Episode 6.4 – Leaving

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 Four, and continues on from the previous three published episodes – Mistakes, Seeing Double and Love Hurts.

I know a lot of you are not impressed by me breaking up Dutchy and Kate, but it is for a bigger reason. I promise.

And no. It's not so Kate and Mike can get together - it's not happening.

Trust me *sharksmile*

Enjoy!

Nell xx.

Chapter One-

The newly commissioned HMAS Victory was docked proudly at Cairns port. She was a beautiful new ship, outfitted with the best of naval equipment. All that she needed was a crew; and Maxine White knew exactly who she wanted to put in charge of it.

She met with Commander Mike Flynn and Lieutenant-Commander Kate McGregor a fortnight later. The Hammersley had been docked for a few minor repairs, and Jumper had requested leave for the entirety of the crew. Kate stood outside Maxine's office, waiting for Mike so they could get this meeting over and done with. He appeared quickly, and gave her a small smile. She didn't return the favour. She was dressed in her whites, her cap tucked under her arm. She wanted this meeting over and done with so she could return home. Maxine opened her door.

"Commander Flynn, Lieutenant-Commander McGregor. Come in, please," invited Maxine. They entered, Mike going first, and sat facing Maxine's desk.

"As you both are aware, the HMAS Victory has been recently commissioned, and I've been assigned with the task of putting together her crew. Admiral Marshall did put both of you forward for the task, but has left the final decision up to me." Mike steeled himself for the exciting news. He knew he was going to get first command of the vessel, he just didn't want to seem overly excited in front of Kate. Something was up for her, and he desperately wanted to know what. He just didn't have the ability to ask.

"Commander Flynn, you are being assigned to the HMAS Hammersley as its new commanding officer. Lieutenant-Commander McGregor, you are being assigned to HMAS Victory. Congratulations on your new posting. Your crew complement will be posted this afternoon after some paperwork has been finalised, but you will set sail tomorrow, 0900." Maxine stood up, and Mike and Kate followed suit. Maxine shook Kate's hand.

"Congratulations Kate. You deserve this." Kate nodded at her superior, and left without another word.

"May I be frank Commander?" Asked Mike.

"Of course Mike. You know that," replied Maxine.

"I'm the more qualified one for this job Maxine, and you know it! I have years more experience in command, and I should be the one getting the Victory job," exclaimed Mike.

"And that is the reason why I gave it to Kate. You have let your personal feelings get involved in your naval career for too long Mike, and it's affecting you. I've put you back on Hammersley in the hope that it will get you back on track. Back to the well trained command officer you used to be," responded Maxine.

"And who says I wasn't?" Demanded Mike.

"I have reports from the majority of your crew stating that you have not been performing to your best, and I have to agree with them. Victory will take any of the more precarious missions, and you are to do regular border patrol. Is that understood?" Asked Maxine. Mike opened his mouth to argue a little more, and Maxine glared at him. He backed down.

"Yes Commander White." She pointed at her door.

"Go. I don't want to hear you've been harassing Lieutenant-Commander McGregor about her new position either." Mike turned heel and left. Maxine sat at her desk, crew complement lists spread out on her desk. This was the nightmare for her; making sure those crews would work. Given that they were Navy, they had to work together, but some functioned well whereas others didn't. She glanced at the profiles on her desk, shifting some before she was finally happy with her decisions. The HMAS Kingston crew were being reshuffled as well to make everything work.

It would work.

The three crews gathered on the dock in their DPNU's; the Kingston crew, the Melbourne crew, and the Hammersley crew. Maxine stood waiting for them.

"Okay, as some of you may or may not know, the HMAS Victory is due to set sail today, and you're all gathered here for the final announcements of crews. The Kingston crew already have a mission set for them; they'll be setting sail to Tovalu Islands for a peacekeeping mission, and to drop off some medical supplies. Crew list is as follows…" Kate tuned out as the majority of the Kingston crew were called forward and moved away, boarding the Kingston. She glanced around, and realised that Dylan was still on the dock, as was Bird. She moved away from him, separating herself from the group.

"Right. Hammersley crew," called Maxine. Mike looked up with disdain at Maxine, and she shook her head imperceptibly at Mike.

"Commander Mike Flynn, Commanding Officer. Lieutenant Kelly Martin, Executive Officer. Petty Officer Bosun Pete Tomaszewski, Leading Seaman Billy Webb, Leading Seaman Leo Kosov-Meyer, Electronics Technician. Petty Officer Coxswain Jessica Bird, Chief Medic…" The list continued, until a core group of twenty-four sailors stood separate. Mike didn't let his crew board until he knew exactly who was being stationed on the Victory.

"Congratulations to Lieutenant-Commander Kate McGregor, who has been awarded command of the HMAS Victory. Executive Officer Lieutenant Nikki Caetano has spoken to the rest of you, and you will be boarding today, but not leaving port for a few hours. You have a few new crew members; get to know them, and NAVCOM will issue you with your orders later." Maxine turned and saw Mike still standing on the dock.

"Commander Flynn, you were supposed to have departed at 0900. It is now 0915. Why are you still here?" Demanded Maxine. Mike realised he'd stayed on the dock too long, and shepherded his crew on board.

"We're leaving now Commander," called his XO, Kelly Martin.

"Thank you Pincher." They left, and Kate watched as the Hammersley steamed away. It was a fresh start, being on a new boat. She lugged her bag onto the ship, and Dutchy stopped next to her.

"Would you like help with that ma'am?" Asked Dutchy.

"No sailor, I am quite capable of carrying my own belongings. Return to your duties," said Kate frostily. Dutchy recoiled, and returned to carrying his own gear on board. Nikki watched both of them, and grimaced at the interaction. Kate hadn't told anyone about what had happened almost a month ago now, and Maxine had stupidly put the two of them together on Victory. Dodger pushed past her, carrying his bags.

"What happened to RO being stationed here?" Asked Nikki as he moved past.

"RO put in a transfer already, and Maxine confirmed it. He's back on deck for the moment, but still needs some medical monitoring, so he's been put on Hammersley with light duties, and two able assistants instead of just one," replied Dodger.

"So is Slinger on Victory as well?" Asked Nikki. He nodded.

"As is Kosov-Meyer," replied Dodger before he disappeared below deck. Nikki glanced around at the new crew, trying to work out if this would work. Lexie Hunt had been transferred to Hammersley, along with Charge and 2Dads. She sighed as she lugged her gear down to the XO cabin. She had hoped to get away from Dodger; seemed that wasn't going to happen now. She dumped her kit on the bed, and glanced around the bare cabin, and looked through the list Maxine had handed her with the entire crew listed on it. She glanced through the list, and realised that Bomber wasn't on the list. She mentally checked through those that had been called for the Kingston and the Hammersley.

So where was Bomber?

And why wasn't she here?