Response to Challenge #5

[Aerie]

Post your responses to Challenge #5. ;D

[Kormiic]

Hmm, never tried one of these before. But here goes nothing...

* * *

"All you need to do is stop, drop and roll."

“No, really? I was under the impression that the best thing to do if you’re on fire is to run around with your arms in the air screaming that the world is coming to an end.”<br>
“Although your misconception does not surprise me, Agent DiNozzo, neither does it amuse me.” When the instructor turned away to once again demonstrate the proper technique, Tony stuck out his tongue at the man’s back.

“Real mature, Tony,” Kate whispered in annoyance.

“Hey, can I help it if the guy’s a total douche?” he said in a mock whisper, attracting glances from a few of the surrounding agents.

There were about twenty-five federal agents in the gymnasium, all required to undergo basic fire-rescue training. And all of them, save the instructor, were bored out of their minds.

“Alright, everyone back on your feet!” the instructor had returned. “We’re only going to run through this a few more times, so be prepared. Here we go: All you really need to do is…”

“STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!” the agents shouted, each suiting actions to words as he or she called them.

“One more time! All you really need to do is…”

* * *

“That was the worst two hours of my entire life,” Tony moaned into his sandwich at lunch that day.

“Worse than when you showed up at work with a thong static-clung to your jacket? When you lost your watch trying to help Ducky in autopsy? When you were tonguing that guy?” Kate offered.

“Why does it always come back to that?” he demanded indignantly. “Besides, the tonguing part was actually nice. I mean, there’s no denying the fact that Voss was a good kisser. It was finding out later that she was a he that was the bad part.”<br>
“Ah.” Kate popped a french fry into her mouth. “Remind me again why Gibbs doesn’t have to endure this?”<br>
“He’s going to be a ‘demonstration.’ Although for what, I haven’t a clue.”<br>
“I can’t believe we actually have to go back there. We must have stopped, dropped, and rolled at least once for every person living in D.C. by now. I mean, didn’t we learn all of this stuff when Fireman Jim came to our first-grade class?”<br>
“Fireman Jim?” Tony eyed her warily and snatched a few of her fries, narrowly avoiding the hand trying to slap him. “Okay, quick question: Gibbs and I are trapped in a burning building and you can only save one of us. Which one is it?”<br>
“Ohh, that’s not fair.”<br>
“C’mon…”

“I can’t choose between the two of you.”<br>
“So you’d let both of us die? Just pick one, it’s not that hard.”<br>
Kate glared at him. “And I suppose you know exactly who you’d save?”<br>
“But of course. Kate, my dear, I would rescue you.” He beamed and she couldn’t help the wave of contentment that washed over her.

“Thanks, Tony, I-”<br>
“Cuz if you died, Gibbs would be seriously ticked off. At me. But I figure if he died you would just be really really sad, and especially since I saved you, maybe we could get some kind of hurt/comfort thing going on.”<br>
Kate stared back, completely at a loss of what to say. Tony grabbed another handful of fries. “Gotta be back there in five minutes. Chop chop.”<br>

* * *

“You’re my damsel in distress? You’ve got to be kidding me.”<br>
“Afraid not, DiNozzo. So if you will kindly rescue me from this burning building, then maybe I won’t fire your ass.” Gibbs glared tragically from his perch on the edge of a desk.

“But, uh, boss, if I don’t rescue you, then how can you fire me? Plus I’ve kinda got this little deal going on with Kate that I’d rescue her-”<br>
“Agent DiNozzo! In the time that you have been standing there, your victim has already suffered third-degree burns over thirty-five percent of his body! Will you please RESCUE HIM?!” cried the hysterical instructor.

“Ah… sure.” Tony hoisted Gibbs’ frame up and over his shoulder in the fireman’s carry and began to stagger back toward the group.

“We’re still in the burning building, Tony,” Gibbs commented as Tony stopped and panted for breath, halfway back.

“Yeah… But I was… thinking… it’s pretty… cold… out there… and maybe… we’d be… warmer… in here,” he wheezed as he took another step.

