Disclaimer: I don’t own the guys from Emergency so please don’t sue me. I promise to put them back in one piece when I’m done with them.

An interesting shift leads to interesting dreams as seen through Mike Morton’s eyes.

Dear Journal,

First let me apologize for not having written in so long. It seems the hotter it gets outside, the crazier work gets. Today hit home so hard, I dreamt about it. Between the events and my dream I am wide wake at 0130. NOT GOOD! I am hoping writing about it will help. This is going to be extremely emotional but here it goes.

*********************************************************************

Work was especially insane today. I think I saw more of the paramedics today then their own shift mates did. I did an eat it now taste it later with lunch. I packed mine today thankfully. The hospital food here, well, that’s another rant for another time.

I walked out of the lounge and headed for the base station, where a tired Kel Brackett was talking to an equally tired Dixie McCall and said, “Kel, Dixie, go eat. I’ll cover the base station. Make sure you get some coffee too.”

Kel nodded. Dixie looked up at me and smiled, “Thanks Mike.”

“You’re welcome Dix.”

The tired duo left. Man they make a good couple. Kel really should ask her.  Clearing my head of match making thoughts I settled in. I hoped the county, especially in 51’s area, would settle down. We may not always see eye to eye, but I hold those guys in high regard. They’ve been in here so much already today, I wondered if they had been reassigned to permanently respond from here. Yeah it’s been that kind of day! Ugh!

*********************************************************************

My thoughts were interrupted as the base station came to life. Quickly I walked over and grabbed a pen and paper, ready for whatever.

Seconds later Johnny Gage’s voice came over the radio, “Rampart, this is squad 51. How do you read?”

I thought, “So much for a quiet day for us or them.” I quickly cued the radio, “Go ahead 51. This is Rampart I read you loud and clear.”

“Rampart, we have an auto accident with two drivers. One has only minor cuts and is refusing treatment.”

“10-4 51. What about your second victim?”

“Rampart, our second victim is an approximately fifty-five year old male restrained driver. He is currently comatose. He has possible broken ribs and a confirmed right tib-fib closed. We currently have him on six liters of O₂.”

“10-4 51. Do you have any vitals?”

“That’s affirmative Rampart. BP is 140 over 90. Pulse is 110 and respirations are 18. Eyes are reactive but sluggish.”

I grimaced, “10-4 51. Use full spinal precautions, splint the leg and wrap the ribs. Continue oxygen.”

“10-4 Rampart.”

“51, how are the neural responses?”

“Intact Rampart.”

“10-4 51. Is the ambulance on scene?”

“Affirmative Rampart. ETA approximately 10 minutes.”

“10-4 51. We’ll be ready and waiting for you. Rampart out.”

I let go of the radio and picked up the phone. Within a minute I had Joe Early being paged and x-ray on their way down. Just as I hung up, Kel and Dixie walk back over. Kel asked, “What’s up Mike? We heard the page for Joe…”

Dixie added, “And figured we’d see if we can help.”

I answered them both, “51’s bringing in a nasty one. MVA 55 year old male with possible head and chest injuries. There is also a confirmed leg injury.”

Kel let out a frustrated sigh, “They just keep coming today.”

“You know it Kel.  What’s open Dix?”

“I’ll have three set up and waiting.”

“Thank you.”

Dixie turned and left. I said to Kel, “I’m going to wait for them outside. I have a feeling we’re going to need all the time we can get on this one.”

Kel glanced at my notes and grimly said, “You’re right Mike.” I headed for the doors. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right about this call.

*********************************************************************

Seven minutes after Johnny’s last transmission the ambulance and squad come barreling into the parking lot. Show time! I felt my heart rate pick up slightly as I watch the guys unload the patient.

As soon as the doors opened, I asked, “Any change?”

“Nope.”

As they fully wheeled the patient in I was shocked. The patient was my Commanding Officer in the Navy reserves, Admiral Gordon.

“Get him in three, stat!”

I took a deep breath and followed the guys down the hall and into the room. Dixie, Kel and Joe were already waiting.

“Dixie, get an outside line stat! Kel, get the Admiral’s vitals.”

