"What have we got, ET?" "Sprung." "They're using long-lines." "Judging by the hook spacing, they're using one of the 400m lines we've been seeing a bit of lately." "Yeah, with about 80 vertical lines." "Hooks all over them." "They catch everything." "I'd say what they're after is shark fin." "What, just the fins, sir?" "Yeah, they cut the fins off and throw the sharks back to die." "It's really cruel." "Good to see I'm not the only greenie on board." "If there's one boat, there'll be a few more, and a mother ship somewhere, waiting to collect the haul." "Once we get these guys, sir, maybe we should go..." "Take out the mother ship." "My thoughts exactly, X." "We'll lie off below the horizon and take them at first light." "OK, boss." "Hands to boarding station." "Slew outboard." "Down on one." "X, pass the fishing report information as soon as it's available." "All of you, don't forget, the deck will be slippery with the catch." "OK." "Let's go." "Watch your oppo's back." "Carry on the sea boat!" "Away sea boats." "Slip!" "Sir, move back." "Move back." "Who is the master of this vessel?" "Master?" "Sir, move forward, please." "Forward." "X, master." "Thanks, Buffer." "Assess the boat for towing." "Aye, ma'am." "How many days have you been fishing in these waters?" "Four days?" "Where is your mother ship?" "The big boat." "You don't know?" "Or you won't tell me?" "OK." "Buffer?" "Yeah, we're right to tow, X." "What's your estimate on the catch?" "We've got a couple of hundred kilos of shark fin here." "Two barracuda." "Looks like a pike." "And there'll be more on that port side." "Long-line is still in, ma'am." "Spider?" "Have the fishermen haul in the lines." "Yes, ma'am." "ET." "Video the entire catch for evidence, and then we'll ditch it." "It's a tragic waste." "X- ray 2, this is Charlie 2." "What have we got?" "Over." "This is X-ray 2." "We've got about 200 kilo of shark fin here." "But the crew are too frightened to talk to us." "Over." "Is the vessel seaworthy for towing, X?" "Affirmative, sir." "OK, NAVCOM have approved apprehension and towing back to port for further investigation." "Charlie 2 out." "Under the Australian Fisheries Management Act, we are seizing this vessel and your catch." "Your vessel will be towed back to port for further investigation." "We need to see some papers." "Come to the wheelhouse and show us the papers." "Need passports, Buffer." "Do you ever feel sorry for them?" "Personally, yeah." "They're the bottom of the food chain, just trying to feed their families." "Course, what they've done is illegal, but the real scumbags are on that mother ship." "I don't want to be presumptuous, sir, but I could try and find out what you want to know." "Yeah, picked up a few phrases." "OK." "Off you go." "I'll let X know you're on your way over." "'Coral Emperor'" "The RO's a bit of a cold fish, isn't he?" "Sometimes it can be an asset on a ship, ma'am." "He spilled the beans on the mother ship." "It's called the 'Coral Emperor'" "Well, how did you manage that?" "Well, sometimes you've got to use more persuasive language than what's on those cards, ma'am." "Charlie 2, this is X-ray 2." "Where is this 'Coral Emperor'" "He wasn't very precise, but about 20 miles north-east of here." "So let's go get them." "Over." "Negative, X. The priority is to take the FFV back to base." "Navy procedure is clear on this one." "We have no choice." "Out." "Surely there's another patrol boat available to do a transfer with." "I'm as frustrated as you are, Swain." "But they'll keep." "I hate to see an opportunity to pursue the mother ship slip away." "We can go after them on a more appropriate occasion." "We'll get 'em, boss." "I'm determined to, Nav." "Sir, message from NAVCOM." "Since we're heading back, they want us to pick up a passenger from Bright Island for transport to base." "Thanks, RO." "A passenger, sir?" "Yeah." "It's not that unusual." "We do approved transport from time to time." "Nav, set course for Bright Island." "Give me a call when we're in visual range." "Yes, sir." "MCR, bridge." "Charge, I'd like a word in my cabin about quarterly books." "Aye, aye, sir." "No-one likes doing paperwork, but it has to be done." "With respect, sir, those engines are about as cranky and as old as I am, and they don't give a toss about paperwork." "But NAVCOM does and so do I, and in a few months time, when we're on the