So, here is the last chapter for now. I might carry on this story in another story. Hope you've enjoyed it. :)
Three months later
Charge, RO and Dutchy were walking along the dock. Today they were setting off on the Hammersley again after a few months off. They couldn't wait to get back to work after all the rest.
"It's still there." RO said in jest as they reached the ship.
"Just where we left it. I hope no one's touched anything." Charge responded.
"Why? What could they do to it?" RO asked.
"Literally anything!"
RO and Dutchy just laughed at their friend. It was good to see each other again after the rest.
"Come on you three. You're late." Bomber called from onboard.
"Who made you captain?" Dutchy called up.
"Very funny." Bomber called down again.
Bomber was already in her uniform so had been there for a while. She and Bird had been the first to get to the patrol boat and had already sorted out their quarters. True there wasn't much to sort out.
The three men joined Bomber on the ship and went to their own quarters. 2dads soon joined after them and then the rest of the crew also joined.
They all met up on the bridge. Ready for the journey to wherever they were headed.
"Beat you." Bomber said proudly to RO.
"Yeah alright. Not for long though." He responded.
"I still beat you though." Bomber sunk it in.
"That's enough you two." Dutchy said to ease the tension.
"Yes Dutchy." They said in unison.
"Captains coming." RO said out of the blue.
As soon as he said this Bastoni appeared on the bridge. Everyone stood to attention when he arrived. Even though most of them remembered what it was like last time under Bastoni, he was captain so what he said goes.
"Stand down." Bastoni said to calm everyone down.
Everyone gave him a side eye but continued with their job.
Nicki was right behind him. Everyone smiled as soon as they saw her. No one knew who was going to be XO with Kate gone but as soon as they knew it was Nicki they all sighed a sigh of relief.
"I know everyone on this bridge, apart from you." Bastoni said to Nav.
"Nicki, your Lieutenant sir." She answered.
"Welcome. Looks like everyone knows you."
"It's been a while but it's great to be back."
Nicki took her seat on the bridge next to the captain. It was good to be back on the Hammersley even if it was in Kates spot.
0000
Kate was on the dock with Jim. they were waving the Hammersley off on its next mission. Kate felt sad she wasn't on it but knew Nicki would take care of the boat until she got back.
"Missing the sea?" Jim asked her.
"A little. They 've got this though."
"You have so much love for them don't you?"
"I know them well. I bet they're missing me."
"Anyone would if you weren't on the ship."
"Thank you." Kate smiled.
Jim brought Kate close as the Hammersley left the port.