At 0855 the next morning the great submarine came to a stop at the precise coordinates demanded by her creator. At that time the Executive Officer notified Admiral Harriman Nelson that a small vessel had been spotted on the surface. Calmly, the red-haired man had ordered Morton to surface and prepare to receive their visitors.

Even as the deck crew hurriedly took their places to bring aboard the small party, Nelson descended the spiral staircase. He had warred with himself whether he should meet Grigov on deck, but had finally decided that it would not do to appear too eager to see this man who had caused so much misery. While the United States might welcome the knowledge the defector possessed, the fiery redhead despised the man and all he stood for.

While waiting for the passengers to descend the ladder into the control room, Nelson glanced around at his men. The crew appeared slightly nervous even though they had encountered many strange and even dangerous visitors to their domain. At the Admiral's side was Chip Morton, a somber Chip Morton who kept his face a blank even when he caught sight of a woman--a very attractive woman--starting her descent down the runged entrance to the sub.

At the foot of the ladder she stopped, tossing her jet black hair in a coquettish manner before stepping aside to allow the others to follow her down the ladder. Her eyes of deep green took in the position of each man on duty as they contemplated her slender figure in a coverall of sorts. Licking her lips slowly, she moved towards the Admiral. She knew the 4 stars meant that he was in charge, but stopped just short of the stocky man when a very tall, heavy-set man in boots thudded his way to a halt when he awkwardly touched the deck.

Anyone who had ever read the papers would know that the man was Anatoli Grigov, famed for his dedication to his duty and the menacing nature he possessed. Over the years he had epitomized the ruthlessness of the People's Republic in word and deed, and yet now, it would appear that he no longer relished his title, The Interrogator.

Not waiting for the rest of his entourage to join him, Grigov immediately walked over to the Admiral and the Exec. He did not make the mistake of holding out a hand. The granite in the eyes of the two American officers told him that he was welcome for only one reason and it wasn't because of his warm personality. "Admiral Nelson, I am Anatoli Grigov."

"I know. If all of your men," Nelson hesitated before looking over at the woman who looked so small beside the big defector, "if all of your men are aboard, we can set sail immediately. I would prefer not to sit here like sitting ducks."

Grigov nodded his leonine head. "As you wish, sir, but I assure you that no one from my country. . .my former country, has any idea that I am not at my country retreat enjoying some sport."

"Very well, but I prefer to be safe rather sorry. I have arranged for quarters for the men who are with you, however, I was not apprised of the fact that a woman would be coming too."

"Ah yes, I could see that you. . .and your crew are surprised at Marina's presence. I do apologize for any inconvenience, but she simply would not let me leave without her. You do not have to worry. She will share my cabin."

Nelson started. He could not imagine this petite woman sharing anything with such a monster. "If that is what you want, I'm sure there will be no problem. This is my Executive Officer, Mr. Morton. He'll show you to your cabin."

"Excellent!" Grigov breathed through white, straight teeth. "But is your so daring and brave Captain Crane not with you on this. . .voyage? I had hoped to renew my acquaintance with him."

Both Nelson and Morton flinched. Both were well aware about what had happened the last time Lee had been in this man's clutches.

Not wanting to pander to Grigov's prurient interest, Nelson merely stated, "The Captain is not aboard at this time."

"How unfortunate! I'm sure he would have enjoyed throwing it up to me about my change in. . .fortune, however, I'm sure he would have made every effort to keep a stiff upper lip since your government is so. . .anxious for the knowledge I possess."

Nelson ignored Grigov's blatant attempt to taunt them about the situation. Turning to Chip, he requested that the blond take the passengers to their cabins immediately so they could get underway. Watching the party of five men and the one woman go aft, Nelson rubbed at his aching forehead. He could hardly wait until they were safely berthed at Santa Barbara and their so-called guests were turned over to the representatives of the State Department who had engineered the defection.

