Road Rovers: Chaos Computer Episode 6: Chernobyl Revisited By Gerhard Naudé All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners Unit STRIKE, Norwood, Cadwell, GONV, Ozari, Melanie and all others related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé Ecosystem, Fauna, Flora © Steven Today Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. OPEC(Organisation of Petroleum Export Countries) Headquarters Geneva Switzerland 23 September 12:01 PM: This is a square, four-story building with the letters OPEC attached at the top. Several limos are parked outside in the parking lot. Several Swiss police officers patrol the area around the building. Suddenly, a shout calls their attention. Three GONV Kamikaze Drones appear from an alley, running towards the building. Kamikaze Drones look like light drones, except they are pitch-black in colour and carry several large packs on their bodies. On their chest plates are the letters GONV. The officers pull out their pistols and fire at the drones. Most of the shots fall short, but one shot hits a drone in the head, causing it to malfunction and fall harmlessly to the ground. The two other drones keep running towards the building. As they approach the main entrance a second drone is shot down by a guard standing by the door. The last drone rushes through the building's revolving doors, the officers following it inside as bystanders watch the scene. All of the sudden, a massive blast rips the OPEC Headquarters apart and expands to engulf a 500 metre radius. Over Geneva, a massive mushroom cloud of fire and smoke appears as the area is engulfed by the blast created by the drone's fuel bomb. 3:33 PM: The area is in total chaos. Everywhere there are rescuers and emergency people helping rescue survivors from the remains of several buildings, The OPEC Headquarters is now nothing but a crater in the ground. Standing just outside the blast area is Melanie and Samuel, reporting the news. Melanie:"Rescuers are still digging through the rubble in search of more survivors as the death toll rises to 78. This is the latest in a series of attacks upon important economic areas by the GONV. There has been no official word from the United Nations other than the matter is being dealt with." Warroom Jumbo Rover At that moment: Unit STRIKE, Tanarus, Elexis, Cadwell and Norwood are the only ones here as they watch Melanie's report on the main screen. Melanie(over screen):"This is Melanie Malloy, reporting for CNN. Geneva, Switzerland." Once the report is over Cadwell turns the screen off. Striker:"Ai yai yai. What a mess." Elexis:"It's so horrible, all those killed and maimed." Illanov:"Matrix has no feelings towards killing innocents, comrade. It's a hard fact." Corsair:"That's a new one." Illanov growls at Corsair, who just smiles smugly. Norwood clears his throat and gains everyone's attention. Norwood:"Looks bad, doesn't it? Well, it is. The GONV has begun to attack important economic and geographical locations around the world, but mainly here in Europe." Tanarus:"The GONV must be feeling the pressure if it's beginning to act like this." Cadwell:"True. The GONV's offensive has been slowed to a crawl thanks to your efforts, but now it's attack some of our vital pressure points. If this keeps up, the GONV will tip the scales again." Norwood:"Fortunately, since the UN forces are doing well in keeping the GONV Forces at bay we've been able to send the Rovers out to stop and prevent any further attacks. This move was also a lucky move when Hunter's group stopped a GONV attempt at destroying a nuclear plant near London." Unit STRIKE is surprised. Corsair:"Have they gone nuclear already?" Cadwell:"So to speak. Destroying nuclear plants can bring massive damage to the environment as well as making our troops sick with the radioactivity without any repercussions for the GONV other than retaliation by our fires." Striker:"Makes perfect sense all the same, unfortunately. What moves have been made to safeguard the other plants?" Cadwell pushes a button and on the screen appears a large geographical map of Europe. There are various radiation symbols across the map, all of which have either the Rover or UN insignia above them. Cadwell:"These icons represent nuclear plants that are in danger of GONV attack. As you can see, all the plants are being protected by either Rovers or UN troops. The GONV won't be able to get at them." While Cadwell is speaking Striker was busy studying the map. He then spots something. Once Cadwell has done speaking he speaks. Striker:"Major, has ALL the plants been secured? Both inside UN and GONV territories?" Cadwell:"All of them." Striker:"Everyone in the Ukraine?" Cadwell:"Even in the Ukraine. Resistance and Rover units are keeping tabs there." Norwood:"There's something wrong, Striker?" Striker:"All the plants. Including a certain plant north of Kiev?" Everyone is confused, but Norwood's eyes then widen with horror. Norwood:"Oh my God. Chernobyl." Striker:"That's right, Mark. Chernobyl." Everyone else is now filled with shock. Cadwell:"How did this happen? How did we overlook Chernobyl? All those other reactors in other plants are covered with the best of our forces and we have left Chernobyl defenceless!" Illanov:"Even worse comrade, is that those other reactors are protected by reinforced steel walls. Chernobyl's damaged reactors only have a layer of cement, dirt and sand as it's only defence." Corsair sniggers. Corsair:"Russians. Always doing things the easy way only to have their actions screw things up later." Illanov quickly turns to Corsair and growls. Illanov:"At least my fellow countrymen died trying to prevent any more radiation from leaking out into the air! You Americans are too lazy to even notice that your reactors have melted down!" Striker:"Enough, you two!" Illanov and Corsair stop arguing, but still give each other cold looks. Tanarus:"The problem with that makeshift layer is that can be easily be breached by a well-placed laser or rocket." Striker:"It's also deep in GONV-occupied Ukraine. The GONV would probably send a large force in to destroy Chernobyl." Striker then looks at Norwood. Striker:"Mark, I think me and my unit should go in and defend the Chernobyl reactors from the GONV until help can arrive to secure it." Norwood:"I agree with you." Norwood then looks at Cadwell. Norwood:"How soon can you get sufficient protection for Chernobyl?" Cadwell:"I can have several groups of SEAL and Delta Force units in Chernobyl in ten hours." Norwood:"I'm afraid they might be too late by then. Ten hours is plenty of time for the GONV to destroy Chernobyl. I think sending in unit STRIKE will help prevent this." Striker:"We will need more man-power for this. My unit is quite strong, but the GONV might throw more forces at us than we can handle." Shephard looks at Striker, confused. Shephard:"Why is that bad, sir? It will mean more for us to fight against." Striker:"I admire your complete lack of fear, Shephard, but even you won't be able to be in several places at the same time or carry enough ammunition." Shephard thinks for moment, then sighs. Shephard:"That's one fact I cannot deny, sir. A pity, though. It would have been a h***uva nice thing to do." Tanarus:"Elexis and I can help for unit STRIKE out. We don't have any assignments as far as I can tell." Elexis:"That's true." Cadwell:"Actually, you two did have one, but given the current situation I would rather have you both in Chernobyl than anywhere else." Tanarus and Elexis smile at each other. Striker stands up. Striker:"We will leave immediately for Chernobyl." Illanov looks at