Walking over the gangway Kate sighed, she was feeling annoyed. They had been tasked to assist in the search and rescue of a Yacht that had gone missing. The yacht; the Loch-down had disappeared from Cairns and had not been seen for several days. Coast-watch had reported seeing a vessel in distress of Elusive reef.

"Ma'am" Nikki called walking up

Kate smiled over. Niki had been one of her first real friends on Hammersley and had jumped at the chance to be the XO when Kate took command. "Nik" she smiled back

"Why have we been crash sailed?" she asked

"Missing Yacht. Coast watch have spotted a similar vessel on Elusive Reef so guess who has to go and find it" she sighed forcing a smile.

"seriously" Nikki frowned "and here's me thinking we were supposed to be in lockdown. And we now have to go out because some twats have broken the rules"

"I know" Kate sighed "but what can we do, we are duty bound to help" she said

"how were the Kids?" Nikki asked as they made their way inside

"Nicole was rather upset and worried I might get ill. I don't think Grace and Chris fully understand and were just upset that they weren't going to have mummy attention 24/7 for a few days.

"Bless" Nav smiled "how's it been?" she grinned

"well annoyed as I am, we have to go rescue some people who think the rules don't apply to them let's just say I am grateful for the break. Home-schooling is driving me crazy" Kate smiled. "anyway, is everyone onboard" she asked her mind returning to the task in hand

"Yes Ma'am" Nikki replied

"let's close specials then" Kate smiled heading towards her cabin

"Yes Ma'am" Nav called heading towards the bridge.

Sitting in her cabin later Kate stared at her laptop, waiting for skype to connect. Even although she had only been at sea for a few hours she wanted to check in and make sure everything was alright.

"hey" she smiled as Mikes face appeared on the screen.

"Hi" he smiled "how's it going?" he asked

"not too bad, it's a yacht in distress so we shouldn't be too long." She half smiled

"That's good. The not being too long I mean. Not the yacht in distress. I didn't think any pleasure craft were allowed to leave the marina." he said frowning

"i know. Guess we will have to question them about that when we find them. Coast watch reports they are on a reef and haven't moved in several hours" Kate sighed in the background she could hear a loud crash "what was that?" she asked sounding worried

Turning Mike looked to where the crash was. "it was the Cat knocking off that vase in the hall. Grace was trying to put her in her pram." Mike said turning back to the computer.

Shaking her head, she sighed "they have got to be more careful with that cat" she said

Hearing more arguments Kate sighed it sounded like Mike was in for a bumpy few day and she did not envy him. "sounds like fun" she grinned

"i best go" He sighed. "stay safe Kate" he said

"i will." she forced a smile "i love you" she said as the line went dead.

Leaning back in her seat she picked up the photograph she had on her desk of her and Mike and the 3 kids on the deck of Hammersley. It was sweet despite Chris not really looking at the camera and Grace pulling a funny face. It cheered her up when she was away. Despite it not being the most perfect family portrait, she wouldn't have it any other way, her kids never stood still long enough for a "proper" family picture.

"CO request you come to the Bridge" Nikki's voice echoed across the pipes.

Sighing she put the picture back safely before heading up on to the bridge. Hopefully they wouldn't encounter any issues which would delay them and they could be back in port before too long

so a little short one just to show a little of what happened on the ship. as this is mainly life at home. hope you enjoy and let me know what you think.