Chapter 1 The Night Before the New Day Begins

Summary One last get-together for 51s before they take their new positions. A party at the Desotos hosted by Jenny.

KMG 365

It was Sunday, September 30, 1979. The night before, a new chapter would begin for all of the men of the A shift family. While they were spread out between different stations, their father figure could still watch them. Hank Stanley relished his last night before becoming the new chief of battalion 14, taking over for his boss of the previous fourteen years.

After spending the previous two weeks enjoying life, getting odd jobs done, and continuing their training for their new positions, the group gathered together again. Instead of Hank hosting the celebration, Roy was the host tonight. The invitation had gone out at the request of his daughter Jenny. While the teenager wouldn't tell her parents why Roy and Joanne had a feeling she had been working on something.

The truth was the teenager did have something planned for the gathering. She was putting the finishing touches on her surprises when the front door opened. Johnny and Lauren strolled through the door as if they owned the house. Both of them knew nobody would mind.

There was a giggle in Johnny's voice as he called out, "Honey, we're home."

The funny announcement brought hearty laughs from the kitchen as Roy and Joanne exited the room; it also caused Lauren to laugh. She loved the fact that Johnny felt so comfortable around the Desoto's. In fact, the young woman who grew up thinking she didn't have a family now felt like she had two. One was the Desotos, thanks to Johnny. The other was the Stanleys, thanks to Kim.

The two couples quickly covered the space between them. The girls swapped hugs while the guys shook hands before Roy hugged Lauren as Johnny hugged Joanne.

Joanne looked over at Lauren. "Is it me, or has yours been as wiggly as a kid before they start school today?"

Lauren laughed. "Not just you, Jo."

Johnny commented, "Honestly, Jo, it was easier to get back to training than thinking about tomorrow. Then again, it did help to have this one…." Johnny slapped Roy on the shoulder. "Next to me."

Roy smiled, "Trust me, Junior, the feeling was mutual."

"Where is my niece and the Mistress of Ceremonies for tonight?"

It was then that Jenny walked out of her room, grinning. "Right here, Uncle Johnny."

The duo hugged before Johnny asked, "How are you doing, Jenny?"

"Pretty good." The teenager was having trouble controlling her nerves. "How are you doing?"

"Doing good, all things considered."

"Good."

"How is photography club going?"

Jenny grinned; photography club had turned into her favorite part of the school year. "It's going great. There are so many things to learn every time we meet. We have been going over all of the parts of the cameras as well as different lighting situations."

Johnny flashed his infamous Gage grin. He was excited to hear the excitement in his niece's voice. "Can I give you a piece of advice for the lighting situations?"

"Of course."

"Take notes on either the smaller note cards or in a pocket-size notebook. Then keep those notes with your kit because trust me, they will come in handy down the road."

"I have been using a notebook, but I like the idea of the notecards too for quick reference points. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Lauren asked, Is there anything we can do to help you set up for tonight?"

Joanne replied, "There are a few things."

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The adults and Jenny started making the final touches to the night's celebration. It wasn't long after they started that seventeen-year-old Chris returned home from football practice. He was excited to see his extended family members. They had been part of his life for nearly a third of it, and he loved seeing the group as much as Roy and Joanne did.

Johnny and Lauren each got a sweaty hug from their nephew before he headed for the showers. He would help with the final party prep after his shower. As Chris turned and headed for the shower, Johnny looked over at Roy. Both men wore ear-to-ear grins.

Johnny asked, "Hey Pally, when did he become a junior? Wasn't it just last night we were teaching his scout troops first aid?"

Roy giggled, "It sure seems like it, Junior. Now he is taller than me and trying to figure out his next chapter."

"I am already looking forward to his next game when we can watch him in person next weekend."

"You and me both."

Chris joined the group not long after he went to grab a shower. He was able to grab a shower and then help them set up.

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Just after the last preparations were in place, the doorbell rang. Roy smiled as he went to answer the door. When he opened it, he noticed that the rest of his former crew was at the door with their families. The group happily exchanged greetings as they walked in the door. The meal was one of the group's infamous covered dish meals.

