Seaquest
"Fall of the UEO"

Katie Hitchcock--Krieg smiled as she always did as she pulled into the parking lot of Ben's restaurant.She remembered the day he had showed her what he had named it,”Katie's family restaurant.”
As she walked through the doors,she couldn't believe it had been ten years.Ten years since her failed marriage to Jonathan Ford.Ten years since she had remarried Ben Krieg.

Katie smiled at one of Ben's managers,"Hi,Marie.Are they here?"
The blonde woman smiled,"You just missed them,Katie.Ben decided he wanted to cook at home for once."
Katie nodded,"Okay if I go in back?I left some papers that I have to grade for tomorrow."
Marie smiled,"Go right ahead."
Katie quickly retrieved her papers from Ben's office.She said good-bye to Marie and headed for her car.Katie had just gotten the door open and plopped the stack of papers inside when a strong arm grabbed her neck.A black hand clamped over her mouth.
Katie stiffened,not even having time to scream.The man dragged her to a nearby alley.
"If you promise not to scream I'll remove my hand."A familiar voice said,'You promise?"
Katie nodded.
Jonathan Ford released his ex-wife.

Katie whirled on him,her blue eyes furious,"Jonathan?What the hell is going on?!Where have you been?I've been trying to reach you for weeks.You missed Josh's birthday!"
"I know,Katie I'm sorry."Jonathan's black eyes darted around the dark parking lot,"I'll answer all your questions,but not here.Let's go."
Katie started back out the alley,"Okay,we'll take my car."
Ford saw a flash of metal from the shadows and yanked her back.Bullets bounced off the brick.
Jonathan shoved her toward the back of the alley,"Over the fence,Katie.Let's move."

Ben Krieg paced the cozy kitchen of his home.He glanced at the clock again.  10:30.
Where the hell was she?
Katie was always home by 6:30,seven by the very latest.
His right hand reached for the phone book.His heart in his throat.He flipped to the hospital section.Ben knew something was terribly wrong.
His hand froze on the receiver as a tiny voice asked,"Ben, where's Mom?"

Ben turned to see eleven year old Josh Ford standing in the doorway.He was tall and thin like his father,but he had Katie's bright blue eyes.
Ben swallowed the lump of anxiety,"I'm trying to find that out now,Josh."
They both jumped as the phone rang.
Ben stared at it for a long moment then he slowly picked up the receiver.
"Hello?"
"Ben?"Marie Caton's tense voice came back,"Is Katie there?"
Ben felt his eyes close,"No."
"I was afraid of that.Ben,she was here about six.I just now went outside and her car's still here.Ben,the doors are wide open and one of the customers thought he head gunshots earlier.I didn't think anything of it at the time."
Ben sank heavily into a nearby chair.
/Oh,God please let her be alright.Please./
"I'll be right there,Marie.Don't touch anything.Call the police."

Josh stared at him catching Ben's fear,"What's happened to her?"
Ben stood grabbing his keys,"I don't know,Josh.They just found her car."
Josh swallowed hard,"I'm going with you."
Ben stopped,"No."
Josh's eyes flared,"She's my mother!"
Ben kneeled next to the young man,"Josh,I need you to stay here.Look after Hannah and Heidi."
Josh looked like he wanted to protest,but he nodded.

Ben Krieg arrived at his restaurant in under ten minutes.The police had arrived quicker.They had already secured Katie's car with yellow crime scene tape.
A young man in uniform blocked his way,"Sir,you can't come through here."
Ben's heart was racing.Especially when he saw the alley had been taped off,"Look,this is my restaurant.That's my wife's car."
The young cop instantly turned sheepish,"I'm sorry,Sir."
Ben ignored him as he took in his wife's ar,"Who's in charge?"
The young cop motioned inside,"That would be Detective Harrison.He's inside."
Ben rushed through the glass doors,spying a red haired man talking to Marie.
"Where's my wife?!"Ben demanded.
Ryan Harrison sighed,"Mr.Krieg why don't you take a seat?"
Ben's fear was turning into sheer panic,"I don't want to sit down.I want to know what happened to my wife!"
"So do we,Mr.Krieg.Right now,it looks like an attempted carjacking.We expect to find her body within forty eight hours."
At that statement Ben did take a seat.

Katie Krieg stopped running and leaned against at tree.She hated to say it,but she was out of shape.Ten years of teaching wasn't exactly physical.
Jonathan stopped and came back to her,"You okay?"
Katie nodded her lungs burning,"Yeah,I'm just out of shape.Jonathan,I have to call Ben.Let him know I'm okay."
Jonathan shook his head,"I'm sorry,Katie.You can't.Maybe later."
"Are you ever going to tell me what's going on?"

Jonathan Ford stared at his ex-wife remembering the love he had felt for her,and still did.She was the only one he could trust with this mess
"Katie,you remember how tense everything was at Nathan's funeral?"
Sadness flickered across Katie's blue eyes as she remembered that awful day.That day that Kristen had called her to tell her Nathan had died in a plane crash.She remembered how Kristen could barely get the words out.
"Jonathan,are you saying that Nathan's death wasn't an accident?"
Ford shook his head tiredly,'I don't know,Katie.Before he died Nathan called me and told me he was worried about the future of the UEO.That he had gotten some information that a highly financed group from South America had been trying to take over the UEO.Sometimes violently."
Katie frowned wondering how she had been so out of touch,"It hasn't been in any of the news reports.Or in any Academy gossip."
Jonathan stared at her,horror in his black eyes,"Katie,that's because it worked."
Katie leaned back against the tree,"You don't mean?"
Jonathan nodded,"Why do you think I'm running,Katie?They've taken over the UEO.And I'm the only one who knows about it."

Ben Krieg was once again pacing his kitchen.Only this time bright morning sunlight flooded in.Bouncing off Katie's collection of Austrian Crystals.It had been the longest night of his life,and he knew it was only going to get longer.
Ben glanced at the clock on the stove,seven o'clock.He knew the kids would be getting up soon for school
/God,he hadn't even thought of what to tell the girls.Ben had barely come to terms with it himself,what was he going to tell them?/
The doorbell rang causing Ben to jump three feet.He ran a hand through his short black hair,trying to smooth it down.
Ben swallowed hard as he opened the front door,trying to brace himself.
Ben expected to see uniforms standing on his front steps,but what he saw was an old friend.
"Kristen?"Ben said with complete surprise,"What are you doing here?"
Kristen Westphlan looked at him with concern,"I was in New York,remember and I told Katie I would spend a few days.Didn't she tell you?I called her at work yesterday?Ben what's going on?Why is there a police car across the street?"
Ben felt the reality of the whole situation hit him all at once as he let Kristen into the house.He quickly crossed the hallway and sank down into the kitchen chair.
Kristen felt fear shoot through her,"Ben,"She began kneeling down next to him,"What on Earth has happened here?Where's Katie?"
Ben felt his composure crumble,"I've lost her,Kristen."
Kristen stared at him,not comprehending,"What do you mean you've lost her?Did you two have a fight?"
Ben shook his head,his voice catching,"Kristen,she walked in on a carjacking last night."
Kristen rocked back on her heels,her hand flying to her mouth,"Mg God,Ben.Hav-have they found her?"
"No.The police said if they don't get any leads within twenty four hours,the trail's cold."He stood and stared out the window,"Then they start looking for a body."
Kristen had tears in her sable eyes,"I'm sure she's fine,Ben.She knows how to handle herself."
Ben turned to face her,his brown eyes full of grief,"Kristen,it happened outside my restaurant.The safest place in the world,or so I thought."
Kristen enveloped him in a huge hug,"We have to believe she's fine,Ben.The time limit hasn't expired yet."
"She would've called,Kristen.She would've called to let me know she was alive."

"Daddy?Where's Mom?"A small female voice asked,tearing at Ben's heart.He looked up to see his youngest daughter.
Five year old Heidi stood in the doorway.Favorite Teddy Bear dangling from her right hand.Just looking at her broke Ben's heart.He couldn't speak.

Kristen pulled away from Ben noting his mood.She quickly took Heidi by the hand,"Come along with Aunt Kristen and I'll tuck you back in bed."
"What about school?"
Kristen glanced back at Ben who shook his head.
"I'm sorry honey,no school today."
"But I'll miss painting the mural."Heidi protested.
"Tell you what,if you go back to bed,I'll paint one with you later.Deal?"
"Deal."

Jonathan Ford squinted as he peered around the corner of the alley.They had some how made it to Dover,by hitching rides.He glanced back at Katie,she looked furious,and tired. 
"You have any money?I used the last of mine to get to Annapolis."
Katie hugged herself against the morning chill,"Yea,in my car."She looked pointedly at Jonathan,"Back at the restaurant."
Jonathan pulled himself back as a car passed,"Any ideas?"
"Let me call Ben.He can wire us money."
"Sorry,Katie."
"Please,Jonathan.Two minutes.At lease let him know I'm still alive."
"Do you want him to die?Or your kids?"
Katie blanched,"Of course not!"
Jonathan let out a long sigh,"Then the safest thing for them is if you have no contact with them.Then they can't trace me to you and put them in danger."
Katie glanced at her watch,almost seven thirty.It had been almost fourteen hours since she'd last talked to her husband,"He must be frantic by now.The way we left the car.The bullet holes in the wall."
Jonathan pulled his ex-wife into a hug,"I'm sorry I dragged you into this,Katie.I had nowhere else to go."
"You can always come to me,you know that."Katie said as she remembered her short marriage to Jonathan,"I hope Josh is okay."
Jonathan tightened his hold on her,"I'm sure Ben will look after him."
Katie smiled,"I know he will,but Josh is old enough.If he gets wind that our disappearance isn't 'natural' he'll look into it."
Jonathan caught onto her fear,"And get himself killed,trying to find us."He pulled back so he could look into her eyes,"That's exactly why we can't contact anybody.If we value their lives at all."
Katie looked up at him,"Jonathan,how did you escape?How did you get away with all this information?"
Ford closed his eyes at the memory,"I had to fake my death,Katie.I will never forget the look on my mother's face when my car exploded.You don't know how much I wanted to call her,tell her I wasn't in it."
Katie leaned her head back against his chest,"But you can't."
"And neither can you."

Kristen Westphalen walked paced the living room,and ducked her head in after hearing the television.She saw Josh Ford staring at the screen.
"Josh,shouldn't you be back in bed?There's no school."
Josh didn't answer her,and that's when she heard the newscast.
".....Once again the Captain of the Seaquest Jonathan Ford was killed in a car bombing outside his mother's home early yesterday."
Kristen leaned against the doorframe for support,her knees suddenly weak,"Ben?"She called out,"Ben get in here."
Ben raced into the living room,"What is it,Kristen?"
Kristen pointed at the television and Josh turned the volume up,"We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.Once again for those of you just joining us...the Captain of the Seaquest,Jonathan Ford was killed yesterday when his car was bombed.In other news....."
Josh clicked off the TV still staring at the dark screen.
Ben turned to Kristen,his face pale,"Jonathan's dead,too?"
Kristen nodded and they both turned to look at Josh.

