Dark Treasure by Clara

I had a little Sorrow
Born of a little Sin
I found a room
All damp with gloom
And shut us all within;
"Little Sorrow, weep," said I,
"And Little Sin, pray God to die,
And I upon the floor will lie
And think how bad I've been!"

Edna St. Vincent Mllay

*****

Chris lay in the bed watching Vin sleep. It was barely seven in the morning, but that was considerably late for them to still be in bed. They had returned late last night from their vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands where they'd spent three wonderful weeks alone. Vin lay curled up on his side spooned up against Larabee's chest.

Larabee thought about all that had happened in the last six months and sighed. After the Potter family's rescue a year ago, the guys had taken a brief respite from the mercenary business and returned to the salvage business. Then, Admiral Travis, CO of Coronado's SEAL Teams had ask Francis Corcoran if Larabee's Team could do a little "sneak and peak" mission along the border mountains of Afghanistan. No SEAL Teams were available as they had been deployed to other areas of the world and the information on Afghanistan was vital to the National Security. Larabee's Team had taken the mission and brought back the crucial data needed for the top brass.

Once they had returned from the operation, it seemed everything went to hell. Frank Corcoran was reassigned to San Francisco, California and Raphael Cordova de Martinez had returned to San Diego, and once again, was acting as their liaison. He had inserted himself into their lives, dropping by uninvited and often made plans for the three of them without consulting them first. Chris had asked him not to drop by without calling first and never to assume their time was free. Chris liked Raphael as a good friend and he enjoyed the Spaniard's company, but Vin was not all that happy about the way he interfered in their relationship. Raphael had laughed and agreed to call before dropping by, but now the call came as Raph was turning onto their road, giving them almost no warning before he arrived.

To make matters worse, Lydia and his dad had hit a rough spot in their relationship. The two argued constantly about something or another, leaving Adam upset and angry. He'd jump into his truck and head out to the beach house to ease his nerves and vent his frustration to his son. Being angry at Lydia, Adam would take it out on Vin. Their uneasy truce soon shattered. Vin and Adam had words and ugly names had been exchanged.

Chris, feeling like he was caught in the middle, went to talk to Lydia, who told him to mind his own business. Chris countered by saying he would, if they didn't keep dragging him and Vin into the middle of their business. Lydia told him to leave, which he did after stating his rather unflattering opinion.

Nathan's wife Raine, in the meantime, was having a difficult pregnancy. She was ordered on complete bed rest for the last few months of her pregnancy. Nathan, along with her doctor feared for her and the baby. She went into premature labor and delivered a beautiful little boy. The proud parents named him Nathan Joshua Jackson, Jr. Joshua Jr spent a three weeks in the hospital before being allowed to go home.

With the stress of his dad's problems, and Raphael showing up uninvited, plus the added strain and worry of Raine's pregnancy, Chris and Vin soon started snapping at each other. Vin had apologized to his dad, but Adam blamed Vin for Chris's words with Lydia, so no apology was forthcoming from him. It had gotten to the point where Vin would leave and head for Inez's Cantina whenever Adam or Raphael showed up.

One morning it had all came to a head when Chris, in an uncharacteristic move, decided to make light of all the problems facing them and made a joke about it.

Vin simply snapped. "Ya think this is funny, cowboy? Well, let me tell you from this end it ain't! Ain't nothin' funny 'bout none of this shit! I'm sick of your dad's attitude, and since your so crazy 'bout Raph, why the hell don't ya have him move in here with ya? I'm always gittin' run off anyway. I might as well move." Slamming out the front door, he headed for the Cantina to get drunk.

Chris stood there in disbelief. Vin was the most-easy going person he knew. He was the one person who was able to calm Chris's nerves. Vin was always the voice of reason, the peacemaker among them. The others had tried to warn him that Vin was on the edge, but he just hadn't seen it. He didn't want to see it. Vin was his rock.

Chris drove up to Inez's and found Vin at the back table drinking tequila shots. A half empty bottle of tequila sat on the table. All the guys were sitting at the bar, hell, it seemed like a damned convention in there...

Chris waved at everyone as he sauntered back to Vin's table, took a seat and waited for Vin to speak. Vin glanced up, but went back to his drink. Inez slapped a beer in front of Chris, narrowed her eyes at him and left

Giving in, he said, "Vin, I think we need a vacation, don't you?"

Tanner shrugged.

"Well, what do you say, we plan on going away for a few weeks? Where would you like to go?"

"I don't know and I don't care," came the surly reply. "I don't even wanna know which a these folks you're plannin' on taking with ya?"

Chris smiled, "I'm planning on just the two of us, pard. We need some time alone. What do you say, cowboy, let's have some one-on-one time." Chris placated, "And when we get back, we'll straighten this mess out. Okay?"

Chris looked at Vin, who was bent over his drink. Larabee tilted his head, trying to see his lover's face. Vin looked up and grinned half-heartedly.

"Why don't I make reservations somewhere, Hawaii, maybe? When do you want to go?"

"Nah, I been to Hawaii lotsa times, somewheres else maybe." Sighing, "Don't forget, Nat's little boy gets christened in two weeks, I reckon we gotta be here for that." He answered in a tense tone, downing another shot...

