Admiral Harriman Nelson paced back and forth in his spacious office. He was waiting impatiently for Seaview’s captain to show up. Time in this case was of the essence and there seemed precious little of that. Running his hand through his red hair he made his way back to his desk.
He sat heavily in his chair, lit another cigarette and poured his third Scotch of the day. Spread out on his huge desk was the latest disappearances from the Bermuda Triangle. Twenty-two ships, planes and submarines had vanished without a trace in little over a month. Seven hundred and thirty eight men women and children missing and presumed lost at sea. One folder in particular caught his eye, marked TOP SECRET, in bold red letters it contained the reason for Nelson’s impatience.
Flipping open the folder he began reading the neatly typed paper,
July 12/1952 USS Stargazer disappears off the Bermuda coast. Two hundred and eleven men missing and presumed dead. No sign of debris has been found along the Bermuda coast and many people believe the ship has become one of the numerous casualties of the Bermuda Triangle. A memorial will be held in honour of the missing vessel and her crew on July 20th at Pearl Harbour.
Nelson reread the newspaper clipping for the fourth time since Admiral Jiggs Stark had handed him the folder. The second document also dealt with the USS Stargazer but this one spoke of two survivors. They’d been found last month just before the new outbreak of disappearances. The government had insisted on keeping this information secret until a full investigation could be carried out. Nelson looked up as the door opened and Seaview’s captain stepped through the door.
Lee Crane stood tall and lean in his khakis. His unruly dark hair, hazel eyes, and friendly smile made him a handsome man to many women. The problem was that Lee Crane was more interested in his boat than in a serious relationship with one woman.
“Sit down, Lee,” Nelson said and slid the folder across the table.
“What’s this, Sir?”
“I think it’s best if you read the file first then I’ll tell you what’s expected of Seaview.”
“Yes, Sir,” Crane said and began to read the file carefully.
Fifteen minutes later Lee Crane stood and fingered his signet ring.
Nelson watched his friend pour himself a coffee from the freshly perked pot and carry it back to the desk.
“Is this for real, Admiral?”
“From all reports we’ve received so far it’s a distinct possibility. Jiggs gave this to me this morning. He said the President finally agreed that Seaview should investigate the reappearance of these two men.”
“Has Admiral Stark seen these men himself?”
“Yes, Lee, he did.”
“What did he say about their reappearance?”
“He told me they look exactly as they did the day they sailed on the Stargazer.”
“How can that be? The Stargazer disappeared twenty-five years ago.”
“I know and they claim to have no memory of that time. You read the file, Lee. Do you think it’s a hoax?”
“Hard to say, Sir. I’d like to know more.”
“You’re going to get that chance. As of right now this mission is top priority. The president has ordered us to pick up Admiral Stark as well as these two men and head for the coordinates of the Stargazer’s disappearance.”
“These coordinates will take us right into the Bermuda Triangle,” Crane said.
Nelson laughed at Crane’s comment and asked, “Do you believe the stories about the Triangle?”
“Sometimes it’s not a matter of whether you believe in something or not, Sir. There is so much mystery surrounding the triangle that it makes you wonder if there might be some truth to the stories. I was always fascinated with the triangle as a boy.”
“I remember the stories as well, Lee, and I agree that there is definitely something there. Whether it’s the magnetic forces at work or aliens we may never know.”
“Aliens, that’s another thing. Up until a few years ago I had no belief in aliens. Another myth proven fact.”
“I know what you mean. I keep wondering when the Centaurs might decide to pay us another visit.”
Crane’s mind conjured up the image of the Centaurs and he almost laughed, “I don’t think Chip would appreciate another visit. Well, Admiral, I guess I’ll go tell the crew to get ready to sail.”
“Lee, could you take the Flying sub and pick up our guests? We’ll get underway and you can catch up.” Nelson suggested.
“Yes, Sir,” Seaview’s captain answered as he left the office.
