Road Rovers: Chaos Computer

Episode 11: Too Close To Home

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Unit STRIKE, GONV, Cadwell, Norwood, Tanarus, Elexis and all others 
related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé
Strayers © Steven Today
Nitro, Dixie © Amanda Stephenson
Zenith, Warwolf © Marc Weinstein
Maddogs, Sergey Talinsky © Greg Williams
Zayra Cabot © Pablo Augusto Caminos
Wild Kats © Greywolf Lupous
Alethia, Renegade © Kylen Miles
Rally © David Reynolds
Unit Gamble © Okichi Obari
Collie Squadron © Robert Baer Jr.
Chaser, Krystal © Shawn Tigges

Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be 
sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com.

High Orbit
Between the Earth and the Moon
8:20 PM:

The North American continent is now facing towards the direction of the
Moon. One can clearly see it is nighttimes on this side of the world. Coming
from the Moon and headings towards the United States is a GONV war carrier.

Banquet Hall
Road Rover Mission Control
8 November
8:22 PM:

The large banquet hall of Mission Control is packed with Rovers, guests,
operatives and others for the victory celebration. On the tables are all
kinds of great foodstuffs and good music is being played throughout the
hall. Everyone is busy chatting and talking, mainly about the Techno War,
but also about other matters. The Strayers are all gathered around Bear
and Nitro, who are carrying their baby daughter, Kyla, with them.

Dixie:"Isn't she the cutest little thing?"

Puffball:"Me may not like dogs, but dog pup always make Puffball smile."

Amani:"She's look cute, for a dog pup."

Amani takes Bear's paw and shakes it.

Amani:"Congratulations, Bear. After all you've been through, changed from
       human to dog, forming and leading our team, marrying, dealing with
       baddies, Prowler and Shadow, you've finally achieved your finest
       moment."

Bear smiles broadly, as does Nitro.

Bear:"Thank you, Amani."

Amani:"And it is me and Puffball's duty, as aunts, to spoil your kids 
       rotten."

Nitro:"Let's not go there, yet."

Dixie:"Oh, yes. Let's go there."

Nitro growls at Dixie, who just smiles smugly. Bear calms her.

Bear:"Easy, dear. We don't want to make the cry."

Nitro nods. Bear turns to Zenith.

Bear:"Thank you for standing in for me and Nitro, Zenith. You have helped
      out the Grizzlies a lot in this war, unlike certain individuals in
      the same unit."

Zenith:"I am sorry I did not see that Ran... Deathranger was going to turn
        against us."

Nitro:"None of us did, Zenith. Don't kill yourself over it. Besides, you
       did your best in that given situation."

Bear:"I agree with her. You've proven your merit as a proper Strayer."

Zenith smiles.

Zenith:"Thank you, sir. Ma'am."

In another part of the hall Illanov is drinking punch and watching Alethia
and Renegade talk to each other nearby. Vicki, his new date, walks up to
him.

Vicki:"Is it just me, or is your eyes wandering Alex?"

Illanov:"Forgive me, comrade Vicki. I was watching comrade Alethia and
         Renegade."

Vicki looks towards the couple, who are now kissing each other.

Vicki:"Regrets now that Alethia and Renegade are back together?"

Illanov:"A little, comrade. Before I discovered my arch-nemesis Matrix
         had returned we were just a bit more than very good friends,
         but with Matrix's return and the events of the Techno War we
         learned that we could not work out well. Comrade Renegade's
         return was only the final step. Besides, both she and I agreed
         that she would be happier with Renegade than with me."

Vicki:"Oh? Why's that?"

Illanov:"Comrades Alethia and Renegade have loved each other for a very
         long time before I had become a cano-sapien. She and I had only
         been dating each other for a few weeks. As you can see, there
         was no real competition."

Vicki wraps her arms around Illanov and smiles at him.

Vicki:"But now that means WE can be together and work things out, isn't
       that so comrade?"

Illanov smiles.

Illanov:"I heartily agree, comrade."

Vicki:"Let's go mingle with the others."

The two of them head towards a group of talking Rovers and join in the
conversation. By one of the banquet tables Merit was showing his toolkit
to Hubert and Buford Lovejoy.

Hubert:"Impressive collection."

Buford:"A bit outdated, but well above the standards you would expect to
        find in a DIY store."

Hubert:"I agree. We only need to do some modifications, add some tools
        and you'll be doing quite well with us."

Merit pulls his toolkit back in and closes the hatch.

Merit:"Understood. When shall we proceed with the necessary upgrades?"

Hubert:"As soon as the celebrations are over, Merit."

Merit:"Please define 'celebrations'."

Buford:"It is a task to approve our recent victory over the GONV and its
        robotic military forces."

Merit:"A task? Then it must be completed."

Hubert:"Of course, my boy, but not the way you'd think it."

Merit:"What is the correct procedure?"

Buford:"You talk with fellow Rovers. Dance or..."

He points to a large roasted turkey.

Beuford:"... enjoy some great food, like that turkey."

Merit studies the turkey.

Merit:"Sir, that object does not bare any attributes to that particular
       species."

Hubert:"It is a ROASTED turkey, my boy. We've removed the feathers, cut
        off the head and roasted it in the oven for the banquet."

Merit:"It has been disassembled? Then it must be repaired."

The toolkit reappears and Merit starts to go towards the turkey, but
Hubert and Buford quickly stops him. 

Merit:"It must be repair."

Hubert and Buford look at each other as they try to keep Merit away from
the turkey.

Buford:"This one might take some time."

Hubert:"That, I agree, is a good observation."

Elsewhere the Maddogs were busy talking to Sergei Talinsky.

