Chapter 1: Short-Lived Enjoyment

"To another 24 hours of pure enjoyment and fun!" declared Charge, as he held up his drink. The other crew members of Hammersley raised their glasses together in agreement of their toast. They all cried "Cheers!" and sculled their drinks in enthusiasm. There was much chatter and laughter in the bar. They wanted to get as much out of the remaining shore leave as possible.

Charge, Swain, and Dutchy were making absurd jokes, while Bird laughed until her stomach hurt, looking at Dutchy in pure awe. 2Dads was sitting right next to Bomber, who didn't seem too bothered with him being so close. They were talking and smiling (slightly embarrassed) at each other, while R.O. quietly looked on, as usual sitting slightly isolated from the group, but nearer to Bird. Everyone seemed happy. But two were missing from the group.

"So, have you thought anymore about that shore-posting?"

Mike looked up from his meal, only to see Kate McGregor's eyes intently fixed on him. She was burning to know an answer; she had been pressing him for weeks. Mike sighed.

"Commander White said they have a few options for new CO of Hammersley, but it may take them a few weeks to commission someone." Kate glared at him, not so happy with the last part of the sentence.

"Is that all Maxine told you?" Kate inquired coolly.

"That's all I know right now." Mike answered honestly. It was Kate's turn to sigh now.

"Mike, you keep saying weeks, but it's been months! I don't know how much more of this I can take!"

"I'm sorry Kate; I'm trying I really am, but the-" Mike was cut off by his phone ringing. He checked the number, it was familiar. He pressed the answer button:

"Maxine, what up?"

"Sorry to interrupt your shore-leave Mike, but something urgent has come up." came Commander White's reply over the phone.

"What sort of urgent?" Kate raised her eyebrows at his question.

"Well, a small Australian cargo vessel carrying firearms, weapons, and ammunition was robbed off the coast nearly an hour ago."

"Really? Who by?"

"Pirates, they suspect Indonesian. They were in illegal waters, but they can't be too far. It's about 85 miles north-west of your area, Hammersley could probably catch it up more easily than any other options at the moment."

"What about Coast Watch?"

"On the lookout, they'll give us info the moment they see them. But for now, we need you guys. We need those goods retrieved. I'm calling Hammersley to be scheduled to leave at 0300 hours. Call your crew to report be back by 2300."

"Will do Maxine. Thanks." said Mike as professionally as possible."

"Oh, and Mike? Sorry for ending the celebrations early. I'll add an extra 24 hours next time, so you won't be interrupted again."

"Thanks, bye." said Mike, hanging up. He put his hand to his head, rubbing his temples.

"What is it?" asked Kate worryingly.

"An Aussie boat's been robbed of important weaponry; we need to call everyone back now."

Kate groaned at this. They got up together, paid for their dinner, and walked outside, as Mike started dialling numbers to let his crew know they were needed. Kate followed suit. What they didn't know was that they were getting themselves into a very dangerous situation.