A Fun Bet
Summary An off-duty bet has on-duty consequences.
As the temperatures began to dip toward the end of 1976 around Los Angeles County, many people thought of upcoming family gatherings. However, some were still thinking of other events like college football. This was the case for Engineer Mike Stoker as he pulled into the parking lot of station 51. While he usually liked working weekends because the shifts were always busy, he was happy that this particular Friday ended his week.
Mike usually enjoyed soccer or being at the beach. Yet, he always did his best to catch at least one specific college football game, the Army-Navy game. This year's contest had the former Navy sailor excited. Navy was looking to continue a three-year winning streak. For the last several years, the game was being held at a neutral location, JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Not only did the larger stadium allow for a bigger, more raucous crowd, it was also the halfway point between the two academies.
Even though Mike didn't go to Annapolis, he always enjoyed cheering for the Midshipmen. The smile he wore thinking about the game was still on his face as he walked into the empty bay of 51s. It was 0715, and C shift was out on their final call for the night.
KMG 365
The sound of Mike's footsteps brought Captain Hank Stanley out from the dayroom. Like Mike, Hank had arrived just after the station was dispatched.
Hank smiled at Mike. "Good morning, Mike."
"Morning, Cap," Mike smiled. "How long have they been gone?"
"Bout thirty minutes. I came in early to make sure I had all the monthly reports done, and they got called out just before the wakeup tones went off."
"Ick."
"To put it nicely."
"Did you get the paperwork done?"
"And the first pot of coffee going. Did you, by chance, grab the paper?"
Mike pulled the requested item from under his arm. "Here you go. Are you looking for anything special?"
"Yeah, something they don't usually give much pregame coverage to out here," Hank said as he scrunched up his face.
"Oh?" Mike asked curiously as he shifted his uniform from his right hand to his left.
"Yeah, the Army-Navy game."
Mike's smiled dimmed slightly. "There isn't much in there about that today. I already checked."
Hank took pity on his Engineer. "Mike, let's talk while you put your stuff down. I don't need you hurting your wrist because I'm chatting with you."
Mike smiled, "Okay, Cap."
"So, what's your interest in the game?' Hank asked as the duo headed across the bay to the locker room.
Mike grinned, "I wore white before I changed to County blue. I was in the Navy for a few years until I wanted a different challenge."
"Oh really?" Hank smiled. "I didn't know that."
"Yeah, it was fun, but it gets tiring spending days on end seeing nothing but the water around you."
Hank belly laughed, "I can imagine."
"So, what's your stake in things?" Mike asked as he changed into his uniform pants and boots.
"I'm a bonafide Army brat and did a little time with them back east before I came out here and joined the fire department." Hank's voice filled with the pride he felt every time he thought of his past.
"I didn't know that, Cap."
"Yeah, I spent some time in northern Virginia, so this weekend usually gets me ramped up."
"I bet. Hey, quick question."
"Shoot, my friend."
"Do you want to get together and watch the game this weekend?"
Hank grinned, "I'd like that, Mike. My girls are part of my niece's dress shopping party this weekend."
Mike shuddered. "Yeah, I'll take football any day over that."
Hank laughed as Mike buttoned his shirt. "You and me both, my friend."
"How about I'll host? At least you'll be comfortable if the current streak continues." Mike said with a smirk and chuckle.
Hank belly laughed as he playfully slapped his friend in the shoulder. "Yeah yeah, Navy, let's see if those Midshipmen can back up your chatter."
Mike laughed, "Hey Army, just look at the last few years. Need I say much more?"
A giant smile filled Hank's eyes as he shot Mike a dirty look. Mike laughed and led the duo back into the bay. They took the chance to have some coffee while they waited for their crewmates and the return of the C-shift.
KMG 365
The shift was as busy as the crew expected for the last week of November. A fair mix of weather-related traffic accidents and holiday fog brains kept the men running at a steady pace. The squad was only out three times while the engine only had one. Thankfully, the knuckleheads calmed down enough for the men to get some sleep overnight. A smattering of choice words echoed through the dorms when the wakeup tones went off.
Hank took pity on the crew and made the coffee more robust than usual, while Mike cared for the colors. The others heaped praise on them through the end of the shift.
KMG 365
Mike waited for Hank to finish the shift change before he followed his friend into the locker room.
"Hey, Army?"
"Yeah, Navy?"
"Do you want to just follow me home since they're gonna kick off before we know it?"
"That sounds good. I was thinking, do you want wings or hoagies for the game?"
"Hoagies sound good. There's a deli down the street from me. I'll call them and then head out."
"Put them in my name. What's the address?"
Mike gave Hank the address, and Hank gave him his sandwich order. The duo grabbed their stuff and headed out. Mike made a quick trip to order brunch and then headed out.
KMG 365
Since Hank stopped by the deli, Mike beat his friend back to his house. After a quick hot shower, the athletic Engineer slid his tall frame into a dark blue shirt with gold lettering that said Navy. It was paired with a blank, dark blue pair of shorts.
