It has been a week since then and I am back from one of the most boring medical conferences ever. The fact that I am happy to be back shows how boring it was. I am ready to jump back into the action. Right now I am making my way through the dockyard.
"Hoppo, how was the conference?" Swain asks as he catches up with me.
"Boring. I don't know why Fleet Medical sent me. The conference hardly had anything to do with my speciality," I complain. Don't get me wrong it is good for a doctor to learn as much as possible however it could be a lot better if I was learning more about my speciality.
"Because you are one of the most experienced docs. Besides while you were gone nothing of note happened," Swain confirms. Well, at least I didn't miss too much. After a few minutes of chatting Swain and I board The Hammersley. After excusing myself I head to my quarters. After exchanging my civilian clothes for my uniform I head to the bridge.
"Welcome back, Hoppo," Mike greets me as I take a seat in front of the small comms workstation.
"It's good to be back Boss," I acknowledge before putting my headset on. I soon begin to notice all of the usual chatter. After a few minutes, the Hammersley is finally underway.
After a few hours of the usual chatter, a report from Coastwatch catches my attention. I quickly skim it to see if it is anything to worry about. To my annoyance there is some substance in it.
"Boss, a report came in from Coastwatch," I announce as I pass the piece of paper to Mike. Like me, he quickly skims it. I notice the look on Mike's face change. After giving us our orders everything seems to go back to normal. Well as normal as you can get for a ship that will intercept a vessel in the next few hours. After another couple of hours, I find it a little odd that we haven't heard anything from the vessel that would give it away.
"Let me guess everything is quiet," Robert remarks pulling me out of my thoughts.
"A little too quiet to be honest," I reply as we trade places. Now that I am free from my watch I head to the galley for something to eat. To my surprise, Bird is quick to pass me a plate. With a few swift movements, the food hits the plate. Bird seems a little tense.
"Thank you…Hey, are you alright?" I ask as I take the plate.
"I just have a feeling that something is going to go wrong. It's been bugging me since we started this patrol," Bird confirms.
"At least I'm not the only one. Besides the only thing you have to worry about is 2 dads complaining about the scran," I half joke in an attempt to cheer Bird up. The truth is there is not much that we can do if something goes wrong.
It is the morning after and I am currently scanning the horizon for the vessel that Coastwatch warned us about. I am having no luck yet. It is bothering me as Kate found it on the radar however it soon disappeared. After a few minutes, Mike joins us. He turns his attention to Kate.
"Have you got the radar contact back?" He asks.
"No. No, not yet. It was brief. It was right on the edge of our radar on a bearing of 197. The vessel is definitely heading for the mainland and if it continues on that bearing it will reach our contiguous zone in…," Kate trails off as she tries to do the calculation in her head
"Seventeen minutes exactly," Robert speaks up before Kate has the chance. As soon as Mike gives his orders I spot something in the distance. It is in the exact area where our vessel should be.
"Boss, there is smoke," I announce. Kate is quick to call hands to boarding stations. After a minute we have reached what remains of the boat. My heart sinks as the chances that anyone survived are slim. After giving us her orders Swain and I get to work. After a minute Swain points to a possible survivor.
"Over there," Swain points to the body of a young girl. With some skilful maneuvering, we pull alongside the girl's body. The look on Swain's face changes as he checks the girl's pulse.
"Swain?" I gently prompt.
"Sorry. There's nothing," Swain replies.
It has been a couple of minutes since we arrived back on the Hammersley and I am watching on as Swain collects the evidence for the feds. I want to ask if he is ok but I already know the answer. Once Swain is finished Mike calls those who were involved in the recovery to the galley. The air feels like it has been sucked out of the room.
"Events like these are upsetting for us especially when it is unlikely we'll ever know what happened on that boat and even more so when there are children involved. Sometimes it's just not possible to get closure on tragedies like this," Mike begins his briefing. After explaining what we should do in case the press decides to talk to us he dismisses us. I head to the wardroom. I might as well get my reports out of the way before we reach port. After a couple of minutes, I am interrupted by a knocking sound.
"Hoppo have you got a minute?" Swain asks.
"Sure. What can I do for you?" I respond. I know he will be longer than a minute but that doesn't matter. Swain lets himself in.
