Ch 100
"Sir? Are you enjoying yourself?" Kate asked later that evening when she found herself close to Brain Taylor.
"Yes, I am X. Now I can see what you meant when you said that the crew has a good time while on shore leave."
"It's one way to relax and have fun at the same time," she nodded.
"That's true," he said
"Sorry, I didn't get a chance to ask you, how did the talk go earlier with Mike? I noticed you both walked into the office."
"Good, he gave me some advice, and he's going to see what he can do about the transfer to Perth. I'll guess I'll take it even if it's a desk job. If there's no opening he's going to get another Captain for two months starting February while I'm with Cassie," Kate grinned knowingly.
"Mike might look tough, but he's way more understanding than most Commanders. He knows what it's like to be away from your wife when she's due for birth."
"He mentioned that I could talk to you and Swain if I need advice while we are out on patrol."
"We are the only ones that know what's going on, sir."
"Yeah, I know. He also said that I should trust you and the crew."
"Always, sir. I know it takes time to get used to a smaller tightly fit crew but we are family to each other. It took me a while to get used even when I knew some of them from before. But we get on as well as you can see."
"It will take some time, yes. However, I must thank you for everything you've done while on patrol. I know I should've been on the bridge, but I was more worried about my family."
"It's understandable, sir."
On the other side, Mike was keeping an eye on his wife, until Swain approached him.
"Swain! How's the family?"
"Growing, sir. So, the boss and X have been talking for a while."
"Yeah, Brian and I talked earlier about his family," Swain turned to Mike with a concerned frown.
"Any ideas on what you are going to do, sir?"
"Yes. Don't worry."
"I feel sorry for him, sir. He's stuck here while his family is in Perth."
"Well, that means that I'll be making some calls tomorrow to see what I can do for him."
"That's good of you, sir." Mike smiled.
"Thanks, Swain."
"Sir? If he does gets a transfer to Perth; then who's going to Captain the Hammersley if they can't find a replacement?"
"That would be up to the fleet command, but if needed I have no qualms about filling that position until a replacement can be found."
"And what does X say about it?"
"You know her, she understands."
Everyone enjoyed themselves, but they were gone by ten o'clock. The Hammersley was leaving early in the morning to finish their patrol. Kate and Mike took the chance to make love several times before they fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, Kate and the crew left for two weeks. The moment he arrived at NAVCOM, Mike started with his calls to see what he can do for Brian Taylor. The Hammersley attended as per usual several maydays and FFVs.
But this time, when Brian wasn't sure about something, he asked Kate for help. Finally, the Hammersley returned to Cairns with everyone ready to take the next three days off. Passing by Kate noticed Mike wasn't in his office, but Brian and her continued walking until they reached Steve's office.
"Lieutenant Commander, Lieutenant, please sit," Steve said. "Lieutenant Commander. Mike informed me about what happened on the Hammersley and how you left Lieutenant McGregor to do not only her job but yours as well."
"I'm sorry about that, sir."
"Lieutenant Commander, if you needed more time off you could have come to me, and I would have granted you more time. Mike explained your family situation, and we all understand how hard it is for you. That said, your personal situation shouldn't affect your duty."
"I know, sir. Lieutenant McGregor has done a fantastic job in the first two weeks as acting CO, and she got the crew's support. They know they can't step out of line with her, and from her reports from the mayday calls and FFVs; she has done what a Captain of any patrol boat would have done. Commander Flynn has taught her well, sir. She was also the one who got me talking to Commander Flynn about my situation, sir."
"I know, Mike informed me. Did you know that Lieutenant McGregor is Commander Flynn's wife"?
"No, until she gave me the sat phone, sir."
"That was the day Melbourne meet up with us, sir. When we moved the thirty people, we rescued over to them."
"Yes, about that? Did the Captain of the boat mentioned why he only had two rafts for that many people?" Kate searched her files and gave a folder to Steve.
"Here's my report on that, sir; including one from Petty Officer Tomaszewski," Steve frowned. "Buffer, sir. He was with me when I asked the Captain, Mr. John Reed, the questions about what happened to his boat and about the rafts," Steve opened the file and did a speed reading before closing it and placing it on his desk.
"I'll read it later, Lieutenant."
"Yes, sir."
"Mike?" Steve called out. Kate turned her head and smiled when her husband walked into Steve's office.
"You wanted to see me, Steve?"
"Yes, I do. I need ask you some questions."
"Sure," Steve went on asking some question to the trio, and when he was happy with the answers, he clapped his hands.
"Well, is there anything you would like to add, Mike?"
"Yes, I do," he grinned turning to Kate and Brian.
"Lieutenant, from what Steve and I have heard you've done a wonderful job," Kate smiled.
"Thank you, sir."
"I must say that I agree," Steve added.
