Mornings are filled with activity as rangers come and go, helping volunteers and giving demonstrations. During the first few weeks, the main focus is preparing everyone to get into the ranger mindset. After this period passes, fewer rangers are needed at the base and the focus can be shifted completely to guests and emergencies.

Onyx stepped out of the classroom after an early morning demonstration. He'd been up since about three in the morning, preparing demonstrations and the activities that would be happening throughout the day. Onyx frowned at his mug as he finished the rest of his coffee.

What'd the mug do to you, Boss?

Onyx turned to see Jasper leaning up against the wall next to him. He raised a brow.

Good mornin' Cap'n, I saw we're going on a sector survey today, where we headed?

The second sector.

Mhmm, Jasper hummed, Well I'm ready whenever you are, boss.

We still have a few minutes before we head out, Onyx replied, turning to walk back towards the kitchen. He walked for a few minutes before he heard footsteps trailing him. As he entered the kitchen, he shut the door behind himself. While he refilled his cup, he glanced over to see Jasper right there, smiling.

Could I ask you a question, Sir? he spoke, leaning against the counter.

If you must.

How do you take your coffee?

Onyx raised a brow at the question, Why the hell would you want to know?

Curiosity, Jasper shrugged, readjusting his ranger's hat in the process. Maybe I'll just guess how ya take it.

He continued to ignore the sergeant's presence as he rambled on.

You don't really seem like a sugar and milk guy, but I seriously doubt you take your coffee black. Only a sociopath does that. Although that could relate to you but who knows. I feel like you put something different in your coffee, like honey or something-

Are you done? Onyx snapped, turning to look at the sergeant as he finished making his coffee.

It's definitely honey, huh? Jasper grinned.

C'mon, Onyx sighed, heading out towards the supply bay. Outside, Onyx spotted Cherryl leading a group of volunteers out towards the back trail. He gave her a brief wave and she gave him a quick middle finger. He huffed a laugh, turning to open up one of the garage doors.

She seems pissed with you, Jasper laughed. They both walked into the garage where various Search and Rescue vehicles were kept. Tools lined the walls and a few bags were laid out on the counters.

Just a little banter, he gruffed, throwing a few bags into the back of an orange pickup truck.
Here, take these, he handed Jasper a folder. Those are topographic and aerial maps of the park. The light green zone is sector two. He briefly checked the bags, making sure they had everything they'd need for the day. It'll be at least 8 hours before they return.

This will be my first time out in this part, Jasper noted, flipping through the folder.

Well it's a good thing I'm taking you out there, it'll be good practice, he spoke. Did you prepare your bag?

Yes sir, it's in the locker room.

Go grab it, I have a few more things here for you.

Jasper nodded, jogging out of the garage. It was only a minute later he'd return with his supply bag. Compared to Onyx's, his was still in good condition, while his had a few tears from overuse.

Onyx set out a GPS unit, tape measures, a digital camera, extra batteries, gloves, flagging tape, a ruler, and a few extra AMDR guides. He placed a small flashlight down as well.

The hell is this supposed to do, Jasper snickered, picking up the tiny light.

Just put it in the bag, sergeant, Onyx bit back, throwing his pack into the back of the truck bed. He ignored Jasper's eye roll.

After double-checking the gear, they both hopped into the truck. Onyx radioed to Tommy as he pulled out of the garage. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to getting back outside again. The weather would be warm until it reached August, which then they'd see some change in weather. Until then, every day would be sunny and warm.

They took the service road out towards sector two. While Cherryl would be taking her group to sector one, which is composed of campgrounds, picnic areas, and smaller trees, the area they'd be headed was located in some of the old growth. Tall pine trees, oak, and aspen trees were common to find all throughout this area. To get there, they'd have to cross the river, which there was one single vehicle-friendly bridge they'd take.

Jeez it's pretty out here, Jasper breathed, opening his window to look out. The wind stirred up the inside of the truck, a few papers scattering about.