Nelson heard the less than enthusiastic answer and grinned. He knew his friend had never liked passengers on his sub, especially ones shrouded in mystery. He also hated to have his boat sail without him.
Lee Crane manoeuvred the FS1 into her berth on board Seaview. As he shut her down he looked around at his three passengers.
Admiral Jiggs Stark sat stiffly in his seat. As soon as he noticed Crane removing his safety harness he did the same, “Nicely done, Captain,” he stated flatly.
Unused to receiving compliments from this by the book Navy man Lee stammered, “Th...thank you, sir.”
The other occupants of the FS1 sat quietly in their seats. Neither moved nor spoke. They’d been this way since Crane had picked them up in Washington. Their silence unnerved Lee more than he admitted. They seemed to speak only when spoken to. ‘Something’s not right,’ Lee thought as he helped them out of their harnesses. When they were out of the restraining harness Lee indicated the ladder leading out of the flying sub. “You first, Admiral,” he said.
Admiral Stark climbed the ladder and entered the Submarine, “Good to see you again, Harriman,” he said as he accepted his old friends hand.
“Hope you had a good flight, Jiggs,” Nelson smiled.
“Your Captain certainly knows the flying sub. It was a very smooth ride,” he said.
“Thank you, Admiral,” Lee said upon exiting the FS1.
“You’re welcome, Captain,” Stark said as he turned his attention back to Nelson, “Admiral Harriman Nelson I’d like you to meet Captain Leonard Barnes and Lieutenant Michael Raines of the Stargazer.”
Leonard Barnes stood five foot nine and weighed approximately one hundred and eighty five pounds. His hair was black with streaks of grey at the temples and was ruggedly handsome.
Michael Raines was taller by a couple of inches and weighed approximately thirty pounds more. He had blonde hair and blue grey eyes. His body was well muscled and tanned to perfection.
Nelson shook hands with both men and immediately noticed the coldness seeping into his hands. He unconsciously rubbed his hands together in an effort to warm them.
Lee saw Nelson’s reaction and realized he’d done the same thing. ‘There’s definitely something strange about these two,’ he thought.
“Welcome aboard, gentlemen,” Nelson said.
“Thank you, Admiral,” Barnes answered for both men.
Lee Crane signalled to his executive officer and the handsome blue eyed man hurried over. “ Captain Barnes, Lieutenant Raines, this is my exec, Commander Chip Morton. Mr. Morton will assign you guest quarters and have one of the men show you to them,” he told the newcomers.
“Thank you, Captain,” Raines said quietly.
“This way, gentlemen,” Morton told them and led them away from the FS1.
“Lee, I’d like to see you in my quarters as soon as possible. From here on we are to be on radio silence,” Nelson said.
“Yes, Sir,” Crane said frowning at this latest development. He shook his head and turned to Stark, “Admiral, I’ve taken the liberty of assigning you your usual cabin,” Crane told the older man.
“That’ll be fine,” Stark said in a brusque manner.
“I’ll be at your cabin in ten minutes, Admiral. I’m just going to check the ships status reports and make sure we’re on course.”
“All right, Lee,” Nelson said knowing full well that Lee Crane insisted on checking Seaview’s status for himself each time he returned from an assignment. He trusted Chip Morton but old habits died hard. “You coming, Jiggs?” he asked as he noticed Stark staring at the retreating Captain.
“He’ll never change, will he?” Stark asked.
“I hope not, Jiggs. Captain Crane is the main reason Seaview is so efficient. He has to make sure everything is in perfect working order whether it’s the boat or the men. He’s always been a hands on Captain and I hope he stays that way. Now let’s get you settled and I’ll buy you a coffee.”
Stark shook his head and followed Nelson through the control room towards their quarters.
“Captain.”
“What is it Chip?” Crane asked as he looked up from studying the charts of the area known as the Bermuda Triangle.
“What’s with our guests?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well they’re acting strange. I mean Kowalski is taking them to their quarters and they act as if they’ve never been on a boat before.”
