Fight: Chapters Five and Six
Chapter 5
Perched in the Captain’s chair on the Bridge, Kate stared out to sea, watching the sun rise ahead of the Hammersley, the sky a spectacular shade of orange as the sun began its ascent, warming the land around it. Alone on the Bridge, the silence was comforting as she allowed thoughts of her future to flood her mind. After her breakdown following her diagnosis, Kate’s resolve had strengthened and she was determined to beat the disease that had made its home in her body. Her mind turned back to the conversation she’d had with Commander White, three days earlier. To say the Commander was shocked at the young Lieutenant’s diagnosis was an understatement. While Kate sat in the office across from the older woman she listened as the other blonde hastily organised an indefinite term of leave, allowing Kate to complete a final patrol. Due to return to Cairns in four days time, Kate hadn’t yet told the crew of her illness, with the exception of Mike, however they would be informed after they returned to Port. The silence on the Bridge was broken by approaching footsteps and she looked around to greet the approaching person. Unsurprisingly, she found herself staring into the blue eyes of her Commanding Officer. Looking down she noticed two steaming mugs clutched in his hands. Passing her a mug containing a light coloured liquid, she hesitantly took a sip, burning her tongue on the hot substance, an unfamiliar taste sliding across her tastebuds as she swallowed. ‘What is that?’ she asked, trying to decipher the flavour.
‘Green tea,’ he told her, watching as her face screwed up in disgust. Smirking, he continued, ‘It’s good for you.’ She looked unconvinced, but took another sip, touched at his obvious concern for her health. Reaching out to close the gap between them, his rough hand met with her soft one, squeezing it gently. ‘How are you feeling?’ he whispered, not wanting to break the quiet that had settled between them.
‘I’m fine,’ she told him, ‘a little tired, but I’ve been up half the night.’
‘Get some sleep; I’ll take over up here.’ Kate shook her head.
‘You don’t need to make allowances for me Sir.’ Her slight shift into professional mode shocked him slightly, and he responded in kind.
‘Don’t make me make it an order X.’ Sighing, she stood from her position in the Captain’s chair, stretching her lithe body before vacating the Bridge, leaving Mike alone in the space.
* * *
Dropping her exhausted body onto the couch, Kate lay down, swinging her feet up onto the soft fabric. The night with the Crew had proved to be tiring, and she had excused herself from bar, heading home to rest before her appointment in the morning. Coming into the living area, Mike noticed Kate lying across the couch, her eyes closed, and she looked to be asleep. Taking a seat on the wooden coffee table beside her, he took the opportunity to caress her face. As he watched her sleep peacefully his thoughts slipped back to earlier that evening.
Following their arrival into Cairns the crew of the Hammersley had adjourned to the pub for the first of many celebratory drinks. An hour after the first sailors arrived at the small bar they frequented, they were joined by their Commanding Officer and his Executive. Mike, sensing Kate’s nervousness at the news she had to share, stopped at the bar, ordering their usual before approaching the Crew, who had taken up residence in one corner. It was Dutchy who first noticed their arrival, watching as his bosses’ hand wound itself around Kate’s, giving it a light squeeze. Seeing Dutchy staring intently at them, Mike dropped her hand none to gracefully, taking a long sip from his beer. ‘Boss, X,’ Dutchy greeted the pair as they stopped in front of the group. The other’s followed the Buffer’s lead, each offering their own greeting to the two senior officers. A comfortable silence settled over the group as they sipped at their drinks, thankful to be back on dry land after encountering a severe storm as they returned to Port. Wanting to address the Crew before they had a chance to drink more, Kate sat her glass on the table in front of her. ‘Guys, there’s something I need to share with you.’ All eyes turned to her, Mike again gripping her hand, running his thumb gently over its back. ‘Two weeks ago I discovered a small lump in my breast. On Thursday last week, it was confirmed that the lump is cancerous.’ Kate paused, scanning the stunned faces of her crewmates, ‘The patrol that we just completed was my last before my leave officially started.’
‘When do you begin treatment Ma’am?’ Swain asked, the first to find his voice.
