Two weeks later:
" Sir, I'm picking up chatter from Robsenn Marine. They seem to have lost contact with one of their dive tenders."
" Put it on speaker, RO."
" Robsenn 5 this is home base, do you read me? Come in Robsenn 5"
" Robsenn 5, home base, do you read me?"
" RO put me on his frequency."
"All set, Sir."
Mike picks up the mic, " Robsenn base this is Australian Warship Hammersley, come in."
" Robsenn Base, Matt Robsenn here, how can I help you"
"Mike Flynn here, you appear to be having a problem contacting one of your dive tenders, over."
" We're all set Hammersley, everything is under control, over."
"Mr Robsenn, please give us the last known coordinates of Robsenn 5 so that I may confirm they are well, Over."
" That's really not necessary, Captain, it's most likely a radio problem. I'll be sending a boat out to check on them."
"It's not an issue for us," Mike tells him, " It's what we do. We're talking lives here and we are already out here. Now, I would like to know where we should be looking, over."
" Well, I can't tell you because I don't know, they've been quiet for 6 hours now,"
" Six hours? What vicinity!" Mike is irritated now. No response. "Robsenn base confirm last transmission. What vicinity!"
" Red Reef, they were to dive Red Reef."
"Copy that, Hammersley, out!"
"Alright, change of plans courtesy of Robsenn Marine and yet another missing dive boat."
Charge comments from his console, " Idiots, they should lose their license."
"I don't disagree, Charge. Nav, Set our course for Red Reef. How long?"
"Approximately 5 hours, Sir."
" Best speed then."
" Helm steer 2-2-5, revolutions 2000."
"Aye Ma'am" Swain repeats back the course setting.
"Very Good."
Mike knowing that ET and Nikki are close friends, " Nav, find ET and prepare him for our return to Red Reef. After what happened, I don't want him blindsided, especially with another missing dive tender from Robsenn Marine."
" Ok, Sir "
Josh was working on a panel in the power plant when Nikki found him.
"Hey! Never expected you to show up here."
"Yeah, Mike sent me. Robsenn 5 is missing, hasn't been heard from for 6 hours."
" Robsenn 5? I know that boat, it's one of their dive tenders. I've been on it, new, all updated electronics."
" Well, we're heading to Red Reef to look for it."
Deep breath, " Alright… I'll be ok, Nikki, you can let him know."
"Ok then, I'll see you later," then whispering, " I love you."
"Love you too."
Four and a half hours later they are approaching Red Reef.
"Slow both engines," Mike orders.
ET is now on the helm as it was his watch, " Slow both engines, Sir."
" X, let's get the spotters on deck."
Taking up the PA mic, Kate orders " All spotters close-up. We are looking for a dive tender or personnel in the water."
Fifteen minutes later: " Boss, I have a stationary vessel on radar."
"Spider, EOD?"
" Got it, Sir, it's a tender. It appears deserted, Sir."
Mike calls over the PA, " Hands to boarding stations…" repeated 3 times.
"Sir," ET addresses Mike, " Request to be part of the boarding party."
" Go ahead, ET."
"Thank you, Sir."
He meets Nikki's eyes for a quick moment and can see the concern in them, so he gives her a little nod before leaving the bridge.
The RHIB is approaching the tender and Kate calls out, " Australian Navy! Show yourselves on deck!" There is no response.
" Dive Tender! Permission to come aboard!" Still no response.
"Ok," Kate says, " We board."
"ET, decks and wheelhouse... Bomber, Spider, below decks and the hold," Kate orders.
ET is back after quickly clearing the wheelhouse and deck. He immediately goes over to the dive tanks and sees that there are 2 hoses in the water.
"X!" They're still down!" moving quickly to the transom to give the hoses 3 firm jerks, the signal to surface however, there is no resistance and he pulls the hoses up.
"They've been cut!" Sitting on the deck for a moment, hanging his head.
"Charley 8-2, X-ray 8-2,"
"Go ahead, X"
"There's no one on board. There is evidence that there were 2 divers down but their hoses have been cut."
"Come on back, I'll send to Sailors over to stay with the boat until Robsenn can come pick it up."
"Roger that. Out. Ok, let's head back" Kate says.
Mike to RO, " Call NAVCOM and report our findings. Then call Robsenn to come and get his boat. Nav, plot a search pattern to look for those missing divers."
" On it, Boss."
When ET is back on board he heads to the bridge.
"ET are you ok?" Mike greets him.
"Yeah, Sir, I'm fine."
" Is it standard that there is on one topside to monitor the divers?"
"No, there should always be someone topside, Sir."
Matt Robsesnn had sent Campbell Fulton and another man out in Robsenn 5 to dive down and inspect his oil skimming pipeline and to open the valve to allow the oil to flow to his storage facility.
When Fulton reached the coordinates for the pipe, he and his dive partner went down to the pipe. As they were ascending, they became entangled in an old fishing net, a "ghost net", as it was rising to the surface causing them to cut their hoses hoping to get themselves free of the net.
Hammersley had been searching for around 30 mins.
"Sir! Divers in the water... starboard! They appear to be caught up in a ghost net."
"X, get a RHIB in the water for recovery."
" Prepare a RHIB for recovery," Kate calls over the PA.
"Buffer, Swain, Spider, recovery party."
Getting close to the net they don't see any movement from the divers.
"Sir, one diver is deceased and the other is unconscious. We're cutting them from the net now."
"Roger that, I'll send out the other RHIB to mark the net for pick-up." Turning to RO, " Call NAVCOM and alert them of the ghost net"
"Sir."
Once the recovery party was back on board, the divers were placed on the deck and their headcovers removed. ET had met them on the deck in case he could identify them. When he could see their faces, he was stunned, ( Campbell Fulton ). The others recognized him as well.
"Maybe we should throw him back," Buffer remarks.
"Let's just get him down to the wardroom," says Swain.
Swain goes ahead to get things ready while Buffer and ET carry him below.
Walking out of the wardroom, Josh is thinking of Nikki. ( I've got to warn her. What the hell is Fulton doing with Robsenn Marine? )
Mike gets the word that one of the divers is Campbell Fulton and he goes down to the wardroom. Swain has him in oxygen and has started an IV.
"Has he come around yet?"
"No, Sir."
" Let me know if and when he does."
"I'm fairly sure that he will, Sir. He's dehydrated and his pressure is a little low but I think that he will be ok."
