Chapter 8
Flashback
The first patrol
The next day, Kate got her orders at Navcom. Mike gave her instructions, but his attitude was almost hostile. He only said the necessary things. He did not say 'fair winds' to her but 'take care for my ship' .
"It's my ship. I know what I'm doing", Kate replied disappointed.
"That's the intention", he replied bluntly.
Kate left Navcom in a grumpy mood with her sailing orders. She had expected a happier first departure.
Her mood improved when she boarded. She saluted the ensign and headed for her cabin to read the orders. With the exception of a watch of the base, she was the first aboard. She let the door open to see who was boarding.
She read that their patrol area was between Lokhart and Torres Street. Nothing special, but there were always fishing vessels trying to get through the territorial waters.
A knock at the doorframe made her turn around.
"Hey! It's good to see you!", Nikki said.
Kate stood up and they hugged.
"You bandit! You finally made it! Captain on this tub! Congratulations captain", Nikki said with a radiant smile.
"Thank you. And what about you, executive officer!", Kate answered.
"Yeah, wonderful huh? It's my first assignment as an XO", she said.
"Although, it's a bit of a shame we can't share a cabin anymore", said Nikki.
"Be happy, you'll have the cabin to yourself. Then you can have your lower bunk again", said Kate with grin.
"Finally!", Nikki smirked while rolling her eyes.
"Oh, we have a navigator again. Mulholland. Isn't that the guy you mentioned multiple times", Nikki asked with twinkling eyes.
"Indeed", replied Kate deadpan.
"Yeah, okay. I'll settle in and then I'll get the tub for you, … ma'am", Nikki said with a cheeky grin.
"Go away!", Kate replied, gently pushing her friend towards the door.
A few minutes later Dylan poked his head into her cabin, "Hi madam, I'm assigned to this ship as a navigator", he said solemnly.
Kate turned around, "Ah lieutenant. Glad to see you and welcome aboard", she said, standing up.
"You can say that", he said as a broad smile appeared on his face and Kate smiled back.
"You have your old cabin, Nav. The X also has her own cabin", she said.
"Okay. I'll put my things inside and be right back", he said.
"Good, because we have our sailing orders, so you can watch them with the X", Kate said.
He gave her a wink and left.
Kate shook her head, smiling.
My God, what's it going to be? Keep your cool girl!
She was gathering the papers with the sailing orders when there was another knock at the door.
Charge introduced himself with a big smile, "Hello X or should I say boss?"
"Hey Charge, how are you?", Kate replied.
"Fine! Congratulations on your promotion. We will make it work. And if you will excuse me, I would like to go and see if my engines are working well", he said before leaving.
He had barely left when she heard. "Ma'am?".
Kate turned around to see Harpie and Bomber standing in front of the door.
"Hey guys! Good to see you", she greeted them.
"Yes ma'am, same for you and congratulations on your promotion. You really deserved it,", he said.
"Thank you Harpie. You too. You're going to be a good buffer", Kate said, shaking his hand.
She looked at Bomber, "I'm glad you're back Bomber. Congratulations on your medical degree and your promotion".
"Thank you ma'am", she said, shaking her hand.
"Guys, we're going to have a lot of new sailors and you are now the veterans aboard. I'm counting on you to support them and bond them to a crew", Kate said.
"No problem ma'am. We'll sort it out for you", he replied.
"Come on Bomb, we've got work to do", he said, patting her on the shoulder and both went to their cabins.
The ship came to life as the crew members boarded. Kate headed for the bridge and waited for her two officers. Dutchy was the first. At the bridge he met 2Dads.
"Jeez Dutchy, you're back, but huh… what should we call you now? Dutchy? Sir?".
"Nav and sir will do. You can use Dutchy when we're on a mission", he said.
The other man nodded and in the meantime Nikki also arrived at the bridge.
She looked at the big blond lieutenant with an enthusiastic look, "You must be Dylan Mulholland, right? I'm Nikki Caetano", she said, reaching out.
"Hi ma'am, I've heard a lot about you from the boss", he said shaking her hand.
"I think so. I heard a lot about you too", she replied, shaking his hand.
Kate got into the discussion, "Okay guys. Now that you've met, let's look at the orders. Tonight we will have time enough to get acquainted", she said, putting a set of papers on the chart table.
After Kate explained the orders, Dutchy nodded, "Yes, then I'll check the crew and supplies". He left the bridge and Nikki looked at him with interest.
Kate noticed it and gently patted her on the shoulder, "Hey, don't eyeball him. He's mine".
