TRWD41

My Journal
By Harriman Nelson
41

I finally dragged myself out of bed at 0630 this morning. I hadn’t expected a good night’s sleep and I’d been right. For today I would lose Lee to the most powerful, most dangerous, and most gut wrenching job in the world, only this time for four years.
It would feel like an eternity. And in spite of Seaview’s complement averaging 125 souls, and the institute more than 400 employees added to Lee’s mother, my sister, my wife, and young ones on the way, I knew all of our lives were to be a very lonely without him.
While I waited, in my robe and slippers, for Emmie to finish up in the shower so I could use the head, I turned on the monitor and switched from one split screen of broadcasters to another….
“…It’s not quite sunrise in Washington D.C., where President elect Nelson-Crane will arrive later this morning to assume the crown of his country, figuratively speaking.”
“…No matter how many accolades this international hero has so richly deserved, he hasn’t let it go to his head. He considers himself a sub driver who will just happen to take the helm of the United States of America.”
“…The famous submarine Seaview is nearing the eastern seaboard as we speak, still underwater, where, we’re told it’s more comfortable for her crew than on the surface. The sub is still accompanied by an escort fleet of the U.S. Navy. The sub is not expected to surface until it reaches Chesapeake Bay. Then it will sail on the surface to the Potomac River, and from there make the quick trip to Washington.”
“…A special dock and slip have been installed for the submarine, where President Elect Nelson-Crane will be met with a White House limousine to take him to a mini conference with the President Avery, the secretary of state, and others, prior to being taken to Capitol Hill for the inauguration ceremony. Almost all of the Seaview’s crew will be in attendance, along with the captain’s family and friends. The full guest list has been recorded in the Congressional Record.”
A knock on my cabin door revealed Chip, in uniform, carrying a carafe of coffee and two mugs.
“I thought you might like some coffee.”
“Thanks.”
“Can we talk?”
“Emmie will be out of the shower in a minute. Let’s go to your cabin,” I said, pouring out some coffee into one of the mugs to take with me.
We said nothing as we walked.
“Well, Chip,” I said as we finally entered his cabin, “all ready for the big day?”
“Yes. And no.”
“Go on,” I said, and sat down in his guest chair and he onto his bunk.
“I’m not sure I can be as good a skipper as Lee’s been.”
“Don’t be silly. I have no doubts about your permanent command.”
“Everyone knows Lee only gave me command to save you the trouble of getting someone else or me going through the promotion boards.”
“He picked you because you’re the best man for the job.”
“How can I be? It…it’s like he’s married to Seaview. From the moment he snuck aboard to save the world. It was…tangible. You could feel it, you still can, the rapport he has with her. The entire crew feels it. I have no such feelings.”
“All right. But you may. Don’t sell yourself short, Chip.”
“Do you have Lee’s empathy for the boat?”
“Well, no, not really. Listen to me, Lad. You’ve proven you’re a good captain many times over. And if I was going to try to find a new captain for Seaview I’d still pick you over all other candidates.”
“The crew won’t be able to help comparing us! I won’t be able to stop comparing us!”
“No one expects your command style to be identical. That doesn’t mean you’re not equal to the task at hand.”
“Equal? Me, equal to Lee? Not hardly.”
“Have you considered the fact that he’s as good as he is, in part due to you? Because he’s always been able to depend on you and….”
“I know you’re trying to make me feel better,” Chip interrupted, “but he’s the best skipper for Seaview because he is the best. It has nothing to do with me. Or you. Or the crew. Or Seaview herself. He just ‘is’.”
“Lee trusts you for command and so do I. Let’s leave it at that.”
“I know, I know…I just…I guess I just miss him already.”
“Me too, Chip. Me too. So, what’s our ETA to Washington?”
