p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"Chapter 2-A Rude Awakening/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank and Mike fell into a comfortable sleep in their tents by 2300. They were wrapped in their sleeping bags using a light blanket on top and a rather firm pillow under their heads. The only sounds filling their site were the snores from both men. The inky black curtain that fell over their campsite was filled with the stars' lights and nearly full moon. It was a peaceful night that let the men truly relax and fall into a deep slumber./p
p class="MsoNormal"As much as both men had hoped for a quiet night, the fate of the world had different plans for them. It was just after 0100 when the sounds of a speeding car's squealing tires tore through the quiet sky. Used to being awakened in a hurry, Hank and Mike were both out of their sleeping bags and hurriedly tossing on their hiking boots. They had set them up next to their beds as if they were at the station./p
p class="MsoNormal"Both men emerged from their tents at the same time. Hank turned on the lantern as they locked eyes. Before either could speak, another ear-piercing squeal rang out. It was followed by a solid thud and then nothing. Both men turned at the sounds and watched in horror with their mothers agape as a speeding sports car that had once been on the road was now careening through the air./p
p class="MsoNormal"Wide awake as they watched the scene unfold before them, the duo was in motion before the car came to rest on the ground. Its natural motion plus gathered speed caught the top of the tent of the young family from earlier. The tent was lodged in the car's undercarriage and carried into the nearby stream where the vehicle finally came to rest between its banks./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank barked, "Mike, grab the knife from the footlocker and the kits from the truck. I'll radio for help." Mike nodded and ran for the requested tools. Both men were in full work mode. Mike grabbed the tools along with both pairs of thick gloves and lantern. Then he turned on his heels and sprinted across the flattened ground, knowing full well he was about to get wet./p
p class="MsoNormal"As he arrived at the closest bank, he was greeted by two men armed with bright lanterns. 'Not ideal, but better than nothing,' Mike thought. "Sir," the quiet engineer's voice was louder than normal had taken on a note of authority./p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry," the man replied./p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry, my name is Mike Stoker. I am a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I need you to take one of these emergency blankets and set it up away from the site. Also, take the first aid kit with you. I have help coming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike turned to the other man, "Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Todd."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Todd, I need you to go check the car. Please make sure both men are awake. Do not move them until we check them out for head and neck injuries."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir," Todd turned. He put the lantern down by the stream and headed for the vehicle./p
p class="MsoNormal""Where are you going?" Concern filled Larry's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""To get the family of four that I have a feeling is still in their tent." Without another word, Mike dropped the tools and dove in. The water was illuminated by the lantern the other man held close to the bank./p
p class="MsoNormal"It did not take long for the Engineer's eyes to adjust to the watery conditions as his training both from the Navy and the Fire Department kicked in. In one breath, he had found the tent. Much to his dismay, he could feel the heat of the car above him. It had melted the zipper shut. Mike quickly opened the large survival knife and sliced the tent like it was a piece of paper./p
p class="MsoNormal"The material stood no chance against the sharp blade and ripped open without a problem. Mike was relieved to see four, scared, but seemingly alive although burned tent occupant staring back at him. He motioned for the first to reach out for him. It was a young girl with piercing and scared green eyes. She grabbed her mon's hand and reached for the rescuer./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike took their hands and carefully checked both for spinal injuries as they crested the surface of the stream. He was relieved that neither seemed to have neck or head injuries. Aside from inhaling some water and their burns, both seemed to be in decent shape, all things considered./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"As Mike ran for the tools and his gloves, Hank ran for the cab of the truck. He nearly ripped the door off as he reached in and realized Mike had purposely left the keys on the center console. After all, the truck wouldn't move without them knowing it. Quickly starting the engine, Hank smiled when he saw the CB radio./p
p class="MsoNormal"The Captain jumped in the driver's seat and grabbed the mic. He quickly flipped the radio to the emergency channel. "Urgent urgent urgent, Timberland campsite one to Timberland base. Urgent, urgent, urgent."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Seconds later, JB answered, "I heard the wreck Hank, I'm on the way. What do you need?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""PD, 3 medic units, 2 choppers, an engine to be safe, and all the first aid supplies you have."/p
p class="MsoNormal""10-4 Timberland Base out."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank dropped the mic, shut the engine off, but left the lights on and grabbed more emergency blankets, a pair of wire cutters, as well, as some of the bottled water. It was not nearly enough, and he knew it, but it was all they had. Armed with what he could find, he bolted for the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"The older man arrived just as Mike surfaced. The equipment dropped on to the bank as Hank hit his knees. Mike spoke quickly. "There's two more down there. All appear burned, unsure of other injuries at this time."/p
p class="MsoNormal""We've got help rolling. Did you cut the wires?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Not yet."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll get them," Hank said as he took the young girl from Mike's outstretched arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry met him at the bank. "Sir, I'll take her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took one look at the sincerity in the man's eyes and nodded. He carefully handed the little girl over before taking her mother from Mike. The scared woman started to freak out. She choked out, "M…my husband and son are down there."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank kept his voice calm, "Easy ma'am, my man is about to get them."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Who are you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank watched as Mike took a deep breath and dove under once again. "My name is Hank Stanley; I am a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The man in the water is my second in command, Engineer Mike Stoker. Your husband and son are in good hands."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped the older lady over to the blanket. "Sir…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry replied, "Larry."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry, can you watch them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sure, Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank turned, wiped his hands on a dry towel that appeared. Then he put his gloves on, ran over to the bank, and grabbed the wire cutters. In a matter of movements, the Captain had the wires cut to the battery. He quickly checked the area, relieved there were no obvious signs of gasoline. Once he was satisfied that the engine was secured, Hank carefully made his way to the driver's side door./p
p class="MsoNormal"He was met by Todd, "Sir, my name is Hank Stanley. Were you injured in the wreck?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd replied, "My name is Todd. No, I was checking on the men, but it's taken until now to get the driver's door open."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped Todd open the door. As they did, the obviously dazed driver turned and nearly fell out of the seat. He smelled of various illegal substances. "Wow, man, what a trip."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank grabbed the unsteady man. His voice was even but authoritative. "More like a flight, Sir. Do you hurt anywhere?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Besides my head, no."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Your neck doesn't hurt," Hank noted the stream of blood running down the young man's head./p
p class="MsoNormal""No, Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." Hank turned to Todd. "Can you help him over to the blanket? Wrap him in another blanket and keep him upright and talking."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir," Todd took control of the unsteady man and led him away. Hank glanced at the water; he was concerned that Mike had not yet style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe then turned back to the car and was met by the passenger, in the same shape as the driver./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank carefully walked the man over to Larry's waiting blanket. "Stay here; help is on the way."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The dazed man could only blink as the idea of nodding mixed with the gallons of alcohol in his system made him want to lose his dinner. It was not a pleasant thought, and he was desperate for things to stay in place. Hank nodded at Larry and sprinted back to the bank as he heard JB pull up./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank yelled over his shoulder. "JB, get me an ambulance up here yesterday."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The ranger quickly added the apparatus to his call as Hank knelt again, the surface broke with another victim. The third victim, the father, was able to surface just before the engineer. He only had burns and water injuries. Hank helped him out of the water./p
p class="MsoNormal"Before the Captain could speak, Mike's blue eyes cut through the water. He gasped as he carefully held the final victim against him. The move was a cross between semi-spinal precautions and something to protect the child's obviously broken ankle. It had taken him a few minutes to free the young boy as he was tangled in his sleeping bag. "Watch him, Cap. He was tangled in his sleeping bag. His neck and back seem okay, but his lungs are having a rough time. He also has a dislocated left ankle. His name is Cameron, at least that's the name on his sleeping bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly, the young man coughed. Mike turned him carefully in his arms just before he started spewing water back into the stream before he spoke. "I am Cameron."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled softly, "Hi Cameron. My name is Hank. Let's get you out of this water, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank carefully helped Mike bring Cameron out of the water. While he held the young boy in his arms, Mike carefully braced the injured ankle./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." The scared boy changed his grip to a firm one as Hank took him from Mike. "H…hank, p…please don't let me go."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The tone of the scared young man's voice made the father of two swallow hard. "I won't, buddy, now let's get you outta the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike carefully lifted Cameron into Hank's arms. As Hank stood up, He carefully braced the small boy's ankle in his arm. JB reached down and helped the engineer from the water. "Thanks, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No problem, Mike. Nice swimming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike blushed, "Thanks."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The engineer stood, and the duo sprinted back to the over-crowded blanket. Mike helped Larry lay out a second blanket that held the young girl and her dad. Even though he was back around his parents, Cameron had refused to let go of Hank./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike opened his mouth to speak when the familiar baritone voice of dispatcher Sam Lanier emerged from JB's radio. "Timberland Base, this is LA County Fire Dispatch. How do you read?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank smiled at the sound of the calm voice. It let them know that the cavalry was on the way before JB even cued the radio. The young ranger hit the talk button, "Go for Timberland base."