Chapter 9

Studying the rest of him, she realises for the first time that he is wearing a dark blue Navy cap. She reprimands herself for not paying attention to it earlier. But she was so concentrated on her son and then on this man's intense blue eyes, that she forgot about the rest of the world. Until now! Shaking her head, Sarah reads the words stitched onto his cap. Curious she likes to know what the PB stands for. Mike answers "It stands for Patrol Boat. Why do you ask?"

Remembering her little bit of knowledge regarding the Navy, a courtesy of her brother, she says "Aren't Commanders destined for bigger ships, like a frigate?" Chuckling at hearing this, Mike replies with proud on his voice "Normally yes, but I've served on that ship for so long now, I can't imagine doing anything else. Some even say I'm married to that particular Patrol Boat. And I guess they are right. Hammersley is a part of me and I don't want to lose it. Not ever." Seeing his set jaw and the determination in his eyes, tells Sarah that he is serious about this.

"So you don't want to be out on a big ship? See the world?" Looking to Sarah, Mike speaks softly "I don't need to see the world and I don't want to serve on a big ship" ,he halts a moment and takes in a deep breath. Then he goes on "This ship I'm serving on, the one I'm the Captain of, means the world to me. And the crew serving on her are like my family. And that is something that would never happen on a big ship. That's why I stay with Patrol Boats." After he has ended his little speech, he looks out at the water, trying to keep his emotions in check. But a lone tear escapes and rolls down his cheek.

Seeing his emotional turmoil and sensing that there is more to this then what he just told her, she lays a comforting hand on his forearm and asks "That tear tells me that there is more going on under the surface Mike. You can tell me. I won't judge you and my siblings always said I'm a good listener. So what is going on that leaves a fine man like you in such a state?" A few moments there is nothing to be heard aside from the boat's engine and and the cries from some seagulls.

But then Mike clears his throat and replies "You are right Sarah. Must be your female intution" he smiles slightly at her and continues "the reason I'm so down is that I have to work on the same boat with the one person that I really love more then anything else in the world. And I can't do anything, because it goes against the rules of fraternization. That is what has me so rattled. But please, I don't want to talk about my personal life. I'm just here to do my work and nothing more."

Sarah nods in understanding and says "That's alright Mike. I understand. Thanks for confiding in me though. It's good to get those things of your chest. Otherwise they will destroy you on the inside. And I'd hate for that to happen to such a good man like you." Smiling shyly, Mike answers "Thanks for listening Sarah. I usually am not so forward with strangers, but something about you made me feel safe enough to talk to you about my dilemma. Normally I keep things close to my chest, very close. Makes me hard to predict, which is a good thing in my job as a CO of a warship."

Just as Sarah is about to answer, the whoop-whoop of a chopper is heard. All in the boat look up to see a white Bell Uye approach their position. Greg recognizes it as one from the local rescue service. The chopper crew gets into contact with them and minutes later, Sarah and Zach as well as Chico are onboard the heli, which takes off in the direction of Cairns. Looking after the chopper all occupants of the RHIB return to their task at hand. Mike is glad to know that those two are safe now, he really enjoyed their company.

Two Seahawks arrive and now the real work begins for the four men in the RHIB. The crews in the choppers tell them over radio where they see people trapped in their homes and vector them into position with the help of Mike, who takes over the coordination of this search. The first three hours of this rescue mission go smoothly. As they reach the end of their search area, they are told by one chopper crew that a whole family of at least six people is trapped in their rapidly flooding home.

Knowing that there is not enough room for so many people in the small RHIB, Mike makes a decision he may regret later. Telling John, Andy and Greg to go and safe this family, he grabs his radio and jumps over the side of the boat, standing in the more then knee-high water. John asks him "Are you sure about this? I mean crocs or snakes may be out here." Mike nods "I'm absolutely sure. Go ahead. They need your help. I'll be reachable over radio if you need me." Accepting those words like an order, the three firemen take their RHIB into the direction of the trapped family's home.