Chris winced at the amount of alcohol Vin was drinking, A few years ago that had been him drowning his sorrows and it hadn't solved any of his problems. He knew he had to get Vin away for a while. "Okay, I'll set something up and we'll leave after the christening. Come on, let's go home. We'll take a walk on the beach and talk. I'm sorry, pard, I hadn't realized things were so far out of whack with us."

Vin's eyes widened as anger flashed from them, "Goddammit Chris, how long this fuckin' shit been goin' on, anyway? Where you been? Hiding in the sand? I'm tellin' you I'm sick of it and if it don't change I'm outta here!"

Chris sighed, "I'll take care of it. It'll change, I promise. Don't worry, pard, I'll talk to everyone."

Two weeks later, family, friends and six Godfathers gathered to witness the christening of little Nathan Joshua, Jr.. The following day, Chris and Vin boarded a flight for St. Croix.

For two weeks in St Croix they acted like tourists. Several times they rode horses up the mountain to watch the sunrise, while a guide fixed their breakfast. Both of them enjoyed afternoon rides with lunch cooked over an open fire. They rented mopeds to explore the Island, swam, snorkled or sat on the beach, enjoying the peace of the Island. At the end of their two weeks, they decided to sign up for an extra week on a charter live-aboard yacht, diving shipwrecks and the coral reefs.

Yesterday, they had returned from their vacation rested and refreshed. They were back in love, back in sync and determined on getting their privacy back.

Watching as Vin slept, Chris smiled and kissed his lover's forehead. Vin blinked open one eye, smiled, turned towards his lover and kissed Larabee on the center of his chest. Raising up slightly he found his lover's mouth, giving him a slow sensual kiss. Leaving Chris's mouth, he kissed and nipped at his ear, neck and finally his nipple. Vin kissed his way down to the blonds navel and dipped his tongue into the depression. Passion rose between the two men and they were soon engaged in the age-old dance of lovemaking. Both were close to their climax when the phone rang.

*****

Vin was sitting in the surf, the water swirling around his body as the gentle waves rolled onto the beach. His knees were pulled up against his chest, his chin resting on his arms. Raphael had called to let them know they had an assignment, so he'd decided to walk out and watch the waves. He knew his and Larabee's relationship was on solid ground, but he couldn't stop that little flicker of jealousy when de Martinez called Chris or when they hung around together and he hated himself for it.

Raphael and Chris had enjoyed a brief affair during their time together, but it was over by the time Larabee had recruited Vin and definitely over by the time he and Chris became lovers. However, Raphael and Chris had remained friends and still hung out socially.

*****

After hanging up the telephone, Chris walked out on the porch, spied Vin sitting on the beach and wandered on down. Tanner looked up and nodded. Larabee sat down behind him and wrapped his arms around Vin.

"Please tell me you aren't mad at me again." Chris whispered, kissing his lover's shoulder.

Leaning into the body that held him, "I ain't mad, cowboy. What'd Raph want?"

"Well, you know we have a job. Some terrorist group, he isn't sure which one, was trying to get a bomb into San Francisco's harbor. The Coast Guard intercepted them 'bout thirty miles out. The idiots tried to outrun the Coast Guard, but shots were fired and the boat was sunk. The men were rescued out of the ocean and it seems one of them mentioned a bomb on board the boat. Raph and Frank want us to check it out, and if there is a bomb, bring it up and defuse it."

Vin turned sharply around and stared at his lover, "Is that all? What did you tell him?" he asked.

"That I'd get everyone together and ask them what they wanted to do. I've already called the boys, they'll be here in about an hour. What do you think, pard?"

"Is this bomb set to detonate anytime soon?" He asked.

"No one is sure if it's been set or not. Thirty miles out, even if it does go off it isn't going to do much damage, except to the ecology of the area," Chris answered. "How do you sit here in this surf? I've already got sand up my ass." Larabee laughed.

Tanner laughed and rose up, giving his partner a hand. They walked back to the house. Stepping into the outside shower, they discarded their cutoffs. Larabee adjusted the water temperature and standing together, naked bodies touching, the familiar heat rose between them. Each began caressing the other. Passion ignited and Larabee ran his tongue around the shell of his partner's ear. A horn sounded and Tanner growled, stepping back, "I'm gonna kill that sonuvabitch some day."

Larabee grinned wickedly, "Let's kill him at the warehouse, take him out in the Sloop and dump his ass at sea. That way they'll never find the body." Vin laughing at the idea, agreed. As Chris turned off the warm water, the cold water hit their overheated skin, dampening their ardor.

*****

Everyone sat around the wooden picnic table enjoying their coffee. Frank and Raphael had brought donuts, which sat in the middle for all to share.

Corcoran and de Martinez was explaining the situation to the other men. "When the Coast Guard questioned the guys they fished out of the water, the younger one was bragging about the bomb. His buddy kept telling him to shut up, but he wanted us to know it was going to blow," Frank told them.

Josiah asked, "Are we really sure the bomb exists or could this be a wild goose chase?"

"No," Raphael answered. "We're not sure of anything, but the boat went down close to the shipping lanes. I don't have to tell you what'll happen if it goes off and a ship is passing close by. We've issued warnings for ships to keep away from that area, The Coast Guard will keep posting warnings until we're sure it's safe."

