The Ring
by Carol

Pairing: Crane/Nelson
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters; no infringement intended.

Comments: Recently S. issued a challenge about a pairing and a gift.

This is my poor attempt. This story, of course, coud go many ways, but as of now I feel that I should warn about a death of a major character.

//denotes flashback//

_______________________

Four-star Admiral Harriman Nelson sat in the back seat of the NIMR limosine. He had sat absolutely still for several moments even though the driver had driven him quickly and efficiently to this requested spot. Nelson's focus was not on the top of the hill which was his destination. No, he thoughts lay on the single, perfect yellow rose that lay shrouded in a gauze-like paper with wisps of baby's breath.

One year ago to the day, February 14, he had promised his newly found love that he would give whatever asked on their first year anniversary.

For a moment the frozen object that was his heart, flickered with warmth when he thought back to that wonderful day.

// Harriman Nelson reclined in the semi-darkness of his penthouse bedroom, holding his lover in his arms. They had just discovered their great love for each other - actually they had long ago discovered that love, but they had foolishly not revealed it to each other until this Valentine's Day.

Harriman Nelson had always prided himself on controlling himself, never letting his emotions control the important work he had to do. His famous temper sometimes had run rampant, but even that had fallen under the influence of the beautiful human who had blessed him with his love. Nelson, Man of Resolution and Science, was no more. His entire commitment was to lavish butterfly kisses in the soft, curly hair of his lover. His patience was bottomless in caressing the closed eyes, slender neck, and luscious lips of the man he loved and adored more than life itself.

He was prepared to wait all morning for the exhausted Lee Crane to awaken. **After all, isn't it my fault that he's exhausted?**

Nelson continued to nuzzle the gorgeous brunet's left earlobe which was nestled just beside Nelson's active mouth. ** Nothing was too good for Lee Crane. **

Nelson had resolved that this shore leave he would think of the slender young man, only as Lee Crane - his friend and lover and not as Captain of the other love of his life, SEAVIEW.

Suddenly the soft voice of Crane whispered sleepily in the Admiral's direction, "Admiral . . . Admiral, promise me."

"Promise what, Lee?"

The sleepy hazel-flecked eyes turned up into the blue ones of the Admiral. "February 14 will always be our day. We will always be together on that day - no matter what."

"Well, of course, I'll promise, Lee, but you know the vagaries of our work.. . . ." Nelson trailed off at that point because once again his beautiful Lee had fallen asleep. //

__________________________

CRACK! A tree branch a few feet away from the limo snapped under the ice that coated it.

Nelson broke out of his pleasant reverie and looked around. He was not safe in the arms of Lee, but sitting in a limo. For the first time in years it was actually snowing in Santa Barbara on Valentine's Day. A freak ice/snow storm had come in the evening before and turned everything a fairy-tale white glistening with tear drops of ice.

**This place looks like my heart. What heart, Harriman? It died that October day that Ted Dressell came to see you.**

//Admiral, I could not allow ONI just to send a message. After all, Lee was my friend too and . . . "

Nothing the man said made a bit of sense. The words on the paper were just garbled distortions. Nelson continued just to sit there acknowleging nothing. Finally, Dressell got up and took the paper from the Admiral's hand and placed it carefully on the desk. He took one more look at the words - as if to re-read them would render them less lethal.

'It is the sad duty of the Office of Naval Intelligence to notify Admiral Harriman Nelson of the death of Commander Lee B. Crane while on active assignment. Due to the highly secret nature of the mission and the resulting casualties, no remains were able to be recovered and no possessions were brought out.

The rest of the paper's blurred before Dressell's eyes. **Not, Lee.** He hurried out of the Admiral's office leaving the red-haired officer staring into space. //

______________

That scene had played over and over in Nelson's mind for the last five months.

Finally, Nelson had come to grips with the passing of his friend. He had hardly existed for the last five months. His only anchor had been this day; his promise to Lee. After Lee had woken up that next morning. Lee had made Harri promise that on each anniversary Harri would give Lee a single yellow rose to symbolize their ternal love. Nelson had readily agreed and had asked what else Lee would like, but Crane had insisted that was all the was necessary since their love was eternal.

Lee had not spoken of what he would give Harri, but Harri figured maybe Lee needed the year to plan his gift. **Now that would never be.**

"Carl, would you wait here for a few minutes , please?"

Nelson quickly opened the car's door without letting Seamen Scoggins do his duty. Nelson had chosen a virtual stranger in the NIMR ranks to be his driver because all regularly assigned SEAVIEW personnel were at sea.

It had not been easy to see SEAVIEW go on the charting mission without Lee, but Chip Morton was now Captain (under protest and after one major confrontation). At least with Chip presence, the crew's hostility towards Nelson had abated. Their contempt for the man who had abandoned their beloved Captain knew no nadir. Their contempt was matched by Morton's, but it was Morton's last act of loyalty to Lee that he did finally accept command.

As Nelson began the trudge of the snowy slope, his thoughts rested upon the uneasy command structure that now existed aboard SEAVIEW where once that structure had rested on the strong, reliable, and well-loved shoulders of its Captain, Lee Crane.

As Nelson neared the summitt, he hesitated. Harriman Nelson, the dedicated, professional man and scientist could not force himself to take that next step. **Harriman, you are an ass. You have been waiting five months for this day. You have stayed alive to honor your pledge to Lee . For heaven's sakes man - you let the man die and for that you deserve to burn in eternity, but take a bit of that duty, and honor that you pitched for so long and just do it.**

Admiral Harriman gained the summit of the hill and look at the simple stone waiting there. Sleek and beautiful - just as the man to whom it was dedicated. **Oh, Lee!**

Not only did Nelson no longer travel with SEAVIEW on her mission's, he was no longer Director of NIMR. Martin Graham took over the day to day running, but one day Chip Morton would take over absolute control - just as he had always hoped Lee would.

"Well, Lee - I'm here, my love." He brushed some lingering snow off the engraved letters.

COMMANDER LEE B. CRANE

CAPTAIN OF THE SEAVIEW

"I wanted to put more, but you were so proud . ."

