The Assignment
Chapter 5-Mike
The aircraft carrier was docked at Pearl Harbor, where Mike relieved the Captain and the XO of their command and sent them back to the mainland. He would command the vessel back to San Diego. It was not ideal and he was less then familiar with the operations on an aircraft carrier, but he had a working knowledge and wouldn't treat the crew like slaves. He appointed the CHENG as acting XO. She had been the one to report the activities of the former Captain and XO to him, and she was trustworthy. Her name was Lieutenant Commander Janette Carmichael and she approached him on their second day in Pearl Harbor. Mike had given most of the crew R and R in hopes of boosting morale enough to get them back to the mainland.
"Admiral, I received this message from your office. They said it's not urgent that you call, but it is involving your family. I thought it should be urgent you at least be able to call in, and we are not on EMCON." Commander Carmichael explained as she handed him the message. It was as she explained.
"Thank you, Commander. I stopped paying the investigators a few years ago, so I doubt it's an update. Still, I'll call." Mike said.
"Maybe they've been found, Sir?" Commander Carmichael said hopefully.
"I doubt it." Mike said before walking back to his stateroom. He called into his office, and finally; his secretary, Sharon, answered her phone.
"Sharon; I got the message to call in. What's going on?" Mike asked.
"Yes, sir. Miss Chandler contacted our office to see if you could call her or if we could give you a message. Which would you prefer?" Sharon asked.
"Just tell me." Mike ordered. He was getting a bit frustrated.
"Miss Chandler was recently assigned to work at a homeless shelter for displaced orphans. She encountered your daughter, Hannah and son; Joseph. Kaitlyn was also located. They are currently living with Miss Chandler and her brother." Sharon explained. Mike was in shock.
"I don't have a son named Joseph. I only had one son, named Lucas and he died while I was still in the Arctic." Mike said, even though he was elated.
"Perhaps your wife was pregnant?" Sharon suggested.
"Possibly. Unfortunately, the Endicott is without her senior leadership. Commander Carmichael is capable but I would never ask her to command this vessel back to San Diego, so I have to stay with the ship's company. I've given the crew leave today and tomorrow and we'll head back to San Diego as quick as possible. If I don't follow what I told them, they could mutiny and they are a good crew." Mike said.
"Understood. I can call Miss Chandler back and let her know that I've let you know and that you will be back in St. Louis within a week or so." Sharon supplied.
"And if they need anything; see to it that you get it for them. You have a few signed checks yet?" Mike asked.
"I do. Miss Chandler did state that she got their basic needs, groceries and trips to the doctor taken care of, using her savings account. Mentioned repaying her at some point, but I don't think she's in a hurry." Sharon said.
"Okay. If you don't care; can you check in on them?" Mike asked.
"Of course, Sir." Sharon said.
"Thank you. I will keep you updated of my progress." Mike said before hanging up.
Before he started on his long list of things to do, he took his wallet out and pulled a picture out. He had carried it with him for years and it was now yellowed and bent. There were tear stains on it as well. Maybe now; he could replace it with a new picture? It wouldn't bring Christine or Lucas back, and there were a lot of questions and a strong desire to be back in St. Louis, but he had a job to do.