Frank added, "Of course, it could be a small bomb and If it exploded, maybe nothing would happen except a disruption of the ecosystem of the area. Then we'll have Green Peace up our asses. That's why we need you guys to check it out. I've been told there's an old shipwreck nearby. That'll be the ruse we use if we need a cover story. You'll be salvaging the wreck. I've been in touch with a diver who dives the wreck regularly. He's an army captain, high clearance rating, and he's volunteered to go with you. He'll be a big help to you guys on this dive."

Buck spoke up, "There ain't a bomb in the world me and Josiah can't defuse if it is armed, but do you want us to defuse it underwater and leave it there or bring it to the surface and take care of it?"

"Bring it back with you if you can." Frank said. "We'd like to do this as quick as we can. What is the earliest we can ship out?"

Larabee sighed, "Tomorrow morning, but I'll need my crew with me. The ship sleeps sixteen comfortably. There's nine staterooms in all. I have my own quarters. Are you two coming with us?"

"Yes," Frank and Raphael agreed.

"How long do you think this trip will take?"

"A week, possibly, shouldn't be much longer than that," Frank offered.

Larabee continued, "I'll need six men to run the ship. I've got to have my first-mate, Bruce Weatherby, to help pilot and my engineer, Andy Grasso. There's you two, and seven of us, plus the rest of the crew. Then there's the extra diver. That's seventeen in all. It'll be tight, but I guess we can make it work. Vin can bunk with me, Andy and Bruce always bunk together."

"The crew are unknowns, I don't like that," Raphael stated.

"They're only unknown to you. My crew has been with me a long time. Anyway, I know you've already checked them out. Probably before we started working with you. If you don't want them along, then you'd better be prepared to work the engine room. That ship can't run itself."

"If there are only nine staterooms how are we all going to fit? Someone will be sleeping on deck, won't they?" Frank inquired.

Larabee smiled, "My mom liked to go with my dad sometimes, especially if he was going to be out at sea for a week or more, so when he refitted the trawler, he added a room behind the wheelhouse for himself and mom. I bunk there now. Bruce and Andy's quarters are behind mine. The seven staterooms are below deck. My dad bought the old trawler at auction, stripped it and rehabbed it so it would be fit for salvage work."

Nathan added, "And they aren't fancy staterooms like you'd see on a cruise ship, so don't expect it. There's two to a room, but the food's always good and there's plenty of it."

Ezra added, "The chef is an excellent cook. If he ever decides to quit you, Mr. Larabee, tell him he has employment with me."

Chris laughed, "No way Ez, Charlie's mine. Okay, you guys pair up and the new guy will bunk with whoever's left. I'll let the crew know we're going to sea tomorrow morning. Vin and I can get most of the stores bought and loaded today, don't you think?" He asked, looking at his partner.

"Yeah cowboy, I think so. If we get started now."

"Buck, will you and Josiah take care of the tanks and equipment for us? Nathan, get whatever medical supplies you think we might need. Ezra, if you and JD will take care of everything else, I'll call Charlie and ask him to take care of the perishables, that'll help a lot. Let's get the submersible and the sea sled aboard. We may need it. That's deep water out there."

"Sure Chris," everyone agreed and started to rise, ending the meeting.

"We leave at dawn, everyone be there." Larabee stated.

"Senor Chris, may we have a word with you?" Raphael stated.

Everyone laughed, heading for their cars while Vin and Chris lingered.

"Must be something really special if you're using Spanish, Raph," Larabee laughed

"Am I that transparent?" Raphael asked, surprised.

"Shoot yes, you really are predictable. I guess you don't even know you're doing it, but every time you want something extra you lapse into Spanish. It's a habit you need to change," Chris said amused.

Waving aside Larabee's statement, he said, "When your men bring the bomb up, what do you think your crew will do?"

"Probably nothing, since most of them will be working, but even if they see it, my men are loyal, they wouldn't say anything to anyone. You do know you're going to have to shell out for their salaries. They get an equal share of everything we bring up. Whether they're diving or not. Understood?"

Frank sighed and Raphael made a face signifying distaste. "You gentlemen make enough money, can't you share your payday? Divide up the cost of your crew?"

The smile Chris returned was not humorous and usually accompanied a death knell. "It's your game fellas, pay up or shut up!" He stated, leaving no room for argument.

Raphael flipped open his cell and spoke quietly with someone. After a few minutes of arguing, he closed the phone, sighed and said, "You'll each get an extra share. Divide it up as you wish."

The smirk remained on Chris's face, "Thank you gentlemen, it's always a pleasure doing business with you. We leave at dawn, see that you're there," walking the two agents to their cars.

*****

The morning dawned cool and cloudy. First-mate Bruce Weatherby had boarded the "Larabee's Lady" with Andy an hour earlier and checked with the weather bureau for a current reading of the day's climate, while Andy checked the equipment The plan was to travel north then cut over to a northwest heading.

Larabee had had a meeting with the crew the night before, explaining the reason for the trip and gave each man the choice to go or stay. All had opted to go with the boss and thanked him for his honesty in the matter. Then Chris had added their bonus. They would each get an equal share. Bruce had been amazed. A guy usually had to work a fishing boat in Alaska to get that kind of money for only one trip.

