Chapter Text
When Chief Ross arrived at Station 19 and called them to the beanary, they all could guess what it was about. Maya wondered if Chief Ross would just outright pick or announce whom she would promote to Captain. She hoped it wouldn't be Sullivan and also knew for a fact that it wouldn't be her. Sure, she and Chief Ross had made an unspoken truce, but their relationship was complicated, and they weren't about to sit down, have coffee, and discuss the problematic SFD policies. That was something she first wished for when Chief Ross became Chief, but that dream vanished when Chief Ross told her that she wouldn't be reinstated as Captain while she was cleaning the Engine. A part of her would always hold a little resentment toward Chief Ross for that moment. It altered the professional relationship they could have had, but with therapy, she was learning to accept things as they are and move on with her life in a healthy way.
"If any Lieutenant wants to be considered for Captain, please step forward." Chief Ross said.
Maya stood back and watched as Theo, Andy, and Robert stood forward. She thought Robert's ambition was at a whole other level. Even after the scandal of him and Chief, did he really think he could be promoted? If Chief Ross did promote him, Maya would lose some of her respect for the woman.
Maya listened as Chief Ross mentioned how she would assess who would be promoted, which included giving them each a chance to lead in calls and conducting one on one interviews with the rest of the team and get everyone's viewpoint. Maya knew that when asked, she would recommend Andy as captain. Andy deserved the job, and it was long overdue. She should have made Captain long ago, probably before Maya, but at least they got over that.
For the rest of the shift, as Andy, Theo, and Robert bickered in calls, Maya wondered about what was next for her. Since getting promoted wasn't something that would happen anytime soon, and she was more focused on her healing, she wondered about her place at Station 19. It used to feel like home to her, and the team felt like family. Sure, she was rebuilding relationships now, especially with Andy, but it didn't feel the same. She just wasn't sure that she belonged there anymore. It was something to talk to Diane about, get the women's opinion, and possibly get some guidance on where to go from here.
After her shift, she headed to Carina's hotel for their breakfast date. She felt tired from the shift, but she was very excited to see Carina. Taking things slow and rebuilding their foundation was good for them and was going well so far. She knocked on Carina's hotel room, and the Italian opened the door a few moments later. She looked good as always, and Maya felt dull in her jeans, but she knew Carina didn't care about that.
"Bella, how was your shift? Come in while I grab my stuff," Carina said.
Maya got inside and awkwardly stood by the door. "It was interesting," she told Carina.
"Oh, you'll tell me about it over breakfast?"
"Sure, though, we don't have to discuss work."
"I want to hear about it," Carina told Maya with a smile. "And we can head out now."
They headed out and went to a cafe opposite the hotel. They ordered their coffee and breakfast, and Maya started telling Carina what had happened from the Chief asking who wanted to be considered for Captain.
"The whole day was a disaster with Andy, Theo, and Robert trying to prove who would make a better Captain," Maya told her.
"What about you?" Carina asked nervously. Maya had told her that she wanted her job back, and this seemed like her chance.
"Me?" Maya asked with a frown.
"Si, you also want to be considered for Captain again?"
Maya looked down and nervously played with her hands. "I didn't step forward when the Chief asked who wanted to be considered."
"You didn't?" Carina asked in surprise.
Maya looked up at Carina. "No, I'm not at a point where I'm fit to be Captain. I did say that I want my job back, but right now, I know it's not the right time, and I'm more focused on my healing and also rebuilding our relationship."
Carina nodded but also wondered if Maya was sacrificing her career for her. The last thing she wanted was for Maya to hate her for not being Captain because she had to step back to gain Carina's trust again. "Maya, if you truly want to be Captain again, you can be. We can still rebuild our relationship, and you can get your job back in the right way."
"I know, but not right now. Maybe someday in the future. Also, if I were to be Captain again, I don't think it would be at 19."
"Why?"
"19 needs someone they respect and trust, and that's not me. Honestly, I don't feel like I belong there anymore, not after everything that's happened."
Carina could understand how Maya felt. She had watched her get bullied by Becket and had the team stand by and do nothing. She remembered Maya breaking down in arms and saying she was a truck in the early days of their relationship. Sure, she ended up being accepted by the team as Captain, but the damage was done, and for a while, she resented the team at 19. Maya deserved better, both when she was Captain and for the past six months with Becket.
"It's okay, you'll find your place again, and I'll be right beside you. I love you for you and not your position at the Statin." Carina told her, meaning every word.
"Yeah?" Maya asked with a wide smile.
"Yes, it is your authentic self that captivates my heart."
Maya blushed and reached out her hand to hold Carina's. "You have a way of touching my soul like no one else can. Every part of you captivates everything in me."
