Road Rovers: The Iron Fist Episode 17: Dark Origin By Gerhard Naudé All Road Rover names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners. Striker, Phoenix, Illanov, Elexis, Tanarus, Stalker, Trigger, Wolfeye, Black and all others related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé Strayers © Steven Today All Knight Rider names © Universal Studios Nitro, Dixie, Prowler © Amanda Stephenson Duke © Greywolf Lupous Briggs © Dylan Rinalds Spirit © Connie Smernos Eldon © Eric Sharp Shadow, Grendle © Talon Saurn Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. Canyon, Nevada Desert, United States of America, 9 September, 2:01 PM: A large group of Strayer recruits are hiking in the heat of the sun through the canyon. They are all sweating heavily while their drill sergeant, Andreas (from "Reconstructive Surgery"), keeps himself cool. He looks at the group. Andreas:"Enjoying the walk, you little pieces of trash?" Recruits:"Yes, sir." Andreas:"Good, because you have another two-hundred miles to go." They continue walking. Suddenly there are the sounds of engines echoing through the canyons behind them and they turn around. Coming down the canyon is a wing of three KH Valkyrie Bombers. They then begin to drop canisters to the ground. When they hit the ground they explode into huge balls of napalm. Andreas and the recruits gasp. Andreas:"RUN!!!" They begin to run in an attempt to get away, but the Valkyries are too fast for them. Soon the recruits are engulfed in napalm. Andreas quickly jumps under a rock which protects him from the burning napalm. After the Valkyries have done their worst they fly away. Andreas comes out of hiding and looks at the devastation. The ground had been burnt black and of the recruits there are only bodies. Andreas:"Oh my God." He takes out his walky-talky and tries to call for help. Andreas:"This is Sergeant Andreas to Boot Camp. Andreas to Boot Camp. Can you hear me?" There is no answer. Andreas:"Boot Camp, do you read?" There is still no answer. Andreas:"This is Sergeant Andreas! Can anybody hear me?!" Nothing. Andreas then puts his walky-talky away and looks down the canyon. Andreas:"Guess I'd better walk." He begins to walk to the Boot Camp, leaving the bodies in the canyon. Oil Refinery, Texas, United States, at that moment: This is a large complex with many fuel tanks and chimneys. It is deserted except for a large group of the anti-terrorist unit, the Pouncers. They gather at the gate and the unit leader, Clasto, gives the orders. Clasto:"Listen up! According to the tip we got the renegade Prowler should be hiding in here. You are to proceed with caution. Now let's move!" He signals the other Pouncer Marines and they open the gate. They all rush in, running towards their assigned positions. Most of them run into the refinery. Clasto and another group make their way to the heart of the refinery. They come to an office door and they rush in. Nobody is here. Clasto walks up to the desk and sees a cassette tape player. He pushes the play button and Prowler's voice can be heard on the tape. Prowler:"By pushing this button, Clasto, you have signed you and your unit's death warrent. Three... two... one... Goodbye." Suddenly an explosion blows the office apart and it sets off a chain reaction that causes the entire refinery to explode, destroying the entire Pouncer unit in the blast. Scrapyard, Oregon, United States of America, 2:34 PM: This is a large area that houses the remains of cars, planes, trucks and other vehicles. Two Strayer units along with some more Pouncers appear in the yard, one of which is the Widows. Eldon and Stephanie Spam Collie (from "Wedding Bell Blues") is among them. The Strayers have Cyclborgs while the Pouncers come with personnel trucks. They all proceed into the yard through an alley that is walled by vehicle remains. They all arm themselves and keep an eye out, unknown to them that they themselves are being watched. Hiding in the shadows are some KH Walkers who blend well with their surroundings. The Strayers and Pouncers proceed onward while the Walkers watch them. Walker 1:"Come on, little piggies." One of the Walker pilots has a familiar voice. Walker:"Closer... closer..." The units proceed deeper into the yard. Suddenly the voice shouts out to the others. Walker:"NOW!!!" A large piece of burning debris suddenly fall into front of the Strayers and Pouncers. Behind them a Walker fires a missile into the last truck and blows it up. The Strayers and Pouncers are trapped and the Walkers appear from cover. They open fire and a massive battle ensues in which half the Strayers and Pouncer are mowed down in the first wave of bullets. The battle continues and the Pouncer marines try to shoot back, but their bullets just bounce off the armoured Walkers. The Strayer's Petri Pistols are just as ineffective. Stef and Eldon are soon fighting back to back. They both run out of ammo. Stef:"I need a refill, Eldon!" Eldon:"So do I!" They both dig in their pockets and take out refills. They both reload their pistols, but when they look up they are surrounded by the Walkers. Everyone else is dead. Eldon:"This can't be good." Stef:"You're telling me." Walker:"So you are right." Stef and Eldon turn to face the Walker, it opens its cockpit. In the driver's seat is Prowler. Prowler:"Enjoying your day so far?" Stef:"Prowler! How could you?" Eldon:"We're on the same side, man!" Prowler:"YOUR side? Ha! I'm on the KH Military's side." Eldon:"But you were always..." Prowler:"I don't want any more speeches. Nothing you say can make me change my mind." Stef and Eldon hang their heads and both look at each other. Stef:"I guess this is the end, huh?" Eldon:"Yeah. I didn't think it would end this way." Prowler:"Touching as it is, we won't kill you." Stef and Eldon look surprised at Prowler. Stef, Eldon:"You won't?" Prowler:"No. We need witnesses to tell the other Strayers and the Road Rovers what we had done here and to relay a message to them." Eldon:"Which is?" Prowler:"That the KH Military will show no mercy towards the Road Rovers or their allies. We will decimate you all down to the last operative, cadet, agent and unit." Stef:"That's it?" Prowler:"That's it. Now go over to your CyclBorgs and leave to tell others. And don't bother going to the Academy." Eldon:"Why not?" Prowler grins. Prowler:"You'll find out soon enough." Eldon