The mountain tops glimmered with the remainder of the spring snow falls. The trees danced as winds picked up throughout the local valley. Summer was quickly approaching, and the local forestry areas were beginning to open up. Campers and hikers alike would begin making their way to these parks to bathe in the great wilderness, and Onyx could tell it was going to be a busy season.

Theodore Onyx Nankoweap was the current captain of the fourth sector's Search and Rescue team, located in the Kevilla Valley, a well known park expanding 3 million acres, consisting of dense forests, mountains, rivers, and caves. Because of this park's broad terrain, the forestry department decided a full Search and Rescue force must be appointed throughout the park. Onyx was grateful to have been given the position as captain, but it wasn't without his constant devotion to the park.

Onyx parked his truck outside the local bar, stepping out into the quiet town. Soon the entire town will be bustling with activity as tourists make their way over for the summer, the valley a perfect spot for families and hikers. He pulled his coat closed, walking into the warm bar.

Compared to the dead town, it was lively inside. Many of the people inside were SAR, Forestry, and town workers back for the upcoming season. It wasn't long until Onyx was recognized.

Captain!

Onyx turned, greeting one of his current lieutenants.

Cherryl, how are you? he asked, walking towards the bar. Cherryl smiled, obviously a few drinks in. Her curly hair falling into her face as she leaned against him.

So much better now that you're here, she drawled, I was getting sick of some of the guys, they're gonna be such a pain in the ass this season, she whined.

Cherryl had worked alongside Onyx for about four years now. Although she was more of the aloof type, she was one of the best guides when it came to their work. She had an impeccable sense of direction, her past experience revolving around cave-diving and touring groups throughout the forest area.

Well I know that hangover of yours is gonna be a real pain in the ass tomorrow during orientation, Onyx raised a brow, glancing at her.

Cherryl frowned, Don't remind me, I'm already regretting not taking the summer off, she sighed.

Chin up, lieutenant, Onyx smiled, nudging her. He had previously convinced her to take the past winter off and jump straight from the spring season to the summer season, only a week of break in-between. It wasn't her first time doing so but Onyx knew how much she hated it.

I don't know how you do it, she muttered, taking a sip from her beer. Don't you ever get tired? She asked.

Onyx shrugged, My answer is the same as last time.

You're horrible, she groaned. Onyx hadn't taken a full break in years. The assistant chief used to force him into taking a season off but gave up a couple years ago after Onyx pestered him enough. Everyone enjoyed their life outside of their work, but this was his life. And Onyx wouldn't give anything up for it.

He opened his mouth to retort back before a large commotion erupted.

You sick bastard! a voice hissed.

Onyx turned around, watching as various bar-goers stood up around an impending fight. A bar fight wasn't unheard of but not usually between two SAR rangers. In the middle were two men, one being dragged upwards by their shirt, and the other with a glob of spit rolling down their face. Onyx had actually recognized the second man as one of the paramedic rangers from the fourth sector, a very talented but fiery individual. Onyx only worked with them a handful of times because of a few past emergencies.

The man underneath was someone Onyx hadn't seen before. He looked to be around his early twenties, a few visible tattoos, long curly hair, and a wide shit-eating grin. There was no regret in those eyes, and Onyx knew this was going to turn out bad if it wasn't cut off quickly.

He pushed himself away from the counter, walking through a few people before speaking up.

Alright that's enough you two, let him go, he spoke, beginning to push both apart.

Like hell I am, the older one snarled, this little rat decided it'd be okay to talk down to their commanding officer.

The only reason I had to was because someone was being openly an asshole, the younger spat, plus, I don't think anyone wants to be commanded by someones who's hair makes 'em look thirty years older, he grinned.

Onyx had to quickly push the older man away as he attempted to punch the other. Yelling ensued as Onyx dodged the swing. The other quickly scurried up, a bright grin only pissing off the man more. Even Onyx had to admit he was getting tired of the situation.

He quickly pushed the older man off of himself, standing in front of the younger man.
Get the hell out of the way, Onyx, the older retorted, chest heaving.

Darryl! a new voice snapped.

Onyx turned, watching as Serrena, one of the older Captains stalked up, looking extremely pissed. She'd practically grabbed Darryl by the nape of his neck, dragging him next to her. The sight itself would've been funny without context, the much shorter woman grabbing the taller man.

The fuck is wrong with you, she hissed, you speak of going against commanding officers and then act like this, she shook her head. Serrena shot Onyx an apologetic look before turning to walk away, the paramedic in tow.

The crowd dispersed at that, everyone going back to mingling and chatting with one another. Onyx sighed, shaking his head as he turned to look at the perpetrator.

The man just smiled, and that was Onyx's cue to turn back towards the bar.

Nice one, Cherryl laughed, hiding her smile behind her new drink. Y'know, I don't think I regret not taking the summer off if it's gonna stay this exciting.

Onyx rolled his eyes as he was about to order himself a drink before the bartender simply handed him one. He looked confused for a second, about to ask before a voice suddenly piped up,

Thought I owed you something for helping me out there, Cap'n.

He quickly turned to see the man from earlier standing there next to him, grinning.

I'm Jasper, one of the new sergeants, he spoke, holding his hand out.

A sergeant? You look like a volunteer, Onyx spoke, looking him up and down.

Jasper merely laughed, patting Onyx harshly. You're funny, I've been working in the force for about four years now, he grinned.

Where at? Onyx balked slightly. While it wasn't unheard of, it was impressive to have someone make their way through the ranks at such a quick rate.

Sector six, Sienna Creek.

That made sense. Sienna Creek is a ranger station located at the west entrance of the Kevilla Valley park. It has one of the only visitor centers, the other being at the North East entrance, which hosts many of the new volunteers that enter the force.

It's your first year being a sergeant then? Onyx raised a brow, smelling the drink in his hand.

Sure is, Jasper nodded, taking a sip of his own drink. Maybe I'll see you around, Capt'n, he smiled, a glint in his eyes. Onyx frowned.

We'll see, he turned to look away.

We will, the sergeant spoke, pushing away from the bar. He patted Onyx again before vanishing into the crowd.

Cherryl laughed.

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