Chapter 18
The next Monday, she entered her office with her briefcase and a plastic bag and happily noticed the espresso machine. She couldn't resist and made herself a cup.
At the same time, her assistant William entered with some files, "Good morning ma'am. Did you have a good weekend?"
"Oh William. Hello. Yes excellent, thank you. Pretty busy in fact", she said, sitting down at her desk.
"William. First case. Lieutenant Commander Caetano is on sick leave for a few weeks and Lieutenant Mulholland will be acting CO of Hammersley. Lieutenant Ryan White is actually Woollongong's navigator on the, but the ship is under maintenance and the crew is on shore leave. It's a shame about his shore leave, but now I'm going to assign him as executive officer on the Hammersley. And the Hammersley sails tomorrow. So, see if you eventually have another navigator candidate for the Woollongong and if not, we'll have to wait until there are ADFA graduates", Kate said.
William took note. "Yes ma'am".
"Today, we are expecting our head of catering, Chief Warrant Officer Rebecca Brown and transmission specialist, Petty Officer Robert Dixon. Make sure her office is ready and he has one too. And that there's a car to pick them up at the airport".
"Yes ma'am".
"Good. What do you have for me?", she asked.
He looked at the files, "The weather report for the coming days. Calm weather. The Kingston arrived yesterday. Nothing special to report, although the normal stuff, two FFVs. Then, the schedules of the other vessels. And a note of the Brass about guidelines for requesting stationary and service cars", he said.
Kate raised her eyebrows, "Stationary and cars? What a combination!"
He nodded, "Yes, there's a new tool with application forms. Fill in, enter a reason, print, sign it, have the superior officer sign, scan it, forward to the Administration and keep the document signed for audits", he summarised deadpan.
Kate covered her face with both hands, "God help us! Forms and signatures. I'm just surprised that there's no need for a stamp or a copy anymore! Jeez! So, for them it makes no difference if I need a new gum or an Audi?"
"No ma'am, as long as you get it signed by your superior officer", he said.
Kate sighed.
"Ma'am, I put a talk on your agenda with Lieutenant Commander Jeremy Coburn and Lieutenant Kerry Mason, the CO and XO of the Kingston".
"Yeah, very good. Oh, and I would like to visit all the departments of the base today", she said.
"Very good, ma'am, when?", he asked, scribbling something on his notepad.
She looked at her watch, "9 o'clock. By then, everyone should at their posts".
"Okay" he said and put the files on her desk, "Anything else ma'am?"
"I want an overview of the staff in each department. I want to see where the other bottlenecks are", she said.
"Okay, I'll prepare the information", he said and left her office.
She took a sip from her cup.
Application forms! What a stupid idea! Don't they have anything better to do? Hmm, apparently not!
She took the bag next to her briefcase and pulled out her white lace-up uniform shoes.
I'm not going to run around the base in heels!
She rolled her eyes.
Damn! I forgot the socks. Never mind, better no socks than broken heels.
The morning was busy and just before noon, William announced the arrival of Rebecca and Robert.
She stood up and walked over to them, "Becca, Robert, I'm glad to see you again. Did you have a good flight?"
"Hey Kate, ahum, sorry, I'll have to say madam now", Rebecca replied, biting her lip.
"Nah, as long as you don't do that in public".
"The flight was acceptable", Robert said thoughtfully.
"He means that it was a good flight", Rebecca added, poking him. "Rob, you never spoke highly of a flight!"
"A flight can never be good. Do you know how many germs are on that carrier plate in front of you?"
Rebecca sighed, closed her eyes and put her hand on his arm, "Yes Rob, I know. But you've caught the plane so many times already and you've never gotten sick. So….".
Kate stifled a laugh as she watch them discuss and took the opportunity to sit down. "Okay, looks like you haven't changed. Look, my assistant Lieutenant William Coughan and I are going to show your offices. You can ask the lieutenant for anything you need for your office. Your task here is quite straightforward. Robert, your technical skills are required for base and ships radio equipment. We lack experienced technicians here. And for you Becca, an even more important task. Good food. Good food makes a sailor happy. Not only the kitchen here but also the supplies for the ships. There are actually a lot of complaints about it. By the way, do you want to join me for lunch? Then we can already catch up a little bit", Kate said.
