Hey Sea Patrol lovers!
I'm back with another one! I wrote this one on the plane coming back from Melbourne yesterday. PS if anyone one is a fan of Lisa McCune I highly recommend the new MTC production she's in called Gloria!
I'm struggling to write a Kate fic without Dutchy in it, even if they're not romantically involved I feel that in the end their friendship was important and they had a genuine connection.
In saying that I promise that some of my fics will be Mike and Kate, even if they still involve Dutchy but I'm not going to tell you which ones! *evil laugh* you'll just have to read them to find out which ones!
Disclaimer – as usual I didn't create any of the characters nor do I own them.
Feedback is greatly appreciated, I need to know if you're enjoying my insane thoughts hahaha.
Love, Lies and Life
Chapter 1
Kate lay back in to corner of the couch and sighed, her eyes scanned around their house. It was her dream house, a beautiful, modern two storey home overlooking the water but it was missing something, the most important thing, a family. She curled her body into the nook of the corner and rested her hand on the top of the couch, the light caught the princess cut diamond of her engagement ring. She lifted her hand slightly and tilted her head, she stared at the ring on her finger. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in, she held in until she couldn't hold it any more. She exhaled loudly and sobs of heartache immediately followed.
This wasn't working, this is what she thought she wanted but in reality it was making her miserable. She always thought the Navy was his life, but in fact it was hers too. She had given up her career in an attempt to start a family, but a family wasn't happening, he was away too much. What would happen when a baby arrived? She would still be alone but with a baby and it still wouldn't be a family.
All her friends from the Hammersley had moved on, they had lost contact, mostly her fault as she had been trying to make up for lost time with Mike and therefore neglected other relationships so she no longer had anyone she could confide in.
She reached for her phone and looked at it for a minute, it was like her body took over, she unlocked it and dialled a familiar number. It rang once, she quickly hung up, her heart was racing, she clenched her phone to her chest.
"C'mon Kate, since when are you scared?"
She unlocked it and punched in the number harder than before, determined not to chicken out.
"Hi..."
Her voice was croaky from nerves, she cleared her throat and put on her best professional voice.
"Sorry, my name is Kate McGregor and I would like to make an appointment to see Commander White... No, I need to see her today, it's urgent...Yes, I can be there in 15...Yes, Kate McGregor, thank you."
She hung up the phone, her hand was shaking. What had she done? There was no going back now.
Navcom.
Kate waited nervously outside Maxine's office, she watched as her ex co workers rushed around, the office was a buzz. She smiled as she remembered the thrill of being in the Navy, there was always something happening, always action. She glanced down at her right leg, it twitching, she rested her hand on it to try and settle it. The door open behind her, she jumped up and was met with her ex boss, Maxine White. Maxine smiled at her politely but was secretly concerned as to why she was here.
"Kate! Good to see you! Come in! How's everything going?"
Maxine put ushered her into the office, Kate's mind raced trying to decided how to approach this. She liked Maxine but she felt awkward, Maxine was her ex boss, her husband's ex lover and her husband's son's mother. She didn't know what her reaction would be. Kate stood at attention, a habit of being in her office.
"Maxine, thanks for seeing me..."
Maxine sat at her desk, Kate on the other side, she smiled as she felt the sense of déjà vu. Kate looked at her feet trying to think where to start, just say it Kate, you can do this. She slowly looked up and her gaze locked on to Maxine's. Maxine clamped her hand together on the desk, waiting for Kate to start taking, after all she was the one who called this meeting, she noticed the worried look on her face.
"Not like you to be in here speechless Kate, what's up?"
All of Kate's well thought out starting lines went out the window. She couldn't focus, she was too anxious, her mouth took over and blurted out.
"I want to re-enlist."
Maxine stiffened and shifted in her chair, she knew Mike and Kate were trying to start a family but this meant that there was something wrong. She tried to put on her most non judgemental voice.
"Have you spoken to Mike about this?"