Outlaw:"Thanks for helping us out, Mister Talinsky. The information you
        gave on the GONV saved our skins."

Saphire:"More than once, I might add."

Sergei:"It was my pleasure. And I would like to thank you for helping to
        liberate Malcoria from GONV control."

Silver:"Have you spoken to King Alexander?"

Sergei:"Dah. He was sad about what the war had done to Malcoria, but he 
        is grateful to you in saving his people."

Beuwolf:"How badly did Malcoria fare in the war?"

Sergei:"Not good, comrades. The GONV Forces has all but eliminated the
        military and police forces, and our only defence force is from
        the resistance forces. Her economy is in ruins and it will take
        many years to stabilize."

Wesley:"Ouch! That is bad."

Sergei:"Fortunately, civilian casualties were few because our people fled
        from the cities and hid in the forests and hills. Also, the King
        and his people are determined to bring Malcoria back on feet once
        again."

The Maddogs all smile.

Saphire:"That is wonderful!"

Outlaw:"Anything we could do to help?"

Sergei:"From you, not much. Now and then you might come and help recapture
        criminals that have escaped from prisons during the war, but the
        King would appreciate your offer to aid our country."

Outlaw:"Oh, it's nothing really. Especially after the GONV."

At another part of the hall near the podium the Master, Norwood, Striker
and Phoenix are talking with each other. Striker and Phoenix have their
arms around each other and smiling.

Master:"I'm glad to see that you two are getting along well. I almost
        thought that you, Striker, would be lonely for the rest of your
        life before Phoenix appeared on the scene."

Striker:"Ja. She has changed my life, as did everyone here."

Norwood:"I am glad to see that the last of Franco's terrible effects on
         you have almost completely disappeared. It makes me very happy
         to see you finally finding love."

Phoenix:"And thank you for encouraging me to tell Striker I love him,
         Mark."

Norwood:"It was in everyone's best interest."

His face becomes grim and looks at Striker

Norwood:"Speaking of Franco, I have to tell you something about the Earth
         Defence Force."

Striker looses his smile.

Striker:"Wat?"

Norwood:"The UN security council has voted that the EDF is to disbanded."

Striker is shocked.

Striker:"Why?"

Norwood:"Ever since the Road Rovers the EDF's duties have become less and
         less, and the Iron Fist crisis and the Techno War were the last
         nails in the coffin. The EDF can no longer be able to handle its
         duties like it used to. The Road Rovers have pretty much lead to
         its downfall and the council saw no more reason to keep funding
         the EDF. Thus, two days ago the votes were cast and the EDF has
         been officially disbanded."

He smiles a bit.

Norwood:"Fortunately, not all is lost. The Master has agreed to take all 
         the EDF agents and personnel and put them into service within
         the Road Rovers. All weapons and equipment were also transferred
         to Rover control."

Master:"I saw no reason to let all those fine people's skills and jobs go
        to waste, and their introduction into our organisation will 
        greatly strengthen us."

Striker smiles again.

Striker:"That is wonderful news. Though it is a pity that the EDF has now
         finally ceased to exist, it is good to see that its legacy will
         carry on with us, the Road Rovers."

Phoenix:"I couldn't agree more, Love."

Everyone keeps talking for a while until the Master summons everyone to 
the tables. He climbs onto the podium while everyone else goes and sits
on his/her seat. Once everyone is seated, the Master calls their atten-
tion to him and begins to speak.

Master:"Once again we are gathered around to celebrate victory. Victory
        over the Global Operations Network Variation computer and it's
        robotic military forces. We have saved Europe and the world from
        total annihilation and have taken the GONV computer into custody
        after a long battle. You Rovers; dogs, cats, humans, wolves, and
        now cyborgs and robots; have done a job well done in stopping
        the GONV Forces."

He pauses for a second.

Master:"I would also like to give a special thank you to the following
        individuals. First, I'd like to thank Illanov, Renegade and Mister 
        Sergey Talinsky for giving us such critical information on the
        GONV and the Artificial Intelligence that controls it, Matrix."

Everyone claps for Illanov (except Corsair), Renegade and Talinsky. The 
Master continues his speech.

Master:"Next, I'd like to thank Corsair. His hacking skills and contacts 
        with other hackers worldwide had helped us to gain critical intel
        on the GONV Forces, as well stopping the GONV's hacker drones."

Everyone but Illanov claps for Corsair. The Master continues.

Master:"Lastly, I'd like to thank Zayra Cabot and Merit. Both of them had
        seen the GONV's evil intentions and have helped us bring the war
        to an end by revealing the GONV's location as well as stopping
        it's chemical missiles."

Everyone now claps for Zayra (who is smiling shyly) and Merit, who has
just raised his one hand.

Merit:"Excuse me, sir, I wish to make a report."

Master:"Hold on, Merit. Just let me finish speaking, then I will give you
        the floor."

Merit:"Thank you, sir, but I am afraid the floor is of no usefulness to
       my systems."

The Rovers all smile and chuckle at Merit.

Master:"I mean you may speak once I have completed my speech."

Merit:"Confirmed."

The Master continues speaking.

Master:"Renegade, Zayra, Corsair and Merit have all taken the oath of
        the Road Rovers and have sworn to fight evil and protect all
        that is good. Thus, we all welcome them as full-fledged members
        of the Road Rovers."

Everyone once again claps their hands(or paws) at them.

Master:"But in the end it was all of you, the Road Rovers, who have
        come out victorious in the Techno War and brought down the
        GONV computers. You have done very well. You're all good good
        Rovers."

Hunter:"Rovers? Don't you mean good good dogs and cats and all that,
        Master?"