Ben saw Josh's shoulders start to shake and quickly drew him into a hug.
"Its okay,Josh.Go ahead and cry.Let it all out."
Ben stared at Kristen,wondering what he was going to do with Josh.In one day,Ben had lost the love of his life,but Josh had lost both parents within a two day span.Ben tightened his old on the young man and rocked him gently,"Just let it all out.Its okay to cry,Josh."

The doorbell rang and Kristen quickly went to answer it. 
Ben glanced up as she came back in,"Who is it?"
"Ben,its a Detective Harrison."
Ben nodded and turned back to his stepson,"Josh,I have to talk to the police.Will you be okay for a few minutes?"
Josh sniffled,"She's dead too,isn't she?That's why we haven't heard anything?She would've contacted us by now if she was okay."
Ben closed his eyes briefly,swallowing hard knowing Josh was right,"Don't count your Mom out yet,Josh.I'm sure the police are here just to confirm that she safe."

As soon as Ben saw Detective Harrison's face he knew this was going to be a bad day,"You've found her,haven't you?"
Ryan Harrison nodded,"We've found a woman fitting her description by the river.I'm sorry,Mr.Krieg but we need you to come downtown and identify the body."
Ben felt tears start to slide down his cheeks and he whirled to stare out the kitchen window,"Give me a few minutes."
Ryan nodded,"Of course."

As soon as the police left,Kristen drew Ben into a hug feeling tears slide down her own cheeks.Katie Hitchcock had been an old and dear friend.
It was a long time,before Ben could speak,"Kristen,would you mind looking after the kids while I go downtown?"
"I'll stay as long as you need me.Are you sure you don't want somebody with you for support?"
Ben shook his head and sadly picked up his coats and keys.

Josh Ford meanwhile had quickly gotten dressed.He stood in front of the door,blocking Ben's way,"I'm going with you."
Ben had to fight to keep his composure from breaking,"Josh,you don't want to see her like this.She wouldn't want you to."
Josh remained firm,"Ben,this is something I have to do." The teen's voice came down to a whisper,"Please."
Ben Krieg sighed,not having the energy to fight him,"Let's go."

As Katie pulled away from Jonathan she felt the hard edge of plastic jab into her rib.Her right hand fumbled for the inside pocket of her leather jacket.After a few minutes she triumphly produced a credit card.
"I was wondering where that went."
Jonathan took the Visa card from her,"Good job,Katie.They won't be able to trace this for at least a day or two."
Katie sniffled,fighting off a sneeze,'Well,then in case you haven't noticed its freezing out here.Let's go find a cheap hotel room that has room service."
Jonathan laughed and peered around the corner of the alley.

"Mr.Krieg,follow me please."The slightly balding man in his late forties led Ben and Josh through the cold hallway to the drab gray doors of the Morgue.
Ben felt icy fingers race up and down his spine as pushed in the swinging doors.
"She's over here."The doctor said motioning to the fourth table.

Ben stopped suddenly realizing Josh was no longer next to him.He turned to see Josh,standing stock still just inside the doors.
Ben quickly moved back to the teen,"Josh,you don't have to do this.You can wait outside."
Josh could only nod,his blue eyes fixed on the far table the doctor had pointed out.
Ben gently pushed the boy out into the hallway,"Wait here,Josh.I'll be right back."

As soon as the doors swung shut behind him Ben realized he couldn't walk.He couldn't cross the short space to where the doctor said Katie was.If he did that he was excepting she was dead.He would have to tell Hannah and Heidi that their mother was never coming home,again.
He couldn't do that,not after everything he and Katie had gone through to get a second chance.

"Mr.Krieg?"The Doctor prompted causing Ben's feet to move forward.
"You might want to brace yourself.The body's pretty banged up.Lost alot of the facial features."The doctor paused glancing sympathicly at Ben,"She was shot serval times."

Ben swallowed hard as the doctor lifted the cover,revealing Katie's face.
Or what was left of it.
"Oh,God."Ben said,the reality of the whole nightmare finally hitting him,sending him to his knees,"Katie."
The Doctor cleared his throat,"Is that a positive ID?"
Ben could only nod,the tears flowing freely now.He picked up her left hand and was stunned to see her wedding ring wasn't there.
"Where's her wedding band?"Ben demanded.
The doctor solemnly replaced the cover,"I'm sorry,there wasn't any jewelry on her when I got her.The robbers more than likely took it after they killed her."

Eleven year old Josh Ford jumped and spun around as soon as he heard the doors open.
Josh felt his face pale as he saw the tears still on Ben's cheeks,"It,it really was her?"
"I'm sorry,Josh."Was the only statement Ben Krieg could manage.
Josh buried his face in Ben's chest,"Who could do this?Why?Why my parents?"
Ben wished he had an answer for the tortured teen,"I wish I knew Josh,but I promise you I will find out."He put his right arm around Josh's shoulders,"Come on,let's go home."

Kristen had prepared a small dinner.It was the only thing she could think of to keep herself busy.But every time she turned around,she saw a part of Katie in that house. The girls had insisted on macaroni and cheese and Kristen didn't have the heart to argue with them.

She had just spooned serval helpings into Hannah's bowl when Ben and Josh returned.
"Oh,no."Kristen whispered as soon as she saw their faces,"She's really dead?"The gray pot came crashing to the table causing both girls to jump.
"Who is?"Heidi asked looking at the two adults.
"What happened to Mom,Daddy?"Hannah asked,catching on to the situation a little better than her sister.

Ben Krieg looked desperately at Kristen.He had no idea how to explain this to them.They were so young.And crime hadn't really existed in their short lives.
Kristen took his cue and sat down,"Girls,you know there are good and bad people in this world,right?"
Heidi nodded,"Right."
Hannah looked impaiently from Kristen to Ben and back again,"What happened to my mother?"
Josh stepped forward,"She was murdered,Hannah.Somebody tried to steal the car and she interrupted them."
Heidi was too young to understand,"So when is she coming home?"

That pure simple question broke Ben's heart.What was left of it anyway.He quickly crossed over to the kitchen table and scooped his youngest daughter up into his arms,"Honey,your Mom's never coming home."
Heidi shook her head,pigtails flying,"No.That's not true."
Ben tightened his hold on her,"I'm sorry,honey it is.I wish to God it wasn't,but it is."

Kristen gently took Heidi out of his arms and took Hannah by the hand,"Girls why don't you come with me into the living room and we'll have a long talk." While the girls went on ahead Kristen glanced back at him,"Ben,Detective Harrison called while you were gone."
Ben nodded,staring numbly at the piece of paper.

Jonathan Ford sighed tiredly as he sank down onto the single hotel bad.He felt so much older than his thirty two years.He heard Katie turn the water on in the bathroom and regretted bringing her into this.But he hadn't known what else to do.

Thirty minutes later he smiled softly as Katie stepped out of the shower,only a towel wrapped around her.She still looked as beautiful as she did on their wedding day.
"What?"Katie asked,looking down at herself than back at Jonathan,"What?Is there something on me?"
Jonathan shook his head,"No,I was just remembering a special day in June."
Katie looked awkward as she reached for her clothes on the solitary chair,"I think I'll get dressed."
Jonathan sighed,wondering why he had brought their wedding day up.He knew she was happy with Ben and didn't want to disrupt their marriage.He shoved his old feelings aside and clicked on the television.

"Mr.Krieg,I'd like you to come down to the station tomorrow."Ryan Harrison said from the small screen,"We think we found the man who killed your wife."
Even the thought of facing the man who had taken Katie away from him,made Ben Krieg's blood boil.
"I'll be there."Ben promised,his brown eyes cold.

Kristen came up behind him,"The girls are finally asleep.I'm not sure about Josh."
"I'll keep an eye on him.Poor kid,to lose both parents in less than two days."
Kristen sat down beside him on the couch,"How are you doing?"
Ben ran a tired hand over his face,"I'm just numb,Kristen.I'm not feeling anything at all."
Kristen angrily hit the arm of the couch,"This is just not fair.After everything the two of you went through to be together.She'll never see the girls grow up."
Ben swallowed hard,forcing his thoughts elsewhere,"How are you doing,Kristen?I know it hasn't been that long since Nathan was killed."
Kristen's face took on a pained expression and Ben was instantly sorry he brought it up.He quickly took her hand in his,"I'm sorry,Kristen.You don't have to talk about it if its too painful.Believe me I know how you feel."
Kristen patted his hand reassuringly,'Its alright,Ben.I honestly don't think I've delt with his death at all.I don't know if I ever will.We were so happy once."She looked at Ben,"All of us."
Ben nodded knowing what she was remembering,"That tour on the Seaquest seems like a lifetime ago."
Kristen smiled as she remembered,"It was another lifetime."

Ben checked on Josh before leaving for the police station the next morning.A sad smile crossed his face.Josh had finally fallen asleep with a holo picture of his parents on.
Ben quietly walked in and clicked off the machine,not being able to look at Katie's face.
He pulled the comforter up around Josh's shoulders and closed the door.Ben sighed,wondering how he was going to raise them on his own.

The desk sergeant pointed to the interrogating room saying Detective Harrison would be with him shortly. Ben glanced in the window to see a thin man about thirty. Close cut black hair and even colder black eyes.
As the man's cold eyes drifted from Harrison's to Ben's.Krieg knew who he was.Icy fingers slid up and down his spine as he realized he was looking at Katie's murderer.

Katie toweled dry her brown hair as she came back out of the bathroom.She glanced at the small television and saw Jonathan had the news on.
"Anything?"
Jonathan shook his head,"No.The local news should be on in a minute."
As if on cue Katie saw her own picture flash on the screen Jonathan turned up the volume and the female newscaster's voice slowly came in.
"Our top story seems to be the recent string of murders or suspicious deaths surrounding former members of the Seaquest crew.The most recent occurred three days ago.Captain Katie Hitchcock Krieg was reported missing by her husband after her car was found abandoned in the Krieg's restaurant parking lot.Her brutally murdered body was found two days later along the river.A suspect is in custody.Captain Hitchcock had three children between the ages of five and eleven."

Jonathan hit the mute button glancing at Katie,"Are you okay?"
Katie's face was white as a sheet as she sank into the chair,"I have to call Ben."
Jonathan crouched down next to her so he was eye level,"I'm sorry,Katie.You can't.I know what you're feeling but you can't call him."
Katie's blue eyes were wild,"Jonathan,I have to let them know I'm alive."
Jonathan pulled her into his arms and gently rocked her,"I'm sorry,Katie.I'm so sorry I got you into this mess."

Detective Ryan Harrison ushered Ben Krieg into his office.He hated this part of his job.Just when they thought crime was finally on its way down you had this happen.Why did it had to happened to a mother of three?A well liked professor at the Naval Academy.

