The Fire House was quiet when Sean Anderson pulled up. No calls were being answered, no cleaning was being done and he had yet to see one of his mates. The lack of activity was almost unnerving as usually there was always something happening. The constant activity was just another portion of the position that he loved, not feeling comfortable staying still for too long. Sean walked through the firehouse with his duffel bag slung over his shoulder, his shift just starting. He was looking forward to getting back in to action after having a small break that felt much too long. He came to his locker and threw his bag inside, pausing to look around the empty room he stood in. With a deep inhale and silent exhale he closed his locker and started walking towards the kitchen. That was where most people could be found when the house was silent for those brief moments. Sean walked past the Chief's office and gave him a wave in acknowledgement, not bothering to stop in when he saw him on the phone speaking to someone; the chief gave him a wave back. Walking down the hall towards the kitchen he came up to Alex who was walking in the opposite direction.

"Hey Sean, welcome back" she said with her bright smile.

"Hey Alex, good to see you." he grinned back.

"I whipped up some eggs and turkey bacon if you want some" she said, pointing towards the kitchen.
"I'll see you in there shortly" she finished, continuing her pace down the hall to finish her task on hand.

Sean put two fingers to his temple in a small salute. "Yes ma'am." Turkey bacon? Really? he thought to himself, shaking his head.

Entering the kitchen, Sean made his way to the kitchen and grabbed a plate to fill up. It seems the candidate hadn't shown up yet, leaving Alex to take the initiative to ensure there was a hot breakfast for the next shift.

Colin Hampton, lead Paramedic of battalion 25 just entered the house after Sean headed further in. He was of course holding a coffee and supplies from a supply run the previous night. With painstaking care the 24 year old put said supplies into the ambulance before patting the hood and taking a sip of his coffee. He was surprised, usually at least someone was in here making fun of how OCD he seemed to be with the rig. He shrugged, turning out to be a good day already. He headed to his locker and threw in some clothes to change into after his shift and splashed a small amount of aftershave onto his cheeks rubbing it in and combing his hair a bit. Satisfied Colin used his sense of smell and followed into the kitchen where he saw breakfast and Sean.

"Good morning." He nodded politely at the Fireman and grabbed a few strips of bacon and headed towards the dining room.

It had been an unintentionally long night. What should have been a few drinks with her brother at the local dive bar had turned into an all night conversation about everything from work and love, to bits and pieces of a recent case he had been working on. Gabrielle hadn't meant to let it get so late, but it had been quite some time since she had spent any time with Greg, and a night off didn't come often enough for either of them—the blonde would take what she could get in terms of quality time. This wouldn't be the first instance of only catching a few hours of sleep before work, and it wouldn't be the last. Gabrielle had already settled into the old routine of a cold shower, a certain toxic-colored soda and black coffee; the last of which she carried with her on the way to the station.

The walk to work was a relatively short one, and Gabrielle was halfway done with her coffee as she entered the station. There was a distinct smell of bacon in the air, and the blonde paramedic realized that she was hungry as she headed toward the locker room. Obviously, a liquid breakfast wasn't going to cut it and Gabrielle was thankful that someone, probably Alex, had cooked. Wanting to get out into the kitchen, Gabrielle stored her bag and some street clothes in her locker and tossed her now empty coffee cup in the garbage on her way out.

“Yeah, Sean, how was your break?” Gabrielle asked, rounding the corner just in time to hear Elise asking. She hadn't even realized that Sean was back already. “Do anything exciting?” She grabbed a plate and scooped a portion of the eggs onto it and snagged a few slices of turkey bacon. Unlike the others, Gabrielle didn't mind the health-conscious alternative. Still listening, Gabrielle went and took a seat with Colin and offered him a smile, “morning,” she said, before digging into her breakfast.

