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.

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

He knows exactly who is nearing his boat and he lets his crew know that too "This will be my ride back to land guys. NavCom told me that the fire department will send a RHIB out to get me. I guess this is them" ,halting in his speech, he looks directly at Kate and goes on in a softer tone so that only she can hear him "I'll see you when I get back Kate. Are we still on for tonight?" She smiles up at him and answers "Tonight? Absolutely." Giving her a chaste kiss on her cheek, Mike goes over to the railing where a few of his crew are waiting.

Looking down he sees a red inflatable boat with three men dressed in water proof clothing and helmets. One of them shouts up "Are you Commander Flynn?" He shouts back "I am! Are you here to pick me up?!" The guy who shouted up at him, nods. Mike turns around to see Charge, Dutchy, Swain and 2Dads still behind him. Frowning he orders "As you are just standing there with nothing to do, get me a steady rope and a radio. And hurry up! I don't have all day!" Startled like a bunch of chickens, the four men scurry away to do as the captain told them.

A few minutes later, Charge and 2Dads come back. 2Dads hands a radio over to his CO, while Charge holds out the rope to him for inspection. Putting the radio in his pants pocket, Mike takes a closer look at the rope. Satisfied that it will hold, he tells Charge and 2Dads to ready themselves to lower him down to the awaiting RHIB. Moments after, the rope is thrown over the side of the boat. Not waiting any longer, Mike pulls on his gloves and swings himself over the railing. Certain that his two crewmen won't let him fall, he starts climbing down.

Everything goes smoothly and he reaches the RHIB safely. Signaling to Charge that he can pull the rope back in, Mike takes out the radio and gives his last orders to the X. He then waves goodbye to his crew on the deck as the RHIB speeds away from the Hammersley. Reluctantly Mike turns his attention to the three men in the inflatable. "I'm at a slight disadvantage here, guys. You know my name, but I don't know yours. Care to help me out?" The guy at the wheel answers, holding out one hand for him to shake it "My name's John. And those two fellas are Andy and Greg. We are members of the Queensland Rural Fire Department and help out in finding missing people, or rescue them from their flooded homes."

Nodding Mike asks him "So where do I come in, in all of this?" Pointing skywards, Greg answers "You Navy guys offered help with some choppers. Problem is we don't have their radio frequence to communicate with them. Same goes for the Army troops which are here to help us out. And that is where you come in mate. You know their radio frequences and therefore you can communicate with them and organize this search effort." Thinking this through, Mike only says "Alright. Let's get going then."

John nods and propells the RHIB at a faster clip towards the inlet that goes a few hundred meters inland. A few minutes later they reach the first housing area and slow down. Mike takes a look around and sees a woman standing in the knee-high water, trying to keep her child above water, just outside one of the flooded homes. Not hesitating a moment, he jumps over the side of the RHIB and makes his way over to the frightened woman. John steers the RHIB after him, ready to lend assistence to the Navy Commander.