The drive to the Cascade River ranger station would always be one of Onyx's favorites. Dense forests and distant mountains greeted the rangers as they made their way towards the station. This side of the park was full of pine, aspen, oak, cottonwood trees, rocky mountain sides, a few deep caves, and the cascade river that splits the mountainside and the distant Mt. Burnfire. While this area is beautiful, it is hazardous, especially for those inexperienced in hiking and camping. That is why they are stationed at the Cascade River ranger station.

The station itself is one of the bigger stations, only accessible through the mountain pass and located near the Cascade River. Although their river isn't nearly as popular with guests for river rafting or tubing, there are still occasionally water-based emergencies that the rangers must be prepared for, which is why the station has a bay for both rafts and four-wheelers. It's caving that the team must be most suited for. Out of all the ranger stations, they had the most caving-related incidents. Because of the dense mountain range, there are many cave entrances found along the valley and near the river. These caves are intertwined, and with the risk of flooding from the river, the SAR team must be prepared for anything.

Onyx stepped out of the bus, stretching from the long bus ride. He couldn't help but think back to Ronnos words from earlier that morning. Power in union. Onyx looked back as his team members hopped out of the truck. Jasper stood, laughing with Tommy and a few of the volunteers. He'd just have to keep a close eye on Jasper. At the first sign of disruption, he'd see what the rangers deal was.

Alright everyone, welcome to Cascade River. This is gonna be our home for the next few months so let's treat it with the utmost respect. Cherryl is gonna give you all a tour of the grounds here after I'm done, but first, let's take attendance and move all of our gear onto the front porch, Onyx spoke to the group.

Onyx was very familiar with the base. He had just been here the previous season and was proud of how well-organized, clean, and efficient the base was. He made it Cherryls job to give everyone a tour, mainly because he knew he'd end up talking for hours about every amenity available on base.

After attendance, Onyx stepped inside as everyone made their way towards the classroom. Tommy sat behind the front receptionist's desk as he set up everything.

How's everything looking? he asked, leaning over the counter as he handed Tommy the attendance sheet.

Everything is functional thankfully, seems like we finally got a bit of a software update since last season, Tommy spoke, looking over the attendance sheet. Except this chair still has that stupid bump on the back.

Ella and I complained enough to finally get the system switched out, Onyx mused, although for some reason they refused to get us a new chair until next season.

Of course, Tommy sighed, Right when I won't be here.

It'll be fine, Onyx laughed, patting the desk. Let me know if anything, I'm gonna go make sure Seal has gotten all settled in the medical bay.

Tommy nodded as he began inputting the attendance.

The medical bay is located next to the main building. The ranger station itself is composed of a few buildings, the medical center, the main hall, and the supply bay. The main hall itself has various amenities, such as the visitor center, a classroom, lodging for rangers, volunteers, and kitchens and bathrooms. The building has been renovated many times over the years and is one of the oldest ranger stations in the park.

The medical center is one of the newer buildings and has a much more modern design compared to the inside of the main hall. Onyx still finds it creepy but Seal seems to love it.

Getting yourself all settled? Onyx asked as he stepped inside. Seal was standing beside the reception desk as they put away a few more files from their bag.

Yes, I'm just waiting for my recruits to come in now, they spoke, glancing at Onyx.

Soon enough, Onyx spoke, looking around the room. Although it was small, the medical center provided just enough for what they needed. He turned to look out the side windows, watching as the pine danced in the wind.

So, what do you think about the new guy so far, Captain?, Seals' voice startled Onyx out of his thoughts.

What? he asked, turning to look at them.

You're usually pretty open to recruits, you seem closed off with this one, Seal teased, picking up their bag as they walked towards the back.

Onyx stood there for a moment as they walked away, mulling over what they said.

Nothing to worry about, I just gotta get to know Jasper a bit better, he spoke.

Cherryl mentioned he'd caused quite the stir at the Aspen Tavern, has it got you worried? they spoke. Seal looked up at Onyx from where they were crouched on the ground, going through a few drawers.

Onyx sighed, Somewhat, I don't want him stirring any of you up or causing any fights here at base. That should be the least of our worries.

We don't know him yet. Why don't you go out and take him on a survey? I heard Tommy talking about how that needs to get done this week.

Hmm, Onyx hummed. Usually Onyx will take a group of volunteers throughout the forest to get them used to the surrounding area. It's required the first week to make sure everything is clear. However, it wouldn't be an issue if he had Cherryl take the group instead, and Onyx takes Jasper for the first few days.

Good idea, Onyx nodded. Thanks, Seal.

