by

Jane Daffron

Author’s note: Please be advised that this takes place in the present time. A little license has been taken and I hope you all will be indulgent. This was my first foray into writing. I want to thank Barbara Paul for use of background material from her story Price of Dream as well as her help with a couple of scenes and to Linda Delaney for her help and friendship as well.

 

Admiral Harriman Nelson sat quietly, but impatiently, in Admiral "Jiggs" Starke's office at ComSubPac’s San Diego Headquarters. He had approached his old friend to find someone with the qualifications he required to build a special deep water diving (DWD) team for the SSRN Seaview, the world’s largest research nuclear submarine. Seaview was Nelson’s creation and was privately owned by the Nelson Institute of Marine Research. She was staffed by a civilian navy reserve crew and her captain, Commander Lee Crane, was the Navy’s top submarine commander. Funding for the sub’s missions came from the Federal Bureau of Marine Exploration (FBME) as well as from other government and private sources. Her primary purpose was to explore the ocean and conduct experiments that her creator and backers required. On occasions she was pressed into service when situations arose that needed a ‘special touch’ that certain government agencies could not provide.

Nelson had had a very rewarding active military career. However, after retiring early and building the Nelson Institute as well as the Seaview, he found that the life he had carved out for himself was now less restrictive and afforded him more accessibility to concentrate on his life’s passions, that of marine exploration. He could now follow his own path, more often that not, and still have access to all the Navy had to offer, including personnel.

So, on that fateful day in May, he sat calmly, if not anxiously, in Starke’s office. His old friend had called him with the news that he had finally found him a diving master. Nelson was anxious to meet the person and see if he would mesh well with the Seaview’s crew.

If Starke would get himself in here, we can get started. I have too much to do back at the Institute. He always was one to drag things out.

About that time, Starke walked in carrying a rather large personnel file folder under his arm. A rather large hulk of a man, he looked at his old friend with amusement. He had a feeling he knew what Nelson’s reaction would be to the news and he wanted to savor the moment. "Harriman, you old sea dog…how are you doing? Ready to come back into active service?"

"No, thank you, Jiggs.  Besides I don’t think that even I would fit your mold." Nelson laughed, a pointed reminder that Starke considered himself ‘spit, polish and the brig’ Navy, the old Navy. Nelson, on the other hand, had always considered himself one of the ‘New Navy,’ similar to that of Elmo Zumwalt’s approach. In fact, Nelson and Zumwalt had been constantly compared as to their similar styles and rapid ascension through the ranks. Both men had obtained the admiralty rank at a relatively young age. Zumwalt had aspired to the highest post in the Navy, that of CNO, whereas Nelson had chosen sea exploration and let his discoveries and inventions speak for themselves. This had afforded him the contacts and experiences necessary to accomplish his dream when he decided to retire early.

"Harriman, I do believe you’ve gotten way too accustomed to straddling the line." Starke replied with a wide grin. "Well, I’ve found you a dive officer. Name’s K. L. Davis, Captain. Excellent references…apparently quite an aircraft pilot, too. A sometimes flight instructor over at Miramar. Should give Crane some competition on that Flying Submarine of yours." He handed him the file and sat back in his chair, wanting a full view of the explosion that was about to occur.

Nelson leaned back into the overstuffed chair across from Starke and started to go through the file. As he read through the first page of the fact’s sheet, he first thought that his old friend was joking, but as he read on, he suddenly realized that he was not. The file was a lengthy but quite impressive one. Knowing that Starke was waiting for some sort of reaction from him, he decided that he was not going to give him the pleasure. In fact, as he finished the file, he grinned and handed it back to Starke.

"So…when do I get to meet her?" was his only comment.

"Harriman, you can’t be serious. You’ve got 125 men on that boat of yours. I know that the Navy has a policy of opening certain combat areas now, and you know damn well I certainly don’t agree with it, but you can’t put a woman on a submarine. Even one that’s a ‘civilian’ one. Too many things can happen. And after the Tailhook incident… "

"Jiggs, must I remind you that the Seaview is not Navy. She’s a civilian ship and we’re under the ‘auspices’ of the FBME. And apparently, K. L. Davis is the person for what I want to do. Besides, the status is going to be that of a mission specialist anyway. Now, I’ll ask you again, when do I meet her?" Nelson pointedly replied. He, quite frankly, was getting more than a bit impatient with Starke’s attitude.

"Okay, okay…I just don’t agree with…"

"I know you don’t, Jiggs, but that doesn’t really concern me…what does is…if you are so adamant about her not being on board, then why show me the file?"

"Because, damn it, I fed your ‘qualifications’ through the damn computer five times…five times, mind you…and each damn time, I kept getting the same name…Hers…"

"Well, obviously, then, she’s who I want as the head of this team."

"Harriman, I wish you’d reconsider…"

Nelson’s blue eyes blazed. When someone was this qualified, he didn’t like to be told no. "Jiggs, if she’ll take the job, I want her at the Institute and on board Seaview. Now, where is she?"

Starke knew not to push the issue with his old friend. "Oh, hell….all right. She’s over at Miramar. I understand she’s training this session. We can go on over now and let you two get acquainted, if you want."

Nelson stood, taking his hat from the side table and putting it on. "Good, let’s go then. The sooner the better." He picked up his brief case and headed for the door. Starke had to hustle to keep up with him.

A driver was standing by to take them over to Miramar, the Navy’s top fighter pilot training facility. Here, pilots, who had been judged to be the best by their respective commanders, came to learn from the best to be the best. In the last ten years, women had been allowed to go into the combat arena of Naval aviation and there were now numerous female pilots being posted to carrier groups.

As they drove by the outer perimeter of the base, F-A18's were both taking off and landing on the airstrips. Starke had related to Nelson that Davis would be in the air at this time training the newest group of ‘students’. It was an impressive sight to watch the sleek but deadly aircraft descend to the tarmac only to suddenly power up and take off again without ever touching down. These craft were considered to be the best in the world and their pilots had to be equally as good to handle them.

The driver took them directly to the flight commander’s offices. The FCO informed them that she was airborne with a trainee. He then handed them each a set of headphones with an auxiliary battery pack as well as a pair of binoculars.

"Gentlemen, you should be able to pick up communication between the aircraft. You won’t be able to communicate with them, but you can monitor them. The microphones are for communication between yourselves. It has a tendency to get a bit loud out there, so I’d really advise you to use them. Captain Davis’s ‘handle’ is Ice Queen …Oh, and if you hear any music in the background, it’s coming from her plane. The captain…has a bit of a habit for some unorthodox training aids."

Starke and Nelson looked at each other, puzzled at the comment. Thanking the FCO, they proceed outside to the parking area near the taxi runway. About that time, two sleek FA-18Cs came screaming in toward the landing strip, one slightly ahead of the other. As they neared the end of the runway, music started to blare over the headphones. A blast of musical chords and then the words ‘taking care of business…’ could be distinguished. The two planes skimmed the tarmac at what Nelson estimated was 20 to 30 feet off the ground. Reaching the end, they accelerated and executed a vertical climb, each in a different direction. Between the deafening whine of the jet engines and the music, the two men looked at each other and wondered what in God’s name was transpiring up there.

Within moments however, the music volume was lowered as the voices came across.

"Good run, Jack Rabbit…good run. But you need to pull your nose up a bit more coming in. Otherwise, you could slam into the ground when you try to skim. The point is to come in low, under radar, drop a quick round, and haul ass out of there."

"Okay, Ice, I’ll try it again…Hey, we’ve got company on the tarmac…you see’em?"

"Yeah, I see’em. Looks like we won’t get in another run today. I recognize one of them but not the other. Let’s go downstairs. We’ll set you up another time."

"Sure…Jack out."

They circled the airfield and then approached the parallel runways for their landings. Both planes touched down flawlessly at approximately the same time, one in front of the other. Nelson and Starke watched the two craft as they taxied from the end of the runway to the parking area near them. Here, other jets sat awaiting their pilots and were being readied for flight by the numerous maintenance crews buzzing about. The two men watched as maintenance crews rushed to the two aircraft, bringing ladders, hoses for fuel, and other equipment. One of the crew ascended the ladder and cracked the canopy of the lead plane. Nelson noticed the person yelling something to the pilot, who in turn signaled an okay. The planes were powered down and the pilots descended to the ground. He noticed the lead pilot was smaller that the other; in fact, the second pilot seemed to dwarf the first. Watching them through binoculars, he saw the lead remove ‘his’ helmet. It was then that he realized that the ‘he’ was, in fact, most definitely, a ‘she’. He watched as she unbuckled the safety straps to her parachute and handed it to a member of her flight crew. He surmised that she was about five foot five or six inches with very curly dark blond hair. Her eyes were hidden by the sunglasses she now wore but she appeared to be quite attractive, even if she wore a flight suit. He studied her interaction with the crews and watched their reactions to her. Her body language didn’t show arrogance, but instead, as he watched her, he saw appreciation of those around her. At the same time, there seemed to be a certain air of confidence about her. And as he watched her, he felt there was something else. Too many of the fighter pilots were known to be a bit on the cocky side, but it didn’t seem to be that. No, it wasn’t that…but he yet couldn’t put his finger on it quite yet.

She walked up to Starke and gave a sharp salute. "Admiral Starke, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Captain…I’d like for you to meet Admiral Harriman Nelson of the Nelson Institute of Marine Research. Harriman…Captain Karen Davis."

Turning to Nelson and saluting, she said, "Sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you."

Nelson smiled and nodded. "Captain, that was quite an impressive display up there. Are you always quite so…demonstrative?"

"Only when necessary, sir…only when necessary," she replied and grinned broadly. Nelson couldn’t tell what her eyes held hidden behind those glasses.

Starke turned to face her. "Captain, Harriman’s got a proposition for you. Is there anywhere we can talk?"

"Sure, I’ve got to talk with my wingman; that’ll take about fifteen to twenty minutes. It’ll take me about another fifteen to get rid of this gear and become human again. Tell you what, meet me inside here in forty-five minutes."

"All right, forty-five minutes in the flight officer’s office then."