One by one the crew trickled onboard, buddying up with their usual bunk mate. Ezra and Vin seldom went to sea, so while Ezra would bunk with the newcomer, Vin and Chris headed for his quarters. Everyone stowed their gear and headed to the galley for Charlie's coffee and cinnamon rolls. Chris, Vin and the others boarded a few minutes after Bruce and Andy, so they were just waiting for the two agents and the extra diver.

Bruce scoffed at that. As if they needed another diver. Hell, they were all expert divers, including himself, and diving wasn't even in his job description. His job was to keep this Lady in place while everyone else dove. Bruce looked at his watch. He didn't understand why government officials always had to arrive last, like they were the queen of the ball. He tried to think of any last-minute things that might still be left to do, but all the gear was stowed, so there was nothing left to occupy his time. Once more he studied the charts and maps that would take them to their destination.

Chris chose that moment to enter the pilot house. After retiring from the Navy, Chris had taken the test for a ship pilot's license and received his certificate.

"Everything ready?" he asked.

Bruce smiled, "We're ready. Just as soon as those three yahoo's get here we can shove off. It's unusual for Vin to travel with us. It'll be good having him along."

Smiling Chris said, "Vin's not a sailor. He's Army, you know."

Giving his head a sympathetic shake, Bruce said, "I'm sorry."

Chris grinned, nodded and said, "Thanks, it isn't easy, but I try to make the best of it."

Bruce chuckled, as Larabee's cell phone rang. Answering, he barked, "Larabee," said, "Okay," and hung up. "Frank just called, they'll be here in a few minutes."

Just as he said it, three men came running out of the warehouse with Mike, the watchman, behind them. "There they are."

As they boarded, Chris noticed the third man was Native American about Vin's age, his braided hair a little longer than Tanner's.

The three men stood on the deck as Mike unwrapped the bow and stern lines from the dock cleats and coiled them neatly on the deck. Chris and Bruce began the task of getting them out to sea and on their way.

*****

The trawler slipped away from the pier and slowly glided out to sea.

Soon after joining his dad in the salvage business, Larabee had secured his pilot's license. After setting the co-ordinates into the GPS unit and assuring himself the course numbers were correct, he turned to his first mate and said. "Take over for me, Bruce, while I welcome our guests."

Bruce smiled, "Sure boss. Will you need me and Andy to take someone into our quarters? I know space is tight this trip."

"I don't think so, I think we've got it all sorted. Ezra agreed to take the new diver..."

"Ezra agreed to share a cabin? Will wonders ever cease." Bruce shook his head, chuckling.

"Well, let's just say, he agreed under duress," Larabee grinned.

After Bruce checked everything over, Larabee headed out of the bridge, down the ladder, greeting the two agents.

Shaking hands with each, Frank introduced the newcomer, "Chris, this is Captain Chanu Greyeyes, currently of the United States Army. Chanu, Chris Larabee, ramrod of the team we're working with."

"Welcome aboard, Captain," Chris greeted.

"Mr. Larabee," Chanu smiled, shaking hands, "It's Chanu, unless you stand on formality here."

"No," Chris grinned, "No formality aboard the Lady. And it's Chris."

Larabee eyed the gear the men had brought with them, sitting at their feet. "You can store your tanks and swim gear in that storage locker," Larabee pointed out to Chanu. Turning to the two agents, "Come on, I'll show you guys to your quarters. Chanu, I've put you in with Ezra Standish, one of my team and you two," glancing at the two agents, "will be sharing, if that's okay."

Raphael grinned, "And if it's not okay?"

Putting his arm around his friend's shoulder and guiding him towards the hatch, "Well, there's always the deck or the diving platform."

"I'll be more than happy to share with Frank," he acquiesced, still grinning.

"I thought you might," Larabee chuckled.

After stowing their belongings, Chris led the way to the galley for Charlie's coffee and baked goods.

*****

Vin sat in the large booth next to Josiah and Andy, the engineer. Buck, JD and Ezra sat on the bench across from them, while Nathan straddled a chair pulled up to the end of the booth. Buck had just told a ribald joke and the others were still laughing at the punchline. Coffee mugs and cinnamon rolls sat on the table being enjoyed by everyone.

As Chris and the guests stepped through the hatch, Vin looked up, did a double take, stood, taking a step backward and whispered, "Chanu? Chanu, is that you?"

"Hello Vin, how are you?" Chanu said.

"My God, I never thought I'd see you again," Vin exclaimed, hesitating, then slowly coming forward and taking Chanu's hand.

Chanu grasped the hand and drew Vin into a hug, which he reluctantly accepted. "How're you doin', man, its been a long time," Chanu muttered.

Vin stepped back still clasping hands, then stepped forward again, this time hugging his friend warmly. "I've been good, and you?"

Chris saw Vin's back stiffen when drawn into the first hug, but when he finally relaxed into the embrace, jealousy reared its ugly head and Larabee tightened his jaw. Once Tanner stepped forward and hugged his friend again, Larabee knew, without a doubt, this guy and Vin had been lovers.

Still shocked, Vin asked, "How'd you get this gig, Chanu? You leave the Army?"

"Nah, I'm a captain now, Vin," Chanu said proudly. "First, though, I'm roomin' with someone named Ezra...," Chanu looked around and Ezra tipped an imaginary hat. "Think we could trade so you'n I can share?"