Nikki turned around and looked at her, baffled, "What?"
Kate shrugged and smirked, "Captain's privileges".
"It's not fair!", pouted Nikki.
In the evening, the three of them sat in the officers' mess for supper.
"How was your first day as an officer?", Nikki asked Dylan.
"Oh, very well, ma'am", he replied.
"You can call me Nikki, we're both lieutenants", she said.
He smiled at her, "Okay Nikki".
Kate got into the conversation, "Guys, let's agree. In this room, we use our first names, but outside, we stay formal, okay?"
Nikki grinned at her, "Yes ma'am".
Kate rolled her eyes, "Oh, you're terrible".
They continued to discuss the day's events until Dylan headed for the bridge to take over the watch and the two ladies went to their cabin.
Kate made herself comfortable by removing the DPNU jacket and the elastic string from her hair. Then she took off her heavy sea boots and socks and put on a pair of slippers. She had barely opened her spy novel when there was a knock on her door.
"Come in", she said.
Nikki slipped inside. "Kate, tell me, what's going on with Dylan? Is there something between you two?"
Kate looked at her friend. Her black hair fell to her shoulders. She was standing there in the grey T-shirt, barefoot.
"Well, uh…, we're friends", she said, hoping Nikki would settle for that.
Nikki smiled, "Come on, we're friends. I know you too well for that. There's more. I can read it in your eyes", she said, leaning against the door with her arms crossed.
Kate shrugged and clenched her fists, "No, really, we're friends. But, I must admit that I have feelings towards him."
"Aha! That's wonderful! You see you can't lie to me, huh. And then what?", she asked eagerly
Kate scowled, "Nothing."
"No? Didn't he tell he loves you?", she asked in disbelief.
"No, he's just kind. He had just completed his apprenticeship, you know", Kate said.
Nikki shrugged, "Kate, that's crap. He just showed up, you two are friends, nothing's going on, but it looks like you have butterflies in your stomach".
Kate looked at her friend uneasily, "Is … is it so obvious?"
"Aha! You admit! What happened Kate? Did you?", Nikki asked, sitting on Kate's bunk.
"No Nik! What do you think? ", Kate replied slightly irritated.
She sighed, "Mike's goodbye drink. Things got out of the hand. I had too much work aboard while he was buggering off. You can guess what happened next. An empty stomach, wine, shots. I couldn't escape it because I was standing in the front row. Dylan took me home. The next morning I heard from him that I had done a belly-dance on the table", Kate told.
As she listened her story, Nikki's face beamed and she was about to roar with laughter.
"Nik! Don't! Please", Kate asked desperately.
Nikki shook her head, "Kate, dear, you're even worse than me. You're completely nuts. Reserved, cool, but after a certain hour and helping alcohol, you become unbridled! Wow!", she said poking her friend.
"Okay Nik, knock it off. You had your fun. And again, nothing happened. He tucked me up in my bed and slept on the couch", Kate said.
"Oh, naughty. He saved your life and you made him sleep on the couch", Nikki grinned, patting her friend to tease her.
"It was his idea. I was drunk and didn't remember anything".
"Okay. What now?", Nikki asked eagerly.
Kate smiled, "I hope we can do something more than give me hangover painkillers".
Nikki stood up, "Keep me posted. I love these stories, and…. If you're tired of him, I will take him", she said with a smirk.
Kate waved, "Oh sod off, impossible creature!".
"Okay, good night Kate", Nikki said before leaving.
After Nikki left, Kate looked at her novel and shook her head.
Nope, it won't be nothing. I'd better sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day with all the newcomers aboard.
The following days went well. Kate, Nikki, Dylan, Harpie, Bomber and 2Dads trained the newcomers to become a close-knit crew. Charge took his second man under his wing and RO tried to explain the magic of the radio equipment to his.
Kate felt very confident. She felt like she could handle anything. They only had four days left before returning to base.
"Ma'am, I have a FFV on the screen", Nikki said.
Kate peered over her shoulder, "Hmm, let's see if we can see her on the EOD. 2Dads!", Kate ordered.
"Yes boss", 2Dads replied and activated the EOD. "She's here", he said.
They saw on the screen a bigger ship than expected.
"Bingo! For sure it's an ice boat", Kate said. "Okay, Nav, set a course."
"Yes ma'am", Dylan answered and he gave the helmsman the orders.
Fifteen minutes later, they sailed alongside the ship at a safe distance. "Order them to stop", Kate said.