She saluted the two, turned around, and walked away. Nelson’s eyes followed her as she strolled toward the hanger. There was something about her…that made him slightly…uncomfortable…in a very strange sort of way. Yet, at the same time, he also felt at ease with her, too.

 

 óóóó

 

Forty-five minutes later, Starke and Nelson settled down into chairs in the Flight Officer’s Office. A short knock came and Starke’s reply followed, "Come."

Davis came through the door and stood at attention. Now dressed in the Navy’s khaki work uniform, she definitely looked ‘human’.

"At ease, Captain, and sit down. This is an informal meeting."

She smiled and took a seat facing them.

Starke cleared his throat and started. "Captain Davis, Admiral Nelson here is looking for a diver to head up a special team he wants to build. I’ll let him tell you the rest."

Nelson shifted his weight in the chair and leaned toward her. "Captain, as you well know, Seaview is made up of the best the Navy has, in accordance with my ‘special needs’. I want to put together a team of divers that specialize in deep water dives and can handle other ‘tasks’ as well. Your record indicates that you’re the very person I want to head up that team. Would you be interested?"

She looked at the two men and studied Nelson in particular. She knew this man was a living legend. He was one of the youngest admirals in naval history, second only to Elmo Zumwalt. Academy graduate as well as professor of biology, chemistry, and military tactical history. He retired early and, with a combination of government and private funding, built the Nelson Institute of Marine Research, then the Seaview. A Nobel Prize in biology enhanced his reputation, as did numerous other honors and accolades from around the world. Now here he was…offering her a job.

"I’m flattered, Admiral. What exactly did you have in mind?" The two locked eyes and sat intently studying each other.

"I want a team that can dive as deep as Seaview can; that can handle any situation, be it research or covert."

"An interesting proposition, sir. So basically, you want a SEAL-type team that can handle research as well, or am I wrong?"

"Not a SEAL team, but a DWD team," he replied, correcting her. "Your responsibilities would be to ensure that each man on the team is certified in depths no other divers could touch. Should, let’s say, certain situations arise that might constitute the need for electronics or explosives gear, then they would be trained in that as well."

"Well, as far as depth goes, I’m sure that you’re more than aware that deep saturation dive training takes less than three weeks.  However, any deeper than that and you’re looking at specialized suits.  I believe there’s one being developed now that’s smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable than the older Hardsuit suits or even the current one that’s in use.  What equipment and manpower are you talking about here? Would I have access to whatever and whomever I need?"

"Equipment would be handled by the Institute. Personnel, however, would be limited to Seaview’s crew. Your job would be to choose the best from them and then train them.  I know the prototype you’re talking about…and it’s still a few years down the road.  If memory serves me correctly, it’s a one-atmosphere suit," he informed her.

“That’s correct, sir.  Tentatively, it’s the Hardsuit 2000 that you’re talking about.  However, it’s not the only one in the works.  There’s another one…the Exosuit ADS is also on the board.  However, as you stated, they’re still in the design phase, though I think that the 2000 is getting closer to the testing phase than the Exosuit.  The question is…do you want to enter that arena as well?  Design and develop your own?  And who would supervise the team when Seaview goes out on missions?" Her interest was peaking as the description of the job became more detailed.

"That’s exactly what I want, Captain.  If necessary, you’ll head up the R and D section for that project as well as heading up the team itself.  And as far as supervision of the team, well that, Captain, would, of course, be your responsibility as the Mission Specialist in charge. You’d live aboard the boat with your team once they’re up and running."

That sudden realization stunned Starke. The big man exclaimed, "Harriman, you can’t be serious. No sub has a woman as a member of her crew!"

"No regulation Navy sub has. But you must remember, Jiggs, we’re not regular Navy," Nelson replied. He turned his attention back to Davis and smiled slightly. "Well, Captain, what do you say? Want to do some ground breaking of your own?"

She looked at him warily and then a slight smile slowly began to emerge. "Well…it’ll take a bit to wade through the personnel files and to access capabilities.  Then, the specialized saturation dive training.  I’ll have to see about arranging for those selected to attend class down at Panama City at the Dive School.  I’m assuming that most of your people already have at least the basics of diving down…and there’s probably a few that have achieved master diver or dive officer status.  In the meantime, I’ll have to assemble a team of R and D specialists to start work on the deep dive suits.  Those things aren’t just going to magically appear…We’ll have to investigate the other two prototypes and see if the positives of both can be incorporated into one and then work closely with the contractors.”  An eyebrow rose slightly and she finally stated, “I’d say you’ve got yourself a new dive officer, sir. When do I report?"

"As soon as you can. You can arrange that with my director of personnel."

She thought for a moment, then replied, "If it’s quite all right with you, sir, I’d like to wait until mid-June. You see, my daughter’s in high school…she’s a junior…and I’d prefer to not disrupt her education this close to the end of the year. We can move as soon as the school year is over. That way I can look over schools in Santa Barbara as well as obtain living quarters."

Nelson was slightly taken aback that she would even suggest this; however, he had to admit it was a reasonable request. Starke had told him earlier about the daughter and that the child was a credit to her mother. He also reminded himself that several of the Seaview’s crew were fathers, although not exactly in the same situation as she was. He smiled slightly and said, "That would be fine. As for your living quarters, the Institute has sufficient arrangements within its own grounds. I’ll see that you’re assigned something that will meet your needs, but I do need you there as soon as possible."

"Thank you, sir, I’ll be there within two weeks after school ends."

Starke stood at that point, signaling an end to the meeting. Davis rose, saluted, and left. As soon as she walked out the door, she exhaled a loud sigh of relief. Her wingman, Jack Rabbit (aka Wes Browning), walked down the hall about that time. Seeing her, he yelled, "Hey, Ice, you okay?"

She broke out in a smile that could have illuminated the hall on its own. "Yes, yes...everything is absolutely all right!!!" And with that, the two went outside where she promptly explained her new job.

 

óóóó  

 

Inside, Starke stood at the door and looked at his old friend as he picked up his things. "Harriman, I hope you know what you’re in for. She’s got a reputation for being unconventional and a bit of a maverick," Starke told him, then added an extra pointed remark, with a definite gleam in his eye, "In a strange way, she sort of reminds me of someone else I know."

"Humph! Well…Jiggs, I do believe that she’ll work out just fine. I’ll have to admit that it’s going to be interesting. But then again…we all need a little shaking up now and then, and from what I’ve just seen, I think she’ll handle it just fine." I just hope I do.

"Hope you’re right, Harriman. I really hope you’re right."

 

óóóó  

 

Six weeks later...

A cherry red Jeep Grand Cherokee turned off Highway 101 onto a two-lane access road north of Santa Barbara, California. Its’ final destination was that of the Nelson Institute of Marine Research, perched high on a seaside cliff about twenty miles outside the city. The two occupants, a mother and teenage daughter, had just spent two weeks driving from their home in Virginia and they were tired and anxious to see their new home.

Arriving at the gate, Captain Karen Davis rolled down the window and displayed her credentials and was told that the moving van had arrived just moments before. She was then given directions to the living quarters area of the complex. When she pulled up to a five-story building with the moving van in front, she and her daughter climbed out and stretched. Looking over the vast facility, she wondered to herself if she had gotten herself into something she would regret. A guard approached her and asked for her papers.

"Sorry, ma’am. But we need to make sure." He looked over them and then held up a walkie-talkie. "Tell the Admiral that Captain Davis and her daughter have arrived at the apartments and are unloading"

A voice came across with "10-4".

"Ma’am, you and Miss Davis will be in five-A…that’s the fifth floor. The movers can use the service elevators here."

She signed the clipboard that he had handed her and replied, "Thanks. I’m just glad to finally be here. It’ll be good to sleep in our own beds tonight, won’t it, Caitlin?"

"Sure will, Mom. Well, let’s go on up and take a look at our new home. This place looks fantastic!"

After giving the movers instructions, she and Caitlin went inside and took the elevator to the fifth floor. Once there, they quickly found the apartment and went inside. What they found was a spacious four bedroom apartment overlooking the ocean. Off the living room area was a huge balcony with an exquisite ocean view. There was a huge kitchen and a formal dining room. Karen thought it odd that such quarters existed at the Institute but didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth. Caitlin staked out her bedroom and decreed that another bedroom would work just fine for her mother’s office. The master bedroom would, of course, be Karen’s. The remaining one would be turned into a guest bedroom.

The movers started trouping in with the furniture and the many boxes and crates. Caitlin acted as traffic controller, designating the rooms to which the things were assigned. In the middle of the confusion, two men in blue officer’s uniforms suddenly showed up.

"Captain Davis?" The taller, dark haired man inquired.

"Yes?"

"I’m Lee Crane, Seaview’s Captain and this is Chip Morton, the XO."  He turned to the tall blonde haired man standing beside him. "We thought we’d come up and welcome you to our humble home." He then held out a bottle of wine and a six-pack of Cokes.

"Well, well…we thank you gentlemen most humbly." Turning around and calling back into the apartment, "Caitlin, come in here, please. These gentleman come bearing gifts." She motioned them to come inside, noting the rank insignia on their collars.

Caitlin Davis strolled in from one of the back bedrooms and looked at the two officers standing before her. She had become used to handsome men in uniform so these two certainly did not faze her. Smiling and acknowledging their presence, she then turned to her mother and asked, "Where did you pack the computer patch cords? I need to set up the computers in your bedroom and in your office."

"They’re in a gray box marked ‘office’. They should’ve already been brought in."

"Okay, I think I saw that box somewhere in the other room."

"Caitlin, this is Lee Crane and Chip Morton. Commander Crane is the Seaview’s captain and Mr. Morton is the exec."

"Hi, guys. It’s nice to meet you." Turning to Crane, she said, "Commander, please make sure you take care of my mom."

"Miss Davis, I certainly intend to," Crane replied with a slight bow and a wide smile, his hazel eyes twinkling.

"Good, then we’ll get along just fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get these computers up and running." The teenager turned and headed back toward one of the bedrooms.

