Turn Turn Turn

by tinywriter365

No, this is not going to be a song fic, although the premise of that song seemed fitting for this third part of my Changes series. If you have not done so, you'll want to read The First Step to Major Changes and Changes Amid Frustration to understand this story. This story picks up two weeks after the end of Changes Amid Frustration. As always, I do not own anything belonging to E

12. Chapter 12

Chapter 12-Chris Rides Along in June

Summary Chris decides to take his first ride-along after finishing the Explorer academy and before starting football camp.

KMG 365

Saturday, June 21st, was an exciting day for seventeen-year-old Chris Desoto. After his school year seemed to drag on, the young man was excited about the summer. Summer was a brief period before football camp for the rising senior, and senior pictures melted into the fall. He had spent the first few weeks with friends and family. However, this was one of the special days he was looking forward to throughout his short break. It was the day of his first ride along with the fire department that had been part of his life since he was a toddler.

The young man had worked with the Explorer advisor to find the perfect station for the day. Per Chris's request, he was not going to ride along with his dad's crew. This was for two reasons; he did not want any special treatment as the Captain's son. Two, he wanted to see how a multi-vehicle station operated. He also wanted to know how a paramedic squad worked. As luck would have it, Chris found a location with all of those requirements, 10's.

The ride-along day started like any other day that Roy had to work; his alarm went off at 0530. The difference today was a similar alarm echoed from the other end of the house. Chris grunted and grumbled a few choice words as he shut the offending box off. He shook his head to clear it and padded across the hall to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, the teen was washed and dressed. He grabbed his two gym bags and headed for the living room.

Chris put his bags next to Roy's uniforms and bag. Then he walked into the kitchen. Breakfast was hearty but not overfilling the meal that Joanne made for her guys.

Roy smiled at his son. "Are you ready for this?"

Chris grinned, "More than ever. I've wanted to do this since I finished my Explorer Academy."

"I know." Roy smiled proudly. "Are you still bringing your notebook?"

"Yes. I want to remember today, although I have no doubt I never will."

"Oh, believe me, son. You won't."

"I have one question before we head out."

"Yes?"

"Is there anything I should know about Uncle Mike or Hank in terms of working?"

"Make sure you are on time. Mike at work is much like the Mike you see at cookouts. He is quiet but sincere. If you have questions or anything, don't hesitate to ask him. You can also bend Hank's ears too."

"Good to know."

"Otherwise, just listen, watch, and don't forget to talk to Mike's crew. Get involved, but make sure you follow all instructions on calls."

"Will do."

Roy looked at his watch with a smile. "It's time to go."

Joanne smiled slightly nervously. "Both of you boys, be safe today."

"Yes, dear," Chris and Roy said at the same time. They had to duck on the way out of the kitchen to avoid a playful swat from Joanne.

The duo retrieved their bags and clothes from the living room and headed outside. They waved at each other and walked to their vehicles. Chris backed out first since he was behind his dad. Roy followed him for the first few minutes before they split off to head for their stations.

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It was 0650 when Chris pulled into the parking lot of Station 10. He was surprised to see Hank and Mike pull in at the same time. All three climbed from their vehicles at the same time. Chris quickly reached in and grabbed his stuff before he joined the duo.

Chris grinned, "Good morning Chief, Captain Stoker."

Hank and Mike both smiled as they responded. "Good morning, Chris."

Hank smiled, 'Are you ready for today?"

"I've been waiting for this since I finished my academy."

The trio kept talking as they walked into the station. Chris stopped just inside the back door, which made the others stop as well.

Mike's voice was full of concern as he asked. "Chris, are you okay?"

The teenager was honest as he looked at both men. "Yes, I'm okay. It's just a different feeling walking in here with gear in my hands. I'm nervous as all, but yet there's a calmness and ready-to-go that I didn't think I would feel. It's almost like I can feel it in my blood."

Hank and Mike smiled. Both men knew the feeling that Chris was feeling. They had felt it with every new station throughout their careers.

Hank's voice was warm as he said. "Chris, can I give you a suggestion?"

"Yes."

