Story by: Hunter's song to Colleen: 'You Are The Love Of My Life'-George Benson Colleen's song to Hunter: 'Forever and For Always'-Shania Twain
A Road Rover In Peril
As she sat out on the beach with Hunter, Colleen looked up into her husband's warm, loving brown eyes. The two of them were lying down under the shade of a tree, on top of a beach towel. Alex and Cassie were playing catch nearby, while Kayla made a sandcastle with Starlight. Colleen said, "Whenever I'm with you, Huntie, no matter what we're doing, you bring so much joy into my life, and I could never love anyone but you. I'll always be with you, my love." Hunter gently ran his fingers through Colleen's soft, flowing hair, and he said, "I'll never leave your side either, Colleen. From the day I first looked into those blue eyes of yours, you touched me down to the core of my soul, and no matter what, you are the only one that I will ever love, now and until the end of eternity." Colleen's lips met Hunter's in a warm, passion-filled kiss, and stars danced in their vision. Hunter ran his hands up and down Colleen's back, and her hands came up to frame his face. When they came up for air, Colleen's face was flushed red, and Hunter said, "You are so incredibly beautiful, my English Rose…and I know that even if I searched the whole world, I'd never find a female dog that was as sweet and loyal as you are. Colleen, there's no other dog alive that's more worthy than you of being my wife. I'd like to sing this song for you, Colleen…it's called 'You Are The Love Of My Life', which I think is perfect for showing just how special I think you are, and how lucky I am to be your husband." Colleen replied, "Oh Huntie…you're such a sweet and wonderful dog, and you're the only one I'll ever love." Hunter kissed Colleen's lips gently, and then he began singing to her.
'You Are The Love Of My Life I knew it right from the start The moment I looked at you You found a place in my heart You Are The Love Of My Life You give me reason to live You taught me how to be strong With you is where I belong Quite the way you touched me People search a life time To find what we have You Are The Love Of My Life One thing that's good in this life I'll spend the rest of my days Just loving you The heart and soul of my life Once I was lost and alone With you at last I am home You give me reason to live You give me so much of you And leave me room to be free No one's ever touched me Quite the way you touched me People search a life time To find what we have
One thing that's good in this life And in a world full of change One thing I'm sure of You Are The Love Of My Life The one thing that makes sense in this world I'll spend the rest of my days Just loving you... You Are The Love Of My Life And I thank GOD I'm alive To spend my lifetime with you You Are The Love Of My Life.'
Colleen had tears in her beautiful blue eyes when Hunter was finished, and she said, "Huntie…if I ever lost you, I swear…I don't know what I'd do. You've become my entire reason for living, and I could never face the day without you by my side. I've loved you ever since the first day we met, and now that we're together, I want you to know that my heart will always be yours, Huntie. I've got a song for you, called 'Forever and For Always', by Shania Twain…it's perfect for expressing just how wonderful my life has become ever since we took our vows." Hunter kissed his blue-eyed angel, and when they broke apart, she began to sing.
'In your arms I can still feel the way you want me when you hold me I can still hear the words you whispered when you told me I can stay right here forever in your arms And there ain't no way--I'm lettin' you go now And there ain't no way--and there ain't no how I'll never see that day... 'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our days Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always Mmmm, baby In your heart--I can still hear a beat for every time you kiss me And when we're apart, I know how much you miss me I can still feel your love for me in your heart And there ain't no way--I'm lettin' you go now And there ain't now way--and there ain't no how I'll never see that day...'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our days Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always (I wanna wake up every morning) In your eyes-- (I can still seethe look of the one) I can still see the look of the one who really loves me (I can still feel the way that you want) The one who wouldn't put anything else in the world above me (I can still see your love for me) I can still see your love for me in your eyes( I still see the love) And there ain't no way--I'm lettin' you go now And there ain't no way--and there ain't no how I'll never see that day... 'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our days Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always 'Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our days Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always I'm keeping you forever and for always I'm in your arms.'
