BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA

Remember please – this is FANFICTION! I have never been in the navy, nor am I a brilliant creative writer!

I'm a Mike/Kate shipper to the end, I'm only toying with their characters for a while but they will be returned unscathed!

"You realise Katie that with you transferring to the Patrol Boat Service we have to be beyond reproach; I will likely be harder on you than anyone else under my command." Commander Steve Marshall fixed his gaze on the blonde haired Lieutenant sitting in one of the chairs across from his desk.

"I understand that Sir, I can…" Kate began to subconsciously straighten in her chair.

Steve began gesticulating with his hands, "I did obviously discuss this situation with my boss, who discussed it with his boss, who discussed it well you see where I'm going with this" Steve had let everyone who needed to know Kate would be taking up a posting under his command, he didn't want their history bearing on the next phase of his, but particularly Kate's careers. Both Officers had worked damned hard to get where they were and were both professional enough that Steve knew they could make this change of dynamic work to both of their advantages.

"Yes Sir, I appreciate everything you have been through to get us here" by now, Kate McGregor was sitting ramrod straight in her chair.

"So long as you don't expect a pat on the head every time you do something right" Steve knew Kate's character enough to know that positive criticism brought out the best in her, she thrived under pressure and preferred that people help her recognise her flaws and weaknesses so she could turn them into her own personal strengths.

"No Sir"

"In-fact I'll likely pull up your wrongdoings more than the rights"

"Yes Sir, I understand Sir"

"Katie while we're in the privacy of my Office or out of earshot it's Steve, that much we can do, but outside of here where there are dress whites floating about its Commander Marshall or Sir"

"Sorry Steve, just not used to a situation like this; I don't want anybody to think you pulled strings to get me a posting back in Cairns" Kate had been paranoid enough about being transferred to Steve's chain of command, she didn't want their connection becoming public knowledge and people presuming she had only got to this stage of her career by riding on his coat tails. Kate had taken her fair share of crappy deployments in the past, hoping that each and every one would have some bearing on the future of her career in the RAN.

"Nobody who looks at your service record would ever doubt what a coup it is for the Patrol Boats to get an officer of your calibre and skill and I'm not just saying that as your favourite Uncle" Steve winked at Kate, his bright blue eyes dancing with amusement.

"Pretty sure Malcolm is my favourite!" Kate bantered back, gradually relaxing into the flow of the conversation and her chair, glad that Steve wasn't making their familial relationship more of an issue than it needed to be.

She appreciated Steve Marshall was a navy man through and through; had he voiced any objections to Kate requesting a posting back in Cairns to be closer to her family she never would have submitted the paperwork. Kate had enjoyed her previous life as a Navy Intelligence Officer, being deployed to different ships and task forces but the frequent deployments so far away from her family were becoming harder and harder – the last task force posting particularly had her re-evaluating the course her life had taken her. Kate realised she missed her family and was beginning to crave more stability in her life, particularly after the death of one of her closest childhood friends.

"Well then, I suppose now is the time I should tell you that as of 2 hours ago your orders have changed" Steve shuffled a few folders around until he found the one he was looking for.

"Sir?" An unexpected turn of events that Kate hadn't planned on, she had been cautious enough about transferring to the Patrol Boat Service incase she would ever come across someone she had compartmentalised as an 'acquaintance', but she was confident enough that he would have moved on by now and was on a shore posting somewhere, working through the ranks. She knew he wasn't working at NAVCOM so she felt safe enough transferring to Cairns; so long as she didn't end up on the same damn boat he broke her heart for she could cope.

"As you are aware you were due to be posted to the Kingston, serving as Executive Officer to Lieutenant Commander Curry; however as they are due 2 weeks shore leave we have time to find them a different Executive Officer. We have another patrol boat currently docked from this morning owing to a professional disagreement between her Captain and XO over boarding tactics. The Captain is due here" Steve took a beat to check his watch, "now infact. You will have a quick meet and greet and then it's off to the briny deep to enforce Australian maritime law, they were only 2 days into their patrol before they steamed for home. I need them back out on the water this afternoon if possible, this evening by the latest"

"Sir, you haven't even told me what boat I am being trans…"

Kate's question was cut off by a sharp knock to the Office door to which Steve waved the person on the other side in before Kate had a chance to turn

"Ah Mike, just about on time – cutting it fine as normal" Steve gestured to the vacant chair beside Kate.

"Lt Cmdr Michael Flynn can I introduce you to Hammersley's new Executive Officer, Lt Katelyn McGregor"

Kate who had momentarily frozen spun round in her chair, facing the man she had hoped never to cross paths again.