Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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Stepping out of the taxi, Lieutenant Jamison 'Santa' Manger ran his hands over his dress whites, taking in a deep breath. As the taxi drove off, he stands on the dock and takes in the sight of the HMAS Hammersley. He'd arrived in Cairns five days earlier on board the HMAS Islington, though he had been advised of his new deployment some weeks ago. On board the frigate he had been one of three executive officers, and now as he looked at the considerably smaller patrol boat in front of him, he knew that his responsibility and authority would be greater: he would now be the sole executive officer.

Commander Marshall had called him into his office not along after his arrival in Cairns to outline his role. For this patrol, he would be onboard the Hammersley in an observatory capacity only, rendering assistance where necessary. Lieutenant Kate McGregor was still the boat's Executive Officer for the time remaining. The commander had also advised him of the reason for Lieutenant McGregor's departure from the Hammersley: the crew was not aware of this situation, and thus his presence on board the boat was - for the moment - unexplained. In some ways he was happy with this arrangement, as it would allow him to meet his fellow sailors in a more 'relaxed' circumstances - if you could call it that.

Being a navy officer, he was used to moving himself and his family around, but with the school term nearing an end, his family would not be joining him for some weeks. Heading to each new posting did not make the process of meeting people any easier either, but at the very least, he hoped that he would have a good working relationship with the ship's captain. Captain Jorge McKell had been a formidable leader and person on board the Islington, and was feared and respected by all his subordinates, however he wasn't the easiest person to work with.

He is drawn out of his thoughts by the approach of a coverall-clad woman toward him. Raising his hand in salute, he steps forward. 'Lieutenant Jamison Manger.' His salute is likewise returned, before a hand is proffered. 'Lieutenant Kate McGregor,' said the woman warmly. 'Welcome to the HMAS Hammersley.'

Picking up his bag, he followed Lieutenant McGregor toward the Hammersley. Whilst she didn't physically look pregnant, she did seem to have a particular glow about her. Shaking his head to be rid of this random thought, Jamison Manger stepped on board his new home.

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Two hours later, Jamison Manger slipped into the booth in the senior mess, Lieutenant McGregor excusing herself for a moment, and promising to join him in just a minute. Nodding his head at her departure, he looks down at the files in front of him, as his mind reflects on the people he has met:

The radio officer appeared to be a competent sailor, if a little reserved.

The chef was courteous, and had offered him an Anzac biscuit and a coffee when they had been introduced to each other.

The young seaman Spider had made him feel old as he continued his task.

The engineer looked to be a jovial fellow, and the coxswain looked to be a capable helmsman.

The buffer and navigator were the only two to greet him with a knowing look and welcome him aboard, and they'd been two of the very few people who hadn't given him a beady eye with an unasked question as to his presence.

It had been a surprise to see Kosov-Meyer on board this ship. The electronics technician and he had spent a few months together on board the HMAS Larribee three years ago when Kosov-Meyer had first joined the navy and he was waiting for his transfer to the Islington, and during that short time the boy had kicked up quite a fuss. It was somewhat a revelation to see 2 Dads (as he was now referred to as) seemingly matured a little: at the very least, he respected his XO.

Manger is drawn out of his thoughts by a request from the newly returned lieutenant. 'Want a brew?' she asks. 'Yes thanks,' he responds with a smile.

'Milk? Sugar?'

'Dash and three.' He grins at her incredulous look. 'Santa's special brew.' As the XO pours the coffee, the ship's captain steps into the room. 'Yes please X.'

As Lieutenant Commander Flynn leans against the wall, Jamison Manger took in the sight of the man he had only met briefly before. He had been at ADFA two years before Flynn, but had heard rumours since about his 'gung ho' approach to the seas. From the little he had seen, Mike Flynn was a respected captain who was in complete control.

As McGregor places his coffee in front of him and hands a cup to Flynn, Manger notes the easy nature between the Hammersley's commanding and executive officer. It was clear that they worked well together, and that he was going to have a lot to live up to. As McGregor sits down in front of him with her coffee and a packet of what appeared to be nuts, Manger wonders at the small smile on the captain's face.

Any chance of a conversation is prevented by an announcement over the PA. 'Captain to the bridge at the rush.' As Flynn pushes off the wall, exchanging a glance with McGregor as he dumps his coffee down the sink, Seaman Webb arrives breathlessly at the doorway. 'Sir, we've got a Mayday.'

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Author's Note: I know it is a shorter chapter than usual, but I needed to get this out of the way.

Coming up... Mayday!