Master:"Yes, I do Hunter. But I find it is easier to call you all under
        the same group. It also prevents me from stepping on someone's
        toes by leaving out their species."

Hunter:"Ah! I see."

The Master now indicates to Merit.

Master:"Merit, you may now come up to the podium."

Merit:"Thank you, sir."

The Master steps down from the podium as Merit gets up and walks onto
the podium. He turns to the Master.

Merit:"May I continue?"

Master(smiling):"Of course, Merit. We are all eager to listen to what
      you have to say."

Merit:"Very well. I have detected that the automatic diagnostic and
       announcement system files are being deleted at this present
       time and uploaded with different files."

Everyone looses their smiles and become concerned.

Master:"What! How? And by whom?"

The announcer comes online.

Announcer:"Warning. Data files being deleted. Failure. Failure. Failure.
           Fai..."

The speakers suddenly turn to static for a few seconds before another
voice begins to speak. It is the EFV.

EFV:"Execution complete. This announcement system is now under the 
     control of the Global Operations Network Variation computer. All
     organics report to the surface perimeter for processing and 
     termination."

Everyone is really shocked.

Colleen:"Merit! Why didn't you bloomin' tell us this earlier?"

Merit:"Well, Ma'am. I was told that I could only report when the Master
       had completed his speech."

Everyone groans.

Buford:"This one will REALLY take some time."

They stop groaning and become alert.

Corsair:"Hold on! How can the GONV do this? We are keeping it inside a
         cell that bars any kind of transmissions!"

Norwood quickly takes out a cell phone and begins to dial a number.

Norwood:"I'm dialling the prison area and finding out how the GONV is
         doing this."

Bear:"But if the GONV has managed to get into the announcement system
      computer, what about our security systems?"

Suddenly everyone who has computer skills quickly stand up and run out of
the room. Nitro hands Kyla to Bear, and runs off after the others.

EFV:"Attention. All organics report immediately to surface perimeter for
     processing and termination."

Bear:"Surface perimeter? Does that mean topside? Whatever for?"

The Master quickly takes out a remote and activates the large view screen
located against the one side of the wall. Everyone in the room turns to
look at it. It shows a camera's view of the surface of Mission Control.
Currently there is nothing but wilderness to see. The camera pans from
left to right, showing more of the surface. Suddenly it spots a massive
robotic landing foot and it pans back. Everyone gasps. On the surface is
a landed GONV war carrier. A few battle and warfare drones surround the
ship.

Exile:"Bolshoi! It is big robot flying war carrier!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai! Our location has been compromised, again!"

Drago:"But where did that carrier come from? We spotted many of them, but
       we keeping loosing them despite their big sizes."

Outlaw:"Wherever they came from, you can bet it is full of GONV robots
        sent by the GONV to settle the score."

Striker:"Speaking off..."

Striker turns to Norwood, who has finished speaking on his cell phone.

Norwood:"The prison says that the GONV computer had deactivated itself
         just half-an-hour ago."

Striker:"Deactivated?"

Norwood:"Yes, deactivated. Heaven knows why."

Striker:"Did the GONV make any transmissions?"

Norwood:"According to the prison guards the GONV made no transmissions.
         It had been kept in constant isolation ever since we put it
         there."

Striker:"But then how can these robots still be functioning?"

Amani tries to explain.

Amani:"I think the GONV's robots have a built-in program that allow them
       to carry out specific functions even if the GONV is unavailable."

Renegade shakes his head.

Renegade:"Not really, Amani. True, they do have built-in programs, but
          they are basic programs such as patrol schedules, attack and
          defend programs as well hostility identification. An attack
          like this requires more systems to function."

Alethia:"Like HK-4 and Patriot?"

Renegade:"Yes, but even they have limitations. However, I think they
          might capable of launching an attack like this."

Just then the Rovers who had computer skills come back into the room.
Everyone else looks at them.

Master:"What happened?"

Nitro:"We were very lucky. We had logged on just as GONV hacker drones
       begun to hack into our other computer systems. We were able to
       lock them out and Corsair sent out a virus to them to keep them
       busy. However, the EFV announcer's files have been encoded into
       our systems and will take a while to remove. Other than that, we
       are currently safe from any interference with our computers."

Master:"Good work, but I fear our problems are only just beginning."

The Master points towards the screen for them. They look at it, see the
war carrier and gasp.

Wesley:"Not again! This sucks!"

Nitro:"Ditto!"

Corsair:"I thought you guys told me that this place was top secret!"

Rally:"Guess the GONV has other ideas about that."

Bear:"And we can forget about a Rover spirit like Prowler to come and
      help the GONV forget this time."

Dixie sighs when she hears Prowler's name. On screen the war carrier's 
bottom ramp lowers down and one of the main doors open.

Krystal:"And here comes the tidal wave."

Everyone watches in anticipation of seeing mass waves of GONV robots
coming down the ramp. But instead they react in horror as they see what
comes out instead. Walking down the ramp are rank after rank of Road 
Rovers, perfect clones of their counterparts.

Corsair:"Well, this is something new!"

Vicki:"My God! It is clones of ourselves!"

Hunter:"I would definitely not have predicted this!"

Blitz:"Ach tung lieber! Do I really look like that?"

Dusty:"This is now a whole new ball game!"

Striker:"This certainly changes our situation. We will need to come up
         with a plan to battle ourselves."

Master takes on a stern look on his face.

Master:"I agree. First, we need to fortify Mission Control."

He looks at Hubert and nods. Hubert takes out a remote control with only
two buttons (red and green). He pushes the red button.

