Chapter 2-New Beginnings and First Introductions
Summary New Crew Introductions
KMG 365
While most of the county slept, the men preparing to serve under Chief Hank Stanley were wide awake before the sun came up the morning of Monday, October 1. Alarms throughout the Carson area started ringing at 0500 for Mike and Hank. Chet and Marco were next by 0515. 0530 was wake-up time in the Desoto house.
After the men took showers, they got dressed. A light but necessary breakfast was on the menu for the crew and their families. Joanne was surprised to see Chris and Jenny at the table. "I thought you guys would be sleeping still."
Jenny smiled. "Not today."
Chris grinned and added. "You know we have to send the kids off the right way."
Laughter filled the table as Lauren passed out the coffee. She smiled as she spoke. "Speaking of the kids, I would like to raise a toast to both of them before we have breakfast."
The family raised their drinks of choice. Lauren smiled, "May the county smile on you. May your crews find your joys as much as we do. Roy here's to hoping the Phantom stays away for the day. Johnny here's to hoping Marco feeds you well."
"Here, here," the group echoed.
Everyone took a long drink before Jenny helped Joanne lay out the breakfast. It was eggs with toast and fruit for the morning. It was enough to keep the guys full but not overfill them.
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By six, all of the men were heading out the door and onto their new assignments. The colors of dawn painted the sky as they made their way through the county. It was time to start their new beginnings.
At station 10, Mike and Hank smiled at each other as they pulled in right after each other just after 0700. Both men parked next to each other, climbed out, grabbed their bags, and closed their vehicles.
Mike smiled, "Home sweet home. This is a beautiful station."
Hank smiled, "It sure is."
The duo took another moment before they headed for their new home.
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The guys had just walked into the station when Chief McConnikee met them. Hank smiled, "Good morning, Chief."
Chief McConnikee smiled, "Good morning Chief Stanley, Captain Stoker."
Mike grinned. He was still getting used to the sound of his new title. "Good morning Chief."
"Hank, did you want to make sure I retired today?" The older man said with a smile in his eyes.
Hank smiled warmly. "No, Sir, I wanted to make sure I was here to give you a proper send-off. It's the least I can do after fourteen years of your leadership."
McConnikee smiled and stuck out his hand. "Thank you, Hank, that really means a lot."
Hank smiled and shook his hand. "You're welcome, Sir; I mean it."
"I know."
Mike and Hank followed Patrick into the dayroom, where the retiring chief introduced the men to the off-going C shift. Patrick also showed Hank his office.
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Hank waited for his predecessor to finish packing up before moving into the office closer to the station's back door. It was on the left wall. The dayroom, equipment locker, and radio separated his office from Mike's office.
Mike was introduced to his new space by the off-going Captain Rodriguez.
Rodriguez smiled as he packed his bag. "It's all yours, Captain Stoker."
Mike smiled, "Thank you, Sir. Please call me Mike."
"Alright, Mike, you can call me Brandon."
The duo shook hands as Mike said. "It's good to meet you, Brandon."
"You as well, Mike. Have a good shift."
"Thank you."
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Mike followed Brandon out of the office. He smiled as he took in the layout of the new station as he walked across the bay. The larger bay was home to both a squad and engine. It also had the Chief's car next to the engine.
On the far side of the car was the entrance to the locker room. In the middle of the wall were a staircase and the pole. Mike smiled at the pole and remembered Johnny ranting about 51s not having a pole. 'I can see what he meant. It looks amazing.' Mike thought as he walked into the locker room.
Hank was already in the locker room. His locker was one row in front of the captains. Behind the officers' rows were the lockers for the rest of the crew.
Mike smiled, "Are you settling in okay, Hank?"
"Slowly. What about you? I heard you and Brandon talking."
"He was welcoming me to our new home."
The duo quickly changed and grabbed their frames. Mike also slid his engineer's present into his pocket before he headed back to the dayroom.
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Hank continued to cross the bay while Mike stopped at the front of the engine. He laid a hand on the bumper. 'Hi girl, my name is Mike. I am your new A shift officer. I will do everything I can to help you protect our crew and bring them home in one piece every shift. Do me a favor, run smooth, and true. I may talk to you now and then because I know your cousin well. Don't mind me if I do. I promise I will never hurt you.'
