Tuesday 30 March:
Josh woke with a start when he realized how light it was in the room and that he hadn't heard Gail. Then, taking a deep breath, he remembered that his mum had slept in Gale's room last night. He slid out of bed and padded to the ensuite. Returning to the bedroom he slipped into his running shorts and a sleeveless tee. Stuffing a pair of socks in his pocket he grabbed his swimmers and a towel putting them in his lightweight pack. Nikki was sleeping soundly, not wanting to disturb her he kissed her lightly on her head.
"Diane was sitting on the floor in the living room playing with Gale as Josh walked in.
"Morn'n Mum," bending over to pick of Gale and giving her morning kisses.
"Morning, Josh, would you like a coffee and breakfast?"
"Just coffee, Mum, thanks. I'm going for a run and then a swim. I'll eat when I get back."
"Nikki is still sleeping, I take it."
"Yeah, we usually run together but she was sleeping so soundly I just wanted to let her be."
Josh finished his coffee, said goodbye and went downstairs. Getting his runners from the closet, he slipped them on and left.
Forty-five minutes later, Nikki opened her eyes to a room that was bright with sunshine. Rolling over to check the time she was surprised to see that it was almost 8:30. Wow, I guess I needed sleep, she thought. She took a shower, dressed and went on downstairs for some coffee and breakfast.
"Good morning, Luv," Diane greeted her.
"Good Morning, did you sleep okay?" then picking up Gale, "Good morning Poppet," giving her kisses. " Have you been good for Nana? Yeah? Good girl."
"Slept fine. Little peanut was up at 6:00. Is that her usual time?"
"Yeah, it is. We usually get up with her, have coffee and give her breakfast then take off for a run. I assume that is where Josh is?"
"Yeah, he left about an hour ago. He said that he was going for a swim as well."
"He's probably getting some laps in. Almost 15 years in the Navy, it's a hard routine to break."
"Keeps him trim," Diane noted.
Josh finished up his run at the pool. He went into the changing area and put on his swimmers. Coming out he noticed that a couple of the "Cat" ladies were there.
"Good Morning, Josh," one of them purred.
"G' day ladies," then he walked to the other end of the pool and dove in beginning his laps."
"Nikki is one lucky woman…"
Her friend snickered, " I would be afraid to leave him home alone as much as she does."
Finishing, Josh grabbed his towel, dried off and headed home.
Diane made them a supper of roast pork. After dinner, they all sat on the balcony having a glass of wine and enjoying the night air. Nikki and Josh wanted to put Gale to bed before they left for the hotel seeing that they were going to be away for a week. Once she was asleep they started to gather their things and Josh carried them down to the car.
"Now, I don't want you two worrying about anything. We will be fine. I want you to just enjoy your time away and alone together. You deserve it."
"We will Mum, thank you for doing this."
"Hush, now. That's what Nana's are for. Besides, it's such a hardship taking care of our little girl." Diane said smiling then hugging them both and kissing their cheeks. " Now go! Have a wonderful time."
"I'm sure that we will," Nikki said as she got into the car. "I can't believe that we are actually going," she said to Josh.
Josh reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze and with a big grin, " We're going and it's going to be fantastic. I love you."
"I love you," Nikki answered.
That night they were staying at the airport hotel because of the early flight. They started off their vacation with a spa bath and making love.
The next morning they boarded the plane at 6:45 for a 7 am departure. Nikki took the window and Josh had the dreaded middle seat. The 3-hour flight was unremarkable. Once the plane had reached altitude and the drinks were served they snuggled into each other and fell asleep.
When they landed in Hervey Bay they took a transport to River Heads and then the ferry to Fraser Island. The ferry docked at the Kingfisher Resort a little afternoon.
"I want to get one of the 4WD hire cars that way we can tool around at our own pace," Josh told her.
"I like that idea."
The hire cars were just at the end of the pier and they headed that way. Josh got a car for the week.
"Shall we go check-in and get settled and then we can chase down some lunch. I'm starving."
"Me too."
Driving up to the Kingfisher Resort, Josh parked the car and they walked in holding hands. Walking into the beautifully appointed lobby Josh approached the registration desk.
"G 'day Sir, checking in?"
"We are, Holiday. I took a villa."
The desk receptionist starts scrolling through his reservations on his computer. "Here it is, 7days, with a check-out next Wednesday."
"Yeah, that's right."
"I need to see some ID for both of you and a credit card for extras. I see that you have paid for the Villa in advance."
Josh called to Nikki who had been wandering about the lobby so that she could present her ID to the registration clerk.
"Okay Mr Holiday, you're all set. Here are your key cards and a map with your villa circled. Over there indicating left of the counter, are some brochures with some of the things that you can do on the island. Have a wonderful stay."
Nikki had already been through the pamphlets and had picked out several for them to look at later.
"Thank you…" Josh noted his name tag, " Robert."
They returned to their car and followed the map that Robert had given them and easily found their home for the week.
Nikki was stunned speechless when they first walked in. "OH MY GOD! Josh, this is fantastic! Look at that view from the balcony!" Then she went over to him and threw her arms around his neck and kissed thoroughly. " Josh this is all so wonderful, how much did this cost?"