Not wanting to return to his cabin in case Grigov decided to seek him out, Nelson headed to his lab. Breathing a sigh of relief at its familiarity, the Admiral tried to keep himself busy so that he didn't have to think. The defector's comment about Lee Crane had rankled deeply in Nelson's memory. It had taken the young officer a considerable amount of time to recover from the effects of Grigov's torture and then had come the mission which had echoed of Christie's TEN LITTLE INDIANS.

In the aftermath of that voyage, the professional façade of Lee Crane had slipped when he had confessed the pain he had felt when he had seen Nelson fall to the deck, supposedly receiving a lethal charge from an electrical panel.

Unthinking, the red-haired man had started to protest that Lee knew it was only pretend, but then he remembered the surreptitious caress as the dark-haired commander had covered up Nelson's "dead" body. The mesmerizing look of desire and pain in the brown-gold eyes had finally pierced the Admiral's protective barriers as he had taken the slender man into his arms and told him how he felt about Crane. The Skipper's passionate response had been all that he could have hoped for. From that moment on, the two men had spent all of their free time together, delighting in the freedom to express their feelings for each other.

A glow of happiness flooded the stocky body, only to fade in the memory of that day when Lee had come to him in the lab and said that he needed time off. Realistically, the redhead knew that he had contributed to the problem because of his overwhelming schedule. He had had little time to devote to his lover due to the problems at the labs and also because of his guilt over his growing doubts over their relationship. It wasn't that he had stopped loving Lee Crane, but carrying out the
demanding tasks required of him as Director of NIMR, the creator of SEAVIEW and consultant to Presidents and scientific committees had stretched him to the limit. Nelson had rarely felt the inclination to indulge in outside activities until Lee Crane had entered his intimate life. Now, it had become almost impossible to juggle all of his responsibilities and worst of all, the red-haired officer felt he was short-changing all of them. He knew that something had to give.

A tremor made its way down the compact body as a disconcerting idea entered his imaginative mind. What if Lee had already decided that he didn't want to waste his time loving a man who never had the time for him?

That devastating thought was suddenly interrupted by the creaking of the lab door as it opened slightly. "Admiral Nelson, may I come in?"

The Admiral groaned inwardly. Grigov! "I don't want to seem rude, but there are some important projects that I need to complete."

"Excuse me for bothering you, but I would like to discuss something with you before we arrive in Santa Barbara and will be at the mercy of your State Department."

The scientist relented. "Very well. I suppose we might as well get this over with--since you seem to be so determined."

The heavy-set man gave him a smirking smile. "Admiral, let us be frank with each other. I know you despise me, but frankly I do not care. I served my former country in whatever capacity required of me as you have done for your country. . . ."

Nelson abruptly interrupted. "I have never tortured a man to get information!"

The dark-haired man sneered. "Perhaps not, but not everyone can hide in lofty ideals as you seem to do. We in the People's Republic know much about you and your submarine. We know what you have done in the name of science and the defense of your country. You are not so different from us, except that we are not so hypocritical."

The Admiral's face turned crimson. "That's a lie!"

"Is it? When I had the pleasure of entertaining. . .your Captain, he told me a different story--of course it was under the influence of certain drugs."

"I don't believe you!"

"That's your privilege, however, I assure you that the gallant Captain Crane has serious doubts about some of your methods."

Nelson tensed. "Just what is it that you wanted to talk to me about? I DO have work to do."

"As you probably are aware, your government has agreed to give me asylum in your country along with the four associates who have accompanied me since they too possess information that your Intelligence people would like to obtain." The hard eyes softened slightly before Grigov continued, "However, no provision has been made for. . . Marina. She and I have a. . .close relationship, but she has no secret information which might be a basis for gaining asylum."

"Then why did you ask her to come with you?"

Temper flaring, the defector lashed out, "I told you! She refused to let me come without her and I was. . .flattered so I agreed. Perhaps it was wrong of me," he conceded.

"So what is it you want me to do?"

