#Truck Dispatcher Job Description

[jalso01]

Understanding Truck Dispatching Services and Job Roles

In the fast-paced world of logistics, Truck Dispatching Services play a crucial role in ensuring that goods are transported efficiently and effectively. As the backbone of the trucking industry, these services streamline operations, allowing companies to meet delivery deadlines and maintain customer satisfaction. But what exactly do truck dispatchers do, and what does a typical Truck Dispatcher Job Description entail?

What are Truck Dispatching Services?

Truck dispatching services involve coordinating the movement of trucks to ensure timely delivery of goods. This requires meticulous planning, communication, and organizational skills. Dispatchers act as the bridge between trucking companies and drivers, providing essential support to facilitate smooth operations.

Key Responsibilities of Truck Dispatching Services

Route Planning: Dispatchers analyze routes to determine the most efficient paths for trucks. They consider factors such as traffic, road conditions, and delivery windows to minimize delays.

Communication: Effective communication is vital in dispatching. Dispatchers keep in touch with drivers to provide updates, address concerns, and ensure they have the necessary information to complete their deliveries.

Load Management: Dispatchers coordinate the loading and unloading of freight, ensuring that trucks are filled to capacity while adhering to weight restrictions and safety regulations.

Problem Solving: Issues can arise during transit, such as vehicle breakdowns or delays. Dispatchers must think on their feet to resolve these problems swiftly, keeping operations running smoothly.

Documentation: Accurate record-keeping is essential in truck dispatching. Dispatchers maintain logs of deliveries, communication with drivers, and any incidents that occur during transportation.

The Importance of Truck Dispatching Services

Effective truck dispatching services are vital for the overall success of the logistics and transportation industry. By optimizing routes, reducing operational costs, and improving delivery times, dispatchers contribute significantly to customer satisfaction and business profitability.

When businesses invest in professional Truck Dispatching Services, they often see enhanced operational efficiency. The right dispatching team can help reduce empty miles, improve load management, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Moreover, a proficient dispatcher can build strong relationships with drivers, fostering a positive work environment that enhances retention rates.

Understanding the Truck Dispatcher Job Description

Now that we have a clear understanding of Truck Dispatching Services, let’s delve into the specifics of a Truck Dispatcher Job Description. This role requires a unique blend of skills and attributes that contribute to the effective management of transportation operations.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Communication Skills: Dispatchers must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and efficiently. They often liaise with drivers, clients, and other stakeholders, making effective communication essential.

Organizational Skills: A successful dispatcher must manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including scheduling, problem-solving, and record-keeping. Strong organizational skills enable dispatchers to prioritize their workload effectively.

Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with dispatching software and GPS technology is crucial. Dispatchers use these tools to track vehicles, optimize routes, and maintain communication with drivers.

Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to think critically and resolve issues quickly is essential in this role. Dispatchers often encounter unexpected challenges that require immediate attention and innovative solutions.

Industry Knowledge: A solid understanding of the transportation and logistics industry, including regulations and best practices, is beneficial for anyone considering a career as a dispatcher.

Typical Responsibilities in a Truck Dispatcher Job

The job description for a truck dispatcher may vary depending on the company, but several core responsibilities remain consistent:

Schedule and Coordinate Deliveries: Dispatchers develop delivery schedules based on customer requirements and driver availability.

Monitor Vehicle Locations: Using GPS and tracking software, dispatchers keep tabs on truck locations and provide drivers with real-time updates.

Handle Customer Inquiries: Dispatchers address customer questions and concerns regarding shipments, ensuring a high level of service and satisfaction.

Ensure Compliance: Dispatchers must be knowledgeable about regulations concerning transportation, including weight limits, driver hours, and safety protocols.

Provide Support to Drivers: Dispatchers are responsible for assisting drivers with any issues that arise during transit, such as breakdowns or unexpected delays.

Why Choose Learn Dispatch for Your Truck Dispatching Needs?

If you're looking to enhance your logistics operations or pursue a career as a truck dispatcher, Learn Dispatch offers the resources and training you need. Our programs provide in-depth knowledge about truck dispatching services, covering everything from essential skills to industry insights.

Ready to take your dispatching knowledge to the next level? Explore our training programs at Learn Dispatch today and unlock the potential for success in the transportation industry. Whether you’re a business seeking efficient dispatching solutions or an individual pursuing a fulfilling career, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Truck Dispatching Services are integral to the success of the trucking industry, facilitating smooth operations and timely deliveries. Understanding the Truck Dispatcher Job Description can help aspiring dispatchers prepare for a rewarding career in logistics. By honing the necessary skills and embracing the challenges of this role, you can contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of transportation services.

For those seeking knowledge and expertise in this field, partnering with Learn Dispatch can provide you with the essential tools and insights needed to thrive in the dynamic world of truck dispatching. Don’t hesitate to reach out and discover how we can help you succeed!

[iplaywithstring]

Yesterday, what was supposed to be a nice, relaxing walk in the neighbourhood turned into helping some people keep a loose dog off the road, which then turned into calling 911 about a domestic dispute, and ended up with me holding the leash of the dog while talking to police.

I was heartened to see neighbours come together to care for a loose dog, until someone mentioned "the owner is over there, she screamed something about her partner [description of abuse]" and I was the only one who shifted focus from the dog to the person.

The vehicle she was in was stopped in the middle of the road. The partner had taken the keys. She was a mess.

Then while on the phone with dispatch the partner came running out of nowhere and I was really glad I was able to diffuse the situation (and also glad my husband (to whom I had given the leash and was helping with the dog) did not see that part because it made him nervous but this is what I do for my job).

Three police cars showed up. The dog came to me and I was able to leash her. The police asked if I'd mind keeping her until they sorted things out. We were able to leave about a half hour later when they took the woman and the dog. Another officer stayed with the partner to wait for the tow truck for the vehicle.

So much for a relaxing Sunday

[girlinlotsoffandoms]

day twenty one - hit and run

notes: this one was inspired by one of my favorite Emergency! (1970s) episodes

read on AO3 or below

Chicago was a busy city. With nearly three million residents and countless tourists, it was hard to be anything but. The days were lively and the nights were even more so, especially around the holidays and popular tourist seasons. St Patrick’s Day weekend was one of those instances.

The dyeing of the river green and the parade always kicked off a weekend of fun activities and parties. It brought a new level of fun and liveliness to the city. However, it also created an uptick in crime and alcohol-related incidents. Add the local colleges and universities being on Spring Break and the local first responders were busy.

___________________

It was early morning when Squad 3 and Ambo 61 got called out to a club downtown. A fight had broken out and a few dancers and patrons had gotten involved but that’s all they knew approaching the scene. Even if they had gotten more information from dispatch, it wouldn’t have prepared them for what they found.

One very drunk patron had rushed the stage, trying to get handsy with two of the girls dancing. He tripped, however, and fell into them. His leg went through the stage and his very gaudy (and surprisingly sturdy) costume jewelry got caught on the dancers’ costumes and jewelry, effectively trapping them all on the stage.

It wasn’t the weirdest thing they’d ever seen, but it was their weirdest call that weekend.

Squad made quick work of getting everyone separated and Brett and Violet checked everyone over. Other than some scrapes, bumps, bruises, and a sprained ankle, there were no major injuries for any of the involved parties. Less than an hour after arriving at the bar, Squad and Ambo were packing up and heading back to their trucks.

They stored their gear in the compartments and started getting back into their rigs, cracking jokes about the rescue. Severide stepped into the street and rounded the front of the truck to climb into the passenger side when the squeal of tires caught their attention from down the street.

Like a slow-mo scene from a movie, they watched as the car came barreling down the street directly toward Severide. The car plowed directly into Severide, the Lieutenant not having enough time to move out of the way.

Severide flew up onto the hood and hit the windshield before rolling off onto the ground. The driver never once stopped; he just continued speeding away.

Cruz, Capp, Tony, and Brett all ran over to where Severide laid while Violet called in the hit-and-run and description of the car and license plate to dispatch. As soon as she was done, she grabbed her med kit and joined the others.

Severide was barely conscious. His eyes were open just a crack, but he wasn’t responding to any of them. His pulse was thready and Brett and Violet could easily see the shock setting in.

Brett and Violet quickly got Severide in a C-collar and strapped to the backboard and Cruz, Capp and Tony helped lift him onto the stretcher and into the ambulance.

As Cruz was climbing in the back of the ambulance, set on riding to the hospital with Severide, the first police car pulled up on the scene. They already had the car's license plate and description from Violet called to dispatch, but they needed to get the security camera footage and ask some questions. Capp and Tony stayed behind to answer whatever questions they had while the ambulance sped off towards the hospital.

It didn’t take long for the police to get what they needed and soon, Capp and Tony were rushing off to the hospital as well.

… … …

Boden never slept well when one of his units was called out to a scene in the middle of the night, and he knew he wasn’t the only one. He trusted his team implicitly and had all the faith in them, but firefighting was a dangerous job, rescue squad was a dangerous job, being a first responder was a dangerous job at any time of day but night always brought an air of mystery and danger.

No one had been at the desk when Violet’s call for the police came over the radio so when Boden’s phone rang, he had no clue something had happened. There was a growing pit in his stomach as he moved to answer it. Phone calls in the middle of the night rarely brought good news.

The pit in his stomach only grew as he listened to Cruz on the other end of the line.

“How’s Severide?”

“I don’t know Chief.” Cruz’s voice was filled with uncertainty. “He was barely conscious at the scene and he lost consciousness in the ambulance. We just got to Med and the doctors are with him now so hopefully they’ll be able to tell us something soon.”

“I’ll stand the station down and we’ll meet you at the hospital. Keep me updated if anything changes before we get there.”

“Yes Chief.”

Boden hung up and took a deep breath to collect himself. He really hated his job sometimes.

… … …

Less than twenty minutes later, the remaining members of Firehouse 51 flooded into the hospital waiting room. Stella, naturally, looked the most concerned but the others looked worried as well. Despite the middle of the night wake-up call, none of them looked the least bit tired—worry and adrenaline keeping them going.

The group, with Stella and Boden leading the charge, found the Squad guys, Brett, and Violet huddled in the chairs closest to the ED doors.

“Any update?” Stella asked, desperate for news on her husband. All she was met with were headshakes. She plopped into a chair next to Violet and looked at Cruz, Capp, and Tony. ”Have the cops caught the guy yet?”

“We haven’t heard anything for sure but they have an APB out on the car and the CCTV footage caught the hit clear as day, including a shot of the guy’s face,” Cruz explained. “Right now it’s just a matter of time.”

“Trudy’s working,” Mouch announced, standing and pulling out his phone. “I’ll call her and see if she knows anything.”

Stella nodded her thanks but before Mouch could even press the call button, the ED doors opened and Dr. Archer entered the waiting room.

“Lieutenant Severide is currently on his way into surgery. The most pressing thing right now is the internal bleeding in his abdomen. Based on the scans, Dr. Marcel believes the cause is his spleen and he’s going to try and repair it.” Dr. Archer explained. “Lieutenant Severide also has a few broken ribs broken leg so once he’s in recovery and a bit more stable, we’ll get Ortho in to assess him and see what needs to be done.”

“What about a head injury?” Cruz asked.

“Yeah, his head hit the windshield pretty hard,” Capp added.

At the way Stella’s face paled, Tony smacked Capp on the arm. Capp gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry.”

“His initial scans came back clear of any skull fractures or bleeding and there’s surprisingly little swelling,” Dr. Archer answered. “He most likely has a pretty bad concussion but we’ll bring Neuro in to do a full work up once he’s in recovery and awake from the anesthesia.”

“You can head up to the surgical waiting room. Dr. Marcel will update you when he can.”

“Thank you, Dr. Archer.”

... … …

Several hours later, Stella found herself by Kelly’s bedside. Dr. Marcel ended up having to remove Kelly’s spleen due to the amount of damage and after a blood transfusion, Kelly’s stats were looking much better.

Ortho had already been by and determined Kelly had a broken leg and a crack to his femur. That brought concerns about Kelly’s recovery and his future as a firefighter, but the doctor confirmed the break was clean and while the recovery would be long, Kelly would make a full recovery with little to no lingering issues.

