Dreams Chapter 1 Roy, an emergency fanfic

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.

An interesting shift leads to interesting dreams as seen through Roy's eyes.

Good morning, middle of the night dream catcher. Bear with me as I am wide awake and have a lot to tell you. It's 0200 and man I can't sleep. Let me tell you about the day then I'll tell you why I can't sleep. Enjoy!

I was a bit hyper as I pulled into the parking lot of the station. The Dodgers were playing an early evening game and Johnny and I had to work it. We also had to work the rest of the shift too. Ah well those are the joys of being a paramedic.

I headed for the station and the locker room. Johnny wasn't here yet, not good. I changed and headed for the day room.

The morning was strangely quiet. Normally people love quiet mornings at work. Not me! In our line of work quiet mornings usually means the rest of the day and the shift are going to be nuts.

As I feared, the joint started jumping just after lunch. The first call after lunch struck a chord with Johnny. I'll check on Junior in the morning and make sure he's okay.

The rest of the afternoon was nuts. We hit a stretch of five runs back to back at one point. Insanity at it's worst! By the time we got back after the last run it was time for us to head for the game.

As we got out of the squad Johnny looked over at me and said. "I'll grab the extra shirts." I looked back at him on my way to the day room.

"Thanks Johnny. I'll let Cap know we'll have dinner at the stadium."

Johnny headed for the locker room. I headed for the day room. "Hey Cap."

Captain Hank Stanley looked up from the book he was reading.

"Yeah, Roy?"

"Just letting ya know Johnny and I have to head for the stadium. Don't worry 'bout dinner we'll eat there."

"Okay thanks pal."

I smiled. "No problem, Cap."

Cap smiled. "Hey Roy, tell the boys in blue good luck from all of us."

My smile grew everybody on A shift are Dodgers fans. "Will do Cap. Enjoy the game."

"We'll try our best. The rest is up to the county."

I couldn't help but think "with a day like today no truer words can be spoken."

Just then Johnny walked back into the bay. "Ready to go, Pally?"

"You got it, Junior."

Hank smiled tightly at both of us. "Be careful, you two."

Johnny grinned. "Always, dad."

As we laughed, Johnny and I headed for the squad. I think we saw more of the squad then the station today. Sheesh. I looked over at Johnny as I started the engine and pulled out yet again. "We have to be there at four right?"

Looking relaxed Johnny answered. "Yeah game starts at seven. They want us there for batting practice and all though."

I smiled. "Sounds good to me."

Johnny smiled tiredly. "Ya know the way this afternoon is going the crowd can get as loud as they want tonight and it won't bother me a bit."

I smiled again Johnny had nailed my thoughts as usual. "You know it partner. Dodger dogs for dinner?"

We both licked our lips at the idea for dinner. "Hell, yeah."

While our pulses race with every rescue it's always sweet have an assignment like this. We're on duty yes, but we get to watch the game with no interruptions.

During the ride I noticed Johnny was quiet. That's never a good thing. "Junior, you okay?"

Johnny scrambled to get his emotions under control. "Yeah partner." His voice sounded about as convincing as a toothache.

"Wanna try again? Talk to me, Junior it's just us."

Johnny took a deep breath. "You remember the first call after lunch? The one to the track."

How could I forget I had seen the pain in his eyes before the rig left the track. "Yeah."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the pain on his face. Okay it was definitely not the time for jokes. It was time to listen to my best friend. Johnny took another deep breath. I could tell whatever he was about to say isn't going to be easy. "Easy Johnny, take your time."

Finally Johnny spoke. "On the way to Rampart, Adam and I got to talking. He's really scared. I think I'll check on him the next time we're there."

Not sure where this was going I said the only thing I could think of, "Okay."

Johnny took a quick breath. "The last question he asked me before we pulled in is what's on my mind."

Extremely curious I asked, "What did he ask you, pal?"

With an emotional voice, Johnny spoke. "Why haven't I run competitively since high school? I answered his question with one long one. Who would even consider looking a twenty-seven year old guy who hasn't even run competitively in nine years?"

The conviction and pure emotion of Johnny's words took my breath away for a second. "There's more to running for you isn't there?" The look on his face I caught out of the corner of my eye told me I've hit the bulls eye.

Johnny took a deep breath, and then the flood gates opened up. "Yeah there is, Pally. When I was a kid running was my escape. Growing up with mixed heritage wasn't easy. Running through the mountains was my way to relax. When I joined the high school track team I blew people's minds. They never though a tall, skinny, half breed was that fast. One of the worst days of my life was the day of my last race. Yes, it was state finals and yes I swept my events, but it hurt. It hurt because I knew my career was over."