Kate shook her head slightly, not wanting to admit that she hadn't. A sense of annoyance came over her, why did she need his permission? Sure they were married, but he still got to do everything he loved.
"I'll be honest with you Maxine, I was nervous coming to talk to you about this because of your friendship with Mike. I don't expect you to understand but I need your help as my former boss."
Maxine listened, there had to be a good reason for this and she was going to find out. Kate straightened herself in her chair.
"Ma'am, I'm dying.."
Maxine looked stunned, Kate realised what she had said and quickly corrected herself.
"Oh no, not literally but on the inside. I can't be this housewife/stay at home mum. I've tried doing other things but I miss the Navy, I was damn good at my job and I loved it. It doesn't help that I'm sitting at home waiting for him and what if we did have a family? I would be doing it by myself, that's not fair to anyone."
Maxine took a moment to think, Mike was her friend and was probably always going to defend him but if she was being honest with herself she did sympathise.
"So, what do you want to do Kate?"
Kate's eyes darted around the office, she could feel Maxine's eyes on her. She didn't want to say it, especially to Maxine, she suspected that she had residual feelings for Mike when they got together. She spun her wedding ring around her finger avoiding Maxine's stare.
"I want a fresh start, I'm leaving Mike."
It was the last thing Maxine expected Kate to say, she jumped up from her chair.
"Kate, I think you need to talk to Mike, it's not fair for you to just leave."
Kate was now on the defensive.
"Is it fair for me to be unhappy? Or worse, both of us be unhappy?"
Maxine could tell Kate was getting worked up, she tried a new approach, a friend not her boss, she walked around her desk and sat next to her.
"Of course not Kate, but you guys are married, he deserves an explanation."
Kate could feel her leg twitching again, she took a deep breath in.
"I know, but I'm scared he'll convince me to stay and I'll just end up resenting him, he doesn't deserve that."
Maxine didn't want any part in help Kate leave Mike but looking at her she saw a bit of herself.
"I want you to think about this carefully Kate, Mike loves you and..."
Kate wasn't going to be talked out of it, she had to think about herself for once. She politely interrupted.
"I know Ma'am, I love him too, I always will but it's just not working. Last year you told me the Navy was his life and it is. I don't want to be the one who takes that away from him, you know that he would threaten to quit again and I can't let him do that!"
Kate glanced sideways at Maxine hoping that she would understand her predicament, hoping she didn't think that she was being completely selfish.
"Maxine, I've made up my mind, I know you'll support him through this."
Maxine let out a sigh, she knew she wasn't going to win. At least it was her handling this and not a stranger, maybe Mike would take it better hearing it from her?
"Ok Kate, I can put through your application. With your record I don't believe there would be an issue but the only thing is that there are no postings available here. I'll make some calls and get back to you."
A relieved expression covered Kate's face, she stood up and hugged Maxine.
"Thank you for understanding."
Kate walked out the office and made her way to the car park, she got into her car and gripped the steering wheel trying to compose herself, she gripped harder, her knuckles were white. She took a deep breath in though her nose and exhaled though her mouth, she looked at herself in the rear view mirror and burst into tears. No matter how much this hurt she knew it was the right decision. Mike would eventually understand, he may not forgive her but maybe that would be easier.
The next day.
Kate's was in the kitchen doing dishes, her phone rang.
"Hang on, hang on..."
She pulled off one of her gloves and chucked her phone in-between her ear and neck.
"Kate McGregor..."
"Kate, it's Maxine, just letting you know there's an XO position in Darwin."
She paused, it wasn't ideal, not far enough away and there would be a chance that they would still see each other, but it was better than nothing.
"Ma'am that's great! I'll take it."
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
"Maxine?"
"Kate, the only thing is that they would need you there to tomorrow, they sail the morning after."
A sick feeling came over Kate, Mike wasn't due back for 2 days, she didn't want to do this over email while he was at sea.