Road Rover Mission Control
8:46 PM:

Mission Control still looks normal. Suddenly the yellow walls of the 
buildings and the luge start to get covered by massive sliding titanium 
plates. The round tops of the hydrant-shaped buildings fold open to
reveal massive defence cannons. The grass turn over in large square
sections of concrete with hedgehogs on them. Slots open in the plates
to create firing holes. Various hidden laser turrets appear from behind
bushes and trees around Mission Control. After a few minutes Mission
Control has turned into a fortress.

Banquet Hall:

Everyone get out of their chairs and step back (par order of the Master)
and watch as the tables and chairs are lowered down into the floor. A
group of high-tech interactive chairs appear in their places as more
monitoring screens appear on the walls. On the podium a control panel
and rotateble chair appears for the Master. Soon it is all done.

Zenith, Warwolf:"Far out!"

Corsair:"Now THAT is some serious hardware!"

Hunter:"Whoa! Cool."

Striker looks at the main along with several others, then back at the 
Master.

Striker:"I must admit, Master. This is a vast upgrade from the previous
         defences."

Master:"The KH Military's attack has shown how vulnerable we really were.
        I learned a great deal and now there won't be a repeat of such
        an easy victory for the enemy."

Hubert:"We've placed titanium plates over the buildings and luge tunnels,
        as well as concrete slabs with hedgehogs under the laws. We have
        placed defence turrets on the roofs that can be controlled from
        these chairs, along with 'other' defences. The surrounding flora
        have hidden laser turrets and all the tunnels are closed off with
        massive steel doors. The armoury now also sports additional new
        weapons specifically created for such a situation."

Trouble:"I must admit, even I am impressed by these new defences."

Chaser:"But will they be enough to stop the GONV's clones of us?"

Hunter:"That is what we are about to find out."

Hunter turns to the Master.

Hunter:"I don't really need to ask this, but our contracts to Warner
        Brothers says I must, so... what are your orders, Master?"

Master:"Arms yourselves, prepare your positions and get ready for a big
        battle, Rovers."

Hunter salutes.

Hunter:"We're on the job!"

He turns to everyone else.

Hunter:"Let's hit the trenches, Rovers!"

Everyone starts to get ready. Everyone with computer skills get into the
chairs while the Master mans the podium controls. Buford and Hubert
climb into their own computer chairs while most of the Rovers run out
to fetch their weapons. Norwood leads the civilians (including Sergei)
out of the room. Bear, carrying Kyla, stops Sergei.

Bear:"Take my daughter with you, Mister Talinsky."

Sergei:"But of course, comrade."

Sergei takes Kyla in his arms and is lead out of the room. Bear follows
the rest to get his weapon.

GONV Assault Force
Surface Perimeter
At that moment:

The Rover clones are gathering in a large group. At their head is the
robotic Hunter, along with the leaders of the various Rover groups.

R-Hunter:"Okay, Robo Rovers! This is our first big mission! We are here
          to attack our organic counterparts and destroy them! We will
          show them that we are superior to them!"

All the Robo Rovers cheer.

R-Hunter:"Cool! Now, let's get ready!"

They all cheer again, then take out their weapons (which are copies of
the Road Rovers' weapons) and get ready. Robo-Blitz rubs his clawed paws
with glee.

Blitz:"It's time for the gnashing of soft organic tooshies!"

Robo-Exile and Robo-Illanov both groan.

R-Exile, R-Illanov:"Don't be a Weird Bot."

Robo-Colleen shakes her head at Blitz, then begins to flex her body.

R-Colleen:"I'm going to show my sister that I'M the master of the martial
           arts and she just a bloomin' hairball."

Robo-Beowulf cracks his knuckles.

R-Beowulf:"I wonder if my organic counterpart can take his punches as
           well as he can throw them."

Robo-Bear puts his arms around Robo-Nitro.

R-Bear:"Feeling ready, Honey?"

R-Nitro:"Ready as ever. I can't wait to burst my impostor's eardrums with
         my Banshee Howl. How about you, Honey?"

Robo-Bear wiggles his ears.

R-Bear:"With ears like these, my counterpart will still be trying to hear
        me breaking his bones."

Robo-Nitro giggles.

Soon everyone is ready. Their unit leaders look their members over, then
turn to robo-Hunter.

R-Striker:"We are reg."

R-Drago:"Ready to rock and roll."

R-Dusty:"My Robo-Kats can't wait to begin clawing the fur off our 
         organic Wild Kats."

R-Hunter:"Great!"

He yells out to the group.

R-Hunter:"LET'S HIT THE UNDERGROUND, ROBO ROVERS!!!"

The robotic cano-sapiens all howl while everyone else just cover their
ears. They then begin to split up and head for the various entrances 
into Mission Control.

Mission Control Cavern
8:54 PM:

Everything and everyone is now in position and ready to fight. The only
sounds that can be heard are explosions coming from the various tunnels
into the cavern as the Robo Rovers blow apart the doors blocking their
way. Soon the Robo Rovers appear at the mouths of the tunnels leading
into the caverns. They remain standing there just outside of the range
of the defences.

Banquet Hall
8:58 PM:

The Master and everyone with him are still monitoring the Robo Rovers'
progress.

Corsair:"What are they doing out there? Taking a nap? I want to blow
         their a** up real good."

Master:"Be patient, Corsair. They are probably discussing their next
        course of action."

Nitro:"They don't seem to be doing much about it, from what I'm seeing
       here."

Suddenly the Robo-Illanov appears from out of thin air behind the Master,
holding his Plasma Rifle against the Master's head. Next, the Robo-Draga
appears through the floor and holds her knife under Hubert's neck.

