Note: This story was in response to a challenge to write a story in dialogue only

 

The Captain’s Office

By Lisa Damiani

 


12:00 pm

Hey, Cap?

Hey Pal, come on in.

Ok. Um.. I need a favor.

If I can.

Marco is cooking tonight. Can you please tell him to lay off the jalapeno peppers just this once? My stomach can’t handle another four alarm fire tonight.

I’ll see what I can do.

Thanks, Cap.

Sure thing, Mike.



12:10 pm

Got a minute, Cap?

Sure, Marco. What’s up?

I think maybe you should talk to Roy today.

Really? Why is that?

They lost a patient on their last run. Roy’s taking it pretty hard. He thinks there was more he should have done. You know Roy.

Yeah, I do.... I’ll have a word with him.

That’d be great, Cap. I hate watching him beat himself up over these things.

No problem. Uh- hey Marco?

Yeah, Cap?

Whach’ya cooking tonight, pal?

You’re going to love it Cap. I just got this new recipe from my mom. Carne Guisada! It’s awesome. And then for dessert, I’m going to make a  Jalapeno Pie.*

Sounds Great, pal. But do you think maybe we can have something a little sweater for dessert? My stomach has been acting finicky lately. I don’t think the Jalapeno would be a good idea. Take it easy on your ole’ captain, huh?.

Oh, well I guess I can make a strudel.

Appreciate it, pal!

You got it, Cap.



12:30 pm

Sorry to bother you, Cap.

It’s no trouble, what’s up?

I’m in a bit of a bind.

I know all about it, Roy. And believe me when I tell you, there was nothing more you could have done for that kid this morning. You have to stop beating yourself up about it. In this business there are just some patients you can’t save.

I know that, Cap. I thought about it some and talked it over a little with Marco. I know I did all I could... I just feel bad I couldn’t do more. But like you said, You can’t win them all. But that’s not really what I wanted to talk to you about.

Oh? Sorry for butting my nose in, then. What’s on your mind?

Johnny.

I should have guessed.

Yeah.. well, this morning Chet put itching powder in his shoes. Johnny’s been hopping around all morning like a Mexican jumping bean. It almost got in the way of one of our rescues. Johnny could hardly stay still long enough to start an IV on this one guy. Anyway, Johnny has an idea for “ultimate revenge” and let’s just say, it won’t be pretty. You got to talk him out of it.

I’ll see what I can do, Roy... but sometimes maybe the phantom deserves a little payback? don’t you think?

Nobody, not even the phantom, deserves what Johnny has in mind. It could make him sterile!

Oh, no, that wouldn’t be good... OK, I’ll talk to him and see if I can calm him down.

Great, Cap. Thanks!

Sure, Roy.

And um.. thanks for the advice when I walked in. It meant allot to me. I know I tend to take allot of the losses personally. It’s good to hear from people that it’s not always anyone’s fault.

Glad I could be there for you, Roy.



12:50 pm

Busy, Cap?

Just a little paperwork, John. What can I do for you?

I was wondering if you’d mind if me and Roy ran a quick errand. I need to pick up some... well... um... I need to pick a couple things for something. We’ll keep the squad available and I promise it won’t take more than 30 minutes.

John, you aren’t planning anything that can be hazardous to the phantom’s health are you?

Who me? What... you mean? Like I um... How did you kn...? Um.. no no, cap... well... Can you repeat that question?

Look John, I know Chet can be a real pain in the butt... and I know it’s really frustrating being the target every time... but just think before you do something you might regret. You don’t  want to do anything that might permanently alter his life, you know? Even if you don’t mean to. Accidents happen, you know.

Yeah, I guess you’re right. Maybe I was being a little harsh.

What were you going to do?

Um... maybe it’s better if I don’t tell you, Cap. It might change your opinion of me.

Well, Ok. If you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to.

Cap?

Yeah, John.

I’ll try to control myself and not kill Chet. But in return, can you do me a favor and just talk to him? Get him to lay off me? Even if for a little while. It’s getting so bad I have to find the courage  to come to work in the morning.

I know, John. I’ll tell him to knock it off.

Thanks!

Anytime, Pal.



1:10 pm

How’s the best Captain in the department doing today?

What do you want, Kelly?

What do I want? Can’t a guy just  stop by and say hello? See how you’re doing?

Some guys... but not you. What do you want?

Well... Ok, now that you mention it. It’s Mikey.

Stoker? What can possibly be wrong with Mike?

He’s obsessed with that engine! I mean, I’m proud of her, myself - but he’s overboard. I walked by it and sneezed just as I was passing the
bumper. Man, he was there in a heartbeat with the rag and polish! Cap, it’s unhealthy! Maybe you should assign him latrine duty once in a while. If he scrubbed the toilets half as hard as Big Red, it’d sparkle for weeks.

Sounds to me you are trying to pass the buck on your chores, Kelly.

No way, Cap! You know I enjoy doing anything my captain asks of me!

Is that so?

Absolutely.

Well, then in that case, stop messing around with Gage!

Huh?

Don’t play dumb, Phantom. That trick with the itching powder in his shoes almost caused him an accident with a patient. I don’t mind the occasional water bomb here and there but anything that prevents him from doing his job can be a serious problem. Do I make myself perfectly
clear, Kelly?

Yes, Sir. Only water bombs from here on out.

Actually, you better lay off those for now too.

What for?

It’s for  your own safety - believe me!

Oh, alright....

Catch  ya’ later , Cap.

Thanks, Chet.



1:35 pm

HENRY?! What are you doing  here? Did the couch burn down?

I’d better go check on the kids. I can use some coffee anyway…..




Author notes…
*Jalapeno Pie is an actual recipe!!

 

*Click on the picture to send Lisa feedback

 

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