Vin felt himself blush, stepping back, he realized he and Chanu were still gripping hands. Dropping them, he stammered, "Uh..., no..., Chanu," he stepped next to Larabee. "I reckon you've already met Chris. I'm bunking with him."

Looking at his lover, Tanner could tell he was angry. If Chris tightened his jaw any more, Vin figured, Larabee's teeth would shatter. "Me 'n Chris are uh..., together. We live together," he said finally, slipping an arm around Larabee's waist.

Chris put his arm, possessively, around Vin's shoulders.

"Hey Vin, that's great, I'm happy for you!" Greyeyes exclaimed, looking from Larabee to Raphael and back to Vin, "The reason I'm here, Raphael told me what happened with the Coast Guard and about this project, but when he said you'd be here, well, I couldn't pass it up. I took some leave I had comin' and here I am."

"I, uh, didn't know you knew Raph," Vin said perplexed, "He's never mention it." Vin looked over at Raphael, stepping slightly away from Chris.

"We met a couple a months ago and hit it off. It seems we had a lot in common, but I couldn't believe it when he said he knew you. It really is a small world."

"Well it sure is good to see you, Chanu It has been awhile," Vin said.

"You wanna show me around this rust bucket, Vin?" Chanu finished.

Vin glanced at Larabee, who gave him a surreptitious nod. Chanu and Vin left the mess hall, heading up the ladder to the deck.

Everyone else in the room, judging from the lethal glare on Larabee's face, decided they had duties elsewhere and left the galley also.

"Look, Chris," Raphael started, "It's not what it sounds like. I knew Tanner left the Army under a cloud, so after some additional checking, Chanu's name kept coming up. I figured he was the one Tanner was involved with. Hey, I was looking out for you, my friend."

"Is that a fact," he growled.

"Yes, that's right. You and Tanner have been together now..., what.., three, four years? I'm sure there's no mystery anymore. The same thing every day. It's got to be getting old, boring as hell, and personally, I just can't see him doing any of the exciting things we got up to. Let 'em have a chance, Chris, see if there is any spark left there."

Larabee glared at his friend, "You do understand that I could kill you right now and feed you to the sharks?" Chris said through clenched teeth, "And no one would ever miss you," Larabee clenched and unclenched his fists.

Looking at Frank, Raphael laughed nervously. "You could, but why would you want to. I'm doing you a favor."

Frank looked over at Raph and said "You're not serious, Chris," grinning nervously.

"Oh, but I am serious, Frank, and don't think for a moment I'd leave a witness. My men are loyal to me, they'd swear you were never aboard. A few well-placed rumors, you two ran off together and that would be that! Just how many sightings of Hoffa do you still get a year?" Larabee gave them both a humorless grin, turning, he left the room. The door to the deck upstairs reverberated as he slammed through it.

Looking at each other, Frank said to Raphael, again, "I'm sure he didn't mean it."

Raphael snorted, "Yeah he did, but he won't do anything. Chris's temper runs hot, but it cools just as quick." He reached for his coffee cup to refill it.

*****

As Chanu and Vin stepped through the hatch to the deck, Vin inquired, "How's Claire and your young'un? Must be gettin' big by now."

"Claire died before the baby was born, Vin. I guess you didn't know."

"No, damn, I'm sorry, I hadn't heard. What happened?"

"Her father. You remember, he fought against us getting married. Well, he came by one day while I was at the base. Said he wanted her to come away with him and continue his missionary work. I reckon he just went berserk when she told him no, that she was pregnant. He killed her, strangled her for no good reason. When I got home from the base that night, he was still there and so were the MPs. He tried to say I did it, but I'd been in the field all day. My sergeant, CO and myself sitting in a jeep watching new recruits on field maneuvers. The MPs were there to arrest me, but once they checked my alibi, it was impossible to refute. Anyway, he's doin' twenty-five to life now."

"I'm real sorry, Chanu. I liked Claire," he expressed his sympathy

"But not well enough to come to our wedding?" Chanu questioned.

Vin leaned against the rail, his elbows resting on the top. "You really wanna go there, 'cause if you do..."

"No, I won't go there, but I think we need to talk about it, don't you?"

"Why? There's no reason to dredge all that up again. You made your choice, I made mine." Turning to look at Chanu, he said, "How'd you meet Raphael anyway?"

"At a grocery store. I'd stopped to pick up somethin' for dinner and there he was. We started talking and the rest is history, as they say. How long you and Larabee been together?"

"Almost four years," Vin smiled.

"So, I guess you're happy? He seems a bit intimidating. I'll bet he could be real mean if crossed."

"Yeah, I reckon he could be if crossed, but he ain't never been anything but good to me. I ain't never met anyone like him."

"I'm glad you met someone who cares 'bout ya, Vin. You deserve that."

"When did'ja learn 'bout this trip?" Vin wanted to know. "When did Raph let ya know he knew me 'n Chris?"

"About a month ago. We were talking about the Army and gays and he asked me if I knew you. I said, 'hell yeah' and asked for your number, but he wouldn't give it to me. Then, when he told me about the terrorists and bombs needing to be defused, I jumped at the chance to come along. I've dived these waters a few times already and he said my knowledge could probably come in handy. Why?"