Ben Krieg stood stiffly in Ryan Harrison's office.Still not quite believing all this was happening. He couldn't believe that Katie was dead.And worse that she had been murdered.
"Are you sure he's the one?"
Ryan nodded,"Its an open and shut case.He confessed."
Ben leaned his hand against the off white wall of the police station,"Did he say why he did it?"
Ryan nodded,"I'm afraid your wife was just an easy target,Mr.Krieg."
Ben sank down into the single wooden chair,"I still can't believe this happened.In front of my restaurant during dinner rush.There must have been forty people inside and no one came out to help?"
"It all happened very fast."
Ben rubbed a tired hand over his face,"What do you need from me?"
Ryan cleared his throat awkwardly,"We just need you to sign a few papers."
Ben nodded,staring blankly at the papers.

Katie Krieg awoke several hours later to the smell of food.At first she thought she'd fallen asleep in Ben's office,like she had done so many times before.Then her eyes opened and she realized she was still in the hotel room.
"I thought you might be hungry."Jonathan said softly motioning to the room service cart.
Katie struggled into a sitting position,her eyes red,"Thanks."
Katie took a plate of food from the cart and returned to the bed,"How are we going to get out of this mess?"
Jonathan sighed as he sat down next to her,"I've been trying to figure that out.All these week's that I've been running."
Katie took a bite of the submarine sandwich.Obviously Jonathan's attempt at humor,"Do you even know who's after you?"
Ford shook his head,"No,Nathan never had a chance to tell me."
Katie dusted bread crumbs off her hands,'That's the place to start."
"What is?"
"Nathan's plane crash.I never believed for one minute that was an accident.No modern day jet,especially UEO runs out of fuel over the ocean."
Jonathan smiled,"So what's the plan?"
"Well,we're going to need help.Do you know where Lucas is?"
Jonathan Ford only raised an eyebrow.

Kristen and the girls returned from the movies to find Ben attempting to cook dinner.Kristen ushered the girls into the living room.
"Where the hell is the frying pan?"Ben barked at no one in particular.
"Ben."Kristen said than winced as he whacked his head against the cabinet,"I'm sorry.Here let me look at it."
Ben waved her off,'I'm fine."
Kristen took his head away from his head,"No,you're not.As for the frying pan maybe Katie put it into a different place."
Ben shook his head,wincing,"No,Katie knew to stay out of the kitchen."Ben's voice broke and he felt the tears started to come.
Kristen felt her own eyes starting to tear up and drew him into a hug,"Come here.Let it all out,Ben."She rubbed his back slightly,"Let it all out."
"I don't know if I can live without her,Kristen."Ben whispered.
"Yes you can.It'll be tough,but you have to.For the children's sake.They need you."
Josh was suddenly there a concerned look on his face,"Don't worry about dinner,Ben.I ordered a pizza it should be here soon."
Ben smiled not quite trusting his voice.

MARINE RESEARCH FACILITY
SAN DIEGO,CALIFORNIA

Twenty seven year old Lucas Wolenczak stared in shock at his vidphone screen,"Commander?"He said using an old habit,"The papers said you were dead."
"Its a long story,Lucas.We need your help.Anyway you can meet us somewhere?"
Lucas's blue eyes were wide with shock,"Us?"
Katie stepped in front of the small screen,"Hello Lucas,its been a long time."
"Katie,Jonathan?What's going on?"
"I don't want to talk about this over the phone.Somebody could be listening.Anyway you can meet us?"
Lucas nodded,"Where are you?"
Jonathan glanced around the busy shopping mall,"Dover."
Lucas shook his head glancing at his appointment book,"Sorry,Jonathan I have a meeting in Phoenix tomorrow.I don't suppose there's anyway you could meet me there?"
Ford nodded,"We'll find a way to get there."

Ben Krieg had to swallow serval times to keep his voice from breaking.He leaned heavily on the podium as he looked out at the crowd gathered for Katie's funeral. Serval students had showed up,along with fellow professors. He smiled slightly at the mixture of dress uniforms and dark colored clothing.Kristen sat in the first row with the children,he was so thankful she was here.Ben didn't think he could've made it through the last week with out her support.
The Reverend solemnly nodded encouraging Ben to begin his speech.

Ben nodded and heard the rain steadily hit the roof of the tent,"I,uh would like to thank you all for coming."
He stopped as the microphone screeched in protest.
Ben pulled back from it and continued,"Katie Hitchcock was the love of my life."His voice broke but he continued,"To have her taken away so senselessly......."He looked at his daughters and Josh,"Not to see her children grow...."
Tears steadily began to flow down Ben's cheeks forcing him to stop.He looked awkwardly out at the crowed,"I'm sorry.I can't.....can't do this."
Before he lost his composure completely Ben quickly exited the tent.

Kristen quickly followed him out.Enveloping Ben in a supportive hug.
Ben couldn't speak as he finally let the grief and sadness overtake him. Faintly he heard his stepson take the podium.

Joshua Ford cleared his throat.He hated public speaking but with the state Ben was in he was the only one to do it.
He cleared his throat,"For those of you who don't know I'm Josh Ford.Katie Hitchcock was my mother."
Josh swallowed hard as a murmur spread through the crowed,"What Ben was trying to say was my mother was the most open,loving person you could ever meet.She would not want us to remember her as a victim.She would want us to remember the good times and hold on to them."
The Reverend saw Josh pause and quickly took the microphone from the young man,"Thank-you Josh."He turned back to the crowd,"I'm told the reception will be at the Krieg house. Thank you all,once again for coming."

Ben reentered the tent and quickly enveloped his stepson in a hug,"Thank you Josh.I know how hard that was for you to do."
Josh blinked back tears,"Mom would've wanted me too."

PHOENIX,
ARIZONA

Katie unconsciencely grasped Jonathan's hand as they moved through the airport.They had dodged three men in dark brown suits.
Katie had finally had enough.She was tired,hungry and missed her children terribly.She spotted one of the men and broke free from Jonathan moving toward them.
Ford caught her,"Katie,what are you doing?"He hissed.
"I'm tired of being the victim.I'm simply going to ask them who they are and what they want."
Jonathan grasped her shoulders firmly and steered her toward the exit,"No,you're not.
Katie shrugged out of his grasp,"Alright.I'm sorry.I just hate this."
"I know,Let's go meet Lucas and see if we can end this nightmare."

Ben had long since retreated to the back deck and its view of the ocean.He heard Kristen say good-bye to the last guest.He still couldn't believe he had just buried his wife. After all they had gone through to get a second chance. Only to loose her all over again.
Was this his punishment for divorcing her the first time?For hurting her so deeply?

Ben sighed he was concerned about Josh.Too lose both parents in such a short span of time.Each in a violent way. He heard the sliding door open and close,"Thank-you for handling that."
Kristen joined him at the railing,"I still expect her to walk through that door."
Ben swallowed the lump of tears that had risen in his throat,"I don't know how I can do this.I miss her so much already."
They were both silent for a long moment.Each wrapped in their own memories.Kristen gently placed a hand on his shoulder,"Are you hungry?There's plenty of food."
Ben managed a weak smile,"Maybe later."

PHOENIX,
ARIZONA

Katie wished there was a breeze as the sweltering 110 degrees surrounded the cab.She rolled the window all the way down,but still all she got was one hundred percent humidity.
"Now,I remember why I've only been to Arizona once."Katie said with a smile as she fanned herself with the plane ticket stub.
Jonathan didn't answer,his black eyes fixed on the cab's rearview mirror.
"I think we picked up a tail."Jonathan said softly wincing as he sounded like an old television cop show.
Katie glanced at the mirror on her side,"Where?"
"Tan pickup three cars back.Been following us since we left the airport."
"You'd think if they'd taken over the UEO they'd have better cars."Katie replied with a grin,"So,what's the plan."
Jonathan glanced out the window they had just entered Phoenix's downtown district,"We make a little detour."He leaned forward and told the driver to let them off.

"Where are we supposed to meet Lucas?"Katie asked over the roar of the noontime traffic.
Jonathan tightened his hold on her hand as they maneuvered through the crowd,"The Hard Rock Cafe."He replied with a grin.
"That fits."Katie said as they waited at a stoplight,"Have you kept in touch with him?"
Jonathan shook his head,"Not as much as I'd like.I haven't talked to him since Nathan's funeral.It hit him pretty hard. You remember how close those two were."
Katie nodded,"Its weird to see him talk about meetings.I still can't believe he's almost thirty."
Jonathan's face held a wide smile as the walk sign turned,"How old does that make us?"
Katie punched him lightly on the arm,"Don't even bring that up."

They were halfway across the busy intersection when Jonathan was distracted by a loud horn.
He glanced in that direction and saw a familiar looking tan pickup barreling toward Katie.
"KATIE!LOOK OUT!"
Katie didn't move she seemed frozen.Like a deer caught in a pair of headlights.
At what seemed like the last possible second Jonathan reached her yanking her out of harms way.They crash-landed onto the sidewalk.

"You guys okay?"Lucas Wolenczak asked coming out of the crowd of concerned pedestrians.
"I think so."Katie said as Jonathan helped her up.
Jonathan looked at the gathering crowd,"Let's get some place less public."

Katie Krieg grinned as she sat across the table from Lucas.Over the loud music of the Hard Rock Cafe she looked at her old friend.
Lucas saw her smile,"What?"
Every time he smiled Katie saw the teenager she had served with so long ago,"You.I can't believe you're sitting here in a business suit talking about meetings."
Lucas grinned as he loosened his tie,"I know.But it comes with the territory of running a Marine research."He sighed,"Sometimes I wish we all could've stayed on the Seaquest forever."
Jonathan smiled,"Unfortunately we can't freeze time,Lucas. No matter how much we may want too."
Lucas's blue eyes held a far away look,"At least Nathan would still be alive."
Katie took his left hand gently,"How are you doing,really?"
Lucas sighed,"Trying.Kristen keeps in touch."
Jonathan cleared his throat,"That's what we wanted to talk to you about,Lucas."
Lucas snapped out of his memories,"What's going on?The news says you guys are dead."Hope flickered through his eyes,"Does this mean Nathan's alive too?"
Jonathan's face sombered,"I'm sorry,Lucas."

Katie leaned closer to him so he could hear her over the loud music,'We think Nathan's death wasn't an accident."
Lucas's blue eyes turned to ice,"What?!"He lowered his voice,"Is Stark still swimming around somewhere?"
Jonthan shook his head,"No,as far as we know she's still in Atlantic 4."
"Then who else would want to hurt Nathan?"
"We think its because Nathan came across some information that some people didn't want anyone to know."
Lucas's blue eyes flared,"What kind of information?"
Jonathan picked up the story,"Before he died Nathan called me.He told me that an influential group was trying to take over the UEO."
Lucas shook his head,"It can't be done.There's two many countries to persuade."
"Well somebody found a way."Katie said taking up the story,"Because its not the UEO we knew."
Lucas let all the information sink in,"Who are they?"
Jonathan shook his head,"We don't know.That's why we need your help.We figured if anybody could crack UEO's security codes it was you."
Lucas looked wary,"I haven't done that kind of thing for a long time,Jonathan.I'm rusty."
They paused as the waitress arrived with there food.
"Please Lucas."Katie said as Jonathan swiped one of her french fries,"For Nathan.We need to know who they are so we can take them down and get our lives back."
Lucas stood.
"Where are you going?"Jonathan demanded.
Lucas grinned,"To find a phone.Somebody has to buy three tickets back to San Diego."
Katie smiled,sinking back into her chair.

