Note: sorry for the delay; had to go trout fishing and hanging about in the eastern sierras...

Chapter 24

Sunday morning found John Gage driving himself to Station 32. Due to the incident at Punnies he'd missed working with the 'A' shift. This time out he was working with the 'B' shift. It was marked as a 'difficult' team.

"What a time for Cap to be laid up!" Gage muttered to himself as he pulled into the parking lot. There were cars leaving due to shift change. He slipped into a space. Picking up his hat and duffle he got out and walked into the station.

He found the paramedic team already inventorying their drug box and checking out equipment. Putting on his best smile he walked up to them.

"Good morning!" he grinned. "John Gage reporting for duty." Both men jumped up smiling. They happily shook his hand and welcomed him.

"I'm Mike Lewis and this is my partner, Steve Yamaguchi," the mustached half said. Gage greeted them both.

"Uh, we should introduce you to the captain," Steve said with hesitation.

"Yeah, guess so," Mike agreed, but neither moved.

"I'm gathering there's some resistance to change?" Johnny said quietly and received two hurried nods.

"Why don't I just go in myself," he said as he walked by them. He'd already memorized the station captain's name and he confidently strode into the kitchen area.

Four very surly-looking men looked up from their coffee. Two seemed to be of Samoan descent, or at least Japanese sumo wrestlers: they were that large and strong. But knowing about intimidation the Californian paramedic pulled his shoulders back and gave them a terse, professional smile.

"Fireman/paramedic John Gage," he said. "I was told Captain Kaiwi would be here." The four men looked at one another. Finally, one tall man stood. His salt and pepper hair showed his seniority. He wasn't as big as the two bookends, but he was at Gage's eye level which put him around six foot.

"I'm Kaiwi," he growled, "and I'll tell you exactly what I told Kimura, I don't want them here and I don't want you here!" He strode around the table and put himself right in Johnny's space.

"I respect your right to your opinion, captain," he said firmly and actually stepped closer. "But the people of Hawaii have passed a law to establish a paramedic program under the auspices of the fire department. Whether you or you crew like it is moot. Short of retiring or shifting to another part of the department you will have to accept them under your command." The two men held firm, the angry glare meeting the calm assurance of rightness.

To the surprise of his crew Kaiwi backed down first.

"Have one of them show you a locker," he snapped. "Roll call five minutes."

"Yes sir," John nodded politely, turned and walked out of the kitchen.

He found the two paramedics nearly cowering by the doorway.

"My god, how can you stand up to that!" Mike whispered. "He's been in our faces for weeks!"

"Let me get settled," Johnny smiled patiently. "We have roll call in five." They went into the locker area. One locker had a paper with 'Malihini' printed on it. He pulled the paper off and smirked.

"Must be mine, eh?" he opened the door and a loud "sproing" took him by surprise. Instead of a face full of water he was smacked hard in the face by the launcher itself. Fortunately it had missed his eye, but cut his cheek. By shear dint of will he did not cry out. Both Mike and Steve leapt to his aid.

Gage took the rest of the launcher out and tossed his duffle in the locker. Shaking off the two paramedics he strode out to the apparatus bay, put his hat on his head and joined the line up, blood dripping slowly down his face and on to his shirt.

"This belong to anyone?" he asked tersely as he tossed the launcher on the floor in front of the captain. Angry eyes swept over the damaged face then over the three engine crew. Kaiwi wanted to make sure the 'consultant' didn't feel welcome but he didn't want to physically hurt him. What was done was done and he returned his glare to Gage.

"Have one of the paramedics," he sneered the word, "check you over while I read the bulletin." Steve pulled out the first aid box and started to clean and dress the wound. For his part Johnny just stood more or less at attention ignoring the procedure. Two butterfly closures were applied then a small bandage to cover the cut.

"You're gonna bruise," Mike said quietly apologetic. Gage said nothing, just continued to stare at the captain as he finished the bulletin. Next jobs were assigned. The paramedics received hoses and latrine. Then they were dismissed. Kaiwi held the Californian's stare for a full minute before breaking contact.

He realized that this man would not be cowed.

As soon as the captain turned away Gage briefly glanced at the other crew their eyes were filled with disdain. He missed Hank desperately. Turning he indicated the paramedics should move on to their jobs.

