In just two days since Hunter received the message, Shag has died from old age, who lived to be ten years old, roughly being seventy-four years old in human years. Then, it was Scout, formerly known as Muzzle, who died from kidney failure the day after Christmas of 2005. He lived to be twelve years old, roughly being eighty-nine in human years. Next was Kai, the seventh member of the team, who died from cancer on the day after Easter of 2006. He lived to be eight, sixty-four in human years. Rejean and Javier, both ninth and tenth members respectively, passed away peacefully in their sleep from natural causes on September 7th, 2006. They sadly only lived to be seven, fifty-eight in human years. Next was Exile on February 22nd, 2007, old age. He was twelve, eighty-eight in human years. Blitz was next to pass away on May 1st, 2007. He too was twelve. Months apart from each other after Blitz's death, the three prominent members of the Space Rovers (Persia, Duke, and Molly) passed away from old age. Sport, the unofficial member of the Road Rovers, passed away on January 2nd, 2008 from a tumor inside his head.
Each time each one of them died, it was headline news all over the world. Many people would honor them for the good deeds each of them has done as a Road Rover. Max, Sarah, Hunter, Colleen, and Dash would make trips to the Shepherd residence every time when one of them died to remember them. Sadness and mourning would not be an understatement for how they all felt. Every time one of them died, it would hurt them. They were a family that just felt like they should never be apart, but they have to. Sadly, it would get worse.
It's August 25th, 2008. Chris and Claire were just dropped off for their first day at kindergarten. Max and Sarah were not feeling well so they decided to take a break from work until they felt better. Dash, now five years old, is laying down on the grass in the backyard. He is looking at a photograph of him being a cano-sapien dressed in Road Rovers attire. With him are his father and mother, as well as Max and Sarah. Hunter, who is thirteen years old, slowly walks to Dash. He is a week away from being fourteen years old.
Hunter: Hey, Dash...
Hunter's voice is older and raspier, but that didn't stop Dash from smiling to see his father in his presence.
Dash: Hey, Dad.
Hunter: What you got there...? My eyesight isn't what it used to be...
Dash: It's a photo of when you and Max decided to surprise me for my third birthday.
Hearing this made Hunter smile.
Hunter: Ah, I remember that day... You were so happy...
Dash nods.
Dash: That I was. I turned into a cano-sapien, I got to use your power as mine, and I even got to see the world by flying in one of the aircraft. I think that was the best day of my life.
Hunter: Well... each day I see you being happy... that is the best day of my life...
Dash moves his eyes away from the photo and moves them to look at his father.
Dash: Ever since I heard the stories that the team and even you and Mom would tell me, I always thought "What if I were a Road Rover"? I mean, think about it, Dad. If I had your power and if I had to rescue people from a burning building, I would get them all out every time. I would save people from a speeding vehicle when they cross the sidewalk every time.
Hunter slowly puts his paw on Dash's back.
Hunter: I know...
Hunter slowly thinks of what to say to his son.
Hunter: I do think... that if the team was still going today... you would be a great member... maybe even a great leader...
Hunter grins a bit.
Hunter: Maybe even greater than me...
Dash chuckles a bit.
Dash: I don't know about that. But, I know I would try my best to be just as good as any other member of the team.
Hunter nods.
Hunter: That is all that matters when you are one... It's about doing your best... and making sure you do what you are told... to keep the world a safer place...
Dash nods. He puts the edge of the photo on his lips, not wanting to ruin it.
Dash: Want to race back to the dog house?
Hunter chuckles.
Hunter: Goodness no, son... I'm too old for that...
Dash understands and runs to the dog house. Hunter starts to walk slowly to the dog house. Colleen comes out of Max's house through a dog door. As Hunter is slowly walking to the dog house, he starts to feel his left paw getting numb.
Hunter: What...?
He then starts to feel a pain in his chest, making him struggle to walk back to the dog house. The pain in his chest gets worse, making Hunter stop. His eyes begin to widen.
Hunter: No... I don't want to go...
The pain in his chest continues, making him have nothing to do but clutch his chest as his breath continues to lessen and lessen.
Hunter: Mom... Mom... Mom...
Hunter's breath is taken away from him as if the last speck of life was pulled out of him. His eyes roll and close as he drops to the ground. Colleen notices this and her eyes widen.
Colleen: Hunter...?
Colleen, her eyes starting to be filled with tears, starts to run as quickly as she can, despite her being the same age as her lover.
Colleen: HUNTER!
Dash hears his mother call for his dad and goes out to see why. When he sees his father's body lying motionless on the grass, he shares his mother's reaction and runs to him.
Dash: DAD?!
Max and Sarah hear the commotion from the backyard and go to see what is going on. As soon as they see Hunter's lifeless body, they share the same reaction as Dash and Colleen. They rushed him to the nearest animal hospital. The doctors there did everything they could do to try and bring him back, but it was all in vain. The leader of the Road Rovers has died. They have lost not only a leader but a best friend, beloved lover, and beloved father.
January 5th, 2010
As much as a new year, as well as a new decade, is the start of promising beginnings, it has been not promising for Max. Dash has not been feeling well for the past few days. He has been having a headache that felt like it would never end. Max, like any other owner of a pet, took him to a veterinarian to get him checked out. As Dash is getting looked at to figure out what is going on with him, Max waits in a waiting room, looking through his Facebook profile on his iPhone 3. He looks through the posts he made, getting used to using social media.
Max: Man, I remember when I wanted to interact with people online, I would go to an internet chat room. Now, I can just add people as my friend and see how they're doing through the posts they made.
Max decides to look up an old friend of his; Aaron Daniel Ash. The two have had a rocky relationship for a few years due to Aaron's privacy being interrupted by the media when Max's book had been a success. This has caused Max and Aaron to be distant, something that did not happen since Max was turned into a cano-sapien and would meet Aaron again so they could team up to stop Parvo. Max finds Aaron's profile and decides to look through his profile. He sees the posts and photos of him, including his boyfriend Henry Thomas. Seeing how happy they were in the photos made Max smile, for he could tell how they love each other. Before Max backed out of it, he saw the 'Add Friend' button. Every part of him wanted to push that button so they could be in touch with each other again. The two were like brothers when they first met and that relationship further grew when they were developing the army for Parvo. Just as he was going to push the button on the screen, the veterinarian came in. She is a tall slim black woman with crochet braids as her hairstyle.