Before I could say anything, I pulled the squad into the parking lot of Dodgers stadium. I followed the security guard over to where I was supposed to park. I waved thank you to him and he left. I shut the squad off and grin at Johnny. "Ya ready to enjoy our jobs Junior?"

Johnny grinned broadly. "You know it, Pally."

I got out of the squad and grabbed the two small pre-made kits. I also locked up the compartments. Normally, we don't lock the compartments, but we had to tonight. As I locked up I heard Johnny pick up the radio. "LA, squad 51."

Dispatcher Sam Lanier came back. "Go ahead, 51."

"LA, show squad 51 at Dodgers stadium until further notice."

"10-4 51. Time 15:50."

Johnny put the mic down and joined me outside after locking the cab.

"We good?"

"Yep."

"Good. Lets go."

Before we walked away, we took a second to look up in awe. Sometimes I really love this job! After we played fan for a minute we headed for the gate we were told to report to. On the way we pulled out our ID's and stadium passes. True we were in uniform but ya never know.

We got to the gate and were met by a security guard who seemed surprised to see us. "Hi guys. Is everything okay?"

I smiled. "Yes sir. We are the two county paramedics who are going to work the game."

The guard relaxed. "Oh okay. I don't need to see your ID, but can you clip your field passes to your uniform?"

Johnny and I put our ID'S away and clipped our passes to our pockets. "Thank you."

We smiled. "You're welcome."

Now that he knew why were there the guard asked, "Are you supposed to report to anyone in particular?"

Johnny replied. "The director of security. Our headquarters also recommended we check in with both teams."

The guard smiled, "Okay. Go straight up the ramp to your right, the head of security's office is the first door on the left. He'll help you get in touch with the teams."

Johnny smiled. "Okay sir. Thank you, have a good night."

The guard smiled. "You too boys."

Excited, Johnny and I left the gate and headed for the office. Johnny turned to me and said. "Ya know Roy I know we have to work today, but I can't help being a fan too."

I grinned broadly. "You hit the nail on the head Johnny."

Johnny continued, "Sutton's chucking tonight right?"

I smiled in anticipation of a good game. "Yeah. Jo's taping the game in case they show us. It's Sutton against Steve Carlton."

Johnny grinned, "Damn good match up. Can I get a copy?"

I smiled. "Jo's already planning on it."

Johnny grinned slyly. "I should kiss her."

We laughed til we get to the head of security's office. We took a second to regain our professional composure before I knocked on the door.

The Captain called from behind the door. "Come in it's open."

I opened the door. Johnny followed me in and closed the door. The Captain looked up. "Can I help you, fellas?"

"Yes sir. We are the paramedics who are working tonight's game."

The Captain relaxed, "Ah yes."

I continued. "My name is Roy Desoto." I pointed to Johnny, "This is my partner Johnny Gage. We're out of Station 51 in Carson."

The security captain stood and walked around his desk as he smiled, "Welcome to Dodgers stadium boys. My name is Rick."

We shook hands. "I want you guys field level for BP today so we'll do this quick."

At the mention of being field level for batting practice, Johnny and I both walked the fine line between professionalism and being a fan. Twenty minutes later everything was squared away.

Rick smiled as he spoke, "Alright boys, before I take you down to the field I have one last question for you."

Johnny and I were slightly confused figuring we had everything covered. "Yes sir?"

"Who are you rooting for tonight?"

Being in a good mood, I dead panned my face to hide my grin. "Professionally, both sir." Johnny and Rick choked back laughs.

Johnny finally answered, "Personally, it's go Big Blue."

Rick grinned broadly, "Perfect."

Rick looked up at the time. It was 1615. "Come on, boys. Let's get down to the field."

We followed Rick out of the office and down to the field, "I've heard about the work your station does. I have a bit of a surprise for you. Don't worry, I set it up both your HQ and your Captain."

Johnny and I shared a nervous glance. "Uh, okay sir."

Rick led us down to the field. The Dodgers were just starting BP. Talk about timing! To our surprise Rick yelled, "Tommy!"

We were even more shocked when Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda turned around. Seeing us with Rick he jogged over.

Before we could say word though a scream ripped through the air. Work took over, "We'll be back. Excuse us."

Johnny and I turned and took off, leaving a stunned Rick and Tommy behind. We ran over and jumped onto the roof of the dugout and into the stands.