"So," he began as the hoses were being hoisted up, "how can I help you to become comfortable in the field?" His two trainees looked at one another.

"We have several problems," Yamaguchi began. "You've seen the first, the captain doesn't even give us any orders in the field, just sweeps his arm towards whatever we need to do."

"It's kind of hard, especially when we could really use help in various situations," Lewis added. "As long as the nurse was with us he'd at least send help for extrications and things of that nature. Since she left we've been on our own."

"Ok, that I might not have any way of correcting right away," Gage nodded. "But Chief Kimura is a huge supporter of the program. I will be sure to include in my observations and write up lack of support. Ultimately it will be dealt with. What's another problem?"

"We, uh, are assigned to Castle," Mike hesitated. "The um, reception has not been good." Johnny gave them a sad smile.

"I've worked with the head, Dr. Hu," he said. "Very tough. But Roy Desoto, my partner, worked with your 'A' shift last week and dealt with her reluctance. It'll be hard, but you'll see there is some change already. Castle's administrator is monitoring all the interactions between paramedics and the ER until it is resolved."

"That's good," Lewis smiled. "Now, we've had the training classes and the nurses that rode with us let us assist as well as we could. I know I can use help organizing vitals as well as triaging in situations where there are more than a couple of patients."

"Ok, I can help you there," Johnny smiled. "We just did a big triage Friday out of the 16s and 5s. I'll tell you about it while you work and explain how we triaged." He began describing the events that led up to the Friday MVA rescue and the results.

After the hoses were hung Johnny decided he'd like something to drink. He walked into the kitchen, noting that the paramedics did not follow. The same silent group sat at the table, sans the captain. Without a word he opened the fridge and snagged three sodas.

"Those ain't up for grabs," one burly linesman rumbled, half-turning in his seat.

"There are three more," Gage said evenly. "I'll be sure to pick up replacements on our next run."

"I said, those ain't yours!" Acker exclaimed, now standing to his full height. Gage just stared into the angry eyes.

"Look, firefighter Acker," he spoke firmly. "This is a fire station. The food is communal unless so marked. There should be food and drink available to all the men in the station. If you are telling me the firefighter/paramedics have no access to food and drink I will call Chief Kimura NOW and have the situation rectified." Even with the muscular man breathing down on him literally Johnny did not back down.

"Acker!" the Kaiwi's sharp tone halted the approaching storm. The linesman grumbled but backed off and sat down.

"Mr. Yamaguchi and Mr. Lewis have access to meals and snacks," he said gruffly before stomping back into his office. Without a side glance Gage walked back out into the apparatus bay and found his trainees sitting next to the squad.

"You do get fed, right?" he asked as he passed out the drinks.

"Yeah, we can go in and grab a plate," Mike said, not meeting Gage's eyes.

"We just can't sit or eat in there," Steve finished. With a sigh Johnny slid down on the floor next to them.

"Awue! That's all buss up!" he exclaimed. "We had kitchen privileges even in the beginning at the station. At the hospital it took a while before we were let into the staff lounge."

"Forget the hospital!" Mike waved his can. "We are barely tolerated bringing the victims into the room! I think they scrub the floors right after we leave."

"Station 32, traffic accident, with injuries," dispatch intoned. "South bound Likelike Highway. Enter at North School Road. Time out, 9:55." Kaiwi accepted the call, not bothering to give the paramedics a copy of the call slip.

Johnny pulled out his small notebook and wrote down the location. Steve slipped behind the wheel while Mike buckled in and gave him directions. The engine pulled out first leaving the squad to follow in its wake.

The police were already on site moving the traffic out of the way and cordoning off the accident. There were three cars involved, the front car rotated nearly 90 degrees, middle scrunched forward and aft. The third car had actually rolled over and was snug against the center divider.

"Man, lucky it's a divided highway!" Gage observed. "Would have been worse if they'd flipped into oncoming traffic."

"Captain?" Steve reported to Kaiwi and as expected was barely recognized with a gesture towards the accident.

"Alright, let's check out the cars," Johnny directed. At least the other firemen were busy popping cables and washing down spills. The three paramedics took a car each to assess the problems.