We moved the Admiral to the table. I asked, “John, did you cut his pants?”

Roy answered me, “I did.”

“Okay. Where are his jacket and hat?”

“I have them in the squad.”

“Thank you.”

I took a quick breath, “Admiral Gordon, sir, can you hear me? It’s Lieutenant Commander Morton.”

I knew the others were stunned but to bad instinct kicked in. Admiral Gordon groaned slightly. I continued my exam, “Admiral, open your eyes.”

Nothing. Damnit!

Joe quickly spoke, “Let me look.”

“Go ahead Joe.”

I backed away from the table to give Joe room to work. I looked over at Kel who was watching the vitals, “Kel?”

“Stabilizing. BP now 130 over 80. Pulse is 100. Respiration 15.”

“Good. Dixie, do you have the outside line?”

“Just got it Mike.”

“Excellent.”

I walked over and took the phone from Dixie. Roy and Johnny were just off to the side. I don’t think they wanted to leave after hearing my voice. It was about to get a whole lot uglier.

*********************************************************************

I quickly dialed a number from memory. As I did I turned and asked, “Joe?”

“Reflexes are intact, but still out cold.”

Just then some one finally picked up on the other end, “Med clinic records. This is Ensign Anthony.”

“Ensign, this is Lieutenant Commander Michael Morton at Rampart General in Torrance.”

“Lieutenant Commander, what can I do for you?”

“Ensign, I need you to fax Admiral Jack Gordon’s records to 555-9681. Double time! The Admiral was just brought in with severe injuries.”

The tone in my voice must have told the Ensign not to mess with me, “Yes sir. They will be there in five minutes.”

“Thank you.”

I hung up. Dixie was already three-quarters of the way out the door, “I’ll get them Mike.”

“Thanks Dix.”

*********************************************************************

I shuddered momentarily, couldn’t help it. It was so damn difficult to see the man who saved my behind more then once laying on the exam table out cold. Hell he was my running partner just last weekend.

I couldn’t keep the frustration out of my voice when I asked, “Where the hell is x-ray?”

Joe quickly answered, “I’ll check.”

I took a quick look at the Admiral’s dog tags as I drew blood for a full work up. Thankfully, he wore them today.

I turned to Kel, “Kel, have the lab prep four units O positive just in case.”

“Okay.”

Joe asked, “How do you know his type?”

I finished drawing the blood as I answered, “It’s on his dog tags Joe. Plus I’ve pumped him up before.” “Roy, take this to the lab tell them I need a complete workup stat.”

“You got it doc.” I handed Roy the blood and he left.

I turned back to Jack, “Admiral, can you hear me? Sir, it’s Lieutenant Commander Morton. I need you to open your eyes.”

Still nothing but a groan. Ugh! He was really going make me work. I looked up as the seemingly revolving door to the treatment room opened again. Dixie walked in with the records. Roy and x-ray follow her in and said, “Lab will have it in five minutes.”

I was stunned at the speed, “How?”

Roy grinned slyly, “Lets just say I convinced them just how important the Admiral is.”

I saw a gleam in Roy’s eyes. I knew I was probably better off not knowing the details and just shook my head. Johnny grinned.

Dixie spoke up, “I have his records Mike.”

“Thanks Dix.”

Suddenly the Admiral groaned loudly. I quickly asked, “Admiral, can you hear me?” I took the fallen man’s hand and continued, “Sir, squeeze my hand if you can hear me.”

I felt a slight but tight squeeze. Honestly it was all I could do to stay professional. Joe dimmed the lights.

“Thanks Joe.”

“You’re welcome Mike.”

I turned my full attention back to Jack, “Admiral, it’s Lieutenant Commander Morton. Can you open your eyes?”

Slowly they fluttered as I continued to encourage him, “That’s it nice and slow, sir.”

The Admiral’s eyes opened as he spoke slowly, “Lieutenant Commander.”

I grinned broadly as Joe turned the lights back up, “Welcome back sir.”

With the lights back on Jack got a good look at what I was wearing as I adjusted his oxygen, “You’re not in uniform.”

