I have always had dogs growing up. I know how smart some can be. And I know there are some that are very, very smart.
Timber sat beside Snake Eyes as Hawk spoke.
"The chopper will set each of the teams in specific spots about thirty miles from here. You will only have the compasses and maps to get back. This exercise is to see how you work together in this environment. If you don't get back before night fall, activate you beacons and we'll come get you. Do you have all that?"
"Who gets to team up with who?" Ripcord asked as he smiled at Scarlett.
"With whom." Hawk corrected. "The two member teams will be: Snake Eyes and Duke; Scarlett and Breaker;" He couldn't help smile as Ripcord's face fell. "You and Heavy Duty."
Ripcord frowned then piped up. "Wait a minute. Timber is going, too, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, if Timber is a member of that team, which makes it a three member team, not a two member. That's not very fair."
"Rip." Duke warned.
Hawk glared at Ripcord for a moment, and then smiled. "Fine. Snake Eyes and Timber; Scarlett and Heavy Duty; you and Duke. Breaker will have to sit this one out. How's that?" He stared hard at the pilot. His look told Ripcord to try and say something else.
"No, sir. That will be all." A disappointed Ripcord said.
They were all soon relaxing in the sitting room after the briefing. Ripcord still looked sullen as Scarlett was tossing bits of jerky to Timber.
"Hey, Snakes, how is Timber going to take orders with Cat not here?" Ripcord suddenly quipped. "I mean it's not like he can read your mind or something."
Snake Eyes turned to the pilot as Hawk spoke. "What are you getting at, Ripcord?"
"Well, we all know Timber responds to basic signs, but every time he's been on an assignment, Cat's in the background, telling him what to do. Too bad, she's with her family on leave." With a smirk, he stood up. "I'll let you guys solve that problem. I'm headed for bed." He turned and started walking away.
Hawk saw Snake Eyes snap his fingers to get Timber's attention. When Timber looked at him, Snake Eyes made a sign and pointed to Ripcord.
Timber moved quickly as he rushed at the pilot, hit the back of Ripcord's legs with his body, and then stood, with both paws on the man's chest, as he lay on the floor.
The laughter rang as Ripcord squeaked a "help" as Timber bared large teeth a few inches from his face.
"You were saying, Rip?" Duke gasped out before laughing again.
"Nice, doggy." Ripcord whispered. He lay still as he heard Snake Eyes snap his fingers twice and Timber leaped off him to run back to his master. "I don't like that dog." He whispered as he made his way to his room.