“We should be pulling in about 0945. A limo will pick up Lee. Joe will be with him. We’ll offload Lee and Doc’s luggage including Winston and Missy at 1000 hours to a van they’ll have waiting. Another limo will pick up you, Emily, Edith, and Mrs. C. A mini-van will handle O’Brien, Doc, Sparks, Chief Sharkey and me. A couple of busses will take those of the crew going to the inauguration at about 1015. Only a few men volunteered to remain aboard with a Navy shore patrol dockside.”
“Let me guess, Evans is one of the volunteers?”
“Let’s just say some of his shipmates persuaded him.”
“Ouch. By the way, whatever happened with the punishments Lee was going to dish out for participants in that Crew’s Mess fracas?”
“The ballast tanks have never smelled sweeter.”
We laughed and he headed to the Control Room, while I made my way back to my cabin, but I stopped as I heard weeping from Mrs. Crane’s cabin. I was almost afraid to knock. But I did.
She opened the door, fully dressed, letting me in but quickly closed it to keep Missy in, dabbing her red eyes.
“Oh, Harriman,” she said, embracing me. “He’s so miserable. And that damn press! Lee’s only protecting me by not having me as First Lady. He told me he expects things to get tense and that he didn’t want me to have to live in an atmosphere of gloom and doom. He told me that my not being First Lady would make it easier for him to bear the job. Oh, my poor baby, my poor baby….”
I let her moan awhile, then reminded her that if she was coming with the rest of us to the ceremony she needed to let the world see her at her best, for Lee’s sake. Then she began to get busy patting her eyes with cold water and went to Edith’s cabin for some eye cream. I wondered if Edith might help her decide to change out of the gray matronly dress she’d chosen and into something a bit more cheerful.
I was almost at my cabin when I was waylaid by Will.
“Now what’s he done?” I asked. There no need to say who.
“He’s at the punching bag.”
“More calls from Washington?”
“I don’t think so, but I thought you might want to talk with him.”
“We’ve said everything we’ve needed to say to each other already, Will.”
“Yes, but he’s taking the separation from Seaview and from you, hard. You’re feeling it too, no doubt.”
“I’m not sure I can add anything, but I’ll speak with him.”
“When he’s done destroying the punching bag, send him to me. I might be able to remove some of the older stitches and put some tightening cream on that facial scar.”

How silly I would look to Lee, I mused as I made my way to the gym, still in my robe, barefoot, and holding a cold mug of coffee.
Lee, unshaved, his hair, what there was of it, tousled, wearing sweats and sneakers, was indeed beating the hell out of the punching bag. I was glad to see Joe, similarly garbed on the treadmill next to him, and Winston trotting on the one next to his.
I made a little cough to make my presence known.
“So, our intrepid doctor sent for reinforcements,” Lee said as he gave the bag another punch.
“I only came down to see if you wanted to talk some more.”
“He didn’t tell you that he doesn’t want me to go topside again? When it’ll be the last time, the very last time ever that I can after we surface?”
“No, not a word, and I doubt he could stop you if he wanted. Just put on a scrub cap or maybe your cover to protect your scalp patches. That will make him happy.”
“I know all that! But he’s been after me about everything. Do this, don’t do that! I’m fed up!”
“That’s the real problem isn’t it, bro?” Joe asked. “Being fed up? Sorry, bad pun, Admiral. He had too many brownies and cookies last night and was sick. Doc learned about it this morning. Read Lee the riot act about his going against medical advice again, and again, and…well…they kind of had words about everything.”
“Just brownies and cookies, son?” I asked.
“Okay, I also had a couple of slices of microwave pizza late last night with Joe. It never made me puke before.”
“Overdoing anything can make you puke. You know that! And you, Mr. Jackson should have reminded him of that fact as I doubt he would have had any pizza if you hadn’t.”
“No,” Lee said, as he turned off Winston’s treadmill, “It was my fault and I admitted it, but Will scolded me as if I were a five year old!”
“He’s a doctor. He couldn’t help himself. It’s his job to keep an eye on you. Now, get to Sick Bay to get scrubbed up. Will said he might even remove some stitches.”
