In this chapter a new character will be introduced, with permission of Foxfire69, if you get a chance check out his work, he has a great series going. I hope you learn to love the character as much as I have. They are a perfect fit for the feel of the story.
Gale was with Katie and Marshal. Marshall was listening in but Gale was asking Katie questions from flashcards Katie had created. Katie was getting the answers right, but every once in a while Gale would ask a question and in some cases she would right a note in her notebook.
"What is that you're taking notes about?" asked Marshall
"Things I want to research later," said Gale, "I understand, but want to understand more."
"I think you could take this test for me," said Katie. "So do you have any other questions about Anatomy and Physiology?"
"No, I think for now I'm good," said Gale. "Buddy said he had some program he thought would help. But the book Marshall gave me the other day is giving me grief."
"Which one is that?" asked Katie.
"The Firefighter's Handbook," said Gale, "I understood the medical side so much faster. I guess I'll have to study more so I understand better."
"What is giving you grief?" said Marshall.
"Well, I mostly understand the science part," said Gale, "I guess I just don't understand context without application."
"Ok, Let me try this," said Marshall, "Take everything you've learned and look at the basic concept of fire. It's like a three legged stool. The top is combustion or you might have read it called the Chemical Chain Reaction. The 3 legs are Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. If you remove any leg the stool or in this case the combustion falls. So first and easiest, how do you remove heat?"
"That's easy," said Gale, "You cool it by adding water."
"Exactly," said Marshall, "How would you remove the Oxygen."
"Uh, that's where my head gets in the way," said Gale. "I know it's by smothering the oxygen away from the fire. The problem is I first thought steam was doing it, but that's not right, that mainly cools."
"The steam smothers some, but its main purpose is cooling," said Marshall, "Things like firefighting foam or fire extinguisher chemicals can smother. In the case of a campfire, applying sand smothers the flames by separating the heat and fuel from the oxygen needed."
"Ok, so that's not always practical," said Gale, "of course the size of the fire affects that."
"Very good," said Marshall, "What about the last?"
"Fuel?" asked Gale, "If it was a gas fire from a pipe or hose you simply cut off the valve and the fuel stops. But you can't turn off a building and remove the fuel."
"True," agreed Marshall, "It is sometimes not practical to remove the fuel, especially in a building fire. In a grass fire you cut a fire line, and thus remove the fuel. You can also burn a line in order to remove the fuel in small amounts before the big fire gets to it. Then when the main fire gets to the burned area, it has nothing to continue burning. That's called back burning, you have to be really careful using fire to fight fire, it can get away from you and cause bigger problems."
"Ok that makes sense," said Gale, "So that's why usually you use water to cool the heat."
"Right," said Marshall, "water is plentiful and if the fire is cooled it can be controlled. But not all fuels does water work well with. Some liquid fuels are lighter than water and will float on top. That only spreads the fire instead of cooling it. Other fuels actually react with water and make a bigger problem. You know what, Let's go back to the Lookout. I'll see if Ryder will help me with some practical application exercises."
They got to the Lookout and Ryder was able to help set up practice fires for Gale to extinguish. Marshall's pup pack didn't fit her so Ryder said He would design her one of her own. They used the hose off the truck instead.
They did paper and wood fires. Then they did a gasoline fire, that was harder but she figured out how to apply the foam so it covered and smothered the flames out. Then she used an extinguisher for a simulated motor fire.
"Whew, I don't know about you Gale," said Marshall, "But I'm tired."
"I'm so excited," said Gale, "I guess I didn't notice how late it had gotten."
"I think the crowd would like to eat now," said Ryder.
Gale turned and saw that everyone had gathered to watch her train. Rocky and Yeshe walked over.
"You're doing so good Gale," said Rocky. "I think you've proven that you should be a Firefighter / Medic."
"You are amazingly quick at catching on to how to extinguish whatever they threw at you," said Yeshe. "I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks mom, Thanks dad," said Yeshe, she had started blushing when she realized that almost everyone was watching.
Obi came over, "You're sure making us girls look good." She began checking Marshall's rig and making some adjustments.
Buster walked over, "Wow, Gale, you're amazing. I was totally wrong at first. You definitely belong in this profession."
