"Well, Chip?" Nelson asked.
"That's the last of the microchips, Admiral. All that remains is the performance tests. Should take another two days. That'll bring us to Wednesday."
"Perfect timing!. We leave for the Isle Of Saint-Jean in three days. You couldn't have timed it better."
"I wouldn't say that yet, Sir. What happens if it doesn't work?"
"I have every confidence in your work, Chip. You've never let me down before."
Chip stood up from the rebuilt computer console, "I know I've asked you this everyday for the last four or five days but have you heard from Lee?"
"Nothing at all. He's probably just having a good time." Nelson said, his voice betraying his worry.
"We both know it's not like Lee Crane not to call and check up on his boat. Especially when she's undergoing repairs of any kind."
"I know, Chip. But we have no way of finding out where he went until he calls. I've checked with my ONI contacts as well as with Jiggs. As far as they're concerned he's on vacation. Don't worry, next time he goes on vacation, forced or otherwise, I'll make sure he not only leaves a number where he can be reached, but have him take a working tracker with him as well. It looks like the one he has isn't working
"You're just as worried as I am," Morton said soberly.
"Yes I am. We both know Lee has a knack for getting into trouble," Nelson told him honestly.
"That's an understatement. Do you think he's ok?" Morton asked.
"He's supposed to be back tomorrow. Let's not think the worst until then. He'll probably have a good laugh at us when he finds out how worried we've been."
"You're probably right, Admiral." Morton sighed.
The time had passed slowly for Lee. He'd been a prisoner here for five days now. The last four confined to his room with his hands cuffed behind his back. His only company was Melanie when she changed the bandage on his thigh and brought him his meals. He'd continued to force himself to finish everything on his plate just in case his double hadn't left after all.
He'd tried to escape, once, the same day as the disasterous breakfast, but was unable to with Bruce and Brock on duty during the day, and the fact that he was kept drugged at night. That one time, he'd made it as far as the water but had been forced to return when Damien Richards had fired a warning shot into the air. Richards had struck him a glancing blow to the forehead, opening the skin along his hairline, and then ordered him confined to his room.
Melanie had told him that Lucien St. Laurant had joined his military troops and wouldn't be returning until they were ready to leave for the Isle of Saint-Jean.
Crane sat on the window seat gazing out at the ocean. He heard the door open behind him but didn't bother to turn.
"Lee," Melanie's voice sounded tired to his ears.
"What's wrong, Melanie?" he asked turning from the window.
"Lucien is back," she said flatly, "and he wants you back at the table. Damien told him about your escape attempts and he's planning on taking you with him, when he returns to his troops. I hate this, Lee. It's all my fault!" she said.
"It's not your fault, Melanie. You were used, forced to do it in order to save your brother's life."
"My brother is just as bad as Lucien. He allows him to do these things to me. I wish I had been strong enough to say no when he first came to me, but he's the only family I have left," Melanie's eyes overflowed with tears.
"Things will work out," Crane said trying, unsuccessfully to comfort the sobbing woman, in spite of his cuffed wrists. She'd sat down next to him, and laid her head on his shoulder. When she'd told him what she'd been through, he was convinced that she would help him when the time was right.
Wiping her eyes Melanie smiled slightly, "We better go down before Lucien gets angry," she said.
"I don't give a damn about Lucien St. Laurent. We'll go down when you're ready," Lee watched the look of terror that passed quickly over her eyes. 'What has that animal done to you now?' he thought.
"I'm ready now," she said shakily and led him towards the door.
"Where is that sister of yours, Damien?" St. Laurent asked impatiently.
"She'll be here. Crane is probably being obstinate about joining us. He really doesn't like you, you know?"
St. Laurent let out a series of harsh laughs before answering, "He isn't the only one who doesn't like me. You and your sister aren't fond of me either. Oh, don't bother denying it. I know if it wasn't for the fact that you owe me so much money you would never have agreed to help me get back what is rightfully mine."
Seeing Melanie and Crane at the foot of the stairs, Richards said, "Here she is now," hoping to distract St. Laurent, and change the subject.
"Ah, my lovely Melanie," St. Laurent said sarcastically. He carefully observed her in the skin-tight sundress she wore. "I do think my change in your wardrobe becomes you. It shows off your charms so nicely. Have you missed me, my dear?"
