The Submariner

by Zarek Dragon

After four more months of training, the Leonard S Nimoy finally was ready for her initial launch. I'm not allowed to tell you what the engineers did to give us torpedoes, but the Navy was happy and we were finally able to get her in the water. Part of me wishes I were on the Gold Team so I could be "setting sail" instead of continuing to train. But then, they are only going out for a month, and then return to start training all over. A month after that, we will be taking her out and the blue team will be out for five months before we return. At least that was the plan, but sometimes plans are forced to be changed. More on that later.

As soon as the Nimoy launched, Ernie started missing Mark. He had it bad for that boy. Jake and I told him that Mark would only be gone for a month and then he'll return. I suggested that Ernie talk to the captain about transferring to the Gold Team, but Ernie wasn't sure about it. "Don't get me wrong, I would love to be on the same team as Mark, but no one seems to build my confidence like you do," he claimed.

I sat the boy down, "Ernie, it's time for you to build your own self-confidence. You are capable of doing anything that you want if you just believe. That is, anything humanly possible. Do you honestly believe that Mark would let you fall?"

Ernie looked down, "Mark? No way, he would probably stop doing his job to help me and get in trouble himself. I'm afraid of failing and disappointing Mark."

I shook my head, "Don't be, if Mark really loves you, he'll be proud of you for trying. And if whatever you are doing overwhelms you, there is no shame in admitting you need help. Remember, Kirk made you an officer for a reason."

"I know, and I don't want to let him down, either," Ernie remarked. He was nervous about going out for the first time, and more so if I wouldn't be with him. I was thinking of a comment to help him when the phone rang.

It was Kirk, "I realize that today is supposed to be a day off, but there's been an accident with the sub. I need all officers in the Chow Hall ASAP. I'll give you details at the meeting."

"An accident? I hope Mark is alright," Ernie declared and then added, "And everyone else, too."

Jake put his arm around Ernie, "I hope he is, too. And everyone else."

We rushed to the meeting and everyone seemed solemn. None of us knew what had happened or why Kirk called this meeting. Fredericks stepped onto the platform followed by Kirk. I never seen him so distraught as when he started to speak, "Today at 1400 hours, the Leonard S Nimoy suffered complete and total engine failure. The US Navy is currently attempting a rescue mission. We know of one fatality, Lieutenant Jessica Granger with the US Navy. In light of this event, the Navy wishes to pull their officers from this program unless we scrap the Nimoy and use a US based sub or build our own. The Navy believes that Russia sold us a faulty vessel, but considering it was retired and we basically rebuilt the entire sub, replacing everything, I blame myself."

Fredericks stepped down and we were all in shock. Captain Kirk stepped to the podium, "When the engines started to fail, Lt. Granger sent all personnel out of the engine room and sealed herself in. We believe that she was going to attempt repairs but didn't want to endanger any crew members, just in case. She no sooner sealed the hatch and there was an explosion. The explosion was contained within the engine room, but it cracked the hull enough that the entire space was flooded. At this time, we don't know if she died from the explosion or drowned. The Navy is planning a full investigation, but in my opinion, she saved all of those men and died a heroine. The Navy does have an Ohio class sub which they were planning to retire. It's already been decommissioned and had the missile silos removed. We can have it ready within two months, which would have been our departure time, anyway. The Ohio Class does need fewer officers, so I am asking for volunteers to stay here and assist with training, and if no one wishes to do that, a few Navy officers will receive transfer orders. I have gotten to know each and every one of you and do not wish to see anyone leave."

Kirk sat beside Fredericks and a Navy officer took to the podium. "Greetings everyone, I am Rear Admiral Decker. What happened today was a tragic accident, and I don't blame anyone, especially you, Mr. Fredericks. My superiors might, but I don't. Those were US Navy engines aboard the Nimoy, perhaps Lt. Granger didn't get them properly installed, I don't know nor do I want to speculate until after a complete investigation has been conducted. This accident is a rare occurrence and I hope that it doesn't cause any of you to have second thoughts. Naval Personnel, if you wish to stay and assist with training, that is an option. Correct me if I am wrong Captain, but I believe you have seventeen officers in each team, counting yourself."

"That is correct, sir," Kirk replied.

"The Ohio Class only uses fifteen officers, so we need two officers to stay ashore. That can be naval personnel or one of the hired officers. I wish you all the best and I only stopped by to give you my support for this endeavor. I need to head back."

And the rear admiral left just like that. Kirk walked back to the podium. "Don't ask about the rescue, the only thing I can tell you is that salvage ships are in the process of raising the Nimoy so they can safely extract all personnel off of her. You now know as much as I do. So any questions?"

One of the Navy officers raised his hand, "Sir, it seems to me that this endeavor has been doomed since the beginning. I wish to either transfer out or stay as a training officer."

"I really wished you had done that more privately," Kirk looked slightly agitated. "As for this endeavor seeming doomed, yes we have had our share of setbacks, but every endeavor has a rough patch. I would rather it happen now and get it out of the way. Those that endure will be better because of it."

