Cairns Hospital.
Steve Marshall and Gregory Flynn sat in the waiting room. Steve had gone to see Mike's parents as Kate requested. When they got over the initial shock, they sprang into action. Amelia went to Mike and Kate's place and packed a little bag for Jessica. Quietly, so as not to alarm her, she took the little girl into the bathroom, and after her bath, put her to bed. Amelia could not bring herself to say anything to Jessica, and maintained her grandmotherly role, reading Jessica a story, then tucking her in and kissing her. When Steve said he was going to the hospital to wait for news, Gregory insisted on accompanying him; despite Steve's blandishments the older man asserted himself strongly. Now I know where Mike gets his stubborn streak, thought Steve.
It was the small hours in the morning when the doctor in charge of Mike's case appeared in the waiting room, still in his scrubs. The doctor was a small Chinese man, who carried himself with dignity and some authority. Yet he had the most extraordinary eyes, experience mixed with compassion showed largely in them. Steve and Gregory stood up as one man to hear what the doctor had to report.
"Which one of you is next of kin?" the doctor asked, oblivious to the fact that one of the men was still in uniform. Gregory answered, "I'm Michael's father, Gregory Flynn."
"I am Dr. Li Chan Ming. I have to tell you Mr Flynn, the next 24 hours are critical. We had your son on the table for six hours. He has a severe concussion with some brain swelling, fractured pelvis, right arm and right leg and two fractured vertebrae in the lower back. We found some spinal compression below the waist and operated to relieve the pressure. We have him in an induced coma. If he survives the next 24 hours, he has a reasonable chance of recovery. Whether or not he will walk again, it's far too early to say."
"Thank you, Doctor," said Gregory. "Can I see my son?"
Dr. Li's handsome Chinese face took on a gentle look. "Not now, Mr Flynn. I suggest you both go home now. Get your rest and come back in the morning. I can prescribe a sedative if you need it?"
"No, thank you for your concern, Doctor. Steve will take me home. Goodnight." The doctor gave a small bow and left the waiting room. Steve and Gregory left the hospital in silence. When they were in the car, Gregory said, "I'm not sure how his mother will take this. She is very close to Michael."
Steve said, "She may prove stronger than you know. A crisis like this either brings the best or the worst out in us, in my experience."
They arrived at the Flynn residence. Gregory invited Steve in for a nightcap, but Steve declined, saying he had to return to NAVCOM to call Hammersley.
HMAS Hammersley Guts Watch.
The XO paced slowly about the bridge. Beyond the sounds of the ship's instruments, there was a silence. With the CO's permission, David had addressed the officers and senior sailors explaining the situation at home regarding the CO's husband. The crew had been informed by their Divisional Officers, and throughout the ship was a sombre silence, accompanied by some tears and prayers mumbled under the breath. The crew went about their duties quietly. Hammersley's crew held their Commanding Officer in high regard; although very few had met him, everyone onboard knew of "Mighty" Mike Flynn.
Presently the RO appeared on the bridge. "Sir," he said, "I have a call from NAVCOM. Cmdr Marshall."
"Very good," XO Miles said. He picked up the handset. "Leut David Miles," he said.
"Lieutenant, I want to speak to your Charlie Oscar."
"Yes, sir. A moment please, sir."
David walked to the CO's cabin. He noted a strip of light under the door, before knocking gently.
"Come in," said Kate.
"Ma'am. Cmdr Marshall from NAVCOM for you."
"Thank you, X, I'll take it here." She picked up the cabin handset "LCDR McGregor-Flynn."
"Kate. Mike's just out of surgery. They have him in an induced coma." Steve then detailed Mike's injuries, then added, "The doctor is saying that if he lasts the next 24 hours, he has a good chance of recovery."
Kate, felt the tears roll down her face. Without thinking, she said, "If he dies before I get home, I'll bloody kill him." Steve permitted himself a brief smile at what she had just said, then asked "Are you ok? No, of course you're not. Silly question. Come home as soon as you can. Fair winds, Kate. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, sir." Kate stepped out to get a brew, when she saw her X coming toward her with a steaming mug of freshly made tea. "David, thank you. I've had an update on Captain Flynn." Briefly she detailed Mike's condition, then asked after the crew.
"Sure, they're fine. They are quiet, but going about their duties. Now, Ma'am, why don't you rest?"
"I will do that X. I'll see you at the morning watch. Goodnight." As she went into her cabin, David said softly, in his native Irish, "do fhear chéile, an grá mór i do shaoil." (Your man, your husband, the great love in your life,) and he returned to the bridge.
Some hours earlier.
Buffer had calmed down enough to re-join 2Dads holding Mad Dog, until the police arrived. Not a word was spoken, with the exception of Buffer saying to Mad Dog in a low voice, "You'd better pray Mike Flynn lives, or I'll see you done for murder." The man cowered under Buffer's cold stare. 2Dads didn't know which was more threatening, Buffer shouting and throwing punches, or that low, menacing voice. At that point the police turned up; there followed a brief questioning, during which Mad Dog, still in Buffer's tight grip, confessed to everything. They took him into custody, and put him in the police vehicle. Buffer indicated the way to the garage where the car was parked, but would not accompany them. With advice that two detectives would want to speak to them in the morning, the police drove off. Buffer drove 2Dads home, then returned to his own place where Nikki had kept some dinner for him. The twins were asleep in their cots. Nikki sat down and waited for her husband to speak. She passed him a beer, and he shook his head, no. Finally he said, "Nik it was Mad Dog. He stole the beer from the cool room and got pissed. He was drunk behind the wheel and he was the one who hit Mike with the car. The cops have just arrested him. My god, Nikki, my employee did that to the best friend and boss a man ever had. If Mike dies, I'll never forgive myself."
Nikki put her arm around him. "It wasn't your fault. You can't hold yourself responsible for that man's actions. You didn't exactly pour that beer down his throat, did you? Nor did you force him to drive that car. No, he wears this, he will certainly do time over it. Come on, let's go to bed, I imagine Steve Marshall will promulgate a signal throughout the fleet tomorrow. He'll want to speak to the COs for sure, and I will check on Kate once she gets home, as well. Come on, Pete, let's go to bed." She pulled him to his feet, and together they went to their bedroom.
