1 – Relation SHIP s: Mike, Kate, Ursula, HMAS Hammersley
Hammersley Decommission Day-Mike takes a moment on the bridge*
Alone on the bridge of the HMAS Hammersley Fremantle class warship, Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn, the "Boss", hopped up and settled into the command chair one last time. Taking a calming breath, he switched on the PA comms to address the crew.
"Do you hear there? Captain speaking…and I hope to have you all serve with me again on the new Armidale class ship I've just been assigned. That is all."
Finished with his address his thoughts turned to the last mission of "his" ship. He had hoped she would go out with honor and distinction as he just said to his crew; she had done just that. In addition to the routine Foreign Fishing Vessels (FFV) and Suspected Illegal Entry Vessels (SIEV) encounters, they had apprehended murderers, terrorists and prevented the insidious spread of a lethal toxin throughout Australia and perhaps beyond. He thought of his crew and their individual performances. Many had shown both personal and professional growth. Especially his executive officer, "XO or X", Lieutenant Kate McGregor.
His initial reaction upon learning Kate would be posted under his command was to immediately request a different XO from NavCom. However, he had a reputation for going through executive officers; asking for a replacement would raise questions. Questions that might bring certain details about their previous relationship into the light of day. Details Mike was reluctant to review personally and professionally. He knew he had not left her a satisfactory explanation. One might say he had been an emotional coward, making the decision to end it for both of them. Opting for a hastily scribbled note rather than a conversation, he left one morning and never contacted her again. He was wedded to his patrol boats, and she was destined for the big ships.
He made it a priority to address the "thing" between them on her first day aboard; wanting to make sure they were on the same page. Kate's response, "to become the first female Chief of Navy", made him smile, her confidence and determination hadn't faded. Agreeing they could work together professionally; he was confident any residual feelings were settled for both of them, and they sailed out of port. Apparently, she was as eager to move on from the past as he was.
She challenged him on more than one occasion during this patrol. What she lacked in height and weight, she made up for in courage and conviction. Each encounter was a reminder of her passionate nature; why he had been drawn to her in the first place. He found himself observing her covertly during her interactions with the crew. She was a force to be reckoned with, taking a firm hand with the new Leading and Able Seaman to ensure shenanigans were kept to a minimum. Had she really put Spider to work scrubbing toilets with a toothbrush for impersonating her at Chefo's stag party? Only to recommend he receive a commendation for his life saving actions when a WWII bomb had been found on the beach?!
She had even made a connection with the communications officer, RO, who didn't connect with anyone. She had also gained the trust of the ship's senior officers, Buffer, Charge and Swain. Leading them on numerous successful boarding parties, taking control of the unsavory characters that rode the Australian seas. She and Nikki Cataneo, Nav, seemed to bond as well, being the only two female senior officers and sharing a cabin. She still had a lot to learn about command though, his admiration for her ability to manage the ship grew with each encounter.
As Captain of the ship, he was used to sending crew into dangerous situations. His place was on the ship, observing, providing support and direction for the interactions between his crew and the illegal fishing parties, drug smugglers, refugees and mayday calls from the bridge. It was the job of the XO to manage the launch of the rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), heading up the boarding party. The XO was his eyes and ears off the boat. Was he imagining things or were the launches more dangerous this patrol?
On more than one RHIB launch, he had felt his heart racing at the sound of gunfire, not relaxing until this XO was safely in front of him with her report. When she received a black eye in her efforts to break up a struggle between a FFV crew and eco-terrorist, it was all he could do to keep himself from reaching to hold her – to comfort her, or himself? Then to see her dressed in his clothing for the sting operation on the FFV boat! Oi! Memories of her in his clothing, and without hers, came flooding back.
Meeting the attractive and mysterious Doctor Ursula Morrell was a welcome distraction. Just what he needed to draw his attention away from Kate. Ursula was also blonde, strong willed, and driven by her career. Hmm, did he have a "type"? Having spent several evenings together, he thought he was in the right to proclaim her innocence to his XO in anything related to the Bright Island investigation when Kate had expressed her opinion about Ursula's suspicious behavior. Mike thought he knew Ursula, and perhaps Kate was being a bit green-eyed. His crew, including Kate, saw him meet with Ursula when the boat docked at home port. He wasn't exactly hiding his new relationship. Later, when Hammersley was tasked to transport Ursula from Bright Island to Cairns, he led the RHIB party ashore; knowing X and Nav would be observing from the bridge through binoculars.
