Ch. 38 The magic words
Kate
Since obtaining her master's certificate, she was getting better and better. She had become more and more self-confident and with that, morale also got better aboard. Not that it was bad, but the crew members got used to the job and to each other and they also felt the self-confidence of their captain.
Kate has just finished her breakfast and had circled a few ads in an estate agency newspaper. She folded it and left it on their table.
It's something I'll plan with Dylan. Now we can't do anything more.
She stood up and walked to the bridge. On her way she bumped into Rebecca who was carrying a carton with rice.
Kate looked at her in astonishment. She saw only an apron, arms and bare legs as well as bare feet in clogs.
What the hell is this?
"'morning Kate! Chicken with rice curry sauce, today!", Rebecca announced happily.
"'morning Becca. Sounds good! I'm looking forward", Kate replied continuing her way. She frowned and quickly glanced over her shoulder.
Phew, she's wearing shorts and a tank top. One would have thought she was wearing only the apron. Kate, you have a vivid imagination!
On her way up she passed a whistling 2Dads, "Yow Cap!", he greeted her.
He was wearing flip-flops, a shorts and an Hawaiian shirt with an awful colourful pattern.
"Hey 2Dads", she replied.
Jeez, I really hope the men around him are blind!
She passed Charge.
"'Morning Kate, I hope you've left me some eggs ?", he asked with a grin.
Luckily, at least one who wears something normal! , she thought looking at his old grey jumpsuit of the Hammersley.
"I did, but remember that eating eggs every day is not healthy", she said.
"Yeah, I know, Lany says that too, but she's not here, you see", he replied with a broad smile.
She smiled back, "As long as you're happy!", Kate replied continuing her way to the bridge.
"Good morning!", she said as she arrived at the bridge.
"Hi boss!", they replied.
She looked around and frowned.
Synthia was sitting at the helm wearing a top, a shorts and a pair of Birkenstock slippers, Chris Blake and old Navy T-shirt and a worn out jeans.
Rags for the trash!
A slight smile appeared on her face when she saw RO. He was wearing a normal shirt and trousers.
At least a normal one!
At the same moment Dylan came at the bridge.
"Ah you!", he said joyously when he saw Kate.
"Yeah! I missed you", she replied giving him a gentle poke.
"I woke up early and decided to go around the ship", he replied.
"Ok", Kate answered, but she frowned when she saw his outfit, an old T-shirt with spots and ditto for jeans. She pulled on his T-shirt, "I guess you saved this from the laundry basket?"
"Ah? Uh? I wanted to inspect everything, also the narrow spaces, you see", he answered.
"Ok. By the way, I've left the estate agency newspaper on the table and I've marked a few things", she said.
"Right! I'll have a look at it when I take a break, but now I'm going to wash my hands", he replied moving away.
On the way down he almost bumped into Harpie.
"Hey, Harp! I see you're still alive", he grinned.
"Oh yes, Dylan, I've a lot in common with Charlie. We've met again after our dinner and we've planned to do something together during my next shore leave", he replied with a smile.
"Good job mate!", Dylan said patting him on his shoulder.
Kate sat down in her chair, crossed her legs and looked outside to the bow of the ship.
What's going on with my crew? They're just a band of buccaneers. Jack Sparrow's crew is better dressed than mine!
Then her attention was attracted by a small hole in her boat shoe. That made her look at her own outfit.
Hmm, I don't do better than them. It's my oldest pub-era polo shirt, a repaired jeans and my boat shoes are more slippers than shoes. I've to do something about it and I already know what!
"Chris, you have the ship!", she ordered standing up.
"Aye! Second officer has the ship", he replied.
The voyage ended and they were back in Melbourne to load containers and provisions for the next voyage. They had to wait for some additional containers that were only to arrive in the late afternoon giving them an half extra day.
Kate and Dylan were in their cabin and she pulled on a coat and grabbed her handbag.
