A Surprise For Starlight

Story by: Phoenix710

Summary: Having made their way into the main exhibit hall of the Smithsonian, the Rovers prepare to take down Parvo's elite mercenary guards, before finally bringing the evil madman and his accomplice Groomer to justice. After the two villains are taken down, the Rovers head to the White House, where they are presented with the Medal Of Honor for their courageous actions in saving the citizens of Washington D.C., along with countless pieces of priceless history. When the Rovers finally return home, they are greeted by their loved ones, and before turning in for the night, Hunter makes out a schedule for his mother's special day.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Road Rovers, nor do I claim the rights to any of the characters associated with the series. Road Rovers, and all associated characters, are registered trademarks of Warner Brothers, and were created by Tom Ruegger. All original characters are products of my imagination. Note: This story takes place during the final week of George W. Bush's presidency.

Fight Theme: 'Ignited'-T.M. Revolution

Hunter's song for Colleen: 'I'll Never Let You Go'-Steelheart

Colleen's song for Hunter: 'Fields of Hope'-Rie Tanaka

Chapter Seven: Canines of Honor

Hunter and the other Rovers knew that this mission was almost over, but none of them would relax until Parvo, Groomer, and all of their mercenaries were securely in the hands of the authorities. Hunter had promised his mother and children that he and Colleen would be home, and the other Rovers had made the same promise to their families…and Hunter was dead-set on keeping that promise. He said, "Parvo, just make this easy on yourself and surrender…before I come over there and knock you into next week. I made a promise to my family back home…I'm gonna be there to celebrate my mom's birthday tomorrow, and so are the rest of us."

Colleen added, "That's right, you lousy blighter. I've got three kids that I love dearly, and a wonderful mum that was kind enough to accept me as her daughter…I'm not gonna leave here in any way, other than alive and well with my dearest friends…and the dog I love with all my heart." She hugged Hunter for emphasis, and he hugged her back.

Parvo replied, "So sorry, you miserable mutts…I haven't got time to chitchat with you…I've got a museum to ransack…but my soldiers can entertain you in the meantime. GET THEM…KILL THEM ALL…AND MAKE SURE THE LAST THING THAT MUTT SEES IS THAT COLLIE DYING SLOWLY, BEFORE YOU BLOW HIS BRAINS OUT!!"

Hunter shouted, "PARVO, WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, THEY'RE GONNA NEED A MAGNIFYING GLASS TO FIND YOUR TEETH…BECAUSE I'M GONNA KNOCK 'EM ALL OUT OF YA, AND THEN I'M GONNA MAKE YOU LOOK LIKE YOU TOOK ON A STEAMROLLER AND LOST!!"

Smirking evilly, Parvo said, "Temper, temper…I hope you don't kiss that British-born fleabag wife of yours with that mouth."

Hunter's eyes narrowed, and he shouted, "I'VE KISSED HER PLENTY OF TIMES…AND WE'VE BOTH CHERISHED EVERY MOMENT THAT WE'VE SPENT TOGETHER!! LIKE I SAID BEFORE…DON'T EVER INSULT OR THREATEN THE LOVE OF MY LIFE…UNLESS YOU'RE READY TO BE KICKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS CITY!!"

Parvo and Groomer took off, and as he retreated to the innermost halls of the museum, Parvo said, "Take them down…and make sure the mutt and the Collie suffer a GREAT deal before they die."

Parvo's thugs came forward, while the madman and Groomer ran towards the central hall of the main exhibit building, where the world's most priceless gems were kept.

Three soldiers rushed Hunter, weapons in hand. The first one was carrying a MAC-10, the second thug wielded a Benelli M1014 10-gauge combat shotgun, and the last one carried a Zastava M21 5.56mm assault rifle. The first goon opened fire on Hunter, but the .45ACP 11.43mm rounds pinged harmlessly off of Hunter's chest armor. The merc soldier ran towards Hunter and tried to bash him in the head, but Hunter zipped to the side and kicked the idiot right in the small of his back, sending him sprawling. He got to his feet rather unsteadily, and loaded a fresh clip into his weapon. He once again opened fire, this time aiming at Hunter's helmet, intent on putting a round through the visor. To the goon's horror, he burned through the entire 30-round magazine, without even causing so much as a tiny hairline crack in the gold-colored visor. Hunter said, "If you're done with that little burp-gun, I think it's about time for me to put you down. I've got a whole bunch more of your dumb buddies to deal with…and then I'm gonna go rearrange Parvo's face."

Before the goon could react, Hunter stepped in and crushed his wrist, and then he administered a vicious hook kick to the merc's knee. Bone and cartilage broke, and the tendons gave way. The man sank onto his side, and then Hunter drew him up again, before cracking an uppercut off of his chin. The idiot hit the wall, slid down, and was unconscious seconds later. Putting his blazing speed to good use, Hunter grabbed the second goon's M1014 shotgun and crushed the barrel, before yanking the weapon out of the startled merc's hands. He then belted the idiot upside the head with the shoulder stock, and the man crumbled to the floor. The last one fired at him with his Zastava M-21 assault rifle, but Hunter easily dodged between the incoming rounds. The thug's eyes went wide, and he said, "Y-you just dodged…th-thirty rounds in under two seconds…that's impossible…nobody can move that fast!!"

Hunter replied, "Well…no HUMAN can…but I'm not human. I'm a dog, buddy…and a Road Rover on top of it. Speed's my specialty…and SO IS STOPPING GOONS LIKE YOU FROM STEALING PRICELESS TREASURES AND MESSING WITH MY FAMILY'S BIRTHDAYS!!"

