okay before we start I actually know nothing about how the RAN works and only have Sea patrol to go on. I also know nothing about Australia and have had tried to research as best as I can. please go easy on me this is my first fic for sea patrol. enjoy x

Lieutenant Kate McGregor was sat in the NAVCOM naval base at Cairns. She was getting details of new posting. Having not requested a transfer she knew it could go one of two ways, up or down and she was desperately hoping to be the former, she wanted to stay on the frigates she loved these big ships there were more opportunities to go far in her career. She sighed she had been hear for what seemed like ages. Looking at her watch it had only been 10 minuets.

"lieutenant McGregor" she was called in to a large office with a window looking out on to the control hub. She smoothed down the shirt of her whites and followed the voice in to the office. It was the office of a Commander Steve Marshall

"sir" she saluted

" take a seat Lieutenant" he indicated at the seat that was in front of the desk.

She sat down watching him gather various documents and papers

"I have the details of your new posting. You are being posted to the HMAS Hammersley as the Executive officer..."

"sir that's a patrol boat isn't it"

"that is correct lieutenant"

"but sir I need to be on frigates I need big ships"

"lieutenant if you want to progress in your career then you do need some time on patrol boats you are the executive officer of the Hammersley "

"But Sir..."

"Kate. Let me give you some advice. If you want to go far in the navy then you go where you are sent and learn to accept and like it"

"yes sir"

"Hammersley is a good ship with a great command and crew. Being the XO makes you second in command as you know. You will be serving under Lieutenant commander Flynn"

"yes sir" she forced a smile a patrol boat 6 months on a bloody patrol boat. On the upside she would be on shore more but a patrol boat going after stupid fishermen who couldn't stay on their side of the line the same thing day in and day out. However something sounded familiar about that was the name of someone she once knew from a course at ADFA. Putting it to the back of her mind as it couldn't possibly be him she took the folder she was handed.

"Hammersley is in port at the moment she is due to sail in 90 minuets. Report to the ship and I will let Lieutenant commander Flynn know you are on your way"

Kate stood up and shook the hand of Commander Marshall. She waited till she was out of the building and away from anyone who might see before removing her hat and gave a silent scream in to it. Patrol boats were small cramped and everyone seemed to think they had the right to know your business and Hammersley was a Fremantle class boat so was smaller than the newer boats being commissioned.

Having already packed her bags in case she was to sail today she returned to her car before driving to the port. Walking along the Warf until she found where Hammersley was docked. She stood on the warf waiting for the lieutenant commander Flynn. When a face from her past appeared. Mike Flynn. Then the penny dropped he was the CO of Hammersley. 6 months on this cramped boat with a man who several years ago left with out a word, with out a goodbye. This was going to be a long fun 6 months.