Ch 110
Three hours later, Steve was finishing Kate's report when someone knocked his door. With a frown, he allowed him to come in.
"How can I help you?" He asked once the man was standing inside his office.
"Are you Commander Marshal?"
"Yes."
"I'm Jack Dodds. You called me about Campbell Fulton?"
"Yes. Please take a seat, Mr. Dodds. Excellent timing, by the way, I just finished reading Lieutenant McGregor's report about what she saw happening. I haven't seen the video yet, but we might as well watch it together."
"Please, I still can't believe he would do that. He's one of my best employees," he sighed. Steve turned the monitor towards him and pressed play. Once the video ended, Jack Dodds was pale and shocked. "I had no idea. Is the woman presenting a formal complaint?"
"Yes. She already has," Steve told him passing him a folder. "That's her complaint and copy of her report of the situation. Now on charges, we might need to wait until Petty Officer Tomaszewski regains consciousness."
"What do you mean?" Steve sighed and played the recording between Nav, Mike, and Buffer. "Oh, my! Did he try to kill a Petty Officer? Any news on him?"
"They are returning at top speed. The two medics are doing the best they can for the Petty Officer. Their ETA is half an hour now."
"Thanks for telling me, Commander."
"Can you tell me what's going to happen to Mr. Fulton?" commander Marshal asked.
"With this report and the video, he's facing instant dismissal for sexual harassment and assault of two Navy Officers. Now for legal charges, those will be up to both victims. Well, I do hope the Petty Officer fares well."
"We all do, sir," Steve told him as the shook hands.
The Hammersley reached port and Swain, and ET carried Buffer off the ship, Bomber was behind them holding IV line. They took him in the ambulance and Swain got in. Bomber gave him the IV bag before she stepped away and closed the door. The ambulance left just as Steve's car stopped and Jack Dodds car pulled up behind the navy car. They both got out of the car just as Mike walk over to Steve.
"Mike."
"Steve."
"Commander Mike Flynn," Steve said. "This is Chief of Animal Control Office, Jack Dodds." Jack stop next to Steve.
"Sir," Mike said as they shook hands
"Commander, I've read Lieutenants McGregor, and Caetano reports. I also saw the footage, and I'm deeply sorry for you and your crew have gone through."
"Thank you, sir. Although you shouldn't be apologizing, it was not of your doing, sir."
"I'm apologizing on behalf of the Animal Control Officer. What Campbell Fulton did was embarrassing for all and completely uncalled."
"Yes, it was, sir," Mike said. Charge and Spider accompanied Campbell Fulton off the Hammersley and over to them.
"Campbell Fulton," Dodds said. "Get in the car, now. You have a lot of explaining to do."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll let you know what's going to happen to Campbell Fulton as an Animal Control Officer, Commander Marshal." They shook hands, before turning to Mike to shake his hand.
"I hope your crewmate will be ok."
"Thank you, we hope so too," He turned around and walked towards his car.
"Mike, without Buffer. The Hammersley is a ship stopper until I can find a replacement."
"I understand. And knowing my crew, they will be all heading to the hospital to check on Buffer."
"Then, all leave them to do so. I'll let you know as soon as I find someone."
"Thanks, Steve." Mike walked up towards his waiting crew. "Let's get things sorted out, before going to the hospital."
An hour later, the whole crew entered the hospital. Swain saw them and walked over to them.
"Any news, Swain?" Mike asked
"They've done x-rays on both of legs, as presumed they are broke. They also went for a CT, and it shows a fracture on the back of his head and some swelling on the brain. The doctor said he was amazed that Buffer could speak at all when Nav contacted him. They are putting him in an induced coma for a few days to try and lower the brain swelling, the amount of time is still unknown. Now, his legs he won't be too happy, but he's facing a couple of months off legs and physic therapy."
"Has his family been contacted?" Kate asked
"Yes, they have. They will be here within the next two hours."
"Can we see him?" ET asked
"It's family only for now. They have my phone number, and they will call me as soon as visits are allowed."
"Thanks, Swain," Mike said
"We might as well head back," Charge said
"About that, until Commander Marshall finds a replacement we are all on shore leave," Mike announced before each went on their way.
A week later, they found Buffer's temporary replacement and the Hammersley crew had a crash sail. The officer saw someone on the wharf and walked up to it.
"Excuse me; I'm looking for Commander Flynn?" He said, and Kate turned around with a grin. "Lieutenant McGregor?" he said in shock. Kate looked at the tall, muscular man in front of her and frowned.
"Do I know you, Petty Officer?" She asked. He smiled brightly.
"Sorry, ma'am. Petty Officer Kirk Turner. Kitt with two 'T's. We served together on HMAS Anzac? I was a leader; I was promoted last year."
"Ah, now I remember you," she smiled.
"So, this is the famous the Hammersley I've heard so much about?" he said looking at the boat
"It would depend on what you heard Kitt," Kate grinned.
"I've heard the Hammersley crew managed to take down a terrorist cell last year."
"Yes, that's true."
"X," Mike called, and she turned to see him walking onto the Wharf.
"Commander Flynn, this is Petty Officer Kirk 'Kitt' Turner. Buffer's temporary replacement."
"Sir," they saluted each other
"Kitt, welcome aboard the Hammersley."
"Thank you, sir. I've heard so much about you, sir. Mighty Mike Flynn and his cow boy antics." Kitt grinned as Kate tried not to laugh.
"Rumors are not always true, Kitt," Mike pointed.
"Lieutenant McGregor has confirmed that the Hammersley crew did take down a terrorist threat, sir." He grinned. "But there's not a week that goes without your name or Lieutenant McGregor's are mentioned, sir."
"Where were you stationed before coming here?" Kate asked with an amused frown.
"I was at the Fleet Command in Canberra, ma'am. From the way the news about you two get there, it seems someone at NAVCOM likes to keep the top brass informed about you and the Hammersley."
"Yes, we are aware," Mike said knowing the someone was no other than Steve Marshal.
"Spider," Kate called as he walked down to the pier.
"Yes, X?"
"This is Kitt; he will be Buffer's temporary replacement. Can you show him the accommodations?"
"Yes, ma'am. Kitt, if you will follow me, sir."
"Thank you, Spider. Sir, X," he followed Spider onto the Hammersley.
"I've noticed you two talking and smiling?"
"Jealous, Mike?"
"Kate, I trust you. It's him in whom I don't trust."
"Relax, Mike. We served together on HMAS Anzac; he was promoted last year."
"Last year."
"Yes, I know. He has big boots to fill. Give him time; he wasn't one of the crew members that ended up with toothbrush duties; he does take his job seriously."
"We shall see."