“Would be nice not to feel quite so much as Frankenstein’s Monster. Joe?” he added, handing Joe Winston’s leash.
Winston, of course, had no desire to be hooked up to it, and struggled against it. In the end Joe had to pick the dog up as he headed toward his own quarters to change.
I accompanied Lee to Sick Bay and into Will’s care then returned to my cabin.
Emmie looked pretty as a picture in her yellow and white ensemble which included a coat, shoes, and handbag. I kissed her and told her I’d join her in the Wardroom shortly. No need to brag about all the counsel I’d been giving this morning.
After I’d showered, shaved, and dressed and went to the Wardroom, I was too nervous to have much for breakfast and settled on coffee and toast.
“You too, sir?” O’ Brien asked as he entered the Wardroom and saw my meager fare. “I’m afraid to eat anything. Sure don’t want to get sick from nerves, all those people watching us…not that it’s us they’ll be watching.”
“By the way,” Emmie asked me over her waffles, “where’s Lee? He is going to have breakfast, isn’t he?”
“Sick Bay, getting prepped for the day.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Smells good in here,” Joe, in uniform now, said, Winston tugging on his leash to get out.
The men suddenly stood to attention as Lee, scrubbed, shaved, combed and in uniform, entered.
“Oh good grief, sit down,” he ordered. “I’m not the commander in chief again yet.”
He petted Winston, removed his leash, and let the dog run circles around him.
“Ready for today?” Emmie asked.
“I suppose, but I’m already sick of it and I haven’t even started yet.”
There was some laughter, but I knew it was not really a joke. But I kept that to myself and motioned for him to sit across from Emmie and me.
“Mom’s having breakfast in her cabin,” Lee told us as Cookie approached setting a bowl of oatmeal and Cherry Jell-O in front of him.
“Doc called and said you might like these,” Cookie explained.
I held my breath, and wondered how many earplugs we had in stock.
“I don’t suppose I can have a couple of sausages for Winston?” Lee sighed, surprising us by not complaining.
“Right away, Skipper, er, I mean….”
“It’s okay, Cookie,” I said. “It’s going to take us all awhile to get used to the new order of things.”
“Yes, sir, thank you sir.”
I studied Lee as he dumped two packets of sugar on his oatmeal. His black eyepatch fit perfectly over the minimum of padding now, and the facial scar was indeed lighter.
His scalp patches were shiny clean, and his hair, damp with disinfectant, was combed, though stray curls were already forming.
“Skipper? Mr. Morton wants to see you,” Sparks called out over the PA, “er, I mean, Captain Morton wants to see you Mr. President Elect, if you’re not busy.”
“He’s having breakfast!” Will said from the doorway as he picked up the mike to respond.
“Oh for Pete’s sake,” Lee groaned, “it’s only Jell-O and oatmeal. They’ll keep. Be right there, Chip,” he called out, “Control Room?”
“Affirmative…what’ve you done to upset Doc?”
“Tummy trouble late last night,” Doc answered. “From going against medical advice and gorging himself on brownies, cookies, pizza, and only God knows what else.”
“Uh oh,” Chip said. “Pressure of the new job getting to you already, Lee, er, Mr. President elect?”
“Enough already!” Lee yelled loud enough for it to be heard from the mike still in Doc’s hand, “Stop calling me President Elect! I don’t care if anyone still calls me skipper or captain, the old man, or the monster from hell! If it gets too confusing to have two of us aboard with the nickname of skipper, and the rank of captain, just add Lee to the one you want to use for me. Might not be politically correct, but it will do in a pinch, at least for the next few hours. Cheech, I hate protocol sometimes.”
“Very well, Skipper Lee,” Chip said, “you know I like that…it’s kinda’ cute.”
“I am not cute!” Lee bawled him out.
The women raised their eyebrows.
“All right, debonair, sort of, maybe. Winston? Come.”