"Buster, I thought you had Guardian Duty," said Gale.
"Karuna and Lizzy wanted to take it tonight," said Buster. "Apparently they wanted to talk while they were guarding."
"Who's guarding them?" laughed Buddy.
"Everest probably has an eye on them," laughed Marshall, "But I trust Karuna to watch over her."
"Gale, You're 1000% less clumsy than Marshall was when he started," laughed Chase.
"Yeah, but who managed to net themselves the first few times," laughed Marshall.
"Yeah, I thought we agreed not to bring that up anymore," laughed Chase.
"Well nobody has managed to top running over themselves with their own vehicle," said Zuma
"Well most people wait until their vehicle stops before jumping out," laughed Ryder. "At least it was in the water."
"Thanks everyone," said Gale, "I'm really enjoying the training. But now that I've slowed down, I'm starving."
Everyone laughed and they headed inside to eat dinner.
At dinner Gale was speaking to Marshall, "I really appreciate the extra help. I know it will make sense as I go, but the thought of fitting it all together to run a scene. Keeping track of all the tasks, who's doing what, and keeping track of the victims, firefighters, and other rescues seems very daunting."
"It comes with time but I think I might know someone that can help you," said Marshall.
"Are you thinking about who I think you are?" asked Everest.
"Probably," said Marshall with a gleam in his eyes. "She's been looking for an excuse to come see everyone since she wasn't able to visit since she made Battalion Chief."
"Who are you taking about?" said Gale.
"I think I'll let it be a surprise," laughed Marshall. "I'll go call and see if she can get some time away." Marshall stepped away and made a call.
At the retreat, Lizzy and Karuna were walking the perimeter while talking.
"So you really intend on watching over me forever?" said Lizzy.
"I will continue to watch over you until I breathe my last breath," said Karuna.
"What if I tell you to stop?" said Lizzy.
"I'll still do it," said Karuna, "I just will be more stealthy about it."
"Don't worry," laughed Lizzy, "I'm not going to ask you to stop. I like having you near me."
Lizzy realized Karuna had stopped and was looking into the darkness.
"W-what is it, Karuna?" asked Lizzy, "Should I call an alert?"
Karuna began growling and bristled up, Lizzy tapped he tag, "Kang, I think Karuna is alerting."
Kang was out the door of his cabin and running, "Talk to me Lizzy. What's going on?"
"Karuna, is growling and all bristled up," said Lizzy. "I, uh, Ah it's a mountain lion! RED ALERT!"
The cat flew out of the darkness and Karuna hit it as it lunged for Lizzy. Karuna rolled the cat over and circled back snarling. Kang opened the call to everyone, "Full Alert! Karuna is in a fight with a mountain lion, Ryder, Back Up requested!"
Everyone at the Lookout paused for a second. Yeshe was already running for the slide when everyone realized this was real. She dove into the slide and disappeared.
"Marshall, Gale GO!" yelled Ryder. "Chase bring the tranquilizer guns. Everyone else head that way."
"Buster ride with me," yelled Chase as he ran for the slide. Buster was already heading for the slide as Chase disappeared.
"What about me?" asked Skye.
"I'm sorry you're still grounded," said Ryder. "You can ride with me."
Karuna had taken a slap across his muzzle and was bleeding but fighting all the more, every time that the cat turned to look at Lizzy, Karuna hit the cat again. He would bite and dive away before the big cat could turn around. Karuna finally howled out a full alert cry. In flash Kang was there, he hit the cat head down and dove it across the lawn. He dove on top of the cat and bit down hard on the back of the cat's neck, the cat screamed trying to turn around. He pinned it to the ground and Karuna ran over and bared his teeth growling about a foot from the cat's face. Every time the cat growled or moved Karuna would snap at it. Chase came flying into the scene and dove out of the cab of his rig rolling and came up with the tranquilizer gun ready.
"Stretch him out so I can get a clean shot," yelled Chase.
Kang rolled dragging cats neck with him, Karuna dove to the cats rear and grabbed his hind leg then he and Kang separated stretching the cat out.
'Blap, blap, blap' Chase sank three darts into the big cat. It screamed once and then fell limp.