"What do you think, Lucien?" she answered.
"Careful, my dear, sarcasm doesn't become you," he reprimanded. "Now please remove the Captain's cuffs, I'm sure Brock can handle him if he tries to escape again, 'tho I would not advise such rash action, Captain."
Melanie did as she was told, taking the seat beside Crane.
"Why don't you come sit with me, Melanie?" St. Laurent asked.
"I'd rather not," she answered.
"I said, SIT WITH ME! I am better company than your Captain. After all I have a long life ahead of me, while his is going to be condsiderably shortened," St. Laurent laughed.
"I wouldn't bet on it," Crane said softly.
"What was that, Captain? I didn't quite hear you." St. Laurent asked, coldly.
"I said I wouldn't bet on you having a long life."
"It's you that can't bet on a long life," he snaked an arm out and around her waist, and pulled Melanie into his lap, when she moved to sit next to him. "As soon as I show my people the man who murdered their beloved Francois DeBatista, your life will be worthless, I assure you. And it will be you who is executed, not Burk. I will make sure of it. Enough of this. I'm hungry. Tell your servants it's time to serve dinner."
Richards picked up a small bell and rang it several times. Two female servants appeared immediately, each pushing a small dinner cart. They began by serving St. Laurent first and soon made their way around the table.
Lee watched as they filled the plate across from him and realized he'd been right in thinking that his double had not left after all. "Are we expecting another guest," he asked feigning innocence.
"As a matter of fact we are. Come, join us, Captain Crane," St. Laurent called.
"Thank-you, Mr. President."
Lee heard his own disembodied voice answer from behind him and turned in his chair, feigning surprise he stammered, "I... I thought you'd left."
"That's what you were supposed to think. Actually I've been studying you the whole time. I must say, Mr. Richards it would have been easier if you had let him out of his room. What a boring four days. The only one he talked with was Melanie. But I think even Captain Crane will admit that I have perfected his voice," Burk-Crane stated, grinning proudly.
"You'll never fool Nelson or Morton," Crane said,making his voice more confident than he was. 'This guy could definitely be my twin. I only hope the Admiral and Chip pick up on the subtle differences.'
"I think he will, at least long enough to get to DeBatista. Once Debatista is killed you will then take his place. It's perfect," St. Laurent laughed, "First you save the man in front of thousands of viewers then you kill the man in front of thousands of viewers. I love irony, don't you?"
"How do you plan on killing DeBatista?" Crane asked.
"Suffice it to say I have inside help. Not everyone was happy to see me dethroned. Many people have suffered since DeBatista was elected to power."
"The only people that were hurt when DeBatista was elected were the ones you paid off! You bought them with the promise of wealth. It's time someone told you that buying people with money doesn't mean you buy their loyalty. Loyalty must be earned, not bought, and you have nothing in terms of earning loyalty. Francois DeBatista has. He is a man of honour and integrity." Crane told him.
"Honour and integrity!' St. Laurant scoffed. "They are just worthless words. Power and wealth are what people really want and I'll give that to a select few."
"I can imagine the ones you give it to. Murderers like yourself!" Crane said harshly.
"I grow weary of this argument, Captain. If you wish to eat your meal then you'll be quiet and do so. Otherwise you will be removed from the table."
"Please, Lee, be quiet," Melanie, said softly.
Crane stared into her eyes and could see the fear in them. Reacting to what he saw, he said "All right, Melanie, for you."
"How very touching. You two seem to be getting close. Too bad Captain Crane will be accompanying me back to my camp today. I'm sure Melanie will miss him. Won't you my dear?" St. Laurent grinned, as he took a forkful of food and held it to her mouth.
"That's none of your business, Lucien," she answered. She then held her lips tightly closed.
"Melanie, Stop! Do what Lucien wants. He's been good to us. Apologize to him now," Richards said sharply.
St. Laurent laughted at her..."Listen to your brother, my dear. I'd hate to see you fall heavily for a soon to be dead man," St. Laurent told her, as he put the forkful of food down.
"I will not apologize, Damien. Lucien has not been good to me. He forced himself on me! Don't you understand!" she cried.
"You came to me willingly," St. Laurent said.