They wrapped his broken ribs the best they could and they wrote up a referral for respiratory therapy to come work with him. Now that he was spleen-less, Kelly was more prone to infections and pneumonia was something the medical team was desperate to avoid.

Neuro had done an initial check when Kelly woke up in recovery and seemed pleased with what they found, diagnosing him with just a grade 2 concussion. They planned on visiting him again and doing another check once he was awake longer and had his wits about him.

It had been a long morning filled with fear and anger and uncertainty. Trudy had called just after sunrise and let everyone know that the guy who hit Kelly had been arrested and his BAC was nearly four times the legal limit. She’d sent Mouch pictures of the car and the damage was severe; the front bumper was nearly falling off, the hood was dented and the windshield was shattered. Police discovered the driver had been going almost 40 mph when he hit Kelly, which easily could’ve killed him.

Kelly had gotten lucky. Very, very lucky.

Everyone from 51 had gotten to see Kelly when he was moved from recovery to his room in post-op. He wasn’t awake just yet, the mixture of anesthesia and pain medicine keeping him under, but he was alive and that was enough for them. They made plans to come back to visit later in the day, giving Stella some time alone with her husband.

It was an hour or so after everyone had left when Kelly started coming too. Stella stood from her chair and moved to Kelly’s bed side, quietly encouraging him to open his eyes.

When he finally did and his blue eyes met her brown ones, Stella smiled. “Hey, how do you feel?”

Kelly groaned. “Like I got hit by a truck.”

“It was a Volvo, actually,” Stella said with a chuckle that quickly turned to a sob. “Nope, I’m sorry, I’m not ready to joke about it yet,”

“It was a good joke,” Kelly said, a small smirk on his face. He sobered after a minute. “What’s the damage?”

“Grade 2 concussion, 3 broken ribs, broken leg, cracked femur, and Dr. Marcel had to remove your spleen. It’s gonna suck for a while but they’re all confident you’ll make a full recovery.” Stella answered. After a minute she spoke again, her voice cracking. “God Kelly, Trudy showed us pictures of the car. It’s a miracle you survived.”

“It’s gonna take way more than a drunk guy in a Volvo to take me away from you.”

Stella snorted. “I told you it was too soon for jokes.”

Kelly smiled at the playful scolding. There would eventually come a time where they could make jokes about the accident, long after his bones healed and the memories faded. Now though, the wounds were too fresh to be anything but grateful.

[blogposts-world]

Understanding the Role and Salary of a Truck Dispatcher

The transportation industry is a vital component of the global economy, ensuring that goods are moved efficiently from one place to another. At the heart of this operation is the truck dispatcher, a role that requires a blend of logistical know-how, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you're considering a career in this field or looking to hire one, it's important to understand the truck dispatcher job description and what to expect in terms of truck dispatcher salary.

What Does a Truck Dispatcher Do?

A truck dispatcher serves as the critical link between the truck drivers and the logistics companies that require their services. The Truck Dispatcher Job Description involves coordinating the movement of freight by scheduling and assigning loads to drivers. This role requires keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

Load Planning: One of the primary duties is to match available loads with the right drivers. This involves understanding the specific requirements of each load, such as weight limits, destination, and delivery deadlines.

Communication: Constant communication with drivers is crucial. Dispatchers need to relay information about routes, traffic conditions, weather updates, and any changes to the schedule.

Problem-Solving: Unforeseen issues like breakdowns, traffic delays, or changes in delivery requirements are common in the trucking industry. Dispatchers must be quick on their feet to find solutions that minimize disruptions.

Record Keeping: Accurate records of each trip, including mileage, fuel consumption, and delivery times, are essential for both compliance and performance tracking.

Customer Interaction: Dispatchers may also need to communicate with customers, providing updates on delivery status and handling any inquiries or issues that arise.

The truck dispatcher job description also often includes a strong focus on efficiency. A good dispatcher will strive to optimize routes and schedules to reduce costs and improve delivery times, making them invaluable to any logistics operation.

Truck Dispatcher Salary: What Can You Expect?

When it comes to compensation, the truck dispatcher salary can vary significantly depending on several factors, including location, experience, and the size of the company.

Average Salary: In the United States, the average Truck Dispatcher Salary ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 per year. However, this can increase with experience, with seasoned dispatchers in high-demand areas earning upwards of $60,000 annually.

Factors Influencing Salary:

Experience Level: As with many jobs, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level dispatchers may start at the lower end of the scale, while those with several years of experience can command higher pay.

Location: The cost of living and demand for dispatchers in certain regions can also impact salary. For example, dispatchers in major logistics hubs or high-cost cities might earn more than those in rural areas.

Company Size: Larger companies with more complex logistics operations may offer higher salaries to attract skilled dispatchers.

Additional Skills: Dispatchers who have additional certifications, such as knowledge of specific software or languages, may have a competitive edge, leading to better salary offers.

Why Consider a Career as a Truck Dispatcher?

Working as a truck dispatcher offers a dynamic and rewarding career path. Not only is it an essential role within the transportation industry, but it also provides opportunities for growth and advancement. Many dispatchers move on to higher positions within logistics management or even start their own dispatching businesses.

Flexible Work Environment: Depending on the company, truck dispatchers may have the opportunity to work remotely or from a central office. This flexibility can be an attractive feature for those seeking work-life balance.

Room for Advancement: The skills you develop as a dispatcher—such as problem-solving, communication, and time management—are highly transferable. This opens up possibilities for advancement into supervisory roles or other areas of logistics.

Learning Opportunities: The fast-paced nature of the job ensures that no two days are the same. There's always something new to learn, whether it's about the latest logistics software, changes in transportation regulations, or innovative ways to improve efficiency.

Join the Field with Learn Dispatch

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a truck dispatcher, or if you need expert dispatchers for your logistics operations, consider reaching out to Learn Dispatch. Our comprehensive training programs are designed to equip aspiring dispatchers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this role.

With an in-depth focus on the truck dispatcher job description and hands-on learning experiences, Learn Dispatch prepares you for the challenges and rewards of this dynamic career. Additionally, we offer resources and networking opportunities to help you secure a competitive truck dispatcher salary right from the start.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Whether you're starting fresh or looking to enhance your skills, Learn Dispatch is here to support your journey. Visit our website today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your career goals in the trucking industry.

Conclusion Understanding the truck dispatcher job description and the factors that influence truck dispatcher salary is crucial for anyone considering this career. With the right training and support from Learn Dispatch, you can navigate the road to success in the logistics industry. Don't wait—start your journey today and take control of your future.

[911described]

[image description: 30-second promo for 9-1-1 season 7

We see and hear Maddie ask “9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” as she sits at her dispatch desk. She’s wearing a maroon top and three gold necklaces with heart pendants of various sizes.

A siren sounds in the background, and we see a night scene along a road. A police car is parked in the foreground, lights flashing, and a number of firefighters in turnout gear walk away from the camera towards a car crash. We hear a woman desperately cry out, “please help” as Bobby walks past the ambulance. His brows are furrowed with worry and Eddie walks behind him.

Through a cracked windshield, we see a young black woman in the driver’s seat, airbag inflated in front of her chest. She turns to her side, then back forwards, crying as she shouts, “my mum, she’s hurt!”. Chimney leans in through the window and Hen stands next to him, calmly saying “we’re going to get you both out.” The woman nods quickly.

There are three drum beats as Eddie uses a circular saw to cut through the windshield, his face serious and eyes focussed through his visor.

Daytime, the engine and ambulance drive onto a property with a large field behind it, as text slams onto the screen. It reads “Thursday March 14” and goes from glowing blue to red. Behind it, we see the large wreckage of something, still smouldering with smoke billowing upwards.

A siren wails as we zoom in on the wreckage, which is a crashed fighter jet, fire coming out of the exhaust pipe and under the wings.

We hear Athena say “Our job is a whirlwind”, as Hen, Eddie, Chim and Buck stand next to the engine and look on in confusion. Hen frowns in concern, Eddie looks confused, Chim’s nose is scrunched up in disbelief, and Buck comes to a standstill with his circular saw. At a separate location, Athena shuts the door of her police cruiser behind her, looking slightly upwards as she starts to walk forwards.

More text slams onto the screen. It reads “9-1-1 comes to abc” and goes from glowing blue to red. The background is a high-up daytime shot, with the Griffith Park observatory in the foreground and the LA skyline in the background.

We hear Athena say “when there’s disaster to deal with?”. At night, Chim kneels beside a victim on a pedestrian crossing, shuffling on his knees as he settles. The person lying on the floor is on their left side, right arm flung behind them. Hen is on the other side of the person, and Chim looks up at her as he does compressions.

The young woman from the car crash is being wheeled into the ambulance, gauze taped onto her temple, blood slightly leaking through and dripping down her cheek. We hear Athena say “who are we?” as the young woman turns her head and smiles slightly. Hen, wearing the captain’s helmet, warmly returns her smile.

We hear Maddie say, “Bobby and Athena’s cruise ship, might be missing,” as the camera lowers through the clouds as we see the cruise ship sails towards the sunrise. Maddie walks through dispatch, talking on her personal mobile phone. She looks downwards, face tight with worry.

Chim stands in the dark firehouse bay, between the truck and engine, a deep furrow in his brow as he asks, “what do you mean ‘missing’?”

The camera closes in on the cruise ship as there is a large, loud explosion in the lower deck. It rocks the boat, which is already on slightly choppy waters. The ship is then on its side and the waters rise up as it sinks, submerging us into the dark.

In the ship’s corridor, dark except for the red emergency lights, a drenched Bobby looks scared and angry as he shouts, “my wife, where is she?”

Standing opposite him are a brown-skinned woman with a gash on her forehead and a white man with a bloody nose, both looking terrified. The man clutches the woman’s shoulder, teary-eyed. He sadly replies “saving the ship”, and we see Bobby’s eyes widen in realisation and fear.

In a pink-tinted corridor that’s lined with steaming pipes and tilted slightly, Athena clutches the pipes and pulls herself forwards.

A deep male voiceover says “9-1-1 comes to ABC, March 14th and stream on Hulu”. The 9-1-1 logo and “season premier Thurs Mar 14” are atop the LA skyline at dawn. The abc logo and “stream on hulu” are atop of a warm dusky sky.

/end ID]

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"19 Prisoners Escape Fort Henry," Kingston Whig-Standard. August 27, 1943. Page 1 & 13. ---- Capture of three German prisoners at Barriefield Camp, Ordnance Corps training centre five miles east of here, near noon today brought into custody 12 of the 19 men who tunneled their way to freedom under the wide stone walls of Fort Henry here last night.

The men - Franz Karper, 25, Kurt Kroehnert, 26, and Friedrich Schmale, 24 - were hiding in a ditch on the outskirts of camp and were found by patrolling soldiers who encountered no opposition from them.

All prisoners were N.C.O's and men, no officers having participated in the mass break.

Earlier, the recapture of two men at Seeley's Bay, 22 miles north of Kingston on the highway to Ottawa, indicated that some of those remaining at large may have made their way out of the immediate Kingston district.

(Additional stories on the escape of the 19 German prisoners-of-war from Fort Henry last night will be found on Page 2 of of The Whig-Standard.)

Their capture in a ditch by soldiers taken to the spot by a truck driver had brought the number recaptured to nine.

A thousand soldiers and city and provincial police were comb- ing Eastern Ontario for the men still at large.

Authorities at the internment camp, while refusing to give any official statement, pending a court of inquiry, were free to acknowledge that the break-out was a well planned affair and it mystified them completely.

Officially The Whig-Standard was told it was a "tunnel job," and no violence of any kind was used by the men in getting their freedom. It is understood the. men left the internment camp shortly before 10 o'clock last evening, but their disappearance was not noticed for some time later.

The arrest of two of the prisoners of war by Detective Vincent Killen, and Constable A. Playne of the Kingston police department, and Provincial Constable J. H. Hatch, was the first intimation that an escape had taken place at Fort Henry.