"Umm…the girl we pulled from the water…she…," Swain trails off.
"You don't have to talk to me until you're ready," I say as he is clearly struggling to gather his thoughts.
"No…No I need to get something off my chest. As I was saying the girl…she reminded me of my daughter. It reminded me that not everyone will get the same opportunities as she would. The girl had her life ripped away from her," Swain finally gets what's bothering him out in the open.
"Look the chances are slim but there is a chance that we will find answers and get justice for her and the others that were on that boat," I try to reassure Swain to the best of my abilities. Unfortunately, Mike is right. Due to the nature of the incident, we don't have much evidence to go off of. After twenty long minutes of back and forth, Swain leaves. Despite the conversation, Swain still seems a little overwhelmed.
It has been a few hours since then and we are back in port. I am currently trying to think of something I could do to relax however I am struggling. I am worried about Swain. Ever since we pulled the girl's body from the water Swain has been distant. I understand why but the behaviour is unusual for Swain.
"Hoppo are you alright?" Kate asks as we grab the last of our things before we leave.
"I'm worried about Swain. He's in a tailspin," I respond as I dump the last of my things in my duffle bag. Even though we had the conversation I don't feel confident enough to say that Swain isn't going to do anything stupid.
"Did-,"
"Yes I talked to him but it had little to no effect," I confirm as I fling the strap of my duffle back over my shoulder. I quickly excuse myself. As I leave the dockyards I am bombarded by the families of the victims. They are already asking questions about the incident. The annoying thing is Mike made it clear that we can't talk to them. I understand why but it annoys me to no end as they deserve to know what happened. Thankfully the walk to my car doesn't take long. After eleven minutes of driving, I made it to my apartment. After changing into something a little more comfortable my phone rings. Perfect timing. I check the caller ID.
"Hey Dad," I answer the phone.
"Hello Eden. Maxine told me about the wreckage the Hammersley came across so I thought I'd check on you," My dad responds. I can hear the concern in his voice.
"It was rough but I am fine considering the position that we are in," I fill him in. As we chat I come to the realisation that we might be dealing with another people smuggling ring.
"Look I have to go. Something's come up," My dad says ending the conversation.
"It's ok Dad. I will talk to you when I can," After saying a proper goodbye my Dad hangs up.
It is the day after and I am looking for the new guy. Apparently, he should be here by now. I am hoping that he is not otherwise occupied. I am hoping to get some help from him. After a few minutes of looking, I find him with Charge.
"Charge can I borrow Midshipman White for a sec?" I ask.
"Make sure you return him in one piece. I want to go over the systems with him," Charge responds with a slight grin. After exchanging a quick salute I drag Ryan to the wardroom.
"How can I help you, Lieutenant?" Rayn is quick to ask.
"Normally, I would ask Bird to help with the inventory, but I thought you could help for a change, and please call me Hoppo," I explain as I begin the process of shorting through the various supplies. After twenty minutes, Rayn and I are finished. To be honest, I think I spent more time telling him where everything went rather than actually doing the inventory. Not that it mattered, as that was the point of getting him to help me.
It has been an hour since then and I am watching a boarding on the EOD. There is something odd. Robert realised that the coordinates we found the boat at were the same as the wreckage we came across. I am watching the master of the vessel. He seems to be upset. The annoying thing is there is something wrong with the scene playing out in front of me.
"Ro is there any way that the information could have leaked" I ask as I want to figure out what is bothering me.
"No why?" Robert confirms.
"How did that man get the coordinates then?" I ask. Robert shrugs. To be honest the only thing I can think of would be if someone other than the crew of the original vessel had access to the vessel's GPS coordinates.
It has been ten minutes since then and we are all queuing up for lunch. Well, those not on watch are. As I wait I find myself eavesdropping on Robert who is giving some important information to Mike.
"I spoke to NAVCOM. The father of that girl's officially been identified. He claimed her body earlier today," Robert announces to the confusion of both Swain and Dutchy.
It has been thirty minutes since then and we are back in port. I am currently watching the printer as I wait for the information from NAVCOM. As the thought crosses my mind I notice the printer kick into action. After a few seconds, the printer is finished. I quickly check the pages. Odd. There is an additional copy of everything. I am soon joined by Mike.
"Robert said you had some photos for me," Mike remarks.