Striker. Illanov:"Can I suggest something, comrade Striker?" Striker looks at Illanov. Striker:"Ja, Alex?" Illanov:"Though there is no radioactive particles in the air, the ground at Chernobyl is still so radioactive that just stepping on it will make you sick, comrade. I suggest we take comrade Wesley's special anti-radioactive boots and gloves to protect us from getting infected." Striker:"Good point, Alex. We must all necessary precautions." Illanov:"We also cannot any kind of food or beverages into the 30 kilometres quarantine zone around Chernobyl, comrade. That is also a precautionary rule." Shephard looks shocked at Illanov. Shephard:"No food, sir? Not even..." Illanov:"Neyt. Nothing." Shephard:"How about..." Illanov:"Neyt." Shephard:"Can I..." Illanov:"Neyt." Shephard:"But..." Striker:"Look, Shephard. I know you like food, but you will just have to leave your hunger here. Sorry." Shephard groans, takes out several candy bars and hesitantly puts them on the table. Corsair chuckles. Corsair:"Ooh. The fat man won't sing tonight." Shephard grabs Corsair by the collar and lifts him in the air. Shephard:"What's that???" Corsair:"I said I think Batman's showing tonight!" Shephard(confused):"Oh. Sorry, sir." Shephard puts Corsair down. Norwood then calls Striker's attention. Norwood:"Would you like any more assistance in terms of more men?" Striker:"If you can find any, Mark, it would help greatly." Norwood smiles. Norwood:"Good." Norwood stands up and takes out his laser magnum. Norwood:"I volunteer to go along with your unit, Striker. It has been a long time since we last fought side by side." Everyone but Striker is shocked at this announcement. Corsair:"Well, this is something new!" Illanov:"Comrade Norwood! This is madness!" Phoenix:"You cannot go, sir! It's too dangerous!" Cadwell:"You are the leader of the United Nations, sir! The best we ever had! You are too valuable to risk losing in this war!" Striker:"Calm down, everyone. Mark is as good a fighter as I. He and I fought side by side several times and he's proven himself more powerful in combat than politics. You can come along, Mark." Everyone except Norwood is even more shocked at Striker's response. Shephard:"Sir! We cannot take Norwood along! There will be less for us to fight against during the battle!" Phoenix:"Darling! I mean, Striker! You are putting Mark's life in extreme danger!" Striker:"I know what I am doing, Phoenix. And so does Mark." Norwood:"I agree. Listen to what he saying. He knows me very well." Everyone gives in. Corsair:"I can see we won't leave until Norwood comes along with us, so why bother arguing?" Illanov:"It pains me to agree with Corsair." Cadwell:"But while Norwood is away, perhaps forever, who will command the UN Forces?" Norwood points at Cadwell. Norwood:"Simple, Major. You." Cadwell is shocked. Cadwell:"Me, sir?" Norwood:"Yes, you Major. You have shown you have excellent leadership abilities, so you will lead the United Nations in my place. I will authorize that the rest of the UN knows that you are now in charge, and that is my final word." Cadwell sighs. Cadwell:"Yes, sir." Norwood:"Good. Now, let's get prepares to leave." Striker:"I agree." Norwood and Cadwell leave the war room while Striker turns to the others. Striker:"Phoenix, Elexis. You will get those anti-radiation boots and cloves of Wesley's and add them to our equipment. Tanarus, Alex, Shephard. You will go and get our vehicles and supplies ready." Corsair:"What about me?" Striker:"You and I need to have a little talk." Corsair's eyes widen and Illanov grins. The others get up (including Illanov) and leave, leaving Corsair and Striker alone. Corsair looks at Striker. Corsair:"Did I do something bad?" Striker:"Ja. In fact, several times you did. With that laser repeater." Corsair(innocent):"I did nothing." Striker:"You didn't? Several times you went out of control with that weapon, shooting as if you were in action game. I even once saw you take a mock shot at Alex." Corsair:"Okay, so I got a bit trigger happy." Striker:"This is a serious matter, Corsair. I think you should give me the laser repeater. If you do, I will you a much better weapon for you." Corsair smiles. Corsair:"Cool!" He takes out the laser repeater from the backpack and hands it to Striker, who takes it. He then hands Corsair a laser magnum. Corsair is shocked and looks at Striker. Corsair:"Come on, boss! This isn't fair! You guys have all those cool big guns and I have to use this midget gun." Striker:"It is not a midget gun, Corsair. Besides, Mark uses one of them as well." Corsair:"But..." Striker:"Look, Corsair. The reason we let you join the Road Rovers is because of the loss of your parents and the fact that you do not have any other relative. So basically we are now your family. I would gladly give you your laser repeater, but your problem is that you have yet to become an adult." Corsair:"But I'm 18. I'm an adult." Striker:"Age does not mean you are automatically an adult. To be an adult you have to be able to make decisions and accept responsibility for those decisions and to sometimes accept that you are wrong. Something you have yet to prove to me and the others." Corsair groans, Striker notices this. Striker:"I am not telling you this because we hate you. I am telling you this because I care for you, as do the others. As did your parents. But if you continue to act like you are now I will be forced to take you out of the Road Rovers and into an orphanage. Do you understand me?" Corsair looks at Striker for a moment, then sighs. Corsair:"Yes, boss. Does this mean I will have to stop arguing with Illanov?" Striker:"That would a good idea, but that is a different problem all on it's own. A problem that you and Alex must sort out on your own." Corsair:"Yes, boss." Striker:"Good. Let's go, son. We have work to do." Striker leaves the room, followed by Corsair. Main Road Kilometres East from Lvov (Lviv) Western Ukraine 3:56 PM: This is an empty road leading from the city of Lvov towards Kiev. On the road is a convoy of GONV warhorses heading towards Kiev with escorts of Linx craft. One of the convoy's vehicles stands out. It is an unmarked military truck. Storm clouds brew overhead. Barn 5 Kilometres from Chernobyl 4:05 PM: This is an old farming barn that stands on a hill overlooking the lands. The red paint had long turned grey it looks like it hasn't been used for a long time until now. The barn door is closed and inside is unit STRIKE, taking cover from the rain that is falling from the dark thunder- clouds overhead. A campfire has been made in the centre of the barn floor with the Rhino and Biker Rover parked in the back. Sitting around the fire is Striker, Phoenix, Corsair, Illanov, Tanarus, Elexis and Norwood. Norwood is now also wearing his old EDF uniform, but like the others he is now wearing metallic gloves and boots. Tanarus is busy stoking the fire with some extra firewood. Shephard's head then appears from an opening in the roof with ladder leading up to the balcony. Striker looks up at him. Striker:"See anything, Shephard?" Shephard:"Nothing, sir. No hostiles in any direction. It's all quiet out there, safe for the weather. It looks like it might carry on for quite some time." Striker:"Dankie, Shephard. Continue your observations and keep us posted. Inform us immediately if you see any kind of hostiles, not just the GONV." Shephard:"Yes, sir." Shephard disappears back up the balcony. Striker looks at Illanov. Striker:"It is possible for Matrix to recruit organic creatures when it is needed, right Alex?" Illanov:"Dah, comrade. Matrix is not above getting