Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mumbo answered the call, voice steady and calm, “9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”

“There's… a fire,” the woman's voice was shaky. “I’m in the parking lot for a hike. I don't want it to spread.”

“Do you know which trail you're at ma’am?” Mumbo’s fingers flew across the keys, marking the call as fire whilst pulling up a satellite map.

“I’m in the parking lot near Mounder's Trail in Secret Woods. I’m on the east side closer to the river. It looks like a campfire was left in the parking lot. The park office isn’t picking up.”

Mumbo took a steadying breath, keeping his voice even. Get it together Mumbo. Stay calm. “Understood. How big is the fire right now? Can you locate a fire extinguisher?” According to the map, there was no hydrant within reach.

There was a pause, stillness crept over the line, accompanied by the crackling of flames. A shakier voice responded, “No extinguisher. The flames are jumping closer to the trees. There are twigs everywhere.”

“Keep back, and stay safe,” Mumbo said with confidence. “The fire department is on their way. They should be there any minute now.”

Dispatch: Station 11 - Brush 311 respond to parking lot fire at 1805 Secret Keeper Rd. Tanker 311 respond standby. 

Brush 311: en route 4 minutes out. Responding with two. Lieutenant Etho in command.
Tanker 311: En route, right behind. Responding with two.

*~*

“Gem, park close but don't get us burnt. In and out. Nothing flashy.”

“Copy that,” Gem replied, gripping the wheel a little tighter as the park sign came into view. Smoke curling between the branches, like vines climbing a wall.

“Etho, we’re parking upwind, keeping distance from the tree line as precaution.” Joel said over the radio, voice calm, a faint crackle accompanied his words. From the fire or the radio, Gem wasn’t sure.

“Grian, you tackle the hotspots with the extinguisher, Gem open the truck’s line, medium flow. Joel, IR thermometer when the fire’s down.” Etho’s eyes scanned the fire area with practiced precision.

Gem adjusted the nozzle of the hose, a steady stream hitting the flames. Heat licked at her body, smoke stinging her eyes, mind staying sharp. A few stray sparks leapt from twig to twig, dancers, the parking lot their stage.

Etho was walking what appeared to be the fire’s perimeter. “Rake the ash once it’s out,” he called over his shoulder. Grian and Gem both grabbed rakes, boots crunching scorched leaves and rocks. Joel crouched nearby, reading the thermometer.

“Ash is cool as a cat with a cucumber,” Joel declared, reading the numbers on the thermometer.

“Joel.” Gem blinked. “What?”

He shrugged. “Science. Don’t ask me, I didn’t make the rules.”

Grian shook his head. “Scar’s rubbing off on him.”

A woman approached them as they reeled in the hose, eyes wide but relieved. “Thank you so much for coming so quickly. I just wanted to hike and then I saw the fire. I didn't want to interfere, but thank you.”

Grian smiled warmly. “Thank you for calling.”

Etho just nodded, returning to his seat in the truck, face calm but thoughtful.

“If you hadn’t called, this could have ended up with a lot more trucks, and a truckload of chaos.” Joel grinned.

Gem nodded, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she took a glance towards the truck, “Yeah. Thank you so much. Enjoy your hike—you picked a great one.”

The woman smiled, “I will.” She walked away, steps careful but confident.

*~*

Back at the station, Gem backed the brush truck into its home with careful precision. Pearl leaning against the ambulance, arms crossed, a familiar smile tugging at her lips. “You didn’t hit anything!”

“I have never hit anything with a station vehicle.” She paused. “That’s Scar’s department.”

“What’s my department?” Scar asked, appearing beside them, Grian at his side.

“Hitting things with the vehicles,” Pearl supplied.

Scar nodded, “Ah yes, I liked to test the durability back in my younger days.” He fake stretched. “Haven't hit anything in over a thousand ninety-five days.”

Gem shook her head, smirking. “You hit at least two things on my first day.”