Answering a call which had been received from a lady residing in the Dead Man's Bay summer camp area, the police apprehended two of the German prisoners of war who had broken out of the internment camp a few minutes previously. It is understood the police were informed that two men who appeared to be prisoners of war were seen in the vicinity. One of the prisoners was apprehended outside one of the summer cottages, while the second was located inside one of the buildings; neither of the men put up any resistance, and returned to the fort in charge of the police officers.

With the return of these two men to Fort Henry a general alarm was sounded, and the police and military authorities of the en- tire area were dispatched in pursuit of the missing prisoners. A count which was made by the authorities at Fort Henry showed 19 of the inmates were missing. The names and the descriptions of all of the 19 were immediately communicated to the city police, two having been taken in custody, and returned to the Fort.

Shortly before one o'clock two more of the number were arrested as they were walking along Highway No. 2 between Vimy Barracks and the cut near the village of Barriefield. It is understood these two men were proceeding in a westerly direction, and were actually in sight of the internment camp when the police caught up with them. The authorities refused to state who captured these two men.

About 5:30 o'clock this morning two more of the "wanted men" were taken in charge in the Seeleys Bay area and one half hour later a third man was located near the Ordnance Training Centre, asleep in an R.C.A.M.C. crash ambulance, and all three were taken back to the place of internment. The other two men were arrested near Collins Bay.

Scattered The authorities who are engaged in the search believe the men, after getting out of the fort, scattered in different directions and hid in the bushes not far from the internment camp, and in nearly every case they will be taken. in charge before the day is over.

A Whig-Standard reporter who was early on the chase, spent the better part of the night touring the city district in search of information, but he was not fortunate enough to see any of the escaped men. The police and soldiers who manned the entire area refused to allow motorists to get close to Fort Henry, or in fact proceed along the highway.

The highways in and out of the city were heavily guarded by he soldiers who carried live ammunition, and every motorist, and this included many transport drivers, who had occasion to drive he along the highways, were ordered out of their cars, and had to show their identification cards before being allowed to proceed. All the automobiles were searched, as were the trucks.

The authorities are at a loss to know how such a large group of men could get their freedom without being noticed. While officially information is lacking, there is a persistent rumor that the men went down the large most which extends from the fort to Navy Bay, and in fact passes under a bridge where an armed guard is on duty. This report is denied by the military authorities.

If this tunnel was used, and it is possible it could be, the men would have to do some manoeuvreing to get out of the section of the fort where their sleeping quarters are located; they would have to, by some unknown manner, get through or over a stone wall and then over a wire fence, which seems very improbable unless they had been working on the whole scheme for some time, Armed guards are mounted at all times on the walls, and how this large group of men could make a get-away is mystifying to the authorities.

Pte. L. G. Coutlee, whose home is in Brockville, a member of the Canadian Provost Corps at the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps Training Centre at Barriefield, captured two on No. 2 Highway east of Kingston.

Coutlee was patrolling the highway when he saw two men outlined in the headlights of an approaching car. The men jumped into the ditch as the car drew near and then resumed their walk. Coutlee grabbed the men and demanded their registration cards and when they failed to produce the documents, he took them to the Barriefield camp. They were sent back to Fort Henry.

Throughout the night soldiers from the Barriefield camp scoured the countryside for the missing men while provincial and city police patrolled the St. Lawrence River in requisitioned boats to prevent any attempted flight to the United States.

Heard Escape Harold Fitman, a member of the Kingston Fire Department who was paddling in the St. Lawrence River close to Fort Henry last evening believes he heard the prisoners making their escape. Mr. Pitman told The Whig-Standard left Cedar Island about 9:30 o'clock after visiting the Boy Scout camp. He said he was fairly close the shore of Fort Henry when heard men walking on the shore rocks.

He further stated he believed the men after getting out of the fort encloser walked or ran down the bank and were in the act of crawling over a small broken down stone wall on the shore when he first heard the noise. He said he thought there was something wrong and paddled over to the Royal Military College grounds where he tried to get in touch with the authorities at Fort Henry. He said he gave the message to a women he met on the grounds but was not sure his order to phone Fort Henry was carried out.

When he arrived at Knapp's boat house near La Salle causeway the police were already on the job stopping all types of vehicles.

The Whig-Standard was unable to get any estimate of the number of soldiers and police officers who were assigned to the task of rounding up the prisoners. It has been suggested that the military detachment was in excess of 300 and they were from Vimy Barracks, Ordnance Training Centre and District Depot No. 3. The provincial police details from Eastern Ontario as far west as Belleville were on the job all night and this morning.

This makes the third successful escape from Fort Henry since the start of the war. Two men made a getaway when they forced their way through a window in the wall, which had been enlarged while the third man slipped past the guard when he concealed himself inside a piano. This man was arrested at the Lindsay Piano Company Store, Princess Street, when located by C. L. Gordon, the manager of the firm.

An extensive search is being made of all islands in the St Lawrence River. Motorboats from Kingston, Gananoque and points along the river are assisting in the task of trying to round up the missing prisoners.

BACKGROUND Fort Henry was used as an Internment Camp during the First Great War, and after that it was used by the military authorities for different purposes, mostly for storing ammunition and equipment. About five years ago, at the suggestion of the Department of Highways of Toronto, who realized the Fort could be made a point of interest for tourists, a considerable sum of money was spent in remodelling it and this work was done with the co-operation of the department of defence who shared in the cost.

The Fort was then used as a museum and the guns which were used in the battle of 1812-14 were among the relics. Thousands of United States and Canadian tourists visited the Fort and showed a keen interest in the relics. With the declaration of war the Department of National Defence took over the entire building and it was immediately turned into an internment camp; since that time hundreds of German prisoners of war, mostly from the armed forces, have been confined there.

Fort Henry was considered to be one of the "safer" internment camps, and many of the German prisoners of war, mostly officers who had served in the air force and the navy, and were considered to be the dangerous type, had been confined there.

From page 1:

Biggest Break Here in 1838 One hundred and five years ago the most sensationaall break in Canadian history took place at Fort Henry from which 19 German prisoners escaped last night,

In 1838 John Montgomery. owner of the Yonge Street Tavern from which the rebel, William Lyon Mackenzie, grand- father of Canada's present prime minister, fled from police, escaped from Fort Henry with 11 other prisoners involved in the rebellion.

Under Montgomery's leadership the party made good their escape after a series of adventures with guards and others who scoured the country searching for them. The men had been condemned to death but their sentences had been changed to exile in Van Die man's Land.

Description Of Prisoners Officials of Military District No. 3 early today released descriptions of the 15 prisoners who were not immediately captured following the escape of 19 from the prison camp at nearby Fort Henry. Of these eight have been recaptured. All were listed as Germans. They are:

*Walter Bartels, 21, 153 pounds, six feet, clean shaven and medium build.

Johann Degraff, 27, five feet, seven inches, 147 pounds. Domnick Heinz, 21, 148 pounds, five feet, seven inches. Clean shaven and speaks English with a foreign accent.

Alfred Gunther, 31, 151 pounds, five feet 9½ inches, speaks English and German. Has 14½ inch scar on forehead and a wart on right cheek.

Wilhelm Joesting, 41, 160 pounds, five feet, ten inches. Clean shaven.

Franz Karper, 25, 183 pounds, five feet, 7½ inches. Dark complexion, one inch scar on forehead. Speaks a few words of English, Gerhard Knoepfel, 22, 143 pounds, five feet, six inches. Fair complexion.

Kurt Kroehnert, 26, 137 pounds, five feet, five inches. Medium-dark complexion. Speaks German and English.

Wilhelm Kruse, 27, 150 pounds, six feet. Fair complexion.

Ernst Muench, 24, 145 pounds, five feet, six inches. Fair complexion. Speaks German, Italian and English. Has scar on left side of face.

Hans August Rhomberg. 21, 152 pounds, six feet. Fresh complexion.

Friedrick Schmale, 24, 165 pounds, five feet, six inches. Speaks German and some English with a low, foreign accent.

Karl Schwarz, 22, 140 pounds, five feet, seven inches. Medium complexion. Speaks Spanish, German and a little English.

Heinz Stoerk, 21, 119 pounds, five feet, five inches; fair complexion; had a quarter-inch scar on right eye; speaks German only.

Heinz Wirtz, 23; 140 pounds, tive feet, seven inches; fair complexion.

*-Recaptured.

[learndispatch]

What is the job description of a truck dispatcher to learn how to improve their salary?

Today, we will learn about what involves the job responsibility of a truck dispatcher that affects their salary.

With the growing demand for logistics and transportation via road, the essentiality of truck dispatchers' roles is becoming indispensable. It is their responsibility to ensure a smooth flow of goods from one point to another. The truck dispatcher salary majorly depends on how they coordinate the movements of trucks, manage the loading and delivering schedules, and find solutions to overcome logistical challenges. A truck dispatcher training course can give professional knowledge of the job description. Understanding the job description will help to improve their salary prospects.

Key responsibilities and skills defining the truck dispatcher role

The truck dispatcher's dispatching duty involves assigning drivers to specific routes according to the delivery deadlines, cargo types, and vehicle capacity. A truck dispatcher job description contributes to optimizing the operations and enhancing the company's overall performance. You should focus on honing your organizational skills and develop strategies to streamline the dispatching process to improve the truck dispatcher salary.

Additionally, truck dispatchers are responsible for effective communication, which is essential in the world of truck dispatching. They make clear and precise information dispatching between different parties involved to reduce any error or delay in the logistics. Consider taking a dispatching training course to improve communication skills.

You must focus on developing a proactive approach to challenges that can improve your salary prospects. A training course will enable you to showcase your ability to think on your feet and implement effective solutions. Companies value truck dispatchers who can navigate unexpected challenges with efficiency and composure.

Truck dispatchers should also get familiar with various dispatching software and invest in communication tools to improve truck dispatching services. These tools can help improve your time management and decision-making skills to optimize service performance. You can make salary advancements with effective planning strategies, prioritizing tasks, and optimizing daily routines as employers trust you more.

Ways to improve salary

What is your geographical location can also impact your salary amount along with the truck dispatcher job description. If you live in a high-cost living area, you can make a contract for payments that cover your living cost and save up to 3 to 8% of the gross revenue. Moreover, you can demand for a salary increment with the rising number of successful truck dispatches you have made. If you find a job where skilled dispatcher numbers are less, you can demand a higher salary.

Conclusion:

It requires you to excel in your current job role to make career growth in the truck dispatching industry and increase your earnings. Make sure to earn a training course certificate to represent your skills and prove your capabilities. Wrapping up, learn the factors that influence your salary to make the best of your income.

[elitehrcareers]

CDL Truck Drivers Job Opportunities With Elite Careers

Introduction

Trucking is a career that's different from anything else. It'll allow you to see the world and work with a lot of people. Class A and B CDL drivers shall be described here in simple terms. However, the responsibilities, skills and requirements of a job may be different from one employer to another. Still, we have detailed some important points that hiring agents are commonly looking for.

Significance of Truck Drivers in the Global Economy

 The global economy depends on truck drivers for the movement of basic commodities, complete goods and other indispensable items from one place to another. The employment of truck drivers plays a vital role in maintaining the flow of trade and ensures that companies can remain operational at all times. In addition, it highlights how the transport industry is employing millions of people as local truck drivers around the world, with an important impact on the economy.

Types of Truck Driving Jobs

Truck driver jobs include long journey, regional, local, specialized and owner-operator positions. In every rule, there is a special set of skills and competencies which are adapted to the individual's lifestyle. Employers and job seekers must understand this distinction, as it helps to determine the most appropriate place for their needs when hiring a truck driver.

General Qualifications and Requirements

Generally, CDL truck drivers must have a reasonable and valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and pass medical and physical examinations. In addition, specific endorsements may be requested in some cases, e.g., for transport of dangerous materials. Candidates who already possess driving experience and a high school diploma or equivalent may also be sought by employers.

Valid Class A or B CDL and Airbrake and Tanker endorsements.

 Work from elevated platforms, climbing ladders, and lifting to 50lbs.