An hour later, Fulton is awake and Mike returns to ask him some questions.
As Mike walks into the wardroom, Fulton is becoming more lucid. " Where am I?"
Swain answers him, " you're on HMAS Hammersley,"
"Awe, jeez, throw me back."
Mike responds, " It's been discussed. Tell me what happened."
"We went down and were preparing to come up when the ghost net floated into us… we had to cut our hoses. Where's Jimmy?"
"He was dead when we found him."
"Jezz…"
"Why was there no dive tender?"
"Only 15 m, piece of cake dive."
"Stupid" Swain adds.
"Yeah, so it seems."
"You'll be assigned a cabin. I suggest that you stay in it. You are not well received on the ship."
"Yeah, so I would gather."
Stupid is as Stupid does… Forrest Gump… Fulton knowing where Nikki's cabin is from his last adventure on Hammersley left his cabin and made his way to hers. Her door was open and she had her back to it.
" Ah, Nikki…"
She knows that voice. She would recognize it anywhere. "Fulton!" she says as she turns around. " What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be on this level. Now, leave!" she said with force.
" I just wanted to say that I was sorry for everything."
"You've said it, now leave!"
He takes a step into her cabin and Nikki Screams. "GET OUT! GET OUT! STAY AWAY FROM ME!"
ET had been on his way to fix a socket in one of the cabins when he heard Nikki scream and he went running. Fulton was just coming out of Nikki's cabin. He grabs his shoulder, spins him around and punches him in the face. "Fulton, stay away from her! Now leave! You best see Swain about that nose."
"Nikki, are you ok? What happened?"
"He said he wanted to apologize. I just don't want him near me. He was told to stay off this level. Why can't he leave me alone?" tears running down her face.
ET, not caring, stepped over to her and pulled her into an embrace. " Shhh, Shhh, It's ok. He'll be out of here soon. Mike called Robsenn to come and pick him up. I'll keep an eye on him until then. I'm not going to let him near you."
"Thank you, Josh, I love you."
" I love you too." With that, he leaves her cabin.
Mike had gotten word about what happened, hard to keep things quiet on a ship this size. Standing just inside the door to the wardroom, " Fulton, I told you that you had access to your cabin and the galley. What were you doing on that level? What happened to your nose?"
" I got a little dizzy and fell flat on my face. Guess I wasn't as ready as I thought to get up and move around."
"Yeah, right. Robsenn is on his way to meet up with us to pick you up. Stay in your cabin until they get here. Understood?"
"Aye, Aye, Captain," giving Mike a cocky salute. Mike just turns around and leaves to go in search of ET.
Finding him in the Jrs Mess, with Charge and Buffer. " ET, a word."
"Yes, Sir."
"You know that I have no tolerance for violence on the ship."
"Yes, Sir."
" You had better get some ice on that hand," walking away.
An hour later Matt Robsenn arrives on Robsenn One and Fulton is transferred over. Once onboard, Fulton faces Hammersley, "Thanks for the rescue! ET, say hi to Nikki for me!" with a smug smirk.
Josh is seething…( I really hate that guy ) under his breath.
Ten days later:
Spotter of the watch calls out, " Raft in the water! Red 2-5, half-mile."
Mike lifts his glasses, " there's someone on it! Prepare to recover by sea boat!"
Swain, Buffer, and Bomber report to the RHIB. When the RHIB gets close Buffer yells to the driver, " Slow to half and watch your wash!"
"Australian Navy! We're here to lend assistance!"Buffer shouts out.
"Bravo, any sign of like?" Mike asks Buffer.
"Not yet, Sir."
"It's a woman!" Bomber shouts.
The RHIB moves in close, " Man, this thing is held together with pure luck" Buffer says.
Swain begins calling to the woman, "Ma'am, can you hear me? We're Australian Navy, we're going to help you."
The woman manages a semi-sitting position. "Can you stand? We need to get you onto this RHIB."
She shakes her head. "Alright," Swain says, "I'll help you." He carefully steps from the RHIB over to the raft which rocks precariously. " Ok, I've got you," helping her to a standing position. Once she's on her feet she becomes confused and thinks that Swain is her husband and grabs him into an embrace say, " Frank, Frank," over and over. The momentum of her moving towards Swain caused them both to go overboard much to the amusement of the Captain and the crew.
Buffer and Bomber manage to get them both into the RHIB and then set the raft to tow.
The woman had passed out after they pulled her into the RHIB.
Swain and Buffer got her to the wardroom where Bomber stepped in to help Swain look after her. They started an IV and monitored her BP.
After about 30 mins she started to come around, " What's happening? Where am I ?"
"You're on the Royal Australian Warship, Hammersley. We pulled you off the raft that we found you on. How long had you been on that raft? Do you know?" Swain asked her.
"I don't know, not sure… Frank! Have to find Frank!" she says getting somewhat agitated.
" Who's Frank? Was he with you?"
She doesn't answer still looking confused.
"Can you tell me your name?"
"Belinda Lloyd, Frank is my husband."
"Bomber, can you get Mrs Lloyd something lite to eat and some water as well."
"Sure, Swain."
"Thank you, where did you find me"
" About 50 nm from Penfold Island," Swain tells her.
"Belinda, what were you and your husband doing out here?"
" We were on an ocean kayaking adventure, kayaking and camping our way to East Timor."
"What happened to your husband?"
"Oh God! Frank, where's Frank?! We have to find him!"
"We'll do our best, Ma'am."
" We were camping on this island...they came from nowhere!"
"Who, who came?"
" Pirates! There were 4 or 5 of them. It was so dark, they came into our camp. They kidnapped us and brought us to their boat. They had guns. Frank kept telling them that they must have made a mistake, that we didn't have anything, but they wouldn't listen. We were on the boat, Frank was trying to reason with them but it wasn't working. Then Frank shoved me off the boat and yelled at me to keep swimming. He jumped in right after me. I just kept swimming, but when I looked I couldn't see Frank."
"Belinda, can you describe the boat or any of the men?"
" The boat was fairly large and there were huge coils of pipe on the deck. Men with guns… they must have been Pirates," she is barely holding it together now.
"How many men?"
"I'm not sure but they were Australian, I could hear them talking."
"You're sure?"
"Definitely."
"Belinda, we are in a security exclusion zone because of the oil rigs. There aren't any pirates in these waters."
"But I have proof! Back at our campsite. I have pictures! Back on the island."
"Which island?"
