Love don't live here anymore

Chapter 13:

Samantha had locked the commands on the joystick  with an encryption that Jordan had sworn could not be easily decoded by most of the world's expert hackers, but for security reasons, she wanted to test the Commander's praises that Gator was more than proficient in the electronics field, and challenge his expertise.

She gasped at how quickly the water temperature had lowered. She plunged into the darkness.   Surprisingly, the lower she went, the warmer the water seemed to be. A quick glance at the luminous compass strapped on her wrist set her off to the destined route.  Mission accomplished.   She was heading back to SAS Drakensberg before the allotted twenty minutes.

It's freezing out there,' she shivered, as she wrapped a towel around her shoulders.

The drooped shoulders, the disillusionment on Bernie's face told Samantha all she needed to know.

'Hey Bernie, thanks for all your help,' she smiled.

He half smiled, nodded and mumbled, 'I'm afraid I lost you in the depths of the dark water.'

'What! This fancy Naval vessel has no head lights?' she teased.

He threw his head back and laughed.

'Any chance of a hot drink around here Bernie?' she requested

'Yes ma__ Samantha, I'll lead you to the cafeteria.'

'Five minutes to get out of this wetsuit first,' she raised her index finger in the air.

Bernie nodded, shut his eyes and turned around like a well mannered boy.

I bet Blake would stand there fold his arms and ___

What the hell?

That has never happened before.  Not in the middle of a mission.  Oh heck!

'All set,' Samantha smiled.

When Bernie turned around.   He smiled politely, seeing her now warm and comfortable in a designer sweat suit.  Samantha hauled out her mobile and made contact with Jordan's aide who would pick her up from the Navy's vessel.

'So how long have you been experimenting with electronic gadgets?' Samantha inquired conversationally.

'I've been stripping them apart since I was thirteen,' he beamed proudly.

'Don't believe everything he tells you.   He's still a virgin,' one cocky officer pulled up the chair next to Samantha uninvited.

Samantha turned her head across to glance at the uninvited officer.

'Say gorgeous --- can I buy you dinner, when we dock in about an hour?' the thick skinned slime ball persevered.

Samantha turned to young Gator, 'We still on for that DVD and pizza, Bernie?'

'Yes Samantha,' he rallied beautifully.

The slime ball turned greener that the Incredible Hulk.

'Senior Superintendent.   A radio communication has notified that  a speed boat is arriving to escort you back to shore,' an officer stood to attention at their table.

'Thank you.' she acknowledged, 'walk with me Bernie,' she smiled.

When they were out of earshot, she murmured, 'I hope you don't mind me shamelessly using you.  I found that officer's behaviour distasteful.'

'No.  Thank you.  He's always teasing me.  I bet from tonight, he will look at me differently.  Thanks to you,' he grinned.

The speed boat angled next to the Drakensberg, awaiting her entry.  Samantha saw the Reception Party was again in attendance, to bid her farewell. She looked up and saw the Commander at the Bridge.  She waved to him.   He saluted back.  Hulk was glaring at them unashamedly.