HMAS Hammersley departed the next day headed for the gas-field rigs off the Western Australian northernmost coasts. The crew were pleased to see Kate back on board, and if any saw their CO looking longingly back at Cairns as the ship left, they didn't remark on it. "Cookie" Harvey had suggested an on-deck BBQ in honour of Kate's return. David Miles liked the idea, and Kate gave her approval. On the outside, she was the cool, professional CO back in command of Hammersley, yet inside, she was hurting, hurting unbearably. She found that, by throwing herself into her work, she could deaden the pain.
Mike went to his medical appointments, and continued with his physio exercises. Anything to stop thinking about Kate, and what I did. Gregory took him home, where he found Cmdr. Marshall waiting for him. As Gregory helped him out of the car, he said, "Send her an email. It's obvious you are missing her." He ruffled Mike's hair, and left.
Buffer and Nikki decided to take the twins for a walk, when they encountered Bomber and Robert. They walked together toward the wharf where Buffer's boats where anchored. Bomber said they'd had breakfast with Kate yesterday, before Hammersley left.
Nikki asked, "How did she seem?"
Bomber said, "Well, she seemed unhappy. I got the impression things aren't really wonderful between her and Mike."
Nikki said, "You're right. Mike lashed out at her, and she stayed on the ship for the three days before Hammersley sailed. He's upset because he's not walking yet. I think he expected to be walking by now, and he had a couple of setbacks."
Bomber said, "Robert and I were planning to see him. We thought we'd stay with him for the next few days until I have to return to Sydney."
At this point in the conversation, Buffer interjected, "I have a fabulous idea."
Nikki said, "Yeah? What's this fabulous idea?"
"I've had an email from Charge. He and Amy have taken some leave. Amy's parents are going to look after their kids, while Charge and Amy come here. They are arriving tomorrow. So, why don't we take them, and you two, out on Swaino with Mike?"
Bomber brightened at this prospect. A trip on Swaino and seeing Charge! Before Robert could open his mouth to object, she said, "I'm in!"
Buffer said, "We could ask Mike's Dad too and make a day of it. I'll call Mike when we get home; I won't take no for an answer. I think I should come up with you two to see how Mike is."
With plans made, they walked back to their place, and invited Bomber and Robert in while Buffer made his calls.
HMAS Hammersley.
The ship was approaching the gas-fields, and Kate and David were planning tomorrow's evolutions with the RHIBs. RO Harry Tyler came down to the ship's office to tell Kate that CMDR. Marshall was on the satellite phone from NAVCOM. She picked up the handset.
"LCDR McGregor-Flynn."
"Kate, I've been to your place. Mike is OK, he did some work with me, and he has Bomber Brown and Robert Dixon staying with him. I don't exactly know what's happening with you two, but I do know that neither of you is happy."
"Is that why you called, sir?" Kate asked coolly.
"That and to tell you that we have detected some activity around the gas-rig off Broome." He gave her the co-ordinates of the gas-rig concerned, then said, "Don't let things get you down, Kate. Concentrate on your patrols, and I'll give you updates from home. Fair winds," Steve said and hung up.
Buffer, Robert and Bomber went to the Flynn residence. Mike and Steve Marshall were having a coffee together, at the end of the work they'd been doing together. Buffer tapped on the door and called out, "Boss! Look who I found on the wharves. Can we come in?"
Mike gave his assent, and Steve went across to let them in. Buffer nodded to him, and Bomber and Robert said, "Hello, sir."
While Buffer went through to the living area, Steve detained the pair. He said, "Can you two stay with Captain Flynn tonight? Hammersley is at sea, and I don't want him alone."
Bomber answered, "Yes, we will, sir. We could stay until I go back to Sydney. And I'm a cook remember? I'll make sure he is well-fed."
Steve smiled briefly. He said, "That's good. He's going through a rough patch in his recovery at present."
"Yes, sir, we know. We had breakfast with K - LCDR McGregor-Flynn before she left. We'll look after him, won't we Robert?"
She nudged Robert who said, "Yes sir, we will."
Steve left, relieved at the assurance, and went back to NAVCOM to call Hammersley.
Buffer was talking animatedly to Mike about Charge's impending arrival, and the fishing trip. He concluded with the information that Gregory wanted to come on the trip as well. "Great bloke, your Dad, it was a pleasure having him and Kate's Dad on the boat. Yep, he's a good bloke."
Bomber had settled herself in the kitchen, and was already preparing the vegetables. Robert decided to go back to his place, and pick up Bomber's bag, as well as pack one for himself, which would include his chess set and books.
When he returned, the cooking was well and truly underway, and Buffer said that he'd best be off back to his family, because he wanted to play with the twins before dinner. Having given assurances that Swaino would be ready the day after tomorrow for the fishing expedition, he set off home, reminding himself to talk to 2Dads about some modifications to stabilise Mike's chair onboard.
Bomber set out three plates and served the meal. Mike said, "Bomber, this looks like awesome scran. I did miss it when you left Hammersley."
"I miss the old gang too, sir. As I've said, I cook for five times the crew onboard Canberra. Fun and games I can tell you."
Mike realised that for the first time in days, he was enjoying food. He even took seconds. When Bomber produced dessert, he said, "Thanks for all this. And the company. I appreciate your staying with me tonight. I hope you don't mind looking after me. I don't like being a burden to anyone; and if I don't walk soon, that's what I'll be. I won't be much use to Kate or Jessica."
Robert said abruptly, "I'd rather care for someone who is disabled then a bloody alcoholic parent any day."
Both Mike and Bomber looked at him in surprise. He continued, "I mean, a lot of disabled people make a go of their lives and become successful as sportspeople, businesspeople, entertainers and even as a doctor. My father could have been something, but decided that drink was the answer. It drove his family away for good – and killed him."