Ben paused in the doorway of their bedroom. A chill crept over him as he glanced at their bed.He had been spending the last few nights on the couch letting Kristen have the guest room.He couldn't bear the thought of sleeping in that bed alone.

Ben turned hearing tiny footsteps behind. Heidi stood in the hallway,her dark brown hair in braids.Favorite Teddy Bear dangling from one hand,yellow blanket in the other.
Ben quickly crossed over to her and scooped her up,hugging her tight,"I'm so glad I have you."He whispered.
"Daddy,"Heidi asked pulling back from him,"Can I sleep with you?Just for tonight?"
As a reply Ben just hugged his daughter tighter,"Of course you can,honey."

The flight to San Diego was surprisingly uneventful. Just to be on the safe side,Katie,Jonathan and Lucas sat in different parts of the plane. They all met up in the small coffee shop of San Diego's airport.
"Seen any brown suits?"Jonathan Ford asked as he slid into the seat across from Katie.
Katie shook her head,her blue eyes scanning the crowd,"No.I think we lost them at least for a little while."
Lucas approached the table,trying not to appear that he was looking over his shoulder,"Come on,I got a rental car."

Ben Krieg was jerked awake by Hannah's scream. He raced out into the hallway to find flames leaping from Hannah's room.
Kristen met him,"Ben,where's your fire extinguisher?"
Ben was sizing up the flames looking for a weakness,"Kitchen pantry."
"Daddy!!"Hannah screamed,she was backed into a corner of her bed.
"Stay calm,Hannah."Ben called,fighting to keep fear out of his voice,"Can you get to the window?"
Hannah blinked away tears as she turned to look at her window.Glass was everywhere.
"No,Daddy.There's glass all around."
"Don't panic,Hannah.Daddy will get you out."Ben promised sending off a silent prayer.

Kristen returned with the small fire extinguisher. Ben snatched it from her rushing at the flames.
"Call the fire department.Hurry,Kristen."
Kristen vanished back down the stairs.

White foam hissed from the small nozzle. Just when Ben was about to give up,try something else the flames began to die.Slowly but surely the white foam cut Ben's path into Hannah's room. 
Halfway through the extinguisher ran out.Ben ignored the glass and scooped up his terrified daughter and ran back into the hallway. He grabbed Heidi and met Kristen in the kitchen.

The smoke alarms had finally kicked in,as he reached the front door.
"Where's Josh?"Ben demanded looking at Kristen fear in his brown eyes.
Kristen shook her head,"I haven't seen him,he's probably outside already.
Sirens pierced the night as the Krieg family raced out onto the lawn.

Ben franticly scanned the front of the house,"JOSH?!"
There was no sign of the teen.
Ben placed the girls gently on the ground by Kristen,"Stay with them."
Kristen grabbed his arm as Ben started back for the burning house,"Ben,no!"
"I can't let him die in there,Kristen.I owe Katie that much."Ben took one last look at his daughters and ran around the back of the house,hoping he could enter through the patio doors.

Detective Ryan Harrison had just been getting off work when he heard the call come in.
/Fire at the Krieg house./
Without a second thought he had raced over there. 
Ryan jumped out of the police car seeing red fire engines already on the scene.
He placed a gentle hand on Kristen Westphlaen's shoulder,"Where's Ben?"
Kristen's sable eyes held pure terror,"He went back in the house.Josh was still inside."

The fire hadn't reached the kitchen yet,so Ben was able to force the patio doors open. Josh's room was off the kitchen.
"JOSH?!"Ben called,fear in his voice.
Still no answer.
Ben turned the corner of the hallway and found Josh trapped under the door of his room. The fire wasn't far away.
"JOSH?"Ben called out again.
The boy didn't move.
Ben prayed he was only unconscience as he threw the door off of him. He scooped Josh up in his arms and studied the situation.The fire had cut off his escape route through the kitchen.

His fingers fumbled with the lock on Josh's window. He could now feel the scorching heat from the fire. After what seemed like hours he finally managed to slide the window open.He gently set Josh on the grass and lowered himself out.

Poor Hannah was still tramatized as the paramedics worked on Heidi. Hannah snuggled up against Kristen,her fearful blue eyes watching the house burn.
"Where are they?Why haven't they come out yet?"
Kristen wished she had an answer for her. Not after everything this poor family had gone through in the last two weeks,to have this happen.She honestly didn't think Ben could take it if Josh was lost in the fire. It would be like losing Katie all over again.

Kristen let out a sigh of relief as she spotted Ben stumbling around the corner of the house.
"There they are!"Kristen shouted over the sirens catching Detective Harrison's attention.
The young red haired detective raced over to Ben Krieg,taking Josh Ford's still form from him.

Ben smiled gratefully as he turned to watch his home burn.Silent angry tears welded up in his dark brown eyes. /Why?After losing Katie,did he have to lose their home too?/ He jumped feeling a hand on his shoulder.Ben turned to see a young female paramedic,"Sir,will you come with me and we'll get you checked out."
Ben nodded numbly and followed her to the waiting ambulance.

Detective Ryan Harrison carefully stepped over ashes and broken glass in what was left of the Krieg home.Dawn had just started to lighten the sky.
Ryan stuffed his hands in his pockets.This whole thing just didn't make any sense.First it was a carjacking,then it turned into a murder case now arson was being added to the list. He sighed as he glanced around the house.So far it looked like most of it could be salvaged.Most of the damage was done to the girl's room and the upstairs hallway. The rest just had water damage.

"Detective!"A fireman called out from the top of the stairs,"I think we found what caused the fire."
Ryan carefully worked his way up the staircase,"What do we have?"
The fireman led him into the demolished bedroom,"Looks like a Motif Cocktail of some kind."He pointed out a timer on the end of the bottle,"With a high-tech twist."
Ryan sighed,"This case gets weider all the time."

SAN DIEGO,
CALIFORNIA

Lucas Wolenczak had a small condo on the beach.Near Covington Marina.Lucas pulled the rental car into his driveway and quickly shut off the engine,glancing in all directions to make sure the coast was clear.
"Looks like we're all clear."Lucas said in a low whisper to his passengers in the back seat.
Katie and Jonathan slowly peeked their heads over the seat,"That's what we thought in Arizona,too."Katie whispered as she looked behind her.
Jonathan glanced around the dark street,"I think we're okay.At least for a little while."He took Katie's hand and led her out of the car.

Lucas let them in the front door while he checked out the rest of the condo.
"All clear."Lucas said motioning his friends into the main room of the condo.
"Nice place."Katie said glancing around,"And surprisingly clean."She said with a smile remembering Lucas's room on the Seaquest.
Lucas grinned,"Maid service comes in once a week."He moved into the small kitchen,"You guys hungry?I'm sure I have a frozen pizza around here somewhere."
Jonathan shook his head as Lucas clicked on the television on the counter,"No,thanks Lucas.I'd rather get this over with so we don't put you in any more danger than we already have."
Lucas grinned,"Jonathan,this is me you're talking too remember?I may have a business suit and tie on but I'm still the same Lucas you served with.I can handle myself."
Jonathan smiled,then he froze noticing Katie's expression,"Katie,what is it?"
Katie swallowed hard,"Lucas,turn up the TV."
Lucas looked at her strangely but hit the volume.

"The so called Seaquest murders continue to be the top story this week.Adding a new twist to the Katie Krieg case her home in Annapolis was engulfed with fire early yesterday.No casualties were reported,but there have been reports that one of the children was injured.The oldest son,Josh Ford apparently was trapped in his room when fire broke out.We're getting conflicting information at this time on the extent of his injuries.We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.In a related story...."
Lucas quickly hit the mute button as he watched the emotions play across their faces,"I'm sure he's fine."

Before Jonathan had regained his composure Katie had snatched the car keys from the table and was out the door."Katie!"Jonathan called after her.
By the time he got to the driveway she was already in the car and had the engine started.He leaned in the driver's window and yanked the keys out of the ignition.

Katie her blue eyes furious slammed out of the car,"Jonathan!I can't do this anymore!I can't be stoic like you!Our son almost died because of this damn mess!I have to go back!I can't just stand by and let them suffer!"As she was yelling she was slamming her fists against his chest. Jonathan just stood there and let her go through all her emotions,"Katie!Katie!"He said as he grasped her fists,forcing her to look at him.
"Don't you think I'm worried about him too?!Do you have any idea how much I hate this?!Katie,I never asked for this!Don't you know that I would never put Josh's life in any danger?!"Katie stopped struggling,"I love the two of you too much,to do that.That's why I stayed away for as long as I could."
Ford gently caressed her cheek,"To protect my family.But I ran out of options.That's why I came to you.I wish to God I hadn't,but I did.I can't turn back the clock,Katie."
Katie crumpled against him,"I'm sorry,Jonathan.I didn't mean to take it out on you."She looked up at him,tears in her blue eyes,"Hold me,please just hold me."

Jonathan folded Katie into his arms.Resting his head on top of hers,rocking her gently.
"He'll be okay,Katie.I promise."
Lucas cleared his throat.

Jonathan glanced in his direction,raising an eyebrow.
Lucas looked awkward,"I just called the hospital.They said they couldn't give any information out unless I was a family member so I hacked into their records."
Katie and Jonathan stared at him in shock.
Lucas grinned,"Do you want to know how he is,or not?"
"Is he alright?"Katie asked fearfully.
Lucas nodded,"Yea,he'll be fine.Just has a bump on the head and a concussion.According to the police reports Ben went back into the house to pull him out."
Jonathan stared at Lucas,eyes wide,"Ben Krieg?"
Lucas grinned and nodded.
Ford looked down at Katie,"Looks like one more thing I owe Ben Krieg."

Ben Krieg paced the starch white hallway of the hospital.He hated waiting.He jumped as Kristen came near him.
"He's going to be fine."Kristen said,her face still smudged with ash.
Ben let out a long sigh of relief as he sank onto a nearby bench,"Thank God."He turned to look at Kristen,"How are the girls?"
Kristen leaned back against the wall tiredly,"Hannah has a severe case of smoke inhalation.Heidi's fine.Their going to keep them overnight for observation."

Kristen's face turned serious,"Ben,I've been thinking about this.What if Katie's death wasn't just some random carjacking?What if the fire's connected?"Ben stared at her,brown eyes wide,"What if she stumbled into something?I've been thinking of that too.Especially with Jonathan's death.Its all just too coincidental.Did Nathan say anything to you,before he died?Was he worried about something?"Ben's eyes darkened as a thought occurred to him,"Has Stark escaped again?"
Kristen shook her head,"Stark I know is still in Atlantic4.When Nathan and I were dating I made sure she was still there every month.But now that you mention it,Ben.The last time I saw Nathan he did seem preoccupied with something.When I asked him what was wrong he shrugged it off said it was nonthing important."
Ben looked thoughtful as he put his left arm around her shoulders,"I still have a few friends in the UEO.I'll see what I can find out."

