Ch 93
Half an hour later, all the crew walked off the Hammersley wearing their white uniform. The moment when Mike and Kate stepped onto the wharf, Emma ran towards them. Mike picked her up in his arms and kissed her before he passed her toward Kate as they boys ran to them. Buffer who was standing next to Kate smiled at Emma, who squirmed in Kate's arms. Buffer grinned getting the girl in his arms and soon Kate was picking up David while Mike picked MJ up.
Sally and their kids walked over to Swain. He hugged and kissed Sally. Then he picked up Chloe who was in her stroller. Tom was already in Sally's arms. Chefo fiancée ran over to him and embraced him before she gave him a passionate kiss. Mike turned when he saw Steve walking over to him.
"Mike!"
"Steve!"
"How did the media find out?"
"The prime minister did the press conference yesterday after the Chief of the Navy informed him what you and your crew did. They are looking ford to your report, Mike. Lieutenant," he added grinning to Kate.
"Sir," Kate nodded.
"When do you think you can have the reports finished?"
"They are done, sir. We only need to print them," Kate explained.
"Alright. Once they are delivered, you will be able to enjoy the next few days off until the decommission ceremony on Thursday."
"We will, sir." The Hammersley horn went off making everyone jump.
They turned to the Hammersley, and looked up to see Emma there on the seat, and waving to everyone then. She made the horn go once more before she got down of the seat and walked to the waiting Buffer. Kate and Mike grinned when they heard all the mumbling going on wondering who the girl was.
"Emma sure knows how to get attention," Steve commented.
"Yes, she does." Mike agreed. They turned when they saw James walking towards them.
"Mike"
"James"
"My crew was sure you had no chance of beating us on the bet. We added ten FFV and two ice boats on our patrol. And then, Steve and I met, and he told me what your crew managed to do," James sighed. "There's no way we can beat that."
"Does your crew know?"
"Yes, I told them last night at the pub. They were celebrating our accomplishments until I had to tell them that we lost. They were shocked, to say the least." James stuck his hand out, and Mike shook it
"I hope your crew saved plenty of money for this because my crew is looking forth to the celebrations tonight."
"Yes, no worries. See you all at six."
"Yes, we will be there." James turned around and walked towards the Kingston.
On the wharf, the crew talked for another while before one by one they left the port. Later that night, at the R.S.L both the Kingston and the Hammersley crews were enjoying dinner and drinks.
"Ok, everyone! Tequila shots are ready!" Charge called out as he neared their table. Everyone got their drinks, lime, and salt ready. "On three! One! Two! Three!"
All at once they licked the salt, drunk their shot and bite the lime. And then they laughed at the expressions on the faces of the others.
"Again!" Nav said. They repeated the process until they emptied several bottles of tequila. ET, Charge and Spider took the trays back and returned minutes later yelling out "Guava mojo!"
Mike checked that everyone had a glass before he asked their attention.
"Well, I want to say to my crew that the past eighteen months have been memorable!"
"Here! Here!" Buffer said raising his glass.
"I know some of you are moving on; I wish you the best for the future. Now, the ones who are staying on the new the Hammersley, I wish the best for you also, but you are lucky, I won't be the Captain of the new the Hammersley."
"What?!" They all said at the same time.
"Yes, you will find out on Thursday who he or she is. Now, on further sad news, X here, was only posted on the Hammersley until the decommission. She doesn't know where she's going to be posted next. So, raise your glasses and toast with me. All the best for the future of this crew and know that the mighty Thor will be protecting you all! To the Hammersley!"
"To the Hammersley!"
"How about sharing some stories of your crew or patrols?" one member of the Kingston crew asked.
"Sure, anyone wants to go first?" Mike asked.
"I will!" Buffer grinned. "A few months ago, Nav, Captain and I were up top, we were passing Bright island when I notice some feds walking around there. We had left two a couple of days earlier. So, the Captain asks: 'We drop two feds off the other day and counted six more?' and I couldn't help but answer. "Breading, sir." they all laugh
One by one each member of the Hammersley shared their history, and once they were all done everyone was having a hard time keeping the laughter at bay. By midnight, Mike and Kate took a taxi home.
Early the next morning, they went to NAVCOM to deliver their patrol reports. A few days later, the crew took one last look around the old boat and removed Thor, placing it in a box for safe keeping.
The wharf was filled with mostly recognizable people, most of them served at least one tour on the Hammersley. Soon, Mike was saying his farewell speech, and they saluted the old boat one last time before it was finally over.
The whole crew remained for a while, mingling with the people who had come to see the boat being decommissioned. The Flynn's found themselves talking with the first Captain of the Hammersley, a now-retired Admiral.