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sam asked, "Units requesting an update, have all patients been extricated from the water?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Affirmative dispatch. Two children, one male, one female. Their parents have also been rescued."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Stand by Timberland base."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The radio went quiet as JB turned to Hank. "Who?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "That's Sam Lanier. I don't think the man ever takes a day off, but he's the best in the business."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike grabbed the notebook from the first aid kit. He wrote down some basic observations that he knew Sam wanted. All four of them were in serious condition but holding their own, all things considered. The adults had serious second-degree burns. They had been able to clear the water from their lungs. The young girl had burns on her face, but thankfully not in her eyes. Her lungs were alright, but she had a raspy cough brought on by the burns and water./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron was in the most serious shape. However, he refused to let go of Hank. The Captain had carefully wrapped him loosely in a blanket. Mike brought over a rescue split to help stabilize the young boy's ankle. Hank had him propped up against his body. "Mike, do you need help?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Just hold him still, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You got it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike carefully laid the rough splint along Cameron's leg. The young boy turned his head into Hank's chest and bit his lip. He didn't want to scream and scare his parents or sister. Hank rubbed his back gently, "Easy buddy, easy. Just try to breathe for me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""H…hurts."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank was about to reply when JB's radio screamed to life. "LA County to Timberland Base."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Go LA."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Units requesting updated conditions."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Stand by LA."/p
p class="MsoNormal"JB handed the radio to Hank. The Captain keyed the radio with his free hand and spoke evenly. "LA, we have six patients today. Two adults have concussions and head lacerations. The other four patients all with severe first and second degree burns along with water exposure. The juvenile female has facial burns. A juvenile male is borderline shocky. We have him wrapped in an emergency blanket. He has severe burns to his left arm and a dislocated left ankle from being caught in his sleeping bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal""10-4 Timberland. There are two copters inbound as well as a paramedic unit with Mayfair. The PD is 10 minutes out. A brush truck is also en route."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank let out a mental sigh of relief. "Understood LA. Timberland clear."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank handed the radio back to JB. Mike jogged over to the blanket where the young girl was. Hank watched as Mike carefully cleaned a few minor cuts on the little girl's arm. She looked up, "Mister."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "My name is Mike. What's yours?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Julie."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi, Julie."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi Mike, is my brother going to be okay? That other man seems concerned."/p
p class="MsoNormal""He's going to be okay, sore for a while, but okay. That's my Captain Hank. I think your brother is ready to adopt him, though."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Julie laughed softly before she hissed. "Sorry, honey, just trying to keep your cuts clean."/p
p class="MsoNormal""'s okay, they just hurt."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike finished the rest of the girl's wounds while JB took a look at the duo from the car. The driver had vomited twice while being supported by Larry. JB had bandaged his head using a combination of supplies from the three kits at the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron looked at Hank. "I…I hurt." His voice cracked as his eyes filled with tears./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's heart broke as he carefully changed his grip. "I know, buddy, I know. I promise my friends are coming to help you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A…are my mom and dad okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, buddy, we are." Cameron's parents walked over. Cameron looked up but stayed in Hank's arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled at the trio. "Hi there."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi, my name is Brent," the father offered a slightly burned hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi Brent, my name is Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron cut in excitedly, "Daddy, Hank is a real firefighter."/p
p class="MsoNormal""He is?" Brent's voice was full of surprise./p
p class="MsoNormal""I am," replied Hank. "Actually, I am a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. My second in command, Mike is the man who helped the four of you out of the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brent was stunned. His wife started, "Wh…what, were you doing up here?" Her voice shook as Brent carefully wrapped her in a blanket./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank reached over and touched her shoulder with a calming hand. "Mike and I were up here to relax. One of our crewmates recommended the campground."/p
p class="MsoNormal""We…we owe you our lives. M..my name is Becky."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled warmly, "Hi Becky. We are just doing our jobs." He slowly looked up and saw the two-car occupants doing somewhat better. Although they were still being supported./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB jogged over. "How we doing here, Captain?" Both men winced as the sounds of vomiting ripped through the area./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank commented, "Concussions plus drinking, lovely. Holding our own just…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's comment was cut off as a sudden burst of sound cut through the campground. "Hey JB, can you bring them in?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You got it." JB turned and ran back toward his truck to lead the crews in./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron started crying. The sirens were bothering the child, who was starting to really feel his injuries. Hank rubbed his back gently. "Easy buddy, they are here to help us."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really, bud. I promise they'll go quiet in just a minute."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron looked up at his parents. His voice shook with pain, "M…mommy, daddy, we are really going to be okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brent smiled tiredly, "Yes, we are Cam, yes we are."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"While Hank was trying to calm Cameron down, Mike was running between the blankets. The engineer in full work was constantly checking on the six patients./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank called out, "How are we looking?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""They couldn't have gotten here at a better time. Our car crew both have concussions, vomited x 2 with both. Julie is sore but holding her own."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank shook his head. He knew from experience the car duo would be hurting tomorrow, although they would not admit it./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Minutes after the first sirens ripped through the campground, JB's headlights once again illuminated the site. Hank and Mike looked up. Without a word, Mike took off for the truck as JB came to a stop. He was followed by an overflowing ambulance and the crew of station 69 and three cop cars./p
p class="MsoNormal"Paramedic Craig Brice from station 39 jumped out. "Stoker?" There was a note of shock in his voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, Brice. We've got four burn victims and two with concussions. What can I help you guys grab?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Along with the cops and JB, all three crews grabbed enough equipment to fill a small trauma bay. There were burn kits, trauma kits, splint boxes, and drug boxes. The Captain of 69s trailed them, John Smith, who was carrying the bright orange biophone./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank looked up as the myriad of boxes landed between the blankets. Captain Smith knelt. "Hank, I thought you were off duty."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank chuckled, "Never off duty, John. You know that."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brice spoke up in his normal monotone voice. "Captain Stanley, what do we have?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Our friends Larry and Toddy have your two concussion victims. Both have open cuts on their foreheads. They've been bandaged but need more. They have vomited twice each. Miss. Julie is the young lady behind you; she's got some cuts on her arms and burns on her face. Mom and dad Becky and Brent have second-degree burns on their arms, and I suspect, on their chests. My friend Cameron here has a dislocated ankle, burns on his arms and chest, and is borderline going into shock."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The victims were quickly divided between the three crews. Captain Smith opened the biophone. Even though the old school leader was not a fan of the medical scenes, he knew somebody needed to relay information to Rampart./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank barely listened to his fellow Captain as he turned his attention to Cameron and Bellingham. "Cameron, this is my friend, Bob. He is going to help you feel better."/p
p class="MsoNormal""B... but I thought that was your job." Cameron's voice shook in fear and pain./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's voice broke. Before he had to squeeze anything out around the lump that had formed, the gentle giant of a paramedic spoke in a calming tone. "That is his job, Cameron, but see, he's usually a boss. He's asking me to help you because I can take a look at your ankle and ask the doctors about some medicine that will make you feel better."/p
p class="MsoNormal""C... Can I stay with him until we go?" Cameron's tone was pleading./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course, you can, little buddy. I know better than to break the bond you guys have. Now I need to listen to your chest. I know you took in some water, didn't you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron nodded, "Yes, until Mister Mike pulled me out of my sleeping bag. I…I got to get a new one. He had to cut it open. My leg was stuck. I…I just don't know where to get one with my name on it again."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled as he spoke. "Don't worry, my friend. I am sure there is one out there just for little superheroes like you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""O... okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped Cameron sit up while Bob listened to his heart and lungs before he scribbled down notes./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank waited until John had the phone on his shoulder before he yelled to Mike, who was helping one of the medics for 19s put the car's driver on a stretcher. "Stoker, grab the station shirt out of my bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike nodded and quickly took off toward the campsite. It was not hard to find since the lights turned Timberland into a midday showcase. He opened Hank's tent and quickly found the requested t-shirt at the top of his bag. Shirt in hand, he turned and ran back to the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"He knelt next to Hank as Bob prepared the ankle splint that Rampart had requested. Even though he had already started an IV of morphine, the paramedic knew applying the splint was going to hurt. The only saving grace was that while Cameron's burns were serious, they were mainly on his torso and pelvic region. Amazingly his legs had not been burned./p