Veterinarian: Hello, Mr. Parker.
Max smiles and puts his phone away to handshake.
Max: Hello, Doctor Thomas.
Doctor Thomas smiles lightly as she sits on a chair across from Max and crosses her legs.
Thomas: I did look at how Dash is doing. First off, it's weird having to deal with a patient who can talk to you. I'm used to that with parrots repeating what I say, but not to dogs who talk back to you, almost as if they're human.
Max: Well, Doc, it's because his father and mother are-
Thomas: Road Rovers. I know. My kids used to idol them.
Max nods as Thomas starts to frown.
Thomas: Now, we did a series of tests on Dash. In them, we saw that Dash has a tumor.
Hearing this made Max start to frown.
Thomas: What makes it worse is that the tumor is located in his cerebellum and it's almost near his spinal cord.
Max takes it all in and starts to look down. He then looks up at the doctor, shaking his head.
Max: There's no way you can remove a tumor like that, is there?
The doctor simply tilts her head and sighs.
Thomas: Well, a tumor in a dog is no different than one in a human. Doing it by surgery is risky since we could sever his spinal cord. Even if we could remove the tumor, there is a small chance that it could grow back.
Max looks down.
Max: So, is he going to need chemotherapy?
Thomas: Yes, but it may take a while for the tumor to shrink. Even with chemotherapy, it's not guaranteed that the pain will go away. We could do the surgery, but again, the tumor could grow back if there are no complications of removing it. If the pain is too much for him, we could put him down.
Max looks up, his eyes widen.
Max: Euthanize him?
Max, after thinking about it, shakes his head.
Max: No. I want to relieve his pain. Put him on chemotherapy.
The doctor nods.
Thomas: All right, Mr. Parker. You just need to know that I'm required to have him here once a day for potentially five to seven weeks.
Max nods and gets up from his chair, causing the doctor to get off her chair as well.
Max: I understand.
Thomas: All right, I'll walk with you to Dash's room.
Max and Thomas leave the room. Three weeks have passed since Dash has been put on chemotherapy. Sadly, the chemo barely helped Dash as the pain keeps getting worse and worse. Every day, the pain never goes away, no matter how many sessions he was given. It was evening and Dash is lying on the kitchen floor, while Max is washing dishes from a dinner he and the family had, wearing a sweater to keep him warm from the winter. He had just got done with the last dish when Dash starts whining from the pain his head is giving. Hearing this made Max get down on his knees.
Max: Oh, Dash.
Max starts to pick up Dash and puts him on the patio outside.. In the backyard, Chris and Claire, now six years old, are walking with Colleen in the snow. In private, she had been speaking to Chris and Claire to give them life lessons about various things. Dash had also been doing the same thing, though he was a bit more on the storytelling side, going off on the adventures his parents the team went on as Road Rovers. Max starts to rub Dash's head, trying to relieve him from the pain.
Dash: This hurts so much, Max.
Max: I know it hurts, Dash. You just need to give it two to four more weeks.
Dash starts to cry.
Dash: But it doesn't stop, Max! Every day and every minute of my life, it never stops! I can barely get any sleep!
Dash, his eyes starting to well with tears, looks up at Max.
Dash: Can you make me an appointment with the doctor?
Max looks at Dash, confused.
Max: I don't need to, Dash. I take you in every morning.
Dash shakes his head.
Dash: I don't want any more sessions. I want to be euthanized.
Max's eyes start to widen.
Max: Dash...
Dash: Please, Max. I want to be free from the pain.
Max starts to feel sadness. He shakes his head.
Max: No. You only have two to four more weeks of-
Dash looks at Max.
Dash: Max, Doctor Thomas told me that it's my choice if I want to be free from the pain. Well, I want to be free, now why can't you help me?
Max looks down, trying not to cry. He breathes in and out.
Max: Because, Dash, I want you to live a long life. I want to raise you for as long as I can. I...
Max breathes in and out again.
Max: I want you to carry on the legacy of the Road Rovers, Dash. Be the leader like your father was to me.
Dash shakes his head.
Dash: I'm sorry, Max... It looks like I'm not going to... When Doctor Thomas told me what I have, I knew deep down I could never carry on the legacy... Even if the chemo worked, there's a chance it will grow back and I'd just be back to step one again... I want to be free from the pain, Max... Please... Help me...
Max starts to cry and hugs Dash.
Max: Okay, Dash... If that is what you want... I'll help you...
Dash feels comfort in Max's hug. Dash silently has tears being streamed down his cheeks. This moment only gets interrupted by Max hearing the familiar voices.
Chris: Dad! Colleen talked to us again!
Claire: Yeah! She talked to us again!
Max looks up at Chris and Claire. Wiping his watering eyes, he tries to act as happy as he can.
Max: That's good. How about you two get back in the house? I'll give you two a snack!
This made Chris and Claire be filled with joy as they kick the snow off their boots and get inside the house.
Max: Go back to your dog house, Dash. I have to talk to your mother.
Dash, despite his head being in pain, is able to nod and go to the dog house. Colleen looks at her son as he slowly walks to the dog house, starting to whine from the pain his head giving him. Colleen, being how old she is, slowly walks up to Max.
Max: You know, Colleen, you don't need to talk to my kids.
Colleen tilts her head and speaks, her voice being older and raspier.
Colleen: Is it... wrong... giving your kids... any advice we can give them...? After all... Hunter started it when they entered pre-school...
Max sighs.
Max: No, Colleen there's nothing wrong with that. It's just that eventually, they're going to have to grow up and accept they have to let go of childish things. How often are they going to remember the stuff you, Dash, and Hunter said to them? It's like having to let go of your imaginary friend and the adventures you went on with that imaginary friend.
Colleen looks down.
Colleen: If you don't want us... to say anything more to them... We'll stop... starting tonight...
Max: No. Just keep doing it, if it makes you and Dash feel better.