"Kate, this is very kind of you, but your comments made me curious. I want to taste it to see how bad it is", she said.
"Good. I understand you. Let's take a rain check, shall we?"
"Perfect!"
Kate stood up, "Come, let's go".
Later that day, Kate entered Rebecca's office, "Hi Becca, what was your impression of the kitchen?"
She looked up from a pile of papers that covered her desk and rolled them up, "I think I died of a stroke twice when I tasted it."
"Hmm, I was already afraid of that. Listen, I can fire him and send him to the grunts", Kate said.
"No no, not yet. I've had already a serious word with the cook and tomorrow I'm going to teach him. I give him a second chance and if he doesn't take it, then he'll be out", she said decisively.
Kate nodded, "Right! Good decision. You know, if you need anything, just ask, huh?"
She nodded, "Yes, I know, thanks, but I guarantee you that it will be all right".
With an "Okay, thank you", Kate left her office.
The next day, Kate was looking at the Hammersley's sailing orders when there was a knock on the doorframe. She looked up and smiled, seeing Dylan.
"Come in!", she invited him.
"Hey Kate", he said and sat down.
"I missed you already", she blurted out.
Oh shit! What am I saying now?
He raised his eyebrows and smiled broadly, "Well, I was looking forward to see you too".
"Well, yes, I mean, we had a great weekend, didn't we?", Kate said, fiddling with the sailing orders papers.
"Indeed, and it can happen again, can't it?", he replied with a wink and noticed that she was blushing slightly.
"Uhm, yes, sure", she said and suddenly looked intently at his shoulder boards, "Dylan, you're acting commander and that means you can wear lieutenant commander shoulder boards".
"Ah, yes, but I don't have them", he said with a shrug.
"Wait!", she said and stood up to take a set from her cupboard, "Here you go. Change them before boarding. It will immediately give the correct approach".
"Okay, thanks", he said, accepting the shoulder boards.
"Uh, good morning", they heard and looked at the door where Lieutenant Ryan White was standing.
"Ah Ryan! Come in please and take a seat", Kate invited him.
He sat down and she looked at him.
He grew older. Obviously he's a man now. A person changes in twelve years. I changed too. This morning I discovered a few small silver highlights in my hair and my face is a little sharper and I wear spectacles. Everyone changes, although some never change.
And she glanced at Dylan.
"How are you?", she asked.
"I'm fine ma'am", he said carefully.
She's always been a reasonable officer, but after what Mike and mum did to her and knowing they are my parents, I don't know what to think anymore.
Kate nodded, "Good! Ryan, here is your change of assignment. I've read your records. They are good and you have a good interaction with the crew. I come to the point that this is your first assignment as executive officer aboard Hammersley. Lieutenant Commander Mulholland will be the Commanding Officer".
"Oh, thank you ma'am", Ryan said surprised.
"Right. I'll send you to a quiet area to get you both up to speed. Practise as much as you can and I'm sure that your next patrol will be fully operational. If in doubt, call me and no cowboy antics. Remember, this is a training session", she said.
Both men nodded, "Yes ma'am".
Kate smiled, "Good! Dylan, here are your sailing orders and fair winds!"
He accepted them and they stood up, "Thank you ma'am. See you in a forthnight".
They had just left the office when Pete knocked on her door, "Ma'am?"
"Ah Pete. Yes?"
"Your boxes have arrived. Should I have them delivered to your residence?", he asked.
"Uh, no. But, uh, I only need a few. Where are they now?"
"Still in the truck, but we'll store them in warehouse", he said.
"Wait! I have a list with their content. I just need a few and can you put them in my car? It's the metallic blue Defender", she said digging out her car keys and the list of her briefcase.