"Possible head injury, broken leg," Steve called out from the middle car. "Two victims."

"One code F," called out Mike from the third car. "No other victims.

"Three victims, probable broken ribs on victim one, broken arm, victim two and the third victim looks ok," Johnny said. "All three victims oriented times three."

Hearing the 'oriented times three' Steve called out, "victim four is unconscious but reacts to stimuli, victim five is aware of surroundings but in pain."

"Mike, help Steve extricate his victims," Gage directed, "then set up the first aid area." He turned and leveled his gaze on Kaiwi.

"Captain Kaiwi! I need the jaws over here!" he called out, being sure to use his name so the police officers heard him.

"Lee, get the jaws," he order, unhappy about the situation. One of the patrol officers joined them and soon the door was pried open and the three victims removed to triage. The officer offered to help Lee remove the fatality. Unable to deny the man, Lee carried the jaws over to the third car.

"Ok, gentlemen, what do we have?" Johnny asked as he pulled out his notebook. He began noting vitals, indicating Lewis should get the biophone up and ready.

"Tell the on-call there are five victims," he directed. "Now that we've triaged the patients I've renumbered them one through five, one being the worst." He handed the notebook to the Hawaiian paramedic who picked up the phone and made contact.

If Dr. Hu was impressed with the men handling five patients she didn't let it show. Instead her clipped tones ordered IVs, some pain med and oxygen for the patients. As the ambulances arrived the patients were loaded. Because of the injuries both Steve and Mike had to ride in with two passengers each. The third patient in car one rode in the front seat of the ambulance carrying his parents.

After the ambulances had headed off Gage made short work of picking up their debris then assisted the ME in bagging the fatality. He checked over his area carefully then reported in to the captain.

"Squad 32 is heading to Castle," he said curtly. Again Kaiwi just waved his hand as if shooing off an annoying fly.

At least he knew the way to the hospital. The reception was distinctly cool. Then a friendly face appeared in the hallway.

"Hi Johnny!" Kel said as started to pick up a clipboard. This was dropped immediately when he noted the bandage and bruising.

"What the hell happened?" he demanded as he began prodding his friend's face.

"Hey, easy!" Gage complained. "That hurts!" Mike chose this time to walk up to them.

"Uh, John, uh, Dr. Hu is," he stumbled over his words as the strange doctor tugged off the bandage.

"Into a room, I need to put a couple sutures in here so you don't get a big scar!"

"Doc!" he groaned then noticed his trainee. "Mike, this is Dr. Brackett, head of Rampart ER in Los Angeles and my boss. Very annoying boss!" he added as he slapped away inquisitive hands.

"Hi," Mike said quickly. "Dr. Hu wants to know why you triaged in the order you did."

"Tell Dr. Hu she can come into treatment room 4 and talk to him while I take care of this cut!" Kel growled.

"It's ok, Mike, tell her and then come back to 4 as well," Johnny gave a lopsided grin to defuse the tension. "Doc ain't so bad, just full of wind and bluster." Brackett raised an eyebrow as if ready to negate it, but then added his own grin to help lower the tension as well.

"Yeah, see about getting me a suture kit, too, please," he asked politely.

By the time Hu marched in full of fury and fire Brackett was carefully putting in a neat row of minute stitches to close the cut. He and Johnny were discussing the paramedic/doctor roll in normal situations. All three men turned to look at the angry woman.

"This isn't normal," Kel muttered.

"Gage! How dare you triage patients!" she yelled. "You have no training to effectively triage!" she continued railing when the door opened and another man walked in quietly, folded his arms and leaned against the wall waiting.

Hu had a good head of steam going. When she finally stopped to take a breath Johnny stepped up to the plate.

"Dr. Hu, I have been in emergency services for over 5 years working in a busy urban environment," he began levelly. "I have had extensive training in triage both at Rampart Medical and in several classes held at different county and state facilities. I am capable of triaging and feel the choices I made today will stand. Was there a problem in the order in which I presented the patients?"

Hu started huffing, she really couldn't fault his triage. She thought she could cow the man in her own territory. As she turned around she saw with a sinking heart that Dr. Jackson was in the room and had heard her tirade.

"Madyline, answer the man," he commanded. She looked to her left and right then pulled her shoulders back.

