Road Rovers: The Iron Fist

Episode 9: Ortega's Revenge

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rover names (c) Warner Brothers and rightful owners.
Striker, Illanov, Ortega and all related to the KH Military (c) Gerhard Naudé
Strayers (c) Steven Today
Nitro, Dixie (c) Amanda Stephenson
Alethia, Chavaleh (c) Kylen Miles
Ricky (c) Ricky Galahad
Huntress, Silver (c) Greywolf Lupous
Cleo, Ramses, Sheba (c) Katalin Bakonyi
Star (c) Kathrine Gore
Sierra (c) Elista Atkins
Outlaw, Saphire (c) Greg Williams
Shadow (c) Talon Saurn

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

UN Peacekeeping Headquarters, Bogota, Colombia, 20 July, 11:45 PM:

It is mostly quiet at the base. Almost everyone has gone to sleep by now
abd there are only a few lights in some buildings and the only sounds
are that of owls and crickets. The Rovers and Strayers have long since
gone to sleep as well. Only Striker, Cadwell and some UN officers were
still busy in the briefing room. Cadwell was drinking some coffee.

Cadwell:"Big day tomorrow, Striker. That conference will finally say
         if we make the final blow on Ortega." 

Striker was also drinking some coffee.

Striker:"Correct, Major. But if that relief document of ours is approved
         the Rovers and Strayers won't join in the attack. Good idea
         that you allowed them a few days of rest."

Cadwell:"Yes, you were right. They cannot take it any longer."

They each take a sip of their coffee.

Striker:"By the way, do you fellows have any forces near Ortega's villa?"

Cadwell:"Yes. Our nearest base is only about fifteen miles away."

Ortega's Estate, at that moment: 

It is mostly hilly or mountainous countryside. The villa stands in the
distance and all is quiet.

Science Center, Bogota:

It is, like the rest of the city, quiet. In one of the rooms a
seismograph is measuring for earthquakes. Suddenly the needle
begins to shake violently.

Ortega's Estate:

The ground is shaking while the roaring sound of an earthquake can
be heard. Rocks and boulders come loose and roll down the hills.
At one particular area the ground was beginning to rise. Soon it
breaks open.  

UN Peacekeeping Headquarters:

Striker and Cadwell were still drinking when suddenly the tremors
begin. Equipment and other loose objects begin to fall off the
tables.

Striker:"Earthquake! Under the tables!"

Everyone drives under the nearest table available. In the sleeping
quarters the Rovers and Strayers are stirred by the rumblings.
Nitro nudges Bear.

Nitro:"Honey, you're snoring again."

Bear:"What? But I never snore."

Puffball:"Shag, is it stomach again?"

Shag:"Rhu uh."

Huntress:"Then who is?"

They then realize what is going and become fully awake.

Star:"Tell me I'm dreaming this."

Hunter:"It's an earthquake! Dive for cover!"

Soon they all jump out their beds and under it. Colleen jumps in
next to Hunter, who wraps his arms around her. The sounds of 
breaking windows and fall objects coincide the rumbling noises.
Shag and Blitz were praying.

Blitz:"Please! Please! Don't let me die! I'm too young!"

A cabinet falls in front of Exile.

Exile:"Bolshoi! Building is falling apart!"

Ortega's Estate:

The ground stops shaking. The outline of an enormous object can 
be seen in the moonlight.

UN Headquarters:

The shaking also stops. Everyone gets up. Soon the base is on 
the full alert as soldiers run around, checking for damages. The
Rovers and Strayers run into the briefing room, were Cadwell was
just getting a damage report. Striker runs up to them.

Striker:"Are you all allright?"

Bear:"Yeah, we're fine, just a bit 'shaken' up."

Silver:"Oh, that is so funny."

Hunter:"Everything okay here, Striker?"

Striker:"All is well here. I would say this was about four or five
         on the Richter-scale. You just sit down and drink some coffee.
         We will handle everything here."

Ricky:"Are you sure?"

Striker:"As I said, Ricky, no need to panic. Everything is fine.
         Just relax and sit down. We will call you if you are needed."

The Rovers and Strayers sit at some chairs while UN soldiers give them 
some coffee. Striker walks up to Cadwell.

Striker:"Well, what did they say?"

Cadwell:"Nothing serious here or in the city, but there might be
         some serious damage at the epicentre." 

Striker:"Were is it?"

Cadwell:"I've sent someone to go ask at the science center in the
         city. We should have it very shortly." 

A communication officer was busy radioing to a base.

Officer:"This is HQ calling Foxtrot Two. Come in, Foxtrot Two. Do you 
         read?"

Voice:"Yes, we read you. We have suffered some damage but nothing serious
       around here. I...wait, I'm feeling some tremors here...possibly
       aftershocks.........what the h*** is that?..........OH MY GOD!!!!"

The radio goes silent.

Officer:"Foxtrot Two. What was that? Come in, Foxtrot Two. Foxtrot Two?
         Do you read?"

