It is the day after we helped Madeline and I am relaxing while Robert tries to cook lunch for the pair of us. The only problem with that is the fact that Robert is not the greatest in the kitchen. Not that it matters as he is trying to do something nice. My thoughts are soon interrupted by a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," I say as I get up. I soon open the door. Who I am greeted by catches me by surprise.
"Hey, Mum,"
"Hey, Eden. Can we talk?" She asks. I know exactly what she wants to talk about.
"Umm…can it wait for an hour. I was in the middle of something with my boyfriend," I respond.
"It doesn't matter she can stay," Robert calls out from the kitchen.
"Well, then that's settled. You can come in," I reluctantly say as I gesture for my mum to come in. As she takes a seat at the table she sighs.
"What's wrong mum?" I ask.
"I'm sick again. This time it's terminal so I came to apologise," My mum explains.
It is the day after and as I board the Hammersley I am thinking about what my mum said. The thing is she never supported me through medical school because I studied via the Australian Defence Force Academy. Don't get me wrong I can understand why she didn't like it but she still could have supported me. I just have to push my family drama to the back of my mind as I have a patrol to partake in.
"Are you ok Hoppo? You look a little annoyed" Bird asks as I join her in the wardroom.
"It's nothing to worry about. Just some family stuff," I respond as I begin taking stock of what we have and what we need. Luckily for me, everything that is urgently required has already been restocked.
It has been a couple of hours since then and I am trying to get into contact with a vessel that is adrift. Both Robert and I have tried everything that we can think of. I join Dutchy, Mike, Kate and Charge on the boat deck.
"Any luck Hoppo?" Mike asks.
"She hasn't responded to our hails. I reckon she's been abandoned," I give my report. Dutchy nods in approval.
"Alright then. Let's take a look," Mike confirms. With that, I head to the boarding stations. With a few swift movements, the RHIB is underway. Since the boat is adrift boarding is easy. I notice Charge wobble as he gets aboard.
"Hey, are you alright?" I ask as Dutchy, Kosov-Meyer, Kate and Ryan get to work on sweeping the vessel.
"Yeah I'm fine," Charge responds. With that, I catch up to Kate. It doesn't take long for us to find who I would assume to be the master of the vessel. The man looks a little young to be in charge of a vessel.
"Australian Navy," Kate identifies us.
"I'm glad to see you guys," He loosens with relief. Kosov-Meyer and Charge quickly excuse themselves. I assume they are going to figure out what the problem is.
"So what happened?" I ask.
"A lighting strike yesterday. It hit the boat and fried the electronics. I've been adrift ever since, trying to get it going," The kid reports as we are joined by Kosov-Meyer and Charge.
"Hoppo the circuit breakers on the switch panel are melted," Kosov-Meyer gives me his report.
"The engine needs re-wiring. She's not going anywhere under her own steam," Charge's report complicates matters.
"Ok, where is home port for you?" I ask so that we can work out some kind of a plan.
"Winston. It's a little fishing town. That way," The kid points to the general direction of land. I guess Swain or Mike will chart a course.
"I'll see what we can do," I respond as I head to somewhere a little quieter.
"Echo 82 to Charlie 82 there is a single person on board. Charge and 2 Dads checked the vessel out. There is no way it can make it to land on it's own power. The kid said he was home ported at Winston," I radio in. After a second of silence Mike radios back.
"There is a serious sandbank on the way into Winston Harbour. We should be able to just get in at high tide. It will mean we have to overnight," Mike responds. He doesn't sound too pleased by the idea.
"I'm sure the crew wouldn't mind some unscheduled R , Sir," I counter.
"I'm sure they won't," Mike responds. After a couple of minutes, we made it back to the Hammersley. Since my watch technically ended ten minutes ago I am currently flicking through my emails. I notice something from my Dad.
To Eden
Your mother told me about her news. I am hoping that you could take the chance to forgive her mistakes.