"I, I have no problem in the way you ordered your triage," she spat out as she turned and stomped out of the room. Jackson just shook his head and followed her out. He had a huge problem to deal with and it was getting worse. Mike looked in awe of Gage.

"You, you just stood there," he said, "and didn't back down!"

"Oh, I can back down if I am willing to admit when I'm wrong," Johnny said with a sheepish grin. "But I wasn't wrong." Kel swabbed some antibiotic ointment over the newly stitched face and put a clean bandage on it.

"Nearly good as new," he said as he tossed the scraps into the trash.

"Thanks, Doc," he said. "Well Mike, better go find Steve and get going. We need to stop off at the market so I can replenish the soda we drank this morning." Brackett looked at him inquisitively.

"Don't ask," Gage shook his head. Soon the three paramedics were heading back to the station. Once there, with great pageantry, Johnny put three six packs of soda into the fridge, giving a faint bow, then exited back to the bay and sat down next to the squad.

He reached back into the sack and pulled out two small notebooks and Bicâ„¢ pens. These were given to his trainees. He took his own notebook from his pocket and began explaining the intricacies of recording vitals.

Kaiwi stood just out of sight listening to the malihini talking to the men. He couldn't admit he was impressed with the rescue that morning. Wouldn't. But standing there he was reminded that the two new men under him were firefighters of 5 and 7 years experience before taking the training courses to become paramedics. They knew their business and the chain of command. They continued to report to him even though he dismissed them. Continued to do their job without comment.

He hated to consider he might be wrong.

So he returned to his office, door closed, to go over the ever popular logs and forms for the department.

X x x x

McGarrett looked cautiously around the corner of the building. He was pulled back by his second in command as the bullet nicked the brick.

"Unacceptable!" he growled. In the distance more sirens came into range, this time it was the fire department. Steve jerked around.

"We have to get Kono out of there!" he stressed, "he could be bleeding out!" That was all the man had to say. Already armed with his sniper rifle and wearing a bullet-proof vest Danny practically leapt past his boss and rolled across the open area. He sighted and immediately pulled off two rounds.

McGarrett didn't even have time to react. He heard one of the felons yelling he was giving up while the rest of HPD rushed in to secure the area. Danny was up off the ground, gun slung behind his back, running with Steve to the downed 5-0 detective.

"Remind me to talk to you about that little stunt!" the elder man snarled as they came up to their fallen friend.

The amount of blood pooled was daunting. There was no way the big, affable man could possibly live. Eyes open, they feared the worse. Then those eyes focussed and looked directly at Steve, then Danny.

"Hey, ready to hit the curls, kaikaina?" he said breathlessly.

"Sure, bruddah, we'll get the boards," Williams managed with a catch in his voice.

"Kono, just hang on," Steve ordered. "The ambulance is here."

"Sorry boss, don't think so," he muttered as he lost consciousness.

"Let us through!" a very self-assured voice broke into their grief. As far as Steve could tell there were three firemen carrying fishing tackle boxes forcing their way to their dying, or dead, friend. Two men immediately knelt down and began to check Kono while the third worked to secure the area.

"Back up, please," he said to Danny and Steve. "Let the paramedics do their jobs!" Danny recognized the blond man, he was Johnny Gage's partner. He backed up and tried to pull his boss along with him. When this didn't work Desoto assisted the curly-haired man and together they moved Steve back a few feet.

"Stop it!" McGarrett growled.

"Steve! Let them help Kono!" Danny tried to reason with him. Neither Roy nor Danny let go of the upset man and held him in place. The senior paramedic continued to supervise his 'trainees'.

"ABC's, get the pressure on that wound," he reminded them. Without a doubt the two young paramedics knew what they were doing and quickly had their patient trussed up and vitals were being taken while establishing contact with Queens ER.

Steve watch tensely as two IVs were established. He was aware of more sirens as a ridiculously small yellow fire truck pulled past him followed by a normal sized engine. So intent on his fallen man he realized he'd forgotten about the felons.

"Steve, I'm going to go check on Chin, see what's happening with our suspects," Williams said. "Stay with Mr. Desoto!"

"Thanks, Danno," McGarrett replied and did as he was told.

For once!

