a fish tale

Sequel to The Omega Strain

By Winnie

Admiral Harriman Nelson would never get tired of the scenery here in the mountains. He tried to make it to his cabin on Eagle Lake at least once each season. This trip marked the first time he would be bringing guests to his retreat, but he felt that his friends needed it. Looking into the face of the man in the passenger seat he knew this would do him a world of good.

Lee Crane was captain of Nelson’s submarine, Seaview, and they had just come off a very difficult mission that had almost cost the captain his life. They had all contracted a virus called Omega Strain. It was manmade and had been spread all over the world. They had found the antidote, but by then the captain had been kidnapped and by the time they had found him he was nearly dead, the evidence was still slightly visible on his arms.

"Are we there yet?" Nelson was pulled from his thoughts by the voice of Seaviews executive officer Chip Morton, who was grinning from the back seat. Beside him was Seaviews Doctor; everyone called him either Doc or Jamie.

"Don’t start Chip’ or I’ll make you walk from here," Nelson said looking into the rear view mirror.

"Give me a break Lee. If you’d have thought to ask that age old question you would have," Morton told his friend.

"Don’t bet on it Captain. I may have told you that you can’t go back on active duty but I never said anything about taking a nice long walk." At the look on Crane’s face the other three couldn’t help but laugh.

"Since it’s to far to walk lets all agree to behave ourselves. One other thing," Nelson said seriously "We’re not on Seaview or at Nelson Institute. This is to be a vacation and as such I don’t want anybody calling me Admiral. Got it?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Nelson," Doc said from the backseat and the occupants of the car were laughing again.

"That’s not what I mean Doc. For the duration you call me Harry." Nelson told them all.

"To answer your question Lee, the general store is just around the corner. We’ll stop there and pick up the remainder of the supplies. This store is amazing, something right out of the eighteen hundreds. If you can’t find what you need it probably doesn’t exist, and if it does the owners will tell you it’s not worth buying. After that it’ll take us about another twenty minutes to reach the cabin." He told them.

"There it is," Nelson said and pulled in front of the store. They got out of the car and Lee was surprised to see a couple of horses tethered to a hitching post to the left of the entrance.

"That’s how we like to think of this place as well," A voice said from the front of the horses. A tall, plump, woman about fifty, stepped out and walked over to Nelson "Hello Harry, glad to see you again." She said as she wrapped him in a warm embrace.

"Arthritis is acting up again, other then that, no complaints." She looked at three men with

him. " Don’t tell me you’re finally going to share that wonderful cabin you own with your friends, they are friends aren’t they?" she asked suspiciously.

"They are. Mavis Guthrie I’d like you to meet Lee Crane, Chip Morton, and Will Jamison."

When he finished making the introductions she walked up to each man and inspected him from head to toe, then turned back to Nelson, "Good looking men them three. If I didn’t have my Jack, I’d have a hard time choosing."

"Gone fishing. Probably out by your cabin, still thinks he’s gonna get Old Scamp."

"Just because you never saw him don’t mean he don’t exist. Many people around here have seen him," she argued.

"Yes, I know and they say he’s this big," Nelson said with a smile on his face as he brought his arms together in front of him and opened them wide at his sides.

His three friends watched the interplay between Nelson and Mavis, glad to see The Admiral having so much fun. They couldn’t help laughing and Nelson, realizing he had an audience changed the subject. "Mavis, have any of your special baked breads and Rolls?"

"Of course. When have you ever stopped by and not found any." She asked gruffly. Bring your friends inside and we’ll show them what a real general store is." She opened the door and the four men went inside.

Chip, Lee and Jamie felt as if they had slipped back in time a hundred years or so. There was no cash register; one shelf stocked with canned goods had a sign over it…

Another was loaded down with homemade crafts, rugs and quilts. Another held jams, jellies, and preserves. There were lamps, candles, flashlights, batteries, maps, fishing equipment, and the list went on and on.

Nelson saw the look of amazement on the faces of his friends, "Go ahead and look around. I’ll pick up the last of our supplies and let you know when I’m done." He watched as they went their separate ways. He finished picking up the supplies paid Mavis and stood back while the others finished browsing. When they had finished they put the purchases in Nelson’s Jeep Wagoneer, Crane was still amazed to see Nelson driving a four-wheel drive vehicle.