"It's ok I'll sort it out, thanks."
"Kate, I wouldn't be a very good friend or boss if I didn't ask again, is this really the way you want to go about this?!"
Kate ignored her question.
"Thanks Maxine, tell them I will be there tomorrow."
Kate slid into a chair at the kitchen bench, it was starting to sink in. She wasn't expecting to get a position so fast. She pulled open the 3rd drawer and got out a pen and a piece of paper and started to write.
Dear Mike,
Kate inhaled sharply, she bit her lip and fought back her tears, this was harder than she thought.
Dear Mike,
Please know that this is not your fault, I could no longer sit at home and watch my life go by. This way was the only way as I know you would do anything to stop me, including trading places which I know would make you just as miserable.
I have re joined the Navy and have been posted interstate, I missed it too much, you of all people should understand.
I'm sorry, please don't hate me.
All my love,
Kate McGregor
She quickly folded the note and wrote his name on in, she removed her rings and placed them on top. She ran upstairs and started to shove her belongings into a bag, tears poured down her cheeks. She headed to the door, she stopped to take one last look around, this was it. For a split second she thought about taking it all back, but instead she turned and slammed the door shut.
The next afternoon - Darwin – HMAS Coonawarra HQ.
Kate walked along the docks of Darwin's naval base, she approached the edge and closed her eyes. The warm sea breeze caressed her face, it reminded her of Cairns in fact it everything was very similar, she hoped not all things would be similar. She looked at her watch, she didn't want to be late, she was about to meet her new Commander, CO and Buffer.
Kate waited outside Commander Simms office, as she heard the door open she felt the hairs on the back of her arms stand up. She turned around to see her new Commander, he was an older gentleman with a strict face, more grey hairs than coloured with the classic "desk figure".
"Lieutenant, come in..."
Kate stood up straight, shoulders back and walked into the office. She wanted to present herself with confidence and not how she was feeling, like the new kid on their first day of school in the middle of term.
She eyeballed the other two men standing in the office, she did a double take on the younger of the two, she recognised him. Commander Simms was about to formally introduce them when Kate shrieked with excitement.
"Dutchy?!"
Dutchy's head spun around, a giant smile appeared on his face. They broke formalities and hugged each other. Commander Sims cleared his throat, Kate realised how inappropriate she was acting and stepped back in line and turned back to the Commander.
"Oh sorry Sir, Petty Officer Mulholland and I used to serve together!"
Dutchy tried to hold back his amusement at Kate's slip up, it wasn't often that Kate broke protocol.
"Best XO I could ask for Sir, we're very lucky to have her!"
Kate smiled back at Dutchy. Commander Simms' eyes looked them up and down, he wasn't a fan of his officer's being close on a personal level, it always caused problems. He decided to let it go for now, he didn't know enough about them to judge.
"Well it's good to know that you will be able to work cohesively together then. Lieutenant McGregor, your CO, Commander Greg Day."
Kate saluted and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you McGregor, I've heard good things! Well we depart 0800 tomorrow, I'll meet you on deck at 0700?"
Kate held back her enthusiasm, she was back in professional mode after her slip up.
"Can't wait Sir!"
Greg put his hat back on.
"Good, well I'll leave you in Dutchy's capable hands to show you around."
Kate and Dutchy wandered through the HQ grounds, he glanced sideways at her periodically. He thought it was strange that she wasn't saying much, he wondered what had happened to Kate and Mike, last he heard she had left the Navy and they were married. They hadn't spoken in nearly a year, he was a little hurt when he heard she and Mike and got hitched and he wasn't invited but he had later heard that a lot of the crew weren't present and that they had kind of dropped off the radar. He had to break the silence, he decided to start with a non threatening question.
"So... what's been happening?"
Kate kept walking, she didn't know if that was a general question or did it really mean "What are you doing back in the Navy? Where are Mike and your children?"
Dutchy noticed her hesitation.
"Sorry X, I didn't think that would be such a hard question."
