Exploring Horizons - Chapter 3
Once again I want to thank Foxfire69 for allowing me to use his OC Cinder. Also if you're ever over on FanFiction make sure to check out his stories, he is a great writer.
Everest was laying on her pup pad as Marshall came walking into the room.
"I know it will come as a shock," said Everest, 'but I'm hungry again."
"Not at all, that's why I brought a fresh pack of liver sausage," laughed Marshall.
"I love you honey," said Everest. "So have you decided on a name yet?"
"I have some ideas," said Marshall, "but I wanted to wait and see which of us he looks like more."
"Still convinced it will be a boy?" laughed Everest.
"I just know if it's a boy," said Marshall, "we'll have the perfect family. Not that a little girl would be equally perfect."
"Um hum," laughed Everest, "Good answer. Now hand me those sausages and step away slowly."
Marshall laughed as he opened the package and handed it over to her.
"Did Cinder say when she would get here?" Everest asked between bites.
"She said she was going to stop by the Lookout and say hi to everyone," said Marshall. "Then I figured she'd stop at the retreat to see Lizzy and Karuna. Probably another hour."
"I can't wait to see her," said Everest. "Although I've gotten huge since she saw me last."
"Honey, you're perfect," said Marshall. "You're due any time now. Are you going to let me deliver the pup or are you going to let Gale do it?"
"No, I told you I'd let you deliver our pup," said Everest.
There was a knock on the door.
"It's open!" yelled Marshall.
Cinder stuck her head in, "Is everyone decent?"
"Of course not," laughed Everest. "What fun would that be?"
Cinder walked in, "There's my favorite sister. How's my nephew doing today?"
"You too?" laughed Everest.
Cinder walked over and hugged Marshall giving him a sisterly kiss. Then she walked over and kissed Everest's belly and then snuggled in beside Everest.
"I can really feel him kicking today," said Cinder.
"Tell me about it," laughed Everest. "The pup seems to like to tap dance on my bladder."
"So did I mention that I took the next month off so I can be sure to be here for the delivery."
"No you failed to mention that," laughed Marshall. "But it's not like you need an invitation to come and stay anytime. Everyone will be excited to have you for a while. You want to cover for me until the delivery. You can play fire pup and I can take care of Ev."
"I'm not the medic of the family," laughed Cinder, "But sure that will be fun."
"I'm hardly ever needed for medical calls any more," laughed Marshall. "Gale is a far better medic, oops I mean vet, than I could have ever been."
"Speaking of which," said Cinder, "Where is my protege?"
"She's probably still at school or at Katie's studying," said Marshall. "Did you stop by the Lookout and retreat?"
"I stopped by the retreat, I'll go by the Lookout later, Karuna is on at the retreat today," said Cinder, "He said Lizzy ran to town and will be back later. You and Lizzy seem to have forgotten to mention that Karuna got promoted to Corporal."
"Yeah, that just happened this morning," said Marshall. "Buster and Kang kept it quiet until drill this morning."
Katie and Gale were studying while they worked side by side grooming two local pups. A cat had come in with a skin irritation and it just so happened they had covered skin conditions this week and were able to immediately figure out what was needed. They both laughed as they realized that the clients this week seemed to be set up to test the things they were learning.
"Well, I need to get going," said Gale.
"Oh ok, are you in a hurry to get home to Buster?" laughed Katie.
"Always, but actually Karuna's Aunt Cinder came in today," said Gale. "I really enjoy talking to her."
"Oh Cinder's in town?" said Katie, "She's such a great pup."
Gale walked up and knocked on Marshall and Everest's door, "Come in it's open!" she heard.
She opened the door and saw Everest, Marshall, and Cinder and in a cuddle pile.
"Hey Gale!" laughed Marshall, "come join our cuddle puddle."
"What is going on?" laughed Gale.
"Well long story short," laughed Everest. "Cinder showed up and was listening to my tummy, then Marshall joined and we ended up napping the afternoon away cuddling. Now we're comfortable and don't feel like moving yet. So come join us."
"Yeah, we're just snuggling and talking," said Cinder, "Come tell me about your classes and how you've been doing."