A few feet away, the instructor was showing another pair the correct way to carry the victim. “It looks hard, but it’s really quite simple. You see, all you need to do is-”<br>
“Oh, thank God! I know this part!” Tony cried in relief. “Stop, drop, and roll!” He stopped, dropped Gibbs onto the floor, fell nearly on top of him, and proceeded to roll around like a cocker spaniel on steroids.

Gibbs managed to scramble out of the way and looked on, oddly amused, as Kate made her way over to his side. “I might have to light him on fire one time, just to see this again,” he mused. “Although I can’t wait to see what he’ll make of next week’s seminar.”<br>
“Uh-oh,” Kate sighed. “With Tony, you can never really tell. What’ve we got next week?”<br>
“Health and hygiene.”<br>

[jo]

okay, Kormiic. here's the deal. you have to put some kind of warning on your stories if they are going to be THAT funny.

i laughed till i cried -- and i'm at work. not a good thing.

would love to read your take on the health and hygiene seminar.

;D

[AngelZ]

Very good. I don't believe its your first time - you've been practicing.

[Star]

ROFL. ;D ;D ;D

I choked on my mouthful of soda when I read the "damsel in distress" line. You really do need to put a warning at the beginning!

[jo]

i really hate to admit how lame i am.

i just reread kormiic's fic again - and laughed till i cried again.
the part where tony drops gibbs and rolls around like a cocker spaniel. TOO FUNNY!!! ;D

i also agree with AngelZ. you may not have written fanfic before, Kormiic, but you can't tell me you haven't written stories of some kind. this is just too well put together.

and thanks for the laugh. i needed it.

[Kormiic]

Okay, maybe I misphrased that. This is my first time doing some sort of a challenge. As far as fanfics go, I've been writing Rogue Squadron plots since the end of 5th grade, so coming up on... 6 years. Yikes.

Glad you enjoyed the ending- I finished up the lunch scene before realizing that I had absolutely no clue where it was headed...

[jo]

Kormiic said:

Okay, maybe I misphrased that. This is my first time doing some sort of a challenge. As far as fanfics go, I've been writing Rogue Squadron plots since the end of 5th grade, so coming up on... 6 years. Yikes.

aha. we knew you were a writer. i didn't realize you were quite so young tho.

what is Rogue Squadron?

i started writing in 4th or 5th grade for extra credit - and i really enjoyed it. that has been a lot more than 6 years ago, tho. LOL.

[jo]

"All you need to do is stop, drop and roll."
“Right. Stop, drop and roll. Stop, drop and roll,” McGee repeated to himself as he walked across the park and up an incline.
“I cannot believe I let him talk me into this. But he got those tickets for me to the concert Abby was dying to go to, so… I do owe him.”

The previous day, while Gibbs and Kate were elsewhere, McGee had stopped by Tony’s desk for a little advice. He didn’t want Tony to know that he respected his opinion and was in bad need of it, so he tried to beat around the bush a bit.

“So, Tony. What kind of music do you listen to?” McGee had asked.
“Why?” Tony responded.
“Ding, ding, ding. Wrong answer, Dinozzo,” McGee thought, but couldn’t say.
“Just curious. Do you ever listen to heavy metal?”<br>“Not if I can help it,” Tony grinned and cocked an eyebrow at McGee. “I’m not stupid, McGee. This is going somewhere, but I haven’t figured out where yet.”<br>“Okay.” McGee looked around to make sure they were alone. “I’ve got a problem. Abby has been hinting that she would really love to go see this group that’s in town, but the tickets are all sold out. The concert is tonight. I thought you might know someone or know someway I could get some tickets.”<br>“Wow, McGee, I’m impressed. You would subject yourself to hours of head banging, mind blowing noise just to please Abby? There are hidden depths in you, McGee,” Tony rolled closer to his phone.
“Give me a little time. I’ll call you on your cell and let you know what I come up with.”<br>“Thanks, Tony. I really appreciate this. I’ll do something for you,” McGee headed for the elevator.