"We’ll be at the cabin in about twenty minutes," Nelson told them as they drove away from the General store with Mavis waving good-bye.

"Twenty minutes, I’d say that’s just enough time for you to fill us in on Old Scamp," Jamie said from the back seat.

"I’d love to hear the story as well," piped up Chip. Crane just smiled and nodded his head.

"All I can tell you is that Old Scamp is supposed to be a huge Trout. Every year you hear new tales of how someone had him on their line and either lost him when their line broke or he just spit out the hook. There are even a few stories of people being dragged by this fish until he pulled their rods right out of their hands." Nelson saw the look of scepticism on his friend’s faces and continued, "This trout story has been around for as long as people have been fishing in Eagle Lake."

"I have never seen the fish, but allot of people claim they have. Mavis’s husband Jack supposedly hooked into him and was fighting with this fish for two solid hours till his rod snapped. Jack said he stood there and Old Scamp came to within three feet of him turned and with a swish of his tale soaked Jack and took off." By the time Nelson had finished this little tale his passengers were laughing so hard he had to stop the car and join in.

"This Jack fellow has a great imagination," Morton said wiping the tears from his eyes, "I can’t wait to meet him."

"I wouldn’t tell him it was his imagination if I were you," Nelson said and gave them a few minutes to gather themselves then asked, "Are you finished."

"For now. That felt great," Jamie said, "No wonder they say laughter’s the best medicine." And they were laughing again.

Nelson put the Wagoneer in gear and they drove in silence, except for a few snickers they were unable to hold back. Nelson turned off the main road onto a very narrow dirt road. The Wagoneer was so wide the branches of the trees were scraping against the sides. It wasn’t long before they broke into a small clearing and spotted a log cabin in the centre. "There it is boys," Nelson said proudly.

The cabin was set against a background of Evergreen, Aspen, and Pine. A veranda ran the length of the cabin and Lee Crane smiled as he opened the Wagoneer’s door and got out.

"Looks like we can still have our coffee on Nelson’s porch." They smiled as they realized he was right, "Hey Admiral, someone’s here," he said as he pointed at the smoke coming from the chimney.

"Must be Jack," Nelson said as he walked up the three steps to the door. He reached for the handle only to have it pulled from his hand as a tall gangly man dressed in jeans and a warm jacket came out.

"Hello there youngfella," he said as he looked down at the Admiral. Nelson would never get used to being called youngfella by this man, but he secretly enjoyed it.

"Hello Jack. I’d like you to meet my friends, Lee Crane, Chip Morton, and Will Jamison."

He shook their hands and smiled. "Figured you young city fellas would like a warm cabin and I put the coffee on. Mavis probably has supper on and she gives me heck if I’m late. I’ll check on you tomorrow to see if you need anything." He walked towards the lake.

"Jack doesn’t drive. If he can’t get somewhere with his boat he refuses to go. Lets get inside and warm up." As they stepped into the cabin the tantalizing aroma of fried trout greeted them. "Looks like Jack not only wanted us warm but fed as well." Nelson commented as he went to the old fashioned wood stove and lifted the lid s from the pan of trout and another of fried potatoes and onions. "I say we eat first and bring in the supplies later." Three heads nodded quickly in agreement and they sat down to eat.

"I wish we could arrange fresh trout as a meal on Seaview. Do you think Cookie would do it?" doc asked between mouthfuls.

"I don’t know. It would take him all day to cook it like this for all hands," Morton said as he finished his last forkful of potatoes, and glanced over at Lee. "What’s wrong Lee? Don’t you like trout?"

Lee looked down at his barely touched plate of food and frowned as he turned to Jamie. "Remember you said you would not be a mother hen?" when Jamie nodded Crane asked, " Did you put Morton up to taking your place?"

Jamie could barely conceal the smile on his face. "Now Lee, Chip is always looking for seconds and seeing how good this was I’m sure he was trying for your leftovers."

"Jamie’s right Lee, if your not going to eat it, I will." Lee Crane smiled at his friend’s hearty appetite and pushed his plate over to him.

"Enjoy," he said. "Any volunteers to do the dishes?" his three friends looked at him without a word. "Wish Sharkey was here."

"Oh you mean 'Ok, you two lunkheads just volunteered to do the dishes. Ski, you wash. Pat, you dry ,'" Morton said in his best Chief Sharkey imitation and they were all in hysterics again.