Vin shrugged, "Just curious, is all. Well, let me show you around. You ain't really met the boys yet."

"What's all this equipment you have here," Chanu asked looking around the crowded deck.

"First off, that yellow thing with the runners is the underwater sled. It can take us down to any depth and it provides light. The prop serves as a blower if we need it. I reckon it gets used a lot when they're on a salvage job, but we shouldn't need the blower this trip. The thing next to it is the submersible. We might need it, depending how deep the water is."

"And those cranes?"

"That's a ten-ton, I think, knuckle crane and a eight-ton auxiliary winch. We could bring up the whole damn boat if needs be. Come on, we'll hit the engineer's room next."

Walking into the chart room, Vin looked around at all the monitors. "Andy, Joe, this is Chanu. He'll be divin' with us."

Both men smiled and shook hands with the newcomer. "Glad to meet you man, how're you doing?"

Shaking their hands, Chanu nodded, "I'm good. I think I know what most of this stuff is, but I'm not sure about this machine."

Andy answered, "That's a Magnetometer. It detects metals."

"Iron?" Chanu was curious.

"Iron and steel. We also have several boat-deployed underwater video cameras. Once we get closer to our destination, we'll turn the lights on. These monitors," pointing to the ones above his head, "are the ones we use for underwater visuals."

After about ten minutes, Vin asked his companion, "You ready," Chanu nodded and Vin said, "Okay, let's hit the bridge next. See ya later, guys." Vin waved.

"Very impressive, thanks. It's nice to have met you, I'm sure I'll see you fellas later." Chanu turned and followed Vin from the room.

They headed up to the wheelhouse, Vin entered, smiled tentatively at Larabee and nodded at Bruce. Chris gave them a terse nod and turned back to the helm.

"Ya already met Chris, and this here's Bruce. He's our first mate. Bruce, this is Chanu. He's gonna be divin' with us."

"Nice ta meet ya Chanu," Bruce said politely, shaking hands.

"Same here," Chanu grinned.

After Bruce gave Chanu the basic tour of the bridge, Chanu followed Vin as they made their way around the ship, introducing him to everyone they came across. In the galley, Charlie served them fresh coffee and informed Chanu he'd been assigned to eat first shift and left to finish lunch preparations.

As they quietly finished their coffee, Vin told his friend, "Through that door is the lounge area. Ain't much to it, a couple a couches, a TV and VCR, but it's well supplied with paperbacks and magazines. There might be some movies, too." Rising, Vin continued, "Sorry Chanu, but I gotta help Josiah and Buck check over the equipment. You can come along if you want, but I need to go help them."

"How long before we get there? I need to unpack," Chanu stated, rising from the bench, also.

"Tomorrow around noon, I reckon. We won't dive until after the cameras find the boat. We'll probably do a grid search before dropping anchor."

And the two men walked out together, each going their separate way

*****

Meals were served in two shifts and when Vin was aboard he always ate during the first one.

Bruce and Chris decided by flipping a coin. Chris won the toss and opted for the first shift. Eating first shift also meant taking first watch, so Larabee braced himself for a long night.

Arriving in the galley, Larabee found the booth already filled. Vin was sitting between Josiah and Chanu with Nathan against the wall. Ezra, JD and two crew members filled the opposite seat. Chris grabbed a chair and sat at the end of the table.

Vin elbowed Chanu, "Trade places with me," he said, and Chanu slipped out of the booth to let Vin out. Chanu slid back in and Tanner gave his lover a small sideways grin as he sat down.

"I'm taking first watch, Vin, so I'll be in late." Larabee informed his lover.

Vin started to say something, but Chris cut him off, saying sharply, "No reason for you to stay up. Go ahead and get a good night's sleep."

At that moment, Charlie delivered the dishes full of food and everyone dug in. Vin had looked surprised at Chris's tone, but said nothing.

Chanu glanced at the two men, gave a small shake of his head, then helped himself to the food. It looked to him like there was trouble in paradise.

*****

Vin sat cross-legged on the bed trying to read. In St. Croix, Chris had bought him a book on the shipwrecks around the island. They had dived a few of those wrecks while on vacation and it was something Vin was hoping they'd do again. He glanced at his watch. It was only 11:48 pm and Chris wouldn't return until a little after two in the morning. He felt alone, depressed as hell and somewhat abandoned. He knew Chris was mad at him, but hell, it wasn't his fault Raphael had brought Chanu along.

Vin thought back over the day; they'd driven to work together before sunrise, met Andy and Bruce at the warehouse, shared coffee and a few jokes, then boarded the ship. Charlie was right behind them, promising cinnamon rolls and coffee within the hour. The rest of the crew came aboard while he and Larabee had gone separate ways. That morning they'd been happy and relaxed, but tonight, the two of them were in different worlds.

Vin put his book away, thinking, 'the hell with it, and rose from the bed.. Putting on a pair of cutoffs and t-shirt, he walked barefoot towards the bridge.

*****

When Vin walked into the wheelhouse, Chris frowned. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

Shrugging, Vin said, "I tried to read, but I couldn't wrap my brain around any of it, so I thought I'd come see you."

