Road Rovers: Chaos Computer

Episode 8: Frozen Assets

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
McTerry, Mirage, Rembrandt, King, Duroc, Paladin, GONV and all others 
related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé
Wild Kats © Greywolf Lupous
Moffet © Kitson Paws de Lioncourt 
Trouble © Katalin Bakonyi
Unit Gamble © Okichi Obari

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

UN Advancement Division
Town of Frizren
Kosovo
14 October
6:11 AM:

The sun has set over the town of Frizren. It still bears the scars of the 
various ethnic wars fought here, but the most severe damage has come from 
the Techno War. The town is empty of citizens, but UN soldiers and 
vehicles are everywhere around the town. Soldiers are busy doing drills, 
repairs or maintenance. At the centre of the UN division is a collection 
of command tents. Inside the tents are generals from NATO, the Kosovo 
Resistance, the UN and other countries in the area. They are all confering 
around a table with a map of the area.

NATO General:"Right. We know the GONV has a hidden facility somewhere in
              the hills and that their forces are still strong despite
              the EMP blast they got. Now, we will..."

They continue with the meeting. Far away from the town in the hills there
is movement. Appearing from behind the trees are a large group of GONV
MKIII mechs, surrounded by MKI and MKII mechs. The MKIII get into line
and prepare to fire. In the town a Fuchs radar vehicle picks up the 
signature readings of the mechs.

Radar Tech:"Contact! GONV mechs 30 kilometres from the west!"

The watch officer runs out of the vehicle towards the command tents. He
runs into the tent and up to the generals.

Officer:"Sirs! We have a group of GONV mechs in the hills to our west."

The generals all run out of the tent and out into the open. They all
raise their night sight binoculars and look towards the hills. They
quickly spot the line of GONV mechs.

NATO General:"There they are, the metal buggers."

Kosovo General:"They reading a long-range bombardment. I've seen the
                Bosnian armies do this during the Balkan wars."

Suddenly the MKIII mechs raise their rocket packs and fire away their
rockets. The general see this.

UN General:"Raise the alarm! Incoming rockets!"

The alarm is quickly raised and soldiers scramble to their vehicles or
for their weapons. After a few moments the rockets arrive, but instead of
landing amongst the UN troops they simply explode high above them with
the sound of a car's boot closing. The troops all look up at the sky and
the explosions.

Kosovo General:"This is unusual. Their rockets are not exploding amongst
                us."

NATO General:"I agree. This is an unusual tactic for the GONV, unless..."

A searchlight sweeps across the sky. Near where the rockets exploded the
light takes a greenish hue. The NATO general's eyes widen as he realises
what the green hue is.

NATO General:"S***! IT'S GAS!!!"

The troops all start rushing towards where the trucks with the gasmasks
are and begin putting them on. However, only a few are able to get their
masks on before the gas engulfs the division. The troops begin coughing,
some frantically try to get masks. However, not even masks are able to
protect them from the skin-absorbed gas. Soon troops start collapsing as
their bodies begin a state of rapid discomposure. After a while there is
only the skeletal husks of the UN troops, animals and plant life as the
GONV's deadly new Virillium Gas finishes its deadly work.

CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia
United States of America
15 October
9:00 AM:

The anchor is beginning to read the news about the Techno War to the 
world. The war map shows the territorial control of the UN surrounding
several pockets of GONV-held ground. However, around the pockets are
biohazard symbols and blue arrows moving away from the areas affected.

Anchor:"The Techno War has now taken a dramatic and deadly turn as GONV
        Forces begin the deployment and use of their new biological and 
        chemical weaponry. Several United Nations divisions have suffered
        horrendous losses from the attacks of the deadly and unknown
        gasses being fired at them. UN Secretary-General Markus Norwood
        has ordered the evacuation of troops and civilians away from the
        GONV territories to avoid further casualties. Only the Road 
        Rovers are now being allowed into the territories in order to
        disable the bio-chemical arsenals of the GONV Forces."

The anchor goes to the next page of the report.

Anchor:"Meanwhile scientists from the World Health Organisation and other
        biological and chemical research groups say that the gas, called
        Virillium, being used by the GONV is unlike anything that has ever 
        been developed and is even deadlier than all of the world's other
        deadly chemical and biological agents combined. They are working
        frantically to develop a cure for the deadly gas while the Road
        Rovers attempt to destroy the production sites, some of which are
        rumoured to be situated far beyond the war zone."

He continues reading the news. After a few reports he calls for a break.

Anchor:"We'll be back with more stories on CNN. Stay tuned."

The anchor sorts his papers while CNN starts showing commercials to the
viewers. The first commercial can be seen on one of the nearby screens
in the studio. It begins blank with only the voice of the announcer.

Announcer:"Are you need in of a military force in a hurry? Do you want
           the best hired guns at the lowest price? Then look no further!"

The screen start showing various images of mercenaries, guerrillas, bounty
hunters and other freelancers doing their jobs.

Announcer:"The Mayhem Mercenaries, the world's largest independent group
           of military specialists and fighters, is ready to fight at the
           right price. We operate globally and our organisation include
           some of the best and highly trained soldiers-of-fortune, free-
           lancers, militia groups and bounty hunters in the world. All 
           willing to do combat for the right kind of money."
   
The screen then shows an M in front of an upright sword on a shield.

Announcer:"Contact the Mayhem Mercenaries, at 000-21-21-MAYHEM. Our 
           operators are standing by to take your calls. Completely
           confidential. Satisfaction guaranteed."

The screen goes blank and then returns back to CNN.

Trail
Andes Mountains
Somewhere in Peru
16 October
11:01 AM:

This an old footpath trail running through the higher parts of the Andes
Mountain range. There are mostly boulders about, but here and there a
shrub grows between them. Travelling along the trail is a caravan which
consists of the Wild Kats (Dusty, Moffet, Sugar, Trouble and Dinamite), 
Unit Gamble (Drago, Ally, Ned, Red, Edward and Draga), Peruvian guides 
and llamas (who are carrying the supplies). The Peruvians are dressed up 
in their usual local grab while the Wild Kats and Unit Gamble are all 
dressed in warm clothing. They are all walking (except for Trouble, who
is riding on a llama), with Unit Gamble at the front and the Wild Kats
at the back. With Unit Gamble, Drago and Ally are hugging each other for
warmth, smiling.

Ally:"It's so nice when you got your arms around me, especially when it
      is this cold."

Drago:"Hey. That's what husbands are for."

Ally giggles.

Ally:"And how. YOU'RE GREAT!"

Drago:"Easy, Love. Don't get so loud, or you'll scare the llamas."

Further back Draga is trying to strike up a conversation with Red, with
Ned right behind them.

Draga:"So, do you ever feel cold?"

Red:"I do sometimes."

Draga:"Are you feeling cold right now?"

Red:"A bit."

Draga:"Why not try running around, like me?"

Draga starts running about around the others, the Peruvians and the
llamas. She looks at Red.

Draga:"Run around, see? It can keep you warm!"

One Peruvian looks at Red.

Peruvian:"Is senyora Draga always running around?"

Red doesn't pay attention, so Ned answers.

Ned:"Yeah. She's always taking steroids in the mornings."

Draga hears this and becomes annoyed. She then gets an idea and runs
up to a llama next to Ned.

Draga:"Ned..."

Ned looks at Draga.

Ned:"Yeah, Nurse Draga?"

Draga:"What do you think of these llamas?"

Ned:"They're very hairy, like you."

Draga:"Did you know that they laugh when you tickle them?"

