Rocky, Rubble, and Zuma had returned to the Lookout. Rocky was inspecting his truck and Zuma's Hovercraft. He was under his truck adjusting the brakes and needed a wrench.
"Is anyone out there?" asked Rocky.
"Can I help?" said a voice.
"Can you hand me a 10mm wrench?" asked Rocky, it was handed to him.
"Thanks," said Rocky. A moment later he slid out from under the truck.
Obi was sitting there watching.
"Thank you Obi," said Rocky, somewhat surprised it was Obi that had helped him. "Did you need something?"
"No, I just was watching you work on the trucks," said Obi. "I always thought internal combustion engines were cool.
"Really, Do you know a lot about them?" asked Rocky.
"Just what I've taught myself," said Obi.
"Cool, would you mind helping me with Zuma's Hovercraft?" asked Rocky.
"Really," said Obi, "you don't think it's weird for a girl to like working on motors?"
"Seriously," laughed Rocky, "there is nothing a boy can do that a girl can't. My mate is a bodyguard. If you're interested in engine repair and maintenance, then you should do what you like."
"Cool," said Obi, walking over to Rocky.
They began going over the hovercraft and quickly got everything checked and adjusted as needed. They moved to Rubble's rig and Obi admitted she had been tuning it for weeks now and Rocky found nothing else that needed done to it. Since they had more time, Rocky decided to check Chase's truck as well.
"Thanks Obi," said Rocky, "You helped that go so much faster."
"You're welcome," said Obi, "if I can ever help let me know. I really enjoyed this. Is that everything?"
"Well Marshall, Everest, Sunny and Yeshe's vehicles are still at the retreat," said Rocky. "I'm going to work on fixing Skye's chopper. If you're interested I could always use more help."
"I'll help anyway I can," said Obi, "I don't know a lot about aircraft. But I'll read and learn more if it would help."
"That would be great," said Rocky. "With me going to classes now, it would be great if someone else could help with vehicle maintenance."
"I don't really know anything about rescue," said Obi. "But if I could help make the vehicles safer for you guys to respond to rescues, it would allow me to help in a way."
"It would definitely help," said Rocky, as they walked over to the bay where he had Skye's Chopper stored.
They worked for several hours repairing and replacing parts on Skye's helicopter. Rocky started explaining the new features he had come up with to make the aircraft safer.
"So if she's going to have to eject," asked Obi, "won't the blades cut her up?"
"No, that's the great part," said Rocky, "I thought about that. I figure if it's come to the point that you're ejecting, the aircraft is damaged or crashing anyway. When you pull the ejection handle, the blades are thrown free before the seat exits the fuselage. It's a matter of milliseconds difference, but great catch."
"Wow, you thought of everything," said Obi. "But doesn't that mean that the aircraft is destroyed. What if, like this time. The aircraft could be saved if it landed softer?
"Well I'm not sure," said Rocky.
"Well if the pilot ejects they use a parachute," said Obi. "Is it possible to create a parachute for the aircraft?"
"I don't see why not," said Rocky. "That's a great idea. I'm going to have to go do some calculations to figure how big of a parachute it would take. I'll be back later if you want to help me."
"Sure I'm going to go check on Skye," said Obi.
*** later at the Lookout ***
"Where's Rocky," asked Obi
"He's working on something to do with Skye's helicopter," said Yeshe.
"Has he figured out how to make it safer?" asked Zuma.
"He figured out the ejection seat," said Obi. "We were talking and he's working on a way to save the aircraft as well."
"That's cool," said Zuma. "I didn't mind diving down to hook up Rocky's tugboat winch, but saltwater probably didn't do good things to the engine."
"Actually, it wasn't that hard to clear the motor," said Obi. She began explaining the process to clean the water out of the engine and then replace the parts to fix the engine.
Zuma and Yeshe were staring at Obi. Obi stopped talking.
"Did I get too technical?" asked Obi
"Uh, yeah," said Zuma
"You've been hanging around Rocky too much," laughed Yeshe. "Zuma, this is my life everyday."
"Do you really enjoy working on motors?" asked Zuma.
"I do," said Obi, "Is that weird?"
"No," said Yeshe "You can do whatever you want."
"It's really cool that you want to do that," said Zuma, "I don't want to do it. I'm glad pups like you and Rocky are able to keep them running."
*** In Ryder's Room ***
Rocky had come in to explain the improvements that he had made. He then was explaining the aircraft parachute that would allow the aircraft to be brought down and be recovered easier.