"Cherish what you are feeling now, even the nerves. Trust me; it's a feeling you'll have a lot throughout your career. It means you are in the right place. It's okay if you're nervous. We'd be worried if you weren't."

The trio spoke in soft tones as they headed for the locker room. They reached the door just as the morning tones went off.

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Chris chuckled. "Now there's an alarm clock you'll never sleep through."

Mike and Hank laughed. "This is very true," Mike said.

Chris looked over at Mike. "Cap?"

Hank grinned as he disappeared to change. Mike's smile was bright as he responded. "Yes?"

"What locker is free?"

Mike walked over to the lockers where Kyle and Taylor kept their stuff. He opened the one between Kyle and Adam. "This one is our extra locker; you can use it today. Once you're done putting your stuff away, I'll show you where to keep your gear."

"Okay."

Chris made quick work of storing his clothes. The extra shirts and clothes were hung up. His extra shoes were on the floor of the locker. His gear was laid out next to him on the bench. There was a picture on top of the pile. Chris put his bags on the locker floor next to his shoes before he turned and picked up the picture. He took a breath as he studied every detail of the dual shot. The left side held the image that had been his inspiration throughout his academy. The photo Jenny had taken of Johnny fingering his Paramedic pin the morning of the last shift. The right side was a picture of Johnny and Roy in bunker gear kneeling next to a young Chris, wearing a department shirt, at a demonstration years ago.

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Chris was so wrapped in the picture and getting his mind right that he didn't hear the door to the locker room open. Hank walked out of the room as Kyle walked in. Mike was watching Chris from his locker.

Kyle called out, "Good morning Cap, who's the Boot?"

The sound of the new voice brought Chris back to the present. He hung the picture up and then quickly turned as Mike walked over.

Mike smiled, "Kyle, meet our ride along for the day, Chris Desoto. Chris, meet one of my paramedics Kyle Serge."

Chris stuck his hand out. "Good to meet you, Kyle."

"You too, Chris," Kyle said with a smile.

Mike looked at Kyle. "Kyle, when you're done, can you show Chris where to stow his gear? I am going to touch base with Brandon."

"Sure, Cap."

"Thank you."

Mike left the room.

KMG 365

Chris closed his locker, sat down on the bench with his gear in his lap so Kyle had room.

Kyle smiled as he changed. "Chris, are you ready for today?"

"You bet."

Kyle noticed the pictures as he buttoned his shirts. "These are amazing pictures, Chris."

"Thank you; they were my inspiration throughout my Explorer academy."

"What do you want to do in the department?"

"Ideally, I want to become a paramedic after spending some time on either an engine or a truck."

"Feel free to pick my brain or my partner's." Kyle looked at his watch. "He should be here in a…."

Taylor walked in and smiled. "I'm here…I'm here."

Chris chucked as he stood with gear in hand. "Good morning, I'm here."

Taylor laughed, "Taylor."

"Good morning Taylor, I'm Chris Desoto."

"Good to meet you, Chris. Are you hanging out with us today?"

"Yes, Sir, finally."

Chris leaned over to close the locker but nearly lost his notebook. Kyle smiled. "I'll get it." The paramedic reached over to close the door and stopped for a second before he did. "Chris, I've got a few questions for you."

"Yes?"

"We'll talk as we get your gear stowed. I seemed to recognize the two men in bunkers with you."

Chris smiled, "My dad and my uncle John Gage. They are both Captains here in the department. Dad is at 95s. John is at 127s, although he started here."

Taylor's jaw dropped. "We met them a few months back after a bad day."

"And yes, Kyle, that was John's hands on his paramedic pin before their last shift."

"That was just…wow."

Spurred on by knowing their ride-along's identity, Taylor changed quickly. After he did, the trio left the locker room. Kyle showed Chris where to put his gear before they walked into the day room.

KMG 365

Mike turned and handed the coffee to his paramedics. "Chris, do you want a cup?"

"Please, Cap."

"You got it. Drink it quick, roll call in ten." Mike said as he handed Chris his cup.

Mike introduced the engine crew while Chris drank his coffee. "Now, before we line up for our regular roll, Chris, there are a few ground rules for you."