The next day Hannah Krieg's little face looked up at her father,her blue eyes fearful,"Daddy?"
Ben quickly took a seat next to her hospital bed,"I'm right here,honey."
Hannah coughed,then cleared her throat,"Daddy,why would someone want to hurt our house?"
Ben swallowed hard,"I don't know,honey.But I promise you I'm going to find out."
Hannah nodded,and Ben knew she was trying to be brave.
Then her lip started to tremble,and the tears began to flow.
Ben quickly pulled her onto his lap,rocking her gently.
Hannah sniffled,"I miss Mommy."
Ben had to blink back tears,"So do I Hannah,so do I."

SAN DIEGO,
CALIFORNIA

Lucas Wolenczak tentatively knocked on the condo's bathroom door,"Katie?"
Katie splashed cold water on her face,"I'm okay,Lucas."
"Do you want me to call Ben?"Lucas folded his arms across his chest,"I can be the messenger."
Katie's blue eyes lit up for a moment,"Thanks,Lucas.But its too risky.For you and them.You saw what happened to our home.Josh nearly died."
Lucas smiled slightly,"Everything will work out,Katie."
Katie smiled at her old friend,"I hope you're right,Lucas."

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

Former Secretary of the UEO Andrea Dres smiled evilly as she stared out at the picturous beach.The old saying was true,revenge was very very sweet. It had taken her ten very long years to get it,but she had.
So far only three families were destroyed.
Andrea's smile widened as she pushed back a stray blond hair.She turned to see her second in command enter the small office.
"Did you find out where they are?"
General Orlando Algeria smiled coldly,"No,but I've done one better."
Andrea glared at him,"Well?"
"Ben Krieg is falling right into our trap."

ANNAPOLIS,
MARYLAND

Ben Krieg pounced on the hotel room vidphone on the second ring.
"Harry,tell me you have something."
Harry Kenton snake like face brightened,"I did,but it will cost you,Krieg."
Ben sighed,"Come on Harry.My famliy's being destroyed piece by piece I'm in no mood to negotiate."
"Who said anything about negotiating.This is a fixed rate,Krieg.I went into a lot of dangerous areas to get this little bit of information."
"Alright.Are you going to tell me what it is,or sit there grinning."
"Take it easy,Krieg.There is no group that took over the UEO."
Ben stared at him,"There has to be."
Kenton nodded,"Nope,just one person."
"Who?"Ben demanded.
Kenton smiled,"That will cost you extra."
Ben glared at the screen,"Spill it,Harry."
"Andrea Dres."Harry smiled as he saw Ben's credits showing up on his account,"Its been a pleasure doing business with you,Krieg."
Ben stared numbly at the small screen.Andrea Dres?They were in a lot more trouble than he originally thought.

SAN MARCOS,
CALIFORNIA
THIRTY MILES FROM
SAN DIEGO

"You should be safe here for a few days."Lucas Wolenczak said as the jeep pulled up in front of a beach side house,"The Marina owns it.Nobody will look for you here."
Jonathan shook the young man's hand firmly,"Thank you,Lucas."
Lucas grinned,"I'll try to keep them off your tail for a little while."
Katie leaned in the Jeep's window,"Don't do anything risky,Lucas.It won't bring Nathan back."
Lucas winced and looked away,then after a moment he looked back at his old friends,"Hey,this is just like the old days.Did I do anything then?"
Katie laughed as Lucas sped away,she glanced at Jonathan,"I don't think we should answer that."
Ford laughed placing an arm around her waist leading her into the two story house,"Come on,let's see if we can find a way out of this mess."

ANNAPOLIS,
MARYLAND

"Andrea Dres?"Kristen Westphalen repeated,her brown eyes wide with shock,"You're kidding.I assumed she disappeared under a rock years ago."
Ben Krieg settled back into the hotel's sofa,"So did I.Now this whole thing is starting to make sense."
Kristen rested her head on her hands,"A horrible sense."She turned to face Ben,"Ben,now that I think about it wasn't Noyce's death a little unusual?"
Ben frowned as he tried to remember,"Didn't he drown in a boating accident?"
Kristen nodded,"Now don't you think a UEO General drowning is a little suspicious?"
Ben nodded and walked over to the vidphone,"Give me the number for NorthWest airlines."He told the computer.
Kristen stared at him,"Ben,what are you doing?"
Ben didn't look at her,"I'm going after the person who took Katie away from me and make her pay."

As soon as Ben had sent the girls and Josh,under protest to live with Kristen he sat down at the vidphone.
"Hey,Chief."Ben began smiling at his old friend,"Feel like taking a trip?"
Manillow Crocker only response was a raised eyebrow.

DUBLIN,
IRELAND

With one last protest from Kristen Ben met Manillow Crocker in a small pub a few blocks from the busy shipping port.
"Hey,Chief."Ben said warmly as he sat down,"Its been a long time."
Manillow Crocker was never one to mince words,"What's with all the cloak and dagger spy stuff,Ben?I know you've been going through hell lately,but I swear if this is another of your get rich quick schemes......"
Ben interrupted him,"Its not."
Manillow Crocker studied his former crewmate. He saw the sadness and anger in Ben's eyes and knew this wasn't the same cocky Ben Krieg he had served with ten years ago.
"What's going on,Ben?"Crocker began glancing around the almost empty bar,"I was really sorry to hear about Katie."
At the mention of his wife,a shadow flickered across Ben's eyes,"Thanks,Chief."He cleared his throat,"That's the reason I'm here.I need your help to bring down her killer."
Manillow Crocker raised an eyebrow,"I thought it was just a random carjacking?"
Ben shook his head,"That's what we thought at first too,but with Jonathan's death its just too coincidental for my taste."He paused taking a sip of water,"Kristen and I hatched this theory that somebody succeeded taking over the UEO."
Crocker's brown eyes widened,"Took of the UEO?That's impossible,Ben."
Ben nodded,"That's what I've always thought too,but it happened,Chief."He glanced around the bar once again,"We think that Nathan knew about it and that his plane crash wasn't an accident."
Crocker's eyes flared at the mention of his old friend,"I always knew that their explanation was too 'pat'.Besides Nathan hates to fly,he'd always take a boat."
Ben nodded,"We think that before he died he told Ford and that's why he was killed."
Understanding flashed in Crocker's eyes,"And you think Jonathan somehow got word to Katie and they found out about it?"

Ben nodded,swallowing hard,"Here's the real shocker,Chief. You might want to hold onto your seat."
Manillow Crocker stared calmly at Krieg waiting for him to continue.
"I found out who took over the UEO."Ben paused moving his chair closer to the Chief's,"Its not a group,Chief.Its one person."
"One person?"Crocker repeated,"Stark?"
Ben shook his head,"No,worse.Andrea Dre."
Manillow Crocker's brown eyes widened to the size of half dollars,"Dre?!She's still alive?"
"Unfortunately,yes."Ben took another sip of water,"So what do you think,Chief?Are you willing to help?"
Crocker nodded,"I owe Nathan that much."He glanced at Ben,"So what's the plan?"
As a response Ben Krieg handed him a small computer disk.

SAN MARCOS,
CALIFORNIA

Katie Krieg wrapped her arms tighter around herself to ward off the morning chill.She hadn't been able to sleep, so she decided to walk along the beach.

/How could she sleep?Knowing the agony Ben was going through right now.And poor Josh,she couldn't even begin to imagine the grief he was feeling.To lose both parents./
As she headed back to the house she spotted a gray sedan slowly moving up the street.Her instincts took over as she raced into the house.

Jonathan was pouring himself a cup of coffee,not quite awake yet.
"You're up early."Jonathan said with a smile.
"We have to get out."Katie said breathlessly as she hunted for her clothes.
Jonathan frowned,"Why?"
"Our friends are back."
Ford glanced out the patio doors,"Where?"
Katie motioned toward the front door,"Street. Gray sedan. Should be making its third pass."
Ford sighed replacing the coffee mug on the counter,"Okay, let's go."

Katie and Jonathan quickly got what few belongings they had and scribbled a cryptic not to Lucas.Then they were gone before the car made its fourth pass.

SAN DIEGO,
CALIFORNIA
COVINGTON MARINE
RESEARCH FACILITY

Lucas Wolenczak sighed in frustration as he stared at his computer screen.One message kept flashing insistently:
ACCESS DENIED MUST HAVE PRIORITY CLEARANCE

"Come on Lucas.You used to be able to do this in your sleep."
But that had been ten very long years ago.When he had Nathan Bridger's love and encouragement.
With renewed determination Lucas stretched his fingers and started again.

Finally,with the noon sun almost overhead he got through UEO security.
"YES!!"Lucas shouted,the sparkle back in his blue eyes.
The sparkle quickly vanished as he saw who was responsible for Nathan Bridger's death.
"Andrea Dre?"Lucas repeated in shock.
Shaking himself,Lucas quickly reached for the phone. He had to warn them.Jonathan and Katie had no idea what they were getting into.

Lucas's frown deepened as the phone continued to ring without a response.
"Where could they be?"Lucas said out loud as he picked up his car keys and quickly left his office.

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

Nathan Bridger tiredly stretched his back against the cold cement wall of the basement prison.He wondered how long he had been here.It was hard to tell since the basement room had no window.No window to allow precious sunlight to filter through.
Nathan's arms ached from being restrained behind him for so long.Dre hadn't the curtesy to untie him. Even though it was clear he wasn't going anywhere.

He had realized a long time ago, that a rescue party wasn't coming.That whoever Dre had 'running' the UEO must have declared him dead.He could only pray that no one else had been hurt in Dre's madness.That she hadn't found out he had managed to leak some information to Ford.

Nathan sighed as he tried to get comfortable on the flimsy mattress.He knew Jonathan was his only hope in getting out of this hell hole.
The only hope of getting the UEO back to what it was.Before Noyce had been killed.Before all this madness had started.

DUBLIN,
IRELAND

Madness,that's what Kristen had called his plan of revenge.
Ben Krieg laughed softly as he leaned against the wooden pier, waiting for Crocker to return.He knew the plan was crazy,a long shot at best.But he had to do something to bring Katie's killer to justice.He couldn't bear the thought of returning to his life,raising his children alone without at least trying.
He owed Katie Hitchcock that much.

"Found a friend of mine,"Manillow Crocker said softly coming up behind him,"He's agreed to loan us his boat."
"Good."Ben replied his voice quiet.
Crocker let his brown eyes travel over the cold Atlantic,"How's Josh doing?"
Ben sighed,his fingers fiddling with his gold wedding band,"He's trying to cope.I left them with Kristen while we handle this."
Manillow Crocker stared at him,"Ben,have you really thought this thing through?Maybe you should go home,take care of them.I'll let you know as soon as I come up with something."