Scar froze for a moment before nodding, his grin spreading to his eyes, "Technically, yes. However,” he paused for dramatics, “That was over three years ago. Basically a lifetime in Scar terms.”

Grian rolled his eyes. “Technically hit? You mean denting the station mailbox twice in one day.”

Pearl smiled softly, making eye contact with Gem briefly. “I think it’s part of the Scar charm. The chaos teaches survival skills.”

“Why thank you Ms.PearlecentMoon,” Scar responded, taking a bow that earned a sigh and head shake from Grian.

Gem chuckled quietly, stealing a glance at Pearl's amused expression before the faint sound of nails on the station floor caught her attention. Sure enough, Winnie, her chocolate labrador, was glued to Ren’s side, tail wagging as if she was the one running the show. And judging by the lieutenant’s expression, she probably was.

*~*

Gem liked chopping, it was helpful, calm, predictable, and her favorite part left room for thinking. She wondered a lot while chopping—like what would have happened if that lady hadn’t decided to go on that hike at that time?

“Gem?” Cleo’s voice broke through her thoughts. “May I steal your cutting board for a moment so I can put the—” she gestured to the assortment of vegetables, “—things in the pan?”

Gem slid the board across the island with a smile. “Only if you swear Scar isn’t the one cooking them.”

“Aww, what’s wrong with my cooking?” Scar called from the card game he was playing with Skizz and Joel at the table.

“You burn things.” The room chorused in almost unison before bursting into laughter.

“Fire makes things taste better. It's Scar-approved cooking.” Scar leaned back smugly, earning an eye roll from both Gem and Cleo.

Cleo handed Gem the cutting board, “That’s the last of it. You can wash up.”

“Aye aye, kitchen captain.” Gem gave a mock salute before making her way to the sink. She let the warm water and faint lemon soap scent settle her mind as she scrubbed. The rhythm of soap, scrub, dry becoming meditative.

Half an hour later, bowls hit the table. “Spaghetti bolognese,” Cleo announced, “uncorrupted by Scar’s culinary crimes.”

“Corrupted?” Scar pressed a hand to his chest in mock injury. “As your favorite son I thought you’d have more respect for me.”

Bdubs scoffed, grabbing a piece of bread from the center of the table, “I’m her favorite.”

“Favorite disaster, maybe,” Etho muttered, causing Cleo to nearly drop the salad from laughing.

Ren’s fork was the first to hit the bowl. The sound of metal scraping against the ceramic summoning Winnie from her bed in the corner. She planted herself at his knee, eyes wide.

“She’s begging again,” Ren said, attempting to nudge her away with the toe of his boot.

“She’s surviving,” Scar corrected, “And honestly? Same.”

“Winnie,” Gem called, the labrador’s head turning in her direction, “Go to bed.” The dog quickly obliged, trotting back to her corner, plopping down with a sigh to watch the team eat.

The table was filled with laughter and chatter, the kind that carried warmth. It rose and fell like a song, each person’s voice being a part of a bigger rhythm. Bdubs and Etho bantering, Cleo egging them on. Joel and Ren having a spirited debate involving far too many hand gestures. Skizz, Impulse, and Tango leaned close, talking about some mechanical problem Tango had solved. And next to Gem, Grian and Pearl were locked into a battle of talking Scar out of a ‘genius idea’ he’d had.

Gem sat quietly, not because she wasn’t a part of the conversations, but because listening was enough. Even though it had been over three years since she’d joined the station it still surprised her that she’d stumbled into this family.

The evening air was soft, sun slipping behind the mountains, painting the sky in shades of coral and ash. The road out front, mostly quiet, save for the occasional car or family chattering on an evening walk.

When plates were empty, and the kitchen tidied, one by one the crew spilled onto the driveway with mismatched mugs and folding chairs. Ren strummed a soft tune on his guitar, the music drifting in the cool breeze. Scar and Bdubs bickered in half-whispers about a game. Winnie sprawled out on the concrete, tail thumping whenever a hand reached to pet her.

“Feels like the calm before the storm,” Impulse muttered, sipping his water.

