Hey everyone,
Hope everyone's had a good weekend! I'm relieved that I've still got another day, the Christmas partied are killing me! Lol
Should have mentioned previously that even though this idea came from season 1 this probably takes place after season 4?
Thanks to my regular reviewers, please keep them coming!
The Ties that Bind
Chapter 2
The next morning Kate, Dutchy and Paul walked down the docks to the Hammersley, Paul ran up the gangway like a excited school kid on an excursion. He stopped at the top and saluted, Dutchy laughed and turned to Kate.
"He's your older brother?"
Kate rolled her eyes.
"Hey, I'm assuming it would be exciting if you didn't do it every day!"
They boarded the boat and went below, Paul walked down the corridor poking his head in every cabin.
"How do you live in these tiny rooms?"
Dutchy shrugged.
"It's not that bad, it's only for sleeping."
Paul smirked and gave Dutchy a devious look.
"So are they co-ed cabins?"
Kate hit Paul on the shoulder.
"No..."
They walked up to the bridge and Paul plonked himself in the captain's chair and looked around and nodded.
"Yeah, I can see how this makes you feel good!"
Kate and Dutchy smiled at each other.
"Yeah it's pretty cool..."
"So what happens if you crash this thing? Do they take it out of your pay?"
Dutchy walked up behind him and laughed.
"Yeah, it'd only take 500 years to pay back..."
Paul's eyes were drawn to all the buttons and switches, he reached out to touch them, Kate watched him and stepped in between him and the controls.
"Don't even think about it!"
He jumped out of the chair.
"Okay, so what else is there?"
Kate and Dutchy walked him around the ship showing him the galley and the ward room.
"So, you guys have a chef and everything?"
Kate nodded.
"Yeah, Bird's our Chefo, but she's still involved in the action."
They continued to walk round the ship, they stopped at Kate's cabin.
"This is mine, I'm just gonna use the bathroom...you guys continue on."
Kate entered her cabin and looked around and sighed, she felt strange being in her cabin, even though she had only been gone a week if felt like a life time. She wasn't sure why she felt indifferent about returning, part of her wondered whether she secretly wanted to try things again with Mike. Even though things had cooled off between them she could feel something. She had always wanted to know how important she was to him because he was so bad at talking about his feelings. It shocked her when he had told her that he had threatened to quit for her but she couldn't let him do that for her, particularly if he didn't even want to talk about it. She shook her head, it didn't matter anyway, she was back on the ship.
She went to the bathroom and exited the cabin and walked down the corridor she was about to call out for the guys as she heard laughter. She found them in the comms room, she stood at the doorway with a worried look on her face. Paul and Dutchy had the head sets on and we're fiddling with the controls.
"Hey! RO is going to kill you if everything isn't put back the way it was!"
Paul took off the head set.
"What's an RO? And why is he so uptight."
Dutchy laughed and looked at Kate.
"How do I explain Robert? Ah, he's our Radio Operator, he's alright just a bit anal about his space."
Paul shuffled the papers on his desk and opened some drawers and chucked stuff from the desk in the drawers.
"Love to be a fly on the wall when he returns."
They took off the head sets and exited the room, Kate nudged Dutchy.
"He's gonna kill you!"
He nudged her back.
"Only if you tell him!"
Paul spun round on the chair.
"So where's Mike's cabin?"
Kate raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Oh was just gonna muck around with his desk too!"
"Mmm, that's probably not a good idea!"
"Oh c'mon live a little Kate... just something silly!"
Dutchy smirked.
"Yeah, c'mon X!"
They stopped at Mike's cabin, Paul opened the door.
"I've got a good one."
He sat at the desk and opened the computer and took a screen shot of the desktop and moved the files into a hidden folder. Kate peered over his shoulder.
"What are you doing?"
Paul laughed.
"So he will think his computer is frozen!"
Kate rolled her eyes.
"How do you know so much about computers?"
"Oh, I took some courses while I was... Ah away, so I kept up to date with things."
Dutchy laughed.
"Actually, I'd like to see how long it will take for someone to realise...is this what you two got up to when you were young?"
Kate turned and left the cabin.
"Ah, not quite..."
Kate walked away, Dutchy frowned at Kate's reaction, he glanced at Paul, he shrugged. Dutchy decided to go after her, Paul looked back at the computer and sighed, he shut the computer and left the cabin.
Paul sat in the bridge watching Kate and Dutchy out on the bow of the boat, he wondered if anything was going with them. He watched as Dutchy stepped closer putting his arm around her, is protective instinct kicked in, he stood up trying to get a better view. He didn't know Dutchy that well, he was a good bloke but it was his sister, he needed to make sure he was perfect. He picked up the radio, he pressed the button.