One by one, the dishes were laid out. Once everything was set up, Roy walked over to Jenny.

Roy smiled at his daughter. "Honey, do you want us to eat first?"

Jenny smiled as she looked around the group. It was apparent many of them had shown up hungry. She turned to face the group and answer Roy's question at the same time. "Go ahead, dig in all. We'll get to the rest of everything later, but I don't want anybody hungry or grumpy."

Soon enough, everyone was loading their plates up at the mixed buffet-style meal. Once their plates were full, they gathered around three long folding tables that served as a large outdoor dining table. A collective "thank you" rang out from the crowd.

Conversation topics ran the gamut between work and life while the group enjoyed their time together. Jenny made sure she was able to sneak away after she had finished her meal. The teenager gathered the wrapped elements that would end the evening with a mix of love and fun. She knew the gifts would bring up a range of emotions while giving each man a sense of comfort and love as they prepared for the following day.

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By the time Jenny had gathered the wrapped packages, the meal had wrapped up outside. Joanne made sure that she set aside some of the sweet treats for her daughter. Chris was the first to notice his sister trying to get the packages out the door. He jumped up to help her.

Jenny saw him coming towards her and smiled. "Thanks, bro. I thought I could carry all of them, but I can't."

Chris smiled, "That's okay. I don't know what these are, but I am sure they are all going to love them."

"I hope so. Can you do me a favor and take pictures of the reactions? My camera is on the table next to Uncle Johnny."

"I can try. I don't have your eye or skill, but I will do my best."

"Thanks, bro."

"You're welcome."

Chris helped Jenny pile the packages and then went to retrieve the camera. The glittering gifts caught the curious eyes of the group.

Johnny grinned as he called out. "Hey Jenny, Whatcha got there?"

Jenny grinned. "Can I have everybody's attention, please?"

Almost as one, the group stopped what they were doing and turned their focus to Jenny. Chris slid into a position that allowed him to catch the gift reactions while staying out of the way.

Jenny waited until everybody was focused on her before she continued. "We all know the next chapter for this crazy group starts tomorrow as our guys report to their new assignments. We also know that no matter where they are assigned, this group will also be a family. Am I right?"

"Yes," the group echoed at once.

"Along those lines, I got my dad and my uncles a little something to remind them of their family and keep a piece of 51s with them throughout the rest of their careers. Before anyone asks, no one else had a hand in these gifts besides me. Well, except for Mrs. Rod, who helped with the processing and development so I could have everything done in time."

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Confusion was written across the faces of the group.

Jenny smiled at the reaction. "Normally, I would start with my dad. However, tonight, I will start with the man charged with keeping these guys sane and ready to go at all times of day and night for the last six years. Uncle Hank, will you please join me?

Surprised, Hank walked up to Jenny. "Yes?"

"I know I speak for everyone here when I say thank you for keeping these knuckleheads or, as you call them, your twits safe and sane over the last six years. I know Johnny pushed the limits a few times, but thank you for everything you have done for them as their captain. I also want to say thank you for everything you will do for them starting tomorrow as their chief."

The crowd nodded as one. Hank's voice was thickened by emotion as he said, "It has truly been and will always be my pleasure to lead my twits. I thank them as much as you are thanking me."

Jenny smiled, "And now, for the other reason, I brought you up here besides saying thank you." Jenny reached over and took the first package off of the pile. She turned and carefully handed it to Hank.

The surprised man took the package with care and asked, "Would you like for me to open this now or wait until everyone has theirs?"

"You can open it now. Some of the elements will be the same for everyone, but others will be different for each one."

"Oh?" Hank's voice filled with curiosity as he carefully unwrapped the trifold frame. Chris started taking pictures.

Hank's jaw dropped as he saw the three pictures staring back at him. They had all been taken recently by Jenny. On the left was a solo shot of Hank reaching out and touching the front bumper of Big Red. In the center was the group picture taken at the first 51s gathering. On the right was the group picture taken at the recent promotion ceremony. There was a small plaque made of stamped metal at the bottom of the frame. It read Captain then, Chief Now. Remember Your Twits Are Always with You.