Buster ran over to Karuna, "Karuna, I can see the slash on your muzzle. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
Karuna was panting now and looked at Buster then growled "MINE!".
"Karuna?" Buster yelped, backing up slowly.
Karuna shook his head and looked around then fell over.
"KARUNA!" scream Lizzy, running to his side. "No, No, someone help!"
Marshall and Gale were immediately by his side. Chase and Kang had tied up the cat in case it woke up.
"Gale, check his side while I roll him," said Marshall. Marshall rolled Karuna over and held him.
"Nothing, I don't see anything on this side," said Gale, "except the lacerations on his muzzle. Check your side" Marshall lowered him and Gale rolled him toward her.
"Confirmed, nothing on this side either," said Marshall. "Gale, what's your assessment?"
"I'm thinking major adrenaline dump," said Gale. "When everything stopped his body crashed. He should be ok, but will have a severe headache. He's going to need stitches for those lacerations though."
"I tend to agree," said Marshall, "Let's get him loaded up and take him to Katie's. We'll be better able to stitch him up there."
"I-is he going to be ok dad?" asked Lizzy trying hard not to tear up.
"He'll be fine," said Marshall, he kissed the top of Lizzy's head. "He put everything he had into defending you. When it was over there was nothing left, therefore he passed out."
"He-he really does love me, doesn't he?" said Lizzy.
"Yes, yes he does," said Marshall. "Please ask your mother to help you cover your shift."
"Ok dad," said Lizzy, "Oh and dad?"
"Yes honey?" said Marshall.
"Tell him, tell him I love him too," said Lizzy.
"I'll do just that," laughed Marshall.
They loaded him in the back of Marshall's ambulance. Marshall got in the back with Gale.
"Ok Gale, I'm going to ask you to do something you may not like," said Marshall.
"Ok, What is that?" asked Gale.
"You will need to put a muzzle on Karuna," said Marshall.
"B-but why?" asked Gale, tearing up.
"You saw him growl at Buster right?" said Marshall, "He will probably be ok if he wakes up, but just in case he wakes up confused, I don't want him to bite you."
"What do you mean?" asked Gale.
"Well unless you learned to drive while you were studying," said Marshall, "I'm going to have to drive us to Katie's"
"Y-you trust me to be in back? Alone?" asked Gale.
"Of course," said Marshall, "I'd trust you to handle a call without me. Heck, I'd trust you to take good care of me or any pup on the team."
"O-ok, will you help me?" said Gale. "It's not like I've ever put a muzzle on anyone before. Why is that not covered in the text?"
"It's something we do in private," said Marshall, "Only when we transport possibly confused pups. We never do it out in the open unless it can't be helped. It's an ugly truth we don't like to show the public."
"I understand," said Gale.
They applied the muzzle and Gale began cleaning and covering Karuna's cuts. Marshall jumped up front and drove to Katie's.
Karuna didn't wake up during the ride. Gale pet his head while they rode. The truck stopped in front of Katie's and Marshall stepped to the rear opening the doors.
They wheeled him inside where Katie and Dr. Smith were waiting.
"Dr. Smith, I didn't expect you here," said Marshall. "It's only minor stitching, Katie has had to take care of far worse for Chase and I."
"I know, but Katie had an idea and wanted me here to help," said Dr. Smith. "So Gale, are you ready?"
"Ready for what?" asked Gale.
"You're going to do the stitches," said Dr. Smith.
"M-me?" asked Gale.
"If you don't think you're ready, just say so," said Dr. Smith. "But I believe in you."
"I do too," said Katie, "that's why I asked Dr. Smith to help."
"Ok, What do I do first?" asked Gale.
"With all surgery minor or major," said Dr. Smith, "First you scrub, then glove up, and then the work begins."
He showed Gale how to scrub up and then to how put on sterile gloves. He explained that unlike regular gloves these were sterile to keep germs out of the wounds and helps cut down on possible infection. He then showed her how to flush the wounds to make sure they were clean and explained that cat scratches were prone to infection. Then he demonstrated one set of stitches and turned it over to her. Gale picked up the technique easily. She was quick and efficient, it ended up taking 16 stitches to close up all the lacerations.