Suddenly, tears welled in the blue eyes, falling silently to the ground making steaming little pock mark on the earth around where the Admiral stood

Nelson leaned over and placed the single yellow rose on the tiny platform built into the stone's relief. "Happy Anniversary, love."

Nelson closed his eyes for a very long time. His body swayed. How he had ever gotten through these last few months, he didn't know. but now it was almost over. His sister, Edith, had volunteered to come stay with him, but he had quickly encouraged to go back to her own work after a few short weeks.

Having Chip Morton around had been good - even though the man understandably hated him - though certainly not even one-tenth as much as Nelson hated himself. But that was now all coming to an end he reminded himself.

Nelson opened his eyes and noticed that one portion of the stone monument was not covered with much snow. Nelson whose eyes were still filled with tears squinted to get a better look. It was a small square box, virtually free of snow.

A shiver ran through Nelson's entire body. **What on earth would a box like that be doing here? Maybe someone had left it as a memorial.**

Nelson leaned over a picked it up, but had a geat difficulty opening it since his hands were frozen. Finally, he pried the lid off. Suddenly, dizziness hit him and bright flashing lights crossed his line of sight and Harriman Nelson knew no more.

"Sir, Sir!"

The far away voice of Carl Scoggins finally penetrated the blackness that surrounded the Admiral. "I'm all right, Carl."

Carl Scoggins helped the Admiral off the ground and gently brushed his coat. "I saw you fall. Are you sure you're all right?"

"Yes, Yes I'm fine. Just got a little dizzy. Go on back to the car. I'll be right with you."

""Aye, aye Sir."

The Admiral looked quickly around and found the little box. He let out a sigh of relief, fearing that he had dreamed it all. He pried the lid off once again and there, indeed, was a Naval Academy ring that strongly resembled Lee Crane's.

Nelson closed the lid again and took one more moment over the stone. "See you soon, Lee."

He refused to allow himself to think as he made the descent to the limosine. Carl was standing there waiting to be sure the Admiral was safely seated in the back seat.

The Admiral waited even more minutes as the powerful limo picked up peed.

Scoggins had the heater blasting, but Nelson felt only the cold. His frozen heart, however, was pounding furiously.

He raised the lid once again and stared at the beautiful ring,gleaming in the weak winter light. He continued to stare at it for a minute or so, but finally picked it up and caressed it in his hands. It was almost as if the gold was burning hot because it warmed Nelson's frozen fingers. The ring had been well - loved and well-taken care of, but Nelson's leisurely strokes over the entire surface - inside and out found every the only two flaw to its perfect surface - much like its owner. There was a slight nick in the engraving of the Naval Academy insignia and on the interior band was the engraved letters, LBC.

**This was indeed Lee's class ring, but had it gotten to that stone on the hill?**

Nelson held the ring in his hand and next to his face, lettng the ring's warmth give him back some life.

For the first time, he noticed there was a small piece of paper tucked in the bottom of the box. Removing the paper, he read, "My gift. Happy Anniversary!"

Nelson stared at the paper. The writing wasn't faded and certainly was Lee Crane's. **How could this be? Nelson are you going crazy? You killed the man you love and now you're seeing hallucinations?**

Once again, Nelson's mind traveled to that day in late September of the previous year when he had thrown all happiness away for eternity.

//"Oh, come on Admiral, it's too beautiful to be stuck here at NIMR. Let's take the SILVER DREAM out for a sail."

Nelson once again saw his beautiful, virile lover dressed in the skiimpiest of shorts, sandals, and a shirt which boldly proclaimed, SUBMARINERS ARE BORN TO GO DOWN //

The warmth Nelson felt at that memory made him ache now sitting in the limo with part that he had of Lee now clutched in his fist.

Unfortunately those pleasant reveries were quickly shattered as Nelson forced himself to remember the next few hours.

//"Lee, you know I want to go sailing with you, but I have at least a week's work here on the new breathing device if SEAVIEW is to take it out for its test trials. If you leave me alone now, I can get it done that much faster and then we can go sailing. Why don't you call Chip - I hear there 's a couple of new courses opening or why don't you use that expensive club membership I bought you?"

Lee Crane remained quiet and then nodded once. "All right," and walked out. Nelson didn't even notice, however, since he was once again totaly distracted by his work.

The telephone rang.. "Oh for heavens sake - I thought I asked to not be disturbed."

"Yes, what is it?"'''

"It's me, Lee. I'm sorry to bother you, but Ted Dressell just called from ONI and asked if I could lead a short mission. I know we talked about this, but Ted . . . . "

"Yes, yes, yes, I understand, Lee. I know we agreed that you wouldn't do anymore ONI stuff, but if you think this is safe?"

"Uh. . . . you mean it's okay?"

"Lee, I'm not your father besides it will give you something to occupy yourself while I'm tied up here in the lab and then we can do whatever."

"Oh, . . . yes, the project - that is good timing. Good-bye, Admiral", but once again the Admiral had already put the phone back on the hook and was at work and, of course, Lee had never returned. //

**I never even told him good-bye.**

For the thousandth time in the last five months Harriman Nelson told himself what a son of a bitch he was. That's why Valentine's Day had become so important. He had betrayed Lee over a device that hadn't worked anyhow. He realized now that Lee had wanted him to tell him not to go and yet what had he done. **I should have put a bullet in my head then..**

**Well Harriman, here's one more mystery for you to solve and then you can be with Lee if you're lucky (Heaven knows you don't deserve it).**

**Talk to Ted Dresell - find out Lee's ring survived. Did he leave it behind when he went on the mission - you know just in case? But, then how did it get to the hill?*

*After I found out Lee loved me, he told me that he stored his love for me in that ring. Being at the Academy and in the Navy, he never thought he would be able to show that love, so he kept it protected in his ring. Someone had to know how much that ring would mean to me. I've got to find out. And then maybe I can be with Lee.**

Nelson closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat as the limo continued towards NIMR.

XXXXXXXX

Lieutenant Commander Chip Morton stood on the deck of the docked SEAVIEW. He had now been Captain of the SEAVIEW for almost five months. He had been quite happy as the Exec of the SEAVIEW, and the death of his friend, Lee Crane had almost overwhelmed him.