"I thought that perhaps you might. . .speak up for me. . .and Marina. If you used your influence with the government, they might allow us to be together."

Blue eyes stared at him in disbelief. "Now, why would you think I'd speak up for you?"

For the first time there was a look of doubt in Grigov's face, but it was soon gone as the smooth voice replied, "Perhaps because of your feelings for Captain Crane?"

The lined face blanched as Nelson stammered, "You. . .you're insane."

"Please, Sir. We are men of the world. You forget that I have seen your attractive Captain. He is certainly well worth your attention."

"The Captain and I are merely friends!" Nelson lied.

"Really? Then you do not know that this beautiful young man loves you? He admitted as much under the influence of those drugs I just mentioned."

"I. . .I. . . ."

"Forgive me, Admiral, I had naturally assumed that a man as. . .virile as your Captain would have acted on his feelings, but obviously you are in the dark. I should have realized that a man of your. . .impeccable reputation would never allow himself to become involved in such a sordid affair, no matter how. . .attractive the partner might be. I, on the other hand, have no such worry. I am attracted to Marina. I might even say I love her so I am prepared to offer you something in return
for her being allowed to stay with me."

"What are you offering?"

Grigov's lips curled up in derision. "I thought that might catch your attention. You are so easy to read, Admiral. The beacon of duty almost shines from your eyes. Fortunately, for my former country, not all of your countrymen are so. . .dedicated. They do what they must to survive." Grigov hesitated. "Did you know that I once visited your country? It was then that I learned your language and I have made it a practice to stay fluent in its usage. It frequently came in handy during interrogations."

"I'm sure it did, but let's get down to business. What is it you're offering?"

"If you obtain the guarantee that Marina will be allowed to stay with me, I will give you the newest codes that protect our missiles from detection until the last possible minute."

The blue eyes blinked. He hadn't even known that the People's Republic had such a weapon. "Why. . .why would you do that and how can I trust you?"

"You don't know that you can trust me and as to the why--I can only say that I wish to live out the rest of my life with Marina--in peace. I served my country diligently for many years, but I am not a fool. It was only a matter of time before someone would take my place and I would conveniently disappear. Marina has been. . .admired by some of the most important men in my government and I fear that once I disappeared, she would be at their mercy--if they did not kill her as well."

"I see."

"Do you? Then, I ask that you talk to your President or whoever makes these decisions. I will pay for my asylum with the pre-agreed-upon information, but I will never tell you the codes without her by my side."

The 4-star officer cleared his throat. "Uh, you yourself know that there are many ways of getting information."

The black eyebrows arched. "Are you saying that your so freedom-loving land would authorize the use of torture?"

"You're the one who mentioned drugs!"

"Ah, so I did, however, there are other drugs with which one can be injected that are relatively harmless in themselves, but when combined with other drugs are fatal."

The red-haired man stood there dumbfounded. "Are you saying that you've been given some kind of drug that reacts lethally to truth serums?"

"Exactly. I know that you probably don't believe me, but I would rather face death than be without Marina for the rest of my life."

"You're right, I don't believe you."

"Be that as it may, it is true so if you want the codes, you will do all that you can to insure that Marina stays with me."

Speechless, Nelson stood there for some time. "Very well. I can't promise anything, but I will recommend that. . .Marina be given asylum as well."

"Thank you. Now, I will leave you alone to. . .work." The defector started for the door and then stopped. "I've always prided myself on being ruthless in my duty, but I concede defeat. Beside you, I feel as one of those white puffy things that children like to eat. How terrible it must be not to feel affection for another human being--especially for one who would sacrifice so much as your Captain did." Grigov disappeared through the hatch, closing it behind him.

(4)

Three days later the gray lady gracefully slid into her berth at the NIMR complex. The voyage had gone smoothly, but there had been an almost eerie silence during most of the journey. The passengers had, for the most part, stayed in their cabins, not even venturing forth for meals. One of Grigov's associates would make a stop at the galley and then take the food to the others. Then the same man would return the empty trays to the galley.

