Righto – there will now be some spoilers for 3x14: Chemical Brothers. Not in as much detail as Dunes, but they will be there! (I've decided I want Lachie in here!)
Mistakes are all mine. I did spend the week going back and editing the previous chapters, so hopefully there aren't any anymore!
But Who's Going To Save You?
Chapter 13: You Went and Jinxed It.
"Babe, you look like crap," Lara informed Felicity as she took a seat at her desk.
"I didn't sleep very well," Felicity told her, turning her computer on. "I couldn't get comfortable," she added.
"Again?" Lara sighed, patting her arm sympathetically. "Maybe you should ask Michelle for the day off."
"I'm fine," Felicity assured her, forcing a smile. "Besides, yesterday's report won't get finished in bed."
"And I'm going to need them by lunch," Michelle added as she passed by, disappearing into her office.
"Plus we seem to be down Dean today," Felicity shrugged. "With any luck it will be a nice, quiet day."
From across the way both Jordan and Heidi let out a loud groan. "Well now you've done it," Heidi told her. "Now today will be anything but quiet."
"What are you complaining about?" Chase muttered, slinking in and taking his seat, looking anywhere but at Felicity.
"Flick has guaranteed we're going to have one hell of a day," Jordan explained, throwing a pen lid at Felicity.
Felicity sighed and pulled the pen lid from her lap, dropping it in the bin. "That's a load of crap," she told him. "You're statistically just as likely to have 'one hell of a day' on a day where you want a quiet day, but because you've mentioned the quiet day it sticks in your mind more. Moreover, judging from the Au de Booze you're sporting this morning, someone's hungover." She stood and made her way to the kitchen, setting the kettle boiling.
"Did I hear someone mention a quiet day?" Vince asked, stepping out of Michelle's office. Jordan and Heidi pointed over at Felicity. "Well done, Flickety-Split," Vince told her. "Looks like you're the one to jinx it. We've got a missing plane."
"Please tell me it's not gone down in the Blue Mountains," Jordan muttered, shooting an unimpressed look at Felicity.
"Not yet," Michelle informed them, heading to the map of the area. "Radar has it travelling along this path," she said, pointing out the flight path. She turned, and seeing everyone still watching her, clapped her hands. "Chop, chop. You're not going to find it by sitting here."
"I'll go out with them," Vince informed her as the rest of the team filed down the stairs. "No sense in calling Dean in on his day off unless we really need him."
"You know you've only just got that cast off, right?" Michelle asked, unable to stop herself from smiling. From the moment the cast had gone on, Vince had done nothing but complain.
"I'm very aware of that, Michelle, hence why I am not staying in here," Vince nodded.
Felicity trudged down the stairs, partly wishing she had stayed in bed. Downstairs she was confronted by the option of joining the back seat with Chase as Heidi and Jordan occupied the front, or the car with Lara and Vince. It was a no brainer, and ignoring the frowning face of Chase, she headed straight for the other car.
"Would have thought you'd want to be in the other car," Vince muttered as the black haired woman climbed in the back.
"Two teams of three made more sense to me," she shrugged, purposely diverting her attention out of the window.
"What's the matter, Felicity?" Lara asked her. "You've not really been yourself for the past couple of days."
Felicity puffed her cheeks out and looked forward to her car companions. "Me and Cole had an argument," she admitted.
"Ah," Lara nodded in understanding. "What did he do?"
"Now why do you always go to the conclusion that it's the man that's done wrong?" Vince asked.
"Because that's usually the case," Lara scoffed. "So what did he do?" she asked again, glancing back in the rear view mirror.
Felicity exhaled deeply. "He's pissed off I went to the fair with Chase."
Vince swivelled around in his seat to stare incredulously. "You and Chase?" he repeated, slowly. "As in, youngest, idiot, Gallagher brother?"
"There is no 'me and Chase'," Felicity told him, turning her attention back out of the window to look for any sign of the missing plane. "We're just friends."