p class="MsoNormal"Bob applied the burn sheets first as JB brought over the stretcher. Mike looked at Hank. "Here ya go, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took the shirt in his open hand. "Thanks, Mike. Bob, how do you want to do this?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""In one smooth motion. We'll get the splint on, then get him loaded up. He's going in 2 with me and Carl, who has his mom already loaded. Brice and Jamie are taking his dad and sister in 10."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." Hank looked down at Cameron. He was thankful that the young boy seemed to be responding fairly well to the oxygen cannula and piggybacked morphine and D5W. "Hey buddy, can you do me a favor?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I can try," came the pained response./p
p class="MsoNormal""I want you to hold onto my shirt, bite down on it, and put your head into my chest, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""O... Okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron took the shirt Hank offered him and did as he was asked./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike looked at JB. "JB, trust me, come with me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The serious tone of the firefighter's voice told the ranger now was not a time to ask questions. The duo got up and walked over to where the engine crew of 69s was shoring up the car to move when the requested tow truck finally arrived./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB looked at Mike, "What's up?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike swallowed hard. "Trust me, you do not want to be close when they apply that. It's not going to be easy to listen to even at this distance."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Almost to prove his point, a muffled blood-curdling scream tore through the scene as Bob carefully applied the splint to Cameron's ankle. The sound made Mike and JB shudder./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's heart shattered as his stomach flipped at the sound. His voice was thick as he carefully held Cameron still. "It's okay Cam, I know it hurts my friend. God, I know it hurts, but it'll be over soon." Cameron bit down and grabbed Hank's hand in a death grip. One that no one dared tried to break./p
p class="MsoNormal"Once the splint was applied, Hank carefully rolled Cameron's head and removed the shirt from his mouth. The young boy screamed out again and then passed out from the combination of pain and medications. Hank swallowed hard as Carl helped him to his feet. The shaken captain laid his young charge in the stokes and helped secure him. The IV bags were tucked under his shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal"He swallowed hard before he spoke, "Bob, can. can I…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You can help load him, Hank. I can use the hands; Brice is ready to take off. I can hear the bird screaming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank nodded. He reached up and waved Mike over. Wordlessly, the man materialized in seconds next to his friend. "Help us," was all that Hank could muster in a low tone. The father of two was shaken to the core./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." The metal basket was carefully lifted between the remaining members of 69s crew, including Captain Smith along with Mike and Hank. Bob trailed behind them with the biophone and drug box stuffed under his arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"As the crew headed for the waiting helicopter, the cops, along with JB, Todd, and Larry, cleaned up the scene and put the remaining equipment in one of the squad cars. They didn't want to risk the two concussion victims causing trouble./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank and crew wordlessly carried the young boy over to the helicopter, where he was strapped to a stretcher. Becky saw the shirt and asked, "Captain, don't you want your shirt back?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""He…he can keep it." Hank managed to put a gentle smile on his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe leaned down and whispered into Cameron's ear. "Fight, my friend, fight hard. I will see you soon."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that everybody, but Bob and Carl backed away from the chopper. They moved to a safe distance where they could watch the take-off without getting caught in the rotor wash./p
p class="MsoNormal"Captain Smith squeezed Hank's left shoulder while Mike had his right. Once the chopper took off, the grizzled man looked at his off-duty counterpart. "You know he's in good hands, Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank coughed harshly as he willed his boiling emotions to stay in place. After all, the scene was not clear yet. "I know, Smitty. It's just damn when it's a kid, it's hard. When it's a kid that your man pulls out and then said kid refuses to let go of you. Ugh, it was almost as if he was one of my own."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know Hank, I know." Captain Smith looked over at Mike. "Stoker, keep an eye on him. We'll clean up."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll help." There was a sense of normalcy returning to Hank's voice. "Besides, Mike needs to find new shoes and clothes." The last part was said with an err of authority that the engineer knew not to argue against./p
p class="MsoNormal"The trio walked back toward the campsite, where Mike stopped to gather his clothes so he could change in the bathroom./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank looked at him. "Be careful."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Always, I'll be right up so I can talk to PD."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Take your time. They're not going anywhere any time soon. We're still waiting on the tow truck."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that, Hank and John left the site. Mike followed them to the trail for the bathrooms and then broke away./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"By the time the Captains returned to the scene, they were surprised to see the medical litter packed up. JB, Todd, and Larry were talking to the cops. Smitty waited with Hank, not wanting his friend to have time to get inside his own head. "Hey Hank, besides the fun, how is this place?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled lightly at the diversion technique. "It's really nice during the day. There's a lot of places to hike, and the sites come with their own fire pits."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I saw that and the bucket and shovels."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Did you think Mike and I would risk coming unprepared knowing California's fire risk?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"John smiled slightly, "Yeah, no. You two know better than that."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Exactly."/p
p class="MsoNormal"They were about to continue when one of the cops walked over. "Captain Stanley?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir?" Hank bottled his emotions and the authoritative sound returned to his voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""I need to ask you about what you saw tonight if you're okay to talk."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I am." Hank went on to describe in detail what had happened nearly an hour earlier. Captain Smith shook his head as he listened to the story./p
p class="MsoNormal"The cop wrote down all of the details before he spoke. "Thank you, Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome. I was involved with the little boy, did you by chance, get either of the car's occupants to take a breath test?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Both of them were twice the legal limit and underage to boot," there was a note of serious disdain in the cop's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Lovely." Hank's voice was full of sarcasm and irritation./p
p class="MsoNormal"The cop looked around. "Do you know where the other firefighter went? I believe Larry said his name was Mike."/p
p class="MsoNormal""His name is Mike Stoker. He's my Engineer. I sent him back to camp to get out of his wet clothes. He was headed for the bathroom to change and should be back soon."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Was he the one in the water?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Officer," Hank remained professional even though he was irked by the Captain Obvious question. "He pulled all four members of the family to safety. The first one was the little girl Julie. She was followed by her parents and then her brother Cameron."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." The cop wrote down the information while they waited for Mike to return./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"As Hank predicted, Mike returned minutes later wearing his long sleeve shirt, jacket, a new pair of jeans, and an old pair of sneakers. Hank noticed the footwear and looked at his friend. Mike answered the unasked question. "Only brought one pair of boots. Wasn't exactly planning on swimming in them this weekend."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank nodded and backed away so the cop could talk to Mike. He walked over to JB while Captain Smith checked in with his crew./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB asked, "Hank, how are they?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank swallowed hard. "It's gonna be a hell of a long road for them, but Rampart is one of the best in the country. I trust them with the lives of my men all the time."/p
p class="MsoNormal""How are you?" Concern filled the young Ranger's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank blinked and swallowed again. "I've definitely been better, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I'll be honest with you, when I heard Cameron scream, I almost lost my lunch."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Believe me, son. I was on the boat with you, but I knew he needed me." Hank looked up and saw Larry and Todd standing off to the side, looking rather shaken./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hey JB, if Mike asks, tell him I took Larry and Todd back to our site to get them a drink."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Will do."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank jogged over to where the two civilians were looking rather shaken. "Larry, Todd…" Both men looked up, the shock settling into their features. "Come with me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank quietly led the men back to camp. He set up the folding chairs and guided one man into each. "Gentlemen, first off, I cannot thank you enough for your help tonight. It really was invaluable."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry spoke first. A slight shake was noticeable in his voice. "We only held up the two idiots that caused it. How did that help?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Because it lets us focus on the family that was more seriously injured. Are you guys, okay? Do you want something to drink?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd asked quietly, "Do you have any soda?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""We do."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Can I have one?" Both men asked at the same time./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." Hank quickly opened the cooler and retrieved the requested style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBoth men took them gratefully. "Boys," Hank's voice took on the fatherly tone he used after a rough call. "If you want to talk about anything, my ears are open. Mike's are too once he's done with the cops."/p