‘I’ve got an appointment with the Oncologist at 0800, I’ll know more after that.’ Everyone was silent as they processed what they had been told. Charge interrupted the unnatural quiet, raising his glass above him, ‘I propose a toast, to the X. May your strength get you through the battle ahead, and know that we’ll be right there beside you as you fight this monster. To the X,’ he concluded, taking a drink from his glass.
‘To the X,’ the group repeated each mimicking Charge’s actions.
Not long after Kate and Mike had left the group, the woman almost succumbing to exhaustion as she struggled to keep up with the conversations around her. Mike watched as she slept peacefully, the events of the past week finally catching up with her. Satisfied that she was sleeping comfortably, he moved to remove her shoes, gently taking them off and sitting the footwear on the ground at the end of the couch. Leaving her asleep, he went to her bedroom, pulling the covers back off the bed, revealing the dark blue sheets underneath. As he shifted the arranged pillows, a photograph fell to the floor. Picking it up curiously, he is surprised to see his younger self staring back at him. The photo, taken during their brief relationship almost a decade ago, depicted the two of them standing in the ocean as the waves lapped around their ankles. Broad smiles were plastered on both their faces, as he bent over her, holding her precariously close to the water. Running a finger across the glossy image, he slid it into its home, letting the memories of that day wash over him. Returning to the lounge, he was surprised to see that Kate had woken, and was sitting up, rubbing her tired eyes. ‘Hi,’ she said, her voice thick with sleep. Stifling a yawn, she hopped up off the couch gracefully, stretching her body, the shirt she was wearing sliding up her body, revealing a line of creamy skin above the waistband of the jeans she was wearing. ‘Thanks for bringing me home.’
‘No problem. Is there anything I can get for you?’ he asked, staring at her as she swivelled her body around, attempting to work the aches out of her muscles. She shook her head as she continued her movements, noticing him watching her curiously. ‘What?’ Kate asked.
‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘The lump?’ He nodded. ‘Not anymore, it was sore after the biopsy, but I don’t feel it now.’
‘I’m sorry you have to go through this,’ he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
‘Don’t be,’ she told him optimistically, ‘I’m not. We never know our own strength til it’s tested. This is just another test. And I’m not going to fail.’
Chapter 6
Tiredly running her hand through her hair, Lieutenant Nikki Caetano picked up her cooling mug of coffee, taking a sip of the liquid before placing the crockery back on the bench. The computer in front of her beeped signalling a new email message. Clicking on the link, the message popped up on her screen,
Kate’s sick.
There was nothing else contained in the email. Her hand flew to her mouth, at that moment she was glad to be sitting down as a sharp cry fell from her lips. ‘Ma’am are you ok?’ a passing Sailor asked, having heard his superior officer’s cry.
‘Yes Leader, everything’s fine,’ she said, gesturing for him to leave. Still in shock, Nikki thought back to the last time she’d seen the blonde Lieutenant. She’d seemed fine, with the exception of the massive hangover that everyone was suffering from after their drinking efforts. Logging off her email, she stood, straightening her uniform as she left the room, heading to the Bridge to commence her watch.
* * *
Entering the small café, Kate ordered a coffee, taking a seat on one the overstuffed couches that sat next to the window, overlooking the tidal wash. The tide was out, the damp mud glistening in the scalding heat of the day. Despite the early hour, the humid heat had already made its presence known, the air conditioning unit in the small café blasting out cool air to keep the patrons comfortable. As her coffee was slid in front of her by the young waitress, Kate offered her thanks, and the young girl went back to her place behind the counter, pausing to collect a few empty cups on her way. The couch opposite her groaned as a body dropped onto it. She looked up, noticing a young brunette watching her curiously. ‘How are you feeling Kate?’ she asked, watching as the older woman stirred sugar into the oversized mug of coffee sitting before her. The blonde looked up, offering the other woman a small smile. ‘I’m good thanks Bec, how are you?’ Bec gave her a look that said she didn’t believe a word of it, but she didn’t voice her thoughts.