Cleo shot him a look. “Don’t jinx it.”

Pearl leaned back in her chair, eyes pointed at the street lights coming to life. “I dunno. Sometimes a storm is good.”

Gem took a breath of the cool almost fall air letting the breeze settle around her. “Maybe calm is good too.”

Chapter Text

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?”

“Hello?” The voice on the line was small, hesitant. A child.

Zedaph started typing, his fingers tapping the keys in a rhythm. “Hey there. Is there an adult I can talk with?”

“No. I think she fainted. My mommy said if anyone ever fainted to call 9-1-1.”

Zed steadied himself, keeping his voice even and calm. “Well, she sounds like a very smart lady. Do you know where you are right now?”

“I’m in the art room at Redstone Elementary. I think it’s on Redstone Road.”

He nodded, routing the call, entering quick notes into the system. Medics already on the way.

Dispatch: Adult female down at Redstone Elementary. Requesting Medic 311 and Aid car 311.

Aid car 311: en route, about 9 minutes out. 
Medic 311: en route, 4 minutes out. 

“What’s your name? I’m Zedaph.”

“Sarah.”

“Alright Sarah, can you do me a favor?” Zed kept his voice gentle. “Do you know how to feel a pulse?”

“No,” The reply was quiet, nearly inaudible over the dispatch center’s tapping and talking.

“That's alright. I’ll talk you through it. Can the phone be put on speaker?”

A small rustle. “Yes.”

“Good. I want you to take your pointer and middle finger, place them on her neck, right under her jaw. It should feel a little squishy. Let me know when you’ve done that.”

Silence weighed heavy over the line. Zed’s own pulse thudded in his ears. Finally, Sarah’s voice came back, “I think I’m doing it right.”

“Do you feel a small thumping under your fingers?”

“Yes. It’s very fast.”

Zed tapped another note:

Dispatch: Patient appears to have elevated heart rate. 

He swallowed hard, he wasn’t entirely sure what else to do. “You’re doing amazing Sarah. Keep your fingers there for me. Let me know if anything changes, okay? Help is on the way.

Cub passed his desk, catching the tension. “What do you have?”

“Elementry schooler. Art teacher fainted, been down for at least five minutes. I need to notify the school that paramedics are coming.

Cub nodded, hesitation undetectable in his movements. He slid into his chair before Zed had finished speaking.

“Sarah, can you hear me?”

Static buzzed on the line, “Yes.”

“I want you to yell ‘help’ as loud as you possibly can.”

Over the phone, the previously small and timid voice swelled, urgent yells piercing the line. “Help! Help me! Help!”

A pause.

“Mr.Zedaph, Ms.Shubble is here.”

“Shelby? Is she okay?” Another voice came in, male.

“Sarah, are you still there?” Zedaph asked, tone steadier than it had been moments ago.

“I’m here”

“Can you hand the phone to an adult?”

“Hello? This is Principal Fwhip. How long till the ambulance?”

Zedaph glanced at his live map. “I have paramedics arriving now, the ambulance shouldn’t be far behind.”

“Thank you so much. Do you need to stay on the line?”

Zedaph paused, reviewing the notes—vitals, location, ongoing unconsciousness. “I’ve told the paramedics everything I’ve received. Be prepared to answer whatever questions they have when they arrive. You may hang up.”

The line beeped going dead and Zedaph sat for a moment, exhaling before spinning in his chair. Sometimes he wished that he was the one running into the rooms, seeing, feeling, helping. He hated the beep that signaled an ended call, one more story he didn't get to know the end of. Other times he was grateful to be sitting in an office behind the phone. It gave him distance, enough to sleep peacefully.

He sighed, turning back to his computer screen, another call coming through. The center kept breathing; so did he.

*~*

Gem unbuckled as Bdubs slid the medic car into park, both of them hurrying out and into the building. The front doors opened before they could be buzzed in, a woman waving them through the office and down a back hallway.