Alex passed Elise and gave her a big smile and wave "Morning. I'll see you in the kitchen shortly." Alex kept moving, in a hurry to finish her task and get back to meet up with the group. She had an announcement for them and wanted to catch them all in the kitchen, hopefully devouring her healthy breakfast.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Sean had served himself a plate of egg whites and turkey bacon with slices of c antelope. He looked at the plate dismally, probably standing there and staring at it for too long, before the others began to enter the kitchen and distract him from his frail breakfast. Alex meant well but she was known for being the health nut in the firehouse, berating anyone drinking a soda, even if it was diet, and making way too healthy meals when she got her hands on the kitchen. Thankfully it was mostly her nagging on healthy eating that the house had to worry about because the candidate normally cooked.

Sean looked to Colin as he entered. Colin was Alex's ying to her yang. Alex was always full of energy and bubbly when she wasn't barking orders. Even when she demanded respect, she got it with a lot of love back. It was hard not to like Alex and she seemed always to be in a good mood. Colin was not. He was aloof and standoffish, at least to Sean, and he hadn't been able to get to know him very well yet. Perhaps an overbearingly healthy breakfast might help break through that ice.
"Morning" he replied, watching as Colin grabbed his breakfast and went straight away to the dining room table to eat.

Sean exhaled deeply, looking back down at his food, but before he could decide if he would try and strike up a conversation with Colin he saw Elise enter the kitchen.

"Breakfast burger?"

"Elise you are a gift from God." With a sigh of relief he dropped his plate of health fluff on the counter and stepped forward to Elise. He scooped up her face in his hands and leaned forward, kissing her square in the center of her forehead. "I love you" he said, with too much passion for a just the gift of a burger. He took the burger she offered and ripped open the package, the once encased smell of pure delight now wafting over his face. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before opening them again and pulling the burger up to his lips for a large bite. In a muffled sound full of burger he groaned "Oh my God, it's so good." He grinned, keeping his lips closed as he finished the far to big of a bite he chomped down on.

So, how was your break anyway? Been a while since I saw you around here." Elise asked.
“Yeah, Sean, how was your break?” Gabrielle asked, rounding the corner just in time to hear Elise asking.

After swallowing his bite so he could speak clearly, he nodded to Gabrielle as she joined them, giving her a smile. "Hey, thanks. It was great. I went to three of the local schools and gave some talks about fire safety and what we do in the fire house. You should have seen the looks on these kids' faces when I shared some of our stories with them. The look of pure awe and inspiration! I have everything I need to bring to Chief to get his help in setting up some visits for the schools to come to our firehouse to get more hands on, full visual learning. I visited my parents for a bit too, they loved having so much time with me, and hung with some buddies from training. But I'm glad to be back. I probably did more drinking than I should have too so I'll need to get back in shape." He took another large bite of his burger, half because it was just so damn good, and half because he felt guilty for avoiding Alex's breakfast and wanted to finish it before she returned. He turned to Elise and held up what was left of the burger, his mouth still full as he said in his muffled tone "I owe you", smiling with his cheeks full of satisfaction. He lead Elise with him over to join Colin and Gabrielle, sitting down to finish his burger.

"So, what have you guys been up to? Anything exciting I should know about or get caught up on?" He looked around the table at them all.

Astrid

White earbuds in her ear blasting music into her ears, Astrid threw open the front door of the station. Once inside she shivered one last time before starting to remove her jackets. One thing about Chicago, it was freezing. Like icicles dripping from your nose freezing. Quickly walking over to the dorm she threw her clothes down on her bed revealing her outfit. (close as I could get) Looking around as if expecting a cup of coffee, she sighed when she didn't see one.

"Guys! Guys do we have a coffee machine?" She called out from the room, already turning towards the kitchen area. As she walked into the room she saw most of the people sitting their eating at the table. She was new there and still struggling to remember everyone's name. "Um..." she paused snapping her fingers with her eyes closed in concentration as if that would help the words come to her mind. "E... Elise?" She looked at the black-haired hair hopefully, "Coffee? Please tell me you guys have some."

Nate wasn't really sure why he was waiting outside the fornt doors of the fire house. He wasn't waiting for anybody, and nothing really important was happening outside. Maybe it was just because he enjoyed the cold more than the heated interior, or maybe it was because he had nothing better to do. He wasn't one to waste time and do nothing, but this was a rare moment when he just wanted some peace and quiet, which wouldn't be all that different inside. Still, he stood out there, watching as people headed into the station. He already checked in for the morning, and made sure that he was ready to go if anything were to happen, so he was just biding time until then.

