A/N: Thanks for the feedback. I've written the third chapter and will post it here on Friday. Let me know what you think.
Chapter 2
The sun was high in the sky as Kate approached the Hammersley at her place alongside. The dock around her was a flurry of activity and she absentmindedly saluted those who passed her. Finally reaching the Patrol Boat she called home, she stepped onto the Gangway, pausing to salute the ensign before placing a foot on the solid surface of the deck. Finding the deck empty, she continued below, desperate to change out of her Whites, and into something more comfortable.
Closing her cabin door behind her, she dropped her sore body onto the chair which had its home next to her desk. Her hat was flung onto said desk; covering up the paperwork which she had allowed to accumulate in past days, and she knew, realistically, would still be there until she could focus enough to complete it. Pausing a moment to take a shaky breath, she began unbuttoning her shirt for the second time that day, ignoring the dull pain that spread across her left side as she pulled the shirt from her pants. Carefully removing the item, more to save time later, as opposed to any actual concern for the garment, she slipped a coat hanger inside the fabric, hanging it in the cupboard with its companions. Pulling off her boots and pants in much the same manner, they soon found themselves once again stowed in the cupboard while Kate slowly dressed in her Camos' tying her long sleeved top around her waist, not wanting the tight fitting fabric pressing against the infuriated lump in her breast. Dislodging the pins that held her hair in its tight bun, she allowed it to fall over her shoulders before she tied it back in its trademark ponytail. Dressed and ready to face the crew again, Kate paused to look at the framed photograph on her desk. A casually dressed Kate and Nikki were perched next to a bar, pineapples in hand, as they laughed together, unaware that the picture had been snapped. The photo was taken a month ago when Nikki had been docked in Cairns. The bubbly young woman had emailed ahead to alert them to her visit, and her intention to "Paint the town red." Kate and Bomber, desperate to see their friend after months apart had accepted her offer and the rest of the Crew had quickly agreed to join them, turning the event into a reunion of sorts as they partied for two days before they were reluctantly separated once again. Running a finger over the glass that protected the photograph, she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. 'I wish you were here Nik,' she whispered to the photograph, fighting back tears. A knock on her door interrupted her quiet time, 'Just a minute,' she said, wanting to compose herself before letting anyone in. Standing to check her appearance in the mirror, she wiped the liquid from under her left eye, and opened the door. Bird was standing on the other side, looking slightly nervous, 'Ma'am, the CO would like to see you in his Cabin.' Kate nodded her response, confused as to why the CO would dispatch Bird to find her when he was capable of that action himself. She stepped from her cabin, firmly shutting the door behind her before making her way to the CO's cabin.
Stopping in front of the non-descript door, Kate raised her fist, tapping it lightly on the rough surface. The door fell open before her eyes, revealing the CO sitting at his desk, slowly typing on his computer. 'X, come in.' She obliged, shutting the door behind her and taking a position against the wall. She waited patiently as he finished typing, watching as he saved the document and closed it, revealing a photograph of the Hammersley and her crew. Dragging her gaze away from the picture on the screen, she turned her attention to the man sitting before her. 'You wanted to see me Sir?' Kate enquired, still not sure of why he had requested to see her.
'Yes X,' he started, 'I was putting together a Briefing packet for NavCom and I realised that I was missing several reports, from you.' She looked away, 'Is there a reason for this X? I don't usually have to chase up paperwork from you.'
'I'm sorry Sir, I'll have it on your desk by the end of the day.' Kate turned to leave, but was stopped by a hand on her arm. 'Kate?' he enquired, using her given name, tightening his grip on her arm just slightly to stop her from leaving. Taking a deep breath, she turned to him, 'I'm fine Sir.' She pulled her arm, indicating to him that their conversation was at an end. Making a quick exit, she closed the door behind her, rushing back to her cabin, slamming the door as she effectively shut the rest of the ship out.
True to her word her completed reports were sitting on the CO's desk before the end of the day. Now, she sat alone on the Bridge, a steaming mug of coffee resting in her hands as she prepared for the long night ahead. Night watches while in Port were never popular among the Crew, and so when Kate had volunteered for the privilege while Hammersley was in Port, most were surprised. The XO almost never completed Duty Watch while in Port, preferring to leave the task to the Junior Sailors. For Kate though, she had an ulterior motive, she'd had trouble sleeping the past couple of weeks. The fear of the unknown keeping her up at night, affording her only a couple of hours of forced sleep. Her addiction to coffee had increased tenfold as she struggled to stay alert during the day. At least if she was on Duty Watch overnight she had a valid reason to be awake, even if it gave her too much time to think. Perched in the Captain's chair she looked over the Docks, the flourish of activity from earlier in the day having ceased as the Sun dipped below the horizon. The boat creaked as she brushed against the dock with the ripple of the water beneath her, the sound enough to disturb Kate from her thoughts. She looked at her watch, Bird should be back soon. The older woman had sent the young Seaman down to the Galley to grab herself a feed after she'd completed the relevant checks for the 2100 check in. A creaky hinge alerted her to the arrival of another person on the Bridge. Thinking it was her young companion, she stayed in position, her feet perched precariously in front of her, the mug now balanced in one hand. When after a minute or so the voice of the bouncy young Seaman had failed to materialise, she turned, confused to find her CO standing there, eyeing her with concern. 'X, we need to talk.'