Exploring Horizons - Chapter 2
The next morning everyone was meeting in the Kitchen discussing various topics. Rocky walked in with Yeshe. He sat down in front of a bowl of pup food and began eating but kept yawning.
"What's wrong Rocky?" asked Zuma. "Did you not sleep well?"
"I, uh, I guess just not used to being back here at the Lookout," said Rocky. "We've been up at the retreat so much that I've got used to my pup pad there."
"So are you going to come down this weekend?" asked Zuma, "We're going to have a rescue competition with the Surf Team."
"Sure, I'll come watch," said Rocky.
"Really, you will?" said Zuma excitedly. "I know you're not really into water but it would mean a lot to have your support."
"I'd do anything for you bro," said Rocky, winking at Mira. He also realized what she was wanting to do.
"So are you going back to the retreat after breakfast?" asked Zuma.
"No, I think I'll hang out here at the Lookout for the rest of the week," said Rocky. "I don't get to see everyone here enough."
"Would you like to come down to the shop?" asked Zuma, "The team is going to be practicing today."
Rocky looked at Mira who nodded, "Uh, sure I'll come watch your team practice. Maybe I'll get some new ideas for the Sea Patroller."
Sunny was watching the exchange and walked over to Yeshe, "I know they're tight and all, but what gives. Since when is Rocky so interested in water rescue?"
Yeshe smiled, "Not my secret to tell."
"Uh huh, I figured," laughed Sunny, "if it's what I think it is, give him an extra kiss from me. Zuma will wet himself."
"I'll do just that," laughed Yeshe, as she gave Sunny a highpaw.
Rocky sat on the beach watching Zuma and the team practicing and taking notes. Zuma ran up.
"Do you see anything they could do better?" asked Zuma.
"Not really," said Rocky, "You're the best coach they could hope for. So they don't get to use a vehicle or buoy launcher?"
"Nope, the competition is manual only," said Zuma, "They can tow a buoy with them but they have to swim out with everything they use. Do you think Yeshe would come man my hovercraft in case someone gets into trouble?"
"I'll ask but I'm sure she would be willing," said Rocky.
Zuma ran back to his team and had the members take turns swimming out further and further until Zuma whistled and they began treading water waiting for the rescuer to come get them.
That evening Rocky met Mira once again. They went over all that Rocky had learned and began practicing again. After a few hours they were sitting on the beach talking and they heard someone approaching. Worrying they had been caught by Zuma they turned. Marshall walked up.
"I thought that was you Rocky," said Marshall. "So, you're sneaking away to swim at night. I see you have your collar on this time."
"Yeah, I'm just a night swimmer I guess," laughed Rocky.
"Hi Marshall," said Mira, popping out from behind Rocky.
"Uh, ok now I'm confused," said Marshall.
"Please keep it a secret Marshall," said Mira. "Rocky's helping me practice to be a water rescue pup. I want to surprise dad and enter the rescue competition this weekend."
"Rocky, you never cease to amaze me at the lengths you'll go to for Zuma," said Marshall, tearing up. "Mira, have you learned CPR yet?"
"Not yet, but I've watched the videos," said Mira.
"It's late but are you practicing tomorrow night?" asked Marshall.
"We were going to take a break tomorrow," said Rocky.
"Ok meet me here and I'll teach you CPR," said Marshall. "And I promise, I'll keep your secret."
"You guys are so awesome," yipped Mira.
"Thank you to everyone for coming to the First Annual Open Amature Water Rescue Pup Competition," said Zuma addressing the crowd. "Registration is open to any pup that wants to compete."
There were pups from various schools and a few non affiliated pups signing up. Mira walked up to the registration table. Zuma looked up.
"Mira, did you come to watch?" asked Zuma.
"No sir," said Mira, "I came to compete."
"Uh, this is a real competition," explained Zuma, "I'll teach you how to do water rescue if you'd like. I didn't know you were ready to begin learning."
"I've already been learning and practicing," said Mira, "I brought my coach and everything."
"You went to someone else?" said Zuma, sounding hurt. "Who?"
Rocky walked up, "Surprise Zuma. She wanted to get ready and surprise you. I agreed to help, but she already knew most of it."
"I just wanted you to be proud of me dad," said Mira, tearing up at the thought of hurting her dad's feelings. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Zuma stood and came around the table hugging his daughter and drug Rocky into the hug. "I'm already so proud of you, of both of you. Thank you Rocky, there couldn't be a better gift. Ok you two, Team Rocky will need to fill out these forms and get ready, competition starts in 20 minutes."
"Yes sir," said Rocky laughing.
The competition was fierce and Mira was keeping up with everyone. She swam out to the first set of rescue dummies and snagged one by the collar dragging it back neck and neck with the others. After several events they had narrowed the group down to four pups including Mira. One was a team Zuma pup, the other two were from Adventure City. They swam out to four people acting like they were struggling. Zuma's team member dove under the victim as Mira did, they both came up behind their victims, they both paused and smiled at each other before taking control of their prospective victims. The Adventure City pups both swam straight to their victims who quickly grabbed at them making them lose time in gaining control. Mira was swimming right beside the Team Zuma pup as they neared the beach the Team Zuma pup was older and stronger therefore he was a little quicker getting their victim on the beach. Mira pulled her victim across the line right behind him, she hung her head breathing hard.
