Author’s Note.
Best to be familiar with the Harriman Nelson journals, especially the preceding journal ‘New Beginnings’.
Many thanks to Janet. Robertson for her observations, proofing, and patience with this massive project, which took me over a year to complete. Any new errors in grammar, continuity, commission, and omission from my second editing and revisions are mine alone.
There may be some differences in font as there were glitches I could not control.

Warning: There area a few entries containing disturbing elements but they are essential to the story and short lived. Please bear with them.

TRWD1

My Journal
By Harriman Nelson
1

There was an air of excitement aboard Seaview even before we tied up at Norfolk late this afternoon. For the past few months we’ve been on various expeditions, but at least we had time to give Seaview a desperately needed paint job. Just in time for tomorrow.
For tomorrow, January 20, Charles Abernathy will be sworn in as the new president of the United States and Lee will finally be free to come home to his beloved red boat, to his crew, and to his friends and family.
If he wants to, that is.

“Has he said anything?” Chip asked me for the umpteenth time, as he joined me in the nose.
“Afraid not,” I sighed, “but Joe told me that Lee thinks that all of the presidential influence and power he’s had all these past months might have corrupted his abilities as an ordinary submarine captain.”
“Bullshit.”
“I agree 100%,” I laughed, “but some time may be needed for him to acclimate to civilian life again…he may be returning to Santa Barbara with us as a passenger and…”
“Yeah, I know. I may have to get used to the idea of staying captain.”
“You’ve done well, Lad.”
“Oh, I know that. But I still want Lee back where he belongs. In command.”
“Don’t we all,” I sighed.
“Will Lee's mother stay on as First Lady?”
“That’s the plan. Abernathy’s a bachelor, so he requested it. Joe’s not so sure about Winston and Missy remaining First Pets, however.”
After a brief laugh, Chip pulled out a small scrap of paper from his shirt pocket.
“The base commander’s aide gave me the address of an especially good place to eat. I was hoping you might care to join me? Maybe have a few drinks too. I’d hate to leave you here to brood on an almost empty boat.”
“I’m not brooding.”
“Oh yes you are, same as the rest of us, worried about whatever Lee’s final decision will be, when he makes it.”
“Yes, I am distracted by all this waiting. Okay, give me a few minutes to change and…
“But the ensign stressed that we’d get a few extra perks if we went in uniform.”
“Very well.”
“Great! I’ll let O’Brien know and feed Mallie before we go.”

And so, I’m finishing up this entry in anticipation of sharing a good meal with Chip to at least celebrate Lee’s release from his ‘prison’ tomorrow.