After changing, Mike walked out to the living room and put the television on. He didn't want to take the chance of either man missing anything about the game. Then he grabbed a couple of television tray tables and some drinks. Each tray had a drink and a knife. He had just finished setting up the living room when he heard Hank pull into the driveway.
KMG 365
Mike opened the door just before Hank knocked. He grinned, "Come on in."
Hank groaned at the shirt as he said, "Thanks, Mike. I see I have to go change."
Mike laughed, "Go ahead, get your game gear on. I've got the living room set up, so we won't miss anything."
"I hope they show the academy entries."
"You and me both. That's always a jaw-drop moment."
"You said it, my friend. I'll be back." Hank handed the sandwiches and chips over before turning and leaving the room with his bag in his hand.
Mike took the food into the living room. He dumped the chips into a big bowl that was set between the two tables. As he did, he looked up and heard the announcer explain the entrances would happen after a commercial break,
Mike turned and called out, "Cap, entrances are up next!"
Hank heard the announcement as he slid into an old pair of Army PT shorts that matched his black shirt with gold writing. "Coming!" He yelled back before ducking into the bathroom for a moment.
KMG 365
Hank walked into the living room just as the commercial break ended. Even though both men were a bit beat from the night before, the growing energy from the game-day atmosphere woke both of them up.
As he walked in, Hank asked, "Who's home?"
"Navy."
"So the Corps will come in first."
"Yeah," Mike replied just as the Corps of Cadets began their long march in.
Both men stopped and watched the silent movement. While there was plenty of time for banter later, now it was time to honor the schools and the traditions. After the Cadets entered, the Brigade of Midshipmen began their walk. Once the march was done for both sides, the crowd at the stadium and watching television began to relax.
"We have some time before the anthem. Do you want to eat now?" Hank asked with an almost pleading look on his face.
Mike's stomach grumbled its answer before he could speak, which made both men laugh. "That sounds like a plan."
The duo sat and made small talk about their military ties while eating.
At one point, Mike commented, "You know what I love the most about eating when we're not at the station?"
"What's that?"
"No Phantom and Pigeon and no klaxtons. It's amazing what a luxury an uninterrupted meal is at times."
Hank belly laughed, "Yeah, pal, I can't argue with you there."
After finishing their food, Hank cleaned up the trash while Mike put the tray tables away. The sodas that had accompanied their brunch were replaced with beer, and the chip bowl was refilled.
KMG 365
As the duo settled back in for the rest of the pregame, Mike looked over at Hank with a devilish look in his eyes. "Hey Army, you want to add a little fun to this?"
Hank chuckled when he saw the look in his friend's eyes. "Whatcha thinking?"
"Whosever school loses has latrine duty next shift."
Hank laughed, "I love it." He sobered up, "With one condition?"
"Oh," Mike said with a raised eyebrow.
"Kelly doesn't cook next shift."
Knowing Chet's cooking "abilities" often led to rough days for the guys, Mike was more than happy to accept the condition. "Deal and thank you."
Hank laughed again. "My pleasure."
The two friends enjoyed the pregame and tackled a few small tasks around the house until just before noon. That's when the taped interviews and support messages for both schools blended back into the live coverage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are nearing the end of the pregame traditions here. Up next, we will have the national anthem followed by the coin toss and kick-off."
Mike and Hank used the final commercial break to finish up the chores and make quick bathroom stops.
KMG 365
Both men walked back into the room just as the break ended, and the announcer came back on. The sight of the color guard kept them on their feet. Natural reflexes brought both to attention as they slowed their breathing. Neither cared if it looked odd to anybody walking by to see the duo standing at attention in Mike's living room.
As the anthem played, the men focused on the colors. As the flags blew softly in the wind, their minds were flooded with memories from years past. They didn't move or relax until another commercial aired.
Hank swallowed as he shook his head to clear it. "You know that song has always given me goosebumps, but there is just something about watching a crowd that large go that quiet."
Mike nodded as the men replenished their drinks in preparation for kick-off. "I know what you mean. It's one of the few football games you see where the entire crowd actually has enough respect for the flag to stay quiet. I'll be honest; it kind of takes my breath away."
"Mine too."
The coin toss brought a level of excitement to the house. As the captains for both teams walked off the field in Philadelphia, Hank turned to Mike and extended his hand. "May the best school win."
Mike smiled and shook his friend's hand. "Good luck Army, you're gonna need it."
Hank chuckled as they let go of each other.
KMG 365
A sloppy opening kick-off made Hank groan. He knew it would be a long game if things didn't get better for the Cadets quickly. As the game went on, Hank and Mike traded off with making comments on the officiating. While much of the game was fair, there were some calls that neither man liked.
Hank was grateful when halftime arrived. Army looked ugly while Navy looked like a school that knew what they were doing. "That was painful to watch."
