The boys had returned late the next day and were cleaning up everything when the girls walked out of the Lookout.
"Good Morning Boys, I trust y'all had a good time," said Skye.
"We did," said Chase "I missed you though."
"I missed you as well,"said Skye, kissing her mate. She jerked her head back, "Whoa! you need a bath."
"We played extra hard," laughed Chase.
"Even I want a bath," laughed Rocky, running over to Yeshe.
Yeshe kissed her mate and stuck her nose into Rocky's neck inhaling deeply, "I think you smell wonderful. I really think you should probably take a bath though."
Everest walked to Marshall and Took a deep breath. "I like the smell, but yeap, y'all should all go to Katie's."
"Way ahead of you girl," said Skye. "I called, Katie is waiting for all of you."
"Yes, ma'am" said Chase "We'll be back in a bit."
The boys all walked into Katie's.
"Morning boys," said Katie, "your baths are already made and waiting. Except for you Kang, I don't have a tub big enough. But that's ok, I'll just hand wash you."
The guys, even Rocky ran and jumped into their tubs laying back and enjoying the water soaking into their fur and skin. Katie walked Kang over to the wash rack and began soaking him down then adding the soap.
"I'll look online," said Katie, "I'm sure I can find a tub big enough. Since you and Mutida are going to be living here, I'll expect you two to come from time to time."
"I can't say that I've ever had a bath," laughed Kang. "Other than standing in the rain from time to time. I think I could get used to this."
"Welcome to the pampered life Kang," laughed Rubble. "Yeah, we were extra stinky when Rocky's willing to take a bath."
The others laughed and Rocky poked his head out of the bubbles and stuck his tongue out before laughing himself.
That afternoon Skye and Chase were laying under a tree watching the other pups play.
"So did y'all enjoy your girls night?" asked Chase.
"What?" said Skye, "how did you know about that?"
"Skye," laughed Chase "I'm an investigator, It's kind of my job to know what's going on. Besides, I knew y'all wanted us out of the way for the evening. We had a great time and needed the time away anyway."
Skye laughed, "I should have known you knew all along. Did any of the others ask?"
"No, they know as well as I do," laughed Chase. "We boys know to do as we're told."
Skya laughed, "Yeah right, anyway yes we had a great time and welcomed Mutida into the group. We also finished planning the showers and nursery."
"Awesome," said Chase, "I assume you'll let us know what you need us to do. Did Kang say he wanted to be part of the team?"
"Too Late," laughed Skye, "we adopted Mutida into the Girls Pack. He doesn't get to decide anymore."
The pup's collars alerted "Paw Patrol to the Lookout!"
"Ryder needs us!" The pups all yelled, turning to run for the lookout.
The pups stepped out into the control room.
"Paw Patrol ready for action, Ryder Sir!" Chase said.
"Pups thanks for hurrying," said Ryder "We have a multifunction Ultimate Rescue. Farmer Al's barn collapsed, Farmer Yumi says Farmer Al is trapped under the rubble. Marshall this is a heavy rescue, but Rubble I believe we are going to need your ultimate rig as well. Pups this is an all paws on deck call. Everyone split into the two ultimate rigs. Yeshe, I need you to help Chase with keeping everyone back. Sunny I need you to get on scene and set up command and pull up building plans for the barn so we can figure the best approaches to begin the search. Guys the animals may very well be trapped as well and they will be scared. Let's be careful out there. Paw Patrol is on a roll."
The pups and Ryder all slid down the vehicles and took off.
Arriving on scene they began setting up equipment. Sunny pulled up plans and Rubble and Marshall looked over the layout deciding that lifting the main beam of the roof off first would allow best access. Rubble ran over to begin setting up his crane. Marshall began explaining to everyone what the approach was going to be. A crowd had begun to form as many residents heard what happened, Chase and Yeshe had their paws full.
Rocky began connecting the haul lines to the beam and connected Rubble's crane to the line. Rubble began lifting when smoke began pouring from the winch motor. Rocky saw this and grabbed a fire extinguisher extinguishing the motor fire.
"Ryder, the winch failed," yelped Rubble, "What do we do?"
Ryder ran over looking at the situation. He turned to Rocky.
"Rocky, is there something you can do to fix this?" asked Ryder.
"I could still use the crane arm but I don't have a motor strong enough to lift it," said Rocky.
"What could we use as a replacement motor?" asked Ryder.
"Uh, Ryder?" said Yeshe "I have an idea, if you do think it wouldn't be too weird."
"Let's hear it Yeshe," said Rocky "At this point time is of the essence and anything that might work could be the hinge pin."
