This is Part Two of 'Going, Going, Love?' This part deals with the fallout of Kate 'accidently,' reading an email from Buffer's new girlfriend. This chapter is also dedicated to my good friend, WingedTeen. Enjoy.

Part Two- End Connection?

The X sighed as she finally closed the email. She rubbed her forehead as she thought about what to do. I should talk to him, she thought. Tell him what I think about his new girlfriend. But the X knew about the problems involved in that. Buffer might think she's just jealous, he mightn't listen. But she had too, had to convince him to talk to her.

BRIDGE AFTERNOON DOG WATCH

Kate spotted Buffer when she was on the Bridge, talking to the CO. She watched as he glared at 2Dads as he leant over the desk 2Dads was sitting at. She chuckled under her breath. The CO glanced at her.
"Something funny Kate?" He asked when Nav moved to the other side of the Bridge. She shook her head. "Just the crew sir. It's nothing." She replied. She smiled.
"They 'teaching' Spider again, are they?" He asked, smirking. She grinned.
"Not quite sir." She replied, handing him a folder. "The report for today's boarding is in there sir." She said. He nodded, and flicked through the pages.
"And what about the background search on Donovan?" He asked, closing the folder and placing it beside him.
"RO's doing it now, I'll let you now when it's done." She said, as RO appeared by her side.
"Um, ma'am. That search you wanted. Here's the folder." He said, handing a plain manila folder to her. She nodded her thanks.
"The whole family in here RO?" She asked, flicking through the folder.
"Still going. That's just Donovan." He said, turning and leaving for his office. She handed the CO the folder.
"What are you thinking?" She asked as she watched him read bits and pieces from the file.
"I'm not sure yet. I'll wait till the rest of the searches come back." He replied closing the folder and putting it on his lap.
"Has he had a police check before?" She asked, taking the folder. She flicked through it.
"Yes. He and his family had to go through police checks to open the chartering business." He replied. "Found it." The X said, pulling a piece of paper out of the folder. She scanned the page. "Only two unpaid parking tickets. He's clean boss." She said, tossing the folder onto the nearest desk. She watched as he rubbed his brow.
"Now what?" He muttered. She smiled weakly.
"We've just got to wait for the rest of the family's checks to come back." She said, walking over to where Buffer was sitting, glaring at 2Dads.
"Buff, a word." She said, leaving to the Senior's Mess with Buffer following.
"Something wrong, X?" He asked, watching as the X set about making them both a coffee.
"Have you heard from Jessica again?" She asked, as Buffer sat down.
"Jessica? I didn't tell you her name. How do you know her name?" He asked. The X set the coffees down and sat down next to him.
"Buff. I think you need to talk to your girlfriend." The X said, taking a sip from her coffee.
"Jessie. Why do I need to talk to her?" He asked, starring at the X.
"Buff, you left that email open." The X explained. He sighed and buried his head in his hands.
"Did any of the crew see it?" He asked. The X shook her head.
"No Buff. Only me." He looked at her. He frowned.
"You read it?" He asked, glaring at her.
"I'm sorry, Buff. I didn't mean to. You know the other night she spent the night at a mate's place." She said. He closed his eyes and nodded.
"Is that a crime now? Is she not allowed to spend the night at a friend's place?" He asked, frustrated.
"He's name is Thomas. I think you should talk to Jessie. Sooner more than later." She replied.
"I'm not having another Monica situation." He said, standing up. "And next time, ask. Don't read my personal emails." He added, leaving the room. The X glanced at his coffee. It was untouched. She sighed.
"Buffer alright?" The CO asked, appearing at the door. She smiled weakly.
"Yeah. Just girlfriend troubles I think." She replied. He frowned and glanced at the coffee.
"Must be big if he didn't drink his coffee. Did he tell you he's started smoking again?" The CO asked, sitting opposite the X.
"I wasn't aware that he'd quit, sir." She replied. He chuckled.
"Yes, suppose your right." He said.
"Is there something I can help you with sir?" The X asked, starring into her coffee.
"No. Just taking a break. ETA to Port is two and a half hours." He replied. The X stood up and gathered the paperwork she'd place on the table earlier.
"I have work to do." She said, leaving the room and a confused CO.

FRANCHISTO BAR 2026

"Come on, X!" Spider whined, smiling. "One more shot!" The X smiled as the rest of the crew cheered her on.
"Fine. One more." She agreed as 2Dads handed her another shot glass. She smiled as the crew started laughing. As the X downed the shot, she saw Buffer at the door out the corner of her eye.
"Go X!" 2Dads laughed, slapping her on the back. "Nav your turn." He added, turning to the brunette navigator as the X walked over to Buffer.
"You talk to her Buff?" She asked, the background full of laughs and cheers.
"Yeah I did. She explained everything. It's her sister's boyfriend. But she said she wouldn't stay at any guy's places for a while if it made me feel better." He answered. The X smiled and nodded.
"That's good news." She said. Buffer smiled too.
"Yeah." He said, glancing behind her. "The guys certainly seem to be getting into it tonight." The X nodded.
"Yeah. The CO said it was a night of celebration tonight and that all drinks were on him tonight. But it hasn't shown up yet, so we're still waiting for an explanation." She explained.
"Oh. Hope its good news." Buffer said, smiling. "Come one. Let's go join in." He said, putting an arm around the X and leading her over to the rest of the crew.
"Hey Buff. Missed the X having a few shots earlier." Spider said as Buffer and the X sat next to him at the bar.
"And the Nav. She's trying to beat Charge's record." 2Dads added, handing Nav another filled shot glass. She grinned.
"Nearly there." She said, downing the shot to the cheers of the crew. Buffer and the X laughed.
"Ha! Man of the Hour has finally arrived!" Swain called out, as the crew turned to see the CO enter the bar and make his way towards him.
"See you took up my offer of free drinks." He said, gesturing to the entire shot glasses.
"Yeah." The X replied, turning to the bartender. "I'll have a vodka martini. With extra olives." She said. The CO chuckled.
"So what's the night of celebration for, Boss?" Spider asked. The CO grinned.
"Most of you know how Commander Marshall has been pressuring me to take a shore posting." He started. The crew nodded. "Well, he just told me some good news." He said. The crew groaned.
"Hurry up and tell us boss." Bomber whined from her seat next to Spider.
"He's agreed with me." He said. "I'll be staying aboard the Hammersley for some time to come." He said, grinning as the crew burst into cheers.
Buffer shook hands with the boss, laughing. "Great news sir. Drink?" Buffer asked, holding up a glass of beer. The CO nodded. Buffer followed the rest of the crew to the lounges.
"Glad he agreed with you sir." The X said, taking a sip of her vodka martini.
"Sorry you missed out on your promotion." He said. She shrugged.
"It'll come along again sometime." She said. He nodded.
"To the Hammersley." He said, raising his glass. The X tapped her glass against his. "Let's join the crew." He said, and the two followed the crew over to the lounge.
"We'd like to make a toast." Spider said, glancing at Bomber. She grinned. Everyone raised their glasses.
"To the Hammersley and her crew! May we be together for a while yet!" Spider said, as the crew cheered.

That's the end of 'Going, Going, Love?' Hope you liked it. Please review.