other villains like Parvo or Storm to work for him, though the chances of them surviving afterwards is slim. Matrix is not the one for keeping promises with organics." Elexis:"He hasn't asked for their help so far." Norwood:"No, but he is now starting to see that his plans aren't going as he had originally intended it to go, especially after the destruction of the GONV's command vehicles in Moscow. If I'm not mistaken, Matrix might resort to the use of more extreme tactics if we continue to defeat him left and right." Illanov:"Dah, comrade. That is highly likely." Tanarus:"Is he going to use nuclear weapons again?" Illanov:"Possibly, comrade, but I don't think so considering the fact that we destroyed it's arsenal at the beginning of the war. However, I don't know if he has more of them and I'm worried that he might resort to the use of other, but no less deadly, means. Those means are chemical, or even worse, biological weapons." Tanarus:"After seeing the sarin canisters in that base in Hawaii, I won't be surprised if he does use it." Illanov:"Dah, comrade. Biological weapons are even more dangerous. For example, I could kill half the population of New York City just by placing a coffee cup of THX-9 in a subway station." Elexis:"Good Lord!" Corsair:"And the GONV will no doubt get their metal claws on that kind of bio stuff, now that they have taken over enough of Russia to get some of it." Illanov grins at Corsair. Illanov:"Actually, Corsair, THX-9 and all the world's most deadly 'bio stuff' are marked MADE IN THE USA." Corsair gives Illanov a cold stare. Corsair:"Liar." Norwood:"Sorry, Corsair, but Illanov is right. The US's hands aren't exactly clean either." Corsair fumes while Illanov smiles in triumph. Striker then gets up and looks the others. Striker:"I am going outside for a while. Alone." Norwood:"Very well." Striker turns and walks out of the barn into the rain. Phoenix watches him go with loving eyes. Everyone(except) looks at Norwood. Corsair:"Why is going out alone?" Illanov:"Dah, I'm curious too." Norwood:"Striker sometimes did this when he was in EDF. This helped him contemplate the things he did and what had happened." He then notices Phoenix staring the way Striker went. Norwood:"Phoenix." Phoenix snaps out of it and looks at Norwood. Phoenix:"Yes, Mark?" Norwood gets up. Norwood:"Come here for a moment." Phoenix nods, gets up and follows Norwood to the back of the barn while Illanov and Corsair resume arguing. Norwood looks at her. Norwood:"You love him, don't you?" Phoenix scuffles her feet and looks down. Phoenix:"Well, sort of." Norwood:"Admit it. You love him." Phoenix blushes under her fur and smiles shyly. Phoenix:"Yes, I do love Striker. I loved him ever since I first saw him." Norwood:"And why haven't you told him this?" Phoenix:"I can't. I'm afraid that he might turn me down, especially after what had happened to him during his service in the EDF." Norwood puts his hand on Phoenix's shoulder. Norwood:"Look. We all now know that Striker was treated unfairly in the EDF, but ever since he has joined the Road Rovers he has changed a lot. Believe me and ask Hunter and Colleen. They too, know the real truth of Striker's inner feelings. Right now, you are depriving him, and yourself, of something wonderful by not telling him what your feelings are for him." Phoenix:"What if he turns me down?" Norwood:"That is a risk you will have to take. It does you no good by keeping your feelings bottled up like this. The possibility that he might turn you down is there, but it is far better than torturing yourself like this. Besides, I really think you stand a good chance. And now's the perfect time to go to him." Phoenix looks up at Norwood. Phoenix:"You really think so?" Norwood smiles at her. Norwood:"Yes, I do. Trust me. Go ahead." Phoenix looks at the open barn door, then back at Norwood. Phoenix:"I will do it." Norwood nods and Phoenix walks to the door and out into the rain. She walks towards Striker, who is standing on open ground looking towards the Chernobyl power plant. She cautiously walks up beside him, looking the same way he is. Phoenix:"Striker?" Striker glances at her. Striker:"What is it, Phoenix?" Phoenix:"Sorry that I'm bothering you like this, but there is something I have to tell you." He looks forward again to Chernobyl. Striker:"Though this should be quiet moment for me, I'm willing to listen right now. What is it?" Phoenix:"It is sort of personal." Striker:"Something of your past?" Phoenix:"No, it's something else. Something more personal than that." He turns to face her and she does the same. Striker:"Well, I do not really enjoy looking into other people's private lives. You should know that, Phoenix." Phoenix:"I know, but it kind of concerns both me and you." Striker:"Then that is a different matter. What is it?" She hesitates to answer. Phoenix:"I can't say it." Striker:"Why?" Phoenix:"I mean, I want to say it. It's just that I find it difficult to find the right words." Striker:"Express it then from your heart, and you do not need to use words if it will help. Actions speak louder than words." She looks up to him, then nods. Phoenix:"You're right, my Love." He gives her a minor confused look. Suddenly, she wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him long and passionately. His eyes widen in great surprise, but he does not resist and wraps his own arms around her. They continue kissing in the rain in front of the romantic(?) backdrop of Chernobyl. After a minute they stop kissing, but they remain in each other's arms. She looks deeply into his eyes. Phoenix:"I love you, Striker." He looks at her, still in shock from the kiss. Striker:"I... er... ek... um.... Ai yai yai." Phoenix:"Don't you love me?" Striker:"Nee, nee. Not that. It is just that... er..." Just then Shephard calls from the barn balcony. Shephard:"Sir! We got hostiles." Striker and Phoenix look towards the barn, letting go of each other. They then look back at each other. Striker:"Remind me to get back on that subject." Phoenix:"I will, Love." They run towards the barn. After a few moments they join the others. Shephard climbs down from the balcony. Striker:"Report, Shephard." Shephard:"I've spotted a strong contingency of GONV drones being unloaded in the town not far from the plants." Striker:"Numbers and type of drones?" Shephard:"I would say about 40 to 50 of the enemy. However, I cannot identify the type of drones out there, sir. They look like a new model." Norwood:"How did they look like?" Shephard:"The drones are about ten feet tall in the shape of a human, except for the three prongs it has for feet and hands. In it's are what appears to be a pair of laser cannons. It has no mouth and has glowing eyes. They are all silver-coloured, except for two of them who are black in colour. And that's where the good part comes in, sir." Striker:"What is that, Shephard?" Shephard:"Those two drones climbed out a Mack truck along with a woman." Tanarus:"A woman? As in human?" Shephard:"Yes, sir." Corsair:"Does she look sexy?" Illanov gives Corsair a cold look and shakes his head. Shephard:"Yes, sir, but with the muscles she has makes her look like a refugee from a weight-lifting contest." Striker:"Was there anybody else with her? Living, I mean." Shephard:"No, sir. She's the only living thing with these drones, but it looks like the drones take orders from her. Right now they are only organizing their forces in the town to attack." Striker:"Thank you, Shephard." Striker turns to the others. Striker:"Listen up, everyone. We have a strong force of unknown new GONV drones with a human in