He had almost refused Nelson's request that he take over the Captaincy. Nelson had called upon his loyalty to Lee Crane in hopes that he would stay.

In the long run, it was much more than his loyalty that had persuaded him to stay. When the Admiral had told Morton about the death of his good friend on an ONI mission, Morton had almost resigned right then and
left the Institute. Instead,he went down to the berthing area of the SEAVIEW. When he got there, it was as if the gray lady was in mourning. She looked so depressed - almost as if she were weeping. Then Morton was confronted by 123 absolutely devastated crew members. The very stability of the ship was at stake. They needed Morton as much as the gray lady did. So, he had promised the Admiral, he would stay even though the thought of"replacing" Lee Crane was unthinkable.

Since the Admiral no longer travelled on board the beautiful lady under any circumstances, it was easy for Chip to stay in his Exec. cabin and run the ship from there.

But, it had been a very long five months and Chip had decided that he couldn't take it anymore. He was going to convey his feelings to the Admiral and resign.

Actually, he supposed he should report the mission's results to MartinGraham, the acting Director of NIMR since Nelson had resigned as the Director. Nelson still occupied his old office, however, because, like Morton, Nelson had promised to give NIMR six months to adjust to the changes in the infrastructure of the Institute.

A seaman saluted Morton and requested that he sign the necessary papers which would turn the SEAVIEW over to the security crew. Having done that Morton felt free to leave the ship.

As Morton prepared to leave SEAVIEW, he suddenly realized that he might be leaving her for the last time. His plan was to report to Nelson about the recent scientific mission and then resign - effective immediately.

The blond turned around to look at the great submarine and recalled the first day he had arrived on board. Three star Admiral Harriman Nelson was not unknown to him when he came on board. In fact the name Harriman
Nelson had been repeated in his presence at least a gazillion times by his best friend, Lee Crane.

Morton remembered the first time The Four Musketeers met the dynamic Admiral. Lee Crane, Chip Morton, Ted Dressell, and George Trent had dubbed themselves the Musketeers because they had maintained a close
relationship during their Academy careers. It was in their Junior year that two-star Admiral Harriman Nelson came to speak to their class about the importance of the ocean. **As if naval officers weren't aware of that topic!!**

Chip and Lee had developed an especially close relationship which included a great deal of love, but had gone no further. Both men were very serious about their careers and wanted to do nothing which might jeopardize those careers. But, when Lee Crane saw the 40 year old Admiral, he was dazzled. The name Admiral Harriman Nelson began and ended every sentence that Lee Crane uttered.

Lee Crane, was still the same intense, serious man he had always been. He still had his fun side. Indeed, he was the one who masterminded The Four Musketeers famous "borrowing" of the Army Mule before the Army-Navy game in their senior year, but the blue-eyed, red -haired Admiral now occupied his non-Academic thoughts.

Therefore, Chip was not surprised when soon after Valentine's Day a year ago, Lee had told Chip his great secret. Lee had been more outgoing, happier, and downright in a daze when he was around his Admiral.

Chip had asked him, if he wanted to tell him something. Lee admitted shyly that his Admiral and he had become lovers.

Now those brief months of bliss and love were all gone, and Chip Morton was going to go face the man who had lost his lover and had withdrawn from everything that meant anything to him.

**Chip Morton. You're going to quit so you might as well get some things off your chest;.**

###########################

Angie announced Chip immediately.

Chip sighed heavily and entered the Admiral's office. Many of the momentos and souvenirs had already been taken down. Morton also noticed that many of the photos of Lee and the Admiral were gone. The Admiral
had not looked up yet at the blond so Morton remained standing.

When the Admiral looked up at Morton, it was like a physical blow. The man looked absolutely terrible. His grief and guilt were so apparent that the entire body as well as the face seemed ravaged to the point of transparent skin stretching to cover bone.

Chip didn't know what to say. He had come to ask the Admiral why he had not stopped Lee from going on this last mission. Most of the boat had heard the rumor that the two men had agreed that Lee would not accept
any more ONI missions, and yet Lee had risked his life again with disastrous results.

Now Chip felt that he couldn't ask that question. It was clear that the Admiral had not gotten over his grief after 5 months and that he was suffering to the point of exhaustion and more dire consequences.

In a very quiet, whisper Nelson said, "Sit down, Chip."

"Yessir. I've come to give you my mission report."

For the next few moments Chip gave a brief summary of the report - knowing that it was all in writing if the Admiral wanted to read it.

Normally, the Admiral would have listened with great interest, but this time he barely seemed to be aware of where he was or what he was hearing.

Morton ended his narrative and stopped. The Admiral said nothing. Morton knew he could not deliver his resignation at that moment and prepared to leave.

Then, he stopped himself He could not just walk out without saying something. "Sir, why did you let Lee go on that ONI mission?"

Morton was immediately appalled at his audacity, but Nelson seemed to think that it was a perfectly natural question.

"I have asked myself that question Chip at least a thousand times. I'm afraid the truth is not very pretty. You remember we were on shore leave last October?"

Morton nodded briefly.

"Well, Lee wanted to go sailing on the Silver Dream, but I was working on that breathing device for the Navy, so I told him to find you and spend a couple of days golfing."

"I see."

"No, you don't because it gets worse. Lee called a few hours later to ask if it was all right if he went on an ONI mssion. I was so bogged down in the breathing device work, I practically shoved him into taking
the mission . . . and . . . he never came back."

Chip was appalled by what he heard and his anger for his friend seared his heart. But, he was also honest enough to know that you didn't push Lee Crane into anything he didn't want to do..

Nelson could read the anger in the blond's eyes. "Chip, I don't blame you or the crew for hating me. I betrayed Lee and I will be paying for that the . . . the rest of my life."

"Sir, I don't know how you could have done that. I know how much Lee Crane means to you. . . . ."

Suddenly Nelson raised his head and looked Morton straight in the eye."You know?"

"Yessir, Lee told me. After Valentine's Day a year ago - both of you seemed so happy. Lee could hardly stop grinning so I asked him and . . .he told me."