Ned:"Really? You're kidding."

Draga:"Nope. Just try it."

Ned:"Sure."

Ned goes up to the llama and starts to tickle it's chin while speaking to
it.

Ned:"Laugh? You? Yeah, right."

Peruvian:"Careful, senyor."

Ned:"Whatever."

He continues to tickle the llama's chin. The llama is clearly becoming
annoyed by Ned's attention.

Ned:"I knew it. You cannot laugh."

Suddenly the llama spits a lot of water into Ned's face, leaving him
soaked. The others who saw it laugh out loud (except for Red) while the 
Peruvian talks to him.

Peruvian:"When llama angry, senyor, he will always do that."

Ned tries to dry himself off.

Ned:"Damn! This is cold!!!"

Draga:"Serves you right."

Edward, who had been walking behind Ned, stops laughing and pats him on
the shoulder.

Edward:"Look on the bright side, homeboy. You don't have to take a bath
        tonight."

Ned:"Very funny."

The Wild Kats have also seen the scene. Some of them are laughing, while
others are not, specifically Moffet and Sugar.

Moffet:"Dogs. Go figure."

Sugar:"Yeah. Who needs them?"

Dusty stops laughing and looks at her.

Dusty:"For now, we do if we are to destroy the GONV's chemical production
       site here in Peru."

Sugar:"I hate it when details like that get in the way."

Dinamite:"I don't."

Sugar looks annoyed at Dinamite.

Sugar:"That's because you're semi-crazy, Dinamite."

Dinamite:"Really? Thanks, sis."

Sugar rolls his eyes. Moffet looks at Dusty.

Moffet:"Can't we do this mission on our own? I mean, we're silent and
        can easily get into the facility, unlike those mongrels up ahead
        of us. They just blast their way in."

Dusty:"I know, but this the GONV, not Parvo. We'll need Drago and his dogs
       to distract the GONV while we take care of the chemical weaponry
       and production equipment."

Trouble shakes his head and looks at Ned, who is still drying himself off.

Trouble:"Look at Ned, all wet in this cold weather from getting spit by a
         dumb pack animal."

He looks at the llama.

Trouble:"Aren't you? You're so dumb, you couldn't even spit ME because you
         are so slow."

He raps the back of the llama's head with his claws. This annoys the llama
and it quickly spins it's head around. It spits Trouble off of his back,
leaving the witch's cat soaking wet.

Trouble:"Aaah! I'm wet! I'M WET!!!"

Dinamite laughs at Trouble, who is trying to lick himself dry. Edward and
Ned have also seen this and they are also laughing.

Edward:"Who's the wise pussycat now?"

Ned:"Welcome to the club, Trouble!"

They continue laughing. Drago sees this and shakes his head.

Drago:"Some things never change, do they?"

Ally:"I guess not. Still, it does keep things from getting dull."

Drago turns to the Peruvian guide leading them.

Drago:"How much further is the facility?"

Guide:"Not far now, senyor. Should get there in two hours."

Drago:"Good."

They all continue walking the trail, talking, shouting, playing pranks
and so forth as they go.

EuroCorp Headquarters
Brussels
Belgium
At that moment:

Standing tall above the commercial district of the Belgium capital is the
office tower of the European Corporation, a futuristic building with the
company logo on the front.

Rembrandt's Office
EuroCorp Headquarters:

This is a large, spacious and well-kept office with expensive wooden
furniture about along with potted plants. Against the wall behind the
CEO's desk is large screen. Seated behind the desk is the CEO of EuroCorp:
Jacques Rembrandt. He is a Frenchman who stands at 6 feet 8, has black hair, 
green eyes and is very handsome. He is wearing a black suit with matching 
shoes and a red tie. Seated in the chairs are Tony Johnston (the vice-
president), Paul Duroc and two guests: Mirage... and Scotty McTerry. Duroc
is a Frenchman stands at 6 feet 1, has brown hair and small moustache. He 
has a scar just under his left eye and is wearing black military boots, 
navy-blue pants, long-sleeved shirt and body armour on his arms and legs.
McTerry is still wearing his old Space Rover uniform (minus the insignia).
Mirage is a female poodle who stands at 5 feet, has grey/white fur and 
blue eyes. She is wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, black jacket, black 
jeans and black knee-high boots. Johnson is a male Afro-British who stands 
at 5 feet 3, has brown hair with a hit of grey and brown eyes. He is 
wearing a brown business suit with black shoes and red tie. They are all 
looking at the screen, which is showing King. King is a male human who 
looks just like an Elvis impersonator, complete with dark shades, white
jacket and bell-bottom trousers with golden linings, white shirt, a
golden cloak, an Elvis-like hairstyle and an electric guitar hanging on
his back.

Rembrandt:"Are your men in position, monsieur King?

King speaks like Elvis.

King:"They are almost ready to go and step on the GONV's blue swayed
      shoes, sir."

Rembrandt:"Good. Remember, I want one of those Virillium samples brought
           back before the Road Rovers do."

King:"Don't worry, sir. We'll be bringing back a sample for YOU."

Rembrandt:"Good."

McTerry:"How is Paladin fairing, Laddie?"

King:"He's still rocking, sir. A bit confused now and then, but he's
      right and ready."

McTerry:"Good. Keep me posted about his progress."

King:"Don't you worry, boss."

The screen goes blank. Rembrandt turns back to the others, looking at
McTerry.

Rembrandt:"How on earth did you get an Elvis impersonator to be a Tier
           Commander, McTerry?"

McTerry:"When a lad proves that he can the job done, then promotions
         come quickly, no matter how odd he is."

Johnston:"A-a-and what about P-Pa-Pa-Paladin? Those cyb-b-bernetic parts
          are expensi-sive and we want t-to know if our m-money is well
          i-i-invested."

Mirage looks at Johnston.

Mirage:"Relax, monsieur Johnston. Paladin is a very strong boy and very
        powerful on his own. That is, if he still had both his arms and
        legs."

Duroc:"Is that why we built him those new body parts, no?"

McTerry:"Aye, Lad. They sure did nearly kill him at that poacher's camp
         in Kenya by severing his arms and legs and leaving him for
         dead."

Rembrant:"I'm rather concerned about getting my money's worth. Remember:
          I'm the financial backer and advisor for the Mayhem Mercenaries 
          of which you are the leader, monsiuer McTerry."

McTerry:"And I appreciate that, Mister Rembrandt. You will get that sample
         soon, even if those Road Rovers try to intervene."

Rembrandt smiles.

Rembrandt:"That's good to hear. Even after seeing your high success-rate,
           I'm still pleased to get reassurance from you. I am sure that
           your forces will get that sample for me. With it we can get
           the competitive edge on our rivals in finding an antidote."

Johnston:"Which, i-i-in turn, wi-will bring in v-v-vast prof-f-fits."

Mirage:"Well, we are all in it for the money, no? Why fight for freedom
        and world peace when you can make a huge amount of money from 
        war?"

They all laugh (except Duroc).

GONV Chemical Production Facility
Somewhere in Andes Mountains
1:09 PM:

The area where this facility is located is actually a clearing amidst a
dense snow-covered forest in an opening in the mountain range. The facility 
has various large chemical tanks, storage and production buildings, 
coolant towers and processing plants. The facility is surrounded by a 
laser fence and guarded by patrolling mechs, drones, tanks and plasma 
turrets. Flying above some of the buildings is the GONV flag. From a safe 
vantage point in the nearest mountains are Unit Gamble, the Wild Kats and 
the caravan. Dusty and Drago are looking over the facility with binoculars 
while their teams stand apart from each other.

