What was left behind

9.Temporary team

Hi! Here comes next chapter which I hope you will enjoy. I hope I managed to picture all characters as they could be before they were all together a team we know, so I wish you good time while reading and I hope you will like it ;-)

I looked at the leaflet I had put on the table for the last time. It had been there since the picnic.

The next morning I went to Antony almost immediately to find out if he agreed to my going. I was lucky because the lieutenant who replaced Shane was not there that day. He would definitely not have agreed, but, as I had hoped, Antony supported my idea and even agreed to take Venus with me, to present myself from a good side. I didn't live far from the fire station, so I figured it wouldn't be a problem for me to get up early enough. I was even happy because Venus really suited me and I didn't want to part with her wherever I had to commute.

However, despite my initial enthusiasm, I was still not too sure if I was doing the right thing. On the one hand, the exchange was always a source of new experiences, but on the other hand I knew that this way I didn't want to learn anything so much as to escape from accidentally meeting Justin. I knew perfectly well that his instructions were to go out, so that he wouldn't forget to walk. I also assumed that he would want to visit Max and Gregor at the fire station from time to time, which meant that I would be on the same shift. I had no doubt that I had done the right thing, but I was still afraid that I wouldn't be able to hold back my tears at the sight of him. So I preferred to choose a safer option, at least until my emotions cooled down enough for me to pass Justin indifferently. And as I knew from previous experience, it could take me some time.

However, I didn't want to waste my energy on memories any longer and I wanted to move forward. All I had left was work and I didn't want to forget about it ever again. With that in mind, I got into Venus and drove forward through the streets of Newtown until I pulled out onto a road among meadows and hills. On one side I could see hills and the outlines of mountains, and through the other window my eyes were greeted by a wall of forest.

The journey didn't take long and it took me more time to stay up late yesterday evening, running my finger over the map to memorize the route. Fortunately, this time turned out not to be wasted, because I didn't get lost and even when I reached my destination, I quickly found my way in the seaside town to the fire station, which was built on a slight elevation of the terrain. I parked Venus on the side next to the main gate. I got out, taking the letter confirming my participation in the exchange with me from the car, when a pleasant sea breeze hit my face. Due to studying at the Academy, I didn't care about trips and only now did I remember how the fresh sea air smelled. I tilted my head back, tasting the air with my chest, before I dared to take another step.

As soon as I entered the fire station, I was amazed by a large truck with a lift, which majestically gleamed in the sun with its red paint. It was a single-chassis vehicle, unlike Mars, but it was immediately obvious that it was also a fire truck for special-purpose. However, it was standing alone in the garage, just like me.

I looked around. I was alone in the garage, at least until I heard laughter and footsteps approaching me. After a moment, I looked up at two men who also stood there, exchanging surprised glances. Their eyes were blue and I had the impression that I had seen them somewhere before.

"Do you need help?" The red-haired man asked me suspiciously.

"I was supposed to report to Station Officer Steele," I explained. "I'm here on an exchange."

"And we don't happen to know each other? Because I think I've seen you somewhere before," he asked me in surprise, stopping me in mid-step after he showed me the way. I turned to him, confused.

"Don't you recognize her, Sam?" His colleague asked. "It's the girl from the picnic," he whispered, hiding his mouth behind his hand, but I was still standing close enough to hear his excited voice.