Chapter 27 Until Then
Kate sat on the bridge waiting for Mike to rejoin her as they steered onto home port, and after three weeks at sea, everyone needed a break including Hammersley. The sailors slowly disembarked, and headed for the pub in search for some very stiff drinks and after the past few weeks it was well earned. Where as for Mike, Kate and Alexia they were heading home, for some family time something that had been lacking the past few months.
Kate and Mike arrived home from Navcom and Alexia was eager to get into the house and so we Mike and Kate, finally they had a chance to relax, even thinking about the navy was stressing. Stepping into the house Mike headed for the fridge to get dinner and Kate and Alexia headed for the bathroom. Half and hour later dinner was ready and it looked amazing, fresh meat and salad, and after dinner it was time Alexia was in bed.
Kate walked back out onto the deck were Mike was still sitting, falling into his lap, Mike gently running his hands up and down her arms, the warmth and comfort was a delightful change, they could be themselves.
Mike slowly awoke as the sun was slowly rising above the clouds, nudging Kate as she too was slowly waking up, they laid on the deck on the couch watching the sun come up it was peaceful and yet an hour later they hadn't moved one inch. The clock had just ticked over to 7am and Alexia was awake and it was now Kate's queue to make breakfast.
Later on Kate, Mike and Alexia walked down to the beach, Alexia was having so much fun for a change, but after all she was stuck on a ship 24/7.
"So I was thinking about leaving Hammersley" said Kate as they continued to walk along the beach.
"huh, did I hear what I think I just heard" replied Mike in shock
"What I'm serious Mike" replied Kate, they had both stopped walking by now.
"But why?" replied mike confused as to why Kate would say that.
"Because Mike, after our last patrol and with that little girl it tipped me over the edge Mike, and I can't have that, I can't afford to do that what happens if I freeze during a boarding party, what happens if I die, who is going to look after Alexia and you? I don't want her to grow up without a mother Mike, I know what that was like and I don't want to put Alexia through that" replied Kate and by then she tears were running down her face, Mike stepped towards Kate embracing her, he didn't want her to think like that.
"Kate, I don't want you to leave Hammersley, nobody does you are like a mother to everyone, the last time you were off Hammersley the ship felt empty because it was missing you" replied Mike.
"Mike I need a break, I could ask Marshall for a temporary shore posting, or something, I-I'm just tired that's all and apart from that I miss spending time with you and Alexia and I miss out on all of that when we're on board, I mean as close as we get we have boundaries and limits" replied Kate breaking away as she walked down to the water to where Alexia was playing.
"Look Kate I understand how you feel, this job is tiring but at the end of the day it worth it, I get to see you and Alexia everyday, we may not spend as much time as we want together but were always together" replied Mike, both leaving it at there but knowing Kate she would think about it a bit more.
Mike and Kate arrived at the pub to catch up with the crew, the girls separating themselves from the boys as per usual. Kate ordered a white wine before walking out into the garden leaving Alexia with the girls, she was alone, her mind was still processing what Mike had told her earlier; could she stay aboard Hammersley, or would she be better off with a shore posting, but, all her thoughts were interrupted.
"You ok, why aren't you with the girls?" asked Mike when he noticed Kate was shivering, taking off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders.
"I needed to think, its to loud in there" replied Kate as she rested her head on Mike's shoulder, "what am I going to do Mike?" asked Kate her mind was spinning in circles, and no matter what she did to take her mind off the subject she could couldn't.
"Look stop thinking about it, remember what we said before we got married, we were going to leave everything up to fate" replied Mike as he kissed her on the head.
"I don't think I can leave it up to fate Mike, I mean this is Alexia's future were talking about" replied Kate but all conversation was halted when Nav and Bomber walked out to where Mike and Kate were sitting.
"so this is where you have disappeared to.. oh sorry guys were we interrupting something?" asked Nav before Mike and Kate looked at each other.
"No, no you're not interrupting, what's wrong?" replied Kate.
"Oh nothing wrong just wondering where you guys disappeared to that's all um... Look we will just leave you two for the minute aye" replied Bomber before she dragged Nav back into the pub.
