UTEOT 2 - Seventh Sentinel

CHAPTER ONE:

The Brink

PART ONE: Explosive Nature

July 31st, 2033

Late First Shift

seaQuest DSV

Bridge

It was a quiet shift but Lieutenant Miguel Ortiz didn't mind at all. It gave him time to get used to the sudden shuffle, and his new work partner Lieutenant Mara Johansen. He was a little unused to her efficiency, or rather, her over obsession with it. Obviously she was excited about her new post, but it would be nice if she relaxed a little.

At least she was trying for a promotion the right way, he mused. She could be worse. She could make a pass at me.

For some reason, he was slightly disappointed that she didn't try that.

Lieutenant Tim O'Niell stood and stretched from his new station in the command chair behind him. "I don't suppose we're going to get to Pearl on this shift, eh?"

Miguel shook his head in negation, and then grinned, "No Tim, you are not going to dock the seaQuest. Really sorry to disappoint you."

Catching Johansen's disapproving glare of the first name use, Miguel decided to really step on her buttons. "Hey Tim, what did we do to initiate you when you got your position as the Chief ComTech?"

Grinning, Tim answered, "Well, I think it involved oatmeal and the moonpool..."

She turned on them, "You two should really grow up. You are supposed to be the role models on board. Act like it... Sir."

Tim and Miguel looked at each other mischief lighting in their eyes, but they had no time before someone cleared his throat behind them. They turned to face Captain Robert Bridger. "Whatever it is you're planning to do to that girl, don't," said Bridger quietly so only the two men could hear him.

"Yes sir," answered him in unison.

"Commander, I think your shift is up," pointed out Bridger.

"Yes sir," answered Tim. "It was a quiet shift."

"They tend to be," answered Bridger. "Have a good shore leave if I don't see you before you go on it."

"You too, sir," and Tim disappeared from the bridge.

Because of the fifteen minute offset between the commanding shifts and the rest, Miguel was still on shift with the captain. Not that this captain breathed down his neck... well, actually it did somewhat seem like sometimes Robert was looking over his shoulder and reading his screens. Miguel decided to wait until the reflection of the computer screen was that of Robert staring at it.

It didn't take long and Miguel turned around to face him too fast for Robert to look away.

The younger Bridger had the grace to look sheepish, "Okay, you caught me."

"Sir..." asked Miguel, eyes narrowed.

"I used to be a sensors man, Lieutenant. Sometimes I have little else to do but fall into a really old habit, and your screen is my favorite," Robert grinned, and Miguel found himself disarmed. "I have every confidence in your ability, I just wish..."

"That you were the one sitting here?" asked Miguel, and Bridger nodded.

"I'm tempted to give the person of sensor's on my shift, provided it's not you, something else to do so I can cover it," Robert shrugged. "My luck would be that the day I did it all Hell would break loose."

Miguel sighed, and checked the shift roster for the station, "You know, Ensign MacKenzie is much better on engineering... and he has the next shift on here. I don't think anyone is on engineering now that the position was left open by Lieutenant Henderson..."

Bridger's eyebrows lifted, "Is that so? Ah, so it is. Thank you for pointing that out Lieutenant."

"Not a problem, sir," answered Ortiz, and then he realized what had happened.

It was refreshing to have a captain that knew what he was talking about. Miguel had never had a commander who actually understood what the sensors were all about. One that if a problem cropped up would understand his frustrations as a fellow sensors tech. One to talk shop with.

His fifteen minutes seemed to end quicker than they ever had in his entire time on the seaQuest.

* * *

Robert had no need to sense the presence of his father on the bridge of seaQuest. He could tell that the man had stepped on the bridge just by seeing the reactions of the crew. The crew seemed to stand a little straighter, focus a little more, and move a little faster. Not only that, he seemed to add a brightness to the atmosphere that had not been there before.

Grinning inwardly as he saw his father, with the ever present Lucas at his side, sit at a console by where the science officer usually was. But he could tell that his father was there on business judging by the focus of both he and Lucas. They were deep in the jargon of geology.

That explained their presences as the bridge had a direct link to the sensor array. He knew he was about to be vacated from where he was at sensors, Lucas and Nathan were already speaking about readings that the WSKR Mother had brought in. Robert decided to get the jump on them and brought up the readings.

What the Hell? was his first thought as he looked them up. He turned to Nathan and as he stood he said, "Dad, er, Dr. Bridger you may want to see this..."

Nathan looked up and walked over to the sensors and slid himself into the station. Judging by the dumbfounded look on his face, Robert knew right away that there was something indeed wrong, then, almost out of sheer habit his father ordered, "All stop."

"All stop, sir," came the helmtech's answer.

For a second, Robert was annoyed. Ordinarily that ordered would have been cleared with him before being carried out. If it had been Dr. Kristin Westphalen or even Lucas, the Helmsman would have asked outright if Robert had given them the right to order anything on the bridge. However, the ordinary rules did not seem to apply to Nathan. He shook his head. Most of the crew had been under his father's command; the automatic response would take a lot to override. He could undoubtably do the same on the Nezamiah and get the same response.

The seaQuest stopped her forward movement in the water, and Robert asked his father, "What is it?"

He didn't answer right away, looking for the best way to put it, "It looks like a new volcano is forming, but unlike any I've ever seen before..."

Lucas leaned over and read the stats, and pointed to a number on the screen, "Cap, uh, Doc, doesn't a volcano form with some sort of quake?"

"Yes, that's the problem," answered the elder Bridger. "But this seems to very quiet, but its possible. It could pyroclastic and not explosive."

"Speak English, Dad, so the rest of us can understand you," said Robert.

"Well, a pyroclastic eruption would be quiet. The lava would just bleed out. An explosive eruption is like the eruptions everyone sees on the vids," explained Bridger. "A whole lot of rocks flying everywhere, or in this case, a tsunami."

Robert nodded his head and his father was again completely engrossed on the data on the screen. Sighing, he went back to the command chair to read what he could understand on the screen. Lucas walked over and said, "I think, as fascinating as this is, you can get back underway."

He stared at Lucas for a long moment then grinned, "you like to tell him that, or me? Which one of us would like to die the fastest?"