The officer looked a bit embarrassed about having said anything. Kirk was glad to request a transfer for him. No one else said anything so Kirk adjourned the meeting. After the meeting Ernie walked up to Kirk, "Sir, I am thankful for everything you and Zarek have done for me, and I agree, I think I am better because of everything we've gone through. That being said, I would like to stay and help train."

Kirk couldn't believe Ernie was volunteering, "Are you serious? All the training that you've done, and how much you've overcome since the obstacle course? I would like for you to reconsider because I believe you will be a great asset on the sub."

Ernie was a little surprised by Kirk telling him this, but he couldn't hide the smile growing. "Thank you, sir. Part of my reason for wanting to stay and train is I don't want to be at sea when Ensign Hough is ashore. Unless he transfers to train, I would like to be on the Gold Team with him, or training myself."

Kirk chuckled with Ernie, "I sensed that you and he grew close ever since the party. I don't want to lose you from my team, but I understand. I'll wait until the Gold Team returns and see who wants to stay here to train before I make my decision. If Ensign Hough wants to train, I will let him so that I can retain you on my team."

Ernie had a smile as big as a five-year-old getting a pony for Christmas. "Thank you, sir. I do desire to stay on the blue team, but I desire to have more than a month at a time with Mark even more."

"I'll see what I can do to arrange that," Kirk offered.

Ernie had to rush and tell us about his conversation with Kirk. He was ecstatic about how Kirk boosted his ego and confidence. I took the opportunity to convince Ernie that he doesn't need me anymore, "You know, he wouldn't have said any of that if he didn't truly believe it. I'm telling you, you don't need me to build your confidence any more. You've got this."

Ernie smiled, "For the first time, I truly believe that I can do whatever I want. I can't thank you enough, and will always remember you as the first person to believe in me, but you are right. I can build my own self-confidence, but don't ever feel like I'll never need you. I just need you as a friend and not a confidence booster."

"I will always be your friend," I declared to Ernie. It was nice seeing him hold his head high, proud of himself for the first time.

It was almost a week before the Gold Team were back on shore. Even then, they were "quarantined" until they were fully examined and questioned as to what they knew concerning the accident. Once Mark returned home, we lost him and Ernie to their bedroom for several hours. When they finally emerged, the five of us sat at the dining room table.

I looked at Mark and decided to razz him, "You take the sub out on its first cruise and you sink it, not even letting us get to go out in it. What's up with that?"

"Hey, it wasn't my fault. Tell him, Ernie, would I do something like that to you?"

Ernie got an evil grin on his face, "I don't know, you've been saying that you wanted to fuck me whenever I was ready."

"OH WOW!!!" Mark turned red, "Did you have to tell them that?" We all laughed. Then Mark got a serious look on his face and said, "Guys, I think I need to apologize to you."

"You did sink the sub?" Jake asked.

"No," Mark responded, "but I did talk to Kirk. While waiting on the sub to be rescued, I did some thinking. I thought I would never see Ernie again, and then I thought, what if it was Ernie out here, what would I do?"

 I asked, "You didn't resign, did you?"

"Hell no, I worked too hard to get where I am!" Mark exclaimed. But, I know you were wanting two people on the Gold Team to live here, well I asked Kirk if I could transfer back to the blue team."

"It would have been more ideal if two people from the Gold Team lived here, but we can understand you wanting to be with Ernie." I stated and Jake agreed.

"So you transferred to the blue team?" Ernie was excited.

Mark looked lovingly into Ernie's eyes, "Not exactly. Kirk said that there were no openings at this time. He asked if I would consider being a trainer for now and when the first opening is available, he would offer me the position."

"YES!!!" Ernie was extremely happy, "I asked Kirk about either transferring to the Gold Team or being a trainer. He asked me to reconsider because he wants me on his team aboard the sub."

"You worked harder than anybody to get where you are," Mark stated, "You deserve to be on that boat."

"See," I chuckled, "I'm not the only one who thinks you can do it."

Ernie got that mischievous look on his face, "You're right, I can do anything I set my mind to do. In fact, tomorrow, I am going to tell Kirk that I want his job."

"Hold on there, partner," I stated, "You have to earn his position, but given time, I do believe you can do it."

"I know," Ernie responded, "I meant that I would like to train towards being a captain someday."

"When you become a captain, if I'm not commanding my own boat, I would request to serve on your vessel," I told Ernie and his face lit up.

The next day we arrived, expecting to train. Instead, all Engine room personnel from the Gold Team were asked to follow a Naval MP to the offices. That included Mark Hough. Captain Kirk asked Ernie to go to his office. The rest of us began training, but wondered what was up. Instead of boring you with our training, I'll give you my version of what Ernie told us happened in Kirk's office.

Ernie was standing at attention in front of Kirk's desk when Kirk closed the door. "We're not the military, have a seat." Ernie sat down and Kirk looked worried, "How well do you know Mark Hough?"