"Darling, I'll do some shopping", she said.
"Ok, that's fine, because I'll do some errands too", he replied.
"Ah? And what are you going to buy?", she asked curiously.
He spread his hands and shrugged, "I dunno yet, but I haven't asked for yours either, have you?"
She made a face and left.
A couple of hours later he came back aboard, but Kate was not in their cabin. He knew that she was aboard because her handbag and coat were in the wardrobe. He put away his purchases, got changed but didn't go straight to the bridge. He stopped at Rebecca's cabin and knocked on the door.
"Come in", he heard and he slipped inside.
"Dylan?", she said somewhat surprised swinging her legs over her rack.
"Bec, could you do me a favour?", he asked.
She nodded, "Sure, what?"
He showed her a bottle of champagne. "Could you put this in the fridge?".
She widened her eyes. "Yeah, something to celebrate?", she asked.
He gave her a big smile, "I'm going to propose to Kate".
Her face lightened, "Ooh! That's great! Congratulations!", she exclaimed by embracing him.
"That's great! Great!", she patting on his upper arms.
"Yes, indeed. Tonight at the bridge, when everyone is gone. Could you be at the helm then? With the bottle? You know... a bit private... I don't want to have the mates around us... you see", he said hesitantly.
"Yeah, of course mate! You can count on me!", Rebecca said taking the bottle. "I'm going to store it in the fridge right now, otherwise it won't be cold enough", she said opening her cabin door. She peered around and hurried to the galley.
Humming he continued his way to the bridge and he was surprised to see his girlfriend. Kate was in uniform. She wore a white shirt with the shoulder boards of her rank, four bands for captain, a dark blue trousers and flat-heeled black pumps.
"Wow!", he said walking to her.
With a radiant smile she turned to him. "Yes!", she said decisively. "I decided that we had to behave like a real crew from a shipping company. My attention was drawn to the fact that we were dressed as Pirates of the Caribbean. No one is properly dressed, neither did I. So, that must change. From the next voyage, everyone will have to wear a uniform, except for specific tasks", she told him.
He nodded. "Did you talk about it with your father?"
"Yes, I did. And he agrees. I never doubted it, because he agrees on everything I say", she said with a winner's face.
"Uh-hu, I can follow you. And how does the cre...", he started.
"I know. I've made an agreement with the shop that sold me this one. I've got a jacket and a hat too. But... why are you smiling like that?", she asked frowning.
"Oh? Just you. I'm happy to see you've found your old behaviour, the very self-confident and decisive officer. That gives me a good feeling and now we can leave the past behind us. You're back on track honey", he said.
"Wasn't I before?", she asked.
"Well, there were still moments when you built walls and that you doubted. But, I feel it's over now".
She grinned at him, "Darling, I also have a uniform for you. It's the bag on our bed. I know your size, but you have to try the trousers. There are two sizes. I have to bring back the one that doesn't fit", Kate said.
He raised his eyebrows, "Hmm, you think of everything, don't you?"
"Yep, I do".
"I'll explain everything as soon as the crew is complete. Arrangements are made with the store so that the entire crew can have a uniform", she added.
"Nice, I'm already looking forward to see the faces", he said rubbing his chin.
"Me too, and do me a favour, check yours", she said giving nudging him.
He came back a few minutes later.
"Wonderful!", Kate said admiring him in a white shirt and a dark blue trousers.
"It feels weird", Dylan answered glancing at the three golden bands on his shoulder.
"Never mind! You're a good second officer and you can lead this ship back to port", she said.
"Wow! Are these costumes for a play?", asked Chris Blake behind them.
They turned around to look at him.
"No Chris, these are the new rules aboard. We must look more like members of a shipping company. I'll explain when everyone will be aboard", Kate said.
He nodded and started checking the loading list.
When everyone was aboard Kate gathered them together in the largest mess room.
