Chapter 14

Kate was intrigued by the catering issue and she wanted to see and taste it. She usually took a sandwich but today she was going to have a hot meal at the mess. It was soup and a pork chop with spinach and potatoes. She sat down with her tray and looked thoughtfully at the dishes. At first glance, it didn't look appetizing. It was almost thrown on the plate. She tasted the soup but after three spoonfuls, she pushed it away, too salty. Prudently she started to eat the main course. Disappointed, she shook her head. The pork chop was overcooked and the spinach was in the liquid state. She stood up, threw away the content of her plate and bought and ham a cheese sandwich, hoping that was at least one thing they couldn't screw up.

When she returned to her office, she had an idea. There was someone in Canberra looking for a job. She waited until she thought Rebecca should be back in her office and called her.

"Chief warrant officer Brown speaking", she heard on the other end of the line.

"Hey Becca, it's me, Kate", she said.

"Hi Kate! How are you doing there?", Rebecca answered.

"Oh, great. It's my first day here and I have a lot of information to process. I have a posting here for you. If you're still interested, of course", Kate said.

"Oh? And what would that be?", Rebecca asked very interested.

"Catering is a mess here. Cooking produces junk and the ships complain about quantity and quality. I need an experienced person to handle ships catering and to manage the kitchen and its staff", she said.

"Then, …I… won't cook anymore?", Rebecca asked hesitantly.

"Becca, it's more than that. You'll be responsible for the entire catering of the base. You will have to teach the cook how to cook, or you'll have to select someone who can cook. It's an officer's posting. So for you, it means the ultimate step up to become an officer. I don't think you will get that chance a second time", Kate said hoping to convince her friend.

"Uh-hu. Hmm, you're actually right. Honestly, it's a very good opportunity. But Kate, what about Rob? I can't just leave him here", she said.

"Becca, no worries. I need Robert here too. We're understaffed and we lack experienced technicians. When there's a radio problem, then it's dramatic. If you agree, then I'll arrange your transfer. And, I'll insist that you cook when we have important visitors", Kate added with a chuckle.

"So yes. I'm taking it. And so we can also see our friends again", Rebecca replied.

"Fine! Becca, I'll also have a Navy flat made up for you and I'll start looking for a cottage for your family, okay?"

"Thanks Kate. You're a good listener. I only said once during our dinner that we liked cottages".

"It wasn't the only time. I remember that you also lived in a cottage, twelve years ago, no?"

"Yeah, it's true".

They ended the call and Kate was happy to have solved two major problems.

She looked at her watch and figures the Hammersley would be back in port within an hour from now. She couldn't wait to see Nikki again.

Nearly two hours later, Dylan entered Navcom and tucked his visor cap under his arm. He stopped at the commander's office and looked inside before knocking on the doorframe. He saw Kate reading and smiled. He observed her a little more. How time flies? She was wearing spectacles now and he noticed a few small silver highlights in her hair. He felt something inside that he hadn't felt for twelve years. But has she moved on? How?... He shook his head and knocked on the doorframe.

Kate looked up, saw him and a radiant smile appeared on her face. She forgot where she was and what her function was. Kate's feelings took over. She stood up, walked over to him and hugged him.

"Dylan, you don't know how happy I am to see you again", she said looking him in the eye.

Hesitantly, he put his hands on her hips, "Me too Kate, me too. Do you know that you're still as gorgeous as twelve years ago?", he asked.

"Flatterer!", she replied.

"No, it is", he said smiling.

"And I should believe it, huh? Come on, Nikki will be here soon", she said, stepping back.

"Uh, she won't come….ahum, she can't come", he replied unsure.

Kate frowned, "How come? I asked to have a talk with every CO and XO and usually the CO takes second place to a patrol. Or is it not usual anymore?".

"Uh, yes it is, but now…uh…she had to finish some files", he said.

I still can't say she's sleeping drunk in her cabin, can I?

Kate looked at him.

Why do I have a creepy feeling all of a sudden? Dylan, you're lying. It's not you.

"So, the files she sent me are incomplete?"

Dylan took a deep breath, "These are complete, but I don't know about the others. She asked me to come to you", he said, hoping that sounded convincing.

"You look great with your spectacles, you know", he added to evade the issue.

Kate looked at him.

Nice try buddy, but I could do better. I could push this further, but then I'd blow up my own chances.

"Thank you", she said smiling and shrugging, "I have them for a few years already. It's just to reread them. Oh by the way, does the crew always have a drink after the patrol?"

"Yeah, we don't change good habits", he grinned.

"Nice! I'm coming tonight. I want to see who's still there. And I hope to see you there too and then I can catch Nikki!", Kate smirked.

"Yeah, that would be great, but other than that, how are you doing?", he asked.

Kate sat down again and he sat down too.

"Well, I'm fine again", she said.

"Again? Was there something wrong?", he asked, frowning.

Kate rolled her eyes, "It's a long story, but the fact that I'm here is rather a coincidence. I was running the Intelligence Department in Sydney. It was a good job until Mike showed up again".