By late afternoon McGee had fifth row tickets to the concert and was on his way to Abby’s lab.
“Hey, Abbs! Guess what I have here?”<br>“Get out! You got tickets to the concert?” Abby threw her arms around him in a bear hug.

“I should have known payback would be soon and would make me feel like an idiot,” McGee thought as he got into place. “I really can’t believe I let him talk me into this.”
McGee watched as Tony sauntered along the path below him. He began to walk parallel with Tony, waiting for his signal.

The blonde was setting in her usual spot, reading a book. A few moments before reaching her, he would signal McGee – who would stop, drop and roll down the incline. Tony would rush to him and perform…something. McGee wasn’t sure what the plan was once he rolled down the hill and Tony reached him. The important part was Tony was to come off as a caring heroic man in the eyes of the book-reading blonde.
McGee was a little amazed that Tony would be interested in a woman who read, but what did he know? He knew there were hidden depths to Tony. He also knew that Tony didn’t need this idiotic method to meet a woman, but Tony didn’t seem to be as confident around women as he always acted.

Tony was waggling his hand behind his back. McGee dropped and rolled down the hill. As he reached the bottom, Tony ran to him. McGee could also see that the blonde had dropped her book and was heading their way.
“She’s coming,” he whispered.
“Shut up. You’re supposed to be unconscious,” Tony muttered back, as he loosened McGee’s tie and started undoing the top buttons of his shirt.
“What happened?” the blonde asked as she dropped on her knees beside them.
“Don’t know,” Tony said. “He appears to be unconscious. His color seems good…” his voice trailed off.
The blonde had picked up McGee’s wrist and was looking at her watch.
“Pulse is normal,” she said. Realizing Tony was looking at her questioningly she said, “I’m a nurse.”<br>“Oh. OH!!! Well, that’s great. What do we do now?” he said as he moved back so she could take care of McGee.
“I guess we should call an ambulance,” she began.
McGee opened his eyes and groaned. A very fake groan. Tony gave him a look from behind the blonde.
“Are you alright?” the blonde woman asked. She has kind eyes, McGee thought.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Really. I just blanked out for a minute.”<br>“Should we call someone?” Tony asked.
“No. No. That’s okay. I’ve got a cell phone. I’ll just go over to that diner and get a drink and call my girlfriend to come get me.” As the blonde seemed to be about to follow him, he said, “Really, I’ll be okay now. Thanks for your help, though.” Turning away, he walked towards the diner across the street.
The blonde held her hand out to Tony and said, “Hi. I guess we should introduce ourselves. My name is Brynne McDonald.”<br>“Tony Dinozzo,” Tony replied with a smile. “Can I ask if you have any plans for this evening?”<br>“I have to teach a seminar. But you would be more than welcome to come.”<br>“Really? What kind of seminar?”<br>“Health and Hygiene.”<br>
The next day, Tony was already at his desk when Kate and Gibbs came in.
Gibbs picked up a memo on his desk and groaned.
“What?” Kate asked.
“A seminar next week.”<br>“Cool,” Tony said. “I love seminars. What’ve we got next week?”<br>"Health and Hygiene.”<br>

[Gibbsgirl]

Nice job, jo! I like the spin you put on the opening and closing lines.

BTW.....Nice name for Tony's girl. Right hair color too! ;D ;D

[MezzoSoprano]