Sean gave Elise a few glances with a smile as everyone talked at the table. He found it hard to keep his eyes off her. His attention was diverted when Astrid came in to join the others. She was new to the team but had a good spirit and was a quick learner. When she asked where the coffee was Sean pointed to the far left for her where the pot of fresh coffee sat in the corner. "Hey Astrid! It's over there" he called for her, pointing the way. It was easy to remember her name because it was so unique. "Just follow your nose" he said with a chuckle. Despite her poor choice in meat Alex made a damn good pot of coffee.

Soon though, everyone's eyes were diverted to Alex as she entered the eating area. When Alex entered she saw just about the entire crew conversing at the dining table, eating her healthy breakfast. Alex always wore a smile, unless she was deeply pissed off, and her bright smile deepened in satisfaction as she saw her team dig in to her healthy meal. She took pride in keeping herself healthy and fit, especially as lieutenant of her team, but she enjoyed helping others stay healthy as well and took every moment possible to lecture them when she caught them eating unhealthy food or drinking fountain drinks or Gatorade.

"Good morning team!" she called brightly, gathering everyone's attention.

Sean turned to look to Alex with a smudge of sauce from Elise's burger on the lower left side of his chin. Alex caught Sean's face and her smile faltered, her head tilting slightly when she saw the residue sauce on his face that clearly was not from her healthy breakfast. Sean saw the glint in her eyes and, even though she wasn't his lieutenant, he cleared his throat and quickly turned his face away, looking to the side as he wiped his chin clean. When he looked back after a moment, her eyes were still fixed on him and it took all of his effort not to show his guilt.

Alex moved past this and spoke to the team with her announcement. "We are having training this week. I know you have all gone through this already but it has been awhile since this training and it will keep you fit as well as help you coach the candidates in the academy. Everyone is to participate per the Chief's orders, no exceptions. If you are fit to work you are fit to run the drills. Today's drills will include a 5 mile run that must be completed in 40 minutes or less. We will also be driving to the candidate's course to use for timed drills in created scenarios for fire training. It will be like you're back in day 1" she called out gleefully, hearing some groans in response to their schedule. Now, to start with our first run we will--"

Alex was cut off when the sound system erupted with their first call of the day, the dispatcher's voice echoing with clear instructions and urgency.
"Engine 51, Truck 81, Ambulance 61, fire at 2661 Oak Street, fire on third floor and child in danger on balcony."

Sean immediately jumped to his feet. "Saved by the bell" he muttered to Elise with a small grin. Sean raced with everyone to the truck area and began to suit up. Once he had his fire gear on he looked for Nate, knowing he would be near by. Him and Nate with Squad 3 would take their truck while Alex led her team on theirs. Alex was right behind Sean, gearing up right with him and loading up in to the truck. Alex pointed to Elise and called out "You're driving! Let's roll!"

At the table, Gabrielle was finishing off her other slice of turkey bacon when Alex entered the room. She greeted the redhead with a nod that was meant to be good morning, but her mouth was full. Wiping her fingers on the napkin in her lap, the blonde woman got up to clean up the dishes. It was rare that there was a real chance to clean up the station, and Gabrielle had taken to tidying what she could whenever there wasn't a call. She moved into the kitchen with her plate and fork and tossed her napkin away before reaching the sink. Over her shoulder, she listened to Alex as she started the water and slid the dishes into the suds just as new training was announced. After the night Gabrielle had endured, the thought of running anywhere for five miles, and in forty minutes of less, was daunting.

The resounding groans were interrupted by dispatch coming in with a call for them and they had literally been saved by the bell. Obviously, the dishes were going to have to wait. Turning quickly to head for the garage with the rest of the team, Gabrielle clapped Sean on the shoulder. “You picked a good day to come back,” she joked.