‘You spoke to 2Dads?’ Kate asked. Bec nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Despite leaving the Navy months earlier, she was still in regular contact with the crew, mostly due to her relationship with 2Dads. The Chef, currently working in one of Cairns’ many restaurants, usually joined her former crew at the Pub on the rare occasions they were in Port. Last night though, she’d had to cover the apprentices shift and didn’t arrive at the pub until well after Kate and Mike had left. ‘I’m sorry Kate,’ she said, breaking the silence that had settled over them after Kate’s question. ‘Is there anything I can do?’
‘Not really. I’ve been to the Oncologist and went through the treatment options. I’ve got another appointment on Monday to finalise how the treatment will work.’
‘You’re on leave?’ Kate nodded, taking a sip from her coffee, letting the hot liquid slide down her throat.
‘How’s the job?’ Kate asked, wanting to not discuss the cancer any longer, she’d had enough of that for one day after her earlier appointment.
‘It’s good, different from the Navy, but I’m enjoying it. Not too good at taking orders from the Head Chef though,’ Bec explained, a slight smile on her face.
‘That doesn’t sound like you at all,’ Kate responded. ‘You haven’t been there long though have you?’
‘Few weeks, I went down to spend sometime with my family.’ A gust of hot air blew into the café as the front door was opened. A tall man dark haired man approached the pair, gesturing for Kate to shift over so he could sit. ‘Rebecca, how are you?’
‘I’m good thanks Sir, how are you?’
‘Not to bad. I think 2Dads was looking for you, I spotted him outside on the Esplanade.’
‘Thanks Sir. Kate, I’ll talk to you later,’ Bec said, quickly vacating her seat and rushing out the door. Mike watched the retreating form of his former Chef then turned his attention to the blonde woman now sitting next to him. Picking up the mug that was sitting in front of her, he took a sip, grimacing as the bitter taste assaulted his tastebuds. Setting the mug back on the table, he threw his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him, ‘How’d it go with the Doctor this morning?’
‘It was what I expected, I’m going back Monday, to finalise the treatment, but in the meantime I’ve got a lot of information to sift through.’ Mike nodded, pressing a kiss to the side of her head, reassuring himself that she was still there next to him.
* * *
The frigate pulled into Port in Darwin, the young Lieutenant rushing from the ship as soon as she was granted permission by her senior officers. A bag slung over her shoulder, she hopped into a waiting taxi, hastily giving directions to the driver to head for the airport. Although she was not aware of the nature of Kate’s apparent illness, the two-worded email she received was enough to entice her to fly to Cairns for her shore leave. Arriving at the airport, she paid the taxi driver, grabbing her bag and rushing off to the check-in counter. Her bag checked in, she stopped at small kiosk to grab a coffee before she headed into the terminal to await her flight departure in just over an hour’s time.
Hours later, her plane touched down at Cairns airport, skidding across the runway as it slowed down to approach the terminal. Following the signs to the baggage claim area, Nikki attempted to push through the crowd of people dawdling through the narrow passageway. Twenty-five minutes after they landed Nikki spotted her bag travelling towards her on the carousel and she was quick to snap it up, exiting the terminal into the cool night air. Making her way back to the Taxi rank, she gave the driver the Kate’s address, sitting back against the leather seat, stifling a yawn as the days events caught up with her. The young man in the drivers seat noticed her uniform, ‘Tough day Ma’am?’ he asked, used to seeing Navy personal around the city, though not usually coming from the airport. ‘Just long. I only got into Port a few hours ago, and I flew straight here.’
‘New posting?’
‘No. Just back for a visit to see my former crew.’ The driver nodded, turning the car into Kate’s street on Cairns’ outskirts. She paid the driver, thanking him as she dragged her bag across the backseat and back over her shoulder. Taking her hat in her free hand, she watched as the taxi drove off. A light inside the townhouse indicated that someone was home and Nikki made her way up the path, the smell of freshly cut grass assaulting her senses as she approached the door. Climbing the small flight of steps, she stopped in front of the door, raising her fist to knock on the solid wood. She could hear footsteps inside approaching the door and the lock snapped out of place as the door fell open. ‘Nikki?’