No Comment

“All you need to do is Stop, Drop, and Roll….ok, am I convincing enough?”<br> “Dinozzo, man…they’re in the fourth grade. I think it’s on their level.”<br> “Yeah, I know, Javy…but would I convince you?”
“No comment, bud.” Contreras took a slow sip of a lite beer and shook his head.
“Tell me again why you are doing this, Tony.” Robin only caught the last tidbit of Tony’s presentation as she removed her running shoes. She was just in time for the end of that and the beginning of the race, she hoped.
“All right, I am one of several presenters for Fire Safety Week at Williams Intermediate School. A few of the guys from the fire station down the block were supposed to help out, but two of them are in the Reserve unit that just got activated, so I offered to help out.” The twins couldn’t help but notice how puffed up Tony was over it.
“And as a former cop, you have plenty of experience…?”<br> “Actually,” Javy interjected from the couch, “he doesn’t. He does have a fondness for a certain blonde fourth grade teacher named Justine.”
“Ah, I’ll bet she had to twist your arm for that.”<br> “Hey! Anything I can do to help!” Tony followed Robin into the kitchen. “Chili ready yet?”
“Give it another half hour. And put that lid down!” Tony could chalk Robin up as one of three or four women that could actually make him jump like he just did.
“So, uh, Rob…how’s things with Ducky?”<br> “What do you mean, how’s things with Ducky?”<br> “Well, er, we all kinda figured, well…we know he’s been eating out a lot…”
“Um, yes. He has been to the restaurant quite a bit.”<br> “So…”
“Just friends right now, Tony.”<br> “So, do you think it might be possible, eventually, that…”
“No comment, Dinozzo.” Robin left the kitchen with a glass of wine and eased into her seat on the end of the couch. Man, that must be your favorite comeback line, for both of you…
“So where are we this week, crew?” Tony flopped onto the love seat.
“The beautiful Fall skies of Phoenix, Arizona. Lovely place, once they drive the snakes off the hills back there…”
“Now that was a fun road trip, sis…back in the day…”
“You road tripped to NASCAR? I’ll never get you guys…”
“1989, my friend, Senior year…” Javy took another slow sip off his beer. “Football team went to substate before we got walloped by…Avery County? Mitchell?”<br> “State swimming champ, here bro. Um, I thought it was Avery…one of the western counties.”<br> “Baseball semifinals…”
“All-state choir, second year in a row…”
“Hey, when you two get through reliving your glory days, clue me in on what just happened on the track?” Tony just witnessed the first yellow flag of the afternoon and needed some guidance.”<br>
Same couch, different week…
“So, this week is…”
“Charlotte, man. Much bigger track than Phoenix last time…”
“Ah.” For the last few months, this was how Javy spent his Sunday afternoons…slowly nursing light beers while stock cars raced around in pretty much a circle. Tony still wasn’t used to the inactivity…he felt like he should be doing something.
“So, how’s Justine, man?”<br> “Not bad…”
“Impressed with the presentation?”<br> “Sure…she said yes to dinner Tuesday and even invited me back next week for another presentation.”<br> “Impressed with the kid that sprayed you with the fire extinguisher?”<br> “No comment.” Ah, Tony picks up on things well…
“Ah, what’ve we got next week?”<br> “Health and hygiene..”<br>

[AngelZ]

Bravo www.planetsmilies.net/8769.gif [/img] Excellent work Tartlets / Divas / Gibblets

[Kormiic]

Great jobs, jo and MezzoSoprano! I really liked the twists you guys put on the provided lines.

jo said:

what is Rogue Squadron?

It's a series of books written by Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston about the elite X-Wing squadron of the Rebellion/New Republic. Star Wars. ;D

[jo]

Kormiic said:

Great jobs, jo and MezzoSoprano! I really liked the twists you guys put on the provided lines.

It's a series of books written by Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston about the elite X-Wing squadron of the Rebellion/New Republic. Star Wars. ;D

thanks kormiic - and gibbsgirl. [thought you'd like the name, gg. i wanted something different.]

Star Wars. i know star wars. hans solo was hot!! i think that was my fave harrison ford movie.
i know mark hamill was supposed to be the star and luke skywalker was THE HERO, but i fell for han. and chewie. ;D

[Gibbsgirl]

Okay, here goes.....
First, yes I do know what 500 words look like, I just can't stop there
Second, no I'm not trying to pair off anyone, so don't read anything into it.
Third, I was actually inspired to do this because of recent happenings in my area. We've been lucky so far, but the last one was pretty close to houses.
Fourth, I apologize for any and all Techincal Screwups. I'm okay a writing but really good at the screwups.