Colleen looks up and lightly smiles.
Max: I'm just sad that...
Max looks down.
Max: Dash won't have to say any more things to them.
Colleen tilts her head.
Colleen: What do you mean...?
Max looks at Colleen, knowing that there's no easy way to say it to her.
Max: The tumor is giving your son a lot of pain. He wants it to be over. I'm going to call the veterinarian and schedule him to be put down. I want to do it here, surrounded by the people that love him.
Colleen looks down and sadly sighs.
Colleen: I know... I haven't seen my lad... being happy ever since he had this tumor... Even though... I'll be sad... to see my son go...
Colleen looks up at Max and puts her head on his knee. She begins to lightly smile again.
Colleen: I'll be there... to support him...
Max is surprised to see Colleen being this way. He expected her to weep and be filled with sorrow, but that is not what he gets.
Max: You accepted your son's fate?
Colleen nods.
Colleen: Yes, Max...
Max looks down.
Max: But I wanted him to carry on the legacy you guys made. I wanted him to be a leader of a new team if someone like my father were to rise again.
Colleen: There will be... another group of people... the time is not now... I'm sure whoever they will be... they will continue our legacy...
Max looks at Colleen and, even though he didn't have much hope of seeing the Road Rovers return, nods. He starts petting Colleen's head.
Max: And I suppose you're okay being the last dog of the team.
Colleen: Yes... I fulfilled my duties... as being a fighter for justice and peace... I will further fulfill it... with my leave of this world... and into the next...
Max continues to pet Colleen.
Max: You know, you never really strike me as being a believer in an afterlife.
Colleen moves her eyes to look at Max's.
Colleen: Everyone... has to feel at peace... at some point... before they go... I know I'll be with my Hunter... my son... and even seeing my friends once again... and just being at peace for all eternity...
Max is moved by Colleen's words, making him smile. He gives a kiss on Colleen's head.
Max: I sure hope you'll be waiting for me when I get there.
Colleen nods.
Colleen: I will, Max... I will... After all... we'll have all the time in the world...
Max continues to pet Colleen.
Max: Yes we will, Colleen.
February 9th, 2010
Two weeks have passed. A black SUV pulls up to the house. It is Doctor Thomas and she has come to let Dash be free of the pain the tumor is giving him. She sighs and gets out of her car with a leather bag in her hand. She walks up to the front porch and knocks on the door. Max reaches the door and lightly smiles to see Doctor Thomas standing there. He unlocks and opens the door.
Max: Hello, Doctor.
Doctor Thomas smiles and handshakes Max.
Thomas: Hello, Mr. Parker.
Sarah goes to Doctor Thomas and hugs her. They let go of each other.
Doctor Thomas: Is Dash ready?
Max sighs.
Max: I think so. He's in the backyard. We'll go get him. Why don't you sit in the living room?
Doctor Thomas nods and goes to sit on one of the chairs in the living room, removing her winter coat. As Colleen goes to speak to Doctor Thomas, Max and Sarah go to the backyard, where Dash is speaking to Chris and Claire, walking back to the house.
Dash: Well, you two know that today's the day, right?
Chris and Claire get down, their knees touching the cold snow, and pet Dash.
Chris: Yes, Dash. It's okay. Our Mom and Dad told us that when animals die, their soul goes to Heaven.
Claire: I'm sure when it's our time, my brother and I, including our parents, will see you again in Heaven.
Dash smiles.
Dash: Words cannot express how much I love you two. I'll miss you.
Chris and Claire hug Dash. Max and Sarah walk to Dash, with Max kneeling and petting Dash. He has a worried expression on his face, which Dash notices.
Dash: It's okay, Max. I'll be fine. It's just having to walk back into that house is going to be the hardest part for me.
Max looks at Dash's collar, which has a brass tag with his name etched on it.
Max: Dash, I'm going to have to take this off of you.
Max removes Dash's collar.
Max: Because you requested, I'll keep the tag and donate the collar to a local animal shelter.
Dash smiles.
Dash: You know, I had the best dream last night.
Max gets up and they start walking back to the house.
Max: You did?
Dash: Yeah. I dreamed about me being a Road Rover.
Max starts to feel sad the more Dash goes on about his dream.
Dash: I was fighting, along with my Mom and Dad. Their friends were there and so were you, Max. I remember me fighting this cano-mutant and I didn't stop until he was down. My favorite part of it was how happy we were that we saved the day and we celebrated by having a huge dinner. Just the way we laughed and how happy we were is imprinted in my mind. I wish I could hold onto that moment forever.
They have made it inside the house. Dash smiles the moment he sees Doctor Thomas. Dash starts to lie on the floor.
Thomas: Dash, is there anything you want to say before we begin?
Dash thinks about it for a while. He thought and thought and finds what he wants to say.
Dash: All I can say is that I'm happy to see my father and his friends again.
Doctor Thomas nods. She then kneels and opens the leather bag. The family kneels, while Colleen has her paw on her son's. They look at each other and smile. She pulls out a syringe and inserts the needle into a small bottle of a drug she chose. She pulls the plunger back, allowing the liquid to fill the syringe at the right amount.
Thomas: Alright, Dash, the first injection here will get you to be calm in two minutes.
Doctor Thomas injects the needle into Dash's side, allowing the effects of the drug to start going to relax and calm Dash's body. As this is happening, Dash starts to sing in a calm matter, a song that he and his mother love.
Dash: Lights will guide you home... and ignite your bones... and I... will try... to fix you...
As the two minutes pass, she pulls out another small bottle, this drug being anesthesia. She fills the syringe with the right amount of anesthesia needed.
Thomas: Okay, Dash, after a minute of injecting this into you, you will stay asleep.
Doctor Thomas injects the needle into Dash. As the seconds pass, he can feel the pain starting to fade away. Soon, he starts to close his eyes. Doctor Thomas puts a stethoscope to listen to the last heartbeats. As he feels his life slipping away, knowing that he is being at peace and free from the pain that couldn't end for a month, he begins to slightly smile. A minute has passed. Doctor Thomas could no longer feel any heartbeat or breathing. Dash has passed in peace, surrounded by the people that he loved and they loved. Sadness and peace surround the family.