Kate stopped dead in her tracks, tears started to well in her eyes, she tried to quickly wipe them away before he noticed. Dutchy kept talking as he walked along, when there was no response he realised that she hadn't continued with him. He turned around and saw her tear stained face, his protective instincts took over and ran back and wrapped his arms around her. He squeezed her tight as a million questions popped into his head, he was stumped as to what to say next, he tried to lighten the mood.
"Hey, I didn't think you missed me that much!"
Kate laughed half heartedly between sniffles, she nuzzled into him fitting perfectly under his arm into the nook of his arm pit, she squeezed him back. He led her over to a bench and sat down, still holding her.
Dutchy felt her sobs get more intense, he didn't want to upset her more but as she had said to him years before, you need to talk about it.
"C'mon Kate, it's me Dutchy, your favourite buffer..."
Kate tried to compose herself, she crossed her legs on the bench and placed her hands in her lap. She felt his concerned stare but couldn't manage to bring her eyes to meet his.
"I left him..."
Dutchy couldn't make out what she was saying, he lent in closer.
"Kate?"
Her gaze slowly met his, his eyes were filled with worry.
"Mike's back in Cairns."
Dutchy's eyes squinted and brow furrowed, he didn't quite understand.
"So you guys are doing the long distance thing then, that's gotta be..."
Kate considered nodding along to avoid the next part of the conversation. She interrupted him.
"No, I left him."
Dutchy tried not to look shocked, he couldn't believe it, Kate had left the Navy for him, no way in a million years would he have though that she'd be the one to break it off. He put a hand on her arm to reassure her.
"Kate, I'm sorry..."
Kate looked back down at her feet, sympathy was the last thing she wanted.
"Dylan please don't be sorry, you'll make me feel worse."
Dutchy wanted, needed to know more. This was supposed to be like a classic movie plot, boy meets girl, boy hurts girl and they break up, but years later they meet and eventually they end up together, it's fate, meant to be.
"You can tell me..."
Kate thought she was going to be sick, saying it aloud made it real, it also made her sound like a heartless bitch.
"He doesn't know, Maxine found this job for me, I had 24 hours to get here. Mike is back from patrol tomorrow, I left him a note."
Dutchy pulled Kate in and held her tight, he kissed her head. It was a pretty crappy way to leave but he knew Kate, she wasn't a bad person. For her to do that she must have been so unhappy and she obviously felt terrible about it.
"Kate, it will be okay..."
Kate felt safe with Dutchy, she always had, she let it all out.
"I didn't want to hurt him, but I know he would have done anything for me to stay. I didn't want him to leave the Navy and be unhappy!"
Dutchy sat there still a bit confused at the whole situation, he stroked her back.
"How about we go to my place, have you got somewhere to stay?"
He felt her head move and took that as a yes.
"Well call them and cancel, tell them you're staying with your family."
Dutchy's house.
Kate walked in expecting a bachelor pad, she was astounded, it was clean and tidy, very modern but homely, it was an adult house. She walked around the lounge room and smiled.
"Dylan, wow... you must have a girl then hey?"
Dutchy scrunched up his face in offence.
"Why do you say that?"
She looked around at the art work that hung on the walls.
"Your place is beautiful!"
Dutchy stood there with a satisfied grin on his face.
"Impressed?"
Kate turned and gave him a doubtful look.
"This isn't to impress all the models is it?"
Dutchy rolled his eyes.
"Nah Kate, I grew up a little, about time hey?"
She chucked her bag at him, it hit him with a thud.
"Ok housemate, where's my room?"
Later that night Dutchy and Kate sat in his lounge room having a glass of wine.
"So, how's the Pirie crew?!"
Dutchy shrugged.
"They're a good bunch of people, no Hammersley, I mean you and the boss... oh sorry Kate."
Dutchy stopped himself, it was always Kate and Mike, like Bert and Ernie.