new boats, there'll be even more to do." "Keep on top of it." "Yes, sir." "That eye still causing you grief?" "No, sir." "It's just..." "there's a bit of grit in it." "It's nothing, sir." "I want you to get it seen to." "Sir." "It's just..." "It's not a sty or grit." "It's been troubling you ever since the Irukandji sting." "Sir, it's not Irukandji." "Some days it's good, some days it's bad." "It... it..." "I've got it under control, sir." "Why haven't you seen a specialist?" "Because..." "Charge, see the specialist." "With respect, sir, they could stick me behind a desk for God knows how long." "'Hammersley' has a few months to live." "The thought of not being here for that..." "I understand." "But at the moment, it's affecting your work." "Go to the doctor tomorrow." "If it's treatable, we'll work around it." "But if it continues to impact on your ability to perform your duties on this ship you won't have a choice, Charge." "The navy's position is clear." "Sir." "Bright Island ahead, sir." "Shall I prepare the tinny to go ashore, sir?" "Thanks, X." "I think I'll go ashore myself." "I feel like a bit of exercise." "Away sea boat." "Away sea boat." "Now I know why he wanted to go himself." "Hmm?" "Oh, he knew it was her all along." "Naughty, Mike." "Sorry." "I was hoping it would be you." "Thank you for collecting me." "My pleasure." "One of the perks of the job, getting to rescue attractive women from deserted islands." "Do I look like I need rescuing?" "Not really." "I just said that to make myself look more heroic." "Maybe I can oblige one day." "Feds have obviously left the island." "Yes." "They left about a week ago." "And you've been here all by yourself?" "Oh, I'm a big girl, Captain." "I don't doubt it." "Mind your step." "Special sea dutymen and cable party close up." "Assume damage control state three condition Yankee." "Shorten in two shackles on deck." "Stand by to recover tinny." "But having got the information on the position of this mother ship, why didn't you just go after them?" "It wasn't because of me, I hope." "Hardly." "You may have noticed the foreign fishing vessel we're towing." "What Kate means is that once we've apprehended the vessel, it's then incumbent on us to deliver it to the nearest port, or at least transfer it to a Customs vessel." "If there's one in the area, which there wasn't." "How frustrating for you." "Hmm." "Chefo's excelled himself tonight." "The scran's really good." "'Scran'" "Shh. 'Stuff'" "'Stuff Cooked by the Royal Australian Navy'" "I see." "Don't let that put you off." "X, aren't you officer of the watch this evening?" "Yes." "I'm sorry, sir." "I was enjoying myself so much," "I almost forgot I had somewhere else to be." "Please excuse me." "She's a bit lemon-lipped, isn't she?" "Please don't take it personally." "The XO hates to see a nice boat get away." "She's extremely dedicated." "Feeling queasy?" "I've got some pills I could give you but they don't work." "No, thanks." "I'm fine." "I just couldn't sleep." "Something on your mind?" "Or is it the narrow rack?" "No." "I thought I'd find answers on the island and I didn't." "About your colleague's death?" "Yeah, I involved her in this research so I feel responsible for what happened." "Don't blame yourself." "I'm sure she made her own decisions." "I bet you always make the right ones." "Generally." "Although I have had a few lapses here and there." "Have you ever made a..." "a really big mistake, something you totally regret but can't undo?" "I don't..." "Well, I can't..." "Nothing professional immediately springs to mind." "I didn't think so." "You're a genuine good guy." "What do you think you've done that's so terrible?" "If you tell me, maybe I can help." "Are you cold?" "You're shivering." "Goodnight." "I'm just heading off watch." "Goodnight, X. Have a good night." "Thanks again for the lift." "I enjoyed it." "Pleasure." "I'd like to finish off that conversation from last night." "Sometime soon?" "Going somewhere, X?" "Shore leave, sir." "Is there something wrong, Kate?" "No, sir." "What could possibly be wrong?" "Sir." "Just finished checking the latest oil sample analysis." "Starboard has some trace metal elements through it." "What's the problem, Charge?" "Just be guessing, but we risk pushing a rod through the casing until I can rule out a few things." "Better get onto it, then." "Sorry to hear about your