Gale walked over and immediately got pulled into the pile. Later Lizzy came by and joined the fray. By the time Karuna got off duty and showed up, everyone had cuddled themselves out and Marshall had gone to get food for everyone. Gale had received a call from Katie asking if she could come back to the shop. They had just finished eating.
Everyone's tags lit up, "Paw Patrol to the Lookout!"
"Ryder Needs Us!" yelled the pups.
"Well some of us anyway," said Marshall, removing his tag and handing it to Cinder. "Do me a favor and don't let on just yet."
"Ewww, this sounds fun," laughed Cinder. She turned and ran out to Marshall's Truck and headed for the Lookout.
Pups began arriving at the Lookout.
Chase, Rocky, Zuma, and Skye were waiting in the elevator. Val, Mira and Rubble ran in to join. Marshall (actually Cinder) came running in and stopped to walk into the elevator, everyone tensed for the collision that never happened. Marshall turned around and just smiled.
"Wow, you're getting better Marshall,"said Rocky as the elevator began to rise.
The doors opened and the pups jumped to their positions all wearing police uniforms.
Chase did a quick check, "Paw Patrol, ready for action Ryder Sir!"
"Popo Style," laughed Zuma.
"Thanks for rushing pups," said Ryder. "Chase this is an Ultimate Police Officer Rescue."
The screen popped up with Gale tied up and a strange masked man running from the building with a bag.
"Gale managed to struggle free and call for help," said Ryder. "Someone broke into Katie's and took Wildcat and Callie. Wildcat was over visiting when the mask person came in, tied up Gale, and catnapped Wildcat and Callie. Gale popped up on the screen.
"I think it was Humdinger," said Gale, "The mask was purple. They said something about all cats should be a part of his crew. I'm sorry I didn't see them come in, I was in the back performing a check up."
"It's ok honey," said Rocky, "I'm just glad you're safe and also that your mom isn't here, She'd be killing someone about now."
"Ok, Chase, you are our Police Pup," said Ryder, "I want you to lead the team."
"Actually Ryder," said Chase, "Can Val lead the team? It will be a good chance for her to show her skills and I'll be there to help if she needs it."
"Chase, can she drive your ultimate rig?" asked Ryder.
"I've been teaching her evasive driving and tactical driving," said Chase. "She's ready."
"Ok then," said Ryder, "Val you're leading the team. This is an all paws on deck call. Marshall, I'll need you to check Gale to make sure she's not injured."
"Ryder," said Cinder, "This isn't funny anymore. I'm Cinder, Marshall is taking care of Everest. I'll check her out but may have to call Katie if something is actually wrong."
"Thanks for letting me know," laughed Ryder, "I'm sure under normal circumstances it would have ended up funny. OK Paw Patrol is on a roll!"
All the pups howled and ran for the slide all landing in their assigned seats, Chase riding up front beside Val.
They quickly made their way to Katie's. Val exited the vehicle and began coordinating the scene. She sent Chase and Rocky to look for clues as to the direction of travel. She sent Skye up to see if she could spot anyone. Cinder ran inside to check on Gale. Zuma and Mira began checking inside to make sure nothing else was taken.
Rocky called Chase over, "Chase, I think I found footprints. I can't tell if they were the catnapper or not."
"Good job Rocky," said Chase. "It's definitely the right size if it was Humdinger. Let's spread out and see if we can find tracks from the cat carrier."
"Gale, where are you?" called Cinder.
"I'm back here Cinder," called Gale.
Cinder ran to the back and found Gale still mostly tied up.
"I should have paid better attention," said Gale, "Katie called and asked if I could come close up. She had some work she needed to go back to campus for. I had just walked in and was finishing up a check up Katie had started."
"Gale, honey," said Cinder, "It's ok. We're all just glad you're safe. Now let me finish untying you and then I'll give you a quick check. He didn't hit you on the head or anything, did he?"
Yeshe ran into the room, "He better not have. I'll tear him a new one."
"No ma'am," said Gale, "He caught me off guard and pushed me down then tied me up. Had I not heard Wildcat trying to fight him. I wouldn't have known he took them. I'm sorry mom, I was a guardian, I should have been paying better attention."