In seconds he was standing by the door.
“Joe, go with him,” Will said. “Make sure he doesn’t have more than one mug of coffee from the sideboard in the Control Room.”
“How would you like to practice at Motel 6 for the time you’re in Washington?” Lee asked Will.
“Point of order,” Jiggs said, “You can’t stipulate an on-base residence to inactive reserve personnel. And you don’t have to have him as your attending physician at all and….”
“What’ so bad about Motel 6?” Cookie asked, handing Lee the bowl of sausages for Winston.
“Long story,” Joe said as if it explained anything, which of course, it didn’t.
“And Mr. Jackson?” Will continued, “Don’t let him snitch any of the sausages.”
“Come along, Joe,” Lee sighed, “You can pick up the carafe of coffee from the Observation Nose sideboard and bring it back here to show Will my compliance. Then you can pour it all over his head.”
“Brrrr,” Will said sarcastically as the boys left, Winston with them, then he couldn’t contain himself and began to laugh. A good hearty laugh.
“It’s not funny!” Edith said, “None of this is funny! He continually defies your medical recommendations.”
“I’d be far more concerned if he obeyed me without question. His defiance shows he’s still in command of his independent streak. Always a good sign of healing, medically speaking. Even if I do want to toss him overboard at times.”
“Harriman?” Jiggs asked me, “how about the Observation Nose and Control Room cams?”
“No, Jiggs. I’m not going to spy on Lee and Chip.”
“What?” Emmie asked.
“Well he can,” Jiggs explained. “He has a code. Turns on the cams direct to whatever monitor his wants. It’s not like he hasn’t done it before. Except for top secret meetings and the like.”
“It was a legitimate investigation last time,” I lied. “Finish your breakfast, Jiggs. We have a big day today. Need plenty of carbs.”
“Like in your two pieces of dry toast?”
“I’m a bit nauseous this morning.”
That was true. And Emmie was finished with her breakfast while I still had one and half pieces of toast to go through. She and Edith left to go visit Mrs. Crane, so I gave up trying to eat, and headed to the Observation Nose with Jiggs, while Doc collected Lee’s oatmeal and Jell-O and followed us.

But Lee wasn’t in the Control Room or nose. Neither was Chip, so perhaps they had gone behind closed doors to discuss some delicate or top secret matter.
“Don’t worry, sir,” Sparks, at the plot table said, “I’ve got the conn. Berry’s got communications. Mr…Captain Morton and the skip…er…Skipper Lee are doing a tour.”
“Morton wanted to drag my patient away from his breakfast for a tour of the boat?” Will asked.
“Well, not at first. They were discussing something, I don’t know what, when Skipper Lee said he wanted to have one last tour of the boat. Captain Morton and Mr. Jackson went with him. Winston too.”
“Tell me, Sparks,” Will asked, “Did the cap…did Nelson-Crane have any coffee?”
“I didn’t see him with any. Was still at the radio shack before Captain Morton drafted me to the conn. Winston must have had his sausages, though,” he said, pointing to the empty bowl on the deck.
“You sure Lee didn’t eat them?” Will muttered.
“Never mind, Will,” I said.
We spent the next half hour or so, on my front porch, watching the bubbles against the viewports.
“Wow, that was great,” Lee said, as Chip and he finally returned to the Control Room.
I was surprised not to see Winston.
“Winston’s in Mom’s cabin. She’ll be putting him and Missy into their carriers.”
“Sparks, I have the conn,” Chip said and returned to his duties.
“I believe you never finished your breakfast, ‘Skipper Lee’,” Will called out, pointing to the oatmeal and Jell-O he’d put on the sideboard.
“Wonderful powers of observation, Will,” Lee said, Winston at his heels, joining us, Joe having opted to remain in the Control Room with Chip for a while.
“Lee?” Chip called out, “topside temp estimated 67 degrees Fahrenheit, wind chill 60 degrees.”
