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.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Cairns, Home Port, 09:40 hrs:

While the crew starts with the loading of the supplies, overseen by Dutchy and Swain, their two commanding officers make their way to NavCom for a report and to get their new orders. Dressed in their whites Mike and Kate walk the short distance to HQ. They climb the stairs and make their way up to Maxine's office. Reaching it, Mike knocks on the door before going in. Maxine looks up from her work and greets them, ordering them to take a seat.

They do so and Mike hands a folder over to Maxine, containing all their reports from their last patrol. Looking fleetingly over them, Maxine takes out another folder. Getting some papers out, she holds them out to Mike. "Those are your new orders. Your first drop-off point will be Mission Beach. From there you continue your way up the coastline. Some of the islands along the way need supplies too. They are named on the list I just handed you Mike. You will anchor off shore and get the supplies over using your RHIBs. Once the supply run is done, you'll help in finding trapped boaters. That will be all. Dismissed."

Grabbing the folder containing the needed papers, Mike thanks Maxine and exits her office, followed by Kate. Once outside they start talking, discussing how they are going on about this whole supply run. Automatically their feet take them in the direction of the moored Hammersley. Before they realize it, they have reached the boat. Astonished they share a look and smile at each other. Just then Dutchy comes over and says "Sir! Ma'am! The supplies are loaded. We are ready to leave." Mike nods "Prepare to cast off! I'll be in my cabin. X you have the ship!" Having said those words, Mike goes up the gangplank, salutes the ensign and hurries inside.

Smiling after him, Kate follows with Dutchy. As soon as they are on board the gangplank is pulled back and the mooring lines are all brought in. Then the powerful push from the thrusters takes them slowly away from the dock and into the shipping line. Once there, Swain pushes the power throttle forward and gets them out of the harbour and into the open sea. A few minutes later Mike comes up to the bridge and takes his rightful place in the CO's chair, taking over from Kate. "You can go and change X, I'll take it from here." With a grateful smile at him, Kate answers "Thank you Sir." To the sailors on the bridge she announces "Captain has the ship!" Said Captain turns in his chair and follows the retreating form of his XO with a longing look. Reprimanding himself for this action, Mike shakes his head and gazes back out to the sea in front of him.

After about an hour of sailing they reach the first drop-off point, Mission Beach. They anchor off shore and take both RHIBs. One party is lead by Dutchy, the other by the X. Mike remains on the bridge of Hammersley together with Nav. Each of them uses a pair of binoculars to keep an eye on the proceedings. Even though they are lying at anchor, Mike goes out to the bridge wing and opens the outer ship's controls. Holding the binos with one hand, he puts the other on the controls, helping to hold the ship in position.

Half an hour later both RHIBs return to the ship. As they are both safely stowed and the crew are all starting to move inside to get rid of their gear, the captain walks up to them with a stern face. Dutchy is the first to speak "Sir! Is something wrong?" Taking a look at all assembled sailors, he turns his attention back to Dutchy and the X. "You can say that, yes. I just got a call from NavCom. The local authorities have asked for help in coordinating a combined search effort. The Navy and the local fire departments are involved."

A bit confused, Kate asks "So? What is wrong with that Sir?" Breathing deeply, Mike replies "They want me to do it. Which means I have to leave the ship in your capable hands X. And they want me there now." Understanding now why he seems so down, Kate lays a comforting hand on his forearm "No worries Sir. I won't sink your baby. She'll still be floating when you get back." Chuckling at her words, Mike is about to answer when the motor of a nearing RHIB can be heard. All eyes turn in the direction of the noise, except for the CO's.