February 12th, 2010
Seattle, Washington. It is 7:00 in the morning and Max has arrived. He is parked on the side of the highway, looking at Aaron's Facebook page. He sees the phone number listed on his 'about' page and calls it. After a few seconds, the phone call is picked up.
Max: Hello. Is this the number of Aaron Daniel Ash?
A British-sounding man speaks and Max can tell that the familiar voice has aged a bit.
Aaron: Who is asking?
Max starts to smile.
Max: Who do you think is asking?
Aaron: If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say another hard worker for LIFE Corporation. This one is very particular. He was hired by his father, General Parvo, and he was an Alaskan Malamute cano-sapien, affiliated with a crime-fighting team known as the Road Rovers and he is an American named Max Thomas Parker.
Max: Well, you sure know my history. After all, you experienced it with me.
Aaron: Of course I do. So, are you just here to chat with me on the phone?
Max: No. I found out you're living in Seattle. It's amazing what technology can do to help find someone's location with just a few clicks.
Aaron: Okay. If you want, you can come by and chat with me in person. I'll text you my home address. Come by when you get the chance.
Max: I'm already in Seattle.
Aaron: (sighs) You've got to be kidding me. You're lucky that Henry and I are free today.
Max: So am I.
Aaron, Well, come by. I'm sending you our home address. See you in a bit.
Max: Yep. Goodbye.
Max hangs up and sits until his phone goes off. It was a text containing the home address of Aaron. Max gets on the road and after putting the home address on a Google Maps app, he drives there which only took twenty minutes. He arrives at a rural area and sees a two-story farmhouse. He is surprised to be seeing how his former colleague lives. He gets out of his red Hummer H1 and walks to the front porch. He knocks on the door. Nothing. He knocks again. A black male goes up to the door and recognizes Max. The man unlocks and opens the door. He speaks in a British accent.
Man: Max?
Max nods, knowing who this guy is.
Max: Henry Thomas.
Henry hugs Max, who kindly hugs him back. They look at each other.
Max: Is Aaron here?
Aaron: Yes, Mr. Parker.
Aaron comes out of the kitchen holding a coffee mug filled with tea and a sugar cookie on the other. He is wearing his pajamas and had just taken a shower, for his hair is wet and combed.
Aaron: I'm here.
Aaron puts down the mug and cookie as they both walk to each other. It had been years since they got to see each other like this again. They both look up and down at each other.
Max: I see you cut your hair shorter.
Aaron notices a change in Max's hair.
Aaron: You starting to have grey show up on your sides.
Max nods.
Max: Yeah, I dye it every two to three days.
Just at that moment, Max hears the small patter of feet walking down the stairs. Turning in the direction of that noise, he sees a boy, who had to be no older than five years old. The boy continues down the stairs. He has short brown hair, brown eyes, and is also wearing his pajamas. He speaks in his born British accent.
Boy: Father, who is this?
Aaron looks down at the kid, smiling.
Aaron: Oh, this is an old friend of mine, Charlie.
Max kneels, knowing he has seen him through the photos posted on Aaron's Facebook.
Max: So, you're Charlie. I'm Max Thomas-
Charlie: Parker. Father told me about you.
Max looks up at Aaron, who nods.
Max: Well, I sure hope not everything.
Max chuckles, which made Charlie chuckle.
Henry: Come on, Charlie. I'll make you scramble eggs and bacon.
Charlie pipes with joy.
Charlie: Yay! Bacon and eggs! Thank you, Daddy!
Henry chuckles as he takes Charlie's hand and goes into the kitchen.
Aaron: We can continue talking outside. Don't want to distract the cook in the family.
Max nods as they walk out to the brown-painted deck. They each sit on two straw chairs that have cushions on them. Max takes a look around and can see a hot tub on one side and can also see a marble patio that has a built-in grill.
Max: Well, clearly you're doing well for you, Henry, and Charlie.
Aaron nods.
Aaron: That's what you get when you work for LIFE Corporation. I wanted to be in an area where there's little noise throughout the day. I plan on building an above-ground pool deck over there when spring comes around.
Aaron points in the direction where he wants it built. Max looks over and nods. Aaron dips his sugar cookie into the tea. Max looks at what Aaron is doing.
Max: Isn't that insulting where you're from?
Aaron smirks.
Aaron: Only in business meetings with fellow British people.
Aaron takes a bite of the wet cookie. Aaron swallows it and shakes his head.
Aaron: Yep. Not doing that again. Just ruins the biscuit.
Max and Aaron look at each other.
Aaron: It's-
Max: I know, Aaron. It's called biscuit where you're from. So, what brings you to be here in Seattle?
Aaron tilts his head.
Aaron: As you know, it's hard to get recognized that you're in a gay relationship in the UK. I figured I couldn't get me and Henry recognized as a couple so we decided to emigrate here in 2008. And here we are, waiting for the time when we will get recognized so we can get married to make it official. Honestly, I feel comfortable being here. I don't get many opportunities in this country as I do in England.
Max: Don't you miss England?
Aaron shakes his head.
Aaron: England is in our heart, Max. Wherever we go, it will be with us.
Aaron looks up and down at Max.
Aaron: Is there something you came here for, other than having a conversation with me as I'm enjoying a spot of tea?
Aaron takes a sip of his tea and Max sighs.
Max: I know we haven't come to good terms yet. In fact, the last time we met, I distinctly remember you saying to me "I hope I never see you again".
Aaron: I remember that.
Max: I didn't mean for the media to come and invade your privacy back in England.
Aaron gets off the chair and walks to the fence of the deck, causing Max to follow him.
Aaron: Well, I know you didn't mention me anymore to the media. The American government, despite the fact that they know I was involved with your father on Death Strike, sees me as not a threat to their country. Only Henry knows who I really am and it didn't bother him. Honestly, I have come to regret being against you, twice.
Max looks at Aaron.
Max: So you forgive me?
Aaron takes a sip of his tea and nods.
Aaron: Of course I do. I couldn't have been through that three-year journey with anyone other than you.
Max puts his hands out.
Max: Colleagues?