Danny hustled across the open quad. He noted a body draped with an orange tarp. One shot had definitely found its target. A second man was handcuffed and sitting against a police cruiser, well-guarded. It was the third suspect the new paramedic team was concentrating on.

Williams checked in with Chin. Satisfied all had been secured he looked over and realized that Gage was standing near by, supervising his 'trainees'. Taking a second glance he realized the paramedic was sporting a small bandage on his cheek and a prominent bruise was flourishing around it.

"Hey, Johnny!" he called out as he moved towards his new friend. He held out a hand, received a shake, slide and bump before casting a critical eye on his face.

"So, what lolo tagged you?" he asked.

"Eh, just a little prank," Gage shrugged.

"Little pranks don't leave bruises," Williams returned.

"Yeah, it's a kind of hammajang," he replied. "Just old school not liking the new program."

"But you shouldn't be the punching bag," the detective looked over at the beefy engine crew, recognizing a couple of them from other runs and from surfing on days off.

"Better than screwing up the rescues," Gage shrugged. "These guys are great!" he motioned at the two paramedics working seamlessly together. "Professional and capable."

Danny sensed he wanted to move the conversation away from himself and allowed it, chit-chatting about the upcoming surfing trip to the North Shore. The big competition was two weeks off so they were going to zip around in a couple days to catch a few curls before it was over-run by the pros.

"Looks like your partner's team is ready to bag," Danny commented as he nodded towards four men lifting up Kono's gurney to put it into the waiting ambulance. They both watched as Roy was shaking his head and keeping the head of 5-0 from getting into the back with the other paramedic. Danny wondered if he knew just how stubborn his boss was!

So it was a huge surprise when he watched Steve stomp around to the front of the ambulance and climb in the passenger seat.

"Wow! That's a first," Chin remarked as he joined the two men.

"Yeah. We should find out what he said to Steve!" Danny agreed.

"It's basic safety," Johnny explained. "I gather the patient's critical since two paramedics are riding in. If they have to defibrillate or establish an airway space is critical."

"Well, that doesn't normally play with da boss," Chin said. Johnny just shrugged as he watched his partner hop in the back and then the ambulance was moving off.

"I guess he hasn't met up with us, then," Gage said, touching his cheek. "He's just lucky it wasn't me. I'm habut already!" This caused the two detectives to chuckle, but when they looked at his face they realized he wasn't kidding.

"This is Chin Ho," Danny made the quick introductions. "Chin, this is Johnny Gage." They shook hands but before anything more could be said a voice broke in.

"Johnny? We're ready!" one of the paramedics called as the gurney was being wheeled to a second ambulance. A police officer was staying close and the patient was handcuffed to the rail.

"Great! We'll catch up with you at Castle!" Gage waved. "Well, see ya in a couple, Dan! Good to meet you, Chin." He flashed his trademark crooked grin as though he didn't have a care in the world and went to help clean up the scene.

Danny glanced over at the engine again.

"Chin, I need a minute before we head over," he said as he turned and walked over to the firemen.

"Ok, give!" he growled. "Which one of you lolos was mento enough to hurt my bruddah?" This caused all four men to shift uneasily, captain included.

"Bruddah?" the engineer asked.

"Don't tell me you don't know who that is!" Danny exclaimed. "That man is Johnny Gage!"

"Yeah, yeah, some lolo malihini trying to mess with us!" the captain jumped in.

"I thought you guys were all about the surfing scene!" Williams continued disregarding the snarling faces that were now registering confusion.

"We surf," again the engineer snapped, but with less conviction.

"That is Johnny Gage, he took second on the Big Wave competition two years running before he joined the fire department out in LA," Danny said exasperated.

"What? He's who?" now confusion totally filled their faces.

"Go check out those old mags you guys got at home," Williams said. "I know you have 'em 'cause I do! He's the same Johnny Gage, just a little older. I can't believe you're treating ohana so pilau!" And he turned striding back to the waiting Chin. Guiltily the firemen eyed one another and climbed back into their rig.

Phone calls were made and by the time the squad backed into station 32 there were four very embarrassed firemen in the break room. Johnny tossed his coat and hat on the squad seat.