Lucas laughed and went to Bridger and whispered something in his ear, and his father sat up and said, "Oh, right, I forgot. Well, if there is a shore leave let's not hold him up any..."

"Are you sure about that?" asked Robert.

"Well, no, but there is another scientific vessel on its way here. As much as I'd like to be here..."

"Maybe we can rendevous with them and you can be here," suggested Lucas. "What do you think, Captain?"

"Excellent idea, Piccolo, get me that science vessel... the, uh..."

"Gallery, Captain," filled in Lucas.

Robert nodded and the newly ensigned Piccolo made the link to the other ship. The captain, a balding man of middle years asked, "seaQuest, I must say this is a surprise."

"Captain, I hear you are going survey a sea volcano in progress. I have one of the best Marine Geologists on board who is chawing at the bit at the chance to be in the area, unfortunately we are due for shore leave. I was wondering if you had room for another two scientists," answered Robert.

The other man nodded, "Two scientists?"

"Dr. Nathan Bridger, our CSO and his protege Dr. Lucas Wolenczak."

The man's eyebrows looked as if they were going to be his new hairline, "Bridger and Wolenczak? We would be honored to have the two scientists with the biggest reputation on our ship."

"We will meet up with you in hour, seaQuest out," Robert turned to his father. "See, now you can be here. And take Lucas with you."

* * *

Same day

Late Second Shift

Gallery

Nathan and Lucas had to share a cramped cabin but neither minded the other's company. It gave them a chance to go over the findings that they had brought from the seaQuest. After awhile Nathan yawned and Lucas looked over to the clock on the wall, "She's going to kill me."

"Eh?"

"Dr. Westphalen. She told me to make sure you were resting before nine, and it's 10:30 now," answered Lucas, and Bridger thought for a moment, looked at the clock, and nearly laughed.

"Oh, it's 22:30," he laughed this time. "Lucas, you would think that with six years in constant contact with me, and the navy, that you would know the twenty-four hundred system by now."

"I do. I just prefer not to use it," answered Lucas. "I'm not Navy."

Bridger shrugged and went into the head to get dressed to sleep. He came back out and lay down in the lower bunk. Lucas went after him, and climbed into the upper bunk. Nathan was asleep before he knew what hit him, and Lucas listened to the near silent snore. Well, it would be closer to describe it as 'deeply breathing' than a true snore.

The sound made him relax. If the other scientists were not up too early, he would let the older man sleep in a bit. Assuming he did, Nathan was well known for the fact that he liked to get up early, sometimes before six, although from what Kristin said, he was sleeping in more and more. Must come from not being responsible for the seaQuestanymore, Lucas mused. He wondered what they were doing. Yawning himself Lucas rolled over and closed his eyes.

* * *

August 2nd, 2033

Pearl Harbor Area

Hawaii, US

Robert stretched and lay back on the beach blanket. The sun felt really good, and even better to just relax. Granted, now that he had the same 'problem' as his cousin Wendy he had a hard time relaxing with so many minds intruding onto his own thoughts, he was learning to ignore them.

He closed his eyes and allowed himself to start to drift to sleep. A shadow fell across him and he opened his eyes to the intruder. "Yes?" he asked as the person was impossible to see with the sun right on their back.

He could see that it was a woman, and a thought intruded, Now, shouldn't you be able to just read me?

"Wendy?" and Wendy Smith-Hudson sat on the beach blanket beside him.

"Hello to you too," she answered.

"Sorry, wasn't expecting you. Don't you and Oliver live in San Fran?"

She smiled, "We moved here so that he can have some contact with the Navy still. And I like it better in Honolulu than San Francisco."

He nodded and asked, "So, when is the baby due?"

"Oh, not for awhile yet," she answered. "It's due in February of next year."

They sat in companionable silence and after awhile she asked, "Liv and I were wondering if you wanted to stay with us while on shore leave? We have the space... Trust me, we have the space..."

"Oliver isn't nesting yet?" asked Robert and Wendy fell back laughing. "I remember the months before Michael was born. I had to be sure everything was in its place."

She nodded when she sat back up and regained control, "Oh God, is he ever. But I managed to convince him slow it down and wait until we knew what sex he or she is. He was beginning to drive me nuts."

While the picture of Oliver Hudson in the throes of parental nesting instinct was too hard for Robert Bridger to imagine, he kept his mouth shut and his mental shielding on paranoid levels. The last thing he wanted to do was piss off his cousin.

His very psychic cousin.

But instead he answered, "I'd love to."

* * *

Bridger sat on the edge of his bed, exhausted. He knew he was going to hear it from Lucas, but when Dr. Rebekkah Collins had offered to take him on that dive, as dangerous as it may have been, he had taken her up on the offer. The view had been fantastic, and well worth the risk of heat exhaustion. He loved pyroclastic eruptions as they were slightly more predictable than explosive ones.

And the data he had received was enough, and he smiled. It was not everyday one got that close to an underwater volcano willingly. They would be heading back to Pearl soon, and Nathan sighed in satisfaction, leaned back onto his bunk and closed his eyes.

Lucas was going to ream him out, and he knew it. Then he would call Kristin and she would share in the chewing out. Only she would be much, much worse. Unlike Lucas, she had no compunctions about telling him how stupid a move he had just done. Lucas came in and said, "I debugged the system... why are you wet?"

"I went swimming," answered Bridger, may as well get this over with...

"You did what?" Lucas seemed taken aback. "She is going to kill you. After she is done with you, she is going to shoot me. How could you be so... so... stupid?"

"Easy, Dr. Collins offered to take me on a dive to collect some data. I couldn't pass up on it," Nathan watched Lucas turn ashen. "Let me tell you, was that an experience-"

"That was you out there? Forget what I said before," said Lucas, then he exploded. "Are you nuts?! You could have gotten yourself killed! You are supposed to be convalescing, not trying to broil yourself alive! I thought you were the more responsible of the two of us!"

"I was wearing protective gear!"

Lucas grasped one of his hands and held it up in front of them, "What's that? A scald burn? How did you get that then? What if the rest of the suit let go like that?"