Cadwell runs to the officer.

Cadwell:"What happened?"

Officer:"Something's happened to base Foxtrot Two."

Striker:"Where is that base's location?"

Officer:"It's the one near Ortega's villa."

Hunter gets up.

Hunter:"We'll go and check it out."

Striker:"Good idea. I will maintain radio contact with you here."

Hunter turns to the other.

Hunter:"Okay, Rovers. Let's roll!"

Hunter, Colleen, Exile, Blitz and Shag run to the Sonic Rover and take
off to the base.

Countryside near Ortega's Estate, 12:07 AM:

The Sonic Rover is flying over the countryside. Hunter is flying and 
Striker is calling them.

Striker:"Hunter, do you have a visual contact?"

Hunter:"Almost. We just have to clear this hill and..."

The base comes into view. They all gasp. What should have been a base is
now a burning wreck. Building have been destroyed, vehicles are either
seriously damaged or completely destroyed, bodies are scattered
everywhere, here and there are large blast craters and fires that are 
still burning out of control.

Colleen:"Blimey! What happened to this place?"

Hunter:"We'd better land and have a look around."

The Sonic Rovers lands in a clearing and they all climb out. Exile uses
his night vision to scan the base.

Hunter:"Anything, Exile?"

Exile:"Nyet, comrade. Everyone here is dead."

He then spots something moving.

Exile:"Wait! I see something over thereski."

They run to the spot. There they find a seriously burnt soldier. Colleen
kneels next to him. He groans in pain.

Colleen:"Easy, guv. We'd better get you some medical treatment."

Soldier:"Beware...beware th...the gi...gi...giant..."

Blitz:"Giant what?"

Soldier:"Giant sp...spi...spi..."

The soldier's body suddenly goes limp. Colleen tries to revive him, but
she is unsucessful.

Colleen:"He's gone."

Hunter:"Whatever he meant, it certainly wasn't about Ortega's troops, but
        something else."

Blitz and Shag become scared. Blitz walks up to Hunter.

Blitz:"Let's get out of here, Hunter. It isn't safe here."

Hunter:"You're right, Blitz. We'd better head back to base."

They all climb back into the Sonic Rover. Colleen calls Striker while
Hunter flies the Sonic Rover back to headquarters.

Colleen:"Striker, we may have a problem here."

Striker:"No kidding. We just lost contact with two other UN bases. The others
         have gone to investigate. What did you find?"

Colleen:"The base has been completely destroyed and everyone there is dead."

Striker:"What? Are you serious?"

Colleen:"Of course I'm bloomin' serious. Whatever made this mess wasn't
         any weapon I've seen."

Striker:"You are right. Come back to base." 

Colleen:"Roger."

The Sonic Rover flies on.

UN Headquarters, 12:31 AM:

All the Rovers are gathered in the briefing room. Ricky and Bear were
giving their reports on what they have seen.

Exile:"Just like what we had seenski."

Silver:"This whole business doesn't sound good."

Nitro:"You're right. What can possibly take out a base in just a few 
       minutes like that?"

Alethia:"I sense great danger around here. I don't like it."

Cadwell puts a map on the table, showing the locations of all bases in
Colombia. He circles the bases that have been destroyed with red ink.

Cadwell:"I've alerted all other bases in the area. They should now be
         able to fight whatever this thing is."  

Bear:"What about all the others?"

Cadwell:"They've also been notified. Why do you ask?"

Bear:"Because I think I know were that thing will strike next, and you
      won't like it one bit." 

Bear takes the pen and circles a base on the map. It is their Headquarters.

Dixie:"You mean we're next?"

Ramses:"He's right. Look..."

Ramses points at the map. The circles are all in a straight line from 
Ortega's villa.

Cleo:"Oh bother. Seems like we're going to find out what that thing is 
      the hard way." 

Striker:"Cadwell, put all the base personnel on al..."

Suddenly the ground begins to rumble.

Amani:"I think it's already here."

UN Soldier (looking outside):"What the h*** is that?!"

They all run to the windows. In the light they can see the shadow of a 
large object. Exile uses his night vision to see what it is. His jaw
drops.

Exile:"Mother Russia! It is ..."

The object illuminates itself. They all gasp. In front of them stands a
giant two hundred-foot mechanical spider. Its eight legs are attach to 
the body. The head has what appears to be two large cannons.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! It is a giant spider robot!"

Amani:"Arg! I hate spiders!"

Shag jumps into Blitz's arms. They both yell in terror.

Hunter:"Yet another unexpected twist. Bummer."

Star:"The guy who built this thing has been watching 'Wild Wild West' one 
      too many times."

The spider walks closer and lowers its head to ground level and in front
of the windows. In the cockpit is Francisco Ortega, single-handed controlling
the robot.

Ortega:"Ah. The Road Rovers and the Strayers. I don't think we've been
        properly introduced: I'm Francisco Ortega, the world's most 
        powerful Drug Lord."