"Really?" Vince asked, skeptically.
Felicity shot him a withering glare and held her left hand up. "I'm engaged," she told him. "You're as bad as Cole. And I'm not having this conversation with my boss," she added, shaking her head.
"You knock it, but I have the experience of several divorces under my belt," he told her.
"Oh that's optimistic," Lara laughed at him. "They're not even married yet and you're tarnishing them with the same brush as you."
"Can we just look for this plane?" Felicity pleaded.
Thankfully, Vince agreed and they drove around in silence, Felicity and Vince's eyes on the skies. The only sound was Michelle's voice occasionally updating them. Eventually, Vince picked up his radio. "Rescue One to Rescue Base. We're in the area now. Any word from air traffic control?"
"Rescue Base, negative on that," Michelle responded. "They've being trying to raise the plane but they're getting no answer. Have you got a visual at all?"
"Standby," Vince told her.
"Do you think the pilot's lost his radio?" Lara asked. "Maybe he had a heart attack."
"Didn't Michelle say they'd just lost him on radar?" Felicity asked. "That either means that he's flying under the radar and he's not far from coming down..."
"Or he's already down," Lara finished.
"Rescue One to Rescue Base, we can't see anything," Vince told Michelle.
"Well keep trying. It's been twenty minutes since his transponder went off and five since they've lost him on radar. Rescue Base to Rescue Two. Heidi, have you got a visual on the plane?"
"Rescue Two – it's a negative," Heidi replied.
"Well let me know when you've got something," Michelle instructed them.
Vince, watching the skies ahead, frowned. "You guys see the smoke too?" he asked.
Felicity peered forward and nodded. "Yup," she agreed.
"Rescue One to Rescue Base, we've got smoke one and a half clicks north of our position," Vince radioed in.
"Copy that. That puts it around Russell Street," she told them.
Vince glanced at Lara before radioing back. "Rescue One to Rescue Base. En route now."
Lara put her foot down as Vince flicked the lights and sirens on. They hurtled down the road towards the source of the smoke. As they approached a busy container yard, it wasn't hard to spot the bright yellow plane covered in flames.
"Rescue Seven portable to Rescue Base, the plane has gone down in a container yard," Vince updated Michelle as the three of them jumped out of the truck. "Repeat, the plane has gone down and it's burning heavily. It's white hot Michelle. No one can get anywhere near it."
"We need BAs and to evacuate straight away," Vince barked at them.
Lara nodded. "I'll set up a triage point over there," leading another injured party a safe distance away.
"I'll get the extinguishers!" Felicity yelled, running back to the truck.
"Flick, get all the fire extinguishers you can!" he ordered.
She had just given one to Vince when the plane exploded with an almighty bang, sending everyone, Vince and Felicity included, flying.
"Flick, are you alright?" Vince asked, helping her to her feet. At her nod, he turned his attention to the plane and a nearby extinguisher.
"That's not going to work," Felicity told him. "This place has got to have an onsite fire crew. I'm coming back, and I'm coming back with hoses!" she yelled, taking off.
She was right. They did have. Unfortunately, the ones who were trained to deal with the fire-fighting, were being treated by Rescue. Instead, Felicity busied herself barking orders at the nearest available free bodies, rolling out the hoses and taking the lead as the fire fighting instincts surfaced.
It took a while, but finally the fire was all but out. Leaving the men to tackle the few flames that were left, Felicity made her way to the plane, wrenching the door open. "What the hell?" she frowned, pulling her BA off. "Vince, you need to come see this!" she yelled over to her boss.
Vince made his way over and stuck his head in the plane's cabin. "Where's the pilot?" he asked Felicity.
"That would be the thing you need to see, or the lack of thing you need to see," she shrugged.
With a frown, Vince reached for his radio. "Rescue Seven portable, Michelle, are you there?"
"Rescue Base, go ahead, Vince."
