~*~*~

Nikki sighed as her computer powered down at a snails pace. Glancing at the clock on the wall for the umpteenth time that hour she found it was finally time for the Hammersley to dock.

Saluting she half but ran down to the dock. Watching it come into port she spied Sally Blake with little Chloe speaking with Buffer's latest girlfriend, Holly. Normally Nikki would have gone over to speak with them, but today she was content watching to ship come in from a distance.

She sighed again as she watched the boat come slowly in, seeing many of the crew standing on the upper deck. She could see ET glancing around, no doubt searching for herself. The crew came bounding off in no time. She watched silently as little Chloe toddled over to Swain and Holly embraced Buffer.

She missed all this. Being on a Patrol Boat, she was finding it hard to get used to being behind a desk. Not that she would ever trade her marriage, but she was missing the sea. She had watched everyone file off; Swain, Buffer, Bomber, Spider, RO, Charge, X, even the CO, who was in his dress whites obviously heading for a meeting with Marshall, everyone that was, except for her husband.

She slowly made her way down to the gangway where she spotted ET talking to someone who Nikki was unfamiliar with. The dock surrounding HMAS Hammersley was now fairly empty with most of the gang heading towards the pub.

The lieutenant previously talking to ET was now making her way down the plank without saluting much to Nikki's surprise.

"Janelle," ET called out.

The woman turned to look at ET, who discreetly saluted. She smiled, stopped and saluted. ET followed her down, copying the action.

Nikki drew breath as she realized that this was the person who replaced her, the new navigator on the Hammersley. ET smiled as he finally spotted her.

"Nikki," he shouted out as he walked over to embrace her. "I've missed out babe," he whispered in her ear, placing a hand on her slight bulge, their little secret.

Nikki smiled at their contact. She'd miss him over the last three weeks.

"Janelle…" ET called out again "Nik, meet Lieutenant Janelle Clarkson, our new navigator. Janelle, my wife Nikki Holiday," ET introduced.

"Ma'am, nice to meet you, ET's always talking about you," Janelle commented.

Nikki forced a smile; she really wasn't in the mood for this.

"Please, Nikki. We're all off duty," Nikki said.

"So will you and ET be joining us at the pub?" Janelle inquired.

ET looked at his wife, trying to read her expression.

"Well…" ET started

"Josh…" Nikki started quietly, hand resting on her stomach "Home please?"

ET nodded

"Sorry Lieutenant, it's been a long day at the office," apologised Nikki

"I understand Nikki. And please Janelle or Nav is fine"

Nikki winced at the use of her nickname.

ET noticed, placed his hand on the small of her back and gently led her towards the Navcom carpark.

After handing over her keys ET helped Nikki into her car, his hand going behind her head.

"Home Sweet Home," ET sighed shutting the door behind him.

"Shower," announced Nikki.

A short time later Nikki padded into the living room with her PJs on.

"Josh?"

"Kitchen," he replied as he walked into the living room bearing dinner. "Food?"

"Arg…" Nikki shook her head and turned away feeling slightly nauseous.

"Nikki? What's up bub?"

"Nothing…" she replied trying to keep her lunch down.

"Bub?" Josh was starting to worry.

The smell of food became too much for Nikki as she went rushing to the bathroom.

"Nikki!" Josh followed her towards the bathroom as the door slammed in his face. He heard it lock.

Ten minutes later Nikki emerged pale and trembling. That was all Josh needed. He scooped her up bridal style and headed for their bedroom.

"Sorry," she mumbled against his neck.

"What for?"

"Shutting the door…it's been a long, lonely three weeks"

"Oh bub," soothed Josh as he placed her on the bed. "It's okay. I'm sorry I haven't been there for you," he finished as he helped her under the sheets.

Tears welled up in her eyes as Josh positioned himself behind her and slipped his arm around her waist. He started to gently rubbed circles on her stomach with his free hand hoping it would settle her down.

And that was the start of a long night.

~*~*~
Not too sure about the story...but there it is