Clean DMV Driving record

READY MIX: 3 years (Required)

Communicate effectively with customers and Dispatch 

3 years of commercial driving experience

Responsibilities and Duties

 As a truck driver, your role is to ensure that goods and materials are transported efficiently from one route to another. You're not just responsible for driving; you are an important link within the supply chain, able to guarantee on-time delivery, keep vehicles safe as well and represent a company at the client and public levels.

Keeping their trucks safe and clean.

Safe and efficient delivery of concrete to our customers.

Work outside in all weather conditions

Nights will be required on very rare occasions.

Maintain driver logs and time cards within the DOT guidelines

Work Shifts will vary and may include overtime work.

Saturdays are required unless requested off and cleared by management.

CDL Driver Job Description

Class A/B Ready Mix Drivers Job Description

CDL A/B Ready Mix Drivers are needed in Sacramento.

 In order to join our team, we need experienced Ready Mix drivers! Our batch plant safely delivers ready-mix concrete to a variety of locations. The Ready Mix drivers are responsible for ensuring that the work is performed safely at all times. Other related duties may need to be performed by drivers. Candidates with Airbrake and Tank endorsements have the opportunity to receive training on Class A or B CDL.

Class A Drivers Job Description

CLASS A DRIVER, $27/HR, HEAVY TOUCH, AM SHIFT

 We're looking for a full-time CDL Class A driver to run our daily collection and delivery routes right now. For smart, useful products that improve people's lives, more than 190 million tires are collected and recycled into raw materials. Applying for a commercial driver's license.

A commercial driver's license is necessary for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer or heavy truck. Candidates are required to pass written knowledge tests and the skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control as well as an on-road driving exam, in order to obtain their CDL. Candidates who wish to take the CDL test must, in some states, also complete a vocational training program for truck drivers.

Benefits 

PAID WEEKLY

100% Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401k Program with a 4% company match.

Paid Holidays

Vacation Pay

Room for Growth

Overtime pay

Direct Deposit

Strong Safety Program

Conclusion

Elite HR Logistics began as a small, local company founded on the principles of people first, family first, and community first. We have continued to uphold our commitment to safety, service and relationships over more than two decades. With the resources to support a wide range of large companies and their specific needs, Elite HR provides a close and personal experience that you would expect from a small business.

[topnotchservice]

How to Find a Qualified Truck Dispatcher in Florida

Truck dispatchers play a vital role in the trucking industry. They are responsible for planning and scheduling truck routes, ensuring that drivers are dispatched in a timely and efficient manner, and communicating with drivers to address any issues that may arise. Finding a qualified truck dispatcher is essential for any trucking company that wants to improve its operations and increase its profits.

How to Find Qualified Truck Dispatchers

Network with people in the trucking industry. This is a great way to find qualified candidates who may not be actively looking for a job. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and reach out to your contacts in the industry.

Search online job boards. There are a number of online job boards that list truck dispatcher jobs in Florida. You can search by keyword, location, and other criteria to find the right match for your needs. Be sure to read the job descriptions carefully to make sure the position is a good fit for your company.

Contact staffing agencies. Staffing agencies can help you find qualified truck dispatchers who are looking for work. They will typically have a pool of candidates to choose from, and they can help you narrow down your search based on your specific requirements.

Attend trucking industry events. Trucking industry events are a great place to meet qualified truck dispatchers and learn more about their skills and experience. You can also network with other trucking professionals and get referrals for qualified truck dispatchers.

Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

What is your experience in truck dispatching? Be sure to ask about the specific types of trucking operations the dispatcher has experience with, as well as their experience with the specific routes and destinations that your company needs to service.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a truck dispatcher? This will help you to assess the dispatcher's skills and abilities, as well as their areas for improvement.

How do you handle unexpected situations? The dispatcher will need to be able to think quickly and solve problems on the fly. Ask them about a time when they had to handle an unexpected situation and how they resolved it.

What is your communication style? The dispatcher will need to be able to communicate effectively with drivers, customers, and other stakeholders. Ask them about their communication style and how they would handle a situation where there is a miscommunication.

How do you manage multiple tasks simultaneously? The dispatcher will need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. Ask them about a time when they had to manage multiple tasks and how they were able to prioritize and stay on track.

Why are you interested in this position? This will help you to understand the dispatcher's motivation for taking the job.

What do you know about our company? This will help you to assess the dispatcher's knowledge of your company and its operations.

What are your salary expectations? Be prepared to pay a competitive salary to attract the best candidates.

Interviewing Qualified Truck Dispatchers

It is also important to get references from the truck dispatcher's previous employers to verify their qualifications and experience.

Here are some additional questions you may want to ask about the truck dispatcher's experience in the Florida trucking industry:

Are you familiar with the Florida trucking regulations?

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trucking regulations?

What are the challenges of trucking in Florida?

How would you handle a situation where a driver is delayed by a hurricane?

How would you handle a situation where a driver is overweight or overloaded?

Conclusion

Finding a qualified truck dispatcher is essential for any trucking company that wants to improve its operations and increase its profits. By following the tips in this blog post, you can increase your chances of finding a qualified truck dispatcher in Florida who can help you grow your business.

FAQs

What are the qualifications for a truck dispatcher in Florida?

The qualifications for a truck dispatcher in Florida vary depending on the specific job requirements. However, most truck dispatchers in Florida will have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may have a college degree in transportation or logistics. Truck dispatchers should also have experience in the trucking industry, and they should be familiar with the Florida trucking regulations.

What are the salary ranges for truck dispatchers in Florida?

The salary ranges for truck dispatchers in Florida vary depending on experience, education, and the specific job requirements. However, truck dispatchers in Florida typically earn between \$40,000 and \$60,000 per year.

How can I find a qualified truck dispatcher in Florida?

There are a few ways to find a qualified truck dispatcher in Florida. You can network with people in the trucking industry, search online job boards, contact staffing agencies, or attend trucking industry events.

What are the benefits of hiring a qualified truck dispatcher?

There are many benefits to hiring a qualified truck dispatcher. A qualified truck dispatcher can help you improve your trucking operations in a number of ways, including:

* Planning and scheduling truck routes more efficiently

* Ensuring that drivers are dispatched in a timely and efficient manner

* Communicating with drivers to address any issues that may arise

* Helping you to comply with Florida trucking regulations

* Reducing costs

* Improving customer service

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Code of the Hills by Chris Offutt

Mick Hardin #3

 Stepping back into the Kentucky hill country with Mick, two years after he left, sees him drawn away from his retirement plans to once again deal with local crimes and solve murders. Great addition to the series!

 What I liked:

* Mick Hardin: * retired Army CID officer, born and bred in the hills the story is set in, knows the culture, has an interesting moral compass, protective, puzzle solver, intelligent, lethal, someone I would want on my side, a bit of a loner, finds peace in the woods, a good man

* Linda Hardin: town sheriff, Mick’s sister, intelligent, professional, a bit of a loner, good leader, injured on the job in this book, wondering what her storyline will look like in the future

* Sandra: police dispatcher, divorced, seems to see Mick for who and what he is, might still be a potential love interest for Mick in the future

* Raymond: ex-marine, in relationship with JC, helps with JC’s taco truck business, an equal to Mick in many ways though more capable of maintaining a relationship

* Johnny Boy: deputy sheriff, map collector, talkative, wouldn’t mind being in a relationship, methodical, intelligent, has much to ponder

* How the community values and expectations play such a big part in the stories in this series

* The descriptions of the area and how they played a part in the story

* Police procedural aspects of the story, where they led, and how the various cases were tied up and dealt with by the end of the book

* Wondering what favors will be called in by Flowers and Shorty that Mick will one day need to repay

* Thinking about what will happen next in the series

 What I didn’t like:

* Who and what I was meant not to like

* The idea of revenge and how family feuds never actually end if one person is always needing to have their death avenged

 Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Would I read more in this series? Definitely

 Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 4-5 Stars

     BLURB

 In this blistering return to Chris Offutt’s acclaimed crime series, Mick Hardin is tested like never before as familial allegiances and old wounds collide, threatening to destroy everything he loves Master storyteller and award-winning author Chris Offutt’s latest book, Code of the Hills, is a dark, witty, and propulsive thriller of murder and secrets in a town where little is as it seems. Mick Hardin is back in the hills of Kentucky. He’d planned to touch down briefly before heading to France, marking the end to his twenty-year Army career. In Rocksalt, his sister Linda the sheriff is investigating the murder of Pete Lowe, a sought-after mechanic at the local racetrack. After another body is found, Linda and her deputy Johnny Boy Tolliver wonder if the two murders are related. Linda steps into harm’s way just as a third body turns up and Mick ends up being deputized again, uncovering evidence of illegal cockfighting, and trying to connect all the crimes. An explosive return to the mayhem of the Kentucky hills, Code of the Hills is a harrowing novel of family—of what we’re willing to do to protect and avenge the ones we love.

[juliyagold9]

Tillman Tools: The Ultimate Destination for IVECO Specialty Tools

In the ever-evolving world of automotive repair and maintenance, having the right tools is not only convenient but crucial. Tillman Tools, a leading online ecommerce platform, is the industry’s go-to resource for Automotive Specialty Tools, including IVECO tools, a brand synonymous with quality and precision.

Tillman Tools has carved a niche for itself with its expansive collection of IVECO Specialty Tools. Whether you are a professional mechanic or a car enthusiast, the comprehensive range of IVECO Truck Specialty Tools available on Tillman Tools ensures that you have the best at your disposal.

IVECO, an acclaimed name in the automotive industry, is renowned for its robust and reliable vehicles, particularly trucks. Catering to these heavy-duty machines requires equally tough and precise tools. Tillman Tools is a trusted source for IVECO Truck Specialty Tools, offering an extensive selection to cater to every repair and maintenance need.

The IVECO Specialty Tools on Tillman Tools are designed specifically for the brand’s vehicles, assuring a perfect fit and function. These tools help streamline the repair process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. They have been meticulously designed to address specific challenges that might arise while servicing an IVECO vehicle.

Tillman Tools’ range of IVECO Truck Specialty Tools is comprehensive, covering everything from engine tools, brake tools, to suspension tools, and many more. Each tool is designed with precision, ensuring the perfect compatibility with IVECO trucks. This makes Tillman Tools an indispensable resource for anyone working on these vehicles.

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for Tillman Tools. They understand that when you invest in IVECO Specialty Tools, you are looking for longevity, quality, and performance. That’s why Tillman Tools ensures that every IVECO tool they offer meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

The convenience of shopping on Tillman Tools goes beyond its extensive selection of IVECO tools. The ecommerce platform is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to search for and locate the exact tool you need. Detailed product descriptions and specifications ensure that you have all the information you need before making a purchase.

Another significant advantage of choosing Tillman Tools for your IVECO Specialty Tools is their prompt and efficient delivery service. They understand that when you need a tool, you need it quickly. That’s why they strive to dispatch orders promptly, ensuring they reach you as soon as possible.

In conclusion, Tillman Tools is the ultimate online destination for IVECO Specialty Tools. Whether you need a single tool or a complete set, Tillman Tools is the one-stop shop for all your IVECO tool requirements. Their commitment to quality, coupled with their extensive selection and user-friendly shopping experience, makes them a leader in the automotive specialty tools market.

Embrace the ease and convenience of online shopping for your IVECO tools with Tillman Tools. Get the job done right the first time with their high-quality, reliable, and precision-engineered IVECO Specialty Tools. Experience the difference today.

[self-indulgent-simp]

The Paramedic (part 2)

Eddie Munson x (Male) reader

Part 1

Summary: An alternate ending to the season 4 finale ,where an ambulance paramedic reader from 2022 stumbles upon Eddie in the upside down right after the bat attack.

Word count: 1411

CW: Blood, death, medical descriptions, angst, (Y/N)

An: Here we go chapter 2!! Hope you all like it!! 💕✨

Chapter 2

“Vi er framme, tar du IV posen og BMV masken. Jeg og Hans tar båren, vi skal rett til operasjons sal 12 i første etasje” the female paramedic instructed you.

(Translation: “We have arrived, can you take the IV bag and BMV mask. Me and Hans will take the strecher, we will be going directly to surgery hall 12 on the first floor”).