Nikki grabbed the speakerphone and went out. "This is the Australian Navy. Stop or slow down. We intend to board you!".
The ship stopped her engines.
"Inspect this boat. She's probably full of fish because the waterline is low in the water", Kate ordered.
Nikki took the microphone and called the duty men to the boarding stations.
2Dads stood up to go down, but Nikki stopped him. "No, not you. You stay here on the EOD".
Surprised 2Dads looked at Nikki and then at Kate and the latter gave a barely visible nod. With a slight shrug he sat back down.
"I take this one", Dylan said.
Nikki looked a bit irritated at him, "No, I'm the XO and I do the boardings".
"With all due respect X, but with an ice boat you have to be careful. These rogues don't hesitate to use weapons", he said.
Nikki's Italian temper took over, "I know what I'm doing!".
"Absolutely, but in this case I think it's best that I go. I have more experience with those guys", he said.
"What? Do you think I'm not capable for doing my job, sub lieutenant?", Nikki replied angrily.
"You don't have to tell me, me the executive officer, what I have to do, understood!", she reprimanded him and walked past him, looking at him.
Worriedly he looked after her, then at Kate, who gave him her most icy looks.
He raised his eyebrows and turned around to look at the ice boat with his binoculars.
The Rhib with Nikki, Harpie and three other sailors raced towards the ice boat. He saw how they boarded and Nikki barking at to the Asian people. There didn't seem to be much going on. No one came in, but suddenly, gunshots were heard and three sailors fell to the ground, including Nikki.
"Damnit! I knew it. Goddamn!", Dylan swore and watched Kate who was frozen and bewildered by the dramatic scene that was happening on the ice boat.
He looked around and barked, "Charge, 2Dads, RO, with me! And grab Bomber if you see her" and he ran down the stairs, the others on his heels.
In no time they raced towards the ice boat and boarded it in true Navy Seal style. The opponents didn't realise what was happening as they were immediately shot down. The others surrendered without resisting.
Kate composed herself and grabbed the microphone, "Charlie 82 to November 82, Sitrep!"
"November 82 to Charlie 82. The ice boat is secure. The holds are full of fish. Two opponents shot down, five captured and three of us badly injured. Prepare the sick bay", Dylan replied.
"Copy that. Who's injured?", she replied
"The X, Harpie and Sharky", he answered.
Kate gasped for breath, "O…okay. C..copy that", she said and ended the call. She took the loudspeaker, "Assistant medic, prepare the sick bay. Assistant medic, prepare the sick bay".
She went down to witness the return of the Rhibs. The five captured foreign sailors stood sheepishly in one corner of the quarter deck. The sailors carefully brought their three wounded colleagues aboard and carried them immediately to the sick bay.
Kate followed them and silently watched Bomber and her assistant to lavish first aid on them.
"How are they?", Kate asked.
"Give me a sec ma'am, I'm still examining", Bomber replied without looking up.
Dylan and the others gave their weapons and Kevlar jackets back to the armoury and he went straight to the bridge. He walked over to the new boatswain who was seated at the helm.
"Smithy?", he asked.
"Sir?"
"Do you have any experience as a buffer?", he asked.
"Uh, no sir. I just completed my NCO training. This is my first assignment", he said.
"Hmm, okay, carry on Smithy", Dylan said, looking around. He saw 2Dads talking to Charge.
"2Dads!"
"Dutchy?", the latter replied.
"Come here".
"Yes?"
"Look her! You know what the function of a buffer is, don't you?".
"Yes, of course I know", 2Dads replied.
"Well, this is going to be your only chance to prove that you deserve the crossed anchors. You're now acting as a buffer. And, no jokes! If you screw up, I'll rip your head off and use it as a bowling ball. Understood?", he said sternly.
"Uh, me buffer? Ah, okay Dutchy. I promise. I won't let you down", he stammered.
"Yeah, it would be better for you!", Dylan said.
Kate had just entered the bridge and overheard the conversation between Dylan and 2Dads. She was already in a bad mood, but that was the icing on the cake.
"Lieutenant! What do you think you're doing? You sent a Rhib with a team without even asking. You took your favourite sailors when there are plenty of unexperienced men here yearning for a little practice. We've a crew to set up!", she ranted.
He looked at her and frowned, "With all due respect, but did you want more wounded in the sick bay? The guys in that boat weren't wimps".
"Are you now saying that you doubt my command abilities? And since when do you decide to make a leading seaman a buffer when we have a petty officer aboard? ", she replied furiously.