engine trouble, sir." "It's got to be frustrating." "Your sympathy is noted, Lieutenant." "Coastwatch aircraft have managed to establish the location of the 'Coral Emperor'" "Get its position?" "Yeah, she's... just there." "Two nautical miles inside the line." "Have we been tasked yet, sir?" "I actually wanted to task 'Kingston' She's closer." "But she's dealing with some trouble, some eco-militant group." "With respect, sir, I'd request you reconsider." "Oh, yeah." "Right." "You're not worried 'Kingston' might get the kudos off your intel, are you, sir?" "I'd like 'Hammersley' to do as much as she can before the old girl's decommissioned." "Then I'd suggest you put Charge under the hammer and get your engine fixed." "Any chance of getting the engine replaced, sir?" "That's pretty funny." "I'll get out the sledgehammer." "Alright." "No problems picking up Dr Morrell?" "None whatsoever." "Alright." "Thanks." "That's all." "Thanks, sir." "Should be on the pension." "Oi!" "Check this out." "Some other time, maybe?" "Oh." "Boss got you under the pump to fix these cylinders, hey?" "We're talking about a human life." "What's more important?" "My life isn't as important as these engines." "Gimme." "Where's the nipper?" "There." "Head, arm, leg, 10 cute little toes." "Looks like a frog." "It's not a frog!" "It's my gorgeous baby." "Which explains why it looks like a frog." "Ah." "Sir." "How's it going, Charge?" "You mean how long before it's fixed?" "Hard to say, sir." "Maybe you need an incentive." "A slab." "It takes what it takes, sir." "Then I guess 'Kingston' will get there first." "No way." "Two slabs." "Imported." "Imported?" "You've got to be joking." "OK." "Imported." "Yeah." "Come in." "Sir." "How did you go?" "Bad news, sir." "You're up for two cases of imported." "The engine's fixed?" "The boys are putting it back together as we speak." "It should be right to go in about an hour." "Great." "I knew I could rely on your thirst for excellence." "In the meantime, sir request permission to go ashore to keep my appointment with the, uh... eye doctor." "Of course." "Go." "Go." "But hurry back." "We want to get to that mother ship before the 'Kingston'" "No worries, sir." "I will be in and out." "You have recurring corneal erosion, Mr Thorpe." "Which means?" "Which means you injured your cornea at some time, and it isn't healing properly." "The topmost layer keeps tearing away like peeling paint." "Must have been causing you severe discomfort." "Not much fun, no." "Given the extent of the damage," "I would recommend an immediate anterior stromal puncture." "Plain English, thanks, Doc." "It means I stick a pin in your eye at least a couple of dozen times." "You're serious?" "Oh." "Sir." "X." "Feeling a little more relaxed after your time ashore?" "Much, thank you." "The boys have repaired the engine and they're ready to go." "That's good news, even if it does cost me a couple of slabs." "Are all the team back on board?" "All except for the Charge." "I haven't been able to phone him." "Do you know where he might be?" "Doctor's appointment." "But he should be back by now." "Should I try him again?" "Yeah, and reduce notice for sea to 30 minutes." "I want to get after this mother ship." "Aye, sir." "After you." "Do you hear there?" "XO speaking." "The ship will sail in 30 minutes." "When the local anaesthetic wears off, you'll feel some discomfort." "That's quite normal." "The patch stays on for two days." "What sort of vision loss?" "Vision loss?" "Until today, I was the chief engineer of a patrol boat." "This thing's put an end to that, so can you just tell me, how bad is it going to be?" "Mr Thorpe, I don't think you fully understand." "Please!" "Just tell me." "When the patch comes off," "I expect your eye to have made a full recovery." "You what?" "I don't anticipate any vision loss." "You don't?" "No." "I'd like to thank Charge and his team for their hard work in getting us back to sea." "I'd also like to thank him, on your behalf, for his generous offer to shout the next beer issue." "Imported." "Whoo-hoo!" "But right now, our priority is to apprehend the 'Coral Emperor'," "That's all." "We're about one mile astern of them, sir, and they're two miles inside the EEZ." "We've got 'em." "Commencing my approach." "Revolutions 8-8-0." "Let's go give 'em a big surprise." "Sir, there's a RHIB approaching the vessel at high