"No! I came to you because I had no choice. You threatened to kill us both if we didn't do as you told us. And you," she cried as she twisted in St. Laurent's lap, to face her half brother, "It's all your fault. I hate you for putting me in this situation."
St. Laurent's sudden harsh laugh sounded, "The lady does have some fight left in her. I love a woman who speaks her mind. Don't you Captain Crane?" he asked through loud guffaws.
"You don't love her, St. Laurent," Crane said angrily. "If you did you would never have forced yourself on her. Women deserve better treatment than that."
"I suppose you would accept her even after she's freely given herself to me," St. Laurent said coldly, caressing Melanie's arm and shoulder, as she shivered in the sunlight, suffering his still unwelcome attention.
"The point is she didn't give herself freely. You used blackmail to force her to come to you."
"I do what I must, Captain. Melanie was mine as long as I held her brother's life in my hands. But from what I see now she might not hold her brother's life in such high esteem anymore. Am I right, my dear?"
"Let's just say I will not be coming to you anymore!" Melanie stated vehemently.
St. Laurent smiled maliciously at Crane, but directed his words at Melanie, "I may have the means of your return to my bed...the good Captain's life in exchange."
"Wrong," her quivering voice betrayed the falsehood of that one word.
St. Laurent couldn't control his laughter, "Come, Melanie. Even I know that's not true. Would you like me to prove it to you?" he asked.
"You really are an animal, St. Laurent," Crane told him.
St. Laurent glared down the table at Crane, "Calling me an animal again will earn you a very painful punishment," he spat out.
Melanie put her hand out in a gesture to stop him from saying anything more, "No, Lee. I don't want you hurt any further because of me. It's my fault you're here in the first place."
"How can it be your fault?" Crane asked.
"Don't you know, Captain? Didn't Melanie tell you that this was all her idea? She volunteered to kidnap you and bring you here. She is just as guilty as we are," Damien laughed. "Your lovely, innocent Melanie, isn't so innocent after all.!"
"Is that true, Melanie?" Crane asked, his suspicions of her returning.
"It's true, Lee," she said, unable to meet his eyes. "It was my idea to go after you. I saw how closely Burk resembled you and came up with this plan to get Lucien off our backs," she finally looked into Crane's disappointed face. "I didn't know they planned on killing DeBatista or y... you." she stammered as tears began flowing freely from her eyes. "I was told that Burk, as you, would only disgrace DeBatista, thereby making it possible for Lucien to get back into power. The people of the Isle of Saint-Jean abhor scandal and would have removed DeBatista immediately even though they elected him. Lucien would then forcefully regain power. Please ....PLEASE say you believe me, Lee," she cried.
"I believe you, Melanie," he quietly replied. "I also believe that your brother knew from the start what was expected of him. I think he's been misleading you from the beginning. I don't think he owes St. Laurent a dime."
"That's preposterous!" Richards exclaimed. "Don't listen to him, Melanie. I would never do anything to hurt you."
"No? Then why did you bring me into this?"
"Why, you always loved adventure and I thought you would enjoy this."
"Enjoy listening to your planning to kill not one but two innocent men. No, Damien. This ceased being an adventure when you allowed Lucien to blackmail me into his bed. Once again, I'm sorry, Lee," she said to the man seated at her left.
"PAH!! Enough of this sacchrine drivel. I have lost my appetite. Melanie put the cuffs back on Captain Crane. He will be coming with me, as you know. Damien you will see that our Crane is returned to Santa Barbara by tomorrow." St. Laurent ordered.
"Yes, Lucien. His bags are at the airfield now. I wanted to make sure you approved of him."
"I approve. The question is, 'will Nelson and Morton?' You better pray they do because Partners or not I'll kill you if anything goes wrong." St. Laurent said as he came around the table and made sure that Melanie had fastened the cuffs tightly to Crane's wrists. "Come, Captain, I promise the next couple of days are going to be uncomfortable for you. I'm afraid you won't have a comfy bed tonight," turning his attention to the woman standing beside his captive he spoke softly, "Melanie, I will see you and Damien at the ship in two days. Make sure you're both there," he told her as he kissed her roughly.
As soon as St. Laurent left, Melanie turned angry, hate filled eyes on her half brother, "How could you?" she asked.
