The week before Hammersley's return seemed to fly by for Mike. His days were filled with medical appointments, then afternoons in NAVCOM. When he could, he would meet Charge, Buffer, 2Dads and Robert at the pub. Buffer had loaned Mike his father's diary, which had been carefully translated into English by one of Buffer's cousins. At night, Mike would read parts of this diary, totally amazed at the youth who had become a man well before his time out of necessity. One night Mike and Philip, along with Robert, who had come to play chess with Philip discussed the diary.

Philip said, "I am impressed by the resilience of the human spirit in this story. A boy becoming a man in an accelerated timeframe, made necessary in order to survive. And survive he did; not only he but his two brothers. He took whatever opportunity made available to him to outwit the Nazis, then come to Australia. They were not easy times."

Robert asked, "How is it that some people can overcome terrible life situations and continue living, but others can't?"

Philip was thoughtful. "I think, Robert, it comes down to the individual. Some people have that ability, I think, to be so determined that a bad situation will not engulf them, that in spite of the trauma the situation causes, they are able to rise above it, and make that situation a story of winning, not defeat."

Mike, with Jessica sitting quietly on his lap, smiled inwardly. He thought of Dutchy's family, Buffer's father, Chloe Blake, Robert, Charge and his uncle Patrick. He thought, all these people have shown incredible strength, and determination to overcome difficult circumstances. If they can do it, so can I.

He looked down at his little girl, who was trying to keep her eyes open, but not succeeding. He said, "I think it's time for bed. How about I read your favourite story to you?"

"Yes, please Daddy," said a tired little voice. Jessica looked at Robert and Philip and she said, "Goodnight, Mr RO, goodnight, Grandpa."

Both replied in kind, and Philip added a kiss to his response. He and Robert continued their discussion.

HMAS Hammersley.

Forenoon Watch.

Kate sat in the captain's chair next to the ship's Buffer Sam Davies who had the conn. He looked across at his CO. "Isn't it a great Navy Day, Ma'am?"

"It is that," Kate agreed. She thought, six more days and we'll be home. The old gang seems to be back together for Mike. Ah, they were good days…

Guiltily she looked around for fear of her crew hearing her thoughts. As much as Kate was close to the "old gang", this current crew onboard were forming the nucleus of a tight-knit group. And she was proud of them.

RO Harry Tyler's voice broke into her thoughts. "Ma'am, I have NAVCOM on the phone, CMDR Marshall."

Kate took up the handset. "LCDR McGregor-Flynn."

"Good morning Kate, Coast Watch reports FFV within your area, I'm sending co-ordinates through to your RO now. I know you're heading for home, but as you're the closest asset—"

"Yes sir, I know the drill, we'll take a look." Kate was careful not to let her crew on the bridge see her roll her eyes.

"Thanks Kate. Oh, and Kate, Mike's doing really well. It's good to see him back."

"That's good to hear, sir."

Kate ended the call, retrieved the co-ordinates from Harry and relayed them to Sam.

NAVCOM.

As Mike wheeled himself up the ramp into NAVCOM, there were spontaneous outbursts of cheering and shouts of welcome. In spite of Steve Marshall's raised voice ordering people to pipe down, the cheering continued. Mike acknowledged the accolades, then for Steve's sake told people to get back to work. When he reached his office, there was a huge card proclaiming "WELCOME BACK, SIR" keeping company with a huge array of flowers. Someone had also thoughtfully provided a plate of his favourite biscuits. He thought, how good to be back.

Steve came into his office, bringing the day's signals and reports. Mike saw that he had indeed been quick to respond to Mike's requests. Diamantina had recently returned; Mike asked if CPO Mulholland was still in the area. Steve said he was, as Diamantina would be going back out in four days. Steve also said that Hammersley would be delayed by a FFV evolution. Steve expected the ship to return the following morning. Mike did not seem as disappointed as Steve anticipated; he did not comment.

The next point of discussion revolved around HMAS Kingston. LCDR Nikki Tomaszewski's maternal leave would be finished soon. She had worked briefly with Steve assisting him in the bull-pen, and she had yet to indicate whether she was ready to return as Kingston's CO. They resolved to call her in within the week to discuss the options with her.

They turned to postings. Steve brought up that the cook aboard Childers had given notice of discharge. Mike said to him, "Well, isn't that convenient? I know a cook who has requested a posting to the Patrol Boat fleet."

"Bomber Brown, right?"

"Right. Arrange the posting, would you?"

"Yes sir."

Fleet Base East, Sydney.

Ryan and Bird arrived at the dock two hours before Choules was due to sail. Ryan said to her, "You will be back for our wedding, won't you?"

Bird looked into Ryan's anxious face. "Of course I will. This is only a two-month voyage remember? I'm only going to the Pacific Islands, not the other side of the world. He took Bird into his arms, and kissed her. As he did so, a familiar voice behind them said, "Hey you two, can't you do that somewhere else?"

Bird turned around. "Bomber! When did you get back?"

"Yesterday. And I'm not staying."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm posting onto to Childers, that's why. The cook has discharged, and I asked the Boss for a transfer."

"You did WHAT? Why? I thought you liked it on Canberra."

"I'll give you one reason."

Together Ryan and Bird said, "Robert Dixon."

Bomber laughed. "Come on you two lovebirds, let's grab a coffee and I'll bring you up to date on all the goss in Cairns."

As soon as they sat down and ordered their coffees, Bomber started talking. She talked about Mike and his progress, and Kate. She talked about Buffer, Nikki and the twins, how good it was to see Charge and Amy, meet Mike's parents and Kate's father. She told them all about the fishing trip, and the story Buffer told about his father. Then how when Buffer brought the boat back to the wharf, Chloe Blake was there. "The living image of Swain, or as 2Dads put it, Swain in drag." Both Ryan and Bird noticed how frequently Robert's name came up in conversation, and teased Bomber good-naturedly.

Bomber did not say anything about Robert's story, nor did she elaborate on the struggles Mike and Kate had. She recounted for them what a joy it was to finally meet Jessica Flynn, Kate and Mike's daughter. Bird said she was sorry that she couldn't stay long enough to meet everyone; she too missed the Hammersley family, as she put it. Turning to Ryan, she asked if they could all be invited to their wedding. Ryan agreed, and wondered who to ask as best man.

Bomber suggested that Ryan ask Spider. "He'd love it," she said.

Too soon, it was time for Bird to embark Choules, but not before she asked Bomber to be her bridesmaid. Together, the friends walked to the dock to see Bird off. Ryan admitted he felt guilty about not keeping up with Mike, and vowed to rectify that. After Choules sailed, Ryan left to go back to work, and Bomber to her flat to pack and make removal arrangements.