From Dad
I sigh. The truth is I already forgave her. It's just that I have been waiting for her to reach out. Which is the problem. It has been an hour since then and I am debating whether or not I should goo out with the others. On one hand, I need to get my family stuff in order but on the other hand, I need to relax since I have been focused on work for the past ten hours. A sigh falls from my mouth as I head to my cabin. The annoying thing is I can't use the fact that I am on watch as an excuse to not go since I was on the afternoon watch. I am about to enter the cabin I share with Kate when I am stopped by Robert. He glances down the passageway. He is making sure there is no one to see us.
"Hey Hoppo are you alright? You've been a little off since your mum saw you," He gets to work on making sure that I am actually ok. To be honest this patrol has given me some time to reflect on my path to the Navy.
"Yeah…nah. The last time my mum and I spoke was the day before my first voyage on the ANZAC. She didn't like the fact that her only daughter joined the Navy. Because of that, we drifted apart. Before you can ask I forgave her ages ago as there is no point in holding a grudge for that long," I find myself venting to Robert. As I do I notice a look in his eyes that suggests he will do anything in his power to make me feel better.
"Is there anything I can do?" He asks.
"No…not till we get back to HMAS Carins," I reply. After making sure that I am ok Robert leaves. Well, that answers that. I am going to call my Dad.
It is the morning after and I am in the queue for breakfast. While I wait I am watching Charge who is rubbing his chest as if he is in pain. I will find time to talk to him about it after breakfast."Heart attack on a plate as usual Charge?" Bird asks.
"Nah. Beans on toast today. Thanks, Bird," Charge responds knowing that I am behind him. Kate and Mike soon join the queue. They are discussing a potential departure time.
"Look we will depart when the tide allows," Mike confirms.
"Sir this came in," Robert says as he catches up to them. He quickly hands Mike a piece of paper. Mike is just as quick to skim it.
"Or not. The fleet met office has just issued a cyclone warning for waters to our north. It looks like we will be staying put for another twenty-four hours," Mike announces.
"Well, that will give us a chance to catch up on some non-essential maintenance work," I not so subtly hint to Charge that he needs a health check-up. After some remarks, Charge is interrupted by a phone call. After a few minutes, I am summoned to the wardroom to find a dishevelled Kosov-Meyer.
"So what happened?" I ask as I get to work on cleaning up his wounds. Luckily for him, the scrapes appear to be minor.
"I was playing poker with some…unsavoury characters then they ended up tossing me out as I won all of their money and they didn't like it. Anyway, the last thing I saw before I passed out was a blinding light," Kosov-Meyer responds. So the scuttlebutt is true. Of course, he had to go and get himself into trouble. After cleaning the rest of the scrapes I grab him some painkillers. After some joking, I send Kosov-Meyer to rest.
It is the day after and we are finally underway. Something tells me something will interrupt our smooth sailing. Right now I am monitoring Comms as part of my watch.
"Ma'am we have a contact bearing 108. Possible FFV," Dutchy remarks.
"Right. Steer 108," Kate orders.
"Steering 108," Swain confirms. After a few minutes, Dutchy spots the possible FFV.
"Sir I have a visual," Dutchy remarks as he reveals the video on the EOD.
"That's Lee's boat. Hoppo hail them on VHF 1-6," Mike orders. With a flick of the push-to-talk button, I begin my transmission.
"El Torro this is the Warship Hammersley calling you on VHF frequency 16 are you receiving me?" After a few attempts, I give up. For whatever reason he is not picking up. The boarding party is quick to launch. After what feels like an eternity I am summoned to the wardroom.
"Lee overdosed on something," Ryan remarks. His voice is frantic. Dutchy gently places an unconscious Lee on the bed.
"Ok give me some room to work," I bark. The others soon clear out. After thirty seconds I have the naloxone in hand. With a few swift movements, I have the naloxone administered. Once that is done I set up an IV. Now for the hard part. Waiting. I wish there was more that I could do however I know for a fact that the only thing I can do is administer naloxone. As time goes by I notice Lee drifting between unconsciousness and consciousness. As I double-check the IV for the millionth time I am joined by Mike.
