3 - Recapturing Charge's Mercenary
(Because I needed Mike to have a reaction to Kate getting shot in the back.)
Mike breathed a sigh of relief as he watched his team return from the interior of the island toward the beached RHIB. They had maintained radio silence as the 6-person team was searching for the wanted mercenary who had stabbed Charge. Through his binos he saw Swain, Buffer, and ET carrying what looked to be an injured person. Where was X? There, being assisted by Bomber and Spider, walking slowly toward the RHIB. What the hell had happened on that island?!
The injured mercenary was hauled up onto Hammersley's deck first, Swain already assessing his injuries. Kate stepped out of the RHIB next, looking a bit worse for wear. She was soaked from head to toe. Spider too, appeared to be injured. "X?" he queried, glancing between her and Buffer.
Kate looked up at him, exhausted from her ordeal with the mercenary. "Sir, with respect, I'd like a moment to change into dry clothing." Not waiting for an answer, she continued walking toward the boat entry.
"Of course, X." Mike nodded after her retreating figure. His eyes grew wide in disbelief when he noted the gapping tear in her Kevlar.
"Buffer, a moment?"
"Sir" said Buffer.
"I need to know what happened, Buffer," said Mike.
"She caught a round in the back, sir" Buffer stated. "She was knocked into the water, then, sir…if not for the Kevlar…."
Kate, his Kate, had been shot! It was all Mike could do to hold his feet to the deck. "Who shot the mercenary? Mike asked.
"She did, sir," said Buffer.
Mikes eyes widened again. Unbelievable! Nodding, "take good care of her Buffer," unable to speak further, he released Buffer to clear the boarding party.
As much as he desired to rush after her to make sure she was unharmed it would not be appropriate. Muttering under his breath, "damn regulations," he turned to enter the ship. Making a decision, he headed toward his cabin. There was some paperwork that had been delayed far too long.
Later after docking at Cairns home port…
"Drinks after work?" asked Mike, catching Kate's arm as she walked back toward the gang way.
"Sure, why not," she accepted. "I'd like to know what you told Walsman."
I'd like to know what you think of new possibilities, thought Mike.
Drinks and conversation (missing scene)
"Kate," started Mike. "I've put in my paperwork for a shore posting."
"The Navy will be happy to keep you, I'm sure" replied Kate.
Reaching for her hand Mike said "I didn't do it for the Navy, Kate."
"Mike" Kate sighed, should she pull her hand away? "You're not being fair to either of us, the Navy or me."
"How do you figure Kate?"
"You know you'd rather be at sea. The shore posting is just temporary, you'll be back on a boat as soon as it's over."
"And for you?" asked Mike
Kate sighed, "I've tried to move on, and just when I've met someone, you've changed your mind about keeping it "professional" between us. Mike, as before, you're making all of the decisions for us. On the Hammersley, we make a great team because we discuss, communicate, have "throat ripping debates. In our personal lives, not so much."
"I'd be happy to debate you on this Kate," Mike grinned. "That you don't realize how difficult it's been for me to have you under my command, sending you into harm's way...it's been… well… after today, learning you were shot." He paused, gently stroking his fingers over her palm.
Looking at their joined hands, Mike continued. "You're right, we make a great team on the Hammersley; you've come a long way from that first day. I've been so proud of you Kate. Knowing your career aspirations, it's one of the reasons I've not let my feelings known. I tried Kate, I really did try."
"Mike," said Kate softly, "It's the Navy, things will happen to both of us, you can't protect me. I don't want to be protected. And, I can't wait for you or the Navy to decide my future. It may be months before your shore posting comes through. In the meantime, can we just… can we just.."
"Kate," said Mike, letting go of her hand. "I understand, of course, your career, Captain Roth. I'm being a bit selfish, focusing on what I want. We'll keep the status quo, won't we? Captain and XO?" Mike laid a few bills on the table to cover the drinks before leaning in to give her a quick peck on the cheek. He then stood up, and walked away.
"Sure" said Kate quietly to his retreating back, although she wasn't quite sure this is what she wanted. "Thank you, sir."