"Not for you to worry about. In fact, no worrying for the rest of the week. It's just you and me and this beautiful place," and he kissed her.
Then she spotted the roses, " Josh! You're too much! They're beautiful. Thank you. Thank you for everything. You make me feel like a movie star."
" You are a star and I will do anything for you Luv, anything," and they kissed again.
They sorted out their things and then went in search of lunch.
They found a small cafe that was part of the resort and enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches.
"Josh."
He looked at her, " Would you mind if we just hung out, maybe check out the beach for today?"
"Of course not. Anywhere I am with you is a perfect day for me."
"You're such a sap and I love it," Nikki said to him.
Later after a moonlight stroll, they returned to their villa.
"Luv, make yourself comfortable on the balcony, I'll be right out."
"Alright."
Josh got the bottle of chilled champagne and the plate of strawberries and brought them out to her. He poured them each a glass and he settled next to her on the double lounge and they had the champagne and strawberries while they snuggled and talked and then later they helped each other into bed.
Their week seemed to go by in a blink. They were having a blast. One day they hiked to Eli Creek along the forest trails then tubed down to the beach. They took the 4WD and did a self-tour of the island. They swam in the rainwater lakes and visited the wreck of the Maheno, an ocean liner that washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935. Being Navy they both found the wreck fascinating.
It was their last night and they had just returned from a long sunset walk on the beach and were now getting ready for dinner. Josh had made reservations in one of the fancier restaurants for a last night romantic dinner.
Later that night they were laying nestled together in the afterglow. Nikki was laying on her side with Josh's arm around her as she traced lazy circles on his chest. " Josh?"
"Hummm?"
"I've been thinking…"
"Again?" that earned him a light swat on his chest.
"I'm sorry, Luv, go on."
"I want a shore posting, I don't want to go back out."
"Wow, Nikki, are you sure? I guess you would always have the option to go back if you wanted."
"Don't you want me home?" sounding a bit upset.
"Oh, Baby, no, that's not it. I want you to be happy, that's all."
"After what happened… I don't want to leave you and Gale over a job. I've been at sea for over 10 years, that's enough. I don't want to miss any more of you and Gale.
"Are you thinking of leaving the Navy?"
"No, at least not right now."
"Wow, Nikki, you know that I'll love having you home."
"You won't have to carry it all on your own anymore."
"Nikki, you know that's never been an issue."
"I know, but I feel bad."
"Well, don't," leaning over and kissing her forehead.
They settled back in and went quiet just laying together, drifting, thinking, then…
"Josh?"
"Hummm…? He was just about asleep.
"Let's make a baby."
Josh sprang up and rolled over her. " Are you serious?"
"Of course I am."
"Another baby…" then with a cheeky grin, " Let's start now!" as he kissed and nuzzled her neck.
"Josh, we gotta get rid of the pills first," laughing and pulling him close, " You're such a guy."
"Well, I should hope so. Can we at least practice then?"
"Practice makes perfect," pulling him down for a kiss.
In the morning they were both in the bathroom getting ready to leave when Josh spotted the birth control pills on the bathroom shelf. Picking them up he made a great show of tossing them in the bin. Nikki laughed and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly.
" I love you, Holiday."
"I love you more, Princess."
"Not possible," as she pulled him towards the bed.
"Nikki," between kisses, "the ferry, our flight…"
" No worries, we'll make it, we can be quick…"
It was 9:50 and they were running hand in hand down the quay towards the ferry. They had just blasted the last call. Laughing as they were running they just made it onto the boat lugging their bags.
Finding a spot on the rails they watched as the ferry pulled out and their paradise retreated.
"Josh, thank you, this was the most wonderful holiday."
"You're welcome, it was pretty fantastic. Hey if we have a boy maybe we should call him Fraser."
Nikki laughed, " I don't think so. Too much like that Yank TV show."
Chuckling, "Yeah, I forgot about that one."
While they were standing there nuzzling and kissing like teenagers and an elderly woman approached them. " Excuse me, forgive an old lady, but you two look so happy. Are you on your honeymoon?"
Smiling, Nikki replies, " No, just on holiday."
"Oh, well are you married?"
"We are," Josh answered.
"It's so nice to see such a happy couple. Do you have any children?"
Josh nodded, " Yup, a little girl, just turned one."
Nikki dug out her little picture book and found the most recent picture of Gale.
"Oh my! She's lovely. Look at her, her daddy's eyes and curls and mom's lovely dark hair. She's beautiful."
They both smiled proudly.
"My name is Irene, thank you for indulging me."
"No worries, I'm Josh and this beautiful woman is Nikki."
An hour and a half later they were on their way to the airport and home.
Once on the plane, Josh slipped his arm around Nikki and she leaned into him. Kissing the top of her head, he closed his eyes. They were both asleep in minutes.
Three hours later, at 5 pm, they were on the ground in Cairns. After stopping to pick up take away Chinese they pulled into their garage 40 minutes later. They were both so anxious to see their little girl that they left the bags in the car and hurried into the house.
"Mum?" Josh called out.
" Hey, you're home!" Diane said from the top of the stairs and as Nikki reached her she handed over Gale.
" Mum Mum, Mum Mum," she said, patting Nikki's cheeks.
