**Chapter 11: "Code Red"**

The sound of sirens pierced the air, and the hospital's emergency response system crackled to life. "Mass casualty incident incoming," the voice announced, calm but urgent. "Multiple vehicles involved, numerous patients en route." Pam, Carter, and Luka sprang into action, their training kicking in as they rushed to their assigned roles. Pam's social work skills would be crucial in triaging patients' emotional needs, while Carter and Luka would tend to the medical emergencies. As the first patients began to arrive, the ER erupted into chaos. Pam, Carter, and Luka worked in tandem, their movements practiced and efficient. But beneath the surface, emotions simmered. The unresolved feelings between them threatened to boil over as they struggled to cope with the sheer volume of patients. A young mother, frantic with worry, clutched her injured child's hand. Pam quickly assessed the situation and stepped in to calm the mother, using her social work skills to defuse the tension. Carter and Luka worked together to stabilize the child's injuries, their medical expertise on full display. As the crisis unfolded, the three of them found themselves drawn together, their differences momentarily set aside. Carter's eyes met Pam's, and for an instant, they shared a connection that went beyond the chaos around them. Luka, too, caught Pam's gaze, his expression a mix of concern and longing. The tension between them was palpable, but they had no time to address it. The mass casualty incident pushed them to their limits, demanding every ounce of their focus and skill. As they worked, Pam felt her emotions rising to the surface. She cared for both Carter and Luka, and the weight of her secrets threatened to crush her. A patient's screams pierced the air, and Pam rushed to his side. She held his hand, talking softly to calm him down, as Carter and Luka worked to stabilize his injuries. In that moment, she felt a sense of clarity. She couldn't keep her feelings hidden; she had to confront them head-on. As the situation slowly came under control, the three of them took a moment to regroup. They stood together, exhausted, their faces etched with concern. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Carter's eyes locked on Pam's, and he took a step forward. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low and urgent. Luka's face fell, and he took a step back, his eyes never leaving Pam's. "About what?" he asked, his voice tight with emotion. Pam felt a pang of guilt, knowing that she had to make a choice. But as she looked at Carter and Luka, she realized that she couldn't choose between them. Not now, not when they were still reeling from the aftermath of the mass casualty incident. "We'll talk later," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "For now, let's just focus on getting through this." Carter nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Luka's face was a mask of emotions, but he nodded too, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. As they continued to work together, Pam knew that she couldn't avoid the inevitable forever. She had to confront her feelings, and she had to make a decision. But for now, she just focused on the task at hand, her heart heavy with the weight of her secrets.