By
Disclaimer: I don't own the guys from Emergency so please don't sue me. I promise to put them back in one piece when I'm done with them.
An interesting shift leads to interesting dreams as seen through Mike's eyes.
Good early morning thought catcher,
My you've been busy tonight. Before I get to what woke me from a fitful sleep at 0445 let me comment on the others.
Roy, you are one lucky dog. That's amazing! The Dodgers would definitely be smart to sign you. If they do can I have tickets? Thanks!
Johnny, I never realized you like to run. Like Marco said holler the next time you want to go. I'll be glad to go with you. If you ever get the chance to run competitively again you can bet we'll be there.
Marco, from one futból fan to another heck yeah!! I'm glad to hear Jorge is okay. I'll definitely be at your games from now on. I know if you are chosen to play for Mexico, we'll be there so loud and proud dispatch will hear us!!
Okay comments over. It's time to explain what I am doing awake at this ungodly hour. To really understand my dream, you need to know what happened to lead to it.
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The morning was quiet, to quiet! Having had some extra time I made an amazing southern fried chicken lunch. (By the way you're welcome guys.) I knew the crap was going to hit the fan at some point.
It did as soon as Marco finished the last of the dishes. Insanity reigned the entire afternoon. Neither truck saw much of the other until they were parked for the night. Sheesh! Roy and Johnny left to cover the game. Not long after they left we came upon the scene that stuck with me.
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Chet spoke up, “Hey Cap.”
“Yeah, Pal?”
“Can we make a snack run?”
Cap chuckled. With the afternoon we'd had he couldn't blame us. “Sure Chet.” Cap turned to Marco and I who were already on the way out the door. “Lets go boys but it can't be to massive since do still have to stay available.”
We chuckled and headed for the bay. I asked, “Chet, what do you have in mind?”
“Ice cream.”
Cap groaned, Chet on sugar wasn't pretty but relented, “Alright boys we've all earned it today.”
We got in big red and settled. With everybody settled I pulled out, happy as ever that I didn't have to put the lights or sirens on. I even had the window rolled down. Yes we kept it looking professional, but it was nice to be able to relax.
We didn't get a chance to relax for long though. Halfway to the ice cream shop work called yet again. Cap suddenly looked up and said, “Oh shit.”
I looked up to find what had shocked Cap so bad. It was a car wrapped around a tree. Cap yelled, “Marco, Chet, look alive.” I quickly blasted the air horn as I turned the lights and sirens on. Quickly I pulled big red off the road and brought her to a stop.
As I pulled the engine over Cap picked up the radio. “LA, Engine 51.”
I could hear Sam Lanier come back as I set the brake. “Go ahead 51.”
“LA, show us responding to a silent alarm single car MVA. Car versus tree. Off the side of Canyon road. Respond sheriff, a squad and an ambulance to our location.”
“10-4 51. Time out 1545.”
Cap climbed outta the cab. By that time I had the pumps up and Marco and Chet had the inch and half up and going. Cap jogged over to me, “How's the well water?”
“In good shape as long as we don't get any surprises.”
“Sounds good.”
As I watched Chet and Marco I couldn't help but think, “Man I wish Roy and Johnny were here. I don't mind working with other squads; but it's so much easier when you know the guys as well as our crew knows each other.”
Then it happened, the reason this call stuck with me.
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Marco yelled out, “Cap, there's somebody trapped in here.”
Cap sprinted over to me. “Mike, you're the only one of us who can fit in to that mess. Go help Chet and Marco I've got the pump.”
“You got it Cap.”
Chet yelled, “I think we can pry the drivers' door open.”
I had the pry bar in my hand before Chet finished his sentence. I sprinted over to Chet and Marco who had thoroughly drowned any possible flames.
Marco spoke, “Go for it, Mike.”
Carefully I pried the door open. I gasped when I saw the driver. “Chet, tell Cap to have the squad and rig double time it. Grab the oxygen off the engine too.”
“You got it.”
Chet sprinted away. I turned to Marco, “Can we get in the backseat?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. I'm gonna need you to watch a few things.”
“Okay.”
Careful not to jostle the car more then absolutely necessary, I opened the back door directly behind the driver. As I thought he would, the driver's jacket, hat and a helmet bag were on the backseat. One by one I carefully removed the items. I turned back to Marco with my hands full. “Put these in a safe, dry spot.”
“What are they?”
“They belong to the driver.”
“Nough said.”
Marco took off as I climbed in the back seat. I got directly behind the driver and locked my hands around his head. I couldn't help, but think jeez now I know how Johnny feels.” Out loud I calmly said, “Lieutenant, can you hear me?”
I was half standing where I could see over the drivers seat. I got no response. Chet brought back the oxygen. “What do you want this on?”
“Use the mask on 15 liters.”
“You got it.”
“ETA?”
“Vince just pulled in. The squad and ambulance are about two minutes out.”
“Okay. Tell the squad we need a collar and a board more then likely the splint kit and the stokes I think the ground is to soft for the stretcher.”