"Now, Lieutenant Commander Taylor, I have some news for you," Mike smiled. "You will be transferred to Perth after your return from your next patrol," Brian and Kate grinned with that
"Thank you, sir."
"The CO there was having another Lieutenant Commander transferred, but I spoke to him about your family situation. I got off the phone with Captain Baker just before coming in here, with your background, he granted your request after talking and getting the ok from the fleet command."
"Thank you, sir."
"You are welcomed."
"Sir?" Kate laughed.
"Sorry, boss," he turned to Kate, "It's just, I feel that I should warn you. When we return from our next patrol, the crew will want to throw you a farewell party."
"But they don't have to; I've only known them for a short time."
"Yes, sir. But you managed to get their respect, and they will understand your sudden transferred to Perth."
"She's right, even though you had a rough beginning; you did win them over," Mike affirmed.
"I don't know what to say."
"Let them throw you a party. Just… try to stay away from the Guava mojo," Mike said smiling.
"Never heard of it."
"Ah, but you will."
They talked for a few more minutes before Brian and Kate walked out of Steve office with Kate telling Brain more about the drink.
"Well, Mike. I'll better look for another Captain for the Hammersley."
"About that, Steve; if you can't get anyone..." Steve grinned
"Your wife's going to hate you, Mike."
"She won't be the only one Steve," Mike grinned
"True, I'll see if we can find one first."
"Alright."
That night when Mike arrived home, he was greeted by their kids. He gave them a hug then he stood up to give Kate a hug and a kiss.
"Welcome home, Kate."
"It's good to be home, even if it's only for two nights."
"Yeah, I'll go and get changed," he said kissing her before walking up.
"Ok, kids!" She called to get their attention. "Let's get you feed while daddy's getting changed," Kate said, and they all walked to the dining room where she placed them on their high chairs and brought their dinner for them.
Later that night, Kate snuggled up to his side feeling gleefully spent.
"I miss this," Mike said
"You miss what?" Kate said looking up at him.
"You, in bed with me."
"Same here, Mike," she smiled. "When I went to pick our kids, they were so happy to see me."
"I'll bet they were Kate."
"The boys' birthday is next month."
"And our fourth wedding anniversary. But before you go crazy on planning, let's get some well-deserved sleep."
"Sounds good to me," Kate said closing her eyes; soon they both feel into a peaceful sleep.
Two days later, the Hammersley left for a three-week patrol. That night when Kate walked into her cabin, she found Nav was in bed reading a book.
"So, what got you in such happy mood this morning when you came aboard?" Nav turned her head towards Kate.
"Was it that obvious?"
"To me it was. Are you going to tell me?"
"The Melbourne was in port yesterday morning; they left after six this morning."
"Ah, so you and ET," Kate trailed.
"I'm not saying a thing," Nav returned to her reading while Kate went to get change then got into bed.
"I've notice Buffer's still alive," Kate said when she was on the bed, making Nav laugh.
"He was convincing."
"How's convincing?"
"He said next time we are in port, he will buy us drinks of our choosing for what he did," Nav grinned.
"You know what that means?" Kate said
"Guava mojo, of course!" Nikki said laughing
The last day before they returned to port Brian picked the mic and turned the PA system.
"Now, here this is the Captain speaking. I want to inform you all that this is my last patrol aboard of the Hammersley. I've transferred to Perth for family reasons. I know we had a bad start," he turned to Kate who was looking at him with an encouraging smile. "You are a great crew to work with, and X you've done a fantastic job acting as Captain in the beginning. I want to wish you all the best. Your new Captain is going to have the best crew in the Navy, that is all," he finished, and the crew started clapping.
"Ok, you lot! Back to work!" Kate said just as Charge walked over to Brain
"Sir, since this is your last patrol on behalf of the crew, I would like to invite you to the pub for drinks when we return."
"Thank you, Charge." Kate walked to stand next to the Captain and bright smile on her face.
"Sir, I must inform you that Charge has already started planning your party."
"Thanks, X."
With the Hammersley in the port, the crew talked and planned the party as Kate and Brian went to NAVCOM with the paperwork. Once they left Steve's office, Kate walked towards Mike's office.
"Hey, when did you get back?" Mike smiled brightly.
"A couple of hours ago. Brian announced it to the crew yesterday."
"How did they take it?"
"Apart from the obvious shock; Charge has already started planning the party for tonight," Mike grinned.
"We should go."
"Yeah, and we should take our kids; it's been a while since they last saw the crew." Mike nodded in agreement. "So? Any word on our new Captain?"
"Steve's still considering it. There are two people available."
"And any of them with patrol experience?"
"He hasn't said. You should head home and start your leave," Mike grinned.
"That's what I'm planning, see you in a few?"
"I wouldn't want it any other way,"
"Sure, see you in few hours," as they were both in uniform, she gave a squeeze to his hand before walking out of his office.