In the garage, Gabrielle suited up and waited for Colin. “I'll drive,” she told him, jogging around the front of the ambulance to hop into the truck. They would be following the trucks, and Gabrielle waited for their rigs to pull out before taking off with Colin.

Getting a call was always exciting, and this was the type of thing that Gabrielle lived for. Even though she had been a paramedic for a while by then, a surge of adrenaline never failed to rush through her when that alarm went off. Helping people, making sure they were safe and on the way to the care they needed was almost as good as being nurse. Although that dream was long gone, Gabrielle liked to think she had finally made the right choice.

Alex sat next to Elise and clapped a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know, but you need the practice and you're going to be the best when you work in real life situations. I wouldn't ask you to do it if I didn't think you were highly capable." The siren would blare loudly as they pulled away from the fire station heading towards the scene of the call. Alex kept in close communication with Elise as she drove, helping guide her when needed through the streets. Thankfully the fire wasn't far as their help was in dire need and quickly.

The building sat at 5 stories tall, an apartment complex that had gated balconys at certain levels. The third floor was a blaze, fire spewing from the right side out of an apartment on the corner, two different windows facing different angles of the street already broken through with fire raging outside of them. The smoke was billowing in dark plumes, already filling the third floor residents. It seemed most of the people had evacuated as many of them stood around the building, looking up in terror at something else that was catching their eyes besides the bright fire.

On the second floor, on one of the gated balcony's, there was a boy on his knees with his head stuck between the bars. He was crying with what looked to be mostly fear more than pain as his mom sat behind him holding the gate in a white knuckle grip. The gate gave a small creak and moved an inch forward and it was clear the foundation was breaking. The gate leaned precariously forward, one side barely attached with the child's mom holding on for his life. The structure was showing signs of weakness such that if the mother were to let go the weight of the boys stuck head would send the gate pummeling forward and crashing down to the ground.

When the trucks drove up Alex waited no time to jump out and survey the situation. The child needed to be taken care of immediately and she turned to look to Scott, Lieutenant of the Squad, to make sure he was on top of his people to handle that part of the operation. Sean was one of Scott's best squad members and was the quickest in scaling the ladders. Sean was next to Scott, waiting for him to give the order on how they should best approach the situation. The gate needed to be secured before they tried to remove the child, the first risk being his fall to what would most likely be his death. The mom cried out in terror as she saw the trucks arrive. "Please help me! I can't hold on much longer and the gate is slipping! I'm in Apt 6 please help us!" Sean's heart pounded. He would never get used to the adrenaline that surged through his body from these calls but he knew from experience how to channel the adrenaline in to productive and focused energy. Scott also had Gabrielle if he needed further medical assistance for the child. Gabrielle could enter the apartment from the inside to assist and evaluate.

Alex turned back to her team, looking to both Astrid and Elise, and ordered everyone to put on their masks. "Let's scout the floor for anyone else who might be inside. We need to move fast and efficient before the fire spreads any further on the floor." She pulled on her mask that covered her face, gear on to provide her the clean breathing to maneuver safely through the smoke filled floors. Alex led the team towards the stairs where they would climb towards the third floor to look for anyone alive and left behind.

Scott had just pulled up and parked next to the Firehouse and was pulling his gear out of the bed of his pickup when suddenly, like monstrous red beasts emerging from their lair, the trucks of Battalion 25 came rumbling out of the bay with sirens wailing and lights flashing. There wasn't much he could do as he stood there and watched as the trucks pulled out and roared down the street, though recently transferred to the Firehouse, he had to report in to the Chief first before being cleared to go out, which apparently would have to wait since everyone was now racing off to a call. Fortunately the Chief was the last to pull out of the bay and seeing the lone Firefighter standing in the parking lot, stopped and rolled down the passenger side window. "Morning Chief, Lt. McKenna reporting for duty", Scott proclaimed as the Chief looked at him then motioned for him to get in. Scott barely had time to toss his gear in the back seat and hop in on the passenger side before the Chief jammed the truck into gear and roar off after the Firetrucks. The Chief gave him a brief rundown on the Squad and the rest of the crew as he caught up, then passed the Firetrucks, taking the lead to the location of the call.