"How could I what? Put you in this situation? Is that what you mean?"
"Precisely. You and Lucien have been partners all along. You didn't even lose the money, did you?"
"Course not," Richards laughed, "I'm to good a gambler to lose that much money."
"If it wasn't the money then why did you do it?" she asked her eyes overflowing with unshed tears.
"Why?" he laughed harshly. "Well let me see. I wanted to do something on my own. I don't like the way you've treated me over the years. I hate being in your shadow. Shall I go on?"
"No," she cried, "I think you've said enough. I'll be leaving with Burk today."
"I can't let you do that, Melanie. Lucien has plans for you."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"He wants you for his mistress when he regains control," he told her, grinning broadly.
"I hate you," she told him, turning her back and running to the house.
"Don't try to leave, Melanie. You are now just as much a prisoner as your Captain," he yelled after her.
Crane had been forced into the back of a waiting army truck and soon found himself sandwiched between two men dressed in military uniforms. Neither said a word but each one held a small handgun pointed at Crane's chest. St. Laurent sat across from him, also holding a gun, and smiling condescendingly. They were jostled roughly as the truck bounced onto a dirt road that was hardly more than a path through heavy bushes and rocks.
"Enjoying the ride, Captain?" St. Laurent asked.
"The ride? A ride in the country usually clears my head. However, the company leaves a lot to be desired." Crane answered.
"Get used to the company, Captain. You and I will be seeing a lot of each other over the next week, at least until you're placed in front of a firing squad. Maybe I'll keep you alive long enough to see Melanie freely agree to becoming my mistress."
"Melanie will never agree to become your mistress!"
"She will when I tell her I'll see to it you're given a life sentence instead of the firing squad. Think about it , Crane, knowing that she is in my arms every night because of you."
"How do you think you'll feel, knowing she's in your arms, but thinking of me?"
St. Laurent angrily reached across the small separation and struck Crane a glancing blow to the head with the butt of his gun, "You should learn to keep your mouth shut, Captain!"
Crane leaned back against the side of the truck, his eyes closed against the agonizing pain in his head, a thin trickle of blood seeped from the reopened hairline wound. "Am I hitting to close to home for you, Lucien?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"Just shut your mouth or I'll shut it for you."
"It's so easy to threaten someone who can't fight back," Crane said quietly.
"Oh, that's funny, Captain. You're a trained ONI agent and that makes you anything but helpless. Why do you think I insist not only on the handcuffs, which I'm sure you'd have no trouble getting out of, but also on two armed guards to ensure you don't escape. Your reputation for getting out of tight spots precedes you. When we get to my camp it'll be even harder for you to escape. I have something VERY special planned for your confinement there," St. Laurent grinned malevolently. Reaching under his seat he pulled out a roll of silver duct tape and cut off a six-inch strip. Smiling, he placed the strip roughly over his captive's mouth thereby cutting off any retort. "Peace and quiet at last," he said.
The ride to the camp took another thirty minutes over rugged terrain and Crane felt himself jostled between the two men. When the truck came to a screeching halt, the two men beside him clamped their steel grips on his arms and pulled him roughly to his feet.
"Come, Captain, I'll show you to your living quarters," St. Laurent laughed. "It may seem primitive but I'm sure it'll be most effective in keeping you prisoner. Bring him this way," he told the two guards.
Lee looked around the compound as he was pulled into the center of a clearing surrounded by large domed tents. A wooden platform sat precisely in the middle of the tents. A single post stood in the center of the platform. He could see leg and wrist manacles placed at strategic places on the post. He found himself being pushed up the three steps to the elevated platform.
St. Laurent laughed as his men pulled Crane up to the post and secured his ankles tightly, spreading his legs slightly. They removed his handcuffs and replaced them with the manacles attached to the post. Walking behind the post St. Laurent pulled the chains firmly, stretching Lee's arms tightly above his head, and clamped them together, attaching the chains to the floor of the platform, effectively limiting Crane's movements. He walked around to face his captive again. Grabbing a piece of the tape he pulled it quickly, eliciting a small groan from Crane.