and Stef run over to their CyclBorgs and quickly drive away, leaving Prowler, the Walkers and the remains of the Strayers and Pouncers behind. Briefing Room, Road Rover Mission Control, 2:56 PM: The Grizzlies and the Master are here along with Striker, Phoenix, Illanov, Elexis, Spirit, Duke and Briggs. Master:"In the last few days KH Military forces under the command of Prowler have caused significant damage to our various units and installations. As a result we have alerted most of our operatives and units to the KH threat. However, we have been unable to contact some of the Strayer units, the Strayer Boot Camp and the Academy. That is where you all come in. The Grizzlies will need to go and alert the few Strayer units who haven't yet received the warning. Spirit, Duke and Briggs will stay here and try to alert our agents overseas. Striker and his unit will go and alert those at the Academy." Rabid:"We're going." Striker:"Sure thing." Rabid, Striker and their team mates leave. Spirit looks at the Master. Spirit:"Why do we have to stay here, Master?" Master:"We are a few hands short and you three are the only ones free." Briggs:"He's right, Spirit." Duke:"So let's go and alert them." Spirit follows Briggs and Duke to the War Room. Announcer:"Attention. Incoming message for the Master. Stand by..." After a few moments Major Cadwell appears on a screen. Master:"Hello, Major. Any news?" Cadwell:"Yes, and it is bad news." Master:"Bad news? What bad news?" Cadwell:"Remember that Pouncer unit you asked me to send to capture Prowler in that Texas refinery?" Master:"Yes?" Cadwell:"It was a trap. Almost the entire unit was wiped out, including the unit leader Clasto." Master:"Any survivors?" Cadwell:"None. When we got there all that was left was a crater with fires that burnt with such intensity that we couldn't get anywhere near it." Master:"And of Prowler?" Cadwell:"We check the area. There were not one single KH unit within a two hundred mile radius. These guys are hard to catch." Master:"I agree, Major. We ourselves are at a loss against these suddenly attacks." Cadwell:"Any suggestions?" Master:"Just stay on alert and be ready to give us assistance when we need it." Cadwell:"I can have the National Guard mobilised within minutes." Cadwell disappears from the screen. Just then Eldon and Stef rush into the briefing room to the surprise of the Master. Master:"Eldon! Stef! Aren't you supposed to be in Oregon tracking those military computers stolen by the KH Military?" Eldon:"We were, but we went to investigate our units ran head-on into an ambush of Walkers." Stef:"Yeah, and one of the Walker pilots was Prowler." Master:"Are you sure?" Eldon:"Yeah. We stood face to face with him. He told us to give the other the message that they will show no mercy towards us and will wipe us out completely." Master:"Are there any other survivors of the units you lead?" Stef:"None. They were all killed. And Prowler also said that we should not go to the Academy for some other reason." Master:"I had Striker and his unit sent to go check on the Academy, but I fear the worst." Strayer Academy, Somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, 3:10 PM: This is, or was, the Strayer Academy. It is now just a smoking ruin with destroyed missile launchers and dead personnel everywhere. The Rhino lands in an open area of the Academy and Striker, Phoenix, Illanov and Elexis climb out, weapons ready. They look around at the devastation. Illanov:"Seems to me the KH Military found out where the Academy was." Phoenix:"How do you know?" Illanov points at the main building. Flying above the ruins is the flag of the KH Military, the Silver Star. Phoenix:"Oh. I see." Striker:"We need to split up to try and find survivors. Keep alert. There might still be KH troopers around." They all split up and go into different directions. They search every hallway, office, classroom and living quarters. Everywhere there are just ruin, burning debris and bodies. After a while Striker takes out his radio and calls the others. Striker:"Guys. This is Striker. Found anything or anyone?" Phoenix:"Sorry, Striker. This place is as dead as a graveyard." Illanov:"Nyet, comrade. Nothing here." Elexis:"I think I have something. Come to the instructor's eating area." Striker:"We are on our way." They head for the eating area. They all meet up with Elexis, who is standing at the door. Striker:"Well?" Elexis goes in, the others follow her. The eating area is just like the rest of the Academy except there is a large hole in the center of the hall. Elexis:"They came in here with Tunnel Tanks." Phoenix:"Right when they were chowing down." They approach the hole, standing just at the rim of it. Treads can be seen running down a tunnel. Striker:"Ja. This is where they came in." Illanov:"What is a Tunnel Tank?" Elexis:"Tunnel Tanks are APC's that travel underground carrying troopers. They have always been successful in surprising enemy forces." Phoenix:"Yeah. They sure surprised everyone here." Striker:"We better report this back at Mission Control." They leave the eating area and head for the Rhino. Briefing Room, Mission Control, 3:33 PM: Both Striker and Rabid have told the Master what they had seen. Sergeant Andreas is with them. Master:"The Boot Camp and the recruits too?" Andreas:"The whole lot, Master." Master:"This can't be happening. No villain has ever been able to do any significant damage before." Amani:"Now General Stalker is crushing us under a spit-shined, standard issue military boot." Master:"That is right. You're dismissed." Everyone but Rabid and Striker leave. They walk up to the Master. Striker:"Can the three of us quickly exchange some words?" Master:"Of course." Rabid:"What's on your mind?" Striker pauses, then continues. Striker:"They knew it. They knew about the train, the Boot Camp, the Academy and the training areas of recruits, operatives and agents." Rabid:"Yeah. So?" Striker:"Even the resources they have the KH Military couldn't possibly known about these. Somebody must have told them." Rabid:"It had to be Prowler." Striker:"Maybe, but why only now? Why not three months ago?" Master:"You're right. As you said before Prowler might have suffered memory loss during his reincarnation." Rabid:"So are saying there is a traitor in our ranks?" Striker:"Ja. A high ranking traitor. A cadet, operative, agent