Jasper walked down the trail, listening to the small chirps of birds and distant bugs. After the confirmation that Pete was missing from the tower, Onyx moved the team into immediate action. For any missing person's case, there is a strict plan that must be followed by each team member.

After Onyx prepared a group of volunteers, they met up with Cherryl's group at the tower and figured out which points of interest they should follow. Onyx determined that a hasty search would be used first, where the team could cover the most obvious places a subject might be in the least time possible. Three groups would split up and walk down all the trails for any signs of life by 1800 hours. If there was nothing, they'll begin an area search by the next day in the early afternoon.

Joining the sergeant was Cherryl and a few random volunteers. All volunteers could join on the initial search. Typically, depending on the amount of training a volunteer had, they could move up in various tier levels. If they didn't find anything, then only VP–1 and VP–2 volunteers would join the next day.

He just hoped that they'd find anything by that point. Seal had actually headed back to base early. After planning, Jasper could see Seal speaking with Onyx, presumably about what they'd found in the tower.

When they finished, Onyx gave his group orders to walk down the Rabbit's Foot trail, a small rocky trail that passes the tower and continues on toward a large lake called Salvation Lake. The lake provides itself as a marker for the edge of the Kevilla Valley Park. Everything past that point is unprotected forest managed by the state.

Jasper tilted his head down, surveying the ground and local area. The weather hadn't improved either. The wind was still blowing and light sprinkles of rain began to fall. Jasper pulled his hood up, frowning.

With the incoming storm, Jasper knew there was a high chance any evidence left behind could get washed away. Furthermore, Pete left his bag in the tower, so if Pete was truly lost outside, he didn't have any gear that could help him. Jasper hated the feeling of doubt that burned in his chest.

He deeply wished the entire situation could be a normal search call.

One of the volunteers tripped, yelping slightly as their foot snagged on one of the rocks. Jasper hurried over, helping the volunteer into a sitting position.

Thank you, the woman winced, pulling her sock down to look at their ankle. Cherryl walked over quickly.

What happened? she asked, standing over the two. Rain was beginning to come down harder, water droplets dripping down Cherryl's bangs.

Slipped on the rocks, ach, the volunteer grunted. I think I might've twisted it.

It looks like it. Think you can make it back? she asked, looking it over.

Yeah I can, she nodded.

Jasper, you should take her back. Let Onyx know and he'll figure out how to get her back safely.

The sergeant was in the middle of pulling his medical pouch out before he looked up quickly, You sure?

Cherryl nodded, Get your rest, we'll need your help tomorrow.

Okay, he nodded, sighing slightly. He would've liked to have helped complete the search but it might've been for the best.

Let me know on Onyx's satellite phone that you returned safely.

Jasper glanced over again, Cherryl looked determined, but in her eyes, he could see a hint of worry. The rain poured and the other volunteers turned to continue their trek up the rocks.

You got it.

He finished wrapping up the volunteer's ankle as the group disappeared over the top of the hill. He wiped away any water dripping down his face, nodding.

You should be okay, do you want me to help you walk? he asked, glancing over.

No no it's okay, thank you though, the woman smiled. She brushed away a couple strands of her brown hair away from her face, looking over the bandage. As Jasper pulled his bag on, the woman struggled to stand. He held a hand out, steadying her as she got up.

Thank you, again, she laughed out, slightly embarrassed. Some rescuer I am, hm?

Happens to the best of us, he replied, leading both of them back down the trail.

I'm Harper, I've seen you around but I haven't introduced myself, she smiled, holding her hand out. Jasper raised a brow before nodding.

Jasper, it's my first year here at base.

Wow, welcome to the team. Although I can't say much because this is only my second year here. I started volunteering a couple years ago though, she shrugged, limping.

I started out as a volunteer too, it was a lot of fun but I prefer being an actual ranger.

I'm sure, I think you all are super cool.

Jasper nodded, I look up to all my teammates, each one of them have impressive backgrounds and I can only hope I'll be as good as them one day.