Mike lifted his head as he finished his first introduction. By the time he did, he felt eyes on him. Rather than looking into the eyes of Hank as he thought he would, Mike was surprised to see an unfamiliar set of green eyes looking back at him. They belonged to his engineer Dominic.
"Good morning Captain Stoker. My name is Dominic King. I am your new Engineer." Dominic smiled and extended his hand.
Mike smiled as he shook the man's strong hand. "Good morning, Dominic."
"I don't need to know what you told her to know we're both in good hands, Sir. I can see the same passion and respect for her in your eyes that I have for her."
"Once an engineer, always an engineer."
"Very true." Dominic smiled.
"Do you mind if I talk to you for a minute before the rest of the guys get here?"
"Not at all. Do you mind if we talk in the locker room? I also want to introduce myself to our new Chief. I understand he is supposed to start today as well."
"He's already here." Mike stopped and sniffed. "He made the coffee; if you need a morning pick me up."
Dominic was surprised. "You can tell that by the smell?"
"I better be able to. He's been my captain for the last six years and has made more pots of coffee during that time than any of us can count."
"Okay, fair point."
The two men walked into the locker room.
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Dominic led Mike over to his locker. Mike gave him plenty of room to change.
Dominic asked, "You just left your girl, didn't you?"
"September 18 was my last morning with her. She truly was mine too. I was the engineer that housed her as a brand new rig for Station 51."
"Wow. I bet that wasn't an easy morning."
"To say the very least."
"Well, Sir…"
Mike smiled, "Please call me either Cap or Mike. Sir is just to…."
Dominic smiled, "Cap seems to fit you. Please call me Dom. Dominic makes me think my mom is in the room."
Mike chuckled, "Point taken."
"Cap, if you ever need some time with her after a long night, by all means, take it."
"Thank you; I'll keep that in mind. Just to let you know, if it's been a hell night, you might see Chief Stanley walking her too."
"Oh?"
"He was Chief McConnikee's engineer before he became a captain."
"Good to know, thanks for telling me. I'll extend the same invite to him when I meet him."
"He will be grateful; I can tell you that right now."
Dominic finished tying his shoes and changing. As he turned, Mike pulled his gift out of his pocket. "Before the others get here, I have something for you. My friend, Captain Roy Desoto's daughter Jenny made this for you."
Dom was surprised. "She doesn't even know me, though."
"Not yet. You'll meet her, I'm sure. My old shift got together last night at her request. She gave all of us something for today and gave me this for you. She said she would have dropped it off, but she has school."
Dom smiled, "That's okay. Do you mind if I open it now?"
"Not at all."
Dom opened the small package. A look of shock filled his face as he saw the present and the note wrapped around it. He carefully unwrapped the letter and read it out loud. "Dear A Shift Engineer at Station 10. I am sorry for the formal greeting, but I don't know your name yet. My name is Jenny Desoto. I am the daughter of Captain Roy Desoto of station 95, formerly Paramedic Roy Desoto from Station 51. We will meet soon; I am sure of that. Anyway, I wanted to give you a small token of strength as you start your new shift under Captain Mike Stoker. Yes, he is a quiet man. Yet, he is very insightful. I've known him most of my life, and I can tell you he makes an amazing spaghetti sauce. On a serious note, I can also tell you he was an amazing engineer and a wonderful person to talk to when the world is getting to you. Don't hesitate to bend his ear or the ear of Chief Hank Stanley. He was also an engineer and will listen at any hour, trust me. Have a great shift. Jenny."
Mike smiled as Dom folded the note and slid it into his shirt pocket. His jaw dropped when he saw the small token. It was a small card with a clip attached to it so he could clip it to the sun visor of the truck. The card read, Give me the strength to keep them safe, the knowledge to let us win the wars. The wisdom to know when I can talk to my Captain and Chief. The peace to know we will battle together until each war is won.
Dom swallowed hard before he spoke again. "She certainly has a way with words."
"You should see her skill with a camera."
"I'm going to put this in our girl as I check her."
"Okay."
The duo turned and left the room. By now, it was 0720. Mike and Dominic walked into the dayroom, where Hank greeted them with a smile and coffee.
Mike was about to make the introductions when the rest of his crew walked into the room. It was 0720, and all four remaining members of the shift were already in uniform.
Mike smiled at Brandon. "Brandon, you and your boys can head home. We'll take it from here."
Brandon asked, "Are you sure?"
"Positive. I want to spend a few minutes with these guys anyway."
