Part 1

By Winnie

Many thanks to Linda Delaney for her help and encouragement with this story.

Lee Crane, Captain of the submarine Seaview, was unsure what had brought him out of a sound sleep. He'd always prided himself on his ability to sense when something was wrong. This time was no different than any of the numerous times he'd sat bolt upright because of some small seemingly insignificant noise.

 He climbed out of his bed, reaching quietly for the gun he kept in the drawer of his nightstand.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Captain," a soft feminine voice stated from the foot of his bed. Crane turned at the sound of the voice. There was a soft popping noise and Lee felt something sharp hit him in the chest.

 "Who are..." he never finished the sentence as the drug filled dart caused him to succumb to darkness.

 

 

"One week, that's how long you have to become Lee Crane. We've done our job, now you damn well better do yours. You've got to learn his mannerisms and his speech. Have you been studying his file?"

 "Of course I have Mr. Richards."

 "Who's his best friend?" Damien Richards asked.

 "He has two actually. Admiral Harriman Nelson, owner and designer of the one and only Submarine Seaview. He also runs the Nelson Institute for Marine Research. The other is Commander Chip Morton, executive officer of the aforementioned submarine."

 "Don't get to cocky. There is more to Lee Crane's relationship with these two than mere friendship. They've saved each other from certain death many times over. It's going to take a lot more than a little plastic surgery to convince Nelson and Morton that you are who you claim to be. Forget that your name is William Burk. You have to believe that you are Lee Crane. That's the only way this plan will work."

 

"You keep saying that, Mr. Richards. But you won't tell me what your plans are."

 

"When the time comes for you to know I'll tell you. Suffice it to say it's extremely important to our cause. It's imperative that you fool all of Crane's friends."

 

"Yes, Sir. When will Crane be here?"

 

"Melanie should be arriving with our illustrious guest within the hour. That's when the hard work begins. You will have to shadow him and pick up on the little things he does. You have to learn everything about him in the next two weeks, William."

 

"The name is Lee Crane," Burk said snidely.

 

A small, almost imperceptible grin came over Damien's face, "Well done, Lee. I'm glad to see you're ready to immerse yourself in the role."

 

"I'm actually looking forward to the challenge."

 

 

Lee Crane groaned and opened his eyes to darkness.

 

"Welcome back Captain," a female voice said from beside him. "I'm sorry for the blindfold and handcuffs. They will be removed when we reach our destination."

 

"Who are you?" Crane asked, his voice still groggy from whatever drug had been in the dart.

 

"You can call me Melanie," she said.

 

"I can tell we're on a plane but where are we going?"

 

"Ah, Captain, I can't tell you that right now."

 

"Can I have some water?" Crane asked licking his dry lips.

 

"Joseph, bring the Captain some water." Within a minute she was holding a glass to his lips,"Here you are."

 

Tremendously thirsty, Crane drank greedily from the glass and pulled away when he'd had enough, "Thanks."

 

"You're welcome."

 

"Are you going to tell me why you've kidnapped me?"

 

Laughing lightly, she replied, "Not really. Let's just say that you are a very important part of our plans."

 

"What plans?"

 

"Never mind, Captain."

 

"Melanie, we are about to land," Lee heard a male voice announce.

 

"Sorry, Captain, its night, night time again," she said and Lee felt a sharp jab in the shoulder. He felt himself losing the fight to stay conscious.

 

 

Admiral Harriman Nelson sat in his office at NIMR. Lee Crane had left the day before on a much-needed vacation and wouldn't be returning till the day before they were to take Seaview to the Isle of Saint-Jean. They were to represent the United States at the inauguration of the new president. The US was lifting the sanctions against Saint-Jean now that the old dictator Lucien St. Laurent had been replaced.

 

Francois DeBatista had been elected President in the first democratic election ever held on the Isle of Saint-Jean. He was well respected in his country as well as the other democratic countries of the world.

 

Nelson had met with him a few times at the UN, and was impressed at the plans DeBatista had to help his country move forward into the modern age. The country flourished in riches that it's ex-dictator had squandered on himself. St. Laurent had escaped before DeBatista's militia had been able to capture him.