"Look Mike I don't want the crew to know that I'm thinking about leaving Hammersley ok, I mean I know it's a small ship but c'mon there has to be some secrets below deck that are kept safe right" said Kate as she looked into Mike's.
"Yeah we can keep it a secret until you've made up your mind, all I want is for you to be happy Kate" replied Mike, kissing her passionately, Mike and Kate heard the sailors whistling it was obvious that they were watching, the only thing both of them were thinking was that hopefully no one over heard the conversation.
Mike and Kate left the pub and Alexia was staying with Buffer and Bomber tonight and as much as Kate and Mike wanted Alexia home with them Buffer and Bomber wanted her even more, they had even gone so far to make plans for the next day in order for them to get Alexia, but after all that Mike had made plans for just him and Kate to spend some time together tomorrow.
Mike and Kate awoke in there warm bed in each others arms, It was a pleasant change from being separated to being together again. After breakfast Mike took Kate out first they were going to see a movie there first since Alexia was born and then they would head to lunch something different at least.
"Ok next time we go to the movies I choose" said Kate after sitting for two and a half hours watching Prince of Persia.
"Well trust me to listen to the movie critics" laughed Mike as they continued walking to the car.
"So where to now Romeo" said Kate cheekily as she got into the car.
"To lunch and then the beach" replied Mike.
"Mike we work on the water and you want to take me to the beach, you just can't keep away can you" replied Kate.
"Well you know me Kate" laughed Mike.
Mike and Kate walked along the beach talking.
"so only three weeks until our anniversary" said Mike as Kate stopped to sit down.
"I know doesn't feel like we have been married for a two years though has it, its gone to fast" replied Kate, Mike joined her by laying down beside her, Kate's head resting on his chest.
"And you know one this we never got was a honeymoon" laughed Mike.
"You now we never did, did we, I mean we got married and then we were back out on Hammersley, and its coming up to Alexia's birthday" replied Kate.
"Its hard to think she's almost two, it feels like just the other day we were bringing her home from the hospital" replied Mike as he remembered the day Alexia was born, they continued to lay on the beach until sunset.
As there shore leave slowly came to an end, Kate still hadn't made up her mind whether or not to stay or leave Hammersley, she loved being on the ship and being with the crew, but, she had to think about Alexia and herself, being the Executive Officer of a patrol boat wasn't easy it was tiring and dangerous and the dangerous part if Kate had the chance to avoid it she did, every time she went on a boarding party Alexia was in her heart, and after there previous mission Kate was starting to doubt herself, and as Mike said ' you cant let your emotions get involved', maybe Mike was right she had let her emotions in and she couldn't accept that.
Kate had a tough decision to make and it wasn't going to be easy, she had one week to decide take a temporary shore posting or stay on Hammersley, either way a lot of thinking would have to be done before Kate made her decision.
Kate walked up onto the bridge when RO walked over.
"ma'am just in from Navcom some good news" said RO before he walked back over to his desk. Kate read the email and was extremely happy at what this paper contained.
HMAS Hammersley
Re: executive officer Kate McGregor
From: Cmdr Steve Marshall
Good news Kate HMAS Melbourne have caught your kidnappers it appears they were doing DNA transplants from the backpackers and using them as drug runners. They wont be bothering you guys anymore and this will put your mind at ease lieutenant. Thanks for your patience Kate.
Steve Marshall.
A smile broke across her face, handing the ship to charge she headed down to Mike's cabin, stepping in she handed Mike the email. His reaction almost identical to Kate's, Mike was more relieved than happy he at least could rest easy that there were no other backpackers being harmed.
"This is great Kate" said Mike after a few minutes, "well I guess we had better tell the crew they will be relieved and happy with the news" added Mike as he stood up to head up to the bridge, Kate following close behind.
"Do you hear there Captain speaking, we have some good news Navcom have just informed us that the kidnappers have been caught by HMAS Melbourne and are currently on the way to jail, that is all" said Mike as everyone started clapping. It was time Hammersley got out of port to were she belonged.
Mike and Kate walked down to the galley to fix themselves a brew, when Kate tried to open one of the doors it wouldn't budge.
"its not opening' said Kate, moving out of the way so Mike could try.
"your right there stuck but why or should I say whom" replied Mike and without a second thought the both spoke.
