0300 - MID WATCH
THE ARAFURA SEA

The Fremantle-class Hammersley cut through sea in the pale moonlight of the Arafura Sea. Buffer sat perched on the CO's chair in the dim red nocturnal lighting of the bridge while Spider had the helm. It had been a particuarly slow first day back at sea more so for the young Seaman Webb who had only recently joined the crew. Looking out across the foredeck it was easy for inexperienced sailor's thoughts to get lost in the night and on at least two occasions Buffer had to 'remind' Spider to wake up a bit with a hefty boot to the back of the seat. After quickly checking that the radar was clear Buffer went to get the two of them a cup of coffee to help with finishing the last hour of their watch.

"Try not to sink us while I'm gone" uttered Buffer sarcastcally.

Spider held the course steady. He started to think about home and why he had joined the Navy. He had pictured himself on a large destroyer in the gulf somewhere. He never expected to be on a patrol boat. In fact he hadn't even heard of the Patrol Boat Service before enlisting. Thats not to say it hadn't been exciting so far. Quite the contrary but still the appeal of the big ships were still calling him.

"What's that?" Spider's eyes struggled to make out the white object that had appeared on the horizon ahead of the ship. It was clearly some sort of boat but its features were hazy and distorted and made worse by Spider's tired eyes. He rubbed them vigorously before checking again. It was still there. He could make out at least two masts, both lacking sails, swaying in the sea which made it all the more unusual to Spider since Hammersley was quite stable in the calm waters. Spider watched with great interest as the vessel continued on its path across the horizon bobbing and swaying as if it were caught in some terrible storm. The inexperienced sailor didn't know what to do. It wasn't threatening the safety of Hammersley and there was no distress call or flare.

Suddenly there was a loud thudding noise coming from behind him. Spider almost flew out of his seat in surprise before realising it was Buffer with the coffee. Spider called out frantically, "Buff' come quick!" The footsteps quickened and Buffer appeared on the bridge with two mugs in his hand.

"What is it?" he asked annoyed looking at the almost panic stricken face of the young sailor through sleep deprived eyes.

"There on the horizon!" blurted out Spider as he spun his head back around in the direction of the mysterious boat. But it was no where to be seen. Spider's confused eyes scanned the point where he had last seen the white vessel but try as he might it was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't see anything" said Buffer.

"Th-There was a ship or a boat" stuttered Spider trying to get his words out. "Right there all in white. It had two masts and no sails and was bobbing up and down. I think they might be in trouble."

"Well it's not there now and I checked the radar before I went to make a brew, there was nothing there. So unless it was rocket powered you probably made a mistake." Spider didn't know what to say. He was so sure he had seen the ghostly boat but now he was doubting himself. Buffer nevertheless indulged Spider somewhat and asked him if he was that sure then they would begin a search but Spider didn't want to waste anyone's time because deep down he knew they wouldn't find anything. The sighting of the ghostly vessel had achieved one goal however, it had fully awaken Seaman Webb who was now like a second radar set as he watched for the ship to return.

As they finished their watch Buffer was handing over to the XO, Lt. Kate McGreggor, when she asked, "Anything interesting?"

Buffer just smiled and said "Spider's seeing ghost ships again."