"Great job Mira," yelled Rocky, "You got nothing at all to be ashamed of."
Just then one of the Adventure City pups cried out for help, they had exhausted themselves and were struggling to stay afloat.
Yeshe was about to head that way when Mira dove into the surf swimming with everything she had toward the pup. Yeshe got there as the pup went under.
"You take the victim to shore," said Mira, "I'll get the pup."
Mira dove down where the pup had submerged. Yeshe had the victim grab the buoy and towed them to shore before returning.
Time ticked on and Zuma was about to dive in himself as was Rocky when Mira and the pup surfaced. She had the pup by the scruff and was swimming for shore. The crowd began cheering 'Mira! Mira! Mira!'
Yeshe was heading back when Mira shook her head, Yeshe circled and followed just behind. Mira drug the pup on to the shore. She began her assessment just like Marshall had taught her.
"He's not breathing! Call 911! Starting respirations," yelled Mira. Rocky hit his tag calling Marshall who was already on scene, Marshall came running with his medic bag and pup pack.
The pup began coughing up water and Mira rolled him on his side patting his back allowing the water to continue to be expelled. The Adventure City Coach was right there and began toweling off the pup. Marshall brought the Oxygen tank and began providing supplemental oxygen via a mask.
"Great Job Mira," said Marshall, "I didn't quite expect you to use your new skills so soon. Are you going to try and take over Gale's medic job?"
"No sir," said Mira, "I want Dad's job."
The crowd cheered all the more.
The coach turned to Zuma, "Once again you and your team never stop impressing me."
"While I appreciate it," said Zuma, "And while she is my daughter of whom I'm quite proud. She isn't on my team. She's on Team Rocky, my best friend in the whole world who hates getting wet, but put that aside to train my daughter in water rescue. I am amazed with both of them."
Zuma's team members came over and whispered into Zuma's ear. He turned to each of them, "Are you sure?" said Zuma. The pups all nodded. "Very well," said Zuma.
"Everyone, Team Zuma has forfeited and therefore is no longer eligible to participate," explained Zuma to the crowd. "Therefore the winner of this year's competition is Mira of Team Rocky. Congratulations to Mira and her coach Rocky of the Paw Patrol."
All of Zuma's team members came and picked up Mira, parading her around for everyone to congratulate.
Zuma walked over and hugged Rocky extra tight, "Thank you Rocky. You truly are my best friend. I love you bro."
"I love you too, Zuma," said Rocky. "You know I would do anything for you or your family."
Ryder walked up shaking his head, "Pup's you have once again made me so proud. You're all such great pups."
"Mira, you have proved your ability," said Ryder. "I just finished Gale's Pup Packs. I guess I need to start on yours."
Mira beamed with pride as Zuma hung the 1st place medal around her neck and then hugged her as Sunny came and joined the hug.
"So were you surprised?" asked Sunny.
"Very," said Zuma, "Wait he told you?"
"No, I suspected when Rocky agreed to come watch your team practice," laughed Sunny. "Rocky, Thank you for doing such a great job helping Mira. Are you going to become a water rescue pup now as well."
"Yeah, no," laughed Rocky, "my loyalty only goes so far."
Everyone laughed at that.
"Kang, may I speak with you sir?" asked Buster.
"Ok, AtrirakSaka," said Kang, "Since you're not calling me dad, I'm assuming this is official."
"Yes sir," said Buster, "I would like to speak to you in reference to Karuna's status and service."
"Ok, is there a problem?" asked Kang.
"No, quite the opposite," said Buster, "I would like permission to promote him. He has proved his ability to lead and strength to perform his duties."
"Ok, and this has nothing to do with him being your brother in law?" laughed Kang.
"Uh, no, no," stammered Buster. "He really is good, probably better than me."
"I'm kidding Buster," said Kang. "I agree he has proven himself and deserves a promotion. What are you thinking?"
"Can I name him a Corporal?" asked Buster. "Then he could assume my position if I'm away or unavailable."
"I find that acceptable," said Kang. "Do you want to do it formally or a simple field promotion?"
"I think a field promotion at today's training would be ok," said Buster.
"Very Well," said Kang. "I'll have to submit the paperwork and get the chevrons from the Temple."
Later that afternoon
"Guardians Attention!" yelled Buster. The pups came to attention as Kang walked over.
"At ease," said Kang, "First off I will be seeking volunteers to take Everest's shifts until her pup or pups are delivered. Second, I want to formally accept Valorie into the Guardian ranks. Even though the majority of her time will be spent as a police pup in town, she still has met the requirements and proven her abilities. Third, by recommendation of Sergeant AtrirakSuka, I have received a formal request for promotion and have accepted the recommendation. Karuna, please step forward."
Karuna looked around and then stepped forward saluting both Kang and Buster.
"Karuna," said Kang, "You are officially promoted to the rank of Corporal. As such you are squad leader and will assume AtrirakSaka's Sergeant role in his absence. Congratulations Corporal, the paperwork has been forwarded to the Temple and your new uniforms will arrive soon. You may now dismiss the Guardians for the day."
"Attention!" Karuna ,turned snapping. "Guardians, dismissed. Don't forget to let Kang know if you'd like to volunteer for the available shifts."
Everyone began congratulating Karuna as well as Val. Yeshe came over and hugged Karuna as did Lizzy except Lizzy also kissed her mate.