Aaron looks down at his hand. He smiles and kindly handshakes it.
Aaron: Colleagues.
Max turns the handshake into a hug, with Aaron also hugging him, causing both of them to chuckle. They let go of each other as Charlie comes onto the deck and goes up to Aaron.
Charlie: Father, Daddy is going to help me with the show and tell today.
Aaron: Oh, well, that's good son! What do you want to show?
Charlie pulls out an action figurine of an Alaskan Malamute wearing a Road Rovers uniform, which made Max's eyes widen a bit.
Charlie: Max, the eighth member of the Road Rovers.
Aaron's eyes widen a bit as well. He acts surprised.
Aaron: Wow. May I see that?
Charlie kindly gives it to his father, who he and Max look at the figure. Max was astonished the most, for how he forgot that they made merchandise like this because of how popular the Road Rovers were.
Charlie: A friend of mine in class gave me that yesterday. It was from his father who collects merchandise on the Road Rovers. This is one of two he owns, the other is still in its packaging.
After looking at it for a bit, Aaron gives the figure back to Charlie.
Aaron: Well, son, all I have to say is give it your all in class today.
Aaron kindy rubs his son's hair, which made Charlie giggle.
Charlie: I will try, Father.
Charlie looks at Max.
Charlie: Isn't it kind of weird that he and you share the same name?
Max nods.
Max: Yep. As do other people in this world, Charlie.
Charlie nods and goes back into the house to eat his breakfast.
Aaron: Kids today are full of wonder, aren't they?
Max: Yep, they sure do. I forgot that they made something like that of me. It felt like something I should cross off my bucket list. I even remember they made a video game and we got to voice ourselves. It wasn't as good as we thought it would.
Aaron nods.
Max: How did you come across Charlie?
Aaron: Henry and I decided to adopt him back in England when he was an infant in May of 2005. A couple just had him, but with how poor they were and they had no living relatives, they had to give it up for adoption. We went to where he was staying at the time and with no hesitation, we took him in. We always wanted to start a family. I don't think either of us could have picked a better child to adopt. He was just the prettiest baby I have seen. As he grew, he just became this never-ending bundle of joy.
Max: That's how I was when Chris and Claire were born. I remember me and Sarah holding them just awestruck that we made them. It made us so happy to know we were going to be parents to them. As they grew, they also became a never-ending bundle of joy. I remember when he called me 'Dada' for the first time, it made me teary-eyed. I never expected to be touched by just that simple word. She and I knew it would be tough to be parents, but neither of us expected how much they would truly mean to us. Now, the day will come when we have to be the tough parents and teach them lessons they will have to remember for the rest of their lives so they can pass it down to their children.
Aaron nods.
Aaron: There's something I have been afraid of ever since I decided to be a father.
Max looks at Aaron who looks at Max at the same time.
Aaron: Having to let go of them when they decide to venture on their own.
Max sighs.
Max: I know. That will be tough for me.
Max decides to walk back into the house, but not before turning back to Aaron, who was walking with Max.
Max: I will give them one last piece of advice though if you and Henry are willing to give it to Charlie
Aaron: What's that?
Max: "In case you mess up, you're always welcome to come back and live in the basement anytime you want".
Aaron chuckles.
Aaron: Maybe I'll consider that.
Max and Aaron get back into the house. Ten minutes have passed. The family had their breakfast, even Max got something to eat. The front door opens.
Henry: All right, Charlie, wait in the car for me.
Charlie: Yes, Daddy!
Aaron: Be good at school and ace that math quiz!
Charlie gives Aaron a thumbs up.
Henry: Is there something you need while I head into town after he gets picked up by the bus, babe?
Aaron looks at his lover and smiles.
Aaron: Aside from this grocer list of all the things we need...
Aaron gives Henry a grocery list on a piece of paper.
Aaron: ...you can give me this before you go.
Aaron and Henry give a kiss to each other.
Aaron: And get the car washed while you're at it. It's a tad bit dirty.
Henry nods as he goes into the black car and drives out of the driveway and onto the road.
Max: Don't you take him to the bus stop as well?
Aaron: I do. It's just I wanted a couple of hours to myself once in a while.
Max: Is it work-related?
Aaron: Sometimes. Most of the time it's just me by myself doing other things. I have been addicted to LittleBigPlanet and Modern Warfare 2 lately.
Max chuckles.
Aaron: What?
Max: Nothing. You still play video games, as I do. Old habits die hard.
Aaron: Yeah.
Aaron frowns.
Aaron: I know that the Rovers are dying.
Max looks at Aaron.
Max: Yeah. Me, Shepherd, and Colleen are the only ones left.
Aaron: Doesn't it bother you?
Max: No. It just pains me every time they die. It's no different than losing a family member or your parent. It does bother me a bit that I will be the last one left. It's sort of a curse I have as a human, knowing I will live to see them die and that I'll have to stay until it's my time. I'll try to deal with being the last one in any way I can.
Aaron looks around the house and then back to Max.
Aaron: Do you think the Road Rovers will still be remembered?
Max looks at Aaron and nods.
Max: I'm sure they will.
Max pulls out his iPhone 3 to check the time.
Max: Well, I got to get going, Aaron. It was nice catching up with you.
Aaron smiles.
Aaron: Same to you, mate.
They give each other a hug and they let go of each other.
Aaron: I know this is a weird question to ask but...
Max: Yeah?
Aaron: When it's time for me and Henry, can you be the best man?
Max smiles and nods.
Max: You can guarantee I will.
Aaron nods.
Aaron: Thank you.
Max starts to walk back to his Hummer H1.
Aaron: You know it's not politically correct to be driving a vehicle like that?
Max looks at Aaron.
Max: I don't care, it's my dream car.
Aaron: Well, most people would buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.
Max nods and gets into his Hummer.
Aaron: Hey! Do you have a Facebook?
Max: I'll send you a friend request! I'll send you my home address! You, Henry, and Charlie are welcome to come by anytime!
Max gets his Hummer started and drives out of the driveway.
Aaron: We will!
Max drives on the road, going back to Salt Lake City with a smile on his face, for he was able to reconnect with Aaron and is happy to see how Aaron has been doing since the last time they spoke. They have been able to back as colleagues.