While Nelson was extremely happy that he was not required to deal further with Grigov, some of the crew were dismayed as they had hoped to see the lovely Marina again. Naturally, they knew that she was "forbidden fruit", but there was nothing that said they couldn't look. It wasn't every day that such a stunning woman graced SEAVIEW with her presence, but after 24 hours of hopeful waiting, it was obvious to one and all that the raven-haired beauty was not going to become a control room fixture.

Of course, that made things easier for the Exec, Chip Morton, who had been worried by the sight of the beautiful woman. He trusted the men, but generally women on a submarine spelled trouble and at that moment all the blond wanted was to return to Santa Barbara. Morton no longer intended to try breaching the barriers that Nelson had erected around himself. If Lee and the Admiral were having problems, then the Captain could take care of it. Chip was bowing out as peacemaker.

Nelson had sent a radio message to one of his contacts at State to ascertain the official position on Marina's status, but the only reply had been that it would be discussed once Grigov was in custody--and spilling his guts as one of the potential interrogators had divulged. That had made the red-haired scientist smile. He could not imagine Anatoli Grigov doing anything other than carefully measuring and imparting the knowledge he had, let alone spilling his guts!

Just before the gangplank was secured Grigov took one last opportunity to remind the Admiral of his promise. Nelson had flinched, but had once again agreed to do what he could to secure Marina's asylum request, but he could see the fear and resignation in the gray eyes of The Interrogator.

Five minutes later the party of five men and one woman were met at the dock by the State Department representatives, who quickly urged them into black limousines for the trip to a secure place for the beginning of the debriefing sessions.

Leaving Chip to take care of the docking procedures, Nelson hurriedly walked up to his office at the Institute. He couldn't help but glance around, still hoping to see Lee Crane there, but of course he wasn't.

As always, Angie greeted her boss cheerfully and began to bring him up-to-date with what had happened during his absence. Some things never changed in Harriman Nelson's life.

Sighing with dismay at the number of papers in his inbox, Nelson decided to clean up first. One of the few perks he allowed himself was the large, powerful shower in his executive bathroom. The special jets were frequently called upon to give his stocky, aching body a watery massage which would help to rejuvenate tired muscles. Of course, this time it wasn't so much his body that was aching, but his soul.

Emerging from the shower, Nelson redressed in his rumpled uniform before walking to his desk to begin the monumental task of reducing the papers there. He had been at it only a few minutes when he was startled by the videophone coming into operation. On the screen was Thomas Blair,
the man at State who had been his liaison for the Grigov pick up. The man looked like he had been the victim of a brutal blow.

"Admiral, I'm glad you're there. Grigov has escaped."

"What?"

"We were expecting him to appear at the safe house to begin debriefing over an hour ago, but he hasn't shown up. We immediately began a search and found the limousines, abandoned at the edge of a small airfield just outside town."

"I don't understand. Were your agents alive to tell you what happened?"

"That's the worst part. Our agents were not found at the site.. We're afraid they may have been killed by Grigov's bodyguards. Obviously, this whole thing was a set-up from beginning to end."

Nelson sat there speechless for only a moment. "I assume you have sent out an alert for a plane?"

"Of course. We'll do all we can to get him back, but right now it appears that Grigov and his priceless information are gone."

"I. . .I understand."

"I just wanted to let you know. You and your crew did your part and the President is grateful. Now it's up to us. Goodbye, Admiral."

The 4-star officer heard nothing more during the next three days. Obviously, it was not the kind of news that the government would want to spread around, but finally the scientist could not be patient any longer so he put in a call to Blair, who confirmed that Grigov and his party had disappeared completely. Naturally, he insisted that they would continue to search, but the redhead could tell from the despair in Blair's voice that he had little hope of ever finding the man. The
only positive note seemed to be that the agents who had met Grigov's party at the SEAVIEW dock had been found alive and unhurt. They had been caught off-guard by a party of men who had rendered them unconscious before leaving them in an abandoned building.