"I… I… don't know. Please! We have to find Frank!"
"I'm going to let the Captain know what we've been talking about and we'll set up a proper search. In the meantime, try to eat something and get some rest.
"Ok, thanks. I could use the loo."
"Sure, are you ok or do you need some help?"
" I'm ok," however when she stood up and took a step, she got dizzy and lost her balance, Swain catching her just in time.
"Whoa, here, sit, I'll have someone help you." As Swain left the wardroom, Nikki was coming towards him.
"Nav, Ma'am, Mrs Lloyd is a bit unsteady and needs the head."
"Oh, sure, no problem."
"Mrs Lloyd, Belinda, this is Lt. Caetano, she's going to take you to the facilities."
"Thank you."
Nikki took her elbow just to be safe and walked down the passageway to the head. As they were passing the notice board, Belinda stopped and stared at a picture that was posted there. It was a picture of ET and Swain with a large ocean fish that they caught.
"I've seen him before!"
"Yes, that's Swain, he's been taking care of you. Swain is our ships medic."
"No! The other one! He's one of the men who attacked us!"
"Mrs Lloyd, you're mistaken. That's Petty Officer Holiday, ET. He is assigned to this ship."
" NO! That's him! He's the man I saw!"
"Belinda, that's not possible."
"What, you think that there are no bad guys in the Navy?"
"ET is definitely one of the good guys. He's been here on the ship the whole time. There wouldn't be time for piracy. I'll bring him by to meet you. Believe me, being in the Navy leaves very little time for other ventures."
Bridge:
" RO, see if her name shows up anywhere, AFP, customs. There must be a record somewhere. Also, see if there are any reports of piracy in the area."
"Yes, Sir, but Sir, why would anyone attack Kayakers? What could the offer?"
"I don't know, RO. Just check it out, OK?"
"Yes, Boss."
Swain is sitting with Belinda in the wardroom when they heard some of the conversation from the Jrs Mess. " These adventure seekers who get themselves into trouble should
have to pay when we have to get them out of trouble. Might dumb down the stupid."
Belinda looks stricken. " We weren't stupid! We were very careful in our planning. Safety was the number one concern!"
Swain stepped out and over to the Jrs Mess. " Hey, keep it to yourselves. We can hear you in the wardroom and she's upset enough as it is without you clowns adding salt."
Nikki went to find Josh. He was in his rack, reading. "Hey, Josh," she said smiling.
"Hey right back! What's up that I have the pleasure of seeing you in my cabin," he says with a sly grin.
" The woman we pulled from the raft, well, she's confused. She saw that picture of you and Swain with the fish and she insists that you're one of the men that attacked her and her husband."
"Wow, I guess I must have an evil twin out there," chuckling. " What can I do?"
" I thought that maybe if you come with me and meet her she'll gain some clarity."
"Alright," marking his place in his book and leaving it on his rack.
Belinda looks up as they enter the wardroom. She's startled and she quickly stands, "YOU! STAY AWAY FROM ME! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY HUSBAND?"
Swain had been waiting nearby anticipating this reaction and was able to get her to sit back down.
"Belinda," Nikki starts softly, " This is Petty Officer Holiday, we call him ET. He's the electronics technician on the ship and he is the man in the photo that you saw."
Josh moves toward her slowly and crouches down trying to be as non-threatening as possible. " Mrs Lloyd, my name is Josh," he says soothingly. I remember you. You and your husband were in a kayak that approached the dive boat that I was on. You told me that you were island hopping to East Timor and that it was an anniversary adventure. You took our picture for your journal. Do you remember?"
Belinda was now looking confused. " Could that be? How long ago?"
" Three months Ma'am."
" Three months! Three months! How can that be?" she starts to cry. Josh reaches out to her and she allows him to embrace her. Speaking to her softly " We're going to figure this out, Belinda."
Nikki, as she was standing by and watching Josh with Belinda, a warmth spread through her, how much she loved this gentle, kind, man.
0600:
Buffer and Charge are on the quarter deck doing a morning workout when Bomber discovered Belinda's raft was gone when she went to ditch the gash.
"Buffer! Charge!" they went running.
"What is it?" Charge asked her.
"The raft, it's gone!" Bomber replied.
Buffer got on the intercom to Swain and asked if she was there. The answer was "no".
They went to the bridge to report to Mike. " Sir, Belinda Lloyds raft is missing and so is she. It appears that she took a tarpaulin, a life jacket and some rope with her."
" Aww, jeez, when was she last seen?"
" I looked in on her around 2200, Sir. She appeared to be sleeping," Bomber tells him.
" She was probably waiting for the ship to settle in. My guess is that she took off around midnight," Swain offered.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt but I was just contacted by NAVCOM. Frank and Belinda Lloyd are listed as being missing at sea. They were on an ocean kayaking trip to East Timor."
"Nav, I thought that you had checked this," Mike asked her.
" I did, Sir, but I only looked from the last 3 weeks."
"RO, how old is this alert?"
"3 months."
"Wow, 3 months...That's insane, how did she ever survive."
" Sir, based on her leaving the ship around midnight and we passed by Penfold Island at 0120, this would be our search area," indicating an area on the chart."
"She said that she had proof on one of the islands. I would bet that's where she was going. Penfold Island is the closest. It's a fair bet that she would head there." Swain said.
" I agree, Nav get us to Penfold Island."
"Aye, Sir. Starboard 20 altering to 0-1-0" The helmsman responds.
" Call Coastwatch, RO. If shes at sea they will have a better chance of spotting her."
"Yes, Sir."
Off the coast of Penfold Island:
"Special duty cable-men, close up. Shore party to port RHIB." Kate calls out.
The RHIB drops, Kate, Buffer, Spider, Swain, ET and Bomber on the beach.
"Alright, we split into teams: Bravo Team, Buffer and Spider, Sierra Team, Swain and ET, X-ray Team, Bomber and myself. Stay alert, stay in contact. Good hunting."
The three teams split and head off in different directions. Spider and Buffer are heading uphill with Spider whining all the while, " there's no sign of her, we have no idea if this is even the right island. I mean, who jumps off a perfectly good ship into a lashed together raft. I was watching a really good movie, too. She's nuts!"
"Are you done, Spider? She believes her husband is in danger and he needs her. That's her motivation," Buffer tells him.
" X, what could she have been thinking? How did she expect to be able to get back to the island?" Bomber asks.
