3 months later

Kate woke with the last of the summer sun streaming through the gaps in the curtains. Stretching out she looked over and was glad that Mike was still next to her. Smiling she nestled in to his arm. Wishing she didn't have to get up and that she could stay there forever. Hammersley was sailing on a full patrol for the first time since the attack. They had been out to assist in searches but were always back in port before dark. It would be tough for them all especially as there was new crew joining,

Mike stirred hearing his phone buzz. Reaching out he picked it up off the side

"Mike Flynn" he said sleepily "yes sir I can be there in a couple of hours"

"what was that about?" Kate asked yawning sitting up

"don't know. They just want me in NAVCOM before Hammersley sails." He eased out of the bed "I need to get home change in to my whites." He picked up his discarded clothes from last night. "I guess I will see you onboard later" he lent down kissing her on the forehead

"yeah I guess" she sighed head hitting back against the pillow as mike walked out of the door.

When Kate arrived at Hammersley there was only Bird, RO and 2-dads onboard walking on to the bridge she was checking everything was in order. Their supply's had been delivered and stowed the previous day so that was one less thing to worry about. Checking her phone as it was unlike mike to be late even if he had been called in to NAVCOM she saw a text asking her to meet him at NAVCOM. Smiling she quickly changed in to her whites and made the short walk across the port to the NAVCOM offices.

Finding mike in a new office she saw the new title and name on the door.

"Captain Flynn" she said coyly. "when did this happen" she smiled

"well there has been talk for a while but I got it today"

"so what about Hammersley? Who will be CO? And where is knocker?"

Mike smiled eyes glinting "well that's why I asked you here" he handed her a box. "and knocker had been transferred to Tasmania"

Opening the box she saw 2 epaulets with three stripes. Two thick with a thin stripe in-between ."Sir?" she asked puzzled

"congratulations Kate. Lieutenant commander McGregor. HMAS Hammersley is yours. And I know you are missing some crew. But I have arraigned for you XO, Buffer and Engineer to meet you on Hammersley before you sail"

"Buffer and Charge?" she was puzzled she knew that a new XO would be required but not a buffer or charge

"well Dutchy is on his way to Afghan and Charge handed in his notice and moved west to work on the mines"

"Sir" she smiled standing to leave

"anyway Kate what do you think of this office?" he asked perching on the edge of the desk facing her.

Looking around it was a lot bigger than the last. His model galleon looked much better on the desk behind him. "well at least it has curtains" she grinned a glint in her eyes.

Mike smiled reading where her mind was going "you best get going. Notice for sea 1 hour" he looked at her. It took all his strength to control himself

"Sir" she saluted "see you in three weeks" she called over her shoulder" smiling

By the time Kate arrived back at Hammersley she was greeted by Nikki and Pete. Smiling she sprinted the final few yards.

"nik I thought you were still in Darwin?" she smiled hugging her friend

"I was but Mike called said he was being promoted and you were getting Hammersley and would I transfer and be the XO on Hammersley. I jumped its so dull in Darwin"

"and you Pete, suppose we best start calling you buffer again. Didn't make up with bomber then"

"no. last i heard she was walking down the isle and married the guy. And I am glad to be back Ma'am it will be a pleasure to serve along side you again" he went to shake her hand but was enveloped in to a hug.

Standing on the bridge Kate saw mike on the quay side. She had had command of Hammersley before but now it was her ship for real not just as a temporary command. She couldn't wait for the next three weeks to be over and she could get back.

hope you enjoyed. and please let me know what you think.