"No its fine, I'm the one who left, I'm going to have to get used to it."
Dutchy topped up her wine glass sensing that this could be a sore subject.
"You could just anticipate what Mike wanted and the team would follow, we were a well oiled Navy machine, it's hard not to compare."
Kate smiled at the sentiment, she couldn't comprehend how they made such a good work team bout could make it work in private. Dutchy could see she was struggling again, he attempted to change the direction of the conversation.
"But I bet you'll get us up to scratch in no time hey?"
Kate was deep in thought, she put down her glass and lowered her head on Dutchy's shoulder, he put his arm around her.
"Thanks Dylan...'
He rested his head on hers.
"For what?"
"Still being here for me after all this time..."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
She didn't respond, Dutchy thought better than to ask anything else, instead he held her until she fell asleep.
The next morning Kate walked up the gang way on to HMAS Pirie, she felt better, not fantastic but being able to talk to Dutchy made her feel a bit more at ease. She went to her cabin and unpacked her bag, Greg knocked on her door.
"Settling in Lieutenant?"
Kate turned slightly, continuing to unpack.
"Yes sir, it's all coming back to me."
"Good..."
Greg hovered at her door awkwardly, Kate felt his presence and didn't know why he was still standing there.
"Is there anything else Sir?"
"Ahh, actually you have a call..."
Kate stopped, the only person who knew she was here was Maxine.
"Ah, must be Commander White seeing...?"
"No, it's actually your husband?"
He sounded perplexed, it was more of a question rather than a statement. Kate heart started to race, she didn't want to take the call but she knew there would be more questions if she didn't.
"Sir, I know it's a little in unorthodox but would you mind if I took it in your cabin?"
Greg's right eyebrow raised as he glanced as her oddly, she knew there would be questions but she had to shut it down quickly.
"Sorry sir, it's private."
He gave her an understanding nod, Kate went to walk out of the cabin, Greg positioned himself in her way.
"Lieutenant, if there is an issue I'd rather know about now."
Kate avoided his glare, she slid past him and looked back.
"No issue Sir."
CO's cabin.
Kate picked up the phone and closed her eyes, she breathed in and out slowly before she put on her best work voice.
"HMAS Pirie, Lieutenant McGregor speaking..."
She pretended she didn't know who was on the other end of the phone.
Mike's voice came barking down the line.
"Kate! What are you doing? I come home and you have packed your stuff and left?! You left me a note for Christ sake?!"
She didn't really know what to say, she wasn't expecting him to call so soon.
"Mike, I'm sorry..."
He cut her off.
"Sorry!? Are you kidding me?! What the hell is going on?"
"How did you know where I was?"
"Why does that matter? Is that all your concerned about?!"
"Mike I have to go, I will call you when this patrol is over."
"Kate, we're going to talk about this now!"
"Mike, please! I can't, I promise we will talk."
Kate didn't wait for a response, she slammed the receiver down. A feeling of guilt made her stumble, she put a hand on the desk to stand and steady herself. She wiped her face and exited the cabin, Greg was standing at the door like an over protective father.
"Kate, we can't work together if we can't trust each other. I can't have a new XO who's heads not in the game!"
She wasn't ready to explain to the situation to a stranger.
"Sorry Sir, I'm just not ready to talk. I promise I'm 100% committed! I promise this won't affect my work!"
Greg wanted to trust her, her record was impeccable and she seemed so put together but maybe that was the issue.
"Ok Lieutenant, you can tell me in your own time but I'll warn you now my tolerance for drama is low!"
She acknowledged him with a single nod and followed him down the corridor, he showed her around the ship pointing out different areas.
"So, what was your old CO like? I heard you were quite the team."
Kate let out a huff, seriously, did she really have to talk about him?
"Ahh yeah we were together, I'm mean we worked together for nearly 5 years. I guess if you work with someone for that long you get to know what they're like, anticipate their calls."
Greg patted her on the back.