"Aren't you romantic, Maya Bishop?" Carina teased her, though inside, she swooned at Maya's words.
After breakfast, Carina headed to the hospital for her shift, and Maya went home to get some rest. They agreed to text each and see when they could go out again.
****************************
Travis had just finished talking to Chief Ross and giving his recommendation of who should be Captain. Maya was next, so she headed to the Chief's office.
"Lieutenant Bishop," Chief Ross greeted Maya as she got in.
"Chief Ross."
The Chief nodded for Maya to sit, and she did so.
"This is just going to be quick. What qualities do you believe are essential for a captain to possess to lead a team effectively?"
"Strong leadership and decision-making skills are paramount. A captain should be able to make informed, decisive choices under pressure, considering the safety of the team and the public as the top priority. They should be able to navigate complex situations, think critically, and communicate their decisions clearly and effectively. Secondly, I believe a captain should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. They should be able to build and maintain strong relationships with team members, fostering a culture of trust, open dialogue, and collaboration. Effective communication within our team is crucial for seamless operations and a supportive work environment." Maya answered confidently.
Chief Ross had to admit that what Bishop said was exactly what she was looking for and assessing the Lieutenants. She wondered why Bishop hadn't stepped forward and also want to be considered for Captain. She fully expected her to be the first to step forward.
"Based on your observations and interactions, which person demonstrates the strongest leadership skills?"
"I believe promoting Andy Herrera to Captain is the best choice for the team and the department. Andy has consistently proven herself a dedicated and capable leader, embodying the qualities needed in a captain. Her commitment to the crew's well-being and the community we serve is unparalleled. Andy has a natural ability to inspire and motivate those around her. She leads by example, setting high standards and encouraging everyone to give their best. Her presence alone positively impacts team morale, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. You've seen it yourself." Maya answered honestly.
Chief Ross nodded and finally asked the question on her mind. "Don't you want to be Captain?"
Maya chuckled at that. "Trust me, I want to be Captain, but I must admit that I'm currently focused on my healing journey. I believe it is essential for me to prioritize my well-being and recovery before taking on additional responsibilities. Also, we both know that I probably will never be Captain here at 19 again."
"Isn't that something you wanted, though?" Chief Ross asked with genuine curiosity. The blackmailing attempt aside, she knew that all Maya ever wanted was to be Captain of 19 again. Just from this little conversation, if the situation were different, Natasha probably would have wanted to promote Maya.
"Before, yes, but now... honestly, I'm not sure what I want other than something different." Maya hadn't expected to be this honest with Chief Ross. She thought the meeting would be tense, but it strangely wasn't.
Chief Ross considered something for a moment and then flipped through her files, looking for a certain pamphlet she had been given. She found it and handed it to Maya. "There's a fairly new team that started a couple of months ago, the Aquatic Heights Emergency Response Team. They are looking for a new member to join then."
Maya read the pamphlet. The team's slogan was "Saving Lives in Water and at Great Heights." This was an elite team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals specializing in saving lives in challenging environments, combining expertise in water and high-angle rescues. There was a picture of a team member rappelling down a steep cliff with someone being secured in a harness and another team member in a diving suit, clearly in a water rescue mission. The pamphlet also listed what type of person the team was looking for: Exceptional swimming ability and water safety knowledge, proficiency in high-angle rope rescue techniques and working at heights, physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure and strong leadership skills, effective communication, and the desire to make a positive impact.
"You think this is for me?" Maya asked curiously.
"I've seen you in action with rope work when we rescued those two from those caves. I'm not sure about your swimming, but I'd bet you're pretty good and possess all the qualities the team wants. It's up to you whether you want this or not." Chief Ross answered honestly. She wasn't trying to get rid of Maya, she just genuinely believed that this could be the different thing the lieutenant was searching for.
Maya nodded, already considering this as she stared at the pamphlet. "I'll think about it."
The chief dismissed her, and she headed out. She bumped into Vic on the stairs, and she eyed her curiously.
"You took an awfully long time in there," Vic said.
"No, I didn't." Maya denied it as she pocketed the pamphlet.
"You did, you aren't secretly planning to get the Captain position, are you?"
"No, it's not for me right now, and I merely told the Chief who I thought would be the right person to promote." The fact that Vic was even suggesting that Maya may have been deceiving them when she didn't step forward to be considered for Captain hurt Maya.
Hopefully, the Chief would choose Andy, she deserved it. In the meantime, Maya had a lot to consider. Was she ready to leave 19, quit firefighting and pursue something different? This Aquatic Heights Emergency Response Team, could it be something she could enjoy and feel fulfilled in? She had to talk to Carina, and get her opinion on this before jumping the gun.