10Epilogue:
Capt. Lee Crane was standing at the console table in the Control Room, receiving the latest reports from Kowalski on his team's work in the Circuitry Room.
"It took us a bit longer than anticipated, sir. But everything checks out A-Okay. We've got full propulsion and manoeuvrability."
"Tell your team, good work, 'Ski." He nodded in satisfaction, dismissing the rating.
"Aye-aye, sir."
Picking up the communications mic, he keyed Nelson's office: "Admiral, Kowalski's finished repairs in the Circuitry Room. As soon as Chip's back, we can get underway."
When he returns, tell him I'd like to see you both in my office.
"Aye, sir."
*.*.*.*.*
FS-1 to Seaview, request docking clearance.
"You're cleared to dock, Commander. Once you're aboard, the Admiral wants us both in his office."
Lee watched on the video monitor as the Flying Sub returned to its berth. Once he felt it lock into position aboard and the bay doors seal, he nodded at a crewman standing by to open the hatch.
Chip came bounding up the boarding ladder, a bright grin on his face.
"I take it from your expression that you had no trouble with landing her aboard the Nimitz."
"None, sir," he said loud enough for the crew to hear, then whispered under his breath for Lee's benefit only, "It was a bitch-and-a-half."
Lee hid his smirk well. "C'mon, the Admiral's waiting for us." Looking at the OOD, he said, "You have the conn."
The two officers climbed the spiral staircase to "Officer Country", and knocked on the door to the Admiral's cabin.
They heard a muffled Enter, and went in.
"One ancient sarcophagus, signed and delivered," said Morton. "The Nimitz has already spoken with the GID, who'll have a detail waiting for its arrival and then take it straight to Cairo."
Nelson noted that his Captain had again started wearing his Academy ring. Things had been a bit rocky at first, but as the last two days passed, Lee had begun to assume his normal routine. Doc's lanolin and glycerine mixture had removed the last traces of kohl and rouge on his face, which undoubtedly helped matters.
"What do you think the Egyptian government is going to say if they examine the clothes that mummy is wearing?" asked Lee. Even with his uniform aged three-thousand years, synthetic fibres and sewing machine stitches would not be found in ancient Egypt.
"I doubt they'll say much. Being gifted a perfectly preserved sekhemty, as well as those other items, will more than compensate for any questions they may have concerning it."
Nelson continued, "Lee, you haven't taken a moment's downtime since returning to duty. There's nothing urgent or pressing on the docket."
"I can handle the return to Norfolk," said Chip. "Hell, I just managed a carrier landing."
Lee looked from the Admiral to his Executive Officer: he was never pleased about being taken off-duty. But for once he wasn't going to argue; he was physically and emotionally exhausted, and could use a few days in his cabin relaxing and catching up on reading those mystery novels the Admiral had loaned him.
"You have command, Mr. Morton."
"Aye-aye, sir."
Nelson smiled to himself. It would be slow going, but things would be all right.
~ Finis ~
© 2021 Dash O'Pepper
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