For the next two days Harriman Nelson barely left his office, except to stop by the labs to check on the progress of certain projects. He was even content to spend the night on the rather uncomfortable couch placed there just for that purpose. Angie did her best to coax the red-haired man out of his doldrums, but finally she too gave up. It just wasn't worth bearding the lion's den too often. On Friday evening, just before she departed for the weekend, the brunette entered her boss's office with an envelope which had just been delivered by messenger service. After asking if the Admiral needed anything else, she departed, leaving the man to his seemingly unending work.

The scientist ignored the envelope for some time until finally his pounding head and the tension in his neck muscles cried out for relief. Deciding that a hot shower and a liberal measure of Irish
whisky were in order, the stocky man stood up to stretch, only to catch sight of the envelope. His curiosity finally raised, he slit open the flap to find a single sheet of paper.

Hands shaking, he began to read. It was from Grigov.

"Admiral Nelson,
By now you know that I have escaped from your country. I never had any intention of betraying my country's secrets to your government, but I needed your magnificent submarine and your cooperation to find a measure of safety for myself and my colleagues. Hopefully, we will now be able to live out the rest of our lives in peace.

I'm sure that right now your so-expressive face is filled with contempt for my lies, including the one about the codes, but it seemed the only way to be free. I did not lie about the fact that there are many in my country who would like to see me dead, but I knew your country would not take me in if I refused to impart my secrets and I could not take the chance that your government would use Marina against me to force me to betray my country.

As long as I have decided the truth, I might as well confess another thing. Your Captain did admit that he had feelings about you under the influence of the drugs, but he offered no criticism of your
methods, except to say that you were sometimes too audacious in your pursuit of knowledge. He is indeed a loyal and brave man and I regret what I had to do in connection with his capture. You will not believe that, but it is true.

I am fortunate that a few of my faithful friends and my beloved Marina have decided to share my fate with me--and I am content in that. I hope that one day you will be able to say the same. A.G."

The stunned scientist read and reread the note. Grigov had fooled everyone. He had never intended to defect to the West. He had only wanted to escape from his homeland and he had used SEAVIEW to do it. Shaking his head at the way he had been taken in, not to mention other government officials, Nelson crumpled the note before tossing it in the wastebasket. He knew he would have to notify State later, but he wasn't in a hurry to admit how they had all been misled.

Stripping off his clothes, he headed to the shower. The pounding spray helped to loosen up the strained muscles, but it could not blot out the thoughts in the brilliant mind. Harriman Nelson did not like to lose and he had lost big time. His whole world seemed out of kilter and at that moment, he truly wasn't sure how to put it right.

After drying off, the red-haired man put on an old sweat suit he kept at the office for comfort. He couldn't be bothered to go up to the penthouse for other clean clothes. Then he headed back into the office for the drink he had promised himself. To his amazement, Lee Crane was sitting there waiting for him.

"Lee! I thought. . .Chip said you wouldn't be back for another few days?"

"I. . .I decided to come back early. Now, what's this about Grigov escaping?"

"How did you hear about that? State is keeping it under wraps."

The handsome face flushed. "There was a note waiting for me at my place. It was from Grigov."

"What?"

"It mentioned how he had used you and SEAVIEW to get away from his country."

"Now, why would he tell you that? I thought the two of you were mortal enemies."

"Admiral, the why isn't relevant anymore. I just thought. . .I just thought I'd ask if there was anything I could do."

Nelson shook his head. "This is now State's responsibility. I'll be happy if I never have to hear Grigov's name again!"

"I understand. Very well. I'll go back to my place and clean up. When do you want me to report for duty--that is if you still want me to be in command?"

The scientist sat down on the corner of his desk, staring at his friend. "Of course, you're still in command. Why wouldn't you be?"

"After I. . .after I failed to do my duty to you and SEAVIEW, I thought you might prefer to have Chip take over."