"I have one more surprise for you, Captain. You've been calling me an animal ever since we met. I'm afraid it's not me who's an animal but you. I have a nice little collar for you, my pet," St. Laurent pulled an evil looking device from behind his back. "This is my own creation. I've used it successfully a number of times," he said as he placed the collar around his captive's neck smiling as he tightened it. Crane grimaced as he felt something sharp digging slightly into the soft flesh of his throat. "Ahhh, yes, good, I see you felt that. Good. Now let me explain what this will do. Each time your head leans forward the spikes will dig painfully into your neck. Not enough to cause any major damage but enough to cause tremendous pain I'm afraid. This way if you even attempt to remove your chains, you'll be causing your own torture each time you strain against them. It's really a simple but effective deterrent, don't you think?"
Crane felt the effects of the collar each time he took a deep breathe, "You really are an animal," he said through teeth, tightly clinched.
"Animals wear collars and are kept chained, and in cages, Captain. It seems to me that you fit the bill."
"Not all animals are caged! Many walk the streets, eager to kill and maim!" Crane stated belligerently.
St. Laurent slapped Crane open handed across the face and angrily stalked away.
"I'd watch what I say to him, if I were you, Captain," one of the guards that had accompanied him from the truck told him.
"Would it make much of a difference? He's going to have me killed anyway."
"I'm sure that's true. But there are so many painful ways to kill a man and Lucien St. Laurent knows them all. The man probably invented most of them. I watched him torture a young man for a week before he let him die. That man's only crime was that he walked in front of President St. Laurent's car. The driver had to stop quickly and caused the president to spill his drink. Take it from me a quick death is preferable to a slow, agonizing one."
"Thanks for the advice," Crane said leaning his head back against the post and closing his eyes against the bright evening sunshine.
Within a few short hours the sunshine would be replaced by drenching rains.
"Good morning, Chip," Burk-Crane greeted Morton happily as he picked up his bag from the luggage carrier.
"Good morning, Lee. I take it you had a good vacation?" Morton asked.
"More like a great vacation. Bright sunshine, beautiful women, great food, what else could a man ask for? Let's go get breakfast, I'm starved."
You should try it yourself, Chip." Burk-Crane said as he turned back to pick up his last piece of luggage.
"Do you want to go by the Institute and check out Seaview's repairs first?" Morton asked.
"Let's stop along the way and eat first. I haven't had anything to eat since we left the resort."
Morton's face took on a suspicious frown at his friends last few statements. 'What's come over you? Wanting to eat before going to Seaview. I'll have to talk to the Admiral about this. Lee not in a hurry to get back to his boat. Something's definitely wrong here,' Morton thought as he got behind the wheel of his car, "Where do you want to eat?" he asked Burk-Crane.
"Let's try the Harbor Restaurant. I heard that place has great steak and eggs."
"Fine with me. Should I call Admiral Nelson and ask him if he'd like to join us?"
"Why not. I'd like to ask him about the repairs you've made."
Lee Crane opened his eyes slowly. The dampness of night in the tropical paradise had finally succumbed to the humid warmth of morning. He felt chilled to the bone and was unable to prevent the uncontrollable shivering. He had no idea how long he'd been standing in the cold rain before he'd passed out from exhaustion. His arms now felt leaden, and each movement of his head caused a small trickle of blood to run down his neck, from the tears the spikes were making in the soft flesh. His legs ached from being forced to stand in the same position for so long. He closed his eyes against the rising sun and wondered how long he'd be forced to stay here.
"Did you enjoy being so close to natures fury, Captain?" the coldly sarcastic voice asked from in front of him.
Crane forced his eyes partially open again and glared into the face of St. Laurent, "I prefer natures fury to your company anytime," he answered, his voice coarse and raspy.
"We'll see if you feel the same way tomorrow morning. ... Imagine ... a full day in the scorching sunshine and then another night left to the elements of nature.....I'm sure you won't be so cocky!"
"Don't bet on it," Crane said.
"I'm going to have Melanie join me here. Just think she'll be sharing my bed just a few short yards away from you," St. Laurent grinned as his words had the desired effect on his prisoner. "I don't mind using you to keep her in line or should I say in bed. I'm sure she'll do her best to keep me satisfied. Especially when she hears what I'll do to you if she doesn't," he laughed harshly.
Crane's voice was filled with anger, "You do realize that I'm going to kill you."
