Author's Note-This particular story is dedicated to the firefighters who keep battling the flames...even when their own home is in danger, or completely gone. On a completely other note, my computer has been analyzing my writing vocabulary and thinks that I am using the word 'fire' excessively.

N is for Nativity Scene

Though the fire on the mountain in front of them was technically occurring inside Piston Peaks National Park, but based on the direction that the winds were pushing the flames it was only a matter of time it leapt from forest service land to park land. When it did, it there was a good chance that it would torch one of the only corners of Piston Peaks that hadn't burned out in the last mega fire. The situation was made even more dire by the fact that the Air Attack Team's base was smack dab in the middle of the projected danger zone.

With their park…their home in danger, the IC on the fire had allowed the Piston Peak's firefighting personal to head back home to regroup and plan. At the moment the various team leaders (mainly Blade, Pulaski, Dynamite, and Cabbie) were gathered around in a circle on the tarmac eyeing the available maps and aerial photographs. Based on their facial expressions, things were not looking good.

"Well that is a nativity scene if I have ever saw one." Maru muttered, rolling up on the huddle of Smokejumpers.

"I JUST WISH THEY WOULD MAKE A DECISION." Avalanche rumbled while settling a little bit lower on his treads. "I DON'T LIKE SITTING HERE WHEN WE COULD BE ON THE FIRE LINE INSTEAD."

"I know, all this waiting is making me nervous." Blackout added, looking dejected.

"Buck up, at least you were all able to grab a quick meal and get cleaned up."

"That is nice, but I would rather be doing…."Drip started, only to be interrupted by the top brass breaking out of their huddle.

"EVERYBODY CIRCLE UP!" Dynamite bellowed, causing an explosion of movement as everyone rushed over. Blade, Pulaski, Dynamite, and Cabbie, all gave each other a look before Blade locked his wheels, took a deep breath and launched into his speech.

"Okay everyone, here is the plan. We have 45 minutes to do everything we can do to protect and fireproof our base." The helicopter spoke stressed, precision. "I know that many of you may have personal effects or specialized equipment that need to be out of harm's way. You have 15 minutes to get them loaded into Cabbie. He will transport everything to the lodge and turn around. As soon as he gets back, we will evacuate."

"BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BASE?"

"It will either be here when the fire clears, or it will not." Cabbie rumbled. "Right now, it isn't the most critical piece of infrastructure. If we are going to have any chance of preventing the other half of the park from burning down, we are going to have to keep the roads open so that ground fire crews can move in

"Okay. Does everyone understand our orders?" There was a motley choir of yes Sirs in response. "Good, our clock is ticking. Get to it."

Term- Nativity Scene- When you have a group of high ranking firefighters standing in a circle either eyeing the fire or eyeing maps of the fire while the common are standing around, it called at Nativity Scene...it usually also means that trouble is on the horizon.