Drago:"As usual. Some serious hardware out and about that facility."

Dusty:"No kidding. And that facility has probably got tons of that gas
       in storage."

Drago:"But with our two teams working together, we'll turn this place to
       scrap metal in no time."

Dusty:"Yeah. Those tin cans are not match for me and my team."

Drago looks at Dusty, grinning.

Drago:"Does that mean that you'll go in and fight those robots while we
       sneak into the facility?"

Dusty looks at Drago, slightly embarrassed.

Dusty:"Well... er... not really."

Drago:"Just kidding, bro. We'll stick with the original plan. It the best
       we got."

Dusty:"Yup. Your team will go in guns-a-blazing and distract those robots
       into the forest while my team sneaks in to plant the detonators on
       the chemical equipment."

Moffet:"There's at least one good use for dogs."

Sugar:"Yeah. Cannon fodder."

Ned looks at the Wild Kats.

Ned:"Being cannon fodder proves we can take the heat, unlike cats who are 
     so fragile they'll break when they hear a gun go off."

Sugar, Moffet and Trouble roll their eyes.

Trouble:"Please. Cats are poetry in motion. Dogs are gibberish in neutral."

Draga looks at Trouble

Draga:"You weren't so poetic when the llama spat you, Trouble."

Trouble grumbles. Moffet looks at Ned.

Moffet:"You dogs are so clumsy. You could clear a coffee with one swoop of
        the tail. We cats, on the other paw, are delicate and careful. The
        GONV will never be able to see us because we are so stealthy."

Edward laughs.

Edward:"Oh, sure."

Drago and Dusty look at their teams.

Drago, Dusty:"Enough. We're a team here."

The two teams stop, but they keep passing cold glances at one other. Dusty
goes up to the Peruvians.

Dusty:"Go find a place to hide nearby and wait for us. We won't be long."

Guide:"Si, senyor Dusty."

The Peruvians gather the llamas and begin to head back into the mountains.
Dusty goes back to the others and he and Drago gather them around.

Drago:"Right. Here's the plan: we go in, get the GONV defenders' attention
       and lure them into the forests away from the facility."

Dusty:"While they are in the forest we sneak into the facility, plant the 
       bombs, then get out and blow the facility up."

Drago, Dusty:"Do you all understand?"

Wild Kats, Gamble:"Yes, sir."

The two units look at each other coldly. Dusty and Drago look at each 
other and sigh.

Drago:"At least they won't be at each other's throats with this plan."

Dusty:"I agree with you there."

Suddenly the sounds of the heavy intakes of engines start echoing in
the mountains, growing louder and louder. Unit Gamble and the Wild Kats
look around confused.

Red:"That does not sound good."

Dinamite:"Not good, those sounds."

Ally:"I've heard those sounds before, but I just can't tell exactly."

Edward:"What's up with the noise? Sounds like some big engines or some-
        thing."

Sugar:"That noise will alert the GONV."

Moffet:"I'm not so sure about that, unless..."

Without warning the sources of the sounds fly over their heads. They all
duck and cover their ears from the noise. When it passes, they look up
at the sources. Flying over the forests are four A-12 Mayhem Jets. Mayhem
Jets are blue/white coloured A-10 Warthogs with the insignia of the
Mayhem Mercenaries on the wings.

Ned:"Hey! Those jets are Warthogs!"

Trouble:"Why are they painted in blue? And what are they doing here?"

Drago:"Now THAT is a good question. They didn't say anything about air
       support during the briefing."

Dusty:"I think we better put our plan on hold and watch what happens."

They begin to observe the A-12's. The jets fly over the base, dodging 
the flak fired from the flak tanks. They fly out a short distance, then
quickly stop and turn around in mid flight and head back for base. When 
they get close enough they let loose a rain of guided bombs and missiles. 
The ordinance immediately sanitise large portions of the GONV defence, 
leaving the facility much more vulnerable with the remaining defenders 
scrambling to defend it. The A-12's fly overhead again, this time with 
much less flak being fired at them.

Ally:"Well now. They're on our side."

Drago:"This should make our mission MUCH easier."

Dusty:"I'm not so sure about that. I've never blue warthogs, and they 
       we weren't told anything about this. We'd better keep watching."

The A-12's turn around again and head back to the facility. They let
loose with more firepower upon the GONV defenders. Soon all that is 
left of the facility's defence are drones and a very small surviving 
group of mechs and tanks. As the A-12's clear the base the Wild Kats
and Unit Gamble hear another noise, this time of propeller engines
coming from the same direction as the A-12's did. They look up just in
time to see three blue-coloured Chinook helicopters with the insignia of
the Mayhem Mercenaries on the sides fly overhead towards the facility.

Sugar:"Those helicopters must be bringing in the troops."

The Chinooks fly over the facility, their pilots skilfully avoid the
ground fire from the drones. Their cargo-bay doors open and soldiers
start parachuting out. They are all wearing gasmasks, grey camouflage
uniforms and military boots and carrying Land Warrior machine guns (a
cross between a M-16 and a chaingun). Also parachuting out are a few
medics (also wearing the same uniform, only with red cross badges on
them). As they begin to open fire on the GONV's drones Dusty picks up 
his binoculars and looks at the Chinooks. He sees the insignia on the 
sides.

Dusty:"Uh oh. I think we have problem. The insignia on the sides of those
       Chinooks belong to the Mayhem Mercenaries."

They all look surprised at Dusty.

Ally:"You mean those guys who advertised their organisation on CNN yes-
      terday?"

Dusty:"Yeah. That's them."

Draga:"Is that good or bad?"

Ned:"Depends on who's payroll they are."

Drago:"Well, they can't be bad. After all, they are fighting the GONV as
       we are."

Dinamite:"And packing some serious firepower with it."

Dusty:"How about we go in and help and forgo the original plan. It'll be
       easier for us."

Drago:"I agree. Let's go!"

They all get up and start making their way towards the facility, which is 
now heavily under siege from the mercenaries. After a few minutes of
heavy fighting, the drones all head into the facility. The doors, windows,
coolant towers, vents and other openings into the buildings are all shut
tight with steel doors. The mercenaries take up guard positions around
the facility while the A-12's land like a VTOL aircraft. The leaders of
the mercenaries gather around at one corner of the clearing. Round about
then the Wild Kats and unit Gamble appear from the forest and start 
walking towards the mercenaries.

Ally:"Is this such a good idea? Just walking up to these armed mercenaries
      just like this?"

Drago:"They're fighting against the GONV, aren't they? So that means they
       are friends."

Trouble:"I would definitely NOT bet on that one."

Dinamite:"Me neither."

Dusty:"Don't worry. If they don't work with us, we'll make them."

They approach some nearby mercenaries. One of them sees the two units and
quickly turns around, raising his hand in a "stop" sign.

Mercenary 1:"Halt!"

The other mercenaries also see them and turn to the group. Drago waves at
the mercenaries.

Drago:"Don't worry. We're friends."

Mercenary 1:"Really?"

Drago:"Yeah."

Mercenary 1:"What is your affiliation?"

Drago looks confused at the mercenary.

Drago:"Affiliation? What do you mean?"

Sugar rolls her eyes.

Sugar:"He's asking us for whom we are working for, you stupid mutt."

Ally looks at Sugar with an annoyed look.

Ally:"That 'stupid mutt' is my HUSBAND!"

Drago reassures her.

