Chapter Five-
"Where would she be?" Asked Noble as he and Dutchy carefully made their way through the bush.
"I don't know, but if she's not answering our calls, chances are there's something wrong," replied Dutchy.
"Hope she's alright," commented Noble quietly, following the brawny sailor. For a brief moment, Dutchy was given a glimpse into the delinquent's heart. He genuinely seemed to care for her, and wanted to make sure she was okay.
"She will be. She's Andy Thorpe's niece, and Patterson's cousin; she'll be tough as anything. She's probably found herself somewhere nice and quiet to sit and contemplate life. We'll find her, and she'll accuse of ruining the moment," said Dutchy. Noble was quiet, unaccustomed to anyone actually talking to him. His life had been full of abusive parents and the wrong friends, and he'd never experienced a true friendship. He was waiting for Dutchy to turn around and yell at him for something, anything. He was like the dog that was abused continually; eventually it just did the wrong thing for the attention, because it was the only way to receive any.
"Dutchy to White; any sign of her yet?" Asked Dutchy.
"White to Dutchy. Nothing sir. She hasn't come back, and it's getting dark," replied Ryan.
"I know Ryan, but if she's injured and out here, Charge and Patterson will kill me for leaving her," replied Dutchy. He made a snap decision.
"Dutchy to Dodger and Kosov-Meyer. If you have caught anything, return to the campsite. Noble and I are coming back now," said Dutchy.
"What? We can't leave her out here," declared Noble, turning around.
"I know that, and I'm not going to. I am going to make the four of you stay together at the campsite, and I will take the torch with me and find her. Right?"
"But…" protested Noble.
"Lachlan, I understand you want to help. I do. It will be quicker for me to do it. I'll take the radio with me, and if I find her, I'll bring her back," said Dutchy, turning to the direction they'd just come from. Noble's shoulder's dropped in defeat, and he acquiesced, following Dutchy. They arrived back at the campsite just as Dodger and Emily did, carrying five small fish attached to a line. He nodded in approval.
"Good job. Now, I need all four of you to stay together, keep an eye open for Charlotte. If she is out here and wandering by herself, she might hear or see you. Emily, do you know how to prepare those fish?" Asked Dutchy. Emily nodded, and Dutchy flashed her a quick smile.
"Right. While I'm looking for Charlotte, Ryan is in charge. Keep an ear on the radio, and an eye out for her. Got it?" Asked Dutchy.
"Got it Dutchy," replied Ryan. Dutchy grabbed a jumper from his pack, a torch, and clipped the radio to his belt. After a quick glance back to the subdued group, he foraged forward through the thick bush, heading for the freshwater stream he knew was around a hundred metres away. He walked carefully, looking for signs of activity; mainly human activity, but any would have sufficed. He noticed a path that had fresh branches torn, new leaves scattering the ground, scuff marks in the dirt. As he crept forward, he slipped on the leaf litter, and nearly dropped over a ledge he didn't realise was there. He swore, and picked himself up, dusting the dirt off his shorts. He heard a groan; and it wasn't from him.
"Hello?" He called, wondering what it was. If it was an animal, it would scare it away. If it was Slinger though, he'd find her quicker.
"Dutchy?" Came a weak voice.
"Slinger? Is that you? Where are you?" Asked Dutchy.
"Down here," she said before coughing hard. Dutchy dropped to his stomach and peered over the edge, using the flashlight to illuminate the small cliff face. She had a wound to the head, and was clutching her side with one arm, the other looking like it was dislocated.
"Are you okay?" He asked, working out a way to get down to her.
"No," she replied, before bursting into tears.
"Hey hey, don't worry. I'll get you out of there. I'm just going to get Lachlan and Ryan to come and help me get you out, okay?" She fought back the tears and the pain, taking a painful breath.
"Please don't take too long," she replied. Dutchy nodded, and stood up.
"Dutchy to Ryan. I've found her, and I'm coming back to get you and Lachlan so we can get her out." He walked briskly back to the campsite, the walk only taking ten minutes. He was glad he'd packed his compass this time around; it was quicker getting back than finding her. He burst into the clearing, startling Emily, who was clearing up the remains of their meal.
"Right; Dodger, Kosov-Meyer, I need you to pull up some of the leaves, arrange them in a sort of bed. Be wary of spiders, sticks, etc. Boys, you're going to need to sacrifice your jumpers to cover the leaves so we've got somewhere to lay Charlie down." Before Dutchy could continue, Ryan, Dodger and Lachlan both stripped off their jumpers, handing them to Emily. They glanced at Dutchy, who dutifully peeled his off as well.
"Okay. Have the medi-kit handy for when we come back. Noble, White, let's go," said Dutchy. The two men followed Dutchy through the bush.
"This is the way I was heading for water; I saw the rocks and the ledge, and headed around it," said Ryan, picking his way over a fallen branch.
"Well, that's where Slinger is; at the bottom of it. I need someone to stay topside and reassure her while the other two get down to her. I don't know if she can walk, but we'll carry her back to base," decided Dutchy.