"That's great," said Ryder, "You have some great ideas."
"Actually that one was Obi's idea," said Rocky. "She helped me do the maintenance on the trucks. She actually knows a whole lot about engines."
"You think she would like to be the team's mechanic?" said Ryder. "I'll send her to mechanic classes if she does."
"I think that would be great," said Rocky.
"I'll ask her later," said Ryder.
*** Back at Katie's ***
Marshall and Gale were standing at one side of Skye's room talking quietly about her chart. Chase had finally passed out and was curled up at the foot of Skye's bed. Skye was resting comfortably.
"So you see here," Marshall was explaining, "her oxygen levels were about 86% when we brought her in. Now they've gradually increased and are stabilizing at 98%."
"And that is closer to normal, correct?" said Gale, "about 96 - 100% is desirable."
"Very good," praised Marshall, "You've been reading. Remind me I have a few books I need to suggest. You are a fast learner. I think you'll be a great medic and could easily go on to be a full Veterinarian someday. You know you don't have to stop there, you could learn enough to help take care of humans as well."
"I don't know about that," laughed Gale, "But for now I want to be the best medic I can."
Skye began waking up.
"C-chase," whispered Skye.
"He's here but asleep," said Gale. "Would you like me to wake him?"
"N-no," said Skye, "I just need a drink. My throat feels a little better but is still scratchy."
"Here you go," said Gale, holding a cup with a straw in it. Skye drew a little water.
"B-better," said Skye, "Thank you."
"No problem," said Gale, "Do you need anything else?"
"I'm actually a little hungry," said Skye, "Can I have anything yet?'
"Let me see," said Gale, looking at the chart. "Doctor Smith wrote that you can have liquids and maybe try some soft food. Would you like some soup or maybe something soft?"
"Soup sounds good," said Skye.
"Hold on, I'll be right back," said Gale, rushing from the room to see if Katie had anything.
"She's been studying non-stop since your accident," said Marshall. "Rocky's been working non stop also. Your helicopter is already flight worthy, but he has been working on safety measures for the last two days."
Skye smiled, "I'm going to have to find out all I've missed since the crash. How's the team doing?"
"No major calls," said Marshall, "Most of the guys are at the retreat helping get ready for tomorrow. You missed a little excitement but what was thought to be another attack turned out to be Toby's Teacher from the monastery checking their security. Apparently the guardians and Rocky's security system impressed him a lot."
"That's good," said Skye, "Can I have another drink?"
"Sure," said Marshall, picking up the cup.
Gale walked back carrying a pot of soup. She sat it down and picked up a spoon. Blowing on it before feeding Skye.
Katie walked in and smiled watching Gale.
"She definitely has the heart to be a medic or even a vet," said Marshall.
"I think she is already a great medic," said Katie. "Has Chase stirred any?"
"He passed out hard," said Marshall, "It's been a few hours. He should wake up soon. I was going to run over to Mr. Porters to get him something."
"If you run now," said Katie, "You'll make it back in time for Dr. Smith and the class to come and go over the charts."
"Ok," said Marshall, standing and walking to the door. "Gale, I'll be right back."
*** At The Retreat ***
Rubble was planting flowers and Everest was watering them as he finished. The entryway had been laid out in a maze-like pattern with flowers and small bushes.
"Wow! Guys," said Toby, "you've really outdone yourselves. This looks amazing. The Lama will be very pleased with your work."
"Thanks," said Rubble, "Everest picked the flowers and bushes based on the cooler climate up here on the mountain. Rocky drew out the plan and I built the flowerbeds. Rocky would have been here but he's dedicated himself to rebuilding Skye's helicopter."
"No-no," said Toby, "Rocky's task is far more important than helping here. You pups haven't left a lot for Lin and I to do. You never cease to amaze me."
"I for one have never seen such a beautiful entrance," said Lin, walking up. "I love the way you've staggered the flowers and bushes. This garden will provide inspiration for many years. And the fountain is the perfect centerpiece."
"The Fountain was Mudita's idea," laughed Rubble, "It was crazy, she described what she was thinking of and Buddy drew it out and I built it."
"Buddy?" asked Lin, "You mean Rocky's pup?"
"Yes," said Rubble, "He will be as good as his dad when it comes to designing and repairing things."