Drago:"Easy, Ally. I'm sure she didn't mean it."

Sugar:"Don't bet on that, either."

Ally growls some more at Sugar. The mercenary is becoming impatient.

Mercenary 1:"Look. Are you going to fight like cats or dogs all day long? 
            I've got a job to do."

The group turns their attention back to the mercenaries.

Dusty:"Okay. To answer your question: Our affiliation is the Road Rovers."

Suddenly the mercenaries raise their rifles at and surround the group in
a matter of moments.

Mercenary 1:"PAWS ABOVE YOUR HEADS!!!"

Dusty:"Look here. You're jumping the g..."

Mercenary 1:"NOW!!!!"

The Wild Kats and Gamble raise their paws above their heads (except for
Trouble, who only has one paw in the air). Ned looks at Trouble.

Ned:"So who won this bet, eh?"

Trouble gives Ned an annoyed look.

Trouble:"Very funny."

Ned chuckles. Dusty looks at the mercenaries.

Dusty:"What's the big idea?"

Mercenary 1:"We've been given clear instructions to keep you Rovers out of
             our operation here."

Dusty:"Why?"

The mercenary turns to another one.

Mercenary 1:"Go get the King."

Mercenary 2:"Right."

The one mercenary runs off to where the leaders are while the other turns
back to the group.

Mercenary:"Our Tier Commander will answer your questions, then decide if
           we just chase you away or shoot you on sight."

Moffet:"Why did you call him the king?"

Mercenary:"You'll see. In fact, here he comes."

The group look to where the mercenary is looking and see King approaching
them, followed by the captains of the mercenaries. They watch in surprise.

Edward:"Who's that homeboy dressed like Elvis?"

Mercenary:"That's our Tier Commander."

The Wild Kats and Gamble looks at each other.

Draga:"The Tier Commander of these mercenaries is an Elvis impersonator?"

Sugar:"I can't believe this! I must be seeing things!"

Dinamite:"Me too."

Red:"This is the dumbest thing I've ever seen."

Ned:"Oh great. Elvis has entered the premises."

As King approaches he hears Ned's comment.

King:"Elvis is dead, man. But long live..."

He runs his hand over his hair.

King:"... THE KING."

Ned:"Uhh... okay."

Drago:"Joking aside, who are you?"

King:"I am King, the third tier commander for the Mayhem Mercenaries, and
      you are in our space."

Dusty:"What are you all doing here?"

King:"One of our customers have sent us here to fetch one of them gas
      samples. And at a rockin' good price."

Drago:"And who is your customer?"

King:"That is confidential news, hound dog. You don't need to know."

Dusty:"What do you plan to do with us?"

King:"I was thinking of getting you all shook down, but now I have a new
      plan. You are here to destroy this facility, yeah?"

Drago, Dusty:"Yes."

King:"Aha. That's cool. Perhaps I can offer you all a deal."

Drago:"What kind of deal?"

King:"We send your two groups inside to destroy the place, and you give us
      in return a gas sample. Just one is all we need. What do you think
      of my proposal?"

The two unit members gather around in a circle.

Drago:"Doesn't sound bad. It's better than getting shot on the spot."

Dusty:"And we'll be able to destroy the facility, then get out before
       these mercenaries get the chance to shoot us when we escape."

Edward:"Are we going to get that homeboy his piece of gas?"

Moffet:"You dogs are so dumb. Of course we aren't! We don't for whom he
        is getting the sample for. It could be for an evil corporation
        or some fanatic terrorist group."

Dusty:"Moffet's right. We are NOT getting a sample for them. We just blow
       this place and get out."

Red:"How do we get past the mercenaries if we do?"

Drago:"We'll worry about that once we get inside. For now let's agree with
       their proposal."

Ned:"Whoopie. We're joining the loony Elvis club."

They all turn back to King.

King:"What's the verdict?"

Drago:"We'll do it. On the condition that you WILL let us go once we are
       done."

King:"Now we're rockin'. We got a deal."

He then whistles loudly and calls out.

King:"Paladin! Move on over here!"

Appearing from amongst the mercenaries is Paladin. He is a 7-foot tall
male lion-sapien, but he his lower arms, legs and paws are all cybernetic
parts. He has several bio ports running from the cybernetic parts to his 
body. All that he is wearing are some denim shorts with a black belt that 
has the Mayhem Mercenaries' insignia on it. He is very muscular. He goes 
up to King.

Paladin:"Yes, my Master?"

King:"You see these Rovers?"

Paladin looks at the group, then back at King.

Paladin:"Yes."

King:"Keep an eye on them and make sure that they get for us a sample of
      that gas. If they try anything funny, check them into the heartbreak
      hotel."

Paladin sighs.

Paladin:"Yes, my Master."

King turns back to the group.

King:"Paladin here is gonna be keeping an eye you and make sure you don't
      go steppin' on our blue sway shoes, if you don't mind."

The two units' members look at each other.

Red:"He is very strong, and those metal parts isn't like your everyday
     artificial limbs."

Moffet:"Are we going to let him come along?"

Dusty:"For now, yes. We'll take care of him once we get into the GONV
       facility."

They look back at King and Paladin.

Drago:"Okay. He can come along."

King:"Cool. Now's, allow me to show you my 'musical' talent."

He takes out his guitar and holds it's top towards a wall of the facility.
He pulls a few strings and a dish appears on the guitar's head. He then
strikes it so that plays out a loud guitar noise. The dish fires a strong
sound blast at the wall and blows apart a big hole into it. Once done, he
runs his hand over his hair.

Ned:"Whoa. Now's THAT is hard rock!"

Trouble:"Almost impressive."

Edward:"My homies would be at my feet if I had gear like that."

King looks at the group.

King:"Thank you. Thank you very much. Now go inside and rock and roll."

Drago, Dusty:"No problem."

They look at their units.

Drago:"Let's go, Gamblers!"

Dusty:"Forward, Wild Kats."

They take out their weapons and start running for the hole. Paladin follows
right behind them into the hole while King and the mercenaries watch them
go.

Main Junction Area
1:33 PM:

This is a large open area, which leads off into four directions. A large
group of light and combat drones are busy fighting off the Wild Kats and
Gamblers, who are pushing forward and shooting with their weapons (those
who choose to, that is). Drago picks up drones and throws them back into
their comrades. Ned is walking ahead of the group holding out an energy
shield to deflect laser fire. Any drones that try to get right up to the
shield are either blasted, knocked away by Ned and his steel staff or
have their weapons stolen away by Ally's bullwhip.

Ned:"Isn't modern technology keen?"

Sugar:"Shut up and keep moving, Mutt!"

Ned:"Say 'please' first."

Edward slaps Ned on the head.

Ned:"Ow!"

Edward:"Do as she says, Homeboy!"

Ned:"Spoilsport."

He keeps moving as Edward punches a drone that got too close so hard with
his brass knuckles that the head is broken off completely. However, more
drones are rushing down the other corridors to reinforce their mates and
soon the area is jammed with trigger-happy drones.

EFV:"Alert. All security forces to area thirteen. Destroy organics upon
     location sighting."

Draga:"It's becoming a bit crowded here."

Sugar looks back at Paladin, who is calmly walking behind the two groups.

Sugar:"And all HE does is walking behind us doing squat!"

Drago looks back at Paladin.

Drago:"Listen, it might be a good if you could help out a bit, Paladin
       We're supposed to be working together."

Paladin shrugs his shoulders.

Paladin:"Fine. I'll help."

