Road Rovers: The Iron Fist

Episode 18: True Colours

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rover names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners.
Striker, Phoenix, Illanov, Elexis, Cadwell and all others related to 
the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé
Strayers © Steven Today
Nitro, Dixie, Prowler © Amanda Stephenson
Maddogs, Dimitri Vladimir, USS Retriever and its crew © Greg Williams
Hacker © Bart Walls
Vitriol © Greywolf Lupous

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

Cabin, Rocky Mountains, United States of America, September 15, 8:01 PM: 

This is a large cabin in the snow-covered mountains that looks like the
one Bear and Nitro had spent their honeymoon. A car pulls up next to
it and a newly wed cano-sapien couple climb out. The new husband goes 
over and picks up his new wife. They look lovingly at each other.

Husband:"Ready for some action, my dear?"

She giggles.

Wife:"Only when you are, tiger."

They both smile broadly. He goes up to the door and she opens it. They
both walk in and close the door behind them. Just as the door closes a
massive explosion takes them, the cabin and their car out in a very
large blast. After a few moments Hacker and some KH Troopers appear. 
They are all cheering. 

Trooper 1:"Take that, suckers!"

Hacker:"Oooo! I feel good!"

Trooper 2:"High five!"

The troopers and Hacker high five each other as the cabin and the car
burn away in the night. 

Church, Indiana, United States of America, September 16, 1:31 PM:

A wedding was taking place. The guests (mostly Rover operatives) line
the way to the limo. The bridal Cano-sapien couple both appear from
the church and make their way to the limo while the guests throw bird
seed over them. From the church appear Pastor Wan (from "Wedding Bell
Blues"), smiling. The couple climb into the limo and it begins to 
drive towards the reception, the guests waving at them. As it begins
to cross a bridge over a river it stops, to the surprise of the guests.
Then one of the guests sees something and points it.

Guest:"Look! Over there!"

They look at the other end of the bridge and gasp. Standing there is 
a KH Mammoth Tank blocking the road. In the tank is Vitriol. He shouts 
at the couple.

Vitriol:"EAT LEAD, ROVERS!!!"

The tank's rotor-cannon begins to spool up. Before the limo driver can
react the cannon fires a continues stream of bullets into them. It
keeps firing until the limo explodes, the blast sending the wreak down
into the river. Vitriol then makes a signal and the rotor turns to
the guests. As they realise what is going to happen the cannon once
again opens fire. Most of the guests are gunned down before they can
escape or retaliate. When the tank stops shooting all the Rovers are
dead and Wan is the only one surviving. He sees the tank drive away 
and then the devastation. He makes cruciform in front of him.

Wan:"God have mercy."

Mountain Pass, Colorado, United States of America, 17 September, 9:45 PM: 

A Rover vehicle is parked near a point overlooking the countryside. A
Cano-sapien couple have their arms around each other while they look at
the night sky. 

Female:"To think we're going to be married in a few days. It makes me
        so happy."

Male:"And that makes me happy, darling."

They stare lovingly at each other, then they kiss each other long and
passionately. This romantic scene is spoiled, however, by the appearance
of a Colossus Tank behind the vehicle. In the cockpit with his men is
Prowler. He quickly signals to them.

Prowler:"Now."

The tank rolls forward and before the couple realises what is going the
tank hits the back of the vehicle and begins to push it. It keeps on
until the vehicle is forced off into the abyss. It plummets down the
cliff and explodes when it hits the ground. Prowler and his men climb
out and look over at the burning vehicle.

Prowler:"Sorry. No wedding, honeymoon or happy life for you two."

They chuckle, then climb back into the tank and drive off.

Flight Deck, USS Retriever, Atlantic Ocean, 19 September, 10:46 AM:

The USS Retriever, an American aircraft carrier, is making it's way
through the ocean. On the flight deck a wedding is in progress. The
crewmembers of the Retriever are all Cano-sapiens. The only humans
here is Major Cadwell and a few other navy officials, Peeare Booswa
(from "Wedding Bell Blues) and Pastor Wan. The crew include the 
following: Captain Bowser (a male Saint Barnard), First Officer 
Emerald (a female Border Collie), Navigator Mauser (a male German
Shepherd), Medical Chief Bandage (a female Jack Russell), Cook 
Viking (a fat male Bulldog), Chief Engineer Rusty (a male Scottish 
Terrier), Flight Commander Turbulance (a male Rottweiler), Missile
Room Technicians Jocky, Rocky and Stocky (all male Dobermans),  
Commanders Santiago (a female Afghan), Chucky (a male Cocker Spaniel)
and Firebird (a male Chihuahua), Pilots Maverick (a male Chow), 
Sidewinder (a female German Shepherd) and Durandal (a male 
bulldog) and the minisub crewmembers Captain Slide (a female Chow),
Navigator Tracker (a male Bloodhound) and Pilot Electric ( a male
Siberian Husky). Maverick and Slide are the lucky ones getting
married. They are standing next to each other and facing Wan. He
looks at the crowd.

Wan:"If there is anyone here who should think these two happy dogs 
     should not get married, please speak now or forever hold your
     peace."

Voice (behind crowd):"I do!"

Everyone turns to the source of the voice. Standing here is Prowler,
Hacker, Vitriol, Dimitri Vladimir and members of the Pouncer Unit. 
Everyone is shocked at what they see.

Peeare:"Oh my God!"

Tracker:"This can't be good."

Rusty:"Ach. This looks bad, laddies."

Bowser:"What is the meaning of this?"

Prowler:"The USS Retriever is now placed under KH Military command." 

Emerald:"Oh really? Then why are you held prisoner by the Pouncers?"

Prowler:"They are not our captors. They WORK for us."

Everyone gasps.

Mauser:"You mean...All these attacks on the Rovers and the others...."

Prowler:"Yes. The info was kindly provided by the leader of this
         unit, Captain Valador."

Captain Valador steps up. 

Cadwell:"How did you...?"

Valador:"...end up working for them? They offered us lots of cash.
         We don't get paid enough for the high-risk tasks we all 
         undertake. Don't we, boys?"  

Pouncers:"No, sir."

Viking:"You won't get away with this!"

Dimitri:"Really? What makes you say that?"

Maverick:"The Road Rovers will come and kick your sorry tails!"

Prowler:"That's what I'm hoping for."

Everyone turns to Prowler, confused.

Vitriol:"You are?"

Prowler:"Yes. We're going to use the USS Retriever and its crew as
         bait to lure the Road Rovers and Strayers into a trap." 

Hacker:"Can you make me believe that?"

Prowler:"I seem to recall you got in trouble over the fact of Striker
         being at Bear's and Nitro's wedding during Operation Wedding
         Fire, am I right?"

Hacker gulps.

Hacker:"I believe you now."

Prowler:"Good. Now down to business. Valador. Dimitri. Take the prisoners
         down to the ship's holding cells. Hacker. Vitriol. Bring along
         Rocky, Jocky and Stocky to the Missile Room."

Valador, Dimitri, Hacker, Vitriol, Pouncers:"Yes, sir."

Valador signals the Pouncers and they start rounding up the crew and 
guests. Prowler, Hacker and Vitriol grab Jocky, Rocky, Stocky and take
them to the Missile Room. 

Jocky, Rocky, Stocky:"Leggo!"

Prowler:"I don't think so. We have a special job for the three."

Jocky, Rocky, Stocky:"Says you!"

Vitriol:"Shut up or I'll give you new holes in your heads."

Hacker looks at Maverick and Slide.

Hacker:"Sorry 'bout your wedding. It's been a pleasure ruining it."

Maverick and Slide growl at Hacker.

Maverick:"Just wait, Hacker! We'll get married!"

Slide:"And you'll be going back to jail!"

Hacker:"Whatever."