"His muzzle is going to hurt for a few days," said Dr. Smith. "Make sure he eats, although soft foods or soup would probably be advised. Are you going to be taking care of him?"
"He's my brother," said Gale, "I would, but I think there might be someone else that wants to do it."
"Yeah," said Marshall, "I have a feeling she's outside in the lobby right now?"
"I thought she was going to try and finish her shift," said Gale.
"Yeah, I know my mate though," laughed Marshall, "I just have a feeling."
They double checked to assure that there were no other injuries. Seeing none, Dr. Smith gave the drug to start waking Karuna up, it would still take a few hours.
Gale walked out with Marshall into the lobby. Everyone was waiting to hear the outcome.
Lizzy was the first to step up, "I-is he ok?"
"He's fine Lizzy," said Marshall, he turned to Gale, "See, told you."
Gale giggled, "He did just fine. His muzzle is going to be sore for a few days, he has stitches that will need to heal. He's going to need to eat soft foods or soup. But I'm sure one of us can take turns watching him."
"No, I'll do it," said Lizzy. "He saved me, I need to take care of my Guardian."
'My Guardian?' thought Gale. Gale started to say something but stopped, "Ok, if you're sure."
"I am," said Lizzy.
"Who covered the rest of your shift?" asked Gale.
"Mom, she told me I was going to be useless," said Lizzy, "She then told me to come here where she knew I wanted to be."
"Told you," laughed Marshall, "I know my mate."
Gale laughed. "Lizzy, would you like to go see him?"
"Please?" pled Lizzy. Gale took her back.
"So was it bad?" asked Rocky.
"No, it was relatively clean lacerations," explained Marshall, "They stitched up easily. Should be minimal scars if any. Gale gets to hold it over his head that she was the one that stitched him up."
"Gale did?" asked Yeshe.
"Katie saw the opportunity and asked Dr. Smith to come teach her how," said Marshall. "He really wants to see her in Veterinary School. She did great and caught on quickly. I think she's already better than I am now."
"Thank you Marshall," said Rocky, "I'm sure this is the first of many bumps and bruises our pups will face."
"Well we all had our share," laughed Marshall. "So what happened to the mountain lion, that thing was huge. Karuna is one brave pup."
"Chase called the Park Rangers," said Rocky, "They said they would come pick it up and place it in observation to try and figure out why it attacked."
"Everest said she hasn't seen a mountain lion in the area for years," said Yeshe, "She was afraid it was sick or maybe just hungry."
"We'll give Karuna antibiotics just in case," said Marshall. "You two can go back if you'd like to."
"Thank you again Marshall," said Yeshe.
Yeshe and Rocky walked in, Lizzy was sitting next to Karuna petting his head and speaking.
"Oh you big dummy," Lizzy was whimpering, "why didn't you say something. I could have helped you. I didn't go through this training just to be with you. I wanted to prove I'm tough enough to help. You are so brave, you never thought about your own safety, only mine. I don't know what this crazy universe has in store for us. But I can't do it without you." She laid her head down on his chest.
Yeshe motioned to Rocky to step back out. Rocky followed her.
"Ok that was just adorable," said Rocky. "I guess that settles that, huh?"
"He's fine," said Yeshe, "I trust Gale, Marshall, and Katie to watch over him. Let's let Lizzy have her time right now, I think she's fighting a decision and needs more time."
Gale stepped out, "I saw you leave, is everything alright?"
"Yes, sweetheart," said Yeshe, "I can see he's fine. I trust you to let us know if anything changes. I don't want to interrupt Lizzy right now."
"I think she's realized just how much she cares about him," said Gale. "It was weird, it almost looked like that wasn't him before he passed out."
"We'll have to wait and see," said Yeshe, "Lizzy said he wouldn't speak. That he only growled and the second the mountain lion moved he attacked it without hesitation. It may have just freaked him out and adrenaline took over, or maybe it was something more. We'll have to see what he remembers when he wakes up. I'll call later."
"Ok, Love you honey," said Rocky, "You did great. I could tell you're studies are sticking. You look like you know what you're doing. We'll let you get back to it. We'll come back in the morning."