Disclaimer: I do not own Sea Patrol or any of its characters...

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A lone figure slipped through the dark street, eyes frantically glancing around to ensure no one was watching. They stopped outside an alleyway, quickly looking around to before disappearing in the blackness that surrounded the street. The only warning someone was approaching was the soft footfalls the sneakers gave off. Two figures loomed out of the dark, one clasping what looked like a folder.

"Kat?"

The first figured tugged the hood down, revealing a young pretty face framed with blonde hair.

"Yeah it's me. You Jo?"

The other nodded his head before holding out the folder.

"Here's all you need. The rego papers, keys, coordinates of the pickup place… everything is in there."

She took the folder, flipping it open to flicker over the papers briefly. She tugged out the set of keys, noticing the girly things that hung off. She rolled her eyes and held up the keys before looking up at the bulky figure standing in front of her.

"Any reason for all the… fluffy things hanging off it?"

A low, deep chuckle came out, "It has to look like they're your keys."

She let out a sigh before nodding her head, "Fine. What's it called?"

"Phoenix."

*****************

Mike moved around in the chair, still trying to adjust to the feeling of sitting in the captain's chair. Every movement he made caused the cracked leather to creak and squeak under the movement.

"Sir?"

Mike threw a glance to his Coxswain, who was currently steering the boat. He noticed the amused, yet annoyed expression on his face and he wondered how much he had bothered his new crew.

"Would you mind sitting still? It's just… the noise is starting to become irritating."

Mike gave a little laugh before finally picking a position he liked. He eyes flickered over those assembled in the bridge, trying to recall each of their names. He recalled his Coxswain was called Chris, but was affectionately dubbed by the entire crew as 'Swain'. The Navigator was just in front of him, her head bent intently over the radar screen as she studied each appearing contact. He knew that she fresh out of ADFA and would do anything to impress her new captain. His eyes continued to move over to the Buffer, who was talking quietly with the Nav to help her out. He knew that he would be depending on the Buffer in these initial few weeks whilst trying to readjust to his new position, considering the last time he was on Hammersley, he was just a lowly seaman.

"Sir?"

Mike was dragged from his thoughts as the RO stuck his head up from the ComCen. Mike waved him over, instantly noticing the paper clutched in the RO's hand. He held it out to Mike who instantly took it.

"Sir, Customs are requesting we assist in a search of vessels in the area. They're looking out for people smugglers."

Mike nodded his head, handing the paper over to the Buffer and Nav. Both their heads turned back to the radar, their eyes flickering over the contacts stationed on screen.

"Sir," Nav started, "We have four possible contacts that could pass as smuggling boats. The others are just far too small, mainly tinnies and private fishing boats."

Mike nodded his head, trusting both Buffer and the Nav for now.

"Set course for the first one then."

*****************

Kat stepped onboard the 'Phoenix', her eyes widening as she gazed over the boat. It was a large motor yacht, at least 100 foot and it was clearly customised. She stepped inside, ensuring her feet were clean so as not to dirty the carpet. Her eyes, if possible, widened even further at the sight of the living area. It was huge, enough for about 10 people or a small party.

"Like the look of your boat Kat?"

She whirled around, watching as Jo walked on with three other guys. She nodded her head in awe, her brain unable to form a single word at the sheer money that was surrounding her.

"Did you do as the Boss asked?"

She nodded her head again, pointing a finger to the large collection of shopping bags left out on the deck. With a snap of his fingers, Jo sent the other three guys out onto the deck to collect the bags.

"You'll be staying in the ships master bedroom. You need to keep up appearances. There will be another three girls joining us to complete your group of 'friends'."

Kat nodded her head as she tried to process all the information she was receiving.

"Ah… crew? Will there be someone to drive the boat?"

Jo nodded towards the three men moving Kat's bags.

"They're all licensed to drive these size boats so we're fine. You just stick to what you have to do and the Boss will be happy."

Kat nodded her head, her eyes glancing around the boat before letting out a sigh. She could do this, it was her job.

*****************

"Sir, the last boat is an Australian flagged vessel. Newly registered under the name of Kat Baker. Looks like her father has purchased it for her."

Buffer informed Mike of the details they had managed to get on the 'Phoenix' and to both, it seemed suspicious. Mike nodded his head, confirming that they would be boarding it. He turned to Nav.

"Take us there, Nav."

As soon as the boat appeared on the horizon, there were whistles of appreciation from the boys.

"Certainly is a nice boat Sir. She's one lucky girl to get a boat like that."

Mike gave a little chuckle at the Swain's comment, "That it is. But we've got the real boat boys. That's just a plastic bath toy."

"It's a nice toy though Sir. Especially for a 26 year old."

Buffer's comment caused the bridge to snicker in laughter and Mike knew he had better stop before things got out of hand.

"Buff, prepare for the boarding."

****************

Kat was talking to some of the girls on the boat, hoping to get some information from them so that if they did get caught, she could act naturally in front of the enforcement officers. She was having a drink with one of them in the spa when Jo burst in.

"Kat. We've got the Navy on us. They want to board."