She scanned the list, "Hmm, boxes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10".
Number 1 and 2 contain kitchen stuff, number 3 some of my clothes, number 5 some personal belongings and some books and number 10 is Duncan's. The rest can wait until we find something permanent.
He nodded and grabbed the keys, "Right ma'am. I'll take care of it".
"Pete, how's Nikki?", she asked worriedly.
He sighed and scratched the back of his neck, "It's still too early to tell. I called her yesterday and she complained about the urge of having a drink".
"And you?", she asked.
"It opened my eyes and I decided not to drink during the week", he said.
"Yes, but keep also in mind not to do it when Nik gets home. It will be extremely hard for her to see you drinking", Kate said.
"Yes, I'm aware of that".
"Okay Pete, thank you", she said and he left.
After the working day, she returned home to find Duncan busy with his homework.
He told her that the school was organising a bush camp of a few days, including the weekend in a fortnight. Normally, this was announced at the beginning of the school year, but as a newbie, he couldn't know. So, there was room left and the inscription had to be paid if Kate agreed. Of course she was and made a money transfer.
With his help they took the boxes inside and started unpacking. In the personal belongings box was the old photo album. Kate leafed through it and came to a page with photos of crew members. She removed Dylan's photo carefully. She smiled and put it in her handbag. After that, she started unpacking the box containing her clothes.
The next morning, she put the photo in her desk drawer.
The morning was busy and it was almost lunchtime. Kate got distracted and stared at the scale model of the Cerberus.
She was surprised to find out that she was thinking about Dylan more than she thought. Silently, she began counting the days until he returned. She had always felt something for the big man. Their friendship had turned into a stronger feeling, but Mike was there too, and Jim, but the latter had died. Let's say that the relationship with Jim was more of a backup one. Mike bluntness and Jim's charm had blinded her. And she had been blind. She hadn't noticed the little signals indicating that Dylan was head over heels in love with her. She believed in Mike, again, and he screwed it up, once again. The disaster of the wedding had opened her eyes and she ran away, ready to start from scratch. It had worked, well, almost. But deep in her heart, she hadn't forgotten the tall blond man.
Ironically, it was Mike who rolled the dice and brought the players together.
Now that he was there again, even very close , she had felt that he was interested in her. Moreover, the feeling was mutual. The more he was at sea, the more she wanted him. At the same time, she was also trying to keep her sexual desire under control, even though it wasn't easy. Twelve years was a long, very long time! The worst time was at nightfall when she had enough time to think.
When the Hammersley returns to port, Duncan will be at the bush camp. So maybe they can spend the weekend together?
A knock on the doorframe of her office brought her back to reality.
"Huh?"
"Daydreaming?", Rebecca asked with a broad smile.
"Ahum, pfft, yeah, sort of", Kate confessed to her friend.
"How's it going?"
Rebecca plopped down on the chair, "We're going in the right direction. The chef and his sous-chef are willing to learn, which is a good sign and it makes things easier. However, it's hard work. I almost had to teach them everything, even the basics. I spent all my time in the kitchen and after that I could only start ordering supplies. Rob wondered whether he was divorced. But, now we're at a point where I can say I trust them and I can start bringing finesse to the menu, the most interesting part actually", she said with a grin.
"Nice, nice. Meanwhile I heard on the grapevine a lot of positive comments about the food, so".
Rebecca was visually happy with the comment. Her face beamed.
"Yes!", she said faintly.
"Oh Kate, the reason I rushed in here is that I took a rain check on your proposal for lunch. Does it fit into your agenda now?"
"Yes, I don't have anything until 3:00. I suggest Charlie's. The sandwiches there are delicious", Kate replied. She looked at her watch, "Hmm, almost time. I suggest we go, then we can have the best table", she said, standing up.
Later, they sat down on the terrace of Charlie's.
"We're not in the base, so, we can treat ourselves to a glass of wine, no?", Kate said with a wink.
Rebecca smiled broadly, "I can't refuse advice from the base commander".