" Got some of that for Daddy, Poppet?" Josh said leaning in and kissing her cheeks then going to his mother and planting a kiss on her cheek too followed by a hug.
"How was your trip?"
" Fantastic!" Josh said.
"Fabulous!" Nikki added. " Did you have dinner? We've got takeaway Chinese."
"No, I was just thinking about what to have. Chinese sounds perfect."
" We left it in the car, I'll go and get it," Josh said chuckling. " We were in too much of a hurry to see Gale."
Diane smiled, " I get it. I'll set the table. Eat inside or out?"
"Inside is good," Nikki answered as she followed Diane into the kitchen to help with the table.
Sitting around the table and enjoying their dinner, they talked about their trip and showed off the pictures that they had taken. They had several of the two of them with the help of bystanders.
" We saw Dingoes on the beach. It was so cool." Nikki told her.
Josh continued, " We took out some glass-bottomed kayaks. That was so much fun. Saw some great fish and turtles. We actually enjoyed that so much we did it a couple of times"
"What else do you get up to?"
"Some hiking and swimming in the rainwater lakes. There is a wrecked ocean liner from the 1930s that we checked out. The Maheno was being towed to Japan when it got washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935."
"That's fascinating," Diane responded.
After dinner and once the kitchen was sorted out, they relaxed on the balcony a bit before it was time to get Gale to bed.
"What time is your flight tomorrow, Mum? Or are you going to stay another day?" Josh asked.
" I'm going home tomorrow but I have an evening flight. I'll need to be at the airport for 5:00."
"Great! We get to spend a little more time together," Nikki said.
.
The next morning Josh woke early to a very quiet house. He went down to the kitchen, made himself a coffee and took it out to the balcony. He had set out to read for a bit while it was quiet but his head had other plans. ( Nikki with shore posting… that is going to be nice but will she be posted here or elsewhere… A baby! Wow, still wrapping my head around that one…. We're gonna need more room, maybe a house? Then there's school, it's time to start my next courses. ) The thoughts just kept on coming.
It wasn't long before his mum showed up with Gale. " Good morning. Did you sleep well?" Josh asked her. " Good morning Poppet, come see daddy." Diane passed her over.
" Nikki must still be sleeping?" Diane asked.
"She was when I came down. I'll go up and check on her in a bit. She has a 10:00 appointment with Dr Holmes."
"How is that going?"
"She's doing really well. I think this will probably be her last appointment."
"That's great."
"Nikki has decided on a shore posting."
"Really, that's great, yes?"
" It's totally her decision. It will be nice having her home. I miss her when she's away."
"Is it because of what happened?"
"Mostly, I think yes. The job has its risks, God knows that I had my share of close calls. It's very usual for her to have to participate in boardings. What happened is part of that risk. I'll worry if she goes back out. I better check on her so she's not late."
" I'll get a little one fed. Do you want anything special for breakfast?"
"I'll just have oatmeal and berries thanks. Nikki will probably have the same."
He had fixed a coffee for her and one for himself and went up to their bedroom. Nikki is out of bed and in the shower. He pops his head into the bathroom, " Hey, Good Morning, Babe."
"Hey, Josh, anything up?
"No, just checking that you were up s'all."
" K, I'll be down in a few."
"Actually, Mum is feeding Gale so I brought you a coffee. I'll be on the balcony.
"Alright, I'll be just a few."
"No worries."
When Nikki walked out onto the balcony, she went to the rail and looked out to the harbour.
"Josh, look," she said as she picked up the binoculars. "Hammersley is leaving."
Taking the glasses from her, he watched for a moment before handing them back.
"Don't forget your 10:00 with Dr Holmes."
"I haven't."
"Do you think that you're coming up to your last one?"
"Maybe… I think so. I'm feeling much better. I'm not having anxiety any more and there are no more dreams."
"I am so happy to hear that," reaching around her pulling her close and nuzzling her neck.
Nikki was right on time for her appointment and Dr Holmes greeted her at her door.
"Well, how was your holiday?"
"Spectacular! I love Gale with all I have, but I didn't realize how much I've missed spending time with Josh alone. He is such a romantic. He got this beautiful villa, very private. There were white roses waiting for me along with champagne and chocolate strawberries."
" Couples need that on occasion, it's important."
"After this last week, I have to agree." Nikki goes on to tell her about their trip and shows off a couple of pictures.
"Any more nightmares?"
"No, just good dreams about Josh and family. Hammersley sometimes but not the boarding."
"That's great to hear."
"Thank you for helping me through all of that."
"You mostly have your husband to thank. He is a wonderful caring and calming force."
"He's my rock."
"Anything else new?"
"Well, while on holiday I made a couple of big decisions."
"Oh?"
" I want to go back to a shore posting. I don't want to be away from my family more than necessary," and then smiling, " I want another baby."
"Well, good for you on all counts. How does Josh feel about it?"
" Shore posting… he says he just wants me to be happy. Baby? Over the moon." Then laughing, " He wants to practice. He says practice makes perfect. Typical guy."
"This should be a much better experience for both of you compared to the island. You shouldn't have all of the anxieties of knowing you won't have anyone in attendance."
