CHAPTER ELEVEN

Mike was still on the bridge as the sun came up. He checked his watch and informed the crew he was going to a meeting with Vulture team. He took a report from Green and Burk about the readiness of the mission. They would approach the same as the last two ports. Once they were done Mike dismissed the two men to prep while he headed back to the bridge. He was just about to sit down when Andrea appeared at his side.

"I have a report about the engines, XO," she said. Mike turned and nodded.

"Proceed," he said as Granderson came onto the bridge. Mike nodded at her, and she nodded back.

"Chung chased the problem down about an hour ago and we are under way fixing the issue. We're confident that once the wiring is replaced that the engine will be back to one hundred percent."

"Bad wiring?"

"Normal wear and tear. I credit Chung for finding it before it became a bigger issue. His attention to detail caught it very early." Mike nodded.

"Have you gotten any sleep," he asked quietly. Andrea shook her head briefly.

"Doesn't look like you will either," she whispered back.

At that moment Green walked onto the bridge looking around. He spotted the XO and headed towards him. Andrea stood next to Mike as Green approached.

"Vulture team is locked and loaded, Sir, ready for a green light."

"Thank you, Lt. Green," Mike replied, and Danny stepped back a little.

"Captain on the bridge!" Granderson replied. Mike let his fingers brush over Andrea's briefly before he retreated to a safe distance.

"I'll sleep tonight," he said with a wink. Andrea grinned at him before tucking it away as Tom walked up.

"Morning," Tom greeted no one in particular. Everyone in the group nodded slowly. "How are things this morning? Everything on schedule?"

"Yes, Sir," Mike answered. "We were just discussing the details of the mission. Commander Garnett was informing me of a small problem in the engine room, but she is confident that Chung and she will be able to fix it."

"Good to hear," Tom replied. Mike looked at Andrea and gave her a small smile. She smiled back at him. Mike looked back in time to see that Tom had noticed.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll get back to fixing the engines," Andrea said then she left the group.

"Vulture team ready for deployment when we reach port?"

"Yes, Sir," Danny replied. "We are ready. Is Dr. Scott joining us this morning?"

"No. Dr. Scott will be sitting this mission out," Chandler replied working hard to keep a smile off his face. Mike raised an eyebrow at him, and Lt. Green simply nodded.

"Alright. I'm going to go and make sure the men are ready," Danny replied.

"Sounds good," Mike replied. "Thirty minutes and we'll be ready to send the first helo ashore."

"We'll be ready," Danny said and then left the bridge. Mike turned and looked expectantly at Tom. He was surprised Dr. Scott was not going ashore. Tom was making a point to ignore him and Mike knew he was going to have to dig the information out of him.

"So…the good doc got benched? How'd she take that one?" Mike asked quietly. He heard Tom chuckle.

"She benched herself, Mike," Tom replied coolly. Mike's face contorted into a look of complete shock. He was flabbergasted to say the least. Rachel Scott benched herself? "I know. Imagine my surprise when she told me."

"So how did that happen?"

"She worked in her lab all day yesterday until late. When I found her, she was tired and very sore. She said if just sitting in her lab made her this sore then she didn't think she was ready to be on land trying to do more."

"Wow," Mike whistled. "I figured her to be more like you."

"What's that supposed to mean," Tom asked with a glare. Mike smiled.

"Well, you're not one to quit because you got hurt," Mike said with a shrug. "I mean I've seen you do things…"

"Okay, okay," Tom replied with a sigh. "Yes, it shocked me, but I can't say how much it did please me."

"I can imagine. So where is the good doc?" Mike asked with a smirk on his face.

"Still asleep as far as I know," Tom replied and walked away. Mike stared after him, but Tom never looked back. He stood looking out the forward window. "I think it's time to get this mission on the move.

"Aye, aye, Captain," Mike said. Both men left the bridge and headed towards the flight deck. After the initial helo landed and Vulture team secured the dock, Mike climbed on the next helo with Doc Rios and the medical staff. He was excited to be able to get a mission in.

The day went smooth, and they distributed a large number of the cure to the masses. It felt good to be off the ship and elbows deep in helping people. He half listened to the regular check-ins by Vulture team as they kept the dock secure, as he listened to the stories from the masses. Most of it was in Spanish so he struggled, but Rios translated the gist of the messages.

They finally cleaned up and headed back aboard the ship, Mike was the last off the dock. He was beat when he got back the last twenty-four hours on watch taking its toll on him. He stowed his gear and felt the moment the ship started up again. He heard the order spread around…Captain Chandler had set a course for Norfolk.

Mike felt a bit of dread as he didn't really have much to go home too. Some of the crew had located family and friends, but all of Mike's family had died. He was alone. Going to Norfolk wasn't going to be a joyous occasion. He made a decision that as long as Chandler allowed it…he was staying with the ship. There was no need to visit his house and dig up the ghosts. Ever since his friendship with Andrea had morphed the ghosts were settling.

By the time he was ready to head below deck the sun was setting and Mike took a moment to watch. He turned to face the flight deck and saw Rachel and Tom standing, shoulders touching, along the railing. He smiled to himself. Attaboy, Mike thought. He watched them for a moment but then felt like he was intruding. He smiled and turned, heading back towards his stateroom. He wondered if Andrea was off watch yet. She was tied up in engineering, so Mike went to the wardroom instead for dinner. When he got their Tex was already at the table. Mike grabbed some food and sat down next to him, and they fell into an easy conversation.

"XO," Tex greeted him. Mike nodded.

"How's it going, Tex?" Mike asked.

"It's been a little sad around here," Tex moped. Mike chuckled. "No beer, no love, no fun."

"It's a navy vessel, Tex, not a cruise line," Mike said smiling. Tex laughed.

"Definitely not a cruise line," Tex guffawed. Mike smiled as he ate some food. "But I was hoping," Tex said dreamily.

"Sorry. I know you were after the doc," Mike said softly. Tex nodded.

"Yeah, but man. Who could compete with the commadore? I mean look at that man."

"Speak for yourself," Mike chuckled.

"Ha," Tex barked. "And look at you, sitting here alone eating dinner."

"Who said I was alone?" Mike said winking at Tex.

"Koh, so you planning on making a move on me?" Tex laughed. Mike smiled.

"Sorry, Tex, not my type," Mike winked at him again.

"So, who is the XO's type?" Tex asked with a raised eyebrow. Mike bent his head to the side and grinned.

"A gentlemen never kisses and tells," Mike quipped. Tex was doubled over in laughter by now.

"And do tell, where can I find a gentleman among this crew?"

"Sitting right here," Mike replied. Tex nodded slowly.

"I do believe you are one," Tex said tipping his chin at Mike. "And I do believe you'd never kiss and tell. So, no rumor mill for you."

"Not yet," Mike breathed out. Tex gave him a quizzical look and cocked his head to the side, stroking his beard.

"Ah, but the XO may have a lady on the side," Tex said, studying Mike. Mike shrugged and continued eating. They both looked up as the hatch opened. Chandler and Scott walked in. They got food and came over and sat opposite of Mike and Tex. Mike noticed Chandler scoot his chair over closer to Rachel.

The four fell into an easy conversation as they ate their food, and it was a reprieve that Mike badly needed. Once he was done eating and he glanced at the clock, he excused himself and headed for his stateroom hoping Andrea would be done for the night.

To Be Continued…