The next day. March 17th.

Dynamite asked where Lusty was. It was 8 a.m., and Lieutenant Johnson was nowhere to be seen. She had never been half an hour late to her shift before. "Hey, do any of you know where Lieutenant Johnson is?" she asked her colleagues.

Anchalche replied, "All Division, District, Battalion, and company officers have been called to HQ," she said. "Some geniuses want to reduce expenditures by 10%. The smartass invented a program to monitor apparatus fuel efficiency, manpower distribution, and overtime. Yeah, it's not like we have experts and people specially trained to do that. Lieutenant Johnson strikes me as the type she'll break a computer before learning to operate one."

Suddenly, a voice chimed in from the C02 Unit. "She prefers to be called Lusty, not Johnson or Claire," said a firefighter with a smirk. Everyone chuckled, but the tension in the air remained palpable. What could be going on at HQ, and where was Lieutenant Johnson?

Dynamite replied, “If she is willing to do anything for sex and gets around, then that’s her.”

“Everyone else but you and Anvalanch and the rest knows that she shortened her nickname from Lyristic.” explained the same firefighter.

Soon, Lusty came in.

“Alright, listen up,” said Lusty, “Starting today, everything will be monitored and whatnot, but we need to join a wellness program or pay a higher premium on health insurance. Starting next Monday, everyone here and in other firehouses across the city male firefighters need to have 15/15 eyesight and blood pressure for males, and transgender males need a blood pressure of 119/70 mm Hg. In contrast, females and transgender females need a blood pressure of 110/68 mm Hg. But that’s for the age range of 18-39 years old. For those from 40-59 years 124/77 mm Hg 122/74 mm Hg 60-65 years 133/69 mm Hg 139/68 mm Hg. Hearing needs to be at least 20 decibels. Also, the weight for males for a minimum needs to be 166 pounds and a maximum of 255 pounds and for females, it’s 125 pounds minimum, and for a maximum, it’s 195 pounds. It’s what the desk jockey geniuses at HQ came up with now. Also how we used to do drug test once every other month it’s now bi-monthly starting next Monday as well but prescription and allergy medicine that any of you have to take and they know about it then they can’t suspend or fire you for it but if you do any drugs that they don’t know about then they can suspend you for it. Oh for now on to save money at stores, they want us to make a breakfast, lunch and dinner schedule.”

Dynamite replied, “That’ll take me back to the Corps eating at a mess hall of them having a big sign like for the week with them saying what they’ll have and serve for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner even though the breakfast was mostly the same of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, and coffee. Even though in the Corps, those who put creamer or sugar into their coffee we call them ‘Sweets’ as a hazing thing. We rarely called them ‘Sweet tooth.’ The military spends a lot of money on food, though. One thousand six hundred pounds of chicken, 350 pounds of lettuce, 20,000 cups of coffee, 160 gallons of milk, and 30 boxes of cereal, 800 pounds of meat, 1800 pounds of veggies, and 2600 pounds of fruit. That’s not adding Field rations and for the field kitchen as well. But that’s only at the regiment level.”

“Thanks for the idea,” said Lusty.

Lusty went to her office and made a paper diagram and they got to write what was for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and brought it to them and put on what they wanted for lunch and dinner. But to them, they noticed that Lusty had a chip on her shoulder. No one asked what was with her now because if asked what’s her problem or something like that she’ll pretend like everything is fine. She didn’t want to worry them and bring her personal life into work because the moment she enters the firehouse to start work she leaves her personal life behind, and when she leaves work she leaves work behind.

“You alright, Lieutenant?” asked Dynamite.

Lusty replied with sarcasm, “Besides my apartment being firebombed and having to live with an old neighbor for the night, everything is just peachy.”

“Wait, really?” asked Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “Yeah, and got OFI at my apartment. Had to change here before going to HQ. Got here an hour and a half before all of you did. Had to sit at HQ for an hour and learn about this automated bullshit. I guess they don’t remember the 1995 Miner strike when Miners were protesting when three out of four mining companies replaced their human labor with automation. It usually led to protests and violent clashes between both the protesters and the companies and the police.

"None of you ever heard, like every four seconds hearing over the radio about violent clashes between police and striking miners? One miner throws a cigarette butt onto the ground then which was a provocation for the police to go in and start swinging their nightsticks. Hell when the cops would’ve charged doing a baton charge then a majority of the miners would’ve charged back and fought back but mounted police they didn’t fight back because not of the cop with a 36-inch straight stick but in fear of getting run over and trampled by Thoroughbred, Tennessee Walkers, Quarter horses, and Mustangs horses. Other countries would say that during riots, our police force uses excessive force but a Government person told the leader of another country that if they like to have rioters destroy anything and whatnot, then that’s them. Still, they shouldn’t tell them how to have their police hide behind a shield. Same guy even told the other country leader that it'd be worse if he just had his city cop just use shotguns loaded with 12 gauge, magnum, 20 gauge, magnum, and buckshot shells.”

"Yeah, I've heard about that, but many officials said it was too dangerous, so my furlough was canceled," said Dynamite, recalling her first crowd control experience. "It was to protect a mining union guy who feared death from the same miners. My platoon leader got out of our 6x6 4-½ ton truck and just said, 'Fixed bayonets.' As a Combat Engineer company, we were responsible for military engineering, tunnel and mine warfare tasks, as well as construction and demolition duties in and out of combat zones. We built fighting positions, fortifications, and roads, conducted demolition missions, and cleared minefields manually or through specialized vehicles."

"The next day, we had to escort teenage children of the miners to school after the Governor prohibited striking miner's children and teenagers from accessing public school. The Fort Blueberry Militia blocked our path, claiming that the Governor was prohibiting them from education until the strikes ended. However, I informed them that the Governor and they were breaking a Federal law and the Constitution, which states that all children, regardless of race, gender, or religion, have the right to a free public education."

As Zack walked by, Lusty reminded him that he was suspended. But he ignored her, prompting Dynamite to intervene. "There is no ignoring an officer, even if you hate their guts! Plus, you were suspended," she snarled.

Zack remained calm and replied, "I'm going to go and inspect the driver-side compartments and all of the tools."

As Zack left the kitchen.

“I’m going to put on my bunker gear trousers and put my boot up his ass,” Dynamite was fuming, "Are you kidding me? In the Fire Department City of Empire, there's a strict chain of command that all personnel must follow. You can't just ignore orders from those above you in the hierarchy. It breaks the chain of command, and that's not cool. As a firefighter, I'm only supposed to take orders from my company officer. You're our officer and CO, so you can tell me and Squad 141 what to do.

"But you can't tell another group of firefighters what to do without going through their Captain or Lieutenant. And Marcus is the 19th Battalion, so all companies within the 19th Battalion can only take orders from him, unless he's unavailable, or it's an emergency within the 18th Battalion that doesn't require the 19th Battalion's assistance. It's all about respecting the hierarchy and maintaining harmony of intent. If he thinks he can ignore your orders just because he disagrees with you, then he's dead wrong. It's like the Marines; if he did that there, he'd be scrubbing toilets with his toothbrush for a whole month."

Lusty was curious, "What about our military and civil servant chain of command?"

Avalanche explained, "At the regiment level, a Colonel can only give orders to Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, who then inform and order their Captains and Lieutenants. A Sergeant can order their squad, but only take orders from the Lieutenants, who can order and boss their platoons around, not the Captains and companies. Captains can only order around Lieutenants and their companies; they can't boss around Lieutenant Colonels or Battalions. Similarly, a Lieutenant Colonel can't give orders to a Colonel or Regiment. It's all about maintaining the flow and respecting the ranks. One reason why both the Police and Fire Departments here on Little Bird modeled their command structure after their military and has the same rules about the chain of command is to prevent assholes from treating others like shit but giving their best friends a golden spoon in their mouths."

“Guess I kept hitting the wrong ones because the ones further up the chain of command treat me like the former, and whenever something wrong happens, they blame me,” said Lusty.

Avalanche replied, “Yes, and their dicks for doing that. Like every other country in the world, they do not make their consumer products unreliable. Back in 1932, when the first Little Birden Aircraft Carrier was built, the CVNA-01 Cadence/Cadence. It’s like they knew what would or was going to happen on October 25, 1944, in Leyte Gulf. The original design of the Cadence class Carriers its flight deck, while yes it was made of steel because the Naval Board started to come up with hypothetical and theoretical scenarios. But in their 1932 to 1943 configuration, overall, their flight deck was 1.5 in of thick reinforced steel; in their 1943-1944 configuration, the flight deck was 5 in of thick reinforced steel, and throughout late October to early November of 1944 their flight decks gotten another five inch of thick reinforced steel so overall 10.5 inches of reinforced steel for a flight deck. CVNA-17 Fortress that replaced CVNA-02 Flurry for retrofits. Well CVNA-17 got hit by seventeen Kamikazes. What happened, you may ask, well it’s simple. The Captain radioed to CVNA-01 Cadence and said, ‘This is Fortress. We’ve taken multiple hits, our flight deck is out of commission, and we have fires in our fuel bunkers and in the hangers. We’re out of the fight. Diverting all hands to Damage control’. But ever since 1922 in the Little Bird Navy, every member of a ship's crew, from the Fleet Admiral, Admiral, and Captain down to the simple sailor, must be able to help in containing and fighting fires, sealing ruptures after being holed, and repairs onboard the ship. But the Cadence was overwhelmed with excess planes because they were designed to carry 120 planes or 35 planes of each class or in simpler terms, 35 fighter planes, 35 dive bombers, and 35 torpedo bombers not adding 15 scout planes. In total, there were 240 planes. After the battle, the Cadence only had 95 planes and had to carry an additional 75 planes. But Mrs. Orange always wanted to push their enemies and whatnot and she always told others that ‘The world is at war there is always a chance of risk of every action we take! Only way we know we’ll achieve victory or defeat is by taking risks!’ and we took a lot of risks. But we could take the risk and learn from them. We had the Cadence, Flurry, Mackenzie, Apple Pie, Blueberry Pie, Nightingale, Falconese, Mountaineses, Aurora, Thunderbolt, Serenity, Avenger, Phoenix, Horizon, Vanguard, Eclipse, Fortress, Liberty, Titan, Sovereign, Invincible, Valiant, Radiance, and Triumph. The Americans just had the Langley, Lexington, Saratoga, Ranger, Yorktown, Wasp, and Hornet until or around 1943. By June 1st of 1942 the Japanese had Hōshō, Akagi, Kaga, Ryūjō, Sōryū, Hiryū, Zuihō, Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Shōhō, Jun'yō, Taiyō, and Un'yō.”

“How the Hell did you know that?” asked Dynamite.

Avalanche replied, “I studied abroad in Japan for a few years. Aunt sent me to get away from my parents awhile and said that I should broaden my eyes and not be a Type 1 Eaglelander and that is a person A country full of super-patriots attached to their traditions and residing in a utopian society. This version of Little Bird is based on the shows and movies exported during the 1950s, which showed Little Bird as a beautiful, almost saccharine place built on family, its values, love, and simple mentalities, conservative. Furthermore, they believe that their country is a land of progress, wealth, opportunity, and luck, where people could go to abandon their past and make a new life for themselves.”

“My friend Dave Waterson, his hometown, Clearlake, can be described as that of men and a few women wearing flannel with blue jeans with some other women wearing either dresses or a t-shirt and skirts wearing heels,” said Lusty, “Also I don’t mean any offense. But can you say anything in Japanese?”

Avalanche replied, “お好み焼き. It’s Japanese for Okonomiyaki. It’s Japanese teppanyaki, a savory pancake dish consisting of wheat flour batter and other ingredients that’s mixed, or as toppings cooked on a teppan on a flat griddle. Common additions include cabbage, meat, and seafood, and toppings include okonomiyaki sauce (made with Worcestershire sauce), aonori aka dried seaweed flakes, katsuobushi which is bonito flakes, Japanese mayonnaise, and pickled ginger. I liked it. Had Sushi there for the first time too but I didn’t like it I ate it because I didn’t want to offend anyone and to me at the time that if I explained that I didn’t like fish or seafood then they would think that I hate their culture and their cuisine but I ate the Sushi and pretended that it was alright. Now I want another Okonomiyaki too. But I think my Aunt wanted to have me get away from my dad for some time though. They never found my mother but the EOD did find a feminine body in a lake with a cement block tied around her legs well, forensics said that the skeleton belonged to a female. But I wasn’t ever told that it was my ma.”

“Oh before I leave the kitchen,” said Lusty, “Starting the week after next for A shift HQ for whatever wisdom they pulled out of their asses, they want a Physical examination from everyone every Friday that we work during or off of that week. No exceptions and no excuses.

“I’d said that was obscure and stupid because no doctor in their right mind is going to do a Physical examination every week. Not because it’s a waste of paper and their time but because they have other patients to work on and check out. Should’ve kept it as every three months. Don’t know when the last time they had an actual smoke eater or fire breather be in charge at HQ instead of desk jockeys.”

A few hours later.

Lusty was in her office just reading a romance novel.

“Lieutenant! Get out here you got trouble!” yelled Dynamite.

Lusty dropped her book and ran outside to where Dynamite was getting into the driver's seat of Squad 141's apparatus. She quickly exited the street, stretched a 1 ¾ inch attack line and charged it. When Lusty emerged from the firehouse, she could see that her car was fully involved in flames. She used the radio on her to report a 10-24, which is code for an automobile fire.

“What the Hell?!” exclaimed Lusty.

After some time, Dynamite was able to put out the fire.

“Totaled,” said Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “You gettin’ smart with me?”

“Wait what?” said Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “If I think you gettin’ smart with me, I have a good mind to walk ten feet and give you a tannin’.”

Dynamite replied, “Lieutenant Johnson is just hot under the collar over losing her car. Nice car, too. But there are different types of vehicle manufacturers here on Little Bird. There’s Hornet (Ford), Wasp (Chevy), Buckliner (Lincoln), Mustang (Dodge), and Walter (Jeep) so you can just choose anyone you want. But before you say it I know that vehicles don’t grow on trees.”