He walks up ahead of the group, takes a deep breath and then roars a 
roar so powerful that the shockwave from it throws the drones against
the walls, smashing them apart. He then wades into the remains groups.
Before the drones can even fire on him he uses the claws on his cyber-
netic paws to tear them apart. The Wild Kats and Gamblers watch in sur-
prise as Paladin continues with his reign of destruction. After letting
loose another roar upon an onrushing group of combat drones he is done,
leaving only the piles of drone metal lying about. He turns back to the
two units.

Paladin:"It is done."

Moffet, Sugar:"What a cat."

Trouble:"Not bad. Not too bad."

Ned:"That's one bad pussy."

Draga:"He's like Red and Draga combined."

Dusty:"Along with some weird cyborg arms and legs. You should come and
       work for us."

Paladin:"I serve only my masters, the Mayhem Mercenaries."

Dusty gives Paladin an odd look.

Dusty:"Uh... okay."

The two units move to the centre of the junction area and look down the
corridors for hostiles. None are coming towards them at the moment.

Dusty:"Coast is clear. Let's split up. Drago, you and your unit go down
       the one corridor. My unit will split up and go down the other
       tunnels."

Drago:"Roger that. Come on, guys."

Drago and his unit all start running down one of the corridors. Dusty
looks at his group.

Dusty:"Moffet, Trouble and I will go down the corridor on the left. Sugar
       and Dinamite can go down the other. And take Paladin along as well."

Sugar:"No way. I prefer doing it alone."

Dusty:"But Dinamite's your brother. And you two work well together."

Sugar looks at Dinamite, who is smiling at her, then sighs and looks back
at Dusty.

Sugar:"Okay. I'll take Dinamite, but not Paladin. Let him go along with
       you three."

Dusty:"We need an even split. Three, three. Besides, Paladin doesn't look
       all that bad."

Sugar:"Until he needs to get a sample of the GONV's gas."

Dinamite:"Dusty's right, sis. And if Paladin tries something, I'll scratch
          him good."

Sugar sighs.

Sugar:"Okay, I'll take him along. But it's under protest."

Dusty:"Good. Let's go."

They split up; Dusty, Moffet and Trouble going down the corridor on the
left and Sugar, Dinamite and Paladin down the one straight ahead.

Processing Sector
1:41 PM:

This is a very high-tech and very clinical area with various machines and
equipment where the gas is processed into canisters on a conveyor belt 
with the aid of robotic assembling arms. The belt then takes the canisters
through an opening in the wall to the next area. Several large metal doors
lead out to other areas. Guarding the area are a number of combat drones.
Suddenly one of the doors is punched off it's hinges by Paladin. He, Sugar
and Dinamite rush in; Sugar uses her street fighting skills to easily
avoid fire and kick/punch combat drones at critical points and Dinamite 
uses his guns to shoot at the combat drones while Paladin thrashes, punches 
and throws combat drones about like toys. Soon all the drones (and some of 
the machines and equipment) are smashed up or blasted. Sugar looks over 
the damage done.

Sugar:"To think: it took three of us a few minutes where it would take a
       whole platoon of dogs to do the same in the same amount of time."

Dinamite looks at Paladin, who is disassembling several dead drones for
a few minutes.

Dinamite:"Paladin is good. Maybe too good."

Sugar:"So what? He's a feline. We cats are ALL good compared to dogs."

Dinamite:"What about the gas, sis? Paladin is supposed to watch us that
          we a sample for the mercenaries."

Sugar:"We just place the detonators on the processing machines and tell
       him the others will get the sample for his employers."

Dinamite:"Doesn't sound bad."

Sugar takes out several timed detonators and hands some to Dinamite.

Sugar:"Now, let's get these detonators on and get out."

The two of them begin to place detonators on the machines. Paladin walks
up to the end of the conveyor belt and picks up a canister. Dinamite sees
this and taps on Sugar's shoulder.

Sugar:"Not now, bro."

Dinamite:"Paladin is taking one of the gas canisters."

Sugar:"What?"

She looks up towards Paladin, who has begun walking towards the door with
the canister.

Sugar:"Keep arming the bombs, bro. I'll talk to him."

Dinamite keeps arming the detonators while Sugar gets up and runs up to
Paladin, standing in his way. He stops in front of her.

Sugar:"Where do you think you are going with the canister?"

Paladin:"It is my duty and order to bring one of these canisters to 
         King so that we can complete our mission."

Sugar:"Do you really that we, the Wild Kats, will allow to take this gas
       to whomever your current customer is? For all we know he could be
       Parvo."

Paladin keeps looking at her, as does she.

Sugar:"Be a good kitty and drop the canister. Or else I'll give you a
       taste of my street fighting ability."

He sighs and drops the canister on the floor.

Paladin:"I'm sorry."

Sugar smiles.

Sugar:"There. That wasn't so h..."

Suddenly Paladin grabs her by the neck and lifts her into the air. She
tries to break free, but Paladin is too strong. Dinamite sees this and
becomes mad. He gets and points at Paladin.

Dinamite:"Let go of my sister."

He starts rushing towards Paladin with his claws ready while Paladin looks
in his direction. Just as Dinamite is about attack Paladin quickly grabs
him by the neck and lifts him into the air as well. Dinamite tries madly
to get at Paladin, but he doesn't move.

Paladin:"You must understand: this is my work as a member of the Mayhem
         Mercenaries."

He carries them to a pexi-glass gas storage tank and throws them over and 
into the tank. Paladin goes over to the canister he dropped while Sugar
and Dinamite recover from their harsh landings. They watch as Paladin
picks up the canister.

Sugar:"Paladin! Get back here and get us out!"

Dinamite tries to climb out of the tank, but the glass sides are too high
and slippery. Paladin looks at them for second before leaving the sector
with the canister. Sugar growls in frustration.

Sugar:"How I hate this!"

EFV:"Processing tank refuelling commencing."

Dinamite then notices something and taps on Sugar's shoulder.

Dinamite:"Uhhh... sis."

Sugar:"What now?"

Dinamite points to another empty tank further up the line and she looks
towards it. The tank is slowly but sure filling with unprocessed gas.

Sugar:"Why do these things always have to happen?"

Dinamite:"We must get out."

Sugar quickly turns to Dinamite.

Sugar:"Give me a boost!"

Dinamite:"Okay."

Dinamite cups his paws and Sugar climbs onto it. He then pushes her up
and she tries to reach the edge of the tank. It is just a little beyond 
her reach. She jumps, but fails to get a grip on the smooth edge and 
falls down on Dinamite, knocking them both down onto the floor. When
they get up look towards the other tank they see it is full and that
the one next to it is beginning to fill up as well. The two of them
look at each other.

Sugar:"Guess we'll have to hope the others find us before we get a nasty
       case of skin cancer."

Dinamite:"What about Shadows?"

Sugar dreamily thinks of Shadows.

Sugar:"Then again, I hope HE comes to save me."

Dinamite:"Me too. If not, we'll cough all nine our lives away."

They both look back at the tank being filled up with gas.

Storage Area
1:46 PM:

This is large room with dozens of steel storage crates with the bio-
hazard symbols and the letters GONV on them. Large robot arms are busy
loading the canisters from the conveyor belt (coming from the processing
sectors) into the crates before moving the crates into storage. Two large
doors and a single huge pair of doors lead into the room. Currently 
there are a few light drones about on guard duty. Suddenly one of the
smaller doors open up.

EFV:"Warning. Storage area door EA-121 security access compromised."