"What if you get Kang over here and Use Everest's sled harness," explained Yeshe, "Between him, Everest, and I we should be able to lift it along with Rocky's pulley system, the ratio should be enough to do it."
Ryder just stared at Yeshe for a moment before laughing, at first Yeshe was hurt thinking Ryder was going to make fun of her.
"You've been hanging around Rocky way too much," laughed Ryder "That's an excellent idea."
"Yeah, I'm supposed to be the engineer of the family," laughed Rocky.
Ryder pulled out his pup pad and called Everest and Kang, they arrived shortly and Rocky quickly built out Yeshe's idea. The three began pulling and quickly lifted the beam with little effort. Once lifted Kang braced himself and held it while the others were able to quickly get in and pull Farmer Al out of a void in the pile. The animals were located and pulled out as well. Farmer Al and the animals had scrapes but no serious injuries. With everyone out, Kang and the girls backed up, lowering the beam.
"Excellent idea Yeshe," said Ryder.
"Yes it was," said Rocky, kissing his mate.
"Kang, I think I figured out what your job can be for the Paw Patrol," said Ryder. "That is if you still want to join."
"Ryder, my duty is to serve," said Kang, "If I can help I will."
"I think you can be our strength pup," laughed Ryder. "You wouldn't be needed as often so you could devote more time to the Retreat. With Yeshe being pregnant, a lot is going to fall on you."
"Sounds good to me Ryder," said Kang.
"Would you mind playing crane motor for a little while more?" asked Rubble.
"Are there more animals trapped?" asked Kang.
"No, everyone's out," said Rubble, "but we need to rebuild Farmer Al and Farmer Yumi's barn so the animals have somewhere to sleep."
"Sure, anyway I can help," said Kang.
Rubble started to turn to Rocky, but Rocky had already run to Sunny's rig and was pulling out paper and pencils drawing a plan. He hopped down and ran over to the pile. He showed the pups which lumber they could use and had them begin stacking it out of the way.
"I was just about to suggest that Rocky," laughed Rubble.
Rubble and Rocky began going over the plan. Rubble made some suggestions on how to improve the supports so this didn't happen again.
In a couple hours the pups and Ryder had the majority of the barn erected and would only need a few things that were too broken in the collapse to reuse.
Farmer Al was still sitting and shaking his head at just how efficient the pups were and how quickly they got everything taken care of. Farmer Yumi had gone into the house and came out with drinks and sandwiches for everyone.
"Well now I've seen everything," laughed Farmer Al. "Thanks pups."
"I can't thank you enough for saving Al and the animals," said Farmer Yumi. "And Kang you are really strong."
Kang looked over at Rocky and smiled, "Some have really strong minds. Others have really strong bodies. I guess we all make an excellent team."
The next morning Ryder was standing on the balcony watching the pups play. He looked over to the new dorm building that had been built on the site. It dawned on him that in a few short months the team had nearly doubled. He shook his head and walked back into the Lookout. Lin and Toby were just coming out of the elevator.
"Good Morning Ryder," said Toby
"Good Morning to both of you as well," asid Ryder. "Is there something you need?"
"I was meditating this morning and something told me I needed to be here," said Lin. "Sometimes the spirits reveal what I am to do and sometimes they just lead me somewhere and I've learned to go and wait."
"So I take it, this is one of those wait and see moments," said Ryder. "We can have some breakfast while we wait."
"Sounds good to me," said Toby.
They had been eating and talking when Ryder's phone rang.
"Paw Patrol, What's your emergency?" asked Ryder answering the phone.
A well dressed man can into view. "Hello Ryder," said the man, "We haven't formally met yet. I'm Special Agent Blankenship of the FBI. I'm in charge of the investigation in the Protect the Earth attack on the retreat. If you are available I'd like to swing by and speak with you. You wouldn't by chance know how I can get in touch with the Monks from the retreat would you?"
Ryder laughed, "As a matter of fact they are both sitting here. You're welcome any time."
"O, ok that's perfect," said Agent Blankenship, "I'll be there in about 10 minutes."
Ryder hung up and looked at Lin shaking his head. "I know it shouldn't surprise me anymore," laughed Ryder, "But I don't know if I'll ever get used to your ability to know of all these things."
"I just go where I'm led," laughed Lin. "I'm just glad I won't be going as far any more."
"So do you know what this is about?" asked Ryder.
"I only knew I needed to be here and bring Toby with me," said Lin.
They continued talking for a while until Agent Blankenship arrived.
"Hello sir," said Ryder, "Welcome to the Lookout."
Agent Blankenship walked over to the control panel with his mouth hanging open.
"Impressive isn't it," said Toby.
"I only wish I had some of this technology," said Agent Blankenship.