or a recruit couldn't have possibly have known about all of these installations." Rabid:"So who's the traitor?" Striker:"How should I know? It could be anyone. Hunter, Nitro, Illanov. H***, for all we know it could be me, you or the Master." Master:"So we must find out who this traitor is or else it will mean the end of the Road Rovers, the Strayers, the Maddogs and all other units." Announcer:"Attention. Incoming transmission. Stand by..." Master:"That must be Tan. Hope he can help us out." A voice(not Tan's) crackles over the speakers. Voice:"Hello? Is anyone there?" Rabid:"Wait a minute! This guy is not Tan!" Master:"Who are you?" Voice:"Is this the Road Rovers?" Master:"Yes. And who are you?" Voice:"Thank goodness I found you. My name is Professor Erwin Adolph Brokanheimer. I am a German scientist." The other rush into the room. Briggs:"Do you all hear this?" Puffball:"I hear it." Phoenix:"What does a German scientist want with us?" Duke:"Perhaps we should ask him." Master:"Professor Brokanheimer. What do you want?" Erwin:"I have information for you about the KH Military. It is their most darkest secret they are hiding and I am willing to show it to you." Striker:"What kind of secret?" Erwin:"I cannot talk further. I fear that the KH Military might find out about this and kill me. Just follow the instructions I am sending to you. I will hopefully see you again." The speakers go dead. A paper is printed out on a machine and Hubert tears it off. He begins to read it. Hubert:"It is an address." Spirit takes the paper from Hubert and reads it. Spirit:"Address? This is just a bunch of numbers." Hubert:"I know, but he has given his address as longitude and latitude co-ordinates." Nitro:"He's probably worried that the KH Military might intercept the transmission and kill him." Hubert takes the paper from Spirit. Hubert:"I'll quickly find out what the location is." He goes over to a control panel and pushes a few keys. On the main view screen appears a map of the globe. It then zooms in on the country of Kazakhstan and a red dot appears on the town of Karaganga. Dixie:"Oh great. He lives in Kazakhstan." Spirit:"That's new." Rabid:"We must be careful. This could be a trap by the KH Military." Elexis:"We should also be worried about the Kazakhstan military. You know how cranky the countries of the former Soviet Union get when you violate their airspace." Striker:"Tell me about it." Master:"Still, if this German scientist is telling the truth I think you should go to him, but you must be on your best guard if this is actually is a trap." Eldon:"And who are the unfortunate ones who have to go on this mad field trip to Kazakhstan?" Master:"You and Stef, Briggs, Duke, Spirit and Andreas." Eldon:"Me???" Master:"Yes, you." Eldon:"But why me?" Master:"Because a high-risk mission such as this one requires your immortality, Eldon." Eldon:"Sometimes it just doesn't pay to be immortal." Master:"Don't worry. You will only transport the scientist up to Athens. From there Striker's unit will take over to trick the KH Military. Afterwards when they reach the American coast the Grizzlies will take over and bring the scientist to Mission Control." Illanov:"Where are the Road Rovers anyway?" Master:"They went to recapture Havoc. He escaped yet again from prison." Puffball:"Villains not learn." Spirit:"The KH Military does." Rabid:"Look. Why don't we leave and get this scientist before they do?" Striker:"I completely agree." They all leave for the hangar. KHA Alexander, Holding Perimeter over Western-Sahara Territory, 3:45 PM: The Alexander is flying above the sands of the Sahara. In his War room General Stalker, Trigger and Wolfeye were busy co-ordinating their forces for another terrorist attack. An officer then runs into the room and up to Stalker. He looks at him. Stalker:"What is it, officer?" Officer:"Sir. Colonel Prowler has just sent this transmission they had intercepted between Road Rover Mission Control and a scientist in Kazakhstan." Stalker:"Let me see it." The officer then hands Stalker a piece of paper, then reads it. After a moment he hands it to Trigger. Stalker:"Read that and see if that name reminds you of someone." Trigger:"Right." Trigger reads the paper, then looks at Stalker. Trigger:"It can't be him. Can it?" Stalker:"No, I think it is his son. And if my suspicions are correct I fear he might tell the Rovers about our origin." Trigger:"We cannot allow that." Wolfeye:"Allow what, sir?" Trigger looks at Wolfeye. Trigger:"To have this scientist telling the Rovers about our secrets." Stalker:"Thus we should hold back our current plans and concentrate on killing this scientist before he talks. So here is how it is going to go: first they will be in Kazakhstan. We will send the country's military a special message. If they don't succeed, then you, General Trigger, will try to destroy him. If he reaches the European sector I personally will take care of him. If he somehow manages to reach the North American sector then you, General Wolfeye, will have to try and stop him before he reaches Mission Control." Wolfeye:"Why don't we just follow the scientist, sir? He could lead us to Mission Control." Stalker:"No. Our resourceful Rover friends aren't that stupid. They will not easily give away the location. Well, let us get into position. Trigger. Wolfeye. You leave immediately for your sectors and alert all your forces that are within range of the route. Use any and all means to stop the scientist." Trigger and Wolfeye salute Stalker. Trigger, Wolfeye:"Yes, sir." They both leave and Stalker looks over the war map which shows the globe. Stalker:"Where are you Rovers hiding?" He continues to look over the map. Brokanheimer's House, Suburbs of Karaganga, Kazakhstan, 4:56 PM: This is a standard middle-class house in the suburbs. The garden and the house is well kept. The Street Rover appears and parks in the driveway. Duke, Eldon, Briggs and Stef climb out. Stef:"Nice place." Duke:"He sure knows how to keep his place clean." Briggs:"Let's see if he's in." They walk up to the front door and ring the bell. A few minutes later the door is open slightly and the same voice speaks up. Voice:"Who is it?" Eldon:"It's us. The Road Rovers." The door is now fully opened. Standing in the doorway is a male human in his sixties. He is wearing clothing that scientists usually wear. He speaks with a