CH 31
When HMAS Norman return back to port, the crew got a week shore leave before leaving for another nineteen days of training. When the crew left the ship for there shore leave the captain and his XO went to see commodore Newman on how the training went.
They were surprise when they walk into the commodore office to see admiral of the fleet there "sir" Captain and his XO said as they saluted the admiral which he did in return
"Captain, commander, sit down I'm here to find out how your training went"
"Yes sir" Captain and the commander sat down.
They talk for an hour about the training and how it went. When they finish they close there files.
"I under stand you got lieutenant McGregor on board for couple of patrols how well did she do" Admiral asked
"Lieutenant McGregor is one amazing officer. She knew what she was doing with her navigation and sonar skills. She pick up every dummy mines that was place out at sea on the sonar as well other sounds, navigate through a reef as well taking part in retrieving mines plus rescue missions. She done an excellent job it a shame we can't have her with us" Captain said
"You knew it was for only two patrols captain" Commodore said
"It a shame though sir. I've work with other lieutenants before but lieutenant McGregor she the best lieutenant I have ever work with"
"How is she towards the crew" Admiral asked
"She hard on them if they did some thing wrong she on top of the problem strait away, she had three junior crew on tooth brush duties with in ten days. I've heard her addressing the sailors who did wrong, she one hell of a task master. None of the crew would stand a change against her when it came to arguments. I heard her two days ago, she was arguing with lieutenant woods about training that went wrong where a junior sailor was injured"
"Who was in charge of that training" Commodore asked
"Lieutenant woods sir" Captain said.
They talk about what happen and what Kate said to the lieutenant. They knew that Kate was in the right. After a hour and a half later captain and the commander walk out of the office and walk towards the exit.
Mean while in the commodore office the admiral let out his breath. "sir are you ok" Commodore asked
"Yes you work with lieutenant McGregor what is she like" Commodore told the admiral of the fleet about Kate work, every thing in the short time she was working on her shore posting while she was pregnant.
The next day Kate was on the wharf with other family members of the crew of the HMAS Darwin. It would be the first time she would seen mike in six months. She looking ford to spending the next few days with him and there kids.
Kate watches as the sailors walk off the ship carrying there bags they walk over and into love ones arms. Kate waited patiently till she saw him walking to the gang way and walk off the ship. Mike saw Kate standing there smiling at him till he was standing in front of her. He put his bag on the ground then they hug and kiss passionately will they had to brake the kiss for air
"Welcome home mike"
"It good to be home, miss you so much"
"I miss you to Mike, I love you so much"
"i love you to" they kiss and hug once more
"Where mum dad, and our kids?"
"At home" Mike pick his bag up
"Well let's go home" he put his arm around her shoulders and she put her's around his waist as they slowly walk to the car park
"We not going home Mike"
"Why why not" He asked looking at Kate
"I book us a hotel for the night, just you and me"
"what about mum, dad, kids?"
"tomorrow cause they planing on double welcome home party for you and me"
"Who going to be there"
"Family" Kate said smiling.
"Really that good so what hotel are we staying at"
"You will see"
"I haven't got a change of clothes Kate" mike was in his uniform
"I brought an over night bag for us both"
"that great"
When they reach Kate car, she unlock it and turn the alarm off at the same time just before they reach the doors. Mike put his bag in the boot of the wagon while Kate got into the drivers seat. When mike got in and put his seat belt on Kate Was on the phone for few seconds then hung up and put her phone in the holder then she started the wagon up and drove out of the car park.
"Who did you call Kate"
"hotel"
"Hotel why"
"It a surprise Mike" Kate said smiling
Mike sat back in his seat wondering where Kate taking him. Ten minutes later Kate pulled up out side the Pullman Quay Grand hotel car park. They both got out and mike got his bag out before Kate lock the doors and turn the alarm on. She walk over to Mike side and held onto his hand
"come on" They walk to the entrance of the hotel and in side. Mike follow Kate to the elevators while looking around.
When they reach the floor that Kate book and the doors open Kate step out first then mike did. He follow Kate till she stop at a door. She use the key to unlock it and open it up and walk in side. Then mike walk in closing and locking the door. He follow Kate into the bedroom then stop when he saw the view it was of the Sydney harbour bridge
"wow love the view" he put his bag and hat on a chair and walk over to where Kate is who also looking at the view. She turn to him wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him
"You like it"
"Yes especially when your in the picture as well" Mike kiss Kate back.