I grinned, “No sir. I am a civilian right now. You’re at Rampart General Hospital in Torrance.”

“Okay. Ugh! Why am I strapped down?”

“You remember you were in a car wreck?”

“Yeah, some dumb ass cut me off just after I got off the 405.”

I looked at Roy and Johnny to confirm the story. Both nodded yes. “Yes sir. Well we need to get some x-rays to make sure there isn’t a neck or back injury.”

Jack groaned then took a deep breath, “Alright Lieutenant Commander lets get this show on the road.”

“Yes sir, I’ll be back.”

“Okay.”

I turned back to the x-ray techs and said, “Chest, full spinal, right tib-fib.”

One of the techs said, “Yes sir.”

I turned back to Jack and smiled, “Jack, be good.”

Jack smiled as he grumbled, “Alright.”

I chuckled lightly as the treatment room empties.

*********************************************************************

I shuddered slightly as the door closes. Roy and Johnny grabbed me.

It was Roy who spoke calmly, “Easy Lieutenant Commander.”

Kel and Joe were paged. Kel looked at me, frustrated and said, “Sorry Mike.”

“It’s okay guys. Go.”

Kel and Joe left. Roy nodded slightly at Johnny. Roy was keeping an eye on me as I tried to keep myself together professionally.  That wasn’t easy!

Johnny picked up their HT, “LA, squad 51.”

I heard the dispatcher Sam Lanier, “Go ahead 51.”

“LA, squad 51 will be out of service forty-five minutes.”

“10-4 squad 51. LA clear KMG 491.”

Johnny cued the radio again, “Engine 51, HT 51.”

Listening to Johnny I couldn’t help, but wonder what the guys were up to.

This time I heard Hank Stanley’s voice come back on the radio, “Go ahead John.”

“Cap, what is your location?”

“Just coming up to Rampart.”

“Can you stop by Rampart?”

“10-4 HT 51. ETA two minutes.”

“10-4 engine 51. HT 51 out.”

I turned to Roy and asked, “Roy, what’s up?”

Roy smiled and said, “Nothing serious doc. Just relax.”

Something told me these guys have something in mind. Ah well I trust ‘em.

Roy turned to Johnny and said, “I’ll go wait for the guys.”

“Okay.”

Roy left as the x-ray tech walks out of treatment three.

*********************************************************************

Welcome back to the present for a second. This is a conversation Roy told me about as they were about to head back to the station.

*********************************************************************

Roy walked out to the ambulance bay. He got to the bay just as Mike Stoker pulled the big engine in. Within a minute the engine crew was at Roy’s side.

Seeing only half of his paramedic duo, Hank became worried, “Roy, are you guys okay?”

“We’re fine Cap. I actually need Mike’s help.”

Mike was surprised, “Me?”

“Yes Lieutenant.”

Roy’s mention of his Naval rank quickly grabbed Mike’s attention, “What happened?”

“I have a Lieutenant Commander struggling with mending an Admiral.”

Mike looked over at Hank and said quickly, “Cap, call us down for forty-five.”

“Sure.”

Roy led Mike and the others into the hospital. Roy said to them, “Meet us in the lounge.”

“Sure.”

*********************************************************************

At the same time Roy walked outside.

The x-ray tech walked out of treatment three and said, “Pictures are up on the light board for you.”

“Thank you.”

Johnny and I walked back in the room.

As we walked in Jack asked, “Mike?”

“Yes Jack.”

“Okay.”

“Jack, I’m going to have a medic check your vitals while I look at your x-rays.”

“Okay. Lieutenant Commander Morton.”

I turned on my heel and faced Jack at the mention of my rank, “Sir?”

“Give it to me straight. No matter what it is.”

“Of course sir.”

I turned back to the light board and took a quick breath. It hurt to see him like this. I grimaced when I saw the film. The only good news was there no neck or back damage. The ribs were broken and the leg needed surgery.

I took a quick breath and turned around, “Admiral Gordon, we need to talk sir.”

Jack picked up on my tone and grew serious, “What’s the damage, Lieutenant Commander?”