"Our boatswain is a newcomer, fresh out of training. He has not a single experience as a bosun. 2Dads is the best choice", he said wryly.
"Look lieutenant, you are going to justify your behaviour in front of a captain's table when we get back….", she yelled at him, but her outburst was interrupted by RO holding the telephone in front of her.
"The sick bay ma'am", he said expressionlessly.
She snatched the device from his hands, "Captain speaking", she snapped.
"Ma'am, it's Bomber here. We urgently need a medivac for our three people. They have multiple gunshot wounds and I'm not able to handle these ones", she said.
"Yes, of course, I'll take care of that", Kate said turning pale and ending the call.
"Call Navcom and ask where the nearest asset is with operation facilities for three wounded!", she ordered.
"Ma'am, it's HMAS Anzac. They'll send a helicopter to pick them up. ETA within 15 minutes", Dutchy said.
"Good. Tell Bomber to prepare the wounded for transportation", she said.
"Okay ma'am".
The wounded were put into the helicopter and evacuated. Dylan walked over to Kate who looked emotionless as the helicopter returned to HMAS Anzac.
"Ma'am, we need a steaming party for the ice boat. Who do I order to bring the boat back?", he asked matter-of-factly, remembering her previous outburst.
She looked daggers at him, "Of course I know. Well, since you seem to know everything, then choose two men", she snapped.
"Yes ma'am", he said with a poker face, turning around to grab the microphone and call two sailors.
Hammersley returned to base early. The return trip was embarrassing. The atmosphere aboard was well below zero. They were five men short and that's a lot for a small crew. Three men gunshot wounded and evacuated. During the entire return trip, Kate remained silent except to give a few orders in a dry tone
RO went to the galley to get a mug of coffee. Bomber was busy preparing supper.
"Hey", he said.
She looked up, "Hey", she replied.
"Uh, coffee…. You see", he said a little uncertainly.
"Yeah Rob, it's there for everyone", she replied with a nod.
He filled his mug and lingered in the galley, watching her.
"Uhm, strange atmosphere aboard the last few days", he began uneasy.
She stopped working, washed her hands and looked at him, "Then it must be serious if even you start noticing. Let me tell you Rob, it sucks. I'll be happy to put a foot down ashore".
He nodded, "Yes, bizarre".
She took a few steps towards him, "Rob, you were at the bridge. What actually happened apart from our three wounded? The boss looks like she wants to murder someone any minute and Dutchy is as locked as the national bank vault."
Robert quickly looked over his shoulder before starting to speak, "The boss and Dutchy had words. He did a few things without being ordered to."
She raised her eyebrows, "How come?"
He continued to whisper, "Because Kate froze when she heard what happened aboard the FFV. Now she's mad at him".
"Probably more at herself, knowing her", Rebecca answered, shaking her head.
"Hmm, it was a mess aboard? ", he added.
"Yes, that's is the right word, a mess", she confirmed.
"Hmm, I was already afraid of that. Dutchy had warned them", Robert said.
"Uh? What do you mean?"
He looked at her, "Uh Rebecca, … shall I tell you this …ashore … with a drink?", he asked uncertain.
She looked at him smiling.
Did I hear correctly? Is he giving me a date?
"Yes, of course, on one condition", she said.
"Ah? Which one?"
"Call me Becca. All my friends do it".
"Oh, okay. The evening we arrived? At Charlie's pub at 6 p.m."?"
"Perfect!"
2Dads showed his best side as a buffer and he succeeded. Kate didn't say a word and he asked Dutchy several times if he did something wrong.
"No, there's nothing wrong, but the boss is in a very bad mood. I'll guarantee you that it has nothing to do with the job you're doing well right now", Dutchy said, patting him on the shoulder.
"If you say so, sir", he replied gloomily.
As soon as the Hammersley was docked the crew almost fled. Dylan did his part of the final administration, but he got no questions from Kate. So he knocked at her cabin door and waited.
"Come in"
He entered and saw her glance over her shoulder. "Yes?", was the only thing she said.
"Boss, I've finished. Is there anything else I can do?", he asked.
"No", she simply said.
He waited, hoping for something more.
"So, that's it? Can I leave?", he asked.
"Yes", she said without looking up.
"Alright, enjoy your shore leave, ma'am", he said before leaving. He wasn't sure if she answered him with a grunt.
After closing the door, he sighed and shrugged before heading for his cabin to collect his things.
I'll see her tonight. We need to talk otherwise things won't go well on the next patrol.
End of Flashback
To be continued