"Don't be modest McGregor! I read his recommendation when you were up for promotion and noted that you were Acting CO on more than one occasion. It seemed that you were a shoe in for the next command, so it surprised me to see that you left Hammersley and the Navy?!."
Kate stopped and looked away from Greg's inquiring glance, he noticed the question made her uneasy.
"Ahh, it's related to the private issue that isn't a problem?"
Kate glanced sideways at him, was it that obvious? Greg chuckled and continued the tour.
"It's okay Kate, we all got outside lives, outside problems but we have to learn how to juggle them if we're going to have a life..."
"Yes Sir, but the navy's my life."
Greg smiled at her, he admired her commitment but also felt for her as she was young and should have more in her life than just the navy.
"You'll soon learn that it probably shouldn't be, you need to have interests outside the navy."
"I'm sorry but I tend to disagree Sir, I don't have time for anything else."
Greg stopped and turned to face her.
"But you're married aren't you? That's an 'other' thing."
It was getting too much, she didn't want to talk about him anymore.
"Are you married Sir?"
A large, proud grin came over Greg's face.
"Yep, 10 years this year."
Kate felt like a failure she barely got through 1. Greg noticed her saddened expression and placed an encouraging hand on her shoulder.
"It wasn't easy X but it can work, your partner just needs to be understanding about our commitment."
Kate shook her head unconsciously, Mike understood the commitment to the navy, it was the whole problem in their relationship. She snapped back to reality and nodded, pretending to agree, she needed to change the subject completely.
"So are we on general patrol today?"
Greg nodded.
"If nothing to drastic happens we will be back in port by 1800."
Navcom - Cairns
Mike walked though the Navcom office like a man possessed, he ignored all the greetings and headed straight for Maxine's office. He stormed in and slammed the door so hard that it made everyone in the main office turn. Maxine looked out to all the sets of eyes on them. She casually walked to the window and drew the blind.
"Did you help her?"
Maxine calmly sat back down at her desk, she started at Mike waiting for him to calm a little. She gestured for him to sit down, he shook his head and refused, she inhaled sharply.
"Mike, she came to me, I thought it would be easier me handling things than anyone else."
Mike walked over and slammed both hands on her desk and lent in towards her. His expression was a mix of resentment and grief.
"I thought you were my friend! You should have told her to stay!"
Maxine paused, she knew he'd try and blame this on her. She stood up trying to make a point.
"Mike, how long have you known Kate? You should know better than anyone you can't 'tell' her to do anything!"
Mike sat defeated and buried his head in his hands. Maxine hated seeing him like this, she wanted to be compassionate but also needed to help him understand the situation from Kate's perspective.
"She made it very clear to me that it's not that she doesn't love you, it's because she loved you that she left."
The statement frustrated Mike more, he threw his hands in the air.
"How does that make any sense?!"
Maxine rubbed Mike's knee with her hand, trying to give him some sort of comfort. She didn't feel a hug was appropriate, even though the blinds ere drawn.
"Mike, look at it from her point of view, she loved you so much she left the navy, she couldn't ask that of you. She was at home, alone, waiting for you every day. She felt that when you had children she would feel even more isolated, even more pressure."
The irritated expression disappeared of Mike face and was replaced by one of despair.
"Max, why didn't she talk to me about this?"
Maxine sighed.
"I think she felt that there wasn't a resolution that made you both happy."
Mike leapt from his seat and paced the room.
"I would have swapped with her, I don't care!"
Maxine gave him an unimpressed look.
"Mike, that's exactly what she was afraid of and you would care! So she felt that if she left that it would be easier, it would be a clean break, you could both have what you wanted."
"But I want to be married to her."
Maxine approached him and grabbed his arm to settle him.
"Mike, just give her a couple of days! You guys need to talk but you both need to calm down first."
HMAS Pirie.
Dutchy and Derrick Greyson were in the galley, Dutchy was making them a brew.
Greyson sat on the bench drying the coffee cups.