Crane watched as she exited the room. Quite a girl, that one. Cute, too. White blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Couldn’t be more than 16 or 17, but carried herself with an air of way more maturity. And if what he had heard about the mother was correct, the daughter could definitely handle herself.

"The movers should be finished shortly. Caitlin’s my computer guru. Lord knows, I don’t know how they work. I simply tell her what I need, and she programs and does it for me. My late husband used to call her a ‘byte head’ when she was eight years old. Once she gets me up and running, then we can truly unpack. And hopefully, we’ll be completely entrenched here by day after tomorrow. "

"Is there anything we can do?" Crane asked looking at the rows and rows of boxes and packing crates, furniture, etc.

"No…actually, we’ve got it fairly under control. Controlled chaos, I call it. But thanks, anyway. It’ll be nice to sleep in our own beds tonight. Two weeks of motels and hotels get a little old," she replied, placing the wine and sodas on a packing crate.

"Well, there’s a staff meeting set for 1000 tomorrow in the Conference Room. That’s on the first floor of the Administration Building next door. Apparently, the admiral set it up so you could meet with the whole command staff. He wants to outline duties and responsibilities," Crane informed her.

"Oh, great!" she replied, slightly perturbed. "Just what I need. Oh, well…guess I should’ve anticipated this. Commander, just where do I find the Admiral at this time of day?"

"He should be in his office. Usually is by this time. That’s also on the first floor of the Administration Building. You can’t miss it."

"Thanks. Well, I’d better get over there." She turned and called out to her daughter, "Caitlin, what did you do with my uniforms?"

From an unseen room in the apartment came a voice, "They’ve been hung in your closet, Mom. Why?"

"I’ve got to get dressed and meet with Admiral Nelson, honey. You finish the unpacking and I’ll be back as soon as I can." She turned to the two uniformed men. "Thank you. I guess I’ll see ya’ll tomorrow, then."

With that, Crane and Morton took their leave and left the ladies to unpack. Crane chuckled to himself. This is going to be an interesting situation, he thought. Maybe he was just a little of the ‘Old Navy’ though he’d hate to admit it. However, if the O.O.M. thought this was a good idea, then he was willing to go along with it. Nelson had given him a copy of Davis’s personnel file and he was duly impressed. She’s no submariner, but she could certainly dive and she was most definitely a pilot. It’d be good to have another competent pilot aboard for the FS-1.

 

óóóó

 

Karen Davis quickly cleaned up and dressed in a khaki uniform. She then found her way to the Administration Building. Entering, she was quickly faced with the outer door to Admiral Nelson’s office. Well, Crane said she couldn’t miss it. He was right. She paused for a second to get her breath then opened the door. Lord, this was something else. If this outer office was any indication, then his office must be enormous. A very well groomed young woman sat at a computer terminal working on a spreadsheet.

"Excuse me"

The secretary looked up at her and smiled. "Yes?"

"My name is Karen Davis. I’m here to see Admiral Nelson, if that’s possible."

"Captain Davis…yes…he’s been expecting you. Please…have a seat. I’ll let him know you’re here. Oh, and by the way, welcome to NIMR. I’m Angie Pierce, his secretary. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of each other in the near future. Now…if you have any questions or problems, just let me know. And if I can’t help you, I’m sure that Lt. Cathy Conners can.  We’ll have an office for you soon, as well as your own secretary."

"Thanks…Angie. I might just take you up on that sooner than you think.  I have someone to thank for the apartment…I really wasn’t expecting quarters quite like that," Karen replied, taking a seat opposite the door to Nelson’s inner office. "Tell me, what’s he like to work for?"

"Well, you can thank Lt. Conners for that…and as for the Admiral…actually, he’s great. He can be a bit of a bear at times, though. He can be impatient and short tempered, but I think you’ll do fine. I’ve read your file, Captain. Pretty imposing; very…independent. He seems to be quite impressed with you," she quickly remarked and then she reached for the telephone. "Admiral, Captain Davis is here to see you…Yes, sir. I’ll send her on in."

She got up from her desk and walked to the office door. Opening it, she motioned Davis to go on in.

Nelson was seated at a massive mahogany desk covered with files, blueprints, and spreadsheets, contemplating one of the blueprints. On a sideboard against one of the walls was a 4 foot long model of Seaview. There were numerous framed certificates, awards, etc., lining the walls. In the middle of the wall opposite his desk was a giant TV screen. She was able to make out a mini-cam attachment on the side of it for videoconferencing. On his desk, covered by blueprints, was a computer monitor and CPU. The keyboard and mouse were placed to the side. Behind him was a small laser printer/fax machine. This was certainly something befitting someone of Harriman Nelson’s professional stature.

He looked up and smiled, then motioned her to sit in one of the two leather chairs that were placed in front of his desk. Getting up, he handed Angie the blueprint and said, "I want a 10x blowup of this section. ASAP."

"Yes, sir." She took it, smiled at Davis and winked, and then left, closing the door behind her.

Going back to his desk, he settled into the overstuffed chair. "Well, Captain, are you getting settled into your quarters? I hope that they’re acceptable."

"Yes, sir, thank you. We are. I left Caitlin to finish with the movers. Frankly, I didn’t expect anything quite so…comfortable. It’s a bit overwhelming, however we’ll manage fine."

"Good…good. I had Lt. Conners, my administrative assistant, look over what we had, and with her recommendation, I figured that with your daughter and all, you might need a little bit more room than we bachelors."

"Well, I thank you and so does she. And please extend my thanks to Lt. Conners as well."

"You can do that yourself, Captain.  You’ll be seeing quite a bit of her as you get your things set up.  Now…have you had any time to look over the complex?" he inquired.

"No, sir. We only just arrived a few hours ago. Oh, Captain Crane and Commander Morton did come by as sort of an ‘unofficial Welcome Wagon’. That’s how I found out about the staff meeting at 1000 hours tomorrow. I understand that the complete command staff will be present. What do you want me to have ready for presentation?"

Nelson allowed himself a slight grin.

She’s all business. Good.

This should make things easier for him. After his encounter with her at Miramar, he half wondered if he wasn’t imagining things. There had been some kind of feeling in the pit of his stomach the first time he saw her. Now, upon seeing her again, that uneasy feeling had returned. Was it that he was unsure of her as a candidate for the Institute or could it be that he was mildly attracted to this woman? What was it? It had been years since an honest-to-God woman had been in his life. Not really since Katherine… Oh, there’d been flirtations, yes, but…

For God’s sake, Harriman, you’re going to be her employer. You’re at least fifteen years her senior and you are her commanding officer.

He had to admit, however, that there was something about her…He had to shake this and get down to business. This might be a little harder that he wanted to admit.

"Captain, I realize that you’ve only just arrived and haven’t even truly moved in, so the meeting will be fairly short. I want you to meet Seaview’s command staff, get to know them, maybe talk to them about want you want from them. That is, if you can have that ready."

"Yes, sir, actually…I already do. I sketched it all out on the way here. I’ll have the specs ready for the meeting as per your request."

"Good…good. Now, how would you like to see where you’re going to be living when you’re not here? Seaview’s berthed down below."

"That would be good, sir. If I’m to be assigned quarters, then I need to know what I can bring onboard with me."

"All right, let’s go, then." He stood up and walked to the door. Holding it open, he allowed her to exit first. Chivalry dies hard, even in this day and time. They proceeded to the elevator at the end of the main hallway. Entering, he touched the number pad and then held his hand to an infrared scanner in the panel.

A computer voice intoned "Access confirmed. Nelson, Harriman. Admiral." The elevator then started to silently move downward. "We’ll get you entered into the system so that you’ll have no problem with accessibility."

As quickly as it started, the elevator doors suddenly opened onto a platform which in turn opened onto an underground submarine docking facility called a sub pen. Numerous men scurried about performing their various duties. Supplies were being loaded. Equipment. Food. Then she really saw the ship he had brought her to see. She was definitely different to any sub she had ever seen. Over 400 feet long and looking somewhat like a manta ray (she thought, what with the bow fins shaped the way they were) she was quite an impressive sight. Following Nelson across the gangplank that stretched from the dock onto the top hull of the boat, she carefully observed every hatch, every rivet in every seam, everything about her. If this was to be her surrogate home, then she would become as familiar with it as she was with the back of her hand.

Nelson led her through a doorway hatch located in the side of the conning tower. This in turn led to a hatch which led to a ladder. She followed him down the ladder and found herself standing in the middle of the Control Room. Now, Karen had seen some of the Navy’s top subs but it did not prepare her for this. It was like something out of Star Trek^™. Main controls were now touch pads electronics; the engineering boards were like the video display of a computer game. The original old style massive computers had been replaced by a much more efficient but powerful smaller version. Lighting emulated daylight at this point yet he informed her that even that would change depending upon the situation. She had heard that Nelson had dry-docked his beloved boat for nearly a year while she underwent a complete refit and update. If this was the end result, then the only description was that it was unbelievable and fantastic!

He explained each section of the submarine, from the control room to the sophisticated reactor to the scullery and galley to the crews’ quarters. The ‘mini-tour’ took at least two hours. As they walked down a corridor on the upper level (A Deck), Nelson stopped outside one of the doors. Opening it, he motioned her inside.

"This will be your quarters, Captain. I hope they meet with your approval."

She glanced around. It was simple but comfortable. There was a built-in bunk, a desk, a very small bathroom (head, in Navy terms), and some closet space. She’d had less room in her dorm room in college if truth be told. There was a small video monitor built into the wall. Nelson explained that this was linked into the ship’s video cameras that were mounted on various points on the outside hull. It also doubled as a display for videoconferencing. Underneath of it was a small enclosed bookcase. There were also outlets and wiring for a laptop computer if she so desired.

"Admiral, this is more that sufficient. Thank you. I’ll have some of my personal belongings brought aboard so that at least I can feel at home."

"Good. Most of the crew is on shore leave right now. They’re due back next week. That should give you sufficient time to go over the personnel records for your team profiles. I expect a list of candidates in two weeks."

"Yes, sir."

As they left the cabin, a crewman attached a sign to the door. The sign read ‘Captain K. Davis’.