"Yes, Sir."

"When we are here, bend our ears. You can even show us a few things in PT shortly if you want. We are going to keep you busy today."

"Looking forward to it."

"You have the clearance to run with all of us. You will be a gopher when we are on scene, depending on the scene. I may have you help with a few other things. The one thing we were told is that you can run with the squad, but do not interfere with the calls."

"Understood, Sir."

"Any time you dispatch, you must wear your gear."

"Understood."

Mike looked around at the crew. "Now that the ground rules are set let's go line up for roll."

Coffee cups met the table as the crew walked out to the bay and dutifully lined up. Chris was between Adam and Kyle. The crew listened as Mike and Hank provided a few updates from headquarters. Then it was time for the chores before the gang broke up.

At first, the ride-along gravitated to the squad. He watched as Kyle and Taylor restocked their supplies. "Can I ask you something while you work, guys?"

"Anything," Kyle replied.

"How do you set up your drug box? I've heard there are a few ways to do it, but I'm curious how you do it."

"We group the life-saving medicine at the front of the box and then work our way back. We also keep at least two IV kits up front at all times for quick access on scene."

"That makes sense. Seconds can save lives."

"Most definitely."

Further conversation was cut off when the klaxtons went off for the squad.

KMG 365

Chris stepped back and let the squad left. After they were gone, he helped the engine crew then worked out with them. It was just after eleven when Dominic finally had the chance to think about dinner.

Chris noticed the engineer looking around the kitchen with a slightly lost look in his eyes. He walked over. "Hey, Dominic, what's up?"

"I'm in a food rut today, Chris. I know I'm cooking, but I really can't think of anything."

Chris smiled. "I have an idea if you want."

"Shoot. Tonight's dinner is as much for you as it is us."

"What if we do foil meals for dinner; a couple of pounds of ground beef, carrots, potatoes, and seasoning?"

"That sounds good. What do you guys think?" Dominic turned and asked the rest of the engine crew.

"Let's do it," the guys said.

After making a quick grocery list, the engine crew and Chris headed for the store. They had just gotten back to the station and put the food away when the truck was toned out.

KMG 365

Two hours later, the whole crew was back in the station. Chris worked with Dominic on dinner before he helped with some of the other station chores. Throughout the rest of the day, the crew was kept busy. Chris helped where he could on the scene while taking mental notes that led to several interesting conversations. Everybody was thrilled at how Chris was interested in everything.

KMG 365

Dominic made breakfast for dinner, which the crew enjoyed. Chris helped with the dishes afterward. By the time they were done, it was 1955 and time for Dom to do the colors.

The taller man smiled at Chris. "Do you want to see one of my favorite duties?"

Chris smiled, "Sure."

The duo walked out of the dayroom and headed for Mike's office. The door was open as it usually was except in the rare time that the crew needed to talk privately. Dom smiled as he knocked on the door to get his Captain's attention.

Mike looked up. "Hey, Dom, what's up?"

"It's time for the colors, Cap. I am going to take Chris with me so he can see them."

"Okay." Mike looked at his clock. "I can't believe it's that late in the day."

"Time flies in the county's hands," Dom said as he chuckled.

Mike laughed as he stood and stretched his tall frame. "This is very true, my friend. This is very true." He walked toward Dom and Chris.

The trio turned and walked out of the open front bay door. The day had been warm, near ninety, and it was not cooling off quickly, so the bay door was open for more air. Dom smiled at his company for the evening colors before he stepped forward and took care of the flags.

As he started lowering the flags, Mike snapped to attention and saluted. Chris snapped to attention and slowed his breathing enough to focus on each crease. The teenager was awe-struck by how the act hit him hard. It cleared his mind and stirred up the long-held emotions he always felt when he saw the colors. It was pride from Roy's time in the service mixed with his dad's pride for being a public servant. The duo was silent until Dom was done.

Mike waited until Dom had both flags in his hands before he relaxed; Chris took the cue and did the same. Dom smiled as he walked by both men and led them inside. Seconds after Dom secured the flags. The tones started sounding.