"You want some coffee or will that just make it worse. Tomorrow's going to be a busy day, Vin, you need to get some sleep."

"Chris, why are you mad at me?" Vin inquired, settling himself on a stool next to his partner.

Larabee frowned at his partner. "I'm not mad, just.., well, okay, I guess I am outta sorts. I know you had a life before we met, I just didn't think I'd ever come face to face with that life."

"You didn't think you'd come face ta face...," Vin stood up, his voice rising, "Suppose I brought that life home ta hang out with, invited him to stay for dinner and movies after. Went out drinkin' with and left you at home?" Vin crossed his arms and stared incredulously at his lover.

Sighing, Chris tried denial, "I didn't...," then remembered all the times Raphael had spent the greater part of an evening with them. Vin would be quiet and sullen or would leave to go to Inez's Cantina while he and Raph watched a game or a movie. The times he'd met Raph for a drink after work. He grimaced, realizing just how close he'd come to destroying one of the best relationships he'd ever had. At that moment, he was not real proud of himself. Sighing heavily, he asked, "What's up with you and Chanu? Or am I not supposed to ask," he queried bitterly, still angry at himself.

Looking out the bridge window, Tanner sat back down on the stool. The seas were rough tonight, but the Pacific Ocean was like that. The skies were clear and stars looked to be so close you could reach out and touch them.

"Ain't no reason for you not to know, just never thought it was important, that's all. Me 'n Chanu were together for awhile, that's true. I reckon we cared 'bout each other, too."

"Yeah, I figured that."

"Well, ya know, bein' in the Rangers and bein' gay ain't a good combination. It's okay to be single, I mean, most of us were, just not gay." Vin gave a cynical snort.

Chris turned and looked at Vin. "I understand the alpha male concept. It was the same in the SEALs. But caring about you hasn't made me any less of a man, I don't think."

"So now you only care 'bout me, not love me?" Vin said sadly.

Stepping over to where his lover sat, Larabee put his hand on the back of Tanner's head, drew him close and kissed his forehead. "You already know I love you. There should never be any doubt," Chris whispered.

Vin smiled, "Yeah, I know. Well anyways, I reckon someone must of said something to Chanu, 'bout him and me bein' close friends. It spooked him, so he started putting distance 'tween us, making new friends and such. Next thing I know he's gettin' married."

"That'll put a damper on any relationship. Better than a cold shower. So, did you two break up?"

"No, we still saw each other, just not as often. He wanted me to be best man at his wedding," Vin gave a bitter laugh, "but I just couldn't bring myself to even go. Luckily I got picked for a mission and sent outta the country."

"Did you love each other?" Chris hated himself for asking. He really didn't want to know.

"No, not like we do." Vin gave his head a little shake, "I mean, yeah, we thought we loved each other, cared 'bout each other," Vin paused, "Well, I cared 'bout him, anyway. He swore to me he and Claire weren't sleeping together." Vin snorted, "Like I'd ever believe that one. Still, she was a real nice lady, always invitin' the guys over for barbecue and homemade meals. If I hadn't gone, It'd looked funny since we's good friends an all. But it was hard to go over there and watch them play Mr. and Mrs. Happy Family." Vin smiled sadly, "Anyway, at one a these get-togethers she told everyone she and Chanu were goin' to have a baby."

"So much for not sleeping together." Chris smiled. He tried to understand the anguish his lover had suffered.

"Yeah well, I wasn't too surprised. Chanu would a been a fool not to fall in love with her. She was a real special lady I always felt real bad 'bout him slippin' off to see me, when he should a stayed at home. Anyway, we all congratulated them. Said how happy we were for 'em."

"What happen after that? I don't imagine you were to happy with the situation."

"Nah, I wasn't. A few days later we were in this club that catered to gays, and I's trying to break it off with him. He'd argue that we could still see each other and I's sayin' no we can't, when Master Sergeant Anderson walks in." Vin laughed again remembering the shock he and Chanu had felt. "Well, once we seen him, we both high-tailed it outta there. We left so quick, that we never figured on him seein' us. That was a mistake on our parts." Tanner gave his head another little shake.

"Is he the Sergeant that propositioned you?" Chris frowned.

"Yep, ol' sarge thought he had us by the short hairs and we'd do his biddin'. Me n' Chanu were sergeants, too, but Anderson outranked us. He called Chanu into his office a few days later and ordered him to suck his dick. Chanu told him 'no' and if he ever ask again he's gonna report him to the Captain."

"Good, I hate officers who abuse their power and I'm sure there's a few that do," Chris stated.

"Well, I's next on his list and when he ask me, I told him 'no' too, and left it at that. But it didn't stop, so I went to his Captain and filed one a them sexual complaints, thinkin' Chanu would back me up." Vin shrugged. "He didn't..."

"What?" Chris furrowed his brow.

"Now, don't get upset, Chris, I understood his reasons, but without his backup, it was my word against the sergeant's. Since I still had almost a year to go, he made that time mighty uncomfortable. The sarge made sure the word got around and claimed it was me that asked him. Some believed him and some took my side, but no one would go up against him. I was trainin' new recruits on the firin' range, but they'd hear the rumor, I's gay, so I lost the respect from some of them 'for I ever met 'em." He felt the bitterness well up in him again.