Hunter kissed Colleen, and he said, "You truly were destined to be my soulmate, Colleen…because there's no other female dog on Earth that could ever compare to you. I love you more than anything, Colleen, and I will never, ever stop loving you." Colleen pulled Hunter's body against hers, wishing that she could just sit there with him and hold him forever. The soothing beat of his heart, along with the gentle caresses of his fingers as they ran through her hair, made her melt against him. She remembered, however, that she needed to head out to get her husband an anniversary gift, and so she reluctantly pulled away. She said, "I'd love to stay like this, Huntie…but I do need to go and pick up a present for you. Don't worry though…I'll be back soon." Hunter gave his wife a quick kiss on the lips, and then he replied, "I need to head out too, so I can pick up your gift. I'll see ya later, Colleen." The two of them kissed once more, before heading towards the vehicle bay. Starlight walked with the kids into the Rec Room, after they finished saying goodbye to their parents. Colleen checked out the Turbojet Rover, while Hunter chose the Street Rover. As they went their separate ways, they both thought of what to buy for the other one, not knowing of the danger that was about to come upon them.
Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary…Captain Zachary Storm was sitting in his cell, muttering incessantly about how he planned to get even with the Road Rovers for all the times they'd foiled his plans for revenge against America. He said, "They think they've won…but just wait and see, Rovers…I'll be back, and when I do…YOU'LL REGRET THE DAY YOU EVER MET ME!!"In the cell next to him, Storm heard a voice with a thick accent, which he recognized as being from Ovitznia. The man said, "I think I can help you with those miserable mutts. They've thwarted my plans too…and I ESPECIALLY have a grudge against their two highest-ranked members, the American mutt, and the female British Collie. I was thinking…if we were to kill one of them, the other one would be unable to lead them effectively, and we can then cut them down one-by-one. I've been in contact with my scientists, and they've developed a new bio-weapon down at my hidden base in the Amazon…the Gen-Select virus…specifically made to kill Cano-Sapiens. In three days time, without the antidote…it's up to doggie heaven for the poor mongrel that gets hit. They've modified several rounds for their M-4 Carbines into armor-piercing syringe rounds, able to punch through the joint armor of those flashy new suits that those mutts are wearing. All I need…is someone to help me. How about you, my friend?" Storm replied, "If I help you, what's in it for me?" The mystery man replied, "Revenge, escape from this hell-hole, and I'll split the riches that I make from igniting wars all over the world…and share leadership of this planet with you, half-and-half." Smiling wickedly, Storm replied, "I like your idea, buddy…I like it a lot. Before we bust out of here, what's your name?" The man replied, "My apologies…I am Colonel Gustav Havoc…expert arms dealer, and those Rovers are going to regret ever crossing either one of us. Now then, who might you be?" Storm replied, "Captain Zachary Storm. Now then…how are we gonna get outta here?" Havoc replied, "Simple. When the guards come to feed us, we rush them, overpower them, and steal their weapons. After that's done, we go down to the armory, do some 'shopping', and then drive to the local airfield. I've got my men waiting there already, in a stolen C-17. My troops in the Amazon have stolen tons of Russian-made Su-47's, along with the two best tanks in the world, the M1A2 Abrams, and the Leopard II. Those mutts are gonna be history this time around!!" Two guards approached the prisoners' cells, and Havoc pretended to be sick. He curled up in a ball on the floor, and made groaning sounds. When the guard went to check on him, Havoc drilled a vicious kick into the man's knee, shattering the bone. Wasting no time, he bashed the man's head off the side of the toilet, knocking him out. Storm whacked his guard in the head with the man's own M-4 5.56mm assault rifle, and then he stole the guard's spare clips. Havoc followed suit, and they proceeded to free all of Havoc and Storm's men being held in the prison. Now free, and hungry for revenge, they battled their way to the armory. Skeam smashed a Peterbilt 379 semi-truck through the armory wall, and they began grabbing everything in sight. Shotguns, assault rifles, grenades, body armor, pistols, spare ammo, and then Storm saw a sight that made his eyes go wide…a Javelin missile launcher. The weapon was the new top-of-the-line man-portable anti-tank missile launcher for the US Army and Marines, and fired a powerful 125mm missile. Storm grabbed several of them, along with the battery packs and the missiles that went along with them. When they had their truck loaded to the brim, Havoc said, "Lieutenant Skeam, get us out of here. We've got some dogs that need to be 'put down'." Skeam replied, "Yes, sir." He floored the accelerator pedal, and charged the main gate at 65mph. Guards opened fire on them, but the 5.56mm bullets did nothing against the armored military-version heavy hauler. Two guards dove out of their patrol pickup, as the massive truck smashed right through the barricade, and demolished their vehicle. A few hours later, Havoc and Storm met up with the Colonel's men at a nearby airfield, loaded the weapons and the truck onto the huge C-17, and then they climbed aboard. The huge cargo jet took off minutes later, bound for the Amazon.