Just seconds later, Hunter smashed his open palm into the man's face, adding a hard punch to his gut for good measure. The idiot collapsed in a heap, and Hunter moved off to find Colleen.

'When those soft fingers reach in the end,

Only now, only you, won't that be all you can believe in?

Everyone is breaking down, searching too long for a wish

You're looking for a place where you can land

Wounded, unable to stop shaking

If these murmuring feelings are indeed our reality

We break each other down till we can't even move

Our solitary wings overlapped,

We've not encountered the light;

Reveal the glare this age gives off

With eyes filled with sadness, with each kiss

Growing greater, growing softer, I felt I'd be protected

A heart without even one thing to hold on to

En route to solitude, there is a world losing sight

Things that can change grow frightening

In the deep pulsation that lies ahead

Painted in the exchanged flames, I can see eternity

We break each other down till we can't even move

Our solitary wings overlapped,

We've not encountered the light,

Only the glare this age gives off

I don't fear the power to change

In the deep pulsation that lies ahead

Painted in the exchanged flames

Carry out your destiny !'

Colleen found herself being approached by four mercs. The first one carried an MP-412 Rex .357 Magnum pistol. The second one was armed with a Walther P2000 sniper rifle, goon number three had an H&K G-36C 5.56mm assault rifle with an attached AG36 40mm grenade launcher underneath the barrel, and a 1.5x scope on top. The last one was armed with a prototype 40w Phased Plasma Rifle…and Colleen knew that this goon had to be dealt with first. Her armor could handle the firepower of the other three goons, but the plasma rifle could burn through her suit with enough hits. She waited for the thug to shift his weapon, and then she charged him, dodging a pair of blasts. She jumped left to dodge the first blast, and performed a somersault flip to evade the other shot. She said, "It's too bad ya don't know how to use that toy the right way…or you might be dangerous."

The thug replied, "We'll see who makes jokes when I fry your mongrel husband, you little tramp. I hope you enjoy trying to scrape him off the walls."

Colleen shouted, "YOU LOUSY PIECE OF PONDSCUM!! NOBODY THREATENS MY HUSBAND, DO YOU HEAR ME?! CLEAN THE BLOOMIN' WAX OUTTA YOUR EARS AND LISTEN UP…BECAUSE THE LAST THING YOU'RE GONNA HEAR IS ME AS I KNOCK YOUR SORRY BLOCK STRAIGHT TO THE MOON!!"

Exploding into a blur of motion, Colleen knifed her fist into the man's left arm, breaking the limb right at the elbow. He screamed and dropped the plasma rifle, and then Colleen went airborne and brought her foot around in a devastating spinning roundhouse which smashed the punk's jaw, launching him across the room. She downed the pistol-wielding merc with a flying jump kick, and then she took out the punk with the sniper rifle, cracking a rising uppercut off of his jaw. She crushed the barrel of the H&K G-36C, before unleashing a powerful spinning helix kick, to the call of "HIYA…JUDY COLLINS!!"

The merc sailed backwards, flew into the bathroom, and wound up stuck halfway in a trash can. Colleen said, "There…that should teach you lousy blighters not to mess with my husband and I."

Colleen decided to call home so she could give Starlight and the kids the good news that she and the other Rovers would soon be home, and that they were all safe and sound.

Back at Road Rover HQ…

Starlight sat next to Kayla on the large sofa in the Rec room, as she and the kids watched Wall-E on the big TV. She'd just finished washing down a mouthful of popcorn with a bit of soda, when her cell phone rang. She picked up, and when she saw Colleen's face on the miniature video screen, she smiled.

She said, "Hello there, dear. How's the mission going, and how are you and my son?"

Colleen replied, "We're almost done here, mum. We're just fighting our way past the last of Parvo's scumbags, and after we take him and Groomer down, we'll head on home. How are the kids?"

Starlight smiled, and she said, "They're doing wonderful, honey. I took them out for ice cream earlier, and Kayla even gave me a cute piece of artwork as an early birthday gift. They've all been practicing, and I have to tell you…they're getting better every day. They're the best grandchildren and god-children that I could hope for…just like you're the most wonderful daughter I could ever have. Speaking of kids…how's Hunter?"

There was a pause, and then Hunter came on. He said, "Hi, mom. I'm just fine here…hang on a sec…"

Starlight heard a loud scream in the background, and then Hunter came back on. He said, "Sorry, mom…some punk tried to toss a grenade at Colleen, but I threw it outside, before sending the idiot on a one-way flight into the grass. We're nearly done taking down Parvo's lead squad of goons in the main hall, and then we'll go wipe out his last brigade of scum, knock him and Groomer back into the slammer, and then once we hand those two monsters over to the authorities, and return all the Cano-Mutants to normal, we'll give the dogs to the authorities so they can be taken back to their families. We'll be home after that, and I'll call you again if anything else happens. I love you, mom."

Starlight replied, "I love you too, son…and I also love you, Colleen. Hang on….the kids want to say hello."

Alex said, "Hi, dad. I'm glad you and mom are alright…and tell Uncle Blitz and Aunt Sam to kick Parvo extra hard for me…same with Uncle Exile and Aunt Kasha, okay? See you soon…and I love you."

Cassie said, "Mom, dad…we've all been doing whatever we can think of to help Grandma, and we're having lots of fun with her too. Be safe, and I'll see you when you get home. Love you!!"

Kayla said, "Mommy, I hope you and daddy get home soon…I really miss you. Give that nasty man Parvo a good hard kick for me…and I love you both."

Hunter smiled, and he replied, "I'll be home soon, kids…Parvo's never been able to stop us before, and he never will. Our teamwork and bonds of friendship and love will see us through any obstacles. Mom, when tomorrow rolls around, I promise that Colleen and I will be there to celebrate your special day with you. I love you all, and I'll see you soon."