Within seconds, we were at the side of a very embarrassed usher, "Sorry guys, I tripped and hit my knee."

I smiled, "No problem. Why don't we look that knee just in case?"

The usher relaxed when he realized we weren't mad at him, "Sure."

Johnny helped the guy sit down in one of the seats, "As a precaution I'm going to check your vitals." The man quickly agreed.

I cleaned up the small cut on the man's knee. Johnny got his vitals, "Perfectly normal." We smiled at the usher. "Perfect. Your knee is cleaned up too."

Relieved, the usher smiled, "Good."

Johnny smiled as he spoke, "If you need us anymore, just holler."

The usher stood, "Will do." He turned and left.

I grinned at Johnny as I closed my kit, "How bad do you think we scared them?" Johnny grinned slyly, "Very."

We jogged back to the field using the same route we took to get in the stands. A concerned Rick and Tommy met us. Rick spoke first, "He okay?"

"Yeah tripped and cut his knee." Rick and Tommy relaxed when they knew it was nothing serious.

Johnny looked over nervously at Tommy, "Sorry Mr. Lasorda."

Tommy smiled, "It's okay. I understand."

Rick smiled, "Real quick. Tommy meet LA County paramedics John Gage and Roy Desoto. Boys, meet Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda." We all shook hands.

Both Johnny and I spoke at the same time, "Good to meet you sir."

Tommy smiled, "You too guys. Please call me Tommy. Boys, how would like to play catch?"

Stunned Johnny and I grinned broadly, "Awesome!"

"Stay here a minute, boys."

Rick turned serious, "I'm going to go guys."

I heard the tone of Rick's voice and snapped back to being on duty, "Call us if you need us Rick."

Rick smiled, "You bet. Have fun."

Johnny's lopsided grin appeared, "We will."

Tommy jogged away. Rick also left.

A couple of minutes later, Tommy returned with three guys that shocked me and Johnny. Flanking Tommy were first baseman Steve Garvey, catcher Steve Yeager and pitcher Tommy John.

Tommy saw the shock on our faces and grinned, "Hey guys meet some of my boys. This is Steve, Steve and Tommy but we call him TJ. Boys meet Johnny and Roy, they are the paramedics working the game tonight."

Johnny and I tried our best not to appear star struck as we shook hands with the guys. That wasn't easy!

Steve Garvey spoke up, "Johnny, you wanna play catch with me and TJ?"

Johnny smiled, "Sure. Roy, if you need me. . ."

"You'll hear me Johnny. Have fun. Just keep one thing in mind guys, we are still on duty."

TJ answered for the trio, "You got it Roy." Johnny jogged away with Steve and TJ.

Tommy turned to Steve Yeager and me, "If you need me boys, yell."

Steve smiled at his manager, "Will do."

Tommy left as Steve turned to me. I was a bit nervous, but decided to dive in, "Uh, Steve?"

Steve must have heard the nerves in my voice, "Relax Roy I don't bite. Whatcha need?"

I smiled, still a bit nervous, "Would you know if there's an extra right handed pitching glove around?"

Steve thought for a second then said, "I'll be right back. Stretch out while I'm gone?"

"Will do thanks."

"No problem."

Steve jogged away. I smiled as I watched Johnny while I stretched. He's the little brother I've never had. It was great to see him relaxed on duty. As relaxed as we are though I knew if something happened we would be ready to go back to work in less then a heart beat. My mind refocused on the field as I finished stretching. I finished stretching just as Steve came back.

He was wearing his full gear, carrying his mask and two gloves in his hands. "This okay?" Steve handed me the glove.

I couldn't help but get a huge grin on my face, "Perfect."

Steve smiled, "Good. Come on. We'll go down the line a bit."

"Lead on."

I followed Steve about halfway into right field staying on the line. On my way down, I mentally planned the quickest route to the stands. Steve figured out what I was doing, "You guys are always thinking aren't you?"

I answered quickly, "Yeah we are."

He replied, "Don't blame you."

We got to where he thought was a good spot, "Hey why don't you back up to about here?" Steve walked about twenty feet from the line.

I followed him, "Okay."

He looked back over his shoulder as he jogged back to the line, "I'll catch you on the line."

I smiled, "Sounds like a plan to me."

Steve walked back to the line and squatted down. I started with some soft tosses to get stretched out and used to everything. It didn't take me long to get used to things, "Hey Steve, you mind if I back up and try something?"

Steve took his mask off so I could hear him, "Go for it if you're comfortable."

