Thank you for all the reviews. I have been really busy and am just now getting around to uploading chapters. Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks again to Soldier Heart for being my beta reader.

Hank left Karen's hospital room, his mind made up to go and talk to the Chief. As he rode down the elevator, he was trying to piece together what he wanted to say to persuade the Chief. He knew it was now or never. Karen's term as a trainee was coming rapidly to a close. When she was released from the hospital and cleared for work, she would only be with them for a couple of weeks.

He left the hospital fervently praying the Chief would allow Karen to stay at Station 51 as a permanent member of the crew. He climbed into his car and headed for headquarters.

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He arrived at the Fire Department Headquarters about 20 minutes later. He took a deep breath as he entered the building. He walked up to the reception area.

"Can I help you?" a young lady asked from behind the desk.

"Yes, I need to speak to Chief McConikee, if that's possible."

"Let me see if he is available. Please, have a seat, Mr.."

"Stanley. And it's Captain."

"Oh, I'm sorry Captain Stanley. Let me see if the Chief is available," the secretary said as she picked up the receiver of the phone.

Hank sat down, hoping the chief was available. He didn't want to have to wait to talk to him.

He looked up when the secretary called his name.

"Captain, you can go on over to the Chief's office. Down the hallway, third door on your right."

"Thank you," Hank said, walking down the hallway. He got to the thrid door and knocked.

"Come in," came the muffled reply.

Hank opened the door and entered the office.

"Hank, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Chief McConikee said, motioning Hank to close the door.

"I wanted to discuss a matter with you, something I need to talk to you about."

"What matter is that?"

"I want to talk to you about making Karen Summers a permanent member of our shift at Station 51. We would like it if she was assigned to us." Hank ran his hand through his hair nervously, not sure what the Chief's reaction was going to be. He was still skittish of his former Captain, the hat burning episode still running through his mind. Even after 10 years, he was still afraid McConikee would get him back.

"Well, I would have to talk it over with the paramedic board first. But be rest assured we will discuss it," the Chief said, eyeing the weary Captain. He noticed Hank was somewhat slumped, a good indication Hank had not slept well the past few weeks. He knew Hank's heart had gone out the young female paramedic. He also knew that the rest of Hank's crew felt the same way.

"Thank you so much Chief. I know I speak for my men when I say that we appreciate the effort," Hank said, standing.

"Just one question Hank."

"Yes, sir?" Hank asked, turning around to face the Chief.

"Why? Why do you want her to stay?" the Chief asked simply.

"Well, when she first started, we weren't sure how to handle having a woman in the station. But, after about one shift, it was like she had always been on the team; she blended with us so well. She has touched my guy's lives in one way or another. Then we found out how she lost her parents. The way she dealt with her parent's death also touched us. But I think it was when she begged me to stay. She wants to stay at the station."

"Like I said, we will discuss it. Thanks for stopping by Hank. We should have a decision in a couple of weeks. I'll personally make sure you know first."

"Thanks Chief. I appreciate you taking the time to see me," Hank said as he walked out the door.

Hank walked out to his car, got in, and just sat for a moment. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks, hoping that whoever was watching out for his youngest paramedic was going to maneuver things for Karen to stay with them.

He started his car and headed home.