The guests are lead away by the Pouncers, guided by Dimitri. 

Missile Room, USS Retriever, 11:03 AM:

This is a large room with cruise missiles. Prowler, Hacker, Vitriol, 
Rocky, Jocky and Stocky enter the missile room's control room. There
are many panels with buttons, indicators, screens and levers and a 
window overlooks the missiles. Prowler looks at the three technicians.

Prowler:"You guys are well stocked with cruise missiles. Where is the 
         decoder that controls them?"

Rocky, Jocky, Stocky:"We won't talk!"

Prowler snaps his fingers and Hacker and Vitriol hold pistols to their
heads. They sigh and point at closed panel in the wall.

Rocky, Jocky, Stocky:"In there."

Prowler:"Thank you."

He goes over to the panel and opens it. He pulls out a square black
decoder that looks similar to the one Storm used (see "Storm from the
Pacific). He puts it on the ground and begins to work with the wires.

Vitriol:"What city are we going to destroy? New York? London? Moscow?"

Prowler:"We are not going to destroy any city."

Vitriol and Hacker look confused at Prowler.

Vitriol, Hacker:"What?"

Prowler:"The Supreme General's orders for us are to destroy the Rovers,
         Strayers and Maddogs. We will lure them into a trap. When they
         get into range we fire the missiles at them."
 
Hacker, Vitriol:"Oh! I get it."

They chuckle.

Rocky, Jocky, Stocky:"You won't get away with this!"

Hacker:"New cliché, please."

Prowler:"Put them into the cells with the others. They've served their
         purpose." 

Hacker and Vitriol drag Rocky, Jocky and Stocky out of the missile room.
Valador and Dimitri walk in.

Valador:"That's it, sir. The prisoners are secured."

Prowler:"Well done. Dimitri, come here and begin to fix this decoder so
         that we can gain access to the missiles."

Dimitri:"Sure thing."

Dimitro takes the decoder, puts it on a table and begins to work on it.

Briefing Room, Road Rover Mission Control, 11:36 AM:

The Road Rovers, Grizzlies and Maddogs are here before the Master.

Silver:"And now he's targeted wedding couples."

Colleen:"Three weddings have been driven into the ground."

Amani:"And a host of others that were to be held during the next six
       months were cancelled."

Saphire:"Only the marriage between Maverick and Slide on the USS
         Retriever are still going forth as planned."

Rabid:"The situation is starting to go out of our control."

Blitz:"WAY out."

Outlaw:"If a miracle doesn't happen soon we'll become part of the
        extinct species list." 

Master:"Look. I know you're all worried about the KH Military's 
        actions against us. Tan has told me earlier that the attacks
        are from an Alpha Squadron strike force lead by Prowler. If 
        we can stop Prowler, he says, then we'll stop the strike
        force."

Rabid:"So we need to find out where he really is and capture him."

Striker turns to Rabid.

Striker:"Capture him?"

Rabid looks at Striker.

Rabid:"Yeah. We caught him before. We'll catch him again."

Striker:"Ja. The KH Military broke him out. They will break him out
         again. No, Rabid. The only thing we can do to Prowler is to
         kill him." 

The Grizzlies look at Striker.

Dixie:"Kill Prowler? But he saved our lives in the past."

Puffball:"He not all bad dog."

Illanov:"Then why is he now working for the KH Military, comrade 
         Puffball?"

Puffball tries to answer, but is able to.

Rabid:"You're not serious, are you?"

Master:"I'm afraid he's right."

Everyone turns to the Master.

Master:"If we catch him the KH Military will break him out. And besides,
        no matter what we said he remains firm that he is now part of
        General Stalker's forces."

Nitro:"Can't we just keep him prisoner here?"

Beowulf:"If he breaks out of here like Sky did he will have every KH
         trooper here shooting at us."   

Hunter:"I have to agree with the Master on this one, Rabid. Prowler 
        is too much a risk to keep here or in any other prison."

Master:"The only option is to put him to sleep."

Dixie:"But can't Hubert give him some kind of drug or something to 
       make him see what he's doing and to have back with us?"  

Elexis:"Back with you? Six months ago you couldn't stand having him
        anywhere near you because of his sexist attitude. Now you 
        want him back?"

Dixie:"Yes."

Elexis:"Dixie, you have to let go of him. I know that you two were
        to get married before that accident with Viri, but now he 
        has left you. He hates you." 

Dixie hangs her head. 

Master:"Sad as it is Elexis is right. He is beyond saving. The only
        thing we can do to save him is to put him down."

Announcer:"Incoming transmission. Stand by..."

Tan's voice is once again over the speakers.

Tan:"And now you have a chance to kill him."

Master:"Where is he?"

Tan:"That's the bad part. He, along with Hacker, Vitriol and Dimitri
     Vladimir have hijacked the USS Retriever."

Outlaw:"That quite a collection."

Colleen:"Did they kill the entire crew?"

Tan:"No, not one. They are keeping them all prisoner and are busy
     reprogramming the carrier's cruise missiles."

Exile:"To blastski a city?"

Tan:"Wrong, Exile. They are programming them to fire at you."

Nitro:"At us?"

Tan:"Yes. Prowler is setting a trap for you and the carrier and its
     crew are the bait." 

Hunter:"Bummer."

Tan:"It gets worse."

Amani:"I hate it when people say that."

Silver:"Me too."

Tan:"Prowler took over the ship with the aid of a Pouncer Unit."

Everyone:"WHAT?!!"

Tan:"The unit leader, Valador, is the one who betray you all."

Striker:"I knew it!"

Hunter:"Yet another unexpected twist. Double bummer."

Rabid:"Traitors. Traitors. They're everywhere."

Master:"Tan, besides Valador, is there any other traitor still working
        for the KH Military?"

Tan:"No, it is just Valador."

Master:"Can you give us any assistance?"

Tan:"Yes. I can try and prevent them from launching the missiles on
     you when you approach the carrier, but don't expect them not 
     know that you're coming. Take care."

The speakers go dead. The Master turns to the group.

Master:"You must regain control of the ship and rescue her crew. Tan
        will help out a bit, but you must capture Valador and the 
        other villains so that they can go to prison. As for Prolwer,
        you will have to put him to sleep."

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

Everyone leaves the briefing room for the hangars.

Atlantic Ocean, 1200 Kilometres North of Scotland, 3:21 PM: 

The USS Retriever makes its way through the ocean. In the distance
behind it appear three sleek boats that Wesley had built (see "To 
Protect The Innocent From Evil"). The Rovers are in the first one, 
the Maddogs in the second and the Grizzlies in the third. 

Elexis:"Wesley, you are a genius."

Wesley:"I keep telling you that. With these boats they won't 
        detect us with their radar."

Hunter:"Don't be so sure, Wesley. The KH Military has proven that
        they have the most technologically advanced military force  
        in the world, so don't be surprised if they start shooting  
        at us."

Outlaw:"Yeah. They might just have some new gizmo brought onto the
        carrier that can pick us up." 

Sure enough, on the parking area of the flight deck stands a Radar
Sensor truck. It is a tracked vehicle with a rectangular dish on its 
back. It has stabilisers on its sides to keep it from falling off 
the ship's deck. Prowler, Valador and Vitriol are watching the radar
screen. It shows the three boats as reds coming towards them.

Vitriol:"Here comes our three little pigs."

Prowler:"And let's make pork chops out of them. Call Dimitri and tell
         him to fire when ready."

Valador:"Yes, sir."

He calls Dimitri and Hacker, who are in the missile bay control room
with the decoder now being controlled by a laptop. Hacker is at the
keyboard while Dimitri looks out to sea with binoculars.

Dimitri:"Here they come, Hacker. Get ready to fire the air/sea cruise
         missile." 