"XO to the bridge."
It startled them and Kate turned to see Paul in the captain's chair and smiled, she waived him out on to the deck.
The met out on deck, Paul wrapped his arm around her.
"So, lunch?"
Dutchy cleared his throat.
"Yeah, I'll leave you guys, you haven't really had a chance to catch up..."
Paul shook his hand.
"Thanks mate, see you round."
Kate gave Dutchy a hug.
"Yeah, thanks! I owe you!"
Dutchy laughed.
"That's dangerous!"
Kate rolled her eyes and whacked him on the arm.
Paul and Kate sat at the local cafe, Paul put his coffee down, Kate was looking around, he felt like she was avoiding eye contact.
"Are we okay sis?"
Her eyes met his.
"What do you mean?"
"Well I know we had a chat the other night but you seemed a bit off when Dutchy asked about us mucking around."
Kate broke eye contact.
"Yeah, I mean I'm glad you're here but it just reminds me of things..."
He reached out over the table and grasped her hand.
"I know Katie, I mean you said you forgave me but have you really?"
"I have Paul, it just it's not easy to think about."
"Look, I'm doing everything I can to make it up to you!"
Paul gave her a mischievous smile, she looked at him and frowned.
"What?"
"Like fixing you up with Dutchy?"
Kate eyes bulged out of her head
"What?"
He gave her a doubtful look.
"Really?"
"We're just friends Paul! We're good friends, I helped him through some stuff and yeah we're close..."
"Close?"
"Okay, so we have this rule in the Navy, it's called the non fraternisation rule, meaning we can't be involved with someone on the same ship. They don't really like it if we're not..."
"Yeah okay, but you were on shore..."
"Yeah for a week, now I'm going back on Hammersley."
"But you're saying that if you weren't on Hammersley?"
Kate gave him and unimpressed look.
"No, actually there was someone... but the same situation..."
Paul raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, so you're not the goodie goodie rule follower?"
"No, I mean yes... we have followed the rules..."
"Oh and so what's happening?"
Kate paused, Paul took a stab in the dark.
"What he's on Hammersley too? Kate, you little minx..."
She hit him on the arm.
"No! There's just a bit of history there... but I dunno..."
"Who..."
Kate hesitated, Paul eyeballed her.
"C'mon Kate..."
Kate looked down her food and continued to eat.
"Okay, it's Mike..."
Paul dropped his knife and fork.
"Mike? Really? Okay turns out I don't know you at all... didn't think either of them would be your type, so what happened?"
Kate shrugged.
"Don't really know, well actually yeah the Navy got in the way but I mean we didn't talk about it a lot. I was going to try and bring it up with him next week after I'd found my footing at Navcom but now, I dunno."
"So why is it only you thinking about these things!? What he doesn't have feelings? He can't communicate?"
Kate laughed, Paul had no idea how Mike was but he had got it in one.
"Yeah, I don't need you to be getting all big brother about it! Just leave it, it doesn't matter now anyway."
She didn't bother telling him about their full "history" she knew how he would react.
"So anyway, I appreciate you wanting to make it u to me but you can do that by staying out of trouble."
"Well, I'm sure living with a Navy Lieutenant Commander will straighten me out, if you don't mind having me?"
"Of course not..."
She gave his hand a slight squeeze.
"I have missed you..."
They smiled at each other and sat there in silence for a moment, Paul shook his head.
"Enough for the mushy stuff, so what else have I missed?"
Dutchy had arranged to meet the others at the pub, he spotted Mike and Swain at a table, they waived him over.
"Hey guys..."
Swain handed him a beer.
"Where have you been?"
"Kate and I were just giving Paul a tour of the boat..."
Mike swallowed his mouth full and put his beer on the table.
"Do you think it's a little strange that she's never mentioned her brother?"
Dutchy shrugged, he didn't really want to gossip about Kate but he didn't want others making stuff up and making assumptions either.
"Ah, she did say that they had a falling out when they were quite young..."
"Did she say why?"
Dutchy shook his head.
"You know how she is with her private life, but they seem to be getting along now anyway."
Mike sipped on his beer.
"Yeah, I guess. Just strange that's all."
The next morning Paul had come to see Kate off before she sailed, they stood on the dock and he gave her a hug.
"So, where do you normally go on patrol?"
"Where ever they send us, I think we're just off the coast today, might be back tonight if it's uneventful."
He looked at her nervously.
"Good, makes me a bit anxious, you out there with all the unsavoury characters."
She scoffed dismissing his comment.
"Paul, I've been doing this for nearly 10 years, I'll be fine..."
