Just a quick refresher here: In Chicago, every firefighter uniform is black. Also, one chapter today since unfortunately I didn't get much done... I'll be back at it strong tomorrow!

Arnold and Gerald didn't look away, but only stared blankly while Adcox walked by them, glaring. He soon walked away after he paused for a moment and glared at them.

"We have to get the others and tell them immediately!" Gerald said. Arnold followed behind.

Meanwhile

Brian was at the firehouse, out in the back he had gotten to Stephen's locker first, but also had gotten suspicious looks from John.

Later…

"He was the one behind all of it?!" Spinelli asked. "Believe it or not, it may be Axe. He's been the one setting those fires, that toolbox you guys found, he must've put it on Stephen's boat to try and frame him. No idea what his intentions are exactly, maybe wanting to be Lieutenant, or either… Olivia, bring up that projection of the people killed from the arson attacks."

Olivia then brought up a projection of ID pictures of the killed people from her hand repulsor.

"So we're all on the same page, right?" Rhonda took over for Arnold. They all nodded.

"Alright, here's where these people come into the frame. These people are all known associates of Marty Swayzak. And with Swayzak having shut down several Fire Departments, it wasn't just him behind this, it was also thanks to THESE associates that many firefighters were killed, leading to Departments being shut down. One of them is missing, we'll have to find Kosgrove and bring him in, the other two are dead."

"That son of bitch, Swayzak! And somehow I had a feeling it could've been him! And what? Did he practically hire Adcox to do the dirty work for him?" Ariel soon said. "No idea. But whatever is going on, we'll soon find out. Nothing escapes our grasp."

"We can't blow our cover just yet, we have to find out what happens next, and somehow, I don't have a good feeling about it." Arnold soon said.

The Station alarm went off. They were all just outside the engine room, at the garage doors.

"All units responding, respond to Battalion Twenty-Five. This is going to be a hazardous materials response in a chemical plant. Engine 17, Engine 30. Truck 1, Truck 46."

"The hell are you doing here?" Brian saw Stephen's truck soon park.

Stephen got out of his truck. "Is it Adcox?" Stephen then asked.

"How do you know…?" Brian sounded scared. Stephen paused for a moment as he shut his car door. "I didn't. . . I didn't 'till Shadow and his crew came to my boat, looking for those chemicals. Lookin' for me." Stephen replied as he walked toward his brother.

"What were they doing there, Stephen? They showed me those freakin' chemicals! What were those chemicals doing on the boat?" Brian asked. "Axe gave 'em to me!"

"Stephen!" The driver for 46 came out.

"I'll be there in a minute."

"They're pullin' the plug-"

"I gotta go to Rimgale about this…!" Brian told his brother. "I said I'll be there, dammit!"

"Stephen!" Brian shouted. "I'm his Lieutenant! I'll handle it…"

Stephen started walking off. Brian stopped him. "Stephen, are you part of this…?" Brian asked.

"No…" Stephen sounded scared. "You sure?"

"That's the only thing I am sure of anymore…" Stephen soon ran inside and headed to the engine room to gear up.

Brian was about to keep going, but Adcox was staring at him through the window, eavesdropping. He saw the demonic look Axe gave him, probably one of the scariest looks of his life.

Adcox feared that Stephen was now finding out. Adcox stared at Brian before he ran towards the pole. Brian saw Axe eavesdropping the entire time.

"Crap!… STEPHEN!" Brian went inside to warn his brother.

"C'mon! Spinelli, Nadine, and Olivia, you're all in the UFRT! Ariel, you're in the QR Helicopter!" Arnold started as they all ran towards the Hyperjet and QR Jet. "The rest of us are with the QR Jet, I'm sending Gerald with the Hyperjet to pick up the PRT with Travis and Warren! I have a feeling we may need it. Gerald, you better make it fast 'cause we don't have time to waste!"

"Got it!"

Adcox slid down the pole with his gear on and immediately got on the Engine as it started to roll off. The sirens started blaring while reflecting from inside the station.

"STEPHEN! . . . Shit!" Brian tried to catch Engine 17, but it had already started rolling off. Ladder 46 was still parked, with its siren lights on. Pengelly was waiting on Nightingale.