Hacker:"My pleasure. It is great idea to make these missiles travel
        underwater too. Now those Rovers won't be able to go into a
        sub mode and dodge the missile."

Dimitri and Hacker laugh evilly as Hacker types something in. Soon
one of the missiles is pointed out at the Rovers.

Dimitri:"Fire!"

Hacker pushes a button and the missile launches. From the boats the
Rovers, Strayers and Maddogs see the incoming projectile. 

Rabid:"Incoming!"

Hunter:"Sub mode everyone!"

Saphire:"Wait! Look at the missile!"

Everyone looks at the missile. To their surprise and to the shock of 
the enemy the missile turns around and begins to fly back towards the
missile bay. 

Dimitri:"Bolshoi! It's coming back at us!"

Vitriol:"Oh s***!"

Prowler calls Hacker.

Prowler:"Hacker! What the h*** is going on?!"

Hacker:"I don't know! The missile's not responding!"

Down below in the bay Hacker and Dimitri run out of the control room
seconds before the missile slams into it. The carrier lurches at the
force of the impact. The Radar Sensor is thrown off the ship and into
the ocean; Valador, Prowler and Vitriol almost going along with it.
They get up again and Dimitri and Hacker run up to them afterwards.

Prowler:"What happened?"

Hacker:"I don't know how, but someone on the outside changed the
        guidance code and locked me out so I couldn't stop it."

Prowler:"Outside? You sure?" 

Hacker:"Yeah. I'm definitely sure."

Prowler:"What about the decoder and the other missiles?"

Dimitri:"All gone! Blasted to pieces."

Valador:"What do we do now, sir?"

Prowler:"Put everyone on red alert and get some Pouncers to the mini-
         sub hangar. That's where they will enter. To battle stations,
         gentlemen. This is going to get nasty."

Everyone goes to his assigned point. Valador calls his Pouncers.

Valador:"Teams Alpha, Tango, Gulf and Zulu to mini-sub hangar."

The teams respond and make their to the hangar, but their advance is
halted by the sudden closing of all the hangar doors. The teams report
back to Valador.

Valador:"What?... You must be mad... It can't be... Look, hold your
         current positions."

Valador puts the phone away and turns to Prowler.

Valador:"Someone has closed all the hangar doors, sir."

Prowler:"You're joking, right?"

Valador:"No, sir."

Prowler looks around the deck, scratching his chin. He then sees the
communication dish on the control tower. He takes his Gauss Rifle,
aims at it and fires a rocket into it. Valador looks surprised at
him.

Valador:"What did you do that for?"

Prowler:"Preventing this outside prick from messing us further up."

Mini-Sub Hangar, 3:33 PM:

The boats, now in sub-mode, surface inside the hangar. The Rovers, 
Strayers and Maddogs all climb out, armed and ready. They all have
scanners and changer-cloaker belts. They look around.

Puffball:"No baddie in here."

Beowulf:"Oddly deserted for a hijacked ship who's hijackers know
         we're coming."

Rabid:"I don't think it's odd. Look."

He points at the closed doors.

Rabid:"The doors have been locked."

Colleen:"It must be Tan. He's been locking doors to prevent us from
         being killed ever since the War in Colombia began."

Dixie:"But if the doors are locked how do we get out?"

Blitz:"Watch."

Blitz walks up to a wall and with his sharp claws makes his own door.
He smiles.

Blitz:"Ta da."

Phoenix:"Smart idea, Blitz."

Voices can be heard from the hallways.

Voice:"The noise came from over here."

Everyone looks annoyed at Blitz.

Phoenix:"Stupid idea, Blitz."

Blitz:"I did a naught thing."

Outlaw:"Too late. All we can do is cloak and take these guys out."

Hunter:"Good idea. Everyone cloak!"

Everyonre pushes a button on their belts and disappear from sight
just as some Team Gulf Pouncers run into the hangar. They look 
around.

Pouncer 1:"Look. They're subs are here."

Pouncer 2:"But they're not."

Pouncer 3:"I'll call Brass Hat."

The Pouncer takes out his radio, but an invisible hand takes it from
him.

Pouncer 3:"What the?"

Several fists hit the Pouncers in the face. One unfortunate Pouncer
gets Blitz's teeth in his round behind. He jumps up so high that he 
knocks himself out on the ceiling. Blitz takes the torn-off piece
of cloth out of his mouth.

Exile:"You're disgusting."

Hunter:"Let's split up and try to find out where the prisoners are.
        Outlaw. Striker. Your teams go left. Rabid. Your team and mine
        will go right."

Outlaw, Striker, Rabid:"Roger!"

Exile:"Just who in Mother Russia is Roger?!"

Illanov:"'Roger' means 'Yes, sir', comrade Exile."

Exile:"Oh. Now I seeski."

The two groups split up, each group going in its direction. 

Detention Center, 3:45 PM:

This is a large room with many cells. The carrier's crew are all in
the cells while a substantial number of Team Charlie Pouncers guard 
them. Maverick and Slide are sitting on a bunk, he is comforting her. 
The Pouncers start teasing them.

Pouncer 1:"Aww. Look at the happy couple."

Pouncer 2:"Does your dress fit? If it doesn't, I'm sure Maverick can
           help you out of it."

Pouncer 3:"Yeah. It would be a 'sporting' opportunity."

They all laugh. Wan comes up and comforts the couple. The crew give 
them dirty looks.

Firebird:"Monsters!"

Pouncer 4:"Thanks for the compliment."

Voice (from behind):"And here's our compliments."

The Pouncers turn around and stop smiling. Standing at the door and
the cell controls are the Maddogs.

Outlaw:"Did you guys know that your outfits look nasty?"

The Pouncers ready their rifles, but Wesley quickly pulls the levers
and open all the cells. The crew overwhelm the Pouncers and take their
guns. The Pouncers are then put into the cells. Cadwell and Bowser
walk up to the Maddogs.

Cadwell:"Maddogs! Boy, we're glad to see you."

Bowser:"Yes. Thanks for rescuing me and my crew."

Wan:"The Lord has answered our prayers."

Outlaw:"Don't thank us yet. The ship is still crawling with Pouncers."

Mauser:"But we have weapons now. We should try and retake the ship."

Saphire:"Not so fast. Only ten of you have weapons and there are at
         least dozens of Pouncers on the ship."

Bandage:"The ship's armory has weapons. If we can get there we can
         all get a weapon."

Suddenly there is the sounds of gunfire outside. Outside Striker,
Illanov, Phoenix and Elexis turn around to see Dimitri and Team
Bravo Pouncers aiming their rifles at them.

Dimitri:"Drop your weapons!"

Striker:"Very well."

They drop their weapons and the Pouncers become more relaxed. Just
then Elexis takes out her Widowmaker and throws it at a pipe above
the Pouncers. It cuts it open, letting loose hot steam on the 
enemy. Some of them are scalded while Dimitri and the survivors
run forward to face the raised weapons of Striker, Phoenix and
Illanov.

Phoenix:"Drop YOUR weapons."

They do as they are told. The Maddogs and the crew rush up and 
secure the prisoners. Silver looks at Dimitri.

Silver:"It's always nice to meet old friends when you are on a
        tour." 

Beowulf:"That's right."

Outlaw walks up to Striker.

Outlaw:"We need to get to the armoury to get these folks some weapons
        so that they can help retake the ship."

Striker:"Hunter and Rabid reported in that they were about to secure 
         it. They will meet us there."

Outlaw turns to Bowser. 

Outlaw:"Captain, where is the armory?"

Bowser:"Follow me."

They all begin to follow Bowser. The group well covered by the Maddogs,
Striker and his team and the crewmembers that have guns or have armed
themselves with whatever they found.