"Yeah, for Josh too. He was under a lot of stress knowing that he was going to be delivering our baby. As happy as we were there was always that fear in the background. This is going to be so different. First, it will be planned, I'll have OB in attendance, and this is the big one… an epidural!"
Dr Holmes laughed, "Natural childbirth isn't for everyone."
"Well, I did it once and that's good enough for me." laughed Nikki.
"So… I guess that we're done here. This will be our last session unless you feel that you need more?"
"No, I'm good with that."
"Please feel free to call if you need to come back, and that's for any reason. I'll send my report to your commander and I'm going to recommend the shore posting. Also, I am going to extend your medical leave for 2 more weeks to give the Navy time to get a posting settled for you. Do you think that you will have to relocate?"
"I'm hoping not, we have good friends here. But if we do, that 's the Navy."
" Best of luck, Nikki. Please let me know how the baby goes."
"I will. Thank you, you've really been a help to me."
"My pleasure. Be sure to give your commander a call. Let him know that I will be forwarding my report."
"I will."
Dr Holmes gave Nikki a hug as she left the office.
Nikki left her office, got outside and took a deep breath and smiled. Everything was going to work out just fine. She could feel it.
Arriving at home she found her husband, daughter and mother-in-law in the back garden. Josh and Diane were watching Gale play in her ball pit when Nikki walked up to them.
Jumping up, " Hey Luv," Josh said giving her a quick kiss, " how was your appointment?"
"Good, she's so great, I'm going to miss talking to her."
"So does that mean you're not going back?'
"Nope, she discharged me. She'll be sending Mike her report releasing me to active duty but she is recommending a shore posting. And she is giving me an extra 2 weeks of my medical leave to give the Navy time to find a posting."
"That's great!"
" I'm so happy for you, that you are feeling better and getting a shore posting," Diane said.
"Thanks, Diane."
Just then Gale climbed out of her balls and headed for Nikki. " Mum Mum UP!" she said raising her arms. Nikki laughed and swung her up for a hug and kisses. Then after just a minute, " DOWN!"
"Awfully demanding now aren't you Poppet?" Josh said smiling as Nikki set her down in the grass.
"Nik, can I get you something to drink?" Josh asked her.
"I'm going in to change, so I'll grab something on my way back. Can I bring you guys anything?"
"I'm good," Diane said and Josh responded the same.
"It was really special getting to spend the week with her. I'm going to miss her," lamented Diane.
"When I get my 4 weeks holiday, we'll come down for a visit," Nikki told her.
"When do you think that will be Babe?"
"August, unless it changes because of my new posting. We're going to have to see how it's going to work out. I could end up being transferred."
"Is that going to be a problem? If you get transferred I mean," Diane asked.
"Well, that's the Navy," she and Josh say at the same time. Then, "I go where I'm told and as Kate says, ' learn to like it'." she said with a chuckle.
" When are you due back?" Josh asked.
" Well, the good news is Dr Holmes has extended my medical leave for another 2 weeks. She said she wanted the Navy to have time to find a position for me."
Josh gives her one of his megawatt smiles, "Gee, that's a shame, Babe."
"I knew that you would be broken up about it," Nikki says grinning.
They spent the remainder of the day visiting and enjoying each other's company until it was time for Diane to go to the airport.
"Mum, would you like to get something to eat before you go?" Josh asked.
" No, it's a bit early. I'll catch something at the airport."
Josh brought her bag down to the car while Nikki carried Gale and his mother followed. Twenty minutes later they were arriving at the terminal departures.
" Josh, we'll say our goodbyes here, there's no need to park the car and such."
"Okay, Mum." He got out of the car to grab her suitcase. With hugs all around they said goodbye."
"Thanks again, Mum."
"My pleasure."
Getting back into the car, " Do you want to eat out or go home?" Josh asked.
"Let's eat out, how about the pub?"
"Works for me. How about you, Poppet?"
At hearing her nickname she responded, "DA DA!" causing her parents to laugh.
30 April
It's Nikki's first day at NAVCOM. Josh gets up and gets the coffee ready, going back upstairs, Nikki is just getting out of bed.
"Morn'n Luv."
"Hey, Babe."
"I'll have breakfast for you when you come down."
"Josh, you don't have to wait on me."
" Don't take away my simple pleasures," said with a grin and then a kiss.
When he left their bedroom, Gale started to wake so he went to her, got her changed, and brought her downstairs with him. Sitting her in her highchair he gave her some fruit and milk while he got Nikki's eggs ready.
Nikki walked into the kitchen already dressed in her whites. " You look so sexy in your whites," said then kissed her.
"I don't get it, but thank you."
" Let's just say it's the lowly sailor with the officer thing."
She laughed then sat at the table and said good morning to Gale.
Josh went over and placed a coffee and her eggs in front of her. " Thanks, honey."
"My pleasure," sitting down next to her and then adding some eggs to Gales tray.
"Do you know what will be happening today?"
"Well, I meet with Mike first thing. I promise to call at lunch and fill you in."
Nikki arrived at NAVCOM at 0745. Mike had been watching for her and called her over when he spotted her walking off the lift. " Nikki!" he waved her over.
Nikki approached him, stopped and saluted. " Commander."
