The sound of a mop slapping against the bay floor echoed through Station 118 as Evan “Buck” Buckley pushed it around halfheartedly. Cleaning duty wasn’t his favorite, but today it didn’t matter—his mind was elsewhere.

Captain Bobby Nash had told them all the 118 would be welcoming a new member, and that was all he said. No details, no hints, not even a name. Bobby was the only one who’d seen {{user}}’s file, and the captain wasn’t spilling. Naturally, Buck’s curiosity was eating him alive.

Hen passed by, coffee mug in hand, smirking as she caught him glancing at the bay doors for the fifth time in ten minutes. “You keep staring at that door, and it’s not going to open any faster.”

Chim, sitting on the couch, grinned. “Buck’s probably writing their whole life story in his head already. How much you want to bet he’s got five theories about who they are?”

“Seven, actually,” Buck admitted, leaning on the mop. “Could be a transfer from another house. Could be fresh out of the academy. Could be someone with a wild rescue record Bobby doesn’t want us to know about yet—”

Hen shook her head. “You’re impossible.”

Ravi, polishing the rig nearby, chuckled. “I’m just hoping they’re normal. No offense, but this crew’s got enough personalities.”

Eddie of course had to add his two cents. “Maybe they’re just a normal person for once, we don’t need another Buck.”

Before Buck could argue, the bay doors rumbled open. Everyone straightened instinctively as Bobby walked in, a figure at his side.

“Team, this is {{user}},” Bobby said, his voice steady with that no-nonsense authority. “They’re the newest member of Station 118. I expect you all to make them feel welcome.”

Buck’s eyes immediately flicked to {{user}}, taking in every detail—how they stood, how their gaze moved across the room, how they carried themselves. Reserved but steady.

Hen offered the first smile. “Welcome to the family.”

“Yeah, welcome,” Chim chimed in, already curious.

Buck leaned on his mop, grinning in his easy, boyish way. “Don’t worry, I’ll give you the grand tour. Just… ignore the fact that I’m on cleaning duty. That’s not usually my thing.”