Jenny smiled and gave Hank a minute to look at the pictures. "Do you like it?"

"Very much so," Hank's voice was thick as his eyes shone. I know exactly where this is going too. Thank you so much, Jenny. I have a question, but I will wait until everybody gets theirs."

"Okay. Will you please stay up here while I give out the rest of the presents?"

"Of course."

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Hank stepped next to Jenny as the teenager smiled, "Uncle Mike, my dad tells me you will be sharing the station with Uncle Hank, but you will have your own office. Will you please come join us?"

Mike smiled as he walked up to Jenny. The teenager smiled at him as Chris started with more pictures. "You were in charge of Big Red from the day she arrived until your last shift with these guys. To say Marco and Chet learned from an amazing mentor is an understatement. Thank you for your skills driving and the amazing spaghetti that has fed all of us over the years."

Mike smiled as he blushed slightly. "You're welcome, Jenny."

Jenny reached over and grabbed the second package. It had a small box on the outside of it. Mike looked slightly confused before Jenny explained. "The smaller one is for your engineer. If you will please give it to him tomorrow morning? If it weren't a school day, I would deliver it myself."

Mike smiled, "It will be my pleasure."

"The bigger one is for you."

Mike nodded as he carefully removed the smaller package. It fit perfectly into his jeans pocket. Then he started opening his trifold frame. His jaw dropped as he saw his photos. On the left was one of him giving his final salute to Big Red. The middle picture was his turnout hanging from the mirror of the engine. As with Hank's frame, the last one was the group shot from the promotion ceremony. His plaque read Quiet Skilled and Talented Big Red is Yours Forever Enjoy Your New Seat.

"How?" Mike asked quietly as he swallowed hard.

Jenny smiled as she hugged the quiet man. "I'll explain after I had everything out. Okay?"

"Okay."

Mike took his spot next to Hank.

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Jenny turned and smiled. "Dad, Uncle Chet, please come up here."

The requested duo walked up to the teenager. Both hugged her before Jenny looked over at Chet. "Uncle Chet, I am starting with you because, to be honest, delivering these to my dad and Uncle Johnny are gonna be the two hardest presentations to make."

Chet smiled, "I understand."

"Thank you for being the comic relief even though I think all of us wanted to have some words with the Phantom at some point over the years."

Everybody laughed as they nodded in agreement. Chet grinned and shrugged as he admitted his hostess was proper. Jenny reached over and grabbed Chet's present. He unwrapped it with the same care and eased that everyone else had used. He grinned when he saw his pictures. One was him mugging for the camera, being himself standing next to Big Red. The second was him sitting in the cab of Big Red during a fire safety demonstration. The third was the group shot everyone had. His plaque read, Hey Phantom Keep Being You Stay Safe On the Road.

Chet reached over and hugged Jenny. While the duo embraced, he whispered the same promise that Johnny had told a nervous little girl nearly eight years before. "I promise I will make sure your dad comes home to you every shift."

Jenny smiled and whispered, "Thank you."

The duo embraced for another minute before they let go. Chet joined the line with Mike and Hank.

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Jenny's eyes shone brightly as she turned to her dad. "Daddy, I don't even know where to start in describing you. I know I may not say it as much as I should, but I want you to know I am extremely proud of you and everything you have done over the years; I love you so much."

Father and daughter embraced as both let a few tears fall. Once they settled down, Jenny handed over Roy's present. Like the others, his jaw dropped when he saw the pictures staring back at him. The first was the day Johnny and Roy graduated paramedic training, both of them were grinning as Roy held Jenny. The middle was the duo with Devon. Then he had the group shot. Roy's plaque read Once A Paramedic Always A Paramedic Congratulations, Captain Dad

The list of mental, unasked questions for Jenny was growing as Roy joined the others.

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Jenny took a second to wipe her eyes before she turned and smiled. "Uncle Marco, Uncle Johnny, it's your turn."

The final duo walked up to Jenny. Both hugged her. While Jenny hugged Marco, she held on to Johnny for a bit longer before letting him go.