"Well then sailor there more surprises"
"More"
"Yes" Kate started undoing buttons on his shirt so he started pulling Kate top out of her pants while they kiss.
Once all the items was removed from each other. Kate held onto mike hand and pulled him into the bathroom. When they stop Mike saw bubble bath with rose peddles in it, an ice bucket with open bottle of wine, two flute glasses, chocolates and strawberries
"Wow this is a surprise" Kate got into the bath first then mike did.
He move till he sat down then he turn around a bit and pick up one of the glasses and bottle, when he saw it was champagne he smile so he pour some in the glass and pass it to Kate then he pick up two strawberries, he put one in Kate glass then one in his before picking it up and pouring the champagne in his glass then put the bottle in the ice bucket just as he jump when Kate turn the jets on. He turn to see her smiling
"Here to us and our family" Then they click there glasses and took a sip of the drink.
"So you like the surprise so far Mike"
"Yes I do Kate" he lean ford and kiss her.
"You can surprise me any time"
"Oh I will Mike, I will" Kate said as she kiss him back.
They spent an hour in the spa bath while enjoying the champagne, chocolates and strawberries and making passionate love while in there. They got out when the water was getting cold.
Kate pull the plug from the bath while mike turn the shower on so he and Kate could remove the excess bubbles from there bodies before going to bed since Kate wanted to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in bed while making passionate love which mike was looking forward to.
That night Kate ordered room service for her and Mike. She got up and put robe on when there was a knock on the door, it was room service. Mike got up and put robe on him self while Kate push the trolly to where the table is.
She pick up the dishes and put them on the table while Mike open bottle of wine that Kate also ordered with there meal. Mike pour the wine and lit the candle that was in the middle of the table while Kate turn most of the lights off before joining mike at the table. They saw the light turning on around the city including the bridge.
"amazing isn't it" Kate said looking at the lights
"Yes it is" Kate turn to see mike looking at her which made her smile.
"How are you feeling Mike"
"tired and happy, you"
"Happy, really happy that you are home Mike, six months is along time being apart" Mike put his hand in hers
"Yes it is but I'm looking ford to spending a month with you and our kids" Kate smile
"Same here Mike but I don't know where they going to post me. I'm suppose to be back on Anzac but they gone for a month so I either taken leave or posted onto another ship or shore posting I don't know"
"Well where every you are Kate I know that you are ok when I hear from you"
"you to Mike"
After dinner mike blew out the candle then he stood up and walk around the table holding his hand out to Kate. She put her hand into his as she stood up. They took few steps away from the table and over to the large windows where Mike stop and pulled Kate into his arms as they look out side to where the bridge is. Kate rest her head on mike chest as she wrap her arms around mike while listening to his heart beat.
They were like that for five minutes when Kate notice mike hands were moving from where they are around her shoulders to down between them. She felt the tie on her robe being pulled apart at the same time Mike started kissing her neck.
So Kate move her hands from his waites to the front of his robe and pull the tie at the same time they kiss. They removed each others robes and let them fall to the ground just and kiss became passionate.
Mike lifted Kate up as she wrap her legs around his waist. He walk back to the bed and sat down on it with her on his lap then he roll them both till Kate was beneath him when the broke the kiss for air. Kate cup mike face while looking at him then pull him down for another kiss. They spent the rest of the evening making passionate love again before falling asleep in each other arms.
The next morning they made love twice, once in bed and the other in the shower after they had breakfast. When they left the hotel they both were smiling as they walk out of the hotel with there arms around each other while holding onto there bags.
Kate pass Mike car keys so he could drive them back to his parents place. They talk about different things till mike pulled up in the drive way. They both got out when they heard loud voices
"Uncle Mike back"
they heard one of the kids yelled out as she ran over to give him a hug then his other nieces and nephews almost bowled him over with hugs while Kate got there bags out of the car then follow Mike and kids around the back of the house to see there families there to greet mike back home
"Mike are you ok" Paul asked
"Yes dad I am it good to be home" then he heard behind him
"Kate I hope you didn't tier him out to much" Jane said making Kate laugh
"May be, I'm going to put our bags in our room Mike"
"ok Kate"
"Daddy" he turn around and crouch down as there kids ran to him for hugs and kisses.