Mike returned her salute, then " at ease Lieutenant. Nikki, this is LT Commander Jules Barry, he's my second in command."
Nikki acknowledged him, " Sir."
"LT Smith is being assigned as his assistant. You will be with me. Let me show you to your office and I'll explain your duties."
(I get an office?!) she thinks.
The office was small, not much bigger than a cubicle really but it was hers. It was located adjacent to Mike's.
" This space is yours, Nikki, feel free to bring pictures or whatever."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Okay, the first order of the day, there's no need to 'Sir' me in private."
Nikki smiled and held back the 'Sir'.
Mike showed her where she could find what she needed. " Now, whenever I'm at the action board you'll be with me."
"Okay."
"I will occasionally bring you into meetings. If you are asked your opinion or a direct question, answer honestly even if you think it's something that no one wants to hear."
"Yes...Ss...okay."
Mike took her back out to the central area, " LT Smith, this is LT Nicole Holiday. Would you give her the tour please?"
"Of course, Sir. Right this way, LT."
"Nikki is fine."
Daryl put out his hand, " pleased, call me Daryl."
After being shown around Daryl brought Nikki back to Mike's office.
" Alright LT. Ready to get started?" Mike asked Nikki.
"Yes, Sir."
"Good," he handed her a stack of reports. " These are yesterday's reports, please go through them and highlight the important bits then return them to me."
"Yes, Sir," taking the impressive stack and returning to her office.
It was a little after noon when Nikki went to the cafeteria for a sandwich and took it outside to call Josh.
"Hey, Luv, how's it going?"
"It's going well, at least so far."
"What do they have you doing?"
" I'm Mike's assistant, and even have my own little office. Not much bigger than a closet, but it's mine. Right now I'm going through yesterday's reports and meting out the pertinent stuff."
"Anything interesting?"
"Some, and some quite amusing."
"I bet."
"How's Poppet? I got so used to being with her every day."
"Poppet is awesome as usual. What would you like for dinner?"
"Surprise me. Gotta get back to it. I'll see you a little after 4:00. I love you."
"I love you too."
1 June
Nikki has been at her new posting for just a month and she's really enjoying it more than she thought that she would being how much she likes the sea. Doing the daily reports is one of her responsibilities. She has attended several meetings with Mike and helps with planning asset positions.
She and Josh have settled into a nice routine with her being home every night by 4:30 with the exception being when something is happening that requires Mike to be there.
It was a little after 10 and she was halfway through the reports when Mike walked into her office. She stood, " Commander."
"Nikki, sit."
"Thank you, Sir."
Mike huffed at the 'Sir'. Sometimes he hated the formality especially among friends but Navy protocol had to be followed.
He takes a deep breath, " Nikki, I hate that I have to do this, but I have to crash sail Bendigo and their Nav is sick with a stomach thing. I don't have anyone else on this short notice. It will be an overnight. We've been tasked with picking up a marine biologist studying some crazy species of crab on Bright Island. There's a cyclone brewing and we need to get her out of there before it hits."
Clearly conflicted, "Well, I guess this being the Navy, I go where I'm told."
" I'm sorry Nikki, really I am. There'll be some extra leave for you when you get back."
"Thank you, Sir."
"And Nikki, I will make it clear, no boardings."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Nikki, ease up on the 'Sirs'."
"Alright s…, ah, when do we leave?"
" In an hour."
"I'll call Josh and ask him to bring my seabag."
" Thanks, Nikki,"
Josh was putting away the groceries when his phone rang with Nikki's special ring, "Hey Luv, what's up?"
"You're not going to believe this, Bendigo has been crashed sailed and me along with them."
"Huh? You're sailing with Bendigo? What happened?"
"There's a cyclone brewing and heading towards the islands, Bright Island in particular. A marine biologist is camping there studying some funky crabs. She needs to be picked up before the storm hits."
"And where do you come in?"
"Their Nav has some kind of stomach thing."
"Honey, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Forgive me but I'm a little excited to be getting out there even if it's just for a quick run."
"Hey, I don't blame you and I know how much you love the boats."
"Mike has ordered no boardings for me."
"That makes me feel better," feeling slightly annoyed but mostly worried.
" If you remember Bright Island, it will be a day there and a day back, so one overnight anyway. Can you bring my seabag?"
"Of course, Babe. So...you're okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good. How about you?"
"Just concerned for you Luv. When do you leave?"
"In about 45 minutes."
"Well, I best get a hustle on then. What do you need?"
" 2 DBNU, 2 sets of underwear and socks, my boots, something to sleep in, bathroom stuff. That should do it. Wait, my cap and please don't forget my tablet."
"Alright, give me 20 minutes and I'll meet you in front of NAVCOM."
"Thanks, Josh, love you."
"No worries, love you too."
Hanging up, Nikki went to find Mike. " I'm all set, Sir. Josh is bringing my seabag in 20 minutes."
Josh packed everything she asked for plus a package of TimTams and " Joshua Bear".
Twenty minutes later he's pulling up in front of NAVCOM. Nikki comes down the stairs and gets into the passenger side. Leaning over she gives him a kiss. " Thank you."
"Anything for you, Babe," picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles.