German accent. Man:"Thank God you're here." Stef:"You're Professor Erwin Brokanheimer?" Erwin:"Yah. That's me." Briggs:"I hear you have very important information for us?" Erwin:"Indeed I do, but it isn't save here." Duke:"That's why we're taking you to our HQ where you'll be safe to tell us what you know." Erwin:"Right. Let me just get my things and I'll be with you." Eldon:"We'll wait out here." Erwin disappears into the house while the Rovers standing guarding the house. Down the street an human APC appears and drives up to the house. It stops and several Kazakhstani soldiers climb out armed with AK-47 machine guns. They aim it at the Rovers. Soldier:"Surrender, Road Rovers! You are all under arrest!" The Rovers are surprised. Stef:"On what charges?" Soldier:"For the attempted kidnapping of Professor Brokanheimer." Eldon:"Okay. We surrender." The others look shocked at Eldon. Rovers:"WHAT?!" He winks back to them and they realise what he wants to do. They all raise their hands and the soldiers approach them. Just as the soldiers begin to handcuff them the Rovers go into action. Briggs grabs one soldier and throws him into three others. Duke turns around and hits another in the face. Eldon takes another's AK-47 and clubs two other soldiers in the face with it. He then takes out his sword and heads to some soldiers near the APC. They fire at him, but he deflects the bullets with his sword swinging. When he gets to the soldiers he cuts their rifles to ribbons and they run away. Stef takes out her Petri Pistol and freezes the remaining soldiers. Erwin comes out with a suitcase and looks at the scene. Erwin:"What happened?" Eldon:"Nothing much. They just wanted to see our driver's licences." Briggs:"Come on. We need to go now before more soldiers arrive." They all climb into the Street Rover and drive off. Erwin looks the Street Rover over. Erwin:"Unusual vehicle." Duke:"This is the Street Rover. Just one of our vehicles we use to fight the forces of evil." Briggs takes the radio and calls Spirit and Andreas, who stayed with the Jet Rover. Briggs:"This is Street Rover to Jet Rover. Are you there?" Andreas:"We're here, sir." Briggs:"We got the scientist. Be prepared to lift off." Spirit:"It's ready to take off, but you might to go to a park in the center of town." Briggs:"What for?" Andreas:"Because that's where we are, sir." Briggs:"What are you doing there? We ordered you to stay put!" Spirit:"Easy for you to say. You weren't shot at by the Kazakhstan military." Briggs:"I see. Just try and keep you position until we can arrive." Andreas:"You had better hurry, sir. There are soldiers coming from all the place and we won't be able to hold this position for long." Briggs:"Copy that." They head onward to the Jet Rover. In a park in the center of town is the Jet Rover. Andreas and Spirit are waiting outside. Suddenly some APC's burst through the park fence and stop nearby. Soldiers climb out and aim their rifles at Andreas and Spirit. Soldier 1:"Throw down your weapons and put you hands in the air!" Andreas and Spirit look at each other. Andreas:"Ready?" Spirit:"You bet." Andreas:"Now." They both throw tennis balls at the soldiers. Soldier 2:"Grenade!" They all duck for cover. However, when the tennis balls land they come up again. Soldier 3:"It's just some old tennis balls." The old tennis balls then start bellowing out large amounts of gas and the soldiers all quickly go to sleep. Just then the Street Rover appears and stops next to the Jet Rover. Briggs, Duke, Eldon, Stef and Erwin climb out. Stef looks at the sleeping soldiers. Stef:"Looks like you had visitors too." Erwin takes his suitcase out and begins to climb into the Jet Rover. Suddenly the Street Rover explodes from a shell fired by a tank in one of the streets. There are more APC's and tanks approaching the park. Spirit:"Here's comes the visitor's buddies." Briggs:"Let's go!" They all quickly climb in and the Jet Rover takes off, leaving behind the Kazakhstan soldiers, APC's, tanks and the burning Street Rover. Soon they are flying above the Kazakhstan countryside heading for Greece. Andreas is flying. Eldon looks at Erwin's suitcase. Eldon:"Did you make sure you brought clean underwear?" Erwin gives Eldon a cold look. Stef turns to Erwin. Stef:"You have to excuse him. He often gets very annoying." Erwin relaxes. Erwin:"If you must know, this suitcase contains valuable documents and film about the KH Military." Duke:"What is their darkest secret?" Erwin:"Their origin." Briggs:"Is that information so dark that..." Erwin:"They will do anything to prevent you Rovers from seeing it." Andreas:"Sir, we have a problem." Briggs turns to Andreas. Briggs:"What kind of problem?" Andreas:"Radar shows six Kazakhstan MIG-29 aircraft closing in on our position." Briggs:"Prepare for evasive action." Andreas:"Yes, sir." Sure enough, not far behind the Jet Rover is a wing of six MIG's. The flight leader signals to the others. The pilots all speak Russian. Leader:"Wing two. Stand by to launch missiles." Pilot 1:"Yes, sir." The pilot pushes a few buttons. On his HUD (Heads-Up Display) he locks onto the Jet Rover. Pilot 1:"I have good lock." Leader:"Fire when ready." Pilot 1:"Firing." The pilot pushes a button and his craft fires a missile at the Jet Rover. In the Jet Rover the Rovers detect the incoming missile. Spirit:"One coming at us. Activating countermeasures." Andreas:"I'll turn left." Andreas turns the Jet Rover as it releases flares. The missile is misguided by the flares and flies past the Jet Rover, barely touching the vehicle. Eldon:"That was a bit too close!" Stef:"Far too close!" Briggs:"Andreas! Get behind them!" Andreas pulls back on the stick and the Jet Rover does a loop that quickly puts it behind most of the MIG's. Spirit pushes a few buttons and the Jet Rover starts shooting at the MIG's. One shot cuts a MIG's wing off and the pilot bails out, his plane disappearing into the clouds. One of the MIG's that was behind the Jet Rover closes in and strafes the vehicle. Some the shots hit the left engine and sets it on fire. Spirit pulls the engine's firehandel and puts the fire out. Just as the MIG that shot at them passes a missile strikes the tail of the craft and the pilot ejects just as his craft is engulfed in flames. Next some US F-16's appear. Their flight leader speaks up. Leader:"Road Rovers, this is Halo