Illanov:"WAS the most powerful."

Ortega:"The turngoat. I should have shot you when I had the chance."

Hunter:"Cool spider."

Ortega:"Thank you. I designed it myself. I call it the Gargantua. I 
        must admit I have an obsession for spiders."

Cleo:"And you're a big fan of Arless Loveless."

Ortega:"Well...that too."

Striker:"What is your demands, Ortega?"

Ortega:"Senyor Striker. Nice too meet you...again." 

Everyone looks confused at Striker.

Dixie:"Again? What's he talking about?"

Striker:"Never mind him."

Striker turns back to Ortega.

Striker:"I asked you: what is your demands?"

Ortega:"Oh yes. I want the United Nations to leave Colombia or else I
        will destroy you and the nation who sent you: the USA." 

Star:"Oh yeah? How? Spin webs and try to catch the president?"

Everyone laughs, even Ortega smiles.

Ortega:"No. Not that. I got something else..."

The Gargantua lifts its head back to normal level and turns it to face
the base's repair depot. It fires two large lasers from its cannons and
utterly destroys the depot. Everyone stops laughing.

Silver:"Okay, that might work."

The Gargantua turns its head to face them. 

Amani:"Uh oh! We're next!"

Bear, Striker, Hunter, Cadwell:"RUN!!!"

Everyone runs out of the briefing room just as the Gargantua fires 
at them. The briefing room explodes just as the last UN soldier 
runs out. Cadwell takes out his walky talky.

Cadwell:"All units! Destroy the Gargantua! Now!"

Soon all available military units begin to fire on the Gargantua, 
but their shots do little against it and are, in return, destroyed.
The Gargantua continues its path of destruction as half the base is
soon destroyed. From the outskirts of Bogota a CNN newsvan arrives on
the scene. The reporter turns to the other newscrew.

Reporter:"Hurry! Let's get this on the air live!"

They begin to get ready to broadcast the scene. Meanwhile the Rovers,
Strayers, Cadwell and some UN soldiers go hide behind a fuel tanker.

Nitro:"This is a fine mess!"

Striker peers behind the tanker, takes a quick look and then turns 
back to the others.

Striker:"Ai yai yai! Our weapons are useless against this monstrosity!
         Ortega is destroying eveything in his path!"  

UN Soldier:"He's seen us! Run!!!"

They look and see that Ortega is aiming at them. They quickly scatter
just as the Gargantua fires at the tanker. The blast sends the burning 
tanker flying through the air into the fuel depot. This, too, explodes
with a deafening roar. The news crew are well away from the base but 
able to see clearly what is going on. The reporter and cameraman get 
ready to broadcast.

Road Rover Mission Control, at that moment:

Everyone was asleep except Professor Hubert, who was busy tuning the
television monitors in the briefing room. They were all on, some
showing TV shows, others just static. The Master walks into the
room.

Master:"Professor, you need to go to sleep. It's past midnight."

Hubert:"Almost done, Master. I just need to tune this one."

The other Rovers walk in, among them Chavaleh, Outlaw, Saphire and
Lydia. 

Outlaw:"What's all the noise?"

Saphire:"Yeah, we can't get any sleep around here."

Hubert:"Patience, everyone. I'm almost done...there."

Suddenly a CNN breaking news appears on all the screens, followed
by the image of a CNN anchor.

Anchor:"We interrupt our regular broadcast to bring you this breaking
        news bulletin. We cross over to the UN headquarters in 
        Colombia where an apparent serious situation has developed."

The screens then show the image of the Gargantua destroying the base.
Buildings and weapons are burning everywhere and soldiers are running
in panic from the Gargantua.

Reporter:"All h*** is breaking loose here. These soldiers are fleeing
          from this..this monster spider that had just appear a few
          minutes ago."

The Rovers and Strayer run and stop near the reporter. The cameraman
turns the camera to them. 

Cadwell:"What do we do now?"

Hunter:"Colleen, what are the odds of us beating Ortega now?"

Colleen takes out a calculator and makes a few calculations.

Colleen:"Let' see.....the odds are....one in a billion."

Hunter:"That bad? We're doomed."

Amani:"With this thing I'm not surprised."

The reporter comes up to the Rovers and holds a microphone to Cadwell.

Reporter:"Excuse me, Major, but what can you tell us what is going
          on here?" 

Cadwell turns to the camera, confused. 

Cadwell:"What are you talking about?"

Reporter:"You mean to tell us that you have no idea what to do about
          this situation?" 

Nitro gets in the reporter's face.

Nitro:"Will you just outta here? We have a crisis here!"

A phone rings. Cadwell takes out his cellular and answers it.

Cadwell:"Yes?...What?....No...Hold on, sir."

He puts his hand over the phone.

Cadwell:"It's the UN secretary-general! What should we tell him?!"

Bear:"What do you mean 'what should we tell him'? We're on the news 
      here."