"Uh, we've got a problem. There's no pilot," Vince told her.
There was a pause on the other end. "Say again."
"There's no pilot," Vince repeated. "No body at the scene – nothing. When this plane went down, there was no one at the controls."
Leaving Vince to communicate with Michelle, half paying attention to the conversation over her radio, Felicity turned her attention to the two fire engines that had pulled up. "Marvellous," she muttered under her breath as she spotted Jake jumping out of the first engine. Taking a deep breath, she headed over. "I hate to break it to you boys, but the fire's already out," she informed them, nodding her head at the plane. "Your response time needs work."
"Well, you know," Jake shrugged. "If we didn't have to get through a building site to get to the engines, then maybe we would be a little quicker."
"Building work's underway?" Felicity asked in surprise.
"Yeah, well that's kinda needed when Rescue demolish half the station," Jake shot at her.
"Look, I wasn't driving that truck, and more to the point, it still would have hit your station if we hadn't been there," Felicity told him, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, more importantly, I may have got the fire out, but it looks like something flammable was spilt here when the plane crashed. We don't know what yet, but we'll keep you informed."
Feeling no need to spend any more time with Jake and the other fierys, Felicity headed back to the Rescue truck to grab a bag so she could help Lara in triage. Felicity looked thoughtfully at the empty fire extinguishers and sighed. If they were left there, the fierys were only going to collect them and claim them as their own.
She glanced back at the others. They seemed to have everything under control and it would only take a couple of minutes to lug the extinguishers back into the boot. She grabbed the first two and had them safely stowed away, and was turning to collect the next pair, when they were put in the boot for her. "Thank you," she said, following the arms up to the rather good looking dark haired guy who was helping her.
"My pleasure," he grinned. "You need help with the others?"
"Sure?" Felicity shrugged. "I'm not going to turn down someone doing all the heavy lifting for me..." she trailed off, looking at him expectantly.
"Felicity," he said.
Felicity shook her head. "No, that's my name."
"I know," he nodded, giving her a cheeky grin. "You're the ex-fiery from Leeds engaged to the superstar rugby player."
Felicity peered up at him, cocking her head. "Have we met before?" she asked, slowly. He did look familiar.
"Oh, Felicity, I'm hurt," he told her, his blue eyes sparkling.
"I'm sorry," Felicity apologised. "I haven't had the best night's sleep, and combined with the fact I'm something of a goldfish..." she trailed off at the face he was pulling and flushed. "You know: Oh, there's a castle, oh, there's a castle..." she gave him an awkward smile. "Ten second memory... memory like a goldfish?" When he did little more than chuckle at her, she rubbed her neck awkwardly. "I'm going to go that way," she muttered before walking away.
She was already kicking herself when she realised she was on a direct path for Dean and Chase. With the other option of turning and walking back in the other direction (and not only looking a bigger twit in front of the blue-eyed hunk who seemed to know her, but also to Dean and Chase who had now realised she was heading towards them) she continued over to them.
"Just wanted to see if you needed a hand?" she offered, although she was directing the question mainly at Dean.
Dean eyes her suspiciously, shooting a look at Chase, before shaking his head. "We've got it all over here."
"Rescue Portable Seven to Rescue Portable Six: Flick, are you free?"
Felicity had to restrain herself from letting out an audible sigh of relief – and she was certainly going to have to restrain from hugging Vince. "Rescue Portable Six. Where do you need me, Vince." She gave Dean a shrug. "I'll go see if Vince needs any help," she told him before quickly disappearing.
Dean let out an exasperated sigh and looked at his brother. "Whatever you've done, apologise," Dean hissed at him.
Chase looked down at his shorter brother and frowned. "I haven't done anything," Chase retorted.
Dean's expression was one of scepticism. "Flick has barely said two words to you since she dropped you off the other night. And you haven't stopped sulking."
"I am not sulking," Chase returned.