"I know, but I guess it just my guilt of not being around and protecting you all these years."
She reached out at touched his arm.
"I don't need protecting but thank you..."
Mike walked down the gangway.
"X, we're about to depart."
She gave Paul a smile.
"Now, you have all my contact numbers, if you can't reach my mobile just give Navcom a call if you need me okay?"
"Kate, I'm your older brother remember!"
She laughed and gave him another hug and boarded the boat.
"I'll see you soon!"
Paul waved and walked off, she headed for her cabin to put away her belongings. Mike knocked on the cabin door and poked his head in.
"Everything all good?"
Kate continued to pack away her things and gave him a strange look.
"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"
"Ah, just thought you'd be annoyed having to leave your brother after only a couple of days."
"Yeah well, we can't help it can we? Plus he understands."
He entered her cabin and closed the door. Kate stopped what she was doing and turned to face him confused as to why he closed the door.
"Boss?"
He stood close and lowered his voice.
"I umm, actually wanted to talk to you about something..."
Kate's eyes darted around the cabin, she was nervous.
"What?"
Mike could feel his heart beat faster, he stood so close he could feel her heavy breathing.
"Ah, can we grab a drink when we dock?"
Kate nodded not sure what she was agreeing to.
"Sure..."
Mike smiled.
"Good... I'll leave you to unpack."
He left the cabin leaving Kate utterly confused she finished unpacking and made her way up to the bridge. Swain was at the helm and heard her come up.
"Did you miss us X?"
She laughed.
"Ah, only been gone a week Swain, no time to miss you!"
2Dads walked up behind her.
"Aww, I'm gonna take that as a yes..."
Kate rolled her eyes.
"I guess I did miss you guys!"
2Dad smiled satisfied.
"So your big bro seems like a cool guy!"
Kate shuffled though the paperwork sitting on bench.
"Yeah..."
2Dads frowned at her lack of enthusiasm.
"Bet he's got some good stories..."
Kate gave him a death stare, Dutchy pat 2Dads on the back.
"Don't bother mate, I've already tried... he won't say a thing!"
Kate crossed her arms over her chest.
"Yup, he wouldn't dare!"
RO stormed up to the bridge.
"Okay, who did it?"
Kate turned to Dutchy with a guilty look on her face, he turned away so he wouldn't see his smile.
"What RO?"
He gave Dutchy an unimpressed look.
"My Desk is all messed up, all the dials have been turned wrong, they're all... just not where I left them..."
Mike came up the stairs look frustrated.
"Anyone good with computers?"
2Dads stepped forward.
"What's the matter boss?"
"Well I can't click on anything, nothing is working... it's frozen but not frozen..."
RO threw his hands in the air.
"Hmm the prankster strikes again and I'm putting my money on 2Dads..."
2Dads looked offended.
"Hey it wasn't me! Anyway this sounds like an amateur to me"
A few hours later the crew stood on the bridge, Kate sighed.
"Anything on the radar Dutchy?"
He shook his head.
"Nothing unusual... all Australian flagged vessels...going a bit stir crazy are we? God imagine if you stayed on shore..."
Dutchy looked at the radar again.
"Hmm, well if you wanna get your feet wet there is a boat that has basically been following us all this time..."
Kate walked over to the radar curious.
"Can you bring it up on the EOD?"
Dutchy typed on the computer.
"Just looks like a pleasure cruiser X..."
"Hmmm..."
She frowned at the radar.
"Look, they've just changed course..."
Mike sat in the captain's chair.
"Feel like blowing off some cob webs X?"
She turned and smiled at him, Mike nodded.
"Off you go then!"
Kate grabbed the PA.
"Hands to boarding stations, hands to boarding stations..."
Mike turned to RO.
"Robert, let them know we're coming..."
He gave Mike a nod and picked up the radio.
Kate, Dutchy, 2 Dads and Bird boarded the RHIB and headed for the cruiser, they pulled up alongside and jumped aboard.
2 men approached them. Kate cleared her throat.
"Morning Sir, I'm Lieutenant Commander McGregor from HMAS Hammersley, we're just conducting routine checks in the area, mind if we take a look around?"
"Ah no worries, I'm Jake Foley, captain. We're just out for a cruise..."
"No worries, just you and..."
The other man stepped forward.
"Dale, Dale Wilkey... and yes just us 2."
Kate nodded.
"Okay Bird, 2Dads check below..."
The men turned at watched as 2Dads and Bird went below, Jake covered his back pocket which contained a gun. A few minutes later 2Dads and Bird resurfaced.
"All looks fine X..."
He stepped closer and whispered in her ear.
"Ah the only thing is I've found evidence of drug use..."
