Chapter Twenty-Four;
The Parramatta and the Stuart
A small welcoming party lined the deck as the RHIB was raised and the figure of ET descended the ladder to the Hammersley once again after so many months away. Most of the crew on the deck, excluding one dark-haired woman who was watching him with pursed lips, gave him a smile. He went first to the CO, clasping his hand and shaking it vigorously. He gave the X a smile and clapped the boyishly grinning Spider on the shoulder. He then looked at the last figure and she just gave him a slightly comical frown. Giving her a cheeky smile back, ET then turned his attention back to the CO.
"The Parramatta sends their kind regards and thank you for looking after Libertile while they made their way here."
The CO nodded. "Yeah, well, it wasn't by choice as you know." ET grinned. "But you can give the Parramatta a call and tell them you're safe in a minute. Then you can tell us what the hell you're doing here."
ET handed the radio back to RO and turned on them with a smile. Everyone else on the bridge, including a small figure he guessed to be Scruffy Murphy, were watching him. Well, all except Nikki. He gave her figure a frown. He'd have to find a chance to talk to her later, but for now he had some explaining to do.
"I'm guessing you want to know the full extent of my journey."
The CO glanced at his watch. "Well, as it is only 1700 and we're waiting for dinner, sure, why not?" He said comically.
ET frowned softly to himself. Something had happened to Mike to make him slightly cooler than he had been when ET left a few months earlier that year. He guessed it to be this war. At least he assumed that. But right now he had a story to tell.
"After you hung up on me and Rembrandt I realised there was more going on up here than you were keen to share. It was more than just Samaru; the addition of the Kanimbla, Parramatta and Stuart proved that, but the way you sounded. You were worried." The CO looked away as ET continued, basically admitting to them that the Leading Seaman was correct. "I called a few contacts but I couldn't find any luck. And then I got an anonymous e-mail through the internal base e-mail telling me to contact my father. It was good advice because he had been contacted by an old friend. When my father was a Navy man himself he was the bosun to a young bosun's mate named Edmunds. They'd become good friends and have been since. Well, my father has since retired, but he and Edmunds keep in contact. I learnt from my father that Edmunds had been given the reigns on the Parramatta since Lieutenant Commander Hughes had come down with a bad head cold. It was perfect. I contacted Edmunds and he said if I could get down to Sydney by the next morning I was on the Parramatta. It was close but I got a late flight and got there 20 minutes before they sailed. After that it was a matter of staying out of sight. Only 10 people in the crew knew I was there. We couldn't call you and tell you I was coming without giving everything away to the Stuart."
The X looked up. "What about the Stuart?" She asked.
ET smiled. "Lieutenant Commander Lyons is mad. He called the Parramatta halfway through and ensured that Edmunds knew that the Hammersley were wanted and it was their job to send you lot home as quickly as possible for your trial. At first I thought he was just eager to please, but Edmunds assures me the man is mad."
The CO nodded. "We've heard the same from Rembrandt."
ET smiled. "Well if Rembrandt and Edmunds both say so then I'm inclined to believe them." He frowned. "But that's not the issue here. We saw the 60+ French from the Parramatta. They're after uranium."
The CO nodded again. "We know, and we still have men out there."
ET sighed. "The Parramatta can't stay without getting in trouble. They don't need to get caught up in this."
The CO shook his head. "I won't ask them to. They've done more than enough so far." He looked up. "But you're here?"
ET grinned. "To help of course. Just like old times."
Buffer chuckled. "I hate to rain on your parade ET, but you're just one person. How can you help us against 60 Frenchman?"
ET pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to the CO. The CO unfolded it and found under his gaze what had eluded them for so long. "The only map in existence of the layout of Libertile. "You know what no one else in the entire world knows." The CO smiled and handed it to Nav who had finally looked up. ET caught her eye with a smile. And she finally returned it.
The phone buzzed and RO picked it up quickly. "Yes sir, he's right here." He looked up. "It's the Parramatta." The CO made to take the phone but he shook his head. "It's for ET."
ET gave them a quick, almost superior grin, then took the phone. He instantly put it on speaker. "What's up sir?" He asked.
The voice of Leonard Edmunds blared through the speaker. "The others have returned, and we've finished our transfers with the Kanimbla, so I'm just informing you we are scheduled to depart at 1900 hours. There's no chance you'll be joining us?"
ET grinned. "No, but thank you sir. It was a pleasure riding with you sir. The Parramatta is a beautiful ship."
Edmund's smile was clear in his voice, even if the Parramatta was only his temporarily. "You're always welcome on whatever ship I'm on ET, just remember that." He chuckled. "Alright well, enjoy the rest of your time here. Stay away from the Stuart, Lyons is mad."
ET laughed. "Good advice sir, thank you. And thanks again for the lift."
"Alright, drop us a line when you get back to base. I don't need your father on my tail again."
"You got it sir. Have a nice trip." He put the phone down and turned back to the others, grinning. "Parramatta's off."
"He didn't mention where the Stuart was." The CO pointed out.
ET looked a little crestfallen, but he was saved by the voice of Price on the radio. "Hammersley? Wakey wakey sunshines." He said mockingly.
Mike picked up the radio. "Yes Price?"
"Scheduled time of departure, 1945."
"You're following out the Parramatta?" The CO asked.
Price chuckled. "Now you're making it sound like LPAs survive by following ANZACs? No no, just same ideas of getting home. Good luck with your men Mike."
Mike frowned at the radio. "What about the Stuart, have you heard from them?"
Price chuckled. "I don't think they like me Mike. Probably squealing to Kuttabul right now that we've betrayed them by helping you. The Australian Navy, little more than a kindergarten crèche." He laughed. "No, they're not in contact, but we have them on our radar. They're over by Yurnijak. No idea what they're up to, but that's not really my problem anymore."