Lusty just radioed for a tow truck, and she went back to the Officer’s room, but she just decided to see if Squad Co. 141 had any emergencies in the Eastside in the past. But she found binders dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. She was surprised that there were a lot, but it’s because the old wiring couldn’t handle the then-modern appliances. But she was shocked that Pre-1968 where Eastside, Westside, and Anderson had a few more fire companies than just one where on January 15th, 1968, firehouse 69 moved from Westside to Emerald Pastors, Firehouse 68 on June 7th, 1968, moved from Eastside to The Factory District and Firehouse 33 moved from Westside to Anderson but it said that it was “Management decisions are logical and make sense,” but the former Deputy Fire Commissioner said that “Political decisions don’t make sense,” but those people who had and has power the residence of Eastside and Westside don’t matter where back then when people needed fire protection the most it wasn’t there.

She just kept reading and she didn’t even know that Firehouses 14, 19, 23, 53. 59, and 71 were shut down between 1968 to 1972 until President Bill Waterson more or less strong armed the mayor into reopening them and launching an investigation on why they were closed down in the first place. To him gambling with people’s lives and safety ain’t something to do not adding of it adding more of a strain on the them up and running companies. She also kept reading about how a lot of firefighters back then didn’t want to go into the tenement building not because their a death trap but a lot of people made improvised security system which was just a balloon filled with gasoline and if stepped on a tripwire then all of the gasoline would’ve fell out of the balloon.

Then Lusty thought about where she’ll move to now but that’ll be something she’ll have to figure out in the meantime.

Soon Avalanche came in. “No offense, Lieutenant but while yes you did lose your home and car. But they're just things. Things you can just re-earn. Material goods and money are just things at the end of the day. Hey all that stuff that got burnt up, it’s just things Lieutenant.”

Lusty replied defensively, “Just things? Hey, those were my things Avalanche! Why do you think I do what we do anyway? It’s to buy things like entertainment and what not. I promised myself I’d never be poor again and end up like my parents and now I’m back where I was before, saving up to get a place of my own! Hell, I had a P08 pistol, a Model 1928 Thompson, an M1A1 Thompson, an MP40, and a Beretta Model 38. Probably should've become a cop even though here on Little Bird pre-1968, it’s minor infractions like speeding. The cops only want to ticket you. For more severe crimes like beating people up, they'll bring out the cuffs and try to arrest you. Start killing or severe crimes? The gloves are off, and they'll bring out the guns - first pistols, then shotguns, and then Thompsons. Had over $8500 worth of stuff in my apartment gone to ash or char, even in my car as well! Don’t even have any clean clothes to wear, just my dress that’s in my locker and my station uniform.”

Lusty decided to calm down and cool off for a bit. “Maybe it’s a sign of me just moving somewhere quiet. Maybe I should just move to a small town like my friend Dave’s hometown. I’ve been to his hometown, where it’s nice and peaceful and a picture-perfect 1950s-esque town with normality, pleasantry, and order. At least in the future, I can let my children run around without thinking about what’ll happen to them. If I lost two cars, been evicted once because of my ex-girlfriend's mother and my current residence being firebombed. It’s either I pissed off the wrong people or it’s a sign for me to move somewhere more quiet. Got three jobs but lost 90% of my hard-earned cash too!”

Avalance replied, “Have you ever heard of a bank?”

“I do have a bank account, but I keep my fire department salary in the bank where my armored car and musician salary I keep at home is not because they pay more even though I’m not doing it for the money,” said Lusty. “The only reason why I had most of my money in the apartment is because of the war to help keep a paper trail and whatnot. Not adding, I don’t have a Credit or Debit card. So I decided to keep at least most of my money on me to pay in cash. Stupid decision.”

Avalanche replied, “Since the 1980s, it’s easy to get a Credit card. Before the 1980s it was once reserved for the wealthy it’s been democratized. When Credit cards came out in 1958, only the rich could get them. By 1989, more Little Birdens have credit cards than voted in elections. A poll done in 1994 the poll said that out of 4500 people. Eight out of ten have Credit and Debit cards, leaving the other two out of eight voting. But since the 1980s, we’ve become more consumeristic and materialistic than we ever had been before. But consumption was off the charts then where consumers wanted was technology like VCRs, the latest home appliances, the latest entertainment technology.”

“Yes but at the same time, we became more militaristic or something like that,” said Lusty, “And opened up to a new era of the world. Until 2003 on September 3rd. On that day that killed a few thousand people and two thousand eight hundred and eighty-three firefighters and several hundred police officers, and destroyed four skyscrapers. But before then, our military only recruited 2.5% of the population. The day after it jumped up to 5.0% but had people lining up for blocks to sign up for the military to defend their country and to avenge what happened. Remember, an hour into what happened, only aircraft you could see in the skies were police helicopters and military jets, with all civilian air traffic grinding to a halt and all of the tourists stuck here for a week were compensated and given a hotel room for the week.”

Avalanche replied, “I know how it was. I was in the city of Chocolate on that day. I remembered seeing fire apparatus crushed or destroyed, police vehicles crushed and destroyed as well, and dust that covered blocks as well. Remember seeing firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and Paramedics covered in dust, and for four and a half blocks out, the only thing you could hear was fires burning and the pass alarms going off.”

“You can go now, Avalanche,” said Lusty. “Just want to be left alone.”

Avalanche left,, but Lusty closed the door after putting a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on the door. But after half an hour of laying in bed and staring at the ceiling, Lusty started to go stir-crazy. When she did she just put on her bunker gear boots and trousers/w suspenders before heading into the kitchen where her company, minus Zack, had toy firefighters and toy fire apparatus with a model where they were simulating a fire at a fuel refinery and best way and thinking of a plan. Lusty was going to say she nearly died at a fuel refinery in the past, but she didn’t.

She told them to meet her out back because she wanted to drill them and time them on how fast each one could take a folded-up firehose to the top of the tower, put it down, come down, and rinse and repeat. Lusty even had a clipboard with paper, a pen and a stopwatch.

“Dynamite your first,” said Lusty, “And go!”

Dynamite ran over and picked up a folded-up 1 ¾ attack hose, put it onto her shoulders and ran up the tower, putting the hose down. coming back down the tower, getting another folded-up fire hose, running back up the tower, putting the hose down, rinse and repeat.

After eight minutes have passed.

“No points for speed but it’ll do,” said Lusty as she wrote down 8:45 next to Dynamite’s time, “Avalance, you’re up next!”

Dynamite came down carrying all of the hoses she had to carry up one at a time. Avalanche ran up once but she fell. The steel stair cut through her pants and made her cut her lower left leg.

“You okay?” asked but shouted Lusty.

“Oh shit,” whispered Avalanche.

“Yeah, I’m fine!” Avalanche shouted back.

Avalanche got back up and carried the first folded hose up to the top, went back down, got the other hose, and just did it until all eight folded hoses were on the top level.

“Go and take care of your wound before it gets infected,” said Lusty as she wrote down 9:03 next to Avalanche’s name on the clipboard.

Avalanche did, but Lusty didn’t say anything about her time. But Avalanche was the only one not wearing her bunker gear trousers/w suspenders unlike the rest.

“Hey Lieutenant, where’s the jump bag or the medical kit on here?” asked Avalanche, “It’s not on here and not in its correct compartment!”

Lusty and the rest of Squad 141 checked their apparatus on all of the compartments but their medical kits were missing. Lusty decided to call Captain Parker but while he and his company did go on a few medical runs yesterday they made sure they put it back and it was there before A shift began.

“Zack where did you put the medical kit and jump bag at!” exclaimed and asked Lusty.

Zack just used his right hand to mimic Lusty talking.

“Now Zack!” said a very irritated and pissed off Lusty.

He just ignored her as if she wasn’t there. Lusty grabbed Zack and shoved him straight into the wall.

“When I give you an order, you follow it!” said Lusty, “And when I ask you a question you answer it!”

Zack then shoved Lusty aside to break free from her grip.

“I don’t got time for your bullshit, and neither does the rest of this company nor the citizens of this city and other first responders!” snapped Lusty, “You hate my decision to leave your brother to die. Well, guess what you may not like it but I had to make that call, so build a damn bridge and get over it!”

***

In the apparatus bay.

“Hey, Chief, this is the wrong time to show up,” said Dynamite.

Marcus replied, “Why, what’s wrong?”

“Lieutenant Johnson is tearing Zack a new one,” said Avalanche, “He's been being a jackass to her since she gave the order to leave his brother to die. But we couldn't find the medical bags for our apparatus, and the last person to check the compartments before our drill was Zack. But when Lieutenant Johnson asked him where he put the bags he just used his hand to mock her for saying something. Guess she finally reached her breaking point with him.”

Marcus replied, “I can overlook the part of her putting hands on him. Different from my outfit in the Marines. In the platoon, I was in; you disobeyed an order from a Lieutenant then the Lieutenant kicked your ass in front of twenty-eight Marines and that was just to discipline you instead of writing up an Article 15 because a lot of the officers in Battalion I was in were your country boys who never walked away from a fight and disobeying a direct order in the Corps is an excellent way to get your ass kicked. But if he had been giving Lusty a hard time for some time he was asking for it. You know what, I'm going to go and say something.”

Marcus then entered the kitchen/dining room of the firehouse.

“Before you even open your mouth, Zack,” said Lusty, “I’ve heard every derogatory term for someone who’s mixed of Native and Caucasian that it doesn't even offend me anymore, but I’m annoyed that people don't come up with more creative insults to describe me.”

Marcus replied, “At ease, Lieutenant.”

Lusty then stood at attention.

“Sorry about that, Chief Marcus,” said Lusty apologetically.

Marcus replied, “It’s alright, Lieutenant. I know how it feels, but assault isn’t the answer. Zack, Lieutenant Johnson is your commanding officer and you don’t have to like her but you have to listen to her during work. Well, I can’t force you or say anything because I have to tell Lieutenant Johnson not to skip two ranks.”

Marcus went over to a whiteboard that’s on the wall and he wrote the

Fire Commissioner

Deputy Fire Commissioner

Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner

Division Chief (16th Division, 17th Division)

Deputy Division Chief

District Chief

Deputy District Chief

Battalion Chief (18th Battalion, 19th Battalion, 25th Battalion, 22nd Safety Battalion, 28th Safety Battalion)

Lieutenant

Captain

Firefighter

Candidate/Probie

Marcus elaborated on the importance of maintaining a proper chain of command within the Fire Department. He explained that orders must be passed down from the Fire Commissioner to the Deputy Fire Commissioner, who then relays them to the Assistant Deputy Commissioner, after which they are passed onto the Division Chiefs. The Division Chiefs then relay the orders to the Deputy Division Chiefs, who pass them on to the Deputy District Chiefs, and so on until the orders finally reach the Probies. He emphasized on the significance of following the chain of command when issuing and obeying orders. Marcus used a vivid analogy to explain that the chain of command is like a chain made up of links, each link supporting the next, and orders are passed on only to those below them in the chain. Any order from a superior must always be followed, and it should not skip any ranks. According to Marcus, a higher-ranking official may only give orders to their direct subordinates and not to those beneath them. This approach ensures that there is consistency in intent and cohesion of thought, which is crucial in running an efficient and effective fire department.

But it’s only been like that since post World War 2 with Army, Navy and Marine officers and NCOs filling the Fire Department ranks and implementing that system which they modeled after the Little Bird Armed Forces.

“Also, Zack I can transfer you to another house or another Battalion,” said Marucs, “But most other Battalion Chiefs here they’ll tell you that you’re not a man but an infant for. Sorry that you lost your brother. But don’t you think he’ll hate you acting like a little child? Also I’ve seen people who have committed insurance fraud who acted more like an adult. Truthfully if your brother decided to get out when the order to get out was issued instead of wanting more time than what he had he was asking for trouble and it cost him his life. He should’ve gotten out instead of playing cowboy!”

Zack snapped, “Don’t talk about my brother!”

“Don’t talk about my Lieutenant!” Marcus replied, “You know what my high school shop teacher was a Marine during the Korean War and when two students kept acting tough he blocked the two windows on the door and had us make a circle using the desk and he said ‘Whoever cries first loses’ and when the two hit each other once both of them started to cry. I’ll be back, give me a minute.”

When Marcus went out into the apparatus bay.

“Got a betting pool started?” said Marcus, “Alright I know what I would do but what do you think Lusty is going to do?”

Avalanche replied, “If I was her I would tie him down to a table, remove his pants and underwear and take a pair of hedge clippers and..”

“Yes, yes we know you would’ve gelded him,” interrupted Dynamite. “I would’ve either kicked his ass so hard that not even his mother or if there is a God, then they wouldn’t be able to recognize him. Also chief you want in on the betting pool?”

Marcus replied, “How much is it at so far?”

“Me, Dynamite, O’Hara, Gallows, and Glade,” said Avalanche, “So far it’s at six hundred bucks or all of our week's salary rolled up in one. It’s all on Lieutenant Johnson being able to beat the living shit out of Zack.”

Marcus replied, “Put me down for four hundred. And it’s for Lusty like the rest of you. But she can’t do anything about it until off shift.”

Soon the door opened. Lusty was holding Zack with her right hand grabbing the back of his station uniform shirt and her left hand bending his left arm back but when they got to the apparatus bay garage door Lusty threw him down onto the sidewalk.

“You’re a dead woman!” exclaimed Zack.

Lusty replied sarcastically, “What a lovely death threat!” Lusty changed her tune to be more defensive, “Let’s see if you can still run your mouth and bitch after I knock your Goddamn teeth out, run your mouth all you want because one day I’m going to be shutting it permanently.”

“If he comes back do what Lusty did and throw his ass back out onto the concrete,” said Marcus, “He’s a tough guy wanna be. He’s putting himself over anyone else. But this is a firehouse, not group therapy. Yeah, all of you may be together 96 hours every other week but this ain’t group therapy. He can blame Lusty all he wants for not sending in others to die to save his brother who was playing cowboy of wanting more time when Lusty radioed that they had no time left. Lusty even said it twice of us being understaffed and always doing a dangerous job but also professionals. Just one death in the fire department is a tragedy but seven is unthinkable. If Zack wants to act like a spoiled brat and doesn’t want to think about what happened and why Lusty refused to send in you six to die to save one who wanted to play cowboy!”