Armory, at that moment:

This is a large room with shelves of guns of all types. There are some
Team Hotel Pouncers partolling the area. One them suddenly sees one of
his comrades frozen in place by a Petri Pistol. He looks around and
sees Amani just before she freezes him with her Petri Pistol.

Amani:"Oops. Forgot to say freeze."

Elsewhere in the room two Pouncers are walking down an isle. Suddenly
Puffball comes up from behind and graps them around their necks with
her arms.

Puffball:"Play time now."

She throws them into a shelf. The other Pouncers hear the noise and
rush in to assist. Two of them are running towards them. Nitro and
Rabid, who are hiding behind some shelves next to the isle stick out
their legs and trip the two Pouncers. Rabid smiles at Nitro.

Rabid:"You always did know how to bowl people over, Honey."

Nitro smiles at Rabid.

Nitro:"So have you, Dear."

Two other Pouncers also run down an isle, but Exile freezes the floor
in front of them and they slide down the isle. Blitz is just about
to gain on two others' behind when they collide with the two that are 
sliding down the isle. Blitz looks at the heap.

Blitz:"So close. SO close."

Exile comes to Blitz.

Exile:"Quit being lazy and helpski, Weird Boy."

Blitz growls at him. Two others run down an isle. Shag suddenly steps
in front of them and they run into his thick fur. When they fall out
the other end their rifles are gone. They turn back to Shag. Hunter
climbs out of Shag's fur, aiming the Pouncers' rifles at their last
owners. Hunter looks at Shag.

Hunter:"Smart trick, Shag. Give me some skin."

Shag hands Hunter some deer skins.

Hunter:"That wasn't exactly what I meant."

Shag:"Rho! Rhokay."

He puts the skins away. The last two Pouncers, who are staying at
their position, keep a keen eye out. Dixie appears behind them.

Dixie:"Hey there, big boys."

The two Pouncers turn around and Dixie strikes a pose that they
find hard not to stare at. She smiles. 

Dixie:"I got something to show you."

She unzips her jacket. The two soldiers' eyes become VERY wide. 

Pouncer 1:"Whoa! What a sight!"

Pouncer 2:"Now THOSE are assets."

Colleen comes from behind and gives a karate kick to both of them.
They fall to the ground and Dixie zips up.

Dixie:"Males. They always want me."

Colleen rolls her eyes. The Maddogs, Striker's team and the crew
come into the room. Hunter comes up to them.

Striker:"All clear?"

Hunter:"Clear as a glass of water."

Cadwell:"Right, everyone. Let's get armed."

The crewmembers begin to arm themselves with all kinds of weapons. 
Suddenly Hacker and a large number of Pouncers come in. 

Hacker:"Surrender now, Rovers!"

Amani:"I guess it's that time again."

Muzzle jumps up.

Wesley:"My turn."

Wesley removes Muzzle's muzzle.

Wesley:"Muzzle 'em!"

Muzzle jumps out of his cart and towards Hacker and the Pouncers.

Hacker:"I hope my insurance covers this!"

The scene that follows is the same: too ugly to look at. 

Turbulance:"Sheesh! Muzzle knows how to make a mess."

Santiago:"I think I'm going to go..."

Chucky:"This is as bad as Viking's cooking!"

Viking:"Hey!"

Chucky:"Okay. Almost as bad as your cooking."

Viking punches Chucky like he usually does. Striker is still watching
the scene. He then sees Phoenix next to him, also watching.

Striker:"Hello. You enjoy the show too?"

Phoenix:"It gives me great satisfaction."

Striker:"Same for me."

They smile and continue to watch. When Muzzle is done the Pouncers
and Hacker are mauled up. Some crewmembers secure them.

Bowser:"Take them to the cells."

Crew:"Yes, sir."

The crew take the prisoners away. Cadwell comes up.

Cadwell:"Everyone has gotten a weapon."

Bowser looks at his crew.

Bowser:"Is everyone ready?"

Firebird:"Ready as can ever be, Captain."

Rocky, Jocky and Stocky:"We're ready to kick butt, Captain."

Everyone then looks at Hunter.

Cadwell:"As you Rovers put it, should we roll?"

Hunter:"Actually, Major, now I would say: let's rock and roll!"

Cadwell:"Sounds good."

Bowser:"Let's go."

Everyone leaves the armory. It takes only a few minutes before a huge
gunfight ensues and the bad guys soon find themselves reeling under
the large number of crewmembers. In the kitchen a soldier had Tracker
cornered, but Viking comes up from behind and hits him over the head
with a pan.

Viking:"THIS IS MY KITCHEN!"

Tracker:"Thanks, buddy."

Viking:"My pleasure. Now please get out of my kitchen."

Tracker:"No problem."

In the engine room Rusty and his engineers roll some oil barrels and
causes the Pouncers to become disordered. 

Rusty:"Let's get them, lads!"

They quickly charge down on the stunned Pouncers and soon take over
the room. They all raise their spanners in victory. In the recreation
room Maverick and Slide quickly gun down everyone Pouncer in sight.
When they are done they look at each other.

Maverick:"Now I know why I'm going to marry you, Slide."

Slide:"So do I, Maverick."

They kiss. Soon the Pouncers were being overrun. In the control tower
Valador look at Prowler.

Valador:"Sir, you are on your own now."

Prowler:"Oh? And what about your money?"

Valador:"I'd rather not get caught, sir. Goodbye, sir."

He takes out a radio.

Valador:"All surviving teams head topside to helicopter. We are pulling
         out."

He leaves the control tower. Prowler looks at Vitriol.

Prowler:"And what about you?"

Vitriol:"I did for the money and I will get my money."

Prowler:"So you will if you follow my orders."

Vitriol:"Sure thing. What next, sir?"

Prowler:"Into the vents, and fast."

They open a vent and climb into it. They close it up again just as the
Rovers come into the tower.

Exile:"Looks like baddest guys had given us slippery thing."

Illanov:"Slip, comrade. They gave us the slip."

Exile:"What's the differenski?"

On the deck a chinook had appeared and the remaining Pouncers, along
with Valador climb in. It then takes off.

Mauser:"They're getting away!"

Hunter:"I would not have predicted this!"

The chinook flies a short distance away. Suddenly a missile slams into 
it and it goes down in a big fireball. The Rovers look to the source
of the missile. Coming towards the ship are five Apache's and two
chinooks. They all land on the deck and MP's climb out of the chinooks.

Hunter:"Then again, I would not have predicted this!"

On the deck the lead MP signals the others. This is Lieutenant Charles
Stoner.

Stoner:"Spread out and secure all decks!"

Cadwell comes on the deck and Stoner runs up to him.

Stoner:"You all right, sir?"

Cadwell:"Yes. Check every deck for any stray Pouncers. We have most of
         them taken care off."

Stoner:"Yes, sir."

The MP's go into the ship. In the control tower Maverick and Slide
joined the group.

Maverick:"Captain, the ship is back under our control."

Bowser:"Thank you."

Rabid:"Where's Prowler?"

Striker:"He was probably in the helicopter. He's dead now."

Nitro:"I'm rather sorry for him."

Amani:"So am I."

Rabid:"It is my fault. I'm the unit leader. I'm responsible that Prowler
       came to be what he is." 

Colleen:"Boomin' no. It isn't your fault., Rabid."

Striker:"Ja. None of us predicted this would happen."

Bowser:"He's right. We must forget the past and look into the future."

Puffball:"Yeah. Future of wedding couple."

She points at Maverick and Slide.

Hunter:"Oh yeah. We cannot forget these two."

Pastor Wan comes into the control tower. Bowser looks at him.

Bowser:"Pastor Wan, is it too late for these two to get married?"

Wan:"Of course not. We can proceed with the ceremony as soon as
     they want."  

Maverick and Slide smile.

Bowser:"Well then, let us proceed."

He turns to the Rovers, Strayers and Maddogs.

