Robin Nehr’s Challenge:

In the "Promotion" Episode Roy takes and passes his
Engineer's exam. Chet takes his too and scores 74th. Write a story in which
Chet scores 9th and Roy scores 74th, reversing the scores from what they were
in the episode. Would Chet take the promotion? How would Roy feel if he'd
done badly on the test?

Pass Or Fail

By Purry

Sitting alone on the bench in front of his locker, Roy thought about the re-action of his shiftmates when the results of the Engineers’ exams were posted. The looks of disbelief and astonishment on their faces were evident, when Cap came into the kitchen and announced the standings.

I have to say I was shocked to find out that Chet had the 9th highest score, as was everyone else, including Chet. After congratulations were handed out, Chet became sullen. I don't think, he thought he would pass, let alone score so high. Now he has a

decision to make, stay at 51's as a firefighter or take the promotion and be re-assigned to another station as their engineer. I know for a fact, that decision will weigh heavily on his mind.

Johnny outwardly appeared happy for Chet, but I know he's waiting for Cap to tell where I placed. When Cap looked directly at me and said "I'm sorry pal, but you placed 74th", I didn't even flinch. The gasps that filled the room were deafeningly loud. Yet, I extended my hand to Cap and thanked him.

The guys just couldn't figure out how I had failed so miserably and Chet did so well. I know the guys aren't putting Chet down on purpose, it's just that they saw me studying a lot, and didn't think that Chet was really serious about the engineers’ exam because we never saw him study. He said he didn't study here at the station, because he couldn't concentrate. He must of really poured it on in his off time. I'm really proud of him, as I know the others are.

What they didn't know, is that I knew what my outcome was going to be before I even took the test. I had no intention of passing that test and having to make the decision to leave the paramedic program that I love, the station I love and my partner and best friend. I wouldn't have even thought about taking the test if it hadn't been for Joanne wanting me to have a safer job. The money was also a big issue.

It's not that I have anything against bettering myself but I'm just not ready. Plus Johnny needs me. It's hard to say what kind of trouble he would get himself into if he didn't have me around to keep him grounded. I'm his voice of reason. I have to admit I need him also. He kinda balances out my life, I use to be so stuffy and serious, but he showed me how to loosen up and relax.

Johnny was so stunned by the test results, he didn't know how to react. I know he didn't want me to leave, but he would've supported my decision no matter what I had decided, putting his feelings aside. He stood there rocking back and forth on his heels, not knowing exactly what to do. I could see the emotions fleet across his face. Should I console him with words of sympathy or give him a big bear hug for not leaving me. I know Johnny and if

the guys weren't around, I think I would have gotten the hug, not just the words.

Joanne was disappointed, I could tell it in her voice, yet she tried to lift my spirits by telling me there's always next year. I must be doing a good acting job, everyone thinks I'm really upset. I had to come in here to escape all the looks I keep getting. I feel guilty for deceiving everyone for my own selfish reasons, but I'll get over it. I'm happy where I am right now in my life and with the support of my family and friends, someday I will try again, for real.

I'd better get back out there before they get worried and come looking for me. With a smile on his face Roy left the locker room to join his friends. Looking around at the guys he thought, yeah, I made the right decision.

The End

Stories By Purry