This story is a continuation of the story "Presto Chango". It is based on events
occuring in "What Was That Name Again?" and refers to characters and the
timeline created there. ********************************************************** Oh, Baby! By Nexxie The Phantom tugged absently at his mustache as he wracked his brain for the perfect caper. The brilliance of the "Gage & Gage Prank" as he chose to call it, demands an equally brialliant, or if possible even more stellar response. The Phantom was completely taken in, Chet Kelly admitted, an event seldom occuring in the history of the Phantom-Pigeon relationship. Retaliation is mandatory. Man, those two made fools of us with that phony pill gag, Chet remembered. Who would imagine a second John Gage----and a dead ringer for the first one at that? It was even harder to conceive of Gage being a father. You'd think he gave birth himself to see his face when he looks at the kid. For crying out loud! He's a grown man----not a baby. Geez! It was almost sickening. Hmmm. Not a baby...NOT A BABY! Once again The Phantom would be vindicated. Chet's eyebrows waggled as he anticipated the reaction to the coup. It would be without question the ultimate in Gage humiliation----times two. Chet crossed to the kitchen counter in his apartment and picked up the phone. This would take some serious coordination, but he was sure that he could count on the help of at least three others----Hank Stanley, Marco Lopez and Mike Stoker. They were fellow victims of the "Gage & Gage Prank" and were just as surely taken in. As he anticipated, all three of the others agreed to meet him at "The Extinguisher" for lunch that day. He had only to mention the words "Gage" and "revenge". The three were immediately interested. Marco was a little reluctant to get involved with another prank against his captain. The last time he went along with Chet on something there were unpleasant consequences. It had nearly caused John Gage to resign from the LACoFD, and him as well, Marco reflected. Chet assured him, though, that this time the prank would be neither dangerous nor particularly unpleasant for anyone. It would just involve misleading a few people for a short while. ********** "Chet, that's diabolical!" Hank Stanley said. "It will be embarrassing for them," Chet grinned, "and then some." "It's not gonna work," Marco predicted. "Somebody will find out." "Nobody's gonna find out. But the beauty of it is that even if everybody BUT Gage-1 and Gage-2 find out, it'll still work. Nobody gets hurt----everybody laughs. It's perfect!" Chet waited anxiously for acquiescence from the others. "It's gonna take some planning," Stanley shook his head. "I don't know..." Marco hesitated. "I like it." Mike Stoker staid quietly with a slight smile. "See, he likes it...hey, Mikey!" ********** Cap Gage whistled as he walked into the station. The dinner at the DeSoto house was a real success. Man, the reaction on Chet Kelly's face when he knew he'd been had was priceless! J.R. played his part flawlessly, throwing himself into the role and finding out he had a sense of humor. Johnny smiled as he shook his head in amusement. His relationship with his son was growing closer every day as they learned more about each other. I can't believe how much we have in common----backpacking, hiking...pizza. And he's taking to the horses like a fish to water. Even better is the way he listens when I tell him the legends my grandfather taught me. It's almost like when I used to tell them to Chris and Jennifer, such wide-eyed fascination, almost holding his breath like he's afraid I'll stop or something. Marco Lopez walked over to the coffee pot humming as he shot a sideways glance at his captain. Marco's up to something, I can tell. Unlike Mike Stoker, who could maintain a deadpan expression no matter what, Lopez couldn't hide excitement to save himself. Those eyes of his gave him away every time. And right now they fairly shout that he's up to something. Maybe I'll shake him up a little bit... Johnny waited until Marco took a drink of coffee and said casually around the donut he was chewing, "Whatever it is, Lopez, just make sure this time nobody gets hurt." Gage was rewarded with the anticipated reaction. Coffee sprayed everywhere as Marco choked and gasped. How did he know?! "Uh...Cap," Marco replied when he had caught his breath and wiped up the mess, "I don't know what you mean." If I didn't know better, Gage, thought Marco, I'd think you planned that. "Sure, Marco, right," Cap Gage gave him a look that said plainly, "I know you're up to something." The rest of C-Shift wandered