Episode 6.10: Il Veleno

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.

Enjoy, and don't forget to review!

MissShawnaAlice xx

Chapter One-

Kate woke up to a warm body cuddling up to her, and she smiled to herself. It had been a month since Alex had returned, and she'd enjoyed every moment of his company. It was different to being with Mike; it had been such a challenge to stay with Mike. He required so much work, whereas Alex was easy. He woke up just after her, and pulled Kate closer.

"Did you sleep well?" Asked Alex. Kate nodded.

"I did. Did you?" She replied.

"Better than I have for a long time," said Alex quietly.

"Ready for your first day on Hammersley?" Kate asked as she rolled over to face Alex.

"I think so; Buffer's left me big shoes to fill," said Alex, smiling at Kate.

"You'll be fine; if you can handle the Kingston crew, you can handle the Hammersley crew. Just consider yourself lucky you're not on the Lawson; they're docked again for repairs and because they're short crew members. At least you'll be out on the water," said Kate.

"Do Mike and Kelly lead their crew well?" Asked Alex.

"They have been for the past six months. You'll be fine. Stop questioning your instincts!" Exclaimed Kate. Alex leant in and stole a kiss before pulling the blankets off. He smiled at Kate as he pulled her up.

"Guess it's time to get up then."

Bec opened her eyes to find Leo watching her.

"What are you doing?" Asked Bec.

"Watching my favourite girl sleep. It's good to have you home," said Leo softly.

"It's good to be home. Even if I have to spend every day with Pete," smiled Bec.

"He's not that bad," laughed Leo.

"He makes terrible jokes! I don't know how much more I can take!" Exclaimed Bec.

"He'll be fine. How are you feeling?" Asked Leo.

"Fat. Pregnant. Actually, I'm pretty hungry at the moment," admitted Bec.

"Do you feel like breakfast in bed before I head off to Hammersley?" Asked Leo.

"God that sounds good," said Bec. He kissed her on the forehead.

"I'll go make you breakfast." He left her and padded down the stairs to the kitchen. Pete was in the loungeroom watching the morning news.

"Morning Pete. Anything earth-shattering on the news?" asked Leo.

"Predicting massive thunderstorms later this afternoon, and they're dealing with a cyclone in Darwin. I'd say you guys will either end up caught in the storm, or you'll be sent to Darwin to help with the relief and clean-up," commented Pete.

"Anything else?" Asked Leo, popping some bread in the toaster.

"Nah, nothing interesting. How's Bec?" Asked Pete.

"Hungry. Hence the breakfast," motioned Leo.

"Ah. I might take her out today; I'm going to look at a boat. I don't think I'll be back at the Navy for a while, and at least a small boat will keep me happy. I've got leave for two more months, and if I don't get out on a boat, I'm going to go crazy. I think she'll enjoy the walk," suggested Pete.

"Sounds like a plan. Run it past her first, but I think she'll enjoy it." Leo finished Bec's breakfast and set it out neatly on a tray.

"I better take this up to her before I become late for work."

Kelly and Mike weren't sleeping in on this fine morning before they set sail; they were at the dock, checking over Hammersley before they set sail.

"Please tell me that we will sleep in one day," begged Kelly.

"We will. We have a new crew member starting on board today, and I want to make sure that everything is perfect," said Mike distractedly.

"I don't believe you Flynn! You're nervous about a new crewmember? Hell, we had half a crew of them when we started, and you didn't look nervous then," said Kelly.

"But you were part of the new crew; I wasn't about to show my weakness! Taylor's one of the best sailors in the fleet, and he's going to be a part of my crew. I need everything to be good, to be perfect," replied Mike. Kelly crossed over to Mike and took his hands in hers.

"Mike. Stop. It's okay. Kate's been getting Alex up to date, and you know what? He's just as nervous as you are. So stop stressing! Just relax," said Kelly gently.

"It's weird to not have Dutchy or Buffer here; they've always been my bosun's, no matter what. Even in seven years, it's not changed. I'm nervous about someone else coming in and running things," explained Mike.

"And I get that, but you need to give it a rest. You're going to make the poor guy panic when he gets here!" Mike smiled at Kelly, and ran a hand through her long hair.

"What would I do without you?" Asked Mike gently.

"Probably run a ship Mike."

Nikki and Jono sat across from each other, opposite sides of the room. Nikki's face was red and tearstained, Jono's face hard.

"I thought we agreed," said Nikki softly.

"And I'm telling you that you can't keep that baby. I don't want to have to play a part in a kids life! I'm not ready for that, I'm not ready to have to be a parent. You have to terminate this pregnancy Nikki," demanded Jono.

"I can't," said Nikki, sniffling.

"You have to! I can't help you look after a kid! I'm suck at families as it is. No. No baby. You have to get rid of it Nikki!" Exclaimed Jono.

"You had a part in this. You're obligated," whispered Nikki.

"I was the one that didn't wear the condom; you were the one that forgot to take your pill the next morning because you were yelling at me! If we're going to play the blame game here, you're going to get blamed too!" Said Jono.

"But it's a baby. I can't just kill a bab…" Jono held up a hand to silence.

"You can. And you will."