"If you ever need assistance," said Ryder, "Just yelp for help."
"I might take you up on that," said the agent. "Who designed all of this?"
"Myself and one of my team members," said Ryder.
"You mean you have other human members?" said Agent Blankenship.
"Well actually I do," said Ryder, "But I meant Rocky, one of my pups."
"He must be pretty Smart," said the agent.
"According to MIT and MENSA he may be the smartest pup in the country," said Ryder.
Agent Blankenship turned to look at Ryder and after a moment he began laughing. "You're serious," said the agent, "I was waiting for the punchline. I'd like to meet him when he's available."
"We can do that," said Ryder, pressing his pup pad, "Rocky, can you come to the control room?"
"On my way, Ryder," said Rocky.
"Ok, now you're just messing with me," said Agent Blankenship.
"Oh, you are in for a treat," laughed Toby. "These pups are beyond belief to say the least. The pup tags are just a small part of the magic happening here."
Rocky walked in, "Yes sir, Ryder."
"Rocky, this is Special Agent Blankenship," said Ryder. "He is the agent in charge of the investigation of the Retreat attack. He wanted to meet you."
Rocky turned to Agent Blankenship, "hello sir. It was my mate that was shot, how can I help your investigation?"
"First, Rocky," started Agent Blankenship, "I am very glad to hear that your mate will recover. Second, you have done everything I need to complete the investigation and those involved are looking at 45 years to Life in prison. But most importantly. I wanted to meet the pup that helped design all of this. Also my name is David."
"Oh uh, ok" said Rocky. "I guess I'm glad to hear they will be punished. I still don't understand why they attacked the retreat in the first place. Did they not research how much the monks do for the environment? Yes, they did build a building but they did not cut down trees to make a location for the buildings, they used a lot of recycled materials to build the retreat. It's like they simply followed an idiot that justified his opinion without any facts or research at all. Uh, I'm sorry, I just spent a lot of time watching my mate lay there in Katie's clinic and trying to wrap my head around their possible reasoning."
David stood there with his mouth hanging open, "I uh, wow, you really are more intelligent than most of the agents I work with."
"Told you," laughed Toby, "they really are amazing pups."
"Rocky, maybe you can help me after all," said David.
"Ok, tell me what I can do," said Rocky.
"Well actually," said David, "there is one member of the group that attacked you that would like to personally apologize for his involvement. He understands that it doesn't change anything, but if you are willing he wanted to talk to Yeshe. I think letting you talk to him first might evaluate his sincerity."
"I'm willing to talk to him," said Rocky, "But why do you think talking to me will do anything?"
"Uh, well," David said, looking at Ryder.
"Rocky, How do I say this?" said Ryder.
"What?" asked Rocky, tilting his head.
"Oh, my god!" said David, "That is the most adorable thing I've ever seen. Do you do that in front of your mate?"
"Told you Rocky," laughed Ryder.
"I still don't understand," said Rocky
"Ok, Rocky, do you remember stopping the leader the night of the attack?" asked David.
"I remember why I did it," said Rocky, "But I don't remember the attack or anything other than Ryder yelling at me to worry about Yeshe. Why?"
"Ok Rocky," said David, "After seeing the results and speaking to the others involved. I really expected a much bigger dog. Frankly the surviving members of Protect The Earth Foundation are terrified of not Kang who literally tore a man to pieces, they are terrified of you."
"Me? Really?" said Rocky.
"Apparently when Yeshe was injured," said David, "you lost your shit and had to be physically restrained to stop you from tearing him apart bite by bite. I'm quite impressed, but your intelligence is amazing. That said, I really think that you might get some of the answers you want and you might save a soul that is seeking some form of redemption."
"Ok, I'll talk to him," said Rocky. "But you might keep Lin around in case I lose my shit again."
Everyone laughed. David called one of the other agents to bring the member to speak with Rocky.
Ryder had set up a room for the occasion with an observation room. Rocky was sitting at the table when David walked in leading the individual with a hood over his head.
"What's with the hood?" asked Rocky.
"He can't tell where he is," said David, as he sat the man and pulled the hood off.
"Oh god!" yelled the man, "Please don't let him eat me."
"And I wanted to see that," laughed David.
The others were sitting in an adjacent room watching a monitor. Chase laughed when the guy screamed. Rocky was looking down and a tear dropped from his muzzle, Yeshe saw it and started to say something, but Zuma jumped in.
"Guys, stop," said Zuma, "I know they can't hear us, but look at Rocky. This is hurting him, that anyone one would be scared of him. I'm going in there."
"You're right, Zuma," said Chase. "Sorry, the thought of being afraid of Rocky is just crazy."