Nelson dropped his head to his chest. He said nothing for several minutes, but when he raised his head, it was clear that there were tear trails across his cheeks.

"Sir, why did you resign as Director of NIMR. We all need you."

"No!. I failed Lee and I won't be drawn into that circle of more and more experiments and research. Martin Graham is a good man. I only have one more month and then I will have finished my obligation to Graham and NIMR.

"I have been living for this past Valentine's Day. I promised Lee that Valentine's Day would be our anniversary and I would give him a gift. Well, I've done that so now I can leave with a clear conscience - at least, a clear conscience on that one thing."

"Sir, what are your plans?"

Nelson quickly slammed shut his revealing eyes. "I really haven't decided yet, Chip. I need some more time for that."

"There is one thing that I still have to do and I need your help.. .I can't force you."

"What is it, Sir?"

"The other day when I went to visit . . . .Lee's marker - it wa snowing and I noticed this box sitting on the stone. Since it wasn't covered in much snow, it could have been there only a short amout of time."

Nelson handed the box over to Morton. "Open it."

When Morton saw that it was Lee Crane's Academy ring, he was stunned."But, Sir, I thought that nothing was recovered?"

"That's what I was told. Read the message."

Morton looked at the four words for a long time. MY GIFT. HAPPY ANNIVERARY!

"How did the ring get there? Who wrote the note? I don't understand."

Nelson nodded his head. "I feel the same way, and I'm not going to rest until I get some answers. I've had the paper analyzed and it is recent as well as the writing."

"Chip, you know a man named Ted Dressell, I believe?"

"Sure, Lee and I both know . . . .him. There were four of us. We stayed really great friends. Lee and I went into submarines. Ted went into Intelligence, and George Trent became a doctor."

"I told you that it was Ted Dressell who delivered the message about Lee's . . .death. Well, I've been trying to reach him this morning and he has disappeared"

"What?"

"Nobody seems to know where he's gone. ONI is mysterious, but this seems like a cover - up. I am going to find out what really happened even if I have to go to the President and Rufus Taylor!" *****

"What can I do, Sir?"

"I want you to start an investigation. Find out who could have brought that ring onto NIMR property. After all people can't just wander around without signing in. They would have had to have access the morning of
Valentine's Day before about 8:00 am."

"Yessir, I'll get on it right away."

"Thanks, Chip."

Morton turned around on his way out the door, but noticed that Nelson was already on the phone following up some lead he had thought of.

Morton said nothing, but he hoped that that spark of fire that was in the Admiral's eyes now would not be drowned in more bad news.

Morton was content right now to know that the Admiral had something on which his mind could concentrate because quite frankly Morton feared the day that Nelson lost even this tiny shred of diversion.

XXXXXXXX

Admiral Harriman Nelson sat at his desk, totally frustrated. For the past 3 days he had called everyone he knew and some he didn't know to get information about the ONI. No one knew where Ted Dressell had gone and no one was willing to talk about anything. He had appointments in Washington tomorrow with Rufus Taylor, head of ONI, but felt that might lead to a dead end as well.

His friend and lover, Lee Crane had been killed on an ONI mission six months before and yet no one around ONI seemed to know anything about the mission or how Lee's ring suddenly showed up on Crane's marker at
NIMR.

Nelson had had such hope when he had found the ring. Just seeing the ring brought back the wonderful memories of Lee as he lay in his arms. The man was so beautiful. His body was made for loving and the Admiral made sure that Lee Crane was kept happy and yet he had betrayed that love over a silly breathing device.

Nelson dropped his head into his hands. The grief that he felt since that day in October overwhelmed him. He had promised Martin Graham six months and that was almost up. He had been ready to leave until Lee's
ring appeared. Now, the scientist in him had to know the secret of the ring.

"Admiral, Commander Morton to see you."

"Thanks, Angie - send him in."

As Chip Morton entered, Nelson noticed what the death of his friend had done to him. In the five months the man had aged a great deal. His blue eyes held a depth of grief that was profound. He also looked extremely tired and slightly nervous.

"Sit down, Chip."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you. Sir, I think I may have a lead. I have been questioning everyone. A seaman name Jonas McBride may be the answer to our question about the ring."

"What does he know?"

"I brought him along to tell his own story."

Morton went to the door and escorted the young seaman into the office.

After an introduction, McBride began to speak.

"I'm really sorry if I've caused any trouble. I really like it here and I wouldn't want anyone to think differently."

"No one will. Just tell us what you know," Nelson said impatiently.

"Well, I got to NIMR early that day - about 7:30 or so and just as I was going to go through security, this large car pulls up. There's a man inside and he asks me to take this box and place it on Captain Crane's memorial. I told him that I didn't think I should do that, but he insisted."

"So you took the box?"

"Yessir, along with $20, Sir."

"You then placed it on the marker?"

"Yessir, I walked up the trail to the marker and just left it there. It was just starting to snow lightly so I hurried to get back to my job."

"Could you describe the man?"

"Well, he didn't let me see him real well, but I would say he had dark hair, was medium build, green eyes, and, oh yeah, he had a markr on his left cheek. It was kind of a funny one - sort of like a starburst."

At that point Nelson noticed Morton stiffen, but said nothing.

"Is that all you can remember?"

"Yessir. I'm really sorry if I did anything wrong. Should I return the $20?"

"No, it's all right. Thanks for your help."

After McBride left, Nelson looked at Morton."All right Chip. What's wrong?"

"I don't know what you mean, Sir."

"You recognized that description, didn't you?"

Morton looked into the Admiral's eyes. "It could have been George Trent, Sir."

"George Trent, your friend from the Acadmy? What makes you think so?"

"I told you that he went into medicine. One of the things that got him interested was the strange birthmark he has on his face in the shape of a starburst."

"Does he fit the rest of the profile?"

"Yessir."

"Then maybe we better find your George Trent."

Saying that proved easier said than doing it. The mysterious George Trent was no easier to locate than Ted Dressell. While Morton took up the search for his friend, Nelson went to Washington to talk to Rufus Taylor.

