Best Kept Secret

Able Seaman Rebecca 'Bomber' Brown pulled off her boarding kit angrily before stowing it with the rest. A quick glance around the boarding room showed her that the rest of the party were feeling the same thing; frustration, anger and annoyance prevalent on everyone's faces. They had been this close to getting that FFV! Literally seconds away from boarding before the foreign crew had stuck out their porcupines and put up a fight. And while the well trained navy crew had responded appropriately, an ill-timed MAYDAY had called them away. And that too had been a flop, a drunken duo on a leisure fishing trip had dropped a line overboard. Now that was NOT a MAYDAY!

Giving a weak smile to Spider, she exited the room and headed for her cabin. Once there, Bomber lay on her rack and pulled the photo from under her mattress. Smiling fondly, a genuine smile this time, Bomber couldn't help but forget about the trials of her day. This was a favourite photo of the two of them, and one that never failed to brighten her day. Her grin turned sly as she thought of the past 4 months, there were usually no secrets on the Hammersley, but this definitely was! Glancing at her watch Bomber straightened up and headed to the bridge, this was the last day of their two week patrol and she was definitely looking forward to some downtime with her favourite person!

Bomber arrived on the bridge just in time.

"How far from port X?" Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn asked his 2IC Lieutenant 'XO' Kate McGregor.

X checked the navigation equipment and turned to her captain smiling, "Just over an hour Sir. We should be arriving in part at 1700 hours"

"Very good X, make ready"

"Aye Sir"

Glancing around at the other occupants of the bridge, Chief Petty Officer Andy 'Charge' Thorpe and Petty Officers Pete 'Buffer' Tomaszewski and Chris 'Swain' Blake, Bomber saw that they were equally as excited to be heading to HMAS Cairns as she was.

"Well after the afternoon that we had, I vote a visit to the pub's in order tonight!" Buffer announced, and there was resounding agreement from the ships company.

"Special sea duty men and cable party close up. Damage control state 3. Condition gangway." XOs voice rang through the ship and this time Bomber couldn't supress the bounce in her step as she headed to her cabin to pack her bag.

Stepping off the gangway and onto the solid ground of the dock, slightly ahead of her crewmates, Bomber pulled put her phone to send a quick message.

Hey You! Just docked, we're heading to the pub and your presence would be appreciated: P It's been a long 2 weeks. Miss you and I can't wait to see you soon! Bxx

Bomber had barely closed the application before Spider was behind her, swatting her shoulder playfully.

"You heading to the pub tonight Bomber?"

"You know it Spide," Bomber grinned at him.

"Yeah!" 2Dads cheered as he joined the duo. "Beer time!"

The three junior sailors headed to the taxi rank, with 48 hours shore leave they were definitely having a good one tonight. Bomber surged forward, "Come on boys, last one there shouts the taxi fare!"

The group of rowdy sailors were just about to go into the pub when Bomber's phone vibrated, confirmation that her earlier message was received. She stopped in her tracks as the group passed her, Buffer turning back to make sure she was ok.

"Go ahead boys, I'll be right in" Bomber smiled, and was grateful when no questions were asked.

Just pulled into the car park. God I've missed you too Sailor :)

Bomber laughed to herself, shaking her head. She then turned on her heel and all but ran to the carpark. When she laid eyes on the car she was looking for she couldn't stop herself, and ran up to throw her arms around the driver. A feeling of contentment washed over her when the warm embrace was returned, and she couldn't help but plant a kiss on waiting lips. Having missed this feeling all too much, Bomber regretfully pulled away.

"Come on, we better head in. Even the boss and X are here now." Keeping hands clasped tightly, Bomber turned to steer them inside.

"Wait B. I know we've been together for a while now, but if you don't want to tell everyone tonight that's fine. I can just be here as a friend. This is still pretty new, and you're the one who has to deal with them daily"

"You worry too much" Bomber placated her partner with a warm smile and another quick kiss. "I'm a big girl. And besides you mean too much." The pair both blushed at the last statement, but continued inside.

Bomber finally released their hands, saying "I'll just grab our drinks and meet you over there. Usual?"

Her companion nodded in response

Out on the deck, the Hammersley crew were in a heated discussion about one of Spider's antics on their last patrol.

"Hey! Look who it is!" Charge's voice broke through the raucous sounds of sailors on leave when he noticed a figure approaching their table.

Buffer got up to hug the newcomer, followed by Swain and X who then pulled out the seat next to her, more or less ordering their guest to sit.

"Navi, what brings you here?" Buffer commandeered the conversation, eager to check up on one of the crew's favourite officers.

"Oh you know, I was just heading home from NAVCOM" Nav replied vaguely, referencing her new position in the navy.

Everyone was more than happy to see Nav, and were well into their catch up when Bomber finally arrived, with 2 drinks in hand. Rounding the table, Bomber stopped behind Nav and placed one of the beers in front of her.

"Here you go," Bomber said cheerily before leaning down and pecking Nav on the lips, a move that clearly shocked the crew.

Looking up, the couple couldn't help but laugh at the shocked faces of their company. Especially 2Dads who looked as though he'd just seen Harold Holt ride past on a Tasmanian Tiger.

"What 2Dads? Haven't you ever seen anyone kiss their girlfriend before?" Bomber quipped, slipping into a vacant seat and lacing her fingers through Navs. Nikki smiled gratefully and squeezed Bomber's hand in hers, a sign of support.

2Dads stuttered for a moment before replying. "Well yeah. But not you two! Was hot though!"

Buffer slapped him on the chest, almost too hard to be playful, "Grow up 2Dads." Before raising his glass and offering his congratulations. "To the best kept secret on the Hammersley!"