"How's he doing?" He asks.
"He keeps dropping in and out of consciousness. We really need to get him to a proper medical facility. I have done everything that I can," I fill him in. I would go as far as saying that I am out of my depth here.
"The closest one would be the bush hospital back at Winston. We will make it in on the tide but it will mean laying over another night," Mike remarks as he checks his watch.
"I don't think we have much choice," I respond.
It has been a couple of hours since then and we are back in Winston. I am handling Lee's transfer. Luckily for us with some hydration, Lee's condition seems to have picked up for the better. It was a close call. Once I am back on board the Hammersley I get to work on my report. Thankfully it is a quick one as despite the incident there is not much to say. After submitting it I head to the bridge to find Kosov-Meyer and Charge trying to convince Mike that there is something going on.
"Look with respect X we all saw what drugs did to that kid. That wasn't a theory. That was pretty hard and fast," Charge makes his point.
"Look Charge calm down-,"
"Sorry sir, but as a parent, I can't. Every minute we waste gives them time to get away if they haven't already," Charge says before taking a deep breath.
"Look I agree that something suspicious is going on. How do we get to this processing plant?" Mike reluctantly gives in. It has been a few hours since Charge, Kosov-Meyer, Swain and Mike went to investigate what is going on and unfortunately, they were unsuccessful so we are now underway. I am currently watching the RADAR. It is showing a contact.
"Sir I have a contact. Bearing 029. Range is eight miles. It is crossing our waters. Ro?" I turn my attention to Robert as he will be able to give me the information we need to make a decision.
"According to the transponder signal she is the Australian Trawler Millie Rose," he responds.
"Wish them fair seas, Ro," Mike says as Robert gets some information.
"Um...Sir the Millie Rose is registered to Malcolm Scarpia out of Winston," Robert's announcement causes a stir on the bridge. I am quick to call hands to boarding stations. There is no way that Malcolm is simply fishing. I find myself watching the boarding through my binoculars. Luckily it seems that everything is going according to plan. It has been a few minutes since the boarding party apprehended Malcolm and Mike is making a plan.
"NAVCOM has instructed us to steam Millie Rose back to Winston ASAP and lock it down," Mike briefs us on the plan.
"With the drugs on board?" Kate beats me to asking.
"Yes. The feds are on their way. They should be here in a few hours. The low tide keeps us from following so we will keep the crew in Austere, and then we will hand them over when we get home. Charge take Hoppo and another crew member with you. Once you are finished with the handover radio in and we will send a RHIB to pick you up," Mike finishes his briefing. With that Charge and I head to the armoury. As we do we are intercepted by Bird and Ryan.
"Charge can we come with you on the steaming party?" Ryan asks. Charge glances at me and I nod. The more hands the better but it is a little odd that they are asking about it.
"Why?" Charge asks as if reading my mind.
"Does there have to be a reason?" Bird reluctantly counters.
"Yes," Charge snaps.
"Lee is in a pretty fragile emotional state right now. When he finds out his dad's been busted we think he might need some friends," Ryan replies as if he has thought this through.
"Ok," I am surprised Charge doesn't bother arguing. After a couple of minutes, we made it to the Millie Rose. After half an hour of sailing, we made it back to Winston. Now we are waiting. We are soon joined by Lee. He is clearly upset. To my surprise, Charge allows him on board. Bird, Charge and I head to the upper deck to give Ryan and Lee some space. After a couple of minutes, Ryan reappears.
"How is he?" Bird asks.
"A mess," Ryan responds before sighing. He seems annoyed that he couldn't do any more than he already has.
"Look you tried your best," I try to reassure Ryan but he seems distracted.
"Who are those guys?" He asks turning our attention to a group of men.
"I don't think we are going to hang around and find out," Again Charge reads my mind.
"Prepare to cast off," Charge orders. As he does I grab the radio.