Ben Krieg whirled on him,his brown eyes flashing,"Don't even think of cutting me out of this,Crocker.When they killed Katie the best part of me died with her.I promised Josh I would find out who killed his parents and make them pay.I need to do this,Chief."His voice turned to a whisper,"I need to do this so I can move on with my life."
Crocker studied him for a long moment,then motioned toward a nearby marina,"The ship should be over here."

LOS ANGELES,
CALIFORNIA

"Did you have to pick L.A.?"Katie asked over the roar of the passing traffic.
Jonathan Ford glanced across the bus seat,"I didn't hear you giving any better ideas?"
Katie's blue eyes glared at him,"If I knew we were headed to L.A. I would have!"
Jonathan grinned as he motioned out the window,"What's wrong with L.A.?"
Katie stifled a laugh,"What's wrong with L.A.?"

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

Nathan's blue eyes blinked as bright sunlight flickered into the room.Dre was silhouetted against the doorframe.
"Not even a Hello,Nathan?"
Bridger remained silent.
"So,not talking are we?"Andrea smiled coldly,"Fine,suit yourself.No skin off my back."
She pulled a pile of newspapers out from under her arm,"I thought you'd like some news from the home front."
The newspapers echoed loudly against the cement floor.
"Enjoy."
The sunlight flickered back out.

When his eyes finally adjusted to the dark once again,Nathan scanned the first headline, his blood froze.
CAPTAIN OF THE SEAQUEST MURDERED!!
"Oh,no."Nathan whispered as he began to read the article detailing Jonathan Ford's death.

A few minutes later Nathan leaned back against the wall, a million thoughts racing through his mind.
"I'm sorry,Jonathan."Nathan whispered into the darkness,"I never should have gotten you into this."

"Andrea,"General Orlando Algeria began as he scurried into the room,"I think we found them."
Andrea Dre glared at him momentarily for the use of her first name,"Where?"
"Los Angeles."
Andrea drummed her fingers on the oak desk,"Interesting. Why would they go so far west?"
"To protect their families?"Orlando suggested.
Dre shook her head,"No,they've obviously seen the news reports by now.They know that they aren't safe."Her cold eyes suddenly lit up as a memory returned,"General, give me all the current information on a one,Lucas Wolenczak."
Algeria nodded and exited the room.

NEW YORK,
NEW YORK

Kristen Westphalen was awakened by the sound of little feet.Supporting herself by one arm she flicked on the light.
Hannah Krieg stood in the center of the bedroom, her brown eyes wide with fear.
"Hannah?"Kristen asked with concern,"What is it?"
Hannah's voice was tiny,"Its Josh.He's gone."
At that Kristen was out of bed and throwing on a pink robe,"Gone?What do you mean gone?"
Hannah led her out into the hallway,"His bed is empty and I can't find him anywhere."
Kristen tried to keep the fear out of her voice,"I'm sure he's here somewhere,Hannah."
They quickly began to search the penthouse.

DUBLIN,
IRELAND

Ben Krieg was just getting his sealegs back. Getting used to being back at sea.Getting used to the old whaling ship.
Ben rounded the corner of the ships cabin and stopped dead.A familiar figure was coming toward him and it wasn't Crocker.
"Josh?!"Ben began not knowing whether to be outraged or scared,"What the hell are you doing here?!"
Josh Ford only smiled,taking a pose Ben had seen his father take so many times.

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

Andrea Dre didn't look up at the soft knock on her door,"Come."
General Orlando Algeria smiled slightly as he placed a pile of computer disks on her desk,"You were right,as always. These are the current whereabouts of all living members of the first two Seaquest crews."
Dre began to hunt through the pile,"Good work,General."She found the one she was looking for and slid it into the computer.
"Well,well,well....it seems our boy genius has migrated to sunny San Diego,California."Her smile widened,"Go get him. There's a few questions I'd like to ask Boy Wonder."
Algeria nodded and quickly left the room.

SAN DIEGO,
CALIFORNIA
COVINGTON MARINE
RESEARCH FACILITY

Twenty seven year old Lucas Wolenczak slowly walked around the rim of the huge pool.
A smile brought out his still boyish features as he spotted a familiar fin circling.
Lucas knelt,"Hello,old friend."
"Lucas,play."A childlike voice demanded.
Lucas smiled at the dolphin,"How did we end up here,Darwin?"
The bottlenosed dolphin swam in a few circles,"Lucas, danger."
Lucas's blue eyes narrowed as he motioned the dolphin closer,"Danger?Danger from who?"
The dolphin's head bobbed,"Bad people."
"Which bad people,Darwin?"
Then Lucas heard heavy footsteps behind,he whirled hands flying up to protect himself;but it was too late.A blunt object came hurtling downward sending Lucas into a sea of darkness.

A dark haired man about twenty turned to Algeria a questioning look in his dark eyes,"What about the dolphin?"
Orlando Algeria laughed,"You idiot!You really think they'll let a dolphin testify in a court of law?!"He looked at the still form at his feet,"Get him out of here before any more witnesses show up."

LOS ANGELES,
CALIFORNIA

Captain Jonathan Devin Ford frowned as he hung up the phone,"That's strange."
"What is?"Katie asked from a nearby table.They had settled in at an outdoor restaurant on the beach,trying to figure out what to do next.
Jonathan glanced around before sliding into his chair,"Lucas isn't answering."
Katie frowned,"Didn't you try him at the bus depot?"
Jonathan nodded,"And the hotel."He ran a tired hand over his face,"I think we got him in too deep."
Katie's palm hit the table in frustration,"So we're back to square one.We still don't know who's after us."She looked up at Jonathan,"Let me call Ben."
Ford shook his head,"Katie we've gone over this."
Katie glared at him,"This is different,Jonathan. Everything's changed.My family's no safer now than when this whole nightmare started.Now Lucas is in trouble and for what?"
Jonathan let out a long sigh,"Alright."
Katie did a doubletake,"What?"
"You're right.This isn't getting us anywhere."He rose and offered a hand to Katie,"Let's find a way back to Annapolis."
Katie took his hand with a smile.

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

Nathan Bridger blinked as bright sunlight flooded his small room.He scrambled to his feet as a limp human form was roughly tossed in.
Nathan froze as he recognized the individual,"Lucas."

Lucas Wolenczak groaned as he slowly came too. Intense pain shot through every nerve ending.
"Lucas?Lucas can you hear me?"A somewhat familiar voice asked, penetrating the fog.
Lucas opened his eyes,just a little.Then quickly shut recognizing the anxious face.
"I must be dead."
Nathan laughed as he helped the young man into a sitting position,"No,you're not."
Lucas finally opened his eyes all the way and stared in complete shock.There sitting less than three feet from him was Nathan Bridger.
He looked twenty years older than he was.His clothes were dirty and torn.His skin pale.But it was definitely Nathan Bridger.
"Cap?"Lucas asked tentatively using an old habit.
Nathan grinned drawing him into a hug,"Yes,Lucas.Its me."
Lucas pulled away from him,"You're alive?"
Nathan smiled,"Last time I checked."

Nathan sat so he was across from the young man,"Lucas, how did she find you?"
Lucas shook his head,"I don't know.One minute I'm talking to Darwin,the next I end up here."His blue eyes glanced around the dark cell,"Where are we,anyway?"
Nathan sighed tiredly,"From what I can tell,somewhere south of the equator.Possibly South America.Maybe New Zealand."
Lucas looked at him with concern,"Has she told you anything? About Jonathan......."
Nathan interrupted him,holding up the newspaper,"I know about Jonathan.Remind me when we get out of here,I want to make a personal call to his son."
Lucas found himself tripping over his words,not making any sentence very clear,"Cap,the only parent Josh has now is Ben."
Nathan's eyes widened,"Katie too?What happened?"
Lucas sighed,"They thought it was a random carjacking at first,but then more things started to happen and they put two and two together."
Nathan let out a long sigh,"Poor kid.To lose both parents to this mess."
The disorientation finally left Lucas,"Cap,they're both alive.At least last time I saw them.Which was a few days ago in San Diego."
"And they haven't contacted anyone because...."
Lucas smiled grimly,"They thought they were protecting they're families."
Nathan let out a long sigh as he leaned against the wall,"I'm sorry I dragged you all into this."
Lucas turned to face him,"Are you ever going to tell me what really happened?"
Nathan nodded,grateful to have Lucas back by his side,"Well, we might as well start at the beginning.And it all started with Noyce's death."

ANNAPOLIS,
MARYLAND

It had taken them longer than Jonathan had expected to get back to Annapolis.They had hitchhiked halway to Bolder Colarado,then managed to get a bus ticket back to Maryland.
It was about three o'clock by the time they got back to Katie's house.Or what was left of it.
Ford stayed back from the rubble,allowing Katie a little bit of privacy as she stepped under the yellow crime scene tape.

Katie started toward the kitchen,seemingly the only part of their home that wasn't destroyed by the fire.
She turned around,her blue eys spotting a fury arm sticking out from under the collasped kitchen table.
Katie gently pulled out Heidi's favorite teddy bear. It was a little chared,but basicly still in one piece.
She jumped three feet when Jonathan gently placed his arm around her waist.

Katie swallowed hard,"I have to get this to Heidi. She can't sleep without it."
"Do you have any idea where he'd go?"Jonathan asked softly.
Katie shook her head,"No,both our parents are dead.There's no immeadite family close by.Oh my God....."She broke off as a memory surfaced.
"What?"Katie turned to face him,eyes wide,"Kristen.She called me at work the day you snuck up on me.She said she was going to be in New York for a few days and was wondering if she could come by and visit.I never got a chance to call Ben and let him know....so she probably showed up....."
Jonathan steered her toward the door,"Do you have her address in New York?"
Katie nodded,heading toward her desk.After a few minutes of hunting she was delighted to find her rolodex still in one piece,"Yes."
Ford smiled,"Let's go."

OFF THE 
EASTERN COAST
OFF ENGLAND

"Josh,what the hell are you doing here?!"Ben demanded grasping the boy firmly by the shoulders and ushering him into the ship's cabin.
Josh remained silent.
Manillow Crocker glanced up from the computer that helped steer the ship,"I see you found our stowaway."
Ben glared at him,"How long did you know?"
Crocker smiled,"I saw him tailing you as soon as you stepped off the ferry."
Josh finally spoke,"I couldn't let it happen again."
Ben turned his attention toward the boy,who sat slumped in a chair,"What?"
"I couldn't let it happen again."Josh began softly his voice almost a whisper,"I couldn't let them kill you too."
All of Ben's anger melted away as he knelt down next to the chair,"Oh,Josh."He lifted the boy's chin so he was looking at him,"I'm not going anywhere.I promise."
Josh jerked away from him,catpolting out of the chair,"Don't make promises you can't keep."He yelled.
Josh's voice dropped to a whisper,tears starting to glisten in his blue eyes as Ben moved toward him,"My parents made the same promise."
Ben drew the boy into a hug,at a loss for what to say.

