Anger couldn't even begin to describe what Onyx was feeling. The combination of unnecessary danger and Jasper's isolation was exactly what Onyx was trying to avoid while sending him out on the mission. His guilt and fear for Jasper had sent Onyx into a whirlwind of emotions that he took out on Spencer and his dumbass decisions.

As Onyx made his way to his office, he could see Spencer standing outside his door. Onyx was sure Seal had cleared him as soon as they made it back to base. Maybe even more quickly because the lieutenant wasn't even that badly affected by the experience. Onyx felt another wave of anger bubbling under his skin at the thought.

The lieutenant moved out of the way as the captain unlocked the door, not even bothering to hold the door open as they both made their way inside. Onyx dropped his clipboard on the table, sitting down as he pulled a few papers out. Spencer sat across from him as if he were a kid called into the principal's office. He looked a mixture of guilty and ashamed, holding onto his arm as he sat forward in the chair.

Alright, Onyx started, looking over at Spencer. Tell me everything that happened.

Spencer let out a small sigh before sitting up slightly. He began his recounting from when they had left the base, to talking to the two angered cavers, to when he began rappelling down. Suddenly, Spencer looked a bit more unsure, picking at his fingernail as he spoke.

After I made it to the second platform, I felt just so angry, captain.

Onyx glanced up from his incident report, eyes squinting slightly, You felt angry?

Yes sir, it sounds so stupid I know but it was like I was mad at everything. I didn't even know what I was mad at but, Spencer looked regretful, when Jasper got to the second platform I just yelled at him to go down there. I figured he'd be fine since everything seemed okay so far. I was just so upset it almost felt like I was in a haze.

You do understand what you did was completely against all orders that were given, right? That it is a reprehensible act and you risk being expelled from the program?

Yes sir, but I just felt like I wasn't thinking completely clearly at the time. Once I got away from Jasper it felt like I was beginning to clear my head. That's when Cherryl came back and I went with her.

The captain looked directly at Spencer, Your emotions can not affect your work, and it does not excuse the fact that you sent a new sergeant into a dangerous situation that he had to manage on his own. You're lucky that Jasper can make quick decisions. If he had gotten hurt because of you, you'd be out of my station by tonight.

Spencer nodded, holding his mouth shut.

I'm disappointed in you, Spencer. I understand that this job is hard but it is the reason why we do it, no matter what our emotions tell us. If you truly felt like you were not fit for the situation, you should have never accompanied Jasper down into the cave. Next time, allow your teammates to help you so that we can have the best outcome possible. If you're hindered, let us know.

The lieutenant perked up slightly.

Onyx nodded, you're not expelled, but you'll be off of missions until you have understood the repercussions.

The lieutenant let out the shaky breath he'd been holding, nodding feverishly. Okay.

You're dismissed, go seek Cherryl for guidance. Onyx paused for a second, and I'd better hear that you've apologized to Jasper by the end of the day.

Thank you, Captain, Spencer spoke, dashing out of his office quickly.



Crisp air greeted Onyx as he stepped outside to the supply bay. Pete was headed out today, and Onyx usually offers to drive the rangers up as far as the sector three cache box. Roger, the base's supplier, had just arrived to drop off the station's rations and gear, as well as boxes specifically given to the fire watch lookout.

The sun had just barely begun rising as Onyx walked outside in his park coat, tucking one of his hands into his pocket as he sipped his coffee. Roger hopped out of the forestry service truck, pulling his hood over his head.

Goddamn, you got any more of that inside? Roger asked, glancing at his coffee.

I might have some if you're accepting lists now.

Ah, yes that's right. Have your rangers gotten their books ready for all the things they'd like?

You wouldn't believe, Onyx chuckled, pulling a list out of his pocket. He handed Roger the letter, the ranger looking it over.

The service isn't gonna pay for half of this, the ranger raised a brow, a glint shining in his eyes as he began grinning, might need something in exchange to help magically have them appear.

You don't gotta do this every time, Onyx huffed, pulling an envelope out of his breast pocket. Roger took the envelope, counting the money inside.