“You have to remember that Barnes and Raines have never seen anything like Seaview. They’ve been on boats before but that was over 25 years ago. We’ve made a lot of advances since then.”
“I know that, Lee, it’s just that there’s something weird about them. I can’t put my finger on it but I don’t trust them. If it’s ok with you I’d like to make sure they have an escort wherever they go on the boat?”
“That’s fine, Chip. You have the con. I’ll be in the Admiral’s cabin if you need me.”
“Aye, Sir,” Morton said.
“Come,” Nelson called.
Lee Crane opened the cabin door and was surprised to see the Admiral alone. He walked over to Nelson’s desk and took up his familiar seat on the corner, “You wanted to see me, Sir?”
Nelson looked worriedly at his friend, “I wanted to get your opinion of Barnes and Raines.”
Crane wasn’t surprised by Nelson’s statement. Through the years on Seaview they’d come to think a lot alike. It seemed that their thinking was almost always in sync, “I think there’s definitely something wrong there. I can’t put my finger on it but they just don’t act right. Even in the flying sub they didn’t show any emotions. Oh they were curious about it but it was as if they were putting on a show. If I didn’t know any better I’d say they knew all about her and were just affirming their own knowledge.”
“That is strange. Did you shake hands with either of them?”
“Yes, Sir and their hands felt clammy, almost cold.”
“I think I’ll have Doc take a look at them.”
“What are you going to use as an excuse?”
“Don’t you have a rule that says all newcomers must be examined by Doc?” Nelson asked innocently.
“I do now,” Crane grinned. “I’ll let Jamie know what we want him to do and then I’ll have Barnes and Raines report to him.”
“That’s great, Lee. Did Jiggs notice anything?”
“If he did he kept it to himself. I’ll let you know what Doc finds as soon as he gives me a report.”
“That’s fine, Lee,” Nelson said as Crane stood and walked to the door.
“Let me know as soon as the examinations are over,” Crane told the ships doctor.
“Is there anything in particular I should be looking for, Skipper?”
“I wish I could tell you, Doc. There’s just something strange about Barnes and Raines.”
“You mean aside from the fact that both men should be in their sixties but look like they’re only in their thirties?”
Crane grinned and turned to leave, “I’ll be in the control room when you have some answers.”
“Aye, Sir,” Doc said and began preparing for the physical exams.
Leonard Barnes and Michael Raines shuffled back and forth in perfect unison as they waited for Seaview’s doctor to tell them they could get dressed. They never said anything unless the doctor or the corpsman asked them something specifically. Unknown to the crew of Seaview they were communicating by telepathy.
“What if he finds them?” Raines asked nervously.
“We’ll deal with that problem if it comes up. The Chemelions will not let themselves be discovered. They are just as much prisoners as we are,” Barnes reassured him.
“What will the Chemelions do if they are discovered?”
“I don’t know. Look, Michael, we have a job to do and if you don’t want to suffer the pain again you will do as you’re told.”
“I will do what needs to be done!” Raines said shakily. “When do you plan on taking the Captain?”
“My Chemelion will let me know when yours is ready to divide. That’s why we couldn’t take Stark. Our orders are to take Lee Crane and bring him to the Others. Admiral Stark will remain under the Chemelion’s mind control until we get back to our home and then he will also be given a Chemelion.”
“How come they want the Captain?”
“I haven’t been told yet, Michael. Just relax and try not to do anything suspicious. Here comes the doctor.” Barnes said and let the telepathic link dissolve.
“You can get dressed now.” Seaview’s doctor told them.
“Any problems?” Barnes asked.
“Let’s put it this way if you two were my only patients I’d be financially ruined.”
Barnes laughed as he pulled his shirt on and began buttoning it. “Sorry about that,” he said.
“Don’t be. I get enough patients in here without adding you two to the list. Now get out of here,” the doctor told them.
“Gladly,” replied Raines a little nervously.