He was completely baffled when Ursula vacated her apartment without a word and again, when she showed up in his apartment in tears, afraid for her life. Kate had been right to be suspicious of Ursula! The last night he spent with Ursula was an emotional release for both of them. She was alive and safe with him now. He learned of her involvement in the development of a lethal toxin which was going to be sold to the highest bidder. He convinced her to come clean with the Federal Police. Then her guilty conscience led her to offer herself as bait to catch Rick Gallagher and find the toxin stores. Was he a magnet for strong willed women?! Destined to love and lose them?!
Who could have foreseen what would happen on the bridge between himself and Rick Gallagher? Rick had snuck on board while the Hammersley crew was engaged in searching for survivors of his destroyed ship. Rick on the bridge holding Ursula hostage, a gun to her side, demanding the RHIB for his escape. XO, pointing her weapon at Rick, waiting for him to give the order to shoot. Ursula scared and quivering – Kate strong and determined. Him, trying to goad Rick into giving up. That moment the bridge door opened, distracting Rick long enough for him to grab for the gun, but not before Rick was able to pull the trigger seemed an eternity. He didn't know XO had been hit by the first stray bullet. He didn't know who had pulled it, or how the gun went off again as they struggled over it.
It didn't matter, Swain made sure Rick was dead on the deck while he had gone to Ursula's side. Finding she was unharmed he turned toward Kate. She was down! on the bridge deck, clutching her left arm. He saw the blood oozing through her fingers, she was so pale. He rushed to her, assessing her injury, Ursula temporarily forgotten. He held pressure on her wound while Swain gathered his supplies.
"Take care of her Swaino," turning back to Kate, "Hang in there Kate, those big ships need you." He tried to comfort her.
"Just a graze", thank God (and Thor); Swain soon had her stabilized and she walked off the ship under her own power. So sassy! Making sure he knew what type of chocolate to show up with as a peace offering for her getting shot! Smiling to himself, "that a girl Kate", she hopped into the back of the ambulance and was taken away to hospital.
He saw Ursula one last time; a sweet good bye in the back of the Federal Police van and then she vanished into protective custody. Certainly, he had feelings for the Doctor but he also knew once she went into protection, he would never be able to find her. It truly was the only way to keep her safe from the unsavory characters her research attracted. He left the van, and boarded the ship to finish the necessary tasks to decommission "his" ship. Things would soon be back to normal. A new ship, new crew, and most importantly a new executive officer. Kate would be out from under his command onto her next step toward CoN.
Brought out of his reverie by the decommissioning ceremony announcement, he took one last look around the bridge. Hopping down from the chair, he slowly moved toward the dock. He could only hope fair winds were on the horizon for himself, XO, Ursula, and the rest of the Hammersley crew.
Writing the letter of recommendation for Kate to transfer to a frigate was easy. She had demonstrated courage, bravery, and stood her ground before him on more than one occasion. She showed empathy for the crew when Jaffa had died, and when RO lost his father. Surely it was only admiration for her accomplishments as a Naval Officer he was feeling. His recommendation would take her out of his life forever. His new X, whomever it might be, would ease the tension he felt whenever Kate was around. He would be able to sail on with a clear mind and a new ship, having helped a fellow officer to achieve their greater goals. The past would fade into distant fond memories once again. Soon he would meet up with Swain, Buffer, and Charge for a much-needed boys night at the local pub.
Kate knocked softly on his cabin door. Looking up he smiled, "How's the arm?"
"Healing as we speak."
"It's been a pleasure to have you on board Hammersley, Kate. I wish you fair winds as you climb your career ladder" he said, handing the letter out toward her.
"About that sir, I thought I'd take you up on your offer."
He had to swallow twice while smiling, nodding, and returning the envelope marked "Lieutenant Kate McGregor recommendation" to his desk. She was turning down the recommendation, opting to continue to serve under him! Of all the crew to take him up on his offer to serve again! He wouldn't have to break in a new X, on the other hand this just might be his greatest professional command challenge.