The Turbulent Road Ahead

By SigmaStar79

A/N: Please remember I have no Beta, so all mistakes are mine! Hope you all enjoy XD

Chapter 11

Mike had signed into messenger to see if Steve was on to talk to him, but was quickly interrupted when another screen popped up.

BritishLady: MIKE! Is that you? Please tell me that's you

Mike almost laughed when he saw Kate's message pop up, until he saw the crying smiley. He knew she had seen the news then and was beyond upset. He needed to let her know everything was going to be ok. Lord knows if the news said something he didn't know of and her stress level went up. But then again, what if the crying smiley was about their little girl?

Navy4Life: Yes it's me Kate, what's wrong? Is anything wrong with the baby?

BritishLADY: NO, I don't know! I'm scared because the telly was on the news, everyone is afraid Maxine is going to pull something now, Christina needs the Fax number to the ship so she can send you the documents to sign for the house, Frances is being a Witch and everyone is in my room driving me nuts. I want to go home! I want to relax! I want a glass of Wine and a good book or to cuddle up to you but instead I'm stuck in this damn hospital in this damn bed and I WANT TO GO HOME!

Mike laughed at Kate's little rant. Like him, Kate hated doctors and hospitals. She was much more than happy to just go home and rest then to be stuck in a hospital bed. Not to mention she was not used to so many people planning her life out for her, like he was sure some of his sisters were doing. The fact that Frances was mentioned in the rant caused Mike some concern.

Frances and Maxine had been really close back in the day. If Frances was causing Kate to rant, she was being a witch on purpose. If something happened to Kate or the baby and he found out it was Frances that caused it, his parents wouldn't be able to stop him. He didn't believe in hitting women, but with Frances he would make a exception to the rule.

The fact Kate had seen the news was upsetting. She didn't want him to worry, but the mention of the Hammersley and the SAS was probably causing Kate to have a small coronary. He didn't know why the realtor wanted his signature again, but if Christina needed it to complete the house sale, he would gladly provide it. Anything to get the house started on so his new family could move in.

Navy4Life: Ok Kate, calm down for me ok. Stress will just hurt Cat right now and we don't want that. Tell Frances I said to shove her attitude up her bum before my fist shoves itself down her throat. Tell everyone I said to give you some space to breathe so you can relax. Tell Christina the Fax number is 61 418 126911. Don't worry about Maxine; if you think she might have figured it out, I will have Steve set up sentry guards in front of your hospital room. You can't have any wine because you are pregnant and I know you want to go home, I don't blame you, but you have to stay there a little longer ok?

BritishLADY: ok fine, but I want oranges with chocolate, milk not dark. And if you even think about laughing about that, so help me Mike Flynn you will wish you were never born.

And you sister said 'Whatever'

Kate laughed as she showed the room Mike's comments and her response, especially when Frances said exactly what Kate knew she would say. She noticed Frances storm out of the room when Mike's mum read the comment about Frances. Christina wrote down the fax number on a note pad and then went off in search of a Fax Machine.

Navy4Life: How do you feel now that you were allowed to rant a bit?

BritishLADY: Better *Sniffle*

Navy4Life: No crying allowed on my orders Lt. Flynn. I am the one stuck with you ex on board

BritishLADY: It's Lt McGregor you goof. You're the Flynn.

Navy4Life: Really now. Last I checked, you accepted my marriage proposal and the last I checked, you are wearing my ring too

BritishLADY: Well, that is very true but you seem to have forgotten something Commander Flynn

Navy4Life: And what may that be Kate *Sexy Smirk*

BritishLADY: I have an 'Engagement ring' on my finger, but not a 'Wedding band'. My father might think you're trying to marry me without a ceremony CMDR Flynn.

Navy4Life: No problem there Kate Flynn *Smirk*, you will have the ceremony. Just don't be surprised if it comes sooner than later *Sexy Smirk with eyebrow*

Kate had to laugh at that. When she saw that Mike requested a live Chat, she accepted.

"Hello there stranger"

"Hello Beautiful. Have Kevin hook up the cables from the laptop to the TV, he knows what I mean. It will help me see more around you"

Kevin hurried to do as his big brother asked. He even explained to Kate how to redo it if one of the nurses screwed up and disconnected it. Kate had to giggle at that. Soon Mike was on the large TV in the room across from the bed and could see everybody.

"That's better" said Mike as he sat back in his chair. A knock at the door had him say enter and poor RO got scared to death as he entered and heard Kate yell 'Hi' to him.

"Sorry Ma'am, I didn't see you there"

"No Problem Robert. How are you doing?"