"I would be 'Nathan Bridger a la King'," offered Nathan, then realized that was most definitely the wrong thing to say as Lucas turned white and sat down.

Realizing he had really shocked Lucas, who was close to fainting, Bridger fanned him with the file folder. Lucas looked at him, "I swear you are going to be the death of me!"

"Call it revenge, Lucas, for the years you did the same to me," Bridger grinned and Lucas laughed so hard that he had tears in his eyes. Moments later Nathan joined him in the peals of laughter. "Okay, I think we had better stop before we share cells in the psych ward of a hospital somewhere."

Lucas brought it under control, "Man, you and Ben could hold a sarcastic comeback contest and have a stalemate. I would have liked to have been born sooner, just to see you in your prime."

"What comment did it?"

"Nathan Bridger a la King."

Suddenly red alert made the mirth disappear. "What the Hell?" Bridger muttered, as the ship rocked.

Lucas lost his seat, but managed to spin the locks on the hatch. Bridger managed to secure things that could fly around if they had another hit like that. Lucas and he strapped themselves into the only space with straps, their respective bunks. "Captain?"

"What?"

"Now you'll know what I felt like everything you sounded General Quarters," Lucas's voice was soft.

Frightened was more like it, realized Bridger. "I'm right here, and quite obviously not going anywhere this time."

Silence reigned, and this time another explosion rocked the sub. To be quite frank, Bridger was getting concerned. Volcanos, once called pyroclastic, did not often become explosive. Oh well, wouldn't be the first time. Then he heard three words that, while in some respects made him feel better, he had learned to really hate, "All hands, we're being boarded."

"Uh, does that mean hostile intentions?" asked Lucas with more than a little fear in his voice.

"Probably. I haven't known friendlies to simply fire upon a boat and then board," answered Bridger.

On the all-call com system, "Attention crew, this is your new captain speaking. We claim this vessel in the name of the Macronesian Alliance."

So much for the good day he was having.

The voice continued, "Please cooperate with the personnel on board and have your identification ready to be inspected. When all this is over, you may be free to continue on your way."

"I thought we were in UEO waters," said Lucas as he and Bridger got their identification ready.

"As did I," Bridger took a breath. "Lucas... I can't let myself or you fall into Macronesian hands. We both know way too much."

Lucas stared at him, "Don't ask that of me."

Bridger sighed and smiled wanly, "Yeah, maybe we will get out of this."

A heavy knock resounded on the hatch, "OPEN THIS HATCH IMMEDIATELY!"

Nathan opened it and held out his hands in surrender, and held out his identification to the sergeant that stood there. Lucas did the same. The marine looked over the cards and handed them to another that was standing beside him, "Move."

Lucas and Nathan were herded straight to the bridge, and they both knew it was because they had been recognized. The marine went to the senior most officer and handed him the two identification cards. With one gesture, the officer signaled for them to be brought forward, "Captain Nathan Hale Bridger..."

"It's Dr. Bridger now, I retired," responded Nathan and was rewarded with a gun handle to the back of his bad knee.

Lucas grabbed him before he hit the ground completely. The officer then looked at Lucas, "Dr. Lucas Xander Wolenczak."

Lucas decided to settle for a glare while he helped Nathan to his feet. He could tell that the knee was sore again by the way Bridger was subtlely favoring it. The Macronesian officer sighed, "Doctors, I am afraid that I must tell my superiors about your presence here."

He turned away and the forward screen lit up with the Macronesian crest, and then Alexander Bourne appeared on it. The officer saluted smartly, "President, I have two UEO personnel. Bridger and Wolenczak."

"Splendid, Captain," answered Bourne. "Please, extend my invitation of hospitality to my guests."

The screens went blank and the Macronesian captain turned to face them, "Take them back to our ship. Bourne wants to meet them."

* * *

PART TWO: Dissolution

It was a week later that the crippled Gallery made it to Pearl, and they debriefed a listening group of Admirals, including Hitchcock. Katherine Hitchcock somehow managed to make it to her office and close the door. Sitting heavily in her chair she breathed in and out.

When she had regained control of her emotions she called Oliver Hudson. Hudson's face appeared on the screen, "Admiral, it's two o'clock in the morning."

"Bourne..." Katherine put her head in her hands. "Macronesia has Nathan Bridger and Lucas Wolenczak in their possession."

Oliver sat up straight, "When?"

"A week ago, the Gallery just made it back. Barely," Hitchcock shook her head. "She's toast. She won't float anymore. There was too much damage. From what I see they planned the entire thing."

"A entire week? Admiral, by now the civilian will have broke, and depending on how strong and stubborn Nathan is feeling, he won't last much longer either," Hitchcock could hear the unsaid 'Unless they are both dead by now.'

"Tell Captains Bridger, Ford, and Montail that I wish to see them immediately."

"Of course, Admiral."

The vidlink closed. Hitchcock resumed the chore that she had started, that of writing the letter to Lucas's family about his capture, and perhaps the likelihood of his death. She hated this kind of thing. She hated even worse the implications of Nathan Bridger in the hands of Alexander Bourne.

A few hours later, a knock sounded and her secretary said, "Captain Robert Bridger, Captain Jonathan Ford, and Captain Veronque Montail to see you, ma'am."

"Send them in."

The three walked in and saluted, and then fell into the easy relaxation of friends. She really hated this. She stood up and said, "Captains, we have a problem. Your shore leave is revoked, and I want your ships in the water and underway ASAP. A little over an hour ago the Gallery docked."

They looked at each other in puzzlement and taking a breath she continued, "The Macronesian Alliance ship Cameroon boarded her, and they took prisoners. Then, so that they could buy time, they crippled the Gallery so bad that it took her a week to limp home. She had no communications to call for help."

Robert stepped forward, "Where is my father?"

"Dr. Lucas Wolenczak was taken, as well as your father Captain Nathan Bridger," answered Hitchcock, and Robert turned a ghastly shade of white, and she watched Ford turn ashen.

"Katie, they were taken for one reason only, Bridger in particular," said Ford darkly.

"We know," she sat down. "Your orders are to get Bridger and Wolenczak out. A team will be selected to extract them, but I leave that team up to you. The seaQuest and her battle group will run interference."