Colleen added, "Huntie's right…nothing's gonna stop us from coming home to the ones we love…especially not that blighter Parvo. Mum, and my three sweet angels…I love you all, and I'll see you again real soon. Take care."

Starlight closed her phone, and she said, "Now that we know that mom and dad are just about done beating up Parvo, how about we go and make plans for a special welcome-home dinner, hmmm?"

The kids all cheered, and Starlight said, "Now then…I'll do the cooking, and Alex, you can help me find the recipes. Cassie, you and Kayla can help stir anything that needs it. Karina, how about if you write down the menu plan, and Alek…you can help me and Kayla make a special dessert for everyone when they come home."

The kids all smiled at the idea, and Kayla said, "Grandma, you're such a wonderful lady…I can tell where daddy got his golden heart from. I'm so glad Uncle Blitz brought you here to live with us…it's so much nicer to have you around."

Starlight hugged her younger granddaughter, and she replied, "I love being here with all of you too…the only thing that could possibly make me any happier than being with my son, my sweet adopted daughter, and my three wonderful grandchildren, along with my two Godchildren…would be having my love Ranger by my side…I know in my heart…we'll be together again someday."

As she and the kids got started with their surprise, Starlight had no idea that she would be seeing the love of her life again before she knew it.

Back at the Smithsonian…

Blitz spotted six mercs arrayed in front of himself and Samantha, so he said, "Sam…let's hit these girly-boys together. I'll get the ones on the right, you get the other three."

Samantha replied, "Sounds good to me, Blitz…good luck."

Blitz hugged the pretty German Shepherd, and he replied, "You too, my Liebchen."

Sam pulled Blitz into a hug, and he wrapped his arms around her for a few seconds. Once they'd broken their embrace, they squared off, ready to take down the punks in front of them.

The first three goons charged at Blitz, intent on taking the heroic Doberman down. He had other plans, however…he had his daughter at home waiting for him, and he wasn't about to leave his friends and other loved ones alone either…especially Samantha, the female dog that he loved more than anything.

His first opponent came at him with a P-90 submachine gun, and the idiot opened fire. The gun was a Belgian-made personal-defense weapon, made for various military units. It fired 5.7mm rounds from a 50-round detachable box magazine, mounted on top of the weapon. With a firing rate of 900 rounds per minute and a range of 200 meters, the weapon was deadly against un-armored targets. Blitz wasn't worried though…the now-standard issue Road Rover armor suits that he and his teammates wore, inspired by the Master Chief's MJOLNIR Mk. VI. Armor from the Halo game series, were impervious to anything less than a 12.7mm sniper round.

The merc scumbag fired, and the rounds pinged harmlessly off of Blitz's armor. When the haze of smoke cleared, Blitz slashed his claws through the gun, and then he said, "Aw…I'm sorry…did I break your little toy? Guess what…NOW I'M GOING TO BREAK YOUR FACE, THEN I'LL BITE YOUR TOOSHIE!!"

The goon ran as fast as he could, but Blitz was more than capable of catching him. He grabbed the soldier's right arm and yanked it backwards, until he'd pulled it to the limit. He kicked the man in the right knee, and then he snapped the wrist back, breaking it like a twig. As the goon went down, Blitz bashed him over the head with his left fist, and then he turned to face the next scumbag. The idiot opened up on him with an AK-47 7.62mm assault rifle. The weapon was a Russian-made, gas-operated rifle with a firing rate of 600 rounds per minute, and a 30-round detachable box magazine, situated forward of the trigger.

The scumbag fired, but Blitz threw a flash-bang grenade, after darkening his helmet visor. The idiot immediately went down, covering his ears as the deafening concussive roar turned his world into a black-and-white haze. His ears rang, and before he could shake off the effects, Blitz backhanded him across the face, sending him skidding across the floor and right into the wall, where he lay unconscious. The Doberman said, "That's how I like my terrorists…sleeping like little babies. Note to self…when he wakes up…bite him repeatedly."

Blitz's motion detector painted a contact to Samantha's rear, and he spotted the next thug aiming a KS-23 Russian combat shotgun at Sam's head. The weapon fired lethal 23mm 'Barricade' rounds, able to destroy the engine block of a car from up to 100 yards away. He shouted, "SAM, GET DOWN!!"

The female German Shepherd hit the ground and rolled, and before the merc could fire, Blitz charged him from behind and yanked the shotgun out of his hands. He slammed the stock of the weapon into the goon's shin, breaking the hip. He said, "Nobody tries to kill my Liebchen, you lousy scum…unless they enjoy not being able to sit down for a few months."

The goon replied, "Yeah…I bet you love her. Deep down, I bet you wanted me to kill her, so ya can have a second chance with the Collie. Admit it…you hate the fact that she chose that worthless mutt rather than you, and you just went with that tramp of a German Shepherd so you wouldn't be lonely."

Blitz growled savagely, and he shouted, "DON'T YOU EVER DARE IMPLY THAT I DON'T LOVE HER, YOU STUPID PUNK!! I'VE ACCEPTED COLLEEN'S CHOICE TO BE WITH HUNTER, AND IT WAS BECAUSE OF THEM THAT SAMANTHA CAME INTO MY LIFE IN THE FIRST PLACE!! WITHOUT THEM, I'D BE LONELY, AND UNSURE OF MYSELF…BUT NOW THAT I HAVE SAM, I HAVE A LOVE TO GUIDE MY HEART THROUGH WHATEVER OBSTACLES LIFE THROWS MY WAY, I HAVE A FAMILY TO CALL MY OWN…AND MOST OF ALL, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE PEACE WITH BOTH HUNTER AND COLLEEN!! I OWE THEM BOTH SO MUCH, AND ANYONE THAT DARES TO INSULT THEM, OR TRY TO BREAK ME APART FROM THE ONE I LOVE…THE'YLL FEEL THE WRATH OF MY TEETH!!"