Early the next morning Lee Crane stood in front of Seaview’s doctor, his face betraying his exasperation. “Nothing! Are you sure, Doc?” he asked.
“I ran every test possible on Barnes and Raines, Skipper. They’re in perfect health. I’d say too perfect. It’s almost as if neither man has ever been exposed to a disease of any kind.”
“How can that be, Doc? I know they’ve been missing for twenty-five years but before that they must have been exposed to something.”
Doc stood and walked around his desk, “I’ll tell you something else, Sir. I couldn’t find so much as a blemish on either man. It’s as if the last twenty-five years had wiped out everything that happened to them in their normal life.”
“What about medical records? Won’t they tell us what they were exposed to?”
“I’ve read the file that was sent to Admiral Nelson. Both men were exposed to all the normal childhood diseases and according to Raines’s file he should be missing a couple of teeth. Barnes had his nose broken twice but there’s no evidence of that now. One other thing, Skipper, the files on both men is incomplete. I’d definitely keep my eye on them, Sir.”
“I’ve already talked to the Admiral about that. Sharkey has assigned two volunteers to escort them wherever they want to go.”
“Volunteered?” Doc laughed.
“You know Sharkey, Doc. I can almost hear him ordering Patterson and Kowalski to volunteer,” Crane laughed and then grew serious again. “Let me know if you find anything when you get the results of the other tests.”
“Yes, Sir. Now let me get back to work.”
Lee Crane smiled as he left sickbay and made his way to the control room. As he passed by the guest quarters Admiral Stark was just coming out of his cabin. “Good morning, Admiral,” he said.
“Morning, Captain. I trust everything is going well.”
“I was just on my way to the control room to relieve Mr. Morton and check on the boats status. Would you care to join me?”
“I was going to check in with Harriman in the lab but since you asked I’d like to make sure everything is running smoothly.”
“Mr. Morton would have notified me if there were any problems,” Crane said as he led the way forward.
“You seem to carry your exec in high esteem, Captain Crane. Maybe too high.” Stark stated.
“I trust Mr. Morton and every other man onboard with my life, Admiral. This crew has proven itself worthy of that trust time and time again.”
“I hope you’re right. I’ve overheard some shaky conversations. Some of your men seem a little nervous about our destination.”
“Some of the men are superstitious, Sir, but they’ll carry out their orders. Our two guests are not helping the situation.”
“Do you think your crew can handle this mission or are they too nervous?” Stark asked.
“Right now I’d say the crew has a right to be nervous. They’ve been asked to enter the Bermuda Triangle to find out why Planes, boats and people are disappearing at an alarming rate in the last month,” Crane said and stopped at the top of the spiral staircase. “Then you spring these two men on us.”
“If your men were trained properly they’d keep their nervousness in check and do their duty.”
“Oh the men will do their duty, Admiral, believe me. I just think we’d all like to know more.”
“What more would you like to know?” Stark asked
“For one thing I’d like to know the complete results of the Physical and Psychological exams done on Barnes and Raines while they were in Washington.”
“Those were classified but your Doctor was sent the results.”
“Not all of them. Why is it these two were released without knowing why they returned. Normally they’d be kept under lock and key until there was an explanation. No, Admiral we don’t have all the facts. I’m sorry, Sir, I have to relieve Mr. Morton,” Crane said and descended the stairs.
“Keep your suspicions to yourself,” Stark said as he followed Seaview’s Captain down into the control room.
Lee Crane ignored Stark’s last statement and walked up to the chart table, “Status report, Chip,” he ordered.
“All decks secured, Sir. It’s been a quiet night.” Morton told him and glanced at Stark, “Morning, Sir,” he said.
“How long before we reach the triangle?” Stark asked without giving an indication he’d heard what Chip Morton said.
“If we keep up flank speed we should reach the coordinates in thirty six hours barring any problems.”
“How are the men holding out?” Crane asked glaring at Stark.