"So... the new XO, I hear you know her?"
Dutchy nodded.
"Yeah, she was my X on Hammersley, great leader and a good woman."
Greyson smirked and whipped the tea towel at him.
"I also heard she hugged you in front of the Commander and the CO."
Dutchy knew what he was implying, he wasn't going to play along.
"Yeah, So!? And where are you hearing this?"
Greyson smirked and acted smug.
"I've got my sources, I just thought it was a bold move that's all, you know they only have to suspect a relationship and you're transferred."
Dutchy shot him an unimpressed look.
"Everyone knows that Greyson! And if you're implying that..."
Greyson walked around Dutchy glancing at him and his body language.
"Okay, okay don't be so touchy, if I didn't know any better I would have thought you had a bit of a crush!"
Dutchy chucked a biscuit at him.
"Yeah, sure! Whatever you say!"
Greyson winked at him, Dutchy left the galley and shook his head. An announcement came over the PA.
"Hands to boarding stations, hands to boarding stations, assume damage control stage 3 condition voyage.
Dutchy and Greyson ran to get their gear, they met Kate and their ET; James Findlay at the RHIB. Kate put her helmet on, Dutchy put a hand her on the shoulder.
"You ready X?"
She nodded.
"Let's do this!"
Greyson looked over towards Dutchy, he looked at Dutchy's hand on Kate's shoulder then looked at Dutchy and winked at him, Dutchy immediately removed his hand.
They stood out on deck, Kate stood in front of the boarding party and addressed them.
"Right guys, suspected FFV. When we get to the vessel Dutchy your with me. ET and Greyson I want you to check the wheelhouse and for other crew."
They all boarded the RHIB and made their way to the FFV. Kate grabbed the loud-hailer.
"Vessel on my port side, this is the Australian Navy, stop or heave too, we intend to board you."
The boat didn't stop, the RHIB pulled up alongside. Dutchy jumped aboard followed by Kate and the rest of the crew
"Australian Navy! Who is the master of this vessel?"
The crew were surprised by the boarding party, they started to become agitated and aggressive. One of the crew members went for Kate, before she could react Dutchy restrained him. While he was handling the fisherman another one grabbed him from behind and held a metal bar to his neck, choking him. Kate immediately sprung into action and struck the man with her baton, she withdrew her weapon and aimed it at him. Greyson and ET looked at each other, surprised by Kate's aggression. Greyson walked off to check the rest of the boat. Dutchy was on the floor gasping for air, as Kate tended to him another one tried to have a go. She reached for her radio.
"Greyson, ET we need backup here!"
ET ran back to assist, he tripped one crew member and drew his weapon he pointed it at the rest of the fishermen, they back off and then surrendered. They started to tie their hands together. A few minutes later Greyson came wondering back to the deck.
Kate looked up him angrily while restraining a fisherman.
"Greyson where were you? I called for assistance!"
He grabbed his radio with a puzzled look on his face.
"Ah Sorry ma'am I didn't hear! Radio must have been patchy!"
Kate shook her head, she knew he was lying. The tone in her voice let him know of her annoyance.
"Just inspect the boat for seaworthiness!"
Dutchy stumbled to his feat, rubbing his neck. He reached out a touched Kate's arm.
"Sorry X, I should have seen him coming."
Greyson turned to see their interaction, she was startled as Greg radioed in.
"Everything okay X?"
She picked up the radio staring at Greyson while he walked away.
"All good Boss, a bit of resistance but all under control."
She looked around the deck checking the fisherman's catch. ET came back from the engine room.
"X, this boat is barely seaworthy."
She nodded.
"Captain, X, full load of sea cucumbers on board, recommendation bring the crew onboard and hold them in austere and tow back to base."
"Very good X, see you back here soon."
The crew arrived back on Pirie, Greg was on deck to meet them, he walked up to her smiling.
"How'd it feel X?"