Mike sighed. "Alright, thanks for that." They hadn't been able to get the Stuart on their radar for some reason. He guessed jamming signals and encryptions. The Kanimbla had better technology than your average Armidale. They could see through basic encryptions. And suddenly Mike wondered why the Stuart seemed so determined to hide from the Hammersley. What would they do when Price left? They'd never know where the Stuart was. "I really can't convince you to stay and help us can I?"
"Sorry Mike, I'd love to, but I've done my renegade stint for now. I believe Edmunds and I will be required to report back to base already for a long-winded talk about dealing with people like you Mike Flynn."
Mike understood the help Price had offered, even if most of it had been for the man's own enjoyment more than the desire to help an old friend. "I get it. Thanks Steven."
Price laughed at him. "I never thought I'd see the day." His laughter continued as the radio died out. Mike put it down and glanced back at the others.
"God I hate that guy."
Sunday morning
0900 hours
The maps put on small hand-held devices by the technologically savvy ET and RO team, the CO awoke the next morning prepared to launch a shore search and grab his men without any difficulties. It was probably an idealistic plan, but the CO planned positive thinking to get them through. Now, with the Kanimbla gone, they could see the whole island once again, including the silent Priarial in the distance. The beach was silent and the Stuart was nowhere to be seen. Save the Priarial, one could believe nothing had happened here. It still looked so idyllic, even with the last of the Jean Bart washing up on shore and the makeshift jetty crumbling down into the sea.
The CO tore his eyes away from the island and back to the bridge. He had awarded everyone a sleep-in that morning and so the first few out of bed were making their appearances. Only eleven had been called on to work today, but everyone was up, even Bomber who was wrapped in a blanket against the wind that had picked up overnight. She stood on the deck with the X as they boarded the RHIBs, giving her friends Scruffy and Spider a smile. The CO looked at the X, but she was looking elsewhere and he followed her eyes to Nav who was still on the bridge, trying very hard herself to ignore the shore party. She was failing, her attention continually drawn back to a certain new addition to the team.
The CO got back to business. He called to Charge who had come to the deck. "Prepare to sail when we return." He smiled.
Charge grinned. "Absolutely sir." He nodded and strode inside. Then, giving the X one last look, the CO turned his attention back to the slowly lowering RHIBs.
As the two teams reached the shore, they split up. The CO and his five men spread to the west, heading towards where the silent Priarial stood. Now nothing more than a shell of a ship, it offered them no threat.
As they got closer to it he noticed many of his men's eyes trained on it and gave them a small smile. If they were thinking what he was, it was a good sign. All were worried about Haynes and the others. The CO liked this, it showed loyalty and he liked that in his crew. In fact he didn't think he could work with someone who was only around for his own success. He looked at his men again and then woke them from their stupor.
"Any ideas what way they would go?" He asked.
Murray frowned. "They wouldn't stick to the beach, not if they know their training. You're too exposed on the beach. They'd go as far inland as they could and work their way in."
Mike nodded. He agreed. He looked at Swain. "You know this land better than anyone Swain. Do you have any ideas?"
Swain shrugged. "I have no idea. Sorry." He gave them a small smile.
Mike nodded. "That's fine." He glanced around him. "Those French, and whatever else is out here, could be anywhere so it's best if we don't split up. I say we just go inland a bit, start towards the Priarial and hope for the best." The others agreed. So, trudging inland, they walked for half an hour before turning west. After informing Buffer of their plans, the CO led his men towards the beach where the Priarial sat. But their plans were waylaid as the Colonel spotted something. At first they raised their guns, assuming the worst, but then an unarmed figure stumbled from the bushes, falling almost at their feet.
"Oh my god, it's Sims." Murray called, running to the Lance Corporal's side. The others joined him, lifting the young soldier to his feet. He grinned at them for a second but then his head slumped.
"Colonel, Herbie, Swain; go check for anyone else." The CO ordered.
He and Murray then lay down Sims and checked him over as ET, who had joined the search party, surveyed the bush for any more movement. There was none. By the time Murray had finished the others had returned with no one else. So, preparing them to return to the RHIB, he grabbed his radio to inform Buffer of their find.
"Any sign Buffer?" The CO's voice came through the radio.
Buffer frowned. "I've got nothing sir. What about you?"
"Affirmative Buffer. We've found Lance Corporal Sims. He's not in a great state. We're taking him back to the Hammersley. Should we tell Rhino to prepare for you?"
"Negative sir. We're going to keep going."
"Alright Buffer. Good luck." The CO replied before the radio went silent again.
Buffer glanced at the others with him. Each of them were scouring the bush for any signs of life. And there were signs of life. Every so often, as they trudged deeper and deeper, something would move without explanation. At first they said birds. Then small animals. But now, as a bush moved to their left, they weren't so sure. This move had been a big one.
"Tell me you saw that." Caesar pointed out to Buffer.
Buffer nodded in silence. He glanced back to see Pierce had risen his hands from his gun to call out, but Dutchy had stopped him. Now the four youngest members stood together, stopped and glancing around them. Spooked by the area, and their behaviour, Buffer raised his gun at the bush. It didn't move.
"Alright, if you don't mind me making an executive decision here Buffer, I say we go back." Caesar put forward.
Buffer nodded silently. "I agree." He turned back to the others. "Alright crew, prepare to depart." He watched them lift their guns again, wiping the looks off their faces, and nod back at Buffer.
They turned and started back to the beach, but as they walked the movement in the bushes became more and more obvious. Soon they couldn't deny it and came to a stop, pointing their guns at the bushes.
"Alright, whose there?" Buffer called. There was no reply.