“There is no neck or spinal damage. However, your leg is going to need surgery and you have four broken ribs two on each side.”

Jack turned sarcastic, “Lovely.” Then he set his face to pure determination and continued, “Can I get off this damn board before surgery.”

“Of course.”

Just then Roy and Dixie walked back in. I looked up and said, “Dix, call the ortho surgeon on call. Tell him we have a tib-fib closed on a fifty-five year old male.”

“Sure Mike.”

Roy walked over to the table. Jack asked, “Who?”

Roy calmly answered, “Admiral, nurse Dixie McCall is on the phone. I was Sergeant Roy Desoto United States Army medic. Now I am Los Angeles County firefighter paramedic Roy Desoto.”

I was stunned I never knew Roy was in the Army.

Roy continued respectfully, “At your feet is Los Angeles County firefighter paramedic John Gage.”

“Good to meet you Roy, Johnny.”

Johnny said, “You too sir.”

Roy said, “Pleasure’s all mine sir.”

I asked Johnny, “Johnny, can you and Roy roll Jack? I’ll get the board.”

“Sure doc.”

In seconds, the guys were in position. Roy was at Jack’s head. Johnny was at his feet. Johnny undoes the straps while Roy removes the collar.

Roy looked at me, “Ready?”

“On your count.”

“Go.”

Roy and Johnny rolled Jack as I slid the board out. On instinct with the board gone, the guys rolled Jack back.

Dixie spoke up then, “Ortho is on stand by. They are sending down a prep team now.”

“Thanks Dix.”

Roy asked Jack, “Admiral, do you want to sit up?”

“Please, if it’s okay.”

“Yes sir you can sit up until ortho gets here.”

Roy slowly raised Jack’s head. Half way up Jack stopped him, “That’s good.”

Nervous as hell but trying to stay professional, I couldn’t help but take Jack’s vitals again. I breathed a sigh of relief, stable.

Jack picked up on my nerves, “Lieutenant Commander Morton.”

“Yes sir?”

“Do a unit recall.”

“I plan too when ortho takes you upstairs sir.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Admiral.”

Without a word Dixie picked up the phone to get another outside line.

Jack turned to Roy, “Sergeant Desoto.”

Roy quickly said, “Sir?”

“Did you and John respond to the wreck?”

“Yes sir we did.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Admiral.”

Johnny added, “You’re welcome sir.”

*********************************************************************

The prep team from ortho walked in. I looked at Jack, “Admiral these are the guys who are going to take you upstairs.”

“Okay.”

I looked at the prep team and requested, “Make sure someone keeps me updated.”

Jack looked at the prep team and said, “One second gentlemen.”

One of the guys said, “Make it quick.”

Jack’s voice took on a slightly commanding tone, “Lieutenant Commander Morton attention!”

On instinct I snapped ramrod straight to attention. Out of habit Roy and Johnny also stiffened. Jack looked me in the eye, “You’ve done good Mike. Now go relax.”

“Aye aye sir.”

“Dismissed.”

“Yes sir.”

I stayed at attention as the prep team moved Jack and left with him. As the door closed I relaxed and shuddered. Dixie handed me the phone and gently said, “It’s an outside line Mike.”

I stuttered a bit as I said, “Th-thanks.” My hands shook briefly.

Roy spoke calmly, “Easy Lieutenant Commander, he’s in good hands.”

I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t going to be easy.’

Johnny added, “Lean on us doc, you’re okay.”

I dialed the number to my unit’s second in command. One quick breath and Captain Mitchell answered, “This is Captain Mitchell.”

“Captain Mitchell, this is Lieutenant Commander Morton.”

Immediately Captain Mitchell became concerned, “Is everything okay?”

I thought to myself, ‘Everybody’s going to want to know what’s wrong. I need him to recall everybody to the hospital, unit recall time.’ Out loud I said, “No sir. I need you to do a unit recall. Admiral Gordon was involved in a traffic accident and brought into the hospital I work in.”

“Morton, what the hell is his condition?”

“Stable sir. He is heading for surgery as we speak to repair a broken right leg. He also has four broken ribs.”