Ford and Robert looked at each other, "We've got an idea."

* * *

August 11th, 2033

seaQuest DSV

wardroom

The three captains in the battle group sat at the seaQuest's wardroom table, "It would work if we still had the Calypso..."

Ford looked over to Montail who had pointed that out, "She is right, Commodore. Anything else who quickly be seen as a UEO vessel, but the Calypso..."

"Has been used too much," finished Bridger and he shook his head in despair. "This is getting hopeless, people. I can't even contact him. He may have broken our link, or he is too far or too deep."

Montail laid a reassuring hand on Robert's shoulder. "We will find him."

"Sir," cut in Lieutenant Johansen. "Secretary General McGath is online with us."

"Put him through," sighed Robert. "What else can go wrong?"

The Secretary General's discomfited face appeared, "Commodore Bridger, Captains Ford and Montail. It has come to my attention that Captain Nathan Bridger has fallen into Macronesian hands. It also came to my attention through this..."

The screen divided in half and they watched the news report. Robert nearly leapt out of his seat as the video resumed. Lucas Wolenczak, his face bruised from a beating, "And we were taken prisoner. I have not seen Dr. Nathan Bridger since..."

A pause, and this next part was directed to someone off screen, "But he is a scientist! Nothing more now! He retired from that!"

he screen switched over to Alexander Bourne, "Spies within Macronesian territory will be punished. I sincerely hope that the UEO does not try anything else..."

The anchorperson switched back in whatever studio they were watching. "This footage also came to came to us a little under five minutes ago. What you are watching in breaking news on the NorPac/Macronesian border as the retired NorPac Naval Captain Nathan Hale Bridger was captured by Macronesian forces when he was observing a newly formed underwater volcano. Captain Bridger is also a respected member of the scientific community with many degrees including Marine Geology. How NorPAc Command, and indeed the UEO react to this remains to be seen. We go to our Military Consultant, retired Captain Oliver Hudson, also formally of the UEO. Captain Hudson, what do you think the reaction from NorPac Command will be? And the UEO as well?"

"Well, Connie, NorPac takes all attempts on their personnel extremely seriously. It could lead to war with Macronesia. If that happens, the entire Pacific Ocean will be a war zone, as well as anyone or anything bordering that," answered Hudson. "As for the UEO, I can't say what that will do."

"And the seaQuest?"

"Well, as it is technically on loan to us from NorPac, it and one of its vanguard, theAvenger, will be recalled from its loan and end up as a full warship under NorPac command," Hudson seemed to shrug. "But as the second seaQuest was built half on NorPac's budget and the other half UEO, if one goes to war and the other does not it should lead to some interesting situations."

"Thank you, Captain Hudson, now for the weather..."

The vid cut there and an unimpressed McGath faced them down, "Mind telling me how not just one of our scientists is 'lost' to Macronesia, but two of them?!" it was the first time Robert had seen McGath that upset, in fact, it was the first time he had seen the Secretary General upset at all...

"Sir, it started when my Dad was excited about a volcano forming. We were not cleared to stay and explore it, so I arranged for him to go on a science vessel that was going to be in the area. Last check, those were NorPac waters," answered Robert. "The fault is mine, I should have checked the borders before leaving them."

McGath sighed, "If you really want to know, check the map."

Robert brought up the map and gasped, "They were 50 miles inside NorPac waters the entire time, if anything, the gap was increasing!"

The three were now on their feet, "That is an act of outright war by Macronesia!"

"We know," said McGath. "Macronesia is being barred from the UEO Senate for multiple acts of war, war crimes, and human rights violations."

"With all due respect, sir," asked Ford. "What took so damn long?"

If all this made McGath look uncomfortable, this bold statement made him blanch, "Peace made us take a step back from war."

"With all due respect, sir," this from Montail. "Your 'peace' would have brought tyranny."

* * *

Doctor Lucas Wolenczak was walked back to his cell. Captain Bridger would have been proud of him, he realized. No matter what the threat, no matter what the treatment or torture, Lucas had stood up and told the truth. As much as his leg was sore, and his face was extremely sensitive to the touch, that small victory sent a ripple of triumph through him.

But he knew the pain would return, and for his stand he would be made to suffer. Maybe even, wherever he was if he still alive, Nathan would suffer as well. No, undoubtably they were torturing him for other reasons -- what they could learn about the seaQuest.

When they reached the cell, he was pushed into it and the door slammed shut. Right after the lights went out and Lucas could not see the hand in front of his face. Probably planned that way to dishearten him. He drew up his knees and idly wondered how Captain Bridger was.

Lucas tamped that off, as concerned as he was. That could be used against him. Hell, Lucas himself was probably being used against Bridger anyway so what difference did that make?

* * *

August 12th, 2033

seaQuest DSV

Robert sat up in bed as visions of pain ripped through him. He slid his legs over the side of the bed and put his head in his hands. Enough of this shit, he decided. It's time we did something.
* * *

August 13th 2033

6:00 EST

News Broadcast

"Breaking news at the top of the hour, Macronesia finally revealed interrogation tapes of the retired NorPac Captain, Nathan Hale Bridger."

Nathan Bridger was drawn, and far older looking than he had been when deathly ill. The signs of torture were not there, but in his eyes lie the truth -- psychological torture. What, no one knew, but for the signs, "Bridger, Nathan Hale. Navy Captain, North Pacific Confederation. Retired..." what was said was lost to the camera, but experts knew that it probably was his serial number.

"Captain, what was your mission to the newly formed Bourne Trench?"

"Scientific. I am a Marine Geologist now," responded Bridger.

"Or maybe that is a cover for being a spy!" charged the Macronesian officer.

"Even if I had not been within my own borders I am no spy. I am a scientist. I am retired from the military," was Bridger's firm reply.

With that a stick, what kind it was unclear, struck Bridger in the back of the head, the hand that swung it off camera.

