Hammersley had been given several weeks shore leave. It gave the crew a chance for some much needed R&R after the attack of their CO on Samaru and then the Breakdown of the new CO, it had taken its tole on everyone. They all needed a chance to recover. It was also because fleet command hadn't been able to find a replacement CO available to take command and that had the experience to handle Hammersley.

Mike had been discharged from hospital several days ago. He still had several outpatient appointments for dressing changes and physio. Kate had insisted on driving him, especially after she found him trying to walk the 7 miles from his house to the hospital.

"Kate I am fine I can get there myself"

"how! Your still sleeping on your sofa as you cant manage the stairs"

"fine"

They were sat in the hospital waiting room as usual the appointments were running late.

"I could have just called the swain and asked him to do this it aint rocket science to change a bloody bandage"

"ah but are they not taking the stiches out today and checking for infection?" Kate reasoned

" Mike Flynn" a nurse called

"finally. You don't have to wait Kate I can get back myself"

"I can wait" she smiled and pulled out a book from her bag

45 minutes later Mike appeared back in the waiting room.

"all sorted" Kate looked up and smiled

"yeah been discharged now and just have physio on Friday"

"that's good news. You will be back on Hammersley soon then"

"I don't know I still have to be declared medically fit to serve at sea"

They were entering their second week of shore leave and Kate was round at Mikes. He had promised to cook them both dinner as a way of saying thank you for the support she had giving him. Ferrying him to and from the hospital for appointments and physio.

"can I do anything to help" she asked

"take this to the table" he smiled handing her a basket with bread rolls in and 2 plates

"it smells amazing by the way" she placed the things on the table.

Mike walked over carrying the bowl. It was only a simple dish of mushroom pasta with chicken

"this is delicious" Kate smiled taking a forkful

"you sound surprised Kate"

" not really"

They were interrupted by Mikes phone. He looked at the caller ID "I have to take this"

He stepped away from the table. Returning 5 minuets later.

"everything okay?" Kate asked

"yeah fine"

Kate's phone also buzzed around 10 minuets after they had finished dinner

"Kate McGregor hello... Sir okay thank you"

"Kate?"

" we are going to have to take a rain check on tomorrow. Hammersley has been crash sailed. Apparently they have found a new CO so we are being sent out"

so I have written this after ALIMOO1971 (thanks for the idea) requested to know what happened in the two weeks between mike being discharged from hospital and returning to Hammersley so hear is a little insight in to what happened.

enjoy x