"Good Ma'am Thank you, Sir this came for you via Christina through the fax machine. She sent me a personal note to have you sign ALL papers now so I can send them back through the quickly as she is at the hospital using their Fax Machine"

Everyone got a good laugh out of that as Mike just smiled and shook his head at Christina's antics as he quickly signed his name to all the papers in front of him. As RO left the room to re fax them, Dutchy and Pete came into the Cabin.

"Boss" said Pete "The SAS said they are ready to deploy once it turns dark so they can get on the beach and catch them by surprise. Kingston agrees, but they also want your approval"

"Ok X, you will lead one team of SAS to the beach and Dutchy can send the other"

"Sounds good Boss and good to see you again X, you're a sight for sore eyes"

"Thank you Buffer, or should I be calling you X now?"

"I might be the XO now, but will always be 'The X'"

Kate had to laugh at that and quickly noticed Carol looking at Dutchy. She smirked as she pulled Carol to her.

"Dutchy, this is Mike's sister Carol. Carol, the blonde one there is named Dutchy. He is the Hammersley's Buffer"

"Hello" Carol said and blushed and Mike noticed how Dutchy also blushed and smiled at Carol. Mike looked between the screen and Dutchy twice before shaking his head and smiling. Kate was spending too much time with his mother. Dutchy quickly said she was pretty to Mike before realizing she could hear him, and then said he was off to notify the Kingston that Mike had agreed to the proposed plan. Mike and Pete had a good chuckle about that and Mike reminded Carol to be at the Docks when they came in and he would make it to where they could have a more personal introduction.

"Hey Boss, did the X see…"

"Yeah X, Kate saw the news report"

"Ma'am I am very sorry about that"

"No problems XO, Mike done calmed me down. I hate being stuck in the hospital while you guys are stuck out there"

"Understandable Ma'am, you always were one for action"

Kate giggled at that and almost laughed harder when her sister came back in the room looking flustered.

"Kate I swear on all that is holy I'm going to ring the next of Mike's RO!"

"Whoa there Christina, what did Robert do to send your temper rising"

"He sent a extra Fax telling me that the Hammersley Fax machine was not for personal paperwork and that I needed permission the next time I fax something to the HMAS Hammersley since it is a multimillion dollar Navy warship. I'll show him permission when I put the geeky little man into a head lock next time I see him"

Kate looked at Mike and noticed he was fighting not to laugh out loud at Christina's outburst. Robert had a way of rubbing people the wrong way, but getting on Christina's bad side could prove fatal if you ticked her off enough. When Christina noticed Mike was on the screen, she turned on him.

"Don't be laughing Mike Flynn, you might be a Navy commander, but that don't mean squat to me"

Mike started laughing but Pete wasn't.

"Watch how you talk to my boss Miss"

"Or what huh? He's my soon to be brother in law, I'll give him hell if I want too. Don't like me, oh well, deal with it, a lot of people don't"

"Ma'am this is your little sister?"

"Yes she is X, My firecracker of a sister. You know how RO can put his foot into it. Christina is just the type that will put you in place if you overstep a boundary. She hasn't had a good week and she is getting a bit frustrated"

"That's an understatement" mumbled Christina and Kate just smiled at her. "After today all I want id for this to all be done with. Especially after today"

"It's not a holiday for us either"

Christina, who had been having a bad day, turned back towards Pete with a gleam in her eye. If the man wanted to play, she would play. He just wouldn't win.

"I would rather be there than here today"

"We are getting shot at"

"I was almost ran off the road three times"

"We are defending our countries interests"

"I'm helping defend my sister"

"I am dealing with a leak on this that might hurt your sister"

"Good for you, so am I"

"I have SAS to deal with"

"Ever had to deal with a realtor, a school social worker and a lawyer all in one day"

"I am trying to help my boss get done quicker so he can get back to your sister"

"I'm trying to get the house ready for both your Boss and my sister, along with their new baby while raising four kids on my own, a devious Ex husband who is digging a thorn in my side today, a crazy woman on this end that wants horrible things to my sister, while making sure my father doesn't walk into NavCom himself and strangle the Wench! Not to mention I run the Australian side of my father's international business and do all of this before I go to sleep today. Then to top everything, your RO has to act like a complete jerk and snap at ME for doing MY job on this end to help keep my sister safe. Tell me, what was my sister calling you again, X, tell me X, how am I doing so far?"

Pete was a bit shocked at the red head in front of him going off calmly. Her eyes were full of fire and she was mad. But at the same time, he could help but be turned on as well.

"Name's Pete"

"Christina"

"Can I try to elevate both of our stressful jobs and take you out to dinner when I get back?"