March 20th, 2010
Salt Lake City, Utah. In a week since Max's visit to Aaron's home, Aaron, Henry, and Charlie had visited Max's family. They got acquainted with Chris and Claire, as well as Colleen; For Aaron, it was the first time he had met her in over eight years, and for Henry and Charlie, it was their very first time. Only Aaron is at Max's house, for today will be a somber day. Aaron and Max's family are gathered in the backyard, surrounding the doghouse. Colleen, being fifteen years old, had been feeling weak for the past few days. They knew today would be the day. She is lying in the dog house, with her head sticking out of the door hole. Max has an acoustic guitar in his hand, the same acoustic guitar he has kept with him since his days of being a temporary member of the Space Rovers, for the guitar once belonged to a late member of the team.
Max: Colleen, if this day should come, you asked me to sing you your favorite song. A song you sing to yourself, even when Hunter and Dash passed away.
Max leans forward to Colleen, making sure he's near one of her ears.
Max: (whispering) Even when your fellow members have died.
Max moves back and lightly smiles.
Max: And now, it's my turn. I want you to know that it has been a joy having you as being part of our family. We will love you and we will miss you.
Max crosses his legs as he puts the guitar on his lap. Before he starts strumming, he hears the voice of Colleen, whose voice, though older and weak, could be audible to everyone.
Colleen: I... love... you... too...
Everyone is touched by what she said, including Max. Out of everyone he met on the team, she was his best friend out of them all. The two had a relationship unlike any other on the team, though they both later admitted that they had romantic feelings for each other. They proved this by kissing each other, something that never happened again nor did Max or Colleen tell Hunter that they did. They promised each other to keep it to themselves. Colleen closes her eyes and starts to breathe slowly. Max breathes in and out before pressing his fingers on the chord he needs to strum. He strums a C chord, then an E minor chord, then an A minor chord, and then a G chord. He repeats this again throughout the chorus as he sings in a calm and soft tone.
Max: (singing) When you try your best, but you don't succeed. When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep. Stuck in reverse.
Max continues to strum the same chords.
Max: When the tears come streaming down your face. When you lose something you can't replace. When you love someone, but it goes to waste. Could it be worse?
Max, as he sings the chorus, now strums an F chord, pauses for four seconds, and then strums a C/E chord and a G chord. He repeats this throughout the chorus.
Max: Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones. I will try to fix you.
Max strums the same chords from the verse, though this time in a calm down-down-down-down-up pattern.
Max: From high up above or down below. When you're too in love to let it go. But if you never try, you'll never know just what you're worth.
Max strums the same chords from the chorus though this time in a calm down-down-down-down up pattern for the F chord, then a down-down-up pattern, another down-down up pattern for the C/E chord, and then goes back to the down-down-down-down up pattern for the G chord. He repeats this throughout the chorus.
Max: Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you.
For the bridge, Max strums a C chord, an F chord, a C chord, a G chord, an A minor chord, an F chord, a C chord, and a G chord in a calm down-down-down-down-down-down-down-down pattern, taking three seconds before pulling each chord. He repeats this throughout the bridge.
Max: Tears stream down your face, when you lose something you cannot replace. Tears stream down your face and I.
Max repeats the same chords and strum pattern.
Max: Tears stream down your face. I promise you I will learn from my mistakes. Tears stream down your face and I.
Max repeats the same chords from the chorus softly as his voice is still soft and calm.
Max: Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you.
Max ends the song by strumming the third, fourth, and fifth strings. Max felt how quiet it was. As he looked, he saw Colleen, with a light smile on her face, not moving. As the family starts to cry, Max kneels to Colleen and starts pulling her lifeless body out of the doghouse so he can put her head on his lap. He does so and starts cradling and petting her head, trying to be calm as he can and holding his sadness.
Max: It's okay, Colleen. Just wait for me. We'll have all the time in the world up there.
Max's eyes start to water, eventually making him break down and cry. He had lost his best friend on the team. His family and Aaron gather to comfort Max. Colleen, the oldest surviving member of the Road Rovers in dog years, has died.
May 16th, 2018
Eight years have passed since the death of Colleen. In 2013, Aaron and Harry finally got what they always wanted, to be married. Max, as he promised, was the best man at the wedding. Though they did feel that they could go back and live in the UK, they decided to stay in Seattle in order to stay in close contact with Max, should he ever need to contact them again for anything. Shepherd had not been feeling well for the past year. One day, he woke up to see over twenty bruises on his body. After going to a doctor for tests, they found a big lump of leukemia cells in his chest. Shepherd was determined to beat leukemia. He beat it a few months after his diagnosis thanks to chemotherapy. Sadly, his cancer came back in February 2018 and worsened, to the point of doing everyday tasks is a struggle. His family had come to do everything they could to assist him, but it didn't matter. He was dying. Max is driving in the forest. He is now forty-six years old and his short hair is now gray for he decided to let it turn gray. The former leader of the Salt Lake City LIFE Corporation research facility, Jeff Lee Brugh, had recently retired and put Max and Sarah as leaders of the facility. Max had come to the mansion after getting a text from Shepherd's wife, Jill, that he's been bedridden and felt that he may not have much time left and that Max should see him. Max, though not ready to see a dying person who was a second father to him when he was a Road Rover, decided to visit him one last time. He made his choice to go alone. He pulls his Hummer up to the mansion, dressed in a black polo shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. He breathes in and out before getting out of the car. He walks up the porch and stands in front of the door. He knocks it. A moment later, a woman with short grey hair opens it. It's Jill.
Jill: Max.
Jill opens the door further to let Max in and he goes into the house. After Jill shut the door, they both hugged each other.
Jill: I'm glad you got here.
Max: I almost didn't want to. I'm not ready for this type of stuff.
Jill sighs.
Jill: Who is ever ready? Our kids came here earlier today to see him. He's been thinking about you for a few days.
Max: Where is he?
Jill: In our bedroom. It's the last door upstairs in the second hallway.