Perched in the Captain’s chair on the Bridge, Kate stared out to sea, watching the sun rise ahead of the Hammersley, the sky a spectacular shade of orange as the sun began its ascent, warming the land around it. Alone on the Bridge, the silence was comforting as she allowed thoughts of her future to flood her mind. After her breakdown following her diagnosis, Kate’s resolve had strengthened and she was determined to beat the disease that had made its home in her body. Her mind turned back to the conversation she’d had with Commander White, three days earlier. To say the Commander was shocked at the young Lieutenant’s diagnosis was an understatement. While Kate sat in the office across from the older woman she listened as the other blonde hastily organised an indefinite term of leave, allowing Kate to complete a final patrol. Due to return to Cairns in four days time, Kate hadn’t yet told the crew of her illness, with the exception of Mike, however they would be informed after they returned to Port. The silence on the Bridge was broken by approaching footsteps and she looked around to greet the approaching person. Unsurprisingly, she found herself staring into the blue eyes of her Commanding Officer. Looking down she noticed two steaming mugs clutched in his hands. Passing her a mug containing a light coloured liquid, she hesitantly took a sip, burning her tongue on the hot substance, an unfamiliar taste sliding across her tastebuds as she swallowed. ‘What is that?’ she asked, trying to decipher the flavour.
‘Green tea,’ he told her, watching as her face screwed up in disgust. Smirking, he continued, ‘It’s good for you.’ She looked unconvinced, but took another sip, touched at his obvious concern for her health. Reaching out to close the gap between them, his rough hand met with her soft one, squeezing it gently. ‘How are you feeling?’ he whispered, not wanting to break the quiet that had settled between them.
‘I’m fine,’ she told him, ‘a little tired, but I’ve been up half the night.’
‘Get some sleep; I’ll take over up here.’ Kate shook her head.
‘You don’t need to make allowances for me Sir.’ Her slight shift into professional mode shocked him slightly, and he responded in kind.
‘Don’t make me make it an order X.’ Sighing, she stood from her position in the Captain’s chair, stretching her lithe body before vacating the Bridge, leaving Mike alone in the space.
* * *
Dropping her exhausted body onto the couch, Kate lay down, swinging her feet up onto the soft fabric. The night with the Crew had proved to be tiring, and she had excused herself from bar, heading home to rest before her appointment in the morning. Coming into the living area, Mike noticed Kate lying across the couch, her eyes closed, and she looked to be asleep. Taking a seat on the wooden coffee table beside her, he took the opportunity to caress her face. As he watched her sleep peacefully his thoughts slipped back to earlier that evening.
Following their arrival into Cairns the crew of the Hammersley had adjourned to the pub for the first of many celebratory drinks. An hour after the first sailors arrived at the small bar they frequented, they were joined by their Commanding Officer and his Executive. Mike, sensing Kate’s nervousness at the news she had to share, stopped at the bar, ordering their usual before approaching the Crew, who had taken up residence in one corner. It was Dutchy who first noticed their arrival, watching as his bosses’ hand wound itself around Kate’s, giving it a light squeeze. Seeing Dutchy staring intently at them, Mike dropped her hand none to gracefully, taking a long sip from his beer. ‘Boss, X,’ Dutchy greeted the pair as they stopped in front of the group. The other’s followed the Buffer’s lead, each offering their own greeting to the two senior officers. A comfortable silence settled over the group as they sipped at their drinks, thankful to be back on dry land after encountering a severe storm as they returned to Port. Wanting to address the Crew before they had a chance to drink more, Kate sat her glass on the table in front of her. ‘Guys, there’s something I need to share with you.’ All eyes turned to her, Mike again gripping her hand, running his thumb gently over its back. ‘Two weeks ago I discovered a small lump in my breast. On Thursday last week, it was confirmed that the lump is cancerous.’ Kate paused, scanning the stunned faces of her crewmates, ‘The patrol that we just completed was my last before my leave officially started.’
‘When do you begin treatment Ma’am?’ Swain asked, the first to find his voice.