 

Nelson's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door, "Come in," he said. He smiled as Seaview's executive officer stepped inside. "What's up Chip?" Nelson asked.

 

"I just thought you'd like to know the new computer components are being loaded on Seaview."

 

"That's great news, Chip. Looks like we may get the computer up and running before Lee gets back from his vacation."

 

"Yes, sir," pausing,  "Sir, did Lee happen to tell you where he was going?"

 

"No, Chip, He didn't. All he said was he was going to do just what the Doctor ordered and leave all things work related at home." He chuckled, "as if he'd really do any such thing. I'm sure he'll be calling in a few days to check on his baby. Seaview is never very far from Lee's mind," Nelson said grinning.

 

"Yeah, that's Lee, all right. I can't believe he agreed to take some time off," Morton said, returning Nelson's smile.

 

"Jamie never gave him much choice. It was either go voluntarily or he would have to make it a medical leave of absence. I think the computer maintenance had some influence on his decision as well."

 

"Yeah, I expect you're right. Lee and computers are a volatile combination." Morton said. "I'm going back to the boat and make sure we received everything we requisitioned. Will you be coming down?"

 

"I'll be there shortly, Chip. I want to finish these reports on the Isle of Saint-Jean," Nelson told him.

 

"Aye, sir, and if Lee happens to call tell him I said to leave the ladies alone!" Morton laughed as he opened the door to leave.

 

Nelson laughed and returned his attention to the pile of paperwork before him, 'Maybe I should have gone with Lee,' he thought.

 

 

"How long has he been out?" Richards asked, looking down at the unconscious, dark haired man lying on the bed.

 

"I gave him a shot just before we landed. He'll probably be out for another hour or so." She told him. "Is Burk ready?"

 

"They removed the bandages last week. You can see for yourself this afternoon at dinner. Captain Crane will be joining us. Our client is going to be joining us as well."

"Lucien will be here," Melanie said, fear evident in her voice and eyes.

 

"Just think, Melanie. Once this is over you'll never have to see him again," Richards told her.

 

"It's your fault we're in this situation in the first place. If you hadn't lost all our money gambling then Lucien would not have the IOUs to hold over our heads. This is the last time I help you. From here on out you are on your own."

 

"It wasn't my fault. The game was rigged."

 

"Maybe not. But you didn't have to stay in the game after you lost everything, and use IOU's, knowing that you couldn't cover them!"

 

He shrugged. "It's a weakness. I'm like father, I can't help myself," Richards said. "Things will work out, Melanie. I promise."

 

"Will they, Damien? I certainly hope so, because I don't relish spending any more time with Lucien than I have to."

 

"Me either. The man is cruel. I'm sorry he forces his attention on you."

 

"Are you, really, Damien? Somehow I don't think so."

 

Richards tried hard to hide his surprise that she'd been able to pick up on his weakness. He would never admit to her that he had been with St. Laurent when he'd visited a few of his women and that he'd actually enjoyed being in control of them. He'd even hit them when they wouldn't do as he wanted or if they didn't perform to his satisfaction. "How can you even think that, Melanie. You are my sister and I don't enjoy seeing you hurt."

 

Melanie didn't trust him, but she knew he would never admit to anything. Looking down at the man on the bed she sighed sadly, "Should we remove the bonds and the blindfold?"

 

"Let's wait until we're at lunch and Burk is sitting across from him. I want to see his reaction when he sees himself and Lucien."

 

"You are cruel, Damien! I wish I'd never agreed to help bring him here."

 

"We both have regrets, Melanie and we both have to deal with them in our own way. The Captain seems to be coming round and I don't want him to know there is any dissention between us," he said sharply.

 

The drug they'd used was confusing his mind, and he found it hard to think properly. He knew his arms were bound tightly behind his back and that something had been placed over his eyes. He just couldn't remember why.

 

 "Hello again, Captain Crane. I trust you slept well," she said allowing a trace of coldness to stay in her voice.

 

"What's going on here?" Crane asked as his mind began to clear.

 

"You'll find out shortly. Right now I think you should try to just relax and let the drug wear off. It won't take long."