KMG 365

Tensions in the station quickly rose as the string of tones continued to echo off the walls. This was a significant response situation. By the time Sam's voice cut through the speaker, Mike's crew and Hank were all in their gear and vehicles. Chris had grabbed his gear and jumped into the center seat in the squad because it was the closest one.

Sam "Station 36, Station 51, Station 10, Foam 127, Engine 95, Truck 105, Batallion 14, structure fire at the warehouse complex. There are reports of people missing at 108 Industrial. That's 1-0-8 Industrial, cross street Commerce, time out 2005."

The station emptied, with Hank leading the parade as the requested stations started acknowledging the tones. You could cut the tension in the squad with a knife. For Chris, it was a rare occasion to watch his dad and lifelong friends work together. It was also the most significant call he had been on all day. For Adam and Taylor, the tension stemmed from the potential missing persons.

The roads were busy, but thankfully drivers quickly got out of the way of the emergency vehicles heading to the scene from all directions. As the already snarling ball of flame came into view, Hank's voice cut through the radio. He put all crews on one channel for fire ground communication then started directing the units to their attack positions.

Chris was stunned as what seemed to be a vehicle choreography followed Hank's directions. He stayed in the squad until Adam had hooked up the feed line for the truck and jumped in. Once they arrived at their spot, the squad emptied. Chris helped the guys unload their gear before he ran for the truck. Unless he was beckoned, he knew his spot was staying by Dom and Mike.

Once the fire attack began, Chris ran between units to help with the grunt work for the call. The heat of the angry fire continued to grow as it mixed with the hot air temperatures. The combination made for a brutal call that none of the crews were looking forward to working.

An hour into the call, Chris found himself standing next to Chet as Roy decided to take Shane and Seth and Paul, a paramedic from 36s, inside to help with an internal fire attack and look for a missing security guard who had disappeared while trying to look for a worker. Much to the frustration of the crews, the worker was outside and safe. However, the guard was still missing.

Danny, Paul's partner, was set up next to Roy's truck. Time was going to be of the essence because the guard had been missing for quite some time. As Roy's skunk stripped helmet disappeared into the flames, Chris paused for just a moment next to Chet. He murmured a short prayer for safety before he quickly refocused.

As he lowered his head, he noticed Chet and Johnny doing the same thing out of the corner of his eye. Chet waited until the teen had brought his back down before he put his hand on his neck. "They'll be fine, Chris."

Chris nodded. "I…I know. It's just nerve-wracking seeing him disappear into the belly of the beast."

Chet nodded. "I know, my friend. I always say a quick prayer for them every time we get a call, but I know they've got this."

Chris nodded again before he jogged over to Paul, who was quickly laying out the gear. The paramedic was surprised at how easily the teen took direction and commented. "Please tell me you can join us soon, Explorer."

Chris grinned as he laid an oxygen tank next to the emergency blanket that held medications, a burn kit, and the biophone. "I turn eighteen in January. I plan on applying for the fall academy next year since I graduate high school in May."

"Please, I beg you, please do."

Further conversation was cut off when Danny's radio came to life. "HT 36 to Squad 36."

"Go ahead, HT 36," Danny responded quickly.

"We've found him. Captain Desoto and I are bringing him out. He's critical with burns everywhere but still alive."

"10-4, I'll have a bus on standby for a wrap and run. Squad 36, out."

Danny rekeyed the radio, "Battalion 14, squad 36."

"Go ahead, squad 36," Hank responded.

"Chief, we need an ambulance next to engine 95 for a wrap and run of a critical patient."

"10-4."

Danny dropped the radio as Hank called in the requested ambulance. It arrived next to the truck just as Paul and Roy emerged from the beast. The fire was becoming unstable, and the crews had slowly started moving away from it. It was almost as if they sensed it could flash at any second but didn't know exactly when.

KMG 365

The guard was quickly laid out on the stretcher. Danny had moved the gear to the waiting ambulance. He handed Roy an oxygen mask. The captain made the quick swap between the two maks. Once the oxygen was applied, the guard was loaded into the ambulance. All of his care and hospital contacts would take place en route.

