trudged up with her snowplow, though there was no snow. “Just in case that balloon comes down on the icy side of the mountain. You never know!”

“No job is too big, no pup too small,” he said, pulling up the mission tablet. “But this one needs an extra boost. I need a special team — Night Sky Patrol.”

listened hard, ears twitching. “I hear something else, Ryder — wind shifting. The balloon’s gonna drift toward the cliffs in ten minutes.”

Ryder gave the order. “Skye, stabilize the basket with your grappling hook. Marshall, extend the aerial ladder from the fire truck. Everest, cushion the drop zone. Chase, direct everyone with your light beam. Tracker — you’re my ears up there. Let’s bring them home.”