A small jewelry store at the local mall…Hunter was browsing through the display cases, looking for the perfect gift for Colleen. It had to be just right…after all, she was his reason for living, and their anniversary had to be absolutely perfect, just like their marriage. As he made his way to the center display case, his eyes lit on a beautiful gold locket with small, heart-shaped blue diamonds around the edge on the front, and a white English Rose engraved into the top of the locket, made of small white diamonds. Below the rose, in white gold engraving, was written, 'To My One And Only True Love'. Hunter knew then, that he'd found Colleen's gift, and he motioned the sales clerk over. Minutes later, he had the beautiful locket boxed up, and he headed for home so that he could put it away until it was time to give it to Colleen.
A few miles away, in another jewelry store…Colleen had just finished paying for her husband's gift. It was a silver ring with a heart engraved into it on each side of the band, along with an infinity symbol. It signified unending love, which was why Colleen had purchased it. She would never stop loving Hunter…since they had been through so much together, and he'd touched her heart and soul in a way that no other male dog had, or ever would. He was one-of-a-kind, and she thanked the heavens above for bringing him into her life. As she drove home, she thought about what she and Hunter could do to pass the time until dinner…and she smiled at the thought.
Storm and Havoc's base, in the Amazon Rainforest…Skeam entered the main command room of the base, and he said, "Sir, our new weapon is ready, and so is the bait…meaning the antidote." Havoc smiled, and he replied, "Good. Now then…we just need to find a way to lure those accursed dogs out into the open, and shoot either the mutt or the Collie."
Storm entered the room, and he said, "I was just checking around on the 'net. Seems that a museum in New York is about to unveil a huge gemstone exhibit. We can go in, mount an attack on the exhibit…and when the mutts come to play hero, we shoot one, grab the shiny rocks, and run." Havoc smiled, and he said, "I like your idea, Captain Storm…a lot. Lieutenant Skeam, prep our Semi…we're going to 'borrow' some gemstones. Also, have the virus loaded into the special rounds. It's open season on the Road Rovers." Skeam saluted, and then he took off. A half-hour later, the villains made their way to the Semi, drove it onto their stolen C-17, and took off, headed for New York.