one. Major Cadwell sent to protect you. Bug out west. We'll cover you." Andreas:"US fighters, we copy." While the F-16's deal with the MIG's the Jet Rover quickly flies away from the dogfight. Warroom, Delta Squadron Command Center, Somewhere in Asia, 5:34 PM: This warroom looks similar to the one on the Alexander. General Trigger and some of his commanders are here while General Stalker's face was on a screen nearby. Stalker:"In which direction were they heading?" Trigger:"According to our last contact they seem to have been going towards either Turkey, Greece or Italy in your sector, sir." Stalker:"I will personally see to this matter. Keep me informed if you pick them up again." Trigger:"Yes, sir. But can I just one thing?" Stalker:"I'm listening." Trigger:"How did the US fighter scramble so quickly? I mean, it was only about ten minutes after the first attack by the APC's when they got to the Rovers." Stalker:"I have been thinking about that too, General, and it seems to me that there is something wrong here." Trigger:"What is it, sir?" Stalker:"I have a feeling that there is a traitor in our midst." Trigger:"I know, sir. It's your daughter, or Phoenix." Stalker:"No. Those two don't have that much access or authority to give the Road Rovers that kind of information. I suspect it might be a high ranking wolf within one of the squadrons." Trigger:"Do you possibly know who it is, sir?" Stalker:"No, but I have begun investigations into the matter. You only need to be alert for anyone in your ranks who acts suspiciously." Trigger:"And what if we discover him, sir?" Stalker:"Then he's going to have a lot of explaining to do... to the firing squad that he will face. Stalker out." Stalker's face disappears from the screen. Acropolis, Athens, Greece, September 10, 7:01 AM: This is the ancient ruins near the city. In an open area near the Parthenon is the Jet Rover and the TurboJet Rover. Striker, Illanov, Phoenix and Elexis are using the TurboJet. Briggs, Andreas, Spirit, Eldon, Stef, Duke and Erwin approach them. Illanov:"Is this Professor Brokanheimer?" Briggs:"Yes, this is him." Erwin:"What is going to happen next?" Spirit:"We are transferring you to the TurboJet Rover to confuse the KH Military." Striker:"Speaking of which we'd beter leave now before the KH Military finds out about our transfer." Warroom, KHA Alexander, En route to Greece, at that moment: General Stalker and some of his commanders are watching the transfer on screen via one of their spy satellites. Stalker:"Too late, my friends. We have already found out about your transfer." He turns to his commanders. Stalker:"Prepare to engage the Rovers and alert our Mediterranean naval forces." The commanders salute and leave. He then turns to a vent. Stalker:"Climb out of there. You are authorised to walk in here using the door, Shadow." Shadow opens the grate and climb out. He walks up to Stalker. Shadow:"Sorry. It is a habit with me." Stalker:"I'm not surprised for someone who spends most of his time hiding in the shadows. Any special information you have for us?" Shadow:"That Major Cadwell says he can have the National Guard mobilized at the Rovers' request. Other than that there is nothing else that is important." Stalker:"And you still won't tell us where Mission Control is?" Shadow:"No. That was not part of the deal." Stalker:"And I won't push you even though you do know that I was the only one who was able to defeat your brother Grendle in single combat. He sure has you well in his grasp." Shadow:"I'm also surprised that you know the real truth about my situation." Stalker:"So I do. You can go to the hangar. A shuttle is ready to take you back to the States." Shadow leaves through the vent. Stalker watches him go. Stalker:"Pity you don't know enough of your situation, Shadow." He turns back to the war map. Somewhere over Mediterranean, 8:01 AM: The TurboJet Rover is flying onward towards the United States. Striker is flying while Phoenix is looking over the ocean. Phoenix:"I love the ocean. The blue waters, the seagulls, the big shadow coming up on our shadow." Everyone looks at Phoenix, confused. Elexis:"What big shadow?" Phoenix:"That one." She points at the ocean. Coming up on their shadow is the larger one. Erwin:"Is that good or bad?" Striker:"If my suspicions are right, then it should be very bad." Illanov:"Let's see what's behind us." He pushes a button and the screen showing what is behind them appears. They all gasp. Behind them is the Alexander. Striker:"Ai yai yai. It is bad." Erwin:"Are we going to die?" Phoenix:"No, because we are the good guys and they're the bad guys." Elexis:"Don't speak too soon, Phoenix. That ship has enough firepower to destroy a small country's army." Sure enough, outside the Alexander was closing in on the TurboJet. On the bridge Stalker was giving the commands to the ship's gunners. Stalker:"All turrets. Open fire when they are within range." From the corners of the ship's head lasers are fired at the TurboJet. Striker manages to dodge them, but as the ship draws closer more turrets and missile launchers begin to fire. The Rovers now find it difficult to dodge the shots. On the bridge Stalker is giving another command. Stalker:"If we don't shoot down that TurboJet, then ram it." Captain:"Yes, sir." Just then a laser hits the tail of the TurboJet and it plunges towards the ocean. It hits the ocean with a big splash. Illanov pushes a few buttons and the TurboJet goes into sub-mode. Illanov:"Now I know why comrade Exile loves being a Road Rover." Striker:"That's true. Now I'm beginning to love being a Road Rover too. Reminds me of the good old days in the EDF." Above the ocean the Alexander was holding a perimeter over the spot where the TurboJet had fallen. The crew were smiling, but Stalker was not. Captain:"Yet another victory for us, sir." Stalker:"Don't speak too soon, Captain. That was the TurboJet Rover and it is able to travel underwater." He turns to a commander. Stalker:"Signal all our submarines and frigates. Their orders are to patrol the oceans from here to the Strait of Gibraltar for the TurboJet Rover. Tell them they are authorised to destroy on sight." Commander 1:"Yes, sir." The commander goes to a control panel and begins to call the KH naval fleet. Under the ocean, Near the Strait of Gibraltar, 8:57 AM: The TurboJet is still travelling onward. Elexis