“What happened to winter?” Jiggs asked.
“Don’t you know?” Chip said, “Lee’s guardian angels pushed the arctic winds back for their favorite son’s big day.”
Then Joe joined us and handed Lee a printout.
Lee studied the printout for a moment and scowled. “If the White House press office they think I’d like to use one of the speeches they’ve created for me to read after the swearing in they’re crazy. Nobody’s putting words in my mouth. Have Sparks tell them message received but unacceptable and if I say anything it will be my own words.”
“If?” Jiggs asked, “isn’t a speech expected?”
“Not unless Lee wants to say something,” Joe said as he headed to the Radio Shack.
Lee looked at the oatmeal and Jell-O with distain and moved to the viewports without eating any and touched one of the viewports lovingly.
Lee and Joe spent the next hour with us enjoying the changes of color as Seaview moved from ‘blue water’ into the lighter and shallower aqua depths.
“Lee?” Chip called out as he came over, “we’re approaching Chesapeake Bay and will be surfacing soon.”
“Thanks,” Lee said getting up and headed over to the plot table to pull out his khaki padded jacket and cover and put them on. “Harry? Join me.”
I joined him by the ladder as soon as I too, had pulled a padded jacket from under the plot table while Chip took the boat through the necessary procedures to surface.
Finally, the ‘all green’ was announced by Patterson at the ‘Christmas Tree’.
“Surface! Surface!” Chip finally ordered.
It was an easy rise as we entered the bay. We waited for Chip, as Seaview’s captain, to grab his jacket and cover and precede us up the ladder to crack the hatch as soon as we broached the surface. Lee was frowning, his eye moist.
“You don’t have to go up, son,” I whispered to him.
“No, I need to do this. I want to do this.”
As soon as he appeared in the Conning Tower, the applause and cheers were deafening from the folks on pleasure boats that managed to catch a glimpse of us through the escort ships around us, to the crowds along the shorelines. Lee waved and smiled. Only I knew this was one of the most bittersweet moments in his life.
Air Force helicopters joined the Navy’s but all kept their distance to avoid injuring the soon to be commander in chief by their rotor wash.
I soon lost track of time, enjoying the cool air against my face, as Chip tended to business, and Lee and I just leaned on the forward coaming. I could see Lee was reveling in the feel of his ‘best girl’ for the last time.
“Harry?” Lee asked quietly, “Thank you. For everything. It’s been an honor serving with you. Serving aboard Seaview and at the institute.”
“Same here, son.”
Once we entered the Potomac, things got noisier and more crowed, despite our Navy escort. Police boats joined us on our way toward Washington.
All too soon, the Navy ships began to veer away to give us room to maneuver down the river and closer to the dock. The police boats took over for the final few minutes.
The dock was crowded with people, press, and U.S. Marines. All of the vehicles designated for our transport were waiting.
Chip was busy bringing Seaview to the special dock, some of her crewmen on now deck now to help secure her to the slip we were sliding into.
With a final pat to the coming, Lee nodded and headed below, me following.
As soon as I was in the Control Room, I could see Will inspecting Lee, muttering under his breath as he took Lee’s temperature and blood pressure, then checked his face, scalp patches and hair for any sign of salt water spray damage.
Finding none, he gave Lee a thumbs up.
“Will wonders never cease,” Mrs. C. said, embracing her son. She was in a light blue dress and black coat now, and Edith in pink. With Emmie in yellow and white, for a moment I was suddenly reminded of Easter Eggs. And it was nowhere near that holiday.
Lee headed to his cabin, Joe accompanying him, to retrieve his Dress Blue jacket and cover, as Chip began shut down Seaview, though, of course, she’d keep a few things on standby in case a quick getaway was warranted. It was a safety procedure we always used.

Lee returned to cat calls and applause from as many of his crew who could squeeze into the Control Room. He put on his cover, and began to shake hands with everyone he could, saying his goodbyes.
