Hammersley returned back in to cairns its home port shortly before 16:00. They were handing the crew of a FFV they had apprehended to the AFP. They had been out at sea for just over 2 weeks and they would be along side until the morning it was a chance for them to re-fuel and stock up on fresh produce before heading back out for another 2 weeks. Although they were only in port for less than a day Mike had granted a Cinderella leave to all crew not on watch. It meant the crew could have a few hours on shore before all having to be back by midnight.

Kate was waiting for Mike on the Quay side. They both had to report to NAVCOM. To give a report on the boarding and arrest of the fishermen but also collect their new orders on this half of the patrol.

"ready" Mike smiled as he walked over the gangway.

"yeah" she placed her hat on straightening it before falling in to step alongside him. "so you still haven't said what your giving up for lent" she asked curiously

"I was thinking of giving up that little bit of pirate and doing exactly what NAVCOM says to the letter" he smiled

"oh Knocker will be pleased" Kate smiled at him. "though I must say I give you less than a week" she grinned eyes glinting

Slightly hurt by what Kate had said "Okay then princess perfect what are you giving up" he shot back

Kate was surprised she hadn't been called Princess Perfect since she had graduated from AFDA and she was sure those calling her that had meant it in a offensive way not as a compliment.

"I was only teasing good luck with that" she smiled at him trying to defuse the situation "anyway I have decided to give up alcohol and biscuits" she smiled trying to smooth things over.

They left NAVCOM 2 hours later having debriefed Commander white. As it stood there were no new orders but that could all change when they sailed. As usual Maxine had kept mike back leaving kate stood outside the office.

As they walked out of the main doors the sun was still warm in the sky and blazing bright. Replacing her hat she turned to mike

"so are you really giving up piracy?" she asked as they approached the ship

"I was sort of joking" he smiled "I was considering bacon"

"wow no bacon butties for 40 days" she remarked . As she climbed up the gangway the gangway turning to face him. "still don't think you'll last the week" she said grinning eyes glinting.

"do you want to go get a drink" he asked

"sure let me get changed" Kate called

They walked in to the bar that was on base. As they walked in the rest of the crew were situated in their usual corner laughing and joking about something that 2-dads had done.

"recon we could find some where else" mike whispered in to Kates ear.

"doubt it Nav has just seen us" she returned back hardly moving her lips before turning to her friend smiling

"drink?" mike asked

"duh that's why we came" she laughed before walking off with Nav to join the others.

Mike walked over several minuets later with a beer for him self and a mango mocktail for Kate compete with paper umbrella he pulled from behind his ear.

"thanks" she laughed taking a sip of her drink, shuddering as the ice cold sweet liquid ran down her throat. She had forgotten how sweet and boring mango juice was.

Nav pulled the glass from her friends hand, keen to see what interesting drink she had asked for. Sipping it she pulled a face. There was something missing from the drink. It needed a touch of vodka or something there was no alcohol in it what so ever.

Turning to her friend her eyes lit up

"Kate! How come your not drinking. Your not... are you" she asked

"what!" Kate hissed looking round to see who else may have heard. "no! Why would you think I was pregnant" she whispered

"well umm.. your not drinking and you have been really happy of late like you have been floating on cloud nine"

"soo that doesn't mean I am pregnant. I have given up alcohol for lent along with biscuits" Kate continued to whisper. She didn't want any of the crew but especially mike to hear. "anyway there hasn't been anyone in my life since Jim left." She looked over to where mike was sat. He was smiling at her. Smiling back she lent back in her chair taking a sip of her drink. The looks between them didn't go unnoticed by Nav.

Yawning Kate looked at her watch it was almost 23:00. She stood up to leave, she was on watch in less than 5 hours. Making her excuses she walked out and was greeted by a cool breeze. It was a welcome relief after sitting in the warm stuffy bar. She was almost back at the ship when he heard a voice call her from behind.

"X" mikes voice shouted

"Sir" she smiled politely turning to face him

"why did you leave?" he asked

"I am on morning watch so wanted to get some decent sleep and it was getting far too stuffy in there." She smiled he never normally was this concerned

They walked through the corridors of the ship stopping outside Kates cabin.

"oh so long as your okay" he smiled

"I am. Good night Sir" she opened the door

"night Kate" he turned to walk away.

Kate watched as he climbed the steps to the upper deck. He never called her Kate anymore she was always addressed as her title. Yawning she couldn't be bothered to figure it out tonight she was tired and was on a early watch. Sliding under the covers she quickly fell asleep. She had learnt to not wake up when any noise was made so not even Nav arriving bang on the curfew, slightly worse for wear could wake her. Tomorrow would be a new day and they were leaving port just after breakfast.

sorry its take so long to update. I have really been trying to figure out what to happen in this chapter and must have tore out half the pages in my note book. anyway enjoy and let me know what you think. and I hope you are all managing to stick to what you have given up for lent. only 36 days left :D