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.

15. Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Three weeks later, Cairns Naval Base, 09:40 hrs forenoon watch:

The whole crew of the Hammersley is out on the aft deck, dressed in their whites with Kate standing at their front. A silver car halts on the dock beside the ship and Maxine steps out of it first, waiting for the other passenger to disembark. All eyes turn to the car as the back door opens and another figure clad in white steps out, soaking up the late morning sun. The crew erupts into cheers and claps in enthusiasm at finally seeing their beloved CO back on his feet again. Mike Flynn is all smiles as he lays eyes on his crew and on one female officer, his XO Kate. She smiles back at him.

Maxine encourages him "Go on Mike. They are waiting for you." He thanks her with a handshake and a light peck on her cheek "Thanks Max." She only grins broader and gives him a light shove in the back "Just go, you big oaf." He laughs heartily at that and makes his way up the gangplank. He swings himself up on it with the use of both arms and walks it down, saluting the ensign on his way. The whole crew stands at attention, saluting him. He salutes back and tells them with a smile "Hammersley! At ease!" Relieved the crew stands more relaxed and every single one of them welcomes their captain back in his or her own way. Most shake his hand and clap him on the back, others take him in a brotherly hug. But one thing is clear for Maxine as she watches this scene unfold in front of her. She could never force Mike off that ship and take him away from his crew, his family as he calls them.

Shaking her head, but still smiling, Maxine goes back to the car and tells the driver to get her back to NavCom. After the car has driven away, Kate just throws caution to the wind and envelopes Mike in a firm hug, burying her head in his shoulder. She closes her eyes in relief and just enjoys the sound of his strongly beating heart and his even breathing. In return he puts his arms around her, holding her close to him and breathing in her scent, content to just hold her. They stay like that for seemingly endless minutes, till a clearing of someones throat, breaks them out of their trance like state.

They let go of each other, but they stay close, turning to the person that disturbed them. Charge grins sheepishly "Sorry to disturb you Sir, Ma'am, but I think you should get a room for such displays. It's distracting the junior sailors." Grinning back at his old crewmate, Mike steps up to him and claps him heartily on the shoulder "You are right Charge. This shouldn't have happened and I'll apologize for that behavior." Looking mischieviously, Mike pulls Charge aside and asks "Have you gotten what I asked you for?" Charge nods with a grin "I sure have boss. It's in your cabin. Ready for use if needed." Clapping Charge once more on the shoulder, Mike announces "X you have the ship! I'll be in my cabin if you need me."

With these words being said, Mike leaves the aft deck and goes inside, making his way to his cabin. Charge and the X return to the bridge. She shouts "On the bridge! XO has the ship!" Charge affirms this and then all ready themselves to take the ship out into the open sea for their next patrol.

Down in the galley Bird is busy with making lunch for the crew and a late breakfast for the captain. She has just finished the bacon and eggs when the captain turns up. He opens the door to the galley and walks in, closing the door behind him. Bird can't believe her eyes. Mike Flynn is standing in her galley, supporting his weight on a wooden crutch!

Mike sees her unbelieving gaze directed at him and assures her "It's not as bad as it looks Bird. I just need this support from time to time to help my still healing leg. That's all." Relieved Bird smiles at her boss "Glad to hear it Sir. Your breakfast is ready. Where do you want to eat it? In the officer's mess or do you want to take it into your cabin?" Contemplating a moment, he answers "I'll take it in my cabin, thanks." Bird takes a plate and puts the bacon and eggs on it. She then fills a travel mug with coffee and hands the mug to her boss. "Your coffee Sir. I made it strong." He takes the offered mug and with a slight smile in thanks, he starts to move out of the galley.

Bird grabs the plate and cutlery and hurriedly follows her boss. She opens the door for him and together they go to his cabin. Again she holds the door for him while he hops inside, putting the mug down on his desk. Bird sets the plate down too and lays the cutlery beside it. "Enjoy your meal Sir." Smiling brightly at his chef, Mike thanks her and closes the cabin door. He then leans the crutch against the wall and takes a seat in his desk chair. Sipping from his mug and enjoying the warmth of the brown liquid running down his throat, Mike grabs the cutlery and start to eat his breakfast before it gets cold. In minutes the plate is cleared and his coffee mug is nearly empty.