 

óóóó  

 

Nelson allowed her the run of the ship and patiently answered all of her questions. He was impressed that she had obviously done her homework on Seaview and she proved to be a quick study so that her questions were both pertinent and intelligent. He showed her the FS-1, figuring that she would definitely want to see the saucer shaped aircraft. He assured her that as soon as they were underway, he would have Lee Crane take her out so that she could become accustomed to her.

As they ascended the ladder back to the conning tower and then proceeded back to dockside, she seemed more at ease with the whole situation. Up until now, she had been quite sure about this. When he had offered her this position, she had jumped at the chance. Seaview. How could she even think of turning the job down. Now, after seeing all of this, she wondered if she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew. However, she had accepted the post and she was here; now she’d certainly make the most of it.

 

óóóó  

 

The next morning at approximately 1000 hours, the command staff of the Seaview met in the Conference Room just down the hall from Admiral Nelson’s office. In attendance was Nelson, Captain Lee Crane, Commander Chip Morton, Captain Karen Davis, Chief Petty Officer Francis Sharkey, Lt.(jg) O’Brian, and several other lieutenants and ensigns. Angie Pierce was also there, taking an official record of the meeting.

After all were assembled and seated at the large conference table, the meeting began. "Gentlemen, I’ve called this meeting to introduce you to the newest member of Seaview’s crew, Captain Karen Davis. She will be in charge of the new deep water diving team that will be formed. Captain Davis, I turn this meeting over to you." Nelson said and then sat back to observe the proceedings.

Standing, she looked at each one of the men sitting at the table. "Gentlemen, I must say that this is quite a pleasure. Some of you I’ve had the pleasure to meet last night. To the others…well, we’ve got a lot of time to get to know each other. Now…for the business at hand. You all know this crew far better than I, so I’ll rely on your input and insight as to their abilities and personalities. What the Admiral wants, and what I will deliver to him, is a deepwater dive team, or DWD team. This team will be highly specialized and more than capable of going where no others may dare, or to quote a phrase, to go where no one has gone before. I’ll go over personnel records of each member of the crew, including all officers with one exception. I’ll assess their abilities from their records, ask for your input, test them, and then submit a list of likely candidates to the Admiral. After I go over this with him, I will then retest them and make my final choices. After that…those that have never been trained in deep saturation diving will have to go down to the Naval Diving and Salvage Training School in Panama City, Florida.  In addition, I’m going to be heading up a department whose purpose is to develop the specialized diving suits we’ll be using at depths beyond 2000 feet.  Now, please understand, gentlemen, that while you might know of those whom are, what you might consider the ‘best divers’…you might be one of those yourself…but constant exposure to the pressures of deep diving is entirely different than what you may in fact be used to. I’m also going to need specialists in communication, demolitions, electronics, and photography. If you or any of the crew are so inclined in these areas, I need to know." She then turned to Nelson and said, "Admiral, if someone will bring me the personnel files, I’ll start the process as soon as this meeting is over."

And with that said, she sat down in her chair. There was a momentary silence, then the barrage of questions began. How many divers on the team? Would they be taken away from their regular duties? What was the training schedule? What kind of time frame before implementation? What about equipment? She answered each and every one, zeroing in on the person asking the question. By the time the meeting ended, roughly two hours later, she felt like she’d been through the wringer. But she had satisfied their curiosity. The mere fact that the officers were even being considered for the team made it that much more intense. Her reasoning was that since she had a limited pool to pull from that no one was exempt from consideration. Except for one person. The Admiral. All others were fair game. Even Commander Crane.

Nelson was satisfied with the meeting. He called a halt after 1315, thanking each them for coming in from shore leave in order to meet with her. Dismissing them, he came around the table to where she sat.

"Well, what do you think of your new shipmates, Captain?" he asked.

Captain Davis looked up at him as he leaned against the table. "They’re interesting, Admiral. I grant you that. I believe I can deliver what you want if they cooperate."

"Oh, you’ll have all the cooperation you need, don’t worry about that. And as for equipment, that’ll be up to you once you get your section together. Just start listing what you need. I’ll have it delivered to your lab or to Seaview, whichever you prefer.  I’ll also have my director of Facilities Management work with you in setting up your laboratory."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. Speaking of equipment, sir, I would like to take inventory of the equipment aboard ship. That will give me some idea of what may be needed."

"Fine, fine. Whatever you need." Glancing at Angie as she stood near the door, he stood up and walked over to his secretary. Turning around to face Davis, he said, "Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting at 1330 with Admiral Starke. By the way, he’s interested in your progress here."

She slightly frowned. Starke was like an overbearing, disapproving father. Or at least that’s the way he’d always presented himself to her. "Please give him my regards." And with that, she got up, gathered her notes into her briefcase and left.

Nelson was left wondering what he had said wrong. Maybe he had misjudged her…or was it that Starke simply rubbed her the wrong way? Jiggs had a habit of doing that at times. Harry had told him off more than once in their years of knowing each other. In fact, Starke could be a downright pompous ass at times, usually under the excuse of being ‘Old Navy.’ More than one person had referred to him as that…most behind his back.  However, he was one of his oldest friends. And he did trust his judgment in personnel. In fact, wasn’t it Jiggs who sent Crane to the Seaview after John Phillips was killed years ago. He made up his mind that he’d have to investigate that issue further at a later date.

 

óóóó

 

The next months passed slowly but steadily. Seaview went out on several assignments and handled several projects, as well as numerous times for the team’s routine training exercises. Karen Davis reviewed personnel files, did the preliminarily lists, tested men, consulted senior officers and Nelson, retested the personnel, and then finally announced her list of divers. There would be four teams consisting of four divers each. As team leader, she would be one of the sixteen, so that left fifteen of the best to be selected. Chip Morton was the most senior of the command staff to make the team, therefore, she chose him as her second in command. The list of the remaining fourteen chosen was posted in the wardroom. Those chosen would start reporting to her lab for further diving tests. It had gotten to be a real competition as to who was going to make the final "cut".  Once all the assignments were made, then the Navy Dive school in Panama City  was contacted to start certifying the teams in deep saturation diving.  The rest of the training would have to wait until the suits had been designed and developed.

Nelson watched over all of this with quiet absolution. He and the crew had quickly become accustomed to having a woman on board. In fact, he felt it had had quite a bit of a positive effect on the crew. They had taken to her quickly as her easy going manner had easily won even the most skeptical. He eventually realized that they would do anything she wanted because she had fully won their respect and loyalty, just as they respected he, Crane, and Morton. And in addition, the crew had unofficially adopted her daughter as their ‘little sister’ and became quite protective of her during their home base time. This amused Nelson to no end. Knowing his crew as he did, he was quite surprised that none of them had tried to date the girl, even if she was only 17. Even Lee Crane, previously known for his harem of beautiful girlfriends before his marriage to Cathy Connors, had taken an interest in seeing that no one harmed the girl. He certainly acted every inch the stern big brother towards her. Even the Admiral himself had unwittingly assumed a father-figure role for the girl.

The crews' attitude toward her daughter was a refreshing and reassuring one to Karen. She had previously worried that one of them might try to take advantage of the girl. However, Chief Petty Officer Francis Sharkey, the Chief of the Boat, had told her that the guys would look out for Caitlin and protect her from any ‘unduly influences’ as he put it. Knowing that and actually seeing it with her own eyes did ease Davis’s mind and made her transition much easier. She had even hired a housekeeper that would stay with Caitlin while she was out at sea for extended periods of time. Not that Caitlin couldn’t take care of herself, but it gave her piece of mind to know that someone was there with her that she could trust.

 

óóóó 

 

The preliminary training of the divers progressed that fall and before they realized it, it was Christmas. The crew would be returning to their families for holiday leave. However, Karen and Caitlin elected to stay in California for their first Christmas. However, Karen found herself a little depressed for the first time since her arrival at NIMR. She blamed it on the fact that they were away from ‘home’ for the first time in long time. They both missed Virginia and it showed, especially at this time of year. So, in order to deal with their loneliness, they hosted a formal Christmas Eve dinner for the senior staff.   An accidental fire on board the boat that same night provided a slight distraction for the party’s participants, but allowed Karen and Caitlin to start to gain a sense of ‘family’ that they hadn’t known in a long time.

The new year came in on a quiet note for the Davis’. The research and development phase of the specialized deep diving suits now took up most of Karen’s time and before she knew it, spring arrived and with it a personal revelation. Soon, too soon for her, it seemed, Caitlin was graduating from high school.  Bishop Garcia Diego High School had never seen the kind of attendance that this particular commencement ceremonies brought about. In the audience were over 120 of Seaview’s crew in dress white uniforms. It seemed that Miss Davis had manage to graduate at the top of the class and the crew had promised her that they would be there for moral support. As she looked out on the crowd of parents and friends, she found her mother, Admiral Nelson, Captain Crane, Commander Morton and the entire crew sitting in one large block.

Karen was so proud of her. Tears started to form as she saw her only child ascend the podium and start her speech. She looked up at the clear blue sky and closed her eyes. Uttering a small prayer of thanks for this day, she smiled broadly suddenly when she heard Caitlin specifically thank her for all that she had become. The tears silently flowed down her cheeks from that point on. Nelson stole a sideways glance at her and was amazed at the sight he beheld. It was the a side of her that he had not seen in the past year. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and quietly handed it to her. As he did, he took her hand for a moment. She didn’t attempt to remove it, but only nodded and smiled her acceptance. There’s that eerie feeling again, he thought.

The graduation ended with all proper formality and then the partying began. Seaview’s crew crowded around their "little sister" and showered her with brotherly hugs and kisses. Nelson had even given permission for a party to be given in her honor back at NIMR so after all the obligatory pictures and small talk, everyone headed back there.

At the party, the Davis’ announced that Caitlin had accepted a full academic scholarship to her mother’s alma mater, Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia and would be majoring in computer science.