"Oh my, the high and mighty hero does make idle threats after all!"
"It wasn't an idle threat," Crane said softly.
St. Laurent's laugh did nothing to hide the slight twinge of fear that crept into his voice as he continued to taunt the helpless man, "That's funny, Captain. From where I stand you're already a dead man. It's just a matter of time.You can't escape... I've seen to that. Very little time in your case I'm afraid. Enjoy your morning because this afternoon's sun promises to be blistering. I think I'll go have something cold to drink. Sorry you won't be joining me but you need to learn some manners," he laughed and walked away.
Crane strained against his bonds once again. Each time he pulled away from the pole blood trickled down his neck and his tortured arms and legs screamed in protest of this new torture being forced upon them. His shirt already wet from the rains began to take on a red tinge. An hour later he was still struggling but to no avail. The intense heat had replaced the shivering cold. He closed his eyes and let his head rest back against the pole once again.
"It's good to see you, Admiral," Burk-Crane smiled over his second cup of coffee.
Nelson sat opposite Morton and to the left of Burk-Crane. He was surprised at how quickly his friend had put away a full breakfast. Something just didn't sit right, "The way you put away that food I'd swear you hadn't eaten in a week."
Burk-Crane laughed as he finished his coffee and held his cup out to the waitress, "Actually, Admiral, I did feel extra hungry. Must have been the vacation."
"I guess so. But you do realize that if Jamie hears about this increase in appetite he'll insist on more forced vacations. Maybe we should tell him. What do you think, Chip?" Nelson asked.
"I agree, Admiral. We've all been trying to get Lee to eat more."
Burk-Crane realized Lee Crane had been faking the hearty appetite in order to alert his friends to the fact that he wasn't who he seemed to be. 'Wonder what other little traps you've set up,' he thought. "You wouldn't dare," Burk-Crane laughed.
"Don't bet on it," Morton said, half serious.
"Come on, Chip, Admiral, you know I can't stand to be away from 'my lady' that long."
"Actually I was shocked when Chip called and told me to meet you here. I was sure the first place you'd go was to Seaview."
"I would've gone directly to Seaview, Admiral, but I figured if I ate first I wouldn't have to leave the ship the rest of the day."
Morton and Nelson stared at each other. Lee Crane would never call Seaview a ship. He insisted that Seaview was a boat, even going so far as correcting the president himself.
"I'm glad to see something good came out of this vacation. You do look more relaxed then I've seen you in quite some time," Morton said, hiding his suspicions until he could speak with Nelson privately.
"I am relaxed, Chip. Jamie was right about my needing to get away for a while. He'd just better not try it again anytime soon. Let's go see my ship," Burk-Crane said unaware of the suspicions he'd provoked in Lee Cranes friends.
"All right, Lee. There's a lot for you to see. Chip has the new computer up and running," he said as they headed for the door. "By the way we also fixed the third step on the spiral stairs. You know the one you kept complaining about?"
"Oh, -- yes --I remember," Burk-Crane said, trying to cover his ignorance.
"Uh...Chip, don't forget you and I have a meeting this afternoon. As soon as Lee has looked over the repairs I want you to meet me in my cabin," Nelson said.
"Do I need to be there, Admiral?"
"No, Lee. I'd rather you and Chief Sharkey make sure Seaview is ready for us to leave tomorrow. You also have to check in with Jamie," Nelson told the impostor.
"Why do I need to see Jamie?" a trickle of uncertainty crept into his voice.
"It was part of the deal. You were to check in with him for a complete check-up before he'd ok you for duty."
Burk-Crane found it hard to hide his fear of what a complete physical could reveal about him. He had Lee Crane's face and physique but that's where the resemblance ended. He'd have to find a way to pass the test. St. Laurent and Richards would make him suffer if he failed. "All right, Admiral, I'll see Jamie."
"Make sure you do, Lee," Nelson said.
St. Laurent solicitiously helped Melanie out of the jeep. Grinning at her, he said, "Your gentleman friend is waiting in the clearing to say hello, my dear.." She looked to the clearing and almost fainted at what her eyes took in. Lee Crane, chained hand and foot to a pole, his arms stretched tightly above his head. His shirt was bloodstained and blood ran from a gash on his head, and from the collar fastened around his neck.