‘I’ve got an appointment with the Oncologist at 0800, I’ll know more after that.’ Everyone was silent as they processed what they had been told. Charge interrupted the unnatural quiet, raising his glass above him, ‘I propose a toast, to the X. May your strength get you through the battle ahead, and know that we’ll be right there beside you as you fight this monster. To the X,’ he concluded, taking a drink from his glass.
‘To the X,’ the group repeated each mimicking Charge’s actions.
Not long after Kate and Mike had left the group, the woman almost succumbing to exhaustion as she struggled to keep up with the conversations around her. Mike watched as she slept peacefully, the events of the past week finally catching up with her. Satisfied that she was sleeping comfortably, he moved to remove her shoes, gently taking them off and sitting the footwear on the ground at the end of the couch. Leaving her asleep, he went to her bedroom, pulling the covers back off the bed, revealing the dark blue sheets underneath. As he shifted the arranged pillows, a photograph fell to the floor. Picking it up curiously, he is surprised to see his younger self staring back at him. The photo, taken during their brief relationship almost a decade ago, depicted the two of them standing in the ocean as the waves lapped around their ankles. Broad smiles were plastered on both their faces, as he bent over her, holding her precariously close to the water. Running a finger across the glossy image, he slid it into its home, letting the memories of that day wash over him. Returning to the lounge, he was surprised to see that Kate had woken, and was sitting up, rubbing her tired eyes. ‘Hi,’ she said, her voice thick with sleep. Stifling a yawn, she hopped up off the couch gracefully, stretching her body, the shirt she was wearing sliding up her body, revealing a line of creamy skin above the waistband of the jeans she was wearing. ‘Thanks for bringing me home.’
‘No problem. Is there anything I can get for you?’ he asked, staring at her as she swivelled her body around, attempting to work the aches out of her muscles. She shook her head as she continued her movements, noticing him watching her curiously. ‘What?’ Kate asked.
‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Sure.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘The lump?’ He nodded. ‘Not anymore, it was sore after the biopsy, but I don’t feel it now.’
‘I’m sorry you have to go through this,’ he said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
‘Don’t be,’ she told him optimistically, ‘I’m not. We never know our own strength til it’s tested. This is just another test. And I’m not going to fail.’
Chapter 6
Tiredly running her hand through her hair, Lieutenant Nikki Caetano picked up her cooling mug of coffee, taking a sip of the liquid before placing the crockery back on the bench. The computer in front of her beeped signalling a new email message. Clicking on the link, the message popped up on her screen,
Kate’s sick.
There was nothing else contained in the email. Her hand flew to her mouth, at that moment she was glad to be sitting down as a sharp cry fell from her lips. ‘Ma’am are you ok?’ a passing Sailor asked, having heard his superior officer’s cry.
‘Yes Leader, everything’s fine,’ she said, gesturing for him to leave. Still in shock, Nikki thought back to the last time she’d seen the blonde Lieutenant. She’d seemed fine, with the exception of the massive hangover that everyone was suffering from after their drinking efforts. Logging off her email, she stood, straightening her uniform as she left the room, heading to the Bridge to commence her watch.
* * *
Entering the small café, Kate ordered a coffee, taking a seat on one the overstuffed couches that sat next to the window, overlooking the tidal wash. The tide was out, the damp mud glistening in the scalding heat of the day. Despite the early hour, the humid heat had already made its presence known, the air conditioning unit in the small café blasting out cool air to keep the patrons comfortable. As her coffee was slid in front of her by the young waitress, Kate offered her thanks, and the young girl went back to her place behind the counter, pausing to collect a few empty cups on her way. The couch opposite her groaned as a body dropped onto it. She looked up, noticing a young brunette watching her curiously. ‘How are you feeling Kate?’ she asked, watching as the older woman stirred sugar into the oversized mug of coffee sitting before her. The blonde looked up, offering the other woman a small smile. ‘I’m good thanks Bec, how are you?’ Bec gave her a look that said she didn’t believe a word of it, but she didn’t voice her thoughts.
