Mountain High
These good fellow don't belong to me but I promise when I'm done to pick um up, dust um off and with a kiss on the cheek return them safely home.
"TEAM Together Everyone Achieves More."
Chapter 12
Mike opened the door and climbed into the driver's seat. Any thoughts of personal discomfort were now long gone as he ran his hands along the large steering wheel. God he loved his job.
Hank crawled in next to him leaving Marco to drive Johnny's Rover then Pete in his own truck.
He looked over at his engineer and laughed, "Take us out of here pally." They were both now completely in their comfort zone. The rush of adrenaline was intoxicating.
The lights went on and the engine pulled out onto the street. Pete was in the lead since he knew the safest way to get them to the bridge. Mike took the engine slowly down the street knowing how hazardous the roads were. He didn't want to be the one responsible for doing any damage to this new truck.
It was a long, slow drive down the mountainside for the caravan. As they pulled up to the bridge it was the first time Hank had seen it since they had driven across coming to camp. He shook his head; that seemed like 100 years ago now.
Both ends of the bridge jutted out into the darkness with the center section now gone with the raging, swollen river flowing below it. The rain stung their faces as they walked to the edge of the river bank looking across into the darkness. Being the first to arrive, they knew there was work to do before the other side showed up.
"Mike, let's get the rig positioned to set up a zip line across."
"Ok Cap." Mike jumped back into the rig and proceeded to back it up with expert precision into place just off the bridge entrance. He knew the collapsed structure could not with stand the enormous weight of the engine.
"Marco buddy, grab the line, wench and extra ropes." Hank knew that the danger of this maneuver was not only getting Brackett across to them but keeping his own men safe. The river below him would be unforgiving if anyone wound up in it.
Just as they finished preparing their side Marco spoke up, "Cap, look."
Emergency lights appeared across the water from them, a fire truck, ambulance, and police cars. Hank was amazed at the feeling of helplessness they had been enduring this dark night and now all those lights were just within reach. A reach that might as well been 1000 miles right now. It was now Hanks job to close that gap, bringing the help they desperately needed to them.
"Engine 94 to Base, come in," Hanks HT squawked.
"Base here. Good to see you Mark."
"You too Hank. We've got some items for you over here."
"10-4 Mark."
The two Captains set to discussing the transfer of the equipment and Dr. Brackett. There was no way they could use the ladder to extend over the bridge. The winds were just too high. Both agreed that using Hank's idea of a zip line between the two engines, at the highest points was the best bet.
Once the lines had been secured the men prepared themselves by placing on safety belts and lines. They would be working right on the river's bank and Hank didn't want anyone hitting the water.
The first item pulled across was a stokes full of supplies, including a defibulator and resuscitator completely wrapped in a rain shield cover. Marco pulled the rope until it was within reach of the river's bank. Stepping carefully he reached out to grab the end of it, effectively swinging it closer to him. With Hank's help they got it unclipped and carried it over to the back of Pete's truck.
The seconds stokes held additional supplies and was also wrapped up thoroughly. Seeing by the lights of the engine across the road they watched the passenger get locked and secured.
"We're ready Hank," Mark called out over the HT.
"Ready on this end Mark." Hank turned to his men, "Ok, let's get him over here."
Mike, Marco and Pete pulled, watching the figure sway back and forth as he progressed across the line. As he approached their side, Marco moved forward to help him get released from the lines. He unbuckled the figure and took his arm pulling him forward. As his feet hit solid ground Marco was shocked to look into the face of Dixie. However, he was greeted with a look of eternal gratitude.
Mike moved beside her, taking her arm, leading her to the closest vehicle which was the engine. She climbed up with his helping hand, "Thanks Mike." He could see the fear that was leaving her face replaced with deep worry.
Next across was someone that no one even recognized. He saw the look of confusion on everyone's face.
Stepping up to shake Hank's hand, "I'm Dr. Mead. Dr. Brackett asked me to come along." Hank thanked the man not wanting to take the time to figure out why he was here. If Brackett needed him them so be it.
Hank saw a smile come across Marco's face as he helped the third person, who had come across, get down. It was Joe Early.
Shaking Hank's hand, "Good to see you Hank."
"No doc, we're glad to see you." As he watched Joe climb into the Rover he suddenly realized why Joe was here. He was here for Johnny.
"Hank, we only have Brackett left. Is there anything else we can send you?"
"No Mark. Thanks for everything you guys have done."
"No problem Hank, good luck."
The winds were whipping around, the line making almost musical noises on the vibrations. Hank looked to see that Brackett was on the way. They were almost finished then his thoughts went back to Johnny and Kris, hoping they were holding their own.
They all could see that Brackett was having the most difficult time getting across. Marco and Mike were pulling but the constantly shifting weight on the line was making the going slower. As Brackett got within reaching distance Mike reached out to pull him the last little bit closer. With a fist full of raincoat Mike pulled with all his strength. Stunned when he met full resistance as the line was caught on itself and not moving anymore. Without thinking Mike turned for a better grip stretching his ribs beyond their capacity for comfort and he yelled out with pain.
Brackett, swinging over the river knew that Mike had a grip on him but when he heard him yell, he instinctively grabbed his arm to help him. There was no way for either one of them to know that the additional weight on the line was more than it could take.