speed." "Where the hell did THEY come from?" "Saviours of the Sea." "Eco-militants?" "You've heard of 'em?" "Yeah." "They were responsible for sinking a Japanese whaling ship last year." "They're throwing something over the side." "It's a hawser." "Designed to foul the propeller." "They're trying to disable the mother ship." "The militant's been hit." "There are two in the water now, boss." "The mother ship's taking off." "Damn." "Sir, we have to rescue the militants." "I know." "By the time we do, the mother ship will be back across the line and out of our waters." "Hear there, captain speaking." "We have two militants in the water." "Away sea boat." "Righto." "Just grab the rope." "OK." "He's got a gunshot wound to the left shoulder." "Uh, he's clear of stingers but keep compression there and get him down below, OK?" "Alright." "Arms out, mate." "Spin around." "Clear of stingers!" "What's your name, mate?" "Oi." "Can you hear me?" "What's your name?" "David Thompson." "David, it's your lucky day." "You dodged a bullet." "Several, in fact." "You know, any time you feel it's appropriate to thank us for saving your life, just go right ahead." "Yeah, thanks." "Oh, don't mention it." "Sir, the 'Coral Emperor' appears to have stopped." "I doubt they're intending to give up." "The eco-militants must have been successful in disabling their propeller." "Which means she's ours." "Let's go get 'em." "How are our passengers, Swain?" "Well, sir, one of the eco-militants does have a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, but we've stopped the blood loss and stabilised him." "He should be right until we get home." "OK." "Good work." "The other one?" "Nothing wrong with him." "Unless you count the attitude problem." "Attitude problem?" "I'm the captain of this ship." "Is there a problem here?" "Yeah." "I need to use your radio." "I need to let my crew know that I've lost my boat." "Well, Mr Thompson, your actions were recklessly dangerous, and you disrupted a navy operation." "You realise a hawser could rip the drive shaft right off the ship and leave a gaping hole under its waterline." "That ship is a death star for whales and sharks, and we intend to shut it down." "Even if it means sinking it and putting people's lives at risk?" "For the illegal and ruthless slaughter of sharks," "I'd say that's poetic justice." "There'll be criminal charges to answer." "When we get home, you'll be handed over to the police." "And you can give yourself a medal." "If I were you, I'd be grateful that someone was willing to risk their life to pull you out of the ocean." "Everything OK?" "Saviours of the Sea are thugs." "They're the ones we should be rounding up and dragging back to base for investigation." "Sounds like you've had an epiphany." "Sir, the mother ship seems to be sitting low in the water." "I think her hull might be breached." "That's what I was afraid of." "We'll have to board her, bring her crew over to 'Hammersley'" "You ready, X?" "On my way." "Tread carefully on this one." "Secure any weapons." "They've already shown themselves to be aggressive." "'Coral Emperor' this is Australian warship." "We intend to board you." "Do not open fire." "If you fire in the direction of this ship, we will return fire." "X- ray 2, this is Charlie 2." "Over." "Go ahead, Charlie 2." "Over." "The visible crew do not appear to be armed, but proceed with caution - over." "This is X-ray 2." "Roger." "Out." "This is Charlie 2." "What's the situation there?" "Over." "This is X-ray 2." "The situation is under control." "Don't anticipate any resistance here." "Over." "This is Charlie 2." "Roger." "Out." "X, their weapon's secured." "Under the Australian Fisheries Act, we are seizing this vessel and your catch." "Do you understand?" "Hey, RO." "Do you think he understands me?" "I'm not sure, ma'am." "Since your vessel is unseaworthy, it will be sunk." "You and your crew will be brought on board the navy ship and your catch will be ditched." "OK." "Get him, Buffer." "Spider, you stay and watch the crew." "Sir, drop the weapon." "Machete, X!" "Drop the weapon." "Drop it now!" "Drop the machete." "RO, do you have any idea what he's saying?" "He's refusing to leave the ship, ma'am." "This vessel is sinking." "It is unseaworthy." "If you don't come aboard the 'Hammersley' you and your crew will drown." "He's saying that they'll kill him." "Who will kill