" The currents maybe. Bomber, look, a campsite. This must be it. Look around. She said that she had proof, some pictures."
" X! Over here!" Bomber shouts, " Look there's a pouch or something stuck up in those branches."
Kate, being taller than Bomber, was able to reach it. Opening the pouch she finds Belinda and Frank Lloyds passports, some money, wedding rings and a memory card.
"Bomber, here's her proof. We're going to get this back to Hammersley and see what's on this card."
" Team Bravo, Team Sierra, this is X-ray, over."
"Bravo Team here, X. Sierra Team answering."
"We found their campsite. There was a pouch with their documents and a memory card hidden in a tree. We're bringing back to Hammersley to check out the memory card. Keep searching, over."
"Copy that, Sierra, out"
"Roger that, Bravo Team, out."
"Charley 8-2 , X-ray 8-2"
" Go ahead, X-ray,"
" We've found her campsite and her documents with a memory card. We're heading in, over."
" Roger X-ray, see you in a few, out"
Kate and Bomber go straight to the bridge. " RO, bring up the laptop please," Kate says.
He places the laptop and the chart table and everyone gathers around to see what is on the card. Kate inserts the card into the computer and the photo program opens up. The first photo that they see is of a smiling ET on a dive boat with the other divers around him. It was dated 3 months ago.
"That explains why she had insisted that she had seen ET before but not how she could have mistaken him as one of the men that kidnapped them," remarks Nikki.
"That's the puzzle. Being adrift as long as she was, dehydrated, probably hallucinating, her memory got all jumbled," Mike surmised.
" I guess…"
Penfold Island:
" Buffer! Buffer! Jeez, are you ok?"
Spider and Buffer had been heading up a steep incline when some rocks gave way sending Buffer tumbling down the hill. He lands on a flattened area hitting his head on something metallic.
"Yeah, I'm alright Spider. Come on down here, I found something with my hard head."
Spider scrambles down the slope, " What'cha got Buff?"
"Not sure looks like some sort of hatch. Help me get it open."
The two of them turn the wheel and lift the cover. "Look at this, looks like an old underground storage tank. This thing should be empty, but it's full." Buffer says.
"Charley 8-2, Bravo 8-2."
" What is it Buffer?"
" Boss, we stumbled on an old underground storage tank and it's full of oil."
"Huh, interesting. Where could that oil be coming from… Buffer mark the location and head back to the beach. See if you can find an intake pipe or something."
"Roger that, Boss."
" Sierra 8-2, Charley 8-2"
"Sierra 8-2 here."
" Swain, you and ET head back to the beach and meet up with Bravo Team, Buffer will fill you in."
"Copy that, Sierra 8-2 out"
RO pops up from comcen, " I found some information on Penfold Island. It was a fuel storage facility for the US and Australian Navies during WWII. There is nothing on record that it's been used since."
Penfold Island:
As Buffer and Spider search along the beach for a pipe that would be coming in from the sea, they come across a new pipe with two valves on it.
"Charley 8-2, Bravo 8-2,
"Go ahead."
" Sir, we found how the oil is most likely coming into the island. There's a new pipe coming in. It has two valves."
"Huh, interesting. Have Swain and ET reached you yet?"
"Negative, Sir."
" They should be there shortly. I'm sending a RHIB to pick you up. Make your way to the original landing point."
"Roger that, Sir,"
"Charley 8-2, out."
ET and Swain are making their way to the beach when ET sees movement a short distance off the trail they are using.
"Swain, I think I saw someone, there, he points, on the left."
"Hey! Australian Navy! Stop! Show yourself!" Swain yells.
"There! Red jacket!" The man takes off faster with Swain and ET after him.
"Charley 8-2, Sierra 8-2" Swain calls over the radio as he is running and is slightly winded.
"Sierra 8-2, what's happening?"
"We're in pursuit of a man that was ghosting us on the trail. He's heading toward the beach!"
"Buffer and Spider should be nearby, I'll send them to you. Over."
"Roger,"
Swain and ET burst out of the trees and onto the beach just as the man they were chasing is pushing a jet ski into the water.
"Australian Navy! Stop! Stay where you are!" ET shouts.
Ignoring them, knowing that they can't fire unless fired upon, shucking his jacket he jumps onto the jet ski, reves it and takes off. Making a circle, he comes back around and sweeps the beach flipping the bird. Then he turned out to sea to meet up with the Robsenns on the other side of the Island.
"CAMPBELL FULTON!" ET and Swain yell at the same time.
Matt Robsenn had sent Fulton to Penfield Island to check on the status of the underground tank and to open the outlet valve on the beach to allow the oil to flow to the pumping station where the oil would be loaded onto tankers for transport.
Fulton was just heading across the island and back to open the valve when he heard a lot of someones traipsing around and calling out as they were obviously looking for someone. ( Navy! Time to be gone! ) he muttered to himself as he took off for the beach. It was his unfortunate luck that he chose a way down that took him right in the path of the searchers.
Hammersley:
Everyone from the boarding party was now on board and they continued their sweep for Belinda.
Bomber was one of the Sailors on the lookout, " BODY IN THE WATER!" she yells out.
Mike grabs the PA mic, " Body in the water! Portside! Recover by swimmer!"
Bomber quickly dons her stinger suit and goes after the floating person. When she reaches it she recognizes Belinda Lloyd, she's gone. Bomber pulls her back to the ship where Mike is waiting, " Sir, it's Belinda Lloyd, she's dead, Sir."
"Poor women caught in the wrong place at the wrong time," Mike says.
Bomber gets her into a swimmers strope and Buffer and Charge pull her up onto the ship. Bomber climbs back on board.
Turning to Kate, " Now that we know about the oil skimming, we'll get them. The Lloyds had the unfortunate luck to pick that island to camp on," Mike says to Kate.
"Do you think this is connected to the divers?"
"I wouldn't doubt it although I figure why. The Robsenns are dodgy. Makes you wonder, and now seeing that Campbell Fulton is involved with the oil it sure points to them."
Robsenn One:
Fulton met up with the Robsenn One and reported to Matt and Simone on the condition of the tank and that the Navy had been there looking for someone.
"Fulton, were you recognized?" Matt asks him.
"Unfortunately. I sure wasn't expecting the Navy and of course, Holiday was there."
"What about the tank?" Simone wants to know.
"I'm not sure. I don't think that they know about it. They were there looking for a missing person. I was able to set the valves to be ready to be pumped."