Blitz hammered a right hook off of the goon's jaw, and the force of the blow sent him reeling backwards. As he rose unsteadily to his feet, Blitz drove the toe of his armored boot up into his gut, sending him sprawling, and then he administered a good solid bite to the goon's posterior. As the idiot ran around screaming, Blitz bashed him in the head, before tossing him into a trashcan. He said, "Right in the garbage…where you belong."

Samantha sent her first opponent flying with a spinning crescent kick, and the second one crumbled from a reverse heel-drop kick. The last one tried to attack her from behind, but she knifed her elbow into his gut twice, before grabbing his wrist and tossing him over her shoulder. He landed hard on his side, and as he tried to rise again, she jumped on his back and put him down for the count with a sleeper hold. Brushing her hands off, she walked over to Blitz. Once she reached his side, she said, "Thanks so much, Blitz, for always being there to defend me, and for reminding me of just how much you mean to me. I couldn't ever love any other male dog, Blitz…you'll always be the only one for me."

Blitz pulled his wife close, and he replied, "I meant every word I said, Sam…ever since we've been together, I know what true love and happiness are…not only do I have the friendship of Hunter and Colleen, both of whom I wronged greatly due to my jealousy…I have your pure and unending love…just as you'll always have mine. I'll never leave your side, my Liebchen."

With tears of joy in her eyes, Samantha opened her helmet visor and kissed Blitz, after he did the same. They pulled away reluctantly, but not before making a promise to continue this after they returned home.

Exile used his heat vision to melt the M-2 .50 caliber machine gun being set up by three goons, and then he flattened the first one with a straight punch to the nose. The second one swung a machete at him, but Exile crushed the blade with his bare hands, before booting the idiot right out of the museum. He said, "Stupid punk…next time you try and fight a Road Rover…go back to school first."

The last one came at him with a Remington 810 12-gauge shotgun, but Exile simply crushed the barrel, before slamming his open palm into the punk's face and dropping him to the floor. He froze the idiot, and then headed off to find Kasha.

Four of Parvo's mercenary goons surrounded Kasha, and the first one charged at her with a Beretta 93R 9mm pistol. He unloaded the full 20-round clip, but the bullets bounced harmlessly off of Kasha's shields. She walked up and crushed the pistol, along with the goon's right hand, before bringing her left fist around in a vicious right hook. The scumbag went flying into one of his fellow thugs, and Kasha froze them both before they could get up. The third one came at her with a FAMAS G2 assault rifle. The FAMAS was a French-made 5.56mm weapon that fired from a 30-round box magazine, and it had a firing rate of 1,000 rounds per minute, along with an effective range of 450 meters.

Kasha sidestepped the punk's barrage of auto-fire, and then she sliced the 13-inch carbon-steel Ka-Bar combat knife right through the barrel of the weapon. She said, "Is time to surrender now, Mr. Terrorist. Call evil Parvo-man on radio, and tell him and Groomer to come out with hands up…or we go in there and beat them up."

The goon spat at Kasha, and he replied, "Forget it, you Russian tramp. Go back to running dogsled races, why don't you…or maybe see if some lonely dockside mutt can love you more than your current fling."

Kasha growled, and she replied, "I AM NOT TRAMP…I AM ROAD ROVER, AND VERY HAPPILY MARRIED TO EXILE!! WE HAVE SON TOGETHER, AND I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH HIM!! DO NOT BE INSULTING MY LOVE…OR I SEND YOU TO SIBERIAN GULAG VIA AIRMAIL WITH MY FIST!!"

Before the goon knew what hit him, Kasha's fist smashed into the side of his head, and he went flying right out through the open door of the museum, and into a mailbox across the street. Kasha said, "There…now all I need is enough stamps, and I can mail you straight to jail and save policemen the trip."

The final goon backed away, but only long enough to pull out a 25mm XM-109 sniper rifle. He centered the sights on Kasha's visor, and he said, "Game over, you lousy fleabag. I hope your lover-boy's got a box ready at home for ya."

Before the punk could squeeze the trigger, Exile charged him from behind and yanked the rifle out of his hands. He snapped the 32-pound rifle in half with ease, and then he said, "DO NOT BE AIMING GUNS AT MY LOVELY SNOWFLOWER…UNLESS YOU ENJOY BEING BEATEN TO PULP!! NOW THEN…I THINK THE TIME HAS COME TO PUT END TO THIS…LIGHTS OUT, EVIL TERRORIST!!"

Exile body-slammed the punk into the floor, and then he froze him. Kasha said, "Thank you, Exile…I don't know what I would be doing without you…I love you so much."

Pulling the female Husky into a warm hug, Exile replied, "I love you too, Kasha…and I will be loving you for all of eternity. Come…let us finish with rest of goons, so we can take down evil Parvo-man, and get home to help get Headquarters ready for Comrade Starlight's big day tomorrow."

Kasha nodded, and then she and Exile headed back into battle to join their friends.

Shag slammed five goons over the head with a hockey stick that he pulled from his fur, and then he captured sixteen more with a net round from his bazooka. The last ten mercs stood in front of the door that Parvo and Groomer had run through, and Hunter said, "Okay, boys…here's your two choices. One…you get outta the way and let us in there, and we'll just knock you out and tie you up. Two…you act stupid and try to stop us, and I'll let my friend Muzzle have some fun. What's it gonna be?"