him?" "What does he mean?" "I'm guessing his bosses." "He thinks they'll kill him for losing the ship and the catch." "What on earth did you say to him?" "I asked him if he wanted to see his kids again." "But how do you even know he has children?" "Buffer." "Just come through here, gentlemen." "Sounds like you managed to avoid a tragedy, X. Congratulations." "Actually, sir, it's the RO who should be given the credit." "He judged the situation perfectly, and he acted instinctively to resolve it." "Well done, then, RO." "Thank you, sir." "Buffer was right." "Being a cold fish can be an asset." "Hey, Spider." "You want to go and organise Chefo with some food?" "Yes, ma'am." "And some water." "Get Swain up here to do some medical checks too." "Thanks, Buffer." "Yes, ma'am." "You can't keep me cooped up like this." "I feel sick." "I'm afraid that's not really our priority at the moment." "We've got our hands kind of full rescuing people from the boat you idiots tried to scuttle, so..." "Hey, jerk, they shot my mate." "Look, mate, I'm a greenie myself, alright?" "So I can understand where you're coming from." "I mean, I don't condone what they're doing but you are taking this protest way too far." "We risk our necks saving whales and sharks." "That's fine." "That's your choice." "But you mess with other people's lives - that's a different matter." "That's the risk they're taking." "Too bad if they all drown, huh?" "Yeah, you got it." "I guess you've got to wear the consequences." "Sermon finished?" "Yeah." "Good." "'Cause I'm about to spew my guts up." "Do your best." "OK." "This... beef stew." "Very good." "Help yourself, OK?" "Chefo, Spider, stay with the crew." "Sit!" "Sit down!" "Sit!" "Sit down!" "Hey, hey, hey." "Stop it!" "Stop!" "You're in enough trouble!" "Come on, Buffer!" "Got him!" "Got him!" "X, are you right?" "Yeah." "What the hell are you doing on deck?" "I gave orders for you to remain below." "When my boat doesn't return, my crew are going to come looking for me." "And when they do, I hope they sink that ship." "You alright?" "Yeah." "According to David, the eco-militants' vessel is here, about seven miles south-east of our position." "That must have been the other vessel that we saw on radar." "Yes, and it stands to reason his friends will come back to look for them." "That gives us a window of opportunity." "So you intend to go after the eco-militants, sir?" "Not exactly "go after", Buff." "Their ship's registered." "We're not authorised to board an Australian flagged vessel without invitation." "So how do we nab them?" "For legal reasons, we have to catch them in the act of unlawfully boarding the mother ship." "With respect, boss, they won't come anywhere near the 'Coral Emperor' with a navy boat sitting right on top of it." "But if we stage just below the horizon and wait..." "Exactly, X. I'm hoping they'll come to us." "I hate to mention a dirty word, sir, but what about NAVCOM?" "I'll take full responsibility for this operation, Nav." "I want these thugs off the ocean." "Anyone want to argue?" "No, sir." "We're all with you." "Thank you, X. You've just volunteered." "Volunteered?" "Oh!" "You look fabulous!" "I would like to thank my personal stylist," "Lieutenant Commander Mike Flynn, for the loan of his very favourite fishing shirt." "Black eye adds a degree of authenticity to the ensemble." "Don't you think?" "Ease off, Nav." "I didn't volunteer for this gig." "No, you're there because you failed to keep an eye on David." "Yeah, believe me, ET." "No-one volunteered for this gig." "OK, team." "Let's get Operation Fish Hook under way." "Aye, sir." "Away, sea boat." "OK, let's spread out." "Keep a good lookout for the militants." "Remember, they'll be able to see us long before we spot them, so it's important we maintain the advantage of surprise." "Buffer?" "OK." "ET, Spider, for'd." "Port side, starboard." "Report any sightings immediately." "Yes, Buff." "Charlie 2, this is X-ray 2." "Over." "This is Charlie 2." "Go ahead, X." "We're in place on deck, waiting any further developments." "Over." "What's the condition of the vessel?" "Over." "It appears to be taking water." "Let's hope they arrive before you have just the mast showing - over." "That would be a good outcome." "Over." "OK." "We'll make ourselves scarce." "Keep the SITREPs coming." "Remember we're less than half an hour away." "Over." "This