Appearing from the open door is Dusty, Moffet (who has just finished hot-
wiring the door's access panel) and Trouble. They stop and look around.

Dusty:"Okay. Who's first for a shoot up?"

The drones appear from the crates with the laser rifles ready and aimed
at the trio.

Light Drone 1:"Commencing hostiles."

Dusty:"Trouble, do your stuff."

Trouble:"Nothing simpler."

Trouble raises his one paw, says some strange poetry and some flashing
lights fly from his paw to the drone's rifles. The rifles suddenly turn
into creeper vines. The vines wrap around the drones and crush them into
pieces. They all fall to the floor and the creepers turn back into laser
rifles.

Trouble:"That always works so easily."

They look around for any more drones and they find none. 

Dusty:"Coast is clear. Let's place the bombs and join the others."

Dusty and Moffet take out detonators and begin planting them on some of
the crates while Trouble gets up and lies down on one of the higher
crates. While they are at it the other door opens and Trouble quickly
looks towards it. Standing behind the door are several Terminator Drones.
They are black, humanoid-shaped robots, but their have only one red eye.
On their chests are the letters GONV and they are currently holding E14
Sniper Rifles. The rifles look like black high-tech M-40A1 sniper rifles.
Trouble whistles to Dusty and Moffet, who immediately look at him.

Trouble:"We have trouble, and it's NOT the average drone."

Dusty and Moffet quickly look towards the door just in time to see the
terminator drones start rushing in very fast. Before any of them can
react the drones are taking positions on the highest crates and point
their rifles at the Kats.

Dusty:"TAKE COVER!"

Dusty, Moffet and Trouble jump in amongst some crates as the drones fire
off powerful single-shot lasers at them. They miss the Kats, narrowly,
but stop firing when the Kats disappear behind the crates. They remain
in their current positions, aiming their rifles at the Kats' area. The
Kats meanwhile try listening to the sounds of the drones.

Moffet:"I don't hear anything."

Dusty:"Me neither. I can't hear them coming towards us. Then again, after
       seeing those rifles, I suppose they are just waiting for us to
       show ourselves before sniping at us."

Trouble:"Wait? Them? I like that. I can easily slip past them without
         letting them ever hearing me. Watch."

Dusty:"Careful, Bud. We've never seen this kind of drone before."

Trouble pays no heed and calmly walks out of cover. Immediately several
lasers hit the ground all around and under him and he quickly darts
back behind cover.

Trouble:"Then again, this might be a bit tricky."

Dusty slowly gets up to take a quick peek around. Just as the top of his
head appears out of cover a laser shot flies over him. He quickly ducks
under cover again.

Dusty:"No harm done."

Moffet:"You think so?"

She points to the hair between Dusty's hair. The laser has singed a path
through his hair. He puts his paw on it and feels the burnt fur.

Dusty:"Oh boy. This is going to be harder than I thought."

Trouble:"What do we do know, O great leader?"

Dusty:"We think of a plan, or..."

Moffet:"Or what?"

Dusty:"... or we just sit here and die from boredom."

Moffet:"Oh. I see."

They start thinking of how to escape. The terminator drones do not move
a single gear.


Facility Grounds
1:54 PM:

The mercenaries are still standing around the facility with the A-12's
and Chinooks parked not far off. King is looking towards the hole he had
blown and waiting. Paladin appears from the hole, holding the canister,
and goes up to King.

Paladin:"I have the sample, Master."

He gives the canister to King, who looks it over.

King:"Aha yeah. This is what we came here for. Where are the Rovers?"

Paladin:"They are still inside."

King:"We'll leave them dancin' in there. We are finished and it's time
      for us to leave the building."

He signals the other mercenaries and they all begin to head back into the
chinooks. Soon, once everyone has been loaded up, the chinooks and the
A-12's take off and fly away. As they do, a mysterious figure watches
them depart from the forest.

Figure:"Now it's my turn to make an appearance."

The figure moves quickly and silent across the open ground to the hole
in the wall. He looks inside to check for any enemies, then goes into the
facility.

Production Area
1:56 PM:

This is where the gas is first created. Various tanks hold the needed
ingredients for it while pumps take them to machines which mix them into
a crude form of the gas. More pumps then take the crude gas and pump
them into canisters (which are being produced from another and brought
by a conveyor belt). Mechanical arms then take the canisters and put them 
on another belt that leads to the processing area. Currently there isn't
a drone about. Coming in from one of the three large doors are the Gam-
blers. They look around for any drones.

Ally:"Looks like we're in luck today. There's nobody about."

Edward:"We must have turned the remaining drones into slag. This will
        make our job much easier."

Drago:"We'd better just be careful. There might still be a few stragglers 
       about. Let's get the detonators on these things and get out."

Ally:"Yeah. LET'S DO IT!"

Ned:"Looks like those tanks aren't the only ones who are full of gas."

Ally and Drago looks coldly at Ned.

Drago:"One more bad joke like that about my wife, Ned, and I'll dump into
       one of these tanks along with the gas."

He cracks his knuckles and Ned gulps.

Ned:"Okay. You've made your point."

Drago:"Good. Let's do our job. And no more bad jokes."

They all take our detonators, head for the various machines and equipment
and begin attaching the detonators to them. After a few moments Red's
ears perk and he growls. Draga notices this.

Draga:"What's up, Reddie? See something?"

Red quickly turns around and readies his 9' claws. Draga looks the same
direction as he does and sees what Red detected: a group of GONV drones
that have a humanoid build, a large tank on their backs, a round head
and a spray pump for one hand. On their chests are the letters GONV and
below it a bio-hazard symbol. These are Chemical Drones. They are walking
towards the group.

Draga:"Guys. We have a bit of problem coming our way."

Everyone quickly spin round and spot the chemical drones.

Edward:"Who are these homies?"

Ally:"They're new, that's for sure. I wonder what they do?"

Ned then notices the biohazard symbol and his eyes widen.

Ned:"Guys. I have a trick question: what does a drone, a tank, a spray
     pump and a bio-hazard symbol have in common?"

Everyone(except Red) looks at Ned.

Draga:"No, I don't know. What is it?"

Ned takes out a scanner and scans the drones. He gasps at the readings.

Ned:"Those drones are carrying Virrilium gas in those tanks on their
     backs!"

They all look back wide eyed at the approaching chemical drones.

Ned:"They're chemical drones!"

Drago:"This might be a problem."

Ally:"I suppose so. Got a plan?"

EFV:"All chemical drones. Eliminate hostile organics in production
     sector T."

The chemical drones stop and raise their spray pumps at the group.

Chemical Drone 1:"Initiating hostiles."

Drago:"Get back!"

They all quickly run back and hide behind the machines and equipment. The
drones lower their pumps and begin to move towards where the Gamblers are
hiding.

Drago:"Ned, can we blast our way through those drones?"

Ned:"You gotta be kidding! If we shoot at them we might rupture their
     hoses or tanks and let their gas out!"

Drago:"Is there any place where we CAN damage them?"

Ned:"Yeah, but I wouldn't recommend it. If we are to destroy them we
     must get up close and personal with them and knock their heads off."

Draga peers over and sees the other doors opening, letting in a few more
chemical drones.

Draga:"Here comes more of them, guys."

Drago:"Guess we'll just have to go toe-to-toe with them. We are all good
       at close range combat anyway."

Ned looks shocked at Drago.

Ned:"You're kidding!"

Drago:"Nope. Just remember, just their heads and don't let them spray the
       gas on you. Let's go!"

Everyone (except Ned) jumps out from behind cover at the drones.