You nod at her and reach for the IV bag.

“What is going on? What did she say?” Eddie says in a pained and worried tone.

You stop what you are doing for a second, looking down at him with kind eyes “We have arrived at the hospital, and you will be transported directly to the surgery. I will be with you the whole way there”.

“Ok” his hands are balled into fists gripping the stretcher.

“You are going to be ok, alright” you say whilst leaning over Eddie fastening a gait belt around his shoulders. You can feel his warm breath on your neck as you secure him to the stretcher.

Just as you finish the ambulance door opens, Hans jumps in and starts to assist with getting the stretcher out. Once the stretcher is on the ground Hans leads the way, rolling it swiftly in to the hospital. You are running right next to them holding the IV bag high in the air and continuously pumping the BMV mask.

When you enter the hospital, it is busy, people step out of the way as you transport Eddie as fast as you can. You feel a cold hand grab your shirt, fingers brushing your stomach. As you look down you see that it is Eddie’s hand clasping your shirt firmly, he is looking up at you eyes wide. You feel so sorry for him then, the poor man looks so scared, you wish there was more you could do to make him comfortable. You settle with smiling down at him once again, he does not loosen his grip, but you can see the beginning of a soft, worried smile.

You arrive at the surgery faster than you anticipated, Hans pushes the doors open and you enter a large bright and sterile room with surgeons and nurses already waiting.

The female paramedic and Hans unclasp Eddie from the stretcher getting ready to hoist him up on the surgical table.

“You have to let go of me now Eddie” you say.

Eddie looks down at his hand almost shocked to see that it is still holding your shirt. He lets go and you give the IV bag in your hand to a nurse. Eddie is then hoisted up on the table. You get eye contact with him before you leave and smile at him one last time. You almost laugh as he gives you a tierd thumbs up back.

Once you are out of the surgery room and enter the waiting room reality hits you like a truck. You had suppressed thoughts of the hellish place you found Eddie when you were helping save the mans life, but now everything was eerily quiet. Now you could do nothing but remember the nasty fleshy portal, the dark town covered in black fleshy vines, the man half eaten by some monster. You never considered yourself a superstitious person, you lived comfortably in a reality where monsters do not exist. But now that was all challenged, for how could you explain what you saw? You wanted to puke.

“Y/N, are you ok?”

You jump at the sound of Hans’s voice “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you”.

“Nah man, I’m… I’m ok. Just a little overwhelmed, I needed a little break” you answer, voice cracking.

“You did a great job today. He is most likely going to live because of you”

“Thank you. I hope that he does... ”.

“I have never seen you this messed up after a dispatch. Do you know the guy?”

“No, I have never met him before”.

“Damn, he must have made one hell of an impression.” Hans laughs slapping your shoulder.

“Heh, yeah” You laugh awkwardly

“Our shift is over, so I will be heading home now. But before I leave, are you sure that you are ok? You know you can talk to me man”. You wish you could tell Hans why you were so upset. Of course, you were more invested in Eddies health than you usually were for patients. A lot more worried actually, but right now the thought of a portal to hell existing or the fact that such a place exists in the first place fucked with your head. Hans would never believe you, he would most likely think you were having a melt down. No, the only person you could talk to about this, the only person who hopefully could give you some answers about what the fuck that place was, is currently undergoing surgery. Fuck.

“I’m ok, I just need… a second. You go home to your family, I am sure Astrid misses you”

“Alright, you can call me if you ever need someone to talk to. I know this field of work is hard, but it is easier with a friend”.

“Thank you for the offer Hans, I’ll keep it in mind”

Hans nods at you and leaves.

The waiting room is empty now, you are once again left alone with your thoughts. You worry about what will happen to Eddie. If he dies, he will be leaving with any answers you could hope to get. The thought of no explanation terrifies you, there is nothing as scary as the unknown and right now, you know jack shit.

The thought of him dying is also upsetting, as in the short time you got to talk to him you really got to like the guy. Despite being scared out of his mind, he seemed to keep a somewhat goofy attitude. He really does seem like a nice guy.

You decide to stay in the waiting room to see if you can get a hold of a doctor or a nurse when the surgery is done. You dont care if it takes houers, you don’t think you would be able to relax at home or go to sleep without knowing how Eddie is doing.

You end up waiting for about 5 hours before a doctor leaves the surgery, you spring up almost running towards him.

“How did the surgery go?” you ask sounding a lot more desperate than you intended.

“Are you a family member?” he looks you up and down with a raised eyebrow.

“Uh, no. I was with the paramedic team that delivered him to the hospital. I was hoping to know how the surgery went” this time you manage to speak with a more professional tone.

The doctor hesitates for a moment before answering “The surgery went well, his abdomen looked like a mess, there was a lot of tearing but thankfully most of it was to his abdominal walls. Some of his small intestine was affected, but none of the abdominal vessels were injured. His prognosis is good, but the next 24 hours will be telling”.

“Thank you doctor” you say with a relieved sight, you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

“Yes well, I should probably be getting on my way” the doctor says hesitantly stepping away.

“Yes, of course. I am sorry for keeping you”

After the doctor leaves you suddenly feel how tired your body is. You had been so stressed that you didn’t realize how much your body is aching. Now that you know Eddie is most likely going to be ok, you feel for the first time since all this happened that you could relax.

You look at your phone to see what time it is, 00.45. Fuck, when did it get this late? There won’t be any busses going at this hour.

“Fuck it, I’m calling a cab”

--------------- Time skip ---------------

When you finally burst through the door to your studio apartment you almost stumble and collapse as you rip of your shoes. You swear you have never been this tired in your entire life. Your bones feel like jelly as you walk to your bed. You don’t bother with brushing your teeth or taking off your clothes before falling into the soft mattress and drifting into oblivion.

[reyesstrand]

#9 for Tarlos please 🥰

thank you for the prompt! i hope you enjoy!! 💗

feel free to send me a number from this list. also available on ao3!

((tw: minor description of blood/injuries caused by a car accident)) 

Ever since he was a kid, he knew that it was hard to leave some calls at the scene.

Sometimes they lingered on the trip back to the firehouse, where a silence fell over the whole crew as nothing but dead air passed between their headsets. Other times, they dug in deeper, as if they were physical things with claws and teeth, refusing to be shaken off until something worse occupied their minds. He saw it enough with his dad when he was still a little too young to understand why he had to work such long hours; he saw it when the towers fell, and it was like he had to grow up overnight, practically set aflame at the thought that he could’ve lost his dad, like other kids lost their parents in a single moment.

TK doesn’t let that stop him from giving his all, though, even if that means he becomes too personally wedged into rescues.

It seems like it’s going to be a standard day, when they get the call from dispatch about a motor vehicle accident. The rest of the team seems to think the same thing—given the fact that they seemingly have no qualms about pushing him for the juicy details on his date night last night, only spurred on by the fact that Carlos had picked him up at the station yesterday afternoon and dropped him back off this morning.

“Come on, aren’t we supposed to be professionals here?” TK says, though he can barely get it out without smiling.

Immediately, voices erupt around him through his headset, all of them essentially calling his bullshit. Marjan smacks him in the shoulder. 

“Hey!” TK laughs, nudging her in the side with his elbow in retaliation. 

“If you spilled the details, maybe I’ll go easy on you,” Marjan says, cocking a brow, and TK rolls his eyes and barely suppresses a groan. 

“There’s nothing to tell?” TK tries, though he knows his lie is evident to all of them. 

“That hickey says otherwise,” Judd pipes up, and TK shoots him a glare. 

“Come on now, children,” his dad says, and TK huffs a little laugh. 

And then he looks out the window as the rig slows. 

“Shit,” Paul says, following TK’s line of vision. And, well, yeah. Because the road is a mess, various vehicles piled up. But it’s what’s at the heart of the accident that catches all of their attention: a semi-truck, tipped onto its side, with a dull grey car trapped underneath. 

“Okay, everyone, all hands on deck,” Owen says, all of them out of the truck the moment it comes to a full stop. They’re the first to the scene, only a few police cruisers trying to set up a barrier, and so he hears his dad yell to him that he’s on point for checking on the car driver. It’s all he needs to hear to immediately jump into action, even as his dad keeps shouting orders for Paul and Judd to grab the jaws and deal with the truck driver. 

He and Marjan move into a jog, hiking their gear up high on their shoulders. 

Once they get to the driver’s side of the car, TK knows it’s going to be a tough day. 

The driver is completely crushed under the weight of the steering column, the whole front of her car folded in like an accordion. There’s blood dripping from a gash on her forehead, and what looks to be a broken arm, and TK has only barely set eyes on her and he already doesn’t like the way she’s trying so hard to breathe. 

“Ma’am? My name’s TK, and this is Marjan, we’re AFD,” TK starts, the spiel coming out of his mouth without a second thought. Marjan clears the window of the sharp shards of broken glass, giving them more room to work; he meets her eyes and she nods, reaching down for her radio to call for the jaws and some extra hands. “Can you tell me your name?” 

“Rachel,” she gasps, and TK nods, pressing his fingers to her wrist that looks mostly uninjured for a pulse. It’s weak, but he tries to school his features so she can’t see his worry. 

“Marjan, we’re going to need to secure her neck, and once medical gets here we’re going to need to get her on oxygen,” he says, before meeting Rachel’s eyes. “Okay, Rachel, we’re getting you out of here. We just need a minute to secure you.” 

“Hurts to—breathe,” she stutters, and TK clenches his jaw. Marjan opens the backdoor of the car with a few good tugs, and slips into the seat, reaching around to place a neck brace on Rachel. 

“TK, tell me what’s going on.” 

His dad’s voice pulls him from listening to Rachel’s shallow breathing, and he responds: “Female driver, she’s completely pinned, Cap. Weak pulse, low BP—I need medical here now.” 

“They’re coming, maybe a minute out,” his dad says, sidling up to him. He looks through the car and meets TK’s eyes, both of them knowing how time sensitive this rescue is going to be. 

TK feels a little relieved when he sees Mateo arrive with a backboard, and Nancy and Tim trailing just steps behind him. Judd’s voice crackles through the radio, informing them that the truck driver’s only a little banged up. 

“Hey, Rachel, the paramedics are here now, okay?” TK says, though when she latches onto his arm, he squeezes her hand. “I won’t leave you.” 

She nods, looking at him with wide, scared eyes.

When Nancy gets the other side of the car open, pulling a nasal cannula from her bag and talking with Tim about her ABCs, TK keeps her looking at him. She looks like she’s going to drop any second, tears sliding through the grime on her cheeks, her breaths still too weak. 

“Hey, just talk to me,” TK says, his only thought to keep her awake. 

Rachel just starts crying harder. 

TK meets Nancy’s eyes from across the car, and feels Marjan at his side. “Hey, hey, Rachel. Listen to me. Do you have someone? Someone waiting for you at home?” 

“Lena,” she sniffles, her voice growing weaker. “We’re—we’re getting married in April.” 

“Tell me about her,” TK says, eyes pleading, barely registering the murmured conversation around them as a plan forms. 

“She’s always worrying about me, calls me a danger magnet,” she laughs wetly, and neither of them mention the blood that stains her lips. 

“Sounds like my boyfriend,” he tells her, and she meets his eyes, something hopeful presented in her gaze. “I got shot last year and burst my stitches a week later. He tells me all the time that I’m not allowed to go to the hospital again unless I want to send him to an early grave.”

Rachel smiles at him, faintly, and squeezes his hand. “She—she’s my best friend. I just want to see her again.” 

“You will,” TK says, before he can even think about what he’s promising. 

He steps back for a moment, being pulled into the plan from his dad. He’s left with the job of talking to Rachel, considering he’s made the most significant contact with her. 

TK takes a deep breath, and returns, frowning at her pained expression. “Okay, Rachel. We’re going to have to use some equipment to get you out, and I won’t lie to you, it’s going to hurt. But think of Lena, okay? I promise you that we’ll get you back to her.” 

“But my chest,” she groans, trying weakly to move against the weight pushing her down again. Both he and Nancy immediately reach out to settle her, hands on her shoulders. “I think I have a concussion, and—and it hurts. Everything hurts.”