She took off her boarding gear and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
"Like I never left Sir!"
Greyson walked past Kate with a smug look on his face, she watched him go below, Greg noticed her change in expression.
"Problem X?"
Her gaze turned back toward Greg.
"Ah, not at this stage..."
Kate didn't want to make a fuss, not on her first day, she needed to prove she could handle herself after her promise this morning.
"Good, go have some lunch then."
Senior officers mess.
Dutchy, ET and Greyson were scoffing down their food, Grayson elbowed Dutchy in the side.
"The X totally saved your ass today!"
Dutchy continued to shovel in his food, trying not to react.
"She was doing her job, she good at her job."
Greyson has a sarcastic tone in his voice, he put his fork down and ruffled his hair
"Yeah, you keep saying that! I think you have a bit of a soft spot for her."
Dutchy shook his head still chewing, even if he did he wasn't letting these guys know.
"You know Greyson, I think you might be the one with a crush."
Greyson picked up his plate a bicep flexed a muscle.
"Don't get crushes mate, the girls get crushes on me!"
Kate appeared in the doorway, they immediately stopped talking, she knew they were talking about her.
"Oh, don't stop on my account boys!"
Kate sat down pretending not to be phased by their innuendo and began to eat. Greyson and ET picked up their plates and left, Kate looked at Dutchy for answers.
"Anything I should know about?"
Dutchy looked at her for a moment, he didn't want to worry her further.
"Nah, just stupid boy talk X, I think they're going a bit stir crazy, there hasn't been a woman on the ship for about a year."
Kate wanted to believe him but something told her Greyson was going to be a handful.
"It never changes does it?"
Dutchy looked offended.
"Hey, I wasn't that bad!"
Kate playfully hit him on the chest.
"Dylan, you were the worst!"
He put on his best puppy dog face.
"But eventually you fell for the Dutchy charm aye?
Kate rolled her eyes.
"Just shut up and eat your food!"
The boat pulled alongside the dock, Kate stood on the bridge with the CO and Dutchy making small talk. Dutchy wandered over to check on the crew on deck, he glanced out the starboard window. There was someone waiting on the dock, his eyes widened when he realised who it was. He calmly walked over to Kate and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Ah X, you may want to take a look..."
He pointed to the window and handed her the binoculars, she wondered why he was being so coy. She walked over to the window and put the binoculars up to her eyes.
"Shit!"
She froze for a minute, she felt Dutchy walk up behind her, she chucked the binoculars at him and ran down the stairs and onto the deck, Greg looked at Dutchy inquisitively.
"Dutchy?"
"Ahh, her husband is here..."
Greg had a baffled look on his face.
"And she's cursing because?"
Dutchy shook his head.
"Not my business to tell Sir."
Greg walked over to the window, he was curious, he noticed that the man who was waiting for Kate was in uniform. He looked through the binoculars at the insignia on his shoulders.
"Commander?!"
Dutchy tried to busy himself to avoid more questions, he felt Greg's eyes on him, he looked up at Greg.
"What's the Commander's name?"
Dutchy paused, he didn't want to say it, it was going to raise a lot of questions for Kate that she didn't need right now.
"Dutchy?!"
He shuffled though the paperwork in front of him.
"Mike Flynn, Sir."
Greg frowned, where had he seen that name before? Dutchy waited for the penny to drop. Greg realized it was the name on Kate's recommendation.
"Hang on a minute, her husband was her CO?"
Dutchy wanted to escape, he was half way down the stairs and turned.
"Again Sir, not my business."
Greg gave him an unimpressed glare and looked back through the binoculars at Kate's interaction with her Commander husband.
"Bloody drama!"
Kate ran down the gangway, she looked behind her and from side to side to check to see if anyone was watching them. She approached him cautiously, almost wincing with every step, she didn't want him to make a scene, not here, not in front of everyone. She swallowed hard as she stopped in front of him.
"Mike, what are you doing here?"
End of Chapter 1.