At one point during the party, Karen couldn’t find Caitlin in the sea of white uniforms. When she finally did, she saw that she was deep in a conversation with Nelson. A smile graced her face as she wondered what those two were conspiring about. Perhaps he was giving her some fatherly advice. It had amazed her to watch the relationship between her commanding officer and her daughter over the last year. She had observed the quiet respect that had grown between them and she secretly believed he relished the father figure role that obviously had developed. Caitlin had, with his permission, helped the computer department to implement a new computer system at the Institute which, surprisingly, had saved them a ton of money, yet had put them on the cutting edge of computer technology. Nelson had even written her a glowing recommendation to Tech for her college application as well as helping her select appropriate courses of study.

Karen smiled as she watched her only child…the one thing she held dear above all others.

Lord, thank you for giving her to me. I did the best I could after Robert died; I hope you know that. Please watch over her and keep her safe; I love her so much.

Someone handed her a glass of punch, pulling her back in to the real world. Suddenly feeling the need for some air, she walked out of the room and went outside. The warm California breeze and fading of sunshine in to the quietness of dusk made her smile. Suddenly, she became conscious of someone behind her, watching her. Turning around, she found Nelson standing there, hands clasped behind his back.

She smiled warmly. "Sorry, I had to get out of there for a minute. It’s part of being a mother, you see. You sometimes can’t wait for them to grow up, and then when they do, you wish you could turn back the clock. It seems only yesterday I was in the hospital giving birth to her. Do you know she was born three weeks early? I developed toxemia, so the doctor decided to deliver her early in order to alleviate the problem. She was perfect…" The tears started to form again. He made a movement toward her, but she waved him off. "I’ll be all right in a moment. I promised myself that I wouldn’t do this. However, where she’s concerned, it’s difficult. Robert would have been so proud of her. She idolized her father…it almost destroyed her when he was killed. Wasn’t any easier for me, either. I suddenly had to be father and mother to her. I just hope I’ve done okay."

He took the two or three steps forward and slowly put an arm around her shoulder to comfort her. Smiling over at her, he replied, "You’ve done a wonderful job. She’s really an exceptional young woman and I’m sure that she’ll do just fine. You know that she’s just as proud of you as you are of her, don’t you? She’s told me so on numerous occasions."

"Well, I know that she looks up to you and respects your opinion, Admiral. That’s meant a lot to me, for her to have a good solid male role model in her life. Thank you for that."

"No thanks are necessary, Captain. As I said, she’s an exceptional young woman…with a highly exceptional mother. She’ll be fine."

They stood there, looking out on the luscious hues of yellow, orange, and red as they spread throughout the distance; her head now resting on his shoulder. They weren’t aware that Caitlin stood at the doorway observing them and smiling to herself in quiet approval.

 

óóóó  

 

Summer brought with it a tragic accident that brought about Cathy Crane’s untimely death.  The entire Institute, it seemed, was in mourning for the young woman.  Lee Crane was beside himself with grief, disappearing at one point, a way everyone surmised that was to deal with the grief and anger he felt.  It had been discovered that his wife’s death had been deliberate…a deadly warning to not undertake a proposed ONI mission.  However, he was not to be deterred…even tho he was so emotionally wounded.  His mother came west to help care for her only grandchild, and, with Caitlin’s help, tried to navigate the fragile emotional state that held Seaview’s captain in its clutches. 

The ending of that tragic summer led the Davis family eastward as they made the trek back for Caitlin’s move to college. Mother and daughter kept the e-mail flying cross-country and the crew would always ask about her. Karen would, in turn, let them know how she was doing.

The diving teams were now being utilized somewhat but they had not yet been given an assignment to fully test their cohesiveness as a full team, which was just as well. Karen wanted them at their very best before putting them to the test. If there was something she wasn’t comfortable with, she made them redo it…time and time again, until the processes were natural and they could do them in their sleep. The R and D section had tweaked the team’s equipment in such a way that it now nowhere resembled the normal deep sat diver’s gear.  They had also formed an alliance with the makers of the two prototypes of deep diving suits and, taking the best of both, had actually developed one for their own needs.  The unmanned testing phase of the suits proved to be the most time consuming of all the work.  She wasn’t about to put her team into the suits if they wouldn’t hold up.  So, week after torturous week, the suits were tested at various depths.  Once she was satisfied with the results, an order was placed for 16 of the specialized suits.  Then all of the team’s equipment had to be tested, redesigned, remade and reordered if necessary, then retested…all of this had to be done until it passed muster. The teams were now getting comfortable with the somewhat bulky suits and tanks. When they had suggestions that made common sense, these were incorporated into the design if possible.

One morning in early November, Karen was in the middle of some decompression experiments in her lab when Nelson strolled in. One look at him and she could see he was definitely not in a good mood. If fact, he looked ready to chew someone’s ass off.

"Good morning, Captain." he growled as soon as he came through the door.

"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?" She put down the clipboard she was holding and with a slight motion of her head indicated to her assistant to leave the room.  Crap. This doesn’t look good. And I’ve got a full day’s work here, too.  I wish he’d just leave me alone and let me get this done!

"Captain, I want to know precisely when this team will be available for assignments beyond the 2000 foot mark." He was most definitely in a foul mood. He had just gotten off the phone with the IG’s office at the FBME and they were exerting pressure to show results to be able to justify the expenditures she was incurring. He knew they were necessary; in fact, he had argued the point with them, but to no avail. The IG’s stance was that it had been nearly eighteen months. Surely they were ready to be used.

"Admiral, we’re almost there. I would estimate completion in about three to four months."

"Three to four…Captain Davis, you’ve been at this for nearly eighteen months now. Surely they’re ready for their first assignment." He was most definitely losing his patience. As a scientist, he understood certain things could never be rushed. However, in his role as Administrator of the Institute, he needed some definite time lines.

"Admiral, I can’t release them until I’m satisfied that the suits are completely operational and safe at the deeper levels,” she calmly replied.

He had made small comments previously regarding the training and testing schedule, but his current attitude on this particular morning was not going over well with her. She had gone over the procedures with him before, stressing that proper conditioning and training at extreme depths were essential. These were schedules that could not be rushed.

"Captain, I want this team to be ready by the end of the month. There’s an assignment coming up that would be good for them."

She couldn’t believe that he’d even considered making such a demand.  She realized that he had every right to be impatient; however, this wasn’t the day for it and she really wasn’t in the mood for another confrontation. The experiment that she had so meticulously planned had now been thrown off track by his intrusion. He was demanding that she accelerate her schedule, thereby possibly putting the teams in danger. She’d quietly sidestepped his comments before, but now…now they wouldn’t and couldn’t be tolerated.

Slowly turning to face him, she chose her words carefully but forcefully, very coolly and very unemotionally, so that he would get the point.  "Admiral, the teams will dive when I say dive, not before. May I respectfully remind you, sir, that it was you who came to me to build this team, not the other way around. And it was you who gave me the authority over it. I will not put this team on available status in those suits until I’m satisfied that they’re absolutely ready. Now, if you choose to overrule this, then I’ll submit my resignation from the Institute, effective immediately, and re-enter the Navy on an active status."

Nelson’s eyes blazed. Her words and attitude boarded on insubordination; he could fire her on the spot and she knew it. But there was something about it that stopped him. The anger of her defiance was building inside him, but somehow it seemed out of place.

"Captain, may I remind you that I have the last say in this matter?" he softly but calmly stated, trying to keep his temper under control.

"I’m sorry, sir, but not on this issue. Per your own instructions, I’m in total command of the DWD teams and the research and development of these specialized dive suits. What I say goes here... Admiral, understand this, they’ll be ready, as scheduled, in three to four months. To do otherwise, is unwise as well as unsafe. I won’t not put my teams in harm’s way unnecessarily. Furthermore, I don’t put my teams through something that I myself wouldn’t do." She paused to let her statements sink in. "Now, sir, if you’ll excuse us, I was trying to conduct a very important experiment regarding decompression times below 5000 feet." The tone of her voice indicated finality to the conversation.

She picked up the clipboard and stood there looking him straight in the eyes, not backing down one inch. At the same time, she could see something deeper than the blazing fury in them. He was not used to being told no and she had just accomplished that very feat. Yet, for an instant, his eyes held something much deeper. Something that made her suddenly feel uneasy. It certainly wasn’t the fact that he was her CO or that he was the great Admiral Harriman Nelson. No, for the first time since she had arrived here, she was looking into the eyes of a man that attracted her. And that most definitely made her feel uncomfortable.

For what seemed an eternity was in actuality a matter of a few seconds. Finally, Nelson realized that she had won this round. She would not back down and would not be intimated by him.

"Very well, Captain. But I’d better start to see some results by the first of March." And with that statement, he turned and walked out of her laboratory with a half exasperated smile on his face.

 

óóóó

 

One morning toward the middle of February, Captain Karen Davis walked into Harriman Nelson’s office, unannounced, with a cup of coffee in one hand and a file folder in the other, wearing a very immense grin on her face. He motioned her to sit down opposite him. Doing so, she handed him the folder, took a long sip of her coffee, and settled back into the overstuffed leather chair.

"What’s this?" he inquired, looking at the folder before him and then up at her.

"This is the progress report on the DWD team. I’m here to report, Admiral Nelson, that we’re now up and running...and fully operational.  And that includes the suits as well.  All testing has been completed and all of my specialists, and the divers, are in complete agreement."

He arched an eyebrow and then studied the report for what seemed an eternity to Davis. She studied his face for any hint of change in expression. One thing she had learned in the more than a year and a half of working with him was how to read him. She had learned how far she could push something with him and just when to back off. The ‘old, old man’ could be mercurial but she had quickly learned how to defuse situations with him. They had become fairly good friends, not only just employer and employee. She had enormous respect for him and he had returned that in kind.

Once finished, he closed the report and sat back in his chair. "This looks very good. Do you think they’re ready to handle an assignment now?"

"Yes, sir. We’re ready to go...and I might add, the guys are a bit anxious to prove their worth."

"Good, good. Seaview puts to sea by the end of next week. Have all of your equipment put aboard. I think I’ve got the perfect opportunity for you to show off your team."

