Chapter 1

The sea was choppy and it was raining 'cats and dogs'. The HMAS Hammersley was right in the middle of it. There was a small ship about 1500 metres away that had called for help.

So here they were trying to help the crew to safety. The HMAS Hammersley had sent out a small party to go and assess the situation. In other words it was to see if the boat was still useable or not. Lieutenant Kate McGregor (also known as XO or X) was incharge of the boarding party.

"Geez do you think it could rain any harder" ET exclaimed over the rain.

"ET concentrate. This is bad weather and we don't want anyone to falling over board, so concentrate"

"Yes Ma'am"

Buffer maneuvered the boat through the waters. He gripped the boat with both hands to hold her steady (in what I'd call white knuckle style). The white knuckles were the only sign that Buffer was having any difficulties on getting the boat over to the little vessel. After ten more minutes they finally got to the little vessel. As soon as the boat was secured the party jumped onto the vessel and got to work.

The captain of the ship went up to Buffer and started to explain what had happened. Unfortunately, he was speaking Indonesian so Buffer had no idea what he was saying. "Ma'am. I think this guy is the captain of this vessel. The only problem is, is that he doesn't speak English."

Kate sighed. That was the only thing about being on patrol boat. Some of the people they encounted were really hard to understand and it drove Kate nuts when she wasn't getting anywhere. Though she was very good at hiding her feelings. She pulled out her flash cards and quickly flicked through to find one that would help them.

RO came up behind her and asked "Did you need a hand Ma'am?" (Sorry I couldn't remember what language he can speak fluently so I picked Indonesian)

"That would be appreciated RO" Smiled Kate. "Ask him what the situation is?"

"Yes Ma'am." RO turned away and started to talk to the captain. The captain listened then he replied. RO then turned back to Kate and explained.

"Apparently the computer malfunctioned and the engines shut down. There was a huge backfire and he thinks that they may be taking on water. Ma'am"

"Keep him talking and asking him how many people on board. While you do that I'm going to find ET and find out what the damage is and to see if this vessel is towable or not. Keep me posted"

Kate walked swiftly towards the computer room where she thought ET might be. As she got closer she could hear noises coming from the room. She walked in and found ET surrounded in wires cursing under his breath.

"Ma'am we need to get these people out of here there is nothing that can be done about this."

"Ok I'll let Hammersley know what's going on and you let the rest of the crew know. I'll..." Kate was interrupted as the boat rocked violently. "ET get going we haven't got much time. Charlie two this is X-ray two over."

"X-ray... Can't... What..." came the garbled response. Kate tried again but all she got this time was static. Kate moved quickly. She would feel better once they got back to Hammersley.