"No, I didn't leave you guys for last because Uncle Johnny's gift put me in tears, although it did. I called you last because your station has the highest number in the battalion."

The group grinned as Jenny focused on Marco. "To say thank you for keeping the Phantom at bay while making award-winning chili will never be enough, Uncle Marco. I know you are going to be an engineer for Uncle Johnny and your crew. Don't forget to enjoy some time in the kitchen too. Trust me, your new crew and your captain will be forever grateful."

Marco grinned, "I promise I will."

Jenny handed over Marco's present and stepped back. His frame had a unique set of pictures. The first was Marco grinning while stirring his chili while wearing a 51s shirt during a competition. The middle was the final pat he had given Big Red. The last was the same shot that everybody had.

Marco grinned, "You, my dear are seriously skilled."

Jenny blushed, "Muchas Gracias, Tio."

Marco grinned, "De nada, Sobrina."

Marco picked up his picture and joined the others.

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Jenny turned to face Johnny. Tears were clouding her vision as the teenager gazed at the man she had wrapped around her finger many years before. She didn't even get the chance to speak before Johnny walked up and wrapped her in a bear hug.

His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke. "Breathe, my girl, I am right here. There is no rush."

Jenny finally swallowed as the tears began to streak down her cheeks. "How do I say thank you to the one man who lived up to the biggest promise everyone had ever made me until Uncle Chet just a few minutes ago? I was only a baby when we first met, but you promised me at that moment that you would always do everything possible to bring daddy home to us. And…"

Jenny started crying more as Johnny picked her up. Roy quietly handed his frame to Chet and walked over to the duo. The warmth of his leathery hands finally calmed his daughter enough that she could finish her thank you. "You did, Uncle Johnny. You always made sure that daddy came home to us even if you got hurt to protect him."

Johnny swallowed the sudden brick in his throat. "I will always do my best to make sure I keep that promise to you, my girl. You know Uncle Chet will too. He might be the biggest screwball in the world, but he is all serious and focused when it comes to working. I promise."

The renewed promise seemed to bring a sense of calm to the teenager. It finally let her take a full breath as she reached out and hugged the two most influential men in her life. They gladly returned the hug until she had calmed down enough to work her way out of their arms.

"S…." the teenager got out before Hank walked over and hugged her.

"Don't be sorry, Jenny. Lord knows we understand the bond between your dad and Johnny. We also know it extends to you guys and your mom too."

Jenny smiled and returned the hug before she turned back to Johnny. "Uncle Johnny, are you ready for your present?"

"You bet I am, darling." Johnny flashed his infamous Gage smile.

Jenny walked over to where the presents were sitting. She picked up the frame in question and carried it back to the recipient. Hank and Roy backed away as Johnny took the gift and carefully opened it.

A tearful grin spread across his face as he saw the pictures for the first time. His first picture was an updated picture of Jenny with Roy and Johnny. This time Chris was with them. Joanne had taken the picture at the picnic the year before. The second was one Jenny had had to work hard to get. It was simply a picture of Johnny's hands with his paramedic pin showing between his fingers. He also had the group picture as his third picture. Johnny's plaque read. Family, Paramedic, Friend, Captain Love You

Johnny's hands started to shake as he held the pictures. He looked up at Jenny. "H…how did you get the second shot?" His voice was full of the emotion the image brought to the surface.

Jenny grinned, "I used my long lens the morning of your last shift. I stayed in the shadows and watched you pin that on for the last time and knew it had to be that shot when I saw how it came out."

Johnny smiled as Roy asked, "Junior, what was your middle picture?"

Johnny carefully handed the frame over before Jenny hugged him tightly. "It won't be long before you put that pin on again. I love you."

Johnny didn't speak but dropped his head as the teenager's words ran through his ears. Roy gasped at the picture before he passed the frame to Hank so the others could see. Once Johnny had calmed down, Jenny let him go.

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She turned to the others with a smile. "To answer your question Uncle Hank, I captured the entire flag ceremony and final salutes at 51s from across the street. I used my telephoto lens to make sure I got the clearest, most detailed shot of every second that I could."