Nice working with you, Cap! the ranger spoke cheerily, turning to unload the truck. I'll have it all by next week hopefully!

You sellin' anything now? Onyx asked, walking over to the truck to assist Roger in unloading.

Just some candy bars, the ranger gruffed as he placed a box down inside the garage.

You wanna buy some? he asked, glancing over.

Onyx shrugged, why not.

The ranger dug in the truck compartment before holding out a small box of various candy bars. Onyx selected a few chocolate and peanut butter bars, handing Roger some cash he had stored away.

After Onyx finished setting the boxes away, Roger drove off with a wave and a honk. Onyx walked back inside, spotting Pete as he walked towards the mess hall.

Hey Cap', he greeted, his pack and duffle thrown over his shoulder.
Hey, all set to head out soon? he greeted, turning to walk alongside the ranger.

Yes sir, once we're done with breakfast I'm ready to go whenever you are.

Onyx nodded.

As they walked inside, various rangers and volunteers ate as they all prepared for the day. One of the buses would be arriving soon to send people home and bring in new rangers. Cherryl was sitting at a table with Tommy and Jasper, chatting back and forth. Tommy waved over, Hey Pete! Can't believe you're leaving us so soon, he faked a frown.

It'll only be a few weeks, Tommy–boy, Pete smiled, setting his bags down. I'll be right back, he spoke before walking towards the kitchen. Onyx sat back in his chair, finishing his coffee.

Is that all that you have each morning, Cap'n? Jasper asked, eyeing the empty cup.

Yes, Cherryl replied before Onyx could.

Alright, you all judge me but I get plenty of energy just from it.

Isn't that like, against ranger code or something? Jasper asked, grinning. I thought we were all supposed to get three meals a day to stay up on our nutrition.

You all do, but you continue to forget I'm captain, Onyx rolled his eyes, glancing at his empty cup again.

Hey, have you guys seen Spencer at all? Pete asked as he walked over, setting his plate down. Jasper barked out a laugh as Tommy scoffed.

Why do you want to know? Tommy asked, folding his arms.

Alright I know he got in trouble but I still wanted to say goodbye before I left, Pete frowned, poking at the eggs on his plate.

He's outside with some of the volunteers sorting gear today. He's on cleaning and organizing duty until I give him the clear, Cherryl gruffed, sipping her coffee. Pete nodded, Okay.

Onyx stood up to grab more coffee, refilling his pot at one of the stands in the cafeteria. He jumped slightly as Jasper suddenly appeared next to him.

So Cap'n, what's on the agenda today?

You are staying here at base, Onyx replied, filling his cup. Jasper practically whined.

Oh c'mon, I've had a taste of excitement and now you're gonna keep me cooped up? Tommy has literally nothing else scheduled for me today.

Onyx rolled his eyes.

Please sir, could I go with you and Pete to the lookout? It might be a good opportunity for me to see some of the park better, he begged.

The captain sighed, thinking it over. It would be good since he could show Jasper how to access the cache boxes. It'll be a tight fit in his truck but they'd make it work. Slowly, Onyx nodded.

Yeah, alright you can come along.

Jasper clapped his hands, That's what I like to hear, thanks Cap'n! Jasper grinned, practically skipping as he made his way back to the tables. He could hear Cherryl and Tommy laughing as they all chatted.

Onyx sighed, walking back over.



Onyx started up the truck as Pete finished throwing his gear into the back. He had just said goodbye to Spencer who waved at them as they began driving off. The sun was up now, and the air was no longer chilly as they crossed the maintenance bridge.

Jasper was shoulder to shoulder with Onyx, chatting with Pete as the road became bumpy.

So, you've stayed up there before, right? Jasper asked.

Pete nodded, Yeah, a couple of times now. It's pretty nice, it's kinda isolated but I like it.

What's it like inside?

Hmm, Pete hummed for a second in thought. Well, unlike most fire watch towers, this one's two stories. The main living area is on the bottom and the top area is for observation.