“It’s time to go ashore,” Chip said sadly.
“Yeah, I know…it’s just so hard to say goodbye…I’ll never forget you, any of you.”
Eyes moist, he climbed the ladder, followed by Joe, who sported an aide’s golden tassel around his arm. Chip had arranged a Seaview honor guard on deck. As they came to attention and saluted him as he emerged on deck, he was noticeably choked up, returned the salute, but unimpededly began to shake hands and speak to all of them. Then he returned to Chip and me.
“I know you’ll take good care of her, Chip. Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
“Same to you, Lee,” Chip said but gave him a snappy salute which of course Lee acknowledged. While Lee was used to being saluted, I couldn’t help wondering if he’d have rather dumped Chip overboard from embarrassment.
Then it was my turn.
Gawd, it was hard. Lee stood before me, the weight of the world on his shoulders that would only get heavier once he took the oath of office.
“Thank you again for everything, Harry.”
“No thanks is needed. Take care, Lee.”
I saluted him I could tell he still had problems with the protocol that demanded I salute him first as he was a former president. In a little while he’d be my commander in chief again and he’d expect it. He’d just have to get used to being the top man again.
Emotionally strained, he turned away to pat the conning tower’s bulkhead.
“God speed,” he told Seaview and began to head down the gangplank, Joe two steps behind him, and both saluting the colors as they trod down to the dock.
More salutes by the marines this time. And the secret service held the limo doors open for Lee and Joe.
Lee turned to take one last look at Seaview as Joe got into the vehicle. Then Lee studied his crew, Chip, and me, with a longing that made my heart break. Taking a breath, Lee got into the limo, and in minutes the cortege sped away, the police cars and motorcycles in front of and behind, their lights flashing, sirens blaring.
Then, Lee was gone.
Chip dismissed the honor guard and I wearily climbed back down into the sub. Emmie was there for me, and embraced me.
“I’m so sorry, dear,” she said, touching my cheek.
“I have to go get my dress blues jacket,” I said, and I’d almost made it to the aft hatch when I leaned against bulkhead for support.
“Oh, Lord,” I prayed, “take care of him….”
“It’s all right, Harriman,” Jiggs said approaching. “You’re allowed to pray.”
“We’d better get moving,” Chip interrupted, trying to keep his own emotions under control. “Will, you’d better get your gear topside to the same mini-van the pets are being loaded into. Lee’s gear is being taken up already. O’Brien, begin signing out the men going to the inauguration, the buses are ready to go, you’ll be going with us once they’ve gone. Ladies, the limo’s are waiting. We’ll wait for you dockside, Admiral’s.”
Yes, command fitted Chip. Even if he didn’t like it. He’d make Lee proud.
The boat was soon deserted except for the security watch by the time Jiggs and I returned looking like recruiting posters in our dress blue jackets and covers.
The marines snapped to at Jiggs and my arrival on deck. Soon we were all whisked away with a police escort.
The sidewalks and roads were overflowing with people. This was a security nightmare and despite my visitation, I almost wished Lee had opted for a bullet proof vest. Porta Potties dotted the route. Flags were everywhere.
It was a short drive and soon we were being introduced to several VIP’s before being shown our seats. Emmie, Mrs. C., and Edith were shown to their seats right behind and to the right of the podium. I had a last word with Will, O’Brien, and Chip, telling them that it might be a good idea to keep their eyes peeled for anything suspicious. They were to be seated right behind the ladies. The crew were in bleachers on the left. I was shown to the seat next to the Chief Justice to the immediate right of the podium. Joe appeared and took his seat beside me, so I knew the time was near. I also saw that since Lee’s left was the
The justice proudly showed me the Lincoln Bible, and with a wink, informed me that there would be an additional ceremony following the oath as I’d planned on. Before I could pretend to anyone else that I didn’t know what he was talking about, ‘Ruffles and Flourishes’ began signaling the president’s arrival from one of he barely seen doors to the steps. Everyone stood.