"Rocky!" called Chase, "Over here. These are definitely tracks from the kitten carrier. They head that way." Chase called Skye and told her the direction the tracks were heading. Then he and Rocky ran back to Val and briefed her on everything they found. Sunny had arrived and set up the command table. Sunny was taking notes and tracking everyone. Val was looking at the screen showing everyone. She noticed a blip moving toward Foggy Bottom.
"Uh Ryder?" called Val.
"Yes Val," answered Ryder "Did you find something?"
"I have an unidentified blip heading for Foggy Bottom. I have Skye accounted for, it's not her."
"Of course," said Ryder, "Callie doesn't have a trackable tag, but Wildcat does." He entered a code and the track identified Wildcat.
"Great Catch Val," said Chase. "I didn't even think of that."
They tracked Wildcat's collar and it went straight to Humdinger's Cave.
Kang and Karuna arrived, "Ryder, how can we help?" asked Kang.
"You want to go break down a door?" asked Chase, then he turned to Val. "Sorry, I would like to suggest we go break down the door and get our friends back."
"Great suggestion," laughed Val. "But shouldn't we use the drone to check the area for traps or other unknowns first?"
"Yes, Sorry I got excited when Kang showed up," laughed Chase. "I want to see him knock Humdinger's door in and then scare the he….Um wits out of him."
"Oh please dad," laughed Val, "I want to see him scare the hell out of him also. Safety first and then we break stuff, deal?"
"Deal!," laughed Chase and Kang.
They broke down command and moved to within sight distance of the entrance to Humdinger's Lair. Val sent the drone to scout the entrance. Seeing nothing, she found an opening and sent the drone in to check. Humdinger was trying to talk Callie into joining him. He had Wildcat in a cage and Wildcat looked like he was about to lose it and tear the cage apart.
"Maybe we should just wait," laughed Rocky, "If Wildcat manages to free himself, Humdinger is in for a bad afternoon."
"No," said Val, "we need to get in there before Humdinger gets desperate and hurts Wildcat or Callie."
"Ok," said Chase, "We'll go save Humdinger from Wildcat. Although if he hurts Callie, all bets are off."
They gathered their tactical entry gear together and then made their way to the entrance. Rocky attached lines to the doors so when Kang knocked them down he could pull them out of the way. Kang prepared himself and waited for the go signal from Val. She gave it and Kang ran as hard as he could, striking the doors. They both broke apart and Rocky quickly pulled the pieces out of the way. The team rushed in and as Humdinger turned around Wildcat broke the front of the carrier he was in. He immediately jumped on Humdinger's head, shredding his top hat, and scratching him up until Humdinger loosened his grip on Callie. Wildcat grabbed Callie out of Humdinger's hands and ran out the door with her as the team rushed in. Humdinger turned around to pursue Wildcat.
"Bean Bag Gun!" barked Chase, launching a beanbag at Humdinger striking him in the stomach. Humdinger collapsed in a heap. Chase and Kang ran over and handcuffed him.
"One suspect detained," called Chase.
"Received," called Val, "The local authorities have been notified and will be here to collect him in about 5. Secure the scene and collect any evidence needed."
"Yeah, you might send Gale or Cinder in here," laughed Kang, "Wildcat got out of his cage as we were coming in. Humdinger got a little scratched up and then Chase shot him with the beanbag gun."
"I'm not surprised," laughed Val, "he's been wanting to use that on someone since Rocky installed it."
After a few minutes Chase called all clear and wheeled the cat carrier with the Catastrophe Crew inside.
"Uh, did they take part?" asked Val.
"No, but since Humdinger is going away for a while," said Chase, "someone needs to feed and take care of them."
"Take em' to the pound," said Rubble.
The kittens all gasped.
"I'm kidding," laughed Rubble, "I wouldn't take itty bitty kitties to the pound. I'll watch them until he gets out."
"Thanks Rubble," laughed Ryder, "I was afraid you had picked up a mean streak."
The pups all laughed. As the Police drove away with Humdinger still whining about his tummy hurting Ryder said, "Great job pups. Another perfect rescue. let's go home."
As they arrived Rocky immediately ran into the Lookout. Then into the workshop. Ryder followed him thinking he was upset about Gale's involvement. Rocky was at the desk drawing something and adding calculations.
"You ok Rocky?" asked Ryder.
