Dangerous Ground

Hardy nodded to the XO, who opened the seabag he was holding. Bair passed a pair of ball caps and jackets to Hardy, both of which were emblazoned with Memphis’ seal and name. Both ladies quickly put them on as Hardy said, “Although Memphis will soon be decommissioned, I hope you will always think of yourselves as part of her crew.”

Bair then passed two large, flat plaques to the Captain. Hardy held one of them up.

Hardy explained. “The photograph in the middle was taken during the Bluenose ceremony and shows you two ladies during the meal. It’s not the most flattering image, but as far as we’re concerned, beauty runs deep.” He pointed to the area surrounding the photo. “Each member of the crew has signed these. We hope you will remember us with the same warm feeling we will always have for you.”

Jerry was amazed. He didn’t know Hardy had it in him. Both of the ladies were crying as they took and hugged their plaques. The crew applauded and Emily quickly handed her plaque back to Bair, then hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. Then she started working on the crew, and everyone in the front row received a public display of affection. He might have imagined it, but Emily seemed to take a little longer with him than Lenny Berg or Master Chief Reynolds. Jerry hoped Hardy’s warning was now moot.

Dr. Patterson, also sniffling, waited for the applause to end and then spoke haltingly. “I am so proud of knowing all of you, of what you’ve done.” She had to stop, then continued, “I will always remember what I’ve learned on this mission, especially about the wonderful people that serve on our submarines.”

She handed her plaque to Bair and then turned to the Captain. Embracing him, she kissed Hardy passionately, deeply, and to Jerry’s surprise, Hardy returned it. In fact, as Jerry watched, he realized Hardy didn’t look too surprised. And as they continued to embrace, Jerry began to wonder if this was the first time they had kissed.

The crew, at first as stunned as Jerry, applauded, and if their kiss had gone on any longer, might have added a few comments, in spite of Hardy’s rank. The applause ended as they separated, but Jerry noticed that they remained close, with Hardy’s arm around Patterson and hers around him.

“We have to go,” Patterson said, “but we’ll be waiting for you when Memphis comes back to New London. And there will be a brass band and some of my friends to meet you.” Jerry didn’t have to wonder who those friends would be.

As the crew applauded again, she turned to Hardy. She spoke softly, but everyone in the front rank heard her. “I’ll see you on the sixteenth, then. I’ll start looking for a place the minute I’m back. Remember, we’ll have to establish residency in the third district.” Hardy nodded reassuringly and said something back, but too softly to be heard.

It took Jerry a minute to process what he had just heard. While he did, Patterson hugged and said good-bye to Bair, Master Chief Reynolds, and many others. She reached Jerry and bussed him heartily on the cheek. “Thank you for everything,” she said happily.

She remembered her plaque and then, with Emily following, headed for the waiting car. The crew was applauding and waving and Jerry wandered over toward the XO. Lieutenant Commander Bair had a strange expression on his face, and Jerry realized he’d been as surprised as everyone else.

“Don’t stare, XO, it isn’t polite,” Jerry said softly, with a hint of revenge.

Bair, without blinking an eyelash, elbowed Jerry in the ribs and replied, “Don’t be a smart ass, Mr. Mitchell. You’re not the Bull Ensign.” Bair had a huge grin on his face.

“Happy news, eh?” said Jerry and Bair nodded. Then, as if rousing himself, Bair turned to the Captain, who was watching the car drive off into the twilight.

“Congratulations, skipper,” Bair said, offering his hand.

Hardy took it briskly and smiled. “Yes, yes. Thank you, XO.”

Jerry grinned and added his congratulations. “I hope you and Dr. Patterson will be very happy together.”

Hardy, still smiling, took Jerry’s hand. “She’s an extraordinary woman, Mr. Mitchell.”

“Indeed, sir, she’s a fine catch.”

Hardy laughed, an unusual sound, and said, “I’m not sure how much ‘catching’ was involved.” Then his expression changed, as if a mist was clearing from his eyes. “And I think we’ve spent enough time talking about Dr. Patterson.”

“Yes sir,” Jerry answered quickly.

“I’ve already spoken to Captain Young. As squadron commander, he has to observe your final qualifications for dolphins, and he’s agreed to meet us on the thirteenth, three days before we arrive back in New London.”

Jerry was impressed. That would mean a helicopter ride and an at-sea transfer.

“Now, we don’t want him to fly out to Memphis and have you not be ready, do we?” Hardy’s voice was stern and his expression matched. “You’ve made progress over the past ten days, but there’s still a tremendous amount to do. We’re here for about a week while we make repairs and then nine days underway before Captain Young arrives. Will you be ready?”

“The whole crew’s been helping me, sir. I’m sure I can make it.”

Hardy nodded. “Yes, Mr. Mitchell, I’m sure you can.”