The anchorwoman was back on the screen. "The tape cuts off there," she sighed and said. "The reaction from NorPac Command:"

An unfamiliar woman stood at the podium, the US and NorPac flag flying behind her, the location clearly Hawaii. While they watched the US flag was lowered and neatly and respectfully folded. "Fellow members of the North Pacific Confederation, we call upon your aid in retrieving our lost man. As of now the North Pacific Confederation and the Alliance of Macronesia are at war. All those ships that were serving under the United Earth Oceans Organization are recalled to NorPac. This includes the seaQuest DSV,Avenger DSV, and the HR Clinton, among others. All non-NorPac personnel are required to leave unless willing to join us in our war. If you leave, we will not think ill of you. We have no wish of involving anyone else in a war that does not involve outside interests, however aid will not be refused. Thank you."

* * *

Same day

12:00 EST

seaQuest DSV

Robert watched as the science personnel packed up their equipment to prep it to be removed from the ship. At his side stood Ben Krieg. Dr. Kristin Westphalen walked up to him and hugged him. Robert returned her hug and saw the worry that was there. "We'll get him back, Kris, don't worry."

"Yes, but back to what?" she asked then returned to her packing.

Back to what, indeed, he reflected. This is all screwed up. Out loud, "She's right. What are we going to bring my father back to? A world ravaged by a war that will bring it to the brink of destruction?"

Ben shook his head, "We are right back to where we were when Stark had the ship, only now its much, much worse."

* * *

PART THREE: Where Angel's Fly

August 15th, 2033

Second Shift

seaQuest DSV

Bridge

The ship was quiet.

Too quiet.

The consoles where his crew normally sat empty. The crew were being outfitted for their new uniforms of the North Pacific confederation, and putting away the old of the United Earth Oceans Organization.

But here he sat alone in the dark of his bridge.

The silence was a balm to his troubled spirit and mind. He had truly hoped that a peaceful solution would present itself but that had never come. Then Macronesia had taken, kidnapped from within his own borders, the one person they had to know that would cause war with NorPac: Nathan Bridger.

Once confirmed NorPac had wasted no time in declaring war with Macronesia.

But this was far from the Captain of the seaQuest's mind at the moment. Open war only made easier the mission he had to rescue Nathan. It would not have mattered anyway. Either way the Captain and his crew had committed themselves to bringing Nathan and Lucas home. Neither of them deserved the treatment they had been recieving from Bourne.

The concept of revenge was new to Robert Eric Stephen Bridger, and he was not sure if he wanted to walk that path yet.

Finally he let himself remember the one thing that had finally convinced him that no matter what, a war definately was not the answer.

It was the day he had just been promoted to a full Lieutenant, and he had been looking forward to going home to show his parents his new rank bars. He could still imagine the look on his father's face if he had ever made it there. Marilyn Stark and he had planned a huge night out once they arrived in port, and the ship they were on were heading home. He remembered the night of the third of June 2010 like it was yesterday.

It was the end of his life.

Their ship had been attacked in the North Atlantic, and he had pushed Marilyn through the blast doors seconds before they had closed. When they had closed all the lights had gone out and he was sure that he was going to die. Something kept him going in the dark even after the air had gone rancid.

It was the need of his family that kept him alive, kept him fighting. Even through the years of slavery he never let himself forget who he was and reminded himself each and every day. He was the son of Nathan Bridger, and of Carol Smith. When his day to freedom came he took it and ran, but there was no home to run to.

After being missing fifteen years his life was over, and his parents dead, or missing and declared dead in the case of his father. Robert had felt it like the whippings he had been subjected to when had been a slave. It wasn't for another seven years that he would even see his father again, and then it had been twenty two years Hellish years of seperation. The Bridgers had always been a tightly knit family where cousins were treated like siblings rather than cousins. To have that kind of seperation was unheard of unless someone was dead.

Only recently had they figured out why when Wendy Smith, Robert's cousin, had told Nathan that she was psychic. Nathan himself had only figured it out by being told he was in late 2018. Robert himself was a fairly well trained one, and Micheal showed every sign of inheriting that trait.

As one could sense what other humans felt, and even thought, war was no solace.

Everything his father worked so hard for was about to be swept away in the tides of war that would envelop the entire Pacific Ocean, and spill out into the other areas, nations, and confederacies as well. No, this was not going to end well. Both sides had way too much destructive capability to do that. Kristin Westphalen had been right that even if NorPac got Nathan back would there be a world for him to return to?

Robert didn't think that would happen.

But it was not for him to question why.

* * *

Same day

Unknown Time

Macronesian Prison Facility

Lucas stumbled into the wall and slid down it as the Macronesian officer flexed his muscles. It had been the longest set of beatings that Lucas could remember, and they had even stopped asking questions. "Why?" came his soft whispered question to everyone and no one at the same time.

"Oh look, it speaks!" came a deriding voice. "'Why?' I'll tell you why, boy, because we can, and because it might convince your friend to talk."

"What...? Where is he...?" asked Lucas.

"Oh, safe for now. But all you have to do is ask him nicely to spill his guts... and the pain will stop."

For one moment in his life, he had doubts. Thankfully they were the right kind. "I..." he took a breath and saw the red flashing light of a camcorder. "I hope he tells you to go to Hell!"

A rod struck him midshoulders and he fell heavily on the floor. As soon as he landed, and perhaps before, a booted foot connected with his ribs and he heard a crack. That meant a broken rib. They laid off that side, undoubtably they wanted to keep him alive to torment Captain Bridger. He hoped he died before Bridger broke, he knew that if either of them did that the UEO would be in trouble. While he was at it, as much as he would miss the old man, he hoped Bridger himself died before they started in on him too.

The blows rained down and after awhile Lucas couldn't pick out the individual punches and kicks. Sometime after that his world went black.

The Macronesian officer turned to the Chinese man who was using the camcorder, "You get all that?"

"Yeah," said the man. "I got all that."

"Good, take it to General Stassi and see if it helps him any with Bridger," ordered the officer. "This should do something to his resolve. Maybe he'll actually tell us something."

After he was well out of sight and sound of the officer, or anyone else, William Shan let himself shake in anger. He gritted his teeth. Never mind the Captain! Seeing that be done to Lucas was enough to make him want to lose his lunch. Shan took three deep even breaths to compose himself and walked to General Stassi's office. After being let in he smartly saluted and said, "Here is the tape, sir."