"You're the last one. C'mon! Let's go!"

Brian immediately went and took turnout gear from the lockers. He suited up as fast as he could. He left his coat open in the meantime, he grabbed a helmet, and immediately ran towards the Ladder truck.

The Ladder truck started taking off as the sirens blared and the horn honked. The UFRT started following behind the two trucks. The QR Jet, QR Helicopter, and Hyperjet all took off as well.

Brian sat down as he felt nervous for Stephen.

"Yo, Cap! We have company." Nightingale said. Pengelly looked back and saw Brian. He took a deep breath and looked out the window.

"Alright guys, we're dealing with a chemical fire, so that means we may also be on hazmat response. And thankfully it's nothing like the Hexion chemical plant. No civilians were reported inside. The roof ventilation unit is up there but they'll soon pull the plug. We're all on the same page?"

"Roger."

"We copy."

"Loud and clear."

"Alright guys, let's just move forward, get this fire out, and apprehend Adcox." Arnold then gave a worried look at Rhonda. She also gave a worried look. "Gerald better hurry back from Hillwood."

"The Hyperjet is the fastest aircraft ever made, I know it'll be here before we know it." Arnold gave an encouraging smile before it faded. "I hope…"

"Well, tonight proves just how fast it really is…"

As the three Fire trucks raced through the streets, they later raced through a bridge overlooking water. The lead Engine, Engine Seventeen, honked its horn several times as it soon exited the bridge, making a left turn while it honked its horn. Its sirens shined brighter than every street light, the headlights flashing brightly, and its paint scheme looked extremely darker than normal. The atmosphere was screaming bad things as Truck 46 and the UFRT followed behind on the same left turn.

Stephen was looking ahead at the streets before slowly turning his head around to look at Adcox.

Adcox soon looked at him, with an extremely pissed-off and angry look. And with lighting soon covered, a dark shadow covered half his face, making his look scarier. He was sure Stephen found out the truth.

Stephen gave a worried look as he honked the truck horn while turning his head back to the streets ahead.

Adcox only looked down and started contemplating his choices.

The three trucks raced through the streets and weaved around several cars as they were all making way.

Within ten minutes, the fastest aircraft built went from Chicago all the way to Hillwood.

The Hyperjet landed in the lair as the PRT was dropped off that day.

"Woah! That's a really amazing Jet." Warren said. Gerald peered out. "Are you guys Warren and Montgomery?"

"We are in fact."

"Good! There's no time to waste, but you guys are needed! Suits are found inside the PRT, I'll fill you in on the way.

Brian looked ahead out of the windshield from where he was sitting to see where Seventeen was. A taxi abruptly got in their way.

"MOVE IT, ASSHOLE!"

"LOOK OUT!"

"GET OUT THE WAY!"

Truck Forty-Six turned aggressively to avoid the taxi, but it ended up swerving and losing control. The truck crashed and hit a ramp from construction and was briefly airborne.

The truck started to lean over on its right side and soon slammed against the pavement with sparks flying all over the place. It turned over on its right side, the ladder shaking on top as it soon grinded to a stop.

The UFRT screeched to a halt and just near Forty-Six.

"Everyone alright?"

"Yeah, you alright?"

"Aye, is everyone alright?"

"Help me out!

"Pengelly, you okay?"

"C'mon man, help me out!"

Most members were all shaken up, except Brian. He was determined to get to the factory fire and to Stephen. The taxi driver got out of his car and immediately ran over to help. Engine Seventeen was already long gone. The factory was in sight, and Brian had to run to get there.

"UFRT Unit, help them out in any way possible, we're gonna have to leave that truck there since there's not much we can do right now. Ariel, head over towards the factory and have a light ready once we're there!" Arnold directed.

"Copy!"

The QR Helicopter flew off along with the QR Jet.

"Now these suits are pretty cool!" Montgomery said as he admired the PRT suits.

"I know it's probably a rush into action, but hey, it's practically in you guys' old firefighting jobs, no?" Gerald started.

"Basically but we don't mind."

