Solomon Islands.

The RHIB crews had successfully delivered the pre-fab, the dental equipment and the personnel to the outlying islands. The island residents were curious, then bemused at seeing the stores coming to them. They gathered around and watched as the pre-fab, under the directions of Bosun Sam Davies and Coxswain Brierley was assembled. The dentists and nurses made themselves known to the residents and there was no trouble. Quite the opposite, as the islanders were enjoying the novelty of having a dental clinic built on their island. By mid-afternoon, the RHIBs had returned after their final journey, and Kate and David permitted the crew not on watch to have the rest of the day shore-leave, with strict orders to return to the ship by the last dog-watch.

"X, what say we grab a coffee?" Kate turned to her Executive Officer. David agreed and the two officers sought out a café on the shoreline of Honiara. When refreshments were ordered, Kate asked, "How are you finding Hammersley? Settling in?"

David said, "I had no idea how wide ranging the work you do on a Patrol boat. I've never spent so much time in a RHIB. It's certainly different to the big ships." Kate smiled at him, remembering her thoughts on "big ships." David went on, "This is my first time here to the Solomon Islands. I'm amazed at the simple lifestyle here. They seemed so blown away with the dental clinic. The way they acted; you'd think we'd brought the circus! The kids loved seeing the RHIBs, too."

"Yes, goodwill visits are the best part of this job, I think. People are happy to see us, and the crew enjoy themselves. Although, that said, isn't there a thrill in chasing an FFV or a SIEV in the RHIB?"

David grinned. He picked up on Kate's veiled dig at him. But she's right, he thought, it gets you going when you're after an FFV. Or chasing anything for that matter. Those RHIBs are powerful creatures!

Great Barrier Reef, Cairns.

Swaino rode gently at anchor just off the reef. Both 'diver below' flags were on the surface of the water, fore and aft of the boat. 2Dads had elected to dive, motivated, Buffer suspected, by the attractive German backpacker in the party. He had noticed 2Dads being very attentive to her on the voyage from Cairns.

Just then the radio crackled into life. "Katie Mac to Swaino, you there, Boss, over."

Buffer picked up the mic, "Buffer here, Katie Mac, go ahead."

"Boss, I've had to take the boat out solo. Mad Dog didn't turn up. I tried calling him, but his phone was switched off. I would have gone to his place, but the customers had arrived so I had to leave without him, over."

"Roger that, Katie Mac. I'll deal with him when I get back. Don't go too far out to sea. Stay as close inshore as you can, and find a good sheltered fishing spot. Be careful, Bill. Swaino out."

Buffer hung the mic up. Shit. What's his problem? He's never done this before. And did he nick the grog? Guess I'll find out soon enough. Buffer took out his mobile, then cursed. No signal. He'd definitely have to wait until they returned to sort this mess. He walked out of the wheelhouse, and around the deck, looking out at the flags. He checked his watch. The divers should resurface in another hour. And they'll be hungry. To take his mind off Mad Dog's perfidy, Buffer wheeled out the onboard cooler where the food was. 2Dads had found a small BBQ which would fit nicely just forward of the transom. He suggested having a BBQ onboard like they did during their days on Hammersley. The idea appealed to Buffer so he went along with it. As he set up the BBQ, he thought of his twins. Christopher and Katerina were nine months old now, and getting quite mobile. Buffer loved his little family, and he thought how Nikki was proving herself to be a such good mother. If it was possible, it made his love for her reach a new level he didn't think would exist. He idly wondered if she would return to sea, or be content to remain ashore with their little ones. They had even discussed whether Nikki should discharge from the Navy; she didn't seem to be ready for such a decision yet. She was still on maternity leave, and he thought she may know what to do when that ended on the twins' first birthday. He particularly liked how she and Kate had grown closer in their friendship, with the shared bond of not just the Navy, but marriage and now motherhood; which cemented the friendship.

Buffer checked the gas bottle to the BBQ, making sure it was secure and safe. Then he sat down to wait for the returning divers.

Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Kate finished her coffee and decided to return to Hammersley, to get on with the ubiquitous paperwork that was the bane of a CO's command. Still, it had to be done. David had gone off to look at some of the tourist shops, to buy gifts for his parents and his sister and nephews. He was also charged to buy something for Jessica – "a cuddly toy, please David."

Coming onboard, Kate received the watch report, then went to her cabin. She opened her computer, and decided to send an email to Mike and Jessica. She told them how everything went with the assignment, and how she was enjoying this particular goodwill visit. She asked after Mike's parents, Amelia and Greg, then ended by saying she hoped to see him the day after tomorrow, all things being equal. She told Mike she loved him and was looking forward to seeing him soon. She sent a little note to her daughter telling her she loved her, then signed off.

Sighing, she sent the email and turned her attention to the reports.

NAVCOM.

The day was drawing to a close. Mike signed the last of the papers requiring his attention then turned off the computer. Picking up his briefcase, he walked through to Cmdr Steve Marshall for a final sitrep. Steve looked up as Mike came into his office. "Sir," he murmured.

"How's it going?" Mike asked, then listened as Steve gave an update on the various Patrol boats and Minesweepers in his command. Steve also wanted to discuss the latest promotion list signal recently promulgated. He thought there could be some on the list ready to be in command of a ship. He showed Mike the names and his recommendations.

"Very good," Mike said. "I'll think it over and we'll talk again."

"Any possibility of a frigate post opening sir?" Steve asked hopefully. Mike smiled at him. "So far, not as yet, but I'll keep my eye on the horizon. I've recommended you; I can't do much more. Well, I'd better go. Mum and Dad will have picked Jessica up from preschool; I've been invited to dinner. Think I'll walk to their place, it's not far. Goodnight, Steve, see you tomorrow."

Picking up his briefcase, Mike put on his visor cap and strode out of NAVCOM, down the steps and toward the security gate.

He never made it to his parents' house.