"Thanks, Mike."
C shift didn't need any more prompting as they quickly left the room.
Hank was about to follow them when Mike stopped him. "Chief Stanley, please join us."
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Hank retook his seat. He could sense Mike's nerves. "Well, thank you, Captain Stoker."
Mike smiled, "You're welcome."
"Wait, he didn't say Sir? Are we at the right station?" A medium build man muttered just loud enough for Hank and Mike to hear him.
Mike smiled, "No, I didn't call him, Sir. He's never liked the sound of it. May I ask your name, though."
"Good morning Captain, my name is Kyle Serge. I am one of your paramedics."
"Good to meet you, Kyle." Mike and Kyle shook hands.
The man to the left of Kyle spoke. "My name is Taylor Branch, and I am your other paramedic."
"Good to meet you, Taylor." Mike and Tyler shook hands.
A third voice spoke up. "My name is Adam Matthews; I am your junior lineman."
Mike moved around the table and shook the man's hand. "Good to meet you, Adam."
Mike commented, "Who is the final piece to our puzzle?"
"Roco Coleman, Sir. I am your senior lineman."
"Good to meet you, Rocco. I have already met Dominic. Guys, first thing's first. Please either call me Cap or Mike. Sir makes me feel like something's wrong."
Hank smiled, "Along those lines, please, either Chief or Hank is fine. I know my predecessor was extremely formal. Trust me; I served under him for fourteen years. However, I am not a robot, and I know you guys aren't either."
Hank looked at his watch. "I have to get going soon, but I want you to know I will have an open-door policy. If anybody ever needs an ear and Mike is busy, please feel free to bend mine."
The crew was stunned. "Wait, we get to be humans again?" Adam asked with shock in his voice.
Mike smiled, "All the time, Adam."
Dominic stood and walked over to Hank. "Chief, I understand we have something in common. I will extend the same invitation I did to Cap already. If you ever need to get aboard the engine to clear your head, her door is always open for you; no questions asked."
Hank smiled. "Thank you, Dominic, that really means a lot."
"You're welcome."
Mike looked at his watch. "Okay, guys, let's finish up the eye-opener, then we'll get ready for formal roll call and truck check."
"Yes, Cap, " the crew answered as one.
The guys finished their coffee and then got up and headed for the bay. It was time to start a new day and a new week with Mike Stoker as Captain.
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Just about fifteen minutes down the road, the new day was also beginning for the A shift crew of station 95. Even though Roy had left the same time Johnny did, it took him a bit longer to get to his new duty assignment.
It was nearly 0715 when the new Captain arrived at station 95. Much to his surprise, his engineer followed him into the parking lot. Chet parked next to Roy, and both men got out at the same time.
Roy smiled, "Good morning Chet."
"Good morning, Roy."
"Wanted to avoid latrine duty on your first day, eh?" Roy chuckled.
Chet chuckled as the duo walked toward the station. "Didn't think it would be good luck for your engineer to be late."
"Very true, and thank you."
The guys were just about to the backdoor of the station when the tones rang out and called 95s into service.
Chet looked at Roy and smirked. "I guess we get to explore our new home by ourselves."
Roy smiled, "Sounds like it. I'll put some coffee on first, though. No need for them to go home that tired."
"Tue."
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Roy and Chet walked into their new station. As a single apparatus station, the building was smaller than either man had worked in before. Both men stood in the empty bay and looked around. The layout was similar to that of 51s. Since they were both in uniform, the duo headed for the locker room.
Roy took a breath as he walked toward the row where the captains' lockers were. "This is going to take some getting used to."
Chet heard him, poked his head around the open locker, and asked, "The distance or not being with us?"
"Not being with you guys."
"Nobody said we bite. You can come to see us."
Roy laughed as he finally started to relax. "Thanks, Chet. I needed that."
Chet chuckled, "Anytime."
The duo finished putting their stuff away. Chet put his picture from Jenny in his locker, as did Roy. Roy would move his later after seeing the office. Once their stuff was put away, both men left the locker room.
Since the engine was not back yet, they took the opportunity to explore the layout. Chet smiled as he watched Roy memorize things. As the duo found the day room, they stepped in. Roy started the promised coffee while Chet put the newspaper he had brought with him on the table. Then the Irishman checked the fridge.
Roy looked over and asked, "How does it look?"