You ever stay there, Onyx? Jasper asked, glancing over. He tried to ignore the rangers' close vicinity.

No, when I was assigned here I was already a first lieutenant so I couldn't leave the station, Onyx shrugged, thinking back.

How long have you been at this station? Pete asked, tilting his head.

I dunno, maybe since I was around 24 or 25.

Both Pete and Jasper balked.

You were a lieutenant at 25?

How old are you now?

Onyx shook his head, slightly annoyed, Aye, aye alright no need to start questioning my age, he huffed, looking back at the road.

Jasper was still rambling, holding his hands up in disbelief, Sir, I'm 25, I'm sorry if it's a little hard to believe that you were a lieutenant at my age.

The captain shrugged again, I was a hard worker and it paid off.

I guess, Pete sighed.

The rest of the drive was quiet as they made their way through the second sector. Onyx tapped his fingers on the wheel as they made their way up across the valley and towards Mt. Burnfire. The mountain was one of the largest in the park, and many experienced hikers tried their luck at hiking towards the top. An impressive cavern was located right on the other side of the mountain, although it remained closed to the public as it was harder to keep an eye on.

Onyx pulled the truck over at the trailhead, stepping out to open the gate. Next to the gate was the cache box that held information for visitors and rangers alike.

Thanks for driving me, Onyx, Pete spoke, grabbing his bags out of the back of the truck.

It's never a problem, make sure to send Tommy a call to confirm that the radio is working there. If we don't hear anything I'll send one of the guys to check on you.

Pete nodded, Thanks, guys.

Good luck out there, Jasper smiled, shaking Pete's hand.

See you in a couple of weeks, Pete spoke, shaking Onyx's hand.

They both waited until Pete disappeared behind the shorter trees, listening to the sounds of nature before hopping back into the truck.

Do you think I'll stay up there? Jasper asked, buckling his seatbelt as he glanced over at Onyx.

Maybe, we'll have to see in a couple of months or so if you feel more comfortable out here.

Jasper nodded, leaning back in the chair. Yeah, I'm not sure I'll go out there anytime soon. Maybe once you start driving me crazy I will.

Onyx huffed a laugh, I'm gonna be an issue?

Jasper glanced at him before focusing on the road again.

Let's hope not.



The captain parked the truck as they both stepped out. They had driven over to the second sector cache box to refill any missing medical and regular supplies. Jasper walked over to the box.

Don't you guys ever fear like, bears or something stealing all the stuff in here?

Onyx walked around the truck, pulling a box out of the back.

Well, the boxes are bear–proof and guests should be able to read instructions on the side of the box there.

He carried the cardboard box over as Jasper struggled to open the cache box.

Onyx stood there for a minute, watching the sergeant.

Push the handle in.

Jasper looked at him confused for a second before squeezing the handle. An audible click could be heard as the door swung open. Jasper cackled as Onyx shook his head in disappointment.

Inside the metal box were a few emergency medical packs, a food storage box for nearby campers, informational signs, a saber–tooth tiger sticker, and a sign–in sheet for those staying at the campsite. Many campers used this sheet to help keep track of who visited or who opened the cache box. However, many guests tend to leave notes and messages inside for others to find.

Jasper picked up the clipboard, flipping through it idly as Onyx sat the box down, using his knife to open it up.

Hey, this guy said the Nellhill Creek smells weird, Jasper chuckled, flipping the page. Someone also says that bears are cool, he spoke, enunciating 'cool'.

Onyx rolled his eyes, You gonna help sergeant or are you just gonna stand over there reading every message?

Jasper sighed dramatically, You're no fun, Cap'n.

They both finished setting up the cache, closing it shut after they finished. Onyx threw the box into the back of the truck, wiping his hands as he began walking towards the front.

Aye!

The captain turned to see a woman carrying a small child towards the sitting area, looking slightly exhausted.

Everything alright? he asked, walking over. The little boy was sniffling, his face red as
if he'd been crying for a bit. His knee appeared to have been skinned, blood running down his leg and staining his shoe.