You're definitely good, the volunteer replied, smiling. Jasper glanced over, slightly taken aback.

He snorted out a laugh, Thanks I guess.

Of course, she grinned.



By the time they returned to the tower, Jasper had to help Harper walk, holding her arm over his shoulder to take off some of the weight of her walking. A few other random volunteers ran over, talking with Harper quickly as she caught them up.

He turned to walk away before he felt a hand on his arm. Jasper turned to see Harper standing there, smiling softly.

Thank you again, I appreciate all your help.

Of course, it's my job.

We should hang out sometime, see you around? she asked.

Jasper nodded slowly, Okay.

Harper waved goodbye as she was led down the trail back towards the employee parking zone. Jasper looked around the area, spotting Onyx by the base of the tower, standing underneath the doorway with his clipboard, speaking with one of the groups that had returned early.

As Jasper walked up, Onyx nodded, breaking off from the group's conversation. The captain looked tired. Jasper could assume he hadn't slept at all the previous night, and if he had, he didn't for very long. Jasper couldn't imagine the stress the captain was feeling now.

You're back early, where's Cherryl?

We didn't finish, one of the volunteers hurt their ankles on the slippery rocks. Cherryl had me practically drag them back.

Onyx sighed, Great. That's gonna have to go into the incident report now.

He rubbed his forehead, water rolling down the captain's temple.

Ah, I told Cherryl I'd let her know once I made it. She said you had a satellite phone.

Here, he handed the phone over, using the slight overhang of the tower to write in his notes. Jasper called Cherryl quickly, sighing softly when she picked up. She confirmed they'd be making their way back now, returning in about an hour.

He handed Onyx the phone back, watching as one of the groups headed back towards base. Rain poured steadily, a slight mist dusting the ground, and the rain gutters of the tower clicked as the wind shook them. He looked over at the captain.

How are you doing? he asked softly.

Onyx paused his writing, closing his eyes momentarily before looking up at Jasper. His eyes have never looked more exhausted.

I hate this whole situation, Jasper.

The sergeant frowned, Tell me about it then, Cap'n.

He sighed deeply, walking into the base of the tower. Inside, one of the stools from upstairs was brought down, acting as a makeshift table for various documents. Onyx set the papers aside, setting his bag on the stairs to grab a small towel.

He wiped his face off, shaking his head.

You already know why, Jasper.

I'm here to help, Onyx. I don't know how to help if you don't tell me what's eating at you.

You're already helping enough. You already know what's going on, Seal told me what you saw.

I want to listen though, he spoke, walking over to stand in front of the captain. Onyx turned, avoiding Jasper's eyes as he looked away, closing his own.

What's bothering you, Onyx? he asked, setting his hand on the captain's arm. Slowly, Onyx looked over, his brows furrowing.

This feels like my fault, Jasper, he spoke, almost in a whisper. His voice echoed softly in the hollow of the tower. The rain continued to pour outside, the wind howling inside the emptiness.

Jasper frowned, pulling his hood back as he thought. Although the situation was bad, and perhaps related to the earlier incidents, it was nowhere near the captain's control. How could it possibly be Onyx's fault when he's only ever supported and protected the park he works for. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair at all. He met the captain's eyes again.

It couldn't possibly be. We both know your devotion to your crew and you couldn't possibly wish for any of us to get hurt, he spoke, grabbing the captain's arm again.

I may not have been here for long, but even I can see that. This whole thing is not in your control. You gotta remind yourself of that. It's not in your control.

Onyx's shoulders dropped slightly, listening to Jasper's every word. All the worry that pooled in his eyes slowly dissipated.

You're a good captain, and I'm proud to be in your team. The best thing we can do is control the things we can. Jasper smiled softly, And I'm right here to help you in any way I can.

Slowly, the captain smiled too, taking Jasper's arm with his other hand, nodding.

Thank you, Jasper.

Anytime, Cap'n, he smiled back.

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