"You’ve been working on your Sharkey imitation, I see." Crane said, still not quite under control.

"Lets get the rest of the stuff out of the Wagoneer and we’ll figure out who has KP duty when that’s done." Nelson said. They put on their jackets and went outside to bring in what was left in the Wagoneer.

Crane and Nelson lost the toss of the coin and did the dishes. By twenty two hundred hours everything had been done including putting away supplies. A fresh pot of coffee was brewed, and with hot steaming cups in hand they went to sit on Nelson's Porch.

The moon had risen over Eagle Lake and the water was like a sheet of glass. An owl could be heard off to the left and a wolf howled somewhere up on the mountain. With the trees hanging over the cabin and the lake, Lee felt as if they were the only four people on the earth. He was gazing at the sky when Nelson began to speak. "This lake as been here for so long and basically untouched by man that it has a nickname." He could see he had their undivided attention and went on, "It’s sometimes called The Lake That Time Forgot. People come around do some fishing, boating, camping and still it never changes. I’ve loved this place since I started coming here."

"Let’s see, years ago I had been on a mission for ONI and it ended badly. I was at a point in my life where I was ready to just throw in the towel. I packed everything I could fit into my car and started driving. No idea where I was going just had it in mind to disappear for a while, maybe forever. I was just finished with everything. I wanted out. Anyway I was almost out of gas when I came across the little general store owned by none other than Jack and Mavis Guthrie. They never had a gas station as such but they did have a five gallon can on hand in case of emergencies. They gave it to me, wouldn’t take any money. Said I looked like I needed a break. Invited me to stay for supper and asked what had happened to make such a nice youngfella so melancholy, insisted I stay until they heard the details and then Jack took me here and showed me this place. I felt it was the place I needed to be and bought it the next day. Told Jack he could use it whenever he wanted. Felt it was the least I could do since he gave me back my life. I’ve been coming here at least once per season ever since." He finished his narrative and looked around, "Glad to see you all stayed awake."

"That’s quite a story. I didn’t think you ever came to the end of your rope. Makes me wonder what else we don’t know about you Harry," Chip said.

"That’s the best way to keep you on your toes. Well I don’t know about you guys but I’m a little cold and ready to call it a night."

"I can see why you’d stay here Harry, I think I could retire here a happy man, and yes I’m ready to call it a night. Look at the stars though, almost as many as we can see from the deck of Seaview," Lee said.

"That may be Lee, but once you get started, you don’t know when to stop. Seaview will be there when you get back. Not one more mention of her. Good night. See you in the morning." Jamie said as he and Chip went into the bedroom they would be sharing.

Lee looked around, two bunks were set against opposite walls with a night table in between and an open door walk in closet was already filled with their clothes. The bunks were covered with hand made quilts like the ones Crane had seen in the general store and between the bunks was an area rug that also seemed homemade. "I never would have guessed you were the homey type."

"It’s my home away from regular life in the city. My place to just let go and relax."

"I can see why. It’s a beautiful spot. I think I’ll try to catch Old Scamp tomorrow," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Care to join me?"

"I’ll be there." They changed into warm panamas and crawled under the blankets. "Good night Lee."

"Good night Harry," it still feels weird to call the Admiral by his first name, he thought as he fell asleep.

Lee Crane woke before dawn only to find he was the last to get up, he could smell the delicious aroma of coffee brewing and bacon frying. He looked at his watch and was shocked to see it was only 0500 and he felt as if he’d slept for allot longer than six hours. He got out of the warm bed and immediately felt the cold.

"I’m coming," he yelled back. He was glad for the long sleeved panamas he wore. He walked out to the kitchen-living room-dining room and sat at the only empty chair. "I haven’t slept that well in a long time."

"You’re still suffering from the virus Lee, and need to let yourself rest when your body tells you."

"Jamie, you told me last night I wasn’t to talk about a certain boat. Well the same goes for you, no more talking about Omega strain. I feel great and I want to eat and go fishing. Any one care to join me?"

"As soon as breakfast is over and the dishes are done, I’d love to," Chip said.

Lee Crane shocked everyone by eating most of his breakfast. He sat back and wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Sorry Chip, no leftovers for you." He said with a grin. "Since I wasn’t up to help with breakfast, I guess I’m stuck with the dishes." And he began clearing the table.