Huntress:"Our enemies must be laughing their heads off now."

Striker:"What a disaster. I miss the Cold War."

Everyone at Mission Control look at each other in shock.

Lydia:"This looks bad, no?"

Master:"I'd better call them."

Outlaw:"Should we go and help them out?"

Master:"Yes. Go quickly."

Outlaw, Chavaleh and Saphire run out to the hangar while the Master 
calls the Rovers. In a vent unseen to anyone else Shadow was watching
as well.

Shadow:"Awwww. The little ant is being chased by the little spider."

He disappears into the darkness.

UN Headquarters, at that moment:

The Cyclborg starts up and drives to Bear, barely avoiding getting 
blasted by Ortega. 

Cyc:"Bear, you have an incoming transmission coming from Mission
     Control."

Star:"Great. Next we'll have the President calling us."

The Master appears on Cyc's viewscreen.

Master:"Are you all okay?"

Ramses:"No, we're not. We're being shot at by a giant mechanical bug."

Master:"Hold on, Rovers. Outlaw, Sapphire and Chavaleh are on their
        way." 

Alethia:"We're going to need more help than that. They alone can't
         destroy this robot."

Hunter:"Then we'll need to help them out. To the vehicles!"

Puffball:"But how get past Ortega?"

Dixie:"She's right, Hunter. How will we manage to get past 'daddy 
       longlegs' over there? We're frozen in our place here." 

Exile lights up.

Exile:"Bolshoi! Frozen! That's it!"

Exile gets up and fires his "Siberian Deep Freeze" at the Gargantua.
In seconds it is encased in ice. Everyone cheers him.

Illanov:"Excellent work, comrade!"

Star:"Exile! Exile! You're our man! If you can't do it, no one can!"

Ricky:"Well, that means we're dead."

Star:"Why?"

Ricky points at the Gargantua. The ice holding it was beginning to
crack. In a few seconds the ice shatter and the robot is free again.

Ramses:"Oh bother! This thing is unstoppable! Now how will we get to
        our vehicles?" 

Hunter thinks for a moment, then turns to Shag.

Hunter:"Shag! Hand me your missile launcher!"

Shag gives Hunter the missile launcher.

Illanov:"Comrade Hunter, how will that missile help us? Ortega has
         been able to shrug off everything we fire at him."  

Blitz:"Yah. I think that we should run away."

Cadwell:"He's right. We can't dent this thing."

Hunter:"I have a plan. Trust me."

Hunter is about to run when Colleen stops him.

Colleen:"Be careful, Huntie."

Hunter:"I will."

Hunter runs to the Gargantua and fires the missile at the head. When
it hits it does nothing, but it gains Ortega's attention and he turns
to face Hunter. Hunter sticks out his tongue and starts taunting him.

Hunter:"Nyaaaa! Nyaaaa!"

From afar everyone was watching in shock at what Hunter was doing.

Alethia:"He's insane! He's going to get himself killed!"

Colleen:"HUNTER!!! HAVE YOU GONE MAD?!!"

Amani:"From what I'm seeing here I would say that's a yes."

Silver:"He's a dead dog."

In the cockpit Ortega was becoming angry.

Ortega:"Just wait, you mongrel! I will stomp you out like the insect
        you are!"

The Gargantua fires at Hunter, but he runs off super fast. The Gargantua
begins to follow him towards Bogota.

Cadwell:"Well, I'll be. He's gotten Ortega to follow him."

Striker:"To the vehicles before that overrated spider comes back."

Nitro and Bear get onto the Cyclborg while the others head for the other
vehicles. Striker, Illanov, Cadwell and Dixie get into the Rhino; Amani, 
Huntress and Puffball into Sylvia; Ricky, Alethia, Sierra, Cleo, Ramses,
Sheba and Silver into the Pack  Rover; Colleen, Exile, Blitz, Shag and
Muzzle in the Sonic Rover. 

Streets of Bogota:

Hunter is running through the streets, the Gargantua not far behind and 
firing at him, but the shots keep falling short. Ortega was becoming
very annoyed.

Ortega:"Pesky little Road Runner imitation."

He then notices something. Up ahead was a condemed high-rise overlooking
the street. He fires at the base. The shot hits the structure and it 
begins to fall into the street. Hunter is just able to look up before
the building falls on him. Soon all that could be seen is heap of
rubble and dust. The Gargantua stands over the rubble while the Rovers
and Strayers watch in shock from afar.

Ortega:"So long, senyor Hunter. Now for Washington DC."

Ortega pushes a button and several thrusters appear on the sides and rear
of the main body. Soon the Gargantua lifts from the ground and flies off
for the United States. The others watch as it goes.

Star:"That wasn't in the movie."

Bear:"Where's Hunter?"

Striker:"I think I know, and you won't like it."

Colleen:"Where? Where's Huntie?"

Striker:"Under that pile of rubble over there."

