Ch. 46 Mike on his best
"What! Did he go crazy? We just started towing. If we stop to take him aboard and start towing again, the cable may break", Kate said in disbelief.
"Uh, it wasn't a question. He simply comes", RO said unsure.
"Goddamn!", she stamped her feet to express her anger and the sound of her heel on the floor produced a loud snap.
"Ok, warn the team at the stern and slow down the engines. And watch out for that bloody frigate! I don't want her to pierce a hole in our stern", she ordered.
Meanwhile Rebecca came back at the bridge. "Kate, passengers are back in the restaurant. They are excited. I served them drinks and they will have a lot to talk about right now", she said.
"Good job. Thanks Becca", Kate replied.
"Oh, can you prepare a bill for our frigate commander about the salvage of his ship? No price yet. I don't have a clue, that's for HQ. Just uh... acceptance the HMAS Sydney salvage and towing the Sydney Navy base", Kate said.
"Ok, will do", Rebecca answered.
"Hurry! He will be here within a minute. Make sure it's done on company's headed paper and give him a double", she ordered.
"Okay, okay", Becca said hurrying off.
The ship slowed down and finally they stopped. The frigate didn't hit the stern of the MV Katherine. A small motorboat brought Mike to the cargo vessel. The gangway was lowered and Mike boarded. He was greeted by Chris and the latter accompanied Mike to the bridge. Kate didn't want to go down because she wanted to keep an eye on the adrift ship at their stern.
"Hello Mike", she greeted him.
"Hi Kate, I…", he started gawking, looking baffled at her silk dress.
"What's that? Did I land in an operetta?", he blurted out.
Kate looked daggers at him, "I was doing my job!", she snapped back.
Then Mike's eyes met Rebecca who came back with a small file. His eyes widened when he saw her in her officer's uniform. "Do you also act in this play?", he asked in disbelief.
Before Rebecca could say anything, Kate replied, "She's our purser, ship's accountant and catering manager!"
"But, did you come all this way to make fun of us and to jeopardise the tow, or what?", she asked sarcastically.
"Maybe, we could talk in private?", he asked.
"I've nothing to hide!", Kate replied pissed off.
"Uh-hu. Okay, then. Well, you will probably understand that this is an embarrassing situation for ...uh... the officers aboard. Being an officer aboard a ship that lost both propellers is not a reference to build up a career, isn't it?. If you could remain silent towards your former colleagues? No messages. A Navy tugboat will take over and then no one will ask awkward questions", he suggested.
"Nobody? Not me, We came to rescue a Navy crew. I'm also afraid that we had to report the delay and the reason to our headquarters. So, it depends on what the CEO is going to do", Kate replied plainly, but deep down she was fuming.
"Yeah, indeed, I understand, but you know, for crew, huh? ", Mike tried again but he saw that Kate wasn't going to reply, so he turned back, "Maybe, it would be better if I left, no?"
"Wait a minute, Mike", Kate said.
"Yes?", he replied hopefully.
"Our accounting officer has prepared a delivery note for the salvage. If you can sign it?", she said plainly as Rebecca presented the delivery note in a fluent gesture.
He looked baffled at the paper and then at Kate, "Uh...? Is it really necessary? "
"Mike, we are a business, no a social welfare organisation", she replied deadpan.
"Okay, okay", he grumbled and angrily put his signature to the delivery note.
"Here's your copy, ... sir", Rebecca said as she handed him the other sheet.
"Thanks", he grumbled snatching the paper from her hands.
"I have to leave now", he announced turning to walk down the staircase to the waiting motorboat.
Everyone was quiet on the bridge and Rebecca waited until he left before talking, "Can I throw something at his stupid head?"
"A meat chopper Bec?", Dylan suggested.
"Yeah! I'm very good at it, remember?", she responded angrily.
Kate turned to her husband, "Can you believe that? He wants to save his own skin and he used his officers for it. I don't recognise him anymore. Asshole!", she said shaking her head.
"Nope, it's not the Mike we know", Dylan answered.
"But, the delivery note? Was it a bluff?", he asked.
"No, certainly not! We have to catch up and it will cost us money because the containers are waiting at the docks. Maybe there are other costs as well. I don't know, but HQ will certainly tell us later", Kate answered.
He chuckled.
She patted his arm gently, "Why are you laughing?"
"It must in your genes, because your father will react in exactly the same way. I think you're...perfect...for that", he said looking at what that magic word would do to her.
"Oh no! Not you! That perfect thing suc...uh... is just crap", Kate reacted rolling her eyes and noticing his wide grin.
"You're terrible", she said gritting her teeth.
RO went to them, "Cap, the Sydney reports that we can leave again".
"Ok, RO. Confirm! And Dylan, warn Chris that we're going to start again", she ordered.
The MV Katherine started to move very slowly and the tow rope stretched. Everyone was looking worried because if it broke, it could become a deadly weapon. The sweeping of the steel rope could kill someone instantly. But it stayed intact and Kate ordered more knots. Finally, the ship set course to Sydney with her heavy and valuable towing at her stern.