“You’re at Rampart General, correct?”

“Affirmative sir.”

“Once the recall is complete we’ll be there in forty-five.”

“Understood sir. Meet me in the emergency department.”

“Understood.”

We hung up. I turned to Dixie, “Dix…”

“How many?”

“If everybody is in town forty.”

“We’ll be ready.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Johnny spoke up then, “Come with us doc.”

*********************************************************************

Shaking slightly I nodded. I wasn’t sure where the guys were going to take me but I knew I had to clear my head. Dixie opened the door as I let the guys lead me out of the room. Dixie split to prepare for my unit.

Roy and Johnny led me over to the lounge. Roy opened the door and we walked in. I was stunned to see the rest of 51’s A shift.

Marco Lopez kept his voice gentle as he spoke first, “Easy doc.”

Mike Stoker’s naturally calm voice was next, “Lieutenant Commander Morton.” My head snapped up. Not only was I surprised to hear my rank, but I was also surprised by the speaker. Mike continued, “Relax sir. The Admiral is safe.”

I finally allowed myself to breath for the first time since Admiral Gordon was brought in and started to shake. Six pairs of understanding hands grabbed me.

Mike was right in front of me, “You done good sir. The dumb ass that caused the wreck is already in police custody.”

I shuddered in relief a few times then relaxed. I locked eyes with Stoker and asked, “Sir, you know rank?”

Mike smiled tightly, “”Well Lieutenant Commander, call me Lieutenant Stoker if it will help you stay calm. “

I was even more stunned then when I found out Roy was in the Army, “Lieutenant, I didn’t know you were in the Navy.”

Mike chuckled, “Not many people do sir.”

Mike sobered up, “Did you do a recall?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

*********************************************************************

Welcome back to the present. I could spend a month relaying the rest of the day in full detail, but I am going to skip to my dream now since it’s 0230. A quick update on Admiral Gordon first. He’s stable, surgery went beautifully. He will be a guest at hotel Rampart for a few more days. Now on to the dream.

*********************************************************************

I arrived home from work about 2300 after checking on Admiral Gordon one more time. Almost immediately I fell asleep. I was so tired I’m surprised I made it home in one piece. Even though I was beyond exhausted, my brain never shut completely down. Having had the Navy on my mind since Admiral Gordon came in I was curious to see where my mind was going to take me.

My eyes opened, but I was not in my bed. I looked down and saw that I was in my Navy dress uniform.

The first thought through my mind was, “Alright what’s going on?”

Then I heard Kel Brackett yell, “Mike!”

I turned around and saw Kel, Dixie and Joe along with 51’s A shift walking toward me. My jaw dropped in the dream when I saw what they were all wearing. Kel, Roy, Dixie, Chet and Hank were all wearing full Army dress uniform. Mike was in his Navy dress uniform. Joe was in his Marine Corps dress uniform. The only two non-military members, Johnny and Marco, were in fire department dress. I was stunned and confused at the same time. Stunned to see what the group is wearing. Completely confused as to what the hell am I dreaming of.

Mike Stoker grinned, “How are those new Commander’s bars going to feel?”

I choked and thought, “Commander’s bars. What in the? Am I being promoted?” I must have seemed stunned because Mike chuckled as I smiled, “S-strange at first Lieutenant, but wonderful afterward.”

Mike grinned, “I’m sure.”

Before anybody else could say anything I heard Jack’s voice, “Lieutenant Commander Morton.”

Dixie smiled and said, “That’s our cue to leave Mike.”

Johnny gave me his lopsided grin, “Doc, go have fun. Don’t worry about anything.”

Roy smiled and added, “We’ve got everything covered.”

Looking at the nine smiling faces I knew Johnny and Roy were right.

I settled my nerves and smiled, “I will guys.”

*********************************************************************

At that point I woke up suddenly to the sound of my neighbor’s car backfiring. Damnit!!! Well now wide awake I headed off in search of my journal. Now an hour and half later at 0300 I am going to try and go back to sleep and dream up the rest of my promotion ceremony.

Til we meet again

Lt. Commander Doctor Mike Morton