Colleen:"NOOOOOOOOO!!!"

They fly to the rubble and land. Colleen climbs out and frantically begins
to dig. The others rush up to her.

Striker:"Colleen! He's dead! No one could survive this!"

Colleen:"HE'S ALIVE, I TELL YOU!!!"

Exile:"I hate to agree with comrade Striker, but I also fear the worstski."

Illanov and Bear drag Colleen away from the rubble, she's still kicking
frantically to get at the rubble.

Illanov:"Comrade Colleen. You must accept the facts: he's gone."

Colleen starts crying on Bear's chest. He comforts her.

Bear:"There, there. We will all miss him."

Ricky's ears twitches.

Ricky:"I hear something! It's sounds like someone moaning in pain..." 

Colleen jumps up.

Colleen:"Where?!"

Ricky runs to a spot in the rubble and lifts a piece of concrete. Hunter's
hand can be seen. 

Colleen:"HUNTER!!!"

They others rush up and begin to dig. Soon they dig up Hunter, who is
in a state of semi-consciousness. 

Hunter:"Arg...wha...what happened?"

Ramses:"Easy there. You're hurt pretty badly here."

The TurboJet Rover appears and lands. Outlaw, Saphire and Chavaleh 
climb out and run to the others.

Outlaw:"What happened?"

Striker:"Ortega has hurt Hunter and is on his way to Washington. We
         better leave now and try to get to the city before he does."  

Outlaw:"I don't believe I know you."

Chavaleh walks up.

Chavaleh:"Striker. This is Outlaw and Saphire. Bounty hunters."

Outlaw and Saphire:"Hello."

Striker:"I would love to greet you, but we have a crisis here."

Cadwell:"No kidding. The secretary-general is still on the line. What
         must I tell him."

Bear:"Tell him to warn the US president that Ortega is on his way with
      that spider of his."

Cadwell:"Roger."

Exile:"Will someone tell me who Roger is!"

Everyone runs to their vehicles. Blitz and Exile carry Hunter into the
Sonic Rover while Cadwell tells the SG what to do. They then take off
and head for Washington.

The White House, Washington DC, United States of America, 1:01 AM:

Bill Clinton was fast asleep when suddenly his phone rings. He gets
up and answers it, his back to the open window.

Clinton:"H-Hello?"

Voice:"Mister President, you have to leave Washington immediately.
       Francisco Ortega is on his way with a dangerously powerful
       new weapon."   

Clinton:"What kind of weapon?"

Through the window in the background the Gargantua had landed. It then
begins to walk towards the White House.

Voice:"Well, sir....It's a giant mechanical robot."

Clinton:"Hmmm. A giant spider, you say?"

Voice:"Yes, sir."

Clinton:"A spider. Ha ha ha. Very funny. You know, you have a sense of..."

The ground starts shaking as the Gargantua enters the White House front
lawn.

Clinton:"Was that you?"

Voice:"Was what, sir?"

He turns to the window and isn't cheerful anymore. He drops the phone as
he stares at the monsterous spider. Ortega brings the head down to level
with the President. One of the legs break a hole in the room. As soon as
the dust clears Ortega's face can be clearly seen.

Ortega:"The President of the world's most 'powerful' nation. Ha!"

Clinton:"Nice spider you got there."

Ortega ignores him and opens a compartment in the head. Next a claw attached
to a cable shoots out, grabs the President and reels him in. The Gargantua
goes back to normal. In the cockpit two soldiers bring the President in and
tie him to a chair. Ortega turns towards him.

Ortega:"Watch now as I decimate your nation's capital."

The Gargantua turns around and faces the Washington Monument. It fires at
it's base and the monument topples to the ground. Several squad cars 
arrive and the police officers open fire with pistols. The Gargantua
faces them and blows up their cars. They scatter in all directions. From
the Pentagon the Secretary of Defence watches the scene unfurl. He goes
over to a phone and calls a nearby airfield.

US Airfield, not far off, 1:08 AM:

A large number of Commache helicopters take off and head for the capital.

Somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico, 1:12 AM:

The Rovers and Strayers fly onward towards Washington. In the Sonic Rover
Hunter was bandaged up and sitting next to Colleen. He radio's Striker.

Hunter:"Striker, has that thing gotten to DC jet?"

Striker (Over speakers):"Just listen."

The radio then switches to that of a police officer calling headquarters.

Officer:"This robot has just destroyed the Jefferson's Memorial and is 
         heading towards the Library of Congress! We can't stop it, Mike!
         You gotta get the National Guard down here now!"

Alethia:"I think it's already there."

Striker's phone rings and he answers it.

Striker:"Hello?.....What?.....He did?....Hold on."

Striker lowers his phone. 

Striker:"It's the Pentagon. They say that Ortega has captured the President."

Bear:"Amani, how far are we?"

Amani:"Just a few more minutes..."

Colleen:"Speed up, guys. We're going ahead of you."