Rufus Taylor had been in his senior year when the then plebe Harriman Nelson had arrived at the Academy. Although harrassment was the standard for plebes, Taylor had taken the young Nelson under his wing and they had been friends for 30 years.

"Rufus, you're head of ONI, you must know what happened."

"Harriman, I would tell you if I knew. I've shown you the report. It says nothing more than you already know. When I knew you were coming, I asked around and the best that I could find out is that your man was caught in a firefight and was severely wounded. An ONI back-up team was sent in but it was too late. Then the rescue party almost got captured so they were unable to bring out . . . the body. I'm sorry, Harry."

"Who headed the back-up team? Maybe I can talk to him and find out some more."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Our ONI men don't like their identities known to just anybody."

Nelson's famous temper was rising very quickly. "All right, could the head of the team answer some questions if I would write them out.?"

"Well, I guess that would be all right. Write up your questions and I'll be sure to see he gets them."

Nelson looked so depressed and forlorn that Taylor was concerned about his friend. When Nelson had entered his office, Taylor noticed immediately the gaunt appearance and exhaustion of the man he remembered as a human dynamo.

"Harry, is there anything else I can do for you?"

Nelson was about ready to say no when something occurred to him. "Have you heard of a George Trent? I'm trying to locate him."

"George Trent, can't say I have, but let's look in the files."

Taylor looked for a few moments and then pulled out a card. "Well, what do you know? Is this Trent guy a doctor?"

"Yes he is - do you know him?"

"Well, not exactly. He runs a private nursing home and sometimes if we have operatives who need a little bit of extra time recuperating from a mission or something, George will take them in. I've never met him, but he's been a life-saver for some of our people."

Nelson began to feel butterflies in his stomach. "Would you be able to tell me where I could find Trent?"

"Well, I have no personal information on him, but here's the nursing home's location."

"Thanks Rufus. Next time you're in Santa Barbara, come visit."

"Great, Harry."

###########################

The address on the sheet of paper was near Laurel, Maryland. Nelson decided to get a good night's rest and drive out to the home the next morning.

The night's rest that Nelson had hoped for did not appear. Nightmares and insomnia kept the Admiral from any rest so he decided to get up around dawn and begin the drive.

It was still early when he arrived, but the home was clearly awake. **Now, if George Trent is there.**

After asking for George Trent, Nelson sat down to wait and wait and wait.

After over an hour Nelson's waiting became Nelson's pacing. He walked up and down the corridor and every so often went outside for a cigarette. On one of visits outside Nelson noticed a brand new Lincoln Continental pulling out with a cadeusus on the license plate. Sprinting to the car, he forced it to stop.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Nelson took one look at the driver and knew he had found his man.

"Dr. Trent, weren't you aware that I had been trying to see you for the last hour and a half.?"

Suddenly, George Trent lost all of his brashness. "Yes, Admiral Nelson, I knew you were here. In fact, I've been expecting you. Let's go inside."

The two men went into the Doctor's office. After rejecting the offer of coffee, Nelson got to the point. "Doctor, you have been identified as having been at NIMR on Valentine's Day. At that time you asked one of the employees to place a box on a memorial marker."

Nelson stopped at that point expecting Trent to deny it. Instead Trent remained silent for several minutes, then as his shoulders slumped, he nodded yes.

"I knew someone would remember me or identify me or something. That's why I never went into the intelligence side of ONI - just the medical."

Nelson's heart rate speeded up. Now maybe he would get the answers he needed. "Doctor, where did you get the ring?"

Trent looked like he was getting ready to lie, but after a moment, he seemed to make up his mind. "Someone gave it to me."

Nelson was holding his breath now. "Who?"

Trent hesitated, "Would you excuse me for a moment?" He got up and walked down the hall.

After a few moments, Trent returned and motioned Nelson to follow him.

They walked down to room 231. Trent opened the door slightly and motioned the Admiral to go inside.

The Admiral could see little when he entered since the room was so dark except for one small lamp being lit. He could see someone sitting by the window, but since the person had his back to the room, he could not tell who it was.

"You shouldn't have come." said a voice so familiar that Nelson thought he was dreaming.

"I . . . "

"Go away!"

"Lee?"

Nelson started to rush towards the figure but stopped a few feet short since the man refused to turn around.

"Lee, is that you? I thought you were dead."

"I am dead, Admiral. Now just forget you saw me and go away."

Totally confused, Nelson didn't know what to say. "Lee, don't you understand? It's me Harri. Why did you let me think you were dead?"

Now Nelson noticed that the chair Crane was sitting in was a wheel chair. Slowly it turned so that Nelson could see Crane's face. It was gaunt - almost skeletal. It was the face of a man who had gone through great suffering and was still suffering.

"Admiral, I am not the Lee Crane you knew. Please forget that Crane. Walk out that door and go back to your life."

"Lee, I have spent five months thinking you were dead. I have harrassed everyone in Washington about your ONI mission. I love you very much. Why would I walk out on you now that I have found you again?"

"You love the other Lee Crane, not me."

"Why would I love you any the less than my beloved Lee Crane?"

It seemed as if Crane would not answer, but finally in a very low voice, he whispered, "Because I'm a cripple."

"I don't understand."

"All right, I'll say it so you can understand. I can't walk. I can't function below the waist line. I can't do anything that your Captain Crane used to do to please you. Now, do you understand?"

"Oh, Lee. Is that why you let me think you were dead? Oh sweetheart, you're alive that's what's important."

"Of course, it's easy for you to say that. You're not the one who has lost everything he loves."

With those words, all the feelings that Crane had been holding inside burst forth and he began to sob uncontrollably.

With his lover, he would have known exactly what to do, but this Lee was so unknown to him that he was unsure what to do. As the sobs continued, Nelson made up his mind. This was still his Lee and Lee needed him.

Nelson sat on Crane's bed and pulled the wheel chair over to the bed. He then pulled the young man into his arms and held him. Nelson had expected Crane to fight, but it was obvious that the brunet was drained from the emotional outburst he had just gone through.

"Oh, Lee. Don't you know that you are still the one I love? Nothing could ever stop that love short of my death."