I backed up a bit more. I was about seventy feet from the line. Before I looked back at Steve, I found Johnny. He must have seen the nerves in my eyes, because he motioned for Steve and TJ to hold on a minute. My eyes locked on him. He yelled, "All clear!"

I smiled and took a deep breath. With my mind clear, I turned back to Steve. Seeing my focus was squarely on him, Steve put his mask back on and got into a catching position. I decided to work out of the stretch.

I stepped back into the stretch and let it fly. Natural follow through and the ball hit the target. It was a perfect sinker straight on the corner, if we had a plate. I grinned at the shock on Steve's face. He was so stunned that he jogged the ball back out to me, "That was amazing Roy."

I became very shy, "Nah, I was just throwing."

Steve looked me square in the eye, "That wasn't just throwing Roy, that was actually pitching." I felt my cheeks blushing, as he continued, "Hey Roy, I know we don't have much time right now but would you mind throwing some more. This time in the pen with a few people watching?"

I smiled nervously, "Not at all. Would you mind if I go talk to Johnny a minute?"

Steve knew I was nervous, "Not at all."

I turned and jogged toward Johnny. He saw me and met me halfway, extremely concerned, "What's up, Roy?"

I couldn't hide my nerves, "Something's up and I don't know what it is. Steve wants me to throw again. This time in the pen with some other people watching. By the way, thanks for calming me down earlier."

"Not a problem. I saw you looking for me and the look in your eyes. I knew what I had to do. Just relax." I took a deep breath.

Always the paramedic, he asked, "How's your shoulder?"

I smiled, "Good. Actually throwing seems to be taking the kinks out from that last call. How bout you?"

Johnny smiled, "Feeling great. Walking on cloud nine, not really believing who I've been playing catch with."

I grinned, "I know Junior. I'm the same way."

Just then Steve came back with TJ, Tommy and a guy I didn't recognize. Steve walked over to us, "You ready to go down to the pen, Roy?"

"Mind if Johnny comes with us?"

Tommy smiled, "Not at all."

"Then let's go."

We took off for the bull pen. I turned the HT up trying to calm my nerves.

As we got to the pen, Johnny leaned over to me, "Go to work, Pal. I've got these guys." I handed Johnny the HT and stepped into the pen. While everybody else was finding a seat, I stretched.

Steve got in position. I walked over and toed the rubber in the pen. Steve looked up, "Roy, just let fly whatever you want."

"Okay."

I locked eyes with Johnny a minute. We shared the same look we always do before going into a fire. One more deep breath and it was time to go to work. This time though, not with gear on, but with a baseball in my hand.

I threw anything I could think of. On natural instinct I mixed the speeds and locations up. Gotta mess with their minds a bit! After about ten minutes I decided to stop. No, I was not hurt. I just wanted to make sure I didn't over due it.

After I stopped and Steve stood up, Johnny walked over to me concerned, "You good Roy?"

"Yeah Johnny. Just don't want to push it since we still have to get through the rest of the shift."

"Makes sense."

I jogged over to Steve grinning like a fool, "Whatcha think?"

Steve's grin matched mine, "Damn Roy."

TJ wore a half serious expression, "Wow buddy, if you ever switch careers, I'm in trouble."

We chuckled and I blushed, "Nah I'm not that good."

Steve looked at me strange, "I throw the bullshit flag there."

Johnny grinned wickedly, "Dang, Pally remind me to tell the guys you're pitching at the next picnic. I'll do that just to see the shock on Chester B's face." Johnny chuckled, "I'll even bring the camera."

We laughed. Tommy waited until Johnny and I settled down then spoke, "Roy, wow! Now, I really hate to say this but we have to get down to business. Time?"

Johnny checked his watch, "1700 on the nose."

"Dang."

Johnny turned to Tommy, "It's okay Tommy, we have to go to work too." Tommy looked at both of us, "You boys stay safe." I smiled, "Always sir. Thank you for letting us hang out with you."

TJ smiled, "Our pleasure."

We left the bullpen and jogged back toward the dugout. As we got there, Tommy stopped us one more time, "Roy, Johnny, before you go."

Johnny and I stopped dead in our tracks and focused on Tommy, "Yes sir?"

Tommy smiled, "We have something for you guys." Needless to say Johnny and I were stunned.

Johnny found his voice first, "Tommy…"

Tommy cut Johnny off, "We know it's not necessary, but you guys risk your lives everyday to keep us safe. This was the least we could do."

TJ handed Tommy three baseballs, "One is for each of you. The third is for your station. They are all exactly the same so your shift mates won't complain."