Max nods and goes up the brown wooden stairs. Jill starts to cry to herself as Max continues going up the stairs. He gets to the second hallway on the floor. He walks to the last door on the right. After breathing in and out again, he slowly opens the door to see a big bedroom. In the center of the bedroom was a king-sized bed. Lying on the bed is Shepherd, who has lost a lot of weight and is bald because of leukemia. He breathes raspily and his skin is pale. Max slowly walks to the bed. He sees a chair in the corner of the room and picks it up to put it near the bed. Max sits down on it and sighs.
Max: Hello, Master.
Shepherd slowly turns his head and opens his eyes to see Max. He lightly smiles.
Shepherd: Max... I told you this before... my name is Shepherd...
Max chuckles.
Max: Sorry. Force of habit.
Shepherd licks his lips.
Shepherd: Water...
Max looks to his side and can see a glass of water with a straw in it on a nightstand. He picks it up and goes to Shepherd. He moves the cup so that the straw is close to Shepherd's lips. He takes a few sips from the straw. After he is done, Max puts the glass back on the nightstand. He sits back on the chair.
Shepherd: Now... I am prepared...
Max looks down, starting to have his eyes watered.
Max: Shepherd, I wish there was something I could do.
Shepherd slowly turns his head and coughs. He gets his breath back.
Shepherd: There is one thing... I want you to do... Max...
Max looks at Shepherd.
Shepherd: When I'm gone... You will be the last... of the Road Rovers... If someone... like your father... is bent on... wanting world domination... find a way... to bring... the Road Rovers back... pass on... what you have learned... from me and your teammates...
Max's eyes widen.
Max: Me? Who am I to be someone like Hunter, let alone you? I don't think I'm willing to let dogs run off into the blue. I don't think I can carry the burden if someone on the team gets hurt or-
Shepherd: Max... Deep down... every dog is a Road Rover... even a human... can prove that...
Shepherd slowly turns his head back to look at the ceiling.
Shepherd: When the time is right... I am certain... you will be the leader... that you can be... I know you will be... a good teacher and leader...
Shepherd's breath starts to slow down.
Shepherd: I know that... you will... carry on the legacy... that I created...
Shepherd struggles with his breathing.
Shepherd: Teach the new... members... that no matter what... al... always... b... be... good... dogs...
Shepherd closes his eyes as he lets his last breath out. Max, knowing he is gone, sits back and lets tears stream down his cheeks.
Max: Oh, Master... if that time comes... I will try...
Max gets up and puts the chair back in the corner. He walks out of the room to see Jill standing in front of the door. They both hug each other and start to cry. Not only did Max lose his second father and mentor, but Jill and her kids lost a husband and father. And with that, Max Thomas Parker is the last of what remains of the Road Rovers.
Three years have passed since Professor William F. Shepherd's death. In early 2020, a massive outbreak of flu went out that spread throughout the globe. This flu caused social and economic disruption, food shortages caused by people buying food in a panic, schools and colleges were either partially or fully closed and many events scheduled were either canceled or postponed. Over a million people around the world have died because of this widespread outbreak of flu.
Wanting to put the pandemic to an end, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, decided to put the company LIFE Corporation in charge of developing a vaccine, despite the public feeling it was a risky move since the company was only known for doing research on how to provide cures for cancers and diseases. Max Thomas Parker, Sarah Kelly Parker, Aaron Daniel Ash, as well as many other members of the company throughout the world got to work on making a vaccine. Developing a vaccine was nothing more than a 24/7 job for the company, all of its scientists and workers working and developing the vaccine around the clock.
Thanks to the efforts done with clinical trials, as well as more help brought in by other companies in the medical and research field, the vaccine was fully developed in September of 2020. The vaccine was 99% effective against the outbreak of flu and two doses of it would be required so that every person on the planet would be able to be immune to the outbreak of flu. This vaccine received massive praise from the public for how helpful it was to the world. Donald J. Trump also got massive praise from the public and media for his decision to choose LIFE Corporation, earning him 78,216,154 votes during the election of that year, earning him his second term in office.
As the months passed since the vaccine was first handed out, the world slowly returned to normal. It is now June 21st, 2021. The world returned to normal two months ago. Chris and Claire Parker have just graduated high school. We are at Max's house in the rural area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Chris comes out of the front door, carrying a single piece of black luggage, wearing a blue polo shirt, khaki shorts, and black and red Jordan shoes. He is 5'8 and has short black spiked hair. Followed by him is his sister, Claire Parker, who is carrying a piece of red luggage. She is wearing a white T-shirt, pink shorts, and white high-top sneakers. She is 5'7 and has medium brown hair. These two have just graduated high school. Chris and Claire both plan on studying to become a scientist like their parents. They go to load their things at the back of a white Mercedes Sprinter that their parents rented for the week.
Chris: Are you excited about our vacation, Claire?
Claire looks at her brother and smiles.
Claire: So I can torture you the whole way?
Chris lightly smiles.
Chris: You're going to start now?
Claire: Of course. Like, how much gel do you need to keep your hair like that?
Chris: Hey, I'm not the one who keeps spraying Moroccanoil Shampoo in my hair.
Claire: Well, I'm not the one who blasted their electric guitar to wake me up this morning.
Chris: And I'm not the one who keeps listening to Billie Eilish.
Claire starts to smirk.
Claire: Oh, you jealous that she's more talented than you are on guitar? Imagine it, at fourteen years old, she was already a star.
Chris sighs and stops at the two trunk doors.
Chris: When I was fourteen, I was not worried about taking on the stage. I was too busy worried about my physics test.
Claire opens one of the doors, with her brother following suit.
Claire: Still, at least I'm not a hater.
Chris looks at Claire.
Chris: I don't hate her. I like her music. Just not my cup of coffee.
Claire: Really? Which one's your favorite? Ocean Eyes? Bad Guy? My Future?
Chris takes a pause.
Chris: No Time to Die.
Claire playfully punches her brother's shoulder.
Claire: Of course. That James Bond theme she did.
Chris: What? I love that song by her. Made me start singing it when we saw the movie a couple of months ago.
Claire chuckles.
Claire: Clearly, you're not a hater. Just don't have the right taste.
Chris smirks.