Road Rover Headquarters…Hunter returned home, and he was greeted by his mother. She said, "Hello, son. I see from the smile on your face that you found the perfect gift for Colleen. May I see it?" Smiling at his mother, Hunter opened the box, and Starlight took the gift into her hands. When she saw the locket, she said, "Hunter, it's lovely!! I just know Colleen's going to love this…it's such a perfect symbol of your love for her." Hunter said, "I do love her, mom…more than I can ever express with words alone. Honestly, I'd die inside if I ever lost her. She's become the core of my soul itself, and I never want to be without her." Starlight replied, "I know, son. She's told me the same thing about you…and I could tell it from the first day I met her, that she was meant to be with you. I've viewed your mission video logs, and even before you two got married, I could see from the way you and her acted around one another, that you both loved each other. I felt the same way about your father…even though the farmer chased him away." Hunter had never met his father, so he asked, "Mom, how did you meet Dad?" Starlight replied, "Well…I was out with the farmer, strolling through a park near the farm, when I saw a male dog that I found rather handsome. I managed to slip away, and we 'talked' for a little while. A few days later, he showed up on the farm, and we ended up spending the next few months seeing one another, just going for swims in the lake, running in the meadows, and he'd even help me chase foxes away from the hen house. One day, he asked me if I'd 'marry' him, and we found a place that conducted weddings for dogs. That led to you being born, son…and shortly after you were born, the farmer chased him off and scolded me for letting a mutt near me. I want you to know this, son…I'm not the least bit ashamed to have a mixed breed as my son…in fact, it's part of what makes you such a wonderful and unique dog." Hunter replied, "Colleen's told me the same thing, mom. She said that she'd never be able to love anyone other than me, and I could never, ever let another female dog into my heart. Hearing that you're proud to call me your son…that makes me feel just as wonderful as I do when I'm in Colleen's arms. Mom, I love you." Starlight hugged her son tightly, and she replied, "I love you too, Hunter." Minutes later, Colleen walked into the room, followed by the kids. She said, "Oh…Hello, Huntie. Can I have a few minutes to speak with mom…alone? I'll come and see you after we're done." Hunter kissed his wife on the lips, and he replied, "Sure. I'll see you in a little bit. Come on, kids. I'll make some lunch for you, while mom and grandma have a little talk." Hunter led the way out of the room, and his kids followed close behind. When they reached the kitchen, Hunter started whipping up some homemade pepperoni and cheese calzones, using the recipe he'd gotten from Speedy during the Pizza Cats' visit to America. Alex said, "Dad, what did you buy for mom's gift?" Hunter opened the box, and Alex said, "Wow, dad…that's really cool!! Mom's gonna love that!!" Cassie said, "Mom sure did pick a winner with you, dad…and I'm really happy to be the daughter of such a wonderful dog." Kayla said, "Dad, when I grow up, I hope I can find someone who's just as awesome as you are…so I can have a happy family like you and mom do." With a smile on his face, Hunter replied, "Thanks, Kayla. You three kids are my pride and joy…and I love you all just as much as I love your mom and grandma."
Back with Colleen and Starlight…As they took a seat on the sofa, Starlight asked, "So dear…what did you buy for Hunter?" Colleen showed her mother the ring, and Starlight said, "Oh my…dear, it's beautiful!! Like I told Hunter…the love that you two share is one-of-a-kind, and I know in my heart that you'll always be together." The pretty Collie replied, "That's right, mom. I love Huntie with all my heart, and he's been my best friend since I first met him…in fact, I've loved him ever since the day the original five Road Rovers met, and I'm so happy we were able to be together, after all we've been through. Even more so…I'm proud to have you as my mother, even if we're not related by birth, you've healed the pain in my heart that I felt ever since I lost my real mom as a pup. If not for you, Huntie, the kids, and the other Rovers…I'd probably have been dead long before now…life on the streets of London was really tough for a young pup." Just then, Starlight smelled the food that Hunter had prepared, and she said, "I think Hunter has lunch ready, dear. How about if we go and join him?" Colleen replied, "Sounds good to me, mom." Together, the two female Cano-Sapiens headed into the kitchen. Hunter smiled, and he slid a pair of the calzone sandwiches onto both their plates. The other Rovers joined them as well, and Blitz said, "Hunter, another culinary delight!! I've never had a better sandwich in my entire life!!" Hunter, ever the modest one, replied, "Thanks, Blitz. Don't knock yourself…your meatball subs with melted pepper jack cheese are really good too." In fact, I was wondering if you could make them next time it's your turn to cook lunch." Blitz replied, "Ja, anything for my best friend. Hunter, I'll always be grateful to you and Colleen both for giving me a second chance to be friends with you both…and for helping me to get together with Samantha. I love her so much…it's like we were born to be together." The pretty German Shepherd replied, "I feel the same way, Blitz…after I lost my family, you gave me a new one. Now that I have you, our daughter Karina, and the other Rovers, I know I'll never be alone again." They chatted happily amongst themselves for the next half hour, before going to do their own thing after finishing lunch. Starlight went with the kids to the game room, and she began a game of air hockey with Kayla, while Alex and Cassie played ping-pong. Karina and Alek got a game of pool going. In the meantime, Blitz went out to the beach with Samantha for a swim, and Exile took Kasha up to their bedroom to have a nice rest in their hot tub. Hunter and Colleen headed up to their room as well, and Hunter said, "Colleen…I don't know what I'd ever do if I lost you. You've touched me down to the core of my soul with your love, and I'll never leave your side. I love you, Colleen." Colleen replied, "I love you too, Huntie-Wuntie…and I always will. You've been in my heart since the first day we were introduced, and now…I can honestly say that meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me." Hunter pulled Colleen close, with one hand gently running through her hair, and the other one gently tracing up and down her spine. Colleen had one hand on Hunter's right shoulder, and the other one was just below his ear. They kissed deeply, before making their way to their bed. They curled up together and took a quick nap, not knowing that they would soon be facing their deadliest crisis yet.