command. So I want you to split into two groups. Mark, Phoenix, Shephard and I will go into the town to confront the enemy and disorganize them while Tanarus, Elexis, Corsair and Alex will go to Chernobyl to prepare defensive positions and destroy any stragglers who might sneak past us to the plants. Remember: our mission is to defend Chernobyl, so the GONV must not be allowed anywhere near those fragile reactors, especially the one that melted down." Illanov and Corsair look at each other, then at Striker. Illanov, Corsair(in unison):"Why must I go with him?" They both stare coldly at each other. Striker:"Simple. Corsair, you know how to operate computers?" Corsair:"Yeah, but..." Striker:"Good. Alex, you know how Chernobyl's reactors work?" Illanov:"Dah, but..." Striker:"That settles it. Let us move out, people. We have a mission to complete, Be careful, though. We do not really whom we are up against." They begin to prepare to leave. Park Town of Trupiet 10 Kilometres from Chernobyl 4:42 PM: The park, like the rest of the town, has long been neglected. Park benches's paint have faded away and the various paths are almost covered by long grass. Old swings and merry-go-rounds stand silent and derelict amongst the trees, some of which have long died from the radiation. Standing in the parking lot is the GONV convoy, including the Mack truck. Sendroids (from "Final Resting Place") are all climbing out of the warhorses while two black sendroids and a woman climb out of the Mack truck. The woman is Ecosystem (from "Final Resting Place") and the two black sendroids are Fauna and Flora (from "Final Resting Place"). Ecosystem looks around at the abandoned buildings. Ecosystem:"Just like my town the Soviets destroyed this city. It makes me more angry." Flora:"To be correct this city has not been destroyed. It has been abandoned due to the radioactive fallout from the reactor that had exploded at the Chernobyl nuclear fission station approximately 10 kilometres from where we are now." Ecosystem looks coldly at Flora. Ecosystem:"I wish you two would stop doing that." Fauna:"We cannot. The Global Operations Network Variation computer has programmed us in this manner." Flora:"Only after the remaining reactors at Chernobyl have been destroyed will we given complete control to you." Ecosystem:"Causing even more ecological damage. Something I don't want to happen." Fauna:"Indeed." Flora:"Still, you do not have any choice in the matter." Ecosystem sighs. Ecosystem:"Look. Let's just get ready to attack Chernobyl. The sooner the better." Flora, Fauna:"Affirmative." The two sendroids begin to organize the rest of the force while ecosystem watches. From inside a multi-story apartment complex Striker, Phoenix and Norwood are watching the GONV force through the window of a room. The room itself was a bedroom with the bed still not made up and toys still sitting on the shelves and tables. Phoenix looks the room over. Phoenix:"To think: this room once was warm, happy and filled with laughter. Now it's cold and silent. It's very sad." Striker and Norwood keep looking out to the GONV forces. Striker:"Ja. And now it is going to become an oasis of death unless we stop those robots." Norwood:"Can you see that woman down there?" Striker:"Ja. Muscular and beautiful at the same time, but not someone I saw on Mission Control's villain profile archives. Do you know her, Mark?" Norwood:"No. Our terrorist lists have no record of someone like her. She must be new." Striker:"Those robots are new as well. They do not match any of the drones Hubert had provided information on, so these must be new prototypes." Norwood:"Must be. They do not even have the GONV lettering on them." The special earphone in Striker's ear begins to crackle. Shephard(over earphone):"Shephard here, sir. I'm in position. Just say the word." Striker(into microphone):"Affirmative, Shephard. You may fire when ready." Shephard(over earphone):"Copy that, sir." The others ready their weapons. Norwood looks over to Striker. Norwood:"Is it wise to let Shephard go out there on his own, Striker?" Striker:"Believe me, Mark. Shephard is a walking army. I would rather go against the KH Military alone than anger Shephard." Norwood:"Ah. Anyhow, let's get ready." Striker nods. Striker and Phoenix then leave the room and into the kitchen which has two windows. They open them and point their weapons out towards the GONV robots. They look at each other. Striker:"Ready?" Phoenix:"Ready, Love." They both look out the window. Opposite the park from inside a gas station, Shephard is aiming his M-249 out a window towards the Mack truck. Shephard:"Showtime." He opens fire upon the truck. The bullets slam into the engine and, before Ecosystem and the sendroids can react, the truck explodes into a ball of fire. After recovering, Ecosystem turns to Fauna and Flora. Ecosystem:"Who did that?" Flora looks towards the gas station. Flora:"I have detected the source of the hostile. It came from a soldier firing from that petroleum depot." Ecosystem:"Destroy him!" Fauna:"Affirmative." Above in the apartment complex Striker fires a sonic blast into one of the warhorses. The warhorse explodes into the air and falls on top of another. Norwood and Phoenix then begin to fire at the sendroids with their laser weapons while Striker fires with his sonic cannon. Fauna looks towards the apartment complex. Fauna:"I have detected three more subjects firing at us. One human and two cano-sapiens." Ecosystem:"Damn! It can only be the Road Rovers!" The sendroids begin to fire at their attackers, but their lasers fall short of hitting either Striker, Phoenix, Shephard or Norwood. Inside the gas station Shephard is destroying sendroids with heavy machine gun fire. Just then a stray laser hits one of the pumps and sets it on fire. Shephard sees this. Shephard:"Time to relocate." He takes out a grenade, pulls the pin, throws it at some sendroids and then begin running towards the back of the station. Just as he exits through the back door the fuel tanks under the station explode, blowing apart the gas station. The blast throws Shephard to the ground while the sendroids still remain standing. The grenade then lands at their feet and explodes, destroying several of the robots. Shephard gets up and runs behind a dumpster, sniping at any sendroid in range. Meanwhile the sendroids shooting at the apartment complex are getting mowed down by Phoenix's and Norwood's laser fire while Striker's sonic rifle takes down more warhorses. Ecosystem runs up to Fauna and Flora, who are shooting towards Shephard's position. Ecosystem:"We must make a dash for Chernobyl now! We're getting shot to pieces just standing here!" Flora:"I agree. Besides, we are at a disadvantage standing here in the open in such a manner. If we do not move towards Chernobyl we will not prevail." Fauna:"I will transmit our sendroids new orders." Fauna begins to rally the other sendroids. Meanwhile, Norwood is busy hiding from enemy fire. When he reappears at the window he sees the sendroids climb back into the warhorses while a few remain to shoot back at them. He calls to Striker. Norwood:"They're mobilising for Chernobyl!" Striker and Phoenix look out at the warhorses and see the same thing. Phoenix:"What are they doing?" Striker:"They are making a desperate thrust straight for Chernobyl. They know they cannot win by just standing here, so they are now making for the reactors, using those drones still there to cover their escape." He looks at her. Striker:"You keep shooting at those drones. I will try and destroy more of those warhorses." Phoenix:"Be