"2Dads!" said Mike and Kate at the same time, they both stormed up onto the bridge.
" 2Dads bridge, 2Dads bridge" said Kate as if nothing was wrong, 2Dads walked up onto the bridge almost immediately.
"Leader this way" said Kate and she didn't use his rank unless he was in trouble and he knew that.
"2Dads do you know why the cupboard wont open" yelled Kate he was about to be grilled as Mike stood back watching his wife.
"No Ma'am I'm sorry I don't know" replied 2Dads he was unable to hide the smirk that was fast spreading his face.
"The truth leader now or you will be scrubbing the toilets with a toothbrush you can asks Spider for tips" yelled Kate she was slowly breaking him and she could see that.
"Ok, ok I'm sorry Ma'am truly but I was only trying to get Bomber back and well I shouldn't have set as fast Ma'am but that is no excuse Ma'am" replied 2Dads he was in big trouble now.
"No that's no excuse at all 2Dads, this is navy property u cant go around and deface it when you want to, your punishment will be.." said Kate as she thought " you will be cleaning all the toilets with a tooth brush, you are now on all night watches, and any other things I need done you will do, got it" yelled Kate and at this point she knew she had gotten through to him its exactly what she did with Spider.
"I think you frightened him" laughed Mike as they walked back up onto the bridge.
"well that will teach him, just ask Spider" replied Kate she too started to laugh.
Three days passed with only a few incidents, and surprisingly nothing major had happened. It looked like it was going to be another quiet patrol, something they hadn't seen in a few years and that even said a lot.
Kate sat down at the stern of Hammersley, still thinking what she was going to do and so far she didn't have a clue what she was going to do both sides both sides were still equal. Kate had to make a decision soon, and considering the shore posting was only for three months well Kate was silly not to take it but what would happen while she was away would Nikki take her place or would they get a temporary replacement. All these thoughts were spinning around in Kate's mind unable to be processed, there wasn't enough time, it would either come down to making the right decision or the wrong one.
Kate walked down to the stem of Hammersley in full view of the bridge, were Mike was standing.
"I think I've made my choice Mike" said Kate taking hold of his hand, Mike nodded in reply as she slowly let go.
Kate walked up onto the bridge, she had made her choice. Kate had the ship, sitting in Mike's chair she watched him from above like an eagle stalking its prey, she just watched down as he stared out onto the ocean, his mind was elsewhere.
Dinner time approached and Bomber's and Buffer's special recipe was for dinner tonight, creamed chicken with vegies, and with every time it was cooked it got better and better. Kate was looking forward to dinner she was starving and it was a chance to spend some time with Alexia. Kate walked past the juniors mess as she made her way to the seniors, hearing the laughter of Alexia it appeared Spider was playing with her, he was like her big brother on Hammersley.
Hammersley's patrol came to an end when the made the final approach for port, and for Hammersley and the crew they had a week's shore leave but before anyone was aloud to leave Mike call for a briefing in the juniors mess.
"everyone I have called you here because Kate has something she needs to tell you" said Mike before handing the sailors over.
"well yes some of you may have noticed I was a bit snappy on the last patrol but that is expected and I will be taking a temporary shore posting it starts in a month and goes for three months" said Kate, they were hanging off every word that came out of Kate's mouth. "the reason I'm taking a temporary shore posting is because I'm pregnant I have been for the past two months and its getting a bit stressed and dangerous now" added Kate.
All the sailors stood in the room surprised at what they had jus heard, some shocked but most surprised, Buffer was the first to break the silence in the room.
"Congratulations Ma'am/ Sir" said Buffer.
"thanks Buffer" they both replied.
"well guys we will see you down at the pub later" said Mike before all the sailors left the room except one.
"Kate why didn't you tell me" asked Nav.
"well I wasn't sure what I was going to do, that's why I have been a little distant lately" replied Kate.
"oh ok well congratulations I'll see you at the pub tonight" replied Kate as Nikki left the room.
"well that went well didn't it" said Kate.
"well I think the were more surprised than shocked Kate" replied Mike as they walked down the hallway to Mike's cabin, grabbing there gear and Alexia they headed home.
Well there you go guys this story is complete don't be sad the is a sequel on its way though but you will just have to wait. Until then Zara xx