"I need some aspirin and and a quick nap," he said. "Let the captain know." He walked across the bay to the dorms. He took aspirin out of his locker bottle and dry swallowed them and headed for his bunk.

Which was completely dismantled and soaking wet. He sighed and picked up the pillow from the next bunk and headed back to the bay.

"Everything ok?" Steve asked.

"Just a little... wet," Gage shrugged and climbed into the squad's cab. Closing the door he settled down for a quick reprieve.

"Hey, Lewis!" the engineer called out as the two paramedics entered the kitchen area looking for a snack. "Where's Johnny?"

"Nap," he replied. "Has a headache and was going to catch some moe moe." The four seated men stared at one another.

"Awue!" two voiced. "We forgot!" Jeff and the linesman, Kurt, immediately headed for the dorms, finding the ruined bed, and all the other beds, vacant. They quickly picked up the sodden bedding and put together a dry, comfy bed. Then headed back towards the kitchen.

In the bay they noted the two paramedics had settled on the floor leaning against the squad, their favored place given the ice-cold reception they'd received so many weeks ago and continued to the present. They were completely taken aback to see all four of their "crew mates", captain included, facing them.

"Where's Johnny?" Jeff asked.

"Why? Want to pop him again?" Steve, asked not bothering to look up.

"Haven't you done enough?" Mike asked as he took a bite of his sandwich. "We stay out of your way, leave him be."

"We... I..." Cap started.

"Look, he has a headache," Steve said. "Just let him alone, ok?" With a guilty glance the four left the bay. Once in the break room more calls were made. Soon the coconut wireless was buzzing with the news that a minor surfing legend had appeared on the island.

X x x x x

Brackett stretched his back. These 12 to 14 hour shifts were killers, especially given he was doing noon to 1 to give his expertise to two shifts. At least he was getting the same days off as the firefighters.

Glancing down the hall he watched as Dr. Hu scribble furiously on a chart before handing it off to one of the paramedics who'd brought a mva victim in. The piggy-backed IVs had bought the time to save him. Still, there was a fierce anger in the antagonistic doctor's eye. She had yet to accept the inevitable and her attitude infected the entire ER. With a grim shake of the head Kel returned his attention to his coffee as he leaned against the nurses' station.

So it was a surprise when Dr. Hoyle slid up next to him and engaged in actual, polite conversation regarding the last run he'd handled with the paramedics from the 32s. Johnny had come in on that run, a gunshot victim. It had been fairly emotionally charged given there were two cops that accompanied him. The victim had shot another police officer so everyone was edgy.

Dr. Hoyle asked to see his notes from the initial call. Soon the head nurse joined them and Kel found himself actually teaching the previously reluctant team the finer points of working with paramedics.

X x x x x

Chet Kelly noticed something changed at his assignment. He was at one of the 'difficult' stations (as Cap Itora called it) and had been ostracized by the engine crew. To the point he rode with the paramedics to all station calls and left behind on any engine-only calls.

So when the tones sounded for a structure fire he was shocked when the senior linesman grabbed his arm and pulled him onto the rig, giving him his own seat. At the fire the captain put him on lead on one of the hoses. It was such a turn around he stared for a moment before getting on the blaze.

After knock-down and clean-up they headed back to 14s, again he was seated in the senior linesman's seat. He, and the previously-ignored paramedics, were herded into the kitchen for a cool drink.

The three bewildered men accepted the iced soda as the others straddled or sat down at the table with them.

"So, you work with Gage, eh?" Dave asked almost innocently. Chet's radar was immediately activated.

"Yeah, he's one of the paramedics at my station," he said carefully.

"Heard he shoots the curls a little," again, Dave, with that oh-so-not subtle tone. Chet glanced over to Sammy and Aleka, who slightly shrugged.

"Yeah, he surfs some," Chet agreed. "Went out a couple days ago with some guys from the 16s A shift and a guy named Williams. He can ride pretty good."

"He going out again?" this time it was McKenna, the engineer, who slid the question in.

"Think so, something about Williams taking him around to the North Shore on Friday," the mustached linesman answered. "He wanted to see if the waves were still big." This caused a chuckle from the assembled engine crew. A conversation ensued about surfing the 'big waves' and the competition that was coming up in a couple weeks.