in calling out greetings in various forms depending on their mood. Dwyer and Manley walked in together as usual arguing about something or other. All the guys got along real well, but there was something special about the partnership between the paramedics. Nobody knew that better than Johnny. Konnitsky looked like his days off were not very restful. He yawned widely as he headed for the community fountain of wake-up juice----the coffee pot. There was a pallor to his face as well that made his carrot red hair seem even redder and the freckles that covered his face stand out in stark relief. Johnny made a mental note to keep an eye on him today. Looking at his watch, Johnny got ready to give the customary five-minute warning when he saw a figure running in the direction of the locker room----Taylor. Cap Gage smiled, all the sheep were in the fold. B-Shift's paramedics already left and Captain Jeff Brady exhaled in relief, motioning his engine crew to take off as well. Nobody needed to stay over and cover for a missing man. Johnny high-fived Brady as the C-Shift captain prepared for roll-call. "Five minutes, Gentlemen," he called in a loud voice, making sure the announcement reached all the way to the locker room. Lopez was talking excitedly on the dayroom phone but managed to finish the conversation before running to get in line. Gage walked cheerily out to the apparatus bay, a spring in his step as he prepared to start the day. "Good morning, Gentlemen," he said, tapping the clipboard with his green pen as he awaited the response to his greeting. "Mornin', Cap," Dwyer and Manley called together. "Hey, Cap," Taylor puffed, out of breath. "Hiya, Cap," Konnitsky said, a little subdued. "Good morning," said Marco. He still wondered if Johnny made him choke on his coffee on purpose. "Okay, let's get started." Johnny walked slowly inspecting his crew. He straightened Manley's collar with a grin. "Manley, your mama didn't dress you this morning." Manley winced and grinned. "Taylor...glad you could join us." Johnny smiled remembering the number of times he literally slid into line at the last minute. "Lopez, you have coffee on your mustache." Johnny's eyes twinkled confirming Marco's earlier hypothesis. "Konnitsky...you feelin' okay? You look a little under the weather." The concern on Johnny's face echoed in his voice. Dave Konnitsky answered, "Yes, Sir...I mean no, Sir...I mean, I'm fine, Sir...uh Cap." "You will tell me if you don't feel well enough to do your job, right? I don't want any barfing on the engine." Konnitsky's seat was right behind his captain's. "You'll be the first to know, Cap," promised the young man. That's what Johnny was afraid of. "Well, fellas, LA County has no earth-shattering news for us today. Dwyer and Manley, there's a short list of fire inspections to work on after you finish the dormitory. Lopez has the latrine." Marco's face fell. "Konnitsky, you're cooking," Johnny informed him. Konnitsky turned positively green, confirming Gage's suspicion that he was feeling lousy. "And Taylor," Johnny finished, "the engine needs a little work. Looks like B-Shift found some mud somewhere yesterday. We can't have the taxpayers see us starting the day all dirty...yes, is there a problem?" Johnny looked up at the sound of frantically whispered communications. "Uh, Cap, can Konnitsky and I trade details?" Marco was looking hopefully at his captain. "Okay by me," Gage replied, "okay with you , Konnitsky?" "Sure, Cap, fine." Gage's stomach cheered. His ploy had worked. Dave Konnitsky couldn't cook worth a damn and Lopez hated latrine detail. Besides, from the look of things, Konnitsky would be spending more time in the latrine than the kitchen today anyway. "Okay then, dismissed. Oh...Dwyer, my office for a minute, please." Johnny led the way into his office. Charlie Dwyer looked after him in surprise. Cap Gage seldom called anybody into his office. "Relax, Dwyer," Johnny grinned when Charlie stepped hesitantly into the room, "you're not in trouble. I just want you to keep an eye on Konnitsky. He looks..." "I know, Cap," Dwyer cut in, relieved. "I'll let you know if I think he needs to go home." Charlie was aware that Johnny was just as qualified as his senior paramedic to check out Konnitsky, but as a matter of professional courtesy he deferred to Dwyer. It was a mark of the consideration that made his men proud to call themselves "Johnny's Crew". The tones sounded, calling the men to duty. "STATION 51...STATION 127...MVA INVOLVING A SCHOOL BUS...INTERSECTION OF TAYLOR AND WITHERS...TIME OUT 08:27" "Station 51, KMG-365" Johnny replied before