was monitoring the radar. Elexis:"Yeah. Ten frigates and three destroyers are patrolling the area. And I'm picking up several submarines in the area too." Phoenix:"They must know we're coming." Elexis looks at the screen again. Elexis:"Uh oh. They're coming straight at us." Striker:"Hold on, everyone. This is going to get very ugly." Under the water and on the surface the submarines, Mine-and-Anti- Submarine Frigates and Missile Destroyers were closing in on the TurboJet. MASF are about the same size as an American frigate, only is more high-tech and carries weapons for laying and retrieving sea mines and destroying submarines. The MASF's are first to get to the TurboJet's position and they begin to launch depth-charges. From the TurboJet the Rovers see the charges. Erwin:"Such a technologically advanced military and they still use depth charges." Elexis:"That is not your everyday depth charge. They lock onto a target and travel towards it like magnet." Illanov:"Good thing you told comrade Hubert about them, comrade Elexis." Phoenix:"The only question is: will they work?" Striker:"Well, we are about to find out." As the charges close in the TurboJet launches some canisters which explode into metal shrapnel. The charges hit the shrapnel and explode with a loud boom. The TurboJet manages to get away from the MASF's. Then some Hurricane Submarines appear and surround the TurboJet. Illanov:"I think this might be a good time to surface." Striker:"Good idea, Alex." The TurboJet heads towards the surface, closely followed by the submarines, who are firing torpedoes at the TurboJet. The vehicle surfaces and goes into flight mode, barely escaping the torpedoes. A nearby Missile Destroyer fires several missiles at the TurboJet, all but one is fooled by the countermeasures. One missile hits the right engine of the vehicle and blows it off. Striker:"This is not good. We are losing altitude and with such damage in sub-mode we would be a sitting target for the KH submarines." Erwin:"So what do we do now?" Phoenix:"Grab a chute and prepare to jump." Everyone heads for the cargo bay and puts on a chute. Erwin ties his suitcase against him. They then proceed to jump out one by one. They then open their chutes and watch as the TurboJet plunges into the ocean and explodes. They then see the KH fleet some distance away coming towards them. Illanov:"Mother Russia. As comrade Exile would say: we are in big doggy doughnuts." Phoenix:"Do you think we will have to surrender?" Elexis then sees something and smiles. Elexis:"Maybe not." Everyone looks into the direction Elexis was looking. The Sonic Rover appears and slows down when it comes to the parachutists. They all land on the wing and Shag opens a nearby door. They all climb in, helped by Shag, Blitz and Exile. Striker:"Thanks. You guys came in the nick of time." Exile:"The Master toldski us to come and assist you." Blitz points at Erwin. Blitz:"Who are you?" Illanov:"This is Professor Brokanheimer." Erwin:"I'm honoured to meet you all." Blitz:"You are?" Erwin:"Yah. In fact, I am a great admirer of yours, Blister." Everyone except Blitz and Erwin chuckle. Blitz just slaps his forehead. Blitz:"It just had to happen." They all head to the cockpit where Hunter and Colleen is. Hunter is flying. Colleen:"Did you get the bearded Johnny?" Everyone looks confused at Colleen. Everyone but Colleen:"Huh?" Colleen:"I meant did you get the Professor?" Elexis points at Erwin. Elexis:"Here he is. Professor Erwin Brokanheimer." While they are talking Shag sticks his head out one of the windows to enjoy the wind rushing past him. When he looks behind the Sonic Rover he screams and jumps into Blitz's arm. Blitz:"Why do you always have to jump into my arms?" He mumbles something. Blitz turns to Hunter. Blitz:"What did he say?" Hunter:"He says that he saw a UFO right behind us." Shag nods and Blitz drops him. He laughs and walks to the window. Blitz:"UFO. Yah. That's a good one." He pops his head the window and looks behind them. He becomes just as scared as Shag and jumps into his arms. Blitz:"There is a big UFO behind us!" Striker pops his head out and looks behind them. He then quickly pulls his head back and closes the window. Striker:"The Alexander! It's closing in on us, and at a rapid speed!" Hunter turns to Colleen. Hunter:"How about we loose them, Collie Wollie?" Colleen:"Roger, Huntie Wuntie." Erwin:"Huntie Wuntie? Collie Wollie?" Illanov:"We'll explain it later, comrade." Colleen pushes a button and the Sonic Rover goes into super sonic speed. It rapidly disappears from sight, leaving the Alexander behind. On the bridge everyone except Stalker stood dumbstruck. Captain:"Now THAT is fast." One commander leans over to another. Commander 2:"Do you what it will mean if all our fighters had such an ability?" Commander 3:"Yes. A lot of extra frequent flyer mileage." Stalker turns to them. Stalker:"Why don't you two call General Wolfeye for me instead of talking about non-existent bonuses?" Commander 2,3:"Yes, sir." They go to a panel and push some buttons. General Wolfeye's face appears on a screen. Wolfeye:"Sir?" Stalker:"The Rovers are bringing the scientist to your sector. Use any means needed to stop them. You are also authorised to use the KHSAS missiles." Wolfeye salutes. Wolfeye:"Yes, sir." Gas Station, Georgia, United States of America, 9:25 AM: This is a normal gas station by a two-lane highway. The Grizzlies are here filling up and waiting. Clouds cover the skies. The Sonic Rover appears from the clouds and lands in an open field next to the station. The Rovers and Erwin climb out and walk to the Grizzlies. Rabid:"Striker, weren't you supposed to come here with the TurboJet Rover?" Striker:"We were to, but General Stalker's forces intercepted us and shot down the TurboJet." Nitro points at Erwin. Nitro:"Are you Professor Brokanheimer?" Erwin:"Yah, and you must be Nitro." Nitro:"Yeah. How do you know that?" Erwin:"Just because I live in Kazakhstan doesn't mean I don't have access to the internet. I saw you all on your fans' web pages." Nitro:"Oh." Blitz:"Do I have fans?" Erwin:"Of course." Blitz smiles widely. Hunter:"Look, we need to move the Professor to Mission Control before the KH Military finds out where he is." Rabid:"Right. The Professor will go with Amani and Puffball." Dixie:"And what about me?" Nitro:"You hitch hike back home." Dixie