All you need to do is Stop, Drop and Roll. The phrase she learned in grade school kept repeating through Kate’s mind as she dressed hurriedly. At least she’d be dressed, that is, if she were lucky enough to make it out alive. She grabbed her cell phone and looked at her watch. 1:30 am. Tony might still be out; God I hope he was nowhere near here! Gibbs was probably asleep. Tony first then, Kate decided, and dialed his number.

Tony was just about asleep when his cell phone rang. “DiNozzo,” he answered.

“Tony? It’s Kate. Did I wake you?” Kate tried to keep the anxious note out of her voice, but she wasn’t sure she was altogether successful.

“Kate? What’s up? Do we have a case?” Tony snapped awake quickly, a habit he’d honed. He’d pay later for the lack of sleep, but something told him he needed to be awake now.

“No case, but something’s happened. I called you first because I thought you’d still be awake. There’s been some kind of explosion or something in my area of town. It’s only been a few minutes, but the power’s out here and I’m stuck in my apartment.”<br>
Tony was up and moving even as Kate was talking. He flipped on the television and found he didn’t need to change channels. The report of the downed Lear Jet was in lurid detail and probably on any channel he cared to pick. As he listened to Kate he survey the details behind the reporter. There seemed to be way too many buildings damaged and on fire for his comfort. “Kate, what do you mean you’re stuck in your apartment?”<br>
With a deep breath and determination not to give in to fear she responded. “I’m reasonably certain that my building is on fire. There’s fire outside my bedroom window, and when I went to open my bedroom door it was warm to the touch. The knob wasn’t hot yet, but I didn’t want to be stupid either. I’ve already blocked off the bottom of the door with a blanket so no smoke can get in. But I have no way of finding out what’s going on with no electricity. Stupid of me really not to have a battery operated radio, but there you have it.”<br>She shut up suddenly, realizing she was rambling.

Stunned, for a minute Tony didn’t know what to say. “Ohhhh-kay. Let me get this straight. You’re stuck in a burning building and you’re calling me for a news update?”<br>
“DiNozzo!” Kate’s thin hold on her shredded nerves snapped. “I am calling you because I have no freakin’ idea what’s going on outside my apartment and I’d like to know if there’s any hope in the world that fire rescue teams are getting through or if I’m going to have to figure out how in the hell to rescue myself from hell!

“Geez, Kate! Quit yelling. Okay, I have the news on and they’re talking about the plane crash right now, but I don’t have too much information yet. From what I can see there are no fire rescue teams, but I don’t even know where the reporter is in relation to your building, so I’m no help right now. Did you even try 911?”

I didn’t even know a plane had crashed, for Pete’s sake! I don’t know how big the damage area is, or where my building is in it. And I’m......,” Kate’s voice became very small, “scared. So just help me here. Please?”<br>
Scared? Kate doesn’t get scared, Tony thought. Kate gets angry or feisty or even mean and nasty. Scared is bad. “Okay, listen, right now most of the news is about the crash not about rescue. But Gibbs and Ducky can probably call in a handful favors and find out what’s going on. But I don’t want you to hang up here. How’s the battery on your cell?”<br>
“Great, I had it charging earlier, so it was fully charged before I called you.”<br>
“Good. I’ll stay on this line with you and I’m going over to the land line and call Gibbs. Okay.”<br>
“Sure. I’d have called him earlier, but I figured you’d still be out and I didn’t want to wake anyone if I didn’t have to.”<br>
“Thoughtful Kate,” Tony chuckled. “Rather than wake the man with no social life, you figure you’ll interrupt my date.”<br>
“Hey, at least I put some thought into....Whoa! Wonder what that was?”<br>
Tony was now juggling two phones “Yeah Boss, one sec. What what was? Kate, you okay? Yeah, Gibbs it’s important. Kate’s building is on fire and she’s trapped. Kate?

“Some really strange noises coming from above. I’m on the third floor and there is a fourth, but something up there doesn’t sound good.” Kate hoped her colleagues could help and soon. The whole situation was becoming very eerie with the fire glow outside and the noises from the building. She was grateful for the connection to another human her cell phone provided.