R-Illanov:"Actually, comrades, we are doing something about it."

R-Draga:"Though I cannot same for you guys and gals here, eh Alex?"

Everyone looks at them in shock. Both Robo-Illanov and Robo-Draga force
the Master and Hubert out of their seats and, before anyone can react,
push a few buttons on their controls. On the screens one can see the
entire RRMC's defences reverting back to normal. All those in the high-
tech chairs quickly get out before they go back into the ground. They
then jump for Robo-Illanov and Robo-Draga as a fight ensues for the
defence controls.

Mission Control Cavern
At that moment:

The strong defences that were put up have now all been pulled back to
their normal positions. The Road Rovers, who are now exposes on the
ramparts and platforms of RRMC's buildings, watch in shock at this.

Colleen:"Oi! Who's letting the bloomin' robot dogs in?"

Hunter quickly contacts those in the banquet on his headset.

Hunter:"Master! Hubert! What's going on?"

He soon gets the answer. He then radios everyone else.

Hunter:"Alex and Draga got into the buildings! I mean their robo versions!"

Suddenly there is a loud shout from the tunnels and all the Robo Rovers
rush out into the caverns and run towards the unprotected buildings of
Mission Control. The Road Rovers watch them approach for a few seconds,
then Hunter gives the orders.

Hunter:"Looks like we're on our own now! Let's go down there and fight
        these clones!"

The Road Rovers begin to climb down to meet their counterparts as the
Robo Rovers come ever closer to Mission Control. Soon each combatant 
finds his/her organic/robotic counterpart and begin to engage in single
combat. Pretty quickly, however, does it become clear that the battle
is a definite tie and that none has an advantage over his/her opponent.
Such as with Colleen and Robo-Colleen. Each of them try to karate kick
the other, but the other blocks the kick and counters with a kick of
her own, which is also blocked (same situation is happening with Krystal
and Robo-Krystal). Hunter tries to super-fast run into a good position 
with which to attack Robo-Hunter, but Robo-Hunter also moves super-fast 
to counter Hunter's moves. Striker and Robo-Striker keep firing their 
sonic rifles at each other, but the blasts keep on colliding with each 
other each time. Warwolf and Robo-Warwolf enter into a wrestling match, 
doing all kinds of WWF moves on one another, but neither gets the upper 
paw. Rally and Robo-Rally, both having a force shield around both of 
them, keep on hurling energy and fire balls at each other over and over 
with no result. Vicki and Robo-Vicki try to out fly each other (same 
situation with Saphire and Robo-Saphire) while their sisters, Kyra and 
Robo-Kyra, arm wrestle each other with their extended elastic arms.
Bear and Chaser are busy trading punches with Robo-Bear and Robo-
Chaser while Dixie and Robo-Dixie are busy pulling at each other's furry
ears. The battle rages on with neither side seeming to gain an advantage
over the other. However, as time passes, the Road Rovers start to loose
ground against the Robo-Rovers. Not because the Robo-Rovers are better,
but because the Road Rovers are beginning to tire of the continuous and
equalled fighting.

Banquet Hall
9:04 PM:

A similar battle is raging here between the Road Rovers who are here and
their Robo-Rover clone. Only the Master and Buford is without a counter-
part, but they can do little to help as each time they try to intervene
they are brushed aside by the Robo-Rovers. The two of them, after a 
number of failed attempts, gather by each other.

Buford:"We must do something else to help the Rovers out."

Master:"Yes, but what? These 'Robo Rovers' are exactly the same as the
        Road Rovers in all sense except their internal bodily build."

Buford then suddenly gets an idea.

Buford:"What if the GONV made the Robo Rovers so exact and complete copies
        of our Rovers that it included certain aspects of the Rovers that
        we can use?"

Master:"I think I'm following you to an extent, but what exactly are you
        implying, Buford?"
  
Buford:"What if the GONV not only included the Rovers' strengths, but also
        their weaknesses?"

The Master then realises what Buford means.

Master:"If I'm reading you correctly, if the Road Rovers could use their
        own weaknesses to counter the Robo Rovers, then they might be
        able to win?"

Buford:"Correct, though this is just based on a wild guess and I don't know
        if it will work."

Master:"Right now I would try anything."

They turn to the nearest Rover, who just happens to be Corsair. Currently
his head is being pressed down hard onto a table by Robo-Corsair.

Master:"Corsair! We need you to try something!"

Corsair(in pain):"I'm a little busy right now!"

Master:"What is your weakness?"

Corsair(in pain):"My weakness??? What does my weakness have to do with
       this fight I'm in?"

Buford:"You could use it to defeat your counterpart!"

Corsair realises what they mean.

Corsair(in pain):"Oh! I get it!"

He reaches for a laptop and grabs one. He holds it above the ground and
groans in pain while sighing at the same time. Robo-Corsair sees what he
is doing.

R-Corsair:"Hey. What are you up to?"

Corsair reluctantly lets go of the laptop. Robo-Corsair's eyes widen in
horror.

R-Corsair:"NO!"

He lets go of Corsair and goes down to catch the laptop just before it
could hit the ground. Corsair then grabs his laser magnum, which he had
been unable to do earlier, aims at Robo-Corsair and pulls the trigger.
The laser blast hits Robo-Corsair in the back and his back explodes into
a mess of metal and wires. Electrical bolts jolt Robo-Corsair before he
finally falls to the ground, no longer working. Corsair looks at his
destroyed clone, as does the Master and Buford.

Corsair:"Whoa! This gives a whole new meaning to suicide."

Master:"You were right, Buford! The GONV HAS made exact copies of the
        Rovers! You tell the others in here about while I alert those
        outside!"