Anytime, you know where I am if you ever need anything, Captain, they smiled as Seal continued taking inventory.

Tommy sat in his chair, grumbling as he messed with the backing of it. The chair made a low scraping noise before it snapped forward again.

Still trying to fix that? Onyx asked as he walked inside.

It's a piece of junk, Tommy complained, sitting back in the chair defeated. How can I help you, Cap'?

Could you have Cherryl lead the group through the first sector tomorrow for the survey? Onyx asked, leaning over the desk.

You're not doing it? Tommy asked, raising a brow. You always do it.

I know, I'm gonna take Jasper out through sector two tomorrow instead.

Ah, that guy, Tommy laughed.

I guess Cherryl told you, huh?

Nah. Well, yeah she did but a bunch of the other rangers were talking about it when Spencer and I were out. I can't believe he spat on Darryl, he snickered, shaking his head. I mean, I can believe it cause that guy's an ass but-,

It's not exactly the behavior I'd like in my team, Onyx sighed. That's why I'm taking him out, I'm hoping to get to know him better.

He's actually pretty nice, we talked a lot on the bus ride over, Tommy mused, flipping through a few documents. Anyways, I'll get that taken care of for you, he grinned.

Thanks, Tommy, he frowned.

As the evening came, everyone made their way to the dining area. Usually, in the evenings, cooks would prepare dinner for the base's rangers and volunteers. It felt almost similar to a summer camp, but instead, it was full of adults tasked with watching over a local sector.

Onyx walked into the vibrant room, walking towards the back to grab something to eat. After having his own lecture for the new recruits and helping Cherryl with a few demonstrations, he was looking forward to sleeping in his private quarters.

He spotted Cherryl, Tommy, and Spencer chatting at one of the nearby tables. As he made his way over, Cherryls face lit up, Hey! You didn't tell me I was gonna be the one taking everyone out and about! she hissed.

Onyx shrugged as he sat down, taking a bite from his meal as he glanced over. It's for the best.

Yeah, the best for you and dealing with whatever you got against the new guy, she grumbled, sitting back in the plastic chair.

I was the one who said he should do it, Seal pipped up as they sat down with their own meal. Pete sat down next to them, sipping a mug of tea.

Why the hell would you do that? Now I've gotta deal with these guys even more, she waved her hand toward the crowded dining area.

Honestly, it sounds like you need some exposure to them too, Spencer spoke aloud. He snickered when Cherryl shot him a look.

That's different, she sighed. Hey, do you know when the next supply drop comes?

Onyx thought for a moment before glancing at Tommy. Second week, correct?

Yeah, although we can't start sending out a list until the fourth week.

Cherryl let out a long groan, How come they give us the perk of ordering whatever we'd like if they don't let us right away.

Just how it is, Onyx shrugged, taking a sip from his mug.

I'm looking forward to ordering my Twinkies again. I'll say it now, I still can't believe you convinced me to come back for a second time in a row, Nankoweap.

Onyx rolled his eyes.

You guys can order twinkies? That's not fair.

Jasper sat down right next to Onyx as he placed his plate down. He grinned at Onyx briefly. Hey Cap'n, haven't seen ya all day.

Yeah, tier three rangers and higher get fancy perks like that, such as our own rooms and bathrooms Spencer drawled, grinning, Like us, y'know.

I'll get there one day, Jasper smirked. I'm sure even quicker than you did, Spence.

Onyx raised a brow.

Spencer frowned at the nickname as Pete sighed softly, Just a few more years until I get my own room.

How long have you been here? Jasper asked, looking over at Pete.

I've been working under Onyx for about four years now, but this is my second year as a sergeant.

Jasper's eyes shined a little.

You go by 'Onyx'? he grinned, glancing at the captain. How come?

You're gonna have to wait a while till you get to that point, Onyx spoke gruffly, sipping his mug again.

Hell, even I don't know why we call you that, Cap', Tommy chimed in.

Cherryl rolled her eyes, It's a secret none of you will know.

What? Do you know why? Spencer questioned, grinning. Cherryl barked out a laugh.

you wish, she chuckled, picking up her empty plate. I'm hitting the hay, see you at the ass crack of dawn, rangers.

The others slowly filtered out, many of the rangers headed toward the shared barracks. Onyx gave the place a quick run-through. While it wasn't required, he always stayed up late until every ranger was asleep. It brought a sense of comfort knowing everyone was okay.

His boots echoed against the wooden paneling as he made his way to the back hallway, looking out at the dark forest beyond the courtyard. He sighed softly, enjoying the silence of the night.

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