careful, Love." She resumes shooting while Striker runs to Norwood. Norwood stops shooting and looks at Striker. Norwood:"They're making a run for Chernobyl, I see." Striker:"Ja. I will try and destroy some more of those warhorses. You stay here and destroy those drones that are staying behind. We do not want any stragglers, especially of the GONV, around." Norwood:"Good idea." Norwood resumes shooting while Striker runs to the window at the end of the main corridor of the current floor. He breaks it open and looks out at the GONV convoy running in the street just below his window. He aims his rifle at a warhorse in the middle and fires. The sonic blast destroys the warhorse, causing another one to smash into the back of the burning wreckage. The remaining warhorses behind the wreckage try to go around it, but Striker blows them up quickly with his sonic rifle. When he turns to shoot those warhorses who were in front of the ones he destroyed first, he sees that they are now out of range and leaving the city, heading for Chernobyl. Striker:"Ai yai yai." He calls Shephard. Striker(into microphone):"Shephard, you there?" Shephard(over earphones):"I'm here, sir. Just waxing the last of these mechanical leftovers." Striker(into microphone):"Good. Head back to the Rhino. We still got several of those warhorses heading towards Chernobyl. We must go help the others combat them." Shephard(over earphones):"Copy that, sir. I was afraid the fight was already over." Striker just shakes his head and smiles. He then gets up and calls the others. Office Abandoned Factory Chernobyl At that moment: This is a standard office which is in state of decay. Tanarus and Elexis are here looking out through the window towards the city. Tanarus listens to Striker over his earphones. Striker(over earphones):"Can you see them coming?" Tanarus(into microphone):"Sure can. Quite a lot of them coming towards the plant." Striker(over earphones):"Good. Try an ambush and destroy as many of those warhorses and drones en route. We cannot allow any of them near such a delicate target as Chernobyl." Tanarus(into microphone):"Copy that, Striker. Elexis and I will make sure that a lot of those bogies don't get anywhere near here." Striker(over earphones):"One more thing. There is a human female among those drones. We are presuming she is the leader of the assault force. Try and capture her so that we can find out if there are any more hostile forces aimed at Chernobyl. Also, two of the drones are black in colour. We presume they are also perhaps leading the attack and they should be neutralized on sight. We are on our way to assist. Striker out." Tanarus(into microphone):"Out." The earphones stop crackling. He readies his chaingun and looks at Elexis, who has taken out her Widowmaker boomerang. Tanarus:"Ready, Honey?" She smiles. Elexis:"Ready when you are, Dear." He smiles and points out to some old trains standing still on a track by the road to town. Tanarus:"We'll ambush them from there. The train will provide good cover for us to ambush the enemy." Elexis:"Good idea." Tanarus:"Let's roll!" They run out of the office. Railway/Road Route 1 Kilometre from Chernobyl 4:59 PM: This is a tarred road that runs parallel right of a railway line towards the industrial area and Chernobyl. Long grass grow between the rail sleepers and cracks in the road while bushes grow among old rails and pipes littering the route. A diesel train engine, several coal carts and a cabouse stand derelict on the rails. Hiding behind the train engine is Tanarus and Elexis. They listen to the sounds of the oncoming warhorses moving down the road. They ready their weapons as the GONV convoy moves closer. Tanarus:"Good. They haven't seen us. As soon as the first one is in sight I will destroy it, thereby blocking the way of the other warhorses. You will then use your boomerang to take off the heads of those drones who come out of the other warhorses." Elexis:"Roger. This shouldn't be too easy." Suddenly the front warhorse turns sideways in the middle of the road while rest veer off the road onto the left side next to it and continue past it. The sendroids climb out of the one warhorse that had stopped and begin firing heavily upon the engine. Tanarus quickly grabs Elexis' paw. Tanarus:"RUN!!!" He and Elexis quickly begin running down next to the train. Just as they reach the end of the second coal cart the engine explodes from the heat of the laser fire. The blast knocks them to the ground. Just as they are getting up, Tanarus spots something moving in the corner of his eye. He quickly gets up and fires his chaingun. The bullets rip into the object: a flying recon drone hovering nearby. Sparks fly off it as the bullets penetrate, then it explodes. Tanarus and Elexis drop down again, but a shard of metal from the drone strikes Tanarus's tail, cutting deep into his tail's flesh. He growls in pain. Once the debris stop raining Tanarus helps Elexis up. She sees the wound on his tail, it is a deep cut. Elexis:"You're hurt!" Tanarus:"Forget the wound, Honey! We have to destroy those GONV robots before they reach Chernobyl." Before she can even say word Tanarus runs in between two of the carts and peers around the corner. The sendroids are gone and the warhorse that stopped is now rejoining the others. Elexis and Tanarus watch them go. Tanarus:"You were right, Honey. This might not even BE easy." Elexis:"If it wasn't for that recon drone..." She then remembers her husband's wound and turns to treat his tail while Tanarus calls Striker. Tanarus(into microphone):"This is Tanarus to Striker. Come in." The earphones crackle as Striker answers. Striker(over earphones):"This is Striker. How did you two fair?" Tanarus(into microphone):"Not well, I'm afraid. A recon drone had snuck up behind us and alerted the convoy. We were only able to get the recon drone itself, and nothing in the convoy." Striker(over earphones):"Trust the GONV's recon drones to ruin one's day. Head over to Chernobyl as quickly as possible. I will call Alex and Corsair." Tanarus(into microphone):"Will do. Out." The earphones stop crackling just as Elexis finishes treating Tanarus. They then run for the Biker Rover standing behind a stack of pipes. Foreman's Shack Near Chernobyl Nuclear Plant 5:03 PM: This is a rectangular wooden shed standing on some stilts next to an unfinished construction site. Nearby is the epicentre of the world's worst nuclear accident: Chernobyl, with it's four reactor blocks, one of which is the one having blown open is now encased in cement, sand and earth and the red/white striped chimney towering above it. In the shack is Illanov and Corsair. Illanov is just finishing his conversation with Striker. Illanov(into microphone):"Affirmative, Comrade. Illanov out." The earphones stop crackling and Illanov looks at Corsair, who is looking outside. Illanov:"Comrades Tanarus and Elexis could not destroy any of the convoy. We will have the entire remaining force upon us now." Corsair whips his head towards Illanov in surprise. Corsair:"What! You're joking, right?" Illanov shakes his head. Illanov:"Nyet. A recon drone alerted the GONV convoy." Corsair groans. Corsair:"Your friend Matrix's recon drones keep screwing our missions up." Illanov:"I would hardly call Matrix my comrade." Corsair(sarcastic):"Oh? You two have known each other for such a long time." Illanov growls at Corsair. Illanov:"I am NOT, repeat, NOT a comrade of that genocidal artificial intelligence!" Corsair:"Funny. I thought Commies were supposed to be friends." Illanov:"At least we did not treat each other like dirt and make each other