"Hammmersley this is the Millie Rose we have some visitors that don't seem too friendly so we are going to go for a little harbour cruise to stay out of their way. We request back up," I radio our plans as Lee joins us.
"Put it down and step away from the radio," Lee demands as he pulls a gun.
"Roger that, Millie Rose. I'll inform the CO. Over," Robert responds via the radio. At least we know that the others will be on their way. After some back and forth Ryan joins us. With a shove, he has Ryan at gunpoint as well. Ryan tries to lunge for the gun however Lee is too quick.
"KEEP BACK OR I WILL SHOT YOU," His eyes are burning with anger. The bad men soon board the boat. The man who I assume to be the leader of the group joins us.
"Mr Buckland. I'm Lee Scarpia. I'm the one who called you," Lee fills him in.
"Why don't you give me that son?" Mr Buckland says as he offers Lee his hand. Lee reluctantly hands over the pistol.
"Where is my merchandise?" By merchandise, he means the drugs.
"It's down below," Lee confirms.
"What are you doing?" Bird asks.
"Getting away," Lee snaps.
"You're an idiot," Ryan snaps.
"Nah. You're the idiot," Lee counters as he decks Ryan with a punch to the guts. I have to resist to help Ryan as I may end up making the situation worse. Once Mr Buckland is satisfied that everything is in order we set sail. Mr Buckland's second in command drags Charge and I out.
"If they move shoot them," Mr Buckland gives his orders. I soon notice the Hammersley and the RHIBs. After making some remarks about the fact that they can't outrun the Navy Lee speaks up.
"What are we going to do?"
"We are going to need hostages and a diversion to slow them down," Mr Buckland responds before turning his attention to Charge and I.
"Put a bullet in them and throw them overboard," He snaps. Using the moment of destraction Charge and I make a break for it. With the elegance of a brick Charge and I leap overboard. Luckily for us, Dutchy orders the crew of the other RHIB to pick us up. Well, pick me up as Chagre is using one of the fishing ropes to climb aboard. A fight soon breaks out. Thankfully it doesn't take long for the others to get the bad guys under control. As I make my way through the boat some yelling catches my attention
"HOPPO I NEED YOUR HELP. HE'S HAVING A HEART ATTACK!" It's Kosov-Meyer. I beeline towards the sound of the yelling. I find Kosov-Meyer hunched over Charge. He is trying to keep him awake.
"We need to get him to the Hammersley as soon as possible," I say as I gesture for some help. Due to the nature of the situation we get Charge to the Hammersley quickly. Once he is comfortable I get him hooked up to the portable EKG machine.
"Hey, Ro can you get me fleet medical? Ask for Andy Thorpe's doctor," I say as I watch the lines on the EKG.
"Of course," Robert responds. It doesn't take long for After a quick chat with Charge's doctor and a blood test I get the results that I am after. I let go a sigh of relief. That explains the way Charge was clutching at his chest. After triple-checking that Charge is stable enough to be left alone, I join the others on the bridge.
"He's dead isn't he?" Kosov-Meyer is the first to speak up. His level of worry is touching.
"No, he's not dead. He didn't even have a heart attack," I announce.
"What?... You mean he was faking?" Kosov-Meyer is stunned.
"2 Dads shut up," Mike snaps.
"Not exactly. He has a condition called cardiomyopathy that was brought on by an infection. After quizzing the others I quickly reassure them that Charge will be able to return to work once the infection has cleared. At least my news has cheered the rest of the crew up after the events of the past few days.
It is the day after we arrived back in Cairns and to my surprise, my Dad is visiting on personal business. We are currently at one of my favourite cafes. My mum has joined us.
"Look mum I came back from a rough patrol which reminded of something important…sometimes people do things out of desperation. Yet that desperation hides other feelings. Now I understand why you didn't want your only daughter to join the Navy but it was the only way I could happily use my skills as a doctor," I get to work on voicing my feelings. After some back and forth my Mum and I come to the agreement that whilst we have a long way to go we can make amends.