Josh parked in the officer's car park, got out and grabbed the seabag while Nikki freed Gale from her car seat. They walked down to Bendigo. Stopping a short distance from the gangway they turned to each other to say goodbye. Hugging her tight he whispers, "Fairwinds my love," then kisses her.
" I'll see you in a couple of days."
Then a hug and a kiss for Gale and she walks up the gangway, saluting the ensign as she went. The ship's XO, Remy Dogmire, 'Bowzer'; a man of about 40, average height and trim build, sandy blond hair and contrasting brown eyes greeted her as she walked onto the deck.
"You must be our Nav for this trip. Welcome aboard. I'm XO, LT Remy Dogmire, 'Bowzer'."
Nikki smiled at his Navy name. " Pleased," she said, shaking his hand. "Nikki Holiday, 'Nav'."
"I'll show you to your cabin and you can get changed, then I'll meet you on the bridge and introduce you to the rest of the crew and the captain. I take it you don't need a tour."
"No, I'm good, I've spent most of my career on patrol boats."
"Good, Okay, here you are. See you on the bridge."
"Thank you." Nikki entered her cabin and plopped her seabag on her rack and went to unpack. Opening the bag she had a laugh as Joshua Bear just about popped out. Of course, there was a note…*think of me when you hug Josh Bear, love you.*
Nikki changed into her DBNUs and went to the bridge where Bowzer greeted her.
"Captain, this is LT Nikki Holiday, our Nav for this trip."
"Welcome aboard LT. and thank you. I understand that you were pulled from shore duty to help us out." greeted LT Commander Lucinda " Lucy" Gonzalves, captain of Bendigo. " We need a course to Bright Island that will get us there ASAP, as I'm sure you know, we all want to get back to our shore leave," she said with a wink. " Really though, the storm looks like it's picked up speed and is still on a direct course."
"Very good, Ma'am. Hammersley and a lot of calls to Bright Island so I am very familiar with it. I can get you there in 20 hrs, 18 if you really push it."
"Okay, when you're ready give the headings to 'OZ '.
Bowzer introduced her to the helmsman, Jackson Osborne, 'OZ'.
"Pleased."
He continued the introductions of the bridge crew. " This is our Chief Engineer, Charley Williams, 'Poppa Smurf'."
"Nice to meet you, 'Poppa Smurf'?"
"Yeah," he chuckled. " I had a blue dye pack pop in my face."
Nikki chuckled, " okay."
"Communications, Walter 'Radar' O'Reilly"
She acknowledged him.
"Our Buffer, Chief Boatswain Mate, John Little, ' Little John'.
"Nice to meet you."
At that moment 2 Dads appeared on the bridge. " 2 Dads! I didn't expect to see you here!"
" I see you are familiar with 2 Dads," Bowzer says to her.
"We served on Hammersley. So 2 Dads, how did you end up on Bendigo? Did Captain Flynn finally have enough of your antics?" Nikki chuckled.
"I got transferred after our last rotation, Ma'am."
"Behaving?"
Answering with his patented cheeky grin, " I try my best, Ma'am."
"Alright, intros are done. We sail in 30." Captain Gonzalves announced.
Nikki went over to the navigator's workstation to plot the course that the captain had asked for. A course that she had plotted many times.
In exactly 30mins " Lucy" ordered their departure horn and Bendigo slid away from the wharf with Bowzer at the controls.
Josh was on the balcony as usual with his glasses trained on Bendigo. Nikki had made her way to the aft railing and looked towards home knowing that he would be watching. Waving she blew him a kiss. Little John, having just finished with the closeup crew, happened to be standing nearby and approached her.
"Excuse me, Ma'am?"
"Little John."
" I couldn't help but notice, is that a good luck thing? Kissing Cairns goodbye," said with respect and genuine curiosity.
Nikki laughed, " Nope, our townhouse is straight across the harbour. You can look out over the base and the harbour from our upstairs balcony. My husband will be watching us depart through his binoculars."
"Oh, sorry, Ma'am, I hope I wasn't impertinent."
"You're fine, Sailor."
"What does he do, if I may ask?"
"Well, he left the Navy around 2 years ago and now he takes care of our daughter and is going to school for his teaching certificate."
"He's a busy guy. What did he do in the Navy, was he on ships?"
"He was on Hammersley, Electronics Tech, Petty Officer Josh 'ET' Holiday."
"You're married to ET?"
"You sound shocked."
"Sorry, excuse me, Ma'am, it's just that he was well known for, um, his way with the ladies. No one ever expected him to settle down. The consummate bachelor."
"I can assure you that he has, completely. He's a dedicated husband and father."
"Guess it just took the right woman, Ma'am."
"It's been nice chatting with you but I have to get back to the bridge before I'm missed. It's time to give the course order to the helmsman. OZ is it?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Thank you."
" OZ come starboard 20°, steer 220, Revolutions 880."
OZ repeats the order.
" Very good," Nikki responds.
"LT, why not grab a brew," Lucy offered.
"Thank you, Ma'am." She left for her cabin to grab her special cup. She would get her brew and return to her cabin to get a quick message to Josh.
Nikki grabbed her cup and went on to the galley for her brew. Walking in the Chefo was prepping for lunch.
"Ma'am, you must be our Nav for this foray. I'm Peter LaFlamme ' Frenchy'."