“You’re going to see her, so soon,” TK promises, imagining what he’d want to hear if he were in her place. He thinks of Carlos, and knows he’d do anything if it meant getting home to him. “I swear to you. I will make sure you get home to her.” 

“TK,” Marjan whispers, and he meets her gaze before his eyes flit away. He knows what it means, to make impossible promises. But he fully intends on keeping this one. 

“Now, I’m going to count down from three, and me and my team are cutting you out of here, okay?” TK says, and she nods, eyes closing tight. “Think of Lena.” 

It’s a bit of a mess, once Owen starts them on the routine procedure, using the jaws and every tool they have to remove the driver’s door; to wedge her out from the steering column. Once she’s on the backboard and lifted onto the stretcher, they start losing her, and Tim immediately starts on compressions. 

TK holds his breath, staggering back against the car. Marjan squeezes his shoulder until they hear Nancy declare that she’s got a pulse. They rush her to the ambulance, and that’s supposed to be it. TK knows it. 

“Take a breather,” his dad says, cupping the back of his neck. TK nods, feeling exhaustion ache deep in his bones. “You did good, kid.” 

TK just nods again. Marjan knocks her shoulder into his before giving him some space, heading off to check the few witnesses still standing around for any superficial injuries. He ends up walking to somewhere private, which ends up being the back of the ladder truck, where he can lean against the paneling and keep himself upright. 

He doesn’t realize how out of it he feels until there’s hands gently cupping either side of his face, carefully tipping his head up. 

“Carlos?” TK’s voice sounds weak even to his own ears, and his boyfriend nods, looking concerned. 

“TK, are you okay?” Carlos asks, and it’s only when he drags his thumbs across TK’s cheeks and wipes away the tears there that TK realizes he’d even been crying. “Sweetheart...”

“I’m okay,” TK says, sniffing hard. “I swear. I’m just exhausted.”

He leans into Carlos’ touch, though, because he’s got his boyfriend here and doesn’t want to have to let him go just yet. 

He voices his desire, barely audible to anyone but his boyfriend. “Stay with me for a minute? I just need to—to get my head on straight.” 

“I’m not going anywhere,” Carlos whispers, and TK sighs and drops his head to rest against Carlos’ chest. 

“Just—just a rough call,” he murmurs, mostly into Carlos’ uniform. He feels a hand carding through his hair, and settles under the touch. “I’m glad you’re here.” 

“I’ll be wherever you need me, Ty,” Carlos says, ducking down to press a kiss to the crown of TK’s head. “Always.” 

[kiras-sunshine]

Beside you in a blinding bliss

Tarlos. 4.4k

For: 911 couple’s retreat  (@911CouplesRetreat) day 1 “you have never looked more beautiful” + hurt/comfort

Summary:

He places it on the floor, near his shin. The fake flame flickers a little, but it is dim, and it certainly doesn’t illuminate the bathroom.

“Now it’s an anniversary,” TK remarks, softly, with a tiny sigh.

ao3

or

**

author’s note: this includes slight descriptions of puking

***

The room spins as Carlos attempts to move and he has to grab the edge of the bathtub to steady himself. He is already sitting on the floor, but even the smallest movement makes spots appear in the corner of his vision and he has to take a couple of deep breaths to get rid of them.

He feels ridiculously weak, and the bathroom smells awful. He cannot get rid of the reeking, even though he has flushed the toilet multiple times since puking his insides out, and he just wants to curl up in a ball and forget the whole day.

The nausea still wallows threateningly in the pit of his stomach, but he isn’t convinced that the guilt wouldn’t be overpowering the waves of nausea.

TK didn’t seem angry or disappointed when he found him puking in the bathroom. If anything, he was just concerned and worried about him. Carlos cannot really blame him, he would probably have the same reaction if it was the other way around, but Carlos cannot help but feel like he has let him down.

It’s their first anniversary, and they actually had plans. Nothing too fancy, but they had a dinner reservation to a place they have meant to try for ages, and he had done the reservation months ago. Sure, it is only a dinner, but it is more about the meaning the date holds rather than about the food.

TK deserves the world, he knows that much and it’s ridiculous and slightly stupid, but he just wanted to give him a nice, stress-free evening and celebrate their love, but apparently even that proved to be too difficult.  

Work was plain terrible. They were understaffed and the whole shift was filled with a call after a call, and he didn’t really have a time to sit down and eat lunch, so he grabbed a sandwich from a food truck and he knew it tasted funny, but he didn’t have time to dwell on the thought too long because the dispatch sent them to another scene.

With his luck, he ended up with a food poisoning.

At least, that is his best guess. He felt a little off when he left the precinct and by the time he got home, the nausea was too strong to keep bottled up inside, and since that he has spent most of the afternoon camping out at the bathroom floor.

Carlos sincerely hopes it is a food poisoning because it could mean he would feel better quicker and the last thing he wants to do is to pass on some stomach bug to TK. It would be a terrible gift as far as anniversary gifts go.

Carlos tries to suppress a yawn and for a moment, he ponders whether he could just lie down and fall asleep on the floor. It feels like every ounce of energy would have been drained out of him, and somehow, even sitting up seems to require too much currently.

His mind definitely feels a little hazy and he knows exhaustion is taking over, but he is almost sure he hears the front door open and close. Despite everything, it makes him smile. It helps to know that he isn’t alone.

A few moments pass before he hears the bathroom door crack open, and TK appears to the bathroom. He is carrying a grocery store plastic bag and Carlos is happy to see him again, but his stomach lurches with guilt as he sees the concern shining in his eyes.

“Your beloved car survived without a scratch,” TK tells him, in apparent form of greeting, as he sits right next to him on the floor without any hesitation. He leans against the bathtub and glances at him, but he presses a kiss on his temple.

Carlos flashes him a lopsided and quick smile.

TK’s driving skills are infamous among the 126, even if they let him drive the ambulance nowadays. Judd sent him a lot of pictures of the destroyed traffic cones when he tried to teach TK to drive the ladder truck. TK himself sent him pictures of the battered rear end of the truck.

Despite all of that, Carlos has always let him drive the Camaro when he has needed it, but still TK immediately took it as some sort of highest form of trust. Carlos does trust him, with everything and anything, so it is not unwarranted of him to think that way, but TK has developed the habit of declaring, after every time he has driven, that his car still remains un-crashed.

“And you?” Carlos asks, hoarsely.

“What?”

“I care a lot more if you survived without a scratch,” Carlos points out, kindly. It feels like an obvious thing to say, but he likes to remind him of it, anyway. He has to close his eyes for a moment because the room spins a little.

Any reluctance he might have towards letting him drive is because he only worries that TK will get himself hurt. But he has seen him drive, he isn’t that bad at it. He just has an unorthodox way of reversing.

“I did,” TK confirms with warm laughter, “I mean I only visited pharmacy and the supermarket.”

Carlos had every intention of texting TK that he wasn’t feeling well when he first got home, but he never got around to do it, and when TK arrived back to the apartment from his own shift, he gave him a full check-up before darting to buy some medicine that would make him feel better and stomach-friendly foods.

“You once got kidnapped from a parking lot,” he mumbles. Moving feels awful, but he rests his head against TK’s shoulder because holding his head up on his own feels impossibly tiring.

“True,” TK says, but his voice softens as he continues, “how are you feeling?”

“Like dying.”

It feels like an honest answer. It is only maybe a tiny bit of exaggeration, but he feels miserable. His stomach aches and cramps, and it is hard to focus on anything else except the nausea. Carlos lifts his hand a little, but as soon as he moves it, it starts to shake.

TK’s fingers immediately curl around his shaking hand and it almost makes it stop. He holds it firmly, but still gently and places their intertwined hands at Carlos’ lap.

Logically, he knows that handholding cannot cure nausea, but it almost feels like it. Feeling the touch of his skin helps him to focus on something else. His touch is almost like a concrete proof that he is not alone and that whatever he is feeling will pass, sooner or later.

TK lets out a sympathetic hum, and his hand feels almost too warm against his. “No dying on my watch, but you do look like crap.”

Carlos snorts. “I guess we’re officially out of the honeymoon stage.”

He means it as a joke, even though his voice comes out a little meek. In all honesty, he has no idea where the end or beginning of their honeymoon stage would lie. He still gets goddamn butterflies in his stomach when TK even as much as smiles at him, and he is probably more in love than ever.

“You’ve never looked more beautiful,” TK replies, and his voice is light and teasing, but it doesn’t sound like a complete joke to his ears, even though it must be.  

Carlos can imagine the way he is looking. He looked pale already in the locker room of the precinct and he knows he is drenched in sweat. Generally, he feels gross. It still feels like a small miracle that TK is willing to sit pressed next to him, kissing his head and holding his hand, without any complaints.

“That’s the spirit,” he manages to crook out before his stomach lurches and he has to puke again.

The sudden movement makes him dizzy and the taste in his mouth is bitter and awful. It sort of feels like he couldn’t breath properly and he is gasping for air, but TK is rubbing his shoulders in a soothing manner and it helps a little to keep the panic at the bay.

“It’s okay,” he whispers, “just breath. You’ll feel better soon. I promise.”

He isn’t sure if he loathes more the feeling of sickness or the fact that TK has to be there to witness it. If there is ever anyone in front of whom he has allowed himself to feel weak, it is TK, but he still cannot shake the uneasiness of being so helpless and small in front of him. He is also willing to bet that TK sees a lot grosser things at work on weekly basis, but that doesn’t mean he should witness it from him.

Carlos doesn’t really trust his voice to answer, so he just nods. He wants to believe that and as he catches his breath, he, at least temporarily, feels slightly better.

TK is still stroking his back.  “Have you drunk anything?”

“No.”

He didn’t even manage to drink a gulp of water when he ate that damn sandwich before they were sent to another scene.

Carlos turns around again, placing himself back to the familiar spot against the bathtub. TK studies him with his gaze for a moment before he pulls a bottle of water out of the plastic bag. He hands it to him, and the bottle feels lukewarm in his hands.

“Try to drink a little bit, okay? If it feels bad or you cannot keep it down, I can hook you into an IV bag of saline. If you want to.”  

His voice is soft and sincere, and full of concern, and Carlos cannot tell exactly how serious he is with his offer. All he knows that his first-aid kit has gone through a proper upgrade since TK started at his new job and he wouldn’t be that surprised if they had the equipment for simple infusion, too.

“I don’t think a food poisoning requires a paramedic,” he replies, slightly tentatively because he doesn’t want him to take it the wrong way. He opens the water bottle with shaky hands and takes a small sip out of it.

“Too bad that you’re dating one,” he remarks, but he watches him like a hawk as he keeps slowly drinking the water. “If the water’s fine, then you can take some electrolyte pills with it. They should help too.”

He lets out a non-committal grunt. Carlos doesn’t exactly mind that he is taking care of him. He rather likes it, and it makes him feel loved, but he doesn’t want to burden him after the twenty-hour shift he has just pulled off. “No need to bring work to home.”

TK stares at him for a moment. He squints his eyes a little as he tilts his head to the side. He opens his mouth but abruptly closes it again. “You--,” he starts, but he ends up shaking his head. “I’m not taking care of you ‘cause of some oath I’ve taken at work. I want to take care of you ‘cause I love you, and that’s really not work.”

Carlos looks down on his own hands, a little abashedly. It’s nothing he wouldn’t know already, but it is still a different thing to hear him say it. He knows TK loves him, he tells him it often enough and he shows it, too. It is almost a tangible thing that he can feel, and his love surrounds him every day, and he had no real doubts he would be doing any of this out of anything else except love. But he has lived most of his adult life alone, and it is difficult to accept help when he is used to managing on his own. He wants to accept it, but he cannot silence the part of his mind that keeps insisting that he is asking for too much.

He bites his bottom lip as he looks back up to TK. “Yeah, okay. I know. I’m glad you’re here.”

TK gives him a small smile, but it is definitely genuine one. It makes a different kind of warmth to spread in his stomach.

“Are we in the realm of possibility of leaving the bathroom?”