 

Crane thought he recognized the woman's voice, "Melanie?"

 

"That's right," she said sitting beside him on the bed, and laying a hand on his bare arm.  "I would love to remove the blindfold and the cuffs but I'm afraid you'll have to remain uncomfortable for a little while longer."

 

"Where are we?" Crane asked.

 

"That's a question she cannot answer, Captain," Damien said, speaking to the man on the bed for the first time.

 

"Who are you?" Crane asked.

 

"My name is Damien Richards. I know you're confused as to why you were brought here but I assure you, you are very important to our plans."

 

"Damien is right, Captain, you are important. Without you our plan could never succeed. You should rest for a while now. Let the drug clear out of your system and I'll be back to help you change and escort you to dinner," Melanie said, brushing her hand lightly across his forehead, and then kissing him as if they were long time friends.

 

"Melanie, you're such a tease," Damien laughed. "Oh, Captain, by the way, there are cameras all over the room and you are constantly under surveillance. There is also an armed guard outside your door. So please just relax and think of this as a forced vacation."

 

Crane heard the door close and thought of the irony of those two words, 'Forced vacation, that's exactly what Jamie called it. But I don't think this is what he had in mind when he made his threat. Next time someone orders me to go on a forced vacation I think I'll order a keelhauling. How the hell do I get out of this one?' he asked himself.

 

 

"How's it going, Chip?" Nelson asked.

 

"It's all here, Sir. Right down to the last chip," Morton said grinning like a child who'd just been given the new toy he been begging for.

 

"That's fine," Nelson said. "Why don't we grab something to eat before we begin the process of dismantling the old component?"

 

"I am kind of hungry."

Nelson laughed, and  Chip continued, grinning back at the older man, "Where do you want to go?"

 

"Why don't we try the Stearns Wharf Grill? My treat."

 

"I could go for a nice thick juicy steak right about now. Let me just wash up and I'll meet you on deck," Morton told Nelson.

 

 

When Chip joined him moments later, Nelson was standing on the deck watching the movements of the people dockside, without really seeing them.

 

"Penny for your thoughts, Admiral," Morton said as he came up behind him.

 

Startled out of his reverie, Nelson grinned at the young blonde man, "Did you ever notice how lonesome the boat is without her Captain?"

 

Morton looked at the Admiral strangely, "I thought I was the only one who noticed things like that. I think it's just the fact that Lee seldom takes time off and it seems like Seaview and Lee are one and the same."

 

 "Well said, Chip. However,  I don't think Seaview would be the same without either her current Captain or Exec." Nelson said, clapping the younger man on the back, "Why don't we go get that steak?"

 

"Aye, Sir," Morton smiled as they walked off the boat.

 

 

Crane heard the door open and footsteps walking towards the bed.

 

"Are you ready to join us for lunch, Captain?" the soft, feminine voice asked.

 

 "How can I eat lunch with my arms behind my back?" he asked.

 

"Maybe I'll just have to feed you," Melanie replied, a teasing tone to her voice.

 

"No thank you!!" Crane protested strongly.

 

"Why not? Are you afraid of me?" she asked as she helped him to a sitting position.

 

"Afraid of you? No! Afraid of being helpless? Yes."

 

Sighing theatrically, she said, "I guess we'll just have to take off the cuffs and maybe even the blindfold if you promise to behave yourself. Do you promise?"

 

"I promise," Crane said, without conviction.

 

"Oh, Captain. You are a naughty boy. I bet you're thinking that promises are made to be broken." Melanie leaned close to his ear, "So are bones," she whispered threateningly. She hated saying these things to him, but knew it was the only way she could keep her distance from the handsome man.

 

"Thanks for the reminder," Crane told her as she helped him to his feet.

 

"Would you like me to help you change, Captain?" she asked as she removed his cuffs and blindfold.

 

"Change?" Crane asked and followed her eyes to his bare chest and white pyjama bottoms.

 

"Unless you want to join us for dinner as you are," Melanie smiled appreciatively.

 

"No thank-you. But what do I change into?"