handing off the response slip to Dwyer and running for the engine. All the men were tense, he noted as he jumped into his seat. They always were when kids were involved. "Let's roll, Marco!" There was a greater urgency in Johnny's own voice this time. If he could make the engine go faster by getting out and pushing, he would. It was anybody's worst nightmare. The school bus lay on its side in the middle of the intersection, a small station wagon sandwiched between it and a city bus that was headed in the opposite direction. "L.A. this is Station 51. Respond a second alarm assignment to our location. Also we will need two ambulances. Also be advised this MVA involves a city bus with unknown number of passengers." Not waiting for acknowledgement, Johnny jumped from the cab and ran to send his firefighters into action and find out from his paramedics just how bad things were. "Konnitsky, get and inch-and-a-half and hose down that gasoline. Taylor, assist Dwyer. Engine 127, check for injuries on the city bus and begin evacuating those that don't need treatment." "Engine 51, Engine 127, 10-4" The back door of the bus was opened with the door laying on the ground. Johnny hunkered down to get through and immediately sought his paramedics, taking in at a glance the crazy obstacle course made by seats that had come loose entangled with dozens of injured and frightened children. "Manley, " he called as calmly as possible, "what do we have?" Keeping his voice as even as as he could, Manley answered, "It's a mess here, Cap. The driver is a Code F. We have multiple victims with fractures, at least two compound, a possible spinal injury, two with possible internal injuries. We're gonna need lots of help here." "L.A., Station 51, respond an additional squad to our location, also the coroner." Johnny took a breath and continued, "Engine 127, HT-51, what do you have on that city bus?" "HT-51, we have no serious injuries here. We are evacuating the bus now." At least there was some good news, Johnny thought. "10-4, Engine 127. Can you check out that station wagon?" There was a lengthy pause while Johnny knew someone was doing as he asked. "HT-51, HT-127, the station wagon is a Code F times three. There are no additional victims." The news was disheartening but not really surprising considering the condition of the vehicle. It must have taken the brunt of the impact from the school bus as it slid into the city bus. "10-4, HT-127. Assist with the evacuation of the school bus." Johnny pinched the bridge of his nose and drew a deep breath. He was having trouble hearing the HT over the cries of injured and frightened children. Just then Engine 15 pulled up behind Squad 15. He saw Winston and Crawford yell over to their captain as they exited the squad on the run to gather equipment and render assistance as quickly as possible. J.R. was right behind them carrying the splint box as a TV news van pulled up to the scene. "Engine 51, Engine 15, what do we have, John?" Cap Riley's voice was as anxious as Johnny's own had been earlier. "Engine 15, we have multiple injuries on that school bus. We will need your assistance in evacuating the victims." Cap Gage moved out of the way of 15's paramedics and nodded to J.R. as they entered the bus. He wondered uneasily how his son would deal with the sights and sounds inside. He would make an effort to find out tomorrow after shift, he promised himself, standing to evaluate the situation outside. "Marco," he called over the HT, "you and Konnitsky set up an area for the victims to await transport." "10-4, HT-51" Marco and Dave ran to the squad for a supply of emergency blankets as the first ambulance rolled in. Just then a microphone was shoved in front of Johnny's face and questions about the accident were rapid-fired in his direction. Uneasy with the media at most times, Johnny set his jaw and schooled himself to be polite. As incident commander, dealing with reporters in the absence of the PR people was an often unpleasant----to him----reality. "Excuse me," he attempted to divert the reporter away from the ongoing rescue, his voice all business, "we can give you no definite information about the passengers of the school bus at this time. I'm sorry." "Engine 15, HT-51, Cap, can you coordinate things out here? I need to assist the paramedics." He was still certified, thank God! "10-4, HT-51." Riley was a good incident commander and Johnny was glad for his presence. As Johnny turned to enter the bus, he nearly collided with the reporter, a woman, with more attitude than smarts. "Hey, what are you, the boss man? The parents and friends