"Oh sorry, I had an idea and had to write it down before I lost it," explained Rocky.
"Oh," said Ryder, "What's the idea?"
"Our pup tags should have an emergency voice override," said Rocky, "so if that ever happens again the pup can call for help even if they're tied up. Also an alert notice if someone takes our tag off without our permission. That way I don't get stuck on an island again."
"You're right Rocky," said Ryder, "that is a great idea. I'm surprised one of us hasn't thought of that before."
Ryder sat down with Rocky and they worked through the evening creating updated pup tags for everyone.
"Rocky?" called Yeshe over his pup tag, "Are you ok?"
"Sorry love," said Rocky, "Ryder and I were working on an improvement for our pup tags. I'll be right home."
"Ok, be safe," said Yeshe, "Love you."
Cinder had just walked in and found Everest asleep. She slowly slid in behind her, cuddling up to her. Marshall lifted his head and smiled before falling back to sleep.
The next morning they woke up.
"I forgot how much I enjoyed sleeping between the two of you," said Everest.
"Everyone needs to be a pup sandwich once in a while," laughed Cinder. "I think I'll go grab something to fix for lunch. I'll be back in a little while."
"You cook?" asked Everest.
"I'm a firefighter," laughed Cinder, "We take turns cooking for the whole station. I came up with something I'd like to let you two try."
"Oh goodie," laughed Marshall, "We get to play Guinea Pups. I'm willing, your dishes are usually great."
"Mom," said Apex, "Val got to drive the Ultimate Police Rig yesterday. When are you going to let me fly the helicopter?"
"Uh, I'm not sure I'm ready for that," said Chase.
"Let me sedate your father and we'll go do some low level practice," Laughed Skye, "Chase honey, you know we'll be safe. I actually think Rocky has made it where the helicopter won't crash. It will actually take over now if a maneuver is beyond the capabilities of the aircraft."
"I trust you," said Chase, "I know you wouldn't allow him to fly if you didn't think he was ready. But just the same, I think I'm going to go hide with my headphones on listening to the relaxation tapes Toby gave me."
Skye kissed him goodbye and she and Apex left to go do a little flying.
Skye had gone over pre-flight with Apex many times already. She turned to him.
"Ok, it's your bird," said Skye, "I won't intervene unless you miss something critical. Start with the pre-flight and let me know when you think you're ready to perform start up."
"Ok, you've done this a hundred times," said Apex, under his breath. "You can do this."
Skye reached in and switched off the computer guidance. "Sorry no computer help for this one."
Apex gulped but set his mind. He began by walking around removing the tie downs. He then circled the aircraft looking for obvious leaks on the ground seeing none. He stepped up and began inspecting the cowling for cracks. He moved to the tail rotor and inspected the blade and lock nuts. He grabbed the ladder and inspected the main rotor checking the blades for damage or stress cracks. He then performed the most important check. He checked the Jesus Nut, it was secure and the lock pin was aligned correctly, he remembered his mom telling him of the slang name for the main nut holding the rotor on the mast, he laughed. He then turned on the power and switched on the lights, he walked around checking to verify all marking lights were functioning as required. He verified that the wheels on the landing gear were the right pressure. He walked around again checking the aircraft and removing the "remove before flight, tags and covers." Satisfied he opened the cowling and began checking belts and then the fluids noting the oil level and lines were not pinched, this had become an inside joke to Apex and Skye, both of them calling it the final DAD Check. Finally inspecting the engine for any sign of leaks. He stepped back and looked over to Skye, who raised her eyebrows questioning if he thought he was done.
"Completed with exterior checks," said Apex.
"Are you sure," asked Skye.
Apex thought through the list in his head and nodded, "Yes, I'm sure."
"If at any point you begin second guessing if you checked something," said Skye, "Always err on the side of caution and start over. Better to double check than miss something important. And yes you didn't miss anything. However, I want you to be confident in your safety checks. This is why we usually use an actual checklist. Not to mention, Obi will crawl up your butt if you don't file your morning checklist."
They both laughed at that. Obi had been sent to Aircraft Mechanic class and was a stickler to safety protocol saying 'it's not like you can simply pull over if something in the aircraft isn't working right." That and she knew how important safety had become to Chase.