"Crew, as you can see we wear a uniform. This will be the outfit to wear during our voyages. We've reached a point where we must be presentable as a self-respecting shipping company and not as buccaneers", Kate said.
" Come on Cap, this is comfortable", 2Dads said pulling on his shirt.
"Although we have been fired, we are still Navy sailors and we will show that we still have a high attitude. Moreover 2Dads, I'm the captain and this is an order.
"I've made an agreement with a naval uniform shop so you can get these on the company's account. I expect you to go there before our next voyage", Kate said.
She noticed that the new regulations were easily accepted by the crew. Then she looked at 2Dads. "For you, 2Dads, I've given the shop a clear description of you, so that you can't show up like Jack Sparrow!", she added with a smirk while the others roared with laughter.
Charge raised his hand. "Kate, can we wear our Navy ribbons on the uniform?"
"Yes Charge, you can. These are awards you deserved and the Navy can't take that away from you", she replied.
She looked around. "Any more questions?"
The crew shook their heads.
"All right then, let's carry on", she said.
Then she looked at Dylan. "Have you ever looked at the ads?"
"Yes, I did. They look good, one in particular", he replied...
That night, they consumed their supper at the mess. He emptied his cup of coffee and looked at her.
"I've to check something", he said standing up".
"Ok, see you at the bridge", Kate replied unaware of his plans.
He knew that she usually went to the lavatory and then to the bridge to enjoy an hour of peaceful atmosphere before heading back to their cabin.
He rushed into their cabin, picked up the rose and the little box and headed quickly to the bridge.
A bit nervous he glanced around.
Phew, Kate is not here yet and Becca is at the helm .
She saw him and winked at him.
He noticed that she had put on a trousers and a nice T-shirt instead of the shorts and the top.
He put the red velvet box on the captain's chair and the red rose on top. Next he took a position on the radar and pretended to look at something on the bow.
Dylan didn't have to wait long before hearing Kate's light footsteps behind him.
"Becca? You here?", she asked in surprise.
"Yes, Kate, Dylan thought that it was good for me to keep up the helm more often, to keep in touch with the ship ,now that I'm busier with my galley, the storage and the accountancy", Rebecca answered.
Kate nodded, "Nice, carry on Becca and that was a good move Dylan", she said as she walked to her chair.
"Uh? What's all this about?", she asked confused.
It was the signal he was waiting for. He turned around and walked to her.
"It's for you", he simply said.
She frowned and grabbed the box, "Me?"
Kate opened it..."Oh my gosh!", she mumbled as she saw the ring with a gorgeous diamond.
"Yes honey, do you want to marry me?", he asked looking at her.
Kate looked at him baffled, open-mouthed, "Ma...marry?"
"Yes honey, to marry me", he repeated.
"Oh my god! To marry me? I've never thought it could have happened to me", she stammered close to tears.
"Yes darling, sure I will! Certainly!", she answered decisively. She wrapped her arms around him, holding the box in her hand and they kissed.
"A drink?", Rebecca asked looking serious. (they were too busy to hear the soft plop of the champagne cork)
They both turned to her and were obviously surprised when they saw her. Rebecca wore now a reddish brown waiter's jacket and was holding a tray with two flutes of champagne.
"Where did you get that from?", Dylan asked baffled.
"I've worked in an 5-star restaurant during the summer season and this was my jacket. Afterwards, they didn't claim it and during our last leave I had the guts feeling that I had to bring it back to the ship. And as you can see", she answered with a broad smile.
He winked at her, took both flutes and offered one to Kate. In the meantime she had slipped the ring on her finger and admired it.
"Thank you", she said faintly.
"With pleasure and cheers! To us", he said giving a toast.
They looked at each other intensively.
"How do you see it?", Kate asked.
"Well, if it were up to me, then I'd say 'yesterday'. We've been living together for some time now", he answered.
She nodded, "Yeah, I want the same!"