Lusty replied, “Hey Chief, how many people besides you took the Battalion Chief examination?”

“Well, it’s a limited advancement opportunity. A lot of Lieutenants who wanted to advance their careers have found themselves stuck in their current positions because too many people are competing for a limited number of slots. It was me and sixteen other Lieutenants. It was me, and I got a 98% on my examination and became the new 19th Battalion to replace the old glory hound,” Marcus said.

“Sometimes I don’t even know how we can do this job,” said Glade.

Lusty replied, “For me it's hard and sounds rude or inhumane. To me the only way to deal with the job is to move on to the next accident, and not reflect or look back. Alright, 141 let's go to the fire academy/HQ.”

“Why are you going to HQ?” asked Marcus.

Lusty replied, “I want to go and see who overrode my order that Zack was suspended. Even though we would have to pass through a hallway with an encasement with plexiglass with the badges, serial numbers, and names of the deceased inscribed. We try to honor their deeds even as their faces fade from our memory. Those memories are all that's left when they are mostly forgotten as well. Also, I’m the type of gal unwilling to do favors for politically connected individuals! To impress me, people are going to need more than kissing asses of people above me. Hell, if need be, I’ll show what happens when a superior finally pushes me too far; If need be I’ll disobey orders, arguably more or less mutinies.”

“Starting a war with someone ain’t going to solve it,” said Marcus, “But if people need time to warm up to you and vice versa then why does Dynamite and Avalanche get a free pass?”

Lusty replied, “Where I’m from, if you want to tell others not to fuck with you you gotta show that you’re not the fuckable type.”

It made Dynamite giggle a bit.

“I mean by the fuckable type means that you’re not the type to take shit and eat it with a smile on your face,” said Lusty, “Where I’m from it’s either you show when someone shoves you or knocks you down then you get up and knock their ass out then it’ll show you’re not the type to be messed with but if you get knocked down but refuse to get up it’ll show that. So Dynamite, if I knocked you down, would you get back up and knock me out or just stay on the concrete ground?”

Dynamite replied, “I would get back up and you can knock me down as much as you want…”

“I don’t give a shit how many times you knock me down.” said Lusty, “If I’m still breathing, I’m standing right back up. You can hit hard as you want but when I get back up I'm going to lay your ass out. Yes yes my father was a Marine as well and kept that mentality of being a tough guy and acting tough. It’s been a Little Bird Marine tradition since 1705 to be an elite infantry specializing in amphibious operations and ship-to-ship boarding. Even though back then they had Musketoons instead of muskets. My father was a leatherback during the Vietnam war.”

Avalanche replied, “Leatherback?”

“A Little Bird Marine,” said Lusty, “Got that term in 1706 when there was what nowadays we call a Military Dress uniform. They got leather jackets and nice scarves and it wasn’t there for them to look good for the ladies. But supposed to help them fight where it was windy and cold, not adding leather jackets are stylish. Not adding it was supposed to tell apart the Average Little Birden Line infantry who wore green uniforms.”

Dynamite replied, “Like how the US Marines got the nickname of Leatherneck for wearing leather stocks worn around their necks from 1798 until 1872.”

“Come on, let's go,” said Lusty.

When they got to the Headquarters, Lusty was the one that went in and she asked out but she was given the run around by the secretaries there. She knew that she was on the right track but if she was just going to keep getting the run around and kept being told that the officers she wants to talk too “aren’t in” she knew she pissed off a lot because she’s very Immensely loyal and fiercely protective to any the Firefighter/EMT’s at Firehouse 141 and always looks out for their best interest, though she will take disciplinary action if he sees fit. As she put it, she’s a “Lieutenant first and a friend second.” But she’s a reasonable authority figure but Lusty she can be very brash and impulsive and a hothead.

***

Back at the firehouse.

There was someone there with six sheets of paper.

“The city and the Borough/State/County of Mountain ain’t happy with the direction of this firehouse,” said the man, “This will be all of your final time together and final shift together. Some of you already have your new assignments which will be effective on March 20th.”

Lusty replied, “In other terms, the south side of the district of Riverview will burn and a lot of people, mostly senior citizens, will die. It’s not up to you, city hall, the mayor, deputy mayor, the fire commissioner, and deputy commissioner it ain’t up to them it’s up to the residents in this district. If they don’t want us to leave, then we’re not going. So go ask them. It’s not anyone else’s decision.”

“This will be all of your final 24 hours together before the gear and equipment will be moved and the house will either torn down or remade into a community center.” said the guy, “Some of you will have new houses to go to on March 20th the rest of you will be put in the floater pool until a opening is found or moved to somewhere else.”

Soon, the guy left.

“Glade on March 20th you go to Engine 23, O’Hara you’re reporting to the fire department call center,” said Lusty, “Gallows, you’re heading to HAZMAT 33, Mariana, Madeleine and I will be in the floater pool just going to house to house when they need a temporary replacement.”

Avalanche replied, “It’s Avalanche, not Mariana.”

“Don’t care if someone calls me Madeleine or Dynamite,” said Dynamite.

Lusty replied, “To Hell with our new assignments. We're not going without a fight. Let’s rally the people.”

They did do that and soon a lot of people came to the firehouse or as Lusty jokingly said “The people have taken the firehouse hostage.”

Even though people came and gone as they pleased they made sure there were enough people in the firehouse that outnumbered the police officers from the Empire Police Department 14th Percent not adding a majority of the seniors who are in the firehouse are wearing hats that says that their either World War 2 or Korean war Veterans or Veterans of both wars. But Lusty made a few phone calls and after half an hour three beaten up 1960s Americana-styled cars arrived with five people getting out of each car.

After a few hours passed soon, the cops came and when the Captain of the 14th precinct ordered the residents of Riverview and Eastside to take a hike well Lusty told the police captain that a fire station is a public building and public property that any citizen is allowed to enter and the only way that they’re going to leave peacefully is when the city gives in that they don’t close down Squad Company 141. When the police sent more officers a police lieutenant ordered that the people leave the firehouse peacefully or they’ll have to use force to remove them but the people would chant “Hell no we won’t go! Hell no we won’t go!”

It wasn’t long until half of the people left peacefully but they went home and made picket signs. Half of the group went back to the firehouse to protest while the other half went to city hall where the cameras were at a press conference. But after a few more hours, reporters at city hall started to ask questions and what not but soon the mayor went to Squad Company 141 firehouse and he promised that Squad 141 firehouse will remain opened but Squad Company 141 and the C02 unit would be reorganized into Utility Company 5 and Utility Company 7.

The people there asked the mayor questions in which the mayor gave false promises and whatnot until people started to ask the hard questions and the questions that the mayor couldn't sugarcoat or lie their way around. One person told the mayor that the district of Riverview has a total of 70 fire alarm boxes but the utility support companies would just go to the 23 closest ones around the firehouse the rest just go to Firehouse 82 even if they’re out on a call. But that wasn’t what the people wanted to hear. The mayor knew that he was now more unpopular, but when he ordered the police to remove the citizens by force, Lusty took him aside.

“Mayor, rethink your decision,” said Lusty, “These people rely on us, and just closing us down is going to get a lot of them killed. A lot of people here are elderly, and they rely on us more than you think. Not adding some people here, they’ll fight the cops. There are eighty cops and one hundred and sixty people in here, and it’s a no-win situation. Also, do you know how many people will die without us here to provide them with medical aid? In simpler terms for a politician like you. The senior citizens, if they die because we close down, then I’m sure their grandchildren won’t vote for you or your political party.”

The Mayor didn’t listen to Lusty, and when the cops tried to move the people and arrest them forcefully, they were pushed back until they radioed for more help after another half an hour more cops even the Special Weapons and Emergency Service Unit that’s in the 14th Precinct came in riot armor. But to Lusty she somewhat the police did that back in the 1970s when gangs in the city of Empire started to form even though the two gangs in Eastside and Westside are still the same while the rest established a semblance of stability in their neighborhoods, but as soon as the money, the drugs and the perks come in the gangsters are simply in it for power while the two in Eastside and Westside still just do and make an semblance of stability. But that’s because of drug cartels that flooded the city with drugs though in 1968 the Empire Police and Island Patrol Barracks of Empire replaced their Garand rifles (M1 Garand but with 16 rounds, not 8), M1905 Rifle (M1903 Springfield) Trench 1937s (M1921 Thompson), Trench 1939s (M1928 Thompson) and pump-action shotguns and replaced them with semi automatic X16s, Semiautomat Service Garands, Hawk Night Vision (M14/w Night Vision scope), Scoped Semiautomatic Service Garand (M21 SWS), Baker 390 (Remington 870), Police Tactical Shotgun (Remington Model 1100 Tactical with pistol grip stock), Baker 350 (Mossberg 500).

***

The next day.

Lusty turned off the computer in the officer’s quarter and made sure she had all of her stuff but when she closed the officer’s quarter door for the last time she gave out a long sigh.

“Had a good run,” said Lusty, “What do we do next?”

Lusty made sure her duffle bag was on her tightly and snug but she took the subway to the Eastside. But when she walked by an Electronic shop with TVs on display with people protesting both outside of City Hall and the recently closed Squad 141 firehouse which now has signs on both apparatus bay doors saying that it’s closed and Squad 141 and the C02 unit been disbanded with no plans to reopen but closed permanently.

The media was at both sites of the peaceful protests but as Lusty has predicted some people have died because the residents in the district of Riverview counted on both Firehouse 82 and Squad 141 not for fire protection but also for medical attention. But Riverview does have a high population of senior citizens with some having a hard time breathing and would call the fire department just to get oxygen from a portable oxygen bottle. Or some other senior citizens have some other medical problems with their age or some kind of illness that they rely on the fire department for help.

But with Squad 141 being disbanded, closed and not going to reopen it added more territory for Engine 82 and Truck 82 to respond to but they couldn't respond to all of the medical calls. But some of the senior citizens' grandchildren didn't even realize how much Squad company 141 was important to their grandparents' lives and after a while they joined in the protests. Other people also believe that the city closed down Squad 141 firehouse because of the population of the district with some people being social outcasts who like tattoos, large trucks, and tribal mullets while others are college kids or teenage and university kids from the suburbs (Riverview and the district of Emerald Pastors) and car mechanics. The only thing they love more than pimped out rides are the illegal street races they use them in. Or people who play in garage bands.

Some residents of Riverview said to the news that "City hall will let us die or burn up but they won't close a firehouse near city hall or where the mayor or the politicians live at."

Squad Company 141 while covered the entire northern half of the city but Squad 141 responded to all fire, medical, car accidents, building collapse rescues, confined space rescues, trench/excavation rescues, machinery and vehicle extrication/rescues, water rescues and a variety of other technical rescue situations with specialized cutting and lifting equipment,emergency medical services equipment,rope rescue equipment and other tools and equipment in the Northern half of the city of Empire but mostly fires, medical runs and car accidents in the southern part Riverview. Firehouse 82 once just responded to fires, medical runs and car accidents in the Northern part of the district of Riverview. But now Firehouse 82 has to cover Squad 141 former territory.

The city of Empire also lost one of four of its Special Operations units. Squad 141 was a Rescue Engine that operated as a standard fire engine but just carried specialized tools but it was formed in 1953 to aid or supplement other fire companies or go to emergencies when Rescue Squad 18 was unavailable. Now, only Squad 525, Rescue 17, and Rescue 18 serve the city of Empire as the city's only three Special Operations units. But the residents of Riverview weren't going down without a fight, and they promised to protest until the end of time when Squad 141 was reopened. They didn't care if it was reorganized into a conventional fire engine or still as a Rescue Engine. However, the Firehouse and Squad 141 got the nickname "Riverview Firehouse" because Squad 141 has been serving the district of Riverview since 1953 when it was reorganized from Engine 141, which was established in 1942.

Then Lusty decided to take the time and go house-hunting but chose to rent a penthouse even if it was $270/per month. She used the rest of her money to furnish it but since he has three rooms as well she made one into her bedroom, another into a nursery, and the final into a mix of an armory and a gym. Her new place had a jacuzzi. But she furnished it with a pool table, punching bag, a couch, a few love chairs and bought herself a dining room table and several chairs and a few pots, pans, and silverware. After that, she was flat broke but she was able to get a car again free of charge but got two instead, with the first being a 1968 Wasp Muscle Sport Hardtop (1968 Chevy Chevelle SS) and the other being a 1964 Wasp Star (Chevy Nova) where the former is going to be her personal car and the latter is going to be a family car.

On the day she moved in, she felt compelled to join her fellow citizens protesting outside City Hall. Lusty, a seasoned firefighter, shared her experience with the news media, emphasizing how critical it is for fire departments to respond quickly to fires and medical emergencies. She also expressed her concern about gentrification in the district, which is causing many seniors to resist selling their homes or moving out due to the sentimental value attached to their homes. Lusty believes that this is being exploited by wealthy individuals who can buy burnt-down properties at drastically reduced prices. She further noted that arson is a challenging crime to prove, as water and fire destroy or wash away most evidence. Even if a person is caught with a Molotov cocktail or flamethrower, it may still be difficult to charge them with arson unless there is clear evidence of their involvement.

Someone at the protest site over in Riverview said that “Oh, this is bullshit. Nobody cares how long it’ll take them to get here because it’s full of blue collar hard working workers. I can tell you where they’re not gonna close firehouses is where the mayor and the city politicians live”. But when the person swore they had to bleep it out for a rerun of it on the 5 and 11 O'clock news broadcasts.

Lusty knew what’ll happen next but she remembered what happened when the city removed and relocated Engine and Ladder 47 out of Eastside and fires raged out of control and it once took 3-5 minutes until it increased to 7-12 minutes but they knew that the city wanted to burn them out; but when the people used garden hoses and buckets to fill them up with water to fight fires while didn’t help because of the garden hoses have low pressure and not made to fight infernos that fire hoses made for.