"Ok, ready to fly?" asked Skye.
"No, I still need to do the interior checks," said Apex.
"Good Boy!" laughed Skye, "Well, get to it. I want to be in the air before tonight."
Apex walked around one more time before getting in. He looked at Skye before flipping the computer back on. She nodded, "Yeah, there's no way I'm letting you actually fly without the computer," laughed Skye, "Your father would duct tape us both to a chair if we flew with a safety feature disabled."
As all the instruments came up the computer performed its own pre-flight. Apex checked the gauges and most important of the gauges he checked the fuel level and then got back out to perform a manual fuel level check to verify the reading. He flipped the switches to begin the fuel and oil pumps. He checked to verify the fuel and oil pressures came up. He turned finally to Skye. She nodded.
Apex looked in the mirrors then leaned out the door, "Clear!" He hit the ignition and heard the satisfying sound of the jet begin to spool up, then the blades began to turn. He looked at the gauges verifying that the tail rotor was also coming up to speed. Once again he looked over to Skye who shook her head smiling.
Apex looked around and then laughed, shaking his head. He slipped the harness around him and locked the straps into place then looked over to verify that Skye had hers on. Skye smiled and nodded. Ryder, having been notified by Skye that they would be performing a training flight with Apex, watched from the balcony a tear falling down his check, "My pups have become instructors and the new paw patrol is coming into their own."
The night before Katie had sat down with Ryder and they discussed that she was ready to begin trying for a child. The future leader of Paw Patrol may be in the making.
Apex performed his mother's typical action without knowing it, he closed his eyes feeling the vibration of the blades and motor. He opened his eyes and pulled up on the collective, lifting the aircraft off the ground.
"Ok, we will hold at 150 feet AGL, (above ground level)," said Skye.
Apex nodded and looked over to the altimeter. Skye noticed and asked why he was doing that.
"I figured you wanted me to show I could figure it out with manual gauges," said Apex.
"Good job," said Skye, "It's really cool that our helmets have Heads Up Displays, but always trust your gauges. Technology fails, that's why we still have the manual gauges."
Apex leveled off and hovered for a moment.
"Take me for a little tour," said Skye.
Apex started to bank toward town and Skye stopped him. "I think I want to see it backwards."
"Ok, backwards it is," laughed Apex. He began flying backwards as they passed around town.
Ryder's phone rang, "Paw Patrol, How can I help you?"
"Uh, Ryder?" said Mayor Goodway. "Is Skye's Helicopter supposed to fly backwards?"
"That's Skye doing a check flight with Apex," laughed Ryder, "She's just putting him through the paces."
"Ok, as long as it's supposed to do that," said the mayor. "It's nice to know that we'll have another pilot if needed."
Ryder hung up. He then proceeded to get calls from Mr. Porter, Capt. Turbot, and Farmer Al. He hung up laughing. 'It seems the whole city is overprotective of Skye,' thought Ryder. He stepped out on the balcony with his binoculars.
"Hey Skye," called Ryder.
"Yes, Ryder," said Skye into her pup tag.
"Can I trouble you to go fly practice closer to Jake's Mountain?" laughed Ryder, "The town wants to babysit you and keeps calling making sure you're ok."
"Sure Ryder," laughed Skye, as she disconnected she turned back to Apex, "Take it up to 500 AGL and let's go see if we can stir up a mountain."
They returned and Apex landed with the precision of a well experienced pilot. Chase was waiting for them.
"Hey dad," said Apex, hoping down. "Did you get to see me flying any?"
"A little," said Chase, "I'm so proud of you. I trust you and your mom. But It will take a while before I'm totally comfortable."
"You should have seen me loop the chopper," said Apex.
"You WHAT!" yelped Chase.
"He did not," laughed Skye, "I'm not even sure you could loop this chopper. It's a little underpowered for stunts."
"The only way you would know that, is if you tried," said Chase, "That is not making me feel better."
"Sorry Dad," said Apex, "It was funnier in my head."
"Next week," said Skye, "I'll teach him how to take out a Cloud Catcher."
"That's it," said Chase, "I'm hiding your keys."
They all laughed as they reattached the tie downs.
Apex topped off the fuel and they went inside to eat some dinner.