The redhead flinched. "Lee, I think we have a great deal to talk about, but this is not the place to do it. Would you come with me to the penthouse?"

The brown eyes searched the lined face for a clue to the thoughts of the brilliant man, but finally, Lee conceded. "All right. Let's go talk."


EPOLOGUE

The ride in the elevator up to the penthouse was made in absolute silence as both men tried to marshal their thoughts and defenses. In the end, as usual, Crane deferred to the Admiral to begin the conversation. After all it was the older man who had said that they needed to talk.

Through lowered lashes, Lee glanced over at the red-haired man. In the sweat suit, he hardly looked like the 4-star genius that he was. While never a vision of sartorial splendor--except in dress uniform--Harriman Nelson had always presented an intriguing figure which had influenced the high and mighty in business and government. Men and women listened to him and for the most part he had never led them astray with false promises or words meant to placate. He told the truth as he saw it and they could take it or leave it. In many ways, the man was an anachronism, especially in the military world which delighted in the macho front, but hedged their bets due to the influence of civilian control.

As a civilian scientist Harriman Nelson had not lost the forthrightness which had made him legendary, but in the real world he had learned to play the game when dealing with those in the military and government. The good-will of the powers that be was essential for SEAVIEW and NIMR to survive. Unfortunately, that sometimes meant undertaking missions such as the one with Grigov and its consequences.

After sitting down on the couch across from Lee Crane, the sapphire eyes carefully took in the slender man opposite. Quietly, he asked, "Lee, why did Grigov send you a message? I can understand why he would want to flaunt his cleverness to me, but why you?"

"Admiral, I'd rather not talk about Grigov if you don't mind. That's not a period of my life I enjoy remembering."

"Perhaps so but he did mention your name a few times while he was on board. He seemed to have a measure of. . .respect for your skills as an agent."

"Respect?" The firm lips curled up in derision. "I think he took great delight in humiliating me. The. . .torture wasn't so bad. I'm used to that, but then he used drugs. . . ."

Nelson nodded. "Lee, you shouldn't be concerned about that. There isn't anyone who could stand up to interrogation under the influence of certain drugs for very long."

"I know. It's just. . .it's just that the questions. . .the questions were more personal, nothing to do with my objective at all."

"Personal?"

The young man nodded before closing his eyes to lean back against the back of the chair. "He was a master at taking me apart. The trouble is I'm not sure he put me back together again--at least not the way I should have been."

"You're not making sense."

The brown-gold eyes fixed on those of blue. "He got me to confess how I feel about you. Of course, that was before you and I became. . .involved, but he seemed determined to have me admit that you were my lover. I kept telling him it was all on my part, but he kept saying that all I had to do was admit that you were involved in a homosexual affair with me and he'd let me go!" Lee's eyes dropped to his slender hands. "I couldn't do that. It wasn't true then, but even if it had been I would never have admitted it. I couldn't let him destroy you so he just kept pumping me full of that stuff. Then for some reason he stopped. It wasn't long after that I escaped."

"Well, I don't think we have to worry about Grigov anymore. He seems to have gone to ground."

"How can you say that? You. . .you don't know him! He's probably just waiting for the right moment to wreak revenge."

Nelson rose to pour himself a drink. "I suppose it's a possibility, but I don't intend to fixate on it. I think he'll be content in his new life with that woman Marina."

The brown-gold eyes flared open. "Marina? She was with him?"

"Yes. He said she chose to accompany him. Why? Do you know her?"

"She's the one who helped me escape."

"What? How?"

"That's the worst part because I'm not sure. One night she came to the cell where they kept me. I guess the drugs still weren't out of my system because everything was cloudy, but she told me that she had arranged for me to leave and that I would be met by friends. All I remember for sure is that husky, rasping voice of hers. Every word seemed to cause her pain."

"Now that you mention it, I never heard her say a word the whole time she was on SEAVIEW."