But the city didn’t plan for the people to more or less give the Mayor and city hall a giant middle finger and refused to go down without a fight and after a few years the city of Empire sent Ladder Company 47 back to the Eastside and they were welcomed back with open arms. After a few more years Engine 47 was sent back to Eastside and they were welcomed back with opened arms but when they were relocated to Tallwood the citizens of Eastside formed old fashioned rattlemen where they would roam their district with rattlers to alert others of fires where while one would go and pull a fire alarm box while a group would run with whatever buckets they had and any garden hoses they could find. But even though Lusty was very young when they moved firehouse 47 to a different district she remembers seeing a group of people actually blocking the firehouse that prohibited them from leaving. The police didn’t even warn the group to disperse peacefully but the cops just used their batons, pepper spray, firehose and a K-9 to attack the people even though they didn’t have any provocation. But after the members of Firehouse 47 left, the residents of Eastside threw stuff at the cops in which the cops retaliated with deadly force but left when the residents switched from glass bottles and rocks to Tommy guns, semi automatic rifles or weapons that are considered war trophies from the Battlefields of both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam but when the cops left their squad cars were riddled and filled with bullet holes and all four tires were shot out and more or less rode on the rims back to the Ninth precinct.

To Lusty the people who are protesting they’re either high school graduates or well-educated and they’re the type that the bureaucrats, bureaucracies, the bureaucracy, and politicians hate because these people are well-educated and don’t follow politicians by blindly following them but by getting to know their stances on things and whatnot so they can make better decisions. But the city’s politicians kept saying that closing down Squad 141 and the firehouse was a political decision and it made sense. Still, the people weren’t buying it because 95% of the medical runs that Squad 141 went on since 1975 were to people who were at risk or had health issues. With the other five percent being people who were stupid enough to do challenges like putting their hand into a storm drain gate only for their hand to get stuck.

It wasn’t long before Lusty ran back into Avalanche and Dynamite. Dynamite had her S-System (M4 Carbine) with a Tasco Red Dot reflex scope, an A/PEQ-4M IR designator, a foregrip, and a flash hider. Avalanche had an R91 Assault Rifle (G3 but with a wooden stock and handguard). The two were in their military uniforms but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to tell anyone that they were a part of the Empire Militia when off duty they reassured Lusty that they wouldn't open fire on the crowd of peaceful people. But Dynamite was dressed differently with her gear being more bulkier but that means she’s an engineer even though the Little Bird Military hasn’t used Dynamite since 1941 when it was replaced by Comp B explosives in 1941 but that was replaced by Satchel Charges in 1942 before that was replaced in 1957 by sticks or a boxy way of seven sticks taped together.

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“Don’t worry, Lieutenant, we're still going to help fight to get our firehouse back,” said Avalanche.

Dynamite replied, “Come hell or high water. We’re going to get our house back open again.”

“I know we are,” said Lusty, “I want to make sure those yellow belly politicians know that they can’t just disband us out of the blue. Fucking pricks. Next they’re going to disband a police precinct and when they get carjacked then they’re going to cry about not having enough police coverage.”

Dynamite replied, “Doesn’t help that my step-brother, the corporation he works for the Empire branch donated millions to the city of Empire to fix problems and get rid of the gangs like how one is social outcasts and punks who enjoy tattoos, heavy metal and big trucks. They specialize in arms dealing and racketeering. Another one they are distinguished by their love of motorcycles and import tuners. They specialize in vices such as prostitution, pornography, and gambling. A third one deals drugs, a fourth does trafficking and prostitution. Actually the Empire branch of the corporation donated $383,781,187 to the city for the funds to be allocated to both police and fire protection and donated another $453,332,231 to the Empire police department for it to be allocated in training, new officers, vehicles, new precincts, overhaul and renovate the older ones. But nope, the city took the money and renovated the baseball and football stadium that was renovated before and whatnot. Hell, if I end up getting fired from the fire department for telling the mayor to choke on a cinder block covered in napalm, then I’ll just go and work even though if I work for them, then what I make of $6,240 a year I could make that in a week just working for that company. I’m giving the politicians one week before I put in my papers and tell them that ‘If I had a dick, I would tell them to choke on it’ because they rather gamble with people’s lives. When someone dies, they’ll have a look of guilt, shame, and remorse on their faces and act like they didn’t know it would happen, especially when you have a hundred people outside of city hall protesting an additional one hundred and fifty protesting in Riverview.”

“They know what’ll happen,” said Lusty, “Fill up Riverview with their voters, then boom, they’ll have a firehouse, police precinct, and hospital on every block. Since the people there are either impoverished or middle class or don’t vote, mostly all three. The people there are good, salt-of-the-earth people who know stuff and get educated on things so they can call politicians out on their lies. The politicians want people who’ll vote for them, believe their lies, and keep believing them even when they don’t follow through! I lived in this city long enough to know not to trust the politicians when they make promises, but the only way they’re going to get fulfilled is if the people lit a fire under their asses.

"The only female mayor we had made more progress in building up this city, but she wanted to build up the impoverished areas with improved asphalt roads, clean up the streets, buy the tenement homes, move the people into hotels for some time, and build mid-century styled apartment buildings so they could have at least better living conditions, a better supermarket and updated utilities that don’t back to the Stone Age! But no, the political parties in this city kept blocking her proposals to improve the living conditions in both the Eastside and Westside. Still, they were quick to use that money to renovate a golf course and country club five fucking times so the city politicians can go play a round of golf, drink a beer and either get a hot dog or a burger.”

After a few more days passed and with ever more public pressure not adding, there was a poll that the news did. News reporters asked 1000 people the following question: “Do you feel that city hall has your safety concerns in mind?” where 9 out of 10 said no that they don’t feel like they got their safety in mind and that the amount of police and fire stations they have is great pre-1942 city of Empire before the city grew because of people flocking to the city to work in the defense factories or the shipyards or take over jobs that were left vacant because of soldiers going to go fight the Germans and Italian in North Africa and Europe or the Japanese in the Pacific or in the 1950s due to the start of the baby boom. The following 1 out of ten said that they do feel like city hall has their safety in mind but the people who said that voted for the mayor.

After that and knowing that sooner or later, it wouldn’t look good if people keep protesting, it forced city hall and the mayor to come to the bargaining table. The mayor was willing to reopen Squad 141 Firehouse but instead of reactivating Squad 141, the mayor was willing to put in a new unit called “Fire Drone” while it’s still experimental and needs field trials. But the firefighting drone won’t actually fight fires but gives the user data and says what's most likely to catch fire next or predict where the fire may go next. However, the firefighting drone uses a sensor and camera to analyze heat sources and shows within its operating radius which people and objects in the proximity of fire are at risk due to heat and can be used to try and prevent the fire from moving.

The people were interested but at the same time, they refused because they wanted either a conventional Fire Engine or a Rescue Engine to be stationed there, not a fire company that sounds like something out of a science fiction genre. But when the people refused the Mayor said that they were unwinnable and couldn’t be bargained with but the mayor didn’t seem to realize that City Hall that it’s in Downtown has firehouses 18, 23, and 74. In other terms Rescue Squad 18, Foam Engine 32 (stationed with Rescue Squad 18), Engine 23, Ladder 23, Engine 74, and Ladder 74.

***

March 24th.

While outside of the closed firehouse. Lusty had a fire department scanner with her and soon there was a report of a fire in the community center. Still, when dispatch ordered firehouses 82 and 69 to respond, they replied that it’s a negative because both firehouses are out on either fire or medical calls in Squad 141’s former territory.

How since not just Lusty was there but also Dynamite, Avalanche, O’Hare, and Glade were there. Dynamite got into Lusty’s car, whereas O’Hare and Glade got into Avalanche’s car, and they raced to the community center, even running through red lights and stop signs. Some residents of Riverview decided to go to the fire with their portable cameras and video cameras, but to Lusty and her company. to them came hell or high water, but they went in without bunker gear, breathing apparatus, or tools. Their only tool was with Lusty, and that’s her Tactical Tomahawk. But they just made do with what they had and used their shirts as makeshift masks.

It didn’t take long until a few more 1960s Americana-style vehicles came; they just had gas masks but had either axes or chainsaws from the garages of their homes. Still, it’s the members of B,C, and D shifts of Squad Company 141.

“Captain Parker, Captain Johannessen,” said Lusty, “We got the first floor. Take your group up to the second and third. Captain Thompson, take your group down to the basement.”

They did but they gave Lusty and the rest of A shift their spare gas masks so they could breathe but they knew it was stupid to go in but they felt like they didn’t have a choice to sit at home waiting to go to work because there are no open spots available. All four groups rescued everyone they found but did a double-check before deciding to get out when they got out.

When they got out they heard sirens in the distance which made Avalanche check her digital watch.

“Forty-two minutes is a new record for the longest response time in the city of Empire,” said Avalanche.

Dynamite replied, “That’s because they’re coming from the district of Anderson on the other side of the motherf’in side of the city. It’s firehouse thirty-three.”

How it was all caught on video camera too and that was sent into the news while the photographs were also sent to the news and newspapers in the city of Empire but the people knew that the Mayor and City Hall would pull the “They weren’t authorized to go to that fire” but Lusty, her company, the members of B, C and D shift even the people in Riverview would snap back saying “And the community center didn’t deserve to burn down and the people didn’t deserve to have minor to major smoke inhalation. So in other terms to you it would’ve been better if those people died instead!”

As they predicted of how the Mayor and City Hall said that their actions were reckless and they weren’t authorized nor called to that fire but that made the citizens of Riverview snapback saying that it wouldn’t have happened nor it would’ve taken almost an hour for the fire companies to respond if Squad 141 was still opened and operational.

What changed the mayor’s mind was his approval points which before closing down Squad 141 his approval points was at 79% but when he closed down Squad 141 his approval dropped down to a whopping 7% so with no way out of it and each day the supporters for the protesters gained strength it was a matter of time before the Mayor capitulated, the State/Borough/County Government would reopen the firehouse or the Stratocratic-Police State government would’ve done it themselves.

So after being strong armed Squad 141 was reopened and put back into service but when they got their rig back the company number and name were removed. Lusty felt like the people should’ve put the number back onto it because if it wasn’t for them then Squad 141 would’ve stayed out of commission and stayed disbanded. So the people did they got to use white paint and put 141 on both sides and one person smashed a champagne bottle on the front bumper as if someone was smashing a champagne bottle against a ship for luck. But they were a force that the city couldn’t ignore because no matter how many people protested who got arrested by the cops there were twelve who took their place. But a sign was made for Squad Co 141 which they installed on the Rescue Engine and the sign said “RIVERVIEW FIREHOUSE” because the people of Riverview saw it as both their firehouse and mainly the district of Riverview firehouse.

In a gamble to salvage his reputation and approval rating, the mayor had different areas of the city to be surveyed areas around the city and after materials arrived at the sights the city mayor finally came out and said that he had four new firehouses and three new police precincts to be built for public safety. The people were happy to be getting new firehouses and new police stations but they weren’t happy with the mayor and his approval was still low because the people knew why he was doing it.

A small podium was built in front of Firehouse 141 where Lusty gave a short speech but to the point she said was “Thank you everyone who day in and day out who protested and had picket signs made to protest for us to reopen. Since 1942/1943 we have been the Riverview Firehouse and for the past sixty four and a half years this firehouse has been serving the residents of Riverview when 141 has been here and for the past one hundred and twelve years when other fire companies came and gone through here. I want to congratulate the community and I’m glad to be a part of it. I'm glad to be a part of this company and we’re going to give all of you the best fire and medical services we can provide. Thank you Mr Anthony Green and the African-Little Birden community members, thank you Mr. Alejandro Maeto and the Hispanic-Little Birden community members, thank you Ms. Aleksandra Kowalczyk and the Polish-Little Birden community members and and every other community member and from the deepest part of my heart thank every community member and group that united under one banner, and a common cause. If it wasn’t for all of you then an unknown amount of people would’ve suffered the consequences of city hall. Thank you all, and have a wonderful day!”

As Lusty backed away from the microphone, there was a huge round of applause from the crowd. But twenty-six out of twenty-seven were awarded with the firefighter medal of honor even though most of them were considered either off duty or in the floater pool when they went to the community center when it was on fire. They knew it was stupid and hazardous, and very dangerous of them running into a burning building without their bunker gear, breathing apparatus, and other stuff like tools and a hose line but while they did know the dangers, the only thing in their mind was saving those who were in danger.

“Give me a reason why I shouldn’t hit you Zofia,” said Lusty, “I bet you enjoyed that we were shut down for almost three weeks.”

Zofia replied, “Because I’m a cop and can have you arrested.”

“I said give me a reason, not an excuse for me wanting to somersault you into next month,” said Lusty. “Also, you’re talking to someone who hates the justice system, the rich, politicians, and the police department. So you saying that you’re a cop ain’t exactly fighting me but more or less giving me more of a reason to kick your ass.”

Zofia replied, “Does it make you feel better about getting your company reorganized and reopened? That money could’ve gone somewhere better!”

“Gone where?” asked Lusty, “To open up more bars, strip clubs, fast food joints, and taverns? And that’s just to name a few!”

Soon Lusty decided to exit the conversation with Zofia but she went to her office and did the paperwork to give HQ a notice for her changing her address because she's moving to a new location but that’s one thing that they can either withhold her pay and even fire her for moving but keeping her old address because it’s falsifying on a government form of moving but not letting them know so they can know where she lives at. The only reason why she didn’t do it sooner was because she was too busy protesting the closure of Squad 141 and the firehouse because to her city hall rather gamble with people’s lives than think about the consequences.

But it’s too late though because while Squad 141 was disbanded and closed during those two weeks eighteen people died by fire and forty-seven died by not receiving the medical care that they would have responded too but city hall pulled the “We learned our lesson” card but no one ain’t buying it because they were told numerous times even on the same day that Squad 141 was closed that nearly everyone wrote to city hall and telling them that a lot of people would become dead. But no the mayor and city hall ignored them and said that the people would be found even when the residence said that a lot of senior citizens in the district rely on the fire department for medical care but city hall said that those seniors could either move into a nursing center or not but it’s their fault which only made a lot of people mad.

After Lusty did the paperwork, she put it into an envelope and put it into a mailbox outside the firehouse but as Lusty turned around. An early twenties caucasian female with dark brown hair but with a green right eye and blue left eye. She came to Lusty but got her attention by saying “Hello? Miss?”