Aye alright close it, Onyx grumbled, glancing over. The sergeant's long hair was flying all over in the morning light. His hat was lying in his lap as Jasper breathed in the warm air. Onyx huffed.

They crossed the bridge, the car bouncing across the wooden panels. Underneath the cold water rushed across rocks and logs. The water came from the winter melting snowfall up the mountains but would decrease in size as the summer went on. Across the river, the pines opened up and greeted the two as they drove into the dense forest.

Jasper rolled his window up, leaning back in his seat as he tapped his finger idly on the armrest.

It already looks a lot different up here than it did down at Sienna Creek, Jasper spoke.

The Sienna base has a pretty good range of things you can expect from the different regions of the park except the caves. You should've gotten some basic training for cave rescue.

I did, they took us near the Crow's Pass river for a few of the smaller caves there. Y'know I actually really enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Onyx laughed softly, Just wait ''til you see these caves here, we keep most of them locked because many of them are so expansive. More experienced spelunkers can come by our office with a permit to get a key.

I'm looking forward to spelunk with you then, Onyx, Jasper winked.

Hmm, we'll see, the captain replied. The truck came to a slow as they reached a small picnic area. They both hopped out, and Onyx brushed off his hands as he walked around the back to grab his pack. Jasper did the same, securing his bag as he looked around his surroundings.

Birds singing and squirrels running could be heard all around. The pines breathed above as the warm summer air curled along the branches. The entire area appeared to not have been touched in a while. Onyx looked around as he pulled a folder out. Inside, he had previous notes on the status of key points in the sectors.

What're we lookin' at, Cap'n?

Onyx glanced over, In that folder I gave you, there's some copies of notes I made. We're trying to confirm if some features match from the last survey, if anything is missing, how the general environment is, existence of unmarked trails, anything along those lines, he stood up, dusting off his pants.

We have to give these back to the forest service as reports to let them know our park is stable. Though, they'll come at least once a season to check every sector in the park to take samples and whatnot.

That sure sounds interesting, Jasper chuckled, Taking samples of dirt.

Onyx smiled softly, Don't let 'em hear you talk bad about their dirt now.

Jasper barked out a laugh.

They continued surveying the area for a little while longer, taking note of a new fallen tree and the wood slowly falling apart at one of the picnic tables. Afterward, they packed up again, hopping into the truck to make their way to the next few stops. They surveyed another area where various rock formations created interesting patterns amongst the trees, this section tends to be popular with guests to take photos at, so rangers must keep a close eye on it.

It was nearing 1 o'clock after they finished up the second survey and Onyx figured it was time for a short break. He pulled down the truck bed door, sitting on the back as they dug into their packed meals.

Y'know, the food is so much better out here compared to my last station, Jasper glanced over, biting into his sandwich.

I don't think peanut butter jelly is that hard to mess up, is it? Onyx raised a brow.

I just mean in general, I know we've only been here one night but our cooks are really good, he shrugged. Even breakfast was really good.

Onyx nodded in agreement. I've known those guys for years, they work almost every season and I've never had a complaint.

Cherryl was telling me you work a lot, is it true you work all year 'round?

Y'all gotta stop gossiping with that lady, he huffed, taking a sip from his canteen.

It is true though?

Onyx looked at Jasper briefly, he looked genuinely curious rather than teasing.

Yeah, I do.

How do you pull that off? Isn't it like…required to have breaks for rangers?

I think you're forgetting I'm a Captain.

No shit, but it still applies.

Onyx shrugged. I know some people.

That doesn't sound ominous or anything, Jasper grinned. A bit of the jelly from his sandwich leftover on his mouth.

Nothing to worry about, except ur ability to not wipe your mouth, sergeant.

Onyx hopped off the truck bed as Jasper balked slightly, scrubbing his mouth. They both packed up once again, Onyx starting the car as Jasper hopped inside. As they made their way to their last stop, Jasper hummed.