"Excellent. I’ll let Chip Morton know what needs to be brought aboard. You know, I think he’s as anxious about this as I am. He’s a good man... and I’m glad he’s my second."

"Yes, yes...he is."

She started to get up from the chair. "Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave to go check on the equipment."

Nelson sat there looking at her, contemplating his next move. He had received several e-mail messages over the last few months, marked personal, from her daughter. Most of them were conversational, some were procedural in nature. One of them in particular stood out. In her own way, Caitlin was giving him encouragement to do something he had sworn he’d never do...to ask an employee out. Caitlin’s reasoning was that her mother was too much the professional to admit that she might possibly feel something deeper than friendship toward him. She indicated that her mother deserved to be happy and that he had an obligation to do something about it. After all, she said, isn’t that what he really wanted that night of the graduation party? That single statement had thrown him. He hadn’t known that she had seen them outside. But she was right. Damn that girl, he thought. How could she have known? Well, ... .there’s only one way to find out...

"Are you free for dinner tonight?"

His sudden question threw her off for a moment. Cautiously, she answered, "Yes... why? What did you have in mind?"

"Well, I happen to know of a place that has a beautiful view of the harbor and great steaks. I’ll pick you up at 1900, at your office, if that’s all right."

"All right...I’ll be ready," she found herself saying

"Good, I’ll see you then," he replied as he glanced up at her with a slight smile. He had finally crossed that line between personal and professional and to his amazement, she had accepted. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice that she’d gotten up and gone to the door. She turned and said something…he didn’t hear her at first.

"Admiral, I asked if you wouldn’t mind picking me up at 1830."

"Oh, ...right. 1830 it is." For some reason, he seemed distracted.

"Good day, sir." And with that she walked out the door, closing it behind her.

 

óóóó

 

In the outer office, at her desk as usual, was Angie. She looked up at Karen and was instantly puzzled by the strange look on her face. "Is everything all right, Karen? You look kind of...dazed."

"Yeah, I think so. Angie, I think I just got asked out on a date. Can you believe that?"

"Really?... Well, it’s about time he made a move toward you. God, men can be so dense sometimes, no matter how intelligent they are."

Karen looked at the secretary in disbelief. "Angie, what are you talking about? The Admiral’s my CO and there’s absolutely nothing between us," she said. Maybe she was trying to convince herself of it as much as she was Angie.

"Karen, get a grip on the situation, will you? There’s been electrical sparks flying between you two ever since you hit this place. It’s been quite evident to anyone watching the two of you."

"Angie, I couldn’t even think of it...he’s my boss."

"Karen, okay… technically…you’re in the Reserve, right...and he’s technically retired...so what’s the problem? Yes, now I grant you…he is your boss…but...you’ve maintained your complete professionalism with him these last two years. You’ve built his diving team for him. Caitlin looks upon him like a father and I know for a fact that they’ve been conversing by e-mail since school started. Look, you can certainly tell me to butt out and mind my own business if you want to, but you two would be good for each other."  And then she added, “So does everyone else that knows the two of you.”

“Arrggggggg!  What is it with everybody?  Why are all of you bent on throwing us together?!”  Davis’ face showed exasperation and confusion.  Finally, she relented.  "I don’t know what to say. Have I really been out of it for that long that I didn’t know?"

"Maybe you didn’t want to or maybe you chose to ignore it...whatever...the fact is that he’s chosen now to finally make his move. The only question that remains, Captain Davis, is what are you going to do about it?"

Karen stared at her, dumbfounded. Picking up her coffee, she simply turned and walked out of the office and down the hall to her own. Terri Styles, her own secretary, gave her a cursory nod as she opened the door to her own inner office. Once safely inside her own ‘retreat’, she sat down in the overstuffed chair behind her desk. Turning around to face the window and the ocean view before it, she went into a deep thought mode and shut everything else out of her mind.

Was Angie right and I missed it all? Oh, God, what if it’s true? I’ve been so wrapped up in the team that I just didn’t see that he was interested in me as more than just…  The man is my boss, for Christ’s sake.  Why in God’s name did you accept his invitation??

She thought back over the past two years and images flooded her mind. The looks he had given her, the graduation and the party afterwards; the Christmas dinners and the times he’d ‘accidentally’ spent at her apartment…had she really been so blind? Apparently Caitlin had seen it. Lord knows the girl had made enough sly remarks about them getting together. And it always seemed she was trying to put them together in one situation or another.  And the others…Angie, Terri, Tony Rennalt, Luisa, and Maria…all of them.  Well, they always said that sometimes you miss what’s right in front of your face.

Okay, Davis, so now what are you going to do? He’s asked you out to dinner. What’s next? He’s not the kind of man who’d use the situation improperly.  No…if he’s asked you out, you idiot, then it’s because he wants to ask you out.  I mean…it’s not like he’s been making passes at me the whole time I’ve been here.

She had to assess her own feelings before tonight and she had to be sure that this was right because once that line was crossed, there would be no going back.

"Terri, I’m going back to my apartment for awhile. Forward any calls there, please," she instructed her secretary by intercom.

"Yes, ma’am."

Karen picked up her briefcase and files and when out the door. Once she was back in her own home, she knew she could think straight. She wandered from room to room looking around, her eyes coming to rest on a picture of her, Caitlin and Robert that was taken many years before. Picking it up, she sat down in the nearest chair. Then, suddenly, the tears came streaming down.

"Oh, Robert. I loved you so much. Why in the hell did you have to leave us?!" She hugged the picture to her chest for a long time. "What do you think I should do, Robert? Is it time for me to live again? Is it really time? I mean…I know I thought it was before…I tried but…but now? And with him?  Our daughter apparently thinks so…Lord knows she’s been pushing for this from almost the time we got here. She likes him, Robert. You’d be so proud of her. She’s turned out wonderfully. He’s been a good influence on her. They all have. I’ve been so very lucky. Please tell me what to do. Please!" she said through her tears.

She cried for what seemed to be an eternity. So much so that she finally fell asleep. When she awoke, it was lunchtime. Realizing how long she had been home, she went into the bathroom to wash her face. Her eyes were red and swollen from the crying, but strangely enough, she finally felt at peace. Maybe she just needed to get it out of her system once and for all. She went in and sat down at her computer. Composing a e-mail letter to her daughter, she outlined her predicament, ending with ‘What should I do’" Hitting the send button, she hoped for a quick reply.

She went back into the bathroom to reapply her makeup and when she came out, the computer screen was flashing that she had a message. Clicking on the mail box, she found that it was indeed from Caitlin. When she opened it, there was a one line reply: Do it, and let nature take its course. Daddy would want you to start over. Caitlin.

Turning off the computer, she made her final decision and left.

 

óóóó  

 

True to his word, Nelson entered her office at approximately 1830 that evening and found her working at her desk. She had changed from her khaki uniform to a more casual blue slacks, white pullover sweater and blue shoes, pearl earrings and a pearl necklace. Her hair, normally worn very curly, was different. It was softer…more relaxed and casual. He realized he had never seen her wear it that way before...and yet, it was very becoming to her.

"Are you ready to leave?" he asked as he strolled through the open door to her office.

"Just one moment, let me finish this...yes...that’s it. Okay. Now, I’m ready. I just wanted to finish the estimates on the new masks before I give them to you." She put the finishing touches on a report she’d been working on at the computer. As she hit ‘save’, she looked up and smiled.

"Thank you, I appreciate that. The reservation is for 1930 and I haven’t been there in a while. I would like to be able to take our time getting there."

"Of course, just let me get my coat." She was just about to get up from her desk when the screen flashed for an e-mail message. Clicking ‘on’ to open it, she found a message from her daughter. It read simply, Mom, lock and load. C. She had to stifle a laugh or Nelson would have asked questions. Making a mental note to have a phone discussion with her daughter later, she shut down the computer, grabbed her coat and purse from the closet and they left the building.

Nelson escorted her to his personal car, a dark blue Mercedes S500. Normally, he would have had a driver; however, tonight was special. He didn’t want anyone else interfering. He was trying very hard not to appear nervous. The mere fact that he was feeling this way was puzzling to him. He had known this woman for two years now and had developed a close working relationship with her as well as a close friendship. Crane and Morton had even noticed the ever so slight change in Nelson’s demeanor since Karen’s arrival aboard Seaview…almost as if she’d had a calming influence over him. Even Angie had made an off-hand remark to that effect one day that he had discounted at the time. But now it was getting harder to ignore the effects…

They proceeded through the main entrance gate of the Institute and headed south down Highway 101 to Santa Barbara. Dusk was beginning to fall and it would provide them with a spectacular sunset. About 30 minutes later, the car exited onto a short dirt road leading to a small restaurant overlooking the Santa Barbara harbor. Some of the boats had begun to turn on their night lights and with the advent of the rising moon, it was a very beautiful site, indeed.

"It’s beautiful, Admiral." she exclaimed as they sat looking out over the harbor.

"Wait until you get inside. The view is better than this" he assured her. He offered his arm to her and which she graciously accepted. They leisurely strolled inside where the maitre d’ met them.

"Admiral, it’s good to see you again. It’s been a long time."

"Yes, it has, Daniel...Maybe too long."

"Your usual table, sir?"

"Yes, thank you. And Daniel, ...this is Captain Karen Davis…she’s going to be my dinner companion this evening."

"A pleasure, ma’am. We hope to see you and the admiral more often."

She smiled and replied, "Thank you, I hope so, too."

He led them to a secluded table in the far corner of the room. It was up against the window that afforded them a magnificent view of the harbor.

She was too engrossed in the view and atmosphere to hear him order the wine. The waiter silently brought it and left. Nelson was watching her, observing her, really, as one would a scientific specimen.

He finally softly spoke her name, "Karen?"

Turning to look at him, she smiled. "Oh...I’m sorry. I guess that the view kind of put me in a very relaxed mood."

He handed her the glass of wine. Holding his, he looked at her for a few seconds, then quietly said, "To...possibilities."

She studied his face and his eyes. This was definitely going to be an interesting evening. "No...to...definite...probabilities" she replied slowly as she gently touched her glass to his.