"Alright, it's unfortunate about the Navy. Go below and get changed," Matt tells him. "Simone," giving her a nod towards the front of the boat. Once they were on the bow, " I think that Fulton has become a liability and we don't really need him anymore. It's time we closed up this operation. We've made enough."
Simon looks at him, " Send him to Robsenn 5 on a dive. Have him do a finally closing of the intake pipe. Have the tender alter his dive mix."
" Yeah, it's time. Simone, go to the salon and keep him there if he comes up while I call Scotty."
Matt gets the portable radio and returns to the bow. " Robsenn 5, Robsenn one, come in. He waits a moment and calls again.
This time there is a response, " Robsenn 5"
"Scotty, I'm sending Fulton over to you. He's going to go down and close up the valve,
He's not going to come up, understand?"
"Understood"
"When you are set, leave the tender anchored and get back here on his jet ski."
"Got it boss, no problem."
Matt had joined Simone in the salon, they were both looking relaxed with a drink when Fulton returned wearing the Robsenn Marine uniform of sorts. Stripped shirt with the logo and tan board shorts.
"Campbell, get yourself a beer or whatever and come have a seat," Matt tells him.
" I need you to do one more thing today. We are closing up the so-called shop, I need the outlet valve from the main oil pipe closed for the last time. Scotty is already there with Robsenn 5 waiting for you. Take the jet ski over."
"Not a problem."
"So what are your plans now once this is finished up?" inquires Simone.
"Tahiti, I think."
"Nice."
Hammersley:
Mike calls a meeting with his officers in the conference room. " Alright, we're all here. As you all may or may not know, Belinda Lloyd was found floating in a life jacket. She was gone.
NAVCOM got back to us on Penfold Island. The pipeline from Red Reef Venture's oil fields. The pipe runs right by Penfold Island on its way to Darwin. The company doesn't have any island storage facilities."
"It appears that someone has tapped into the line and has been stealing oil," Swain surmises.
Kate adds, " At today's prices even 1% would mean millions of dollars."
"That is the theory that the Feds are going on," Mike adds.
"If Campbell Futon is part of this oil scheme, and with him being on the island I would say that he's up to his neck in it, it stands to reason the Robsenns are in on it too. And, Fulton is part of their dive team," ET reasons.
"Yeah, well, so much for diving for coral and tropical fish," Nikki adds.
Kate: "It's a good cover. Allows them access to the area of the pipeline without suspicion."
Mike gets up and goes over to the intercom and dials into comcen.
"Comcen"
"RO, get onto Coastwatch and ask them to locate Robsenn One, give them there last known coordinates."
"Roger, Boss."
To the group, Mike continues, " They should still be fairly close to Penfold Island. NAVCOM has been in touch with the Feds and they are sending a team to watch over the oil tank and lines. As soon as they take over we go after the Robsenns. Any questions?"
The shaking of heads and murmurs of no Boss.
" Ok then, everyone gets something to eat, we're going to get very busy."
"Don't have to tell me twice, Boss," ET jokes.
Bridge:
" Hammersley, Border Patrol 5"
Mike picks up the radio mic, "Go ahead, Border Patrol."
"We're approaching Penfold Island and we will pick up surveillance, over."
"Roger Border Patrol 5, Good Luck, Hammersley, out."
RO comes over from his position in comcen, " Sir, Coastwatch has just called in the coordinance for Robsenn One" he says as he hands them off to Nikki.
"How long, Nav?" Mike asks.
"Under an hour, Sir."
45 mins later:
" I have contact! Bearing 2-7-0, range 7 miles." Nikki calls out.
"EOD?"
"That's Robsenn One, Boss," ET confirms.
"RO, let them know that we intend to board them."
"Sir."
" X, I will be leading this one. ET, join me, I want to shove your presence in there face."
Smiling, " Yes, Sir, a pleasure."
" ROBSENN ONE, THIS IS AUSTRALIAN WARSHIP HAMMERSLEY, STOP, HEAVE TO, I INTEND TO BOARD YOU!" RO hails them.
Kate gets on the PA, " Boarding party, Swain, ET, Buffer, Spider, muster at the port side RHIB."
Mike meets up with his boarding party. " This is a recon mission. We're looking for any sign of Campbell Fulton. Keep your eyes open. Let's go! Away sea boat!"
The RHIB comes alongside of Robsenn One and Buffer climbs on board first, followed by Mike and the remainder of the party.
"ET, with me, Buffer, Spider: forward, Swain ET, search below. Send any crew that you find to the aft deck." Mike orders.
"What's this now?" Matt Robsenn demands."
Mike answered with, " I want the crew out here on the aft deck. Mr and Mrs Robsenn go sit in the salon and stay there."
Swain and ET return with three crew members and no Fulton. " He's not down there, Sir".
Buffer and Spider return with one more from the flying bridge.
"Swain, stay with the Robsenns."
"Sir."
"ET with me, Buffer you and Spider stay with the crew."
"Yes, Sir."
Mike turns his focus to Matt Robsenn, " Where's Campbell Fulton?"
" I wouldn't know, he no longer works for us."
"Really, since when?" Mike wants to know not believing a word.
"Since we caught him stealing from us," Simone adds in."
"Captain, are you going to tell us what this is all about?" Matt asks him irritated.
"Campbell Fulton is a person of interest in the murder of two campers from Penfold Island."
"You can't be serious!" Matt responds.
"Murder!" Simone says, " I can't believe that he would be capable of such an act."
"Yeah, well, we also believe that he is involved in an oil skimming scheme. It's only a matter of time before we find him and crack this whole thing wide open. So, if you should come across him or you hear from him…"
"Yeah, I get it, let you know."
" Call the Feds."
" Thank you for your cooperation, sorry to have disturbed you."
"No problem."
"Ok, let's go," and then deliberately called out ET. "All set, ET?"
"Yup, all set, Boss," moving over to the RHIB.
Hammersley Bridge:
" Boss, the Robsenns are taking off on heading 2-7-0 at 6 knots," Nikki reports.
When Mike was looking around Robsenn One, he made it a point to check what frequency they were using on there VHF.
"RO, monitor frequency 1-9 on VHF. Let me know if you hear anything."
"Aye, Sir."
"Nav keep our distance, let him get just over the horizon and then shadow him."
"Will do, Sir."
"Robsenn one calling Robsenn 5 "
" Sir," RO Calls to Mike, " Robsenn one is transmitting!"