New York Metropolitan Museum…Havoc and Storm touched down in their stolen C-17, and their stolen M-2 Bradley Armored Personnel Carrier drove alongside their semi truck. The APC would carry the troops, while the truck would carry the gems in the massive trailer. A security van blocked the way, but the APC fired the powerful 25mm chain gun housed in the turret on the forward section of the roof, and the van was soon reduced to a smoldering wreck. One of Havoc's mercs fired a Javelin missile at the main door to the museum, and at the same time, another guard shot out the power system, disabling the alarm. Havoc and Skeam shot a trio of guards with their AK-47 7.62mm assault rifles, and the powerful rounds shredded their light body armor. Fortunately, they managed to take cover before they were fatally wounded. Storm herded the rest of the museum personnel into a vacant room with his M-60 heavy assault rifle, and he said, "Now don't come outta there…or I'm gonna get VERY upset." He barred the door, and said, "Now then…we just start stealing the gems, and wait for the mutts to arrive. When they show up…the fun begins!!"
Back at Road Rover HQ…
Hunter and Colleen were jolted awake by The Master's voice over the intercom, as he announced, "ROAD ROVERS, REPORT TO THE BRIEFING ROOM IMMEDIATELY!! YOUR SERVICES ARE NEEDED AGAIN!!" Hunter said, "For the love of…if we could ever enjoy a birthday or anniversary without someone causing trouble, I think I'd fall over. I'm personally gonna knock whoever's head it is down between their shoulders so far, they'll need to stick their bootlaces up their rear ends to floss their teeth." Colleen replied, "You and me both, Huntie. Let's go and get this done, so we can come back home." The two Rovers headed down to Mission Control, meeting the rest of the team on the way. When they reached the Briefing Room, the Rovers took their seats, and The Master said, "Rovers, Havoc and Storm have escaped from prison and teamed up. They're stealing a large gem exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Museum. Knowing those two, I'm sure they intend to sell the gems on the Black Market for more weapons. Head over to New York, and stop them before it's too late. Be careful however…I've heard rumors that they've developed a new, secret weapon of some sort. Good Luck, Rovers." Hunter stood up, and he said "LET'S HIT THE ROAD, ROVERS!!" After the team had suited up in the armory, they grabbed their weapons, ammo clips, and their standard close-range weapon, the Marine Corps-issue Ka-Bar fighting knife. The powerful blade was 13 inches long, carbon-black, and capable of easily slicing through the tough pulp of a coconut, or most types of body armor. When they headed to the vehicle bay, Starlight said, "Be careful out there, son. Colleen, look after him for me. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to either of you." Hunter and Colleen both hugged her, and they repeated the process with the kids, before boarding the Stealth Rover. Hunter powered up the big fighter's engines, and took off.