As the ambulance left, Shane and Seth returned to the closest hose line. The beastly fight was getting desperate. Roy doubled over to catch his breath as his mask hung by his shoulder. Chris ran over to his dad. "Come on, Captain, time to get you some water."

"I…I'm…I'm okay." Roy tried to sputter as he fought to catch his breath.

Chris leaned in closer. "Dad, it's either you come with me and get water, or I'm going to have Chief pull you and then tell mom what you did."

Roy shuddered at the thought of that combination. "Alright, Chris, you win." The overheated man leaned on his son as they made their way over to the Captain's side of the engine.

Chris called out, "Chet!"

The requested man set the gauges and appeared at Chris's side in seconds. "Whatcha need, Chris?"

"Radio Chief, let him know we need ice and request a squad to come down and take a look at a possible heat exhaustion case.' The teen's formal tone made Chet listen and smile simultaneously; he was proud to see his nephew growing up in front of him.

"Understood." Chet opened the door and grabbed the radio to make the requested call. Inches from him, Chris helped his dad out of his SCBA. He also opened his jacket and rolled up his cuffs before handing Roy a bottle of water.

Roy downed the first bottle in a matter of mouthfuls before he started to speak. "Thank you, Chris."

"You're welcome."

Chris handed him a second water bottle as Taylor and Kyle arrived with Hank and the ice not far behind them.

KMG 365

"What's going on, Chris?" Taylor asked.

"He doubled over and started breathing heavily after the ambulance left. The guard was heavy, but…."

Roy cut him off. "The heat and the beast suck when they meet." He groaned as he started the second bottle of water.

Kyle and Taylor did quick work examining Roy. Taylor asked, "Captain Desoto, when did you eat?"

Chet checked the watch he always wore. "About five hours ago."

"Chet, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Chet, can you grab me a sports bar?"

Roy made a face; he knew exactly where this was going. "Those things taste like cardboard."

"It's either that or glucose gel. Pick one." Kyle said in a tone that left no room for argument as Chris laid the ice on the back of his dad's neck.

"Alright, alright, I'll take the bar."

Hank's radio started coming to life as he asked. "Is he okay to stay on duty?"

"As long as he eats the bar and it stays in place, yes. I also want him to drink at least one more bottle of water."

Chris spoke up. "Don't worry; I'll make sure he does that."

Hank smiled tightly and nodded as he answered his radio. The traffic also put Kyle and Taylor back to work. Chet bounced between the gauges and making sure Roy was okay. True to his word, Chris watched his father like a hawk. Roy worked through the food and water slowly so as he didn't get sick.

KMG 365

As he ate and drank, Roy asked, "Chris, how has the day been?"

Chris took a drink of the water that had been not so subtly dropped in his hands. "Really interesting. It's been a busy but not nuts day. I've been learning a lot."

"Good. Have you been talking to Mike and the crew?"

"Chief too."

"Good." Roy finished his water and stood up. "Thank you, Chris, for your help."

"You're welcome, dad. Stay safe."

"Always," Roy said with a smile as he buttoned his jacket and put his helmet back on. It was time to get back to work.

KMG 365

Twenty minutes after Roy returned to duty, the inevitable building monster could not be held back anymore. "It's going to blow!" A voice from Engine 105 screamed into the radio from inside the belly of the beast. The deadly warning was followed by a rumble on the ground and the mournful screaming of the retreat tones.

As the tones blared, Hank's voice tore through the scene via various radio. "All personnel retreat. Take cover, get to a safe space; flashover is imminent." The urgency in Hank's call sent shivers up every back on scene. Chris followed Dom behind the truck and hit his stomach as the engineer did. Behind them, crews from all over were sprinting for cover.

A loud explosion tore through the area as the last man from 105s found cover behind his truck. The inky black sky suddenly backlit a fireball that was as bright as the midday sun. The sound and shockwaves shook the scene and every man at it to the core. As the temper tantrum ended, Hank began receiving head counts from every captain on the scene.