"On speaker, RO."
Everyone on the bridge is listening.
"Robsenn 5 here."
"How are things going?"
"He's down now, been down around 10 mins, the valve should be closed."
"Stick to the plan, he doesn't come up. You're probably going to have company soon so you had best finish up."
"Gotcha," Mike says smiling.
"Nav set a course for Red Reef, let's see if we can get there in time to save Fulton's butt. The Robsenns are planning on eliminating Fulton, although that would be no great loss."
35 Minutes Later:
" Contact! Bearing 3-2-0. It could be Fulton's dive tender."
"ET...EOD?"
"Got it! That's it, Sir, Robsenn 5."
"Nav are there any other boats in the area?"
"No, Sir."
"X, boarding stations!"
"HANDS TO BOARDING STATIONS… PORTSIDE RHIB, BUFFER, SWAIN, ET,"
Mike goes outside with Nikki to watch them off and monitor what happens on the boat.
Mike calling out, " Be careful, don't know what you're going to find. AWAY SEA BOAT" gesturing with his hand.
" I'm not seeing anyone on board, Boss."
"Maybe they're down below…"
"Or in the water,"
Coming alongside the tender, they can hear the compressor.
Kate calls out, " Australian Navy! Is there anyone on board? Show yourselves."
No response.
"Ok, Buffer: forward, Swain: below, ET: check the dive equipment."
" Ma'am, the air mix has been altered! Nitrogen is too high… there's a hose in the water, we have to him up right now!" ET exclaims. " I need Swain," as he is adjusting the dive mix to contain more oxygen then going to the dive platform and giving the hose three good tugs, the signal to return.
" Swain! Dive deck at the rush!" Kate yells.
ET had started to gear up when Swain joined them. " What's going on?"
"Swaino, the dive mix was way heavy on nitrogen. We need to get him up. It'll probably take the two of us."
"Right!" rushing into dive gear.
ET and Swain drop off the dive platform and head down to the diver.
Buffer returns to the deck, " There's nobody here, X, but I found Fulton's seabag."
ET and Swain reach the diver, he's unresponsive. Nodding to each other they each take an arm and bring him up. Buffer reaches over and grabs on to him while Swain and ET quickly climb out and they pull him onto the deck. Pulling his dive hood off…"It's Fulton!" ET calls out.
"No Pulse! I've got compressions, Buffer take breaths," directs Swain.
After 2 rounds of CPR, Fulton coughs. " Got a pulse," Swain announces, but he's still unresponsive.
" Amazing, with that gas mix he should be dead. We must have just missed whoever did this," points out ET.
" Okay, I need to get him to the wardroom."
"Let's get him in the RHIB" Kate orders.
"Charley 8-2, X-ray 8-2"
" Go ahead, X."
"We've got Fulton."
"Is he alive?"
"Yes, Sir, for now at least. We're heading back."
"Roger That. I'll send over a steaming party. I have to check with the Feds, that boat is a crime scene."
Once back on board, Swain rushed to the wardroom to get things ready while ET and Buffer carry him down. Bomber joins Swain to help.
Fulton is breathing but still unconscious. Is oxygen level is understandably low and Swain applies an oxygen mask and hooks him up to the heart monitor while Bomber starts an IV and begins to monitor his blood pressure.
"Swain," Mike calls from the door, " how's he doing?"
"I'm not sure. His blood pressure and of course his oxygen level is low. He's still unresponsive."
"Keep me posted, if and when he can, we need some answers."
" Will do, Sir."
"Bomber, are you good here for a few? I need to shower after that dive."
"Sure thing, Swain."
Swain gets back 15 mins later, Fulton has slightly improved. His oxygen level is up although still below normal. His colour is better and his blood pressure has come up some.
"Thanks, Bomber. I'm just going to grab a brew. Want one?"
"No thanks, I'm good."
Swain had just started making his coffee when Bomber yelled out the door, " Swain! He's coming around!"
"Fulton, Fulton, can you hear me?" Bomber says, "Wake up now."
Groaning, he starts to open his eyes. " Where am I," he asks hoarsely.
"You're on Hammersley," Bomber replies.
Groaning, " Oh, God."
"Bomber, let the Captain know that miracle boy is awake. Fulton, what do you remember."
"Ahhh," coughing slightly, " Matt Robsenn sent me to Robsenn 5."
"Why?"
Hesitating…
"Was there anyone with you?"
"Yeah…" deep breath and a cough, " Scotty Duncan. He was already on the boat. He was my dive tender."
"He didn't do a very good job. What were you diving for?"
No answer…
" Come on Fulton, what have you got to gain. Did Matt Robsenn order the deaths of those 7 divers?"
No Answer… Mike had walked in as Swaim was asking his last question.
" Listen, Fulton, you don't owe the Robsenns anything," Mike says to him, " They ordered Duncan to kill you after you closed the valve."
Swain continued, " When we got there there was no one on board and your dive mix had been altered, heavy on the nitrogen. You weren't breathing and you had no pulse when we got to you. Now, you may think that was a mistake, but if it was, where was Duncan? How did you get to the boat?"
Deep breath, " jet ski"
"Well, there wasn't a jet ski there when we arrived."
Mike steps forward, " Fulton, we intercepted a transmission between Robsenn One and Robsenn 5, It was Matt Robsenn giving Duncan orders to make sure that you didn't come up. Now, do you really want to protect them? What were you doing on that dive?"
He hesitates a moment, then, " I was to close the valve that allowed the oil to flow to Penfold Island."
Mike continues, " Where does the oil go when it leaves the storage tank?"
"A prawn farm...at Ponages. It's a pumping station...they load the tankers there," he answered as he appeared to be having some difficulty breathing.
Fulton suddenly grabs his chest and cries out… "Ahggg, my chest!" He's having trouble breathing.
Mike steps back.
"Bomber! Get a pressure!" while Swain listened to his chest then announced, " his lungs sound wet!"
"Blood pressure has dropped, 85/60" Bomber calls out.
"Got a pulse of 120. Fulton, are you having chest pain?"
Groaning, "yes... can't breathe."
Swain also noted that his lips were turning blue and his skin was clammy.
"Bomber, call RO, tell him we need fleet medical urgently."
Nikki was nearby when Bomber called so she headed to the wardroom to take over communications until fleet medical was on.
Swain hangs another IV bag and increases Fulton's oxygen to 100%.