is X-ray 2." "Roger." "Out." "Hey, Buffer!" "Do a recce below and see how much time you think we have." "I'll take over here." "Ma'am." "X?" "X." "Seems we're taking water from the propeller shaft inlet." "There's a lot of water down in that hold." "How much time have we got?" "We don't want to be here in another hour." "When she goes down, she'll go down quick." "Right." "Thanks, Buffer." "Charlie 2, this is X-ray 2." "Over." "This is Charlie 2." "What have you got, X?" "Sir, we're going to have to abort." "There's no sign of the militants, and we'll be requiring snorkels soon - over." "OK." "Maybe they've abandoned their crew." "We're on our way." "Ma'am!" "RHIB approaching the starboard side!" "Charlie 2, this is X-ray 2." "Belay my last." "We have a RHIB approaching with three POB." "Operation Fish Hook is a goer." "I say again, Operation Fish Hook is on." "Over." "Roger, X. We're on our way." "Good luck." "Right." "I want all of these binoculars out of sight." "They'll be looking at us too." "I want them to see a regular fishing crew." "Yes, ma'am." "What's our ETA, Nav?" "20 minutes, sir." "That long?" "Afraid so." "They'll be OK." "OK." "Stations, everyone." "Here they come." "David!" "John?" "You guys here?" "Stop there, sir." "Australian Navy." "Buffer, cuffs." "Ma'am." "You are now in our custody." "Charlie 2, this is X-ray 2." "Over." "This is Charlie 2." "Mission accomplished, sir." "We have three in custody." "Over." "Great work, X. We have you in sight." "We'll be with you soon." "Got 'em." "I know you wanted 'Hammersley' to go out in a blaze of glory, but this stunt could be your court martial." "Sir, it was a good outcome, even if I did slip a little into the grey area." "Grey area?" "!" "You had the crew behaving like a bunch of undercover cops!" "And I don't think I need to remind YOU that this is the navy." "No, sir, you do not." "At the risk of being accused of preferential treatment," "I'm going to overlook this incident because of a whole bunch of factors" "I couldn't even be bothered listing." "Now, get out of my sight before I change my mind!" "Thank you, sir." "Hey, sir." "We're heading off to celebrate." "What about that beer issue, Charge?" "All over, red rover." "Have to be quick around these blokes, sir." "It's not every day the old girl pulls off a bust like that." "Double whammy." "Come for a drink, sir?" "I might head along later." "There's something I have to attend to first." "That's alright, sir." "How's the eye feeling, X?" "Well, it hurt a lot when it happened, but but now I don't feel a thing." "Have a good night." "Just up here, thanks, mate." "Hi." "Can I help you?" "I'm looking for Ursula." "Dr Ursula Morrell?" "I'm just moving in." "I don't know anything about the previous tenant." "Did she leave a forwarding address?" "Contact number?" "No." "No, sorry." "Thanks for your time." "No problem." "Ursula." "It's Mike." "I just dropped round your place to continue our conversation, and I find you've moved." "Ring me when you get the message." "Yeah?" "Uh, sorry to disturb you, sir." "I was just wondering if I could have a quick word." "Of course." "Come in." "Thanks." "Something bothering you, sailor?" "Uh, no." "No, sir." "It's, um... well, it's about..." "Well, come on." "Out with it." "I can't help you if I don't know what it is." "It's about you, sir." "Me?" "It's just... well, some of the guys were saying how you probably got a rocket at HQ on the account of our latest evolution, sir." "Well, I wouldn't worry too much about that, young Spider." "Fortunately, Commander Marshall was in a good mood." "That... that is..." "that's a relief, sir." "Um..." "I'd just like you to know that I'm 120% behind you in whatever you do, sir." "Thanks, Spider." "I appreciate that." "A lot." "No worries." "Uh, there is just one other little thing, sir." "Yes?" "Well, it's just that since Jaffah died, um I've seriously been thinking that I've made the wrong career choice." "Don't tell me you want to resign." "No." "Uh, no, sir." "It's, um... well, basically I've never enjoyed a job so much in my life." "Well, this is the only job I've ever had, but, uh you know, after today, and all the cool stuff we did..." "Um... man, I love the navy, sir." "Love it." "And, um..." "I'm here to stay." "That's great to know." "Just not in my cabin." "Of course." "Uh, thank you, sir." "Goodnight." "Sorry, sir."