Dylan lowered his binoculars and looked at Kate, "That's it. Let's hope for a calm weather".
She nodded, "Yes and I hope he'll not ask me to stop again, not for such childish questions!"
Then she looked down at her dress, "On one point he was right. It looks really funny. Only Mr Bean is missing", Kate added . She sighed, "I'm going to change because I don't want to arrive dressed like this in Sydney".
She turned around and walked to the staircase, her heels clicking on the floor. 2Dads who was on the bridge at that time hissed her and Kate replied by giving him the middle finger. That gesture made the entire bridge burst out laughing.
A few minutes later she returned in her uniform, but her hair was still free and she had forgotten to remove her make-up.
"You're gorgeous", Dylan whispered into her ear.
"Thanks", she whispered back.
"Your make-up makes you sexy in uniform", he teased her.
She just gave him a gentle pat in return.
On the Sydney.
Mike arrived back to the bridge and headed for Nikki. "What's the situation X?", he asked stiffly.
She looked up at him, wondering what was going on in his head. "Still the same sir as before you left. We're not drifting. The pumps are running and the incoming water is going down. Now, we're waiting to send a signal to the MV Katherine that we can leave again", she reported.
He nodded, "Ok, send the signal that we can start again".
Nikki got the message across and came back to Mike who was staring at the stern of the cargo vessel with indifference. "May I ask, sir, why did you go on the MV Katherine?".
He looked at her, "What happened to us is a very embarrassing situation. It could be detrimental to officers' careers. An incident like this always projects a poor image of someone. So, I asked her if she could remain silent. No press, no broadcasting, do you understand?
By the way, do we have news of the tugboat already? Then they can take over and we'll enter the base without anyone seeing us!", Mike replied without looking at Nikki.
Nikki looked at him.
Could it be detrimental to officers' careers? You mean it could be detrimental to YOUR career, isn't it Mike? You just went to plead to save your own skin mate!
"They say they on the way. The estimated time of encounter is 6am.", she replied emotionless.
He nodded, "Good and let's hope now for a calm weather".
Nikki walked to the chart table and studied the new course.
Is this really the way that you want to pursue your career? Being XO under such a jerk? A jerk. Yeah, that's what he became. I no longer recognize the captain of the patrol boat. I think he's looking forward to his four bands and all the rest became newspaper to him. Think about it Nicole! Think well about your future. You're at a turning point!
On the Katherine at dawn
Kate was dozing in her chair when Dylan came at the bridge. He walked straight to his wife and gently touched her arm, "Honey, you're still here?"
"Hmm?", she mumbled stretching herself in her chair.
Next she rubbed her neck, "Aargh, I'm getting too old for this kind of joke. A few years ago, I could have slept everywhere", she grumbled.
"Why didn't you go to bed?", he said disapprovingly.
"I wanted to stay here to watch this operation. It's really important for us", she said.
At this point Chris joined the discussion. "Kate, Dylan, we have an echo on the radar and a message", he said, holding a piece of paper.
"What's it?", she asked, rubbing her neck.
"It's a Navy tugboat. They want to take over for the frigate", Chris said.
"Refuse! It's our salvage and we'll deliver the frigate to the Sydney naval base!", Kate answered decisively.
"Okay", he replied and looked at RO, "Rob, send back : ' thanks for your offer, but we'll deliver the frigate to the Sydney naval base. Signed : Captain McGregor".
"Okay", RO said as he went to his radio, a big smile on his face.
A couple of hours later on the Sydney.
The crew at the bridge appeared to be unoccupied, as the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge were looming on the horizon. Meanwhile a private helicopter was circling around them and a lot of small motor boats were sailing parallel to them. The tugboat followed at respectful distance.
Mike was angrily hitting against the edge of the radar box with his fist. Nikki noticed it and walked slowly to him, "You're ok sir?"
He glanced at her, "No! Damn no! She has gathered all the damn press together to watch us", he grumbled. Then he peered out to the sky where the helicopter tried a new approach. "For sure we're life on all Australian TV channels. There goes my career! And you have to know that I've asked her not to do it!", he said angrily.
Nikki raised one eyebrow, "I thought that you were concerned about the officers' careers?", she said deadpan.
"Yeah, that too", he added hastily.
At the same time a harbour tugboat started to sprinkle with her water cannon and they heard the foghorn greet them.
"Oh great! It's getting better and better! This will be low-hanging fruit for TV and newspapers!", he grumbled.
"Bitch! I'll kill her!", he spat out while hitting the radar box hard.
"You did it years ago Mike. You can never kill someone a second time", Nikki snapped.
He glared at her, but didn't say a word.
"Remember, I told you one day that she would give you a kick in the pants and it's happening now", Nikki continued icy.
Mike wasn't doing anything anymore and stared at her desperately. "But, but, then she should know that it stops here for me?".