*** Over with Kang ***
"Ok Guardians," said Kang, "This weekend will be a lot of pomp and circumstance. The few monks that will be here will have seen most of the drills. The other public that will be here will probably have never seen anything like it so I expect you to wear the armor and put on a good show. Remember, this is supposed to be serious, but if you miss a step or forget something, don't sweat it. Nobody gets in trouble for making a mistake. I expect you won't make any, you've all been practicing for weeks now. We won't be standing positions for more than 15 minutes so that everyone gets to see the guard changes and I know you're not used to the armor."
"It's heavy," said Buddy, "It looks cool, but how do you wear this for as long as the stories talked about?"
"Well in ancient times," said Kang, "There really was the fear of being attacked. Now we wear it for ceremonies only. If we were really going to battle, there is much lighter and more effective armor now. Be happy, this is ceremonial armor. The real stuff isn't gold plated, it's solid and much heavier. Besides Buddy, Lizzy isn't complaining."
Lizzy turned and stuck her tongue out through the mask.
"Please don't do that during the ceremony," laughed Kang.
"It does sort of take away from the scary mask effect with your tongue sticking out of it," laughed Karuna.
"Buster, Line them up!" said Kang.
"Guardians! Formation!" yelled AtrirakSaka. "Guardians! Dismissed! Stow your armor and get some water. Remember to stay hydrated this weekend. Watch your battle buddies. Guardians take care of each other."
"All for one and one for all," snickered Buddy.
"Stop that," laughed Buster, "you're as bad as Uncle Zuma."
"It is a good movie," laughed Kang. "Everyone, when you get your armor put away and get a drink, meet up in front of the Main Hall. We'll see if the Monks need any further assistance before we break for the day."
*** Back at Katie's ***
Dr. Smith and the class walked into the room. Gale walked over with Skye's Chart handing it to Dr. Smith.
"Good afternoon, Dr. Smith," said Gale, "I added this afternoon's bloodwork to her chart. Her Oxygen saturation is still improving and appears to have stabilized at 98% on room air. Her electrolytes have also stabilized. So far she has only had water to drink, but tried a little soup at lunch and did not report any nausea."
Dr. Smith stood there blinking for a moment, "Uh, ok. Class, do you have any questions for the medic?"
One of the students asked, "Have you assessed her reflexes today?"
"Yes, Quadrilaterally reactive," answered Gale, "Assessed at 0900 and again at 1300."
"How about her breathing?" asked another.
"Equal rise bilaterally," answered Gale, "clear in all fields."
Marshall stood to the side with tears of pride in his eyes.
"Very Good Gale, Very Good," said Dr. Smith.
"I went ahead and took fresh chest X-rays," said Gale, "I see no signs of pneumonia but I knew you would have to verify that."
"Wow, Gale, excellent," said Dr. Smith. "You've been teaching her well Marshall."
Marshall was staring at Gale with his mouth hanging open, "I didn't teach her that. Gale, did Katie show you how to use the X-ray machine?"
"Um, no," said Gale, looking a little ashamed.
"Then how did you figure it out?" said Dr. Smith.
"I-i, uh," stuttered Gale.
"Ok, now I'm curious," said Dr. Smith, "What did you read 'X-ray machines for dummies' or something?"
"No," whispered Gale.
"What don't tell me you watched a Viewtube video," said Dr. Smith.
"No, it's embarrassing." whispered Gale.
"Tell me," said Dr. Smith
Gale pulled out a thick book from under the table and pushed it forward.
Dr. Smith stood there for a moment before speaking, "Uh, Gale are you telling me you read the technical manual for the X-ray machine and taught yourself how to use it?"
Gale stood there with her eyes tearing up and only nodded.
Dr. Smith turned to his class, "Students, That is dedication to learning something beyond simply following a check sheet. I dare say Gale here could probably provide a course on radiology that would make a biomedical engineer proud." He turned back to Gale, "Gale, I am very impressed. You covered all the points I intended to go over with the class. You taught yourself how to use one of the more technical pieces of equipment in this clinic. And you think it's embarrassing to admit that you're smart enough to read and understand a technical manual."
Gale still stood there with her head down. Marshall walked over and hugged her. "Hey, pup," said Marshall, "You should be proud. You have surpassed anything I could have dreamed of in as short of a time you've been learning. You won't be a great medic someday," Gale looked up at him with tears on her cheeks, Marshall went on, "You ARE a great medic now."
Dr. Smith's class began clapping and offering compliments.