"I'll cook, can't leave my children alone with the threat at the moment. The crazy wench that has her eyes set on Mike there might try to use them to work up or hurt Kate"

"Agree, you cook and I'll bring the Wine and Dessert"

"No Wine, I drink whiskey, rum or beer. Take your pick fella"

Pete had to smile at that one. Kate's sister was turning out to be his kind of woman. When he saw her smirk, he couldn't help but return it. Mike was looking at both of them amused and then looked at Kate who he noticed was also watching the exchange in interest. He knew she was amused with the current circumstances as they stood. He really needed to get her away from his mother.

"I might just bring all three. But then you have kids, might not be good to drink"

"If that is the case, I will take the Grandkids for the night. Don't want them knowing how to make me a great grandfather anytime soon" said Shamus and everyone laughed at the expression on his face, but as much as Christina's response.

"Dad, the girls already know about the birds and the bees. They know where babies come from and how they are made. Oh and before anything else, if I did get laid it would be none of your business. I'm free white and over 21 and I know how to use a condom"

Pete and Mike busted out laughing as Mike's mum almost passed out from the assumption and Shamus's face turned beet red. It was Kate that seemed to calm the room down though.

"Ok, not to self, the lawyers have a way of bringing Christina's smart alac side out. What happened with the lawyers that has put you in such a mood?"

Christina's shoulders slumped and Kate and Shamus both knew that was a bad sign. Shamus walked up to his youngest and asked if she was alright. Taking a think sheet of folded up papers out of her purse, she handed them over to her dad and he unfolded them and read them. The more he read, the more Christina kept her back to the screen and the more Kate started looking scared at her father's expression turn from worry, to humor, to absolute Fury. Joe being a dad himself of girls went to talk to Shamus and he handed the papers to Joe before saying he was walking outside to cool off. When Mike saw his own dad's face turn red with anger, Mike knew it was bad.

"Christina McGregor" spoke up Joseph Flynn, 'You don't have to do this alone. Here you are trying to save your sister and her baby and your own family is in danger. But not for long, your family to us now too as Kate's little sister. This jerk won't be coming anywhere close to you if he can't find you now can he?"

Christina and Kate looked shocked at Mr. Flynn as he left the room to find Shamus to talk strategy. Kate had tears in her eyes as she held her arms out and Christina went into them. Pete looked at the scene and decided to speak up. He hated men that hurt women, but go after a defenseless child and that was the last straw. He liked Christina, she had the balls to stand up to him and that didn't happen often. The fact he was seeing her crying in her sister's arms not 30 minutes after she snapped back at him showed him she was different than any women he had ever met. He was not going to sit back and do nothing.

"Sir, permission to help protect Kate and Christina when we get back on land Sir?"

Mike just smiled at Pete. He knew how he was better than anybody as they had trained and grew up together on the old Hammersley. If he was willing to protect both, he must have really like Christina McGregor.

"Permission granted X, the more help the merrier. I hate to be Mr. Perkins when he meets you, you're not the easiest man to deal with when you are pissed"

"That is my point Sir. The problem won't know what hit him and by the time I'm finished he won't think to hurt Christina again"

"Good man Pete, good man"

Later that afternoon, Kate noticed Mike had kept the connection up and had taken the laptop into the Wardroom where the RHIB teams and the SAS teams were meeting. Even though she knew Mike was keeping her updated, she really wanted to help. She slowly got out of bed and put on her ship uniform top on over her night shirt. She was a little upset to find it wouldn't close all the way, and then noticed that Mike had left one of his behind. She laughed and went to put it on, finding it way to big for her. Putting his shirt back on the hanger, she put her old one back one, just didn't fasten the last few snaps, showing not only her gray night shirt underneath, but the rapidly growing baby bump now presenting itself. Catherine had started laying more to Kate's front recently and it was starting to really show.

As Kate got back into bed, she placed a wireless mic and headset on her head and pulled the Laptop up to her and entered the meeting. Being a bit mischievous, she found a nametag that would fasten over her McGregor name tag that her sister had made up for her. Putting it on, smiled thinking soon it would be true enough. The buzz she sent would let Mike know she was there and ready to help. Anything to stay productive and sane while stuck in the hospital for the time being.

Mike heard the Buzz and smiled, gaining weird looks from not only his crew, but from Captain Roth and the SAS teams. When Mike had 2Dads hooked the laptop into the projector, the screen used for satellite conferences would show the person on the other end. Before saying anything, Mike turned to the people staring at him.

"As this is a stressful situation that has decided to go terribly wrong, I have requested a bit of outside help. This person is well known to most of the people in this room as well as respected. As I am also sure many people here miss her, left me bring her up on screen"

To everyone's surprise, a smiling Kate shows up on screen and a partially unfastened uniform and white sheet. The HMAS Hammersley crew gave a small cheer and the sight of her and Pete welcomes he back. Kate gives a short nod and thanks and then tells everyone to calm down so they can get to work.

"Did you get the files I had RO email you Kate?"