The band continued with ‘Hail to the Chief’ as President Avery and Lee walked down the steps to the podium.
As I watched Lee, I was suddenly reminded of the film ‘The Prisoner of Zenda’ and the hauntingly beautiful chorale to Handel’s ‘See, the Conquering Hero Comes’, the only words of which I’d understood to be ‘receive the crown’. Rather fitting for me to think of it, as Lee was, in effect, going to receive the crown of his country. Avery and Lee had almost reached the podium when a bird, I don’t know what kind, flew to sit on the podium, chirping away in complete discordance with the chorale in my head. I realized, suddenly, that the birdsong was far more inspirational and joyous than anything Handel might have composed. I was glad Lee didn’t let anyone shoo it away.
Avery stood aside, leaving Lee alone as custom dictated, to face the chief justice, who held the Bible for Lee to place his hand on.
“Repeat after me,” the justice began, “I, Lee Nelson-Crane, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
I held my breath. Even the bird stopped chirping. If anything bad were to happen, it would be now.
“I, Lee Nelson-Crane,” Lee began, “do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me, God.”
“Congratulations, Mr. President,” the justice said, shaking Lee’s hand to rapturous applause and the sound of the National Cathedral’s chimes, sirens, horns and anything that could make noise. I’d really have to catch the news later to experience the cacophony across the county that I knew was happening, not to mention from Merry Olde England.
The justice raised his hand for quiet. It took a while, but soon quiet enough for him to continue, “Mr. President, in appreciation of the oath you’ve taken, we have received an anonymous gift from a donor who hopes you will accept it in the spirit in which it is given.” He took a small green box out of his coat pocket and handed it to Lee, who opened it.
“Ohmygod,”Lee whispered, immediately recognizing it.
“For the benefit of all, this is the signet locket ring that was owned and worn by George Washington. Mr. President, the donor hopes you will accept this on behalf of the first father of our country to the present one.”
“Oh, God, I…I…can’t…I….”
“The donor did say that if you had difficulty accepting it, to think of it as a badge of office, like one of you military insignias or decorations.”
Well, I smirked to myself, Lee would have a hard time to weasel out of that.
Lee bowed his head with an affirmative nod.
“Mrs. Crane,” the justice asked, “would you come forward to do the honors?”
A marine escorted her to the podium where she took the box from Lee’s hand, and lifted out the ring, rather awe struck herself.
“No, dear,” she said after he held out his right hand where he thought it would reside next to the Nelson ring. “Wear this on your left hand. After all, you’re married to the country now, again.”
And so she slipped it on his ring finger.
“I…I’ll try to wear it with honor,” Lee said quietly, then turned forward. “I’m supposed to make a speech now. I hope I can. I’m a bit overwhelmed right now. But, here goes. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence the following: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. Now, there are many today who may say that these rights are just words, but I believe they are the very heart and soul of this nation and I promise that, with the help of God, I will do whatever it takes to protect these rights for all Americans, our friends, and allies. Thank you.”
Applause, applause, applause.
Lee turned to look at me questioningly, at the right of the justice, and I walked the few steps to stand with him at the podium on his left side as planned. Emmie stood beside me, with Edith next to her. Lee’s mother was on his right, Chip next to her, and Joe next to him, then O’Brien. All was in order for the parade to begin with the National Anthem, and if I remembered correctly to be followed by a flyby with red, white, and blue contrails. The military bands were to be next, with some patriotic Sousa marches.
As a beam of sunlight through the clouds glinted on Lee’s new ring, I saw the determination on Lee’s face for what he was undertaking, I suddenly knew, even without John’s angelic visitation, that come what may, my friend, enemy, partner, rival, brother and son, Lee Beauregard Nelson-Crane, president of the United States, would be up for the challenge.

I’ve never been prouder of anyone in my life.

Harriman Horatio Nelson