The Storm - Version II

by ColREHogan.42

The crew of Hammersley, now with a new coxswain is out again on patrol. After two weeks out at sea, the routine patrol turns into a real adventure. A big storm hits the northern part of Queensland and the Hammersley helps out in the aftermath. While the crew is out helping trapped boaters, CO Mike Flynn coordinates a combined search from the Navy and the local FD. It ends badly.

5. Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Arriving on the bridge, Mike announces loudly "Captain has the ship!" Dutchy who was sitting in the captain's chair, jumps down and affirms "Aye Sir. Captain has the ship!" With a smile on his face, Mike takes his designated place in the elevated chair and looks around the bridge. Dutchy sees the bright smile on his boss' face and asks "You are in a good mood boss. How come?" Turning to his Bosun, Mike replies cheekily "That's for me to know and you to not find out. Got it?" Dutchy nods and returns his attention back to the EOD.

About twenty minutes later, Charge returns to the bridge followed closely by 2Dads, Spider and the X. The latter moving directly over to the captain. She leans over to him "A word, Sir?" Seeing into her beautiful face, Mike smiles and says "Of course X. Down in my cabin." Jumping from his chair and turning to Nav, he orders "Nav! You have the ship!" Smiling knowingly, Nav affirms the given order and turns her eyes back to the radar screen in front of her. Moments later the shutting of the bridge door is heard, after the CO and the XO have exited.

Once down and in his cabin, Mike closes the door and without warning, he grabs Kate and pushes her against it, crushing her lips with his in a bruising kiss. Immediately Kate puts her hands on his chest and pushes him back, looking at him furiously. "Have you gone nuts?! What has gotten into you?!

I thought we had an agreement to keep this of the boat?" Holding up his hands in surrender, Mike takes a step back, allowing her some room. "I'm sorry Kate. It won't happen again. I promise."

Still not fully convinced, Kate returns to ship's business "What was the call about Sir?" Remembering the call from NavCom, he answers "It was Maxine. She told me that we have to get back immediately. A category 3 cyclone has hit the northern part of Queensland. They need us for assistance in finding missing people, helping trapped boaters and to bring in supplies. Food and medicine mostly." Taking this all in, Kate asks "When do we start with the supplying Sir?"

"As soon as we reach Cairns port, supplies will be loaded and we steam for the first of many drop-off points along the coastline and it's surrounding islands. Make sure that everyone who is available helps with the loading X. The faster we get going again, the better." With a loud "Aye Sir", Kate exits the cabin, leaving a frustrated CO behind her. Growling Mike slams the door shut so forcefully that the sound reverberates through the whole ship. He then uses the ship's internal phone to call the bridge. Letting Nav know that he doesn't wish to be disturbed for the next hours, he ends the call and without further ado, he lays down on his bunk, sleep claiming him instantly.

Up on the bridge Kate has made the announcement over the ship's PA system to let the crew know what is in store for them. Just as she has finished, Nav takes the speaker from her and lets everyone know that the boss is not to be disturbed for the next hours. Surprised Kate looks to Nav, who explains hastily "The boss called me and told me just what I told the crew. I think the lack of sleep has finally caught up with him X." Nodding Kate takes her place in the captain's chair and just tells Charge to go at top of the green back to base. Charge affirms the order, while Nav tries to plot a faster course to shorten their sailing time.