Colleen pushes a button and the Sonic Rover goes into super sonic speed.

Washington, at that moment:

The Commaches have engaged the Gargantua, but their missiles do little 
against the monster robot. It ignores them and continues to destroy buildings
as it goes for Capitol Hill. People are running around in panic from the 
giant robot as it's tracks leave large footprints in the ground. The Sonic
Rover appears and flies over the scene. From there they can see the robot,
the Commaches and the smoke coming the burning ruins.

Hunter:"Holy Moley!"

Colleen:"Blimey!"

Exile:"Mother Russia!"

Blitz:"Ach unt lieber!"

Hunter:"Let's hit this thing where it hurts!"

Colleen:"Righto!"

The Sonic Rover flies up to the Gargantua and lets loose a folly of missiles
at it. The missiles just have no effect. The Gargantua fires at them, the 
Sonic Rover narrowly missing the laser. The other Rovers and Strayers come
into view. They all gasp in horror.

Alethia:"My goodness! Look at this mess!"

Outlaw:"Whoa! This guy means business!"

Saphire:"BIG business!"

Striker:"Whatever he means, he going to hit the ground very hard. 
         Activate Sonic Cannon."

The Sonic Cannon appears and begins to charge to up. Once it reaches 
maximum power it fires a massive sonic blast at the Gargantua's legs. 
The robot loses balance for a moment, then gets back to normal again.

Striker:"Ai yai yai. This is not a good sign."

Nitro:"Allow me."

Nitro unleashes her Banshee Howl, but nothing happens to the Gargantua.
Everyone is taken back by this.

Nitro:"How much damage can this turkey take? Everything we fire at it 
       just does about as much damage as a bee does to an rhino." 

Amani:"Tell me about it."

Cleo then sees something.

Cleo:"If we can't beat it from the outside, then let's beat it from the
      inside."

Colleen:"How?"

Cleo:"There's a hatch on the back of its body. If we can get in we can
      bring Ortega down."

Ricky:"We'll need cover for this to work."

Cadwell:"Leave it to me. Hand me a radio."

Dixie gives a walky talky to Cadwell and he radios the Commaches.

Cadwell:"This is Major Cadwell to Commache pilots. Do you read?"

Pilot:"Loud and clear, sir."

Cadwell:"We need cover to get near Ortega. Can you provide us with some?"

Pilot:"Most definitely, sir!"

Ramses opens the Pack Rover's window and Sheba flies out.

Ramses:"Do me proud, girl."

Pilot:"All right, boys! Let's rock and roll!"

Sheba and the Commaches begin to attack the Gargantua, drawing its fire
to them. Meanwhile the Rovers sneak up from behind and land on the robot's
back near the hatch. They jump onto the back and walk to the hatch while
Cadwell flies the Rhino, Hunter the Sonic Rover, Sierra the Pack Rover,
Silver Sylvia and the Cyclborg itself away from it. Blitz tears the hatch 
open and jumps in. Seconds later the sound of a man screaming can be heard,
followed by a loud metal bang. Everyone climbs in and sees a soldier lying
unconscious on the floor and Blitz with a piece of cloth in his mouth.

Exile:"Why the Master chose you I'll never knowski."

They continue their way until they came to a large room. On the walls are 
computers everywhere. Ricky smells the air.

Ricky:"I smell something...or someone."

Suddenly from above a large group of ninja dogs (from "Let Sleeping Dogs 
Lie") surround the Rovers and Strayers. All the doors close and Ortega's
voice can be heard on some speakers.

Ortega:"Amazing what money can buy."

Bear:"Let me guess. Gen-Par Industries?"

Ortega:"Si, Senyor Bear. Senyor Parvo was all too keen to sell them to
        me. Destroy them!"

The ninjas attack. Striker knocks some out with his Sonic Rifle, while
the Strayers freeze a number of them with their Petri pistols. Two of 
the ninjas attack Illanov. He punches one out but the second grabs him
from behind. Exile fires a heat beam at the ninja, making him lose his 
grip. Illanov swings round and punches him in the stomach.

Illanov:"Thanks, comrade."

Exile:"As they say: together we Russian must get sticky."

Illanov:"Uh...dah, I think."

Outlaw draws his pistol but a well placed knife knocks it out of his
hand. Two ninjas prepare to attack. Saphire appears behind them. She
levitates into the air, grabs them and then drops them on two other
ninjas that have surrounded Ramses. Outlaw smiles.

Outlaw:"That's my angel."

Meanwhile Colleen was fighting off a large number of ninjas. 

Colleen:"Boris Yeltsin! Tony Blair! Bill Clinton!"

She kicks most of them away, but one jumps onto her and draws his
katana. Just as he is about to lower it he howls in pain and jumps
off, Blitz is behind him with a piece of cloth in his mouth. Blitz
walks up to Colleen.

Blitz:"How about a kiss for rescueing pretty girl dog?"

Colleen:"Are you one of the ninjas?"