You think you could maneuver your way through this park without a map?

Do you always ask dumb questions?

Everyone loves a hypothetical.

Onyx sighed, thinking for a minute as he drove.

Maybe.

Oh c'mon you gotta be a bit more confident than that.

I'm a Search and Rescue captain, why the hell would I be anywhere without a map?

You've been holding up at this area of the forestry park for like, ever. Surely you could figure out where you are pretty fast, Jasper turned, looking at Onyx with an incredulous expression.

Arghh, Onyx groaned for a minute, Alright yeah probably.

Jasper cheered.

The final stop was a meadow found deep in sector two, this select area was known as Nellhill. Although it was near one of the trailheads, illegal camping was prevalent throughout this area because of the clearing. Onyx personally wouldn't mind having campers here, he'd be lying if he said he didn't think about camping there too, but the forest service would rather preserve it for the local plants and wildlife. A couple of aspen trees dotted the outside of the meadow.

Onyx began writing his notes as Jasper came to stand next to him, overlooking the long grass.

You takin' notes there, sergeant? Onyx asked, not bothering to look up as he continued writing.

Yeah, just looking around first.

The grass moved steadily with the wind, creating a peaceful moment. It was hard not to feel a sense of peace while out in nature.

Hey, I think I see a dog moving out there.

Onyx looked up, slightly confused. He looked out towards the treeline, though he didn't see any movement besides the flowing grass and trees.

Where at?

Jasper was staring out at the distance, I swear I saw a dog, I saw its back moving up across the field over there, sir. He pointed out towards the back where Onyx was looking.

I think you're seeing things, Jasper, Onyx spoke, glancing at the sergeant.

Jasper almost looked a little desperate, I swear cap'n it was out there-

Our forest doesn't have wolves. You might've just seen a deer.

But cap'n, I've seen deer, it didn't look like that.

Onyx looked back out towards the meadow. Nothing.

C'mon sergeant.

Jasper let out a deep sigh, looking back towards the meadow before he turned to follow Onyx.

Back at the base, Jasper helped Onyx unload the truck. The sergeant was slightly quiet in the car ride back to base but was once again chatting the captain's ear off as they arrived.

Y'know I think I could light a fire much faster than any of the other guys here, especially with flint and steel.

I'd love to see you try, Onyx spoke, flipping through the reports.

Here, think you can finish these and drop them off to Tommy?

Sure thing, Cap'n, Jasper nodded, taking the forms. I enjoyed going around, think I can sneak on a few more missions with ya? Jasper playfully batted his eyes.

Onyx thought for a minute about the sergeant's request. He would definitely be a liar if he said he didn't enjoy the time out with the sergeant. Compared to the other rangers, Jasper knew when to take things seriously, but still kept the trips lighthearted and fun. He wasn't what Onyx had expected.

I'll see what I can do, Onyx nodded.

Hell yeah! Jasper celebrated, patting the captain's back before dashing inside. See you at dinner!

Onyx stood there beside the truck, watching him leave.

Onyx sat back, listening to everyone chat in the mess hall. Jasper was having a very intense discussion about flint and steel with Spencer. It was beginning to sound like there would be a campfire competition in the future. He might have to remind the others about not playing with fire again.

How'd the survey go today?

Onyx glanced sideways at Seal. They were seated next to Onyx, a bit further away from everyone else for the sake of the conversation.

Good actually, Onyx sipped from his mug, trying not to be too obvious.

I can tell.

Onyx looked at Seal with a look. What's that supposed' to mean?

You don't look like a worried father like you did yesterday, they joked. In all seriousness, you appear more relaxed.
It was a good time. Tommy was right, he's a lot more laid back than I realized.

There you go, Seal smiled. Keep that up Onyx, and you'll start making more friends for once.

Alright I've had enough jokes for today, Onyx shook his head as Seal laughed.

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