Rover Strike: Project AniCom Episode 2: Castle Red Spire By Gerhard Naudé All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. South Charleroi Airport 50 Kilometers South of Brussels Belgium 31 January 9:22 PM: This is a moderately-sized airport that serves many budget airlines. Passengers are continuously leaving and arriving at the airport, even at this time of the night. At the hangars where the EuroCorp cargo planes are services several unmarked green/brown cargo planes sat with their cargo hatches open. Forklifts are busy unloading large metal crates fitted with small barred windows from a number of trucks parked in the hangars. They then move the crates onto the cargo planes. Workers in overalls are busy helping with the unloading and loading. Three of the workers stand near two unused forklifts, lighting up cigarettes and speaking in French. Worker 1:"These shifts are killing me. This is the fifth one this week." Worker 2:"But they are paying us overtime for it all." Worker 1:"I know, but this is becoming too much. We've been working non-stop for several days, loading those smelly crates onto the planes." Worker 3:"Not to mention all these Germans who came with the planes. I don't like them one bit." The two other workers grumble in agreement. Worker 2:"Nor do I. They look at me as if working with a Frenchman is beneath them. They refuse to speak French, or even English! All they speak is German." Worker 1:"I know. And they call US arrogant. There's something about these people that I don't like. Why are we working with them anyway?"" Worker 2:"I hear it was orders straight from the top. The CEO himself spoke with that Schlectermann fellow to give him what he needs for this big transfer." Worker 3:"That's what confuses me. Why is this project being moved?" Worker 2:"Seems there was a security breach at the head office." Worker 3:"Again? Sacre bleu, that is the fifth one I've heard of." Worker 2:"Actually, there was a sixth from what I heard. But either way, this last one was apparently so serious that Schlectermann demanded that the project be moved. Rembrandt fully agreed with him, as did the vice president and the board of directors." Worker 1:"So that's why were are working so much. And all this because some idiot couldn't keep his mouth shut after a few drinks." The other workers grumble in agreement. They take several draws from their cigarettes before resuming the conversation. Worker 1:"So where is this project being moved?" Worker 2:"I heard it is being moved to a castle in southern Germany." Worker 3:"Me too. I managed to sneak a look at one of the invoices. Seems the castle is called Red Spire." Worker 2:"I think heard that name in German, but I'll be d***ed if I am going to go and speak German now." Just then a passing foreman notices the group and shouts at them. Foreman:"Hey, you lot! Get back to work!" The workers quickly nod, putting out their cigarettes before running back to join the other workers. The loading operation continues on. Castle Red Spire Alps Mountains Southern Germany 7 February 11:35 AM: Nestled deep in the snow-covered mountains in Germany is Castle Red Spire. The castle is a classical Germanic castle with stout walls, the central keep and guard towers. One of its most notable features is a spire built from red stones, hence the name. A modern bridge has replaced the castle's drawbridge, allowing access from a single road winding through the mountains. A helicopter pad has been built on one of the towers along with several radio towers and satellite dishes. Above the castle's main entrance is the crest of a long-gone noble family. Directly below it is the logo of the European Corporation with its name written underneath in German. Patrolling the walls and grounds of the castle are a number of German guards dressed in white uniforms which contrasts their grey body armors and helmets. They are also wearing goggles, scarfs and gloves for the winter weather. All of the guards are armed with German-made assault rifles. A convoy of trucks are stopped at the front gate while the guards examine the drivers' security clearances and papers. From inside his office high in the keep, Josef Schlectermann is watching the trucks enter the courtyard and enter a garage leading under the castle. Standing next to him is Kaufmann, who is eating a chocolate bar. Josef:"Everything is running on schedule. Guht. Now AniCom can proceed without interference from outsiders." Kaufmann:"Or those French in EuroCorp." Josef:"Yah, them too. Without being under their eyes all the time we can now take AniCom into the right direction. How is the transfer proceeding?" Kaufmann swallows a piece of chocolate before speaking. Kaufmann:"Almost all of the test subjects for the project have been brought from Brussels to here and the primary site. The transfer should be finished by the end of the week." Josef:"And all the equipment?" Kaufmann:"Down to the last bolt. Final