as not to interfere with any command decisions. But I think this mission proved that already, sir."
Lee's always set his sights on a career track, thought Chip. Would he want to give up the possibility of being an Admiral by the time he's 40?
*.*.*.*.*
The atmosphere in the Control Room was subdued, when Chip returned from his meeting with Nelson. The men had resumed their stations, and Lee was checking their course and speed for the return to Santa Barbara.
"Mr. Morton," said Crane, as he saw his XO enter. "I'd like to see you in my cabin." There was no hint of familiarity in his tone.
"Aye, sir."
This is my lucky day, thought Chip, a meeting with both the Admiral and Captain.
"Mr. O'Brien," said Lee, "you have the conn."
The junior officer gave his acknowledgement to the order.
As they walked back to the Captain's cabin, Chip made a mental note that Lee seemed melancholy, as though once the mission was over, there was little left for him to do. And if there was one thing Lee Crane thrived on, it was action.
Entering the cabin, Lee closed the door behind them.
"I'm sorry about keeping you in the dark regarding this mission," began Lee, "but DoD and ONI made my orders very clear."
Chip chortled. "I did wonder why you were commanding the boat like you had a stick up your ass."
Lee joined in with a laugh, "Spit, polish and the brig, huh?"
"Not really," he shook his head, "I just figured you had a lot on your mind. I know I did."
"I envy you, Chip," said Lee. "This grey lady is one hell of a boat."
"You've got the Montana waiting for you back in San Diego."
Lee shook his head, "I've got the big chair for now. Then well, you know the rules." Crane was referring to the fact that USN Captains only commanded their boats for about twenty-four months, before being rotated through the chain of command.
"The captaincy means a lot to you, doesn't it?"
"I never realised it till now. Is this what it's going to feel like when I leave the Montana for desk duty?" Just the thought of being stuck behind a desk and not part of the action weighed heavily on his mind.
"I thought you intended to be an Admiral by the time—"
Lee cut him off, "By the time I'm 40. I know. But this mission really made me stop and think about my career path."
"Who knows," said Chip, knowingly, "with your luck, maybe they'll re-write the rules just for you."
*.*.*.*.*
Days later, as the boat sailed down the California coast, the Captain entered the nose where Wilson and the Admiral were having coffee.
"Gentlemen, we make port in two hours." Lee reached for the coffee pot to pour himself a cup.
"Already?" asked Wilson. "Well, I haven't had a chance yet to thank you properly for saving my precious hide."
If this was how Wilson wanted to bury the hatchet, who was he to argue with it: "I figured that'd make us even. Besides, I couldn't afford to lose the best diver aboard, could I?"
"He's got a point."
Lee walked over to the console to look out Seaview's nose, as well as to keep Wilson from seeing him roll his eyes at the comment.
Nelson leaned back in his chair, and asked, "Well, Lee, I suppose you're anxious to return to active duty with the Navy."
"I suppose so, sir. Now that Seaview's job is finished."
"Seaview's job is never finished. As long as there are destructive forces in the world…as long as there are secrets of nature to be probed…believe me, there'll be work for us—on missions just as vital and as dangerous as this one."
"Cap'n radio message from the Navy Department," said the Chief, as he entered the nose.
"Oh thanks, Curley," he replied, taking the message from the Chief, and reading it.
"Bad news?" asked Wilson, noting the perplexed look on Crane's face.
"I don't know?" He re-read the paper in his hand again, still puzzled "They're telling me I'm out of the Navy."
"Naturally," said Nelson. "How else could you accept the post of permanent Captain of the Seaview? That is, if you want it."
Lee smiled in surprise and grateful acknowledgement. Chip was probably already aware of the Admiral's decision, but his words definitely crossed Lee's mind, Who knows, with your luck, maybe they'll re-write the rules just for you.
~ Finis ~
© 2015 Dash O'Pepper
Disclaimers: Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea is a registered trademark of Twentieth Century-Fox Television Inc., Cambridge Productions Inc., and Irwin Allen Properties LLC. All rights reserved. This work of fanfiction is not meant in any way to infringe on copyrights already held by these companies, their subsidiaries, and/or their estates. Original characters, as well as the internal dialogue and some situations, of this fanfiction are the property of its author.