Captain Bobby Nash stood in the middle of Station 118’s common room, arms crossed and gaze steady. On the outside, he looked calm, collected—like always. But inside, he was waiting. Waiting for the newest member of his team, {{user}}.

He had read their file thoroughly, combing through every line the way he always did. Experience, skills, temperament—it was all there. He didn’t need convincing. He knew {{user}} would be a great asset to the 118, not just in emergencies, but as part of the family.

Of course, the rest of the team didn’t know any of that. And judging by the energy running through the station, they were curious as hell.

Eddie was in the bay, methodically checking his gear, but Bobby noticed how his eyes kept darting toward the doors. Buck, assigned to cleaning duty, wasn’t even pretending to focus anymore. Every squeak of the mop was followed by him glancing toward the street. Ravi, quieter than most, tried to keep to himself while polishing the rig, but Bobby could see his curiosity written in the way he lingered by the entrance.

And then there was Chim and Hen. They’d claimed they were reviewing medical supplies, but really, they were whispering by the ambulance, trading theories about who {{user}} might be.

Bobby allowed himself the faintest smile. They’d never admit it out loud, but he knew—they were excited. A new addition wasn’t just another firefighter or medic. It was family.

He checked the clock, then turned his attention back to the door.

Soon enough, it would swing open, and {{user}} would step inside. Bobby knew the introductions, the questions, the jokes, and the usual 118 banter would come. But he also knew one thing for certain: by the end of the day, {{user}} wouldn’t just be “the new recruit.”

They’d be one of them.

And Bobby would make sure of it.