My son fell while we were exploring one of the rockier areas. He hit a pretty sharp rock and I didn't have my medical pack with me. I saw there was supplies here, the woman explained, setting her son on one of the benches. Onyx took a closer look. It wasn't too deep but it definitely looked like it hurt.

We'll take care of it, Jasper could you–

Already ahead of you, Cap'n, Jasper spoke, carrying one of the truck's First–Aid kits. Jasper knelt to be at eye level with the kid.

Hey bud, looks like you had a pretty gnarly fall, huh? he smiled warmly, pulling a couple of disinfectants out of the bag.

The kid nodded sadly, wiping his nose.

I'm Jasper, what's your name, hmm?

Mike, the kid spoke, watching what Jasper was doing. Is it gonna hurt? his voice wavered, tears threatening to fall again.

It's gonna sting a little but you seem like a big strong guy, Jasper grinned, Here, you even got a hat to prove it.

Jasper placed his ranger hat onto the kid's head. The kid looked confused for a second before taking it off to look at it.

So, what'd you see today, Mike? Jasper asked as he began disinfecting the wound. The kid barely reacted as he was distracted by both the hat and his question.

Uhm, well my mom and I saw a funny frog by the creek, and I got to play in some of the water.

That's super cool, Jasper smiled, placing a band–aid over the wound. The kid looked at his knee, perking up a bit.

There ya go, Bud, the sergeant stood up, holding his hand out, you did super good there Junior Ranger!

The kid smiled, high–fiving the ranger back. The mom thanked Jasper as she picked her son up, Jasper's hat still firmly on the kid's head as they began making their way back towards the trail.

Onyx couldn't help but feel a rush of pride in his system, Good job there ranger, although you're down one hat now. He patted Jasper's back as he began walking back to the truck.

Jasper threw out the leftover garbage, shrugging as he grabbed the hand sanitizer out of the bag.

It's alright, I'll survive, he grinned.

Onyx merely shook his head as they both hopped back into the truck.



That evening, Onyx sat outside enjoying the evening air from the back porch as various rangers and volunteers hung out all around outside. Tonight, a few of the rangers started up a campfire and s'mores were being passed around from the day's new shipment. The captain watched as Jasper ran back up towards the porch, holding a plate.

Got ya somethin' Cap'n! he smiled broadly, falling into the chair next to the captain.

Actually haven't had one of these in a while, Onyx spoke, raising a brow as he picked up a s'more. I usually like these when they're nearly burnt.

Jasper made a face, Nearly burnt?

They're great when they're crunchy, Onyx hummed, taking a bite.

That's what the graham crackers are for, Cap'n.

Onyx waved his hand dismissively as he enjoyed the s'more. In the distance, various voices and laughter could be heard. Lightning bugs began littering the ground, soft lights flashing in the overgrown grass.

You've been doing some great work lately, Jasper, Onyx spoke, dusting off his hands.

Jasper looked slightly surprised, glancing over at the Captain as he continued.

I was pretty skeptical of you at first only because of our first interaction at the bar, but you've really gone out and shown me just how dedicated you are to the job. I really respect that dedication, and you're only going to continue to grow as more opportunities open up for you. Keep it up, sergeant.

Before Jasper could respond, Onyx turned to his side, Also, before I forget, here's something to keep that hair of yours in order.

Onyx handed Jasper one of his old SAR hats. It was a bit beat up and had a small tear on the bill of the cap but overall, was in good condition.

Jasper practically beamed as he placed the hat on his head, Awh Cap'n! You're gonna get me blushing! he sat forward in his seat slightly, playfully nudging Onyx's shoulder with his fist.

Thank you, sir, I knew you'd warm up to me eventually!

Alright alright, settled down, Onyx grumbled, his warm demeanor immediately vanishing as Jasper pestered him. Although, it didn't seem to affect Jasper at all.

Thanks again, Cap'n! he smiled before running off back towards the fire pit, Tommy and Cherryl turning to speak to Jasper as he ran over pointing at the hat.

Onyx shook his head with a small smile.

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