"What kind of evidence."
"Just a used syringe..."
"Did you do a search?"
He nodded slightly.
"Yeah, just a quick one..."
Dale stepped forward overhearing them.
"Oh, are you talking about the syringe, I'm a diabetic...I can show you the insulin if you like..."
"Ah no, that's fine Mr Foley. So, you heading anywhere in particular?"
He shook his head.
"Nah, just taking her out for a spin, it's the first time we've been able t get out in a while, may do a spot of fishing while we're out here..."
No worries, well thank you for your time..."
They re boarded the RHIB. Dutchy tapped Kate on the shoulder.
"Why didn't you do a thorough search?"
"Smugglers don't use..."
Dutchy was confused by her answer, she noticed the funny expression on his face.
"Well they don't, anyway 2 Dads did a search, we'll keep an eye on their boat..."
Dutchy shrugged, he knew Kate knew what she was doing, he trusted her, he wasn't going to question it.
Back on board, Kate stowed her gear and headed up to the bridge.
"Waste of time..."
Mike shrugged.
"Better safe than sorry..."
The rest of the day was rather uneventful the returned to base on time. Kate was walking down the gangway, Mike quickly followed.
"Kate, so umm, dinner at mine?"
She smiled trying not to look to eager.
"Sure... 7ish?"
"Perfect!"
Kate walked into her house and looked around for Paul, she called out or him, he came downstairs.
"Hey! You're back already?"
"Yeah, pretty uneventful day actually...what did you get up to?"
"Oh not much, just trying to apply for some jobs actually but people get a little put off when you have to tick the box that says do you have a criminal record."
She gave him a hug.
"You'll get there..."
Kate started to walk up the stairs.
"Well I'm gonna have a shower, I'm actually out tonight, you'll be okay?"
Paul raised his eyebrows.
"Hot date?"
She felt her cheeks start to burn.
"None of your business!"
"You do! Do I need to give him the big brother talk?"
"No just yet! I think I can handle him!"
An hour or so later Kate stood outside of Mike house. She wasn't really sure what he wanted to talk about and she wasn't really sure why she had got dressed up. Even if he did want to talk about their relationship nothing could happen right now while they were on the same ship. She took a deep breath in and knocked on the door, Mike opened it and admired her for a minute.
"Kate, you look beautiful..."
She walked into the house.
"Thanks..."
"Ah, dinners nearly ready... wine?"
She nodded and sat at the dining room table. He poured 2 glasses of wine and sat down opposite her, she took a sip and looked at him over her glass.
"So..."
Mike took a large sip and put his glass down.
"Well I might as well get straight to the point... I wanted to talk to you about us..."
Kate drank her wine a little faster and raised an eyebrow.
"Us?"
He cleared his throat.
"Yeah, look I know you're back on Hammersley now and I know that we haven't really talked about things but... I know that we've had our fair share of umm issues..."
Kate nearly choked on her mouthful of wine.
"You could say that again..."
Mike laughed.
"So I'm assuming that you'll return to Navcom sooner rather than later and when you do I was wondering if I could take you out on a date..."
Kate couldn't help but smile, she had waited for this moment for what felt like an eternity.
"Kate, I realise I'm not great when it comes to talking about my feelings and I know that I should have done more in the past..."
Kate reached over the table and held his hand.
"Mike Flynn, I would love to go on a date with you..."
"Well maybe tonight can just be a preview...it's just going to be so hard to keep my hands off you..."
Kate giggled.
"Maybe we'll have to sit at the table all night..."
Later that night they sat on the couch watching a movie, Mike put his arm around her, she gave him an uncertain look.
"This is as far as I'll go..."
Kate rolled her eyes. Mike's eye darted from the TV back to Kate, she noticed his uneasiness.
"What?"
Mike muted the TV and turned towards her.
"So umm Paul, what does he do?"
Kate hesitated, she didn't know whether Mike was actually interested in hearing about him or if he was snooping. Either way she wasn't going to tell him the whole story, she knew how over protective he could be. She didn't want that kind of knowledge to sway his judgement, she needed him and Mike to get along.
"Ah at the moment, not much, he's starting to apply for some jobs up here I think he's going to hang around for a while..."
"Good... umm so why haven't you mentioned him before?"
"Ah, we didn't used to get along. It's a long story I don't really want to get into it seeming we're good now..."
"Okay, well I should probably get to know him them..."
"Yeah, that would be nice..."
They sat there staring into each other's eyes, Kate quickly looked away and stood up.
"Ah I'd better go before this goes further..."
Mike smirked.
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea."
Mike walked her to the door, she leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Goodnight, Boss..."
End of Chapter 2. Xx