Chapter Four-

HMAS Invictus

"Disciplinary action?" Asked RO.

"But we didn't do anything wrong!" Exclaimed Logan.

"When you brought your personal issues on board and let it affect your work, you did something terribly wrong that could have endangered the lives of your crew mates!" Fired back Bennett. Both sailors were quiet and sullen.

"When we return to port, you will both be issued with your disciplinary orders. Dixon, a new RO will be employed in your place, and you will be demoted to assistant whilst you are serving your disciplinary order. Anderson, you will still serve as navigator, but you will also be assigned extra duties. Boarding and shore parties will be restricted for the both of you, and if I hear one more word about Romano, you will be kicked off this boat," stated Taylor calmly. Robert looked like he was about to argue back, but bit his tongue.

"Able Seaman Woods has recently been promoted to Leading Seaman. She will be taking over the radio operator duties on Invictus, and Romano will officially transfer over to Victory. This is a sad day sailors. I thought you had been better trained than this," said Bennett, disappointed. Both sailors dropped their eyes to the floor, waiting for their dismissal.

"Back to your quarters, both of you. We're due in port in two hours. Until then, not a word," ordered Taylor. Both sailors nodded, saluted, then turned away, Spider not far behind them.

"Did we handle that right?" Asked Bennett.

"We handled it the best way possible. They can be stubborn sometimes, and for the grief they've cause Romano, disciplinary action is the best option. I need you to talk to Howe and come up with two very different options for the pair of them," said Taylor.

"Not a problem. Here's hoping Slinger can keep up with the pair of them, otherwise we're going to have a serious issue," sighed Bennett.

"Let's deal with it as it comes. Dismissed."

HMAS Victory

Kate and Nikki looked at the paper, before Kate finally spurred herself into action.

"Nikki, go get her. We need to break this news to her before we get back to port," said Kate. Nikki stood up, leaving the ships office just as Dutchy came in.

"How's everything out there?" Asked Kate.

"We've got everybody ready for when we get back to port; ambulances and medical crews will be waiting to assist," replied Dutchy. Kate nodded and sighed.

"What's going on?" Asked Dutchy, concerned.

"I've got to tell a sailor, who loves being on this boat, that because of a personnel issue on Invictus, that she needs to be transferred," said Kate tiredly.

"Who is it?" Asked Dutchy.

"Slinger. There's something going on over on Invictus, and because of their personal issues, we're copping it. Romano and Slinger will be swapping ships," said Kate. Dutchy nodded seriously, hoping the joy he felt in his heart wasn't showing on his face. As Nikki and Charlie returned, he slipped out of the door, leaving them to their meeting.

"Slinger, you know we appreciate everything you do on this ship, right?" Started Nikki.

"You're a fine crew member, and anyone would be lucky to have you on board," added Kate. Charlie looked from Kate to Nikki, then back again.

"I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?" Asked Charlie slowly.

"No, nothing at all!" Exclaimed Nikki.

"NAVCOM sent us this," said Kate, sliding the orders over to Charlie. She picked them up and scanned through before putting the sheet down.

"I see," she said simply.

"If I had it my way Slinger, I'd be keeping you on Victory. But this is a promotion and a change of posts for you, and it could help further your career in the Navy. As soon as we can get you back on Victory, we will. For now, look at is an opportunity to meet a different crew," said Kate earnestly. Charlie nodded.

"May I be dismissed?" She asked. Kate nodded.

"Of course," she said quietly. Charlie stood and left the ships office, heading for her quarters. Dutchy caught up with her quickly, and pulled her into her room.

"Are you excited?" He breathed softly.

"A little bit. But we can't show it until we're back at port," reminded Charlie.

"Tonight's is Valentine's day at your favourite restaurant," said Dutchy softly.

"And?" replied Charlie. Dutchy kissed her softly on the lips, before touching his forehead to hers.

"And I booked us a table," whispered Dutchy. Charlie looked up at Dutchy, and smiled.

"You have to help me get my boxes of this boat and onto Invictus, and then I'm yours."

When both ships had docked in port, Kate was first off, storming towards Invictus. Alex met her on the dock near the gangplank.

"What the hell is happening on this ship? I'm losing the best radio assistant and medic I've ever had because of whatever is going on!" Exclaimed Kate.

"Dixon and Anderson are harassing a fellow sailor, and after discussions with my 2IC and NAVCOM, we felt it best that the two radio assistants be transferred, and Slinger will be promoted to RO whilst he is serving his disciplinary orders. They are the reason that Romano chose to leave Invictus, and the two sailors Bennet and I experienced this week were incompetent, blithering idiots, arguing over everything! Anderson has excellent experience and technique in navigation, and Dixon is amazing at what he does. The Navy can't afford to lose either of them, but the way they're acting at the moment, they could find themselves discharged," said Alex earnestly. Kate nodded, and relaxed against her partner's chest, feeling his arms encircle her.

"So, because of that, the last resort before kicking them off is transferring Romano to me, and Slinger to you," responded Kate.

"And hopefully that sorts out the issue," said Alex softly.

"She was so happy on Victory though. I don't know how she'll cope being on Invictus," replied Kate.

"I don't think it'll be an issue. Look at her," said Alex, pointing down the dock. Kate followed Alex's finger until she laid eyes on a liplocked Dutchy and Charlie.

"Oh." Before Kate could say anything, a shout was heard from above her.

"Get off me you moron! This is your fault!"