Back at the Museum…Havoc's goons had just about finished loading the truck with the cases of precious gems, when they heard a loud roar overhead. One of them looked up, and in the sunlight, they could see the silver and black-armored body of the Stealth Rover, as it approached. They went for their Stinger missiles that were sitting in the rear of their APC, but the Stealth Rover's twin GAU-8A Avenger 30mm cannons made short work of the vehicle. Capable of firing over 3,000 rounds of high-explosive armor-piercing depleted uranium rounds per minute, the powerful 8-barreled rotary cannons blew the APC into a molten pile of melted metal. The Rovers landed, and in seconds, all six of the goons outside the museum were unconscious and tied up. Colleen took down three, Hunter nailed one, Samantha and Blitz tag-teamed another one, and Exile iced the last one as he tried to run away. Hunter led the way into the museum, and he aimed his rifle at Havoc and Storm. He said, "Game's over, you two. Surrender and drop the jewels, before we come over there and kick your butts clean back to prison." Havoc smirked, and he gave Skeam the hand signal to go and hide. He then turned to face Hunter, and he said, "I don't think so, mutt. When we leave here…we're taking the gems, and we'll use them to make ourselves incredibly rich. In the meantime, you'll be planning a funeral…I think the Collie will do nicely." Hunter shouted, "HAVOC, IF YOU DO ANYTHING AT ALL TO HARM MY WIFE, I'LL PERSONALLY RIP YOU APART WITH MY BARE HANDS!!" Storm chimed in with, "In that case, you can volunteer to be our guinea pig instead, mutt. I hear that mixed breeds make much more…interesting test subjects, and I always wanted to see what happens when a Road Rover dies in front of his or her fellow abominations." Colleen shouted, "YOU BASTARD!! IF YOU EVEN HARM SO MUCH AS ONE HAIR ON MY HUSBAND, I SWEAR TO GOD…I'LL BEAT YOU TO A BLOODY PULP BEFORE YOU CAN BLINK!!" Havoc and Storm ordered their goons forward, and the battle began.Hunter dropped one of Havoc's goons with a powerful spinning kick, and another one got a straight-out kick that shattered half of his ribs. Colleen flattened three of them to the call of "HIYA...TOMCAT!! FALCON!! RAPTOR!!" (Three of the United States' best military aircraft). Her first opponent got his lower jaw smashed by a rising uppercut, number two got her foot in the right side of the skull, courtesy of a crescent kick, and she dropped the last one by spearing her fist into his solar plexus, following up with a reverse spinning judo throw. Exile's fist smashed into the gut of another goon, smashing right through the man's body armor vest and busting four ribs. He iced sixteen more, and right beside him, Kasha spotted one goon aiming a Javelin missile launcher. She knew that the powerful 125mm anti-tank weapon would blow Exile apart, even with the armor and shields, and she shouted "EXILE, GET DOWN!!" The heroic Husky dove into the bathroom, and the missile flashed past the entrance, blowing a massive hole in the wall. She used her heat vision to destroy the battery pack for the launcher, and then she said, "You just made big mistake...no one tries to blow up my husband with missile and gets away with it." The goon replied, "Fine...I'll shoot YOU instead!! DIE, AMERICAN MUTT!!"
Kasha replied, "I am not mutt, I am purebred Husky. Also, I am Russian by birth...but American citizen since becoming Road Rover. Now then...I believe I owe you a beating!!" Before the goon could react, Kasha's left fist hammered into the goon's chest, and she followed up by snapping his wrist when he went for the 13-inch Ka-Bar fighting knife strapped to his waist. She picked him up, and hurled him clear across the room. He crashed into a water bubbler, and lay there, soaking wet and out like a light. Kasha said, "There...you can sleep off bad manners and take bathski at same time."
Blitz shot another goon's gun out of his hand with his .50AE Desert Eagle, and then he kicked the merc scumbag right in the gut. As the man doubled over, Blitz said, "LET THE BITING BEGIN!!" His fangs found their mark, and the man screamed in agony. Samantha nailed five of them with a spinning roundhouse. Shag hammered another goon with his bare paws, and then he tossed another one like a javelin, right into a bathroom. Hunter's motion tracker painted a contact behind him, and he turned to face his attacker. Skeam took aim with a modified Dragunov sniper rifle, and he said, "Time to die, mutt!!"