"I have my favourite here and it's the smoked salmon sandwich and what do you want?", Kate asked.
Rebecca perused the menu, "Hmm, this one. French brie with honey, walnuts and bacon slices".
A bit later, they were served their wine and they raised their glasses, "Cheers!"
"How's Robert coping in his new role?", Kate asked.
Rebecca rolled her eyes, "He's worse than Ed and Jo. Just like a boy who has new toys. During dinner, he bombards me with technical situations and solutions about radios. I say yes and no when I think I have to say it. For me, the supply lists and the skills of my cooks are more important".
Kate chuckled and could imagine what it was like in the Dixon family.
"Becca, I'm going to put you on the list for a promotion. On next round, you'll get your first band. It's an appropriate rank for managing the catering of the base.
"Wow! Thank you", Rebecca replied.
They enjoyed their sandwich and afterwards they ordered a coffee for Rebecca and a cappuccino for Kate.
"Kate?", Rebecca asked, stirring in her coffee.
"Hmm?"
"You told me about the wedding party night and how you woke up in a motel. Have you ever thought about what happened that night?", she asked.
Kate sighed, "Of course I did. I can't count the times I've raked my brain over what I was able to do that night. Why?"
"Well, it kept my mind busy and maybe I can point you in the right direction. Can I say what I'm thinking?".
"Ah? Yeah, go ahead. I haven't a clue."
"You said you went to a pub for a drink, a lot in fact. Could it be possible that you met there someone you knew and enjoyed the company while drinking together?"
"Hmm... That's an option, yes".
"I witnessed what happened that night. You ran off and I went to Nikki for help, but she was too plastered to do or even say anything reasonable. So, I saw Dutchy getting drunk at the bar. He didn't look too happy. When I told him what had happened, he immediately went in search of you. I didn't see him again, so I assumed he found you. "
"Yeah, what I do remember is that I felt happy and that I had fun".
"You have to know that I saw Dylan now and then when he was in Canberra and one day he told me that that night he woke up on the beach, his clothes full of sand. You told me you woke up in a motel and your clothes were also full of sand. You both told me the same thing and he went in search of you. Could it be that after your drinking session, you two had an love affair that night? Moreover, when I see Duncan, I see a young Dutchy", Rebecca said.
"Wow! That's straight up! Dylan and me?", Kate said baffled.
"Come on Kate, don't deny you have feelings for him. Lately when you came to our house to pick up Duncan, he was the only person you wanted to know if he had moved on. Why wouldn't it be you?", Rebecca replied.
Kate dropped her eyes and bit her lip, "Uh, yes, I like him. Was it that obvious? "
Rebecca smiled, "No, but your questions were a little too eager".
"I haven't told him anything yet".
"Well, don't wait too long. We, women can sense those things, men can't and mine certainly can't. Rob needs a black-white or a yes-no answer. Dylan may be able to read between the lines, but don't take it for granted. You'd better tell him now how you feel", she said.
Kate nodded, "Yeah, it's true. We've already wasted too much time".
She leaned back in her chair, "Duncan is Dylan's son. Jeez, I never thought of that".
"It's my idea, don't take it for a certainty", Rebecca said.
"I know, I know, but it's a very realistic possibility".
She nodded. "Yeah, I have to process this. Hmm, okay! It's time to go back. I enjoyed it. Maybe we could make it a habit, yes?"
"Absolutely!"
After that afternoon meeting, Kate had some free time and her thoughts wandered back to the lunchtime conversation.
So, I should have talked to Dylan. And I had sex with him, on the beach. My pregnancy and the sand in our clothes are proof of that.
It's a great relief to learn it's someone I know. Thank God I didn't had sex with a random bloke!
She smiled.
It's only a damn pity that I can't remember what happened with him. It must have been exciting!
Unfortunately, I can't tell him, Dylan, do you know what? Duncan is your son. You're his father. It's definitely not the best way to start a relationship. I better shut up until further notice.
To be continued