Mike laughed, "Sorry, Cap, something tells me it's not going to get any better for you in the second half."
"You can say that again, Mike. I wonder if I can limit where the guys go to eat on Monday." Hank groaned. "The way these guys are playing, I'm glad it's only one shift."
Mike laughed heartily. "I'm sure once we explain the bet, they'll take it easy on you." He sobered up. "At least as easy as the county will allow."
Hank shuddered. He knew all too well that some calls just did not sit well with the crew. It was either because of the situation or the outcome. "This is true, Mike. As much as I can ask our twits to be good, I don't have control over the other half a million."
"Very true, Cap." Mike laughed.
KMG 365
Mike and Hank spent time watching the halftime show but then broke off into chatting about life. It had been an interesting year at the station.
Mike sobered up as a holiday commercial played. "Hank, can I tell you something?"
"Anything, my friend. Nothing beyond the details of our bet will leave these walls."
Mike took a deep breath. Hank laid his hand on his friend's shoulder. The quiet man took one more breath and spoke. "You know, every time I see holiday commercials this year, I get goosebumps."
"Why Mike?" Hank's voice took on its fatherly tone.
Mike shook his head. "I keep thinking just how lucky we all are to get this far in the year with all of us healthy again."
Hank took a deep breath. The honesty in the statement made the Captain shudder. Eight months ago, he had nearly lost half of his crew within days of each other. A speeding drunk driver hit Johnny. While in the hospital, Roy and Marco were caught up in a floor collapse during a commercial fire. "You know you're right, Mike. There is not a day that goes by that I don't say a silent thank you to the big fireman in the sky. We damn near lost three of them plus Brice."
"I just…" Mike took a breath.
"Just what?" Hank was rubbing his friend's back, thankful the game was still at the half.
"I've never been so grateful to celebrate a season of family. I may not have one of my own, but damn am I glad our crazy group has kicked and screamed this year. They may drive me crazy, but I can't imagine spending a shift without the three of them."
"Me either, my friend, me either."
Mike shook his head and grabbed his drink. "Sorry I brought the day down. I know the game is supposed to be fun. That commercial just got to me."
"Don't be my friend. Sometimes we need to let things hit us before we can enjoy and relax."
"True."
KMG 365
The duo made bathroom runs and refreshed their snacks before the second half began. Much like the first half, the officials riled both of them up. Hank groaned at every Army position as none of them ended in points. Just before 1500, the game came to a merciful ending.
Hank groaned and gazed at a grinning Mike. "Why do those ten points from the first half feel like mercy points?"
Mike laughed, "Because they were."
Hank chucked a small couch pillow at his friend. "You didn't have to agree with me!"
Mike laughed and ducked another pillow muscle as he said, "I don't lie to my friends, especially when they are my superior."
Hank laughed at the explanation and stuck out his hand. "Alright, I'll take that. Good game, my friend. Good game."
Mike shook hands with Hank. "Good game, Cap."
KMG 365
Since he had drunk a few beers, Mike offered to let Hank stay at the house for the night. An offer that was readily accepted. The duo spent the day hanging out, watching television, and talking about life. Hank went home Sunday morning to take care of his honey-do list before returning to work.
KMG 365
Monday morning came too quickly for the members of A shift around the county. Hank groaned even more than normal as he knew he would get some razzing from his guys. Yet, he showed up as he usually did with Mike not far behind. Unlike Friday night, Sunday was nice to C-shift. The men left on time, and Hank's crew settled in.
It was just after 0730 when all six men assembled in the bay for roll call. Hank went through the usual announcements from headquarters before he turned to the chores.
Hank clapped his hands and looked over the crew. "Alright, guys, you are cooking. Chet, you have the garbage. Roy, the dorms are yours. Johnny, you have the bay. Mike, you are on kitchen prep. Marco, you are cooking, please go light on the spice. I've got the latrine."
The last announcement surprised Chet and Johnny, both of whom had cut it close getting to work.
Curiously, Johnny asked, "Cap, I know Chet and I were cutting it close. Why are we not in the bathroom?"
Mike chuckled, "Because Cap lost a bet."
"Oh? And what were the terms of this bet?" Chet asked with a mischievous grin.
"Go ahead, Mike," Hank said with a groan.
Mike grinned and said, "It was simple, Chet. Hank and I watched the Army-Navy game on Saturday. He was rooting for Army because his dad served. I was rooting for Navy because I served before I joined the department."
Roy groaned, "Army got smacked around 38-10, didn't they?"
"And shut out in the second half." Mike laughed.
Johnny grimaced in sympathy. "Ouch, sorry, Cap."
Hank groaned. "I'll live up to it. Just do me a favor, boys, skip the food trucks today."
Roy laughed, "For your sake, we will, Cap."
"Thank you, now let's go to work before a county load of twits wakes up."
Hank clapped his hands again, and the guys broke apart to start their chores and get ready for the day.