p class="MsoNormal"At first, neither man spoke. The site remained quiet until Hank looked up at the sound of Mike's approaching footsteps./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank asked, "Any update on the tow?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ten more minutes, at least. Apparently, it's been an interesting night in the county tonight. The cops want Smitty and his crew to stay to help pull the car out."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Makes sense. Did you tell them we have water and stuff?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, JB is taking care of them, though. He's got the coffee going. We're welcome to have some too if we want it."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike looked at the two quiet civilians who were nursing sodas and trying to mute the burps the carbonated beverages caused. "You guys, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"The simple question finally broke Todd. His voice was full of shock but steady. "It just doesn't seem real. One minute we are sleeping soundly. Our families sharing a campsite crashed out after a long day in the fresh air. The next all hell broke loose."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry chimed in, "All we heard were the tires and then the landing. By the time it registered what happened, the car was already over the stream. Then we see this blur running towards us in Dodger blue and gray, and we knew we weren't dreaming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike blushed lightly. "Didn't mean to scare you guys. Hank and I heard the wreck, and we were in work mode in the blink of an eye."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't apologize. You guys did amazing, although I have to say, Mike, I never knew someone could dive that quick with a knife in their hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""A combination of my training from the department and the Navy kicked in. I knew the clock was ticking, and it was running faster for the family."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You didn't even blink, though."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No time. Thank you for listening to me when I started barking. That's usually Cap's role."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "Don't short yourself, Mike. I heard you as I jumped out of your truck. You sounded exactly like I would have."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled again, "Thanks, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd spoke up, "I…I don't even want to think what would have happened if you guys weren't here tonight." The mere mention of the thought made all four men shudder. Hank and Mike on the ground, Larry and Todd in the chairs./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank said, "I'm just glad we were."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry and Todd finished their sodas. Todd yawned as the adrenaline began to wear off. "I guess we should get back to our families."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "Come on, boys, we'll walk you home."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The two civilians stood. They deposited their cans in the recently untied trash bag. Mike then retied it before the foursome set out for their camp./p
p class="MsoNormal"On the way by, they passed the cops and the tired crew of 69s, all nursing cups of coffee from JB. Mike called out to the Engineer at 69s, "Hey Dave, the keys are in the center console if you need to move my truck to get the tow in here while we walk these two home."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The engineer smiled tiredly, "Thanks, Mike."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry and Todd waved a tired good-bye to the crew and led their escorts back to their site. As expected, they were met by both families, including one curious little girl./p
p class="MsoNormal"The young girl with dark hair walked over to Larry, "Daddy, are you okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm fine, Jackie. I was helping my friends Mike and Hank take care of some people that got hurt after that car crashed."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Jackie smiled as she walked over and gave the two tired strangers hugs. "Thank you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank were stunned by the gesture. Mike spoke shyly. "You're welcome, Sweetheart."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd's wife, Kate, spoke up. "Gentlemen, can we get you anything?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "Oh no, thanks, ma'am. We just wanted to walk the guys home and make sure they were okay. You guys need to get some rest."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A young voice grumbled, "Kinda hard with all the lights."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Now Billy," Todd started./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "It's okay, Todd." He turned and looked at the young boy, "I know it's bright, Billy. When we get back there, we'll ask the guys to shut the lights off so you can go to bed now that almost everything is cleaned up."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ya will?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "We will. I promise."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike added, "He's my boss, and I know he never goes back on his promises."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks, Mister." The young boy yawned loudly and curled into his mom's arms. Goodnights were exchanged before the two firefighters headed out again./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank stayed quiet until they were out of earshot of the camp. They wanted the kids to be able to go back to sleep. When they were finally far enough away, Mike turned and asked, "Cap, how are you really doing?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I've been better. I can tell you that much, Mike." Hank gulped as his mind once again went to Cameron. "I could use an ear once the light show leaves."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Anytime, Cap, I know Cameron really got to you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's putting it lightly. I know we're not supposed to get emotionally involved, but this one…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike reached over and started to rub his friend's neck as the sentence faded. "I know, Cap. I know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The boys made the rest of the walk in silence until they reached the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank walked over to the crew of 69s. "Hey, Smitty."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, Hank?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Can you kill the lights? There are kids at the site that Larry and Todd are sharing, and they're keeping them up."/p
p class="MsoNormal"That was all Dave needed to hear. He reached inside the truck and shut the lights off. The cops took the hint and killed their lights as well. "Thanks, boys," Hank said./p
p class="MsoNormal"Dave smiled, "Anytime, Captain Stanley."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ten minutes after Larry and Todd returned to their camp, the long-awaited tow truck finally arrived. Along with JB, the crew of 69s, the cops, Hank, and Mike, helped move the car from its position. Once the vehicle was secure, the firefighters and their off-duty counterparts inspected the area. Satisfied that there were no dangers to the natural surroundings, 69s finally bid the group farewell./p
p class="MsoNormal"The tired crew followed the tow truck out of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe cops were not far behind as they had completed their onsite investigation, at least as much as could be done under the inky black cover of darkness./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"JB looked at his remaining campers. "Boys, to say thank you does not seem to be enough tonight."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "Just doing our jobs, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank added, "Thanks for coordinating things."/p
p class="MsoNormal""My pleasure," JB yawned. "Do you want some coffee or anything? I have some stuff at the ranger station."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No, thanks," both men answered at the same time./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike added, "I think we are going to stay in our camp for the rest of the night, if you don't mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Not at all. If you guys need anything, you know where I am."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks again, JB." Hank offered his hand, which the ranger shook./p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome," JB said as he shook hands with Mike. "Good night gentlemen."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Good night JB," Mike and Hank chorused./p
p class="MsoNormal"The trio split. JB headed for his truck, and the duo from 51s back to their campsite./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank arrived at their campsite. Mike asked, "Cap do you want me to build another fire?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank ran his hands through his hair, backlit by their lantern. "Nah, I don't think we are going to be up that much longer. I mean, I need some time, and I know you do too, but not that much."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sounds good."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike set the lantern down between the folding chairs and retrieved two sodas from the cooler. Wordlessly he handed one to Hank. "I know we usually do this over coffee…."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled as he opened the soda, "This is fine pal, I could use one anyway to settle down."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Cameron really got to you." It wasn't a question. The statement was said in a voice of concern./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took a long swig of his drink before he looked at his friend in the eyes. "I'm not going to lie to you, Mike. That little boy shook me harder than anybody else has recently." Hank's voice grew thick with emotion. "When he kept asking if he was going to be okay and then got really scared when Bob showed up; I wanted just to wrap him up and carry him in myself."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike reached over and rubbed his friend's neck. The play of emotions on the older man's face was clear in the lantern light. "I can only imagine what you felt when Bellingham had to put that splint on."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's why I asked you for my shirt. I knew if he could bite something, it would help, and I didn't want him to bite me. Damn, that sound is never easy but especially from a kid in his condition. I'll be honest; my stomach was flipping more than when I know the chief is coming to visit."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know it was. I'm sorry I left, but I had to pull JB away before he lost his lunch."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't blame you. In fact, I thank you for doing that. As much as we are used to certain sounds, we have to remember; there are others who are not."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was my thinking." Mike took a long drink and muted the burp that escaped shortly after with his fist./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank went quiet for a few minutes as he finished his soda and cleared his head. He was not going to forget Cameron anytime soon. However, he had another friend to check on here and now. He looked over at Mike, who was finishing his soda. "Hey Mike, are you okay? I know you weren't planning on taking a midnight swim tonight."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike shook out the knots in his arms from his dive. "I'm okay. A little stiff, but otherwise okay. I put the knife back in the footlocker before I went to change."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thank you. Thanks for going under the water…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled tiredly, "Eh, nothing a little Navy training hadn't prepared me for. I'm just glad the tent and Cameron's sleeping bag gave in so quick." His voice grew serious. "Honestly, the one thing that concerned me the most during the whole thing was getting them above the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was my thought too. I knew we had to secure the car, but they were the priority. You had me worried when I saw Brent before I saw you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry about that; Cameron's foot and that sleeping bag were arguing. I actually had to come up for guppy breath before I went back down and got him because the bag was that tight around his leg and growing heavier with every second."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You didn't take in any water, did you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Nope. Thankfully, the underwater breathing I learned years ago never left me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Good to know." Hank yawned as his adrenaline started wearing off./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled at his tired friend. "Cap, let's go to bed. I know my muscles are getting sore, and it's getting cool."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sounds good, Mike. We'll discuss breakfast whenever we wake up…" Hank checked his watch. It was nearly 0300. He grimaced before he continued, "later this morning."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike yawned loudly, "Sounds like a plan. If you need to talk more, you know where to find me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Same to you, my friend."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The two men shook hands and headed back to their tents. The lantern once again took up its spot between the tents. Mike shut it off just before both men crawled inside their sleeping quarters. In seconds zippers were shut. Once again, they set up their shoes next to their sleeping bags and then settled back into style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sleep came to each man quickly. Yet, it was not quite as deep as it had been the first time they went to bed. Rather, both found themselves sleeping lighter as if they were at the station. Snoring soon filled the campsite once again as they drifted off./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank and Mike fell into a comfortable sleep in their tents by 2300. They were wrapped in their sleeping bags using a light blanket on top and a rather firm pillow under their heads. The only sounds filling their site were the snores from both men. The inky black curtain that fell over their campsite was filled with the stars' lights and nearly full moon. It was a peaceful night that let the men truly relax and fall into a deep slumber./p