“You got it.”
Chet carefully put the oxygen on the unnamed Lieutenant. “Chet, what's he wearing? White or blue?”
“Blue. It looks like a one piece thing.”
“Okay. What number is on the right chest?”
“Five.”
“Okay.”
“Why?”
“I know who the victim is.”
Chet was shocked. “Personally?”
“No, but I do know his name.”
“Okay.”
“Lieutenant Sapp, sir, can you hear me?”
This time the Lieutenant did groan. “Easy sir easy. It's very important you open your eyes, but try not to move.”
Slowly the Lieutenant opened his eyes. “That's it sir, easy does it.”
Groggy the Lieutenant spoke, “Who?”
“It's okay sir, you're safe. We're Los Angeles County firefighters.”
Just then I heard the squad pull up. “More help is here sir. Just stay still.”
More awake Lieutenant Sapp asked, “Sir, how do you recognize me?”
“Lieutenant before I became a firefighter for the county I was Navy Lieutenant Michael Stoker.”
“Can I see you when they get me outta this mess?”
“Of course sir.”
I looked up at Chet. “Who is it?”
“8's Animal and Brice.”
Internally I groaned when I heard Chet's answer and thought, “Lovely, just what I need.” I said, “Okay. Tell Animal double time it.”
“You got it.”
Chet left. Lieutenant Sapp spoke, “Lieutenant Stoker.”
“Sir.”
“Where are my cover, helmet bag and hat?”
“Already outside sir. I pulled them out when we first got in here.”
“Good.”
“When did you last fly?”
“What time is it?”
“I'll ask one of the medics when they get here.”
“Okay.”
“Do you remember what happened?”
Lieutenant Sapp groaned, “Regretfully. I was driving down the road making sure to play nice since this was a rental. Some idiot wasn't watching the lane when he went to change lanes.” “He clipped my right rear and sent me spinning like a top. I was knocked out on impact.”
“Okay.”
Everybody came over at the same time. I spoke calmly, “Okay sir, don't move. Understood? Let us do all the work.”
“Yes Lieutenant. Call Boss.”
“When we get you outta this and to the hospital. You want to meet my boss?”
“Alright.”
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Animal moved in. “Who's your friend Mike?”
“Lieutant Denny Sapp, United States Navy. Apparently somebody clipped him and spun him like a top.”
“Hi Denny. My name is Bob.”
“Hi Bob.”
“Hang tight we're gonna get you outta here.”
“I'm not going anywhere.”
In minutes we had Denny ready to go. “I'll see you outside Denny.”
“Okay Mike. Stay close.”
“I will I just gotta let them get you out.”
“Okay.”
I climbed out and Cap, who wasn't helping with the extrication walked over. “Mike.”
We walked away just a bit. “I'm okay Cap.”
One look in my eyes and Cap knew I was telling the truth. “Okay Mike, let me know if I need to pull you out.”
“I will.”
We walked back to the car just as they got Denny out and into the stokes. I smiled, “Nice see ya Lieutenant.”
Denny smiled, “Nice to put a face to a voice Lieutenant.”
I smiled. I knew Animal and Brice were confused but they stayed professional. Brice jumped on the biophone. Animal looked at Denny's suit and then at me confused. “Mike, do you know how to get this thing where I can check him over?”
“Yeah.”
Denny answered my question before I could ask it, “Go for it I have a skyhawk shirt and PT shorts on.”
I smiled, “Okay.”
Carefully I unzipped the flight suit. “Bob, how far down?”
“How far does it go?”
“His ankles.”
“All the way. I know the doc will want to check him over.”
“You got it.”
I took care of the suit and moved. Denny asked, “What time is it?”
Cap answered, “1610.”
“Thank you. Lieutenant we flew practice 1400-1500.”
“Okay.”
Animal was confused as he checked Denny over. “Practice? Lieutenant?”
Denny smiled, “I'm a pilot with the Navy's Blue Angels sir.”
Animal smiled, “Ah okay.”
I smiled and spoke, “Yes Bob, Lieutentant. Before I joined the department, I was a Lieutenant in the Navy.”
Bob grinned, “I never knew that.”
We chuckled as Bob finished working on Denny. “Well sir, good news is we're about to get you outta here. Bad news is you gotta stay on the board til we get you cleared.”
“I understand. Can I have a minute before we get this party movin?”
Brice spoke up in his usual heartless manner, “If you make it quick. Doctor Brackett wants you in there now.”
“Okay. Lieutentant, grab your guys do quick intros.”
I smiled, “Of course.”
Without even being asked the rest of the guys gathered around. “Denny, meet my boss, Captain Hank Stanley along with firefighters Marco Lopez and Chet Kelly.”
Denny smiled, “Hey Chet, good to see you while I'm awake.”
Chet smiled, “You too sir. Get better.”
“Will do. Captain Stanley?”
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to tell you, you have a great group of guys.”
We blushed as Cap smiled, “Thank you sir.”
“You're welcome. Now Lieutenant, come here as they load my butt up.”