"SQUAD 3, FORM UP HERE!!!", Scott bellowed as he finished snapping his coat as the trucks pulled up and the crews hopped out. Having already spotted the boy with his head caught in the balcony railing, a rescue plan was already forming in his brain, as he nodded his head toward the other Lieutenant as she and his new Squad came running up, "Lt. Denney, right?", he inquired and held out his hand, "I'm Lt. McKenna, your new sidekick in Squad, sorry to cut the intros short, but I'll need your ladder truck closer to the building, I'm hoping to use the ladder to brace against the railing". He spotted Anderson by the name tag on his helmet and knew from the files he read on each of Squad 3 members, that Anderson was the best at ladder work, "Anderson, your on the ladder, grab the saws-all and some straps, see what you can do to wedge up under that balcony and get some of the weight off what few bolts are still holding it up, till I can get up there". He turned to the third member of the squad and instructed him to go with Anderson and left the candidate of the Squad to help Lt. Denney deal with getting the tenants out if the building, Scott then followed Anderson to the truck, grabbed some straps himself and an axe then ran for the entrance as Anderson headed for the ladder. As Scott raced for the entrance, he spotted one of the Paramedics waiting by her Ambulance to assist with any burn victims, he stopped short and called out to her, "you might wanna tag along, that boy will need to be checked for head or neck trauma once we get him loose". He waited briefly for the cute looking blonde to grab whatever she needed, then took off for the second floor apt.6, having recalled hearing what the boy's Mother had cried out moments earlier as the trucks were pulling up.

Chief Unser - Before the Alarm

Just about thirty minutes before the alarm went off, the Chief sat quietly in his office, waving at his firefighters as they entered the house. Sometimes he waved, other times he just nodded in welcome. He was reading over some paperwork demanding affirmative action in regards to a paramedics actions during a certain call. Just the week before, Ambulance 61 was called into a scene where two young children were hit by a car. Both children were of African American race and conscious when the paramedics arrived. Colin and Gabrielle were the first to arrive. Information before the Chief said that Colin refused to oblige by the mother's wishes to not provide care. She refused to allow the male paramedic to help her children. From what the report informs, it seemed as though Colin went against the mother's wishes and provided needed care - not taking consideration for refused consent. This went to the higher ups and has now become the Chief's problem to deal with. Paperwork says that Colin Hampton is to be present at trial and have his license possibly suspended for a certain period of time.

These were the things that the Chief had to deal with daily. Unknown to his crew, he actually does work in his office, not just sit there and read all day. Most of his job - aside from actual calls - took place in that small square office of his. And usually, it was all dilemma that had to do with his personnel. Some things never come to light, but some do. This problem with Colin will be one of those that has to be handled in the light of day. It's not something the Chief can just make disappear. The mother of the children is suing the city for negligence. Her case embodies her inability to pay medical treatment due to the lack of job and so it is going to the court. At this point the only one that knows is the chief, but it will have to get settled before things keep moving forward.

2661 Oak Street

After arriving at the scene alongside Lt. McKenna, the chief quickly exited his vehicle and prepared for action. Though he wasn't in charge of physically putting the fire out and providing the best possible care to any victims, he still played a big role in the EMS system. He overlooked all the processes and actions of his team, making sure that they were all on the same page at all times. "Lt. Denney, status? Is the third floor clear?" he asked via the radio strapped to the collar of his fire-proof coat.

He watched as Anderson rushed up the ladder to help the child in need, watching his firefighters take all precaution methods. The third member of rescue squad had taken jurisdiction of the ladder's controls, making sure it aided in keeping the balcony from collapsing. It was sometimes difficult to see everything that was going on, especially when one wasn't inside being a part of the action. "Candidate! Get the pump ready for use on the truck. Once Lt. Denney gives me the clear, you get up there, let's get this fire under control" the Chief commanded as he looked at the entrance of the building, watching as some tenants came out unharmed, others not so lucky.