“Not really,” Carlos breathes out. He wants to leave the hard and cold floor, and possibly crash into the bed, but all of that feels like a distant wish. “I’m sorry.”

“That’s fine,” TK reassures, sitting back right next to him. “Nothing wrong with a bathroom.”

“You don’t have to stay here,” he points out, softly. He is a grown adult, and he isn’t in any sort of mortal danger. There is no reason why he couldn’t deal with a food poisoning on his own. Knowing that TK is at home would be more than enough.  “This isn’t really how I imagined our anniversary to be.”

“There’s no way I’d leave you alone when you’re feeling this terrible,” he says, without missing a beat, and he sounds determined, “and I brought something.”

TK rummages through the plastic bag and pulls out something small that looks like plastic. He presses something at the bottom of it and orange light appears in the middle of it. Carlos wants to blame his exhausted and dehydrated brain for taking it so long to realise that TK is holding a led candle in the middle of his palm.

He places it on the floor, near his shin. The fake flame flickers a little, but it is dim, and it certainly doesn’t illuminate the bathroom.

“Now it’s an anniversary,” TK remarks, softly, with a tiny sigh.

Carlos is pretty sure his heart clenches with the love he is feeling. The candle itself is a pathetic sight, but it is the thought of it behind it that makes his heart feel too small for all the love it tries to contain.

“That’s—nice,” he says, little lamely, but he appreciates more than he can tell. His mind is still too foggy to form any more coherent sentences and his head suddenly feels a lot heavier than before.

“I had to improvise,” TK laughs, but he stops quickly when he looks at him. “You want to lay down?”

Carlos manages to nod, and suddenly TK’s hands are on his shoulders and he gently and slowly steers him into lying position, but he places his head on his lap. As soon as he settles there, TK’s fingers are already in his hair and he runs them along his scalp.

“You know, I don’t mind that much that our plans got cancelled,” TK says, softly, breaking the silence after a couple of quiet moments.

“You don’t have to try and make me feel better.”

He already feels miserable enough lying curled up on the bathroom floor and using his boyfriend’s thighs as a pillow. His self-pity is already covering all the pity he needs, and he knows he brought this on himself by eating the sandwich even when his instincts told there was something odd about it.

“I’m not just saying it to make you feel better,” TK huffs, almost amusedly, “of course I hope you’d be able to stand on your feet and not to puke everything out, but we can have dinner some other time.”

Carlos knows he is right. It is already a small miracle that both of them have the evening off, and he guesses the meaning and idea of the anniversary is more important than celebrating it on the actual day.

“Yeah.”

“It’s just a day,” TK says, almost casually.

It is ridiculous, but it breaks Carlos’ heart a little. He knows it is not TK’s fault if he isn’t bothered by the cancellation or if he doesn’t see their anniversary the same way as he does, but he cannot control the pang of hurt it creates.

Carlos knows he might come off as a reserved person, but he has always liked to make a big deal of any sort of celebrations he has shared with his loved ones. His sisters’ and friends’ birthdays. Their high school graduations. All the holidays. His parents’ anniversaries. TK’s one year of sobriety.

He likes making his loved ones happy and sharing happy moments with them and showing by that how much he loves and appreciates them, and just how proud he is of them. TK has always appreciated everything he has planned for him, and he had gone out and the above with Carlos’ birthday and with that horrendous tumour cake for his dad.

And it had been nice, that he had finally met someone who appreciated that side of him, and matched with him and made the similar effort for him, but he should have guessed that at some point, eventually, he and TK would clash on it, too.

He knows TK loves him, and it is not like he would be second-guessing his feelings or commitment, but it feels stupid and selfish to hope that the day that is supposed to be about the two of them would hold more significance for him.

That it wouldn’t be just a day among the rest of them.

If there is a silver lining, it is that his nonchalant reaction is easier to deal with than plain disappointment of their plans being cancelled.

“It is,” he lies, quietly.

TK lets out a heavy sigh. “That came out wrong.”

“It’s fine,” he rushes to murmur.

It is the truth. It feels worse than it actually is because he is already wallowing self-pity, and he knows it will be fine once he manages to sleep through the night and when he doesn’t feel like his stomach is plotting to kill him.

“It’s not fine,” TK insists, accompanied by another sigh, but it is a lot softer this time. “The anniversary, it’s a big deal. Of course it is and I want it to be a big deal. And I don’t want you thinking that it wouldn’t mean a lot to me, because it does.”

Carlos quietly hums as a response because it sounds like TK has something more to say.

“You mean a lot to me, and I’ve been so—happy during this year and so obviously I want to go all out on the celebrations, but just—all I wanted, really, was to spend the day with you, and while this,” he continues softly and vaguely gestures towards the bathroom “wasn’t the plan, I’m still not disappointed. I get to be with you, and I love you as much here as I’d in some fancy restaurant.”

Carlos is certain he is so dehydrated that there is no possible way for him to tear up, but still, as he listens to his quiet rambling, his eyes start to sting. It definitely awakes a whole another twirl of emotions inside of his heart, but this time it is just raw happiness, love and plain affection.

A tiny bit of embarrassment mixes in with it all, because he misinterpreted his words and demeanour, but he wants to blame that on his own insecurities and the food poisoning clouding his mind. But he is still a little bit of in awe because somehow TK knew exactly what he needed to hear, and all of it is just overwhelming.

“The restaurant would probably smell better,” Carlos ends up deadpanning, because he is still a little speechless.

A surprised laughter escapes from TK’s mouth and he shakes his head, but he scrunches his nose. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“And it means a lot to me, too,” he adds with more serious tone.

Carlos has known since the beginning that they share a connection that is special and profound, somehow, and he has wanted him since he saw him, but he is still a little bit in awe that they have made it so far despite their rocky start.

He wants him to know it, too, even if his mind cannot come up with anything too eloquent.

“I know,” TK replies, simply, “and you’re in no shape to go to work tomorrow, so I took a day off too.”

He sounds almost delighted as he declares it.

“You didn’t really have to do that.”

It feels just a bit unfair that TK has to use one of his day offs to take care of him, and only because he ate something that had gone stale.

TK brushes his thumb across his forehead gently. “The twenty-minute trip to the store was nerve-wracking enough, I’m not going to leave you alone for twenty-something hours. And it hardly is your fault that you got food poisoning, babe. It’s just bad luck.”

“I’m not complaining if I get to have you all for myself,” he murmurs as he shifts a little on the floor. He closes his eyes for a moment, but surprisingly the wave of nausea never comes. “I don’t know about the fault, but I cannot have that bad luck, I still ended up with you.”

TK laughs, and he is pleased because that is what he was aiming for. His laughter is beautiful, and he always wants to hear it, but right now it is the most soothing sound he could imagine.

“This has nothing do with luck,” TK says, gently, “but I sure feel lucky.”

Carlos just smiles at him.

“We could do new plans tomorrow,” he continues, running his fingertip along his collarbone. “I think we both have next Thursday off?”

Carlos knows that they have been together for a year and that it shouldn’t be too big of a surprise that TK knows his shifts by heart, but it still fills him with particularly fond warmth because they both have irregular shifts, so he has to learn his rooster, on top of his own, every week, and he does it every time.

“I guess we can celebrate our 371 days together too,” Carlos caves in, and through the exhaustion, he can feel the corner of his mouth twitching into a gradual but affectionate smile.

Carlos was never too caught up on the idea of celebrating the anniversary on the exact day, but it could have been nice. He guesses the anniversary is more about what they make it out to be, because after all, it is theirs. And knowing that TK is at least as much into the idea of it, warms his heart a lot.

“Exactly,” TK chuckles, “it will be the best 371-day anniversary you’ve ever had. And we can have dinner today, too, once you’re ready to depart the toilet. I’ll come up with something.”

“Trying to give me a double food poisoning? That’s cold.”

He tries his best not to smile, but it is impossible, and a grin breaks out on his face quickly. TK pretends to be shocked and offended, but his smile persistently stays visible, too, and the softness of his gaze never fades. He nudges him gently with his elbow.

“Hey, you’re on a strict stomach-friendly diet and just for that, I’ll mix the applesauce with the rice.”

Carlos frowns at the mere thought of that.

“The other option is bananas and toast. Mint tea is supposed to help, too.”

His stomach is wallowing still, but he is rather sure that all of that would sound unappetizing, even if he was feeling perfectly fine. He is also aware that he will at least try to eat whatever monstrosity TK comes up with because it is still made by him.

“Sounds—bland.”

“It’s supposed to be,” he remarks, “it won’t be a mind-blowing culinary experience, but when anything I’ve cooked for you would’ve been. The difference is that this time it’s going to help and make you feel better.”

“Thank you,” Carlos whispers, more seriously and sincerely than the situation probably calls for, especially when TK is cracking jokes about his own cooking skills, but he wants him to know he is grateful. More than those two little words can convey.

“It’s okay,” he mumbles, “are you feeling any better?”

“Yeah, a little,” he lets out a sound that only half-resembles a chuckle. “I’m still sorry I ruined tonight.”

TK might not blame him, and maybe, despite his own thinking that this would have been preventable, it is one of those uncontrollable things. Yet, he thinks he deserves an apology.

“Nothing’s ruined, really,” TK starts, “and this isn’t a terrible anniversary. Little unconventional for sure, but we’re together, in love and there’s candlelight, so I think we could’ve done a lot worse.”

“I know,” Carlos breathes out, “the candle really saved this.”

It sends TK laughing again. “And if we’re being completely honest, we have a tendency to mess up dinner plans. Especially the big ones.”

“True.”

“I’m willing to bet that if we ever get married, a natural disaster will strike,” TK jokes.

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, Carlos feels how TK’s muscles tense up, and he goes a little still. His fingers stop moving in his hair, but at least he isn’t pulling his hand away.

Marriage isn’t something they have ever outright discussed. Obviously, they are both in it for the long haul, and he has always assumed that marriage is something they are slowly heading towards to. He knows TK has his own baggage about his failed proposal, but it makes him happier than he could say that TK can make jokes about marriage already.

Because Carlos can definitely imagine himself marrying him. He can more than imagine it, he wants to do it. He knows there is no rush, and that taking their time is a good thing, but he would marry him in a heartbeat or in ten years. Either way, he knows it would be something that will bring immense joy to him.

“Bold of you to assume it would be only one natural disaster,” he comments, a brilliant grin spreading on his face, “it will probably be at least two.”

TK immediately relaxes. He lets out a breath and continues to run his fingers through his hair. “There should be a safety manual for the whole thing.”

“Oh, definitely,” Carlos laughs, still little weakly, “evacuation plans and everything.”

After the active volcano, it feels like nothing that the universe throws at their way would surprise him anymore, and he knows they have had their fair share of weird and ridiculous calls, and that they have survived all of that so far, but a wedding would definitely be the biggest dinner possible, and it seems like tempting fate.

“We’ll send it with the invitations.”

He still feels weak and sick, but the feeling of pure happiness is starting to overpower both of them.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Carlos admits, quietly.

“Yeah, me neither.”  

[underfell-crystal]

Item #: SCP-4885

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: Currently, it is only theorized that SCP-4885 is contained. To further elaborate, SCP-4885 is contained within an unknown Class-17 Containment Chamber in an unknown site. In the event that SCP-4885 breaches containment, Procedure Invenient Eum is to be enacted, which consists of the following procedures:

Thirty six Class-17 Containment Chambers are to be connected to an independent self-driving vehicle. At all times, 216 inactive Containment Chambers are to be readily available in case of sudden and unforeseen breach of SCP-4885's containment.

One D-Class subject of stable mental health is to be submitted into the vehicle, and driven into the system. A cryptographically secure pseudorandom number generator is to choose a random number between one and thirty-six, and the vehicle is to be transported to a Containment Chamber based on the number chosen.

Each Containment Chamber has a single digital monitor that is capable of outputting video at 720p resolution. Once a D-Class subject is transported to a random chamber, a message is to be sent to every monitor simultaneously. This message consists of the current location of SCP-4885, delivered via an implanted tracking device. The GPS is only accessible by Level 5 Personnel or SCP-4885 containment staff on a need to know basis.