"Thank you, Ensign Uenishi," Stassis took the tape and indicated that Shan was to follow him into the next room while Shan put another tape into his camcorder.

In the next room, Bridger was bound into a metal chair that probably was more uncomfortable than it looked. As it was, it look extremely uncomfortable. Stassi took a pail of water and threw it onto Bridger. Groggily the aging Captain came around, his eyes unfocussed. Shan sincerely hoped that Bridger either didn't recognize him, or was quick enough to realize his real reason for being there and not give him away.

"...More cameras Stassi?" asked Bridger. "I thought we were done with them."

Stassi backhanded Bridger, who didn't even make a sound. Shan started his camera. "I have something to show you, Nathan..." said Stassi as he slid the tape into the player.

Bridger watched the beating blow for blow and seemed to turn very pale. After it was done he strained against his bindings, "You bastard!"

"Now, now, Nathan, you know what we want. All you have to do is just tell us anything that can help us."

"Bridger, Nathan Hale. Navy Captain, UEO, retired. Serial number..."

Stassi's fist stopped him before he could finish. "I see we are going to have to do this the hard way," he stepped back and a bigger man set up some electrodes on various parts of Bridger's body. "These are special little devices, Nathan. I can make you feel pain just by pushing a button. It won't even leave a mark... well, maybe a bit of a burn mark."

If Bridger was worried he didn't show it at all. Shan's respect grew with every passing second. He had heard that Bridger was strong, and even saw him in action. But he never expected this. Shan wasn't sure what he would do if he was the one in that chair. Then again, he did. He would have talked way before it came to this. Just a little longer, Cap, and you will be home... he mentally promised. Just hold out a little longer. We're coming to get you. I'm just the first, and I sure as Hell won't be the last...!

As if in his mind, Shan clearly heard, I know.

For one second he locked gazes with Nathan Bridger and realised the potential behind those eyes. The realisation made his hands shake and he had to quickly steady himself and the camera. Stassi never noticed thankfully.

The next hours were ones Shan would never want to repeat.

* * *

August 16th, 2033

seaQuest DSV

NorPac Waters

Robert leaned up against the bulkhead, out of the way as Ben Krieg, his executive officer greeted the crew and any new arrivals. "Okay, this is how it's going to work. Anyone new to seaQuest DSV will find their arrangements listed in the galley. Those returning, go straight to your quarters," Ben took a breath. "I'm your X-O and second in command, Lieutenant Benjamin Krieg. Yes, that Krieg." He pointed up to where Robert lurked to draw this batch of crewpeople's gaze there. "That gentleman up there is your Captain, Commodore Robert Bridger. Yes, he's related to Nathan Bridger. Captain Bridger is Commodore Bridger's father. If you understood me, you get on fine."

The crew laughed. "Dismissed people, find your assigments. If you can't find your assignments find either me or Lieutenant Commander Tim O'Niell, the third in command," with that the launch bay emptied and they had five minutes to spare. Ben looked up to Robert. "What we wouldn't give to have the academy days back, eh?"

"Speak for yourself, Ben."

The next shuttle docked and Ben rallied himself for a repeat of what had just happened.

That was, of course, if that shuttle had not been full of last tour's crew. Robert had to nearly
pinch himself when he saw Chief Manilow Crocker climb up that ladder, followed by Lieutenant
Miguel Ortiz (who was not NorPac, but it seemed he was willing to be while this was going on),
Ensigns Dagwood and Piccolo, and Lieutenant JJ Fredericks. His final surprise was more of a
shock when Dagwood helped Dr. Kristin Westphalen up the launch ladder. Robert was struck
speechless.

"Sir, good to see you," said Ortiz. "We decided that an enemy of Bridger is ours as well."

"Thank you, but half of you are not even NorPac... and one of you is not even military..." he stated, pointing at Westphalen.

Her answer was, "You will need a good doctor, war or no war. And I noticed you had an opening."

Robert nodded, "Then I think you know where to find things then."

They scattered, half going to their stations to start a shift and the other half going to their quarters to check on things. He suddenly felt better having them here. Ben looked up at Robert and smiled as they waited for the next shuttle in and Krieg repeated what he had said to the first shuttle.

* * *

Same Day

seaQuest DSV

Bridge

Robert sat in the command chair with Ben Krieg just off to the side of him. He watched the new and old crew mesh in an easy silence of efficiency. Even if there was a war this was his crew and his ship. Lieutenant Mara Johansen, the Communications Chief turned to face him from her station, "Sir, the crew would like to offer their condolences in your time of need."

He nodded, "Thank you, Mara."

She nodded after touching his hand briefly in support, "The communications grid is up to spec and ready to shove off, sir."

Next to her sat Lieutenant Miguel Ortiz, "Sir, the Sensor grid is ready."

The next few minutes on the bridge were spent as each department head rang off their readiness to disembark and begin the new tour. He stood and said to Ben, "This is not my shift, where is Lieutenant Commander O'Niell?"

"Setting things up with the computers. He is filling for Dr. Wolenczak."

"Get him up here."

"Yes sir. Lieutenant Johansen, call Mr. O'Niell to the bridge," ordered Krieg.

"Of course, sir," she answered and then hit a button to put her voice on ship wide. "Lieutenant Commander O'Niell to the bridge. O'Niell to the bridge."

About two minutes later a harried Lieutenant Commander Tim O'Niell ran through the clam doors. "Sir?"

Robert turned to face him, "Mr. O'Niell, is it not your shift right now?"

"Yes sir, it is," then the realisation dawned on his face. "You want me to take the seaQuest out to sea?"

"Yes, Commander, I think that is what is entailed when it is your shift and the ship is disembarking then," Robert grinned and pointed to the command chair as if to remind his former Communications Chief. "We're waiting to get underway, Tim."

Tim saluted sharply and slid into the command chair, "Helm, release docking clamps."

"Docking clamps released, sir," came the Helmsman's voice.

"Nav, I expect you have clear heading to give to the Helm?"

"Of course sir, sending to the helm."

"Helm has recieved the heading from the Nav," the helmsman voice rang out.

"Ahead one quarter and take us out to sea gently, Mr. Davis," ordered O'Niell.