 

"Will these do?" she grinned as she pulled a pair of blue denim shorts and white cotton T-shirt from the chair beside the bed. "I had to guess your size but I think they'll fit perfectly."

 

"Do you mind?" Crane said pointing to the open door.

 

"Not at all," Melanie said and closed the door from the inside.

 

"That's not exactly what I meant," Crane told her.

 

"It's not," she said coyly. "Don't tell me you're shy?"

 

"I just like my privacy."

 

"I'm sorry I can't leave you alone. What if I just turn my back?" she laughed.

 

"I guess that'll have to do," Crane said. He waited for her to turn her back and quikly donned the tight fitting denim shorts and T-shirt. "Ok, I'm done," he told her.

 

Melanie turned and grinned at the snug fit of the jeans and shirt, "My, my, Captain. Denim certainly looks good on you."

 

"Thanks. I think," he added as an afterthought.

 

Melanie passed him a pair of slip on sandals and waited for him to put them on. "I'm afraid I have to put these back on," Melanie said and produced the cuffs and blindfold again.

 

"Do you have to?" Crane asked hopefully.

 

"I have my orders, Captain," she smiled and Crane saw the hidden tension in her eyes. He turned so she could replace the blindfold and cuffs.

 

"Thank you," she said and taking his arm, escorted him out the door, "There's a set of stairs in front of us. They're in a semi circle so we'll just take it slow. I wouldn't want you to end up with any broken bones."

 

"You're threats are so subtle," Crane said sarcastically, finding it hard to figure this woman's moods out.

 

"What makes you think it was a threat? Can't you believe I was just concerned for your safety?"

 

"Concerned!" Crane quiered. "So concerned that you  blindfolded me at the top of a staircase?"

 

"Oh, Captain! You and I are going to have so much fun while you're our guest," the quality of Melanie's laughter made Crane smile in spite of himself.

 

"Guest? I'd hate to see how you treat your prisoners," he laughed.

 

Once again Melanie found herself laughing at the handsome man she was helping down the stairs. 'Too bad we are on opposite sides in this, Captain. I think I could really like you,' she thought. "Last step, captain," she said, clamping down on her mutinous thoughts. "We'll be turning to the left, lunch will be served on the patio."

 

They walked about twenty feet before Crane felt the warmth of sunshine on his face. The distinctive smell of salt water told him they were close to the ocean.

 

"Hello, Captain, so good of you to join us. Sit him here on my right, Melanie."

 

"Yes, Damien," she answered and helped Crane into the seat. "Shall I remove the cuffs now?"

 

"By all means. Our guest must be able to eat his dinner in comfort." Richards told her.

 

"You two seem to have your own definition of what a guest is," Crane told them rubbing his wrists. He reached to pull the blindfold but found his hand held in a vicelike grip.

 

"Not yet, Captain. We'll just leave the blindfold on for another moment till our other guests are seated," Richards said. "You may release his hand, Brock."

 

"Yes, Sir," Brock answered immediately.

 

Once again Crane found himself rubbing circulation back into his wrist, "are the other guests treated the same way?"

 

"No, Captain. You're the only one receiving special treatment. Don't you feel lucky?" Melanie asked from the seat on his right.

 

Crane heard someone pull out a chair across from him.

 

"I think it is time for you to remove your blindfold, Captain." Richards said from his left.

 

Crane did as he'd been told and rubbed his eyes. The bright sunshine was blinding after being in darkness for so long and he was finding it hard to focus. Finally his eyes grew accustomed to the sunlight and he was shocked at the mirror image of himself sitting across the table from him. If not for the man's movements he would have sworn he was looking into a mirror. "What's going on here?" he asked when he got his voice back.

 

"Captain Crane, meet, Captain Crane." Richards laughed, evidently enjoying his little surprise.

 

"Hello, Captain Crane," Burk-Crane said.

 

Crane heard the man speak in an almost perfect imitation of his own voice. He shivered as he thought of all the plans Damien Richards could have for making a double of him.

 

"You're not being very polite, Captain. Aren't you going to say hello to yourself?"

 

"Who are you?" Crane asked his double.

 

"Lee B. Crane, Captain of the Seaview. Isn't that obvious?" Burk-Crane asked him.