delivery was finished yesterday." Schlectermann smiles, satisfied with the report. Josef:"Excellent, now we can..." Just then the telephone on his wooden desk rings. He walks over to it and picks up the phone while sitting down in his leather chair. The German answers while looking around his office. It used to be a king's study, with rows of books stacked neatly into shelves. A fine carpet lies on the stone floor. A few tasteful decoration share space with more modern additions such as a television and computer. Kaufmann remains by the window while Josef speaks with the person on the phone. Josef(into phone):"Guten tag. Schlectermann here... Oh, Herr Rembrandt. How are you?... Guht here. The winter hasn't been too bad... The project? Everything is in order and we should be able to resume work later today... Excuse me?... But I gave you my assurance... Surely zat is not needed... Nein, Herr Rembrandt... I understand. We will welcome them with open arms... Yah, thank you." He puts the phone down. When Kaufmann comes over he sees that Schlecter- mann is looking very annoyed. Kaufmann:"What did that snobby Frenchman want this time?" Josef:"Rembrandt is sending a delegation to come and inspect AniCom so he can get a status report. The delegation is led by Grasson, accompanied by Major Duroc." Kaufmann:"Those two?! They're even worse than the usual Frenchmen I've had to share space with. What are we going to do with them?" Schlectermann stands up. Josef:"We let them carry out their little inspection. As long as they don't learn about the primary or the two lowest underground levels of the castle, we shouldn't have any problems." Kaufmann:"Why the lowest level too? AniCom doesn't use that part." Josef:"Yah, but there are few relics down there that might raise one too many eyebrows amongst even the dumbest Frenchman. Never mind someone like Grasson and especially not Duroc." Kaufmann:"How soon will they get here?" Josef:"They will arrive tomorrow morning." Schlectermann pokes Kaufmann in the chest to emphasize his next point. Josef:"Get everything ready and make sure that there is NO POSSIBILITY of them learning about the primary site or gaining access to the lower levels." Kaufmann nods, chewing the last bit of chocolate and tossing the wrapper into a nearby waste basket. Kaufmann:"Yah, Herr Schlectermann. I will get our men to work on the problem immediately." Josef:"Guht." Kaufmann starts walking towards the office exit, digging out another candy bar from one of his pockets. Schlectermann turns back to the window to look at the world outside. EuroCorp Executive Helicopter En Route to Castle Red Spire Alps Mountains Southern Germany 8 February 8:57 AM: Flying through the mountains is a passenger helicopter with the markings and colours of the European Corporation. The weather has died down enough for the helicopter to fly, though it is still snowing. Riding inside the helicopter is a group of executives led by Grasson. Accompanying them is Major Duroc and a small group of EuroCorp security officers. Grasson grumbles as he looks out the window. Grasson:"Lousy weather. We haven't even arrived at Red Spire and I already hate this place." Duroc:"At least you volunteered for this mission. I am obliged to provide escort." Grasson:"The reason I volunteered is that I didn't like the idea of placing AniCom under the control of Schlectermann. I want the program to remain within our grasp." Duroc:"Schlectermann convinced Rembrandt that it would be better for security reasons. That breach by the Road Rovers clinched his arguement." Grasson sighs in frustration. Grasson:"I know. Those meddlesome mongrels... poking their noses in things that are none of their business. By all rights we should sue them for damaging EuroCorp property, tresspassing and assaulting our staff." Duroc:"So what are we going to do once we get to Red Spire?" Grasson:"Turn the place inside out, that's what we are going to do. I want to know everything about what goes on at Red Spire. Schlectermann and his lackeys may be running the castle, but as long as we pay his salary WE call the shots." Duroc:"He might still try and hide something inside the castle. I've heard stories about such places having secret rooms and such." Grasson:"That's why you were brought along. Since you are our best commando you might consider this an inflitration mission." Duroc frowns. Duroc:"I wasn't told of this. If I had known I would have brought specialized equipment." Grasson:"And that would have aroused the Germans' suspicions. Besides, you have the best equipment there is: your brain. So use it." Grasson looks out the window. Duroc sighs and shakes his head before leaning back against his seat. Up ahead in the distance the silhouette of Castle Red Spire appears through the snowfall. Helipad Castle Red Spire 9:07 AM: The EuroCorp helicopter comes in to land at the castle's helipad, guided by lights and a German guard waving electrical