NEW YORK,
NEW YORK

Dawn had just started to peek into the penthouse windows as Kristen paced the living room.She had finally gotten Hannah and Heidi back to sleep,assuring them their brother was fine.
Kristen wished someone was there to assure her.She had reached for the phone half a dozen times to call the police, but had decided against it at the last minute.She knew they couldn't do anything.
Even with runaways now a days the police didn't do anything for forty eight hours,giving the kid time to come to his senses and return home.
Kristen went to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee when the doorbell rang.The sound startled her so, that she almost dropped the coffee pot.
Straighteing her robe she walked toward the oak door, preparing herself to see uniforms on the other side.

"We should have called first."Katie said for the fifth time as she nervously tugged on the corner of her jacket.
Ford shot her a sideways glance,"And said what,'Hi its us. We're not really dead?'"
Katie glared at him,"Well,anything would be better than just popping up on her door step.Maybe you should break the news to her.She was at my funeral after all."
Having made up her mind she ducked around the corner,out of view.
Ford glared at her,"Oh that's good.Send me into the lion's den.Katie,have you ever seen this woman when she's mad?"
Jonathan broke off his question as he heard the lock turning.Out of habit he came to attention.

Kristen Westphalen slowly opened the heavy door and almost slammed it shut again.Thinking for sure she was seeing things.
Steading herself she opened the door a crack,seeing the same image she slammed it shut again.
Kristen massaged her forhead tiredly,"I must be going insane.I'm seeing ghosts."
"I'm not a ghost,Kristen."Jonathan Ford's familar voice echoed through the wood paneling.

Bracing herself to face the impossible Kristen once again opened the door.This time all the way.
There standing less than three feet from her was Jonathan Ford.
Alive.

A wide smile crossed Ford's handsome face,"Yes, its really me."
"H H How?"Kristen stammered,her right hand grasping the door. She knew that grip was all that was keeping her from fainting.
"It's a long story.Can I come in?"
Color seemed to spring back into Kristen's face as the shock wore off,"Of course you can."
She ushered him inside and shut the door.
"My God,"Kristen said softly her legs suddenly unsteady,"You really are standing here aren't you?"
Jonathan smiled,"Yes."He helped her to the sofa,"Can you take a little more good news?"
Kristen's brown eyes sparkled as she returned his smile,"After the past few months?"Her eyes narrowed,"What have you got up your sleeve Jonathan Ford?"
Ford didn't reply,instead he opened the door and poked his head out,"Coast's clear."

Kristen didn't realize she had stood untill she was hugging Katie Krieg,tears running down both their faces.
"Oh,thank God."Kristen said hugging her friend tight,"Do you realize what we've all been through?"
"Yes,Kristen."Katie said walking toward the sofa,"I can't tell you how sorry we are.I don't mean to sound ungrateful but all I really want to do right now is see my family. Where's Ben?Is he asleep?"
Kristen forced her friend to sit down,"Katie,we have alot to talk about."
Cold fear gripped Katie as she glanced at Jonathan,"Be straight with me,Kristen.Ben didn't do anything stupid, did he?"
Kristen adverted her gaze.
"Kristen!"
"He's alright,Katie.That's all I can tell you."
Ford's eyes narrowed,"What do you mean that's all you can tell us?"

Heidi Krieg gave Kristen the way out she was searching for.
"MOMMY!!"The little girl cried,racing into the living room.
The force of the hug almost toppled them both.
"I've missed you."Katie said softly,feeling the tears starting again.
"Mom?"Uncertainity was in Hannah Krieg's voice as she sleepily padded into the living room.
Katie held her hand out to her,"Yes,honey its really me. Come here and give me a hug."
Hannah didn't need to be asked twice.

As Katie was being reunited with her childern Jonathan pulled Kristen over to the side.
"Level with me Kristen.What the hell has Krieg gone and done?"
Kristen glanced at the joyful scene,"He went after the person he thought was Katie's killer."
Ford felt his face pale,"You know who's behind this whole mess?"
Kristen nodded,"Yes,but there's something more pressing you need to deal with."
Jonathan's eyes narrowed,"What?"
"Josh is missing."

OFF ENGLAND'S
EASTERN COAST

Josh Ford came up behind Ben,"Are you ever going to tell me what's going on?"
Ben Krieg sighed and motioned toward a pair of chairs,"Might as well.Have a seat."

"Josh,you know that your mother and I used to work for the UEO."
The boy nodded,"Yes,you all served on the first Seaquest together."
"Well,your Aunt Kristen and I think your father stumbled onto something that got him killed."
Josh blinked,but didn't show any other reaction,"And he told my Mom."
"Well,we think a very powerful,evil person has taken over the UEO."
"And that's who you think is responsible for my parent's deaths?"
Ben nodded,"Yes,that's why I wanted you to stay at Aunt Kristen's.Out of harm's way.Your mother would never forgive me if I let anything happen to you."
Determination flashed in Josh's blue eyes,"I can take care of myself.I had to do something for them......"

Ben sighed placing a hand on Josh's shoulder,"Alright, Josh.Just do what I tell you.If this situation gets too hot, I want you to find the deepest hole you can find and stay there."
Josh nodded,then his blue eyes noticed the laptop computer on the table,"Can I?"
Ben nodded,"Go ahead.Maybe you can find something out."
Josh sat down at the computer,booting it up,"What did you say the person's name was?"
Ben grinned,"I didn't but its Andrea Dre."
Josh looked at him for a moment,then began tapping away at the keyboard.

NEW YORK,
NEW YORK

"What do you mean Josh is missing?"Katie demanded, as Heidi curled up on her lap.
Kristen sighed,"Hannah woke me up last night,telling me she couldn't find Josh anywhere.We looked all over the building, I don't know where he could've gone.He was very upset yesterday."
Jonathan sank down into a rocking chair,"He's gone after Ben hasn't he?"
Kristen nodded,her brown eyes filled with worry.

Katie looked from Ford to Kristen and back again,"What do you mean he's gone after Ben?What has my husband gone and done this time?"
Jonathan looked pointedly at Hannah and Heidi and Katie quickly tucked them back into bed.
"Why aren't the two of you answering me.What has Ben gone and done this time?"
"Well,some might call it noble."Kristen began.
Jonathan smirked,"Or foolish."
Kristen shot him a glance,"Katie,he went after the person he thought was responsible for your death."
Katie sank back down onto the sofa,"And Josh went after him."
Realization dawned in Katie's eyes as she glanced back at Kristen,"Wait a minute.....you know who's responsible for this nightmare?"
Jonathan nodded,"She was just about to tell me."
"Well?"Katie prompted,as Kristen fidgeted.
"Andre Dre."Kristen replied quietly.
"WHAT?!"Jonathan and Katie said in unison.
They had been expecting Stark,or some third world power.But Andrea Dre?
"I didn't think she was still alive."Katie said softly.
"Well,obviously she crawled out from under some rock."Jonathan said,all the pieces finally falling into place. 

OFF OF
ENGLAND'S EASTERN COAST

"Well,we're offically out of English waters."Manillow Crocker said with his usually cheerfulness,"We should be in Spain about four days."
Josh Ford didn't glance up from the computer screen,"She's not in Spain."
"What?!"Ben asked increadously coming up next to his stepson,"She has to be.I got my information from a reliable source."
Josh smiled for the first time in weeks,"Then Harry's wrong. According to her bank records Dre doesn't own any houses in Spain.The closest one she has is Argentina."
"Argentina?"Crocker repeated in shock,"Well,we're definetely not getting to Argentina in this tub."
Ben grinned,"Well,Chief.I still have a few friends in low places.I think I can scrounge up something."
"That's what I'm afraid of."

NEW YORK,
NEW YORK

"Kristen,do you have any idea where he went?"Katie asked, absently picking up the girl's toys.
"I tried to stop him,Katie.But you know how Ben is once he gets an idea in his head.All I know is that he was meeting Crocker in Dublin."
Ford's eyes lit up,"Crocker?That gives us an easier trail to follow."
Katie glared at him,but turned her attention back to Kristen,"How did you find out Dre was behind it?"
"After we were told you had been killed,the police chalked it up to a random carjacking."
That got Ford's attention,"Carjacking?"
Katie glared at him,"I knew we shouldn't have left the car that way.Poor Ben,he must've been frantic."

Kristen nodded,"I've never seen him like that,Katie.It was like his whole world had suddenly been pulled out from under. If it wasn't for the girls,I don't think he would've pulled through it."
"How was Josh,the last time you saw him?"Jonathan asked, concern in his brown eyes.
"Coping.This has been a horrible ordeal for all of us."
Jonathan sighed,"You have no idea how sorry we are, Kristen. Its just that we felt we had no other choice."
Kristen stood and placed a hand on his shoulder,"I know you did what you thought was right."
Jonathan smiled,"Can they stay here while I straighten this mess out?"
"Of course."

"Oh,no you don't."Katie began marching toward them blue eyes flashing,"You're not leaving me out of this one."
Jonathan adverted his gaze,"I wasn't.I just thought you might like to spend some time with the girls."
"Nice try,Jonathan Ford,but I'm going with you."
Ford sighed,wondering why he had tried to keep her out of it in the first place,"Kristen,we'll be on the seaQuest if you need us."
Katie hugged her friend,before saying goodbye to her daughters,"I'll call you as soon as we know anything."

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

"So Dre tried to use Noyce to get her old job back."Lucas said shaking his head slightly,"What did she have over him?"
Nathan smiled,"It seems his daughter made a youthful mistake posing for a certain magzine.Dre got the negatives and threatened to send them to certain people."
"But if they were already printed in a magazine why would Noyce care?"
Nathan shook his head,"The photos were never published. Noyce had managed to use his clout to convince the pulblisher to use another model."
"And Dre killed him when he had fulfilled his usefullness."Lucas said struggling to his feet.
"Just like she will with us."Nathan said moving to his feet slowly,"Come on,we've got to find a way out of here."

BRESI,
FRANCE

"Okay,we're secured."Manillow Crocker reported walking back into the cabin,"Found your friend yet?"
Ben shook his head,"Maurice is defienetely not anybody's friend,but if he's still alive I'll find him."
Crocker raised an eyebrow,"If he's still alive?Ben,maybe it would be easier to rent something."
Ben's smile grew as he clasped Crocker on the shoulder,"Not on your life.This way is much more fun.Keep Josh company, I'll be right back."
Josh Ford came up beside Crocker watching Ben scurry down the docks of the bustling port,"Has he always been like this?"
"No."Crocker replied a twinkle in his brown eyes.
"Oh."
"He's was much worse."Crocker replied with a laugh as he turned the boy around,"Come on,why don't you show me how to work that computer of yours."

ENROUTE TO
DUBLIN,IRELAND

"What are you hoping to find in Dublin?"Katie Krieg asked as they walked onto seaQuest's bridge.
Jonathan Ford noticed the shocked expressions of his crew, but kept walking,"Hopefully a trail.Somebody had to see them."
Katie stopped short noticing everyone's expressions,"Jonathan, didn't you tell them we were coming?"
"I didn't exactly have any time."Ford replied,stopping when he found the person he was looking for.

