Chapter 19
The moment he comes up and takes the last step, the bridge erupts in cheers and whistles and clapping. Charge, Dutchy, RO, 2Dads, Spider, Nav and the X give him an enthusiatic welcome. Nav goes even further. She walks up to him and throws her arms around his body, burying her head in the crook of his neck. Soft sniffing can be heard from her. As Mike has his hands full, he looks pleadingly around the bridge, trying to find someone who could help him. Surprising everyone 2Dads walks over to his boss. Carefully he takes the mug and crutch out of his boss' s hands and steps aside. Now having both hands free, Mike returns her bearhug, running a hand soothingly up and down her back, while whispering words of comfort in her ear.
After seemingly endless minutes, Nav's soft crying subsides, but she still keeps her arms around Mike, not letting go. Now even Kate comes over to them and lays a comforting hand on Nav's shoulder. "Nav? You have to let him go. You still have work to do. We all do. So, let him go." Still sniffing, Nav looks pleadingly up at Mike and says softly "It's the day of ET's death. And seeing you collapse, brought it all back. I'm sorry Sir." Now understanding dawns on him and Kate. With a look he makes it clear to her that she should get everyone else out. Once they are alone with Nav, Mike leads her over to a chair and sets her down on it. He himself goes down on one knee to be at eye-level with his obviously distressed Navigator.
He then lays a comforting hand on her knee. Just this light touch is enough to send the usually composed Navigator into the arms of her CO again. Like he has done before, Mike rubs up and down her back, trying to soothe her. Softly he says "Just let it all out Nav. You'll feel better afterwards. Believe me. It won't help to bottle it all up inside. We are here for you, okay?" Looking through tearfilled eyes at her boss, Nav sniffs and thanks him for his help. He nods and orders "Rest up a bit. The X will take over for you. Come back refreshed." Wiping her face with her sleeve, Nav gets up and starts to leave, but Mike holds her back with a hand on her arm.
Surprised Nav looks up at him. He elaborates "I'll go down with you. I have to rest too. I'm not allowed to walk around too much, even if I use the crutch" ,pausing a moment, he goes on with a smile on his face "Care to help the invalid, who calls himself your captain, down to his cabin Nav?" Nav smiles back at him and replies "Of course I'll help you down to your cabin Sir. But you are certainly not an invalid. Maybe just a bit incapacitated." Now Kate laughs a little. He gazes at her and says "Good to see you smile X, even if it is at my expanse." Looking around he mumbles "Where is my crutch?"
Nav sees it leaning against the marine link console. She goes over to get it and hands it over to her boss, who uses the back of his CO chair as leverage to hold him upright. With a grateful smile he takes it from her. To the X he calls out "X you have the ship!" She affirms the order and sits down in his CO chair, smiling after him and Nav as they exit the bridge together. Nav has her arm around her boss's waist, while he has his arm draped over her shoulders. This way he is able to get down the stairs and to his cabin, supporting his other side with the crutch.
Relieved when they reach his cabin, Mike sinks down on his bunk and lets go of the crutch. He thanks Nav for her help, but she stays and insists on helping him to get off his boots and shirt. Once that is done, she even goes as far as grabbing his legs and lifting them up on his bunk. A bit surprised Mike gazes up at her. Nav grins at him and means "Now I know that you really are resting and not running around." With those words being said, she grabs the blanket and covers him with it.
Feeling tiredness once more seeping into his very bones, Mike gives in and closes his eyes. As soon as his head hits the pillow he seems to fall asleep right away. Giving in to her urge, Nav leans down and gives him a soft gentle kiss on his forehead and whispers in his ear "Sleep well Mike." With a smile still edged on her face, she exits the CO's cabin and closes the door softly behind her. She then makes her way to her own cabin to rest up a bit too. Knowing that in about 90 minutes they'll reach Cairns port, she hurries down and tries to get a bit of shut eye.
About ninety minutes later the Hammersley is getting moored at the dock. The shut down process is in progress and the X lets the crew know who is so unlucky to be on watch for the night at home. The rest is allowed to enjoy their one week of well deserved shore leave. With cheers the Hammersley crew starts to get ready for their leave. Once all their cores aboard are done, they pack their bags and start to file out on deck, where they salute their ensign and leave the ship. They are all happy to be back on dry land again, even if it is only for a week. The only one missing is the CO. He is still in his cabin. After his nap, he started on his reports for NavCom and has then changed into his whites.
Now he comes out on deck, where the X is still waiting for him. He has his seabag and his briefcase in one hand, while he uses the crutch with his other one. Coming to a halt in front of her, he asks "Ready to leave and head to NavCom X?" With a nod, she replies "I'am Sir. Let me help you with that." With those words said, she takes his seabag and carries it for him. They reach the gangway and Kate takes his briefcase too. With both seabags over her delicate shoulder and the briefcase in one hand, she goes up and salutes the ensign. With a shake of his head and a smile, Mike follows her example, albeit slower. Using the crutch with his left hand, he limps along the small gangway and salutes the enign with his right hand.