"Of course not," Dean said, shaking his head. "Just fix it, you moron," he told him, smacking him upside the head.
"Rescue Base to all units. Be advised: the ambos are reporting severe reactions in some of the transported workers. Based on the symptoms, we are revising our initial chemical identification. This is not solvent poisoning. I repeat: this is not solvent poisoning. We are dealing with a serious toxin here. Initiate protocols for hazardous materials."
Felicity took a few steps away from the patient she was treating. "Rescue Portable Six to Rescue Base, I've just left the fierys. They've confirmed that the spilt liquid was a solvent. It's not the cause of the toxin."
"Copy that, Rescue Six."
"I'll let the fierys know," she told them, cursing under her breath as she headed over to them again.
By the time she had briefed them again and returned to the triage area, the others had returned with the site manager. "Did he make it?" she asked, hurrying over.
Vince shook his head. "No."
"Shit," she muttered, noting the disheartened expressions of her colleagues.
"Any word on what the hazardous material is?" Vince asked her, nodding his head in the general direction of the fire department.
"Nothing. Hospital's running the blood of the first casualties now. We've been going through paperwork, but it's that disorganised... I'm going to go back," she frowned, turning.
"Wait!" Vince ordered, stopping Felicity in her tracks.
Felicity turned. "What?"
"While you're here, you might as well get your shot of atropine," he told her.
"Oh, Vince," Felicity whined.
"Don't 'oh Vince' me," Vince told her, grabbing her by her shoulders. "Sit that scrawny butt down and get your shot."
"And to think I wanted to hug you earlier," Felicity muttered under her breath while Vince's back was turned.
"I don't know what you just said," Vince said, "But just remember I'm the one with the needle." He grinned and then jabbed the needle in her thigh.
"You enjoyed that, didn't you," she said, narrowing her eyes.
"Oh yes," Vince agreed. "Jordan, you're next."
"So if it wasn't paint thinner that killed him, what was it?" Jordan asked, taking the seat Felicity had vacated.
"Hospital doesn't know yet," Vince replied. He injected the drug then waved Heidi over.
"Where is it? That's what I want to know. We've searched every inch – ow!" she cried, sending Vince a murderous look.
"Want a jelly bean?" Vince asked her, grinning.
"It's got to be on that plane," Felicity said, thoughtfully.
"Come on," Jordan disagreed.
Felicity shook her head. "No, think about it. If there was something on board it could easily have vaporised in the explosion."
"She's right," Lara agreed. "Adam was by the plane when we got here, right? I bet the most toxic cases are the ones we pulled from there."
"We've got to find the pilot," Vince shrugged. "He'll know the toxin. Basically, the airport is point a. Point b is right here. Right, we'll start when we're done here."
"Rescue Base to Rescue Portable Seven. Vince, what's your sit rep?"
"Just wrapping up here, 'Chelle. About to start the S&R. Why?"
"Can you send Flick back to base?"
Felicity couldn't help but pull a face. "What have I done now?"
Vince shot her a look before responding. "Can it wait?"
"Unfortunately, no," Michelle replied.
Felicity grabbed her radio. "Michelle. You're going to need me near here to help with this S&R."
"Just get back to base, now," Michele told her in exasperation.
Felicity glanced at Vince. "Do you know what I've done?" He just shrugged at her.
Felicity traipsed up the stairs, slinging her jacket over her shoulder as she did so. Michelle was already waiting for her at the top. "Whatever I've done, I'm sorry," she blurted out.
Michelle gave her a smile. "Technically, it's not what you've done," she said, stepping to one side.
Felicity's mouth fell open at the sight before her. On just about every free inch of space in a three metre radius of her desk, there were bunches upon bunches of white roses. "Cole." Felicity realised, glancing at Michelle.
Michelle nodded, pointing at her office where the fiancé in question was waiting for her. "What are all these for?" she asked, walking over to him.
"It's my apology," Cole admitted. "I may have overreacted the other night."