"Probably a little better than the rest of our roommates, but not as much as I would like, Sir," Ernie replied.

"In here, when it's just us, cut the formalities. I appreciate it in front of the crew, but even in the Navy, when it was just my officers and me, I liked a friendlier approach." Now, I don't know if Kirk really said this, but Ernie claims he did and I could see Kirk being that way, especially with those of us who trained with him at the OCS.

Ernie looked at Kirk, "Why are you asking about Mark?"

"I shouldn't tell you this, but…" Kirk started. He paused and took a breath, "The Navy isn't done with their investigation yet; however, it appears that the sub's engine that exploded was sabotaged thus causing the mishap. I don't think Mark did it, but I think they are trying to pin this on him."

"I know Mark wouldn't do that," Ernie was in tears. "Mark told me that I should have never asked to get off the sub, that I worked too hard and deserve to be on the boat more than anybody."

"Like I said, I don't think Mark did it, but I don't know who would have," Kirk explained.

"So, what can I do to help Mark?" Ernie asked.

Kirk said, "You may be brought into the office for questioning. If you are, give honest answers, but keep then short. Go take Zarek Drage's place and ask him to come see me, but don't tell him why."

And Ernie left the Captain's office to come get me. I was leading a group of crew members in PT. We were doing jumping jacks when Ernie approached me. He joined in until we finished our set and then let me know he was taking my place and I was to go see Captain Kirk. I told him that we were ready for the five run but he might want to do more loosening exercises before he runs.

I knocked on the captain's door and he told me to enter. As I was walking toward his desk, he told me to have a seat. "Zarek, you and I have been close for about ten months now, I've taken you under my wing, so to speak. Let's dispense with the formalities when it's just us."

I asked, "Should I call you William, then?"

Kirk, or Will, told me, "William or Will work for me, but again, only when it's just the two of us."

I smiled a little, "It may seem weird calling you Will, I think of you like my dad. But if that is what you want, I can comply."

"Good," Will started, "the reason I called you in here is, as you know, NCIS is investigating the cause of the explosion in the Nimoy's engine room. They believe that the engine was sabotaged."

"Do they have any suspects, Will?" I asked.

"They have a prime suspect in custody and they are questioning everyone who was on the Gold Team who may have entered the engine room. The person they suspect is Mark Hough." Kirk told me and I couldn't believe it.

I was a bit irate at even suggesting Mark did it. I know I kidded with Mark but only because I know he wouldn't have done it. "That's crazy, Mark wouldn't have done that. You've seen how hard he worked to be an officer. There's no way you can believe he did it."

Will motioned with his hand for me to calm down. "I didn't say that I thought he did it. I said that NCIS was suspecting him. I'm with you, I don't think Mark could have done it, especially since he's gotten so close to Ernie."

I questioned Will, "Do you have any suspects?"

"I have my suspicions," he replied, "but I don't have enough evidence to point any fingers. As CO, I am allowed to question any suspects. At the moment, that list only consists of Mark. I want you to join me as I question him."

"Me?" I asked.

"I should have a witness, preferably an officer who might be biased towards Mark. Being he boards off of you, you fit the bill. I am supposed to be unbiased, though I can't say that I am."

We walked to the room where they were holding Mark. Will pulled out his phone and started recording. "This is Captain William Kirk of the SS Leonard S Nimoy, in the presence of Ensign Zarek Drage questioning Ensign Mark Hough. Ensign, what can you tell me about the explosion in the engine room?"

Mark was obviously holding back tears. He was scared, "I don't know what to say, sir. As you know, there were two engines and I don't even know which engine exploded. I couldn't even tell you for sure it was an engine. I'm just taking their word that it is and I can't think what else it could have been. When the explosion occurred, the blast doors started to buckle. Being a nuclear sub, were we exposed to radiation?"

"Thank you for asking that, Ensign Hough," Kirk looked more sure than I have ever seen him. "Do you know where you were heading when the explosion occurred?"

"No sir, I wasn't privy to that information," Mark admitted.

"Which engine were you working on?" Kirk questioned.

Mark explained, "With exception of Lieutenant Granger, all of us worked on the port engine. She wouldn't let anyone but her touch the starboard engine."

Kirk looked thoughtful, "Did you tell the investigator this?"

"Several times," Mark said, "And they say that everyone has been saying the same thing."

"Then why the hell are they still holding you and saying that you are a suspect?" I've never seen Kirk so mad, and I think he scared Mark with his outburst. "According to their report, it was the starboard engine that exploded."

"So you believe me?" Mark just started crying, I think out of relief more than fear, now.

"I never once thought you did it, and you've proven my suspicions correct. If it was sabotage, Granger was the saboteur. Otherwise, it was either a faulty engine or not properly installed."

I looked at Mark, "Captain Kirk is telling the truth, he told me that he thought you were innocent before we came down here. And I knew you wouldn't have done it."

Mark sobbed, "Thank you, both."

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible, please contact me at Zarek A Dragon.  Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website.