“Can I help you, ma’am?” asked Lusty.

The woman replied, “I just want to say thanks for saving my life at the community center fire. You’re a hero for doing your job when the city closed down your company. I shouldn’t have said that your a hero because of what you and the rest of your company do every day but from my point of view and the people who don’t do this job on how we see you and how you do this job sees superhuman but everyone talks about comic book superheroes, sports heroes and cartoon figures. But you and your company are unsung heroes that nobody ever talks about.”

“Well it’s easy to take for granted of skill of professional rescuers until the people we meet we have to carry or drag out,” said Lusty, “Mainly, why people don’t talk about us is that they say that they don’t need to be rescued but that’s because they never been through a fire or been in a car accident or need medical help but when they do then for a few days. Also, I or this company don’t need any thanks we were just doing our job even if the numbnuts at city hall closed us down and said that we weren’t authorized to go to that fire but me, my company and the people told city hall that the people in the community center weren’t authorized to die. But the people here say that if one person died in that community center fire then the people here would’ve had their last straw gone and most likely thrown a riot which would’ve gotten the Government's attention. Oh before we continue with this conversation, who are you?”

The woman replied, “Mackenzie ‘M’ Waterson. Well there’s two other Mackenzie’s in my family with the eldest being able only to be called Mackenzie while the second is called Mack and I get called M. I said that if anyone calls me Kenzie, then I’m either kicking them in the nuts or drop kicking them into next week. My gut was saying not to go to the community center and should’ve gone to my studies while I’m studying abroad instead of going out to run a mile at the indoor track.”

“Well how since you’re studying abroad how is Little Bird and the city of Empire?” asked Lusty.

Mackenzie replied, “Fine. Thank goodness I have family here as well and they helped me get settled in. But to me, some of the cops and campus security could definitely work on their people’s skills.”

“The Empire Police don’t go around giving people hugs,” said Lusty. “If you stay in one spot for more than three seconds they’ll tell you to take a hike. Just even back talking to a cop here is a provocation for them to draw their truncheon and beat someone within an inch of their life. Campus Security well the young campus security officers try to be hip and fit in with the students. Good enough they want a kick in the balls. Never went to Arcane University or Empire Community College. One reason was because I didn’t want to be around horny fraternities or see students do designer drugs or both. Been on Arcane University campus one too many times.”

Mackenzie replied, “How many times have you set foot on Arcane University?”

“First time was a fire where I met my first girlfriend who’s a total bitch,” said Lusty, “Fire in the chemical wing when I was still a probie. The most recent was the day before the day we were shut down by a student who OD, but he was DOA because his fellow students and frat just waited to call until after 2 hours that student did that narcotic. A Frat member said that they didn’t call at first thinking they were going to get into trouble with the cops, but I hostilely told them that now they’re in trouble because by delaying his medical attention they caused involuntary manslaughter because they knew he was OD and refused to call for help for 120 minutes.

"In this job, those 120 minutes cost that 21-year-old his life but his fellow frat members had to live with that until they decided to go out and get drunk and do what college students do when not studying. This job we’re already pitted against the clock and the longer it takes for us to arrive at a fire or an accident or a medical call and each second is vital. Because how far will a fire spread in five minutes or how long can someone in a very serious car accident survive in five minutes or if someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest the longer it takes then the more damage and more likely death will occur.”

Mackenzie replied, “Your ex sounds real friendly. She probably fucked her teachers to pass or her parents bribed them into passing her classes. If she’s a rocket scientist, a scientist or someone who works around chemicals or something like that then God help this city.”

“She’s a cop she wanted to be a detective,” said Lusty, “But nope her mother couldn’t find the right people to bribe in having her daughter be a Detective Rank Five. Also, why are you studying abroad when you could’ve just stayed where you’re from to go to college or university?”

Mackenzie, “Really shouldn’t tell a stranger, though, but wanted to get far away from my mother. But there has to be something I can do as an appreciation of my gratitude for nearly getting yourself killed to save people you never met. How about a dinner date tomorrow?”

Lusty was about to decline it, but she decided to accept the date, and to her. She’s starting to think about getting into another relationship, but she wants to find the right person who doesn’t mind that she has children.

“A date it is Ms. Waterson,” said Lusty, “Tomorrow night, 7:00 PM. Is it me or you coming to pick either or up?”

Mackenzie replied, “I am. This firehouse is the RV point or somewhere else?”

“Sure this place can be a fine place to meet up,” said Lusty.

Mackenzie replied, “Okay then tomorrow night it is here at 7:00 PM. Also neet tattoos as well.”

“My tribal tattoos?” said Lusty, “It’s part of my tribal heritage but I got them when I learned more about my mother's side of the family.”

The two shook hands and parted ways.

When Lusty entered the firehouse she saw a different change and that was the C02 Unit wasn’t there but that company had been considered obsolete and the Carbon Dioxide fire engine that they had rarely goes out on calls with them going out on one to three calls per three months so their spot was taken by an 100ft rear mount truck and behind it was a Mass Casualty Unit and behind Squad 141 Rescue Engine was a large 8x8 crash tender. But Lusty called them having a large 8x8 airport crash tender pointless because the city international airport is on the city outskirts on the east side of the city and that the airport has eight crash tenders with each one being manned by a crew of eight ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting)-trained specialist firefighters.

It wasn’t long until a van came in, which it was a group of specialized firefighters who work in the Facilities Division at HQ because of Linda and Lusty being a thorn in their city HQ side well now every firehouse in the city will get a screen map and it’ll have green and red lights where if the lights are green that means the fire company is in service but if it’s red then it means they’re either out on a call or out like going shopping or just out of service. But Lusty has been a bigger pain in the butt to city hall and HQ than Linda because Linda just writes a letter, uses a copier, copies the letters, and mails them but Lusty she has been more proactive and more aggressive against city hall and HQ. Not adding that the mayor of the city when he closed down Squad 141 he severely hurt his chances of reelection and only reopened the company to salvage his approval rating and to gain back some voters to even get a chance of reelection.

But the city, while they got a few years until 2008 they’re looking for new political candidates who can keep their promise because the mayor that the city of Empire had, Ms. Abigail Martines she kept the promises she made of opening new vocational/trade schools, give money to the police dept to where before the 1990s but starting in 1971 the city was filled with gangs, hookers, and drugs were once abandoned buildings and a lot of other places were used by gangs and had Crackhouses to parks, pimps, and hos to cops on patrol! And she wanted to turn the city into a glass and steel utopia but she faced a lot of opposition from both her political party and her rival party.

But her political party was on board with turning the city into a glass and steel utopia if it meant the displacement of low-income families, even if it meant violating the 1968 Little Bird Fair Housing and Roof Over Your Head Acts which was implemented by the then newly president Bill Waterson to make sure that Little Bird had no homeless problem and the latter meant that someone was going to have a house, apartment, condo, Hacienda, or other residential building for people to live in. But she wanted a new freeway/highway built to help alleviate traffic, which she proposed back in 1992. Still, no, she was rejected because other politicians say that traffic is fine. Still, they leave before or after rush hour starts or ends, so they’re not sitting in traffic, not adding the city’s only elevated freeway was built in 1932 to help with traffic even when the city’s population, only one out of forty people had cars. Still, the Empire was built around everything within walking distance or 2 miles.

Ms. Martinez, when she was in office from 1990 to 1998, tried to pressure the fire department to create more companies and tried countless times to get the fire department to open a new Squad and Heavy Rescue Squad in the city of Empire, but the desk jockeys interpreted as either relocating one of two existing squad companies somewhere else or closing them. But she was looking out for the city’s interest and safety. At the same time, her predecessors and the current mayor are more interested in getting their photos taken and being told they’re doing a good job when they’re doing a horrible job.

Lusty was in the middle of restoring the officer's quarters to its former glory when she heard a sharp knock on the door. She was taken aback but quickly regained her composure and opened the door, only to find a higher-up from HQ standing outside. Unfortunately, Lusty's bosses were not happy with her leadership style at the firehouse. According to them, she was too relaxed and treated her colleagues like family instead of just co-workers. As a result, they demoted her back to the rank of Firefighter.

Lusty tried to reason with the higher-up, warning that her squad members wouldn't take the news lightly. She knew they wouldn't just "fall in line" because she and Avalanche had authority issues. Lusty also cautioned that bringing in someone to replace her without giving the others a heads-up would not go over well. But her efforts fell on deaf ears, and she was met with a cold, unyielding stare.

Finally, Lusty mustered the courage to speak her mind. She told the higher-up that she was demoted because she refused to be a brownnoser and wouldn't bend over backward for politically connected individuals or the rich and elite.

To make matters worse, Dynamite, Avalanche, O’Hare, Glade, and Gallows overheard everything. Fortunately, they had already come to know Lusty as a flexible leader who genuinely cared for her team. They knew she could be serious when needed, but she never compromised her values to climb the ranks. Lusty was more inclined to help a poor person than a rich one but to her, she didn’t care what someone’s background was, and to her, no life was better than another one, making her a fantastic leader.

After that, Lusty decided to check on the guys from the Facilities division, who informed her that the new map would be up and running in three to four hours. They also mentioned that the map glows in the dark, and every street in the city has its name, making it easier for firefighters to navigate the city's streets and study it as well to see which way may be faster if they have to get within the inner city part of Empire.

Lusty then decided to excuse herself for twenty minutes but returned, but the fire bell went off for only Squad 141 to go. Lusty didn’t go because she was temporarily assigned to Ladder Company 141. While it’s a ladder company, it was reorganized as a general equipment truck just carrying tools like axes, saws, pike poles, hydraulic rescue tools, shovels, pickaxes, an inflatable safety bag, flares, sledgehammers, Halligan bars, claw tools, J-Tools, K-Tools, Kelly tools, a Pulaski tool, and a few Utility ropes. But they were all given Shove knives as well. She wanted to go but didn’t due to being a part of another company now, but the address of the fire was to the house a few blocks away that was turned into a drug den. But by the time they got there, the house was completely on fire with the occasional popping and explosion sounds.

While Squad 141 was out, she started to ponder why she was demoted due to the actions of past team members who died were under her command. Even though it was not entirely her fault, the higher-ups claim it was not a personal decision. However, Lusty feels it was a personal attack on her because of her gender. She has noticed that when male officers make mistakes, they receive a mere slap on the wrist. But ever since she became an officer, she has faced a lot of hate and resentment. Lusty is like Dave's wife, Linda, who runs her own firehouse. They treat each other like family. However, the only reason why HQ is not against her is because her great-great-great-great-great grandaunt was the city's first female fire commissioner. Linda's father is also a highly respected battalion chief; four of her seven brothers are highly respected Captains and Lieutenants.

They will protect their eldest and youngest sisters from any harm. Linda's family members never back down from a fight, and if necessary, they will even fight a riot cop who is wearing riot gear and carrying a semi-automatic shotgun loaded with 00-double aught buckshot shells or 000 buckshot shells or holding an M60.

Lusty took a brief break to grab some newspapers from a nearby box before returning to the firehouse. As she sat alone in silence, she reflected on why she resisted the idea of a new officer taking her place. She realized that her pride was the root of her actions. It reminded her of a conversation she overheard between her parents, where her father expressed his disappointment. He felt Lusty was not his daughter but a child of Lucifer, the demon lord of pride. Despite being knocked down, Lusty refused to lose her pride and resisted others unless they earned her respect. But her father knew that Lusty was his daughter and loved her before she was even born.

Even though her parents had thought about having another child so Lusty could have had a brother or a sister, they were glad they became poor so Lusty wouldn't grow up with things that she called Zofia out for being entitled to having. Zofia's mother always gave and still gives her things on a golden platter encrusted with diamonds, while Lusty had to work for what she wanted, making her appreciate what she had. Unlike Zofia, who got tired of her car or item after two days, her mother would buy her a new one.

Upon the return of Squad 141, Lusty overheard Dynamite reprimanding the new Lieutenant for not believing in the idea of treating each other as a brotherhood and instead thinking of the company as mere coworkers. Dynamite argued that since they spend a third of their lives together, they must work together as a crew and function as a family. However, the new Lieutenant was indifferent to this idea.

Dynamite explained that it is common to make jokes without worrying about hurting feelings in the kitchen, but since the new Lieutenant wants to act like a tyrant, he will not receive positive feedback. Despite their disagreements, Dynamite emphasized that they have each other's backs and have formed a familial bond, even if they are just coworkers who treat each other as if they’re brothers and sisters and make jokes and can be called upon to help if need be.

Lusty, a pre-teen, was reading the newspaper when she rolled her eyes at the news of Mayor Abigail Martinez's failed attempts to open new firehouses and police stations due to budget constraints. Despite her efforts throughout both terms, the proposals were always rejected, with the city claiming that they neither had the funds nor needed additional protection and services. Currently, the new mayor plans to open four new firehouses in different districts, but his public approval ratings are at an all-time low. People are criticizing him for taking credit for the ideas of the previous mayor, without giving Martinez any recognition.

The new mayor also intends to construct an elevated freeway to ease traffic and build a highway along the Uptown and Downtown-Westside District line. However, many people are unhappy about this as it would mean demolishing residential and commercial buildings, including parks. Lusty believed that the city government or megacorps might even set the buildings on fire to lower property costs and buy the land for less. She knows people in the Eastside who refuse to sell their homes and businesses due to the memories associated with them.

The newspaper also reported that the mayor pledged to purchase eighty new vehicles for the police department, including eight motorcycles, ten patrol cars, five slicktops, four muscle cars, five unmarked cars, eight SUVs, three heavy trucks, ten prisoner transport vans, ten Search and Rescue SUVs, eight K-9 cars, seven bomb squad vehicles, and two SWAESU vehicles. The city also planned to acquire four fire engines, four ladder trucks, two foam engines, two HAZMAT trucks, two DECON HAZMAT trucks, seven specially made ambulances that can carry two patients instead of one, and four Heavy Equipment vehicles.