"Oh no".

"Exactly. The bastard tried to have a go at me again. He tried everything. He was stalking me. So, I asked for another posting and they offered me this one, commander of the Cairns naval base. I couldn't have wished better", Kate said.

"Nice, but I remembered you once said you wanted to become the Chief of the Navy", he said grinning.

"Oh yes, I know. You're young and you have wild ideas. But now, I'm more than happy with what I achieved. It's not the Navy, but a naval base".

"Nah, you can always go higher. You can do it", he said.

"Hmm, is that really what I want? What about you, how are you doing? Did you move on yet?", she asked, but she could have bitten her tongue.

Shiiiiiiit! Kate, what are you asking now? Where did this come from? Can't you be even more blunter?

They looked at each other.

Dylan, say something! Don't make things too awkward.

Kate, what was that? Has your heart taken over?

He started smiling, "No and you?"

"Ah, uh, … no. I…I haven't found the right one yet", she stammered.

"Who's still aboard?", Kate asked to end the difficult conversation.

"Well me and Nikki. Harpie is petty officer and the swain. Bird is leading seaman, our cook and medic and 2Dads is, believe me or not, petty officer and our buffer. You wouldn't recognise him anymore. You might think he's another man".

"Oh, interesting. Well I can't wait to see them again tonight", she replied.

They talked about the patrol again, exchanged addresses and finally he left.

That night, the crew stood together at the pub counter.

"How did it go this afternoon? Did the CO ask for the boss", 2Dads asked.

"What do you think mate? Of course, but I paid her lip service, which I don't like to do, but it was for a good cause. She's coming tonight to catch up with us. I really hope nothing happens", Dylan said.

"If Nikki stays at home, then we're safe", Bird said.

"Forget it Birdie", Harpie said, looking out the door.

"Why?", she asked.

"Hiiiii theeeeeere! Wheeeeere's the party? Heeeeeere's the party!", they heard yelling.

Dylan and 2Dads looked at each other, both thinking the same thing.

Nikki walked over to them. She wore a long ochre dress and open-toe flat mules. She obviously wasn't entirely sober yet.

"Hi boss", Dylan greeted her.

"Hi guys. Wine for me!", she said with a radiant smile as she sat down on a bar stool.

"Here ma'am", 2Dads said, offering her a glass of white wine.

"Thanks! What are we going to celebrate?", she asked enthusiastically after taking a sip.

"Our successful taking of two FFV's with a full load?", Harpie suggested.

"Yeeeeah! Let's drink to that!", she exclaimed, raising her glass.

At the same time, Kate entered the pub. She had put on a smart blouse, jeans and a pair of pumps. She saw her sailors and headed for them, "Hi guys. Long time no see", she greeted them.

She was greeted with cheerful greetings and a glass of white wine was placed in her hand.

"Hi Nik, how are you?", she said to her friend.

Nikki looked into her eyes, "So, you're back", she said with mixed feeling and Kate sensed something was wrong.

"Indeed, as the base commander", she replied simply, sitting down on the other stool.

"So we have to celebrate that!", Nikki said, but Kate couldn't determine if it was joy or sarcasm.

"Cheers!", Nikki said and drained what was left of her glass.

Kate took a sip.

"Come on! Don't be so shy. Down in one!", Nikki encouraged her and Kate drained her glass.

"Johnny!", Nikki winked at the bartender.

"A glass of wine please", Kate said.

"No no, we have to celebrate your return seriously!", Nikki said.

"Johnny, whisky! And not a blended stuff, the good one. That big bottle over there",

"The Glenrothes Nikki", he said and poured a measure into two glasses.

"Leave the bottle here Johnny", Nikki said as she grabbed her glass.

Kate took hers and they toasted.

"To your return!"

Nikki drained her glass while Kate took a sip.

Nikki took the bottle and refilled her and Kate's glass which still half-full. "That's a glass and not that little bit that he poured into the glasses!", she sneered.

Meanwhile Dylan had taken the crew to the other end of the bar. "Come on lads, the girls have a lot to talk about".

He looked at 2Dads, "It's going to be a long night".

2Dads looked over his shoulders at the level of whisky in the glasses, "Nah, I don't think so".

Back to the bar.

"Why did you do that to me? To vanish without trace!", Nikki asked in a hurt tone.

Kate stared at her hands, "Sorry Nik, it had become too much for me back then. The arsehole cheated on me at on our wedding party. Everyone witnessed it. I felt so humiliated that I ran away. I wanted to forget everything, clear my mind and start over", she said, taking a big gulp.

Nikki looked at her sadly, "I'm sorry Kat, forget what I said a few moments ago. The fact is, I still feel so guilty because I didn't do a fucking thing to support you. I was drunk and dancing and I didn't know what was going on. Becca did and she called me the next morning reproaching me for not being there. Jeez that was tough! And the worst part was that she was right. I had to take care of you and I didn't. When I tried to call you, I never got an answer and it made things worse. It kept haunting me and it's only when I'm drinking and having fun that I can forget", Nikki said with tears in her eyes. She grabbed her glass and took a big gulp.