They burst into the art room, a woman lying unconscious. Without missing a beat, Gem knelt down and clicked on her light, checking pupils and airways as Bdubs opened the bag without hesitation.

“What’s her name? Age? Allergies? Any current or previous medical issues? Any recent pain?” Gem ratted off, voice calm.

The woman nearest her answered, “Her name is Katherine, age thirty-two. She’s allergic to penicillin. I don't know about any medical issues. She said she had a headache this morning, took ibuprofen. She thought she was just tired.” The words tumbled out in an anxious breath.

Gem gave a quick nod, focusing back on Katherine. “Hey, Katherine,” she said softly. “My partner, Bdubs, and I are going to give you some fluids while we wait for the ambulance to arrive.”

The woman gasped softly, covering her face. The man beside her looked stunned. Gem reached for the IV kit Bdubs held out. “What are your names?” she asked, swabbing the crook of Katherine’s arm before moving aside so Bdubs could slip the cannula in.

“Fwhip.” “Shelby.” They answered at the same time.

“Hi, I’m Gem. Sorry for the quick intro, but we need to make sure she stays stable. The ambulance should be here any minute now but we’re starting her on fluids as she appears dehydrated. Since she has lost consciousness and has yet to regain it we’d like her to get a head scan just to be safe.”

“Can I ride with her?” Shelby asked anxiously.

“Let’s see what the ambulance crew says.”

As if on queue Cleo and Scott entered the room with a stretcher and gear.

“What do we have?” Cleo asked, snapping a pair of gloves on.

Bdubs shot into a response, clear and concise. “Katherine, thirty-two. Penicillin allergy. Complained of headache this morning, self medicated with ibuprofen. IV fluids started in the field for suspected dehydration. She’s been unconscious since before we arrived on scene—at least ten minutes. Vitals on arrival were mostly normal, blood pressure was normal, oxygen 97, heart rate 120, now down to about 80.”

“Thank you.” Cleo nodded. They turned towards Shelby, “Are you riding along?”

“Yes,” Gem confirmed, motioning for her to step closer.

“Great. Let's get her up on my count.” Cleo and Scott lifted Katherine smoothly onto the stretcher. Fwhip hovering by the door, wringing his hands.

“Thank you for coming,” he said as the paramedics filed out.

“No problem." Bdubs replied, guiding Shelby behind the gurney. Gem scanned for hazards, opening doors, clearing the path.

Lights flashed as the ambulance pulled away, Gem and Bdubs returning to their vehicle.

“So,” Budbus started, inputting the key into the ignition, “Back to the station?”

“Back to the station,” Gem agreed.

The ride back ‘home’ was quiet, filled with the soft hum of the radio and the steady tapping of Bdubs’ fingers against the wheel.

Bdubs parked with quick efficiency. The station buzzed with a familiar amount of chaos. The truck bay shone under the bright lights, it was spotless.

In the rec room Gem thought she could hear a debate between Impulse and Tango about some sort of redstone mechanic. Winnie was busy supervising Ren and Skizz’s basketball shenanigans, eyes following their every move despite her curled up state. The rest of the crew appeared to be either asleep or gathered around the kitchen table, deep in conversation about everything and nothing.

“Any fun and exciting training this week?” Bdubs asked.

Gem groaned, “Winnie and I have to get recertified in search and rescue if she wants to keep her job.”

“Have you ever considered not recertifying?" Bdubs asked, challenge unpresent in his voice.

“Honestly? No.” She sat thinking. “There have been moments I was curious, but I’m always reminded why I started. It’s like firefighting—I wonder sometimes what it would be like to work in an office, to sleep on a regular schedule, but then I remember why I’m here. Plus the search and rescue is way better as a department unit than as a volunteer team while trying to do hospital rotations.

Bdubs chuckled as he held the kitchen door open. “Good. I’d need at least a week to recover if you robbed Winnie of her job.”

“What’s this about Winnie being unemployed?” Grian asked, coffee mug steaming in his hand.