Bowser:"Will you join us?"

Outlaw:"Sure. No problem."

Hunter:"That would be great."

Rabid:"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

Bowser:"Then let's get ready."

Everyone leaves the tower for the wedding.

Flight deck, 4:44 PM:

It is as it was before, except the crowd is now much larger with the
Rovers, Strayers, Maddogs and MP's now also joining in the ceremony.
Wan addresses the crowd.

Wan:"If there is anyone here who should think these two happy dogs 
     should not get married, please speak now or forever hold your
     peace."

He looks around and this time no one answers. He continues with the
service. Elexis leans over to Rabid.

Elexis:"Where's Nitro?"

Rabid:"She said she wanted to clean herself up. She wants to look
       good for the wedding."

Elexis:"Oh."

The service continues.

Females' restroom, at that moment:

Nitro is at a sink cleaning herself. She splashes water her face
and dries it off with a towel. When she removes the towel and looks
in the mirror she gasps. Behind her stands Prowler and Vitriol. 
Before Nitro can react Vitriol hits her on the head with a stick.
She is knocked out.

Prowler:"Good. Now let's get to the flight deck."

Vitriol:"Yes, sir."

Vitriol throws Nitro over his shoulder. He and Prowler leave the
restroom.

Flight deck, 4:56 PM:

Wan is addressing Maverick and Slide.

Wan:"You may now kiss the bride."

Maverick and Slide turn to each other and kiss long and passionately.
The crowd gives them a big round of applause and Wan smiles. When
they stop there is the sudden sound of an engine going on. Everyone
looks towards the source of the noise. One of the Apache's has been
started and it quickly reaches full power. It takes off and hover next
to the ship. It comes closer to the wedding group. The pilots' faces
can be seen. It is Prowler and Vitriol. Prowler opens a window and
calls Rabid.

Prowler:"Hey, Bear. I have a deal for you."

Rabid:"What kind of deal?"

Prowler looks at Vitriol and nods. Vitriol shows Nitro to Rabid, she
is bound and gagged. Rabid gasps.

Rabid:"Nitro!"

Vitriol pushes Nitro back and Prowler looks at Rabid.

Prowler:"Correct, Bear. If you ever want to see her alive again, you
         will meet me in the Norwegian oil fields 500 kilometres 
         from here. Go to the rig marked 'Ocean Ranger' and come alone.
         If I see someone else with you on the rig, or I see that we
         are being followed, Nitro will die. See you in Norway, Bear." 

Prowler closes the window and their Apache flies off for Norway. Rabid
turns to the others.

Rabid:"I must go help Nitro."

Cadwell:"Yes, we must help her."

Rabid turns to Cadwell, Stoner and Bowser.

Rabid:"We?"

Cadwell:"Yes, Rabid. We."

Bowser:"You helped us out, now it is our turn."

Bowser turns to the crew.

Bowser:"Everyone to his or her position."

They all salute.

Everyone:"Yes, sir!"

He then turns to Emerald and Mauser.

Bowser:"Set a course for Norway."

Emerald, Mauser:"Yes, sir."

The crews head off to their posts. Maverick and Slide come up to Rabid.

Maverick:"Don't worry, man. We'll get her back."

Slide:"You saved our lives, now we save Nitro's."

Rabid:"Thank you."

They head for the control tower along with the Rovers, Maddogs and the
rest of the Grizzlies.

Ocean Ranger Oil Rig, Oil field off Norwegian coast, Norway, 6:45 PM:

This is actually two rigs connected by walkways. There are other oil
rigs in the area. They have all been abandoned because of their low
productivity. The stolen Apache lands on the second section's helipad
and its engine is turned off. Prowler, Vitriol and Nitro climb off;
Vitriol is carrying Nitro over his shoulder. They make their way to 
the drill room. This is a room with a large drill in the middle.
Vitriol ties Nitro to the drill. Prowler looks at Vitriol.

Prowler:"Keep an eye out for Rabid and tell me when you see him."

Vitriol:"Yes, sir."

Suddenly a voice crackles over the radios.

Voice:"Intruders on Ocean Ranger. Do you copy?" 

Prowler answers.

Prowler:"This is Field-Marshall Prowler of the Alpha Squadron. Who is
         this?"

Voice:"Sorry, sir. This is Colonel Waken, commander of Submarine 
       Division 6 of the Epsilon Squadron on Submarine KH-101."

Prowler:"What is your location?"

Control Room, KH Submarine near Ocean Ranger:

The Colonel from Turbo, Colombia is here.

Colonel:"We are currently about 500 yard from the Ocean Ranger."

Prowler:"Good. Colonel, we have a United States carrier coming towards
         the Ocean Ranger. On my command you will attack the carrier."

Colonel:"Yes, sir. We will be standing by."

Ocean Ranger:

It is still the same.

Prowler:"Good. Prowler out."

He turns off his radio and puts it away. He turns to Nitro.

Prowler:"Hope you are feeling comfortable."

Nitro:"Why are you doing this, Prowler? What has become of your old
       self?"  

Prowler:"Thankfully gone. My superiors made me see that being with
         you guys was a bad idea. You guys always gave the cold
         shoulder."

Nitro:"True, you did annoy a lot of people with that sexist attitude
       of yours, but you also did sacrifice your life to save ours."

Prowler:"Yeah. A terrible waste. Why I threw myself in front of Dixie
         to get shot by Storm I will never know. Now I'm gaining a
         lot of prestige as Field-Marshall, and after I kill Bear,
         and you, I will be promoted to Squadron General."

Nitro:"Kill me? But you were always trying to get my affection as well   
       as Dixie's."  

Prowler:"That's in the past, Nitro. Now you are just a dumb, stupid
         wolf like your parents."

This gets Nitro angry.

Nitro:"They are not dumb! Neither am I!"  

Prowler:"Really? Then how did you end up here? Face it, Nitro. The KH
         Military will destroy you, Bear and all your friends. Mark
         my words."

Prowler leaves the room and Nitro hangs her head.

Nitro:"May God have mercy on your soul, Prowler."

Oil Field, 8:12 PM:

The USS Retriever has entered the oil field and is holding position
about two kilometres from the Ocean Ranger. In the minisub hangar
Rabid is climbing into one of the boats. He has with him a green
device with nobs on it that Turbulance has given him.

Turbulance:"Remember, Rabid: When you activate the air strike beacon
            you and Nitro will have at most a minute to get off the 
            rig before we bombard it."

Hunter:"So be sure about having an escape route off the rig."

Rabid:"Don't worry."

Dixie comes up to Rabid.

Dixie:"Here's a good luck charm for you."

She gives Rabid a long, passionate kiss. He tries to pry her off,
but is unsuccessful. Silver fans himself.

Silver:"If Nitro saw this she would kill him."

Beowulf:"Killing's not the word."

Dixie stops kissing Rabid.

Rabid:"Please don't do that again."

Dixie:"Why not?"

Rabid:"Well, I..."

Striker:"Look, we are just wasting time talking to each other."

Bowser:"He's right. We don't know if there are any KH forces nearby."

Rabid:"You're right. Open the hangar doors for me."

Rabid gets into the boat and closes it while some of the crew open 
the hangar doors. The boat, in submode, leaves the hangar and heads 
for the Ocean Ranger. Vitriol sees Rabid's and begins to walk to
Prowler. He meets him inside an office.

Vitriol:"Sir, Rabid is on his way."

Prowler:"Good. I'll call the sub."

He takes out a radio and calls the Colonel.

Prowler:"Colonel. Attack the carrier, but leave the boat that just
         left it alone."

Colonel:"Yes, sir."

Control Tower, USS Retriever:

The Rovers, Strayers. Maddogs, Bowser, Cadwell, Emerald, Slide,
Mavericl and Mauser are here. Mauser sees the sub's signature 
appear on the radar.