Despite living in Empire all her life, Lusty is skeptical of the promises made by the mayors, except for Martinez, as they have consistently failed to deliver. Lusty remembered the last mayor who followed through on his promises before World War II by building munition factories. When World War II began, people flocked to Empire looking for jobs in manufacturing and other industries to support the war effort. This mayor delivered on his promises and established steel factories, weapon factories, textile mills, tanneries, a new chocolate factory, an electronics factory, and several vehicle factories. Each of these factories played a crucial role in supporting the war effort.

The steel mill produced tanks and half-tracks, while the weapon factory manufactured support weapons such as machine guns, mortars, and artillery. The textile mills provided clothing for the military, with each mill responsible for producing clothing for a specific season. The tanneries produced leather jackets for pilots, and the chocolate factory made chocolate bars for soldiers. The electronics factory produced radios, handy-talkies (the predecessor to walkie-talkies), infrared scopes (the predecessor to NVG), radar, radar jammers, SONAR, fire control, bombsights, gyroscopic gun sights, and rangefinders. Finally, the vehicle factories contributed by producing jeeps, armored cars, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery, anti-air guns, self-propelled anti-air guns, tractors, LVTs, and LCVPs.

But since 1943, the city of Empire has been called the “Military production city.” But that’s because most of the Little Bird Armed Forces defense plants are and 80% of the city’s population works in the factories while 10% works in offices while the other 10% works in the public sector or civil servants or a numerous public services job.

The next night.

Both Mackenzie and Lusty went on their date and Mackenzie told Lusty that she felt like she went back in time because when she first got off the plane at Empire International Airport the first car she saw was from 1947.

“So did you go on any interesting emergencies yesterday?” asked Mackenzie in an attempt to break the ice.

Lusty replied, “A few fires and a medical emergency of someone choking on PCP.”

“If this was pre-1960s, then that person dying of PCP overdose in the 1940s or 50s is a bit like choking to death on a touchscreen Smartphone in 1997,” said Mackenzie, “But how since this country is still like the 1940s, 50s, and 60s then this country don’t have to deal with assholes who text and drive while doing 85 on the damn interstate! Sorry, I lost my cool for a minute.”

Lusty replied, “Don’t be sorry. Here on Little Bird well in this city, on the weekends, mostly on Friday and Saturday nights and hit the bars and nightclubs that are open from 10 PM to 4 AM by sunrise, they all drive back home or to their dorms and frats but drive at 150 MPH and usually drunk and get wrapped around a utility pole. Actually, my first MVA/w entrapment call was back in ‘96 with a bunch of frat boys returning to Arcane University. Three 10-45-1 and the fourth one was so badly mangled that I’d highly doubt that there is a higher being that could recognize him. A 10-45 is a fire-related injury, but a 10-45 code 1 means there’s a deceased.”

Before Mackenzie Waterson could say something, a waiter came and asked what they would like to drink in which Lusty got a glass of wine. Mackenzie got a glass of champagne.

“You know that Mackenzie is the third most popular female name on Little Bird,” said Lusty, “Following Cadence/Cadance and Flurry. In my old neighborhood, most females were named Cadence, Cadance, Flurry, or a different spelling version of Mackenzie. Four out of ten were called Cadence or Cadance, four out of ten were named Flurry or two out of ten were named Mackenzie.”

Mackenzie replied, “Yeah, I read about that on the flight here. Cadence/Cadence, Flurry, and Mackenzie are the most popular female names here. I read a book well, a pamphlet on the culture here. So I could be informed so I wouldn’t unintentionally piss someone off. I know that even though the people here have cars and there are factories, the people here treat the land and the planet with reverence and gratitude.I know that the people on Little Bird are working people. On the land, at a workbench, at a desk and the people are inventive people.

"I know that this country demands the highest standards in sanitation, purity of food, and medical care. I know that the people here like pies, meats, pork and chicken. I also know people here are sports-loving: Golf, Baseball, Soccer/Football, Gridiron Football, Lacrosse, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, and Cricket. I like it when immigrants from other countries incorporate their culture into others to bring them to a new area and show others to play them that doesn’t fall under cultural assimilation. Also, if you don’t mind me asking. Why did you become a firefighter? I mean, why would you put yourself in that kind of danger? Also, where did the Phoenix patch come from?”

“My old neighborhood was plagued by fire. The old tenement building I was in caught fire more times than good parents disciplining their child,” said Lusty, “As a child, a big man wearing a canvas trench coat, hip-boots, aluminum helmet with a big tank on his back and scary breathing sounds. The breathing sounds through their breathing masks scared me as a child. But as a child, a fireman would come and be carried out. Thick smoke, but a big guy would pick me up and carry me down the stairs.

"The fire marshal said that we lived in ‘Death traps’ but the city has never done a damn thing about it and we had to make do with whatever improvement we had to make. But the city had us use electric stoves once but the wiring in the old tenement buildings dates back to the Stone Age. So we had many more fires because the stoves drew more power than the aging wires could handle. So we were having a lot more fires. But a lot of firemen got killed because of some people’s improvised home security system which was a balloon tied to a tripwire and the balloon filled with gasoline or diesel mostly the former.

"Firefighters doing search and rescue accidentally steps on the tripwire and gasoline falls down on him. Not a pretty way to go. Once in the 80s when I was walking home from school there was a fire in my neighborhood and heard a fireman say to a paramedic was ‘Something fell on him and by the time I got to him, he was covered in hot stuff…’ and from what I saw was a fireman on a gurney with third of fourth-degree burns on the upper torso, neck and face. That was back in 1988 when I was eight, almost nine. I lost people who I cared for in fires but in the 80s the city relocated Firehouse 47 to Tallwood in which their response time was 3-5 minutes after they moved them it was 7-35 minutes. I hate fire. It tore apart my family, it took my neighbors who I would call Aunt, Uncle, Brother, Sister, and Cousin. It even killed my parents.

"But I told myself I would never let that happen to anybody else. Never! I signed up and joined right after graduating high school. The Phoenix patch dates back to July 4th, 1853 at night when a group of firefighters were fighting a fire Downtown at a horse stable where they saw a bird fly through the fire and ash that were billowing out of the stable and they thought it was the Metaphorical Phoenix. Since then we have had a Phoenix in our patch. Also you forgot that we love sodas with 65% of the population drinking soda. So Mackenzie, what do you do for a job while you’re here? Because I don’t think you should just go to Arcane University and study.”

Mackenzie replied, “I work part-time at Maxwell Supermarket. I don’t have a position where I just go where the shift supervisor wants me to go. One night I could be a stocker, another night I would work at the Deli, another night I would work in the Bakery or another night I’ll go and return the shopping carts or I’ll go and clean up. Depends. My shift supervisor has been trying to come on to me from time to time but I always reject his advances. I may be pansexual but I’m more interested in females over males. Shouldn’t have said that out loud but it's too late now.”

Soon the water came back and gave the two their drinks and asked if they were ready to order food. Lusty ordered a Beef Wellington and Mackenzie got a Prairie chicken with Green Beans.

“When my studies are done, I’ll just go back home and probably join the Navy,” said Mackenzie, “I really don’t have much of a plan. Thinking about joining a Federal Law Enforcement job like Park Rangers or the FBI or the Secret Service or ATF or Marshals. Don’t know. Can’t believe that my grand half-uncle bought commercial property out here in the early 1970s in which he bought seven gas stations, twelve liquor stores, eight clothing stores, a gun store, a few mechanic shops, several fast food joints, and a car dealership. But that’s because some local hoodlums were causing them trouble. The store I work at he bought because some hoodlums would throw rocks to smash the windows out every night after closing but before it opened up for business. When James the first bought it all those hoodlums left it alone. Guess they were smart enough not to start shit with people carrying .45’s underneath their jackets. But they get a small payout each day with three to four members defending the place, But they get a small discount though. Do you go out clubbing?"

Lusty replied, "Nope. Not much of a clubber. Besides, I have seven little ones to take care of. I was more of a go to work, come home in my youth. Not much of a night owl or a person who does clubs. Now cafes I would do because I'm a freelance musician. I haven't had anyone approach me to sign a contract with a record label but that's for the best. But the nightclubs in this city that I know about are late night clubs. Usually 9:30 or 10 PM to 4 AM. Around 3:30 AM is when the fire department gets calls for Motor Vehicle Accidents with entrapment or in simpler terms car accidents requiring extraction. It's usually not pretty. Actually my second one I've been to the car hit a pole so hard that it knocked the pole down and sent the front passenger flying out because he was found a block away where the concrete broke his fall and tore his skin."

"You have children?" Said Mackenzie, "Okay then. I am not going to say anything about it because you decided to be a single mother. I know that you're single because you don't have a ring on your finger and that if you were with someone, then you would've tried not to have this date. Don’t know how people like you can do a job that’s dangerous and demanding and have you go to traumatic stuff."

Lusty replied, “Well nobody can do this job just to do it for a paycheck. One way we do this job is by suppressing what we see because a lot of members have families and the last thing they want to tell their families is the traumatic stuff they see. But in this job, we’re a tight group like a family and a team. We see so much tragedy and we can’t do it well just for a paycheck and we need to have it in us to do this job. But after a while, a lot of members become immune to it because it’s part of the job, but mostly we get over it by the humor of making jokes. Even though I responded earlier, I said it made me feel like I’m doing this job for money, but I do it because I like helping others.”

“I somewhat know how that feels,” said Mackenzie, “My father was in the 82nd Airborne during Operation Just Cause and Desert Storm. I was five when he went to go and was deployed during Operation: Just Cause and Six to Seven when he was deployed during Operation: Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While he was deployed, I was with my mother who’s a. What’s that word that rhymes with witch? She wasn’t that but a lot worse. When my dad was deployed well my dad always defended me from my mother but while he was deployed I had to defend myself from my mother.

"Oh God, when I got a part-time job in high school. I didn’t make any money because every week my paychecks my mother would take the entire check and when I stood up to her once while it did feel great she beat me half to death. My father was a barrier between me and her because if she hurt me when he was in the house then he would’ve said something to her and whatnot. My father was reluctant to send me out here but I had to convince him and told him that if I’m out here then Mom can’t hurt me and not adding got family out here as well. Got a cousin, four cousins once removed, and a cousin-in-law in this city. I think you might know my cousin, he's a Captain in the Fire Department.”

Lusty replied, “David Mitchell Waterson?”

“Yeah that’s him,” said Mackenzie, “Real nice guy, he's more country boy than a city boy. I remember hearing him tell me that when he first applied to the fire department,, he hoped to stay in Clearlake and serve under his father or uncle or work in another shift in his hometown. But when he got out here he hated it, but when he met Linda, he soon changed his mind. Because where he’s from the town of Clearlake the people there always paint a picture of how all cities are wretched hives filled with crimes, and drugs, and that all cities are crime-ridden. Don’t say? Before he and Linda got together you and him had a one night stand?”

Lusty replied, “Nope. But he is the father to my seven daughters. I asked him to donate a part of the male body that produces what and where and how children come from. Not going to go into the details because it’s a public and almost crowded place. Plus you’re a smart gal so I don’t need to walk you through where children come from. But yes he is a nice guy though but the only reason he did was because Linda before the two even got married she told him that she won’t look like he had an affair on her. But hey it’s all in the past now. So why did you come out here besides to get away from your mother? Don’t they have colleges and universities across the United States?”

“Yes they do but I felt like coming out here to both get away from my mother,” said Mackenzie, “Not to add that I’ve been through all fifty states before. North Carolina is where I was born and raised for a while because my dad was in the 82nd Airborne. When he left the military we moved to Alabama. Don’t know why but who knows maybe he wanted to be closer to the Gulf of Mexico or wanted to be more rural south. Don’t know but it was different from moving through several different states to a new home. Wish he would leave my mom back in North Carolina. At least my dad never let his PTSD get in the way of raising me even though he never went to go see someone about it though. He never let his PTSD bother him and to him he just needed me and that’s all he cared about. My mother on the other hand… I really don’t know how to describe her. But as said when I had a part time job as a waitress my mother took the paychecks I earned but that’s because my mother is a B.I.T.C.H. Should’ve just said it instead of spelling it out but you know.”

Lusty replied, “A rude mother and a loving caring father. My parents were both loving and caring. When I had a part time job as a cashier. When I got my first check I told them I wanted to help them pay the bills with it. What did my parents say? They said and I quote ‘Lusty you made that money for yourself. So spend it on what you want to spend it on. You don’t have to spend it on anything and your mother has to buy or pay off. It’s your money, use it the way you want to.’ Kinda sounds like a jingle to a cash lending place of ‘It’s your money, use it the way you want to’. Not adding I just wanted to help out with bills and what not but guess they wanted me to still live a teenage life without the responsibility of an adult. Shouldn’t really say it. But in my old district, it has a high dropout rate of students. Per 1000 students in Middle school eight out of ten drop out by the eighth grade to get part-time jobs to support their parents. In high school per 1000 students, it’s nine out of ten who drop out to get jobs to help their parents. In the ninth grade, I had thirty students in my math class.

"By the 90th school day only ten students remained because the rest dropped out of school. In the eleventh grade in my English class, we had fifteen students not adding me. By the end of the school year only four remained, well three and adding me. In the eleventh grade my Arithmetic class had thirty-seven students and by the end of the school year only had me and two left because the others dropped out of school to get jobs. In the twelfth grade in my gym class there were fifty students, twenty-five teenage males and twenty-four teenage girls and adding me, so twenty-five. Half of the teenage males dropped out of school to get part-time jobs, half of the teenage girls dropped out to get part-time jobs while ¾ of the teenage girls in my gym class had to drop out because of them getting pregnant. My old district the rate of teenage pregnancies is and still is 8.7 out of ten. The city said that they wanted to have that reduced but at the same time they reduced funding to the elementary, middle and high school in my old district.”