“Bdubs asked if I’d ever thought about not recertifying search and rescue,” Gem said. “Rest assured, Winnie’s place on this team is very secure.”

“Has it been six months already?” Pearl piped from her and Etho’s spot at the counter. Gem hadn’t realized that Pearl paid attention to her recertification schedule.

Martyn frowned, confused. “What do you mean already?”

Gem pulled a chair up to the table, “Winnie gave me the additional role as a search and rescue canine handler alongside firefighter. We have to recertify every six months.”

Martyn nodded his head, “Didn’t realize it was that frequent. I haven’t worked with many SAR teams.”

Neither had I,” Gem admitted with a shrug. “I kind of fell into it. Wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“Nothing in the whole world?”

Etho spoke, “Nothing in the world would tear Gem away from that dog.”

Gem nodded, "That's what happens when you're granted a second chance at life.” Martyn nodded like he understood, not pressing any further.

*~*

The trucks were pulling out of the station less than a minute after the call came in, a house fire on Flower Pot Road. Impulse’s voice came through the headsets. “Two children unaccounted for at the scene. Two stories, plus a basement. When we arrive on scene I want medics to clear everyone who’s come out. I want a hose line established and we’re playing by the rules, two in two out, no freelancing. Radios on channel four.”

The line rang back with variations of ‘understood’ and ‘aye aye captain’.

Gem sucked in a breath, they were three streets away but she could see smoke clouding the air.

“Bdubs, Gem,” Cleo’s voice came through the radio. “Park after the trucks, cool zone only. I want a full assessment of our current vics. A second ambulance is en route.”

Gem held the button down on her radio. “Got it.”

Bdubs took a left behind the ladder truck. “What injuries will we most likely encounter?"

Gem huffed a half laugh, “Smoke inhalation, scrapes, cuts, burns. Dehydration is possible among our crew. Nothing can be for sure till we’re on scene though.” He was nodding along. “You know I’m not new at this anymore right?”

“Yes I know. But Cleo’s probably in there making Scott and Grian do the same thing and it makes me feel like I did my job.”

“Fair enough. But you know Scott is actually kinda new to this. He was only a firefighter at his last station. Today’s his first shift as an EMT, hell of first shift if you ask me.”

“Truly. My first shift as a medic was empty, forty eight hours and all that happened was I took a walk in’s blood pressure.” Bdubs said turning into the neighborhood.

Gem nodded, “Not to brag but Ren dropped an empty gurney on me while we were resetting the ambulance. I was my own first medic call. I had to ice my ankle.”

Bdubs let out a snort of laughter as he parked next to Cleo. “I bet that was interesting.”

Impulse’s voice came through the radio this time. “Tango and Martyn, get me two lines hot and ready. Ren and Pearl, find anyone who’s come out and bring them to triage. Etho and Joel, quick sweep, let’s see how she’s actually burning. Skizz and Scar stand by.”

Gem let herself pause, taking a look around. Who needed help? A panicked girl was walking towards triage with Pearl, stopping to cough every few moments. She’d start there.

“Gem! This is Sierra, she was inside with her mom and siblings when the fire started.”

“Hi Sirrea, I’m Gem.” Gem put her hand on the girl’s shoulder and guided her over to the triage area. She gave a slight nod to Pearl, we’re good here.

“What about everyone else?” Sierra's voice was quiet, almost scared to ask.

Gem had Sierra take a seat on the edge of the ambulance. “You see those firefighters out there?” a nod. “They're my family and in our house this community is our family. That includes you.”

“Can you put this on for me? Deep breaths.” Cleo asked, coming up on Sierra’s other side. Sierra held the mask over her mouth and nose, taking a deep breath.

Sierra took the oxygen mask off for a moment. “What use is your family if they can’t find mine?”

Cleo guided the oxygen mask back to her mouth. “Well, I know something about every firefighter out there, not a single one of them is going to stop looking until everyone is found.”

The oxygen mask came off again, “How do you know that?”