Mauser:"Captain! A bogie has just appear from under one of the rigs
        and is heading straight at us!"

Bowser:"Identification?"

Mauser:"It is a Hurricane, Captain!"

Hunter:"Yet another unexpected twist. Bummer."

Bowser turns to Striker.

Bowser:"How much damage can the Hurricane's torpedoes do to the 
        Retriever?" 

Striker:"I don't have the faintest idea. All I know is that we are
         not going to let them demonstrate it on us."

Outlaw:"Let's get to the subs and take this turkey out."

Hunter:"Let's roll!"

The Rovers, Strayers and Maddogs head for the hangar and Bowser turns
to Slide, Turbulance and Maverick.

Bowser:"Slide, take your crew and assist them. Turbulance. Maverick. 
        Prepare your fighters to take off and bomb the rig." 

Slide, Maverick, Turbulance:"Yes, Captain."

They too, leave the control tower. Bowser turns to Emerald.

Bowser:"Have the rest of the crew ordered to stand by for evasive 
        manouvers." 

Emerald:"Aye, Captain."

She then begins to inform the rest of the crew.

Ocean Ranger:

Rabid has gotten onboard the rig and is making his way through the
decks. He soon comes to the drill room and sees Nitro tied up to
it, bound and gagged.

Rabid:"Nitro!" 

He runs up to her, but then Prowler swings off the ceiling and kicks
him in the chest, knocking him back into a wall. He quickly recovers
and sees Prowler standing over him.

Rabid:"Prowler. It's you."

Prowler:"On the mark, Bear. Nice to finally combat you in person. On
         your feet!"

Rabid gets up, but Prowler punches him in the face and he reels back
into the wall. Prowler laughs.

Prowler:"Ha! Some leader! He can't even control one of his ex-team
         mates."

Rabid:"Why are you doing this?"

Prowler:"That question again? The only thing the Grizzlies are good
         at is to talk until they become very boring."

Rabid:"Think of the past! What you were!"

Prowler:"The only thing I'm thinking about now is to kick your a**!"

Prowler attacks Rabid and they both begin to fight while Nitro watches
on in shock.

Underwater, not far from USS Retriever:

The KH submarine is getting into torpedo range of the carrier. In the
control room the Colonel was taking aim on his periscope.

Colonel:"Bearing one six six. Range eigth zero seven metres. Fire one!"

The submarine launches a torpedo at the carrier. They watch it go. 
Suddenly another torpedo hits theirs and destroys it. The Retriever
minisub and the two stealth boats (in sub mode) come into view. The
crew watches them approach. 

Controller:"Sir. We have three enemy targets coming towards us. Judging
            by their vehicles identifications they can be able to swarm
            us."

Colonel:"How many times can we take shots at the carrier before we  
         are engaged?" 

Controller:"Four torpedoes at the most, sir."

Colonel:"Right. Stand by to launch all tubes."

The submarine's tubs are quickly armed and ready. The Colonel quickly 
takes aim again.

Colonel:"Bearing still the same. Range seven zero zero. Fire all tubes!"

The submarine fires all four its torpedo tubes at the carrier. The
Rovers, Strayers and Maddogs see them heading for the ship.

Beowulf:"Now they're really cooking!"

Hunter:"We must not let any of those torpedoes hit the carrier. Each of
        us split up and try to catch them."

Puffball:"But we three and them four?"

Tracker:"She's right. How will we catch them all?"

Hunter:"The first one who blows their torpedo will take out the last 
        one."

Outlaw:"So we'd better hurry."

Hunter:"Right, Outlaw. Let's roll!"

The three subs split up while the enemy sub begins to run away. The
Maddogs and Strayers close in on the first torpedo. Wesley pushes
a button and a laser cannon appears on the front of the sub. He 
takes aim and in a couple of shots takes out the torpedo. Everyone
looks at him.

Silver:"We didn't know you had a laser cannon rigged to this thing!"

Wesley:"Hey. You never know when big guns like these might come in
        handy."

Dixie:"Wesley, you are a genius."

Wesley:"I keep telling you that."

The Rovers are closing on their target. Shag pilots the sub while
Exile activates the laser cannon. He takes aim and pushes the fire
button. The cannon malfunctions and powers down. The Maddogs and
Strayers see this happen.

Wesley:"I knew I forgot to make that one waterproof!"

Everyone gives Wesley a cold look.

Wesley:"Hey! Even a genius can forget things, okay?"

The Rovers watch the torpedo head towards the ship.

Colleen:"Bloomin' terrific! Now what?"

Hunter:"Shag! Fly past in front of the torpedo!"

Shag mumbles something.

Shag:"No, Shag. Not behind it. In front of it."

Shag whipers and guides the sub so that in passes in front of the 
torpedo. The torpedo then locks onto them and goes into pursuit of
the Rovers.

Illanov:"Excellent idea, comrade Hunter. The torpedo is now going
         for us instead of the carrier."

Exile:"Dah. That's why comrade Hunter is leader."

Blitz:"Really? Okay then, "leader", how do we get rid of the nasty
       torpedo?"

Hunter balks.

Hunter:"I didn't think about that part."

Everyone but Hunter and Blitz:"What?!"

Blitz:"Ha! I knew Hunter couldn't be leader! I should be the leader!"

Colleen:"Well then, leader Blinkie, what do you suggest we do?"

Blitz thinks for a moment, then turns to Illanov.

Blitz:"Illanov! Turn on your EMP thing!"

Illanov:"Are you sure, comrade Blitz?"

Striker:"No wait. I think Blitz might have an idea that works. Do it,
         Alex." 

Illanov takes out his EMP jammer and turns it on. Immediately the sub
loses all power. Outside the torpedo also loses power and glides 
past the sub, brushing it. The Rovers watch as it goes into a crack
in the ocean floor. When it gets out of range of the EMP jammer is it
turned on again. It is immediately followed by a blast that blows a
crater in the ground. 

Elexis:"Well, I'll be. It worked."

Hunter shakes Blitz's hand.

Hunter:"Nice work, buddy. Maybe you do have the properties to become a
        leader." 

Blitz:"Does that mean your stepping down?"

Hunter:"No."

Phoenix:"But since you did save our lives and those on the carrier, I
         think Colleen should give you a kiss on the cheek."

Colleen:"What! No! Not in this lifetime or the next!"

Illanov:"But comrade Colleen, he did save our lives and yours so he
         has every right to a kiss."

Colleen turns to Hunter.

Colleen:"Please, Huntie! I don't want to!"

Hunter:"Sorry, Colleen, but they're right. Besides it's only on the
        cheek." 

Colleen looks around and sees everyone but Blitz looking sternly at
her. She sighs and turns to Blitz.

Colleen:"Oh heck, Fluffy. I will do it, but only a quick peck on
         the cheek."

Blitz:"Sure."

Colleen comes up to Blitz and prepares to give him a kiss on the
cheek. When she gets close enough Blitz quickly grabs her in his
arms and kisses her passionately on the lips. Her eyes widen like
saucers. Illanov leans over to Striker.

Illanov:"Comrade Blitz does know some very good moves." 

Striker:"Yes. I should remember this. Perhaps it might come in
         useful one day."

Phoenix hears this and looks hopefully at Striker. Meanwhile
Blitz has stopped kissing Colleen. She spits in disgust.

Colleen:"Ewww! Gross!"

Blitz:"What do you say now, pretty girl dog?"

Colleen:"This! ID software!"

She kicks Blitz into the back of the sub. He groans in pain.

Blitz:"It hurts, but the kiss was worth it."

Meanwhile Slide and her crew were closing in on the third torpedo.

Tracker:"Range from torpedo is about a hundred metres."