The lead terrorist replied, "Here's your answer, mutt…KISS THE COLLIE GOODBYE!!"

Colleen ducked a blast from the goon's plasma rifle, and Exile froze the weapon, rendering it useless. He and Kasha did the same with the other goons' firearms, and then Hunter said, "Okay…no more playing nice. Now, you're gonna pay for that. Colleen, are ya ready, my angel?"

The female Collie replied, "Ready and waiting, Huntie."

Together, they both gripped the sides of Muzzle's handcart, and at the same time, they said, "LET'S MUZZLE 'EM!!"

With a loud growl, Muzzle chased the terrorists outside, and for the next five minutes, all that could be heard was a combination of Muzzle's growling, and screams of pain.

Hunter said, "Holy Toledo…that's gonna leave a mark."

Colleen said, "Eeewww…gross!!"

Blitz said, "Now that…is sick!!"

Samantha averted her eyes, and she said, "Nobody should see that…not even Bill Clinton."

Exile said, "Mother Russia…I thought Chernobyl was bad."

Kasha said, "Da…my cookies may be crumbling…"

Shag put his hands over his eyes, and when the wholesale carnage was finished, Muzzle could be seen laying on top of the pile of terrorists, with a contented smile on his face. He sighed, and then he belched. Hunter said, "Good boy, Muzzle…now let's get in there and put Parvo back where he belongs."

After putting Muzzle back on his cart, the Rovers made their way inside to finish off Parvo's scheme for good.

Inner Exhibit Hall…

Parvo had just finished using a laser cutter to open the case of the Hope Diamond, after Groomer short-circuited the alarm system, when Hunter announced, "IT'S OVER, PARVO!! GET YOUR HANDS UP AND SURRENDER…BEFORE I COME OVER THERE AND KICK YOUR SORRY BUTT ALL THE WAY BACK TO IRONGATE…AND I'LL CALL AHEAD TO MAKE SURE THEY'VE GOT PLENTY OF KITTY LITTER FOR YA…BOOTS!!"

Parvo growled, "DON'T EVER CALL ME THAT AGAIN!! I AM GENERAL PARVO, NOT BOOTS…YOU ARE NOTHING MORE THAN A MANGY, FLEA-RIDDEN CUR THAT WALKS AROUND AND WEARS FLASHY ARMOR. HONESTLY…I DON'T SEE WHAT THAT TRAMP COLLIE SEES IN YOU, ASIDE FROM A CHEAP THRILL. THEN AGAIN…SINCE NOBODY ELSE WANTED HER BECAUSE SHE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO ACT LIKE A LADY…I GUESS YOU TWO MISFITS BELONG TOGETHER. IF I WAS YOUR MOTHER…I'D HAVE BEEN ASHAMED TO HAVE GIVEN BIRTH TO A DISGRACE LIKE YOU…IN FACT, I'M SURE SHE IS!! ONE MORE THING…HOW COULD THAT COLLIE STAND TO HAVE CHILDREN WITH YOU OF ALL DOGS?!"

Hunter snarled menacingly, and he shouted, "YOU BASTARD!! NOBODY INSULTS MY REASONS FOR LOVING COLLEEN…AND NOBODY PUTS DOWN MY MOTHER!! SHE'S PROUD TO CALL ME HER SON…SHE ALWAYS HAS BEEN…JUST AS I WILL ALWAYS LOVE COLLEEN WITH ALL MY HEART!! PARVO…I HOPE YOU KNOW A GOOD VETERINARIAN…BECAUSE YOU'RE GONNA NEED IT WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU!!"

With speed that Parvo had never seen in action, Hunter came at him like an enraged wolverine. Parvo tried a punch aimed at Hunter's head, but the Retriever-mix ducked and countered with a vicious kick to Parvo's right rib cage. As the villain staggered back, Hunter cracked two solid punches off of his chin, and then he drilled his knee into the madman's nose. Cartilage broke, and teeth flew. Parvo could taste blood in his mouth…and for the first time in his life, he felt a spike of fear. Hunter was far too fast for him to keep up with, and that was all he had time to mull over, as Hunter lifted him up and tossed him head-first out into the fountain.

Groomer said, "General…YOU MANGY MUTT…YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!!"

Colleen said, "Don't you dare lay a hand on my husband, Groomer…or I'll knock your bloomin' keister straight back to whatever hole you crawled out of. Put your hands up and surrender…before you end up getting hurt."

Groomer replied, "Not on your life, you Lassie-reject. Why don't you go find a dog that actually knows what he is…not that botched lab experiment that you married out of pity. It's bad enough you went through the shame of marrying him…but I hear you've had kids…three of 'em now? They're probably just as ugly as that mutt, and his mom's got to be asking herself why she didn't toss him in a ditch and leave him to die like she should have."

Colleen shouted, "GROOMER, YOU LOUSY WITCH!! DON'T YOU EVER CALL MY HUNTIE A BOTCHED LAB EXPERIMENT!! I DON'T CARE IF HE'S A MIXED-BREED…I LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART, AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HIM!! I'M PROUD TO BE HIS WIFE, AND THE MOTHER OF HIS CHILDREN!! OUR MUM…SHE'S PROUD TO CALL HIM HER SON, AND ANYONE THAT DARES TO TRY AND DISGRACE THE WONDERFUL LIFE THAT I'VE HAD EVER SINCE HUNTIE AND I JOINED OUR HEARTS AND SOULS…THEY'RE GONNA PAY BIG-TIME!!"