"Swain!" Nikki calls out, " fleet medical," handing over the headset.
Mike arrives, " Swain?"
"I'm not sure, I've fleet medical on the line."
"This is Dr. Elizabeth Tanner, who am I speaking with?"
"Petty Officer Chris Blake, Chief Medic, Ma'am."
"Okay, what have you got?"
"Dr, Tanner, Patient is a 48 yr old male who was hose diving when his dive mixture was tampered with by increasing the nitrogen level. We pulled him from the water and he was unresponsive and pulseless. After two rounds of CPR he was breathing on his own and his pulse was regular. We transported him to the ship where I applied oxygen, heart monitor, started an IV of Hartman's, monitored his blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Initial blood pressure was 115/75, pulse 100, respirations 20, oxygen saturation was low at 88%.
He had been stable for a little over an hour before regaining consciousness 30 minutes ago. He's now experiencing a sudden onset of right-sided chest pain. His blood pressure has dropped, 85/60, pulse is up to 120 with rapid shallow respirations. He's cyanotic and clammy. Oxygen saturation is down to 85%."
Swain's listening, " Yes, Ma'am." Then turning to Mike, " Captain is there a medivac available?"
"Boss, I'll have RO check," Nikki responds and goes to make the call.
"Swain, there's a coastal storm, choppers are grounded," Nikki reports when she returns.
"Nearest hospital?"
" That would be Darwin, Sir, at least 6 hours."
Swain gets back with Dr Tanner, " Ma'am, there isn't a medivac available the closest hospital is in Darwin, 6 hours sailing time."
"Petty Officer, your patient's situation is dire. From what you are describing he most likely has developed a pulmonary air embolism from the increase of nitrogen causing air bubbles in the blood when he probably tried to hold his breath and then from the faster than usual ascent. All you can offer is supportive care, 100% oxygen and some morphine may help. Even with hospital care, this condition is very often fatal."
" Alright, Thank you, Dr Tanner,"
" Petty Officer, you've done a great job managing a very complex situation. You've done everything right, and everything that you can."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"Good luck."
Swain hands the headset back to Nikki, then goes over to Fulton, makes sure the oxygen is at 100% and then asks Mike for some morphine from the safe.
Once Fulton receives the morphine, he seems a bit more comfortable.
"Swain, can I see you a moment?" Mike steps into the passageway.
"What's the situation?"
"He's probably going to die, Boss."
"Do you think I might be able to get a few more answers from him?"
"Possibly."
They go back inside. "Fulton," Mike starts, "you've got no reason to hold back anymore, do the right thing. What happened to those divers."
Fulton just looks at him, then over to Nikki.
"Fulton, your most likely going to die, tell us what happened on the dive boat."
Fulton closes his eyes for a moment, with difficulty he starts to answer. "Matt Robsenn..(.breath)...wanted Holiday...dead…(breath)...told me… to make it look like an accident…" breathing with difficulty.
"How did you do it? Mike asks.
Breath, " altered the mix…(breath) increased the…(breath)...nitrogen. ( breath...breath)
Holiday was...supposed to be...down."
Nikki inhales sharply, almost gasping as she brings her hands to her face.
" Why Josh Holiday?"
"Matt … found out...he's navy. Was… worried he...would... notice the pipeline.."
"So, you killed all those divers trying to get one and make it look like an accident, you son of a bitch!" Nikki almost screamed and Mike put a hand on her shoulder.
" What about the boat?" Swain asked him.
" Pulled...the bilge plug."
Mike stepped forward again, "Alright, thank you, Fulton."
Nikki left the wardroom and headed for her and Josh's spot on the aft deck. Leaning against the rail, the tears started running down her cheeks. (They wanted to kill Josh...they killed all those divers. Oh, my God, if it wasn't for the crash sail…)
Josh has a sixth sense when it comes to Nikki so he makes his way to the aft deck, and she was there. He went over to her, leaned on the rail, " Hey," then he noticed her tears. "Nikki, what is it?" wanting so badly to hold her, instead settling for covering her hand with his own.
Sniffing and taking a deep breath, " Fulton… he confessed. They wanted you… dead. Fulton killed those divers thinking that you were one of them."
"Nikki, it's over. Fulton is done, the Robsenns are done and we made it through another one...It's ok. I love you."
"I love you, so much… don't you leave me, Josh."
"I'll do my best," chuckling and she whacks him on the arm.
Fulton had given all he could give and Swain concentrated on making him as comfortable as possible. Over the next hour, his condition continued to deteriorate. He died at 1630 hrs.
Mike called NAVCOM with Fulton's confession. With the information that Fulton gave them, the federal police raided the prawn farm and they were able to stop most of the oil from leaving the prawn farm and they were able to locate and stop two of the tanker trucks that had already left with the oil.
Matt and Simone Robsenn were at the prawn farm when the Feds arrived. They were arrested and charged with the murder of the 7 divers and of Frank and Belinda Lloyd. They were also charged with the attempted murder and subsequent murder of Campbell Fulton. Several Robsenn crew members were charged in the oil skimming operation. Scotty Duncan was charged with murder.
As they were steaming back to Cairns, Josh asked Mike if he could have a word.
"Sure, ET."
"Privately, Sir."
"Of course, my cabin in 5 mins."
"Thank you, Sir."
" X, you have the ship."
"I have the ship," Kate replies.
Josh knocks on Mikes door, " Come in, ET. Sit. What's on your mind?"
"Sir, this is going to be my last patrol. When we get back to Cairns, I'll be going to Commander Marshall and requesting an immediate discharge."
"Wow, Ok. What made you decide this? You're good at what you do, and you are an asset to this ship. What can I do? I will hate to lose you. I realize that this rotation has been particularly difficult, especially on you, but you've handled it well."
"Not so well in my head, Sir. There is another reason, a very important one… Nikki and I are engaged and we want to be married soon."
"Although you've managed to keep your relationship under the radar, well, that whole bird flu incident kind of made it apparent. The X and I talked and decided as long as it was kept off the ship we would turn a blind eye. And...well… we know that you saw us that time in the cafe, Mike grinned at him. It would have been quite hypocritical to make a scene over you and Nikke. You've managed to keep it off the hip and I haven't seen a problem with the rest of the crew taking notice either. Both of you have been nothing but professional.
"Thank you, Sir, It has been a privilege to have served under you and to have served on Hammersley. That is what I'll miss."