"Yes," I say as I hand him one of the sets. Hopefully, he doesn't notice the second set. After some comments, Mike is soon distracted by other things. Once he leaves, I snatch the other set of photos from the printer. I soon realise what is going on, and I don't like it. I take the photos to the wardroom. The last time something like this happened it did not end well. I quickly tear up the photos and throw them in the bin. It doesn't take long for Swain to join me. He seems panicked.
"Hoppo did you get those photos?" Swain asks.
"Yeah. I gave them to Commander Flynn," I respond knowing he means the copies.
"There should have been another copy-,"
"Swain I know but what you are doing is stupid. I am not giving you those photos. You could put yourself or others at risk," I stand my ground.
"Someone has to get justice for the girl and the other victims," Swain counters as he begins to look for the photos.
"That is what we are doing. You are not going to find them. I made sure to destroy them," I say halting Swain's search.
"But I need to solve the case. I need those photos," Swain responds.
"No. You are no longer a police officer. You need to let the rest of the crew handle it," I respond.
"I am telling you Hoppo-,"
"No Swain. Unfortunately, if you want to investigate this case you are going to have to go through the official route," I snap. It sounds stupid but there are too many variables at play. If my hunch about it being a people smuggling ring is right we could be dealing with dangerous people. A sigh falls from my mouth.
"Look I realise that I am putting you in a difficult position but I need those photos," Swain begs.
"No. Like I said there is too much at stake. I'll put it to you this way though. If you go over my head I will understand," I respond. The thing is I know Swain will use his contacts to get the information that he needs regardless of what I think. Swain soon storms off. After making sure I have everything I need I head out to the boat deck. I soon find a railing to lean on as I gather my thoughts.
"Are you ok?" Robert asks as he joins me.
"I am worried about Swain. He is in over his head," I say as Robert Robert pulls me into an awkward side hug.
"You know that could get you into trouble,"
"I know but no one is looking. Besides a hug is the only way I know how to cheer you up without getting into too much trouble," Robert responds in an unusual fit of kindness. After a minute Robert lets go. After some back and forth I am finally reassured enough to head to the bridge for my watch.
"Charge you're free to go," I dismiss him. As soon as he leaves the helm I take his place. I am hoping that nothing of note will happen.
It has been thirty minutes since then and to my surprise we have been crash-sailed. Well, those that were not already on board. With a few swift movements, I have the helm ready to go. After a tense five minutes, we are finally underway. I assume we are going after the boat that the imposter was on as Mike gave me the order to sail at full speed. After a few hours, we made it to the Arafura Sea. Apparently, that was the imposter's last known location. With that, Mike brings us up to speed.
It has been an hour since then and we have found nothing. While we were searching for the vessel NAVCOM sent us some information.
"The boat Masud was on had a legitimate registration however it's not berthed at its home port and Masud's home address is a fake," Mike explains. It seems that Swain did take my advice.
"So he might have skipped the country by now," Swain concludes.
"Maybe but he was out there for a reason. It's worth sweeping the area one more time," Mike counters. He is clearly annoyed by the situation. As soon as the words leave his mouth I notice something on the Radar.
"Sir we got a contact. Bearing 289," I announce.
"Where the SIEV went down?" Swain asks.
"No, but it's on a similar course. It's about fifty miles south of that boat's last position. It's twelve miles within the contiguous zone," I confirm. At least it is still in an area that we have jurisdiction. After a couple of minutes, we catch up to the vessel. Mike is quick to give the orders for a boarding party.
"Hands to boarding stations. Hands to boarding stations," Kate's orders ring through the ship. With that, I head down to the armoury. Something tells me that there is a chance that we are going to need a medic. After a couple of minutes, we finally reached the vessel. After a tense climb, we made it on board. As Kate turns her attention to finding the master of the vessel I turn my attention to the passengers.
"English?" I ask.
"I understand but I struggle to speak," One of the passengers speaks up.
"Can you tell me what you are doing here?" I continue to ask questions even though I have a pretty good clue.
"We refugees. A man offered to take us to Australia," The passenger fills me in. Before I have a chance to ask any more questions Kate summons me to the small galley. It is there that I see a man trying to prevent the others from looking at his belongings. Swain quickly opens the suitcase to reveal some kind of treasure.