“It’s like they know what’s going on but they put a redline around your old district in which the city says ‘This district here they can’t get a loan, they don’t receive any funding and what they have is going to have to be held up with chewed chewing gum and sticks. No public services well next to none. So the people have to fend for themselves while we at city hall just drink $3,000,000 bottles of champagne then bitch about something they do like when high schoolers have children before they become twenty something with a full time job.’ Yeah, it’s called Redlining,” said Mackenzie, “It’s a discriminatory practice in which services (financial and otherwise) are withheld from potential customers who reside in neighborhoods classified as 'hazardous' to investment; these neighborhoods have significant numbers of low-income residents. While the best-known examples involve the denial of credit and insurance. Some businesses like supermarkets, the purposeful construction of stores impractically far away from targeted residents results in a redlining effect. I’m sure that the banks in your old district either refused or had a sign saying that they wouldn’t give out a loan while insurance refused to either be paid out or given to the people there.”

Lusty responded, "There's a supermarket in my old neighborhood. It's a nice and clean place, but they always have sales because of the low-income families. The lower the price, the more they'll spend. As for banks, you would have a better chance of winning the lottery and getting $40 trillion dollars without any taxes than getting a loan. In my old district, the chances of getting a loan were slim to none. Chances of getting a loan in the Eastside? You’ll have better chances of opening your front door to find a crate of one hundred, twenty-four karat gold bars each one being 1 kilogram with each one having a value of $$42,024.86.

"You had to make serious money before even applying for one, and the people in my old neighborhood make around $3500-4200 per year. This amount is not a lot for us, even though the average medium income annually in the city's population is $8200-9400 per year. The minimum wage is only $0.75/per hour for eight hours, which means only twenty-seven bucks a week after they take out three bucks for taxes. Even if people in my old district tried to apply for a loan, the loan officer would rubber stamp 'DENIED' on the application the moment they got up from the table.

"The bank thought that they were not going to get their money and interest back, or it would take a very long time to be paid off. They would also add a $5.40 interest charge onto it per month. I had an old neighbor who went to the bank to apply for a loan to get a car because he wanted to start a taxi-like business. He even had people pay him to go get their stuff and deliver it like a delivery driver or at-home delivery stuff. However, the bank loan officer told him that the bank wouldn't give him $5,000 to buy a new car because they wouldn't get their $7,000 back, even though the plan seemed like a bright idea. He went with it though and saved up what he had, even though he bought a junker car."

Before Mackenzie Waterson could say anything their food came in which the two ate without saying another word. Mackenzie paid for it as a way of saying thank you to her.

When they walked outside of the restaurant.

“There’s a nightclub a few blocks from here,” said Mackenzie, “I would say we should go to it but it doesn’t open until 10 and I’m sure you want to go home and let the babysitter go home.”

Lusty replied, “I don’t have to be back until 10. But sure how since the city’s nightlife doesn’t come out until 10 to 4. I know where all the nightclubs are and their business hours, and maximum capacity and whatnot.”

“No you don’t,” said Mackenzie.

Lusty replied, “I drew the original maps of where they are. No, I’m joking. But as a firefighter, we need to know every building like the inside of our hands. So once every other month we do building inspections. So once every three months we do inspections of nightclubs and other places of business. And residential buildings as well. Actually, one nightclub owner who’s nightclub we inspected. He offered me one thousand bucks in cash right on the spot into looking the other way but I fined him because he did not have sprinklers installed and not having another exit in which the 1988 Fire Code said that any place of businesses needs a minimum of two exits for people to get out in case of emergency where one way could and would cause a congestion. And needs a minimum of twelve sprinklers.”

Mackenzie dropped Lusty off at her apartment building but Lusty and Mackenzie said that the two should go on another date again because they had some kind of bond even though Mackenzie “M” is 22 and Lusty is 26. But the two agreed but agreed to go to a nightclub when Lusty gets her paycheck. But before Lusty got out of Mackenzie’s car Lusty told Mackenzie that someone who’s pansexual means they are romantic, or emotional attraction towards people of all genders, or regardless of their sex or gender identity while someone who’s Bisexual has and is a romantic or attraction or behavior toward both males and females and how Mackenzie prefers females over males but Lusty also told her that she wasn’t going to judge her for who she chooses and what not.

But Lusty told Mackenzie that she needs a nickname because Lusty knows three other Mackenzies and gave the first Mackenzie Waterson the nickname of Mack and the second one she calls Computer because the second one is a skilled hacker. The third is Special Agent Mackenzie Smith-Ryan. But Mackenzie said that she can be called Macaroni because Mackenzie likes noodles and it’s a term her dad gave her.

Lusty let her old neighbor go home and Lusty just fell down on her bed and went to bed.

Lusty and "Macaroni" Mackenzie were head over heels in love with each other. After a few weeks of dating, they decided to take their relationship to the next level and become girlfriends. Mackenzie, being the smart cookie she is, knew that her dual citizenship allowed her to explore beyond the borders of the United States. However, she didn't have to leave immediately after her studies were over.

One day, Mackenzie decided to explore Lusty's old neighborhood and was warned about an "insurance" she had to pay to avoid trouble. But that wasn't going to fly with Mackenzie. In just five seconds, she taught that person a lesson they would never forget. Later, Lusty introduced her to the people of Eastside, who believed in unity and stood together against corrupt cops and politicians. They assured Mackenzie that she would be safe as long as she didn't cause any trouble.

Macaroni she saw tenement buildings and mid rises and rise buildings and apartment complexes. A lot of tenement buildings are dirty and unwashed streets with the tenement buildings having a lot of soot from previous fire damage but she saw people were trying to clean up but they don’t have a lot of city support and have to use garden hoses and brush brooms to clean the sidewalks and streets. She also saw people wash their vehicles too and a lot of the vehicles in Eastside date back to the 1930s and 1940s with a few being from the 1950s with one out of ninety cars dating back to the 1960s. She saw people work hard too and they make do on what they have because the district only has one hardware store and out of the city’s budget of billions nearly trillions of dollars, the city only gives Eastside and Westside only $30,000 a year or $60,000 for both or in 2006 money for Mackenzie to learn better that it’s 204,324.32 from where she’s from.

Lusty even told her new girlfriend that each district is allocated a certain amount of money with Eastside and Westside getting the most little, Downtown, Uptown and Highwood get’s $5,754,982 a year for each district, Emerald Pastor and Riverview each receive $1,450,666 a year, the Factory District, Anderson and the Ports receive $500,666,777 a year each, and Tallwood gets $300,000 per year. Lusty also explained that the money goes to and provides education, fire, police, medical protection, utilities, sanitation, infrastructure, economics, and other stuff.

During Macaroni/Mackenzie’s tour of Eastside Lusty saw a group of construction workers clearing a site so Lusty asked what’s going on and she was told that they’re going to construct a highway but they’re going to move the Earth but they’re also going to install sound walls so the sound of cars at night. The problem is that the sight is where Lusty spent most of her of childhood playing in an abandoned field, abandoned parking lot and abandoned police station in which it’s now going to get torn up and destroyed and a new highway/interstate is going to be built now and while the people didn’t want a new road in their district but they saw it as a new way to get to work because the streets in Eastside are narrow.

Lusty took Mackenzie on a tour of the city of Empire, showing her around her hometown. It was the first time Mackenzie had seen the whole city, as she was used to only the districts of Riverview and Downtown, where she lived and went to school at Arcane University. On weekends, she would go to clubs, but only drink in moderation and be careful to keep an eye on her drinks. During their tour, Lusty and Mackenzie went to a diner for lunch where Mackenzie asked why they chose a special place instead of a fast-food restaurant. Lusty explained that the diner had delicious food, so they ordered their meals. Lusty got a Philly Cheesesteak with curly fries, while Mackenzie opted for a double cheeseburger with a side of macaroni and cheese. As Lusty promised, the food was worth it.

Mackenzie was curious, "Have they ever considered franchising?"

Lusty shook her head and replied, "If they franchise, their food may lose its freshness and unique flavors, becoming like any other fast food chain. It's better if they remain a local business, even if it means not making millions of dollars. Their food is worth the price and wait, and expanding through franchises may cause them to lose control over key business operations. Currently, they do not have a supplier, but they buy from manufacturers directly, which is more cost-effective as it eliminates the middlemen.

"This also means that the pricing is better, warranty replacements are easier to get, and lead times are more reliable. It is important to note that the owners need to make at least $5000 per week to break even, which covers the cost of manufacturers, bills, and other expenses before salaries. Furthermore, in September, this place becomes extremely crowded with people of German descent who celebrate their own version of Oktoberfest. It can get pretty wild. Last year my company came here for manpower assistance for an ambulance because two people were drunk, got into a fight and one of the two had a dart board dart in his eye. The people here of German descent make some good food here."

“Did they cancel because of Both World Wars?” asked Mackenzie, “And probably didn’t want to hold an event of a country that we were at war with in both World Wars?”

Lusty replied, “Nope. The people here not because we were safe from the Axis powers but it would’ve thrown a riot because the people here like to have festivals and whatnot. Here in the Eastside due to having primary German, Irish, Italian, Ukrainian, French, and Russian descendants so they all get to celebrate the holidays and festivals of their home countries. Actually once we took part in it my father was so drunk it took my mother and five other people to carry him back home.

"He had seven glasses of lager while my mom only had two. I mostly had Bratwurst because I was too young to drink then and mostly ate. But if you’re going to ask in both World Wars we had people of German backgrounds and who could speak German to translate German. A lot of European settlers back then had different role-ish the English, Dutch, and Scotch mostly worked in the workshops, Italians worked in the mines, the French and Swiss made vineyards, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian seeding the soil to make it grow with grain and crops, The Polish, Welshmen, Spaniard on the ranches, the Greek and Portuguese harvesting the crop the ocean yield. The German with his technical skill, The Hungarian, Russian, Irishman, Chinese, and Slavic, working side by side more or less built a new country with the help of the Natives.”

***

Lusty was using a saw on a wooden pallet at the firehouse.

Dynamite asked, "Hey Lieutenant, how's the new girlfriend?"

Lusty responded, "She's much better than Zofia. She's educated, well-off, kind, and not entitled or spoiled. I didn't come up with any ridiculous nicknames for her like Mac Attack, Kenzo, Mac and Cheese, Mack-a-doodle, Kenzi-wenzi, Kenz-a-licious, Kenz-ington, or Mac-n-cheesy. I simply call her Macaroni because she loves Macaroni noodles, and it's a nickname her dad gave her. Zofia has so many words that I can’t even describe her. Zofia expects to be pampered. Macaroni she’s happy enough to either go Dutch or pay the bill herself while Zofia expects somebody else to pay for it. Macaroni said to me that if Zofia ever tries to make her and me break up then Macaroni would kick her ass."

“I can see it now on your twos wedding day,” said Dynamite, “Do you Lusty take Macaroni to be your wife? Do you Macaroni take Lusty to be your wife?”

Lusty just rolled her eyes.

“So Lieutenant, when will you get your position back?” asked Dynamite.

Lusty replied, “I don’t know. But I’m thinking of something.”

Soon the Lieutenant came and Dynamite warned him not to put his finger or hand near the saw blade but he did thinking that Lusty won’t do anything but turn off the saw but she was cutting and didn’t see it until it was too late.

“It’s your fault I warned you not to do it!” said Dynamite, “You did it and now you can take yourself to the hospital!”

Lusty replied, “I guess he did it as a way to say that I’m unfit to lead and what not. Either way he can take himself to see a trauma surgeon or some kind of doctor. Not because we’re only FF/EMTs, not FF/PMs. Even though we’re just Certified First Responders because we only have

certification in providing pre-hospital care for medical emergencies.”

Even though Dynamite hates the Lieutenant with a passion she radioed for an ALS ambulance but Lusty got done with using the saw after a few minutes she put the saw back after refilling the saw and put it back onto Squad Co 141.

They went into the kitchen after the Lieutenant was taken away by an ambulance.

On the TV in the kitchen was the mayor of a construction site with backhoes, loaders, bulldozers, excavators, and a few other construction vehicles.

“Guess it’s too early for cranes to appear,” said Lusty, “Always wanted to be on a tower crane. To me they look neat.”

On TV the mayor said that the site that he’s at now is going to be home to firehouse 127 and it’s going to be a mix of a big and small but it’s going to be eco friendly as well. But to Lusty she knows and so does everyone else knows that the Mayor is just taking former Mayor Abigail Martinez ideas where at first he gave her credit and used her name until he changed it to Martinez- GrahamInitiative to finally now to the Graham Initiative.

But that’s because everyone knows he wants his approval ratings to come back up instead of it now being at 4%. Even Ms. Martinez, the former mayor, called him out on live TV, and she spent nine years trying to improve the city more but every time she was rejected but now he comes along and her ideas become his and everyone is eating it up.

She spent nine years trying to open nine firehouses, five police precincts, and construct 231 miles of roads, highways, and elevated freeways but she was always rejected. Not to add she was trying to make the city a lot more safer for the residents and tourists not adding as well that the people in her political party and opposing political parties would support her idea of turning the city of Empire into a glass and steel utopia if it meant getting rid of low income families but she refused so her ideas and plans became smoke and mirrors even though she had a 98% approval rating because like President Bill Waterson she favored in trade schools and helping people in low income over catering to the rich.

As a citizen of Empire, Lusty appreciated the mayoralty of Ms. Martinez. She kept her promises and took several initiatives to improve the city. For instance, in 1992, Martinez implemented an initiative that prevented schools from eliminating shop classes. It proved to be vital as it provided training and apprenticeship programs for students and helped them access a broader range of jobs. She also allocated funds to upgrade storage and modernize production lines and farms in 1990, which created more job opportunities.

Martinez spent millions of dollars to fix dilapidated roads, highways, and elevated highway networks. She even renovated the city airport and provided the fire department with specialized gear to replace their aging 1970s gear. Martinez contracted the Little Bird Fire Company named Configuration to create a hybrid fire apparatus that ran on diesel but switched to another battery during emergencies to save fuel. In 1994, she also initiated the repairs of a dam in the city and hired locals for the job. She negotiated contracts with vehicle manufacturers to provide more trucks and increase the size of convoys bringing supplies to the dam.

Martinez also reinvigorated the war on drugs and established a department to combat the Opium and Drug Trade. She forced the Empire Police Department to create a High-Speed Task Force to combat illegal street races in 1996 but disbanded it a month later as the officers mostly stole street racers' cars and sold them to chop shops. She ensured that those officers were arrested and thrown in prison. Martinez had zero tolerance for corruption and worked closely with the Little Bird Anti-Corruption Team to ensure that corrupt officials were arrested and couldn't escape justice using their wrongfully gained money.