Zuma walked out of the observation room and into the interview room. He didn't say anything, he simply walked over and stood beside Rocky placing his paw on his shoulder. Rocky turned and smiled at him, then turned to the guy.
"What's your name?" Asked Rocky.
"J-jeff" said the man.
"I'm Rocky,"said Rocky, "yes, it was my mate that was shot. And yes, I did attack your leader because he was still a treat to her. But you're not, so please don't be scared of me. I just want to ask some questions and hopefully better understand why this happened."
"O-ok," said Jeff, "I'm really sorry she got hurt. I never wanted to hurt anyone. We just were supposed to stop the building project. I joined to try and make a difference in conservation. I never wanted and even begged them not to hurt anyone. That guy, Bobby, I never met him until we came here. Rodger hired him to make a statement. I hated him. I never wanted any of this."
Rocky started to snap at him, but Zuma squeezed his shoulder in assurance and Rocky relaxed.
Rocky sighed, "Jeff, I first want to ask, did any of you look into the Retreat and how it was being built? About how conservation minded the monks are?"
"I asked if we should have done some research first," said Jeff. "I was told to shut up and that it was run by monks, how tough could they be. I guess Bobby found out they or at least their dogs are pretty tough. I personally think he got what he deserved."
"Ok, let me say this," said Rocky, "I'm the recycling and conservation pup for the Paw Patrol. I take great effort to teach conservation to everyone I can. Second, the spot was chosen because nothing had to be removed, no deforestation took place to build the retreat. No trees were cut down to build the buildings. We used reclaimed lumber or fallen trees to build every part of the retreat. I specialize in using recycled materials in the majority of my repairs and if I can't reuse it, I recycle it."
"I really wish I had found out the truth before I blindly followed them," said Jeff. "But what do you mean you used this stuff, you're just a dog."
Zuma growled low causing Jeff to flinch back. This time it was Rocky squeezing Zuma's shoulder.
"Yes, he might be just a dog," said Zuma, "but he is the most faithful friend anyone can ever ask for. He just recently was accepted into MENSA as their first Canine member. He says he used those supplies to plan the Retreat because he and Rubble, just another dog, and built everything you saw. There is some much out there that you truly do not understand or even try to before blindly following an apparent idiot."
At first Jeff just stared at Zuma and then looked back at Rocky. "Is he joking, you really qualified for MENSA?"
"Yes, I did," said Rocky, "and this fall I have a full scholarship to attend MIT to get my Engineering degree."
"I had heard stories about the Paw Patrol," admitted Jeff, "but you can't believe anything you hear these days. So it's true? The team is just pups and one boy? Are the rescue stories true also?"
"Yes, it's all true," said Rocky, "and that boy is named Ryder. He just tested with an IQ over 175, he is also a member of MENSA. He and I have designed just about everything here."
"I truly am sorry," said Jeff, "I wish I had met you instead of Rodger. I know it doesn't matter much now, but I'd really like to apologize to everyone for being involved."
About that time Yeshe walked into the room, her injuries and bandages very visible. She sat next to Rocky who turned and kissed her before turning back to Jeff.
"This is Yeshe," said Rocky, "my mate and the pup that was willing to sacrifice herself to save the monk your friend tried to shoot."
"I'm truly sorry and I'm glad you survived," said Jeff. "I don't expect anything for saying so, but I wanted to apologize for being involved."
"Well Jeff," said Yeshe, "I don't speak for the others but I forgive you. You made a bad choice and will have to suffer the consequences of your choice, but I forgive you."
"While I realize you didn't take the shot," said Rocky, "I forgive you for being involved in what could have taken my mate and pups away from me."
Jeff had tears in his eyes looking back and forth between them. "Thank you, I don't deserve your forgiveness but thank you. As I said I made my choice and don't expect anything in return for apologizing."
Jeff turned to David, "Ok, I'm ready to go back now. I don't want to waste anymore of their time."
David stood him up and walked to the door handing him off to the awaiting agent.
David returned and turned to Rocky and Yeshe, "did that help,answer some questions?"
"Yes," said Rocky, "I still don't understand, but he helped put some pieces together."
David stayed for a short while as Rocky led him around showing him the Lookout and the assorted equipment.
"You were serious about the MIT scholarship?" Asked David. "And my understanding is that MIT is opening a research campus here."
"Yes, he was serious,"said Ryder, "and yes MIT is opening an annex and research facility here in Adventure Bay."
"MIT does a lot of research and development for the FBI," said agent Blankenship. "Maybe you could help us with some projects we've been working on."
"Like I said earlier," said Ryder, "If you need us, just yelp for help. We help anyone, even the FBI."