After giving the building another minute, the crews returned to their fire attack as Hank called in the second alarm. All of the units on the scene were relieved to know that everyone was safe and accounted for, including Chris. Even though he was shaken by what happened, Chris forced himself to stay focused on the scene. His moves were crisp and work-like. It was an effort to show support and not succumb to the emotions and feelings quickly swirling inside of him.

It took a few more hours, but the fire was finally beaten into submission, and the first alarm crews were released from the scene. The second alarm crews would stay for mop-up duty as the fire inspector began working the scene. Amazingly, while there were ten injuries, all civilians on the scene, no lives had been lost in the hours-long war.

KMG 365

Once Mike and his crew were released, Chris helped with the hose rolls. Then he slowly climbed into the cab of the truck. He squeezed between a very tired lineman.

As Dom pulled away, Mike asked, "Chris?"

"Yes, Cap?" Chris replied in a tone that started to give away his shakiness.

"You did an amazing job tonight. Thank you! I wish I could say more that doesn't seem to be enough."

"My pleasure, Sir." Chris swallowed as he tried to focus on Adam's breathing next to him. He was frustrated with himself but didn't want to show it. Now was neither the time nor the place to give in to his building delayed reaction, the teen thought as the bright red engine made its way through the dark of night.

KMG 365

The clock struck midnight as the backup tones of the vehicles echoed off the walls of station 10. Eight tired humans spilled from the vehicles. Before he left his car, Hank called the original units down for thirty minutes to rehab.

Mike yawned as he said, "Guys, go clean up."

Chris headed for the dayroom as the others scattered. He yawned as he started the coffee. Once the lifegiving drink was started, he stepped back into the bay and slowly stripped off his bunker jacket. As he went to hang the coat up with the others, his hands began to tremble.

'Not now,' the teenager practically begged himself silently. 'I don't want them to think I can't do this.' Chris cursed himself as he tried to catch his breath. Unbeknownst to him, Mike had watched the whole scene play out. The concerned captain walked over as Chris caught his breath.

Mike's voice was warm and caring. "Are you okay, Chris?"

Chris jumped slightly as he tried to hide the shake resulting from the delayed reaction to the scene that had played out over the last several hours. "Y.."

"Chris, honestly."

Chris lowered his head just a bit. "I will be, but right now, I cannot get my hands to stop shaking."

Mike laid an understanding hand on Chris's neck. "Come on, Boot, it's time for you to understand the most important use of the kitchen table. No, I don't mean meals either." Chris kept his head down, afraid that his emotions would boil over if he looked up. He let Mike gently guide him into the dayroom.

KMG 365

Chris was hardly aware when Mike called out from the kitchen, "Hey boys, if you are decent, please join us in the kitchen. Chief, you too, please." The request brought the others into the room in a matter of minutes.

By then, Chris had put his head on the table. He stupidly thought that laying down would help him. However, the moment he closed his eyes, they snapped back open as he felt the shake of the explosion rattle through him. The others saw the reaction and quickly surrounded the young man. Seven hands found the teenager as Mike turned his chair slightly and knelt in front of him.

Mike's voice was sincere and caring. "Chris, look at me."

Chris looked up and realized he was surrounded. "Sorry, guys." His voice was shaken.

"For what?" Adam asked.

"I…I let the scene get to me."

Dom stepped up next to Mike and knelt next to his on-scene shadow. "Chris, believe me when I say those tones and flashovers get to all of us. Throw in the fact that you were the one that convinced your own father to pull out and get water, and nobody blames you. Honestly, we'd be more worried if tonight didn't get to you."

Chris swallowed and coughed as he picked up his head. A cold soda found his hand before he could even request it. "Helping my dad felt natural. He doubled over, and I knew it was time to get him water and cooled off before we had a full-blown code I."

Chris tried to open his soda. It wasn't working with his hands. Dom reached up and opened it before handing it over. "Here, my friend."

Chris took a long drink before he spoke again. "The flashover is what is getting to me. Is that something you ever get used to?"

Hank replied in his fatherly voice. "No, and the minute you do, it's time to hang up your gear. We all had goosebumps on scene."

"So what I'm feeling is normal?" Chris swallowed a burp as he looked around the room.

"Very."