"Josh, good luck and congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you, Sir. Sir, please don't mention our conversation to Nikki. I have plans to tell her after I meet with Commander Marshall."
"Of course, Josh."
By the time Hammersley arrived back in Cairns, Josh had his cabin packed up. Seeing as he was waiting to talk to Nikki, he hadn't told any of his crewmates either. He'll do that later at the pub.
Josh put on his whites for the last time and left for NAVCOM. He had called for an appointment with Commander Marshall when they were almost back.
"Petty Officer Holiday, come in, sit," Commander Marshall greeted him. " What's on your mind?"
"I would like to request an immediate discharge, Sir."
" Well, this is unexpected. May I ask why?"
" Yes, Sir. This last rotation has been especially difficult for me. I was shot in the chest...thank God for the vest, I was almost blown to bits, almost lost a leg, was held hostage by a crazy eco-terrorist and then there were the 7 divers that lost their lives because someone wanted me dead. But with all of that, there is a much more important reason ...Lt. Caetano and I are engaged."
"I see, you have had a particularly difficult rotation. As for Lt. Caetano, I can post you off of Hammersley."
" Thank you, Sir, but I don't want to be hoping that we get the occasional shore leave together."
" Ashore posting then?"
"Again, thank you, but I have made up my mind, Sir."
"Alright then, Petty Officer Holiday, I will prepare the paperwork and get it to Cairns. You are on shore leave until your discharge comes through because of your relationship with Lt. Caetano. Petty Officer Holiday, Josh, you are a fine Sailor and an asset to the Navy. You should be proud of your service.
"Thank you, Sir."
Josh stood, saluted and walked out of NAVCOM to go and find Nikki.
Nikki couldn't find Josh when she was leaving the ship, so she headed for home, stopping at the grocery store first.
Josh left NAVCOM and went home to change out of his whites and get comfortable. After changing into one of his flowered shirts and a pair of board shorts, he texted Nikki… * Are you home yet?*
*Hey, just got in *
* I need a walk on the beach...join me?*
*Of course!*
* Ok, be there in 15 ...Love you!*
* love you too *
As Josh was getting ready to leave for Nikki's he took a look around the house he had been sharing for the last 5 years and thought about how much his life was about to change.
Giving a knock on Nikki's door first, he let himself in and called up the stairs of her townhouse. " Hey Nikki, ready?"
"I'll be right there."
As she came down the stairs wearing a simple top and shorts, his heart just melted. (God I love this woman)... When she reached him he pulled her in for a slow but intense kiss.
"Let's go."
Josh drove north to Machans Beach and parked.
"Would you like an ice cream?" Josh asked.
" You know it!" Nikki said grinning.
"I think that there is a little stand just a bit up that way," they started walking.
Sure enough, there was the ice cream place that Josh had remembered. They got their cones and headed to the beach taking off their shoes and walking in the water not talking about anything, in particular, just relishing being together. Josh grabbed her hand when their cones were finished. Walking for another 5 mins or so, he spotted a nice shady spot under some palm trees.
"Let's sit a bit." as he pulls Nikki toward the trees.
"Alright Josh, what's up, you've been acting a bit strange. Are you ok?"
" After we got back to port, I went to see Commander Marshall."
"Is everything alright?"
"Everything couldn't be more right. I've requested to be discharged from the Navy. I also told him about us."
"Wow! Josh! I wasn't expecting this so soon."
"Nikki, I don't want to wait to be with you anymore, you know really with you. And, well, after this last patrol, hell the last several patrols, I'm burned out."
"What did he say?"
" He offered to post me off Hammersley. I told him that I didn't want to be hoping for the occasional shore leave that we might get at the same time. So then he offered me a shore posting."
"You turned him down?"
"Nikki, I'm ready to move on with my life and this last rotation has shown me how fast things can be taken away. I don't want to waste any more time. The Navy has been a good life for over 12 years… now I just want a quiet life...with you." Leaning over he pulled her close and kissed her.
"So… what happens now?"
" I'm on shore leave until my papers come through."
"And Mike?"
"I've already talked to him, on our way back in."
" Do you know what you're going to do?"
"Yeah, not get up at 5:30 every morning!" chuckling, " I'll find something. I'm going to start looking when you leave on your next patrol. Right now I just want to be. I have to move out of Navy housing."
"Well, that's a no brainer. Seeing as we don't have to hide anymore, you're moving in with me," reaching over for another kiss. "Let's stop by your place on the way back and grab your clothes at least, then we can figure out the rest."
" I was planning on going to the pub tonight and telling everyone that I'm leaving. Would you come with me? I would like for us to come out of the closet if you will. I want PDA whenever I want. Mike knows, Commander Marshall knows, we might as well shock the crew as well." grinning.
Pulling her close, Josh wraps his arms around her and kisses her forehead.
"I am ready for that too," Nikki says, " No more hiding. I am going to love having you so close."
"I am going to love being there."
For the first time, Nikki and Josh arrive at the pub together walking in holding hands. Then Josh put his arm around her and pulled her close causing a few shocked looks especially as Mike and Kate were there.
"Hey, guys!" Josh greets the crew.
" I have someone I would like you all to meet." This statement drew quite a few puzzled looks. Mike and Kate just smiled.
" This is my fiance, Lt. Nikki Caetano."
Nikki for her part, couldn't stop grinning.
"What's this now?" Swain asks.
Everyone was stunned quiet.
"How are you planning on this working? Is one of you posting off Hammersley?" Buffer asks.
" Already taken care of, Buff. I resigned today.
More stunned silence. Then a chorus of whats? Wows! And you're kiddings!
" I am really going to miss working with all of you. I'll still see you here if you'll have me."
"Mate, you will always be a member of this crew," Charge tells him.
Raising their glasses, " Here, Here!"
"What happens now?" Spider asks.
"Well, I can tell you that I won't be getting up at 0530 anytime soon!" Everyone laughed.
" I'm on shore leave until my papers come through. I'll be moving out of Navy Housing and moving in with Nikki. Once you all head back out I'll start looking for something.
Josh and Nikki went over to sit with Mike and Kate for a little while. They had a laugh over the whole cafe sighting. " I hope that they make it Josh," indicating Mike and Kate. " They're good together." Josh kissed her on the temple, " so are we."
Back at Nikki's they celebrated the day, then with Nikki wrapped in his arms he starts to drift off to sleep feeling so content, peaceful, then nuzzling Nikki's neck, " I love you."