Chapter 1 : Rescue team

Ava POV

I swung down into the ravine, my ropes and harness digging into my skin. My team counted on me to get this right. Below, a car lay crushed, its passengers trapped.

"Okay, Ava, you're clear to descend," my teammate's voice crackled over the radio.

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. My focus was on the wreckage. I'd done this countless times, but every rescue was different. Every life mattered.

As I reached the car, I assessed the situation quickly. Two people, both conscious but pinned. I got to work, my training taking over.

"Hello! We're here to help. Can you hear me?" I called out, trying to reassure them.

A faint "yes" came from inside. I smiled, trying to sound calm. "Great, we're going to get you out of there. Just hang on."

My team joined me, and together we worked to free the passengers. It was a delicate dance, but we'd done it before. Finally, we lifted the last person to safety.

As we ascended, the sun beating down on us, I felt a sense of pride and purpose. This was what I did. This was who I was.

As we hiked back to the base, the rescued passengers safe and sound, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. It was days like these that reminded me why I became a search and rescue team leader in the first place.

My name is Ava Morales, and I've been doing this job for over five years now. I've seen it all - from natural disasters to accidents, and even the occasional hoax. But it's the people, the survivors, who make it all worth it.

I'm 28 years old, born and raised in this beautiful, rugged state. Growing up, I was always drawn to the outdoors, and I knew I wanted a career that would let me make a difference. After training as an EMT and a rock climber, search and rescue felt like the perfect fit.

My team, Sierra Rescue, is one of the best in the state. We're a tight-knit group, and we rely on each other to get the job done. It's a high-stress job, but we all share the same goal - to save lives.

As we returned to base, exhausted but exhilarated, I couldn't help but think about how much I loved my job. It's not just about the thrill of the rescue; it's about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the lives you touch.

And, of course, there are the moments like these, when everything comes together and you know you've made a difference.

I smiled to myself, already looking forward to the next call, the next chance to make a difference.

As I walked into the base, my teammate, Jake, nodded at me from the kitchenette. "Hey, Ava, nice work out there today."

I smiled, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. "Thanks, man. Team effort, as always."

We chatted about the rescue, reliving the highlights and discussing what we could've done differently. It was a routine we followed after every mission, always looking for ways to improve.

After a quick lunch, I headed to the conference room for a debriefing with our team leader, Mark. We reviewed the rescue, going over the timeline, the challenges we faced, and what we learned.

As the meeting wrapped up, Mark turned to me. "Ava, you're up for a training exercise next week. We're simulating a multi-vehicle accident on the highway."

I nodded, making a mental note. "Got it. I'll make sure to review the scenario and come prepared."

Mark smiled. "I know I can count on you, Ava. You're one of our best team leaders."

I left the meeting feeling proud and fulfilled. This was what I was meant to do – lead, rescue, and make a difference.

Little did I know, my next mission would test me like never before...

The next few days flew by in a blur of training exercises and routine calls. We responded to a minor car accident, a lost hiker, and a medical emergency at a local school. All routine, all successful.

But I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Maybe it was the eerie calm before the storm, or maybe I was just getting too comfortable in my routine.

On Friday evening, as I was packing up my gear, Mark approached me with a serious expression. "Ava, we've got a situation developing. A severe storm is heading our way, and we're expecting flash flooding in the low-lying areas."

My instincts kicked in. "What's the plan?"

"We're mobilizing the team to prepare for evacuations and rescues. I want you to lead the effort in Sector 4."

I nodded, my mind already racing with scenarios and strategies.

As I left the base, the sky was darkening, the wind picking up. I could feel the electricity in the air, the sense of anticipation.

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chapter end

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