The Chief then got back on his radio and called for a second ambulance, believing it was the best call at the moment. With one of the two paramedics inside the facility, they were going to need more personnel to help the wounded victims. "This is Chief Dennis Unser of Station 51 calling for back up on 2661 Oak Street. We have three wounded victims in need of immediate hospital care." And after receiving word that they were sending another ambulance, the Chief returned to the situation at hand. "Denney, I need you and your personnel out of there as fast as possible, getting the pumper ready for use" the Chief radioed, advising his Lieutenant to hurry and finish the surveillance. He then switched frequencies to contact Anderson. "Is the boy ready for extraction yet? We need to clear the balcony now, were ready to start the hoses" he informed the firefighter.

Chief Unser was used to being prepared for the worst-case-scenarios. In that way, he would never be able to be surprised by any incidents. He attempted his best to follow every precaution in order to provide the best service and bring everyone home. With no blood relatives, his family had become his team. In his mind, even if he had blood relatives, his team would still be his family. They were the ones that drive him to come to work everyday and do his best. His job is to ensure the safety of his family, his friends, and the people of Chicago. And this wasn't just his duty, this was the duty of Firehouse 51.

Astrid

"Hey Astrid! It's over there" Astrid sighed happy to know that their was a pot of coffee and she wouldn't have to go without. Pouring herself a cup, her eyes rolled back as she took a long whiff of the delicious scent. Just as she was about to take a sip of her hot drink Alex entered. She delayed herself the hot liquid to hear what she had to say, "We are having training this week. I know you have all gone through this already but it has been awhile since this training and it will keep you fit as well as help you coach the candidates in the academy. Everyone is to participate per the Chief's orders, no exceptions. If you are fit to work you are fit to run the drills. Today's drills will include a 5 mile run that must be completed in 40 minutes or less. We will also be driving to the candidate's course to use for timed drills in created scenarios for fire training. It will be like you're back in day 1" Her shoulders slumped at the thought of more physical exercise. It wouldn't be the hardest work out she had ever done, 8 minute miles were fairly easy, but 5 consecutive miles was not a fun task. "Feels like I just got out of fire training, now i'm going back." She leaned against the counter next to the coffee pot, waiting to see if there would be another task.

"Engine 51, Truck 81, Ambulance 61, fire at 2661 Oak Street, fire on third floor and child in danger on balcony." The sound system went off blasting her ears with noise. Noise that filled her stomach with butterflies. Her first call with the squad. She was so nervous that her hands were already shaking and she lost her hold on the cup she held. It clattered to the ground coffee spilling everywhere and scalding her arm. "Shit!" A tiny piece of the cup had fallen off the the rim, but thankfully it was unbroken.

Promising to herself that she would clean it up later, Astrid followed Elise and Alex into Truck 81. Elise was behind the wheel, which normally would have made Astrid a bit nervous, thankfully her nerves were already taught with the thought of the call. She was going to help save someone's life. They peeled out of the station and were soon faced with the burning building covered in smoke. They stopped before the building and geared up. Pulling a mask over her face she prepared herself to enter a burning building. "Let's scout the floor for anyone else who might be inside. We need to move fast and efficient before the fire spreads any further on the floor." Nodding to Alex they pushed ahead into the building. Sparks flew across her vision which was already clouded by the dense ash filled smoke. They began to run up the stairs looking for any others stuck on the floor.

"SQUAD 3, FORM UP HERE!!!", Scott bellowed as he finished snapping his coat as the trucks pulled up and the crews hopped out.. Sean heard an unfamiliar voice shouting orders towards his men shortly after they got out of their truck. Sean turned his head towards Scott and realized this must be the new Squad Lt. Chief had briefed them about a week earlier. It was a strange and unconventional way for him to meet his team but it would be a good test to see what kind of Lt. Scott really was. Sean wasted no time in jogging over to him.