Buford:"Right! And then we'll try to get rid of the EFV in our systems!"

The Master goes on the intercom and announces the discovery over the
speakers while Buford goes to each struggling Road Rover(not too close)
and tells them the same thing. Nitro is the first to try out the new
tactic. She has been tiring (both from her fight and her Banshee Howl 
that was countered by Robo-Nitro) and is now against a wall. Robo-Nitro
is closing in on her. Nitro looks up at her.

Nitro:"You know, that clothing of your sucks."

This gets Robo-Nitro a bit annoyed.

R-Nitro:"Sucks? It's the same as yours, sister, and yours don't suck."

Nitro:"I admit I have bad taste, but YOUR taste is even worse. Those
       colours are so old-age. And that hair! What did you do to them?
       Put them in a blender? Oh, and just look at that figure! You have
       grown quite fat! It's amazing that Robo-Bear chose you, but then
       again he is stupid, lazy, lousy and a pathetic lover."

Nitro suddenly realises what she said.

Nitro:"My God. I've insulted myself."

Robo-Nitro, however, is now very angry and screaming at Nitro.

R-Nitro:"HOW DARE YOU!!! I'LL MURDER YOU!!!"

In full fury she charges down on Nitro. Nitro keeps her ground until the
last moment, then sidesteps out of the way. Robo-Nitro charges head-first
into the wall and smashes apart her upper body. Sparks and shards fly as
the robotic body slumps down onto the floor. Nitro looks down at the
body.

Nitro:"Everyone told me before I had a foul temper, but I never realised
       it was that bad."

She then turns her attention to the other Rovers who are still struggling
with their robotic counterparts and joins Corsair in helping them triumph
over the Robo-Rovers using their weaknesses.

Mission Control Caverns
9:07 PM:

All the Road Rovers have heard the Master's announcement, still battling
the Robo-Rovers, who have not paid attention to the announcement. They
then begin to search for their weaknesses and try to use them. Shag, who
is about to be attacked by his angry counterpart, whimpers as he digs
around in his fur and takes a hotdog. He then gets an idea, turns away
and in place of the sausage he places a stick of TNT and lights it. He
turns to Robo-Shag and offers it to him.

Shag:"Rhotdog?"

Robo-Shag licks his lips and grabs the hotdog. He then swallows it whole
and rubs his tummy in delight. Seconds later the TNT explodes and blows
apart Robo-Shag, sending robot parts and fake fur flying all over the
place while Shag faints from seeing him get blown up. Blitz, who has his
back to a wall of one of the buildings and is being cornered there by
Robo-Blitz, takes out a magazine and holds it next to him, opening on
one the pages.

Blitz:"You like this, ja?"

The pages show a collection of pretty female tooshies. Robo-Blitz drools
as he stares at them.

R-Blitz:"Ja... ja.... TOOSHIES!!!"

He jumps for the magazine, jaws wide open. Just as he is about to chomp
on the magazine Blitz pulls it away and Robo-Blitz rams his head through
the wall, getting stuck in the wall. Blitz closes the magazine and begins
to kiss it.

Blitz:"I'm going to make a subscription for this Playdoggie magazine."

Meanwhile Colleen and Hunter have ran towards the fainted Shag and jumped
into his fur, followed closely by Robo-Colleen and Robo-Hunter. They
then jump out of Shag's fur, Colleen now holding a squeaky toy banana and
Hunter a wet tennis ball. Hunter waves the ball at Robo-Hunter, who goes
into playful-dog mode.

Hunter:"Wanna play, boy?"

Robo-Hunter barks. Hunter throws the ball away.

Hunter:"Fetch, boy!"

Robo-Hunter goes after the ball. Meanwhile Colleen squeezes the banana so
that it squeaks, causing Robo-Colleen to also go into playful-dog mode.
She throws the banana away like Hunter and Robo-Colleen goes after it as
well. Both Robo-Hunter and Robo-Colleen catch the thrown toys, but as they
do a beep comes from each toy and the explosives within each one go off.
The two Robo-Rovers are blown apart into pieces. Hunter and Colleen look
at each other.

Hunter:"You know, I'm certain that today sooner or later someone is going
        to mention the word 'suicide'."

Colleen:"No kidding, Hunter. Shall we help the others?"

Hunter:"Let's see what happens first, then we'll help out those is having
        more trouble than the others."

Colleen nods and they look around the battlefield. Bear and Robo-Bear are
still trading punches, but Bear is the worse looking one. Bear goes into
a non-combat stance as Robo-Bear grins.

R-Bear:"Admit it: Am I good or what?"

Robo-Bear makes a tough guy stance, but suddenly Bear whips out a pair of
earphones attached to an MP3, slips them onto Robo-Bear's ears and turns
it on full volume. Robo-Bear screams in pain and grabs his ears. Bear
takes action. He goes behind Robo-Bear, grabs his head and breaks it. But
instead of bones breaking, there is the sounds of wires tearing apart 
and sparks flying as Robo-Bear falls before Bear. Bear kneels next to
his finished counterpart.

Bear:"Admit it: Am I good or what?"

Meanwhile Warwolf and Robo-Warwolf were still wrestling with one another,
as were their sisters, Zenith and Robo-Zenith. They were all still on
equal terms, but both Warwolf and Zenith were on their backs. Robo-War-
wolf was looking down at Warwolf.

R-Warwolf:"Whose the man, eh? WHOSE THE MAN???"

Warwolf sighs and holds out his WWF championship belt to Robo-Warwolf,
who looks surprised at him.

Warwolf(defeated):"You are the man."

