A new tradition

Pairing – MK

Rating – PG13/M

Summary – Mike wants to follow tradition.

Author's note – A zillion thanks for whitleo beta-ing my story.

Disclaimer - I don't own them but I promise to return the crew to the boat when I've finished.

Chapter 1

Without engine power, HMAS Hammersley rolled uncontrollably in the large angry swell.

Mike stumbled, thumping against the corner of the console. Grimacing in pain, he grabbed the hand rail and then continued to make his way down toward Charge and his crew. The beam of torch light reflected off the bulkheads and the water sloshing all around their legs.

"Charge?" Mike asked, willing him to give anything but the answer he was anticipating. The memory of horrible sound of ripping metal was still fresh in his mind. The unseen, submerged container had breached the hull in several places and the holds were flooding fast. With the engines out of action they were operating solely on emergency power and even that wouldn't be able to last much longer. By the time Mike had found Charge, the water was up to his knees and rising swiftly. Even more worryingly was the boat's listing to the port side. Deep down Mike knew his boat only had an hour to live at most.

Andy wiped his brow and shone the torch to help guide the CO to his location. "I'm sorry, sir." His reply hung with grief in the air. He was soaked, bloodied and despondent like the boss. It had been hopeless from the start but they had to try to save her if they could. With no power to run the pumps and with the lights out below deck, the task of trying to save the ship was almost inconceivable. But still they had tried. Sadly, there was just no way to stop the incoming torrent of water.

"An hour?" Mike hoped for longer before she sunk to the bottom.

"More like thirty minutes. Tops." Apologetic, Andy looked down, unable to maintain eye contact. Sadness flooded into the engineer as quickly as the water was entering the ship. His worst fear was becoming a reality; he was about to lose a very dear friend.

"You did your best." Mike replied, patting Charge's shoulder to reassure him. Taking a deep breath, he gave the single order he thought he never would have to give, except perhaps in his worst nightmares. "Get the guys to the boat deck. We're abandoning Hammersley."

"Yes, sir."

Andy turned to face his men. "You heard the boss. Let's go." Waving his hand, Andy didn't look back. He couldn't. If he did, he knew he might not follow through on Mike's order.

Sloshing with every step, Mike next went to the Comcen.

Robert was waiting and ready when the captain arrived. He'd anticipated the message. He knew the Hammersley was sinking. Since the drama began, he'd attempted to establish communication with NAVCOM and anyone else but all his attempts had failed. Had his messages been received? He had no idea.

"RO, send out a mayday. We're abandoning ship so gather all the sensitive material and give them to the X and then take yourself up to the boat deck as quickly as possible."

Mike felt numb inside. He knew the decision had to be for the crew to abandon ship. It was the only chance of survival.

"Sir." Robert turned back to his communication equipment, working furiously. He knew there wasn't much time.

Buffer walked towards Mike with a grim look on his face. His damage control team had been unsuccessful in their attempts to assist in the damage and by the look on the boss' face Pete could tell it was all bad news.

"Boss?" Pete willed Mike to give him good news but he knew deep down that the end was coming.

"She's going down, Buffer. Muster everyone on the boat deck in life jackets. Get the crew in the life rafts and tether them together. Make sure Swain and the Nav have help with Rhino." Mike thought back to the collision earlier on. Rhino had been knocked out and was the only bad injury. He was still unconscious after falling down the stairs.

"Yes, Boss."

Pete started to walk away but a sudden realisation made him stop and turn back. He saw the determined look on Mike's face and he knew the significance of the events that were about to unfold. Pete stood at attention and saluted.

"It's been an honour serving with you, Captain."

Mike crisply returned the salute. "Like wise, Peter." Mike offered his hand and Pete shook it.

"Look after her", Mike replied, thinking only of her beautiful blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. Mike hadn't dared to think about Kate before now. He had needed to ensure that all his crew were safe. There would be time to wallow in guilt, reflecting on his life choices later on.

"Sir, you can count on me."

"I know."

Pete nodded and then, spinning on his heels, continued down the corridor to carry out his friend's last orders.

Mike entered his cabin for the last time. He would be here only a few minutes before going up to the Bridge. After a deep breath he composed himself and spoke firmly into the intercom. "Do you hear there, Captain speaking. Abandon ship. Abandon ship. Abandon ship. All crew muster on the boat deck. All crew muster on the boat deck. All crew muster on the boat deck. XO to the Captain's cabin at the rush."

On the Bridge, Kate had been busy, coordinating and organizing the damage control and the repair teams. She knew the situation had changed dire to worse but the Captain's message was still yet to sink in. After making sure the sailors cleared the Bridge, she gathered the logs, the current paper chart and last weather report they'd received, and then went down the stairs toward the CO's cabin.

Robert heard the distinct footsteps of the X rushing toward the boss's cabin. He came out of the room, his voice halting her path through the hallway.

"X."

"RO, what are you still doing here?" Kate replied, more than annoyed that RO was ignoring the Captain's orders. The last thing she needed at the moment was someone else to worry about.

He passed her the security bag. "Ma'am, the Captain asked me to give you the sensitive material."

Pinching her eyebrows together, she tentatively took it. Why had Mike wanted her to take the codes? That was his job.

And then it hit her.

That bloody stupid heroic idiot.

A wave of annoyance coursed through her, swiftly followed by a strong wave of anger. Kate shook her head and turned back to Robert. With her body tense, she seethed, "Right, Robert. Get yourself up to the boat deck."

"Yes, ma'am." Robert recognised that look. God help the boss. He was in trouble and hoped that she would be able to change his mind.

Robert watched as Kate raced along the hallway towards Mike's cabin. The only thought that prevailed was that it was such a waste of a valuable and experience officer.

The Captain was planning on going down with his ship.