growls at Nitro. Rabid:"No, you stay on the back of Sylvia." The Cyclborg calls Rabid and the others. Cyc:"Rabid. I've detected a KH Recon Bike coming towards us." Rabid:"Only one?" Cyc:"Yes." Colleen:"They are patrolling the area looking for us." Rabid turns to the Grizzlies. Rabid:"Let's roll!" The Grizzlies and Erwin board their vehicles while the Rovers head back to the Sonic Rover. Just the Grizzlies get onto the highway the Recon Bike down the highway spots them and speeds up. It soon catches up with the Grizzlies and begins firing rockets at them. They dodge the rockets as they blow holes into the road. Nitro:"When this is over they will have to put up a sign that says: 'Danger. Potholes.'" Rabid:"Let's get airborne and loose this guy before he blows a pothole into us." The Cyclborg and Sylvia go into flight-mode and take off, leaving the Recon Bike behind. As the Grizzlies fly away the recon biker calls his headquarters. Biker:"This is Recon Bike one five. The target is headed westward by air." KH Airfield, Somewhere in the state of Alabama, 9:46 AM: This is a hidden airfield. Three KH Mohigan Attack Helicopters take off to intercept the Grizzlies. Highway, State of Louisiana, 10:13 AM: The three Mohigans continue flying along a highway. One pilot looks at his radar screen. Pilot 2:"According to the Grizzlies' transponders they should be just about less then a mile in front of us." Pilot 1:"Arm missiles and fire when you have a good lock." Pilot 2,3:"Yes, sir." The Mohigans speed up and head on to intercept the Grizzlies. When they come to the exit of a tunnel their target appears, but it is not the Grizzlies. It is Michael Knight and his 1982 Pontiac Firebird KITT (both from the "Knight Rider" series). The Mohigans fly alongside them. Michael looks at the first pilot and waves at him. Pilot 3:"Isn't that Michael Knight and KITT?" Pilot 2:"Well, they look like them to me." In his car Michael looks at KITT. Michael:"KITT, how about calling the group's lead pilot?" KITT:"Sure thing, Michael." KITT calls the lead pilot. Pilot 1:"Who is this?" Michael:"This is Michael Knight. What can I do for you, gentlemen?" The pilot becomes angry. Pilot 1:"Perfect. Five hundred bloody miles to shoot a bloody Pontiac Firebird!" Michael chuckles and the pilot calls the others. Pilot 1:"Pull back. We're returning to base." Pilot 2,3:"Yes, sir." The Mohigans fly away. Michael:"You see, KITT? That wasn't so difficult." KITT:"Michael, if you don't know this by now those helicopters had the necessary firepower to destroy both of us." Michael:"KITT, sometimes one just has to take a risk. Besides, we did promise Rabid that we would help out." KITT:"Him and that annoying Cyclborg of his." Michael:"You and Cyc should learn to get along." KITT:"Get along? Never!" Michael rolls his eyes. Michael:"Maybe we should just forget about the getting along lesson and call Rabid instead." KITT:"Very well, Michael." They continue down the highway. Countryside, State of Texas, 10:21 AM: The Grizzlies are driving along the road. On the Cyclborg Rabid is speaking to Michael via Cyc's viewscreen. Michael:"Your plan to have us carry your transponders work well. Those helicopter pilots were very confused." Rabid:"We are very grateful for helping out." Michael:"No problem, Rabid. Hope to do business again sometime." Rabid:"See ya, Mike." Michael's face disappears from the screen. Omega Command Center, Somewhere in North America, at that moment: General Wolfeye and his commanders and officers were watching the Grizzlies make their way through Texas. Wolfeye turns to the war map showing the North American continent. Wolfeye:"Are there any civilians near or at the location where the Grizzlies are?" Commander:"No, sir." Wolfeye:"Good. Prepare our KHSAS missiles warmed up and ready to fly." Commander:"Yes, sir." The other commanders and officers go to their various stations to prepare the launch. Mountains, Colorado, 10:31 AM: A part of the mountain has opened up to reveal more KHSAS Launchers. They are preparing to go into a launch mode. Island, California: Another group of launchers has appeared from the thick woods of an island in the middle of a river. They too are preparing to launch. Farmstead, Texas: This is a normal looking farmstead. A farmer and his family are busy doing their chores. Suddenly their barn moves away to reveal a hole. A KHSAS Launcher then appears on a platform from the hole. Its missiles are being prepared while the farmer and his family watch in amazement. Omega Command Center: A large map of North America has several blue dots indicating the readied launchers. A communication officer turns to General Wolfeye. Officer:"Sir, all available launchers report they are in launch mode and have the Grizzlies targeted. Awaiting the launch codes." Wolfeye takes a letter out of his pocket and opens it. On the paper in it is the launch codes. Wolfeye reads them to the officer that the panel that allows them to arm all the warheads. Wolfeye:"C, T, H, 4, 7, P, O, Q, 1, Z." The officer types it in. On the screen appears "Incorrect password". Officer:"Incorrect password, sir. Please repeat." Wolfeye repeats the code, the officer types it in and again on the screen appears "Incorrect password". Officer:"Sir, it still won't accept it." Wolfeye:"Impossible. This is the right code. And we didn't change the codes either." Com Officer:"Sir, we're going to loose the target in less than a minute." Wolfeye picks up a phone and calls General Black. Wolfeye:"General Black? This is General Wolfeye. I want you to use your KHSAS missiles to destroy the Grizzlies....What?.... You too?....So am I. Someone changed my launch codes too. ...Hold on. I'm calling the Supreme General." Wolfeye dials another number and calls General Stalker. Wolfeye:"Sir, this is General Wolfeye. Did you authorise that both General Black's and my KHSAS launch codes be changed?.... ...No? Then how? Only Field-Marshall and above are allowed to do that...The scientist? Hold on a moment, sir." Wolfeye turns to the com officer. Wolfeye:"Do you still have them?" Com Officer:"Negative, sir. We've lost all radar and satellite contact with the Grizzlies." Wolfeye turns to the phone. Wolfeye:"Sorry, sir, but we lost them....You're not angry?...Thanks, sir. ...A meeting on the Alexander?...I'm on my way. Wolfeye out." He puts the phone down and turns