torches. Standing in the cover of the stairwell leading down into the tower is Schlectermann and Kaufmann, both wearing thick wool jackets. They wait until the spinning blades of the helicopter stop before stepping out onto the tower roof. They approach the helicopter as Grasson, Duroc and the other executives and guards disembark. Schlectermann holds out a hand. Josef:"Welkommen to Castle Red Spire, Herr Grasson. I trust your journey was uneventful?" Grasson shakes Schlectermann's hand politely. Grasson:"Bonjour, Monsiour Schlectermann. Oui, it was a fine journey. A boring one, but nothing dangerous." Schlectermann:"Guht, guht. Let's cut to the chase. I assume you will want to get started on your inspection right away, yah?" Grasson:"That is correct, Monsiour. The sooner the better." Schlectermann:"Please follow me, then." Schlectermann leads the group towards the stairwell under the watchful eye of the German castle guards. Banquet Hall Upper Central Keep 10:24 AM: The banquet hall of the castle is a large, spacious room with a large fireplace and huge, arcing windows. Above the fireplace is a coat of arms along with a few ornaments. The long wooden dining table is a finely polished table with expensive matching chairs. Suits of armour and other chairs line along the walls. In the past the room would host the castle's occupants and their royal visitors. Now, though, the table is occupied by the EuroCorp delegation on one side and Schlecter -mann and his staff on the other side. The table is covered with papers. folders, glasses and jugs of water. German guards stand on either side of the grand entrances, while Duroc and the EuroCorp security officers idle around in the corner. Duroc is seated in a chair with a bored expression on his face as he listens to the people talking around the table. Duroc(to himself):"I'm so glad I went into security. All this talking is enough to make a person die from sheer boredom." He yawns while the debate around the table continues. Grasson and his fellow executives are going over the reports given to them by Schlecter- mann and the Germans. Grasson is reading one of the reports. Grasson:"According to this, all of the test subjects have been delivered intact to Red Spire. Are they securely in place?" Josef:"Correct, Herr Grasson. They are being held in special alloy cages that cannot be damaged by conventional tools in a bunker-style room on the second lower level of Red Spire." Grasson nods and makes a mark with a pen on the report. One of the Euro- Corp executives is tapping on another paper with his pen. Executive 1:"This list of expenses I'm seeing before me have numbers that look inflated to me." Josef:"I can assure you that all the numbers are well within the budget we have tabled with the CEO." Executive 1:"Really? I see here that expenses listed under 'other' exceed several million Euros." One of the Germans leans forward to answer. German 1:"There many items that are too insignificant to be listed in their categories. Foodstuffs, maintenance, accessories, winter clothing, petrol, backup generators, feeding the captives..." Executive 1:"Feeding the captives? With what? Gourmet cuisines?" The German scoffs at the executive's remark. German:"The captives need to be well-fed. Sickly and dying subjects are useless to Project Anicom. Unless you would like to go back to Rembrandt and explain to him why you want to waste money on products that expire before they reach the markets." The executive frowns back, but decides against responding to the German's statement. Another executive puts a report on the table and taps a finger on it. Executive 2:"I've just went over your staff list and I've noticed that everyone who works here is German." Josef:"That is correct. Is there a problem with it?" Executive 2:"I do believe I should remind you, Monsiour Schlectermann, that we are called the EUROPEAN Corporation for a reason." Josef:"Undt I am aware of that. I should also remind you that hiring local help reduces expenses and increases profit. And the CEO had fully approved of my staff choices." The executive frowns, but decides to not press the matter further. The debates continues on for well over an hour. Duroc becomes increasingly bored and even starts falling asleep. However, a movement by the table makes him look up. Grasson has stood up, closing his folder. Grasson:"This should conclude the first meeting. Now, I believe that an inspection of your facilities is in order, non?" Josef stands up and nods in agreement. Josef:"An excellent idea. The sooner the better, yah?" All the other people around the table stand up. Duroc:"Finally." Duroc gets up from his chair, stretching his arms and yawning as the suits gathered their things and prepare for the inspection tour. Laboratories Lower Keep Levels 10:39 AM: The lower keep levels, while still retaining some of the original stone walls, have largely been converted into modern research