Chris let out a loud breath. "I've learned a lot today. I owe you guys an apology for hiding this."

"No, you don't," Taylor said. "It's understandable, but like your dad once told Kyle and me, it's better to bend ears than twist your stomach."

"That sounds like him."

Roco smiled over his now drained cup of coffee. "Chris, before we go to bed, can I ask you something?"

"Only fair since I've been asking questions all day."

"Why do you want to join our crazy blue family? I mean, I've worked with my share of ridealongs and Boots over the years. By far, you are heads and shoulders above them in direction taking and interest."

Chris grinned. "How much time do we have for story time?"

Hank stifled a yawn. "As much as you need."

Chris turned to Kyle. "Kyle, can you grab the picture out of my locker?"

"Sure," Kyle said as he stood and left the room.

Chris looked at Roco. "Two of the reasons I want to join the department are right here, Rocco. I've known your Captain and Chief since I was a young boy. I grew up around them and honestly learned quite a bit about leadership from both of them. Kyle is getting a picture of the other two reasons."

Hank refilled drinks as Kyle walked back into the room. He handed over the requested picture. "Thank you, Kyle."

"You're welcome, my friend."

Chris handed the picture to Rocco. "This is the rest of my inspiration. On the right, you'll see a picture of me kneeling between my dad Captain Roy Desoto and my uncle Captain John Gage. I've seen those two work in less than ideal conditions to save lives they would never meet again. I've learned how to handle people and stress from them."

"Whose hand is that in the other picture?"

"John's. My sister took that the last day he served under Hank as a paramedic. It's a reminder to remember my roots and realize the power we hold in every shift. It's also a reminder to keep fighting for the things you believe in. In his case, it's the idea of a paramedic engine crew so a medic doesn't have to choose between becoming a Captain or giving up the pin that means he can save lives."

Mike smiled tiredly. "Chris, can I see your picture? I've seen a lot of pictures from that list shift, but that one I haven't seen."

"Sure."

Rocco handed the requested picture to Mike. The quiet man gasped. "I can almost feel his pain in the picture."

Hank spoke up. "Mike, may I?"

Mike handed over the picture. It elicited the same reaction from Hank. "It's in black and white, and still, you can feel his hands shake."

Chris spoke up. "I'll be honest, Chief, he was a mess that morning. Both of them were, but yet I can feel the strength and never give up in his hands."

"I can see that."

Rocco smiled tiredly. "Chris, I know it's late, but I know I speak for the entire crew when I say, Boot, you are welcome here any time. It's been a pleasure to have you among us today, and the department will be lucky to have you when you do join our ranks officially."

Adam added. "We also want a copy of your football schedule. Can't guarantee we'll make it to all the games, but you'll know when we are there."

Chris chuckled. "You'll be louder than the band."

Dom laughed heartily. "Hey, we resemble that remark."

"I know you do," Chris said as he yawned.

Mike yawned as he asked, "Chris, how are you feeling?"

Chris responded honestly. "Better now, Mike. Tired, but better."

"Good." Mike looked at the clock; it was 0130. "Boys, it's sack time."

KMG 365

Sleepy heads nodded as cups met the sink. Chris stood and tiredly washed the cups before following Mike, the last one out of the room, upstairs to the dorms. Boots and bunker pants were set up before the exhausted crew crawled into their bed. It was only minutes later that snoring filed the room.

The squad was called out for a sick person at 0430. Chris got up to go with them but was shaken off by Kyle. The teen nodded gratefully and fell back to sleep. An hour later, the medics were back. Two solid flops were all that broke up the snoring as they immediately fell back to sleep.

It was 0700 when the morning tones went off to wake the station. Groans and muttered curse words filled the dorms. Mike chuckled as he waited to acknowledged the tones. Chris, used to being awake, was the first out of the room after stripping his bed. He headed downstairs to start the coffee.

The teen enjoyed every second with the crew. It had been a day he would never forget, one he knew would inspire him in the future. Shift change led to introductions before A shift headed out as one. Chris was sent off by a chorus of goodbye and thank you. He was going to go home, get a shower, and enjoy one of his last days off before the insanity of his senior year started.