of those kids need to know if they're ok. What was your name again?" The reporter's voice was confrontational and its shrill tone grated on Johnny's nerves. It was all he could do to keep from giving her a satisfying shove out of the way. "Miss, the parents of these children will be notified by the police or the hospital, we do not do that on television. Now if you will excuse me, you need to get out of the way of the rescue workers and do not film the victims." It was really irritating to have to deal with this when he was needed so desperately inside. He found himself again blocked by the determined reporter. "Just how many are dead on that bus...sergeant...what was your name again?" Teeth tightly clenched, he refused to take the bait, instead peering over the woman's head until he spotted the familiar helmet of Officer Vince Howard supervising traffic control. "Vince!" Johnny called, immediately attracting the policeman's attention. With a wave he beckoned the officer. Vince knew at a glance exactly what Johnny wanted...he had dealt with that particular reporter before. She gave the industry a bad name. In a no-nonsense manner Officer Howard escorted the woman away from Johnny, who immediately entered the bus, angry at the loss of precious life-saving moments. Johnny's skills were put to good use and Captain Riley called in more help as needed. None of the children were killed, but several were in critical condition. Engine 51 returned to station after a heartbreaking three hours. Taylor followed the final ambulance to Rampart with the squad where both paramedics would be waiting for a ride "home". Johnny had a brief moment to talk to J.R. before Cap Riley released all units from the scene. The other captain made sure, in fact, that Johnny had that opportunity, and Cap Gage was grateful. There was a haunted expression in the young man's eyes and Johnny knew this rescue would plague J.R.'s dreams until a worse one came along. The adrenaline rush that carried Konnitsky through the MVA response deserted him once he returned to the station. Instead of his earlier pallor, he was now flushed with fever. Johnny called the young fireman into his office. "Dave, stop trying to tough it out. Is there a reason you are insisting on staying here while you feel like sh... when you feel lousy?" Johnny decided to try and cut down on cussing...it set a bad example. Besides, if you don't cuss as a rule, it has more shock effect when you finally let go. "Cap, I just thought it would go away by now." Konnitsky looked both exhausted and sick. "See Dwyer when he gets back from Rampart. If he says you're okay to work, I'll trust his judgement. Meanwhile, the latrine isn't going anywhere. Why don't you sack out for a while and see if it helps any...call-outs permitting." "Yes, Sir." Konnitsky's voice registered undisguised relief. Johnny wondered briefly if for some reason the young man couldn't afford to miss a shift. He'd been there a few times. Well, if that was the case, they would have to work something out. Gage knew only too well the consequences of trying to tough out illness or injury. In this job that could endanger the whole crew. "That's it," Cap Gage said motioning Konnitsky out of his office. With a sigh, Johnny turned to the daily stack of paperwork that the Department deemed essential to the running of a fire station. The sooner he got at it, the sooner it would be done. He thought briefly about calling Cap Riley at 15's to ask how J.R. was doing after the morning's rescue, but quickly rejected the idea. Johnny didn't want J.R. to think he was checking up on him...which is exactly what he would have been doing. He's a big boy, Daddy, Johnny reminded himself. ********** There was a lot of work to do in the hours before his shift began and The Phantom needed help. Stoker's wife as well as Mrs. Stanley and even Joanne DeSoto were happy to help. It was on their skills that he was depending heavily. They agreed to deal with the printer, the baker and the florist while Chet Kelly coordinated the guest list. If all went well, the two Gages' next shift would be a memorable event. He had one more person to pull into the plot. Quickly Chet dialed Station 15 and asked to speak to Del Nichols, an old friend and fellow engineer. "Chet, I don't know," said Nichols when he heard the details of The Phantom's caper. "Cap would be furious if he found out I was in on this." "Say yes, Del. Please." Chet's voice assumed a whiny pleading tone. "C'mon buddy, what do ya say?" "Oh...well...all right." Del seemed to capitulate reluctantly. Chet breathed a sigh of relief. The last