Kate took there bags up into there bedroom then return back down stairs and out side to where the family is. Kate notice the barbeque going and different snacks on the tables and chilli bin full of drinks for adults and kids. Kate got her self a glass of wine before sitting down next to Alice.
"Mike look a bit tired Kate"
"He was yesterday when I pick him up and yes he did get some rest"
"how much rest Kate?"
"Ten hours sleep. He told me that they went through a bad storm and no one got any sleep cause of it and they attended to may day calls on the way back. The crew looking ford to there month leave so they can catch up with family, friends and sleep"
"Ok" Every one had a great day laughing, joking eating and drinking.
By the end of the day every one was tired since some of the family arrived that morning before Mike and Kate return back from there hotel stay. Mike and Kate bath the quads and put them to bed for the night. Then they return back down stairs to join the rest of the family for few hours before going to bed.
The next day Mike sisters and there families left to head home since it was a Sunday and kids got school and day care in the morning. That afternoon mike and Kate were in the pool with the quads. Each of the quads were wearing floaters on there arms. Paul and Alice watch them from the gazebo while drinking there cold drinks.
"that one thing we don't don't see often" "Alice said
"what that" Paul asked
"Family together having fun"
"True"
Mike and Kate spent a week together before Kate was called to fly to Perth to be temporary navigator for the new build HMAS Stuart for one patrol the lieutenant that Kate filling in for got appendicitis two days before hand and there was no other lieutenant available. Mike drove Kate to the air port since she flying to Perth.
They hug and kiss. "so much of having family time together Mike"
"Navy got no seance of timing" Kate smile
"that true. Let me know where they going to send you that is if your not back on Darwin"
"I will, love you" Mike said
"love you to"
they hug and kiss once more before Kate left to board her plane since the navy paying for her air fairs. Mike watches Kate board the plane and plane leaving ten minutes later. Once it was gone, mike return back to his parents place alone.
When Kate plane landed at Perth air port and she follow the other passengers off the plane and into the terminal. She walk over to get her two sea bags since she was in her uniform and look around as she slowly walk to the exit looking out for her driver who would be in uniform.
When she was out side she waited for half an hour. When no one showed up she called for a taxi to take her to Perth navy base. When she arrived there and paid for the fair, she asked for a receipt just in case the navy rein burst her.
Once she got her bags she look around as she walk towards the entrance of the navy base. When she walk in she walk up to the counter. A women in junior uniform look up. She stood up and saluted Kate which she did in return
"Can I help you lieutenant ma'am"
"Yes commodore Taylor office please"
"Is he expecting you ma'am"
"Yes he is, I'm lieutenant McGregor" The women look down at some paper work then look up
"the elevators over there ma'am" the women said pointing to where the elevators are
"He on the third floor, turn left when you step out of the elevators, you can't miss his office lieutenant"
"thank you able seamen" they saluted once more then Kate turn and walk to the elevators.
The Able seamen pick up the phone to call the commodore Secretary to let her know that Kate on her way up.
When Kate walk into commodore Taylor office a women look up and smile "You must be lieutenant McGregor"
"Yes Ma'am"
"commodore expecting you, why don't you leave your bags here"
"thank you" Kate put her bags on a chair then she step forward and knock on the door
"Enter" Kate open the door and walk in closing the door behind her.
the commodore look up from what he is reading "Commodore Taylor I'm lieutenant McGregor sir" Kate said as she saluted the commodore which he did in return
"Lieutenant, please sit down"
"Yes sir" Kate sat down while holding onto her hat when the commodore look at his watch then to Kate
"your an hour later lieutenant"
"sorry sir, commodore Newman said that a car would be waiting for me at the airport for when I arrive. No one showed up so I called for a taxi sir"
"I see have you got a receipt for the fair"
"Yes sir" Kate pass the commodore the receipt, he look at it then to Kate
"I'll make sure you get rein burst lieutenant"
"thank you sir"
"Now Lieutenant sorry for pulling you away from your family like this"
"I under stand sir. Commodore Newman has explain that the lieutenant that I'm filling in for got appendicitis two days ago and you needed a temporary replacement till he gets the all clear from the doctors sir"
"Yes that is correct lieutenant, commodore Newman told me a bit about you lieutenant, and I've read your profile, I'm quiet impress with your record"
"thank you sir"
They talk for twenty minutes before Kate walk out of the commodore office. She pick up her bags and gave the Secretary a smiling before walking towards the elevators. When she was down on ground level she walk out side and waited for some one to pick her up and take her to the docks.