Blitz slaps his forehead. Nitro was confronted with two ninjas with
shurikens. As they prepare to throw them Silver comes up from behind
and gives them both a electrical shock which knocks them out. Silver
rubs her hands.

Silver:"Still haven't lost that special touch."

Soon the battle is over. All the ninjas are lying about unconscious
on the floor. Puffball and Shag goes to the door leading to the 
cockpit and break it open. As they make their way towards it they
spot two soldiers standing just outside the cockpit door. 

Illanov:"Leave this to me, comrades."

Bear:"What are you going to do? You're at a disadvantage on your
      own. Let's all go in." 

Illanov:"Trust me, comrade Bear."

Suddenly Illanov begins to fade and is soon invisible. The others
watch in stark amazement.

Amani:"Whao! How'd he do that?"

The two soldiers are grabbed by the invisisble Illanov and he knocks
their heads together. They fall to the floor and Illanov reappears.
The others walk up to him.

Huntress:"Cool trick! Where'd you get it?"

Ricky:"Seems like the Transdogmafier gave him a rather stealthy 
       ability." 

Illanov:"Dah. This gives a new meaning to the element of surprise."

Cleo:"But none of us knew of this. How did you know you had it?"

Illanov:"Two nights ago. At first it scared me, but I soon learned
         to control it. Though I can only be cloaked for a short 
         while." 

Striker:"Good. Now for Ortega."

Exile comes up and melts down the door. They rush into the cockpit.
The President is tied to a chair near the door. Star unties him.

Clinton:"Thanks again, Rovers and Strayers." 

Star:"No problemo, sir."

Ortega turns around in his chair. Colleen steps up.

Colleen:"As for you, Francisco, you're going to jail."

Ortega:"What makes you say that, senyores?"

Bear:"Because we got you cornered, that's what makes her say that."

Ortega:"So you think you have me?"

Ramses:"That's right. The US Government will send to some nice jail
        cell in a maximum security prison in Florida."   

Ortega:"I'm afraid I have to decline that offer. Time to remove you
        from my cockpit." 

Ortega pushes a button and a trap door opens under the Rovers and 
Strayers. They all fall through into the open air, but the Rhino, 
TurboJet Rover, the Sonic Rover, the Pack Rover, Sylvia and the 
Cyclborg catches them. As soon as they are out of range they get
onboard. The President gets onto the TurboJet Rover and Hunter
calls Outlaw.

Hunter:"Outlaw. Get the President out of here and to Camp David." 

Outlaw:"Roger!"

The TurboJet Rover flies off while the others circle out of range
of the Gargantua. Hunter radioes everyone.

Hunter:"All right, everyone. We got the President, but there still
        is the problem of the Gargantua. Suggestions, Striker?"

Striker:"Sorry, Hunter, but that Gargantua is simply too much for
         us to handle." 

Hunter:"Bear?"

Bear:"Nothing. Striker's right. We can't beat Ortega."

Hunter:"Anyone else got a idea?"

Star:"How about an atomic bomb?"

Ricky:"We're here to save the city, not blast it into oblivion."

Alethia:"I know what to do."

Everyone:"What?"

Alethia:"Hunter, can the Space Rover enter Earth's atmosphere?"

Hunter:"I see what you mean, girl. I'll call Persia right away."

Hunter calls the Space Rovers.

Space Rover, high orbit over Earth, 1:34 AM:

Persia has just come into the ship's bridge and sits down at the
command chair. Hunter's face appears on the main view screen.

Persia:"Greetings, Hunter."

Hunter:"Hi, Persia. We need your help with a major problem we have
        down here in Washington DC." 

Persia:"What is it?"

Hunter:"Francisco Ortega has built a two-hundred foot tall robot
        spider called the Gargantua and he is busy blowing up every 
        building in the city. Our weapons are useless against this
        bug. Can you lend us a paw?"

Persia:"That's affirmative, Hunter. We're on our way."

Hunter:"Thanks. Hunter out."

Hunter's face disappears from the screen. Persia turns to the ship's
crew.

Persia:"Set a course for Washington DC. Go to red alert. All crews to
        battle stations." 

The alarm sounds and the Space Rover decends down to Earth.

Washington DC, 1:38 AM:

The Gargantua has just destroyed the Capitol building and was heading
towards the Lincoln Memorial. The others watch helplessly as the robot 
stops in front of it. Ortega takes aim.

Ortega:"Adios, senyor Lincoln."

Just as he is about to fire two power lasers hit the Gargantua, knocking
it a bit out of balance. Everyone turns to look what it was. The Space
Rover is flying low over the city.

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

Dixie:"It's the Space Rover, Major. Don't worry. They're on our side."

The Gargantua fires at the Space Rover, but the ship's shields absorb the
blast. 

Persia:"Arm photon torpedos and fire at will!"

The Space Rover fires the photon torpedos at the Gargantua. They manage to
blow a few holes, but they cause very little significant damage.