"Take your towel and shampoo and anything else you might need and walk about seventy five feet in front of the cabin and you’re at the bath." Nelson said grinning as he saw them realize what he was talking about.

"That’s how it’s been done here since I’ve been coming up. Might be a bit cold, but it’s quite refreshing. You jump in wash and wrap a blanket around yourself then run back here to change. I think I’ll wait till later to get mine. Sometime after the sun comes up and I’m going to be staying inside for awhile."

"I think that sounds better then going there now," Lee said as he finished clearing the dishes and started piling them in the sink. He poured the hot water from the top of the stove over them and added cold until he could put his hands in. The others went to dress and he finished the dishes alone.

An hour later, wearing warm Jackets and hats, carrying fishing rods and tackle boxes they headed for the dock, where a small boat with a 10 horsepower mercury motor was tethered. "Who wants to go out in the boat?" Nelson asked.

"I think I’ll just stay here on the dock." Crane told him. "If you guys want to go out, go ahead. I’ll be sitting here when you come back."

"Are you sure Lee? I know where there’s a great spot just around the bend at the mouth of the river."

"Go ahead. You know me; I don’t like boats unless they can submerge. I’ll stick to land if you don’t mind."

"All right Lee. I hope you catch something. Why don’t you put on my long boots in case you hook something big and have to chase it into the water." Jamie said and passed his boots to Crane.

Nelson, Morton, and Jamie climbed into the boat and Crane watched as they drove away. Crane sat back looked at Jamie’s boots, stuck his hand into the lake water and decided to put them on. Maybe I’ll hook into Old Scamp, he thought with a laugh. He settled back and began to fish.

Thirty minutes later he still hadn’t had a bite so he lay down his rod and went to the cabin and made himself some hot chocolate. He poured the chocolate into a thermos and took it and his cup back to the dock. A boat was coming towards the dock and he thought it was Nelson until he saw only one person and realized it was Jack Guthrie.

Lee put his thermos and cup by his pole and grabbed the rope Guthrie threw at him. He tied it to the dock as Guthrie jumped out and looked at his fishing gear. "Any luck youngfella?" he asked gruffly.

"Nothing so far. I was just about to have some hot chocolate, I could run back to the cabin and grab an extra cup if you’d like to join me." He said.

"You sit there and watch your pole, I’ll get the cup." He walked away and Crane picked up his pole. As soon as he had it in his hands he realised there was something on the other end. Must be a minnow, he thought as he began reeling in. He had the line almost in when he felt the pole begin to bend and he let out some line. Whatever he had hooked took the line and began to run.

Jack Guthrie saw Crane's pole begin to bend and ran towards the dock, "You have him youngfella, keep that line as taut as you can."

"I’m trying Mr. Guthrie," he said as he went to the end of the dock and the fish changed directions and came back towards shore.

"Thanks Jack," Lee grunted. He began to walk off the dock and into the cold water where he tried to follow the fish back and forth. He pulled up on the pole and reeled in some line and as the fish decided to run again he gave the line back. He could see Jack on the dock opening the thermos and pouring himself a cup of chocolate, and then he was riveted to the fish on his line again. The fish headed for deeper water and Lee walked out to his knees where he felt the line go slack.

"That’s just one of his ploys. I’ve had that fish hooked before and he’s smart, wants you to think he’s gone and as soon as you slack off he’ll snap the line. Keep it tight, he’ll run again."

Lee listened to the advice he was given and sure enough the fish began running again. Back and forth, shallow water to deep water, Lee Crane fought the battle with the fish. He didn’t even look up as Nelson and the others came back to the dock.

"He’s fighting Old Scamp and he’s been at it for almost an hour already. This is the fight of a lifetime and I hope Crane’s up to it."

Nelson, Morton and Jamie were freezing, yet there was nothing that could pull them away from the ensuing battle. They watched as Lee almost fell but managed to keep his balance and both hands on the pole. The heavy Jacket he was wearing was being soaked as he walked through the water following the fish wherever it decided to take him.

"How deep does this lake go?" asked Chip, a little concerned as he saw his friend walking further into the lake.

"It stays at about two to three feet. Stay with him youngfella." He yelled encouragingly at Crane. " As I was saying two to three feet deep until he gets a hundred feet from shore, it drops to about ten feet once he gets out there, so he has about another fifty feet or so before it’s to deep to stand."

"This is where a fella who’s serious about catching the big one, draws on his special strength. Crane just might be the one to land Old Scamp." He said with awe in his voice.