"One quarter, aye, committed to the channel at one quarter thrust."

Robert looked over to Ben and mouthed, "He's a natural."

Ben Krieg shrugged as if to say, "I knew that all along."

"Lieutenant Ortiz, how clear is it out there?" asked Tim.

"Clear as day, sir," answered Ortiz with a smile, as he too, knew that Tim had always had the command ability if he had let himself believe. "And we are in open water."

Robert grinned at Tim's triumphant grin when he finally turned around to report, "Commodore, we are in open water."

"I can see that, Lieutenant Commander," said Robert, clapping the man on the shoulder. "Well done, Tim. Well done everyone."

* * *

PART FOUR: Beautiful Day

Admiral Katherine Hitchcock stared out at the sea as the rest of her former office in New Cape Quest was packed up into crates to be taken to Pearl. Her travel cup was full of the last of the coffee she had made before the maker had been carefully packed. Thankfully, when hydroponics had finally found a way to grow the ultra rare coffee plants that tasted like real coffee the price had come back to something near normal.

Dr. Wendy Smith, formally of the seaQuest like the Admiral, but now a Doctor on land with her own practice, and a wife and soon to be mother... she could understand Katherine's melancholy.

Katie was thinking about Captain Nathan Bridger and her tour with him, as well as their dreadful, but amusing, meeting. "He doesn't see you like that," said Wendy coming to stand beside her at the window. "You were one of the best enginneers he had under his command, and he missed you in the second tour. Henderson was good, but not the same."

"I know," Katie turned haunted eyes to gaze at Smith. "I can't help but worry about him and Lucas. They should have never been on the Gallery when she was boarded by Macronesia."

Finally all the crates were taken away and the two women walked out into the courtyards.

"I worry as well," admitted Wendy.

"Can't you sense them?"

"Lucas yes, when he sleeps..." Wendy trailed off. "Uncle Nathan no."

Katie turned quickly, "Is it as bad as the tapes show?"

Wendy nodded somberly. "I know Uncle Nathan is still alive but I think he has cut the connection. To spare us, I think. Or to make sure there is no way into his mind."

Katie thought about that for second and they continued walking in the directions of the docks. It was a silent trip as they both knew that once Katherine Hitchcock stepped onto the Clinton, all ties with the UEO would be null and void. All non NorPac personnel will have been assumed to have been offloaded and the remaining would be expected to be NorPac.

Then the war will have officially started with NorPac and Macronesia.

Once in sight of the Clinton and the boarding gangway they both saw Captain Oliver Hudson. Hudson greeted his wife with a kiss and then shook Katie's hand. "I see she found you, Admiral," he said.

"She is welcome to find me at anytime, Captain. Mrs. Hudson is wonderful company, and we belong to a select club," Katherine responded with a smile after the handshake broke. "It is a shame, though...."

Hudson laughed as he put an arm around Wendy in an unconciously protective gesture, "Hey, I was in the battlegroup at least."

"And a valuable member you were, Captain," pointed out Katherine. "Maybe when your child is born you can return to a command."

Hudson's smile fell, "And what if I don't?"

It was Wendy who pointed out, "Dear, you know perfectly well that if it weren't for me and the baby you would be on another ship already."

They laughed again, and then with a salute from the both of them Admiral Katherine Hitchcock walked up the gangway to her command, and eventually to sea... and the war with Macronesia.

* * *

On the bridge, after reaching the open water, Robert could tell that everyone took a moment to quietly celebrate their success but then things became serious as they thought about and prepared for the task that was in front of them. Robert looked at his watch. He would not officially be on for his first duty of the tour for a while yet. He glanced at the Bridge and then turned to Tim, "Well as everything seems to be in order, the Bridge is yours Lieutenant Commander."

Tim nodded, stood and saluted. Robert returned the salute and left the Bridge. The truth was he wanted to have a word with a few of the senior staff and his first port of call would be JJ Fredericks. He moved to the maglev knowing she was running through scenarios and maneuvers with her new Spectre team at the moon pool.

* * *

Ensign Tracey Joanne Dasher felt like she had been rushed all day. She had woken up late which had instantly put her behind schedule. She had arrived just in time to catch the last shuttle to the seaQuest where she had been assigned for her first tour of duty.

During the welcoming speech she thought things might settle down a bit. As usual she had hung towards the back of the crowd, old habits were hard to break. Part of her training, even after the compound, was how to blend into the crowd and not to stand apart. In truth she hated to be the center of attention, but quite often the spotlight had been turned upon her. It didn't help when you kept coming top of your class and you were a couple of years younger than the rest of the group.

Even though it might not have appeared that she had been paying attention to Commander Krieg's speech she had caught every word, she could also tell you the details of the docking bay where the speech was given and describe each person who had surrounded her. The only thing that had thrown her rhythm off slightly was when the Captain had been introduced. Despite the fact that she could have sworn she had never met this Robert Bridger before she could not help the sense of familiarity that flowed through her. She automatically had tried to get some sense of emotion from him but it was almost as if she had come up against a brick wall. She quickly shut of her scan when he started to look in her direction.

After the speech she like the rest of the group headed toward the galley. If she had been hoping for a slight reprieve she had been severely mistaken. She had had fifteen minutes to find her room, sort out her things and then find her way to the moon-pool where the first Specter group run through would begin. She grabbed a nearby map but still only managed to get to the meeting a minute before it started. The Lieutenant in charge had given her an unimpressed look as she had taken her seat at one end of the group.

* * *

JJ Fredericks ran through another maneuver on the computerized screen in front of her. She turned back to the small group in front of her. She probably would have felt a bit more comfortable if Dagwood were here but he had been assigned elsewhere for the moment, besides he already knew how JJ worked her team. She noted that most were making notes in the notebooks that had been provided at the beginning of the session. Everyone had made notes at some point except for one person. The latecomer, Ensign Dasher, was yet to open hers. JJ hoped that she wouldn't have a problem with Ensign Dasher after all the girl was not quite eighteen yet. JJ was still unsure how they had a seventeen year-old officer on board, but then again she had been top in the piloting training.

"Okay, any questions?" JJ asked.