Chemical Drones:"Initiating hostiles."

Drago:"Initiate THIS!"

Drago begins punching each drone that starts raising it's spray pump at
him and smashes their heads clean off and letting them fall to the ground.
Ned watches the battle.

Ned:"No way. I'm not going out there with those drones."

Suddenly one drone appears behind and raises it's pump at Ned. Ned hears
him and quickly turns to it.

Chemical Drone 2:"Exterminating proto-hazard."

Ned quickly whips out his staff and knocks the pump away. He then jumps
up, goes closer to the drone and smashes the head off by neck with his
staff. The head rolls off into one direction while the body falls onto
it's back. Ned looks up and at the rest of the battle.

Ned:"Guess I'll have to join in the scrape."

He comes from behind cover and joins the others. Ally runs towards three
drones, who are raising their pumps at her. She reaches them, puts her
paws on two of their shoulder's and jumps gracefully over them. The drones
all start turning around, but Ally has already landing with her bullwhip
at the ready. Before the drones have finished turning she wraps her whip
around all three their necks and pulls hard. The drones' heads are smashed
into each other and they slide onto the floor with sparks flying from 
their broken heads. Ally smiles.

Ally:"I always wanted to do that."

She turns her attention to a next set of drones. Draga is leanings against
a wall, relaxed, while a drone is getting ready to attack.

Chemical Drone 3:"Initiating removal."

Draga smiles, then suddenly turns to the wall and walks through it. The
drone lowers it's weapon.

Chemical Drone 3:"Proto-hazard lost. Rescanning."

It walks up to the wall where Draga had disappeared through and stops,
examining it.

Chemical Drone 3:"Narrowing detection windo..."

Draga's one arm suddenly appears through the wall holding a knife. The
drone sees this.

Chemical Drone 3:"Proto-hazard in a..."

She thrusts the knife into the drone's head. It's body starts shuddering
as electrical surges go through it from the head.

Chemical Drone 3:"Gfshvuhmogochqocmgeyg."

It collapses to the floor while Draga holds the knife steady. It slides
out easily and she reappears from the wall.

Draga:"These guys give new meaning to dummy targets."

Nearby Red has been surrounded by several more drones.

Drones:"Initiating removal."

One of the jewels on Red's bracelet starts to glow and points his finger
at one of them.

Red:"OMNISLASH LEVEL 5!"

He jumps into the air and starts spinning, his arms and claws streched
out. He goes faster and faster.

Drones:"Rescanning."

Red then starts spinning through the drones, ripping their heads off in
the blink of an eye. Once he stops all the drones that have surrounded
him are lying on the floor headless.

Red:"How easy."

Lastly, Edward is busy running and dodging amongst the remaining drones,
who are having a hard time to get a proper lock on him.

Edward:"Now for the big show, Punk!"

He uses his brass knuckles to punch each drone's head into pieces at an
alarmingly fast rate. He keeps this up until they are all mauled up and
on the floor. He grins at the smashed up drones.

Edward:"That's how we do it in NY city, fools."

Unknown to him another chemical drone has appeared from one of the door
and is taking aim on him, ready to fire. Suddenly two dark grey gloves
grab the drone's head and twists it 360 degrees, snapping the drone's
neck. The gloves let go of the drone and it falls to the floor. Edward
hears the fall and quickly turns around. He sees a figure standing
behind the fallen drone.

Edward:"Okay, fool. Who's you sneaking up on me like that?"

Figure:"To save your furry skin from this drone."

The figure steps up and he can be more clearly seen: it is Shadows. The
other Gamblers, who have just finished mopping up the remaining drones,
see Shadows and walk up to him.

Drago:"Who are you?"

Draga:"I know him! He's Shadows, the more 'reclusive' member of the Wild
       Kats."

Shadows:"That's right. Though I would have expect to see the Wild Kats
         here instead of you dogs, I saw this 'homie' of yours needed
         some assistance."

Edward:"That's cool. Thanks man."

Shadows:"No problem. Where are the Wild Kats?"

Drago:"They split up and went to the other sections of the facility to
       place the detonators."

Shadows:"Good, but who were all those soldiers standing outside, and that 
         guy dressed like Elvis?"

Ally:"Them? They were mercenaries from the Mayhem Mercenaries. And that
      Elvis impersonator calls himself King and he's that group's leader."

Shadows:"Most odd."

Drago:"We'll need to fight past them if we are to escape, I would wager."

Shadows:"No need there. They left."

The Gamblers look surprised at Shadows. He notices this.

Shadows:"Is there something wrong?"

Red:"Was there a large lion-sapien with King?"

Shadows:"Yes."

Ned:"Was he holding some kind of canister?"

Shadows:"Yes."

The Gamblers look at each other.

Gamblers:"Uh oh."

Shadows becomes really concerned.

Shadows:"What is wrong?"

Drago:"Well, that lion-sapien was Paladin and he was with the Wild Kats.
       He was ordered to get a gas sample for those mercenaries, but we
       did not want that to happen."

Ally:"Looks like Paladin got past the Kats one way or another."

Drago:"If so, they could be in serious danger."

Shadows:"I'll go and look for them. Let me handle this."

He quickly turns around runs down the corridor he came with. Drago turns
back to the others.

Drago:"Let's get these detonators armed and ready. Once done, if the Wild
       Kats still haven't gotten out of the facility, we'll go and look
       for them."

Red:"And what about the mercenaries?"

Drago:"We'll try and get the Peruvian air force on them, but I fear they
       have given us the slip. Let's just hope their customer isn't going
       to use that gas."

They all turn their attentions back to the detonators and resume arming
them.

Processing Sector
2:03 PM:

Sugar and Dinamite are still trapped inside the tank. Most of the other
tanks have been filled and only two remain, including the one they are
stuck in. The empty tank next to them starts filling up with gas.

Dinamite:"What do we do now, sis? Shadows still has come to rescue us
          and we're running out of time."

Sugar:"Don't keep reminding me of our impending deaths, bro. I'm sure
       Shadows will come and save us."

As if on command Shadows enters the room and runs up to the tank in
which Sugar and Dinamite are trapped. The two of them run up to the side
of the tank.

Sugar:"Oh Shadows! I knew you'd come and rescue me!"

Dinamite:"And me, I hope."

Shadows:"Hold on! I'll try and get you out!"

Sugar:"Please hurry, Shadows! We're running out of time!"

Shadows looks around, then spots one of the robot arms not far from the
tank. He runs up to it, jumps and climbs onto it. He then propels him-
self from the arm onto the edge of the tank, keeping perfect balance.
He holds his paw out into the tank.

Shadows:"Grab my paw!"

Sugar reaches up and grabs hold of Shadows' paw. He pulls her up onto the
edge of the tank, then she jumps down onto the floor. Next, Shadows 
reaches down to Dinamite and grabs his paw. He pulls him up and onto
the edge just as the gas begins to pump into the tank. The two of
them jump off onto the floor next to the tank. Sugar goes up to Shadows
and hugs him tightly.

Sugar:"Thank you, Shadows. I knew you'd come to rescue me."

Shadows:"Errr... yeah. Where are the others?"

Dinamite:"They went to the storage area."

Shadows:"I'll go and see if they need help. You two carry on with your
         mission."

Shadows runs out and down the corridor he came in with. Sugar sighs
dreamly as she watches Shadows leave.

Sugar:"Isn't he great?"

Dinamite:"He sure is cool, that's for sure."

They turn back to the task of setting the detonators.