"Oh, and I believe Ariel left a few surprises for you two in those lockers." Gerald pointed at the onboard lockers.

The lockers automatically opened and revealed both their firefighting turnout gears.

"Wait! How'd you guys get this?"

"A little request from Ariel towards the Captain. Thankfully he allowed it. It's here if you guys ever need it."

"You know, Trickshot, I always thought I'd get to meet you, never thought it'd be like this. Being rushed into action and all that." Warren chuckled.

"Yeah well… I believe we'll soon have time for introductions later."

Brian soon arrived at the factory fire as many trucks from a four-alarm were already there. Several trucks were parking as Brian kept searching for Seventeen.

"Seventeen! Where's Seventeen?" Brian was looking for his Engine company.

"I don't know man!"

"Shit! Stephen!" Brian kept looking around until he finally found the truck parked with its sirens on. But Seventeen was already empty.

"Where's Seventeen?"

"Seventeen's on the roof!" The fireman pointed.

"Mask up! We got a chemical fire!" The Battalion Chief yelled in the background.

"Thanks!" Brian saw the flames pouring from the top of the building. He immediately ran towards Truck Five which was a Tiller Truck. An ambulance was seen parking near the same truck he was climbing from.

The QR Jet immediately landed as the QR Helicopter shined a spotlight on the roof. Ariel then started to run a scan over the building. Top and bottom, inside and outside, and the containment inside. The UFRT arrived shortly after and parked near Seventeen.

"C'mon Gerald…!" Arnold looked up at the sky.

The Hyperjet's engine was heard as it whooshed.

The Hyperjet landed near the QR Jet. The doors underneath lowered as it revealed the new PRT.

The PRT's lights flashed, but the siren wasn't on for now. Warren soon had it parked near other ambulances.

Gerald immediately ran towards Arnold, and so did most of the others. Sapphire was in the skies with Ariel.

"Nadine, Olivia, you two are staying down here. Rest of us are headed up." Arnold said.

Brian was on the roof as he looked for his brother. Many firefighters were cutting pieces out of the roof, ventilating it. Buzzsaws were heard

as the fire crackled around.

"Let's go!"

Firemen were shouting to get off the roof. The roof started to swell and bubble as the flames inside worsened.

"C'mon, guys!"

"Clear!"

"We're pulling the plug! Everybody off the roof now!"

"Let's go, guys!"

Brian was looking around for Stephen and Axe. He soon found them.

"Why, Axe?!"

"You don't understand! My cousin! My cousin, Sally, used to work in Swayzak's office! She saw the files, Stephen! She saw what he did!" Adcox replied.

The two were near the west side of the building. Most of the roof's flames were there too.

"And you set me up with those chemicals on the boat or what?" Stephen backed away a little. "I'm trying to explain to you, Stephen-" They talked over each other.

"STEPHEN!" Brian shouted. Shadow and the others soon found where they were.

"YOU BACK OUT-" Adcox warned but Stephen stopped him. "Hey. Axe…"

"Someone had to stop these pricks, Stephen!"

"Look at me, Axe…"

"Will you PLEASE listen to me?!" Adcox pleaded. "But what were you thinking?! I mean, you burned people! You're a fireman!" The two kept talking over each other.

"It's about what you didn't see!"

Smoke clouded the place as the lighting of the fire grew with the smoke.

"When Sally showed me what was in Swayzak's files-"

"You saw Swayzak's files?!"

"I should've told you! I Should've let you in on it!"

"Let him in on what, John?!" Brian exclaimed.

"Swayzak and those assholes were shutting down firehouses! They were killing our friends FOR MONEY! I had to, Stephen! I had to do it for the Department!"

Stephen only shook his head as he looked around.

"And did you do it to Tim, John?!" Shadow soon exclaimed. "That was an accident!" He replied, upset.

"You started that fire? YOU COULD'VE KILLED HIM!" Spinelli exclaimed. "Did you start that fire?" Stephen looked at Adcox.

"Jesus Christ! Why'd you have to go in so FUCKIN' early!" Adcox shouted.

"Oh God, Axe…" Bull exclaimed.