Hank was watching as Mike reached for Brackett already worried about the amount of swaying and pulling on the line that was occurring. But when Mike yelled, Hank lurched forward. Marco had all his weight holding Mike when Hank grabbed the line also. They both watched in horror as main line snapped letting Mike and Brackett plummet into the icy waters below.
Pete ran to the edge trying to look down below and see them. The only connection they had with the fallen men was the taunt rope in their hands. They still had them, somehow. Hank inched his way forward on the line, peering over the bank but he couldn't see anything.
"Start pulling!" He yelled.
Mikes world flashed with searing pain as his body twisted in the wrong direction. Knowing he had a hand on Brackett he simply grabbed tighter to balance himself. But just as he felt balanced he had the sensation of falling. Opening his eyes again he was greeting with the panicked face of Brackett, his arms flailing and grasping into the air for something to save them.
The fall wasn't particularly far but the impact into the icy water took the breath from their lungs. As they fell below the surface Mike again felt the raging pain in his side from the safety belt suddenly stopping him. He felt two hands tearing at his arm and clothes as his brain tried to realize that it was Brackett still holding on.
His lungs desperately wanted to take a breath of fresh air, they screamed for oxygen. Opening his eyes didn't help any at all since the water was dark and murky. Trying to rapidly orient himself he pulled Brackett right up to him and was glad to see his eyes were also open. Time was running out, they had to find the surface.
Mike blew out the last of his air through his nose and watched the bubbles rise. Now he knew where to go. Pulling the doctor with him Mike raced to the waters surface. Brackett was kicking as hard as he could and Mike could feel the pulling on his safety line. Mike almost made it until his lungs won the battle and reflexively searched for air. He gasped.
His body shuddered as the water entered his lungs bringing forth the next reaction of a cough. Brackett realized the sudden assent had stopped and felt Mike start to fight with him. He knew that if Mike was able to shake him off that he would be carried down the river and gone for good. Grabbing Mike by the back of his coat Brackett raced to the surface, breaking into fresh air just as his lungs were ready to give in also.
Hank saw them break the surface, his heart almost stopping as he realized that Brackett was holding onto an unconscious Mike. They continued to pull on the line until Mike was at the shore's edge. Marco and Hank pulled Mike up the bank and onto the grass. Pete reached down to grab the doctor who staggered to his feet then over to Mike's side.
Hank knelt down beside his friend and assessed his breathing. Looking at Brackett, "Doc, he's not breathing."
Brackett saw the look of terror in his man's face, "he just went down Hank, give him mouth to mouth." He began his own coughing spasm, his body wanting to rid itself of the nasty water.
Hank bent over and began rescue breathing and couldn't believe that within just a few breaths Mike was not only breathing and coughing but trying to get up.
"Easy does it Pally," Hank said.
"Cap? What happened?" Mike looked bewildered.
"Tried to go swimming without your floatie," Hank said with a smile.
Mike was about to ask another question then realized it wouldn't be worth the effort, "Just remind me next time, ok?"
They looked up to see the smiling faces of Joe, Dixie, Marco and Pete.
"Can ya get up?" Brackett asked.
Mike found his feet, coughing all the way, with Hank and Dixie's help.
"We've got to get back," Hank brought them all back to reality and the urgency.
Hank drove the engine as Mike was still coughing too much. Leading the way again was Pete. He had Marco and Joe Early with him. Brackett drove the Rover with Dr. Mead and Joe with him. Dixie sat between Mike and Hank. Each vehicle had an HT.
Hank heard Pete on the HT, "Base to Carol, do you read me?"
"Go ahead Pete," she had stayed up knowing what was going on.
"Carol, get Dave Barrow on the radio and have him ready. Tell him Kris needs him." Pete knew that Dave could help out; he was her intern at the clinic and would know how to work the equipment, including the x-ray machine.
"Gotcha Pete." She then got Dave on line and told him what was going on.
For the most part they rode in silence except for the occasional coughs from Mike.
"Hank?" It was Dixie, "How are they doing?"
"Johnny is no longer responding. Kris's blood pressure was drifting down again." He sighed, "They are both barely hanging on."
She heard the immense sadness in his voice. Reaching up she rubbed his shoulder as an offer of support as he drove. This was an incredible burden for him to carry, worrying about everyone.
Hank wanted to rush back to the ranch but knew he had to follow Pete to pick up the person he said they needed. Knowing he would never find the ranch himself he had no choice but to follow him.
Within just a few moments they pulled up to a house to find a man sitting on the porch waiting on them, he jumped into the truck with Pete.
Chet was struggling to stay away and reached for his coffee when he heard her gasp, very softly. But he heard it. He moved over to her and placed his hand on her abdomen. Feeling no movement he moved his hand to her wrist.
"Roy!"
Roy jumped straight up out of the chair in one fluid movement to see Chet beginning rescue breathing on Kris.
The HT squawked, alerting all the vehicles.
"Ranch to Captain Stanley."
Mike took the HT for Hank, "This is Mike, go ahead." He knew it was Chet's voice.
"What's your estimated time Mike?" They could all hear the apprehension in his voice.
Pete came onto the radio, "We should be there in 2 minutes."
"Hurry guys." The silence in the vehicles was deafening. They heard Roy calling for Chet in the background.
"Chet, what's going on," Mike asked.
"It's Kris. She's in full arrest."