Groomer aimed a kick at Colleen's head, but the Collie easily ducked, and then she grabbed Groomer's ankle and snapped it, before executing a reverse judo throw. Groomer landed hard on her back, and when she finally got to her feet, Colleen came straight at her. The Collie went airborne, and she called out, "HIYA…KNIGHT RIDER!! AIRWOLF!! MAGNUM P.I.!!"

Groomer received a spinning roundhouse kick to the face, followed by an elbow strike to the gut. As she weakly tried to stand up, Colleen finished her off with a spinning helix kick that sent her flying right out into the fountain, where she landed on top of Parvo. She said, "General…we've failed…we should cut our losses and run, before we…what's that noise?"

The two of them turned around to see Hunter and Colleen standing there, with the other Rovers beside them. Hunter and Colleen both released Muzzle, and both the villains screamed, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!", before Muzzle plowed into them. By the time the Rottweiler was done, the authorities arrived, and even the Marines that came to collect the bad guys blanched at the sight of Muzzle's brand of carnage. The officer in charge, Col. Mark Ryker, walked up to Hunter and said, "That's what I call a job well-done, Rovers. Your bravery has not only saved the innocent people living in this city from tyranny, but you've also protected a huge collection of priceless, irreplaceable treasures. I have word straight from the President…he'd like to see you all at the White House to present you with the Medal Of Honor."

Hunter shook the Marine's hand, and he replied, "I'll be there…we all will. Good luck, Colonel."

The two of them parted, and Hunter said, "We'll head out as soon as I give my mom the good news, team." With that, he dialed his cell phone, and called up his mother.

Back at HQ…

Starlight and the kids had just finished up with their dinner surprise…a beautifully-prepared Chateau-Briande steak, honey-glazed carrots, corn-on-the-cob, and some lobster, along with some salad. She'd just finished putting the food into the warm storage unit to keep it fresh and hot until her family got home, and Kayla had just placed the salad into the refrigerator, when Starlight heard her cell phone ring. She picked it up, and her face lit up in a happy smile when she saw her son and daughter. She said, "Honey…thank goodness you're alright…both of you. Is everyone else okay?"

Hunter replied, "We're all fine, mom…better than fine, actually. We'll be home in about an hour…but first, we'll be making a stop at the White House. Since it's his last week in office, President Bush wants to personally thank us for saving the Smithsonian and the citizens of Washington, D.C. We'll be receiving the Medal of Honor, mom…all of us. Turn to channel 5, and call the kids…I want them to see this."

Starlight smiled, and she replied, "Honey…congratulations, and I'll be watching. I'll see you when you get home, son…I love you. Colleen, thank you again for watching over my son and loving him…come home safe, dear."

Hunter and Colleen both smiled, and then Starlight went to get the kids. She said, "Alex, Cassie, Kayla…that was mom and dad. They'll be home soon, but first they'll be receiving the Medal Of Honor from the President, for stopping Parvo's scheme and saving all those innocent people."

Kayla asked, "What's the Medal Of Honor, Grandma?"

Starlight replied, "It's the highest military decoration that a citizen of this country can receive, honey. If they accomplish a feat of bravery during combat that goes above and beyond what most soldiers can do…which your mommy and daddy do whenever they go out there…this Medal will make it known to all that your parents…all of the Rovers…are without a doubt the bravest and most wonderful dogs of all."

Cassie replied, "That's right, Kayla…we've got the best mom and dad on Earth, and I know they'll always be together."

Alex hugged his two sisters, and once Karina and Alek had joined them, they headed into the Recreation room to watch the ceremony. Professor Shepherd and Professor Hubert joined them as well, and Starlight flipped on the TV.

White House, Front Lawn…

It was his final week in the Oval Office, and President George W. Bush was planning to make it a good one. He'd been given the perfect opportunity here, awarding his nation's highest honor to a team of brave heroes that had risked their lives to defend one of the country's most priceless landmarks, and saved countless innocent lives. The Stealth Rover landed outside, escorted by a squadron of four F-22 Raptors from Langley Air Force Base. The Rovers walked across the lawn, as the song 'God Bless The USA', played over the speakers.

Once the Rovers were seated, President Bush took the podium, and he said, "My fellow Americans, we are gathered here today, to honor the meritorious actions of eight very special individuals. Without them, several of our most precious landmarks would be nothing but rubble, many innocent lives would be lost, and our collection of priceless treasures, the Smithsonian…would be nothing but empty buildings. These eight brave souls risked their very lives for us. Now, without further ado…it is my pleasure to welcome our brave heroes…the Road Rovers."

Hunter and the other Rovers headed towards the podium, and stood next to one another. As the music began to play over the speakers, President Bush said, "For conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, in action involving conflict with an opposing armed force, it is my great pleasure, to award all of you with The Medal Of Honor. Congratulations!!"

Hunter shook the President's hand, and the other Rovers followed suit. Once the medals had been awarded, Hunter took the podium and faced the audience. He said, "Fellow Americans, Mr. President…and anyone watching this ceremony…I am honored to share this great day with you all, and I thank you, Mr. President, for this great honor. However…I wouldn't have been able to achieve this without the help of my very special friends…all of whom mean a great deal to me. Colleen, my second-in-command…and she's also the one I love more than anything…my best friend Blitz, his wife Samantha, Exile…the best friend a dog could ask for, his wife Kasha, Shag, a gentle giant…and my buddy Muzzle. I also want to thank my mother Starlight…my three children Alex, Cassie, and Kayla, Blitz and Sam's daughter Karina, and the son of Exile and Kasha, Alek…along with Professor Shepherd and Professor Hubert, for all their friendship, love, and warmth. Thank you all."