p class="MsoNormal"As much as both men had hoped for a quiet night, the fate of the world had different plans for them. It was just after 0100 when the sounds of a speeding car's squealing tires tore through the quiet sky. Used to being awakened in a hurry, Hank and Mike were both out of their sleeping bags and hurriedly tossing on their hiking boots. They had set them up next to their beds as if they were at the station./p
p class="MsoNormal"Both men emerged from their tents at the same time. Hank turned on the lantern as they locked eyes. Before either could speak, another ear-piercing squeal rang out. It was followed by a solid thud and then nothing. Both men turned at the sounds and watched in horror with their mothers agape as a speeding sports car that had once been on the road was now careening through the air./p
p class="MsoNormal"Wide awake as they watched the scene unfold before them, the duo was in motion before the car came to rest on the ground. Its natural motion plus gathered speed caught the top of the tent of the young family from earlier. The tent was lodged in the car's undercarriage and carried into the nearby stream where the vehicle finally came to rest between its banks./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank barked, "Mike, grab the knife from the footlocker and the kits from the truck. I'll radio for help." Mike nodded and ran for the requested tools. Both men were in full work mode. Mike grabbed the tools along with both pairs of thick gloves and lantern. Then he turned on his heels and sprinted across the flattened ground, knowing full well he was about to get wet./p
p class="MsoNormal"As he arrived at the closest bank, he was greeted by two men armed with bright lanterns. 'Not ideal, but better than nothing,' Mike thought. "Sir," the quiet engineer's voice was louder than normal had taken on a note of authority./p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry," the man replied./p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry, my name is Mike Stoker. I am a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. I need you to take one of these emergency blankets and set it up away from the site. Also, take the first aid kit with you. I have help coming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike turned to the other man, "Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Todd."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Todd, I need you to go check the car. Please make sure both men are awake. Do not move them until we check them out for head and neck injuries."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir," Todd turned. He put the lantern down by the stream and headed for the vehicle./p
p class="MsoNormal""Where are you going?" Concern filled Larry's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""To get the family of four that I have a feeling is still in their tent." Without another word, Mike dropped the tools and dove in. The water was illuminated by the lantern the other man held close to the bank./p
p class="MsoNormal"It did not take long for the Engineer's eyes to adjust to the watery conditions as his training both from the Navy and the Fire Department kicked in. In one breath, he had found the tent. Much to his dismay, he could feel the heat of the car above him. It had melted the zipper shut. Mike quickly opened the large survival knife and sliced the tent like it was a piece of paper./p
p class="MsoNormal"The material stood no chance against the sharp blade and ripped open without a problem. Mike was relieved to see four, scared, but seemingly alive although burned tent occupant staring back at him. He motioned for the first to reach out for him. It was a young girl with piercing and scared green eyes. She grabbed her mon's hand and reached for the rescuer./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike took their hands and carefully checked both for spinal injuries as they crested the surface of the stream. He was relieved that neither seemed to have neck or head injuries. Aside from inhaling some water and their burns, both seemed to be in decent shape, all things considered./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"As Mike ran for the tools and his gloves, Hank ran for the cab of the truck. He nearly ripped the door off as he reached in and realized Mike had purposely left the keys on the center console. After all, the truck wouldn't move without them knowing it. Quickly starting the engine, Hank smiled when he saw the CB radio./p
p class="MsoNormal"The Captain jumped in the driver's seat and grabbed the mic. He quickly flipped the radio to the emergency channel. "Urgent urgent urgent, Timberland campsite one to Timberland base. Urgent, urgent, urgent."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Seconds later, JB answered, "I heard the wreck Hank, I'm on the way. What do you need?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""PD, 3 medic units, 2 choppers, an engine to be safe, and all the first aid supplies you have."/p
p class="MsoNormal""10-4 Timberland Base out."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank dropped the mic, shut the engine off, but left the lights on and grabbed more emergency blankets, a pair of wire cutters, as well, as some of the bottled water. It was not nearly enough, and he knew it, but it was all they had. Armed with what he could find, he bolted for the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"The older man arrived just as Mike surfaced. The equipment dropped on to the bank as Hank hit his knees. Mike spoke quickly. "There's two more down there. All appear burned, unsure of other injuries at this time."/p
p class="MsoNormal""We've got help rolling. Did you cut the wires?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Not yet."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll get them," Hank said as he took the young girl from Mike's outstretched arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry met him at the bank. "Sir, I'll take her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took one look at the sincerity in the man's eyes and nodded. He carefully handed the little girl over before taking her mother from Mike. The scared woman started to freak out. She choked out, "M…my husband and son are down there."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank kept his voice calm, "Easy ma'am, my man is about to get them."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Who are you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank watched as Mike took a deep breath and dove under once again. "My name is Hank Stanley; I am a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The man in the water is my second in command, Engineer Mike Stoker. Your husband and son are in good hands."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped the older lady over to the blanket. "Sir…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry replied, "Larry."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Larry, can you watch them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sure, Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank turned, wiped his hands on a dry towel that appeared. Then he put his gloves on, ran over to the bank, and grabbed the wire cutters. In a matter of movements, the Captain had the wires cut to the battery. He quickly checked the area, relieved there were no obvious signs of gasoline. Once he was satisfied that the engine was secured, Hank carefully made his way to the driver's side door./p
p class="MsoNormal"He was met by Todd, "Sir, my name is Hank Stanley. Were you injured in the wreck?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd replied, "My name is Todd. No, I was checking on the men, but it's taken until now to get the driver's door open."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped Todd open the door. As they did, the obviously dazed driver turned and nearly fell out of the seat. He smelled of various illegal substances. "Wow, man, what a trip."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank grabbed the unsteady man. His voice was even but authoritative. "More like a flight, Sir. Do you hurt anywhere?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Besides my head, no."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Your neck doesn't hurt," Hank noted the stream of blood running down the young man's head./p
p class="MsoNormal""No, Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." Hank turned to Todd. "Can you help him over to the blanket? Wrap him in another blanket and keep him upright and talking."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir," Todd took control of the unsteady man and led him away. Hank glanced at the water; he was concerned that Mike had not yet style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe then turned back to the car and was met by the passenger, in the same shape as the driver./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank carefully walked the man over to Larry's waiting blanket. "Stay here; help is on the way."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The dazed man could only blink as the idea of nodding mixed with the gallons of alcohol in his system made him want to lose his dinner. It was not a pleasant thought, and he was desperate for things to stay in place. Hank nodded at Larry and sprinted back to the bank as he heard JB pull up./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank yelled over his shoulder. "JB, get me an ambulance up here yesterday."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The ranger quickly added the apparatus to his call as Hank knelt again, the surface broke with another victim. The third victim, the father, was able to surface just before the engineer. He only had burns and water injuries. Hank helped him out of the water./p
p class="MsoNormal"Before the Captain could speak, Mike's blue eyes cut through the water. He gasped as he carefully held the final victim against him. The move was a cross between semi-spinal precautions and something to protect the child's obviously broken ankle. It had taken him a few minutes to free the young boy as he was tangled in his sleeping bag. "Watch him, Cap. He was tangled in his sleeping bag. His neck and back seem okay, but his lungs are having a rough time. He also has a dislocated left ankle. His name is Cameron, at least that's the name on his sleeping bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly, the young man coughed. Mike turned him carefully in his arms just before he started spewing water back into the stream before he spoke. "I am Cameron."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled softly, "Hi Cameron. My name is Hank. Let's get you out of this water, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank carefully helped Mike bring Cameron out of the water. While he held the young boy in his arms, Mike carefully braced the injured ankle./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." The scared boy changed his grip to a firm one as Hank took him from Mike. "H…hank, p…please don't let me go."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The tone of the scared young man's voice made the father of two swallow hard. "I won't, buddy, now let's get you outta the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike carefully lifted Cameron into Hank's arms. As Hank stood up, He carefully braced the small boy's ankle in his arm. JB reached down and helped the engineer from the water. "Thanks, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No problem, Mike. Nice swimming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike blushed, "Thanks."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The engineer stood, and the duo sprinted back to the over-crowded blanket. Mike helped Larry lay out a second blanket that held the young girl and her dad. Even though he was back around his parents, Cameron had refused to let go of Hank./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike opened his mouth to speak when the familiar baritone voice of dispatcher Sam Lanier emerged from JB's radio. "Timberland Base, this is LA County Fire Dispatch. How do you read?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank smiled at the sound of the calm voice. It let them know that the cavalry was on the way before JB even cued the radio. The young ranger hit the talk button, "Go for Timberland base."