Slide:"Eletric, arm torpedoes and fire when ready."

Electric:"Aye, Captain."

Electric guides the minsub towards the torpedo and fires one from
their tubes. The two torpedoes collide and explode. Slide calls
the others.

Slide:"This is Captain Slide. We got the third torpedo."

Hunter:"Cool. Now let's get the last one."

Outlaw:"Er, Hunter. I think the last torpedo is a bit out of range."

Everyone looks towards the carrier. The torpedo, now well out of
their range, continues towards the carrier. Hunter calls Captain
Bowser.

Hunter:"Captain. The last torpedo is out of our range. Can you
        dodge it?" 

Control Tower:

Bowser responds to Hunter's call.

Bowser:"We will try."

He turns on the intercom and calls Rusty in the engine room.

Engine Room:

This is a long room with large engines that operative the ship's
propeller. Rusty answers the intercom.

Rusty:"Aye, Captain?"

Bowser:"Rusty, can you give us full power straight ahead?"

Rusty:"Aye, Captain. This is me engine and I know she can give what we
       ask." 

He turns to the other engineers.

Rusty:"Lads, full power straight ahead."

The engineers respond and they begin to get the engine fully powered.

USS Retriever:

The carrier is turning to avoid the torpedo, but it keep its nose 
dead center on it. From the control tower some of the crew watch the 
foam of the torpedo's propeller come closer.

Peeare:"We're going to be hit!"

Viking:"Does that tonight's special is cancelled?"

Near the ship a large shark is hunting down its prey. As it prepares to
close his mouth the torpedo gets caught between his power jaws and the
shark swallows it whole. It swims away hiccuping all the way. Rovers, 
Strayers, Maddogs and the Retriever crew see the torpedo disappears
from their radar screens.

Mauser:"Captain. The torpedo has vanished."

Bowser:"Vanished? Are you sure?"

Mauser:"Yes, Captain. I'm sure."

Hunter:"I would not have predicted this."

Silver:"It's gone?"

Wesley:"Yep. Disappeared into thing air. That's what the radar shows."

Saphire:"Maybe it ran out of gas."

In the control tower Turbulance has called Bowser.

Turbulance:"Captain. We are ready to take off."

Bowser:"Good. Circle the rig and don't bomb until after a minutes has
        passed when the beacon is set."

Turbulance:"Aye, Captain."

Through the control tower window they can see the ship's fighters take
off. Turbulance is the flight leader; Maverick, Sidewinder and Durandal
are his wingmen. They head for the Ocean Ranger.

Drill Room, Ocean Ranger:

Rabid and Prowler are still fighting. Rabid is in bad shape, but Prowler
looks perfectly fine. He throws Rabid into a heap of barrels and then
picks up a steel bar. He walks up to Rabid and prepares to impale him
with it.

Prowler:"Time to kiss your life goodbye!"

He raises the bar, but then Nitro (who had gotten loose by gnawing though
her ropes) hits him over the back of the head with another bars. He turns
around grabs Nitro by her neck. He begins to strangle her.

Prowler:"Sorry, babe. Not in this lifetime."

Rabid gets up and grabs Prowler, he let's go of Nitro. Rabid throws 
Prowler into the drill control room and closes the door. Prowler tries
to open the door, but Rabid is too strong. Nitro gets up brings a bar
to the door. She uses it to jam the door. Rabid then takes out the
airstrike beacon, puts in next to the door and activates it. He then
turns to Nitro and grabs her hand.

Rabid:"Come on! We have to get out before the rig is blasted!"

Nitro:"But what about Prowler? We can't just leave him here!"

Rabid:"I know it's hard for both of us to leave him here to die, but
       it is for the best!"

They both start running for the second rig. Soon they get on the 
walkway that leads the second rig. Turbulance sees them.

Turbulance:"Command, we have visual of Rabid and Nitro. Commencing
            bombardment. Men, let's blast this oversized table."

Maverick, Sidewinder, Durandal:"Yes, sir."

They all arm the iron bombs on their craft and close in on the rig.
From the Retriever's decks everyone, including the Rovers, Strayers
and Maddogs watches what is about to happen next. A tear rolls down
Dixie's face. On the other rig Rabid and Nitro have gotten behind a
crate and now watch and wait for the bombardment. The fighter sweep
low over the rig and drop all their bombs on the rig. What follows
next is a series of explosions as the bombs slam into the rig. The
explosion triggers off more explosions from barrels still containing
oil. Debris of all kinds is blown off the dying rig. A stray bomb
blasts one of the supporting pillars and the rig collapses into the
ocean, the walkway getting ripped off the other rig. The burning
wreakage sinks into the water and soon disappears from view. On
the Retriever Cadwell turns to Stoner. 

Cadwell:"Go pick up Rabid and Nitro and secure the rig."

Stoner:"Yes, sir."

He leaves the control tower. The Rovers, Strayer and Maddogs follow
him to the chinooks. On the rig Nitro and Rabid hug each other.

Rabid:"Are you okay, Honey?"

Nitro:"I'm fine. I'm just sorry for Prowler."

Rabid:"We all are. I hope that God will have pity on him."

Soon the chinooks land and discharge MP's; the Rovers, Strayers and
Maddogs run up to Rabid and Nitro.

Amani:"You guys okay?"

Rabid:"We're fine."

Prowler's voice can suddenly be heard from side of the ship.

Prowler:"When I'm done with you guys you won't be fine."

Everyone turns to source of Prowler's voice and aim their weapons
at it. Prowler left arm appears and grabs the railings. Suddenly
his right arm appears, but it is a mechanical one. He then jumps
up and lands in front of everyone else. They all gasp in utter
shock. Prowler was....a robot!

Colleen:"Blimey! He's a bloomin' robot!"

Prowler:"Surprised, aren't you guys?"

Rabid:"I knew you weren't the real Prowler, you mechanical impostor."

Prowler:"The body, no. But the mind is still that of Prowler, Bear." 

He looks himself over.

Prowler:"Actually I'm glad that I'm a robot. Now I can kill you in
         a proper fashion."

His hands suddenly morph into miniguns. He aims it at the group.

Prowler:"Time to die!"

The chainguns begin to spool up and the MP's open fire. Their shots
just bounce off the robotic body. Prowler returns fire and guns down
a large number of MP's. 

Stoner:"Scatter!"

Everyone runs behind an article of cover as Prowler sprays the area
with bullets. Rabid, Hunter, Outlaw and Striker gather behind a
ventilator.

Rabid:"I knew something wasn't right with Prowler, but him being a
       robot beats everything."

Hunter:"I would not...!"

Outlaw:"Hunter, you used that phrase a few times past the episode's
        limits."

Hunter:"Oh yeah. Bummer."

Striker:"But if he isn't organic, then how do we kill him?"

They think for a moment.

Outlaw:"Good point."

Suddenly Prowler rips off the ventilator to expose Hunter, Rabid,
Outlaw and Striker. Striker fires with his revolver at Prowler
and Outlaw opens fire with his laser pistol, neither of them
even scratch the metal body. Prowler's hands suddenly morph into
tentacles, grabs both Striker and Outlaw and throws them over 
his shoulder into some barrels. Silver, Saphire, Illanov, Blitz,
Exile, Phoenix and some MP's shoot at Prowler with no success. 
He ignores them and grabs both Hunter and Rabid. He then starts
banging them on the floor.

Prowler:"Time to beat clean the floor with you two!"

The others watch in horror at what Prowler is doing to Hunter
and Rabid. 

Phoenix:"How in the world are we going to kill that robotic 
         monster?" 

Beuwolf gets up and claps his together, sending a sonic blast
at Prowler. This gets his attention and he looks at Beowulf.
From his eyes Prowler fires two laser beams at him. They 
graze his shoulder and falls back in pain. Elexis runs up
and quickly heals his wound.