and development laboratories. Pexiglass windows allow the people in the stone corridors to look into the white-walled clean rooms of the labs. Scientists in lab coats or hazmat suits are conducting all kinds of research and experiments. In the corridors Schlectermann is giving a tour for Grasson and his group of executives. Behind them is Duroc, who is shuffling along while scanning each lab. Josef:"Unt here we develop the various kinds of serums we use in the transformation process." Schlectermann points to one lab, where some suited scientists are working with a number of vials filled with unknown liquids. Grasson looks through the window at the scientists. Grasson:"What do those serums do?" Josef:"They all have different functions. Some act as tranquilizers, others encourage muscle growth or brain development, some help change DNA or cell structures during transformations. And there is one or two poisons in there as well for when drastic measures are needed." Grasson:"How toxic are they?" Josef:"There are quite a few substances in there which are quite harmful to humans, but only in dividual components. I would still not recommend drinking the final product, yah?" Grasson:"How much of this stuff do you make each day?" Josef:"Zat? Not as much as at ze start. The test subjects needed a lot of them just to survive the transformation process, but as our knowledge and expertise grew the demand for these serums fell. I'm sure you'd be happy to know that it brought costs down, herr Grasson." Grasson:"Oui, it does. What about this lab here?" Grasson points to an opposite, showing a lab filled with all kinds of mechanical devices, computers and assembly tools. Schlectermann and the group move closer to that window. Josef:"Ah. Here we build biomechanical constructs for the test subjects." Grasson(frowning):"Bio... what?" Josef:"Biomechanical, attaching robotic parts to flesh and nerves. In others words, cyborgs, herr Grasson." Grasson:"Wait a minute, cyborgs? I thought we were trying to make super soldiers from common animals." Josef:"Zat is true, herr Grasson. Sometimes, however, a test subject has a few... weak spots, if I may put it that way, and destroying it would be a waste of an otherwise excellent specimen. So these parts allow us to replace those weak spots with strong ones." Grasson:"It has to cost money, no?" Josef:"Initially, yah. But the invest is worth and can repay the costs und make a profit as well. Plus, you end up with more products than you normally would." Grasson:"So you say this is a worthwhile investment?" Josef:"Yah, I fully believe so." While Josef, Grasson and the executives are occupied, Duroc spots a door that is marked "AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY" in both English and German. He moves towards the door, looking to make sure nobody is watching him. He comes to the door, takes once final glance to see if the coast is clear, then quickly goes through it. He closed the door with nobody in the labs or the corridors any wiser. Storage Bay Lower Keep Levels 10:49 AM: Duroc follows a spiral staircase down to the lower levels of the keep, making sure his footsteps are as quiet as possible. He also keeps his eyes and ears open for anyone coming his way. When he reaches the bottom of the stairs, he finds himself looking over a large room from a cat- walk high above. Two huge metal doors stand open to allow trucks to come in. Workers driving forklifts are busy unloading unmarked crates and cages full of dogs from the trucks. The sounds of barking dogs and running engines fill the storage bay. Duroc looks around, checking to see if anyone notices him. He spots two workmen in overalls and hardhats leaving a room marked "CHANGING ROOM" in English and German. Duroc:"Better get one of those outfits if I'm not to be noticed too quickly." Duroc makes his way to the changing room, stopping now and then to make sure that he isn't spotted. Once he gets to the door, he looks around and then looks inside. Satisfied that the coast is clear, Duroc heads into the changing room. The change room considers with several lockers, a washing room and rows of benches. There is a row of overalls and hard hats hanging from coat hangers. Duroc goes over to them, looks around one more time, then takes an overall and hardhat. He quickly dresses them over his uniform, zips up and puts on the hardhat. Duroc:"This provide me some adequate cover, but I'd better not let any- one take too close a look at me." Duroc heads of the changing room. Just then another worker walks by him into the room. The nod their heads at each other, the worker not giving Duroc a second glance. Duroc looks back at him, then sighs with relief before continuing on. He follows the catwalk along the walls of the storage bay, looking around. The Frenchman doesn't see anything that looks out of the ordinary. He then notices a large map of the facility on one of the walls. Curious, he goes to