"Well," he looked at his watch, "Those two have been fighting for about two hours and neither looks ready to give up. If you look closely at Crane you’ll notice he doesn’t seem to be feeling the cold the way we are. I had him hooked once and we fought for an hour and a half maybe two hours, before I lost him and he gave me a shower with his tail. I can tell you that Crane is feeling to exhilarated to even no if he’s tired." They were quiet as they watched man and fish fight the battle of wills.

Crane could hear everything that was being said on shore, but was able to keep his mind totally on the fight of his life. He was approximately seventy feet from shore and began to wonder how far he could go safely.

"It’s ok Crane, you still have twenty feet at that depth. I’ll let you know if you’re going out to far." Guthrie was having the time of his life watching the young man who worked at sea fight a legendary fish. He still didn’t know who would win.

At the two and a half hour mark Crane felt the fish start to waiver and knew he had him. He began to slowly reel in the line as he walked back towards shore.

Nelson, Morton and Jamie were sure it was over when Guthrie jumped to his feet and yelled at Crane, "He may have some more fight in him yet, youngfella. Take him slow and easy and keep your line taut."

Lee nodded as he slowly pulled back on the pole, and Old Scamp was off and running again. This time Crane knew the fish wasn’t going far and he let him use up the last of his strength. Crane walked towards the group of men now waiting on shore and steadily reeled in the line. As he reached the others he began to see just how big this fish was. It would take the four of them just to get it out of the water. "Help me out, you guys," he said and watched the others come into the water and slowly lift the huge fish out.

"You landed Old Scamp, I can’t believe a city fella comes out here and shows me how to fish." Guthrie said the excitement evident in his eyes. "I’ll get my camera." He said and ran to his boat.

"What are you going to do with it Lee?" Morton asked as he watched Lee Crane stare into the eyes of the big fish.

"I want to let him go." Everyone looked at him astonished at what they had heard. "By all means take your pictures Jack, but be quick so we can get him back in the water."

"Whatever you say youngfella," he said as he realised he would still have the chance to catch Old Scamp and he would also have pictures to prove the fish actually existed. Pictures were taken of Crane and his fish and the five men put it quickly back in the water. Crane was holding it’s head and as he looked in the eyes he could almost sense the relief, OH great, now I’m giving the fish credit for being able to say thank you.

At the tail end was Jack Guthrie and as the fish was revived it swished its huge tail soaking Jack and knocking him into the water as it swam away. Nelson reached out and helped a stunned Jack Guthrie to his feet. "We better get you two up to the cabin and into some dry clothes." He said looking at the two men and then realised it was good advice for them all.

Lee Crane was finally beginning to feel warm as he sat drinking hot chocolate and eating chicken soup. He felt he had done the right thing in letting the fish go he was just trying to figure out a way to explain it to the others when they asked. He looked up to see the four men staring at him and Chip asked, "Ok Lee, out with it, what made you decide to let Old Scamp go?"

"Well now it’s like this Chip. I looked into his eyes and knew he’d been around allot longer than I have. He’s escaped from many a hook and I just felt someone else might enjoy the fight I had with him. Jack said he was a legend and I wanted that legend to live on. I hope if anyone else does catch him they let him go as well."

"If I ever get that chance, maybe I’ll follow your advice," Jack said. "Well, its nearing suppertime and I better be heading back. I’ll return these clothes to you tomorrow."

"That’s fine Jack. We’ll see you then, and thanks for the dinner you fixed last night." Nelson said as he watched Guthrie pull on his Jacket and leave.

"You may feel that way right now but by morning you’ll be feeling every muscle in your body. I can only hope you don’t come down with pneumonia."

"All right I’ll stop. But Lee, if you need anything just let me know. That’s it subject closed." He sat and finished his soup.

"I know better than to play poker with you Chip. I’d be better off just handing you the money. I think I’ll read for awhile." Nelson told them and went to get a paper he was reading.

Lee Crane could barely move when he woke the next morning. He was shocked at how right Jamie had been. His arms felt leaden and his back throbbed, even his neck was stiff. "Ooh," he groaned as he finally managed to get his feet over the side of the bunk, only to find himself looking into the concerned face of Admiral Nelson.

"He did just that if I recall." Nelson said as he sat on the side of his bunk and looked at his friend. "I might as well get him, you won’t be able to hide it from him."

