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."

I chew, listening. 'Not too bad, not too bad. At least it hasn't been too busy. Nice and.....chill,' I say, avoiding usage of that most unholy of words. 'I think we can find someone. I'll ask around the usual suspects.'

"This is Command, go ahead."

I smile at the good-natured ribbing. 'And congratulations are definitely due. I should be the one bringing you dinner. We should go out somewhere nice tomorrow and celebrate.' I take a slice of pizza and dig in as she talks about her shift. 'Had a fire this morning. Nothing else too major. Did get to get out a little. Pop in on the other stations in the battalion. And I've done a right mountain of paperwork. That's the downside to this chair. All the paperwork. Although I've got to admit, the pay increase would be nice. It's not exactly a small one.' I chew on my pizza some more. 'Anything particularly interesting in your stops? Or just standard harassment of the freely travelling?' I tease

I stand at the back of the Silverado with the command board, watching the apartments. RIT-1 had pulled in behind me and set up, the RIT crew members standing around in gear and packs. That absolutely had to be the worst assignment in SCFD. Never got any work. And if you did, it was an awful day. "Command copies, Engine 1. Command to Engine 5, do you have a progress report?" "Engine 5, Command, we've got a knock in the fire apartment, we're opening up and checking for extension." "Command copies Engine 5. Command to Ladder 1, progress report?"

I look up as someone walks in and grin when I see Evelyn.\ 'You must certainly are, at least for today,' I chuckle. 'Acting for the shift. Filling in while the Chief is on vacation.' I inhale the aroma as she opens the pizza box and nod. 'I'm starving, actually. How's your shift been going?'

I nod. 'Yeah. Tap out the guy on Fire 23, have him ride engine, and take it up there so you can stay in service. You can leave my door open, please.' As she leaves, I go back to poring over the mountain of paperwork in front of me.

I finish cutting the summons and release the suspect, then head outside. "217 in service."

I grimace as Russo and Burke step in. Those were not good signs. I listen attentively as they speak, and a wave of relief washes over me as Blackburn announces our promotions. 'Thank you, sirs,' I say. I shake hands with Russo and accept the Corporal stripes, thanking him again. As much hell as I gave him, I really did want the man to like me.

I pull into the parking lot, turning the car off and heading inside. This couldn't be good. Had to be about that clusterfuck at the library. Walking in, I pick an empty section of wall and take up my spot. 'Oh boy, all three of us? This can't be good.'

Once Bruno dispenses his orders, I step aside with my detainee. 'Nah, we got it. You fucked up enough,' I tell Jones. I absolutely did not need his help here. 'Go write your report.' I pull the detainee's ID and run him through the system via radio, and he comes back clear. I cut him a quick summons and release him from custody as Wagner and Bagley handle their own detainee.