Chapter 1 - The Rookie
“Get a move Zayla!”
“I am coming!”
I was rushing out to meet Kaito in the fire truck when I saw his disappointed expression on his face. It has been a week since I started working in the fire station. Not only was I accompanying him to rescues but he also dragged me along at the last minute.
Kaito: You are late. Again.
Me: I am sorry.
Kaito: How do you not get ready for a rescue mission?
Me: You drag me along at the last minute!
Kaito: Anyway, hop in.
He got to the driver’s side while I hopped into the passenger seat. Before he started the truck, he handed me a device.
Kaito: We need to know the location of the fire.
Me: Got it.
I then used my tech skills and helped Kaito with directions.
Kaito: Are you sure this is the right direction?
Me: I can always take control of the steering wheel if you want.
Kaito: Hey. I was simply asking.
Me: Yes they are.
In the next few minutes, we could see the smoke coming from one of the buildings. I turned on my walkie-talkie as we got out. I was about to get my equipment when Kaito stopped me.
Me: What for? Don’t you need me here?
Kaito: Stay in the truck. The screens are inside, I will put the truck on auto-drive.
Me: Hey! Who says I can’t help?!
Kaito: You are a newbie. You need experience.
Me: I have a lot of experience.
Kaito: Zayla, stop arguing with me right now and do as I instructed.
With a sigh, I gave him my walkie-talkie and headed inside the truck. I never thought the trucks I always used to see had such high tech. I turned on the second walkie-talkie that was in the truck, which connected us to the entire team.
Xavier: Have you arrived at the scene, Kaito? Over.
The team consisted of males, so I was often considered inferior.
Me: Kaito and I are on the scene, over.
Xavier: How bad is the situation Zayla? Over.
I sent a drone to record the scene, which was automatically screen-shared to the team.
Me: Half of the building has been burned down. The firefighters at work have managed to put out the fire. Over.
Xavier: Thanks for the update Zayla, call us if more help is needed. Over.
Me: Thanks Xavier, will do. Over.
It always felt nice to be recognized; Xavier made sure of that. A part of me wanted to go see what it is like to see firefighters like Kaito in action, but I refrained. Kaito would not be happy about that.
30 MINUTES LATER
Me: High five!
Kaito: (confused) What for?
Me: Come on! No injuries and deaths! That’s something to celebrate, right?
Kaito reluctantly high-fived me. I then came out and wanted to go to the driver’s seat when Kaito threw his jacket on me.
Me: Hey!
Kaito: You haven’t reached that level yet.
Me: (smiling) But soon I will be.
He then flicked my forehead as he hopped into the truck and drove away.
Kaito: You are funny Zayla…
