Episode 6.2 – Seeing Double

You all know the disclaimer by now – I don't own the show or the rights to the show, but this is still my creation. All of the original characters are owned by Channel Nine, but any new original characters are mine. This is Episode One, and continues on from the end of Season Five.

Chapter One-

Kate stopped out the front of NAVCOM; she'd been called in again to discuss a personnel issue with Knocker. She sighed as she realised it was the seventh time in as many days that she'd been in Maxine's office; she might as well take residence there. She walked inside, dressed to the nines in her whites, and knocked on Maxine's door.

"Enter," called Maxine, absorbed in the reports scattered on her desk. Kate entered, her hat tucked under her arm.

"Commander White," she said formally.

"Take a seat Kate," replied Maxine, before tucking the reports out of sight. Kate sat down, feeling somewhat awkward.

"Petty Officer Pete Tomaszewski has been in this week, and has requested a leave of absence. I granted it, given his record, but that leaves you without a buffer," started Maxine.

"So we're not leaving port?" Asked Kate, a little confused.

"Of course not. We have a solution to your problems," replied Maxine, a smile on her face.

"Of course," replied Kate sullenly. She wanted some time to spend with Dutchy; the Kingston had been relieved of duty due to the need for a complete checkover. Their engineer had deemed it too dangerous to even take the ship out of the dock.

"Due to the Kingston being docked for repairs during the next month, Petty Officers Dylan Mulholland and Jessica Bird will be joining your crew. I've also been told by the base hospital that your RO will be on medical leave for the next six to eight weeks as he recuperates from glandular fever," said Maxine, pulling her notepad towards her.

"Robert has glandular fever? I'm glad I'm not his doctor; he'd be ropable about now," commented Kate. Maxine smiled.

"I've found you a new RO and another crew member that I think would benefit from your tutelage on the Hammersley." Maxine looked up at Kate.

"How's Nikki Caetano?" Asked Maxine. Kate was thrown by the question.

"She's alright; she was hit hard by Josh Holiday's death, but she's recovered from that, and has since thrown herself into her duties as XO on the Hammersley. Why do you ask?" Queried Kate. Maxine pulled out a file from her desk and opened it, showing Kate the photo.

"This is why."

Pete stood outside Rebecca's room for the seventh day in a row. He hoped maybe today would be the day that she would talk to him, but he didn't have high hopes anymore. So it surprised him when a nurse came out, and told him he could go inside. He was cautious, wary of what he should be saying.

"Buffer. We need to talk," said Bomber, sitting up uncomfortably. Her ribs were still giving her grief, and her seemingly perpetual headache still hadn't gone away. He took a seat next to her bed.

"Listen, Bomber… Rebecca. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about your mother and I. I didn't even know until the week before we sailed. Your mother came and found me in a bar to tell me that you were my daughter. I didn't even connect the two. I knew your mother before I was marr…" Bomber silenced him with an open hand.

"Buff, I know. Mum came to see me last night, and explained everything. I know Buffer, and I'm sorry for exploding at you. It's just… I never really expected it to be true," replied Rebecca, holding a hand to her ribs. Buffer nodded.

"Nor did I. Listen, I've taken a month off from the Navy, and you're not allowed back for a month until you're medically cleared. If you're okay with it, maybe we could get a coffee when you're out, and talk a little more?" asked Pete. Bomber smiled.

"That'd be great… Dad…"

Able Seaman Charlotte Woods stood on the dock, admiring the Hammersley. It was an amazing patrol boat, and Charlie was excited to be able to serve under Commander McGregor. A male with blond hair and a cheeky grin walked up to her.

"2Dads," he said, extending his hand.

"Excuse me?" She replied, a little confused.

"Leading Seaman Leo Kosov-Meyer; otherwise known as 2Dads," said 2Dads, grinning.

"Oh! Able Seaman Charlotte Woods. I prefer Charlie though," said Charlie in response.

"With the last name Woods, you're going to get the nickname Slinger," said 2Dads, moving back towards the gangplank.

"Amazing. Well, I'm supposed to check in with my divisional officer, and then with the XO. And I hate to say it, but Commander White didn't tell me who that would be," said Charlie. 2Dads picked up a box of supplies, and lifted them onto the Hammersley, where Chefo and Bird checked them off. 2Dads returned to Charlie.

"Well Slinger, your divisional officer is me; and I'd say you've checked in quite fine. And your XO is Lieutenant Nikki Caetano; either known as Nav or X, depending on how long you've known her," said 2Dads, smiling at the blond beauty standing in front of him.

"Is there a specific time frame that those two nicknames fit into?" Quipped Charlie. 2Dads laughed.

"No. When she was first posted on the ship, she was in charge of navigation. She was on the ship for nearly three years, and then her fiancé Josh Holiday was murdered. She stayed on for another year, and then left, needing time to rethink her life through. She returned this year, and was promoted to XO." He stopped and saluted to Nikki as she walked up to Charlie and 2Dads.

"X," said 2Dads stiffly.

"2Dads, relax. You must be Slinger," said Nikki, smiling at Charlie. Slinger groaned.

"Ohh, that nicknames going to stick, isn't it?" She asked.

"Sure is Slinger. Now you know why I've called you that all these years," called a voice from the boat deck.

"Uncle Andy!" Charlie ran down the gangplank and onto the Hammersley, embracing her Uncle.

"It's not Uncle Andy on here Slinger. They call me Charge," said Charge, embracing his niece. Nikki laughed at them, and then looked back at the dock. She stopped, staring at the individual on the dock. Dutchy, Bird and Ryan walked past her as they got onto the Hammersley. She started to shake, her hands fluttering to her lips before she let out an agonized moan and collapsed on deck. Charge left Slinger where she was, and he, 2Dads, and Bird ran to Nikki's aid. 2Dad's looked up at the dock, and then back at Nikki.

"I know why she collapsed," he said quietly. Charge heard him, and glanced up at him questioningly.

"Why?" Asked Charge, his usually gruff voice quiet and controlled. 2Dads pointed to the dock, to the man standing in his naval coveralls, carrying a bag.

"I think she fainted because of him."