"Damn Vin," Chris sympathized. Wrapping his arm around his lover, kissing him on the side of his nose. "That had to be tough. No wonder you didn't want to talk about it."

"Yeah well, I finally got out and joined up with you, so I really come out ahead, didn't I." Vin smiled up a Chris, "And, I understood Chanu's point. He had Claire and the baby to think of, and that kinda stuff 'll follow you around the rest of your life, 'specially if it goes into your file."

"Like the 800-pound gorilla in the corner of the room?" said Chris, remembering how Vin had described being gay, when he was recruiting him for this team.

Vin smiled, "Yeah, like that. Anyway, Chanu transferred out 'bout the time the inquiry was goin' on 'tween me and Anderson, so he weren't around anymore." Shrugging, Vin continued, "I just stayed to myself and finished my time. You know the rest."

"I guess it was a shock to see him with Raphael and Frank today."

"Yeah, I's real surprised to see him. He told me Claire had been killed by her father. Can you imagine that, cowboy? Her own kin!" Vin shook his head unable to comprehend that kind of thing.

"Well, I told you about Sarah's father. He didn't come to the wedding or Adam's birth. He showed up for the funeral, though." Larabee paused, "Drunk, loud and obnoxious. I could never understand that. My folks thought the sun rose and set on her and Adam." Shrugging, he continued, "Course, I got drunk right after the funeral and stayed that way."

Standing up from the stool, Vin covered his yawn, "I reckon I best get to bed. Ya want me to wait up for you?" he asked hopefully.

"No, go to bed! Tell you what, I'll buy you breakfast in the morning." Grinning, Chris went on, "Tomorrow looks to be a long day. Get some rest."

Larabee bestowed a loving smile on his lover, kissed him lightly and sent him on his way.

*****

They arrived at their destination early in the afternoon. The grid patterns were set and the cameras went to work. By late afternoon the boat had been found and the ship anchored over the spot

Larabee's team and Raph were bent over the chart table checking the different maps of the area seabed. Frank watched them curiously. Chris ran his pen over the chart. "There is a shelf here, maybe 70 or 75 foot down, but it appears to drop off here into a deep chasm," pointing to the ridges.

Looking at the map closely, Frank nodded and pointed. "I don't know much about these waters, but isn't that water awfully deep?"

"It is, but nothing we can't handle. I'd say it's about 110, maybe 120 foot where it drops off." Larabee answered. "Buck's the explosives expert, so him, me and Chanu will make up the first diving team. We'll assess the situation. Whatever we find will determine the next step. Any questions?"

Straightening, he looked at the others. Each man gave a negative shake of his head.

"Fine," Larabee smiled, "We'll dive in the morning then. Let's go have supper."

*****

The following morning, everyone gathered on deck as Buck, Chris and Chanu donned their gear and stepped off the dive platform. Once in the water each man bent double, gave a powerful kick with his fins and started the downward swim, switching on their dive lights once the light from above became obscure. They continued on until the outline of the vessel appeared.

Swimming closer to the boat, they swam around the wreck checking for danger spots and taking pictures with the waterproof camera Larabee had brought. The vessel, a 38-foot fishing boat, lay partially on its side in 110 feet of water. There was a one-room cabin, with the steering mechanism on top of the cabin. Chanu found a gaping hole in the hull where the Coast Guard had fired. One fishing pole remained in the holder, waving back and forth like a flag. Chanu removed the reel and watched as it floated to the seabed.

Chris moved to enter the cabin which stood open to the sea. He stopped and did a double take, shocked to find a body staring at him. Where the eye sockets had been were now empty holes, the mouth open wide in a perpetual scream. The skin hung off the man in pieces where marine life had feasted. The three divers looked at each other questioningly, then proceeded into the cabin. The one room was large, easily accommodating all three men. The windows were broken and debris floated around the space.

Looking around, they spied a briefcase laying in the rubble on top of the broken windows. A big thermos jug was setting in a corner, bobbing up and down against the wall, held there by what appeared to be a belt. Buck inspected the thermos, put it in his goody bag and headed for the briefcase. Carefully moving his fingers around the edges, he looked at Larabee and shrugged. Taking his writing slate, he wrote, "Can't tell."

Larabee wrote back, "Let's take it up," and carefully picked the case up and put it in his bag.

After taking several more photographs, and inspecting the area thoroughly, Larabee gave the signal to start their ascent. He hated leaving the body behind, but they would come back and collect it before leaving the area.

After several decompression stops, they broke the surface. The team, along with the two agents waited on deck. Cautiously, Buck handed his bag to Raphael and Larabee handed his to Vin. The three men came out of the water, climbed on deck, while Frank carefully checked the thermos. Raphael picked up the Geiger counter to see if it registered hot. It didn't and everyone let out a collective breath.

Next they turned to the briefcase. Buck, who was out of his drysuit by this time, again ran his fingers around the outside edges. "I don't feel any wires." and pushed it towards Josiah for inspection.

Josiah took the case, inspected it carefully and agreed. "There doesn't seem to be any outside wires. Not that that means it still isn't booby-trapped. Ready to open it, Buck?"

Buck nodded, popped the clasps, raised the lid and immediately the trigger activated itself. The numbers 10:00 started counting down rapidly, 09:55; 09:54; 09:53...

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