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sam asked, "Units requesting an update, have all patients been extricated from the water?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Affirmative dispatch. Two children, one male, one female. Their parents have also been rescued."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Stand by Timberland base."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The radio went quiet as JB turned to Hank. "Who?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "That's Sam Lanier. I don't think the man ever takes a day off, but he's the best in the business."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike grabbed the notebook from the first aid kit. He wrote down some basic observations that he knew Sam wanted. All four of them were in serious condition but holding their own, all things considered. The adults had serious second-degree burns. They had been able to clear the water from their lungs. The young girl had burns on her face, but thankfully not in her eyes. Her lungs were alright, but she had a raspy cough brought on by the burns and water./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron was in the most serious shape. However, he refused to let go of Hank. The Captain had carefully wrapped him loosely in a blanket. Mike brought over a rescue split to help stabilize the young boy's ankle. Hank had him propped up against his body. "Mike, do you need help?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Just hold him still, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You got it."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike carefully laid the rough splint along Cameron's leg. The young boy turned his head into Hank's chest and bit his lip. He didn't want to scream and scare his parents or sister. Hank rubbed his back gently, "Easy buddy, easy. Just try to breathe for me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""H…hurts."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank was about to reply when JB's radio screamed to life. "LA County to Timberland Base."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Go LA."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Units requesting updated conditions."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Stand by LA."/p
p class="MsoNormal"JB handed the radio to Hank. The Captain keyed the radio with his free hand and spoke evenly. "LA, we have six patients today. Two adults have concussions and head lacerations. The other four patients all with severe first and second degree burns along with water exposure. The juvenile female has facial burns. A juvenile male is borderline shocky. We have him wrapped in an emergency blanket. He has severe burns to his left arm and a dislocated left ankle from being caught in his sleeping bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal""10-4 Timberland. There are two copters inbound as well as a paramedic unit with Mayfair. The PD is 10 minutes out. A brush truck is also en route."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank let out a mental sigh of relief. "Understood LA. Timberland clear."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank handed the radio back to JB. Mike jogged over to the blanket where the young girl was. Hank watched as Mike carefully cleaned a few minor cuts on the little girl's arm. She looked up, "Mister."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "My name is Mike. What's yours?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Julie."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi, Julie."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi Mike, is my brother going to be okay? That other man seems concerned."/p
p class="MsoNormal""He's going to be okay, sore for a while, but okay. That's my Captain Hank. I think your brother is ready to adopt him, though."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Julie laughed softly before she hissed. "Sorry, honey, just trying to keep your cuts clean."/p
p class="MsoNormal""'s okay, they just hurt."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike finished the rest of the girl's wounds while JB took a look at the duo from the car. The driver had vomited twice while being supported by Larry. JB had bandaged his head using a combination of supplies from the three kits at the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron looked at Hank. "I…I hurt." His voice cracked as his eyes filled with tears./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's heart broke as he carefully changed his grip. "I know, buddy, I know. I promise my friends are coming to help you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A…are my mom and dad okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, buddy, we are." Cameron's parents walked over. Cameron looked up but stayed in Hank's arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled at the trio. "Hi there."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi, my name is Brent," the father offered a slightly burned hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hi Brent, my name is Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron cut in excitedly, "Daddy, Hank is a real firefighter."/p
p class="MsoNormal""He is?" Brent's voice was full of surprise./p
p class="MsoNormal""I am," replied Hank. "Actually, I am a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. My second in command, Mike is the man who helped the four of you out of the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brent was stunned. His wife started, "Wh…what, were you doing up here?" Her voice shook as Brent carefully wrapped her in a blanket./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank reached over and touched her shoulder with a calming hand. "Mike and I were up here to relax. One of our crewmates recommended the campground."/p
p class="MsoNormal""We…we owe you our lives. M..my name is Becky."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled warmly, "Hi Becky. We are just doing our jobs." He slowly looked up and saw the two-car occupants doing somewhat better. Although they were still being supported./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB jogged over. "How we doing here, Captain?" Both men winced as the sounds of vomiting ripped through the area./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank commented, "Concussions plus drinking, lovely. Holding our own just…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's comment was cut off as a sudden burst of sound cut through the campground. "Hey JB, can you bring them in?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You got it." JB turned and ran back toward his truck to lead the crews in./p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron started crying. The sirens were bothering the child, who was starting to really feel his injuries. Hank rubbed his back gently. "Easy buddy, they are here to help us."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Really, bud. I promise they'll go quiet in just a minute."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron looked up at his parents. His voice shook with pain, "M…mommy, daddy, we are really going to be okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brent smiled tiredly, "Yes, we are Cam, yes we are."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"While Hank was trying to calm Cameron down, Mike was running between the blankets. The engineer in full work was constantly checking on the six patients./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank called out, "How are we looking?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""They couldn't have gotten here at a better time. Our car crew both have concussions, vomited x 2 with both. Julie is sore but holding her own."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank shook his head. He knew from experience the car duo would be hurting tomorrow, although they would not admit it./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Minutes after the first sirens ripped through the campground, JB's headlights once again illuminated the site. Hank and Mike looked up. Without a word, Mike took off for the truck as JB came to a stop. He was followed by an overflowing ambulance and the crew of station 69 and three cop cars./p
p class="MsoNormal"Paramedic Craig Brice from station 39 jumped out. "Stoker?" There was a note of shock in his voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, Brice. We've got four burn victims and two with concussions. What can I help you guys grab?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Along with the cops and JB, all three crews grabbed enough equipment to fill a small trauma bay. There were burn kits, trauma kits, splint boxes, and drug boxes. The Captain of 69s trailed them, John Smith, who was carrying the bright orange biophone./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank looked up as the myriad of boxes landed between the blankets. Captain Smith knelt. "Hank, I thought you were off duty."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank chuckled, "Never off duty, John. You know that."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Brice spoke up in his normal monotone voice. "Captain Stanley, what do we have?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Our friends Larry and Toddy have your two concussion victims. Both have open cuts on their foreheads. They've been bandaged but need more. They have vomited twice each. Miss. Julie is the young lady behind you; she's got some cuts on her arms and burns on her face. Mom and dad Becky and Brent have second-degree burns on their arms, and I suspect, on their chests. My friend Cameron here has a dislocated ankle, burns on his arms and chest, and is borderline going into shock."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The victims were quickly divided between the three crews. Captain Smith opened the biophone. Even though the old school leader was not a fan of the medical scenes, he knew somebody needed to relay information to Rampart./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank barely listened to his fellow Captain as he turned his attention to Cameron and Bellingham. "Cameron, this is my friend, Bob. He is going to help you feel better."/p
p class="MsoNormal""B... but I thought that was your job." Cameron's voice shook in fear and pain./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's voice broke. Before he had to squeeze anything out around the lump that had formed, the gentle giant of a paramedic spoke in a calming tone. "That is his job, Cameron, but see, he's usually a boss. He's asking me to help you because I can take a look at your ankle and ask the doctors about some medicine that will make you feel better."/p
p class="MsoNormal""C... Can I stay with him until we go?" Cameron's tone was pleading./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course, you can, little buddy. I know better than to break the bond you guys have. Now I need to listen to your chest. I know you took in some water, didn't you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron nodded, "Yes, until Mister Mike pulled me out of my sleeping bag. I…I got to get a new one. He had to cut it open. My leg was stuck. I…I just don't know where to get one with my name on it again."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled as he spoke. "Don't worry, my friend. I am sure there is one out there just for little superheroes like you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""O... okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank helped Cameron sit up while Bob listened to his heart and lungs before he scribbled down notes./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank waited until John had the phone on his shoulder before he yelled to Mike, who was helping one of the medics for 19s put the car's driver on a stretcher. "Stoker, grab the station shirt out of my bag."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike nodded and quickly took off toward the campsite. It was not hard to find since the lights turned Timberland into a midday showcase. He opened Hank's tent and quickly found the requested t-shirt at the top of his bag. Shirt in hand, he turned and ran back to the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"He knelt next to Hank as Bob prepared the ankle splint that Rampart had requested. Even though he had already started an IV of morphine, the paramedic knew applying the splint was going to hurt. The only saving grace was that while Cameron's burns were serious, they were mainly on his torso and pelvic region. Amazingly his legs had not been burned./p