Finally, after a few minutes, the sobs calmed down. Nelson found his handkerchief and used it to wipe the beautiful face that had suffered so much.

"Tell me what happened, Lee."

Crane tried to pull himself away, but Nelson held him tighter and soon all resistance faded.

"The mission was a bust, almost from the very beginning. Intelligence was bad and when we got to the site, there was nothing there. As we pulled out, we were ambushed and I was hit in the back. Somehow the team got me back to a local village. From there on I'm kind of hazy because I was in and out of delerium for the next two months. The villagers kept me alive which wasn't easy because I was pretty badly hit. After that ONI managed to get me out of the village, but I refused to let them notify you that I was alive because I figured out by that time that I couldn't walk."

Through all of this speech Nelson had been holding Crane closely in his arms, but now Crane seemed to reaize this and requested that he be returned to his chair. When Crane had been returned to his chair, Nelson sat by his side so he could look at his beloved.

"Lee, I know you have had some rough time, but I'm here now and I can share your pain, if you'll let me."

"Oh, of course, that's what you need. Running NIMR and going out on Seaview while your crippled lover waits at home."

"Lee, I have plenty of time. I am not the Director of NIMR anymore and I haven't gone out on Seaview in 5 months."

"What? Why?"

"Lee, you and I both know that the only reason you took this last mission was because I told you to. I felt so guilty when you didn't come back that I couldn't face going back to run NIMR. Absolutely nothing is as important as you in my life and I want to prove it to you, if you'll let me."

Lee's amber eyes looked deep into the Admiral's blue eyes and saw the great pain and grief his beloved friend had suffered over his "death".

"Admiral, I don't understand. I didn't take the mission because of you. When I called down to talk to you, I had already accepted the mission. I guess I just wanted you to agree."

"Oh, Lee. I thought that you accepted because of my seeming lack of concern. I want you to know sweetheart that you are my only concern now."

"But that's not right, Admiral. You're so full of life. You can't be tied down with a man who can't even do a lot of things." The blush that appeared on his beautiful friend's face made him love Crane all the more.

"Admiral, if you aren't Director of NIMR or going out on the Seaview, what were you going to do?"

Silence reigned for several seconds. "I don't know Lee. I really hadn't thought about it."

Crane looked into the blue eyes of Nelson and knew that he was lying."Admiral, tell me."

"Lee, I love you very much. I know sometimes I don't act like it, but you are my total world and when I thought I had lost you, I didn't want to live. I promised Martin Graham six months of supprt before I would leave totally. That time is almost up. After that I just wanted to be with you."

Suddenly, Crane understood. "No Admiral. Promise me that you will never do that. No one is that valuable to another."

Nelson's eyes filled with tears. "You have no idea what you mean to me, my beloved. I woud do anything for you. Please won't you let me help you? We don't have to be lovers. I want you for my friend. Won't you come live with me in the penthouse?"

Crane shook his head no. "It's not fair to you. You deserve someone who is whole and not crippled."

"Lee Crane, don't you ever say that again. You are the man I love, and I will take what ever you can offer me. If it's friendship, that's fine, but I will not listen to this b.s. about not deserving a cripple. You are and will always be the one I love. I want to be with you if you'll have me."

Nelson picked up Crane's hand and held it. After a moment or two, he kissed the palm and then caressed Crane's face.

"Lee, you must have not given up all hope or you wouldn't have sent the ring."

"I kept telling myself that it was better for you to think that I was dead. It would be better than knowing that I was a cripple, but as it got nearer to Valentine's Day, I became obsessed with my gift to you. I asked George to get it to you, but I hoped that you would drop the matter right there."

"That ring reached me at my lowest point. I had promised myself to carry on until I had delivered my gift to you on Valetine's Day, but without your ring, I don't know what I would have done. Thank you, sweetheart." Nelson leaned over and kissed Crane's forehead.

"Harri, please let me think about the penthouse for a few days. It was hard giving you up. Now I have a chance to be with you, but I want it to be the right decisiion for everybody."

Although not what Nelson wanted, he didn't want to put too much pressure on Crane. Having him alive was enough for now. **Harriman be grateful that you have him back and take each day one at a time..**

"Of course, love. Don't worry about anything. Now that I've got you back. We've got all the time in the world."


"Admiral, I'm awfully tired. Would you lay down by me for a little while?"

Nelson cuddled in next to the gorgeous body - just as he had done so many times before. As he lay there holding his beloved Lee in his arms, Nelson thought about how lucky he was. Given enough time and patience plus all the love he had for this man, he knew they could put their lives back together again.

_________________________________________________

Epilogue

Harriman Nelson left the room of his friend, Lee Crane and went to find George Trent, who had taken Crane into his nursing home after Crane's crippling injury.

Finding Trent, Nelson looked at him with suspicion. "He's asleep. How did you get mixed up with this?"

Trent laughted slightly. "You forget Admiral. I've known Lee for a long time - since the Academy, and while I went into medicine The Four Musketeers kept in contact with each other. It was Ted Dressell who became the liaison between ONI and me when I started this nursing home.."

"Ted Dressell, again"

"Yes, I guess you weren't told, but he led the rescue team that went in after Lee and the others."

Nelson looked up in surprise. "No, all I was allowed to do was write some questions for the leader to answer."

"That sounds like ONI and I bet you can't find hide nor hair of Ted Dressell, now?"

"Right again. They protect their own. When Lee requested that no one know he was alive, ONI did their best. Ted asked if I would let Lee come here for a while after Lee had spent quite a bit of time in the hospital. Emotionally he was really upset."

"I want to thank you."

"Thank me? I would have thought you would have been ready to give me some of that legendary Nelson temper?"

Now it was Nelson's turn to laugh. "Well, I guess I am so happy to have Lee alive and you are the man who has kept him safe and delivered his ring, that I can't really be mad at you."

"I remember a time at the Academy we were all so scared of you that we scarcely breathed your name for fear that you would know what we were saying. Well, that's true for all of us but Lee. Every other word from his lips was Admiral Nelson this and Admiral Nelson that."

Nelson smiled slightly, but got a very desolate look in his blue eyes."Yes, that's what Chip told me, too. Of course, I didn't know it at the time."