Chris: Maybe I'll be cultured one day.
Chris and Claire start to put their luggage in the trunk before they hear a familiar sound to them.
Max: (clears his throat) Adults before children, please.
Max comes up behind Claire and Sarah does the same behind Chris, each wearing casual clothing and carrying black and white luggage respectively. Max and Sarah put their luggage in the trunk. Max and Sarah are now forty-nine years old and Max now has grey hair while Sarah stays as beautiful as ever with her long black hair.
Max: Now the youngest can put their luggage.
Chris and Claire chuckle as they put their luggage in the trunk.
Max: You know, it seems like we're missing something.
Max looks ahead and can see six different vehicles up ahead of the road.
Max: Oh, never mind. Here they are.
Each of the six cars pulls up to the house. Out of the cars come three men and three women who are the same age as Chris and Claire. One of the men is a black South African named Ali Umar, wearing casual clothing and is carrying a single piece of green luggage. He is 5'9, has curly black hair, and has brown eyes. He plans on being an engineer for vehicles. The next man is an Australian named Liam Wilson, wearing casual clothing and is carrying a single piece of blue luggage. He is 5'7, has an Oxford brown hairstyle, and has green eyes. He plans on wanting to be a comic book artist. The last of the men is an Indian named Rahul Singh, wearing casual clothing and is carrying a single piece of brown luggage, as well as a backpack full of rock climbing equipment. He is 5'8, has a black curly shag hairstyle, has a subtle mustache growing, and has brown eyes. He plans on being a photographer. One of the women is a Swedish named Iris Lindström, wearing casual clothing, black thick-framed round glasses, and is carrying a piece of yellow luggage. She is 5'9, has long blonde hair, and has blue eyes. She plans on studying to become a marine biologist. The next woman is a Brazilian named Patricia Oliveria, wearing casual clothing and is carrying a piece of pink luggage. She is 5'8, has a bob hairstyle, and has brown eyes. She plans on being a pediatrician. The last of the women is a Middle-Eastern from Syria named Jasmine Hakim, wearing Muslim clothing and is carrying a piece of purple luggage. She is 5'6, has black hair that has a bun in the back, and has brown eyes. She plans on being a nurse.
The six are talking to their parents as they're getting their luggage. They all hug their parents, tell them that they love them and that they will see them next week. The six walk to the vehicle, smiling to see Max's family.
Max: Well, look who we have here, the foreign students of East High School!
Ali is the first to show up. He smiles as he puts his luggage in the trunk.
Ali: I am excited as ozual to be aving this vagation, Mr. Pawka.
Liam comes up behind Ali, who handshakes and hugs Chris
Liam: So am I, Mr. Pahrker! It's garn ta be a lot of fun.
Rahul comes up and puts his luggage in the trunk as Liam is hugging Chris.
Rahul: I'm sure I'll be taking plenty of pictures of this vacation for my Instagram and Snapchat.
Rahul hugs Chris as Iris comes up and hugs Claire.
Iris: I'm certain we'll be having a fun time.
Patricia hugs Claire as Iris puts her luggage in the trunk. Iris brings out a blue inhaler, lightly shakes it, then puts it on her mouth and presses down on the canister.
Patricia: I'm sure to be making lot of TikTok with my friends.
Jasmine puts her luggage in the trunk and hugs Claire.
Jasmine: I'll be praying every day to have a safe vacation. I'm sure Allah will protect us.
Max: Well, I'm glad all of you are excited. After all, I have been taking you all since you guys went to the 7th grade with my kids.
Rahul quietly goes to the side of Sprinter and pulls out a cigarette. As he's about to pull out a lighter, Max follows Rahul and grabs his arm, making him a bit shocked.
Max: Rahul-
Rahul: I-I-I know what you're going to say to me.
Max: Not quite, Rahul. I thought you were going to quit.
Rahul gulps and stares at Max's eyes.
Rahul: I know I was responsible for putting Iris in the hospital last year. I felt so bad and after my parents set me up with a therapist, I stopped. That was until I have been having this urge to start smoking again. I guess my college plans got me stressed and I felt I needed to-
Max: Rahul, your parents and I told you this how many times: You shouldn't smoke because you will end up regretting it later down the road. I expect you to change after this vacation is over unless you want me to tell your parents about this.
Rahul shakes his head.
Rahul: No, sir. I swear I'll quit.
Max takes the cigarette and crunches it with his fist.
Max: (smiles) Thank you, Rahul.
Max goes inside the house to throw the cigarette away. Rahul starts to walk back to the trunk when he bumps into Iris, making her glasses fall off.
Rahul: Oh, sorry, Iris.
Rahul quickly gets her glasses and gives them to her.
Iris: Thank you, Rahul.
Iris wipes them to make sure they're clean.
Rahul: Look, Iris, about last year-
Iris: Rahul, it's fine. I know you didn't mean to do that to me.
The two start to stare at each other.
Rahul: Are your parents holding up?
Iris: They're just glad that you didn't put me on a ventilator.
Rahul: Well, that's good.
The two start to feel a gravity between them.
Rahul: You know, there has been something I wanted to tell you for a while.
Iris: Really?
Rahul: Yeah.
Iris: Well, what is it?
Rahul is in a gaze from staring at Iris' eyes.
Rahul: I think I-
Max comes out of the door, which he closes and locks.
Max: (loudly) All right, ladies and gentlemen, get in the van!
Rahul gets startled by this. He looks back at Iris.
Rahul: Some other time.
As Max is talking, everyone gets inside the Sprinter.
Max: Make sure you have your phones charged up and that you have portable chargers. I will give you all a chance to go to the bathroom when we go to Walmart for snacks. After that, we're not stopping until we get to Mesquite, Nevada. Fasten your seatbelts, this is going to be a long ride.
Max gets in the driver's seat and Sarah gets in the passenger's seat. After everyone has their seat belt on, Max turns on the engine, making everyone cheer. He turns onto the paved road and continues to drive it, starting their vacation.
Author's Note: The song "Fix You" is a property of Coldplay and Parlophone Records & Capitol Records. I do not own the song nor am I affiliated with Coldplay or Parlophone Records & Capitol Records.