The following morning Chet told his friends about the sudden change that had come over the crew at the 14s. Since the other station assignments had been fine they didn't notice any changes.

"Must be your charming personality," Hank remarked. "Teach any new Phantoms to build water launchers?" Chet faintly blushed.

"Ca-ap!" he whined. "This is a training assignment! We are suppose to train according to the needs of the station!" This elicited a round of laughter.

"Somehow I don't think Kimura or McConnike envisioned your special training regime," Stanley replied with a raised eyebrow. Looking across the pool they saw Kel Brackett headed towards the group.

"Hey, Doc!" Roy called out. "Where's that partner of mine?"

"Sleeping," he said tossing his towel down on a lounge. "He came in with a terrific headache. Bit confused as well since the 32s seemed to do a 180 in regards to paramedics on the crew."

"I noticed it too," Chet said, "over at the 14s. Really weird."

"So, you too?" Kel glanced at Chet and received confirmation. He then relayed what had happened at Castle, adding that Hu still was a problem.

"You know," Marco said, "in the afternoon a couple of the guys at the 28s asked about Johnny and surfing."

"Now that you mention it," Chet looked over at him, "so did the men at the 32s. They had some old magazines they were passing around."

"Ok, I know what happened," the normally quiet engineer grinned ear to ear.

"Give me!" Hank teased in pigeon.

"You guys all know John surfs," he said. "But he also competed before he joined up with the department. He was pretty highly ranked and if I remember correctly he came in second over here at a competition on the North Shore." All eyes swiveled to Roy. He bashfully ducked his head.

"Yeah, he kind of paid for his needs a couple years on the circuit," Roy confirmed. "He probably could have kept on going but he caught the fire bug. Then he discovered rescue work. You guys know the rest."

"Do you think his surfing has something to do with the shift of attitude?" Kel asked incredulously. "That's a little far-fetched!"

"I don't know about that," Mike said thoughtfully, "but I know that surfing is practically a religion over here. Some of the crews I've been with are avid surfers. It's nearly as thrilling as fighting a fire when you ride one of the big waves."

"Well, if we can get the paramedic program accepted by some of the naysayers because Johnny surfs then I'm for it," Hank declared as he sipped his frosty glass.

"As long as it doesn't go to his head!" Chet growled.

"Knowing Johnny he'll be embarrassed more than anything else," Kel said. "He was at the restaurant when Danny Williams finally recognized him and turned ten shades red." There was a general murmur of agreement when the younger kids came running over followed by the other half of the adults.

"Da-ad! Can we go swimming now?" Chris's voice pierced through the calm Hawaiian air.

"I miss Johnny already," Roy groaned before he turned to his son. "Sure! Just be careful!"

"It's ok," Chet said. "I'll go let 'em drown me for a change."

"Thanks pal!" earning a big grin from the senior paramedic.

"Plus, the lifeguard is a real babe!" Marco added with a mischievous grin.

It was nice just to lounge around for awhile. The kids were happily occupied and the teens were working on the 'perfect' tan across the pool from them. The afternoon plans included a tour of a pineapple plantation, a sugar cane factory and an early dinner at a local restaurant suggested by Captain Itora.

It was nearly noon before Johnny finally made it down to the pool. He stopped at the small coffee shop and picked up some sliced fresh fruit, cottage cheese and large blended fruit juice. He loved the food in Hawaii!

As he neared the pool a little body suddenly grabbed on to his shorts. Looking down he saw a sad face.

"Hey Becky, what's wrong?" he asked gently as he continued to walk towards an empty table. The young one said nothing but continued to hang on tight. For a moment he worried about his dignity being exposed. Fortunately he made it to the table and set his things down.

"Becky! What are you doing?" Beth's voice, and strident at that, carried from the knot of women.

"It's ok, Beth, she's just going to keep me company while I eat," Gage gave a quick wave as he pulled Becky up into his arms. He sat down and spread out his breakfast.

"Morning, sweetie!" he whispered to the young girl burrowing into his side. She snuffled a little and clung tight.

"Want a bite of melon?" he asked as he speared a small bite. Negative shake of the head.

"Mommy and Daddy feed you a good breakfast? he continued as he popped the morsel into his mouth.