Skeam fired, and Hunter felt a stinging pain in his right elbow. Looking down, he saw a bullet sticking out of his elbow joint armor. He pulled it out, and he said, "Skeam, I hate to tell ya, but my armor's able to handle a lot more than that...oh gods...I feel...really sick.."
Hunter's vision began to swim, and his knees buckled. He fell forward, and as he tried to raise his pistol to return fire, his whole body went numb. He lost consciousness and fell over, and Colleen shouted "HUNTIE…MY GOD…NO!!"
Another goon tried to fire at him, but Colleen floored him with a powerful spinning cyclone kick. She growled out, "Don't you DARE hurt my husband any further, you lousy blighter…or I'll kill the lot of you!!" Turning her attention back to her husband, she pulled off Hunter's helmet, and was horrified to see his golden fur plastered with sweat. She read his temperature, and found that he was already starting to heat up. His breathing was coming in short, ragged pants, and his heartbeat and pulse were weak. She said, "Rovers, Pull out. We've gotta get Huntie back home, now!!" With Samantha and Kasha providing a stream of 7.62mm covering fire from their XM-29 rifles, Exile helped Colleen carry Hunter back outside. They boarded the Stealth Rover, and once Colleen had comfortably laid Hunter onto the bed, she sat near him, while Exile and Kasha flew home. She said, "Hang on, 'luv. I swear...I'll find out what happened to you, and when I do, I'll make Storm and Havoc pay for this."
Back at Road Rover HQ…When the Stealth Rover landed, Starlight could tell immediately that something was wrong. Exile and Kasha had nervous, frightened looks on their faces, Blitz's face was a mix of anger and fear, Samantha hadn't come out yet…and she was usually right beside Blitz. Shag was whimpering…something he hadn't done in ages. Then she saw Colleen carrying Hunter out, with the help of Samantha. He was unconscious, and shivering. She charged into the hangar bay, and said, "Dear gods, Colleen…what happened to him?" Through her tears, Colleen said, "Havoc's chief goon, Skeam…he-he shot Huntie with some kind of dart made to penetrate our armor at the joint seams. Huntie got hit right here in the right elbow, and he went down about five seconds later. He's burning up with fever, and he's barely breathing. Mom…I had to take his armor off to keep him cool…even the suit's built-in temperature compensators weren't helping. I've been using ice packs, cold compresses…everything. I swear…I'll kill the lot of them when I see them next." Kayla had tears in her eyes, and she asked, "Mommy…is daddy going to die?" Colleen looked down at her daughter, and she replied, "Not if I can help it, dear. Go run down to Professor Hubert and tell him what happened. Blitz, help me carry Huntie downstairs. Mom, could you go and let The Master know?" Starlight nodded and took off, and Blitz grabbed a stretcher. Together, they lifted Hunter onto the stretcher, and Colleen took the front, while Blitz took the back. Exile walked alongside them, keeping a cold compress on Hunter's forehead, while Kasha carried Hunter's armor. Sam walked next to Colleen, and she said, "I'll do whatever I can for you, Colleen. If you need anything, remember…you're my best friend, and I'm always here if you need to talk." Colleen smiled a little bit, and she said, "Thanks, Sam."