"Who do you want to stay up?" Asked Ryan. Dutchy pointed at him, and turned to Noble
"You can come with me; I don't trust you to leave you alone just yet," said Dutchy. Noble nodded, understanding where the mistrust came from. Dutchy passed Ryan his spare torch.
"Just talk to her, tell her we're coming, and we'll be there shortly," said Dutchy. Ryan nodded, and dropped down to his stomach to peer over the edge. Dutchy left him, and followed the rocky ledge until it started to decline.
"We should be able to climb down this way, get to her from here," said Dutchy. It was a small jump down, more like a large step. Noble followed him, and the cliff side rose up dramatically. As they neared Charlotte, they heard Ryan's voice, still talking to her.
"We're here now Ryan; can you keep shining the torch down here?" Asked Dutchy. Ryan nodded, and Dutchy dropped down next to Charlotte.
"Hey, how are you doing?" He asked, tucking a stray strand of blond hair behind her ear. It occurred to him how much she looked like Kate, and it pained him to think of her. Her eyes glistened with pain.
"It hurts to breathe, I've got a headache, and my shoulder is paining. I tried to climb back up and slipped; I don't know what else I've done," she said, trying to hold back the tears.
"Well, we're going to get you out of here, take you back to the campsite, patch you up as best we can, and in the morning when Flash and Giordano come to get us, we'll get Flash to check you over." She nodded slightly, her ribs aching with every breath; she was so tired.
"We're going to help you up, and I know it's going to hurt, but we're going to try not to hurt you, okay?" Charlie nodded, bracing herself for the inevitable pain that was to come. Noble stopped Dutchy.
"She's dislocated her shoulder. We can pop it back into place and strap it before we lift her," he said quietly.
"You know how to do?" Asked Dutchy. Noble nodded. Charlie looked up at Dutchy with pleading eyes as he held her down carefully.
"Please Dutchy, don't let him…" She didn't get to finish her sentence as Noble pulled on the limb. It popped back into the socket as Charlie let loose a bloodcurdling scream before dissolving into gasping sobs. Even Ryan winced at the sound of her scream. Dutchy smoothed back her hair.
"Shh. I'm so sorry Charlotte," he said remorsefully. He nodded to Noble, who helped the pair stand. Charlotte felt all the blood rush from her head, and was lucky that both Dutchy and Noble were supporting her. They lifted her between their arms, and made a seat by linking their arms.
"We'll go slow, and you let us know if we need to stop. Ryan! Follow the ledge along, and you can see where we got down. We'll meet you there," said Dutchy. He and Noble moved gingerly, supporting Charlotte as they walked towards the lowest point of the cliff. Ryan was waiting for them.
"Can we head back to camp now?" Asked Charlotte quietly, biting her bottom lip to try and stop the tears.
"That's where we're going to. Don't worry," said Dutchy. They stepped up carefully, and Ryan walked ahead of the trio to the campsite, holding back branches where necessary. Charlie rested her head on Dutchy's shoulder, and let the silent tears fall. Emily was pacing when they reached the camp, waiting for them to return.
"Oh God, Charlie," she exclaimed upon seeing her friend. She moved aside to allow Dutchy and Noble to set her down on the makeshift bed.
"Who's done their first aid course?" Asked Dutchy. No-one moved.
"So when Lieutenant-Commander McGregor asked if you all had, why did you answer yes?" Asked Dutchy of the silent group. Still no reply.
"Right. We'll work on a system of watches. I'll take first, Ryan can take second, Dodger third. In the morning we'll head back to the beach and radio Victory," said Dutchy. The group nodded before finding themselves somewhere comfortable to sleep. He turned his attentions to Charlie.
"I can't give you anything for the pain; I'm not Flash. I can strap your arm to your chest so your shoulder doesn't hurt, and I can clean the cut on your forehead, but that's about it," apologised Dutchy. Charlie grabbed his hand with her good hand.
"As long as we leave tomorrow, I don't care what you do," she replied. He nodded, and set to work cleaning her up as best he could. She was silent for the most part, until she started shivering. He was packing up the medi-kit when she started shaking.
"You cold?" He asked. She nodded, unable to keep her teeth from chattering. He didn't have anything else to keep her warm, and her energy was going into breathing. He lay behind her, shielding her slight body from the mild breeze that had picked up. She relaxed a little as the tremors stopped, and leant against Dutchy's body for warmth. Had this been any other time, he would have been concerned about the effect such an action would have on his body.
Tonight, he didn't care. He was just glad she was safe.
"What the hell happened out there today?" Demanded Buffer, bursting into the wardroom. Spider dropped his mug on the table with a clatter, startling the dozing 2Dads.
"Wha?" He asked groggily, trying to sit up.
"What the hell happened? Did protocol go out the window for you today or something? When is it ever acceptable to not wear a life-vest whilst part of a boarding party?" Roared Buffer.
