Chicago Fire - a few years later

Part 20

At Mollys Novak was getting Drunk trying to forget about the call when a familiar voice came from the side. "It's been a while Sergeant Novak."

"District Chief Ross?" Novak said quietly. "What are you doing here?"

"Sylvie Casey called, said you were down. What's up soldier." She asked.

"Natasha I haven't been a soldier since the incident. Don't call me that or Sergeant." She remembers the incident well. "Please let me drink in peace."

"I can't do that old friend. We look after each other." Natasha said. "Let me take you back to your place."

3 days later everyone was back at 51 and Novak was feeling better, she had gone to the gym and worked out which allowed her to forget about the job for a bit. "Hey Brett. Thanks for your help. I needed that."

"Anytime Lizzie," Brett said.

Casey was in his office when Chief Boden knocked on the door. "Chief what are you doing here?" He asked confused

"James got hurt so we came home early, so I'm back at work earlier anticipated." Boden said

Just then Chief Mullins came through. "Could I speak with you two?" He asked getting two nods. "As you may or may not know DC Hill is retiring in 3 years, and wants to get her replacement sorted out now. ;Myself, Battalion Chief Riddle, Deputy District Chief Anderson, District Chief Ross, and Paramedic Field Chief Robinson have put their names in the hat. As your boss I have to ask are either one of you going to put your names in because If I'm not going to get it I want to have a reliable firefighter to endorse."

"No Chief I'm not," Casey said.

"You know I think I shall put my name forward." Boden said

"Very well Wallace, all the same I'd think you'd make a great DC."

Then the PA system went off. "Ambulance 61. Truck 81. Battalion 25 welfare check Chicago art gallery"

"What in the devil." Casey said no one was supposed to be at the gallery after the fire

As soon as Novak got out of the Ambulance, she knew what was happening. "Chief it's Jackson, a soldier from my military day. I need a second person to assist me in calming him down."

"I also have experience in the military, I'll help." Halstead said.

"Okay, radio if you need assistance." Casey said.

"Halstead when we encounter him. I'm Sergeant Novak and you are Private Halstead understood?" Novak said

"Yes Ma'am" Halstead replied.

As Novak and Halstead were walking into the gallery Jackson was behind a table with a gun pointing at an entrance. "Jackson?" Novak said causing Jackson to turn around and point the gun at her. "Easy Jackson, it's me Sergeant Novak. This is a new recruit Private Halstead, I need you to lower your weapon. You're at base camp, the enemy has retreated." Novak said. "You're having night terrors. There is no threat." Jackson starts to lower his gun "that's it, stay with me soldier."

Jackson empty's his gun. "Sergeant I need help, please take me to a hospital."

"Come with me soldier." Novak said. "Private Halstead, secure the firearm."

"Yes ma'am." Halstead said picking the gun up

Back at 51 Novak got out of the Ambulance. 2 different calls that reminded her of her past. "Brett I'm going to the bunker to meditate."

"Okay Lizzie." Brett replied

Casey sat in his office contemplating the future. Kidd is pregnant and Boden might be getting promoted and leaving 51. Touch wood, he hasn't lost anyone since becoming Chief. The last person 51 had lost was Violet. He remembers how much that impacted Brett. he got thinking about his first bad call.