"Pleased to meet you, Frenchy, Nikki Holiday. Call me 'Nav', my Navy name from Hammersley."
" I see you brought your own cup, shall I fill it for you?"
"Thanks, Frenchy, that would be great. White please."
Looking at her cup, "Ma'am, is that ET?"
Nikki laughed, she couldn't wait to tell Josh about running full force into his notorious reputation. " Yes, that's ET, my husband and our little girl, Gale."
"Beautiful picture, Ma'am," and he handed her her brew.
"Thank you, see you for SCRAN."
"Ma'am."
Back in her cabin, she set her coffee on the desk, picked up her tablet, and opened 'messenger'.
* Hey Babe, are you around? We're steaming at 880 and hope to reach B.I. mid-morning tomorrow. The storm has picked up in speed and intensity. I really hope that we are able to avoid it or just skirt it. Just not into any rock'n roll.*
Nikki sat back hoping that Josh got her message… a moment later…
*Hi! Wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon, I was just getting in from grabbing a few groceries. How is Bendigo?*
* LT Comm Gonsalves is a pleasant captain. She's well respected by the crew, always a good sign. It's a good crew. Hey, guess who is ET...2 Dads! *
* How did that happen?*
* Transferred after his last rotation, maybe Kate had had enough, lol. It appears that your reputation has remained intact… the man who charmed the women and would never settle down with just one. 😉*
* Uhhh, what can I say… you captured my heart. After meeting you there couldn't be anyone else...❤️❤️❤️
*Nice cover!*
*I really hope you avoid that storm, it's shaping up to be a monster.*
* Yeah, me too. I've got about 5 more mins before I need to return to the bridge. Thanks for the Tim Tams, having one now with my brew and for 'Joshua Bear'. I love you and miss you already. Hugs and kisses for Poppet. I'll try to message this evening.*
* Bye Luv, I love you more, miss you more…*
*Not possible...❤️❤️❤️*
Bendigo 1800 hrs
7 hours into their run to Bright Island, not quite the halfway mark, they get a mayday call and they are the only asset in the area.
"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is sailing vessel Wind Dancer"
"This is Australian warship Bendigo, what's the nature of your mayday? Over."
"We lost our autopilot and drifted into a large coral field, ripped a hole in the hull. Taking on water, over."
"Radar," Lucy calls out, "what is the nature of the mayday?"
Radar reports to her.
"Coordinates?"
"Getting them now, Ma'am." Nikki is standing by to take them.
Captain Gonzalves takes the radio, " This is LT Commander Gonzalves, Captain, to whom am I speaking?"
"Paul Stanworth, owner."
"How many persons on board?"
" Three, myself, wife and teenage daughter."
"How bad is the hull breach?"
" We're taking on water. So far the pumps are holding but we're stuck. If we try to move we'll rip the hull wide."
"Sailing Vessel Wind Dancer, do you have a life raft?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Nav, are you set with the coordinates?"
" Yes, we can rendezvous in 3 hours, Ma'am."
"Mr Stanworth, hold tight, we're on our way at best speed. Approximately 3 hours, can you hold out?"
"I think so Ma'am as long as the pumps hold steady."
"Good, if necessary, take to the life raft. Do you have an EPRIB?"
"I do."
" If you need the raft, deploy it and bring whatever lights you have. It will be getting dark when we reach you. Over."
"Will do, Ma'am."
"Alright, steady on, call with updates. Bendigo, out."
"Nav, this coral field, how bad is it?"
"There is a narrow passage through it. I've had to navigate it on Hammersley.
"Alright, thank you."
"Radar, try to raise Dr Fitzgerald on Bright Island and tell her we have been delayed. Get NAVCOM for me."
"Yes, Ma'am."
No one was happy about the detour and at NAVCOM Mike took it in stride. That was of the nature of their mandate, lending assistance.
After evening SCRAN, Nikki returned to her cabin to message Josh.
*Hi Babe, what's for supper? 😉 As is all things Navy, we picked up a distress call that is going to set us back several hours. I'm probably going to be on the bridge until 2400 at least. I'll probably have to navigate the Bosworth Passage again.*
*DING*
*Hey Luv, Spaghetti. That's the Navy for ya, never a dull moment. Honestly that's one of the things I liked best. *
*Me too, when I don't have somewhere else to be… like with you and Gale.*
*What happened?*
*Sailing vessel lost autopilot while they were sleeping and they ran into a coral field, breached their hull.*
*Have they sunk?*
*Not yet, their pump is keeping up for now.*
*That's lucky for them.*
*Indeed. I just wanted to say hello and I love you and miss you. I'm going to try and sleep. It's going to be a long night.*
* Okay, Babe, love you, stay safe*
*Love you too, bye*
Nikki closed out 'messenger' and plugged in her tablet. She got out of her uniform and slipped on Josh's tee shirt that he had packed for her, she loved how it smelled of him. Then climbing into her rack, she grabbed Joshua Bear and used him for a pillow. Before climbing in she set her alarm for 2200.
Her alarm sounded, she got up, dressed and grabbed her cup so she could bring a brew with her to the bridge.
"Nav," Lucy addressed her.
"Ma'am."
