Chapter Four-

Mike came around, smoke stinging his eyes, the heat searing his skin. As he tried to move, he realised he was tied down, strapped to the bulkhead.

"Lex? Lex!" He called, coughing.

"There's no-one to save you now. No-one will," said a voice from the shadows. The figure moved again, and Mike felt himself falling asleep, the heat of the room too much to take…

Kelly paced the bridge nervously, waiting for news from Taylor or Charge. She heard thundering steps coming up the stairs, and Charge and Taylor appeared, both breathless.

"Taylor? Charge, what's going on?" Asked Kelly.

"We've got to get off the ship," reported Charge.

"Why? What's going on?" She asked again.

"We've breeched the hull somewhere, and we're taking on water. This isn't something I can fix ma'am. We need to radio for…" Charge was interrupted by RO.

"Ma'am, I've got an urgent message from the Victory for you," said RO. Kelly stepped around Charge and Taylor, and headed for the communications console.

"This is Lieutenant Martin speaking," said Kelly sharply.

"Kelly, it's Kate. I'm looking for 2Dads, and it's quite urgent," said Kate.

"We've got our own problems right now; how quickly can you steam to us?" Asked Kelly. Kate checked with Ryan, and returned to Kelly.

"We can be there in an hour. What's going on Kelly?" Asked Kate.

"Just give me a moment." Kelly looked over to Charge.

"How long have we got?" Asked Kelly.

"Two hours, maybe three before she's at the bottom of the ocean," replied Charge, counting on his fingers.

"Kate, I need you to get here as fast as you can. We're taking on water, and Charge estimates two hours before the Hammersley is at the bottom of the ocean. We're going to need your assistance," said Kelly.

"We'll be there in an hour Kel. What does Mike have to say about this?" Asked Kate.

"I haven't heard from him; we have a fire in our engine compartments, and he went down to investigate, and I haven't seen him since," said Kelly, concerned.

"We'll be there in an hour to help out and evacuate, alright? We're leaving now," replied Kate.

"We'll see you in an hour. Hammersley out." Kelly handed the headset back to RO.

"We're now in an evacuation state. All personnel need to report to their divisional officer, and prepare to evacuate. The Victory will be rendezvousing with us in an hour to assist."

"Pete, I can't do this," whispered Bec.

"You can do it. You've carried this baby so far, and this is the last step. You'll be meeting your baby so soon, and then you'll forget all this, and just focus on that beautiful baby you and Leo will have to look after," encouraged Pete. Bec paced the wardroom.

"I can't. I need Leo," begged Bec.

"Leo's dealing with Hammersley at the moment, and we're here with you. You can do this Bec," replied Pete. Bec burst into tears.

"I can't! Leo promised…" Bec's words were lost as another contraction gripped her. Pete grew frustrated with her, and left the wardroom.

"I can't bring Leo to her, and I can't help her," he muttered under his breath.

"Pete? What's going on?" Asked Slinger as she returned.

"Bec's asking for Leo, and I can't bring him here, and she won't do anything without him!" He exclaimed.

"What if we can provide the next best thing?" Asked Slinger.

"Like what?" Demanded Pete.

"I happen to know that once upon a time, your Rebecca was very, very good friends with my cousin Jamie Patterson. As in the Victory's Chief Engineer. Maybe he can help," suggested Slinger.

"It's worth a shot."

Bec paced the tiny wardroom, wishing that Leo could have been by her side. Unfortunately, he wasn't, and she was feeling scared and alone. She braced herself as another contraction rippled through her, stealing her breath as it crested to a peak, and then fell away. The tears streaked down her face, and she tried to hold in the sobs.

"That wouldn't be Bomber Brown hiding over in that corner, would it?" Asked a familiar voice from the doorway. Bec took a seat on the edge of the chair, trying to hide her tears. Jamie crossed into the room, and crouched down in front of her.

"Hey, don't cry. I know Leo's not here to support you like he promised, but he's working. For now, I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I wouldn't think a little thing like childbirth would stop Bomber Brown!" Exclaimed Jamie, a grin on his face. Bec smiled a little, then winced as another contraction swept through her. Charlie and Pete crept back into the wardroom, hoping that Bec was a little more consolable.

"Now, Charlie is really good at what she does, and she's going to be here with us. So is Pete. You're not alone in this Bec, I promise, and I'm not going to leave until Leo is here," promised Jamie.

"Bec, do you want to get comfortable? We can get you nearly anything you'd like," said Charlie. Bec shook her head.

"I just want this baby out," said Bec wearily. Jamie helped her sit back a little, and smiled at her.

"That's the Bomber I know; let's get this show on the road."

Mike felt the water lapping his ankles, and he knew he was in serious trouble.

"Help! Help!" He called. He heard nothing but his voice echoing back at him. He thought he was alone until an individual stepped forward, a tinge of maniac on their tongue.

"And revenge is always the sweetest dear Mike. Best served cold they always say," whispered the sailor.

"Revenge? Revenge for what?" Asked Mike, confused.

"Ah. Well, it would help if you knew that, wouldn't it?" Asked the individual.

"I'd like to know what I'm being accused of before you seek revenge," demanded Mike.

"Do you remember one of your first missions with Seaman John Jaffah? I think I heard Spider refer to him as Jaff once. Well, from the reports I've read, my understanding is that your medic Chris Blake saved the life of Toby Jones, yet left dear John. It hardly seems fair, does it?" Asked the individual.

"What has Jaff and his death got to do with you?" Asked Mike.

"John Jaffah was my brother."