Acting Captain of the Seaquest,Jim Brody stared in complete shock at the two familar faces.
"Jonathan,what's going on?"
Ford smiled,"I'll explain everything later,Jim. Right now we have to get to Ireland."

"Anybody else know you're alive?"Jim Brody asked as he sat down at the Ward room's conference table.
Jonathan shook his head,"Just Kristen Westphalen,and now the UEO and now you."
Jim shook his head in amazement,"This is unbelieveable. I saw what was left of your car,Jonathan......"
"I had to fake my death,Jim it was the only way to get Dre and her people off my back for awhile."
Jim did a doubletake,"Dre,as in former Secratary of the UEO Andrea Dre?"
"One and the same."Katie said softly.

"Who are we looking for in Dublin?"
Jonathan glanced at the world map on the wall,"Our son, and Ben Krieg."
Jim was still struggling to comprehend all of this,"And they don't know you're alive?"
"They will when we catch up to them."

BRESI,
FRANCE

"Well,it took some talking,but I managed to get us some faster transportation."Ben Krieg said returning to the boat two hours later.
Manillow Crocker raised an eyebrow,"I'm almost afraid to ask."
Ben's smile widened,"How do you feel about piolting a sub again,Chief?"
Crocker returned his smile,"As long as it doesn't take on water,I'll get us there."

DUBLIN,
IRELAND

"Well,confronted with the seaQuest security team the marina owner was more than happy to cooperate."Commander Jim Brody said,a familar twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Does he know where they were going?"Katie asked,starting to pick up Jonathan's habit of pacing.
Jim shook his head,"No,all he could tell us was that he was a friend of Manillow Crocker and that he had loaned Crocker an old whailing ship."
"Whailing ship?"Ford repeated,"Well they defienetely couldn't have gotten very far on one of those.Do we at least no which way they were headed once they got out of port?"
Jim nodded,"Yes,and were reletatively sure they're headed for Spain."
Jonathan smiled,"Good job,Jim.Let's set a course."

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

"Andrea?Andrea?"Genreal Orlando Algeria called shaking Dre awake,"We've got trouble."
Dre blinked furiously at the darkness,"I thought I told you never under any circumstances to wake me before dawn."
"Krieg's on his way here."Algeria protested.
"So?"Dre said curling back up under the blanket,"Plant a few landmines."
"He's leading the seaQuest right to us."
That snapped Dre awake,"What?!Ford got back to the seaQuest?!How is that possible?!"She waved him off,"Never mind,I don't want to know.By the time Ford gets here we should have enough hostages to hold him off indefinetely."

ENROUTE TO
ARGENTINA

The foxtrot sub,Sunken Treasure Ben had managed to get was barely bigger than a school bus.But as long as it got them to their destination in one piece Crocker didn't care what she looked like.
Ben tucked Josh in one of the back bunks and walked back toward the helm where Crocker was humming one of his sea songs.
"You know Dre probably knows we're coming."Crocker said softly his eyes fixed on the ocean floor ahead.
Ben nodded glancing back at Josh,"I know,I just wish this thing was armed."
Crocker followed his gaze,"We could drop him off someplace."
Ben shook his head,"No,I warned him.I told him if things go too hot to find the nearest hole and stay there."

"This place is going to be like an armed camp,Ben. We need a plan before we just show up on her doorstep."
Ben nodded,"This is all going to be done leagually.I don't want there to be any chance that she'll get away with Katie's death."
Crocker shot his friend a sideways look,"Ben,revenge only does so much,it won't bring her back."
Ben's brown eyes were full of sadness,"I know,Chief.Its just the only way I can think of to deal with never seeing her again."
Manillow Crocker nodded in understanding and softly began humming an Irish song.

OFF THE ATLANTIC COAST
OFF SPAIN

"There's an easier way to do this."Katie said suddenly drawing both Ford and Brody's attention.
"What?"Jonathan asked turning away from communications.
"Why don't we just find out where Dre is?That's obviously where their headed."
Jonathan smiled as he handed her a handheld computer,"Okay let's start digging.She has to have bank records somewhere."

"Nevermind the bank records."Jim Brody said twenty minutes later,"I just dug up her trial transcripts.She was deported to Argentina."
Katie nodded,remembering,"That's right they never disclosed her punishment.A few weeks later she just dropped off the face of the Earth."
Ford smiled,"Now we know where she went."

OFF THE COAST
OF SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA	

Under Manillow Crocker's skilled hands The Sunken Treasure just fifty miles from where they had figured out Dre's beach house was.
"Its too quiet."Ben muttered staring at the small sonar screen.
"I don't like it."Crocker said starting to put the engines in reverse,"I smell a trap."
"Too late!"Ben said just as five blips showed up on the far edge of the Sonar screen,"Five of them,coming in fast."
"Well since we can't run,and we can't fight let's see if we can find a place to hide."

"Captain,"Lieutent Kathy Morandez called from her sensor station,"There's a small foxtrot sub just ahead of us."
"That has to be Ben."Katie said with a relieved smile.
A movement on her screen caught the lieutentant's attention,"Captain,he's got trouble.At least five subs are closing in on them fast."
"Let's see if we can give them a hand.Plot an intercept couse."
Morandez nodded and the seaQuest slowly moved forward.

"What's going on?"Josh Ford asked fearfully.He had been awakened by the first torpedo blast.
"Get back there and strap yourself in!"Ben barked,"And don't move untill I tell you to."
Josh winced,but scurried back to the bunk without protest.
"I'm open to ideas,Chief."Ben said as the small sub was rocked by another torpedo.
"I wish I had one."Crocker replied grimly as he fought to keep the sub under control.

Ben's mind was furiously trying to come up with a plan as the five state of the art subs surrounded them.
"I hate to say it,"Ben began as he struggled to keep his footing,"But I'd say surrender is our best option."
Crocker nodded and was about to reach for the communications mike when one of the subs was blown out of the water.
Two more were quickly destroyed before they even knew what hit them.
"Its the seaQuest!"Josh said bouncing with excitement.
Ben glared at the boy,"I thought I told you to stay put!"
"No,Ben.He's right.It is the SeaQuest."

"Welcome aboard the seaQuest."A somewhat familar voice said as Ben walked through the airlock.

"DAD!!"Josh cried out,joy in his voice as he bounded down the steps.
Ben stopped so suddenly that Crocker slammed into him.
It couldn't possibly be,but there standing less than ten feet from him was Jonathan Ford hugging Josh tightly.

Jonathan noticed him and gently wiggled out of his son's grasp.He walked toward Ben and extended his hand,"Hello,Ben.I understand I owe you a lot."
Ben numbly shook Ford's hand,"The news said....."
Jonathan smiled,"I was dead,I know.Its a long story."
"Ben."A new voice called from behind causing Krieg to stiffen.
It couldn't be.He was hearing things.
"Ben."The voice called again.

Slowly,very slowly Ben turned around and didn't believe what his eyes were telling him.
There less than ten feet from him was Katie.His wife.The woman he had buried less than two weeks ago.
"Katie?"He asked,his voice coming out as a croak.
Katie had tears running down her cheeks as she nodded.
"Katie?Is that really you?"Ben whispered,not being able to believe.
Katie started walking toward him,"Yes,Ben.Its really me."
"Oh,Thank God."Ben said feverantly as he lifted Katie off her feet swinging her,"Thank God.I got you back."

Jonathan Ford cleared his throat,"I'm sorry to interupt,but I want to arrest Dre before she gets any funny ideas about leaving the country."
Ben nodded,not lettting Katie go.

SAN JULIAN,
ARGENTINA

With the aide of Lucas's pocketknife they had managed to unscrew the door hinges.
They both blinked as bright sunlight flooded into the room.
"Where's the guard?"Lucas whispered glancing into the hallway.
Nathan noticed a boot sticking out from under the heavy iron door,"I think the door took care of him for us.Let's go."

Andrea Dre was furious.The seaQuest had spoiled her plan again.Couldn't that bucket of bolts mind its own business for once.
General Orlando Alegria tentatively spoke,"I'm afraid I have more bad news."
Andrea glared at him,"Well,don't just stand there.Give it to me!"
"The prisoners have escaped."
Dre let out a scream of frustration,"Idoits!I'm surounded by idoits!"
"May I suggest a hasty retreat?"
Dre whirled on him,"What?!You think I'm afraid of Bridger and boy wonder?!"
Algeria shook his head,"No,but the seaQuest just arrived."
Andrea glared at him,but nodded,"I was humiliated the last time they arrested me,I won't allow them to do it again.Let's go."
Dre had just reached the patio doors when a familar voice stopped her cold.

"Going somewhere Andrea?"Nathan Bridger said with a wide smile,cocking the gun's hammer,"I wouldn't try anything if I were you."
Dre slowly turned around,"Or you'll what....shoot me?"
Bridger's smile widened,"No,but he might."

Andrea Dre spun around to see Ford,Krieg,Crocker, Brody and most of seaQuest's security.All with guns pointed at her head.
"You all think you're so smart,don't you?"Dre said loudly surveying the group.
Ford ignored her,"Brody,place her under arrest."
Jim smiled moving toward Dre with a pair of handcuffs,"With pleasure,Captain."
"You may have won this time,but I will return."Dre promised as Brody's men led her away.

"You don't seem to shocked to see me,Jonathan."Nathan Bridger said with a warm smile as the group approached him.
"Well,when Kristen told me Dre was behind this whole nightmare I had a feeling you might still be alive somewhere."
Katie glared at him,"What?When were you going to let me in on this?"
Jonathan looked pointedly at Lucas,"I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up if I was wrong."
Katie handed Jim her gun and hugged Bridger,"Its good to have you back,Captain.I know Kristen's going to be thrilled."
Nathan smiled,"Well,I don't know about the rest of you but I've had enough of this place."
Jonathan returned his smile,"You heard the man,let's move."

Three hours later Ben Krieg returned to the guest quarters they'd been assigned to see Katie had set up a candlelight dinner.
"I thought we could use some time alone."Katie said softly as they sat down.
"Why didn't you tell me you were alive?"Ben said,not wanting to be angry with her,but he was.
Katie winced,"I wanted too.Especially after I saw the news reports of the fire.Jonathan and I thought we were protecting you by keeping you in the dark."

"Katie,do you have any idea how devastated I was when the police told me they had found a body matching your description.If it hadn't been for the kids I don't think I could've survived."
Katie took her husband's hand in hers,"I'm so sorry you had to go through that.We never wanted to hurt anyone."
Ben smiled softly,"I know.Just promise me that next time...."
Katie shook her head,"There won't be a next time."
"Promise me that next time,you'll tell me about it so we can work through it together."
Katie smiled,"I promise."She leaned across the small table and kissed Ben lightly.
"I love you."Ben whispered his voice near breaking,"I never realized how much untill I thought I would never see you again."
Katie stood and pulled Ben into an embrace kissing him long and deep.
Ben Krieg finally relaxed.With Katie back in his arms he knew all was finally right with the world.


                      The End!