"You made it stop for her too, remember", Nikki said mercilessly while going away.
He stuffed his hands deep in his pockets and stared angrily at the stern of the MV Katherine. It seemed to him that that stern was making fun of him.
"Remember, this joke will also have an influence on all officers! You can all 'thank Kate!", he replied spitefully and walked angrily outside to the bridge wing. With his hands still deep in his pockets he stared at the ship in front of him. Suddenly, he frowned as he saw a tiny figure with blond hair appear at the bridge wing.
Shit, that's Kate! She's looking at me. Yeah, you're right, laugh at me. Well goddamn, she's doing it. She's giving me a wave and is she smiling?
He took his right hand out of his pocket and waved his fist in the air putting a curse on her.
Nikki looked at the scene from the inside and shook her head slightly.
Poor bastard. How far will you fall? You only want to save your skin. You don't really care about others. It's about you and only you. What are you after? Four bands, full captain? Finally a place in hall of settled men?
But now, I'm sure of one thing and I'm going to discuss it tonight with Pete.
On the MV Katherine.
Dylan looked suspiciously at their tow, as there was a lot of current and the Sydney estuary is wide, but not wide enough to have room for manoeuvres.
Scowling, he walked to Kate who was watching the hustle and bustle of the small motorboats that swarmed around them like flies around a cow.
"The frigate is not drifting. We're on the right track", he told her.
At the same time the tugboat started to sprinkle with her water canon and activated her foghorn.
Dylan frowned and looked at her when he heard a sob. He saw tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Honey, are you okay?", he asked worriedly.
Kate nodded, unable to speak. She took a deep breath.
"I..I'm fine. Absolutely. I...I don't know what overwhelms me. Normally, such a situation does nothing to me, but now, I'm so emotional. It affects me. I don't know why", she said still staring at the tugboat.
"Uh...", he mumbled scratching his head. Then he rubbed her back.
What the hell can I say to that?
Kate solved the problem on her own. She wiped her tears and gave him a smile. "Send a message to the Navy tugboat and the frigate to let them know that we'll hand over to them. Tell Chris too. He expects instructions at any time", she ordered.
"Okay", Dylan answered before heading to RO to deliver the message.
With a frown she looked at the tugboat.
Katherine, what's the matter with you? Stop it! Take some fresh air!
She left the bridge house to go to the bridge wing and looked at the frigate. She took a deep breath.
I feel better. Oh, an officer at the bridge over there. Hey, this is Mike.
Her face stiffened.
What do you think about getting reacquainted? Now, you'll say I'm a bitch, no? You begged to avoid media attention. But it wasn't my idea, it was Dad's.
A sad smile appeared on her face.
After all it's a deserved punishment for you! You only wanted to save your ass, huh? Just like years ago, right?
Yes, you probably feel betrayed now?. Well enjoy the feeling. I felt that way years ago too!
She raised her hand and waved.
After releasing the tow, the ship sailed to their own place on the dock and they moored. Kate and Dylan headed for the gangway to say goodbye to their own passengers. They were extremely happy and shook their hands.
"Oh great! Wonderful voyage and a fantastic show!"
"Are you're sure you're not the real Lisa McCune?"
"Amazing show with the warship! It was a real surprise! You must put that part of the show in the leaflet. For sure you're going to attract more people!"
Kate, Dylan and Rebecca watched their passengers disappear in taxis and Kate generally said, "This can count as a real test for this maiden trip. I'm all of a sudden dog tired".
But before anyone could answer, they heard someone yelling at the quay.
"Katie! Dylan! Splendid! Splendid!".
"Oh no! Dad!", Kate mumbled.
Completely pumped up, he boarded, "It's fantastic guys! Really! We're in prime time on tv! Great shots of our ship and our logo. Our name has been repeated many times and they praised you for saving lives and your great seamanship. Put on your best uniform because you'll have to give some interviews! Oh! You have no idea what it means to me! You've made our company famous in one go! Now for sure, we'll definitely have to consider a second ship!", he rattled off happily.
"Dad! Calm down. Think about your blood pressure", Kate said, placing her hands on his upper arms.
"Yes, yes, but not now! We have to celebrate this! Diner tonight and a bonus for the whole crew!", he continued exited.
"What are you doing here for God's sake?", she asked sternly.
"From the moment I heard what you were doing, I contacted all the newspapers and television stations I knew. Then, I took the first plane here because I didn't want to miss it for nothing in the world!", he answered joyously.
"Dad, just calm down now. And keep the diner for Melbourne which is our last call. Then we'll be at home and everyone has shore leave", she said.
"Yeah, of course. You're right. With this joke we are behind our schedule and we have to catch up", said Arthur again serious.
Dylan smiled and shook his head, but the McGregors didn't see it.
They are two of a kind. We delivered a masterpiece and these two are just thinking of the next port call and lost time. I think we're going to experience a lot with those two in the near future.
To be continued