Kate took another gulp, trying to get rid of those bad memories. "If I had known you were in so much pain….I..", she said and sighed.

"But, how is it that you're back here?", Nikki asked as she refilled the glasses.

"I saw Mike again. He became my boss and the bastard tried to catch up with me again", Kate said taking a gulp .

"Did he? You're kidding, no?

"No! I'm not kidding! I got my life back on track and he showed up. He tried everything to charm me but claiming that my son was his was the straw that broke the camel's back!", Kate said angrily and took a gulp.

"Your son? You have a son?", Nikki asked wide-eyed and she refilled the glasses.

"Yes, Duncan. You know him, he was here with Becca and Robert", Kate said .

"Ooh, this charming boy is yours! I feel much better now. Our Hazel has an eye on him", Nikki replied.

Kate nodded, "Yes, he told me about her. I would like to meet her".

"I don't think you'll have to wait long for it. Honestly, it doesn't surprise me, there's something familiar about him, but I can't put my finger on it. But, if Mike isn't the father, who is it?", Nikki asked.

Kate rolled her eyes, "I dunno Nik" and she took a sip.

"Hoho, you dark horse! You don't know which one, you mean, huh? Having a blast every night with another bloke", she teased her friend giggling.

"No Nik, it must have happened the night of the wedding. I ran away and the next morning I woke up in a motel and a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. Have no illusions about. Raising a child alone and I wanted to do it, leaves no room for sex", Kate replied.

"Uhuh, not even a little opportunity in these twelve years?", Nikki asked, giggling again.

Whisky abuse became visible. Kate also giggled, "I'm not a nun, you know. Okay, there were some trainings and conferences, and yes, there were handsome colleagues, and yes, we did. But it's something you can count on a four-fingered hand. And I don't consider triple A batteries friends. You have no idea how fast these batteries die!".

Nikki roared with laughter, "Only after intensive use, dear! After how many days did you have to replace them? Two days?", she asked, laughing again.

The whisky took over Kate's rational thought, "Twice a day", she giggled.

Nikki roared with laughter again, "Ooh, you horny monster. Should I look for a handsome friend for you? It will be much better than that stupid dildo".

"No no, don't even think about it. Have you forgiven me for not having had contact with you for the last twelve years?", Kate slurred, her eyes glassy.

"Yes, I forgive you. Are you still mad at me for not helping you?", Nikki asked with the furred tongue and tears in her eyes.

"I was never mad at you", Kate said and they embraced each other sobbing.

"Oh look at us. We're just schoolgirls blubbering", Kate said, wiping over her eyes.

"Bloody whisky. It makes you cry. Let's refill them!", Nikki babbled, grabbed the bottle and tried to refill the glasses, spilling the majority on the bar.

At the other end of the bar Dylan and 2Dads were the only ones left of the crew. Dylan looked at 2Dads, "Mate, I think it's time to take action. Take Nikki home, I'll take Kate".

2Dads looked over his shoulder and nodded, "Yeah, obviously".

Both men walked over to the ladies.

"Hey, the guys! Come on, sit down and have a drink with us", Nikki slurred.

"Nikki, you've had enough. Better go home now. 2Dads will take you home and I'll take you home, Kate", Dylan said, looking at both of them.

"Dylan, you're a big spoilsport. It was fun here", she said, pouting.

"Boss, come on, you don't want Johnny to get angry huh?", 2Dads said, gently lowering her from the bar stool. He had a firm grip on her so she could stay upright.

Kate raised her hand, "I don't need any help. I'm a big girl", she slurred and got down off the stool but stumbled on her high heels. Dylan caught hold of her.

Nikki chuckled, "That's why I never wear heels to the pub. I always stumble when I'm drunk".

Kate mumbled something inaudible and leaned heavily against Dylan.

"Come Kate, some fresh air will do a miracle", he said, leading her outside.

They walked slowly to Kate's Navy flat which wasn't far from the pub. Meanwhile she didn't stop babbling, but Dylan didn't understand a thing. All of a sudden she stopped and looked at the beach and the sea that was shining under the reflections of the moon. "Dylan, do you know what I always dreamed of?"

"Uh no?"

"Well, shag on the beach. Can't we do that?", she blurted out.

He raised his eyebrows and was extremely happy that no one saw and heard them.

"It's not a good idea Kate, the sand is wet. The tide, you see. You'd be better off in bed".

"Oooh, sex in bed? Sooooo boring", she slurred.

"Come on, you silly. Tomorrow you're going to have a hell of a hangover", he said shaking his head urging her forwards.

Somewhat later, they stood by he door of her flat. "Kate, may I have the key?", he asked.

"Uh", she mumbled and shoved her handbag in his hands.

Shit, now I have to rummage in her handbag too.

He found the key and opened the door.

Once inside they heard, "Mum? Are you okay? Uncle Dutchy?".

To be continued