“I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count. Dogs, cats, people. One time Scar,” Cleo paused to point at the firefighter who was seemingly dancing in place. “He rescued a horse from a barn fire.”

Sierra nodded, finally keeping her oxygen mask on.

The radio crackled with a mixture of fire and Etho’s voice, “Tango you didn’t tell us about a wall here.”

“Where are you? According to what you’ve told me you should be standing in the living room and looking into the kitchen. There isn’t a wall in the plans.”

“I don't care what the plans say, there's a wall. Are there any construction logs on the property?”

The radio’s silence was loud before Tango responded. “No.”

A sigh. “We’re coming out. Search inconclusive, we’re going to have to go in blind with hoses.”

Scott appeared next to Gem. “What do we do?”

“We prepare as best we can. Double check the supplies we have. Create a quick assessment area for our guys, and then we hope that we don't need to do anything big.” Gem responded.

*~*

Gem was helping Cleo assess Skizz and Scar after they came out of the building when Martyn’s voice cut through the radio. “One victim found, five year old boy.”

“One more to go.” Cleo smiled, listening to Skizz’s breath sounds.

“Second minor found. Eight year old boy. We’re coming out.” Tango’s voice.

“Look’s like our work here is almost done. Just gotta knock this fire out.” Gem said touching Scar’s forehead for signs of sweating. “Any headaches or trouble breathing?"

He shook his head, “None.”

She passed him a bottle of water, “Drink up and sit for a minute, but you should be good to go back in if need be.”

Gem looked over to where Skizz and Cleo were, “Skizz in good conscience I cannot clear you to go back into that building while there's an active fire. We can talk about overhaul but you’re benched for the time being. Go get water and don’t make me run an IV please.” Skizz just gave a small nod before walking over to the oxygen and hydration station Bdubs had set up on the back of the med van.

Scar looked at Gem, “Welp that's my partner out for this one. I told him he needed to hydrate more.”

A crack cut through the air. The radio sparked back up, “All units inside report.”

“Martyn and Tango reporting. Us and our victims are safe. Almost to the exit.”

“Ren and Pearl?” Impulse’s voice came through the radio, concern evident in his voice.

Ren’s voice now. “We’re okay. Fire’s out but the east side of the building isn’t structurally sound.”

The whole crew seemed to collectively take a sigh of relief knowing their family was safe. Moments later Tango and Martyn emerged from the building with kids in their arms, making their way to Bdubs and Scott. No Ren, no Pearl. Gem forced herself to breathe, they had just been accounted for, they had been on the second floor. They’d come out soon, they were good firefighters.

Another crack cut through the air. “Ren? Pearl?” Impulse’s voice on the radio again. Silence in response. Scar started to move towards the house when Gem pulled him back shaking her head.

The minutes felt like hours as the team waited for the final pair to emerge from the building. Finally Ren emerged from the building carrying Pearl, movements slow but deliberate in attempts to not trip over the hose line.

“Well shit.” Cleo breathed. Gem grabbed the portable oxygen as Grian grabbed the emergency bag and stretcher on Cleo’s command. Ren was moving towards them, faster. “Set her down here.” Cleo said, pointing to where Grian had laid the portable stretcher.

“What the hell happened in there?” Gem said, starting to check the visible parts of Ren over while Grian and Cleo worked on Pearl.

“She tripped.” Ren paused, shaking his head. “We were talking, we were talking and then she tripped. Smashed her leg into something metal.” Ren responded as he stripped his turnout to give Gem better access for her assessment.

“And you didn’t call mayday why?” Gem questioned, moving her stethoscope. “Inhale.” Ren took a breath in, coughing, he tried again. Gem frowned. “Exhale for me.”

Ren obeyed Gem’s command while looking slightly confused. “I did. I called mayday. No response. I called again. No response. I could hear Impulse on the line but nobody confirmed my mayday.”

Gem paused, wondering what had happened in there. She continued, listening to his other lung, the frown lightened. “Mild smoke inhalation and some light bruising around your ribs on the right. I’m going to give you an instant ice pack and then run an IV. You are going to sit in the back of this van and not move a muscle.”