"Tummy hurts," she said. A little concerned he carefully felt her stomach. It was soft and ticklish.

"Did you eat breakfast?" Gage changed his question slightly.

"No," she finally said. "Didn't wanna make a mess. Mommy and Daddy are mad at me!"

"They'd never be mad at their little angel!" Johnny said. "You're such a good girl!" Becky finally pulled her head off of him and looked teary-eyed at her uncle.

"They use mean voice!" she declared. "Their eyes are mean! I - I don know why!" She hiccuped in distress.

"Oh, sweetie!" Johnny pulled her close and rocked her. She cried a little more as she hung on. Food forgotten for the moment he made soft noises until she calmed a little.

"Do you want me to asked what's wrong?" he asked. "Then you and me can fix it!" She nodded, eyes half-mast as she started to nod off. All the emotions roiling in her all morning had tuckered the little one out!

She had just fallen asleep when Beth came up to the table.

"Johnny, I'll take her so you can eat!" she said rather firmly. He shook his head.

"What I need is for you to get Mike and sit with me while I eat," he said carefully. He knew getting between two people that were upset was one of the dumbest things he did. He nearly transferred when he'd gotten between Roy and Joanne once! But for the sake of Becky he'd chance it now.

"Mike and I?" she asked in a strained, struggling to be light, tone.

"Please," he speared a piece of pineapple and slowly chewed it. Instead of the sweet burst of flavor it should have had, it tasted like cardboard. A few minutes later a stiff Stoker and equally rigid Mrs. Stoker sat down by the junior paramedic.

"Uh, I promised Becky I'd find out why you were so mad at her," he said as he looked at his friends. Shock filled both faces.

"I, uh, we aren't mad at Becky!" Mike said. Beth nodded her head in agreement.

"Becky seems to think so," he said. "She said she didn't even want to eat because she'd make a mess."

"We're not angry with Becky," Beth said guiltily. "Mike and I had..."

"A bit of a disagreement about our days off," the engineer finished.

"It has been pretty darned busy," Gage agreed, uncomfortable in getting involved. But for one of the kids he'd go ahead.

"I guess she picked up on our tones," Mike said absently. His wife nodded in agreement. Johnny thought about options.

"Did you two really want to go see the sugarcane and pineapple plantations?" he asked carefully. They couple glanced at one another.

"I mean, I'm gonna go," Gage added. "You know me, free food!" This garnered two small grins. "If you want I'll take care of Becky and you two can settle your differences," he ducked his head hoping he'd said the right thing.

The couple finally turned and looked at one another. Silently the decision was made and they nodded.

"We'd really appreciate it, Johnny," Mike said.

"Let's take Becky up to our room and get her changed for the tour," Beth said. "Then maybe a quick bite to eat?" Her husband nodded in agreement.

"We'll bring her back in about an hour," he said.

"Great, I think we're leaving around one," Gage said, his face graced with a smile. "Becky? Sweetie? Mommy and Daddy are here." The little girl wiggled in the warm, safe, arms. Carefully Mike gathered her up and kissed her gently.

"Hey baby girl," he said softly. Becky gave a sleepy little smile and snuggled into her Daddy's arms. Beth gave her a quick kiss and the couple moved off heading for their room.

With a sigh Gage went back to eating his neglected breakfast.

"Hey, Junior," Roy stood by him. "Everything Ok?"

"Yups!" he replied through a mouthful of papaya and cottage cheese.

"Wanna come join the rest of us?" he asked and received a nod. Gathering up plate and tumbler the younger paramedic allowed himself to be herded over to the adults. He smiled his good mornings as he finished chewing. At the same time he noted approval in Cap's and Emily's eyes. He gave them a special crooked grin.

Kel looked at his friend with a particularly happy smile.

"Hey, John, you up for some adult diversion tonight?" he asked. "Couple of people over at Castle invited us out." John looked at him with grave suspicion.

"Last time I went out with you wasn't the best of times," he said. Brackett just laughed.

"This is different!" he insisted. "We get to go to one of the private clubs on the beach."

"Huh, what is the name of the 'private club'?" he asked. "I want to run it past Danny and make sure I'm not being served up on a platter again!"

With another laugh Brackett started to fill him in on the details.