‘You spoke to 2Dads?’ Kate asked. Bec nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Despite leaving the Navy months earlier, she was still in regular contact with the crew, mostly due to her relationship with 2Dads. The Chef, currently working in one of Cairns’ many restaurants, usually joined her former crew at the Pub on the rare occasions they were in Port. Last night though, she’d had to cover the apprentices shift and didn’t arrive at the pub until well after Kate and Mike had left. ‘I’m sorry Kate,’ she said, breaking the silence that had settled over them after Kate’s question. ‘Is there anything I can do?’
‘Not really. I’ve been to the Oncologist and went through the treatment options. I’ve got another appointment on Monday to finalise how the treatment will work.’
‘You’re on leave?’ Kate nodded, taking a sip from her coffee, letting the hot liquid slide down her throat.
‘How’s the job?’ Kate asked, wanting to not discuss the cancer any longer, she’d had enough of that for one day after her earlier appointment.
‘It’s good, different from the Navy, but I’m enjoying it. Not too good at taking orders from the Head Chef though,’ Bec explained, a slight smile on her face.
‘That doesn’t sound like you at all,’ Kate responded. ‘You haven’t been there long though have you?’
‘Few weeks, I went down to spend sometime with my family.’ A gust of hot air blew into the café as the front door was opened. A tall man dark haired man approached the pair, gesturing for Kate to shift over so he could sit. ‘Rebecca, how are you?’
‘I’m good thanks Sir, how are you?’
‘Not to bad. I think 2Dads was looking for you, I spotted him outside on the Esplanade.’
‘Thanks Sir. Kate, I’ll talk to you later,’ Bec said, quickly vacating her seat and rushing out the door. Mike watched the retreating form of his former Chef then turned his attention to the blonde woman now sitting next to him. Picking up the mug that was sitting in front of her, he took a sip, grimacing as the bitter taste assaulted his tastebuds. Setting the mug back on the table, he threw his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him, ‘How’d it go with the Doctor this morning?’
‘It was what I expected, I’m going back Monday, to finalise the treatment, but in the meantime I’ve got a lot of information to sift through.’ Mike nodded, pressing a kiss to the side of her head, reassuring himself that she was still there next to him.
* * *
The frigate pulled into Port in Darwin, the young Lieutenant rushing from the ship as soon as she was granted permission by her senior officers. A bag slung over her shoulder, she hopped into a waiting taxi, hastily giving directions to the driver to head for the airport. Although she was not aware of the nature of Kate’s apparent illness, the two-worded email she received was enough to entice her to fly to Cairns for her shore leave. Arriving at the airport, she paid the taxi driver, grabbing her bag and rushing off to the check-in counter. Her bag checked in, she stopped at small kiosk to grab a coffee before she headed into the terminal to await her flight departure in just over an hour’s time.
Hours later, her plane touched down at Cairns airport, skidding across the runway as it slowed down to approach the terminal. Following the signs to the baggage claim area, Nikki attempted to push through the crowd of people dawdling through the narrow passageway. Twenty-five minutes after they landed Nikki spotted her bag travelling towards her on the carousel and she was quick to snap it up, exiting the terminal into the cool night air. Making her way back to the Taxi rank, she gave the driver the Kate’s address, sitting back against the leather seat, stifling a yawn as the days events caught up with her. The young man in the drivers seat noticed her uniform, ‘Tough day Ma’am?’ he asked, used to seeing Navy personal around the city, though not usually coming from the airport. ‘Just long. I only got into Port a few hours ago, and I flew straight here.’
‘New posting?’
‘No. Just back for a visit to see my former crew.’ The driver nodded, turning the car into Kate’s street on Cairns’ outskirts. She paid the driver, thanking him as she dragged her bag across the backseat and back over her shoulder. Taking her hat in her free hand, she watched as the taxi drove off. A light inside the townhouse indicated that someone was home and Nikki made her way up the path, the smell of freshly cut grass assaulting her senses as she approached the door. Climbing the small flight of steps, she stopped in front of the door, raising her fist to knock on the solid wood. She could hear footsteps inside approaching the door and the lock snapped out of place as the door fell open. ‘Nikki?’