A Love Worth Fighting For

In the Fight

Robert took a deep breath as he stood in the mirror in the Captain's Bunk. Adjusting his collar and adding the bugles he'd missed so much. He didn't get nervous often, he was typically the definition of calm in the storm, but today felt a bit different. He didn't know exactly what he was facing, but using his wife's response as a gauge, he imagined a scenario where the rest of the team was also upset with him to some degree.

While he had no intention of apologizing for his actions, Robert could be sympathetic and understanding. Maya was one of them long before he was, he respected that. He just hoped they would see, he did what he thought was right. Months of forging relationships and becoming a part of the group had allowed him to experience friendship and camaraderie he hadn't felt in years. Robert knew he would have to say something to bring the group together.  They'd had his back and his intention was to have theirs. He also knew something they didn't. The fight to keep the station open wasn't over. He checked his watch and headed out of the office, greeting the Chief just as he walked in.

"Chief McCallister," Robert said confidently. He shook the older gentleman's hand firmly and led him into the office.

Upstairs in the beanery...

"So much for team," Vic said as she filled her coffee mug, annoyance was evident in her voice.

"What's that supposed to mean," Travis questioned with curiosity from his place against the island.

"You saw them at the reception and they arrived separately today for the first time in months so clearly Sullivan did something. I mean how is it that Bishop gets demoted, Herrera gets passed over, again I might add, and he's got his old job back." Vic said matter of factly. "He's suddenly next man up when Herrera was next in line and he was still working his way back?" She was clearly upset and Travis was having a difficult time tracking her anger.

"Where's this all coming from," Travis asked a bit rhetorically. "None of us know what happened in those meetings. Bishop violated a direct order from the Chief, there was an investigation." He said.

"Exactly, none of us WERE in those meetings we just know that Sullivan somehow came out Captain and his wife is furious with him for it. Doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that he did something that..." Vic shook her head and didn't complete her thought.

"Okay, that may be true...but I think we can all agree his punishment was a bit harsh. I mean, Theo lost a firefighter on his watch and only got demoted to lieutenant." Travis said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Seriously?" Vic said incredulously. "I thought we'd moved past that?"

"We have. Mostly..." Travis replied slightly chagrined. "But still...Sullivan didn't kill anyone."

"I second that." Dean said as he passed the fridge in the beanery and poured his own cup of coffee. Right away he knew what the topic of conversation was. "Look, we all know I was not Sullivan's biggest fan at the beginning of all this, but he's spent months making amends and we can all see that. He's also got the experience and a proven track record."

"Unbelievable," Vic said, frustration heavy in her voice. "What about 19 being a family? What about loyalty? Doesn't any of that matter?" She questioned.

"Doesn't what matter," Ben asked as he joined the group of three near the coffee pot. He looked around at the trio in front of him. "Ahhhh... let me guess. None of us are sure about Sullivan's actions and why if he did nothing wrong, his wife is mad at him?" Vic, Travis and Dean all gave Ben a surprised look. "What? I'm not clueless all the time." He said with a grin. "I say, we wait and see. Also, better him than an outsider."

"Morning..." Andy said as she entered the beanery. Taking one look at the group in front of her, she knew they were discussing her, Sullivan and whatever the hell was going to happen after today.