"Oh, God. I'm so sorry, Lee," Melanie cried out as she ran up the steps of the platform to the man chained to the pole. Turning to St. Laurent, she said, "I'll do anything you want me to, Lucien. Please just let him go," placing her hand tenderly on Crane's cheek, she let her tears flow freely down her cheeks.
"You WILL do anything I want you to anyway, Melanie. If not your poor Captain will suffer some more and it will once again be because of you. Why, I told him you would be arriving soon, and reminded him that you are to blame for everything that's happening to him. If it wasn't for you he'd probably be in his cabin on his way to my Country to honor that weakling."
Lee Crane heard the conversation but kept his eyes shut. The pain in his head, neck and shoulders had intensified as the day wore on and his sunburned body only added to his miseries. His thirst had grown as well and it didn't seem like he was going to get any water anytime soon. He heard the misery in Melanie's voice and wanted to assure her he was okay.
"Melanie, it's not your fault," Crane rasped out hoarsely.
Melanie lifted eyes haunted with pain, to look at Lee. "It is my fault, Lee. I brought you here."
Slowly, Lee opened his eyes to look at her. The sunlight glittered on the silver collar on her neck. "Yes, but you were duped into it," lee said tiredly
"Thank you... I..."
"My, my...how very touching. I really do so love watching you two. It's like a soap opera; only the hero won't be coming back from this trip," grabbing her arm, he pulled her toward him, "Melanie, come with me," he ordered.
"Please, Lucien, at least let me give him something to drink. He won't be any good to you if he dies of dehydration," Melanie pleaded.
"First you and I will retire to my tent. If you please me, then the Captain can have some water."
"Don't do it, Melanie," Crane told her.
"I have to, Lee," she said simply.
Crane watched as the two people, one he despised and one he pitied, walked to, and entered the largest of the tents. He heard several smacks, and Melanie's cries, and swore to himself. 'St. Laurent, I promise you'll pay for the pain you've caused her,' then his eyes closed once more, giving into the pain and exhaustion he felt..
Nelson looked up at the knock on his door, "Come in," he called.
Chip Morton opened the door and entered the office. He moved rapidly to a chair and sat down waiting for the admiral to finish signing the papers on his desk. When Nelson looked up at him he wasn't surprised by what he had to say.
"That's not Lee Crane!" Nelson stated simply.
"I agree, sir. Nice trick with the loose step on the spiral stairs. The real Lee Crane would have known there was nothing wrong with it. I also stopped by Jamie's office on the way over. I explained what was going on and asked him to do a physical but not to let on that we're onto this guy. I thought it best that we keep that man in the dark as to our suspicions."
"That was a smart move, Chip. I think it's important that he believe he has us fooled. Otherwise we lose the advantage we have."
"I did as you asked me to and told Sharkey what we suspected. He's going to stick by the impostor until further orders."
"I just hope he doesn't make it to obvious," Nelson said.
"He won't. He said he'd get Ski and Pat to volunteer to keep an eye on him"
"Did you tell him not to let anyone else in on what we know?"
"Yes, Sir. I told Sharkey to come up with an excuse for the surveillance. Any idea where the real Lee Crane is?"
"I've been thinking about that, Chip. I have no idea where he is but I think I know why he was replaced. In two days Lee and I are supposed to take part in the inauguration ceremonies for president elect Francois DeBatista. What a perfect time for someone to assassinate him."
"That's why they replaced Lee. They know he'll be closer than anyone to the president."
"And who do you think would benefit most from the death of Francois DeBatista especially if it's by the same man who saved his life two months before."
"St. Laurent!"
"St. Laurent," Nelson reiterated. "It would give him the perfect opportunity to seize power again and throw suspicion on the US government."
"Do you think Lee is alive, Sir," Chip asked hopefully.
"I think so, Chip. I think St. Laurent is a sadistic man and he'd want to keep Lee alive. He'd want him to know that he was to blame for his country being in trouble with the U.N."
"We have to find him!" Morton said angrily.
"We have no way of knowing where he is at the moment and it's highly unlikely that this impostor would tell us anything if we confronted him. If anything it would probably cause St. Laurent to kill the real Lee Crane. I think it best that we stick to the original plan and proceed as scheduled to the Isle Of Saint-Jean. There's a good chance we'll find Lee there."
