Alpha

I head out to the ladder, climbing into the driver's seat. We pull out of the station, and I meander through traffic down to the scene. Not particularly busting ass, no reason to be excessive for this call. Seemed relatively minor. We got on scene, and I put the truck in neutral and pull the airbrake. I listen to Cook's instructions and give a nod. 'Got it, lieu.' I do as instructed, positioning the ladder to be used as a tripod to hoist the basket clear of the mud. I wasn't particularly clear on what exactly we were doing, but the orders I had received so far were clear enough.

We had spent most of the day touching up decorations and making food, but it was finally time for the main event. Evelyn had gone the sexy route with her with costume, but me? I had decided that I was Kenough, and I was rollerblade Ken. I had gotten Luke to sleep, and popped out just in time to see a few guests in the living room. I wave at Kat as she heads over to the snack table, and I make my way to the small group that's gathered. I knew most of them, although someone had a helmet on, and there was one girl I didn't recognize. 'Evening y'all, love y'all could make it out. Jen, Allen, good to see you guys. I don't think I know you,' I say to Bagley. 'I'm Mark, Evelyn's other half. Nice to meet you.'

I walk into the lounge and head to the coffee pot, pouring myself a cup. I had had union business to tend to earlier, but now I was in for the rest of the shift. 'Evening, everybody. How's the shift been?'

Fire Assignments are now as follows: Engine 1: Acting Cpt Noel, FF Valentine, FF Anderson, FF Clark Ladder 1: Acting Lt Cook, FF Wilson, FFPM Boorne, FF Beard

I walk into the duty room and sign my timesheet, then check the assignments board. I see there's a note with a few of us getting swapped around now that I've come in.

I smile as she tells me that and I shrug. 'I don't know. There are some deserving guys here. And, honestly...I want the pay raise, and I want the job eventually, but I don't know if I really want it yet. I'm in a really good spot as Captain. Still an officer, do a lot of active command stuff, but I still get to go inside with my guys on the regular. Moving here...I don't know, it loses a lot of the activeness. Makes me a desk jockey. I don't know if I'm ready for that. And it's not like we critically need the money. I mean, I'll be topped out Captain pay in two years.' I really was conflicted about going after the job, but of course, it didn't matter how I felt as long as there weren't openings.

Baked chicken, brussels sprouts, and maybe some rice.

'A specific skill or to reward senior duties for good service. Hmm..........you could be either one. But I take it by specific skill you mean something like K9? So I take it yours is for your shining, exemplary service, Miss Shiloh Six Heroine?' I take a bite of pizza and chew, then chase it with some water from my bottle. 'You deserve it, love. You give that agency so much dedication. I'm really happy to hear they're recognizing you.'

"E1 sector to command, looks like we've got things under control in here. " "Command copies." Only a moment later, the same traffic came through from Engine 5. The fire was completely under control. "ERT, Clark Meadow Command. Show this fire under control. BREAK. Engine 1, that's a negative. Begin packing up."

'Ooh, a surprise? I think I can manage that. I'll pick us out somewhere nice.' I finish my slice of pizza and debate for a brief moment on whether or not I want a third. My eyes win out and I go for out, taking a bite. 'So, this promotion. Does that mean you're a supervisor now? Or what is it you guys say up here...a boss? Patrol boss? I think that's it.'

'Here's hoping. Although I wouldn't be too upset if we caught another burner.' I take another bite of pizza and chew. 'Where do you want to go celebrate?'

I fire off a text on my phone, checking to see if Kat was available to watch Luke. 'There's still time for that to change. Hopefully the night half won't be too terrible,' I say. 'That's the worst part when you have a chill day - you spend all day waiting for the other shoe to drop.' I grab another slice, and my phone dings. I check it and set it back down. 'Kat says she can watch Luke. So there we go, we've got a sitter. It's a date,' I smile.

Thanks, I owe you a huge favor. I'll send you all the details when we nail it down.

Hey, I know its last minute, but would you be willing to watch Luke tomorrow evening? Evelyn got promoted at work and I really want to take her out to a nice dinner.

Before I can key up, I hear Engine 5 come across. "Punch tha fukkin holes already, Laddah. We're dyin down here." I shake my head at the radio traffic. Firemen were gonna be firemen. No stopping that. "Go for it, Ladder 1. Interior's ready."