He was slightly taken aback at her reply. Maybe I’ve been out of this game too long. Women are definitely more interesting nowadays.  More direct…and to the point.  Curiously, he watched her as she sipped her wine and placed the glass on the table. Allowing himself a slight grin, he made a motion of acceptance of the amended toast.  "To definite probabilities then."

They studied each other in those never ending seconds; each trying to analyze the other. Karen decided to break the ice first.  "I understand that you’ve been having a running e-mail conversation with my daughter. Is there something that I, as her mother, need to know that maybe she hasn’t told me?

He laughed. "No, I can’t think of a thing. Except... maybe for the possibility that I finally told her that I was interested in her mother."  She bowed her head just a bit. Nelson saw that she actually had blushed.  Well, well, I finally made some progress.

"Thank you, kind sir. And what was her reply?"

He leaned back in the chair and fingered his glass.  "Well…I was admonished that it was about damn time and that I should have done it long ago."

Karen chuckled quietly.  "That’s my daughter, all right. Short, sweet, and to the point."

"Actually, I guess I am woefully inadequate in these matters. It’s been a long time since..."

"Since Katherine…?"

"…Yes…but how did you know?…Still, that’s no excuse. I realize now that I should have done this sooner."

"Admiral…believe me, I’ve been there. It’s something you can’t do until you’re really ready to. I know. Look, you can’t blame yourself for her death any more than I can blame myself for Robert’s. What happened was brutally violent and unfortunate. But from what I’ve been told about it, those people were absolutely ruthless and would have killed anyone who got in their way. You can’t deal with people like that, on any level. They don’t give a damn about human life. And never will."

She picked up his hand and gently put it in hers, then after a moment’s hesitation, continued, "Do you think that the person who killed my husband cared one iota about others? No. If he had, he wouldn’t have been driving drunk. The police told me that he had a string of DWI arrests up the whazoo. He showed absolutely no remorse during his trial." She looked straight into his eyes. "Both of us have had terrible tragedies in our lives. And apparently, we’ve dealt with them in somewhat similar ways. We’ve immersed ourselves in work and haven’t allowed ourselves to really heal. I had to at least deal with part of it for my daughter’s sake…Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get on with my life. I know that’s what Robert would want me to do. That was his way. I loved him and always will; he’s the father of my child. But I’m the one who’s still here…and I want to live again." and lowering her voice to a near whisper, "And to love again…if that’s possible."

He was moved by what she had just said. No one had dared talk to him that way since Katherine’s death. Yes, he had fully blamed himself for it. He had figured that by completing his work and building Seaview that he would have his revenge on those responsible. But it had all been somewhat hollow in a way. Now, hearing her speak of her own pain in relation to his made it all so clear. She was right, of course. He held her hand tightly and looked at her. For the first time in a very long time, he felt a huge weight being lifted off his shoulders and from his own heart.

A waiter’s sudden appearance with their dinner broke the mood somewhat. They ate their meal, making idle conversation about each other’s lives, and each pondering what had just been said. Karen was afraid that maybe she had said too much and ruined the entire evening. When Nelson ordered after dinner brandies, she gave a small sigh of relief that apparently she had not. He asked her to join him out on the deck outside the restaurant.

"You’ve given me something very important to think about, Captain Davis." He turned to her and continued. "You’re right. Life does go on. And so here we are. Well, now, Captain, what shall we do about it?"

She studied him. He looked so handsome in his dress blue uniform. And his eyes…those blue, blue eyes. She realized now why they had made her feel so uncomfortable that day back in November. They could bore right into your soul. Hesitating a moment, she ventured, "Well…I guess we let nature take its course…sir."

He sipped his brandy for a few minutes more as he gazed out over the harbor before replying. "Let nature take its course, eh…well, I guess that would be the most sensible way to handle it. Well, then…Karen…why don’t we do just that?" And with that, he put his glass down on the railing and leaned over toward her, softly kissing her.

She held her breath during that endless moment, afraid that the magic would be broken. Slowly opening her eyes and looking directly into those steel blue eyes, she asked, "Why did you stop?"

"For one thing, I don’t really want an audience. For another…well, it’s better left at that for the moment."

"Then let’s go where there won’t be an audience. Where it’s only us and…nothing else."

He looked deep into her eyes and saw that she did indeed mean what she was saying. He took her glass from her and then told her to get her coat, that he knew of just such a place. While she excused herself, he paid the tab, grabbed his hat and met her out front.

They drove back toward the Institute. But about half way there, he detoured off the main road onto a dirt road. About 2 miles later, they found themselves near a deserted stretch of beach. Parking the car and getting out, he motioned her to follow him. He took her hand and led her down a small path to the beach below. There was a huge full moon and the wind had died down to only a slight crisp breeze. As they walked along the beach, Karen couldn’t help but wonder where he was taking her. Shortly a large array of rocks stood before them, jutting out into the ocean. It was low tide and the waves were breaking far out to the end of it. Motioning for her to sit down on the one closest to the beach, he stood up on the one nearest it. She suddenly realized that she could see the Institute from here. It loomed like a monastery high atop one of the cliffs to the north of them.

"I found this place one day years ago when I was trying to find the perfect spot for the compound. The tide was out…and I got up here and started looking around. When I looked up there, I knew almost immediately that’s where it had to be. The geology was perfect, the location was perfect. Everything. Sometimes I come here even now when I need to get a real grip on things…when I need to think," he told her, making a sweeping gesture with his arm. For some reason, he seemed drawn to this place, and he wanted her to see it. For him…it was almost an expression of himself

He jumped down off the higher rock and walked over to her. Gently pulling her to him, he drew her into an embrace and kissed her again. Only this time, she began to reciprocate slowly with equal passion. Carefully placing her arms around his neck, she instinctively deepened her reaction to his embrace. It was almost as if her body ached for his caress. It had been so long…so very long since she’d known this kind of feeling. What could Mother Nature be leading them into? Somehow, it didn’t matter...to either of them.

Slowly breaking away from him, she found herself breathing rapidly and her heart, pounding. He gently and slowly kissed her neck, cheek, eyes, and then her mouth. She felt his hands stroke her hair and then proceed to her back. Soon, they were inching forward…His motions were starting to make her feel dizzy.

She whispered his name as his caresses became more insistent, "Harriman…"

"Hmmmmm?" was his reply as his lips hungrily sought hers.

"I…think...we…need to…go...slowly…here…or we may end up...doing something...that we’re... .that I’m…not ready for." she was trying to say, but having a very hard time concentrating on the words. His breath seared her skin, awakening feelings long dormant.

He stopped and looked deep into her eyes for a few seconds, then decided to heed her warning. His heart was pounding so hard he thought it would explode. This had to be right. As much as he wanted it, he wouldn’t have it any other way…for her or for himself. The ‘O.O.M’. still had feelings...yearnings…that he hadn’t really felt in years; and this was most certainly getting to him. Regardless of his own needs or wants, he was still too much of a gentleman not to take into account her feelings.

"Maybe we’d better go on back," he replied softly, figuring that if he stayed here with her much longer, much more would happen than either of them had planned. He knew he was feeling the sudden rush of his own body’s reaction .

Her own body’s sensations were heightened and made raw by his actions and she searched his eyes. Trying to bring her own emotions back under control, she nodded her head in affirmation. "Promise me one thing, though. That you’ll bring me back here sometime. It’s too beautiful a place to come to alone."

Quietly moving his fingers into hers, he responded, "That’s something that I can definitely promise you."

He turned to start back down the beach. Quickening her step, she struggled to keep up with him. Suddenly, she took hold of his arm and stopped him, threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. A very slow, lingering, deepening kiss. For those few moments, it seemed as if there were no one else on the planet save these two. But this time, he was the one to break the embrace, looking at her and trying to figure out who would seduce whom here.

"Karen, if we stay here, I don’t know if I can be responsible for my actions." Her body felt so good in his arms, almost as if she truly belonged there and he knew if she allowed it, he would start a course of no return for them both .

"Harriman, I know that...I just had to let you know that I feel the same."

He held her close to him, encircling her with his arms. As he held her, he gazed out over the calm Pacific Ocean.  God, this feels so right.  He realized that, had he had his way, he would have made love to her right then on that beach. He also realized that it might not have been the most sensible thing to do at this time.  No, not yet. Give her time…let her lead the way.

He was sure that she had been as swept up as much by the moment as he was and, left to her own devices, would make the decision on her own.

I can wait.

 

óóóó  

 

They entered through the main Institute gate and headed for the housing area.  Pulling up in front of the apartment building, he shut the car off and sat back, sinking into the soft leather seat. She had turned her body slightly as she searched for her pocketbook.  Taking a deep breath, he opened his car door and came around to the passenger side and helped her out.  Silence hung heavy between them as they uneasily waited for the elevator so that he could then walk her to her door.  Secretly he was hoping that she would invite him in.

"Thank you for tonight," she quietly told him as she clutched the key to her apartment.

"You’re more than welcome. I…enjoyed it more than you know." He was not but a few inches from her and could smell her perfume.

They stood there awkwardly until she rose up and barely kissed him. "I’d better go in…There’s a lot I’ve got to do tomorrow." Turning, she opened the door to the apartment and there was a slight hesitation before she turned and kissed him again, the second time a bit more lingering and a bit more passionate.  As the embrace was broken, she whispered, "I really did have a good time. I hope that we can…do it again," into his ear, then let herself in and quietly closed the door behind her.  He stood there for a few seconds more, then turned and left.

What happened on the beach had surprised and confused him.  His mind whirled with questions upon questions, yet no answers seemed forthcoming.  As he exited the building, he looked back up to the fifth floor and watched a light go on in one of the rooms.  Getting into his car, he sat behind the wheel for a few seconds and then started it. Slowly putting it in gear, he left and drove back toward the entrance of the Institute, then off the grounds, heading toward the Route 101 highway.  His reactions, and hers, had unsettled him and he found he needed some air and time to think things through.

Without even thinking, his drive found him at the cemetery where his late fiancée, Katherine Campbell, was buried. Parking the car, he slowly got out and then walked up to her grave site.  As he reached it, he sat down on the small stone bench next to the headstone and simply stared at it. Removing his hat, he lowered his head slightly.  After a few moments of silent meditation, he leaned back in resignation.

