Disclaimer: I don't own the guys from Emergency so please don't sue me. I promise to put them back in one piece when I'm done with them.

A Missing Scene from "The Promotion"

What was Roy thinking as he sat in the driver's seat of the engine?

By Erin James

As Johnny walked away, Roy walked over to the engine. After a minute checking out the gauges, he climbed into the cab behind the wheel and closed the door. "This is awesome. I could get used to this."

Roy turned and looked at the squad. His face paled as reality hit.

"Wow, this is a shock to the system. Now, I'm starting to feel a bit strange up here. God, I remember the first time I laid my eyes on that life saver. Has it been two years already? Time is sure flying."

"Johnny had just finished training. Since I was one of the trainers that worked with him, I knew he was gonna be special. I remember pulling a lot of strings to make him my partner. That was definitely one of the smartest things I have done in this job."

"My God, I've lost count of how many people we've worked on. How many times have we punched the dashboard in frustration because we lost a patient? How many times have I pushed the squad to move faster on bad calls? How many times have Johnny and I smiled because we knew we had done good?"

"Can I really do this? I know I have the skills, but can I handle just running the pump? Can I keep myself at the engine when there are victims that need to be tended to?"

"Damn it."

Roy punched his leg in frustration. "Why is this so difficult? I want to take this promotion but can I give up what I busted my ass for? What Johnny and the rest of us stand for? Stupid rule."

Roy heard the passenger side door open and close. Roy turned his head and saw Mike sitting in the Cap's seat. Mike looked at him with a grin on his face. "Trying to get used to your new ride?"

Roy tried to swallow the lump in his throat. "No Mike, I'm just trying to figure out if I want her. Now don't get me wrong, you do a damn good job. I just don't know if I can. Skills wise I can learn, but how do I retrain my heart? Damn rules, I wish I could do both. I mean, the money is good, but my heart lies in that squad over there."

Mike knew what Roy meant but didn't say anything. He could tell that Roy just needed space and time to figure out what he needed to do.

"Mike, my life is there. Hell, my best friend is there. What am I gonna do?"

Mike answered quietly. "Follow your heart. If Big Red is where you should be, you'll end up here. If not, your girl is calling you. Forget the money for a minute. What does Roy Desoto want?"

With that, Mike got out of the truck. Roy waited for a few more seconds before getting out of the truck himself.

He walked over to the squad and ran his hand over the compartments, smiling slightly. His thoughts began to run again. He remembered Johnny's words when they were first assigned and got a look at the squad and the new equipment. Now all we have to do is get a license to use all this gear. Meanwhile we're just a regular rolling arsenal against death."

Feeling a bit better, Roy smiled as he headed for the day room with his best friend's words echoing in his mind.