Mike, Robert and Bomber arrived back at Mike's home. Mike was very quiet; absorbed in his thoughts. He looked down at the picture on his lap. You were a good friend Swain. Kate would've loved to have met your daughter. Come to think of it, I'd have loved you to meet mine.
Robert asked Mike if he'd like a game of chess.
"No thanks, Robert. Robert?"
"Yes, sir?"
"I understand it was you who brought Chloe here."
"Yes, I did. I wanted to show you how good you have been for her. I knew that you went a long time blaming yourself for what happened to Swain, and you needed to see what good you have done for his family."
Robert paused, thinking about what he wanted to say next.
"When Cmdr. Marshall asked Bomber and me to stay with you, well, you weren't in the best place mentally. I have been reading on what people who have spinal injuries go through, and I was worried that you might be…um…in danger of…um…well…" his voice trailed away.
Mike knew what Robert meant, and wondered if Robert knew how close he was to ending it. Then he remembered that only Dutchy knew, and he said, "Robert, I have been struggling with, well, thoughts of me being permanently disabled, and out of the Navy. I drove Kate away, and scared my daughter."
Bomber came and sat with Robert. She said, "We had breakfast with the X- Kate – the day before she left. She told us you were having a hard time."
Robert took over. "I thought that seeing Chloe Blake would show you how much you are appreciated. That young lady doesn't have a father, and you are the closest she has to that now, sir. And all of us who have served with you on Hammersley looked up to you – still look up to you, fact. We all hope that you will fully recover, sure we do, but I can state that not one of us will turn our backs on you if you don't. We are here for you, and if you remain in a wheelchair, then we will continue to support you. But sir, Mike, it's up to you. You have to decide that even disabled, life is still worth living, especially given the wonderful family you have; your parents, your wife and your daughter. The decision is yours. You can choose to let this situation get to you, and end up like my father, drunk and dead in a run-down room, alone. Or you can choose to look at other things you can do. You can survive this, and still make a life for yourself. Just like Buffer's father."
Mike looked at Robert for what seemed to be an eternity.
Bomber said to him, "Sir, we all think you are amazing. Not just as a Navy officer, but as you. You looked out for us on Hammersley, now we are looking out for you. I think you're an awesome person. You've got this."
She quietly got up, and kissed Mike on the cheek. "Goodnight, sir."
Robert made to follow her, then he said, "Can I get you anything?"
Mike said, "Can you bring my computer over please, Robert? I want to email Kate. And yes, you're right, I have a decision to make."
HMAS Hammersley.
The RHIBs returned to the ship after conducting evolutions around the gas-rig as per the directive from NAVCOM. It turned out that a protest boat crew was illegally attempting to climb up the huge pylons to the platform. The crews took the protesters into custody and placed a steaming party onboard with orders to take the boat to Broome. Hammersley made a rendezvous with the Federal Police who took Hammersley's Austere occupants into custody. After picking up the steaming party, Kate permitted a few hours' shore leave before Hammersley continued her patrol.
Kate took the opportunity offered her by the shore leave to catch up on paperwork, and check her emails. Carrying a freshly made brew from the galley to her cabin, Kate's thoughts were back in Cairns. I wonder how Mike is coping. Who is staying with him? What will he be like when I get home? The last thought filled her with anticipation laced with anxiety. She sat in her cabin and switched on her computer. Two unopened emails awaited her attention. One was from Philip.
She opened Philip's email and read:
Katie mo ghaoil,
I'm heading back over to Cairns on Sunday; I should be there by the late afternoon. I'll call Gregory to see if he'll pick us up. Jessica has had a really good time; she loved the boat. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? She does miss her mummy and daddy though. I would read your emails to her, and she would ask me to teach her a song. I think she'll have quite a repertoire by the time we get back home. How is Mike? Dare I ask? I do hope when you eventually get home, things will be much better.
Well, I must go, I promised Jessica I'd take her out to dinner, seeing it's our last day here. She is a wonderful little girl, mo ghaoil, she so reminds me a lot of you as a little girl.
All my love,
Dad.
Kate smiled and replied:
Hi Dad and Jessica,
Good to hear from you and I miss you both too. We've been patrolling the gasfields and all is well. Assuming the status quo continues with this patrol, I should be home in just under ten days. I'm looking forward to seeing you, and hearing what new songs Jessica has learned. As far as I know, Mike is fine; he was very sorry for what happened before I sailed; I'll find out more when we dock at Cairns. I am so looking forward to seeing you both. Please give Jessica a big hug from me and tell her Mummy loves her.
Love,
Kate.
She pressed "send" and turned her attention to the other unopened email.
It was from Mike.