Johnny and I were both shocked as Tommy handed the baseballs to us. It took a second before either of us could say anything. Johnny was first again, "Th-thank you. Thank you from the rest of the guys too."

Tommy smiles, "You're welcome, guys. Tell the rest of the group they're welcome too. Stay in touch."

"Will do."

Johnny turned serious, "If you need us and can't see us just tell one of the security guards to give us a holler."

Tommy said, "Will do."

I looked around at the Dodgers, "Good luck tonight boys."

Steve Garvey smiled, "Thanks. You guys enjoy the game."

Johnny and I grinned as Johnny spoke, "Oh believe me, we will."

With that Johnny and I left the field.

Okay welcome back to the present. It is now 02:45 and I want to get to the meat of why I am awake still, my dream. Yes, if you are wondering my shoulder is fine. By the way, LA beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-0 in a game that was a lot closer then the final score indicates.

Cap called lights not long after Johnny and I got home. There wasn't a single complaint because we were all beyond exhausted. When I first hit the pillow I didn't dream, pure exhaustion does that to me. As my mind relaxed I started to dream. I'll come back to say good night before my eyelids defeat me. For now though enjoy my dream!

I was lulled to sleep by the snoring of the others. However, my brain didn't shut off so easily. My eyes snapped open but I was no longer in the dorm. Instead I was back at Dodgers stadium. I took a quick look down at what I was wearing. Was I dreaming about work again? Nope!

Much to my surprise, I was wearing the Dodgers home uniform. Alright, so now I know I am definitely dreaming. Ah well time to have some fun! I took a closer look at my surroundings. I just walked into the bullpen to warm up. Guess I'm starting today! No wonder my heart rate is a bit on the high side. I relaxed a bit when I realized Steve Yeager is catching for me tonight.

Steve asked, "Nervous, Roy?"

I smiled nervously, "I think I'd be dead if I wasn't." We laughed,

"You're probably right."

Steve's expression became serious, "You okay? You look like it was a rough shift last night."

"It was, but I'm okay."

"Okay good. Lets get to work."

I smiled, "Sounds good."

We settled into the pen. I stretched and cleared my mind.

Then my mind skipped forward a few hours. Argh! It was now the top of the ninth. Surprisingly, I was still in the game and in good shape.

Steve jogged out to the mound, "Easy, Roy. You've beat his ass a few times already today. Nine pitches and we're gone. Find Johnny, clear your head and let's kick some serious ass!"

"Stay here for a second so the umpire doesn't come after me."

"Of course."

Steve stayed next to me. I turned and searched the crowd. It took me less then a second to find Johnny and the guys. Even at that distance, I knew he could see my nerves. I locked my eyes on him we shared that look. Once we locked eyes, the rest of the guys locked on too.

After thirty seconds I took one more deep breath and broke eye contact. I turned back to Steve, "Alright, lets go to work."

"You got it."

Steve jogged back to the plate. I locked eyes with him. Time to go to work. First up is catcher Bob Boone. Three nasty pitches later, it's one down two to go.

Next up was the rather tough outfielder, Greg Luzinski. He gave me issues all night. Four pitches later and he was gone.

I stepped off the mound for a second. I was three strikes away from winning. My arm was in good shape, actually it felt better then it did at the beginning of the game. Go figure. My nerves on the other hand… I looked up toward the crowd.

Suddenly two voices yelled out above the rather loud crowd. First was Johnny, "All clear, Pally. Bring it home!"

I took a quick breath as Cap yelled, "Go to work, ya twit! We're fine."

I smiled and took one more deep breath. This one was for all of them. I stepped back on the rubber and stared out at home plate for the sign from Steve. The Phillies last hope was third baseman Mike Schmidt. The first pitch was perfect.

With the second pitch, time seemed to slow down. Wow, I actually had the Michael Jack Schmidt in an 0-2 hole. I looked in for the sign from Steve. He wanted pure heat. Four alarm fire my way, coming up.

I went into the stretch and let the pitch fly. On instinct, I got into a defensive position. Time seemed to crawl. Schmidt swung but the only sound heard was the slap of the ball hitting the leather of Steve's glove.

That's where I woke up. I must admit, when I realized I was still in the dorm, I was a bit sad. That was such a sweet dream!

Well folks the eyelids are cursing me now. No surprise since it's 0310.

Til my eyes let me write again, Good night

Special Disclaimer: Everything belonging to the Los Angeles Dodgers and/or the Philadelphia Phillies belong to Major League Baseball NOT me. They are not being used for profit but rather just for fun.