"May?" Felicity blinked.
Cole nodded. "Alright, I did overreact the other night. I'm sorry, baby," he apologised.
"You hurt me," she told him in a low voice.
"I know, and I'm sorry," he repeated. "I promise you it will never happen again." Felicity stared up at him as he watched her hesitantly, and nodded. His relief was palpable as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. "I have more gifts," he told her, releasing her.
"More?" Felicity asked, eyeing the flowers suspiciously. "It already looks like you bought a store out of their roses."
"Three, actually," Cole murmured, reaching for a large box on the table.
With her nose wrinkled in confusion, Felicity undid the extravagant bow and pulled the lid off. Inside, blinking up at her, was a silver tabby cat. Her mouth fell open. "It's adorable," she muttered, pulling him out and cradling in her arms.
"I know it's not a kitten, but I do listen to you when you say you've always preferred adoption. Plus, he's eight months old and already litter trained, and even better, I've been assured he won't use my furniture as a scratching post," Cole explained. "Do you like him?" he asked, watching as she giggled at the whiskers tickling her face.
"Yes!" she exclaimed, happily.
Cole put the box down. "I thought he could keep you company tonight, along with this," he reached into a bag and pulled out a bottle of strawberry wine. "And maybe you could invite your friends over. For a girly night in. I even got you both of the Sex and the City movies."
"Thanks," Felicity said, a small frown at the obvious dig at Chase. Regardless, it was a nice thought.
"I have my date tonight," he told her, misreading her expression. "You know, from the raffle."
"What do you mean another one died?" Michelle's angered voice interrupted them. "Have you not worked out what it is yet...? Well do you not think you should be working on it...? Thank you."
"I think I need to go," Felicity told Cole.
Cole nodded. "I'll take all this back to the apartment for you," he said, kissing her. "Be safe." He took the cat off her and popped him back in the box.
"Where do you need me, Michelle?" Felicity asked.
Okay, massive rant time. The Last Episode... Brilliant episode, but a last episode? Is anybody else out there as disappointed as me at that? Firstly, Lara, you muppet - wrong brother. And if you don't want Dean (or Lachie, for that matter), move over! And speaking of Lara and Dean - that's a freaking cliff hanger, not a show finale. Heidi and Jordan - does that mean they're back together, or is that just another rush of adrenaline moment? Gah! I'm secretly hoping that this cancellation nonsense is just a very bad publicity stunt.
Okay, rant over. I want you all to know that I am having a truely sucky time at the moment, but the reviews and alerts - they really do bring a smile to my face! THANK YOU!
Miss Deeds - Well I get happy feelings when I get your review! It did have a lot riding on it. I spent all of Sunday thinking that maybe I didn't want to watch it. I'm glad I did. But, you know - see mini rant above!
MMC gang - My thoughts exactly! If I was out in Australia, I would boycott it. As it happens, I don't think they're going to miss me. (I'll just have to plan a wedding myself...)
Madison - Sorry, my dear, life has a habit of getting in the way, but I am trying to stick to my pledge of a chapter a week. If nothing else, they're long chapters! :) But I'm glad you're enjoying!
Rescuelover - I've just watched it. Now I want to write a story that puts right all the wrongs. I just wish I had the power to bring the show back! (If I become a Euro millionaire and win the ridiculous amount of money, I will finance the show myself! LOL) :P You make my day!
elightate - Why thank you very muchly! I'm trying to update sooner, I am :)
Oh! I forgot! Guys, I have a request. I need you guys to point me in the direction of some new music. I'm a DJ so I will honestly listen to anything (except Beiber - one less girl for the fans to fight with), and while I won't say no to anything, I'm thinking what I call TV episode music - the kind of thing you would find on a TV episode (surprisingly enough). Like Howie Day, Collide (my all time favourite), Lifehouse, You and I, or Placebo's version of Running Up That Hill... But seriously, I will listen to anything! Thanks all!