 

"Hardly," Crane said sarcastically. "What do you hope to achieve with this man?" he asked Richards.

 

"This man," Richards laughed, "is you, and I have big plans for our Captain Crane. It's obvious you were shocked when you saw my little surprise. I have another one for you. Why don't you look around the table at our other guests?"

 

Crane glanced quickly around the table until his eyes stopped on the familiar figure sitting at the other end of the table, "St. Laurent!" Crane said, spitting out the name in a voice tinged with distinct dislike. He was rewarded with a backhand to the face from Richards.

 

"Show some respect, Captain. You will address my guest in the appropriate manor. He is President St. Laurent to you."

 

Crane didn't bother rubbing his red cheek, he just glared at the man at the end of the table, "He's a murderous animal."

 

Richards signalled to the man standing behind Crane and Lee felt a blow to the back of his head that all but knocked him unconscious. "You will apologize to my guest or I'll have the cuffs returned to your wrists and you will sit there while we eat."

 

Crane leaned forward in his chair and placed his arms behind his back, "Go ahead. I'd rather not eat with an animal."

"Put the cuffs back on, Brock!" Richards exclaimed in an outraged voice. Brock did as he was told and stood back. "You need to be taught some manners, Captain."

 

Crane just sat back in his chair as far as his cuffed arms would allow, "Not by you," he said quietly.

 

Sudden laughter from the end of the table diverted everyone's attention from Crane. All eyes fell on the dignified-looking, grey haired Lucien St. Laurent, "Please, Damien. Leave the Captain his honour. He will not apologize for his rude behaviour, and I must say I admire him for his convictions, even if he is wrong."

 

"As you wish, Lucien. I only wished for you to be shown the respect you deserve." Richards told him.

 

Crane glared at St. Laurent, but made his comment to Richards, "He doesn't deserve my respect!"

 

Once again the man at the end of the table erupted in jovial laughter, "My dear, DEAR Captain Crane. I do not need, nor do I require your respect. I do, however, require your body. That's why we have made our own Captain Lee Crane. He will do what I wish done, whereas, you would not." St. Laurent stated.

 

"And just what do you require him to do, that I wouldn't?" Crane asked curiously.

 

"You'll find out when the time is right," Richards answered. "Melanie, would you please see what's taking the servants so long with dinner?"

 

"Yes, Damien," she said, almost meekly,  pushing her chair away from the table.

 

"Never mind. Here they come now. It's so hard to get good help nowadays, don't you think Lucien?" Richards asked trying to impress the older man.

 

"So true, Damien, so true," St. Laurent said, his voice sounded condescending even to Lee's ears.

 

Lunch plates were placed in front of everyone at the table, and Melanie looked at Crane dubiously, "Damien, can I take the cuffs off Captain Crane?"

 

"No!" he said icily.

 

"Oh, come now Damien. Let the poor man eat in comfort." St. Laurent told him.

 

"Surely you aren't serious, Lucien?" Richards asked, hiding the hatred he had for the man at the opposite end of the table. 'If I didn't need the money I'd kill you here and now for usurping my authority,' he thought.

 

"Of course, I am.  After all, Captain Crane does not have long to live," St. Laurent said smiling at Crane.

 

"Why are you keeping him alive anyway?" Burk-Crane asked.

 

"Yes, Damien. Do tell us why you are keeping Captain Crane alive," St. Laurent asked.

 

"Because we may have use for him yet," Richards told them. "You may remove the cuffs, Melanie."

 

Melanie quickly took the key from her pocket and unlocked the cuffs from Crane's wrists. She again took her place on his right.

 

"Thank-you," Crane said softly.

 

"You're welcome, Captain," she said with a faint smile.

 

Crane glanced across the table at Burk-Crane. 'I'm going to have to try and put a damper on whatever their plans are. Maybe I can make Chip and the Admiral suspicious of this guy.' He looked down at his plate, Smoked salmon, noodles in a creamy white sauce, and asparagus, the quantity of food on the plate making him slightly nauseous. 'I guess this will be the first hint that something could be wrong,' he thought as he picked up his fork...