"Mike, Lieutenant," Steve said joining their group.
"Steve."
"Sir."
"Commander Steve Marshal, these are retired Admiral Jason Baxter and retired Vice Admiral Thomas Picard. Steve the Commanding Officer at NAVCOM." Mike waited until all the hands were shook. "Jason was the first Captain on the Hammersley until nineteen seventy-six where he was promoted. His XO Thomas took over as Captain."
"Well! Then I must say it's an honor to have you both for the decommission, sirs."
"We wouldn't miss it, Commander. Mike was telling us about the Hammersley final act. What a way to go!" Thomas said smiling
"Yes, sir. The Hammersley and its crew will sure go straight to the Navy history books."
"Yes, they will alright," Steve grinned, "well, I'll leave you to carry on with your talks, sirs, Mike, Lieutenant. Work calls. Oh! And Mike, Lieutenant, I need you both to report to my office in an hour," he added before he walked away.
Later that afternoon, the crew got together at the pub for drinks. Everyone was having a wonderful time.
"Can I have everyone's attention?" Mike said standing up. "We got some news to share with you all," he turned to Kate who stood up next to him.
"The fleet command is happy with the work I've done on the Hammersley. And they gave me two options. First one, I can return to Sydney," she said noticing the sour looks on the crew, "the second one is staying here and carry on as the XO of the new Hammersley. And for obvious reasons, I'm staying." Everyone cheered
"Quiet!" Mike exclaimed. "Now, on my news, I've been promoted to Commander, and I will be stationed as the Second in Command at NAVCOM."
"Congratulations, sir!" He heard several times.
"Sir, who's going to be the new Captain?" Buffer asked once the crew calmed down.
"Lieutenant Commander Brian Taylor. He will be here when new the Hammersley arrives next month."
They talked for the next few hours while having drinks and dinner. It was after one in the morning when Mike and Kate got into bed after a long busy day.
Chefo's wedding was the next day. The whole crew showed up for it. Chefo had Buffer and ET as groomsmen, and his brother was his best man. Soon Chefo joined the married clan; they were all very happy and sad at the same time. He was leaving the Navy, his contract had only three months left, and he was getting a shore posting after the honeymoon. He and his new wife decided for a new life and bought a cafe restaurant in Cairns. Where Chefo was going to be the head chef and his wife the barmaid and administrative force.
The reception was lovely, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Most of the crew shared stories about Chefo making people laugh around the room. Kate, Mike, Sally, and Swain left after twelve. The next day, the whole family showed up at the Flynn's house for the day.
"Kate, do you know where you are going to be posted?" Michele asked
"Yes, I'm back on the Hammersley," she said smiling
"You're staying!" Hannah said, "What about …" she pointed towards Mike.
"Mike won't be on the Hammersley."
"What?" Michele said in shock.
"Yes, mum," Mike said as he felt all the eyes on him. "I've been promoted, and I'll be stationed at NAVCOM."
"A shore posting?" Hannah asked.
"Yes. I will be finally able to spend time with the kids."
"Congratulation, Mike."
"Thanks, dad." They talked more about the future and enjoyed themselves for the rest of the day.
The next morning, Kate smiled brightly when she saw Mike walk into the kitchen wearing his uniform.
"Commander Flynn," she purred. "Have I told you how proud I'm of you?" she said wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.
"Yes, you have," he said embracing her by the waist and kissing her deeply.
"It's a shame that you have to work because that uniform," she roared.
"Tonight," Mike added lowly.
"I hold you to that."
"I'll better get going, or I won't leave." He said taking a step away from Kate. "See you at lunchtime!"
"I can't wait!" he kissed Kate one last time
"I love you."
"I love you too," he walked away kissing the kids heads and telling them he loved them before he finally reached the front door and left. Kate sighed and turned towards the kids.
"Ok! Let's get you cleaned up, so I can drop you three at the daycare!" Kate said smiling.
A bit after twelve, Kate walk into NAVCOM. She found Mike seating in Steve's office. She approached the office and saw Mike walking out carrying files.
"Kate!" He said when he spotted her. "It's lunchtime already?"
"It is," she grinned.
"Let me take these files to my desk, and we can head out."
"Sure. I wouldn't mind checking out your office," Mike smiled as they walked to his office. "What do you think?" He asked once they were inside.
"It needs curtains," Mike grinned as he opened a drawer to get his wallet out.
"Let's go!" After lunch, they returned to his office, and he gave her a couple of folders.
"What's this?"
"Information about the New Hammersley," He grinned. "At least you won't be bored."
"Thanks, Mike!" she gave him a kiss
"See you tonight."
"Don't spend all afternoon studying!"
"I won't!" She said before she turned around and left him be.