I quickly walked over and kneeled by Denny. “Yes?”
Denny grabbed my hand and looked me straight in the eye. “Thank you Lieutenant. You did a helluva job. I know this isn't the Navy reunion wanted but damn fine job.”
I swallowed the knot in my throat before I finally spoke quietly, “Thank you sir that means a lot.”
Denny smiled, “You're welcome.”
I smiled, “I say this with all due respect sir. I know pilots have a stubborn streak a mile wide, be good and listen to the doctors. The boys won't look the same without the five hole.”
Denny smiled, “Ah shucks. No seriously I will.” “Hey Lieutenant, remember head up ass down. Seriously, be careful out there and stay in touch.”
I smiled, “Will do.”
“My stuff.”
Cap spoke up, “We'll bring it in.”
“Thanks.”
I shot Cap a silent thank you look. We loaded Denny up. Bob spoke, “Craig, I'll ride in with him.”
“Okay.”
Bob got in and then I slammed the doors and tapped ‘em twice. The ambulance barreled away. Brice wasn't far behind it. We weren't far behind the squad. Forty-five minutes and an emotional phone call later we left Rampart.
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Welcome back to the present. I am starting to get a bit sleepy, so I want to start on my dream.
A quick update on Blue Angel 5, Lieutenant Denny Sapp, he has a mild concussion and lost two teeth. If all goes well tonight, he will be released from Rampart tomorrow. I'm not sure how long it will be before he is in the air again. I'm sure it won't be soon enough for him though.
We were able to watch the game and then had one more minor call. By the time we got back, Roy and Johnny were back from the game. It wasn't long after that Cap called lights out. As exhausted as we were nobody complained. Still a bit wired from the call with Lieutenant Sapp, I laid down hoping to sleep. My body went to sleep. My mind on the other hand didn't.
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My eyes snapped open, but I wasn't in the dorms.
Before I really had time to orientate myself I heard, “Hey Mike, lets go.”
I spun around and saw Blue Angel 4, Lieutenant John Miller was calling me. I thought, “Now why in the heck would he be doing that?” It was only then I finally looked at my outfit. I was stunned to see that I was wearing a Blue Angels flight suit. Shocked I thought, “Well time to have some fun!”
I ran over and quickly caught up with John. “Sorry about that.”
“It's okay. You ready to go have some fun?”
I grinned broadly, “You know it.”
Grinning like fools we headed for the planes. “Aren't they the most beautiful planes ever?”
John smiled, “You know it. No matter what I fly from now on nothing will top these.”
I mentally added “or drive”, before I said, “You took the words out of my mouth.”
Boss jogged over. “Lieutenant Stoker.”
“Sir?”
“Al called out today. Seems his kids shared the bug they had with dear old dad. He specifically asked if you can take the three up today.”
“You got it sir. Is he okay? Roy and Johnny are here, I can ask them to go look at him.”
“He's fine, just going to stay in bed today, but thank you.”
“You're welcome.”
Denny spoke up. “You never stop thinking like a firefighter do you?”
“Nope. You can take a firefighter out of his job, but you can never take the job out of the firefighter.”
We all smiled. Boss spoke up again. “Mike, I already let your co-workers know you were flying. Since they can't get back here Hank asked me to give you a message.”
“Yes?”
“Fly strong and proud. We're proud of you. Don't forget to have fun ya twit.”
I chuckled, “Yep that's my boys. Thanks boss.”
“You're welcome. Alright guys time to get to work.”
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One last thumbs up and we headed for our planes. I felt bad that Al was under the weather. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to fly though.
The lead mechanic of number three was waiting for me. “She's all ready to go. Have a great flight Lieutenant.”
I smiled as he handed me my helmet. “Thank you.”
Helmet in hand I climbed into the cockpit. I smiled as I briefly looked at the helmet before I put it on. One side had a small picture of the engine and the letters LACoFD. The front had my call sign, Cool Shot. The other side had 51 A shift. I put the helmet on.
I was flying the 3, but 51 was never far from my mind. We did our final checks, the only thing left was to fire the engines.
While I waited for boss to give the command, the words to the firefighters' serenity prayer popped into my mind. “God grant me Serenity to accept the dangers of my job. Courage to do what I can to protect people's lives and Wisdom to leave my safety in your hands.” No matter how many times I have repeated those words they always calm me down.
Just as I finished boss gave the command to fire the engines. Show time!!! Minutes after the call to fire engines we took off. All too soon for me the show was over. As my wheels touched down, I woke up.
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Normally the rhythmic sleep patterns of the guys would have lulled me right back to sleep. This time they didn't. I could write about the Navy all night. My eyelids are starting to protest though. No wonder it's 0520
Good Night All
The flying Lieutenant Mikey
Authors note and special disclaimer:
I would like to add in a special disclaimer here. Anything related to the United States Navy Blue Angels is not owned by me. This proud team is a member of the United States Navy. As with everything Emergency! Related I am just playing with them a bit and I promise to return them good as new. That said I'd like to add in a few special author's notes.