take a look at it. The map shows a cut-through diagram of the castle, its various levels and the floor plans in different colours. Duroc studies the map, taking note of the layouts and important details. He notices that some of the low- est levels are marked bright red with the letters "RESTRICTED" written above them. Duroc:"Restricted? Hmmm, what are you hiding, Monsiour Schlectermann?" Duroc studies the direction he needs to go, then starts to follow a route that he thinks will take him to the lower levels. Laboratories Lower Keep Levels At That Moment: Schlectermann is still leading Grasson and his group on a tour of the labs, droning on about the experiments while Grasson just asks questions and takes notes. Behind the group Kaufmann is waddling after them, a big bag of cookies in one hand. He looks around at the group, frowning as he counts the number of EuroCorp executives and security officers. Realizing that the numbers don't add up, Kaufmann turns to one of the German security officers standing nearby. Kaufmann(German):"You. Have you seen any of the French break away from the group?" The officer shakes his head. Officer(German):"Nein, Herr Kaufmann. I didn't see anybody leave the group since they came past." Kaufmann(German):"Go around and talk to the other guards. Check with them see if their numbers match up. And report back to me immediately, yah?" Officer(German):"Jawohl." The officer quickly runs off to go and find his fellow guards, while Kaufmann turns his attention back to the tour group. He takes out another cookie and starts to bite into it. Transformation Room Lower Keep Levels 11:05 AM: The transformation room is a chamber located deep beneath Red Spire. Two rows of three large domes dominate the room. Each dome has a hatch and several portholes to see what is inside. Running from each dome into the ceiling are a number of pipes and cables. Between each chamber are sets of tanks containing several kinds of fluids or gasses, some marked with biochemical hazard symbols. Along the walls are either large computers or steel cages. Several doors lead out of the chamber while an elevator shaft can be seen against one of the walls. Scientists, assisted by several workers wearing armoured vests, are hard at work here with various canine test subjects. A lift comes riding down the shaft, carrying a group of workmen. Duroc is among those men, blending in by keeping a low profile. When the lift stops, everyone gets out. Duroc stops to take a good look at the machines. Voice(German):"You. Hey, you. Hey! Are you deaf?" Duroc blinks, then suddenly realises that it is he who is being spoken to. He looks around and finds an impatient scientist standing next to him. Scientist(German):"What is your problem?" Duroc(German):"Oh, I was just admiring these machines here. Good pieces of scientific work." Scientist(German):"I do appreciate the compliment, but that's not why you're here. You are being paid to work. Now stop goofing around and help load the dogs into the mutation chambers. Got it?" Duroc(German):"Ou... Jawohl, Herr Doctor." Duroc follows the scientist to one of the domes. Here are several more scientists and workers. At the moment a few workers are trying to drag an uncooperative Great Dane out of a cage by a leash. The scientist points to the dog. Scientist(German):"Help that lot get the mongrel into the chamber." Duroc simply nods and runs over to help. He grabs the lash and begins to pull on it. With Duroc's added strength, the Great Dane is unable to stop the humans from dragging it from the cage towards the open hatch of the chamber. They pull the dog into the chamber, then let of the leash and run back out. Duroc quickly slams the chamber door shut before the Dane can escape. Another worker turns a crank to lock the door shut and seal it. Duroc and the workers then step back. Scientist(German):"Gutt. Now get ready to go in once the transformation is complete. Stand by." Duroc and the workers go to the port windows to look inside while the scientists go over to the computers to start the machine up. Inside they can see the Dane pacing up and down the chamber nervously. The scientists activate the machine, which causes the dome to vibrate slighty as a humming noise emits from it. Gasses are then pumped into the chamber, obscuting the view of the dog inside. Scientist(German):"Initiating mutation process in three... two... one." A button is pressed. Bolts of electricity suddenly fly inside the dome, causing Duroc to instinctively back away from the porthole. Bright flashes shine through the portholes for several seconds before the scientists shut the machine down. Scientist(German):"Clearing chamber. Stand ready to open the hatch." Duroc approaches the porthole and looks inside the dome again. The gas inside is being pumped out via ventilators. Once the gas clear, Duroc sees that the Great Dane has been transformed from a normal dog into a tall, muscular