The fire raged before them, a ferocious beast consuming everything in its path. The crew moved with practiced precision, each firefighter knowing their role as they battled the inferno threatening to devour the forest. Bode stood near the truck, his eyes scanning the scene with a mix of awe and frustration. He had been ordered to stay back, to ensure the truck was ready for anything, but every fibre of his being screamed to join the fight.
His hands tightened into fists as he watched Camden lead the crew into the thick of the flames. Bode could see the respect they had for him, the way they moved in sync under his command. He wanted to be out there, to prove that he could be more than just a probie on supply duty.
Then, a sudden explosion shook the ground beneath Bode's feet, and a plume of fire shot up into the sky, sending debris raining down. His heart pounded as he scanned the scene, trying to understand what had just happened. He saw Camden stagger back, momentarily disoriented by the blast.
For a split second, Bode hesitated, remembering Chief Harper's strict orders to stay with the truck. But instinct took over. He grabbed his helmet and gloves, then bolted toward the flames, his mind racing.
As he approached, he could see what had caused the explosion—an old, abandoned propane tank that had been hidden in the brush. The blast had knocked down part of a tree, which now blocked the path of the crew, trapping them in a quickly intensifying pocket of fire. Camden was barking orders, trying to get his crew out of harm's way, but the situation was rapidly spiralling out of control.
Bode's training kicked in. He ran back to the truck and grabbed chainsaw and sprinted toward the downed tree. Without a second thought, he began hacking away at the branches, clearing a path for the trapped crew members. The heat was intense, the smoke thick, but Bode didn't falter.
"Leone, what the hell are you doing?!" Camden shouted, spotting Bode in the middle of the chaos.
"Making a way out!" Bode yelled back, not pausing in his work. "The fire's about to close in from the east. We need to move now!"
Camden's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. Bode was right. The wind had shifted, pushing the flames directly toward them. There wasn't time to argue. Camden nodded and motioned for the crew to follow Bode's lead.
Bode hacked away with fierce determination, his muscles burning with the effort. But he could feel the path opening up, and soon, the crew was pushing through the gap he had created. Camden was the last to move through, staying close to Bode as they both made their way out of the danger zone.
As they emerged from the thick smoke, Camden grabbed Bode's arm, pulling him to a stop. "You're supposed to be back at the truck!" Camden growled, his tone harsh, but Bode could see the respect in his eyes.
"I know," Bode panted, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "But I couldn't just stand there while you guys were trapped. I saw a way to help, so I took it."
Camden stared at him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "You made the right call. That was quick thinking, Leone."
Bode blinked in surprise, not expecting praise, especially from someone as tough as Camden. "Thanks, Captain."
Camden released his grip and looked back at the smouldering scene they had just escaped. "But don't think this means you can go rogue whenever you want. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Bode replied, his voice steady.
"Good," Camden said, his tone softening just a bit. "Now get back to the truck and grab a pulaski. We're not done yet."
Bode nodded and jogged back to the truck, his heart still racing but now with a sense of accomplishment.
As he reached the truck, he allowed himself a small smile. Being back in the firefight felt like breathing again.