" They've had to abandon ship. We picked up their EPRIB about 20 minutes ago."
Thirty minutes later, " OZ, all stop!" Lucy ordered.
"All stop, Ma'am."
"Very good, we are very close to the EPIRB signal. Lookouts on the rails. Poppa Smurf, give a blast of the horn," she ordered.
"That should wake them, Ma'am," he said chuckling.
Hearing the horn, the family from Wind Dancer lit up all of the torches they had and waved them back and forth.
2 Dads spots them, " There! Green 45 near!" he calls out.
"Poppa, another 2 blasts!"
"Aye, Ma'am."
In the life raft... "They've seen us!"
"Bowzer, prepare to recover by seaboat," Lucy orders.
Bowzer calls the recovery team, " 2 Dads, Frenchy with me to the port RHIB."
Within 5 minutes the RHIB is launched and headed into the coral field. 2 Dads was shining a large light to the front watching for any formations near the surface as they slowly moved forward.
"Bowzer, you should be just about on top of them," Radar called.
"Roger, that. Got um! I see their torches. Using the hailer, "Wind Dancer! This is the Royal Australian Navy, we see your lights and are approaching slowly. Keep them shining."
"Momma Bear, we have them in sight."
"Roger."
Bowzer called out, " Wind Dancer, Bendigo approaching."
"Are we glad to see you!" Paul Stanworth called out. " That was a long hour since she went down."
" I bet it was, Sir. Let's get you into the RHIB and back to Bendigo"
Once they were all in the RHIB, Bowzer ordered the raft to be towed. Captain Gonzalves was on the deck waiting to greet her refugees with a crew member standing by with blankets.
"Welcome to Bendigo. I'm Lucy Gonzalves, Captain. We have some dry clothes for you, some hot soup and sandwiches and a place for you to rest. I'm sorry about the loss of your boat."
"Thank you, Captain. We're all ok, that's most important." Paul said.
"No worries, it's what we do. Frenchy would you show them to austere and have some jumpsuits brought to them. Then show them to the galley. After they've had something to eat, a quick tour of the ship."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Mr Stanworth, I wish that I could tell you that we were returning directly to Cairns but we were on a mission when we heard your mayday that we now need to complete. Where did you sail from?"
"Port Douglas, Ma'am."
"Okay, make yourselves comfortable. You are free to wander the ship except for restricted areas of course. Feel free to ask for assistance from any crew member."
"Thank you, Captain."
Lucy then returned to the bridge. " Nav, what's our quickest route to Bright Island?"
" The Bosworth Passage. It's tricky but I've done it before. If we go around 10 hours to Bright Island, through the passage 8 ½."
Lucy thought for a moment. " Radar, current position of the cyclone."
"Winds have increased to 193 kmh moving at 48 kmh, moving South East. Due to hit the islands at 0900."
"Damn, it's going to be close, just before the storm. Seas are going to be a problem… Okay, Nav looks like we're going through the passage."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Nikki accessed the charts on her computer and started giving maneuvering orders to OZ on the helm.
"Radar make contact with Dr Fitzgerald, give her an updated ETA of 0730."
"Aye, Ma'am."
Nikki got them through the passage without incident and they then increased their speed toward Bright Island.
The weather had started to deteriorate as they approached the island, winds were gusting and the seas were rough. At 0730 the RHIB was launched and bounced and cut its way through the high surf and wind gusts landing on the beach. Dr Fitzgerald was waiting for them and the crew loaded her equipment into the RHIB.
Back on Bendigo, Lucy greeted her newest passenger and gave instructions for her to be shown to the guest cabin and to help her to get settled.
Nikki had already been plotting their route back to Cairns, around the storm, skirting it, or going through it.
Lucy slid into the Captain's chair, " Nav, calculate how long to go around the storm."
"Already done. 24 hours to go around, 22 maybe, depending on the weather, to skirt it, and longer to go through because of conditions even though that is the most direct route."
"Okay, we go around. Nav…"
Nikki gave her instructions to the helmsman.
"It's been a long night, Nav, get some sleep, and I don't want to see you before 1400."
"Thank you, Ma'am."
"Bowzer you have morning watch, I'll be in my cabin."
It was 0845, Nikki undressed, put on her tee-shirt, picked up her tablet and climbed into her rack.
*Hey Luv, we've picked up Dr Fitzgerald and are finally headed back to Cairns. Seas are a bit rough right now but we are steaming away and around the storm, so no worries. We should be in around 0900 tomorrow. You're probably out with Poppet for your run. Stay away from the " Cat Ladies". Love you, miss having you near me when I sleep, which is now. It's been a really long night. I'll message around 1330. ❤️*
Josh came in from his run and immediately checked his tablet and read Nikki's message. He smiled,( she'll be home tomorrow, then 4 days leave with the weekend. )
Cairns 25 hours later:
Josh and Gale were waiting on the wharf while Bendigo slipped into her berth. He watched intently as the close-up crew finished and set out the gangway and then there she was, radiant as always causing a rush of emotion as always. Saluting the ensign she quickly trotted down the gangway and into his arms. After a long kiss accompanied by wolf-whistles from the crew, he pulled away, " Welcome home, Baby, missed you."
"Missed you more."
.