"Are you going to tell President DeBatista what's happening?"
"I think we have to. He has a right to know when his life is in danger. At least he'll be able to take some precautions. I'll set up a private meeting with him as soon as we arrive," Nelson told the younger man.
"Here, Lee try to drink some of this," Melanie said as she lifted the metal cup to Crane's dry, chapped lips. Night had fallen and once again his body trembled with chills., from exposure and more. He opened his mouth and allowed her to slowly pour the water into his mouth. Melanie pulled the cup away not wanting him to choke as the soothing moisture flowed to the back of his parched tongue."Easy, Lee. Go easy. It's better if you take small amounts. I'm sorry. I know you must be thirsty, but take it slowly."
"Are you all right?" he rasped weakly. He saw that she wore only a light, short robe that tied at the waist, and realized that she wore nothing beneath it.
"I'm fine, Lee. I ... I won't let him break me. He only uses my body ...not my mind. So long as he can't reach my mind I'll be okay...I will."
"Do you have any idea... any idea at all... when he plans to leave here?"
"Tomorrow night I think. He wants to be in Isle of Saint-Jean long before the ceremony is held for Francois DeBatista."
"He'll never be able to get to the President," Crane said, although his voice lacked it's usual conviction.
"I wish that were true, Lee. But Lucien is a dangerous man when he wants something and right now he wants his power back. Burk looks so much like you, how can you be sure your friends will not be fooled?"
"Because they basically went by the information in my file. Not everything about me was in those files. Chip and the Admiral know me better then a computer written file. They know how I react to different situations and they can tell when something is wrong. Don't worry, Melanie, they'll find a way to save the President's life."
"I hope so, Lee."
"Melanie, come here," St. Laurent, yelled from the open flap of his tent.
"What do you want, Lucien?" she asked fearfully.
He gestured crudely and then stated. "I'm cold and in need of the warmth of your lovely , soft, warm body lying in the bed next to me," he answered.'That and other things." he laughed.
"I am tired, Lucien. I'd like to go to my tent for tonight," she stated.
"NO! Remember our bargin...You will come to me now, or your Captain will suffer,more, much more..." he said maliciously.
Melanie gazed into Crane's eyes for a moment. Tears again slowly rolled down her cheeks as she gently kissed his , "I won't let him get to me," she whispered softly in his ear. She turned, and walked to the tent. St. Laurent met her at the flap, kissing her harshly on the lips, and letting the belt of her robe fall to her sides. His eyes met Crane's as he put one hand on her breast, and pulled the flap closed behind them
Crane watched with mixed feelings. His anger was seething at the treatment that the dictator was giving Melanie. She was using her body to protect him. She was willing to sacrifice herself for bringing him here. She had a deep courage that people seldom showed and he was beginning to feel more than admiration for her. Somehow he would get them both out of the mess they were in. He didn't know how, but he would. He vowed to make Lucien St. Laurant pay for what he was doing to Melanie. He tried again to move and his taut, tortured body protested "Maybe, when my head clears... and I can think...' he thought as his eyes closed and darkness once again received him with open arms.
Burk-Crane stood in the observation nose of the submarine Seaview. He'd barely concealed his surprise when he'd come down the spiral stairs and saw the Herculite windows that made up the front bulkheads of the Sub. Even now, alone in the nose he stood with his hand running over the smooth surface in wonderment. 'How do these windows keep the water out?' he asked himself.
"I thought I was the only one who still wondered about those windows."
Burk-Crane jumped nervously at the voice, "Hi, Chip. I've always loved it here."
"Me too, Skipper, it's an amazing view."
"Yes it is. Where's the Admiral?"
"He's in his lab. You know the Admiral. He's not happy unless he's working on something," Morton laughed.
"True. That's one of the things that makes working for him so interesting. There's always something he wants investigated," Burk-Crane told him. "You know, Chip, I think I'll go back to my cabin and get some rest."
"You do look kind of tired, Lee. Jet lag must be catching up with you."
"You're probably right, Chip, just don't tell Jamie."
"I won't. Night Lee."
"Night Chip," Burk-Crane said as he left the observation nose.
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