Chet smirked, "I see the Pigeon taught his niece a thing or two about being sneaky."

Johnny grinned, "Had to, especially if the Phantom is now her dad's engineer."

The crowd laughed heartily then the guys walked back to the rest of the group. They wanted to enjoy some more time together.

Jenny noticed Mike staring at his picture frame as she was going to get another drink. She smiled, walked over to the cooler, grabbed two sodas, and then walked over to the quiet man.

"Uncle Mike."

Mike's head snapped up. He blushed lightly. "Hi Jenny, sorry I was just looking at the picture you took of my girl and me."

Jenny smiled as she handed over one of the drinks. "Here ya go. It's okay; I wanted to ask you about that picture."

"Thank you." Mike took the drink. "You want to ask me? You took the picture." There was confusion in his voice.

"Yes, but I can feel your emotions in it, and even Mrs. Rod said she could feel the raw emotion in it."

"That…that was a moment that I will never forget for the rest of my career. What did you want to ask me?"

"Do you mind if I enter that picture in a contest I found out about as I left school?"

"What are the rules of the contest?" Mike smiled.

"Hang on. I have them in my camera bag."

"Okay."

Jenny put her drink down next to Mike. Then she turned and jogged back to her camera bag. The paper was in the flat back part of the bag. She picked it up and carried it back to Mike. The interested man picked it up and smiled. The simply typed flier read:

Pictures Say A Thousand Words Part 1

Welcome to the first contest of our Pictures Say A Thousand Words series. The rules for this series are simple. We must be able to see the story without reading it. As always, all entries must be entered by the photographer that took them. There are a few unique rules for this part.

It must include a vehicle.

It can include a person.

Words are okay, but not complete phrases.

It can be either color or black and white. Color is preferred, though.

If you have a piece that fits these rules, please turn them to your photography advisor for submission. The contest is open from Friday, September 28, until Wednesday, October 31.

Mike turned and looked at Jenny. "Of all the pictures you took from that morning, why me?"

Jenny smiled and answered simply. "It tells a powerful story, and the only words in the picture are what's on the back of your turnout."

Mike was quiet for a minute as he thought. Then he smiled as he said. "I would be honored if you used that picture."

Jenny hugged him. "Thank you so much. I'll have Mrs. Rod enter me tomorrow."

"Let me know how you do."

"As soon as I know, you'll be the first to know."

Mike smiled as the duo was called into action for some games.

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The party lasted until the last rays of sunlight colored the backyard. It was a sunset that both Jenny and Johnny took pictures of it. Even as it got dark, no one wanted to leave the party.

Finally, with a huge smile on his face, Hank decided he had to take charge. He stepped back from the group so as not to scare any of the family members and raised his voice to his Captain's tone. "Alright ya twits, I'm giving you your first order from your new Chief. I don't want any one of you to be late tomorrow."

While the "order" was met with warm smiles, the message was clear. Lauren and Johnny stayed at the house, so they helped with the last bit of clean-up before retrieving their bags. It also did its job as it was only then that the family started saying good night.

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After everybody left, Chris and Jenny headed for their rooms to do their homework. The adults settled in for some fun and television to calm down. The beer of the day was replaced by warming, calming tea. While the drink seemed to settle them down to a point, there was still an err of nerves in the room.

Joanne smiled at Roy and Johnny. "Boys, I left a couple of sodas in the fridge for you."

The duo knew what Joanne was saying. Roy smiled, "Honey if you need us."

"We know where to find you. Just remember what Hank said. There is no excuse for being late tomorrow."

"We promise, mom." Johnny grinned and ducked as Joanne threw a couch pillow at him.

Johnny and Roy kissed the ladies and then headed for their favorite place to decompress.

Johnny stopped on his way to the deck and picked up the sodas for the duo. Then followed Roy outside and closed the door. The guys were quiet until they reached two chairs that were already facing each other.

Roy smiled, "I think they know us."

Johnny laughed, "Just a touch."