Before Alex could move with her team Scott came to her in a quick introduction. Chief had briefed everyone on the new Lt. and his arrival and she shook his hand quickly in greeting. Alex quickly began to work with the new Lieutenant. "Charlie!" She called to one of her firemen at the truck. "Pull the truck closer and lay the ladder out towards the balcony for Lt. McKenna. Follow his direction, we're going in!" She gave Scott a brief thumbs up to ensure he would have her teams support. Her team listened to her and she didn't see why they wouldn't listen to him as well, especially during moments like these when team work was critical and egos should be left at the window. The only one Alex was concerned about was Elise. Elise wasn't insubordinate but she was sharp and independent and didn't like to take direction from anyone besides Alex, who gave her a lot of free reign. She was one of her best firemen and she knew she didn't need a tight leash on her. Try and maneuver Elise too much and she fights back. Hopefully Scott wouldn't experience that today.

---

Sean had gathered the supplies Scott listed and watched as Charlie maneuvered the truck close to the building then began extending the giant ladder upwards. Charlie was able to finish the ladder right under the balcony, giving Sean enough room to work and give some support for the mom. He needed to calm her down as she was beginning to shout frantically, her grip continuing to slip. Sean raced past Gabrielle as he went towards the ladder and quickly diverted to the side to rush up to her, pausing to clap his hand on her shoulder. "Help calm the mom down. You're the best at that." he said with sincerity. She had a skilled and honest way of helping even the most frightened victim to calm down and feel reassured that the team was going to do their job and get them to safety. Sean gave her a smile before running back to the truck and jumping up on the ladder and beginning to scale upwards towards the boy.

---

Alex was in the building with her team, having scaled the flights of stairs up to the third floor. They would ensure no one was left behind before allowing the hose to work it's magic. Alex turned to Astrid, who seemed the most uneasy and rightfully so being the most inexperienced. Alex nodded to her "You're doing great. Just stay focused, control your breathing, and keeping moving." She was new but she had great training and was skilled; she simply lacked confidence especially in live action. Alex then turned and broke away from her team. If everyone came it would include Elise and Astrid at her side and the rest on the other side of the building. One of the firemen radioed in to the Chief "North side cleared Chief." This left Alex's side to be finished cleared before the Chief could make his next move. Alex's side of the building was covered more in flames, the smoke billowing across the halls, the heat pulsating around them. Alex moved towards the last two apartments in the hall. She kicked down one door and crouched through, yelling "Fire Department! Call out!" She looked thoroughly and desperately for anyone in need of help. Once the Chief reeled them back in there was no going back. "Denney, I need you and your personnel out of there as fast as possible, getting the pumper ready for use" the Chief radioed. Alex heard the Chief on her radio and clicked her radio button to respond. "Copy that Chief, almost done. Give me 5 more minutes." Alex turned to her team "Guys we gotta move! See anything??" If Elise was hot on her heels, she would be their best bet to find anyone before they needed to retract, if there was anyone to find. She had eyes like a hawk and a solid gut instinct that has led them to many successful extractions before.

---

Sean reached the top of the ladder, hoping to see Scott enter from the back soon. The mom only became more frantic when seeing Sean. Sean raised his hands and tried calming her down, wishing Gabrielle was up here with him. "Ma'am, calm down, We're going to help him, it will be ok. Just listen to us ok?" He placed his hands up to the gate and pressed forward, alleviating the strain that was making the mom lose her grip. The gate wobbled unsteadily in Sean's hands. He grit his teeth, the unsteady feeling causing him to fear the gate would give way any moment now. He couldn't bank on him catching the gate and kid safely without someone getting hurt or possibly killed. Sean looked to the kid. Talking to him would distract them both. "Hey buddy. You're doing great! Look at me. Tell me uh...tell me the best field trip that you ever had in class, huh?" He kept the kid conversing, distracting him while they worked on their next phase for getting the kid free. The chief radioed in to Sean "Is the boy ready for extraction yet? We need to clear the balcony now, were ready to start the hoses" he informed the firefighter. Sean shakily pulled one hand free to hit his radio in response. "Not yet Chief. This gate is about to break and we need to steady it before chopping him free. Scott should be entering the apartment any minute now." This gave a boost of confidence for Sean as when he heard his Chief's voice he felt a surge of energy, a desire to accomplish this for the Chief. He had the most respect for him than anyone else in the house and his desire to get the job done for the Chief was a heavy motivating factor.