Lusty believed that the city's politicians made a mistake by rejecting Ms. Martinez's proposal. Her plan aimed to create nine firehouses, five police precincts, and almost 300 miles of new roads to facilitate faster travel. Additionally, she hoped to transform the city into a glass and steel utopia. Unfortunately, members of her own party and opposing parties rejected her initiative. They were rejected because they wouldn’t displace low-income families who work in stores, factories, and other places that support the city. None of the political parties besides the Militarists supported her ideas but it was only one out of four. She needed at least half of the city’s politicians to support her ideas.

Ms. Martinez's proposal also aimed to create more logistical jobs in the city to help move goods around. For instance, teamsters would transport goods across the city or the Little Bird country. However, her ideas of opening new firehouses and police stations were also rejected. Some people who already lived in areas with a high police response and low fire incidents opposed the idea. Another reason why her initiatives failed or were denied is that they were meant to cater to the poor and low-income families, not the rich.

Like Lusty she’s from a poor family and from Westside and she wanted to pass an initiative to combat against students dropping out and teenage mothers to keep students in schools, but they were also rejected because not a lot of people were willing to back her up. But if Lusty was an adult when Ms. Marteniz tried to lower the amount of school dropouts and lower the amount of pregnancies but she gave up on that in 1994 after trying for four years she considered it to be a no-go.

During the same day “Macaroni” visited Lusty at work but Dynamite decided it would be appropriate to see what Mackenzie “Macaroni” Waterson’s reaction would be if she called her Mac n Cheesy.

“Hey Mac-n-Cheesy, how’s it going?” said Dynamite, seeing what her reaction would be.

Macaroni replied, “The fuck did you just call me?!”

“Macaroni I wouldn’t try to fight Dynamite,” said Lusty, “And Dynamite I wouldn’t test her as well. Well I’ll be back in an hour and a half. Dynamite can you show Macaroni around?”

Dynamite replied, “No problem, Lieutenant. Come on, Macaroni.”

Lusty left and came back but she had a red box in her hand.

“What’s in it?” asked Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “Introducing the firefighting drone. It’s experimental though in its experimental stage but ready for field testing. The firefighting drone uses its sensors and camera to analyze heat sources and show within its operational radius which people and objects in a proximity of fires are at risk due to heat. It sends real-time data to the operator and is supposed to give a birds-eye view of scenes.

"But the bureaucrats at HQ want all four SOC units to give them a field trial at fires and other emergencies that’ll prove it’s worth it’s buck. Should’ve let them use them at the academy for trials rather than taking a roll of the dice because if it fails then someone’s life is gone due to mis analyzing things. But we’re going to test it at our first fire.”

“Can I try it?” said Dynamite, “I used to play with RC planes and RC cars with my friends.”

Lusty replied, “This is a multimillion-dollar experimental gear, not a five-dollar remote-control toy. If it breaks or malfunctions because it’s not being used properly, then it’s my ass on the line. Also it’s not used to fight fires but to give a prediction of where fire may spread next. The people say it’s not 100% accurate, but it’s 64/46 percent accurate. They want field trials and any defects we encounter we report it and they work out the kinks. While it’s not reinventing the wheel or reinventing sliced bread, it’s kinda like almost a hundred years ago when the internal combustion engine was invented but a lot of firefighters hated it because of them being used to using steam-powered engines.

"At least we're not like back in the volunteer days of if two volunteer companies arrived to a scene they always fought each other at first it was on who would put water on the fire first until it shifted over cisterns and if a building was insured then the volunteers would had pitch battles of who would put out the fire. Surprise that any fires were ever put out in those days.

“Especially how this city is the most biggest on Little Bird and the most complex and it wasn’t until a hundred years after the city foundation that all of the Volunteer companies were disbanded and transformed into a professional department and it wasn’t until the early 1900s when the department was reorganized into a combination department of both professional and volunteers even though the volunteers don’t hang out at the firehouse like we do but the volunteers have normal jobs but have a pager with them and if their pager goes off they drop what they’re doing and race to their firehouse. But I know how we put our lives on the line. New technology is taken wearlily because if it doesn’t work then lives would be lost. Like before our air masks were standardized in 1966 we actually had specialized units that were trained to use them.

“While yes, we still lose our lives even with modern technology but a lot of members I talked to they love doing this job because it means something even though no one doesn’t get rich from doing this job but there is great spirit and camaraderie between us and in many cases it’s because of their father’s. But the few I did talk to they don’t see each us as heroes because while to the public may see us as heroes but consider themselves humble public servants, but they are, in fact, heroes for their work to rescue citizens from burning buildings, pull them from wreckages, and place their own lives at risk to protect their brother and sister firefighters and the public at large. One reason why people give us more respect than the police department is because while yes the police department goes out to save you but they have authority and guns so that offsets the danger. While us we have one goal of saving people and it can be an expense of our own lives.”

“Like how in the late 50s in this city it required skill and knowledge because Hazardous Material and Chemical spills became a dilemma and a priority and the nightmare of how to fight a fire in a blazing skyrise,” said Avalanche. “Chiefs needed the knowledge, skill to coordinate huge teams. I guess that’s why in the early months and early years of the Post-World War 2 era a lot of Chiefs were Captains, Lieutenants, Majors, Lieutenant-Colonels, Colonels, Brigadier generals, Major Generals, and Lieutenant Generals from the Little Bird Army and Marine Corps because they had knowledge of how to lead from the Platoons, Companies, Battalions, Regiments, and Brigades they led. Oh I gave Mac-n-Cheesy a tour and she wants to know why we have a Crash Tender here when the airport is on the other side of the city and I told her that I don’t know but told her that it ain’t for crowd control because the PSI might actually kill someone because of the two deck guns on the crash tender are made for fighting airport fires not crowd control. Oh this came for you.”

Lusty replied, “She will punch you if you call her that again. Also whoever sent this can go themselves. Leadership Center of Empire presents: Getting Troubled Managers Back on Track. Just got to take a one hundred-hour course that together would be on my days when I’m not working or have kids to take care of. It’s not like I have other jobs to do. I have better things to do than listen to people who fired an employee for being one millisecond late or fired an employee for giving someone change.

"Next someone is going to send me to take courses to keep my anger under control. While yes I do have thick skin but I’ve dealt with a lot of people who just irritate me! Like Mayor Graham who’s taking former Mayor Martenz initiatives and passing them off as his own! People like him shouldn’t have children so they don’t teach their offspring that stealing other people’s ideas is cool. In reality it’s a dick move! At first it was nice of him to call it the Marteniz Initiatives. Later, he changed it to the Marteniz-Graham Initiative until recently, he changed it to the Graham Initiative because he wanted his approval back up. My dad back in the early 1960s, 3954 miles of interstate-styled highway wrapped around Little Bird starting in the city of Fort Suction and ending in the town of Clearlake in a clockwise and counterclockwise way and made the highways connected to every town and city. It was in the case of both an Invasion and a Nuclear holocaust where the former so the tanks, motorized and mechanized infantry could go and respond to an invasion and let people evacuate in case of an invasion, disaster or nuclear war. People were skeptical because there was already 3954 miles of gravel, cobbled, dirt, and/or Metalled Roads before the 1940s when they were upgraded to asphalt in non-cities.”

“Oh, have you heard that the Head of Echelon Enterprises Division of Projects is buying up the land in Westside?” asked Avalanche, “Guess he’s buying up the land and buying people’s homes, businesses and tenements and giving them better housing.”

Lusty replied, “Or it’s about eminent domain.”

“What are you talking about Lusty?” asked Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “The government reclaims the land in the path of their projects that the city is building stuff on and pays the improved value of the land where the current or new buildings are sitting on it.”

“What about the people who actually took the money to get better housing?” asked Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “Worst case is that they get their money back. But since if the Head of Projects is buying the land and sells it to the Government then the Government would spend more to get it instead of the regular value of the land the city government would buy the improved value and the corporation or the Head of Projects would pocket millions of dollars.”

“And what if the Head of Projects or the Corporation buys insurance on the buildings they buy then they tear it down and rebuild. What about the insurance?” asked Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “The insurance proves how much the buildings are worth. The older buildings are worth next to nothing. Firewood. All of them.”

“That’s about as neat of a scam as someone could imagine,” said Avalanche. “But if there are fires how is it going to be proven that they caused it?”

Lusty replied, “How common is it for a big corporation to buy a building that just went through a fire? Yeah I mean it’ll lower the cost of buying it or convince the owner to accept the cash to put a roof over his or her family’s head. If I was the head of a corporation or a division head in a corporation and if someone refused to sell their homes and buildings I would resort to arson into making them rethink so they could put a roof over their family’s head.”

“This is just giving me a reason to search your locker, cars, and place of residence,” said Avalanche.

Lusty replied, “Go for it. But I mean, any corrupt dirtbag would. But knowing what a chance of corrupt higher ups and, in my opinion, it’ll be like the Black Dahlia killer in 1947 LA and in my opinion it’s ‘The case of the Black Dahlia remains open, the truth lost to all but a handful of men’ and that’s because usually, corrupt people have people they know in the political system and the corrupt cops would rather look the other way so it doesn’t hurt the politicians. Honestly, I have dealt with corrupt, racist, and sexist cops who have more of a backbone than corrupt executives.”

***

Lusty and Macaroni decided to explore an area that had been affected by a mass conflagration. While waiting for Macaroni to pick her up, Lusty got into a fascinating conversation with her friend. As they talked, Lusty found out that Macaroni was studying fire investigation as a backup plan to become an arson investigator. Intrigued, Lusty probed further and asked Macaroni about her thoughts on the United States. Macaroni revealed that medical bills are ridiculously expensive and that she hates the current trend of cars looking identical and being made with fiberglass. She prefers vintage cars because each one has a unique design, and every model year has its own distinct style.

Macaroni also complained about the rising cost of living, from phone bills to cable bills and utility bills, and even grocery shopping. That's when Lusty piped in and told her about the perks of living on Little Bird. She informed Macaroni that the local call charges are only $0.10 cents, and long-distance calls to other towns and cities cost $0.75 cents per minute, based on how much the person spends on the phone throughout the month.

Lusty also revealed that there are no cable bills on Little Bird, and buying a TV is a one-time cost. However, some channels are paid, and you need to pay for them per month. But here's the best part - there are still commercials, but there’s only one ad, and it's only sixty seconds long. A half-hour show will have two ads, not back to back, but one at the show’s halfway point and the other one at the end of the show, just before the next show begins.

Macaroni was simply amazed, and she couldn't stop singing Little Bird's praises. She loved the fact that she went to the movies for the first time and only paid a dollar fifty for the ticket, popcorn, soda, candy, and ice cream, and she still had fifty cents left over. And that's not all - during the movie, there was an intermission so that people could go back to the concession stands to get a refill of soda or another popcorn, candy, or ice cream. No more missed scenes or asking someone to catch you up on what you missed. Macaroni was thrilled and couldn't believe her luck. She didn't care much about the people smoking, but she thought the movie was going to cost her five bucks or more.

To Macaroni, she felt like she was living in her parent's childhood of the 1960s.

Macaroni also decided to give Lusty a few nicknames besides Lusty and those were Clarabelle

Claire Bear, Clairity, and Clairvoyant. But Lusty prefers to be called Lusty but has no problem being called by any of those nicknames.

“It was a massive five alarm fire,” said Lusty, “Here we weren’t called to it but it was on the news this morning while we were eating breakfast. The fire was so hot that it started to peel and chip the paint off the vehicles and the fire apparatus. They actually had to pull back but couldn’t move any of the cars because it was a death trap and the vehicles were so hot that the chauffeur's/engineers for the companies on the scene said that the leather seats in their apparatus were so hot that it stuck to their skin or hot enough that it gave them a first-degree burn.

"A lot of cars were tinderboxes the fuel in the fuel tanks got so hot they blew. The fire was so bad that the police had to order a mandatory evacuation within a five-block radius. The fire from what we saw on the news was that it was so big it destroyed five blocks of housing that the city authorized the fire department to use water tankers to drop water onto the fire and it was the first time in this city’s history of the fire department using aircraft made for wildland firefighting to be used to fight a fire in a urban setting. But OFI thinks that it was two small fires that came together and became a firestorm.”

Macaroni replied, “A firestorm? What’s a firestorm?”

“A firestorm is a blaze that’s so massive that it’s almost impossible to put out,” said Lusty, “It’ll destroy anything in its path. It attains such intensity that it creates and sustains its own wind system. It is most commonly a natural phenomenon, created during some of the largest bushfires and wildfires. But they can be man made like the bombings of Hamburg, Kassel, Ube, Tokyo, Dresden, and Darmstadt in World War 2. If this was a wildland setting then one way to combat a firestorm would be backburning where in theory when both fires meet since there’s not enough fuel for both of them they burn each other out. But sometimes that’ll backfire and it becomes a firestorm. But during that fire last night fire apparatus had to be abandoned as the fire overran their positions.”

When they got to Westside for several blocks it was burnt down with building skeletons remaining. The fire was so hot it made the floors fall down onto each other to the first floor then both interior and exterior walls came apart. The sidewalks and roads were covered with soot while streetlamps fell over due to the intense heat. Not adding that mailboxes inside of the tenement buildings melted while street corner mailboxes were burned or got holes in them of the steel melting apart.

It was the worst fire that the city of Empire has seen in a century where the last worst one dates back to the 1907 Earthquake which a Seven on the Richter Scale earthquake hit the city which costed millions of dollars in damages and destroyed infrastructure, destroyed a lot of buildings, and destroyed the hydrant system in which the firefighters in the city only had to rely on the cisterns the city had and use dynamite to destroy some buildings that were in the path of the fires but the looting was so bad after the earthquake that before the Mayor called out the 21st Infantry Division (before being reorganized into the 21st Airborne Division in 1938) and the military had two objectives then which were restore order and humanitarian aid. Lusty still doesn't know how they could’ve done it with what they had.