The crowd stood and applauded, and President Bush said, "Our thanks go with you all, Road Rovers. Have a safe trip home."

Hunter took hold of the President's hand, and he replied, "Thank you, sir…and my best wishes to you and your family."

Minutes later, the Rovers boarded their fighter, and it rose up into the air via the VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) thrusters. Once they'd reached an altitude of 3,000 feet, Hunter gunned the engines and headed for home.

Road Rover HQ…

Starlight said, "My son's done it again…he's reminded me of just how many reasons I have to be proud of him…and just as proud of Colleen. That son of mine never ceases to amaze me."

Professor Shepherd said, "He truly is a remarkable dog, Starlight…all of them are, in their own unique ways. I know they'll always be together, through good times and bad."

Kayla said, "That's right, Master…my mommy and daddy can never be broken apart…none of them can. We're all a big, happy family…one that I'm so happy to be part of."

Alek hugged Kayla, and he said, "I am happy to have you as part of family too, Kayla…just as I am proud to call you my best friend."

Kayla hugged the young male Husky, and she replied, "Thank you, Alek…you're my best friend too."

Just then, the communicator beeped, and Hunter's voice came on. He said, "Master, we've taken Parvo down, and we're in a holding pattern now, above the base. Request clearance to land."

Professor Shepherd replied, "Well done, Hunter…you have clearance. I'll see you in the Mission Control Room once you get settled in."

Soon, Hunter brought the Stealth Rover in for a smooth landing, and once he'd activated the safety locks on the weapons and ejection systems, he opened the hatch. Once he and the others climbed out and removed their helmets, Starlight and the kids came out to greet them. Kayla said, "Mommy, Daddy!! I'm so glad you're home safe!!"

Colleen hugged her younger daughter, and she replied, "So am I, my dear…I'll always come home for you…I love you too much to leave you behind."

Kayla snuggled up against her mother, and she replied, "I love you too, Mommy."

Starlight said, "I saw your speech on the White House lawn, son…you were wonderful out there…and I'm very proud of you…not only for stopping Parvo again…but for being a wonderful, one-of-a-kind son, and watching over my dear adopted daughter. I love you both, and I always will."

Hunter and Colleen both hugged Starlight, and the kids joined in. Alex said, "That's a great-looking medal, dad. Are you gonna put it with the rest of them?"

Hunter replied, "Yes I am, son. I've got a case full of the medals I've received from different countries, and this one's going right in the center."

Starlight said, "Speaking of specials…the kids and I put together a surprise for you all…why don't we head to the kitchen after you debrief."

Colleen replied, "Sounds like a jolly good idea, mum…but I'd like to get this armor off first, and then shower this bloomin' sweat out of my fur."

Starlight smiled, and then the Rovers headed to their rooms to clean up and put some more comfortable clothes on, once they'd stored their weapons and armor suits back in the armory.

Mission Control…

Once all the Rovers had gathered in the Mission Control room, Professor Shepherd said, "You've all performed far above and beyond everything I expected of you, Rovers. Not only did you stop Parvo from ransacking the priceless treasures at the Smithsonian…but you also saved countless innocent lives, and you all protected one another, and re-affirmed your love and friendship in the face of daunting odds. You're good dogs, Rovers…good, good dogs."

Hunter stood up, and he said, "TO THE POWER OF THE PACK!!"

The rest of the team, along with Starlight and the kids, answered with their traditional "AAAHHHRRROOO!!"

A short time later…

Hunter and the other Rovers took their seats, and Starlight walked into the room with a large serving tray in her hands, and a smile on her face. She said, "Surprise…a dinner that the kids and I made with love…Chateau Briande, honey-glazed carrots, corn-on-the-cob, and lobster. Kayla helped me make a very special dessert…you'll have to find out what it is after the main course."

Hunter replied, "Mom…this is so…you didn't have to do this, but thank you!!"

Starlight said, "You've done so much for so many, son…all of you have. This is my way…our way of saying thank you, to all of you for being the wonderful, caring dogs that you are. I'd like to offer a toast…to the most wonderful family and friends anywhere on earth, and to the best son and daughter I could have ever hoped for."

The Rovers all clinked their glasses together, and then they dug in. Colleen helped Kayla crack her lobster's shell open, while Blitz simply bit his. The meat inside had been treated with lemon and a light balsamic vinaigrette for added flavor, and Hunter said, "Wow…mom, I didn't know you could cook like this…I've never had a better-tasting lobster than this…and the Chateau-Briande is just awesome!!"

Colleen added, "I'll say…this dinner's abso-bloomin'-lutely fantastic, mum…and the only thing that makes it better than what it already is…I'm sharing it with the dog I love more than anything, my three wonderful children, my wonderful mum…and the best friends ever to grace the earth."

The Rovers enjoyed the rest of their meal, cherishing the opportunity to be together as a family.

Once the dinner plates had been cleared away, Cassie went out into the kitchen and brought in the Tiramisu that Starlight and Kayla had made, and she said, "Who wants some nice Tiramisu?"

Colleen smiled, and she said, "That looks nummy, dear…Kayla, you truly are taking after me in so many ways, and I'm so very proud to be your mother. I love you, my little angel."

Kayla replied, "I love you too, mommy. Can you cut me a slice of Tiramisu, please?"

Colleen smiled at her daughter, and then she dished up a slice of the dessert. It was made of ladyfinger cookies dipped in espresso and layered with mascarpone cream cheese and zabaglione. Once they'd all finished dessert, Hunter and Colleen both hugged Starlight, and then they headed for their rooms. The twins brushed their teeth, and Alex said, "Goodnight, mom and dad. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Cassie…and you too, Kayla."