"Katherine, I guess it’s been awhile since I’ve been here…I don't know where to begin or what to say so I think the best way is just to come out with it. I've met someone...a woman who works for me.  She lost her husband several years ago…so she knows the way I feel...she's been through all of this. She…ah…she tells me that I need to go on with my life and to stop clinging to the past.  Is this what I'm doing? Holding on to the past we once shared together?" He shifted a bit and looked up at the night sky. "The one thing she has that I don’t is that they had a child together so she's got something left of him.  When you died, you took that one dream from me.  I've got nothing but memories to keep me warm. She told me tonight that she finally realized that she had to go on with her life because she couldn't hold on to the past…that he was never coming back and she was the one left to go on."  Sighing, he looked deep into the headstone.  "Do I need to let go of the past we had together and go on with my life like she's doing? Is this what I need to do?"
 
A few minutes later, he stated, "She's here, Katherine...you aren't...and God knows how much I wish how you were. I’m so very sorry about what happened…and I so wish I could…." He sat back further on the bench. "I'm so empty and alone inside, Katherine.  I miss what we had...I miss you.  But you know…when I was with her tonight, it felt so good.  So ...right.  We ate and talked. It just felt so good to hold her in my arms."  Pausing a moment, he softly continued, "I have to know if you want me to pursue this relationship. It’s with an employee…something I swore I’d never do. I remember what happened to you because I loved you. I couldn't go through that again…her getting hurt or worse because of me. And her daughter…what if something happened to her because of me? What should I do?  Continue to live in the past where I know I'm safe or take the chance of getting involved again? I just don’t know…"

His head rose slowly as he looked up into the now cloud filled sky. A storm front was now moving in and had slowly blocked out the full moon and surrounding stars. As he looked up, the clouds parted slightly and the moon appeared, almost bathing him in its' soft glow. Quietly, he stood and walked slowly back to the car, still trying to find the answers to his questions, then got in and headed back home.

Once back at his house, he walked in and threw the keys on the kitchen counter, fixed himself a drink, then headed for the deck off the great room.  Sitting down, he stared out at the ocean seeking some sort of answers to his quandary.   Before long, he heard a familiar sound and looked up to see a lone seagull land on the railing and sat there looking at him.  The bird was one of the several that he'd made a habit of feeding from the deck occasionally and over time they'd come to trust him and expect a handout.

Without emotion, "Sorry, my friend. I'm fresh out of sardines tonight. I'll get some more tomorrow for you."
 
The gull flew off as if she'd actually understood him and he watched it disappear into the night as he seemed to sink further into the deck chair.  The sound of the waves seemed to soothe him so as he sat there, his eyes closed as he simply enjoyed the peace and quiet.  Within a few minutes, he drifted off to sleep.

His mind wandered aimlessly as he started to dream.  Then his dreams turned to one where Katherine appeared to him on the beach as she beckoned him to join her.  When he did, she silently took his arm and walked with him for a while until they came to a door at the head of a stairway.  Once there, she slowly turned and kissed him, then disappeared as the door opened to reveal Karen standing in the hallway.  At that very moment, he awakened to the feeling of something wet hitting his face. It had started to rain softly. 
 
Standing, he looked out over the waves as they crashed onto the shore.  The wind had picked up and the surf was now becoming more turbulent.  The images of the dream and its significance haunted him as he walked back inside.  As he turned back and looked at the rain before heading to bed, he decided that maybe it was time to go on with his life.

 

óóóó  

 

The next day, Karen was in her office precisely at 0800, working at her desk when the phone rang. The voice on the other end was Nelson’s.

"Good morning, Captain," he greeted her cheerfully.

"Good morning, sir. Is there something I can do for you?" She was trying to be unassuming, particularly with what had happened the night before.

"Yes…you can. I was wondering…if…you’re free for dinner this evening. I was thinking about going about my yacht tonight…just to get away for a bit and I would like for you to join me. That is…if you don’t have any previous plans." There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, as if he wasn’t sure of her answer.

Karen was fidgeting with an ink pen as she listened to the man on the other end of the telephone. Last night had been one of restless sleep for her after she’d left him and now, here he was, asking her out again. Before she could even think, she found herself saying, "I’d love to, sir. What time?"

"1800. I can send a driver for you, if you want; or you can drive…I’ll be glad to email you with the directions. I’ve got some meetings in town so I won’t be coming back here…"

"Actually, I don’t mind driving. 101 is a wonderful drive and I really don’t mind it. It actually gives me a chance to clear my mind. So, just send me the where and when and I’ll be there."

She couldn’t hear the sigh of relief on the other end of the telephone. "All right. I’ll send you something shortly and oh…dress casual. This is just to relax, okay?"

"All right…casual it is. And 1800. I’ll be there. Oh, should I bring anything?" she asked.

"Not a thing except for yourself," was his answer and then before she knew it, he’d hung up.

 

óóóó 

 

He looked at his watch again to make sure. 1755. She still hadn’t arrived and the yacht’s motors were idling and the galley crew had prepared a wonderful dinner. There was a bottle of Bordeaux on ice as well as a bottle of Champagne chilling down below. The minutes ticked slowly away when, suddenly, a red Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled into a parking spot at the end of the pier. A woman got out and waved in his direction, then started toward the gate.

Breathing a silent sigh of relief, he headed down the gangplank to meet her. Watching her as she walked toward him, he found he was still amazed and astounded at the events that had unfolded in the last 36 hours. He’d done something that he’d sworn that he’d never do…date an employee…but it all felt so very right. And for the first time in a very long time, the feeling of loneliness had started to lift from his shoulders.

She was dressed in a pair of dark burgundy slacks with a white turtleneck sweater, flat black shoes and a minimal amount of jewelry – only a necklace, earrings and two rings…family heirlooms, she’d told him once. She’d taken him at his word when he said to dress casual. After all, he himself wore a pair of khaki slacks and a cardigan sweater over an open neck shirt. He’d simply wanted to relax and wanted her to join him. When she’d accepted, he’d gone to great lengths to make sure that she’d be totally comfortable with him and with the situation.

"I’m glad you came," he told her as he embraced her and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.

"Told you I would," she pleasantly replied, linking her arm through his. "Besides, I think I’d like more of a chance to get to know the man behind those four stars."

"That could very easily be arranged, Captain, " he slyly replied as he escorted her aboard and then quickly gave the order to his captain to cast off. After showing her inside, he picked up the phone and told the galley to serve dinner within the hour. She was struck by the simple but very apparent masculinity of the furnishings. He explained that the yacht had once been his research vessel while the Institute was being built, even taking up residence there for a time. The leather chairs and dark paneling as well as the simple accessories extolled sheer maleness.

Handing her a glass of wine, he smiled. "I was almost afraid you wouldn’t come."

"Now why wouldn’t I? After all, my daughter has obviously worked very hard at throwing us together. Who am I to argue with her?" she told him as she accepted the wine.

"Not I. She’s one very determined young lady, your daughter. Perhaps she’d do well with ONI when she graduates…"

Karen chuckled. "Personally, I don’t think that even ONI could handle her when she goes on a tear. She could always get her way with her father and that was years ago. Apparently, she’s honed her craft very well to have gotten to you."

Nelson took a sip of the wine and a sly smile appeared. "Actually, it didn’t take that much convincing."

She fingered the stem of the wine glass and slowly brought her eyes up to his. "You know…it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way…Why do you do this to me?"

His head at a slight angle, he replied, "I don’t know what you mean…"

Taking a deep breath, she slowly said, "I was deeply in love with my husband…it took me a long time after his death before I could ever feel something for someone again. Then you, sir, waltz into my life…offer me a job…and I spend the next 20 months denying to myself that I’m attracted to you. You then manage to break down every barricade I’d put up in one single night." She took another sip of her wine and moved a little closer to him. "How?"

"Hmmmm, determination? Actually, I’d prefer not to question how it happened or whatever your daughter managed to do and simply enjoy tonight. The one thing I've learned is that time is a very precious commodity and shouldn't be wasted, especially as you begin approaching old age. So I suggest let's just let fate, or whatever comes along, decide the course of this evening, okay? I want you to relax and enjoy yourself…because that’s what I’m going to do."  The feel of the boat slowed, and then it stopped.  He looked at her, smiling.  Taking her hand in his, he pulled her to her feet. "Come with me, I want you to see something."

Holding her hand, he took her above, to the railing on the port side of the yacht.  Pointing to sparkling lights off in the distance, he said, quietly, "There…recognize that?"

Karen recognized the lighted outlined form of the Institute. "Umm, yes.. she's beautiful. You must be proud of her."

"I am. A great deal has gone into making the dream come true, and a great deal continues to go into her."

"And will continue to," she whispered.

He nodded and grunted in assent.  Still holding hands, they stood at the railing in companionable silence.  After a short while, he dropped her hand, and slowly slid his arm around her waist. When she didn’t protest, he pulled her closer until she was comfortably molded to his body.  Looking at her face in the moonlight, he turned her to face him. Gently, he took his other hand, and touched her chin.

"Do you mind?" he quietly asked.

She said nothing, yet her eyes showed affirmation. He drew her face closer to his, and gently brushed her lips.  The touch was tentative, as if he was afraid of rebuff, yet tender.  She sighed slightly and softly said, "Mind? Not at all. In fact…you didn’t have to stop…"

She felt his arm then tighten around her waist, as she relaxed into his embrace and into his body.  He kissed her again, this time more sure, gently touching her lips, slightly parting them. His first small entry was enticing and heady… Both of them wanting more, but both yet still unsure. He started to probe further as he began to taste the wine she’d been drinking when just at that moment, the steward's bell rang, announcing dinner, and they reluctantly parted.  At once they were almost shy with one another, both suddenly realizing where their wanting could be leading, but still a bit hesitant.  The memories of the night before were vivid for both of them. He held the hatch door as they proceeded below decks to his cabin, and dinner.

The cabin was extremel