No one raised but Ensign Dasher suddenly had a confused look and had suddenly opened her notebook and was scribbling something.

JJ noticed this. "Your looking slightly confused Ensign Dasher is there something I can help you with?"

It took TJ a second or two to answer. "Well actually . . ." The words died on her lips as she looked up and saw Captain Bridger enter. The room followed her look and then instantly stood to attention and saluted.

"As you were," Robert stated as he completed the salute. The formality still bothered him slightly but in the current situation he didn't think it was exactly right to tell them to knock it off.

JJ had been slightly surprised at the Captain's entrance. "Is there something I could help you with sir?"

"Actually I was wondering if I could have a word," replied Bridger.

"Of course sir," JJ answered and then turned to the group. "Finish any notes you were making and then you are dismissed for one hour. Ensign Dasher please remain I would like to speak with you."

Robert didn't miss the slightly annoyed look that a young dark-haired female Ensign sent JJ as she started packing up her things. He recognized the young woman from the final shuttle that had boarded. He turned to JJ. "No problems I hope?" He asked indicating to TJ with a quick nod.

JJ shrugged. "So do I. Just thought we should set some clear boundaries."

"She's an officer isn't she?"

"Yes, but she is also the youngest member on my crew."

This statement caused Robert some surprise. "Really," he stated taking another look at the young Ensign who had headed to the other side of the moon-pool and appeared to be meeting Darwin for the first time. He tried quickly but was unable to pick up anything from her. Interesting.

JJ studied her captain knowing he hadn't come all the way down here just to check in. "What can I help you with Captain?"

Robert returned his attention to the woman in front of him and the reason he had come down in the first place. "I just wanted to see how you were holding up?"

"I'm fine." JJ stated automatically.

"Lieutenant, do not think I don't know this is a hard situation for you," Robert replied trying to get past the formality JJ always put up. He knew she had begun to open up to his father and he also knew how close she and Lucas had become.

"It won't stop me from doing my job, sir," JJ replied trying hard to keep her emotions intact.

"That's not what I'm worried about, Freddie," Robert stated.

JJ looked up at her Captain. That was the first time he had every used her nickname to her. Try as she could to keep the wall up, she felt it crumbling. She was glad she had dismissed the others. She leant against the table she had been using. "I'm coping." She said with a small smile. "Taking it one day at a time. At least I haven't seen the videos you have," she added with a slight shudder. "Keeping busy helps. It keeps my mind of other things."

A slight scream caused them both to look over to see that TJ had received a soaking from Darwin. Robert looked down at JJ and they shared a smile. "I better let you get back to business," he stated and headed toward the exit as he reached the doors he turned back and spoke again to JJ who was now heading toward Ensign Dasher, "If you ever need some one to talk to..."

JJ nodded then quickly said, "Thank you!" as Robert walked out. She walk up to Ensign Dasher who was currently squeezing water out of her hair. "I think he likes you," she said with a smile.

"Yeah, well he has a funny way of showing it," TJ replied sombrely, but the smile on her lips indicated that she hadn't really minded the soaking. "These maneuvers you're showing us, you didn't come up with them, did you?" TJ asked JJ as she stepped away from the moon-pool and the mischievous looking dolphin.

JJ frowned at the young Ensign thinking the question rather strange. "No. I came up with a few, but the majority are NorPac sanctioned moves that have just come in."

A knowing smile lit TJ's lips. "And I presuming that under the current circumstances you haven't had a chance to go over them properly."

JJ folded her arms. "Is this going somewhere Ensign, because I must admit it's a bit impertinent of you to judge my skills as the commander of this group so soon."

TJ held up her hands in a defensive gesture. "Sorry Lieutenant. Believe me I'm not judging you. I'm actually glad that the Captain interrupted because I didn't actually want to say this in front of the group."

JJ was still completely at a loss, but she could tell the Ensign was quite sincere. "What are you going on about Ensign?"

"I know that someone of your piloting skill would have picked this up had you been given time to review what had been sent to you," again TJ had been completely sincere when she had spoken. She knew JJ would be a great leader and didn't want to get on her wrong side, but she needed to point this out before one of the others discovered it or before they started to put the maneuvers into practice. "That last maneuver you showed us..."

"The Star C III?"

"Right. You said it's meant to follow on from Diamond Eye or as a defensive from Eagle II."

JJ was smart enough not to show the surprise she felt at the fact that TJ had been paying close attention the whole time. "That's correct."

"Well as an offensive from the Diamond Eye it works, but team it with Eagle II and we're going to run into problems."

"How do you mean?"

"Well either Specters two and four are going to collide or to avoid this it's going to leave an opening for any sub on the offensive," TJ explained.

Suddenly JJ was glad this hadn't been brought up in the group as well. A mistake like this wouldn't be a great start to proving she was a good commander. Luckily leadership skills included the ability to admit you might have been wrong and set forth a plan to change it. JJ suddenly had the strange feeling that she might have initially misjudged TJ, but there was only one way to find out. "Show me," stated JJ.

TJ smiled warmly almost as if offering her friendship and followed JJ back to the computer simulations.

* * *

Oliver and Wendy Hudson watched the Clinton move into open water. Wendy saw the wistful gaze of Oliver as his eyes followed the ship out to sea until it was a speck on the horizon. "You wish you were out there with them," it was not a question.

"I'm sorry, Wendy... I want to be here and yet something calls me to that duty as well," he tried to look away but was unable.

The kiss they shared was full of the same passion that had brought together in the first place. When it broke off he said, "But I cannot leave you. I want to be there when the baby is born. I want to hold our son or daughter and hand him or her over to you when they are born. I want to go, and I want to stay." He turned away slightly. "Oh Hell. Now I know what they meant when they said you cannot have two lovers. It's the sea or a woman."

She smiled and cupped his chin and brought it back to face her. "Liv, I understand. Remember, I used to be on a ship too. I cannot be in two places at once either. It's the sea or the love of a man."

He closed his eyes and kissed her forehead while hugging her close. "What are we going to do, Dee?"

"You go," she said, pulling out of his embrace. "You would have your pick of any of the ships in NorPac. And I will be here waiting for you."

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