While waiting she called Mike to give him an up date. They talk for a few minutes before she hung up. She waited for fifteen minutes, no one showed up so she started walking towards the wharf not happy with what happen so far. She walk to the Security check point showing her ID before letting her pass
"Excuse me lieutenant what ship are you on ma'am"
"HMAS Stewart why did you ask"
"Ma'am I can give you a lift there. It hot and don't want you to collapsed on the way"
"You needed here, thanks any way"
"it no problem ma'am here our replacements now we just got off duty"
"ok thanks"
the security personal talk to the ones who came on duty then the guy that Kate spoke to walk over to her with keys in hand "This way ma'am" Kate follow the guy and got into a car. He drove her down to the ship.
"i haven't seen you around here before"
"I'm from Sydney navy base, I'm here as temporary replacement till the lieutenant I'm filling in for gets the all clear from the doctors"
"Ok I notice your married ma'am how long have you been married for?"
"five and half years, you" when she saw his wedding ring, she saw him smile
"Almost eleven years, married my high school sweet heart"
"Good for you, children"
"three two girls and a boy, you ma'am"
"twenty six month old quads, two of each" she saw the shock look on his face
"Quads, wait a minute your not Kate princess perfect McGregor"
"That lieutenant McGregor leader"
"Sorry ma'am but I've heard about you well all navy officers on base here heard about you"
"Then how do you know me leader"
"My brother in law was at the ADFA and Watson bay he was in same classes as you ma'am lieutenant Barry brown"
"Yes I know him"
"Really when he was ADFA he told Emma, that my wife about you and that no one including the instructors didn't stand a chance against you and you won every award and the sward award"
"that right"
"wow from what Barry told me the crew you going to be serving with won't stand a chance against you and I hope they got extra tooth brushes with them" He said smiling
"you heard about that"
"Yes ma'am and that you one hell of a task master"
"thanks"
"here we are ma'am" He stop the car and they got out.
He got her bags for her from the boot of the car and pass them to her "Enjoy your patrol ma'am and welcome to Perth"
"thank you leader" they saluted then he got in the car and he turn it around and headed back to the security check point while grinning.
Kate walk up onto the ship when a sailor walk over to her and saluted
"Lieutenant McGregor ma'am I'm leader Smith" Kate saluted back
"Leader"
"If you follow me ma'am I'll show you to your cabin"
"thank you leader" Kate follow the leader down to here cabin.
When they got there "Here is your cabin ma'am and welcome aboard"
"thank you leader your dismiss"
"Yes ma'am" then the leader walk away.
Kate got her self settle in then she check out the new ship. When she was up on the bridge she interduce her self to the crew while looking around then she walk off the bridge and onto the wharf when she saw a car heading towards the ship. When Kate walk onto the wharf she saluted the captain his his XO
"captain, commander, I'm lieutenant McGregor sirs"
"Lieutenant" Captain said as he and the commander saluted back
"Have you settle in ok lieutenant" commander asked
"Yes sir"
"come to the ship office in an hour for a debrief lieutenant"
"Yes sir"
Kate watch them walk onto the ship just as trucks and fork lift showed up to take care of the boxes of food, water and other surprises on board. Kate turn and walk back on board the ship. She watches how every thing was done till she reported down the the ship office for the debrief.
Late that afternoon the HMAS Stewart left fort for it first patrol, they were going away for a month.
A week later Mike gets a letter from the navy stating that he been transferred back up to Cairns and he got to report to the new commandeering officer on Monday. When he finish reading the letter he look up at his parents
"mike what it is"
"I've been transferred back up to Cairns, I report to the new CO on Monday"
"what you still got two weeks leave" Alice said
"that the navy for you, you know that mum"
"i know"
"Are you going to let Kate know" Paul asked
"soon as I know what happening"
"Ok" Mike spent all the time he could with the kids before he left on Sunday afternoon to Cairns.