“Kowalski reported overhearing a few conversations about our destination but nothing out of the ordinary. Seaman Masters is the most vocal and I took the liberty of speaking with him.”
“Thank you, Mr. Morton. Why don’t you go get some rest?” Crane said as he picked up a pencil and began charting the course.
“Aye, Sir. By the way Cookie just delivered fresh coffee. It’s in the nose.”
“I could use a coffee. How about you Admiral? Care to join me in the nose for a coffee?”
“No, thank you, Captain. I think I’ll see what Harriman is up to in the lab.”
“Would you like an escort?”
“I think I can find it by myself. I’ve been there before, remember?”
“Yes, Sir. I do remember. If there’s anything you need just let me know,” Crane said and walked to the sonar station. “Anything?” he asked Kowalski.
“No, Sir. Everything’s normal.”
“Do you know seaman Masters very well, Ski?”
“Not really, Skipper. This is only his second mission. Is there a problem?”
“I was wondering if he’d said anything to you about the triangle? Tell me the truth Kowalski because I don’t want any more surprises. I think we’ve had enough of them already with the reappearance of Barnes and Raines.”
“He’s just really superstitious, Sir. He say’s the triangle is jinxed and that we’re all going to die if we go there. I told him it was all just made up stories and that each one has a logical explanation. I lent him one of my books that debunks the triangle,” Kowalski explained.
“Did he believe you?”
“I don’t know, Sir. He said he’d read the book but he also seems like the kind of guy who believes what he wants to believe. I don’t think a book will change his mind but it might put some doubts in him.”
“Ok, Ski. Keep an eye on him and let me know if he gets worse.”
“Aye, Sir.” Kowalski said as Crane left him to his job.
He knocked on the door and waited. Suddenly he felt the pressure of a telepathic connection opening and closed his eyes tightly. He waited for the pain to leave and listened.
“Come in, Admiral.”
Stark opened the door and entered the room shared by Barnes and Raines, “Captain Crane is becoming suspicious,” he told them.
“How so?” Barnes asked.
“He wants to know why you to were released from quarantine and allowed to come along on this mission.”
“I was afraid of that. What about Admiral Nelson?”
“I know Harriman Nelson and normally he would be just as curious as his Captain, but he’s too busy in his lab.”
“Testing the samples you brought along,” Barnes said and Stark nodded his head. “That was very wise of you. Those samples will probably keep Nelson busy for the duration of the trip. Right?’
“Harriman Nelson is the only man I know who won’t let something go until he’s got it figured out. The sample you gave me at the base has got him hooked. What was it of anyway?”
“A tissue sample of a Chemelion. Be quiet for a minute.” The three men remained silent for almost five minutes. Suddenly Barnes shook himself and began speaking telepathically again. “My Chemelion has informed me that we are to take the Captain tonight. You will bring him to our cabin, Admiral.”
“By taking, do you mean controlling his mind as you are doing to me?”
“No. I’m afraid he is to have one of the parasites attached to the base of his spine.”
“Why?” Stark asked fighting against the mind control.
“We do not know the answer to that. I think it’s because the beings that control the Chemelions have always taken the Captain first. I have seen them do this many times in the last twenty-five years. They feel that the men are easier to take if they control the Captain.”
“Because they are loyal to him?” Stark asked.
“Exactly. Bring Crane here at nineteen hundred hours. Make sure no one sees you. We don’t want any more suspicions. Now go!” Barnes ordered.
Without a word Stark got up and walked out of the cabin.
“Is your Chemelion ready?” Barnes asked Raines.
“Yes.”
“Then Captain Crane will soon be joining us. I wish there were some other way.”
“I wish we didn’t have to do any of this. Why can’t we just have the doctor remove the Chemelions?”
“Because the Chemelions are under the control of the Others and if we attempted to have them removed they would just strengthen their control. You know how hard I tried to fight them when I was first captured and what did that get me? More pain and terror. We have to go along with this. Especially if we want to see our families again,” Barnes said and broke off the telepathic link.