"Yes I did, Christina printed them out for me in the room. She made me a small office here with my own printer and organizer" Kate said as she showed she had the file in front of her. Mike nodded and continued.

"Ok guys, we are working with the SAS, the crew of the Kingston and the AFP on this one. We are the backup to the SAS as they canvas the area and attack. The suspects will be arrested and then handed over to the AFP to be taken into custody. The SAS will be helping collect evidence at the compound and the SAS and the Navy will be collecting any illegal weapons that might be stolen military equipment"

"We also need to do this with the cover of night" spoke up Kate in professional mode."It will be best if we approach the beach in several areas. Kingston was one side of the island while we have the other. Using the RHIBs will be useful, but only halfway. Then, just like the other night, we cut engines and let the tide and our pervious speed take over for us the rest of the way to shore. If you can get there quicker in another way, speak up and lets here suggestions"

"We can use two men in the back of each RHIB and swim to shore pulling or pushing the RHIB with the current. It might speed things up" said Ryan.

"Yes but then the men swimming will be too tired when they reach shore to help with the search, but good suggestion Ryan. We might find another way to work that for another time" said Mike.

"Wait a minute Mike" spoke up Kate and Ryan kept close attention. The look in her eyes said she wasn't pleased. "We can actually use Ryan's suggestion now. Two people from our crew in each RHIB would be able to use that idea to help the RHIBS reach shore quicker, then be left in the RHIBS when the SAS reach shore. The would be able to guard the RHIBS in case the SAS is caught up or hurt and they need to get out quick"

Mike took this into consideration and agreed it would work.

"Now, when we get to the beach, each SAS team will also have a small navy team to assist them. Dutchy and Dodger will be with SAS Sierra while Pete will go with SAS Bravo. I want to stay in constant communication with you both, so stay safe and careful"

"Also" spoke up Kate "RO should be in there in a bit. While Mike was giving the orders to our people, I looked up satellite surveillance of the area in question. I sent several pictures to RO for all of you. I got the main compound, its defenses, everything. Mike you might want to send a copy of the info to Kingston before we all start"

Just then Ro came in with the pictures Kate had provided and Mike sent RO to send a copy to Kingston with the necessary information. RO walked back out quickly and Mike looked over the pictures.

"Good work Kate, I knew fresh eyes would help"

"Glad to help Mike"

"You are looking well Kate" said Jim and Mike glared at him.

"Yes well" responded Kate. "Of course I look well; the glow of motherhood is kicking in"

"So it is true then" smiled Jim as he looked at her close enough. "I'm guessing about four months"

"Five" responded Mike not thinking clearly and everyone looked at him.

"What you don't expect me to find out why my X left us" responded Mike trying to cover his tracks.

"Well I see" said Jim with a grin. "Congratulations Kate. The father must be proud of his growing boy"

"It's a girl" responded Kate and Jim blushed. He could just see a little Kate running around.

"Can't wait to see if she has her father's eyes" said Mike and smiled at Pete. Pete just grinned big. He caught the joke.

"I think Kate's eyes are pretty" said Jim. "But then I like the color green"

"I know on high authority that the father is very much in love with Kate Jim" responded Mike."If he didn't, he wouldn't have been so excited that the made the bulls eye"

Kate blushed at that one and Jim looked perplexed. Swain, Pete, Ryan and Dutchy had to fight to stop themselves from laughing.

"Yes well, as soon as her father gets here I am quite sure I will pass on the message. He does like being very 'Hands On'"

Mike looked at the screen and smiled. Oh two could play at this game. If Kate wanted to play, he would play.

"I have it on high authority that he likes to have things bent over. He especially likes it when you squeak"

Kate blushed at that and everyone's mouths dropped. Had the Boss just said what they thought he said?

"But then again, you are ticklish"

Kate blushed and growled Mike's name and he just smirked. Dismissing everyone to meet up at the RHIBs in an hour, Mike made sure everyone of out of the room before he unhooked the cables from his laptop and rushed back to his cabin with it.

Once back in his cabin, Mike quickly opened the laptop to find Kate waiting and not amused. That was until he smirked and started unfastening his shirt.

"Mike Flynn what are you doing? You have a operation in 50 minutes!"

"Easy Kate Flynn" as he removed his shirt slowly and then pulled his gray undershirt off, showing of his chest.

"Foreplay"

Kate just blushed while she watched Mike slowly undress in front of her. Apparently Mike found a new way to have fun with her while he was away. As she started to undress as well, she heard him gasp. She smirked as she asked to see more.

Needless to say, about 45 minutes later, Commander Mike Flynn walked up on the bridge of Hammersley with a smile bigger than the cat that got the cream. Everyone was looking at him weird trying to place why the captain was so happy. Mike just couldn't wait to get home.