p class="MsoNormal"Bob applied the burn sheets first as JB brought over the stretcher. Mike looked at Hank. "Here ya go, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took the shirt in his open hand. "Thanks, Mike. Bob, how do you want to do this?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""In one smooth motion. We'll get the splint on, then get him loaded up. He's going in 2 with me and Carl, who has his mom already loaded. Brice and Jamie are taking his dad and sister in 10."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." Hank looked down at Cameron. He was thankful that the young boy seemed to be responding fairly well to the oxygen cannula and piggybacked morphine and D5W. "Hey buddy, can you do me a favor?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I can try," came the pained response./p
p class="MsoNormal""I want you to hold onto my shirt, bite down on it, and put your head into my chest, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""O... Okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cameron took the shirt Hank offered him and did as he was asked./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike looked at JB. "JB, trust me, come with me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The serious tone of the firefighter's voice told the ranger now was not a time to ask questions. The duo got up and walked over to where the engine crew of 69s was shoring up the car to move when the requested tow truck finally arrived./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB looked at Mike, "What's up?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike swallowed hard. "Trust me, you do not want to be close when they apply that. It's not going to be easy to listen to even at this distance."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Almost to prove his point, a muffled blood-curdling scream tore through the scene as Bob carefully applied the splint to Cameron's ankle. The sound made Mike and JB shudder./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank's heart shattered as his stomach flipped at the sound. His voice was thick as he carefully held Cameron still. "It's okay Cam, I know it hurts my friend. God, I know it hurts, but it'll be over soon." Cameron bit down and grabbed Hank's hand in a death grip. One that no one dared tried to break./p
p class="MsoNormal"Once the splint was applied, Hank carefully rolled Cameron's head and removed the shirt from his mouth. The young boy screamed out again and then passed out from the combination of pain and medications. Hank swallowed hard as Carl helped him to his feet. The shaken captain laid his young charge in the stokes and helped secure him. The IV bags were tucked under his shoulder./p
p class="MsoNormal"He swallowed hard before he spoke, "Bob, can. can I…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You can help load him, Hank. I can use the hands; Brice is ready to take off. I can hear the bird screaming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank nodded. He reached up and waved Mike over. Wordlessly, the man materialized in seconds next to his friend. "Help us," was all that Hank could muster in a low tone. The father of two was shaken to the core./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." The metal basket was carefully lifted between the remaining members of 69s crew, including Captain Smith along with Mike and Hank. Bob trailed behind them with the biophone and drug box stuffed under his arms./p
p class="MsoNormal"As the crew headed for the waiting helicopter, the cops, along with JB, Todd, and Larry, cleaned up the scene and put the remaining equipment in one of the squad cars. They didn't want to risk the two concussion victims causing trouble./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank and crew wordlessly carried the young boy over to the helicopter, where he was strapped to a stretcher. Becky saw the shirt and asked, "Captain, don't you want your shirt back?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""He…he can keep it." Hank managed to put a gentle smile on his style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHe leaned down and whispered into Cameron's ear. "Fight, my friend, fight hard. I will see you soon."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that everybody, but Bob and Carl backed away from the chopper. They moved to a safe distance where they could watch the take-off without getting caught in the rotor wash./p
p class="MsoNormal"Captain Smith squeezed Hank's left shoulder while Mike had his right. Once the chopper took off, the grizzled man looked at his off-duty counterpart. "You know he's in good hands, Hank."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank coughed harshly as he willed his boiling emotions to stay in place. After all, the scene was not clear yet. "I know, Smitty. It's just damn when it's a kid, it's hard. When it's a kid that your man pulls out and then said kid refuses to let go of you. Ugh, it was almost as if he was one of my own."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know Hank, I know." Captain Smith looked over at Mike. "Stoker, keep an eye on him. We'll clean up."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll help." There was a sense of normalcy returning to Hank's voice. "Besides, Mike needs to find new shoes and clothes." The last part was said with an err of authority that the engineer knew not to argue against./p
p class="MsoNormal"The trio walked back toward the campsite, where Mike stopped to gather his clothes so he could change in the bathroom./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank looked at him. "Be careful."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Always, I'll be right up so I can talk to PD."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Take your time. They're not going anywhere any time soon. We're still waiting on the tow truck."/p
p class="MsoNormal"With that, Hank and John left the site. Mike followed them to the trail for the bathrooms and then broke away./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"By the time the Captains returned to the scene, they were surprised to see the medical litter packed up. JB, Todd, and Larry were talking to the cops. Smitty waited with Hank, not wanting his friend to have time to get inside his own head. "Hey Hank, besides the fun, how is this place?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled lightly at the diversion technique. "It's really nice during the day. There's a lot of places to hike, and the sites come with their own fire pits."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I saw that and the bucket and shovels."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Did you think Mike and I would risk coming unprepared knowing California's fire risk?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"John smiled slightly, "Yeah, no. You two know better than that."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Exactly."/p
p class="MsoNormal"They were about to continue when one of the cops walked over. "Captain Stanley?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Sir?" Hank bottled his emotions and the authoritative sound returned to his voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""I need to ask you about what you saw tonight if you're okay to talk."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I am." Hank went on to describe in detail what had happened nearly an hour earlier. Captain Smith shook his head as he listened to the story./p
p class="MsoNormal"The cop wrote down all of the details before he spoke. "Thank you, Sir."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome. I was involved with the little boy, did you by chance, get either of the car's occupants to take a breath test?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Both of them were twice the legal limit and underage to boot," there was a note of serious disdain in the cop's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Lovely." Hank's voice was full of sarcasm and irritation./p
p class="MsoNormal"The cop looked around. "Do you know where the other firefighter went? I believe Larry said his name was Mike."/p
p class="MsoNormal""His name is Mike Stoker. He's my Engineer. I sent him back to camp to get out of his wet clothes. He was headed for the bathroom to change and should be back soon."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Was he the one in the water?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, Officer," Hank remained professional even though he was irked by the Captain Obvious question. "He pulled all four members of the family to safety. The first one was the little girl Julie. She was followed by her parents and then her brother Cameron."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay." The cop wrote down the information while they waited for Mike to return./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"As Hank predicted, Mike returned minutes later wearing his long sleeve shirt, jacket, a new pair of jeans, and an old pair of sneakers. Hank noticed the footwear and looked at his friend. Mike answered the unasked question. "Only brought one pair of boots. Wasn't exactly planning on swimming in them this weekend."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank nodded and backed away so the cop could talk to Mike. He walked over to JB while Captain Smith checked in with his crew./p
p class="MsoNormal"JB asked, "Hank, how are they?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank swallowed hard. "It's gonna be a hell of a long road for them, but Rampart is one of the best in the country. I trust them with the lives of my men all the time."/p
p class="MsoNormal""How are you?" Concern filled the young Ranger's voice./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank blinked and swallowed again. "I've definitely been better, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I…I'll be honest with you, when I heard Cameron scream, I almost lost my lunch."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Believe me, son. I was on the boat with you, but I knew he needed me." Hank looked up and saw Larry and Todd standing off to the side, looking rather shaken./p
p class="MsoNormal""Hey JB, if Mike asks, tell him I took Larry and Todd back to our site to get them a drink."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Will do."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank jogged over to where the two civilians were looking rather shaken. "Larry, Todd…" Both men looked up, the shock settling into their features. "Come with me."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank quietly led the men back to camp. He set up the folding chairs and guided one man into each. "Gentlemen, first off, I cannot thank you enough for your help tonight. It really was invaluable."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry spoke first. A slight shake was noticeable in his voice. "We only held up the two idiots that caused it. How did that help?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Because it lets us focus on the family that was more seriously injured. Are you guys, okay? Do you want something to drink?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd asked quietly, "Do you have any soda?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""We do."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Can I have one?" Both men asked at the same time./p
p class="MsoNormal""Of course." Hank quickly opened the cooler and retrieved the requested style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanBoth men took them gratefully. "Boys," Hank's voice took on the fatherly tone he used after a rough call. "If you want to talk about anything, my ears are open. Mike's are too once he's done with the cops."/p