Both men sobered up as they sat down and opened their drinks. At first, it was quiet, then Roy surprised Johnny when he spoke first. "I was less nervous boarding the plane for Vietnam than I am right now."

"Why?" Johnny asked as he reached over and laid a hand on Roy's neck.

"I knew I had a team around me then, but now, I mean, yeah, it's going to be the four of us, but I have never worked in a single apparatus station before."

Roy took a long drink, hoping the carbonation would settle his stomach. Johnny started to rub his neck as if encouraging him to continue.

After a quiet moment, the older man spoke again. "I trusted my skills and my life then. Now, I don't get to use all of my skills, and I don't know how to react to that."

Johnny's voice was sincere and warm when he spoke. "Partner, listen to me. Yes, we cannot start the meds right now, but that doesn't mean we can't use our skills. A rescueman is a rescue man is a paramedic is a firefighter. Every part of our training will always be with us."

"What if I run into a situation where it's either act, or someone dies. I…I mean."

"Lean on Chet and your crew until you are through everything. Then call me when you get back. If we aren't home, I will call you as soon as I can. We can also get together after the shift."

"P…Promise." Roy asked with some hesitation in his voice.

Johnny's voice was honest. "Promise."

Roy dropped his head as he went quiet. Johnny slowly rubbed circles into his neck until he raised his head again.

The blue-eyed man caught the dark brown eyes of his best friend. "How do you feel about tomorrow?"

Johnny gulped a good bit of his soda before he replied. "Scared as hell. It's the first time I won't have you by my side or the squad in front of me in eight years. C…can I tell you something?"

Roy laid his hand on Johnny's neck. "Junior, you know you can always tell me anything."

"Do you want to know why my conversation with Jenny got to me so much tonight?"

"Besides her saying thank you."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"It wasn't so much the conversation as much as it was the plaque on the bottom of my frame."

"Oh?"

Fresh tears sprung from Johnny's eyes as he dropped his head into Roy's shoulder. Roy switched his hand to a single-arm grip around Johnny's back. "I…I never had a family until I met you guys. I know I will always have you guys, but damnit. Tomorrow I start my new chapter, and brother isn't going to be my side. I know Marco will be there, but…."

"I'm only a phone call away, Junior. You know that."

"I know, but I'm so nervous about meeting the new crew. I want…" Johnny tried taking a calming breath and ended up burping into Roy's shoulder. "Sorry."

"Don't be. You needed it."

"I want to create the same family atmosphere that Cap created for us. I…I just don't know if I can."

"Why?"

"How does a guy who grew up without a family create a family atmosphere?'

Roy shifted Johnny just a bit so he could look into his eyes before he spoke. "Forget about your life before you joined the department. Focus on the friends you made at 10s, then the family at 51s. Focus on the feeling that always helped there even when Chet was the Phantom."

Johnny went quiet as he got his breathing under control while he listened to Roy. The older man continued. "Just don't rush things. Let the crew get to know you, and things will play out in time."

Johnny stayed quiet as he calmed down for a minute. Then he raised his head. "Thank you, Pally. I really needed that."

"My pleasure Junior."

The men finished their drinks and stood. They shared one more hug before they turned and headed back inside.

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A nod was their good night before they headed to their bedrooms. Johnny and Lauren were staying in their room.

Lauren stirred as Johnny stripped to his boxers. "Do you feel better, baby?"

"Yes, honey. Sorry, it took so long."

"Don't be. You guys both needed it."

Johnny lifted the sheet and crawled into bed. He silently prayed that he would be able to sleep but wasn't sure. Lauren seemed to sense the nerves. She crawled into his arms and laid her head on his chest. The sigh it elicited from the bare-chested man put a smile on her face.

As Johnny found himself starting to drift, his mind shifted modes for a moment. The new thought brought a smile to his face. "If she can settle me this fast, right…I can't wait to see what the rest of our life together brings. Lauren Nicole Gage has a beautiful ring to it."

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By ten-thirty, the only sound in the house was snoring or other noises of sleep. Even the kids had gone to bed at a decent time since it was a school night.