"So that's why you wanted us to wait! You wanted someone else killed rather than your own probie!" Gerald soon said. "So that's why you wanted me to wait…" Stephen looked at John.

"Let me finish Swayzak!"

"No, John! It's over! You're coming down!"

"YOU SHUT UP! Your grandparents would fucking PUKE their guts out seeing what you're always up to!" Arnold and Rhonda were dead silent. Brian and Stephen were now frustrated with John. "Yeah, that's right… I've studied you fucking pricks for a while now… I know where you come from, I know you and your wife's real names! And I know your private and public company! I know your deepest and darkest secrets!" Adcox stared at them in the eyes. "You better fucking watch yourselves before I reveal those secrets to the whole fucking world…! And we'll see how you two do by then! And I won't hesitate to expose every single one of your fucking friends!"

"You back the fuck off them! They're my actual friends unlike you! Damned traitor! You murderous asshole!" Stephen stepped in front.

"And your father is rolling over in his grave knowing how you two SHIT on his Department!"

"What would he say 'bout what you're doing, John!" Brian shouted.

"Your Dad died saving my life. Died saving my life and these people were killing firemen for money!" Adcox exclaimed.

He was referring to their father who saved his life when he was a young rookie.

"Swayzak…" Stephen said in a deep tone. "You and Swayzak are only ensuring your prison sentences! And-"

"SHUT IT! I know everyone's secrets' here so shut it before I expose you all!" Spinelli was practically forced to shut up.

The fire lighting grew more and more as flames raged and crackled in the background. Smoke amplified the lighting as they all kept arguing about Adcox's crimes.

"Look, they killed our friends for money! What the FUCK would YOU DO?!" Adcox looked at his Lieutenant. "Look, you're his Lieutenant, Stephen! you gotta handle this!" Brian soon told his brother what he was told before the hazmat response alarm.

Stephen was about to say something, but creaking was heard.

"Shadow! Guys! The roof is getting more and more unstable! You have to get out NOW!" Ariel told them through the radio comms. They all had a chance to get out but were all too busy arguing about Adcox's crimes.

"I'm getting out and telling the whole world how much of assholes and frauds you and your team are!" Adcox glared.

"I've had enough of your damn threats! And If I don't smash your skull open-" Spinelli got interrupted by the creaking on the roof. They all looked down, with the roof partially caving in. Rhonda yanked Spinelli over.

"WOAH!"

"IT'S GOING!"

"GET TO THE SIDE, BRIAN! IT'S GONNA GO!" Stephen told his brother.

"SHADOW!" Rhonda saw Arnold now wrestling and fighting with John. "YOU ALL GET OUT! NOW! I'LL BE FINE! UGH." Adcox hit his jaw and tried kicking him away.

"C'MON! THE ROOF IS STARTING TO GIVE WAY!" Spinelli tugged on Rhonda's arm. Fire briefly flared right in their faces as they soon ran off.

"Soon as I escape, I'm telling the entire world who the Lloyd-Shortmans really are! Putting their daughter into this danger!" John threatened. "You shut your fucking mouth!" Arnold punched Axe in the mouth and left a smoke bomb to cover his tracks.

Brian was soon on the Tiller Ladder, but the roof was giving way more and more.

The fire was exploding and shooting out from the roof as it started collapsing more and more. Wood came falling apart with every step everyone took. With the roof collapsing, fire shot up into the sky and poured.

"Grab on!" Ariel had lowered three tether ropes. Rhonda and Spinelli grabbed on, but Gerald missed it and fell towards the side ladder. "Gerald!" Spinelli yelled. "Ariel! Get us out now!" Rhonda went on her comms.

Fire spreaded across the roof fast as more explosions went off like a chain reaction.

Ariel immediately pulled the helicopter out just in time.

The fire was just out of reach from catching Spinelli on fire. "Where's Arnold?!"

"I- I don't know!" Rhonda soon looked at the collapsed roof. "I just hope he's alright… We have to get in there!"

"No way! Not without your breathing apparatus'!" Ariel replied from the comms unit. The helicopter soon hovered over toward the streets.

This took a turn REAL fast...