"It's well-stocked. Just like we had at 51s, they have a shelf for each shift and a common shelf."
"Does it look like we need anything?"
Chet checked the items on the A shift shelf. "Creamer, but otherwise no."
"Okay. Thank you for the paper, by the way."
Chet smiled, "No problem. Mike told Marco and me that's how we always had it, so I figured I would bring it in for our new guys."
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Suddenly, there were two sets of footsteps echoing in the bay.
Roy smiled, "Speaking of."
The duo turned and headed for the doorway. They reached the door just as the newcomers reached that part of the bay.
Roy smiled as he spoke. "Good morning, guys."
The two lineman turned and smiled. "Good morning, Sir."
"My name is Roy Desoto. I am your new Captain." Roy extended his hand.
The lineman closest to the door, a black man who had an athletic build with dark black hair, smiled as he shook hands with Roy. "Good morning Captain, my name is Shane. I am your senior lineman."
"Good to meet you, Shane. This is your new Engineer Chet Kelly." Roy said as he pointed to Chet.
Chet shook hands with Shane. "Good to meet you, Shane."
"You too, Chet."
Next to Shane was a man who was the same height as both Shane and Roy, with a medium skin tone and an athletic build. "Good morning gentlemen, my name is Seth. I am your other lineman."
"It's good to meet you, Seth," Roy and Chet said at the same time as they shook hands with the man.
"What time did C shift get a call?" Shane asked.
"0716," Roy replied. They got called out just as Chet and I were about to walk in. Roy checked his watch; it was 0730. "Why don't you boys get changed? I made some coffee."
"Sounds good," Seth said.
Seth and Shane turned and left.
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It was only a few minutes later before both men were back in the dayroom. This time they were in uniform and ready to go once the engine got back.
Roy smiled as he doled out the coffee. The creamer was on the table. "I figure we can use the time until they get back to get to know each other."
Shane smiled as he took a drink. "You make some good coffee, Captain Desoto."
Roy smiled, "Glad you like it. Please, call me either Roy or Cap."
"Okay, Cap, can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"What is your background?"
Roy took a long drink. "When I first joined the department after getting discharged from the Army, I was a lineman than a rescue man. For the last almost eight years, I was a paramedic; I trained as part of the first class out of Harbor General then went back through training after the bill was passed with the first class out of Rampart."
"What made you become a Captain?"
"The Captain that Chet and I served under wanted to go for Chief. We didn't want to break in a fourth, so we figured rank up."
"Do you have a family?"
Roy smiled, "I am happily married to my wife of nearly eighteen years. My son Chris is a junior at Central High School. My daughter Jennifer is a freshman at Central."
Seth asked, "What about you, Chet?"
"I was a lineman for the first ten years of my career until I tested for Engineer. As Roy said, we've served together for the past seven years."
"Do you know what battalion your former captain took over?"
Chet smiled, "Ours. Knowing him, he will make his rounds during the day to introduce himself."
"Oh." There was a sense of nerves in Shane's voice,
Roy smiled, "Relax, Shane. I promise he is nothing like his predecessor. Chief Stanley will do anything he can to support us. He knows the dangers of our job and wants to make sure we come home every night as much as I do."
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The rest of the conversation was cut off at 0800, as the backup alarm for the engine echoed off the walls.
Roy smiled, "They're home, boys. I'm going to make some more coffee. Get ready to take over."
"Yes, Sir," the trio responded at once.
All four men headed for the bay. Quick introductions and greetings were exchanged before C shift headed for the locker room. They were all too happy to oblige with Roy's "go on; we'll clean up."
Roy smiled at Chet. "Chet, go meet your new girl. Shane, Seth, check the hoses."
"Yes, Cap," the trio echoed as they descended on the engine.
Roy turned to his cohort, "Captain Spencer."
The man smiled, "Good morning, Captain Desoto; welcome to station 95."
"Thank you, Captain."
"You're welcome; please call me Lee."
"Good to meet you, Lee."
The duo shook hands before Roy followed Lee into the office. After both men finished their paperwork and change over, Lee headed for the locker room. Roy walked back into the bay.
"Alright, guys, roll call."
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There was one final set of introductions involving the former crew of 51s taking place simultaneously. Much like his fellow officers and dear friends, Johnny pulled into the parking lot of his new station well before the start of his first shift.
