The last year had been a hard one, between rehab and and the selection process Mooney had been on the go for most of it.

The last few months had been hardest, between travel and waiting here to catch an Oiler out to his new assignment. Inactivity had never his strong suit. But the news of the Merrimack coming into port had put a spring in his stride.

It would still be a few hours until she docked, and began letting off and taking on crew. Mooney busied himself with insuring his gear was transferred from storage, and that he was checked out of transient housing.

It was his intention to be ready to board just after the first wave of personnel on shore leave.

MCPO Mooney.