miserable." Now it's Corsair's turn to become annoyed. They continue arguing back and forth. Just outside the GONV convoy arrives on the premises and move right up to one of the entrances into Chernobyl while Corsair and Illanov continue arguing back and forth. Illanov:"My people worked very hard, unlike like you Americans!" Corsair:"Oh yeah? We Americans can work harder! Harder than those GONV drones preparing to enter the plant!" Realization suddenly come over their faces. They both look out the window towards the warhorses. Sendroids are climbing out of the warhorses. Ecosystem, Flora and Fauna are about to enter the plant. Illanov:"Bolshoi!" Corsair:"Dammit!" They both pull out their weapons, Illanov his plasma rifle and Corsair his laser magnum. Illanov quickly fires several plasma balls at some of the warhorses. The plasma strike the warhorses, causing them to explode, taking out more warhorses and a lot of sendroids as well. Corsair begins to fire upon the sendroids as if he is playing an action game, taking sendroids who are targeting them. Ecosystem points at the entrance. Ecosystem:"Ignore them! The important thing is to destroy the reactor cores of this plant! Come on!" Fauna:"True. Completion of our primary objective is of utmost importance for the GONV." Flora:"I agree with that statement." Ecosystem rushes in, followed by Fauna, Flora and the sendroids who were still standing. Illanov and Corsair watch them go, then spot the Rhino and Biker Rover. They look at each other. Illanov:"I think we should not tell them what had happened here." Corsair:"I actually agree with you on that point." They both run out of the shack just as the Rhino and Biker Rover pull up. Striker, Phoenix, Shephard and Norwood climb out of the Rhino while Tanarus and Elexis remove their helmets and climb off the Biker Rover. They all run up to Illanov and Corsair. Striker:"How did you fare?" Corsair:"We wasted a lot of them." Illanov:"Unfortunately, the surviving drones, the two black drones and the women managed to get into the plant, comrades." Shephard:"Indoor combat. Not my favourite type, but it has it's few moments." Norwood:"No doubt they will try to destroy all the cores, not just the one that melted down." Striker:"You're right, Mark. Listen everyone! We need to protect all the cores. Alex says there are four of them, which includes the one that melted down, so we need to split into four groups. Tanarus and Elexis will go protect the core to the northeast. Alex and Corsair will go for the core in the northwest. Mark and Shephard will protect the southeast core. Phoenix and I will go for the last one, the one that exploded. Let's go!" They ready their weapons and run into the nuclear plant. Turbine Chambers 5:06 PM: This is a large, long room with two rows of turbines running down it. High on the walls overlooking the chamber is the view windows of the main control room. A large group of sendroids appear at the one end of the corridor. Tanarus and Elexis appear at the other end. The lead sendroid spots them. L. Sendroid:"Hostiles ahead. Shoot upon sight." Sendroids:"Executing command." Before some of them can shoot, Elexis' widowmaker cuts off their heads before flying back to her. Tanarus is able to fire several more shots at them, destroying even more of the sendroids, before being forced to take cover from the laser fire. The sendroids begin to walk forward while continuing their firing, effectively pinning Tanarus and Elexis down. Main Control Room At that moment: This is large, half-circular room with control panels lining the walls. A doorway is in the middle of the crescent while the opposite side is a wall of glass overlooking the turbine chambers. The panels have many dials, switches, indicators, gauges, etc. Suddenly there is the sound of an explosion somewhere beyond the door. After a few moments Illanov and Corsair walk in. Illanov:"I kept telling you we went in the wrong direction." Corsair:"Oh, stuff it. Besides, those sendroids we just blasted were also heading to the core we were to protect and they were also lost in these corridors. It's a maze out there." Corsair then looks around the room. Corsair:"Whoa! Where are we? Area 56?" Illanov:"Nyet. This is the main control room for the reactors. This is where they controlled the entire plant." Corsair:"Do they still work after all these years?" Illanov:"Dah. Even after the meltdown in 1986 the Ukrainian government used these very controls to shut down the other reactors early in 2001." Corsair:"You mean those reactors we are protecting don't work anymore?" Illanov:"Dah, but don't feel to comfortable. Those reactors still have radioactive materials inside their cores which can still kill." Corsair sighs. Corsair:"Crud. I was hoping for something good." Illanov(to himself):"Americans. Lazy as always." Illanov then sees Tanarus and Elexis hiding behind a turbine with the sendroids still firing and moving forward towards them. They are now dangerously close to them. Illanov points at them. Illanov:"Our comrades are in danger!" Corsair looks through the window to where Illanov is pointing. Corsair:"Uh oh! If they don't move quickly, those drones will bushwhack them from all sides!" Illanov:"They cannot move! Those drones' fire are keeping there!" Illanov thinks for a moment, then pulls Corsair to the control panel. He points at it. Illanov:"Can you use this?" Corsair:"I read everything about how to work these things from the 'net. No sweat." Illanov:"Then activate the turbines! It might just distract those sendroids long enough for our comrades to act!" Corsair streches his fingers, then begins to operate the control panel and computers while Illanov watches through the window at what is going on in the turbine room. Inside the turbine room the turbines suddenly start up. The sendroids take a second to realize what is going on, but in that second Tanarus and Elexis quickly recover and use their weapons. Tanarus fires his chaingun at the sendroids while Elexis throws her boomerang at them. Their combinations take down almost all the sendroids. The lead sendroid backs to avoid the boomerang, but falls backwards into the turbine behind it. The turbines rip the sendroid apart and various parts fly through the air. Tanarus and Elexis look up towards the main control room window and see Illanov and Corsair looking down at them with obvious relief. Tanarus gives the thumbs-up. Illanov and Corsair shake each other's hands, smiling down towards Tanarus and Elexis. When they look at each other they stop smiling and shaking hands. They give each other a cold stare instead. Tanarus and Elexis just shake their heads and look at each other. Tanarus:"They never change, do they?" Elexis:"Definitely not." Core Number 4 5:09 PM: This the outer shell of the reactor core that had melted down. There are two doors in the shell, one for each layer of the shell. The one closest to the core has been blown open, but the other door is still open. Several catwalks run to and from the shell with a crane standing by one of them, it's claw hanging above the floor. By the door is Ecosystem, Flora, Fauna and three more sendroids. Two of the sendroids are busy fitting a bomb to the shell while the rest cover them. Not far off behind a corner of a corridor entering the core is Striker and Phoenix. Striker and Phoenix are peering around the corner, looking at the enemy. Phoenix:"Only six of them here, including the woman and the two black sendroids." Striker:"Ja, and they are busy attaching a bomb to the core's shell." Phoenix:"But reactor core shells were created to withstand even