“Yes ma’am.” Ren replied, nodding Gem passing him an ice pack and starting his IV line.

Gem smiled lightly, “And I’m giving you oxygen. Please don't try and take it off to talk.” A thumbs up as Gem strapped the oxygen mask to his face, Ren holding the ice pack against his ribs.

She looked over to where the second ambulance that held the family was pulling out, lights and sirens. Her gaze swept the field, landing on Grian stabilizing Pearl’s leg while Cleo held an oxygen mask against her face.

“Need help?” Gem asked.

“I think we’re good here. But will you make sure everyone’s clear? Can you fit Scott in the van? We’re moving now but I want everyone cleared. We’ll see you back at the station.”

“Got it!”

Gem made her way around the scene checking firefighters with Bdubs, and Scott when the radio static buzzed, “Station 11 this scene has been declared unsafe and with three of our team out another team has been called in and will cover overhaul. Meet back at the station.”

The engine and ladder crews were packing up their vehicles as Gem passed on the way back to her own, “Scott, Ren! You’re with us.” Scott moved quickly helping Bdubs and Gem pack up as Ren made his way to the back seat, slow but steady. Gem got into the vehicle, thoughts swirling, if Ren had called mayday why didn’t anyone hear it?

*~*

The station was quiet, uncomfortably so. The usual hum of activity gone, replaced by heavy exhaustion and adrenaline from the call. The team loaded and unloaded equipment, counting quietly under their breaths. Impulse broke through. “Alright, everyone. Kitchen, now.” The crew moved without another word.

They filed in, the chairs scraping against the floor the only noise as everyone gathered around the table. The room was void of movement, even Etho, who usually played with his fingers, was still. A chair stood empty next to Gem, Pearl’s seat.

“Let’s review the call. Start to finish.” Impulse said, voice firm as he pulled out a notebook and pen.

“Flower Pot Avenue. Call received at around four twenty pm. Two stories, basement, three minors, one adult involved.” Scar started. Impulse nodded looking around at the team as he took notes.

Etho continued. “Joel and I gave a quick sweep according to Tango’s directions. There was an unexpected wall, literally. We came out, I took over as engineer for Tango and sent Martyn and Tango in blind. Ren and Pearl followed soon after.”

Scott piped up from his spot next to Cleo. “The search was successful. Both minors were located and loaded onto another company's ambulance. No fatalities, overhaul was handled by another team due to structural instability.”

Impulse raised a brow, “What about our mayday issue? What about Ren and Pearl?”

Ren shifted in his seat, ice pack crinkling with the motion.
I called mayday twice without a response. Pearl tripped, and smashed her leg into something. My radio was on channel four, I checked on the way back. Thankfully I was able to get her out but it could have been much worse.”

Gem nodded. “Following the rules kept us safe. A failure of equipment is what could have gotten them killed. It should be investigated.”

Impulse nodded, satisfied. “I agree. We’ll do an equipment check, run drills with and without radios. I’ll call the chief and see if we can find out why the mayday wasn’t received. Anything else?”

Grian raised his hand. “I think we should do this more often. Clear up calls, but let us clear out heads and any tension from the call. Oh, and Pearl was received by Fairy Fort Memorial Hospital, we can probably visit her tomorrow.”

Impulse took more notes, “I agree. This is important. You’re all dismissed.”

Ren was the first out of the room, Gem got up, following him. “Ren!” The lieutenant turned quickly.

“Yeah?”

Gem rested a hand on his shoulder. “Do you want to go visit Pearl with me? Maybe after our shift?”

A head shake. “Maybe tomorrow? I feel like I let her down today and I almost got us both killed.”

Gem gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, “It’s not your fault. If it weren't for you she might not have come out at all.” Ren nodded before turning and disappearing into the bunkroom. Gem looked at the door, a small sigh leaving her body before she turned and made her way to do inventory on the med van.