Storage Area
2:07 PM:

Dusty, Moffet and Trouble are still pinned down by the surrounding
terminator drones, who still haven't moved from their sniping positions.
Dusty is using the reflection off his dog(cat?) tag to see where the
drones are.

Dusty:"They're still sitting there, waiting for their shots."

Moffet:"And I know that robots sure are patient."

Trouble:"So are we. We can sit and wait for someone to come and help us
         out of this little mess we're stuck in."

Moffet:"If you're meaning Drago and his flea brigade, then I prefer to
        stay here pinned down by a group of sniping drones."

While they are talking Shadows silently sneaks into the storage area,
the drones don't notice him. He quietly climbs up a crate to where one
drone was crouching with his rifle aimed towards the spot where the
other Kats are. He silently creeps up behind the drone, then taps it on
the shoulder panels. The drone turns its head to Shadows, but before it
can even react Shadows punches its eye out and grabs its rifle. The
drone falls off the crate loudly, catching the attention of two nearby
drones. Shadows quickly aims at the nearest one and fires a laser shot
into it. The shot hits the drone and knocks it off the crate it is on.
Shadows then turns to the other, who has just taken aim on him. Shadows
fired before he does, the shot smashing right into the drone's eye.
Shadows climbs down and the other terminator drones leave their positions
to fight Shadows. Dusty notices this.

Dusty:"The cavalry is here."

Moffet:"Who is it?"

Dusty:"Can't see, but we'd better help out. Those drones have left their
       positions and are more concerned about our allies than us."

They appear from cover. A battle of stealth ensues amongst the crates,
but the Wild Kats are clearly in charge. With a combination of shooting,
fighting, technical and magical wizardry, the Wild Kats come out on 
top. Dusty, Moffet and Trouble look around at the destroyed terminator
drones.

Trouble:"Another for the cats."

Moffet:"But who was our ally?"

Shadows appears from behind crate, tossing away the rifle he was holding.
Dusty and, especially, Moffet is pleased to see him, but Trouble remains
indifferent.

Dusty:"Shadows! Good to see you, Bud!"

Shadows:"Same here, Dusty."

Moffet runs up to Shadows and gives him a great big kiss. He is clearly
shocked at this, and so is Dusty. Moffet finally breaks the kiss.

Moffet:"Oh Shadows! I knew you'd come to rescue me!"

Shadows:"Funny. That's exactly what Sugar said when I rescued her."

Moffet is shocked at this comment. Trouble and Dusty look at each other.

Dusty:"Are we ever going to get the attentions of those girls for us?"

Trouble:"Judging from Shadows' tactless remark, I'd say we may just
         stand a chance."

Dusty goes up to Shadows.

Dusty:"Where are the others?"

Shadows:"They're busy arming their detonators. I suggest we'd do the same
         here."

Dusty:"Good idea. Come on, everyone."

They all resume the task of arming the detonators on the crates.

Mountain Path
2:20 PM:

This is the path where the two units had been looking at the facility.
They are now all gathered here, along with the Peruvians and the llama
caravan, looking towards the facility. Dusty and Drago are both holding
two triggering devices. They look at each other.

Dusty:"Ready?"

Drago:"Are you?"

Dusty:"Let's send this facility to the great industrial zone in the sky."

They look back toward the facility and press the buttons on their devices.
A second several large explosions tear apart the facility, followed by a
very large explosion that engulfs the remaining facility and the area
around it. When the blast clears all that is left of the GONV chemical
production facility is a huge hole in the ground, with some debris lying
here and there. The Wild Kats and Gamblers shake paws with one another.

Drago:"Another successful GONV defeat."

Dusty:"Another successful Rover victory."

Ally:"We're number one, ONCE AGAIN!"

Sugar and Moffet flinch at Ally's loudness.

Sugar:"I hate it when she does that."

Moffet:"Ditto."

Draga hugs Red (who is very surprised at this), then dances over to a llama
and hugs it as well. It clearly hates this and when Draga stops hugging
it spits her wet as well. All the others(minus Red) and especially Ned 
laugh at her.

Ned:"Ha ha ha ha! Payback for Draga! Just the way I like it!"

Trouble:"Guess llamas aren't so bad after all."

Draga:"I HATE THIS! THIS SUCKS! I DEMAND A LAWYER!"

They all continue laughing at her, but Drago and Dusty just smile.

Drago, Dusty:"Let's go home, team."

They begin to walk back up the trail, still chuckling at Draga, who is
trying to dry herself off. Dusty leans over to Drago.

Dusty:"We'd better alert Mission Control about the Mayhem Mercenaries
       and the sample they stole. Who knows what their customers will do
       with it."

Drago:"I agree, but after today's performance I wouldn't worry too much
       about that."

They continue up the path.

Rembrandt's Office
EuroCorp Headquarters
8:00 PM:

Rembrandt(seated in his chair), Johnston, Duroc, McTerry, Mirage and King
(seated in the other chairs) are once again here. Rembrandt is looking 
over the gas sample.

Rembrandt:"We. This will be more than sufficient to help our scientists
           develop a counter-agent for this chemical."

He puts the canister down on his desk and looks at King.

Rembrandt:"You have done well, monsiuer King. Clearly your appointment
           as tier commander wasn't a rash decision, no?"

King:"Rockin', sir."

Johnston:"A-a-and the perform-m-mance of Paladin's c-c-cybernetic arms
          and l-legs lived up to exp-p-ptations."

McTerry:"As I said, Laddies, we are the best in the business and we have
         complete customer satisfaction or your money back."

Rembrandt:"Speaking of... Duroc."

Duroc nods, picks up two suitcases and hands them to Mirage and McTerry.
They both open and see that the cases are filled with Euro currency.

Rembrantd:"You kept your promise and I keep mine. 150 million dollars in
           Euro currency for the sample."

The two of them close the suitcases, smiling at each other.

Mirage:"Another successful business transaction, no?"

McTerry:"Of cource, Laddie."

McTerry, Mirage and King get up, as does Rembrandt, and they all shake
hands/paws.

Rembrandt:"I hope we can do business again soon, monsiuer McTerry."

McTerry:"As do I, Mister Rembrandt."

The three mercenaries turn around and walk to the door. They open it,
walk out, then close the door behind them. Rembrandt looks over the sample
before handing it to Duroc.

Rembrandt:"Get this to medical and have it analysed."

Duroc:"We."

Duroc takes the sample, then turns around and leaves as well. Johnston
looks at Rembrandt, who is sitting down again.

Johnston:"A-a-are you really go-going to s-s-sell the antidot-t-te to the
          United Nations, sir?"

Rembrandt:"Of course, my dear Johnston. I can make a large profit from the
           business deal, and EuroCorp will remain on the good side of the
           free world, no? Besides, if we try to sell the sample or the
           antidote to someone like monsiuer Havoc, we won't make such a
           large profit."

He leans back in his chair, folding his hands.

Rembrandt:"At any rate, the Rovers won't be able to touch EuroCorp if they
           discover that we have the sample. The United Nations and the
           European Union will sanction them from acting against us. That
           is the greatest advantage from this deal."

Rembrandt chuckles, but Johnston just gives a small and brief smile. The
GONV's chemical production has taken another serious blow and the odds
are now turning against the super computer. But the Rovers now have two
new foes on their paws: EuroCorp and the Mayhem Mercenaries. Will these
two sides come in conflict with the Road Rovers in future? What is the
GONV going to attempt next? And will Dusty and Trouble be able to win the
hearts of Moffet and Sugar from Shadows?


THE END