A smirk appeared on her face, "It also means that we have work to do when choosing our house, no?"
"Exactly! But, you told me this morning that you had seen the perfect match, hadn't you?", he replied.
"Only if you like it too".
"I can't imagine that your choice will be wrong. But, I want a garage big enough for a car and a bike", he said patting gently with his finger on her nose.
"A bike? With your leg?", Kate replied concerned.
"It's OK now and yes, sometimes, it's still a bit sensitive when the weather is cold. But, it's not a handicap for a bike...", he said in his defence.
"Shhht", Kate answered putting her finger to his mouth, "if you want a bike, then I'm fine. Another thing, about the wedding feast. What are we going to do?", she asked.
Dylan shrugged, "I think I'd go with something more intimate with the crew, Arthur, Charlie, who else?"
"Me too. But, I'm afraid dad sees it bigger, as usual", Kate answered with a worried look.
Meanwhile, Rebecca checked the course of the ship and glanced over her shoulder to see the other two busy talking about the upcoming wedding.
I'm happy that she finally found a reliable man instead of Mike Flynn who never showed real interest in her. And Dylan? It's good that he found a home base. She's a solid person for him.
She smile sadly.
When will I have my turn? Every guy I dated turned out to be a flash in a pan. Look at that fool of a 2Dads!
That night, in their cabin.
Dylan left the bathroom and saw Kate sitting on their couch, her legs folded under her.
"Hey, honey, thinking about something? I thought you were already in bed", he said.
"Nope, I can't fall asleep", she answered.
He sat down next to her. "What's up?"
Kate shrugged. I should be on cloud nine, but I'm not. Please, don't get me wrong, I'm extreme happy with your proposal, but I'm worried... afraid is the exact word, I think. How it's going to progress. Do you understand?", she asked looking at him.
He frowned, "Uh, not exactly. Where do you see a problem?"
"It's about the setup and Dad. I know him. When he sets his mind on something, it can become something huge, gigantic. And that's exactly what I don't want. I've experienced too much the fact that I can no longer stand much attention, glamour, luxury", she said.
He nodded, "Hmm, but you also have to see things from his point of view. He found his daughter after years of searching and he has the good fortune to see her get married", he replied.
"And it becomes his show huh? His contacts, his friends, his relations? To show me to them? You have your friends and family, no problem. But me? The crew. They are the only ones", she said bitterly.
"Yeah, I understand. I've never thought about it", he answered.
They didn't say anything further and looked blankly at the coffee table, thinking back at what had just been said. Then, he patted her knee," No worries. We'll keep it small. Just the crew, Arthur, Charlie and some of my family. A dinner somewhere for all of us and that's it. What do you think?", he said.
Kate gently smiled back at him, "That sounds good. Are you going to tell him? I'm afraid he won't listen to me."
"Sure! No problem".
"Thanks!"
"What are you going to wear?", he asked.
"Uh? Pfft... I haven't thought about it, you know. As I told you before, I never thought about marriage again. It was all too messy. And honestly, I don't want and I can't spend a fortune on a dress that I'll only wear for a few hours. I want some white, it's a fact, but something simple and certainly not too expensive", she answered determinate.
"Uh-hu, I understand", he replied
"And what about our best men and maid of honour? Do you already know who you chose?", she asked.
"Charlie, my sister. It's obvious, I think. And you?", he answered.
"Dunno. The only one I can think of is Nikki, but where is she? And honestly, I would not dare to ask her, because it's been ages since I've been in touch with her. It was before we were fired and I don't count that single phone call I had with her", Kate answered.
"Hmm, indeed it's a bit tricky. And I can't predict anything because I've never met her", he said.
"Oh! I know! Yes, I already know who and I don't think she'll refuse", Kate said with a beaming smile.
"Let me guess. Becca?", he asked.
"Exactly! I'll ask her tomorrow. And now, I feel like I can sleep now!", she said standing up.
To be continued