7 – May Day, May Day

(Beginning of Season 4)

A May Day set the next events between Kate and Mike in motion. "Help, we're being attacked by pirates!"

"Hands to boarding stations, hands to boarding stations."

"Hold on Carolyn, we're on our way!"

"Promise?"

"I give you my word."

"Hands to boarding stations, hands to boarding stations." Kate was calling and moving toward the boarding staging area at the same time Mike was attempting to calm the woman requesting assistance.

"Charlie-82 to X-Ray-82, sit rep X." Mike reached out through the comms, watching the boarding party jump onto the stern of the boat, they had tracked it from the coordinates given by the victim.

"X-ray-82 to Charlie-8, No one is on board sir, it's abandoned."

"Copy that X, search the everywhere, I told her to hide."

"Copy sir."

The Hammersley bridge crew gasped as they heard the next radio communication burst -"It's a bomb! Get out, get out!"

Watching through the binoculars, they saw the boarding party scramble onto the RHIB, hanging over the sides as it started away from the launch.

Shouts of "GO, GO GO!" and the explosion that destroyed the cruiser were heard.

The RHIB was caught in the bomb wash, those who hadn't had time to settle in were tossed overboard like rag dolls.

"Charlie -82 to X-ray-82, X, I need a sit-rep, over." Repeated several times before hearing "Bravo -82 to Charlie -82, we're searching for the overboard crew" it was Duchy, not X responding

"Go ahead Bravo-82."

"Sir we've found everyone except X."

"Charlie-82 to Bravo-82, keep looking, she's got to be there." Not again, not Kate. How much more could he take!

"There sir," Bird cried out, pointing toward the X's body floating in the water. Her vest had not inflated, she was not moving.

"Bravo-82 come West 50 yards."

"Bravo-82 to Charlie-82, we've got her sir, she's alive."

What a relief, he watched the RHIB return to the ship. She was there, climbing out under her own power, with Swain hovering close by.

"Ward Room X, no arguments" Mike ordered, more sternly than he should.

"Yes sir."

Mike watched closely as Swain conducted a nose to toes exam of Kate.

"Any headache, dizziness, nausea?" asked Swain as he flashed his penlight into her eyes, checking her pupil reflex.

"I have a bit of a headache" replied Kate.

Nodding, Swain asked "Do you know what day it is?"

"That's a trick question…it's Tuesday."

Swain noted out loud, "pupils are a bit sluggish, maybe a bit of a concussion."

"Sluggish?" Kate was offended.

Mike smirked, such a relief to see her sassy self, answering Swain's questions.

"Sir, she'll need a scan when we return; to rule out concussion. Would you like to take her or shall I?"

"I don't need a scan, and I'm not going."

"Sorry X, it's mandatory."

"I'd appreciate it if you could accompany her to hospital Swain. I've got a meeting at NavCom I can't be late for."

NavCom Cairns-after docking in home port*

"Maxine, good to see you again. Welcome to Cairns," said Mike, knocking on the door to Commander Maxine White's, formerly Commander Steve Marshall's, office.

"You too Mike, I've heard great things about Hammersley. It's why I'm surprised at your request. Steve mentioned you'd put in your promotion to a shore posting before the Samaru Island incident. What's changed? Something to do with your executive officer?" Maxine grinned at Mike, knowing how to push his buttons. She and Mike came up through ADFA together, Mike was her son's, Ryan, godfather.

"Max, you're one of my few friends who knew about Kate and myself. I'd be lying if I said it didn't create some tension at first but I thought we could handle it professionally. But honestly, Max, I can't be the one to stunt her career," said Mike, adding to himself "or send her to her death." Out loud Mike says, "besides, I've been told it would be unfavorable to my career to turn down promotion again. The American Ambassador said he would give me a recommendation after this latest incident."

"Well Mike, I've got good news. The American Ambassador and the Chief phoned just this morning wondering why someone with your experience hasn't been promoted yet. Canberra just sent the signal in - Congratulations – Commander Flynn! I'm looking forward to having someone I can trust here by my side at NavCom. It'll be like old times."

"Max, thank you. I really think this is what I need. Give my love to Ryan and Stewart."

"Dismissed Commander, I'll see you soon."

Dismissed from NavCom Mike quickly sent a text to Kate.

how did you fare, scan ok?*

head scan clear, ribs are bruised but no breaks, light duties , how was NavCom*

He paused before texting *ok if I come round to yours, I'll bring takeaway we can talk*

Not waiting for a response, Mike headed over to Kate's stopping for the promised take away on the way.