Robo-Warwolf smiles, takes the belt and holds it up high as he begins to
show it off. Just as he turns his back to show it off some more, Warwolf
gets up, jumps into air, grabs Robo-Warwolf's head with his legs and
falls, ripping the head off. Sparks fly as the body wavers, then falls
onto the ground. Warwolf picks up his belt and grins at the head of Robo-
Warwolf.

Warwolf:"Whose the man? I'M THE MAN!!!"

He puts the belt back on and goes to help out his sister. Rally has 
stopped throwing energy and fireballs at Robo-Rally, but has begun to
run away. Robo-Rally follows Rally as he goes for a supply shed. Rally
opens it and goes inside. As Robo-Rally reaches the shed he gasps and
steps back as Rally appears holding a lead pipe, shaking in fear as he
does so.

Rally:"Y-y-yeah. You know t-t-this."

He takes a reluctant step towards Robo-Rally.

R-Rally:"No! Not the pipe!"

Before Robo-Rally can react, Rally runs up to him and swings the lead
pipe at his head. The force of the lead pipe breaks Robo-Rally's neck
and the body falls to the ground. Rally watches his demise, then quickly
throws the pipe.

Rally:"I hope I NEVER get use that ever again!"

Saphire and Robo-Saphire were still trying to out-manoeuvre each other in 
the air, when suddenly Saphire stops flying and begins to fall. Just as
she is about to hit the ground she stops inches from it. She looks up
and sees that Robo-Saphire had caught her feet and was smiling at the
camera.

R-Saphire:"I just love doin..."

She is cut off as Saphire's legs grab around her head and breaks her
neck. Both Saphire and the dead Robo-Saphire fall to the ground. Saphire
gets up and looks at her dead counterpart, grinning.

Saphire:"Yeah. I love it too.

Dusty and Robo-Dusty were busy clawing at each other, but the other just
manages to avoid getting a chunk of fur torn out. Dusty then gets an
idea and points behind Robo-Dusty.

Dusty:"Look! A child is in trouble!"

Robo-Dusty gasps and looks behind him as Dusty prepares to pounce.

Robo-Dusty:"Hey, there's no child around h..."

Dusty pounces him and begins to claw away at his chest, ripping away
fur at first, followed by metal plates and finally vital components and
wires. Robo-Dusty's body shakes from electrical jolts, then dies. Dusty
stops clawing at him.

Dusty:"I see my love for kids still hasn't failed me... oh wait, it did.
       No, wait. It didn't. Oh, heck. I won and he lost. Simple as that."

Meanwhile both Chaser and Krystal were still fighting their counterparts
a short distance from each other. Chaser is just able to avoid another
punch from Robo-Chaser. As he gets upright again they both get into
a pre-punch stance. Chaser then looks at the two Krystals, gets an idea
and then looks back at Robo-Chaser, grinning.

Chaser:"You have lost the match, Robo-Chaser! Now, DIE!!!"

Robo-Chaser just chuckles at this futile attempt to intimidate him, but
it gets Robo-Krystal's attention and she immediately runs for Robo-
Chaser as Chaser pulls back his fist. 

R-Krystal:"Hold on, Love!"

Chaser:"Love, wait!"

It is too late as Robo-Krystal tackles Robo-Chaser to "save" him and the
two fall onto the grass. Both Chaser and Krystal are upon them before
their robotic clones can recover and quickly break their necks. When
they are done both Chaser and Krystal hug each other.

Krystal:"I guess my temper and love for you does sometimes get the upper
         paw."

Chaser:"And I'm glad for it. Just make sure it doesn't interfere with
        our work, eh?"

Krystal giggles and hugs him again. Soon the tide of the battle clearly
shifts into the Road Rovers' favour as those who have defeated their
robotic clones help those who are still having trouble. When the dust
has settled all that remains of the Robo Rovers are smashed robotic
bodies, robotic parts and fake fur lying about all over the place. The
final sign that the GONV has lost is when the EFV makes a final announce-
ment over the speakers.

EFV:"Warning. EFV files deleted. Shutting dooooowwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnn."

The speakers go dead and the Road Rovers all cheer in celebration at
their victory. Those who were inside join those outside and get into the
celebration. After a few minutes of celebration everyone settled down and
they all begin to hold a quick conference.

Master:"Well done, Road Rovers. You have successfully beaten back the Robo
        Rovers and have saved Mission Control from the GONV. You're good,
        good Rovers."

His face then becomes grim.

Master:"Unfortunately, this attack and the fact that the GONV has shut 
        down means that Matrix and the GONV Forces are still very much
        active. If so, we must find out where they are operating from
        and discover what their next plan of action is."

Just then the Street Rover appears from a nearby tunnel and drives up
to the group. Everyone turns to look as Tanarus and Elexis climb out of
the Street Rover, looking about at the debris lying about.

Striker:"Tanarus. Elexis. Glad to see you two arrived safely here."

Tanarus:"Is everything all right here?"

Hunter:"Everthing's okay now. We've beaten back the GONV Forces and 
        these Robo Rovers. But weren't you two supposed to have gone out
        on a 'date'?"

Tanarus:"We were, Hunter, but as we were leaving the vicinity of Mission
         Control we spotted a GONV war carrier appear from the sky and
         land here. We turned around and went to warn you, but when we
         got here we were attacked by robotic clones of ourselves."

Elexis:"It was quite a fight, but we eventually won over our counterparts
        by using our weakness. Judging from the debris all over the place
        you guys must have done the same."

Bear:"Sure did."

Norwood:"Is the war carrier still there?"

Tanarus:"No. After we defeated our clones it took off and flew away."

Master:"Which way?"

Elexis:"Straight up, almost going to space as it were. Of course, that
        could be were it was heading."