p class="MsoNormal"At first, neither man spoke. The site remained quiet until Hank looked up at the sound of Mike's approaching footsteps./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank asked, "Any update on the tow?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ten more minutes, at least. Apparently, it's been an interesting night in the county tonight. The cops want Smitty and his crew to stay to help pull the car out."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Makes sense. Did you tell them we have water and stuff?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes, JB is taking care of them, though. He's got the coffee going. We're welcome to have some too if we want it."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike looked at the two quiet civilians who were nursing sodas and trying to mute the burps the carbonated beverages caused. "You guys, okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"The simple question finally broke Todd. His voice was full of shock but steady. "It just doesn't seem real. One minute we are sleeping soundly. Our families sharing a campsite crashed out after a long day in the fresh air. The next all hell broke loose."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry chimed in, "All we heard were the tires and then the landing. By the time it registered what happened, the car was already over the stream. Then we see this blur running towards us in Dodger blue and gray, and we knew we weren't dreaming."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike blushed lightly. "Didn't mean to scare you guys. Hank and I heard the wreck, and we were in work mode in the blink of an eye."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't apologize. You guys did amazing, although I have to say, Mike, I never knew someone could dive that quick with a knife in their hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""A combination of my training from the department and the Navy kicked in. I knew the clock was ticking, and it was running faster for the family."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You didn't even blink, though."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No time. Thank you for listening to me when I started barking. That's usually Cap's role."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "Don't short yourself, Mike. I heard you as I jumped out of your truck. You sounded exactly like I would have."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled again, "Thanks, Cap."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd spoke up, "I…I don't even want to think what would have happened if you guys weren't here tonight." The mere mention of the thought made all four men shudder. Hank and Mike on the ground, Larry and Todd in the chairs./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank said, "I'm just glad we were."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry and Todd finished their sodas. Todd yawned as the adrenaline began to wear off. "I guess we should get back to our families."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "Come on, boys, we'll walk you home."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The two civilians stood. They deposited their cans in the recently untied trash bag. Mike then retied it before the foursome set out for their camp./p
p class="MsoNormal"On the way by, they passed the cops and the tired crew of 69s, all nursing cups of coffee from JB. Mike called out to the Engineer at 69s, "Hey Dave, the keys are in the center console if you need to move my truck to get the tow in here while we walk these two home."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The engineer smiled tiredly, "Thanks, Mike."/p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Larry and Todd waved a tired good-bye to the crew and led their escorts back to their site. As expected, they were met by both families, including one curious little girl./p
p class="MsoNormal"The young girl with dark hair walked over to Larry, "Daddy, are you okay?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm fine, Jackie. I was helping my friends Mike and Hank take care of some people that got hurt after that car crashed."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Jackie smiled as she walked over and gave the two tired strangers hugs. "Thank you."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank were stunned by the gesture. Mike spoke shyly. "You're welcome, Sweetheart."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Todd's wife, Kate, spoke up. "Gentlemen, can we get you anything?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "Oh no, thanks, ma'am. We just wanted to walk the guys home and make sure they were okay. You guys need to get some rest."/p
p class="MsoNormal"A young voice grumbled, "Kinda hard with all the lights."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Now Billy," Todd started./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "It's okay, Todd." He turned and looked at the young boy, "I know it's bright, Billy. When we get back there, we'll ask the guys to shut the lights off so you can go to bed now that almost everything is cleaned up."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Ya will?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled, "We will. I promise."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike added, "He's my boss, and I know he never goes back on his promises."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks, Mister." The young boy yawned loudly and curled into his mom's arms. Goodnights were exchanged before the two firefighters headed out again./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank stayed quiet until they were out of earshot of the camp. They wanted the kids to be able to go back to sleep. When they were finally far enough away, Mike turned and asked, "Cap, how are you really doing?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I've been better. I can tell you that much, Mike." Hank gulped as his mind once again went to Cameron. "I could use an ear once the light show leaves."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Anytime, Cap, I know Cameron really got to you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's putting it lightly. I know we're not supposed to get emotionally involved, but this one…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike reached over and started to rub his friend's neck as the sentence faded. "I know, Cap. I know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The boys made the rest of the walk in silence until they reached the scene./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank walked over to the crew of 69s. "Hey, Smitty."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, Hank?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Can you kill the lights? There are kids at the site that Larry and Todd are sharing, and they're keeping them up."/p
p class="MsoNormal"That was all Dave needed to hear. He reached inside the truck and shut the lights off. The cops took the hint and killed their lights as well. "Thanks, boys," Hank said./p
p class="MsoNormal"Dave smiled, "Anytime, Captain Stanley."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ten minutes after Larry and Todd returned to their camp, the long-awaited tow truck finally arrived. Along with JB, the crew of 69s, the cops, Hank, and Mike, helped move the car from its position. Once the vehicle was secure, the firefighters and their off-duty counterparts inspected the area. Satisfied that there were no dangers to the natural surroundings, 69s finally bid the group farewell./p
p class="MsoNormal"The tired crew followed the tow truck out of style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanThe cops were not far behind as they had completed their onsite investigation, at least as much as could be done under the inky black cover of darkness./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"JB looked at his remaining campers. "Boys, to say thank you does not seem to be enough tonight."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled, "Just doing our jobs, JB."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank added, "Thanks for coordinating things."/p
p class="MsoNormal""My pleasure," JB yawned. "Do you want some coffee or anything? I have some stuff at the ranger station."/p
p class="MsoNormal""No, thanks," both men answered at the same time./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike added, "I think we are going to stay in our camp for the rest of the night, if you don't mind."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Not at all. If you guys need anything, you know where I am."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thanks again, JB." Hank offered his hand, which the ranger shook./p
p class="MsoNormal""You're welcome," JB said as he shook hands with Mike. "Good night gentlemen."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Good night JB," Mike and Hank chorused./p
p class="MsoNormal"The trio split. JB headed for his truck, and the duo from 51s back to their campsite./p
p class="MsoNormal"KMG 365/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike and Hank arrived at their campsite. Mike asked, "Cap do you want me to build another fire?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank ran his hands through his hair, backlit by their lantern. "Nah, I don't think we are going to be up that much longer. I mean, I need some time, and I know you do too, but not that much."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sounds good."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike set the lantern down between the folding chairs and retrieved two sodas from the cooler. Wordlessly he handed one to Hank. "I know we usually do this over coffee…."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank smiled as he opened the soda, "This is fine pal, I could use one anyway to settle down."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Cameron really got to you." It wasn't a question. The statement was said in a voice of concern./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank took a long swig of his drink before he looked at his friend in the eyes. "I'm not going to lie to you, Mike. That little boy shook me harder than anybody else has recently." Hank's voice grew thick with emotion. "When he kept asking if he was going to be okay and then got really scared when Bob showed up; I wanted just to wrap him up and carry him in myself."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike reached over and rubbed his friend's neck. The play of emotions on the older man's face was clear in the lantern light. "I can only imagine what you felt when Bellingham had to put that splint on."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That's why I asked you for my shirt. I knew if he could bite something, it would help, and I didn't want him to bite me. Damn, that sound is never easy but especially from a kid in his condition. I'll be honest; my stomach was flipping more than when I know the chief is coming to visit."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I know it was. I'm sorry I left, but I had to pull JB away before he lost his lunch."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I don't blame you. In fact, I thank you for doing that. As much as we are used to certain sounds, we have to remember; there are others who are not."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was my thinking." Mike took a long drink and muted the burp that escaped shortly after with his fist./p
p class="MsoNormal"Hank went quiet for a few minutes as he finished his soda and cleared his head. He was not going to forget Cameron anytime soon. However, he had another friend to check on here and now. He looked over at Mike, who was finishing his soda. "Hey Mike, are you okay? I know you weren't planning on taking a midnight swim tonight."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike shook out the knots in his arms from his dive. "I'm okay. A little stiff, but otherwise okay. I put the knife back in the footlocker before I went to change."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Thank you. Thanks for going under the water…"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled tiredly, "Eh, nothing a little Navy training hadn't prepared me for. I'm just glad the tent and Cameron's sleeping bag gave in so quick." His voice grew serious. "Honestly, the one thing that concerned me the most during the whole thing was getting them above the water."/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was my thought too. I knew we had to secure the car, but they were the priority. You had me worried when I saw Brent before I saw you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry about that; Cameron's foot and that sleeping bag were arguing. I actually had to come up for guppy breath before I went back down and got him because the bag was that tight around his leg and growing heavier with every second."/p
p class="MsoNormal""You didn't take in any water, did you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Nope. Thankfully, the underwater breathing I learned years ago never left me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Good to know." Hank yawned as his adrenaline started wearing off./p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike smiled at his tired friend. "Cap, let's go to bed. I know my muscles are getting sore, and it's getting cool."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sounds good, Mike. We'll discuss breakfast whenever we wake up…" Hank checked his watch. It was nearly 0300. He grimaced before he continued, "later this morning."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Mike yawned loudly, "Sounds like a plan. If you need to talk more, you know where to find me."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Same to you, my friend."/p
p class="MsoNormal"The two men shook hands and headed back to their tents. The lantern once again took up its spot between the tents. Mike shut it off just before both men crawled inside their sleeping quarters. In seconds zippers were shut. Once again, they set up their shoes next to their sleeping bags and then settled back into style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sleep came to each man quickly. Yet, it was not quite as deep as it had been the first time they went to bed. Rather, both found themselves sleeping lighter as if they were at the station. Snoring soon filled the campsite once again as they drifted off./p