to his officers. Wolfeye:"Stand down our missiles and prepare my shuttle." Mountains, Colorado, 10:43 AM: The launchers are pulled back into the mountain. It then closes up, leaving not a single sign. Island, California: Likewise, the launchers are taken into the thick woods that hide them from all views. Farmstead, Texas: The launcher is lowered down and the barn moves back to its normal position. The family still looks at the barn. The wife turns to her husband. Wife:"I keep telling you that we should do something about these gophers." Farmer:"You're right, honey. Maybe I should." They continue working. Briefing Room, Road Rover Mission Control, 11:12 AM: The Rovers, Strayers, Hubert, Erwin and the Master are here. The Master looks at Erwin. Master:"Well, Professor. In light of the fact that the KH Military tried to kill you means that the information you have must be of great importance." Erwin:"Yah. Though I don't know if it will help you. It deals mainly with their past." Master:"That's all right, Professor. Any info might prove useful. What about their past are going to tell?" Erwin:"Their origin." Hunter:"In other words the guys who created them." Striker:"This should be interesting. I've been fighting them for five years and now I am going to find out who created them." Rabid:"So who created them?" There is a long pause. Erwin:"The Nazis." Everyone but Erwin:"THE NAZIS?!?!?!" Erwin:"Yah. They are the culprits." Hunter:" I would not have predicted this!" Striker:"This explains everything!" Spirit:"Man, that's gotta be the biggest surprise this century!" Exile, Illanov:"Mother Russia!" Colleen:"Blimey! So these guys have been around a bloomin' long time!" Hubert:"This means the Master wasn't the first person to create a device to transmutate dogs or cats or wolves!" Master:"But how, Professor?" Erwin opens his suit case and takes out a video tape and some papers. He hands the documents to the Master. Erwin:"These files tell everything about Hitler's most heavily guarded secret: the ability to transmutate dogs into an army of super soldiers. With the help of the tape I can explain the rest" Hubert takes the tape and puts into a VCR. On the screen the tape begins. Neuremerburg Castle, Somewhere in Germany, 1945, 10:13 PM: This is a large castle on an island with only one bridge leading to the mainland. Everywhere there are Nazi soldiers, tanks, trucks, flags and banners. A convoy of trucks drives down the bridge, past the checkpoint at the gate in the castle wall. Erwin speaks voice over. Erwin:"This is Neuremerburg Castle in Nazi Germany. It is where the project was being run." The trucks stop and some soldiers begin to unload cages, all carrying various kinds of wolves, young and old. Erwin:"Wolves where brought from zoo's all over Europe for the secret project." The cages are taken into the castle. Laboratory, Neuremerburg Castle, 10:18 PM: This is large, high-tech (in those days) room with many odd machines and equipment. By the walls the wolves are held in cages. Nearby stands a machine that looks similar to the one the Rovers had seen at the Black Wolf Research Facility. There are many scientists and soldiers around. Erwin:"That night they were going to do the first test of their machine." Some soldiers take a wolf out of his cage and puts him on the machine's pad. It is them activated and some electrical beams hit the wolf. It begins to mutate and soon develops into a Wolf-sapien. Erwin:"They succeeded." The scientists celebrate. Courtyard, 1:01 PM: The Wolf-sapiens are being trained and studied. The males are trained how to use weapons while the females tended to the young wolf-sapiens. Three cubs play with each other. This is Stalker, Trigger and Tesla as cubs. Erwin:"While the cubs played the males were for the next few being trained to help the Germans fight against the Allies." They continue training, tending and playing under the watchful eyes of the scientists and soldiers. Erwin:"But then one night it all went horribly wrong for the Germans." Neuremerburg Castle, 3:45 AM: It is chaos. The castle is on fire and everywhere there are the sounds of battle as the German soldiers try vainly to stop the marauding Wolf-sapiens. Erwin:"The wolves hatred for humans turned them against their masters. Because of their training and natural abilities they proved more than a match for the Germans. They took their brethren and stole the machine." Several trucks, all carrying and driven by Wolf-sapiens, drive down the bridge to the mainland. When the last truck reaches land a huge explosion destroys every corner of the castle. When the smoke clears all that can be seen is the bridge ending in a dead end. Of the castle and the island nothing is left. The trucks then drive away. Erwin:"They then disappeared for a while, gaining strength, until they formed the KH Military terrorist force." Briefing Room: The screen goes blank as they reach the end of the tape. Erwin turns to everyone else. Erwin:"That is how they were born." Hubert:"Amazing. Even in 1945 is was possible to build a workable Transdogmafier." Blitz:"Hang on. How come you know so much about this?" Erwin:"My father, who was one of the scientists there, was the only person who survived that day. He got out just before the wolves rebelled. He then later told me about this and showed me the secret documents." Briggs:"So we're up against an enemy that has been on this Earth long before we were born." Master:"Professor, you have given valuable information. We thank you very much." Erwin:"My pleasure." Conference Room, KHA Alexander, Holding Perimeter over Spain, 2:01 PM: This is a standard conference room. Seated at the table is Stalker, Trigger, Tanarus, Wolfeye and Black. They are deep into their session. Trigger:"So your codes were also changed, General Tanarus?" Tanarus:"That is correct, sir." Stalker:"This traitor, whoever he is, is starting to really become a nuisance which can no longer be ignored. I want an immediate investigation to find out who this traitor is. We can no longer tolerate this." The other generals agree with Stalker. Their past had now made known to the world and the Rovers have survived the onslaught. But there are still many issues. Who much longer are the attacks by Prowler going to last? Who is the KH traitor? And will the KH Military find out who the mysterious "Tan" is? THE END