Medical Center, Road Rover HQ…Professor Hubert was running his medical scanner over Hunter. He'd taken a sample of the contents of the dart that Colleen had taken from where Hunter had gone down, and was running it through his computer. He had taken a blood sample from Hunter, and he was currently using a new medicine he'd developed in order to slow down the rate of his climbing temperature. Finally, he got the results of the tests back, and he said, "Colleen, I'm afraid I have bad news. You might want to have the kids leave the room." Kayla replied, "No…I-I want to be here with daddy. I want to know what the bad men did to hurt him." Starlight replied, "I'll stay with them…and keep them calm." Professor Hubert nodded, and he said, "Colleen, Starlight…Hunter is in very grave condition. Whatever he was shot with…it's causing him to slowly heat up to the point where his vital functions will cease. If he isn't cured in three days…I'm afraid I won't be able to save him." At that, Kayla buried her head against Starlight's chest and began crying, and the twins weren't far behind. Starlight gently pulled them against her body, and she said, "It's alright…mommy and the others are gonna do everything they can to help daddy…he'll be on his feet in no time…honest." Starlight was trying to stay calm for her grandchildren, but she soon began crying as well. Colleen joined them, and the other Rovers had tears in their eyes, at the thought of losing not only their leader, but their dear friend as well. Muzzle whimpered…Hunter had been his best friend for ages, and Professor Shepherd said, "Colleen, we just received this message from Havoc and Storm, in regards to Hunter. I'll play it now." He turned on the computer, and the video came on. Storm and Havoc appeared, standing side-by-side. Storm said, "Hello there, mutts. I'm sure by now your golden-furred friend is burning up right about now…and your little freak shows don't look too good. I thought I'd let ya know…we've got the cure for your lover-boy, Lassie. If you want it, come and find us in the Amazon…we'll send ya the location. It's as follows…" Colleen quickly wrote down the GPS location, and she said, "Just you wait, you disgusting bastards…I'm coming for you, and when I find you, I'm PERSONALLY GOING TO BREAK EVERY BONE IN YOUR BODIES!!" The video clicked off, and Professor Shepherd said, "Colleen, for this mission, I am hereby appointing you as leader of the Road Rovers. You may choose your second-in-command." Colleen accepted the spare collar of leadership, which was a brighter red than the normal ones, and she said, "I choose Exile as my second-in-command." Professor Shepherd said, "Very well then. Rovers, head down to the Amazon, stop Havoc and Storm, and find the cure for Hunter. Good luck, and Godspeed." Starlight said, "Colleen, don't worry…I'll stay here with Hunter and help take care of him. You go and stop that lousy pair of slime wads, and when you arrest them, bring them back here…I want a little 'chat' with those murderous scumbags." Colleen hugged her children and told them to help their grandmother as much as they could, and then she heard Hunter stirring. She took his hand in hers, and she heard him speak, just very softly. He said, "C-Colleen…I…need you…don't leave me." She said, "Huntie…take it easy. You're really sick, and you need to save your strength. I'm leading the mission to get the cure for you, and I'll be back soon." He looked up at her, with his brown eyes filled with love. He said, "I-I love you, Colleen. I'll wait for you…right…here." He fell unconscious again, and Colleen gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. She turned to face the others, and she said, "LET'S HIT THE ROAD, ROVERS!!" Colleen and the other Rovers boarded the Stealth Rover after it's fuel tanks were refilled, and the 30mm cannons were re-armed. After receiving a green light to launch, she waved goodbye to her mother and the kids, and then she gunned the afterburners. Starlight watched with the kids as the big jet roared away into the distance, and then they turned their attention back to Hunter. Starlight kissed her son on the forehead, and she said, "Don't worry, son…I'll be right here with you until Colleen comes back." Kayla said, "Grandma, if I can help you in any way, let me know. I want to help daddy get better." Starlight replied, "Kayla, you can help me with the cold compresses. Alex, you can check his temperature with this med-scanner every half-hour. Cassie, check his pulse at the same time. We've got to keep his temperature down as much as we can." Together, they all started their battle to save Hunter's life, while Colleen flew the Stealth Rover down to the Amazon to confront the evil scum responsible for Hunter's dire situation. Havoc and Storm were about to learn that messing with one Road Rover, would invoke the fierce wrath of all of the others.
Next Chapter: Colleen and the other Rovers arrive in the skies over the enemy base, and Havoc scrambles his squadron of powerful Su-47's to intercept them. Colleen must draw on the air-combat lessons she received from Hunter, in order to reach the enemy base and get the cure to save the one she loves. Be here next time for Chapter Three: Fire in the Skies.