Beuwolf:"Thank you."

Elexis:"You're welcome."

Prowler resumes his beating of Hunter and Rabid. Everyone
turns to them.

Colleen:"Isn't there anything we can do to help Huntie and Rabid?"

Saphire:"I'm at a loss."

Dixie then spots a crate holding up a crate. 

Dixie:"Hold on! I have a plan!" 

She gets up and runs for the crane. Meanwhile Prowler soon tires
of beating Hunter and Rabid throws them against another crate. He
readies his miniguns at them.

Prowler:"DIE!!!"

In the crane control box Dixie quickly pulls a few levers and the
crane drops the crate just as Prowler spools up his miniguns. He
then notices the shadow on him and looks up. The crate then falls
on top of him with a loud thud. Next there is only silence. Everyone
comes out of cover, Dixie climbs out of the crane and Nitro and
Colleen run up to the wounded Hunter and Rabid.

Colleen:"Oh, Huntie Wuntie. Are you okay, luv?"

He hugs Colleen.

Hunter:"I'm fine."

Nitro:"Honey, are you okay?"

Rabid:"After Elexis cleans me up I will be." 

The others run up to them. Elexis quickly heals Hunter and Rabid.

Hunter:"Who dropped the load on the robot?"

Dixie:"I did."

Nitro:"I don't like saying thank you to you, but thank you."

Dixie:"You're wel..."

Rabid's ears twitch.

Rabid:"Wait! I heard something."

Everyone quiets down. Rabid looks at the crate.

Rabid:"It's coming from the other side of the crate."

Stoner turns to some Mp's.

Stoner:"Check what's behind the crate."

The Mp's run behind the crate, weapons at the ready. They look behind
it, then turn back to the group.

MP:"Sirs, you'd better come and look at this..."

Everyone runs behind the crate and looks to where the MP is pointing.
The robot's head is sticking out from under the crate, its jaw still
moving. Dixie comes up and picks up the head. He looks in anger at
it, then takes the jaw in her hand and with all her strength rips
it off from the head. A white crystal suddenly appears from the head,
falls on the floor and shatters into a million pieces. A white aura 
appears from the fragments, flies over the group and begins to form
a figure near where the walkway was. It is Prowler, now wearing his
normal Strayer clothing (blue jeans, black boots, a green vest, and 
a black bandanna around his forehead). He opens his eyes and looks 
at the group.

Prowler:"Hello."

Stoner:"What the h*** is that thing?"

Striker:"I don't know, but I am not taking chances."

Illanov:"Me neither, comrades."

He and Striker aim their rifles at Prowler. 

Prowler:"Don't worry. I will not harm you."

Dixie runs up him.

Dixie:"Prowler? Is that you?"

Prowler:"Actually, what you are seeing is my soul."

Outlaw:"Soul?"

Prowler:"Yes. Dixie, that crystal you broke was a soul gem. At the
         exact time I was kill General Stalker was experimenting with
         the soul gem and he accidentally trapped me inside it. Seeing  
         that he captured me he asked Tesla to turn me into the killer
         you have seen over the past four months."

Amani:"Hang on. Are you saying that the reason that you became such a
       heartless villain was because you were trapped in a gem?"   

Prowler:"Not entirely. When Tesla began building my robotic body he
         had the gem placed inside the head. The gems was attached to
         device that brought out my dark side."

Wesley:"But why didn't they leave like a robot? I mean, you are far
        more tougher than when you had an organic skin."

Prowler:"Stalker didn't want a robot in charge of his forced fearing
         I might not adjust to it, so he had Tesla add an organic
         skin as well as having some chips installed so that I could
         touch and feel, smell, taste and so forth. They added the
         robot modifications so that they would kick in if the skin 
         should be removed in any way."

Striker:"If you are really telling the truth, then how come did the
         evil you never tell the KH Military about the location of
         Road Rover Mission Control?"

Prowler:"Tesla had installed a processor that brought out my darker
         side, but there was a slight malfunction: I still had control 
         over giving out the secrets of the Road Rovers. Other than
         that, my evil counterpart had complete control."

Exile:"So the hijoe of Air Force One and Retriever, the destruction of
       the Space Rover and killing of her crewski, the assassination of 
       the old UN secretary-general, the capture of comrade Colleen, 
       were actions by evil you?"

Illanov leans over to Exile.

Illanov:"Comrade, it is 'hijack', not 'hijoe'."

Prowler:"Correct, Exile. Over these actions I had no control. For
         all the pain, suffering and destruction I caused, I am
         sorry and I hope that you can find it in your hearts to
         forgive me for my sins."

Striker lowers his weapon and walks up to Prowler. He gives Prowler
a cold look then smiles and holds out his hand.

Striker:"I can. I have been manipulated before by the KH Military."

Prowler smiles and shakes Striker's hand. Rabid and the Grizzlies
walk up to him. 

Puffball:"Me forgive Prowler dog. KH Military made you do bad things."

Amani:"I agree. You may have been a sexist jerk, but you never
       really meant to harm us the way you were forced to."  

Nitro:"She's right. You did sacrifice your life to save ours."

Rabid holds out his hand.

Rabid:"You are the friend, so to speak, we have always known. And
       friends always can forgive friends."

Prowler shakes his hand.

Prowler:"Thank you, guys."

Hunter and the others come up to him and shake his hand too. When
they are all done they step back.

Prowler:"I am afraid that I will to say goodbye to all of you as
         well as thank you."

Blitz:"What do you mean?"

Prowler:"What I mean is that I need to go to my final resting place."

Nitro:"You mean that you won't stay with us?"

Prowler:"No, Nitro. I have reached the final chapter of my book of
         life and it is time to end it."

Dixie steps up to Prowler.

Dixie:"Prowler, can I just ask you one last thing before you leave us,
       and me, forever?"

Prowler:"Yes, Dixie?"

Dixie:"Kiss me."

Prowler smiles and wraps his arms around her, she does the same. They
then both kiss each other long and with a powerful passion. They stay
that way for a minute, then part away from each other. A light then
appears from above and shines on Prowler.

Prowler:"Goodbye, Dixie. Perhaps we will meet again day again. I only
         hope it isn't the same way it was for the last four months."

Dixie:"Goodbye, Prowler."

Dixie steps back as Prowler materialises back into the aura. It then
flies up the light beam and soon disappears from sight. The light
beam then also disappears and a piece of paper flutters to the ground.
Dixie picks it up and reads it.

Dixie (reading):"Beware of the Iron Fist."

Silver:"The iron fist? What's that?"

Dixie:"I don't know. It doesn't say."

Hunter:"Whatever it is, we must be on our utmost guard against it."

Striker:"I wonder..."

Phoenix:"Wonder what?"

Striker:"Nothing."

Stoner:"Guess all I can say is: Move along. There is nothing to see."

Hunter:"You're right, Leuitenant. Let's head home, Rovers."

The Rovers all howl and head back to the chinooks. They are soon back
on the USS Retriever and it begins to make its way back to the United
States. Where the rig was is only floating debris, barrels and a 
lifeboat with oars. One of the barrels open. Vitriol appears and looks
around. He sees that he is clear.

Vitriol:"Where did everybody go? Oh well. Might as just get outta here."

He gets out of the barrel, swims to the lifeboat and climbs in. He
takes the oars and begins to row away. Suddenly there is the sound of a 
loud hiccup, followed by a large water sprout about three kilometres
away. Vitriol looks on, confused. The Rovers have retaken the carrier, 
saved her crew as well as a marriage, ended the attacks of the KH strike
force and have finally learned the dark truth about Prowler. Yet one thing
remains in their minds: what is the Iron Fist?

THE END

Author note: No sharks were harmed during the writing of this episode. The
             one in the episode is a robot.