Episode 7.2 – Valentine
As a treat to you all, I'm updating this a little quicker for the next few days. Enjoy!
~MissShawnaAlice~ xx
Chapter One-
Nikki sat at her breakfast table, slowly getting ready before her next rotation, and glanced at her planner.
February thirteenth.
Tomorrow would be the day she had come to dread since Josh had passed; Valentine's day. The day where it felt like the world shoved happy couples in her face just to remind her that the perfection she had was lost. She wiped a tear she didn't realise had fallen, and stretched for her phone as it buzzed across the table.
Nik, are you able to come in early? Need to discuss our task. Kate.
Nikki sighed, and stood up. It was going to be a long rotation, that much she knew for sure.
Mike glanced at his calendar, and crossed off another day before retreating to Maxine's couch, a blanket wrapped around him tightly.
Fifty-two days, and still no sign of his beloved.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Asked Spider.
"I'm fine! The doctor cleared me, I'm fit for duty, and I don't need you fussing over me," snapped Emily.
"I… I was worried about you. I got the call from Charlie telling me that you were in surgery, and I had no idea what was going on. I'm not ready to lose you Emily," admitted Spider. Emily wanted to stalk away, but a part of her remembered why she had fallen in love with Spider in the first place; his kind heart and willingness to try and do anything to make her happy.
"Billy, I'm sorry," she apologised, turning back to face him. She stepped forward, and allowed him to wrap his arms around her. As his arms embraced her, she realised what she'd been missing for the past two weeks as she'd shut him out, refusing to talk about her experience.
"I've missed you," he whispered. He kissed the top of her head.
"I've missed you two. I don't think I can handle fighting with you again," answered Emily.
"I've got an idea," said Spider thoughtfully.
"Oh?" Replied Emily, glancing up at him.
"Mm. We'll need to move though if we want to do it before our next rotation."
Gabriella hid in the ComCen of the Invictus, knowing that Robert was still on shore leave with his sister Ellen. She was hoping beyond hopes that he would come back early, otherwise she wouldn't have time to escape. She finished her paperwork, and headed out the door. She nearly slammed into Bennett, and fell back in surprise.
"X, I didn't expect to see you on board," she admitted. William helped to her feet, and Gabriella dusted herself off.
"I didn't expect to see you either. We're not expected to sail until tomorrow, and you don't have watch. What are you doing here?" Asked William.
"Paperwork," replied Gabby uneasily.
"You've been on top of all your paperwork, and RO finished whatever was left when you injured yourself," said Bennett, confused. Gabriella sighed.
"Transfer paperwork sir," she acknowledged.
"I thought you were happy here," replied Bennett.
"I was, but…" William sensed a long conversation coming up.
"Why don't we grab a brew and have a chat in the senior sailors mess? Howe and 2Dads can survive watch for a little longer," suggested Bennett. Gabriella moved to argue, then agreed.
"Okay." She followed her commanding officer down the corridor to the galley, where Bennett made coffee for himself and tea for the younger sailor. He noticed she was quiet and withdrawn, something unusual for the usually fiery young sailor. He led them both into the senior sailors mess, and closed the door behind them.
"Where are you happy to transfer to?" Asked Bennett.
"Anywhere that's away from RO and Anderson," answered Gabriella.
"Are they that bad?" Asked Bennett, sipping his coffee.
"Could they get any worse?" Countered Gabby.
"Have you spoken to your divisional officer?" Asked Bennett.
"My divisional officer is Anderson. I can't exactly go to him and explain how much of a problem he is," lamented Gabriella.
"So you think a transfer might help?" Pressed Bennett.
"I don't know how else to deal with RO and Anderson. Between the pair of them, I have enough chocolate to turn diabetic, eighteen bunches of flowers, and nine offers of dinner. I don't know how much more of the testosterone I can take. Transfer is my best option, and I don't care if it's to a base or frigate or to the other side of the world; as long as I can get away from the pair of them," said Gabriella.
"I'll talk to the CO and NAVCOM, and I'll see what we can do to fast-track your application. I will also have a strong word with both RO and Anderson about their behaviour, and remind them of the fraternisation rules. I'm sorry that it had to come to this," apologised Bennett.
"It's not your fault. Thank you sir," said Gabriella softly.
"No problems. Make sure you keep me updated on your next posting," encouraged Bennett. He stood up, and Gabriella followed suit.
"No worries sir, I would be happy to keep you updated where possible," said Gabriella. She shook Bennett's hand, and he embraced her briefly.
"You're a fine sailor Romano, and I wish you luck on your next posting."
"We shouldn't be doing this," said Charlie softly. Dutchy kissed her gently.
"But we are," he replied.
"And it's against fraternisation rules," responded Charlie.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself anyway," he retorted, kissing her again.
"Maybe I should quit the navy," suggested Charlie.
"Commander White won't let you do that; you're too valuable," replied Dutchy easily. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms tighter around her.
"If I'm such a valuable asset, Commander's White and Flynn should let me be in a relationship with you anyway," teased Charlie.
"What about a transfer? You could transfer somewhere else," suggested Dutchy.
"The only available posting is HMAS Waterhen in New South Wales, and to train to be part of a dive team. I love working communications, and I'm not ready to leave you and move states, but that's the only other option other than leaving you," admitted Charlie. Dutchy felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, and pulled it out.
"We've been crash-sailed. Come on, we can talk about this later."
"Crash sailed Boss? Really?" Asked Nikki wearily.
"For good reason; gunfire has been reported on Pukara Island, and several Australian nationals have been hit. We've been tasked to get there, provide whatever medical aid we can, then get out of there. We've got twenty minutes for crew to get here, and then we're out of here," said Kate.
"That I don't mind. What do you need me to do in prep?" Asked Nikki.
"We've got some stores coming on with us, as well as additional medical supplies. Flash will be here in a few moments to check of the medi-kits, but I'd love it if you could check off the stores; usually I'd ask Dutchy, but he's already called in to say he's going to be hard pressed to make the twenty minute mark," replied Kate.
"No worries, I'll see to it now."