"These look old," Swain remarks as he picks up a familiar-looking coin.
"What's he doing with all of this?" Kate asks.
"My best guess is tressure smuggling," I respond. Well, it is starting to look like I owe Swain an apology. Kate begins to question the crew and the passengers. As she does they clam . After a couple of minutes, Kate concludes her line of questioning as the others are not cooperating. After radioing the situation report Kate turns her attention to Swain who has noticed the same coin that I did.
"I recognise this one. It's the tree of life, yeah?" Swain is clever enough to leave the question open-ended. After some more prodding the guy who the suitcase belongs to finally speaks up.
"It's important. Please be careful,"
"It's yours? It belongs to you?" Swain continues on.
"We're, the…guardian," The man responds. That explains the treasure. The man's explanation is cut short as an explosion rips through the vessel. Before I have time to think I am helping the refugees. Kate orders the RHIB alongside.
"Get to the back of the boat," Both Swain and I order as we herd people towards the RHIB. I soon begin triaging those who are injured. To my surprise, Rayn is quick with the fire extinguisher. After a couple of minutes, the fire is out. After double-checking with Swain, I join the refugees on the RHIB.
"Thank you," One of the women thanked me for some reason.
"I was only doing my job," I reply. I suppose the woman has every right to be thankful as we were at the right place at the right time.
It has been a few minutes since then and now that I have the refugees comfortable I am in the wardroom. I am currently trying to write my reports however there is something bothering me. Why go to all of the effort to smuggle people and tressure to only sink the boat? I find myself twirling my pen as I try to wrap my head around today's events. It doesn't take long for my thoughts to be interrupted by Swain, Kate and Robert.
"It's broadcasting on 121.5 megahertz as a constant signal," Robert announces. There is something about it that looks familiar.
"Ro, can you pass me the device?" I ask so I can have a look at it.
"Why send out a signal if you were sneaking it our waters?" Kate asks.
"It's not about hiding. Someone wanted the vessel to be found in case it sank. These devices are often used as a backup for the ship's transponder. If the signal is interrupted you could use the coordinates of where it was last heard to find the vessel. I know this because my dad had a pleasure craft with one fitted," I announce. The gears seem to be turning in Swain's head.
"Ok, the people smuggler, Masud, plants a bomb, the bomb explodes, the boat goes down. As Hoppo said the boat goes down…," Swain trails off.
"If Masud is monitoring the signal then he will know where the vessel sank and where to find the device. Then he dives down to receive the tressure," Kate finishes Swain's thought.
"Well the first SEIV was on fire when we reached it. What if that wasn't an accident either?" Swain adds. He is right. All of the evidence points to it. After coming to that realisation Swain excuses himself. He soon comes back with Dutchy and Mike in tow. After formulating a plan I join them on the bridge. I find myself looking over Charge's shoulder. It doesn't take long for us to get a second contact on the Radar.
"Sir we have a second contact on the Radar," Kate announces. As soon as she does Charge and I spot two boats on the EOD. It looks like Masud has company. Once we establish what is going on Kate calls for a boarding party. After a couple of minutes, we made it aboard Masud's vessel. To our horror, a small gang of the family members of the victims are trying to get revenge.
"Salim Don't do this. Don't do this," Swain calls out in an effort to get Salim to sand down. The thing is once someone has their heart set on revenge it sends them down a slippery path. After a tense standoff, Swain manages to talk Salim down. Before we have a chance to make our move Swain is grabbed by Masud. Salim uses the opportunity to get revenge. With a swift tug on the rope, Masud is in the air. Swain grabs his legs. After a flurry of orders to let go, Swain turns his attention to Salim.
"Please. Let go…," Swain begs. After a second of consideration, Salim lets Masud go. As the others move to capture Masud I turn my attention to Swain and Salim. He is a complete wreck.
It has been a few hours since then and I am looking for Swain. Luckily for me, it was an easy job as he was in the wardroom. He seems a little happier now that we have wrapped up this case.
"Hey Swain I came to apologise for earlier," I announce as I stick my head in.
"Don't. You were trying to protect me. In the end, we were lucky," Swain counters. After some back and forth we are finally ready to leave. At least now I will have the chance to relax unless Robert has any ideas.