Cassie repeated the ritual with her parents and her siblings, and then she snuggled into her bed, across the room from her brother's. Kayla's bed was in between the two older siblings, and Colleen sat down while Kayla selected a book for tonight's story. Once she'd chosen her book, Colleen scooped her into her lap, opened the book, and began reading. Once she'd finished, she said, "Now, my dear…get some sleep, because we've got a busy day tomorrow. We've got to make Grandma's birthday the best she's ever had, and both daddy and I are gonna need you to help us."

Kayla kissed her mother's cheek, and she replied, "I will, mommy…sleep tight. I love you."

Colleen gently nuzzled her daughter, and she replied, "I love you too, Kayla. Sweet dreams."

Colleen turned on the nightlight, and then she and Hunter walked out into their room. Hunter said, "Thanks so much, Colleen…for standing up for me, and letting those creeps know that you'll always love me, even though I'm a mixed-breed. I don't know of any other female dog that could ever love me in the special way that you do, and you'll always be in my heart, my English Rose. I've got a song that I'd like to sing for you…which sums up perfectly just how much I will always love you."

The pretty female Collie replied, "Huntie…I'd love to hear you sing for me."

Smiling, Hunter cleared his throat, and then he began singing, letting the song's lovely melody flow right to Colleen's heart.

'Angel eyes

You have angel eyes

Such a smile that lights up my life oh

You're a dream come true

Now I'm holding you

And I'll never, never let you go

I will never let you go

First time I laid my eyes upon you

All my dreams were answered

First time I kissed your tender lips

My love to you I surrendered

I'll never let you go

You're always on my mind

You're the only one for me

You're all I need

And I'll never, never let you go

Angel eyes

My heart relies

On the love you give to me

You never let me down

You're always by my side

And I'll never, never let you go

I will never let you go

When my heart starts to crumble

And the tears start to fall

You hold me close with tender lovin'

And give me strength to carry on

I'll never let you go

You're always on my mind

You're the only one for me

You're all I need

And I'll never, never let you go

I'll never let you go

You're always on my mind

You're the only one for me

You're all I need

And I'll never, never let you go oh ooh

And I'll never, never let you go.'

Tears of joy filled Colleen's bright blue eyes, and she said, "Huntie…I'll never let you go either…because you've always been here for me whenever I've needed you, and I know you always will be. I've got a special song for you too."

Hunter kissed his lovely angel, and then she began to sing, putting every bit of her love for Hunter into the song.

'Beneath a veil so cold and deep,

I watched you as you deeply sleep

The melody of prayer; on the lonely fields,

a little light shined

I watched as you dreamed

You laughed like a child

So dear, and yet so far -

That is the promise of our future

That one day, on a green morning,

One day, we will make it there

Because in this wintered sky

We still believe

Fields of Hope

On the day we were born, we were embraced

And now we search for those gentle hands again

The melody of prayer; one vanishes,

And all begins again; a powerful, painful continuation

One day, to that green morning,

We'll cross through all these nights

Because that is the place each one of us searches for

Now, within my own heart,

I want to keep you warm

So dear, and yet so far -

In the name of peace

Fields of Hope

So dear, and yet so far -

The fields of promise

Fields of Hope

Fields of Hope.'

Hunter pulled Colleen's body against his, and he said, "Colleen…no matter how many times I've held you like this…your beauty always blows me away. You've got the most incredible eyes I've ever seen, you're strong, sweet, loyal, honest…and the best friend I've ever had…and you're the only one I'll ever love, now and forever."

Colleen snuggled against Hunter, and she replied, "I love you too, Huntie…with all my heart and soul. We'll always be together, 'luv…and I won't ever let anything break us apart."

Hunter's lips met Colleen's in the first of many deep, passionate kisses, as they slowly made their way over to their bed. Colleen sank down onto the soft, warm mattress, and Hunter followed soon after. They spent the next hour or so in a world of their own, and when their passionate activities ended, they removed the sheets, before heading into the bathroom to clean up. Once they'd showered and donned their pajamas, they brushed their teeth, and then they put fresh sheets on their bed. Colleen and Hunter snuggled up together, and as she nestled her head against Hunter's chest, Colleen said, "Sweet dreams, Huntie…I love you with all my heart."

Hunter kissed her lips gently, and he replied, "I love you too, Colleen…and I will always love you."

After one final kiss, the two lovers fell asleep in a warm embrace, knowing that tomorrow would be the best day of Starlight's life, and they would all be taking part in making her day special.

Next Chapter: With Parvo's evil scheme finally at an end, Hunter and the rest of the Rovers are free to turn their attention to happier things…namely Starlight's birthday. Hunter, Colleen, and the kids begin her special day by making breakfast in bed for her, and then they take her out to lunch at the Olive Garden. Later that afternoon, Colleen and the kids take Starlight out to the local art gallery, while Hunter and Exile take the Night Rover out to Oregon to pick up Ranger. When they arrive home, Hunter puts his father through the Transdogmafier, while Exile helps the other Rovers prepare the Rec. Room for Starlight's party. After Hunter and Ranger have gotten acquainted, Hunter has Colleen bring his mother in, and Starlight is finally reunited with her husband. The two of them joyfully embrace, before heading outside to talk. Ranger and Starlight watch the video of their son's adventures with the other Rovers, and then they both head downstairs to thank Hunter and Colleen for bringing them back together. Ranger is overjoyed to meet his adopted daughter and his grandchildren, and then Starlight is treated to a wonderful party, before she and Ranger head upstairs and get comfortable. Be here next time for all the joy and cheer, in Chapter Eight: Happy Birthday, Starlight!