"Ah, Chip Morton now there's another story. Talk about two men who are devoted to each other. I know we were called The Four Musketeers, but Lee and Chip were so close. I often wondered . . . ."

"They are still close. I really should call Chip with the good news, but I better ask Lee if that is okay first."

"I think that is a good idea. Lee is on the edge right now. I would like to do some more tests on him to see how profoud the trauma is to his back. It can't have been good for him to have had to endure two months in pretty primitive conditions before rescue. The other ONI members didn't want to remove the bullet, but had to due to infection. It took another month after rescue for Lee to even become lucid enough to understand his condition."

"Three months - no wonder he felt so cut off from me, Chip, and Seaview. Normally, I would have expected him to be fighting to return to us as soon as he was conscious, but all that suffering must have clouded his thinking."

"Admiral, I'm going to be very blunt with you. I don't know what is best for Lee Crane right now. I know he hasn't shown much interest in anything since he got here. Asking me to deliver the ring was the first positive sign I've had. I don't want the man pushed too far, too fast. I believe you have deep feelings for him, but remember we are all his friends. I think he needs Chip here. Chip has always been Lee's anchor and I think it would be good for Lee to talk to him.

"Chip took over as Captain of the Seaview, but he was the one who led the investigation and recognized your description that the young sailor gave us."

"Ah, I wondered about that. I knew Chip was still with you, but I didn't know if he would be involved. There's no doubt about it, Chip Morton is a one man's man and that is Lee Crane. The grief and hurt Chip must have felt must have been incredible. I don't envy you telling him. I predict two things: anger and then an outpouring of
love."

"Anger - that Lee's alive?"

"No, anger that Lee wouldn't trust him enough to let him know he was alive."

"Oh., I see."

"No, Admiral, I don't think you do. I remember one time at the Academy. Lee was in a boxing match with a guy who outweighed him by at least twenty pounds. The fight was a real brawl in many ways and Lee kept coming back until he could barely stand. Somehow, Lee got in a knock-out punch and then collapsed."

"Why didn't the referee stop it?"

"Because stubborn Lee would not let Chip who was his corner manager throw in the towel."

"Chip?"

"Yeah, Chip and Lee did everything together in those days. Well, I guess when Lee woke up in the dressing room, Chip really let into him telling him how stupid it was to risk his life for his stubbornness. I guess he let him know in no uncertain terms what he thought of such foolishness."

"I can't imagine Chip ever talking to Lee that way."

"Well, maybe you just don't know him that well. Anyway, I decided to stop by their room and check up on Lee. Just as I was getting ready to knock, I noticed the door was partly open. Inside were Lee and Chip sitting on one of the beds. Chip was holding Lee in his arms and comforting him with the sweetest, quietest words you've ever heard. You see Admiral - Chip Morton makes himself whatever Lee Crane needs. That's a real frend."

Nelson felt moisture in his eyes. "I guess I never noticed how rare their friendship is. I would think Lee would be awake now. I'm planning to stay here for a few days, if that's all right with you. I'll get a hotel nearby and visit with Lee, if he'll let me."

"Why don't you stay here - we've got one or two rooms open?"

"No but thanks, I don't want Lee to think I'm putting any pressure on him. I'm going to ask if I tell Chip."

Nelson walked slowly down the corridor to room 231, trying to decide how to ask his friend if it was all right to tell Chip Morton that Lee was alive.

Looking at the bed, he could tell that Lee was awake.

"Lee, feel like talking for a few minutes?"

"I was hoping that you had left."

Stunned by the bluntness of the remark, Nelson hesitated, but resolutely said, "I would like to stay around for a few days, if that's all right with you? I can get a hotel in town and come out and visit whenever it is okay with you."

The amber eyes looked at him with suspicion and unease. "I'm not going to change my mind so why would you want to do that?"

"Lee, why are you so reluctant to go back to the penthouse with me?"

"It isn't the penthouse - although everything there would remind me of . . . of . . .you know. It's having everyone and everything remind me of the other Lee Crane - the one who could walk."

Nelson could see the depth of despair in those beautiful eyes and realized the agony that his beloved friend was in. Lee Crane had met and overcome so many challenges in the years that he captained the Seaview that it had become natural to think that he could overcome any obstacle. Not walking was the most formidable challenge that Lee had ever faced and yet he was refusing help from the very people who loved him most.

"I can't say I know how you feel. I won't even try, but those very people you don't want to face are the people who want most to help you and be there for you."

Lee remained silent with his chin resting on his chest.

"Do you know why Chip Morton stayed on as Captain of the Seaview?"

Crane barely looked up ad shook his head slightly.

"Partly, it was loyalty to you, but he said that the crew needed him because they felt your loss so deeply. They love you so much that they felt lost without you. Chip said that even the Seaview was in mourning for you."

"Seaview?"

"Yes, he said she performed like she was out of sync and reacted strangely. Lee, think of the crew and Chip. Is it fair to let them think you're dead?"

"Maybe not, and maybe I'm being selfish, but I want them to remember me as I was. What do you think I'll see in their faces if I roll up to the dock in a wheelchair?"

"I can tell you exactly what you'll see, my very dear friend. You'll see love and only that. They will be so happy to see you that nothing else will matter."

"I . . .I . . . don't know."

"Lee, be honest. If the tables were turned and I was the one in the wheelchair and I wanted to isolate myself from all that I loved, including you, would you let me?"

"That's not fair, Admiral. You aren't crippled. Besides, the world needs Harriman Nelson, it can survive without Lee Crane."

"Lee Crane, you have no idea how we all need you and me most of all."

Nelson realized that he would have to play his trump card. "Lee, would it be all right if I called Chip and told him?"

"NO! NO!"

"Why not, I'm going to have to tell him something. He knows about George Trent and the ring?"

Crane seemed to be trembling, but pulled himself together. Lifting his beautiful face, streaked with tears, "All right, I guess Chip has a right to know."

"Thank you. I'll visit you later."

##########################

Nelson tried several times to call Morton, but there was no answer. He decided to go to his hotel where he was finally able to talk to Lee Crane's best friend.