piece of the puzzle just fell into place. The Phantom's eyes sparkled with mischief as he sat down to make out the guest list. Del Nichols chuckled. He had acted doubtful of the plan, but secretly he was sure it would be a blast. The problem was how to get 15's C-Shift over to Station 51 at shift change in two days. Chet didn't ask him not to tell anyone. Softly Del knocked on Captain Riley's door. It took some doing, but finally the captain agreed to help and made a call to the captain of 15's B-Shift to make arrangements. ************ Cap Gage was grateful for the numerous runs in the afternoon. The squad and engine were called out, it seemed, just as soon as they pulled into the station. Everything from trash fires to heart attacks kept Johnny's Crew on the go well past the dinner hour. One look at an exhausted Marco Lopez was enough for Johnny to suggest they ante up for pizza. There were no dissenters. After dinner no one had excess energy for anything more strenuous than watching television. Johnny elected to call an early lights out. Everyone, including and especially their captain, was glad to retire. Konnitsky somehow managed to make it through the last run of the evening, but fell into an exhausted sleep immediately on their return. The quiet held until just after three AM when the tones summoned them to assist as part of the third alarm to a fire in a high-rise office building. Johnny's Crew knew this would not be a quick run, but a lengthy and dangerous one. Adrenaline kicked in as the engine and squad approached the blaze, the long afternoon for the moment forgotten. The search for victims was complete by the time they arrived and what remained was to knock out the blaze---a daunting task. Dwyer and Manley backed up Taylor and Konnitsky on the hoses while Johnny assisted wherever he was needed. They were out four hours when the fire was out and clean-up began. There were civilian victims early on, and firefighters injured during the course of the early morning. Winston and Crawford from 15's took turns with Manley and Dwyer and 45's paramedics in manning the triage area and they had a steady stream of customers---fortunately only minor injuries and smoke inhalation. This fire had the potential to be deadly. Station 51 didn't escape completely unscathed. Mostly strained muscles and sore throats, but Konnitsky was hit by falling debris when a wall gave way. A possible mild concussion and some lacerations earned the young firefighter a trip to rampart---under protest, overruled by Cap Gage. Big Red pulled into the station at a quarter to seven, her weary crew all but falling from the truck. Cap Gage gave his men a "well done" and a smile that, exhaustion notwithstanding, let them know he was proud of them. The squad pulled in about an hour later with Konnitsky and the paramedics nearly stumbling from the cab. Johnny knew his overtaxed crew couldn't safely respond to another call and made the call to take Station 51 out of service until shift change fifteen minutes later. After making sure his men were alert enough to drive, Johnny dismissed them all to go home and stayed long enough to hand over the log book to the A-Shift captain. Mike Stoker took one look at Big Red and threw an accusing look at Johnny, who just shook his head and said, "Sorry, Mike, it was a real rough shift." It was still another hour before Johnny got home to the ranch, first picking up J.R. at 15's then making the lengthy drive home. When they arrived he had to wake up his son who fell asleep against the door of the Rover within minutes of climbing in. *********** Two days later Johnny dropped J.R. off at 15's and headed for Station 51 to begin a new day. They used their days off to rest up from the previous shift and to catch up on some light chores. Refreshed and ready to start the shift, Johnny pulled his Rover into a crowded parking lot, confused as to why there were so many cars, most of which he recognized. What was going on? J.R. walked into Station 15 whistling the song that was playing on the radio when he got out of the Rover. He was surprised to see only B-Shift in the station with the exception of Captain Riley. "Gage," Riley greeted him, "our shift is starting ninety minutes later today so that we can...uh...do a drill with 51's." Gene Riley crossed his fingers behind his back to nullify the lie. "I waited for you to give you a ride." After a moment's uncertainty J.R. responded, "If my dad had known about it he could have saved you the time and just drove straight there. How come my dad didn't know about this?" "Well," Riley hedged, thinking fast, "McConikee