a falling Boeing." Striker:"Ja, but the explosion and the intense heat of the reactor fuel will have weakened the shell to the point where even a bomb can destroy it. The GONV probably knows that as well." Phoenix:"So if that bomb goes off, the reactor will be exposed again. This time, the ecological impact will more severe." Striker:"MUCH more severe. That is why we must stop the GONV from destroying the shell. Now, all we need is some cover to get closer to them." Phoenix:"I got that covered, Love." She takes a gas-tennis ball (from "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie") out and throws it to the sendroids. The ball then releases a purple gas. Ecosystem's eyes widen. Ecosystem:"It's gas!" Fauna:"These fumes have no effect on us." Ecosystem:"For you sendroids, all right! For me, it's poisonous!" Flora:"Not really. This gas is more of a cover. It is harmless to biological organisms." Ecosystem:"Cover? For whom?" Voice(from gas cloud):"For us." The gas cloud dissipates, revealing Striker and Phoenix standing behind it. Striker has his sonic rifle aimed at them while Phoenix is targeting them with her laser pistol. Ecosystem gasps. Striker:"Put your hands in the air. If you make any sudden moves we fire." Fauna:"We are not afraid of your petty threats." Phoenix:"Maybe ours, but our guns may change your minds. Remember: you can be destroyed just as easily as us." Striker:"Well said." Fauna and Flora look at each other. Flora:"She has a definite point there. If they detect that we may open fire they will shoot us before our weapons will be ready to operate." Fauna:"I agree." Ecosystem looks shocked at Fauna and Flora. Ecosystem:"You mean we should surrender?" Fauna:"Well, we are at somewhat of a disadvantage. Also, we cannot afford to be defeated before our mission objective is complete." Ecosystem:"But there are only two of them! And they are organic things! The GONV is supposed to destroy them!" Striker point at Ecosystem. Striker:"Who are you?" Ecosystem looks at Striker. Ecosystem:"I am Ecosystem and I am Mother Nature's wraith." Phoenix:"Mother Nature's wraith?" Ecosystem:"Yes! And do you know why?" Flora, Fauna:"Not again." Ecosystem:"Some greedy company destroyed my town and killed my parents! Just so that they can make money from destroying Earth's resources! The world must be paid for what they done to Mother Nature! They must pay!" Striker and Phoenix glance at each other with a "she's nuts" look, then look back at Ecosystem and the sendroids. Striker:"Now listen here, Mevrou Ecosystem. I understand the way you feel towards the company for killing your parents and your concern for nature. I myself have felt the way you do now, I like Mother Nature and her creations and I firmly believe in environmentalism." Ecosystem smiles. Ecosystem:"Ah! So you too want to join my crusade." Striker shakes his head. Striker:"Nee. First thing is that going for revenge won't help, believe me. Also, if you are Mother Nature's 'wraith', then why are you helping the GONV, which agenda is to eliminate all organic life on this world?" Ecosystem becomes less smug. Ecosystem:"Well, how was I going to bring about Mother Nature's wraith to those who deserve it without some kind of army?" Fauna:"That does not sound like a valid reason." Ecosystem is becoming worried. Suddenly the crane starts up and swings the claw above Striker. Everyone looks up just as the claw falls to Striker. He jumps, but the claw grabs him by the legs and begins to pull him up. Phoenix watches in shock. Phoenix:"Striker!" Striker is hoisted up to the same level as the crane's control box. He looks inside and sees the person behind the controls: Ozari. Ozari:"We meet again." Striker:"Ozzy?" Ozari becomes annoyed. Ozari:"The name is Ozari Del Figulo!" Striker:"What on Earth are you doing here?" Ozari:"As I said, I will follow you and get even with you, Striker, even if I have to follow you to the ends of the planet." Striker groans. Striker:"Ai yai yai." Ozari:"Enough chit-chat. Time to get even." Ozari takes out his knife and swings Striker to the crane's control box. He holds the knife to Striker's throat. Ozari:"Any last words?" Phoenix's eyes widen in horror, then she becomes angry. Phoenix:"Don't you dare hurt him, Ozzy!" Ozari looks down at Phoenix. Ozari:"For that I will kill you after him!" Ecosystem smiles in triumph. Ozari turns his attention back to Striker and prepares to slit his throat. Ozari:"Saiyonnara, mutt." Phoenix:"NO!!!!!!" Suddenly an aura of fire surround Phoenix as she screams. Everyone else looks at her in shock. The fire burns brighter, concealing Phoenix from view. The fire then enlarges to giant proportions, then begins to take shape. The fire finally shapes into a giant bird, which is none other than the bird that rises from it's own ashes: the phoenix. Everyone is now really shocked, including Striker. Striker:"Oh my God! Phoenix!" Phoenix looks at Striker, then at Ozari. He drops the knife as the bird looks coldly at him. Ozari:"Oh uh. Eh... Hello. I was just leaving. Bye!!!" He quickly turns around and runs away, unconsciously pulling some of the levers. This causes the claw to let of Striker and he falls onto the floor hard, knocking him unconscious. Phoenix screeches in shock while Ecosystem turns to the sendriods arming the bomb. Ecosystem:"Finish arming the bomb! Quick!" Sendriods:"Following orders." The sendriods resume their work. Phoenix then looks up at Ecosystem and the sendriods. She screeches at them, drawing their attention to her. Flora:"Again another unforeseen turn of events." Fauna:"All words to that effect." Ecosystem:"Don't just stand there babbling. Shoot it." Fauna, Flora and the third sendriod ready their laser cannons, take aim and open fire. Their laser blasts all hit Phoenix, but it does nothing to her. Ecosystem looks at Flora and Fauna. Ecosystem:"What's going on?" Flora and Fauna scan Phoenix. Flora:"This is most unfortunate. This creature has absorbed the heat from ours lasers." Fauna:"In other words, we have just increased her powers, albeit rather slight." Ecosystem quickly looks at the bomb, which isn't yet ready, then back at Phoenix. She then spots Striker lying on the floor and points at him. Ecosystem:"Shoot him!" The sendroids open fire again, but Phoenix quickly covers Striker with her fire wings and shields him from the blasts. Fauna and Flora make another scan. Fauna:"She is shielding him from our laser fire, yet she is able to prevent her fires from even raising his temperature." Ecosystem:"Damn!" The two sendroids finish arming the bomb and turn to Ecosystem. Sendroid:"The explosive device is ready. Give the duration of time before it should detonate." Ecosystem thinks for a moment, then speaks. Ecosystem:"Set it for six seconds, then run after me!" Flora:"That is..." Ecosystem:"DO IT!!!" Sendroids:"Executing command." The sendroid sets the timer for six seconds and activates the bomb. Ecosystem, Fauna, Flora and the three sendroids start running. Phoenix breathes fire at them, but is only able to catch two of the sendroids (melting them) before the rest disappear into another corridor. She then looks at the timer and sees the timer on "00:02". She quickly kneels next to Striker and covers him with her wings and body just as the bomb explodes. The blast engulfs a large portion of the room, including Phoenix, but she remains unharmed. When the blast clears she looks up at the shell. A rather large hole has been blown into it, revealing the damaged reactor core (which is glowing bright green from the radiation) and the radioactive gasses and fuels that are