After approximately two hours, each containment chamber is to be transported to a randomly designated Foundation site via self-driving trucks. The trucks are to be disguised as a packaging service in order to prevent suspicion. In the event an accident occurs during this stage, Procedure Invenient Eum is to be enacted again.

No personnel who are aware of SCP-4885's existence are to go within 100 meters of any Class-17 Containment Chamber. Several signs and warnings have been placed around each chamber, labeling it as a water treatment room, and that attempted access is punishable by immediate amnestication and loss of employment as decided by the Ethics Committee.

These warnings tell personnel to report to a nearby Automated Site Overseer of any leaks from the chamber, in which the person will be visually amnesticized by the Overseer, and Procedure Invenient Eum will be reenacted. For more information regarding the composition of Class-17 Containment Chambers, please consult Document 7631.00.

Currently, SCP-4885-1 instances that are located via far2.AIC are contained within Location i. The whereabouts of Location i is only known to far2.AIC. Currently, far2.AIC is connected to 80% of CCTV security cameras within the United States, and 40% of total CCTV security cameras on Earth.

SCP-4885-1 instances discovered by far2.AIC will have specialized Foundation carrier drones to be dispatched and attempt to grab the body, and carry it to Location i, using routes that minimize the chance of unwanted civilian interference. In the event that a civilian notices a drone and SCP-4885 breaches containment, the drone will send an "All Alert" message to SCP-4885's containment team, and Procedure Invenient Eum will be enacted.

In the event that Location i's whereabouts are discovered at large, the next personnel located within Document PAINT-THE-TOWN-YELLOW will establish the next Location i, and their immediate family will be notified of their death.

Description: SCP-4885 is an anomalous humanoid resembling the main character of the popular series of puzzle books "Where's Wally?" (known in the US as "Where's Waldo?"). This entails that SCP-4885 wears a horizontal red and white striped shirt, a red and white bobble hat, and jeans. However, a noticeable difference in appearance from the character is the entity's paler skin and the lack of eyes.

In the event that a subject knows of SCP-4885's current location at any given time1, SCP-4885 will move to the nearest wall and begin to "phase" into it. SCP-4885 will appear inside of the subject, and will reach up the esophagus and grab the subject's chin through their mouth.

SCP-4885 will then proceed to pull themselves through the subject, destroying their internal organs and their spine. Once this has occurred, a yellow liquid will exit the corpse's mouth and will cover the subject entirely, which causes it to become an SCP-4885-1 instance. SCP-4885 will remain in its current location, occasionally patrolling the area, until another person discovers its location once again.

However, if SCP-4885 is close enough to the subject when they discover its location, they will instead approach the subject, attempt to climb into the subject's mouth, enter their abdomen and exit their body through the subject's pelvis. During this time, SCP-4885 can easily dislocate/relocate any joint in its body, and its skin and muscles will gain the consistency of a malleable solid, allowing it to easily climb into and out of the subject.

SCP-4885-1 instances are anomalous corpses that were created by SCP-4885. The entire body of an SCP-4885-1 instance is covered in illustrations similar to those found in Where's Wally? books, with many different characters appearing on the instance's skin. These illustrations originate from the liquid that exits the corpses' mouth. Currently, no instances of the cartoon character "Wally" have been found on an SCP-4885-1 instance. These illustrations cannot be removed from the subject unless the skin it is placed on is removed.

If a subject knows the location of any given SCP-4885-1 instance, SCP-4885 will teleport itself to the subject and kill them in the exact same manner as if they discovered SCP-4885 itself. This will also transform them into an SCP-4885-1 instance.

SCP-4885 was discovered residing in [LOCATION REDACTED] within a small wooden house. Mobile Task Force Chi-19 ("Unrelenting Punishment") was sent to capture an entirely separate anomaly, and did not know of SCP-4885's existence.

Subjects: Amelia Merrick (M-1), James Klein (M-2), Kurt Stoll (M-3)

[BEGIN LOG]

M-1: Mic check.

M-2: Yup.

M-3: All good.

M-1: Equipment check.

M-2: Everything's working as intended.

M-3: Ditto.

M-1: Transcript number… 67. We are entering the house.

M-3: No one's talking to you Melly.

M-2: Oh, stop it. Now is not the time, Kurt.

M-3: Heh, right, sorry.

The group enters the house.

M-1: Initial descriptions of the object were a pair of black spectacles capable of killing the user, and covering their body in strange pictures from an unknown children's book.

M-3: It was obviously Where's Wa-

M-2: Kurt, stay professional.

M-3: I just want to bring some life into M-1's robotic speech.

M-1: I'm trying to keep my job, Kurt.

M-2: Ahem.

M-1: Sigh Right.

The group search the ground floor for the object, and begin to go upstairs. Scraping noises are heard below them, but the group does not notice this.

M-3: There's a picture on the wall.

M-1: Hmm?

M-3: Yeah, looks weird. Looks like crayon.

M-2: Take a picture.

M-3: Already on it.

him.png

The image taken by M-3.

M-2: Good. Think it has something to do with the anomaly?

M-3: Of course. It looks like Waldo.

M-1: Do any of you have an idea on where the object may be?

M-3: Er, I think it's in here.

M-1: Which room is this?

M-3: Um… Bathroom. There's a toilet and a… a shower, yeah. At least I think it's a shower.

The room is circular, with a normal porcelain toilet at the other side of the room. There is a small depression into the floor, leading to a small drain.

M-2: Strange… what kind of shower is this?

M-1: There is a modified sprinkler on the ceiling. There's a switch on one side of the room that, I assume, would activate the sprinkler. Seeing as this house has been abandoned for several years, I doubt it would work.

M-3 activates the switch. Water begins to come out of the sprinkler.

M-1: I stand corrected. Who is paying the water bill for this to work? Is it still hot?

M-3 touches the water, and immediately recoils in pain.

M-3: Gah… it's scalding.

M-1: Who is…

M-2: I have discovered the object. It was rested… uh, resting on the toilet.

M-2 is seen holding a pair of black circular glasses. The lens appear to be missing.

M-1: Good. You know the drill.

M-2 carefully examines the object, checking for fingerprints or any other traces of evidence. A small set of fingerprints are discovered on the temples of the glasses, which are revealed to be his own.

M-2: Yup, these are the ones. I'll put these in a baggie real quick.

M-2 produces a plastic bag from a small container around their waist, and places the glasses inside.

M-3: There's an inscription here. It's in… uh, [REDACTED].

M-1: Where?

M-3: Over here, on the wall.

The phrase "[REDACTED]" is seen on the wall in [REDACTED].

M-3: This was definitely not here when we first got here. Should we just leave it be and tell command about this, or?

M-2: It's most likely memetic. Here. let me translate it. I have training.

M-2 takes out a small Foundation-made translator, and inputs the phrase.

M-2: Huh, well never mind, doesn't appear to be memetic. It says… "The basement. The corpses from a child's book are in the basement. He is there too. Fr-. " And then it cuts off.

M-3: Hm. Take a picture and we'll send it ba-

M-2 begins to groan and hold their stomach.

M-3: Are you okay? What happened?

A set of fingers exit M-2's mouth, and grab their jaw. The hands push down, launching the jaw across the room. SCP-4885 exits M-2's body.

M-1: W-what the f-

Both M-1 and M-3 begin shooting at SCP-4885. The entity charges towards M-1 and shoves their fingers down their throat, and begin clawing into their mouth by unhinging their jaw.

M-3: Please, fuck, oh god. P-please, command. We're at [LOCATION REDACTED]. I repeat, [LOCATION REDACTED]. We need assistance, asap. Help. HE-

The audio is abruptly severed.

[END LOG]

When the transcript was received by a nearby site, the site almost immediately went into lockdown as SCP-4885 killed most of its personnel. The O5 Council enacted an emergency meeting, and Procedure Invenient Eum was created. Shortly after this, the procedure was enacted, and SCP-4885 was theorized to be contained. All information regarding SCP-4885's location of discovery was removed via an automatic algorithm, and SCP-4885's file was created.

You had this bitch on standby didn’t you

[kranketuturani]

The band plays on as The Titanic sinks. And by The Titanic, I mean the NHS. And by the band, I mean healthcare professionals. 

I have never felt so tired in my life, it doesn’t matter how much sleep I get. Every day at work is the same, all the calls blur into one, same description down to the truck. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pyrexia, cough, covid positive, covid positive, covid positive. Endless jobs that never needed an emergency ambulance but somehow we got there anyway. Stay at home, you don’t need the hospital, no you are just unwell with corona. Refer to GP, call out of hours, leave at home with worsening advice. Or they’re super sick, but they never look it, it doesn’t look like hypoxia, there’s no cyanosis, how are you speaking to me with oxygen levels below 50, how are you able to talk and move? High flow oxygen, the closest hospital not on bypass please, blue lights, keep breathing. Admission to the ITU, tubed as we leave the resus bay. 

Waiting, waiting, general broadcast, we have 20 calls holding, with additional lower priority, please go green if you can. Sorry dispatch, we’re delayed, waiting for call backs and referrals. General broadcast, cat one, cat one, CPR in progress, is there a truck, is there someone out there? Hello dispatch, we can take it, our paperwork will wait. Blue lights, wriggle into the tyvek suit, strap on your FFP3, please don’t let the filter fail. Where’s the waver? Hello dispatch, call as given, please send back up, CPR in progress. Hello dispatch, call not as given, patient conscious and breathing. Hello dispatch, stand everyone down, the patient is obviously deceased. Hello dispatch, we have someone back, please blue lights to the nearest hospital. Note in the paperwork, confirmed dead at hospital. 

Patients waiting, patients dying, patients not getting an ambulance fast enough because we have too many calls. Record number of calls across the service, record number of patients attended, record number of staff off sick. Staff member in hospital, staff member in ITU. Obituary. Spend Christmas by yourself because you’re sick. Don’t see another living person in 6 days. When was the last time you had a hug? It’s been a year since you’ve seen your family.  I love my job, I love being a paramedic, I moved across the world to do it. But I have hit my limit and I am so tired. All my patients are covid, and so few genuinely need an emergency ambulance response, they want a check up, they want reassurance, they want medication. So I do their checks, I give them the reassurance, I call their GPs and organise care, antibiotics for the secondary chest infections, I give advice, I clean everything and I go again. I have been exposed to covid more times than I will ever be able to count. I’ve seen the spectrum, I’ve been part of that spectrum. I have been to four deaths in two weeks. For reference, I went to my previous four deaths in 9 months. I took a man to hospital whose son was already on the ITU, the man’s father had just died. Everything is covid, everything is heart breaking.  We don’t have the beds, we don’t have the staff, we don’t have the resources, it feels like we don’t have the oxygen. We are not coping. And I’m beginning to wonder if I am coping. This time last year my country was burning around us. This year my new country is succumbing to a virus. How much more can one heart take? Most of us don’t know when we will be allowed home to see our family, we don’t know when this will be over. Will it ever be over?

I will probably never be able to read a book or watch a movie about a pandemic, real or otherwise. No more contagion fiction for me, no Station 11, it nearly caused a breakdown. A whole chunk of stories I can no longer enjoy. My hands are cracked, they bleed with the slightest bump, my lips are chapped. My mum asked how I was feeling, I told her I knew I looked terrible, she was allowed to say it. Pale, dark rings, spots, exhausted. I looked better when I was at the end of being sick.  Please get your vaccine, please wear your mask, please wash your hands, and stay home, and leave space. I know you’ve had enough, I’ve had enough, we are all over it, we are bored of it, we are tired, we are stressed. But we cannot keep going unless something changes. So if you clap, clap, but please follow the rules.  I would like to see this summer at the beach, eating ice cream and laughing with my friends. I would like to see the spring, cautious, hopeful, I want to be able to visit flower fields and drink lemonade, and hold hands, and hug. I want to be able to go home, and spend time with my family, halfway across the world. I want the world to open up, I want us to see each other again. I want us to live.  The band is still playing at The Titanic goes down. Our audience has left us, the conductor has thrown away his baton and leapt onto a lifeboat. But we are still playing, and we will keep playing until our instruments break.