After her father stepped down as captain and promoted her to lieutenant, Andrea Herrera and Jack Gibson have been fighting to become the captain of Station 19 for months. But it wasn't long before Chief Ripley, as well as the rest of 19, noticed that neither one of them was ready to captain a station. No one knew that he wanted Herrera to make captain. She was good. But she wasn't ready, that's why he was sending her to this program lead by his good friend Robert Sullivan.

Chief Ripley walked in the 19 only to be greeted at the door by Victoria Hughes.

"Hello Chief, what can I help you with?" she asked while filing some paperwork

"Tell Herrera as Gibson to meet me in the captain's office immediately" he said before walking in.

Hughes quickly ran up to the beanery where everyone was, "Herrera, Gibson, Chief wants you in the captain's office." She said grabbing the muffin out of dean's hand

"I was eating that" he yelled mouth full

"Oops," Vic said before taking a seat

Herrera quickly downed the rest of her coffee before running off to meet the chief, she wanted to get there before Gibson to show initiative. She entered the office greeting the chief, "Chief, hello, I didn't know you were stopping by today" she said shaking his hand.

"I have some news for you and Gibson…Where is Gibson by the way" he asked

"We were just eating breakfast; he should be down any minute" as soon as she finished her sentence Jack came busting through the door

"Chief," he said nodding his head

"Gibson," he said acknowledging him

"So, as you both know you are in the running to become captain of 19. However, there is a training program taking place that I want Herrera to attend." He continued looking straight at Andy

Both Herrera and Gibson looked at each other and back at the Chief shocked.

"Taking part in this program will not take you out of the running for Captain, but I and others believe that you are the one we want to represent SFD at this program. It is a three-month program, that takes place in Montana starting next week. We would take care of your transportation and where you stay all you have to do is say yes. While you are gone Gibson will take charge as Captain, and I will be popping in every now and then to see how things are holding up. So, Herrera, are you in?"

"Sir, you know I want this more than anyone, I'm willing to do whatever it takes," Herrera said not caring that Jack was standing right next to her

"I'm glad to hear that Herrera. Gibson you're dismissed, but do not say anything to anyone. This is Herrera's news to tell since she is captain today." Ripley said before turning back to Andy

"Herrera you are an excellent firefighter and I know you will represent SFD well. I will come by later this week with the rest of the information" He went to open the door when Andy called out to him.

"Chief?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for this opportunity, I won't let you down," she said with a smile

"I know you won't" he returned a small smile and walked out.

Andy slumped down in the chair behind the desk. Montana. Three months. Three months is a long time. But she knew that if she wanted to become Captain, she would have to do what the Chief told her. The week went by in a blur, they had no major calls which were a first in a long time. She still hasn't told the team she will be gone for three months, and jack keeps pressuring her to do it.

"So, you're not going to tell them?" he said following her around while she took inventory

"I will tell them when Ripley comes today and gives me the rest of the information." She said before walking off

A few hours passed and Ripley came and gave her all the information about the flight, where she was staying, and where the program was.

"Chief, I'm about to tell the team, would you like to join?" she asked. She wanted him to say yes so, he could answer any questions they might have.

"sure" they both made their way to the beanery. As soon as they walked in everyone went silent, including Captain Herrera who Andrea invited to hear to the news.

"Okay guys listen up; I have an announcement to make" she said looking at Jack and then back at the Chief.

"Tomorrow I will be leaving for Montana for a three-month-long training program, representing SFD. While I'm gone Gibson will take lead as Captain, and Chief Ripley will be checking up on you guys." She said

"So, does this mean you're going to be out of the Captain's race?" Montgomery asked

"Yeah what he said" Warren chimed in

Before Andy could answer Ripley spoke up, "No, she is still in the race. She was chosen by myself and the board to represent SFD in this training program. She will learn skills that aren't taught in our training academies, and come back and teach you all so you can become more well-rounded firefighters." He said. "Well I got to get going,19, Herrera if you have any questions feel free to reach out" he said before walking away.

Everyone sat there in silence before Captain Herrera spoke up, "Well we are all very proud of you Andrea" he got up giving her a hug, while everyone else chimed in with their approval.

"Thanks, Dad, I should get going I have to go pack" she turned to Jack, "Captain do Bishop and I have permission to take the rest of the shift off?" Maya was her best friend and she wanted to spend some time with her before having to pack up three months' worth of stuff.

"Yes, Lieutenant"

Maya and Andy quickly ran to the locker room changed and went and had fun. They went to the bar, then they went home to pack Andy's things. Maya wouldn't shut up about how it's not every day you get chosen by the fire chief to represent the entire department. They laughed they cried, they talked and finally, they fell asleep.

Andy woke up bright and early the next morning, and hopped in the shower. Her flight left at 10 and it was 6. Ripley told her to travel in her uniform, and there will be a man in a uniform to pick me up. Maya drove her to the airport they said their goodbyes and Andy got on the plane.

A few hours later she landed in Montana, took her duffle and suitcase, and walked into the arrival wing of the airport. She looked around until she spotted a tall, dark, and handsome man in a firefighter uniform standing behind the bars. She was slightly intimidated by him, but she mustered up all her courage and walked over to him and stretched out her hand.

"Lieutenant Andrea Herrera, Seattle Fire Department," she said shaking his hand

"Lieutenant Robert Sullivan, Instructor" he responded. She noticed he was wearing an SFD uniform. He took her duffle and led her to the car, opening the doors for her.

"well he is quite the gentleman" she thought to herself, watching his every move.

The drive began silently before Andy finally broke it. "So, you're SFD" she said referring to his uniform.

"You can say that" he said eyes still on the road ahead. "I assume Luke sent you here" he turned to look at her

"Luke?" she said confused, "Oh you mean Chief Ripley! Yeah he sent me."

Sullivan just let out a chuckle. "Luke what have you done now," he thought to himself.

Ripley did believe in Andrea. He wanted her to be captain, and he knew she would make an excellent one, but not captain of 19. He wanted to move her to a different station. A station that needed the training, a station that needed her. His plan was to send her to 23 and bring Sullivan to 19. But only one of the lieutenants knew that. However, they were both unaware of Ripley's real plan to get Sullivan back out there.

I know what you're thinking, "What! Ripley is using Herrera to get Sullivan back into the dating pool!" The answer is both yes and no. He wants to try and get Sullivan back out there. He does believe in Andy and wants her to be a great firefighter, but in the process things may unfold.