It was 0710 as he pulled into the parking lot of 127s. He was as excited and nervous as the others. While he was glad he was staying at a larger station, there was a twang of misery when he realized no squad was housed in his new home.
Johnny shook his head and cleared it as he reached in and grabbed his bag and uniforms. He was just straightening up and closing his door when Marco pulled in.
Johnny smiled as he waited for his engineer to appear. It was only moments later when Marco exited his car with his stuff. "Good morning Marco."
"Good morning, Cap," Marco replied with a grin.
Johnny grinned as bright as the sun when he heard the title. "It's going to take a bit to get used to that title."
"I'm sure, my friend. Did you get any rest last night?"
"Thankfully, yes, but it was all thanks to Lauren. What about you?"
"I know what you mean; Lucy was an angel last night after the party."
The duo took one more collective, calming breath before they walked into their new station. Since it was still early, Johnny made sure the door didn't slam.
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The echo of tired voices being slowly awakened by needed coffee led the men to the day room. Their footsteps made C shift lookup. After quick introductions, the new arrivals were escorted to the locker room to put their stuff away. Marco put his picture from Jenny on the shelf of his locker. A picture of Lucy and his mom went on the door.
In the next row, Johnny hung his lucky Smoky poster on the door. The poster had seen better times over the years but was settled into its new home quickly. His picture from Jenny went in his locker from now. Next to it was a picture of Lauren and Johnny that Pam had taken during their trip to San Diego.
Marco smiled as he walked over to Johnny's locker. "That's a heck of a combination there, my friend."
Johnny grinned, "Family in four pictures."
Marco laid a hand on his friend's shoulder. "So when are you going to make it official and ask her?"
Johnny swallowed a sudden ball of nerves. "I want to talk to Hank first. She considers him her dad."
Marco smiled and clapped Johnny on the shoulder. "That is awesome of you, my friend. Let me know if I can do anything for you."
"I will, my friend. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The duo walked out and back to the dayroom. They enjoyed a cup of coffee with C shift while they waited for their remaining crew members. The rest of Johnny's crew made their presence known at 0730 as they walked into the bay. Rather than interrupting them, Johnny lets the men get changed. Marco made the group a fresh pot of coffee while the duo waited. Johnny also took the time to learn his new office, thanks to his C shift counterpart.
Minutes after the new arrivals showed up; they walked into the day room as C shift headed out.
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Johnny and Marco stood to greet their new crewmates. All four men were within an inch of each other's height.
Johnny smiled, "Good morning, men."
"Good morning, Sir," the duo replied.
Johnny smiled as he extended his hand. "My name is John Gage; I am your new Captain. Would you mind calling me Cap or Johnny? This is your new Engineer Marco Lopez." Johnny pointed to Marco.
The quartet shook hands.
A man with olive-colored and dark brown hair smiled. "Good morning, my name is Victor. I am your senior lineman."
Marco smiled, "Victor if you ever need an ear, yell. I was on the line for the first ten years of my career until last month when they handed me the keys."
Victor smiled, "I will certainly keep that in mind, thank you, Marco."
Next to him, a man with a deep tan and sharp blue eyes said, "Good morning guys, my name is Bryan."
Marco smiled, "The same goes for you, Bryan. I made some coffee if anybody wants some."
Johnny smiled, "Yeah, we can have a quick cup before roll."
Victor asked, "Cap, we know Marco was on the line. What did you do before you came to us?"
Johnny smiled as the guys stood around with coffee in their hands, thanks to Marco. "I started my career about eleven years ago on the engine. After that, I was a rescue man at station 10…."
Johnny swallowed a long drink before he continued. "I decided to become a paramedic after a bad call. I spent the last seven years of my career at station 51 as the junior paramedic on that squad. I decided to test up when the rest of my crew did."
"The rest, that means your captain became a chief."
"Yes, he did, Victor. In fact…" there was a note of pride in Johnny's voice as Marco smiled. "He is our chief. I'm sure he will be around at some point this morning to introduce himself."
"You mean he is a people person?" Bryan's voice was full of surprise.
Johnny grinned, "He certainly is."
Marco spoke honestly, "He'll do anything he can for us to keep us sane and safe while we're on duty."
"Good to know."
The men finished their coffee.
Johnny smiled, "You can leave the cups in the sink. I'll get the dishes after roll call."
"Okay, thank you," his crew smiled and put the cups in the sink with water in them. Then the quartet turned and headed for the bay to start roll call.