"Anyway, she kept her word and the next thing I remember is a boat with someone who took care of me and then I was met by an ONI agent. The rest you know."

"That doesn't make sense. If she was on our side, why would she be willing to go into exile with Grigov?"

The Skipper hesitated. "I don't think politics had anything to do with it."

"What do you mean?"

The Captain rubbed his aching forehead before answering. "I guess I might as well tell you the truth. You can't feel much more contempt for me than you already do." Taking a deep breath, Lee continued. "Marina is Grigov's male lover. I believe he dresses and acts as a woman because the People's Republic would never have let Grigov obtain his position if it was known that he was queer."

"That's impossible! How could you know that?"

"When Marina came to my cell, I was really out of it. I must have attacked. . .him because I remember his being under me and. . .and I felt his genitals. I don't exactly know what happened after that except that he told me about the escape plan."

The Admiral sat there stunned. "But that still doesn't explain why this. . .Marina, male or female, would help you."

"I can. . .think of a reason."

"Reason?"

The dark-haired man stood up and without even asking permission went over to the whisky bottle to pour a large measure of the amber drink which he downed thirstily. In a low voice, almost a whisper, he began to speak. "During the interrogation, Grigov made it obvious that he was. . . interested in me. I guess he thought if I could have feelings for you, why not him?" Sighing, he admitted, "Or maybe it was just lust. Of course, I didn't know about Marina then."

"Did he. . . .?"

Flushing, Lee quickly answered, "No, he seemed content with a few gropes or maybe he was just trying to break down my defenses. Then one day he started using his hand, but I didn't. . .couldn't get an erection, probably because of the drugs. He slapped me which really seemed to turn him on. Since my arms and legs were secured, there was nothing I could do to stop him as he continued to hit me. I think he might have kept on until I was dead, but then I heard the door open. My one eye was swollen shut, but I could just make out. . .Marina. She went over to him and. . .took him into her mouth. It seemed to take forever, but then he gave a huge scream and came. I. . .I must have passed out because when I woke up I was back in my cell alone, but that was just the first of several times they. . .used me that way."

"My God!"

A massive shudder passed through the slender body.

Nelson walked over to put his arms around Lee who flinched and moved away. "I don't need your pity!"

The redhead appeared to be stunned. "Pity? Is that what you think I feel?"

"Admiral, I really don't want to talk about this anymore. I admit thatwe made a mistake in getting involved. If possible I'd like to go back to just being colleagues as we were before I let my emotions get out of hand, but if you can't stand the thought of my being in command, I'll resign."

"You don't mean that!"

"Hell yes, I mean that! It's pretty obvious that whatever lust you felt for me when we first started this has faded anyway. Why do you think I wanted some time off? I couldn't face Grigov after knowing what he did to me! But all you could see was my duty!"

"You should have told me the truth. I would never have expected you to. . .to. . . ."

"Don't you think I have any pride? I couldn't tell you. I'm not strong like you. I can't just turn off everything and do my job."

"Lee. . . ."

The dark head whipped around. "Admiral, you asked why Grigov would send me a note." Taking a piece of paper from his pocked, he held it out. "Here, read it! Maybe that will answer your questions!" Shoving a sheet of paper into Nelson's stocky hand, Lee raced for the door, slamming it with force.

Harriman Nelson unfolded the sheet.

"Captain Crane,
Marina has told me the truth about your escape. At first I was most angry that she would let personal feelings prevent me from doing my duty, however, after she confessed her jealousy about my attentions to you, I decided to forgive her. I have discovered that I am not the strong man I once believed. For whatever reason, I need Marina as you professed to need Nelson.

After meeting your Admiral, I could understand the attraction, but I give you this warning. You will never be the primary concern of his life. If you cannot accept that then do not continue to pursue him as he will destroy you.

I realize such advice must be odious coming from your enemy, but sometimes an enemy is more willing to tell you the truth than even the best of friends. A.G."


THE END


*There is a possibility of a short sequel to this.