"He’s right Lee." Jamie said from the doorway. "I couldn’t help but hear that groan you made. I’m just going to give you a shot of muscle relaxant and you can lie back on the bed and rest for a while. Don’t tell me I’m being a mother hen, because I’m not. At the moment I’m a concerned friend who happens to know what’s best." Lee felt the sharp jab of the needle in his shoulder and allowed himself to be helped back to bed. He was soon fast asleep. "Don’t worry Harry, the shot will let him sleep comfortably for a couple of hours and he’ll wake up feeling much better."

Whatever Jamie had given him had done exactly as he said it would and he was ready to go. Not one hundred percent yet, but close. He went out to find the others sitting at the table talking quietly. Nelson looked up as he came to the table. "What’s wrong?" he asked.

"Jack delivered this telegram just after Jamie gave you the shot. I’m afraid we have to cut the trip short."

"Seaview was damaged when a bomb was exploded in the control room. Seems we missed one."

"Sonar and dive panels totalled. The Crash doors and Seaview’s observation windows were also affected. That’s as much as they knew when they sent the telegram. They want me to Ok the repairs so I have to go back. You can stay here if you like." He saw Crane shaking his head.

"No sir, I’m going back. Was anyone hurt?" it was so easy to slip back into the roll of Admiral and Captain.

"As soon as you’re ready. We’ll stop by the general store and ask Jack to close down the cabin for me. I’m sorry about this, maybe we can come back in the spring."

Two hours later they were at the general store saying good-bye, and thanking Jack and Mavis for their help.

"Sorry you have to go Nelson. Don’t worry about the cabin. I’ll go up today and close her down for you. Youngfella," he said turning to Crane, "I’ll send your pictures as soon as I get them back."

"I’ll keep trying and if I do I’ll send you a copy. Keep healthy," he said, as Mavis hugged them each in turn and passed them a bag of her special rolls.

They arrived back in Santa Barbara the next morning at eleven hundred hours, and were inside Seaview an hour later. Chief Sharkey was there to greet them, "I’m sorry I had to call you back," he said as they quietly surveyed the damage. Although extensive it wasn’t as bad as they’d thought and the repairs could be done in two weeks, once Nelson signed the necessary papers. They went back to his office and took care of the paperwork.

Two weeks later Lee Crane descended into the Seaview. He was surprised to see what appeared to be newspaper clippings plastered all over the control room. Everything was quiet as he walked up to the first picture. He smiled when he saw it was of him holding Old Scamp. Nelson, Morton and doc were helping him and they were all grinning like Cheshire cats. The next showed him and Jack Guthrie standing in the water after the fish was gone. They were soaked, and still they grinned. Nelson must have snapped the picture when he got to shore. There was one picture of him trying to hold the fish up by the gills, but the caption underneath was what held his attention;

Our lead story takes place at the Lake That Time Forgot. According to Eagle Lake resident Jack Guthrie, Captain Lee Crane caught the elusive rainbow Trout, nicknamed Old Scamp on his first day at the lake. Mr. Guthrie said he was envious of Crane’s feat because he’d hooked the fish before and had been unable to land him.

When asked how big he thought the trout was , Mr. Guthrie gave me these pictures and said he thought the Fish was about four feet long and weighed about ninety Pounds. Judging by the pictures this is not just another fish Story. Congratulations Captain, and thank you for giving Eagle Lake back its legend.........Sandy Pearson.

As he finished reading Nelson came into the control and saw his friend’s astonished look, "Jack has a way of springing things on you. He called me yesterday and asked would it be ok to release the story to the local papers, we didn’t realize the larger papers would pick it up. Let’s go grab a coffee." They walked through the corridors of Seaview and Crane noticed how quiet it was here as well.

They entered the crew’s mess to find Cookie and Kowalski holding a cake shaped like a fish, on top was a man holding a fishing pole with a fish on the end with a bubble coming out of his mouth, 'PLEASE DON’T EAT ME!' Morton, Jamie, Patterson, Riley, and Chief Sharkey were also present.

"We figured since you didn’t get to eat Old Scamp, we’d give you the next best thing, A fishcake." Morton said.

Crane closed his eye, shook his head and looked at his men, as he began to cut the cake he said, "I get the Tail."And the laughter began again.

Sequel to The Omega Strain

By Winnie

THE END