Star:"Look! They damaged it!"

Bear:"Yes, but unfortunately it doesn't seems to bother it that much."

The Space Rover fires all its photon torpedos at the Gargantua, but they
too don't cause too much damage.

Persia:"What's the status of the robot?"

Luitenant McTerry, a male Scottish Terrier Cano-sapien, answers.

McTerry:"It has sustained some damage, but nothing that can actually be 
         called serious." 

McTerry makes another scan.

McTerry:"Captain, I've detected weak spot within the Gargantua. Our attacks
         have weaken the armor over the power generators. If we can fire
         at these co-ordinates we might be able to destroy the generators."  

Persia:"Make it so. Open fire with Laser Launchers."

The Space Rover flies to the Gargantua and opens fire. The lasers strike the
main body continously. Soon the armor gives away and the lasers blow the
power generators. The Gargantua begins to lose balance and all the soldiers
and ninjas parachute away from the crippled robot. A Learjet appears on the
back and takes off just as the Gargantua begins to shake violently. The 
others watch in anticipation.

Huntress:"It's going. Going." 

The LearJet flies away. Just then a massive explosion blows the Gargantua
apart. Debris is flying everywhere as the body is engulfed in a massive
fireball. The legs break apart and the wreckage collapses into the street.

Huntress:"GONE!"

Everyone cheers. There is handshakes, hugs and kisses in celebration of 
their victory over Francisco Ortega. In the streets people are cheering
the Rovers and Strayers. They then fly to the Pentagon where they let 
Cadwell out. He walks into the building, then comes back out with a paper
in his hands. He gives it to Striker who begins to read it. 

Dixie:"Well, what does it say?"

Striker smiles.

Striker:"The war is won. We can go back to Mission Control."

Silver:"Finally."

Cadwell:"Thank you, Rovers and Strayers. You were a great help. I hope we
         can do business again sometime."

Hunter:"No problem, Major."

Hunter turns to the others.

Hunter:"Let's head home, guys."

The Rovers all howl as they head for Mission Control.

Briefing Room, Mission Control, 5:21 AM:

All the Rovers and Strayers are gathered in front of the Master.

Master:"Welcome back. You did an excellent job. You good, good dogs, cats
        and humans."
        
The Master then turns to Illanov.

Master:"Special welcome to you, Alexander Illanov. Nice to meet you in
        person."

Illanov:"I'm honoured, comrade."

Master:"I hope that you will keep to the rules?"

Illanov:"A Russian's word is his honour."

Striker's phone rings and he answers.

Striker:"Hello?...Ah, Major....What?....Ai yai yai, that's bad....oh....
         good....thank you, sir. Good morning."

Striker puts his phone away.

Striker:"It was Cadwell. He said due to our efforts all of Colombia has
         now come under UN control and will soon be restored back to
         normal."

Huntress:"What's the bad part?"

Striker:"That LearJet that flew away was Ortega. He is still at large
         with the remnants of his private army."  

Hunter:"Don't worry. With us he will soon see himself in prison."

Colleen:"Who do you feel, Huntie?"

Hunter:"Much better now, though it still pains here and there."

Colleen:"How about you and I go to the infirmary and make a check up
         on you, luv?"  

Hunter:"Sure."

Hunter and Colleen walk away hand in hand.

Exile:"Comrade Hunter! Who's going to say "To the power of the pack" to
       endski this episode?" 

Hunter:"Striker will."

Striker:"What? Me? Hunter! Wait!"

Hunter and Colleen are out of sight. Everyone else looks at Striker.

Blitz:"Well, come on. We don't have all day."

Striker:"Aikona! I'm not to going to say it. Bear will."

Bear:"I'm a Strayer. I can't."

Striker:"Well, I'm certainly not going to say it."

Huntress:"Let me! I'm his sister!"

Chavaleh:"No, I will! I know Hunter best!"

Star:"No, you won't! I will!"

Silver:"What? You? Certainly not! I will!"

Ramses:"Girls! Girls! Please! Let's draw straws!"

Cleo:"No way! I should have the honour of saying it!"

Alethia:"I should!"

Ricky:"What a fine mess!"

Soon everyone begins to argue who should say it. 

Bear:"Good thing we have our rally cry."

Nitro:"But we can't do it because of all the noise."

Bear:"Sure we can. We just need to do it louder."

Dixie, Nitro:"Louder? With my sore throat?"

Puffball:"Why do everyone argue?"

Amani:"I don't know. I just don't know."

The Master just shakes his head and smiles.

Master:"Nice to have them back."

They continue to fight over who say the last line of this episode. They
have succeeded in destroying the Gargantua and have lead the United
Nations Peacekeepers to victory. Yet Francisco Ortega is still running
free and the KH Military is still at large. What will happen now that
the war is over? What will the mysterious Supreme General do next in the
KH Military's plot to disrupt world peace? And where is Francisco 
Ortega?

THE END