Dick looked out the window as the snow fell. He had already spoken with the General and had full permission to ground the Squadron for the day for safety reasons.

Muttley hadn't listened. The dog had gone up anyway and who knew where he was now.

Klunk and Zilly were just as worried as Dick about Muttley. They sat at the table with mugs of hot chocolate waiting for Muttley to come home.

Dick clenched his hands in anger and fear. He swore Muttley was going to get KP duty for a month plus doghouse for thirty days for this! In fact this wasn't the first time Muttley directly disobeyed him. It was normally small things and the dog could normally talk his way out of trouble but NOT this time!

He just hoped there would be a next time.

A loud crash was heard in the distance and the three men ran out. Smoke was coming from the distance and they ran to it.

To their horror it was Muttley's plane. They quickly took out the fire and looked for him.

HE wasn't there. Had Muttley ejected himself out to safety? Klunk gulped as he picked up a familiar scarf and held it gently in his hands.

Dick looked at it and for a moment he thought the worst. No…not Muttley…

Zilly looked down when something caught his eyes. A blood trail. "Chief!"

Dick looked at him as well as Klunk.

They followed the trail until they came upon a fallen log. To their relief there was Muttley whimpering and shaking, but very much alive.

Dick took off his coat and wrapped it around the dog as he gently picked him up.

Muttley, upon smelling the familiar scent of his master, opened his eyes and looked at him shamefully.

Dick sighed as he stood up. "We'll talk later. For now let's just get you home and warmed up." He didn't like how hot Muttley felt.

They got back to the hangar and Muttley was taken care of. Zilly came up with medicines and Klunk created a heater to warm the dog up. Dick never left his side.

During his feverish state Muttley whimpered but the presence of his master comforted him. Klunk and Zilly did everything they could for the sick dog. Now it was just a waiting game.

It was much later that night when Muttley's fever broke. He opened his eyes and looked around at the humans. Zilly was asleep at the table while Klunk was fast asleep on the couch.

Dick was asleep beside him with his arms wrapped around him.

Muttley sighed knowing that what he had done was foolish and stupid. He had been angry when Dick said no flying. He hadn't listened.

"How do you feel?"

Muttley looked at Dick. It was time to face the music. "Rokay."

Dick smiled softly. "Good. Scared me there for awhile. You have to understand that your safety, as well as the others is my top priority."

Muttley looked down feeling ashamed and guilty.

"What you did was foolish Muttley. Foolish and stupid. A medal is not worth your life. There are thousands of those but only one Muttley and he's irreplaceable."

The guilt hit full force. He'd NEVER heard these words before. Was this how Dick really felt for him?

"From now on when I say no flying you do not fly. Am I understood?"

Muttley nodded.

Dick sighed. "Good. Now punishment."

Muttley looked at him. He earned this one.

"You are grounded for the next month. No flying and you will stay in the hangar and do all of the chores."

Muttley sighed and nodded. He'd gotten off easy considering the crime. He snuggled close to Dick and felt the warmth and safety this man brought.

Dick smiled softly and cuddled him as he fell back into slumber.

Crisis had been averted and tragedy stopped. Now there was only peace.