"It's not si…"
"Damn straight it's not! And why were you so distracted? Weren't thinking about some pretty girls were you 2Dads? Or the poker game I know is going on with the junior sailors tonight?" Asked Buffer. 2Dads shook his head, and Spider got up, sneaking past Buffer to leave the room.
"Well? What is it?" Asked Buffer, still seeing red.
"I was thinking about Bom…" Buffer finished his sentence for him.
"Bomber. I get it. Can't keep your mind off what goes on in the bedroom!" Yelled Buffer.
"Sir, it's not like that," said 2Dads.
"Come on 2Dads, spit out the real story then," said Buffer sarcastically. He was tired of dealing with 2Dads and his ridiculous attitude; today had been no different to his regular personality, except that he'd seemed subdued. 2Dads took a deep breath and sighed, coughing as he exhaled.
"Buff, Bomber's pregnant. We found out a week ago, about twelve weeks along. I had no idea, and she didn't either until she checked her calendar. My mind's just on her and how she's going; I wish I didn't have to leave her today. She was going to get the first ultrasound done, and I wanted to be there," said 2Dads. Buffer sat down heavily, and put his head in his hands. Rebecca; pregnant? It seemed like an unlikely idea, but 2Dads presented it with such sincerity he was inclined to believe him.
"Well, you just might get your wish; we're heading back to port to get you to hospital, and the Kingston is coming to take care of the FFV. Just don't do anything to screw things up with her; if you do, I will kill you," threatened Buffer, and for the first time in his life, 2Dads actually believed the man.
"I'm not planning on doing that Buffer; I love Rebecca and our baby. I don't want her to suffer; I want to make everything go as smoothly as I can possibly make it." Buffer clapped 2Dads on the shoulder.
"You can do it. If you need any help with my godchild, let me know," said Buffer, smiling.
"No problem." 2Dads felt his eyes start to close, the effects of the morphine kicking in. Buffer left quietly, and headed to the meeting room. He had a report to finish, and it wouldn't finish itself. Kelly was there, writing her own.
"You doing your report for today?" Asked Kelly as he sat down at the neighbouring computer.
"Yeah, do it while it's fresh in my head. You?" He asked in reply.
"Finished it ten minutes ago. Just printing it for the captain, and typing this email to my husband. He's been visiting my mother, and she keeps telling him she wants grandkids. You know parents," she said, laughing to herself.
"Yeah. I do," said Buffer, his tone darkening. Kelly picked up on it straight away.
"What did I say?" She asked, concerned.
"You just reminded me about my mother," he said, tight-lipped.
"Is she nice?" Asked Kelly.
"She was the most amazing person you could have ever met. She just wanted to be happy," replied Buffer, staring at the screen, willing the tears to not fall.
"Was?" Pushed Kelly, turning away from her screen.
"My mother died of cancer almost six years ago; I found out whilst serving here on Hammersley. She would have been one of those parents pushing for grandkids, she just never got the chance," replied Buffer.
"I'm so so…"
"I'm not looking for your sympathy ma'am. If you could excuse me, I think I'll write this report in my cabin instead." Buffer left quickly, leaving a very confused Kelly behind. She shook her head, resolving to find out more later…
"I wish I was there Mum."
He pounded the pillow of his bed, glad that Charge was his roommate, and that he was on duty. He berated himself for even entertaining the notion of crying, and sat on his bed, looking at the photo of his mother. He heard a light tap on the door, and groaned inwardly.
"Enter," he called. Bird slipped inside.
"X walked past me looking distracted and confused, and then asked where Charge was. I told her that he was in the engine room like always, and then she asked me if I could come and see you because you seemed upset." Bird had no idea what was going on with her superior, but she was ordered to come and check on Buffer.
"I'm fine Bird. Don't worry yourself about it. How's 2Dads?" He asked, changing the subject. Bird didn't miss the change of topic.
"He'll be fine. Sleeping like a baby. That is not what I'm here about. What is going on?" She asked. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he needed to say, and Buffer realised it was Kate he wanted in this situation. Kate would talk him through everything, and give him a course of action; help him to see clearly. Bird couldn't do that.
"I'd love to be able to tell you Bird, but it's way too complicated. I'm going to go check some things with RO and Lex. Don't worry, I'll be okay." He waited for Bird to leave, and she realised the conversation was over. She left, glancing over her shoulder, and Buffer made his way to ComCen.
"RO, you in there?" He called after knocking. Romano pushed the door open.
"Buff! What can we do for you here in ComCen?" She asked cheerfully.
"Can you find out if the HMAS Victory will be in port in the next two days?" Asked Buffer. She nodded, and pulled out a file from the neatly organised desk.
"RO must be proud of your tidy desk," commented Buffer.
"He is; won't even let Logan touch things anymore. Okay, the Victory is due in tomorrow afternoon, not allowing for any issues, and we'll still be in port then. Got some friends you want to catch up with?" Asked Gabriella. He nodded.
"Yeah, their CO and I go way back. She used to be the X of this ship," replied Buffer.
"No way! Their CO is the Kate McGregor? They are so lucky!" He laughed.
"You have no idea."