“Admiral,” Crane called as he opened the door to the lab. He wasn’t surprised that Nelson hadn’t answered his repeated knocks because he knew the man had become enthralled by the sample of tissue Jiggs Stark had brought aboard.
Nelson looked up from his Microscope, a slightly annoyed look on his face, “What is it, Lee?” he asked.
“I wanted to make sure everything was all right, Sir.”
“Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Well, Admiral you’ve been cooped up in here for most of the day without a break. Chip has the con so I thought I’d see if you’d like to join me for dinner.”
“Dinner! It can’t be that late,” Nelson said and glanced at his watch. “It is that late. All right, Lee. Let’s go grab a bite to eat.”
Nelson and Crane sat at a table in the officers’ mess. Neither man ate much as they talked about the mission and where they were headed. Lee was explaining the misgivings of some of the crew.
“Kowalski is keeping an eye on Masters. Sharkey assigned Riley to take his place with Barnes and Raines.”
“Any new developments there?” Nelson asked.
“Pat and Riley are calling this an easy assignment. Barnes and Raines have stayed in their cabin since Doc’s examination.”
“Mind if I join you?” Stark asked as he took the seat opposite the Captain.
“Not at all, Jiggs.” Nelson said, moving his half eaten tray. “I’ve been meaning to ask you what results the Navy doctors came up with on the tissue sample you brought with you.”
“They had no idea what it was. All they could say for certain was that it was living tissue and that they’d never seen anything like it.”
“Living tissue? Is it dangerous?” Crane asked
“Actually, it was living tissue. It’s not anymore. The sample I’m testing shows no sign of life. It’s like human tissue except that it doesn’t seem to decay. I’ve also discovered that it does have some human and animal cells mixed in.”
“Human and animal! How is that possible?” Stark asked.
“If I hadn’t seen it myself I’d say it wasn’t possible but I’ve tested and retested and always end up with the same results. I’m going to run a few more tests before turning in. Would you care to join me, Jiggs?”
Stark glanced at his watch and saw that it was eighteen hundred hours. He still had an hour before he had to get Crane to Barnes’s cabin, “I’d love to join you, Harriman.”
“What are you going to do, Lee?” Nelson asked.
“I think I’ll go to my cabin and go over those reports again. I want to see if there’s anything we missed. Let me know if you need me,” Crane said as he stood and placed his tray in the rack.
“I will, Lee. Get some rest while you’re there. We should be arriving at the coordinates in less than ten hours.”
“Yes, Sir. Maybe you should do the same,” Crane said knowing Nelson would take it as advice from one friend to another.
Nelson smiled as Crane walked away and headed for his lab.
“I see you still let your Captain order you around,” Stark said.
“I wouldn’t say that was an order, Jiggs.”
“What would you call it?”
“Advice. That’s what friends are for.”
“Your friendship is going to be a problem someday, Harriman.”
“You’ve said that before, Jiggs, and I keep telling you the same thing. I’ll deal with it if it does become a problem. Besides you and I have always been friends and there hasn’t been a problem.”
“That’s different. You and I are friends but I get the feeling that you and Crane are more than that.”
“How so?”
“You two seem to be more like brothers or even father and son than friends. I just hope it doesn’t get in the way.”
Nelson opened the door to his lab and motioned for Stark to enter, “My friendship with Lee Crane or any other member of the crew is not your concern,” Nelson told his long time friend. “I have work to do, Jiggs. If you want to help, then help. Otherwise there’s nothing more to discuss.” Without another word he went to the spectroscope and began to work.
Jiggs Stark watched his friend closely, ‘I’m afraid you may have to deal with a lot more than just your friendship with Lee Crane. I just wish I wasn’t the one who was betraying you. I’m fighting as hard as I can but their control is strong, Harriman. I hope you can deal with the loss,’ he thought as he picked up one of the files and pretended he was reading it.
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