Dusty:"Into space? Where?"

Drago:"If we hadn't busted all the Robo Rovers we might have been able
       to interrogate one."

Blitz:"Mine is still working."

Everyone looks at Blitz as he points to the wall where Robo-Blitz, his
head still stuck in the wall, was trying to get free. Everyone grins.

Exile:"This could be easyski."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade."

Rally:"Very, very easy."

Colleen:"Let's interrogate."

Everyone marches over to the trapped Robo-Blitz and Drago pulls him out
of the wall, holding him out to the others by the collar. He is clearly
now a bit scared.

R-Blitz:"W-w-what are you going to do to me?"

Colleen:"Let me handle this one, guys."

Everyone lets Colleen pass as she approaches Robo-Blitz, rolling up her
sleeves and looking in a threatening way.

Colleen:"We will hurt you if don't tell us what we want to know, FLUFFY."

R-Blitz, Blitz:"Hey!"

Colleen:"No reply? Okay."

She prepares to kick, but R-Blitz screams and begins to talk.

R-Blitz:"Nein! Nein! I'm not a Robo Rover!"

He points to Blitz.

R-Blitz:"He is! He is the robot girlie doggie!"

Drago:"Nice try. Now, will you answer the lady's questions? Or shall we
       just pound you to scrap?"

R-Blitz begins to cry and begins to babble.

R-Blitz:"Okay! Okay! Please don't hurt me!"

Blitz frowns at this behaviour.

Blitz:"You are giving me a bad name."

Exile:"As ifski it wasn't already badder."

Colleen grabs Robo-Blitz by the front and holds her balled fist beneath
his chin.

Colleen:"First off, guv. How is Matrix able to control its robotic
         forces while its being detained in an isolated cell?"

R-Blitz:"It's because the Matrix you caught was only a special copy that
         Matrix made of himself to fool you! It's not the real Matrix!"

Everyone looks at each other shock.

Nitro:"No wonder! Matrix is a computer program! He can easily copy him-
       self and edit his copy's program!"

Outlaw:"So you mean we let ourselves get hood-winked like a bunch of 
        kids?"
 
Master:"Afraid so, Outlaw."

They turn back to the interrogation.

Colleen:"Then where is Matrix and his GONV Forces now?"

R-Blitz:"They're on the Moon! He's going to launch some kind of missile
         in order to win the Techno War, ja!"

Colleen:"Missile? What missile?"

R-Blitz:"I don't know! All I know is that the missile is called the 
         Planet Buster! That's all I know, I swear! Please, don't hurt
         me!"

Colleen thinks for a moment, then shakes her head.

Colleen:"Nah, guv. I'll just smash your head off."

Robo-Blitz screams as Colleen makes a karate kick and snaps his head off
his body. Drago drops the body as Colleen shudders.

Colleen:"Blimey, that felt so good."

Drago:"That it can image."

Exile:"And many of usski, too."

Blitz looks at the busted Robo-Blitz.

Blitz:"Ach. I guess he could not impress pretty she doggie."

Master:"Okay, everyone. Fun's over."

They all turn their attention back to the meeting.

Norwood:"Right. So Matrix is still free and operating on the Moon, getting
         ready to launch this Planet Buster missile."

Striker:"I do not like that name."

Bear:"Me neither."

Outlaw:"I wished he could have picked a less ominous name."

Norwood:"Whatever the case is, it is clear that Matrix is going to attempt
         one last ditch attempt to win the Techno War by launching this
         missile. And we know whatever the nature of the missile is, it
         is certainly going to cause untold casualties if it is successful-
         ly launched at Earth."

Master:"Rovers, you must go to the Moon and stop Matrix from launching
        the Planet Buster. Go and get prepared while I contact Persia and
        the Space Rovers."

The Rovers all salute and rush into Mission Control to get their gear. The
Master, Norwood and the rest go into Mission Control as well.

Computer Screen
Somewhere On The Moon
9:32 PM:

The screen is slightly different but more or less the same as the screen
of the GONV computer. On it appears "ROBOTIC ROVER ATTACK FAILED. INI-
TIATING LUNAR DEFENCE NETWORK".

Bridge
The Canis Minor
Somewhere In The Beta Quadrant
9:39 PM:

Captain Persia is in her seat on the bridge of the Space Rovers' vessel,
the Canis Minor. Various members of the bridge crew are here. On the view
screen is the image of the Master.

Persia:"What is the nature of this 'Planet Buster', Master?"

Master:"We don't know, Persia. All we do know is that if it is successful-
        ly launched at Earth, the results will be catastrophic beyond any
        comprehension."

Persia:"No surprise, if the GONV is behind it. We'll turn around and
        return immediately back to Earth."

Master:"Thank you, Persia. I hope that your support will help the Road
        Rovers stop the GONV and its Planet Buster. Out."

The screen goes blank and Persia calls out to her crew over the intercom.

Persia:"All crews, set a course for home immediately and at full speed.
        It seems we got big troubles in our back yard."

Crew:"Aye aye, captain!"

Canis Minor:

The Canis Minor stops the direction it is travelling in and turns towards
Earth. It then immediately goes into hyperspace at the faster possible
warp. The Road Rovers have defeated their evil clones, the Robo Rovers,
and have saved Road Rover Mission Control from certain destruction. But
Matrix has escaped their grasp and fled, where it is now preparing its
mysterious but certainly deadly Planet Buster. What new dangers await our 
heroes on the Moon? Will they finally stop Matrix and destroy the Planet
Buster? Or will Matrix win the final and most decisive victory of the
Techno War?


TO BE CONTINUED...