beginning to leak out. Phoenix quickly looks around for a way to stop the spread, then gets a plan. She breathes fire again, this time at the part of the shell above the hole. The metal melts and begins to flow over the hole and she stops breathing fire. The molten steel closes the hole just seconds before the gasses and fuels could escape, then it stops flowing and starts hardening. Phoenix then uncovers Striker and returns to her normal form. Voice(from behind):"Whoa! What a fancy trick that one was!" Phoenix looks around to see the others standing behind them. They are still somewhat surprised at what they had seen. Corsair:"That was something new." Phoenix then turns her attention to Striker, who is still lying on the floor unconscious. She quickly takes his head in her paws. Phoenix:"Striker! Striker! Say something!" He moans. The others rush up to them. Elexis kneels down next to Striker and injects a serum into his neck. After a few moments he begins to regain consciousness, much to Phoenix's relief. Once he begins to try and get up Phoenix helps him up. He opens his eyes and Phoenix turns his head towards hers. Phoenix:"Are you all right, Love?" Striker:"I am fine. Thank you for saving my life." Phoenix smiles and hugs him, he hugs back. Norwood:"What happened here? We heard an explosion, then when we arrived here we found this giant bird of fire transform into Phoenix." Striker looks at Phoenix. Striker:"I am also curious about how you transformed into the very same bird that you are named after. How did you do it?" Phoenix:"Well, when I saw you were about to die I just couldn't help it. I simply transformed into the phoenix. I was slightly disoriented about my new shape, but when I saw the danger you were in I took immediate control over my new shape." Corsair:"If you had this power for such a long time, then why did it only now appear?" Phoenix blushes slightly. Phoenix:"I guess I cared a lot for Striker." Norwood smiles. Norwood:"That would be an understatement, Phoenix." She blushes even more. Striker smiles at her. Striker:"Still, I am grateful for what you did for me." Phoenix she smiles at him. Tanarus:"But that it still doesn't clear up that explosion we heard." He looks up and spots the melted shell of the core. Tanarus:"What happened to the core." Phoenix:"Ecosystem and her sendroids managed to detonate the bomb, but I managed to seal the core before the radioactive fluids and gases could escape." Everyone looks surprised at her. Corsair:"Now I know you are a hot chick." Norwood:"So Ecosystem was her name? And why was she working for the GONV?" Striker:"Apparently for own gains. She told us why she was working for the GONV just before Ozzy caught me with the crane." Norwood is confused, the rest are surprised. Norwood:"Ozzy? Who's he?" Illanov:"Bolshoi. Was he really here?" Striker:"Ja, Alex. And if it wasn't for Phoenix he would have slit my throat." Shephard:"Then where is he, sir?" Striker:"He ran away after seeing Phoenix in her new form." Corsair:"Guess that should be the last time he messes with us." Striker shakes his head. Striker:"I do not think so. He will follow me until he finally kills me." Illanov:"I like to see him try that, comrade." Shephard's radio begins to crackle and he answers it. Shephard(into radio):"Sergeant Shephard here...Copy that. Proceed and secure the plant and the surrounding areas once you have landed, Captain... Out." Shephard puts away his radio and looks at the others. Shephard:"Sirs. Members of the Delta Force are in sight of Chernobyl and ready to secure the area, with more reinforcements on the way." Norwood:"Good. The GONV has lost it's chance at Chernobyl. Now we can stop worrying about this plant and return to base to take care of more pressing matters." Striker:"I concur, Mark. Let's go." Striker, Phoenix and Elexis get up and begin walking out of the plant along with the others. Roadway By Abandoned Gas Station 20 Kilometres From Chernobyl 6:34 PM: This is an old road that runs by a gas station that is in much the same state as the rest of the buildings within a 30 kilometre radius of Chernobyl. A single warhorse is standing parked by the road. Ecosystem, Flora, Fauna and the five sendroids that had survived are standing by the warhorse. Ecosystem is talking to Flora and Fauna. Ecosystem:"Are you two sure of this?" Fauna:"Yes. The heat from the creature had severed our communication channel to the Global Operations Network Variation Computer." Flora:"So we cannot make contact until we repair the channel." Ecosystem:"If your link is destroyed, then who commands you?" Fauna:"Technically, if our channel is inoperable, then you are now in command." Ecosystem thinks for a moment. Ecosystem:"My command?" Flora:"Yes. Complete control until we can repair our channel." Ecosystem grins. Ecosystem:"Excellent. My first order that you do not try to regain contact with the GONV ever again and that you delete all files associated with the GONV's control over you." Flora and Fauna look at each other. Fauna:"It is an order." Flora:"And we cannot disobey an order." They look back at Ecosystem, their eyes flashing as the needed data is deleted. Once they are done their eyes stop flashing. Flora, Fauna:"Command executed. We are now fully under your command." Ecosystem laughs insanely, then stops and points down the road away from Chernobyl. Ecosystem:"Good. Now, let's leave before someone catches us." Fauna, Flora, Sendroids:"Following orders." The sendroids and Ecosystem climb back into the warhorse. The warhorse begins to travel down the road away from Chernobyl. Recreation Area Jumbo Rover 9:04 PM: This is a large room with filled with all the modern diversions. An entertainment centre, a video game system, etc. One doorway leads to the kitchen while another leads to a hall while yet another leads to a bathroom. Striker and Phoenix are standing here talking to each other. Striker:"I am truly grateful for what you have done for me, Phoenix. I really am." Phoenix:"It was nothing, Love. Really." He looks into her eyes. Striker:"It is just that my heart has been broken so many times I no longer thought it could mend." She looks into her eyes. Phoenix:"What are you getting at?" He wraps his arms around her and kisses her long and passionately. This time it is her turn to be surprised. However, she then kisses back and wraps her own arms around him. They stay like that for a while, then they break apart but still looking into each other's eyes. Striker:"I love you, Phoenix." She smiles. Phoenix:"I love you too, Striker." He smiles, then they kiss again. Watching from the hall at the couple is Hunter, Colleen and Norwood. They are all smiling. Colleen:"Isn't that so beautiful, Huntie?" Hunter puts his arm around Colleen. Hunter:"Sure is." Norwood:"I am extremely grateful for you Road Rovers. I always thought that Striker would never recover from his ordeal with General Franco. You have changed him in one and a third year to be someone who can finally be happy." Hunter:"It was no problem, s... Mark. We're always ready to help our buddies out." Norwood:"Good. And if you can help them to eventually marry and have children together, then I will definitely die a happy man." Hunter:"Cool." Colleen:"Huntie, let's leave those two alone, shall we?" Hunter:"You bet." Norwood:"No complaints here." They turn around and leave. Phoenix has finally won the love of Striker and the GONV has lost it's chance to destroy Chernobyl. But Ecosystem and the sendroids have escaped. What will she do next? And what will be the GONV's next move as it's plans start going wrong? THE END