told B-Shift yesterday and they passed it on this morning. It's kind of a last minute thing...you know how it is." He didn't, but J.R. didn't want to admit it to his captain. "Oh, right, Cap," he said as he got into the captain's truck, his face still a mask of confusion. He supposed things could happen that way in the Department. Riley was hoping lightning wouldn't strike him on the way to Station 51. He would apologize later for the lies. At 51's, Marco cornered Johnny in the parking lot to prevent him from entering the station just yet. It took him some time to come up with an issue that would tie up the captain and require his attention until Captain Eugene Riley arrived with J.R. Gage. The conversation was even beginning to sound lame to Marco when he finally got the sign from Dwyer that it was okay to come in. "Well, thanks, Cap," Marco said suddenly clapping Johnny on the shoulder, "I'm glad we cleared that up." Watching Lopez walk away, Johnny was sure Marco had finally lost it. He shook his head as he entered the station and made for the coffee pot. What he saw as he entered the kitchen defied description. The kitchen area was wall-to-wall bodies, the room awash with pink and blue balloons and streamers. A huge banner extended across the kitchen cupboards proclaiming, "Congratulations to the New Father!" On the table, amidst a pile of presents wrapped in "new baby" motif, was a large cake iced in white with pastel alphabet blocks and teddy bears, inscribed with the words "Welcome Baby Gage!". Stunned, Johnny just looked around the room in amazement, his eyes stopping to rest on J.R. who looked ready to run. Finally Johnny focused on the grinning face of Chester B. Kelly whose eyes sparkled with mischief. Everyone in the room yelled various combinations of "Surprise!" and "Congratulations!" as Chet swaggered over to Johnny and declared, "The Phantom reigns, Gage." 15's C-Shift picked up a startled J.R., kicking and struggling, and carried him over to Johnny, depositing him forcefully in his father's arms. Captain Gage had to choose between receiving the young man or watching him fall to the floor. Johnny was still cradling his astonished and embarrassed son when a half dozen flashes went off. With a threatening look at Chet and a good-natured grin at everyone else, Johnny put J.R. down. The two were immediately beseiged by the crews and families of Stations 51 and 15, shaking their hands and welcoming J.R. to the "family". Not least among the well-wishers was Chief McConikee, laughing heartily as he clapped both Gages on the back. Stoker's wife and Mrs. Stanley gave both J.R. and Johnny a hug and Mrs. Riley planted a kiss on their cheeks while Joanne DeSoto cut and served the cake. Johnny helped J.R. open the gifts, which turned out to be not so embarrassing after all. From Chet Kelly there was a Teddy Bear in turnouts. From Manley and Dwyer, two dark blue LACoFD T-shirts with the names Gage-1 and Gage-2 on the backs in white lettering. Station 15 pitched in and bought a big toy fire engine with lights that work. Roy and Joanne gave J.R. a handmade ceramic coffee mug that matched the special one Roy made for Johnny's last birthday. The Stanleys acquired pictures of both J.R. and Johnny in uniform and set them in matching frames. The pictures of each were taken just after their respective graduations from Fire Academy. It was hard to tell which was who. Other gifts included matching ball caps----one with "15" and the other with "51" on the crowns, a child's cereal bowl and spoon decorated with dalmations and fire engines, a pair of mens' pajamas with the words "hot stuff" printed all over them, and J.R.'s personal favorite, a beautiful jewel-tone blanket, hand woven in a Native American pattern. This last was from Jennifer DeSoto and included a hand-written note that read: Every baby needs his blanket. J.R. quickly pocketed the note with a crooked half-smile and a shake of his head. He was overwhelmed. By the end of the "baby shower" J.R. was grinning as broadly as Johnny. It was the only party anyone ever gave him and the most presents he ever received in his life. Finally the guests departed, some for home, others back to work. Hank Stanley approached the two Gages and said with a wicked grin, "Paybacks are hell, boys!" and laughed on his way out the door. As the tones sounded calling out Station 51, J.R. thought as he watched his father's retreating back, "No, in this case, paybacks are wonderful!" THE END feedback Nexxie's comments: Thanks Janet, for your patience and kind words. And I promise, Roy will show up more in the future! |