No one responds.
Hallie glances our way.
She checks her display and tries again.
“Engine One, radio check.”
Still nothing. She shouts over, “My radio’s not sending.”
Dustin sends her a thumbs-up. “Check the battery!”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Hallie turns her unit over. The battery is secure and connected. Of course it is.
She squints at us. But she keys up again. “Engine One, radio check.”
Nothing.
We don’t respond.
Hallie frowns.
She stands, walking toward us with determination in her steps.
“Dustin, swap with me, would you? Something’s wrong with that unit.”
Dustin gives Hallie his handheld and takes the one she had.
She goes back to her spot next to the engine and tries again.
Her eyes narrow when her voice doesn’t carry through any of our handhelds.
She strides our way again.
Patrick asks, “Are we having radio issues?” He’s the picture of innocence.
Dustin chimes in, his tone dead serious. “Radio issues? No bueno.” Then he asks Hallie, “Want me to take a look?”
Hallie’s frustrated expression turns earnest. “Yes. Please.”
Dustin grips her shoulders lightly and turns her around. He walks with her over to where she’s been testing.
Patrick casually reaches down, and holding his radio behind his back, he flips it on.
Dustin tells Hallie, “Here, give me that one.”
Hallie hands him the handheld she just tested.
Dustin speaks into it. “Engine One, radio check.”
Dustin’s voice comes through Patrick’s radio, echoing through the bay.
Patrick presses the talk button and says, “Got you, Engine One. I copy you loud and clear.”
Then Cody’s voice rings through the handhelds from the office “Engine One, receiving. Recommend hearing test for the rookie.”
Hallie puts her hand on her hip. “What do you mean, a hearing test?”