"Chip, I've been trying to call most of this afternoon."

"Sorry, Admiral. I've been trying to find George Trent, but no luck. What did you find out?"

"Don't worry he was the key to the puzzle."

"How?"

"Chip . . . Chip. . . he's alive."

"What? who?"

"Lee's alive."

"What? all this time and he's alive, how?"

"Take it easy. He's staying at George Trent's nursing home in Laurel, Maryland. I'd like you to come out, if you want?"

After a few second the dizziness passed and the anger set in. "You mean that George Trent knew that Lee was alive and neither of them would deign to let us know?"

"Chip, calm down. Lee was wounded in the back and was not rescued for two months. He was very sick for another month and when he recovered from that, he realized that he was . . . crippled so he decided to continue to be dead."

"What do you mean, crippled?"

"Lee can't walk due to a bullet near the spine."

"Chip, Chip, are you still there?" The moments of silence seemed to go on forever.

"Yes, Admiral. I'm here. Give me the address of the nursing home, and I 'll catch the first plane that I can."

After getting the address, Morton made immediate arrangements for traveling. Since Seaview was on shoreleave there was little to do on that end.

As Morton prepared to board the plane for the cross-country flight. His thoughts were in turmoil. Two thoughts kept sweeping past his mind. **Damn you, Lee Crane! Oh Lee!**

########################

As Chip Morton entered the nursing home, Nelson was waiting for him.

"Chip, I thought you and I should talk for a few minutes before you see him."

Chip Morton's anger had ebbed and flowed as his flight had crossed the country, but when he saw Harriman Nelson, he knew he was seeing a man who was at the brink of collapse from exhaustion and concern.

"Admiral, have you had any sleep?"

"Very little, but I'm not the concern right now. George Trent and I have been trying to convince Lee to have some more tests to see how extensive the damage really is. He has been balking with all the stubbornness he is capable of. He keeps saying that he's okay the way he is and that he wants to be left alone - if not here then somewhere else, but not NIMR."

"I see. Can I see him now?"

"Chip, I know you are angry. I was angry too - for a millisecond, but then I realized I had a second chance - he's alive, Chip. Give him a chance."

The blond looked with cold blue eyes and the Admiral and a look of query. "He's in 231. George and I would like to talk to you after you're done."

As Morton walked down the corridor, his anger flared again. **How could you have done this to me, Lee Crane. I thought we were friends - friends don't let other friends suffer such pain. Damn you.**

He reached the door and knocked lightly. A quiet "come" came from behind the door.

Opening the door, Morton could see very little due to the small amount of lighting from the lamp. He stepped inside and waited, without a word.

For several seconds his anger was so overwhelming that he thought he would shout to the figure sitting in the chair, "Why did you hurt me so?" , but the dark head raised. The face was so thin that it was mere skin covering bone, and the whole frame of the man was so slender, he seemed to be barely there. It was the eyes that were the most haunting. The pain and guilt there almost seared Chip's brain as he looked at the friend he loved so much.

Then Lee spoke, "Chip?"

Morton continued to hold his position. **What could he say?**

Crane seemed to understand. Tears began to flow down his face as he raised one arm towards his friend.

It was that gesture that broke Morton's paralysis. In three steps he crossed the room; went down on his knees and laid his head in the quilt covered lap.

"Oh, Lee! Oh, Lee!" was all he was able to say as tears and sobs wracked his body.

Much as Chip Morton had done many years ago in an Academy dorm, Lee Crane now did for his friend. "It's all right, Chip. It's all right. I am so sorry. Forgive me. Forgive me."

This went on for several minutes until Morton was able to regain control then his anger regained control

"What do you mean letting me think that you were dead for five months? Don't you know how much I've missed you? Don't you know how much we've all missed you? Even Seaview- her ballast tanks have been making the
strangest noises for the last several months - almost like she was crying? How dare you hurt her."

Strangely enough instead of these words hurting Crane more, he actually smiled and laughed slightly. "Oh, Chip, I have missed you so. I never meant to hurt you . . .any of you. I just thought that after all those months and with . . .with my legs, it would be best for everybody."

"Lee Crane you are the biggest dunderhead on this planet. Do you think the crew, the Seaview, and I love you because of your legs?"

"No, not exactly, but I can't be the Captain anymore. I can't be anything that I used to be. The Admiral has offered to be my friend, but that's all because he knows I can't be his lover anymore."

Morton could see in those beautiful eyes what those words had done to Crane.

"Lee, you and the Admiral were friends long before you were lovers. Let all of your friends be there for you. Don't shut us out. You will be hurting us far more if you do. I know you want to do what's best for all of us, but just this once, I want you to think of yourself first."

"I don't understand."

"The Admiral told me that George wants to perform some more tests. Please let him do so. Give yourself a chance before you shut us all out."

Crane gave Morton a shy smie. He looked down and noticed that they were still holding hands. "You have always been my anchor."

"No more than you have been mine."

"All right. I'll have the tests. I promise nothing else, but if the news is good, I'll think about going to the penthouse."

"Thank you, my friend. Now, you look worn out. How about you lie down and rest while I go see our old friend, George Trent."

"Thanks, Chip."

###################

As Chip Morton left Crane's room, he felt some of the burden lift off his shoulders. Now he had to face Nelson.

Both Trent and Nelson were waiting for him."I'll bet you're glad to see me?"

"George, how could you have kept such a secret? You were always such a blabbermouth at the Academy."

"I'm a Doctor now - I took an oath."

The two men hugged quickly and then Morton delivered his news to an impatient Nelson.

"Admiral, Lee has agreed to have the tests. He says that he won't commit himself beyond that, but if the news is good, he said he would think about going to the penthouse."

"But, what if the news is bad?"

Both George Trent and Morton said together,"Let's get through the tests first."

Harriman Nelson walked out of the Doctor's office and walked down to room 231. Quietly he opened the door and looked at the sleeping figure of Lee Crane, the man he loved so much.

**Oh, Lee! I can't lose you. Please give me . . .all of us another chance!**

Nelson walked into the room and quietly sat down in a chair next to the bed to wait for his friend to wake up.


THE END