She looked up at Jo, her eyes widening as she thought on what to do. She quickly climbed out of the tub, reaching to grab her towel before stopping herself. A sly grin crossed her face as she got an idea. She quickly grabbed Jo's hand before dragging him out to the back deck.

****************

Mike watch as a young woman stepped out on the deck, waving her arms towards the RHIB in greeting. A small smile crossed his face as he raised a hand in return. He knew it would be better to keep things friendly, hopefully that way they would be more cooperative. His eyes glanced briefly over the gleaming yacht and for a moment, he appreciated that the plastic bath toy, was indeed a nice one. He gripped the rope as the RHIB bumped along side the boat and with one swift movement, he leapt onboard. He looked towards the young woman that was waving and for a second, his heart stopped. To say she was attractive was an understatement. His heart quickened as his eyes skimmed over the revealed skin, the flimsy bikini unable to be classed as clothing. His eyes skimmed back up her body, to her face, their eyes locking briefly. He found it hard to drag his attention away from her bright green eyes as they sparkled at him, almost as though she was hiding a secret from him. He felt his breath shorten as a smile crossed her face and he suddenly found himself being drawn to her.

"Hi. Mike Flynn, Captain of the Hammersley," he held his hand out, hoping that she would shake it.

The seconds that passed felt like minutes and Mike felt himself begin to sweat. He didn't know why he cared so much what she thought, all he knew was that he did. Her hand slipped neatly into his and he resisted the temptation to gently caress her soft skin.

"Kat Baker."

She threw him another one of her smiles before drawing her hand back. The absence of her warmth pulled at him and he wondered what had him so smitten.

"How can I help you?"

The question was innocent enough but he knew that once he told her the reason they had boarded, it wouldn't take long for her to shut up.

"We've been tasked under the Customs Act to search all vessels in this area. Unfortunately your boat fits the size and type of boats we feel need to be searched."

She shrugged her shoulders at him, clearly not interested in what he had to say. He tensed as the bikini tugged with the movement, tightening over her chest in all the wrong ways.

"Feel free to have a look around. I have the registration papers and things in my cabin if you want to take a look."

Mike found the invitation too irresistible to deny and quickly followed her down below.

"Buff, conduct a search of the vessel," he shouted over his shoulder.

*****************

Mike's chest tightened as Kat leant over her dresser, searching through a drawer for her registration papers. He stifled a gasp as a pair of black lace underwear fell out. Kat didn't seem to notice though and Mike wondered if he should pick them up or not. She quickly stood up, whirling around with the papers clutched in her hands.

"Here you go," she walked over to him, brushing her body against his as she passed the papers to him.

His hands tensed about the papers, his attention diverted to the feeling of her body brushing against his. He continued to pretend to check them out, flicking through the papers and checking the signatures. He stopped when he felt a hand on his back.

"Do you wear these vests every time you board a boat?"

Mike bit the inside of his cheek as she skimmed around in front of him, her hand trailing across his back before resting on his shoulder.

He nodded his head, "Yeah we do. Safety protection."

She looked up at him, a devilish smirk crossing her face.

"And what exactly do you wear underneath."

Mike felt his breath shorten as her hand drifted to the front of his vest. He felt her gently tug at the zip, her other hand following as she grazed over the material of his overalls.

"Charlie 2, this is Bravo 2. Vessel is clear."

Kate jumped back slightly, her eyes flickering to his face as he reached for the radio.

"Bravo 2, Copy that. Coming up on deck now."

He glanced at Kat before handing her the papers. He threw her a quick smile before walking out of the cabin and back up to the deck.

*****************

Buffer stepped over to Mike, quickly muttering that the boat was clear before a shout behind them interrupted. Both looked behind to see Kat walking out. She walked straight over to Mike, reaching for one of the pens sticking out of his pocket. She took his hand into hers and quickly scribbled a number down.

"Call me when you're back on shore and we should catch up."

Mike raised an eyebrow at her before nodding his head.

"Thanks."

His voice came out a little higher then usual and he blushed in embarrassment. She gave him another of her smiles before leaning in and gently kissing him on the cheek.

"I'll see you in a few weeks then."

*******************

She continued waving even as the boat pulled away, the propellers kicking up a huge wash. She felt a presence behind her and turned to see Jo standing there, his arms crossed.

"Why'd you give him your number?"

She raised an eyebrow at him, "What are you. My dad?"

Jo shook his head, "No. But you could have ruined the entire operation."

She smirked at him, "You didn't see it did you. I have that captain wrapped around my little finger. We could organise the pickups when the Hammersley is out and get away with it."

She watched as Jo's eyes brightened in realisation before a small smile cracked across his face. She punched him lightly on the arm.

"Kat, you will make one hell of a smuggler one day. Now come on. We've got a pick up to do."

*****************

The street was dark, the only light coming from the moon and the illuminated phone box. For the time of night, it was strange to see it occupied. However, huddled in the booth was a slim figure, a dark hoodie covering any features. The phone was gripped tightly in the hand, indicating the person was talking to someone.

"M. It's KT. Pickup happened yesterday. They're being held on the 'Phoenix' for now but will be moved to a warehouse tomorrow afternoon."

The phone was hung up quickly before the figure ducked out of the phone booth, eyes looking both way before disappearing off down the street.