cano-sapien male. The male is lying naked on the floor, groaning. The workers then move in and open the hatch while others wheel up a stretcher with straps on it. Scientist(German):"Get the new subject out." Duroc follows the workers into the chamber. Two of the workers are already busy pulling the Dane onto his feet by the arms. Suddenly the large canine throws both of them against the sides of the chamber, snarling in fury. A third worker tries to subdue him, but the Great Dane simply kicks him in the gut. Duroc then rushes up and prepares to take on the cano-sapiens. The Dane snarls at him and throws a powerful punch at the Frenchman, but Duroc ducks under the blow. At the same time he kicks the dog's legs out from under him. The Dane falls onto his back with a loud thud. Duroc then rushes up and grabs a spot between the Dane's neck and shoulders. Before the dog can react, Duroc squeezes that spot hard. The giant cano-sapien yelps once before immediately going limp. The scientists peer cautiously inside the chamber. Duroc looks back at them. Duroc(German):"This one won't wake up for a while." The scientists nod, then order the workers to drag the Great Dane out of the chamber. As Duroc comes out, the scientist who approached him earlier goes up to him again. Scientist(German):"That was impressive work. How did you manage to do that?" Duroc(German):"You mean subdue the dog?" Scientist(German):"Yah, that. You just kicked him over and then grabbed him in a spot to make him go limp." Duroc(German):"I learned it from my... self-defence classes. They taught me how to squeeze on certain nerves to neutralize an opponent." Scientist(German):"That so? In that case it makes having you around very handy. We always have trouble with these test subjects and we could do with people who can put them in their place, yah?" Duroc(German):"Just doing my job." Scientist(German):"In that case..." The scientist points to the stretcher. The Great Dane is being put on it and strapped down by the workers. Scientist(German):"Go with that one just in case it wakes up again until they can give the necessary drugs. We always have trouble with them and the higher ups don't seem to notice our concerns about it." Duroc(German):"Do I have clearance to do that?" Scientist(German):"I can give you clearance. Just a moment." Duroc nods and waits as the scientist goes to one of the tables. The German takes a pen and paper and starts writing something down. A minute later he comes back to Duroc with the paper now folded. He holds it out to the Frenchman. Scientist(German):"Here. This paper comes with my authorization. Show it to security and they will let you through. Now get going." Duroc(German):"Yah." Duroc takes the paper, then follows the other workers as they begin to wheel the stretcher with the Dane out of the laboratories. The scientist turns his mind to the next test subject, a female collie, being placed into a chamber. Laboratories Lower Keep Levels At That Moment: Kaufmann is still following the French tour group as they inspect a new weapon prototype. He is busy chewing on a pack of gum as he listens to one of Schlectermann's lectures. One of the guards comes running up to him and taps on his shoulder to get his attention. Guard(German):"We have a problem." Kaufmann(German):"What is it?" Kaufmann blows a gum bubble. Guard(German):"We did a head count among all the guards on this level. One of the Frenchmen are gone." The gum bubble bursts, covering a good part of Kaufmann's face in sticky gum. But he ignores it for the moment. Kaufmann(German):"Can you tell who it is?" Guard(German):"All reports indicate it is one of the bodyguards providing security for the executives." Kaufmann swears while trying to pull off the gum from his face. Kaufmann(German):"Send out an alert and sweep the castle for that missing Frenchman. Make sure you find him quickly!" Guard(German):"Jawohl." The guard turns away, leaving Kaufmann to peel off the gum from his face even as he puts another gum piece into his mouth. Specimen Storage Room Lower Keep Levels 11:20 AM: Duroc is with the stretcher carrying the mutated cano-sapien, walking down a corridor that slopes downward. They come to a pair of sliding doors, flanked by a security room. A scanner is built into the wall next to the door, while a camera is in the corner of the ceiling. Duroc notices it and keeps his face lowered. A security guard steps in front of them and raises one hand. Guard(German):"Scan your cards, please." He indicates to the scanner. The workers and Duroc take out their cards and approach the scanner, which looks like a futuristic punch clock. Guard(German):"Please insert your cards into the slot and allow the scan to finish." One of the workers leans over to Duroc to whisper. Worker(German, Whispering):"Why we have to hear this every time we come here is beyond me. I could probably do all of this in my sleep by now." Duroc simply nods in agreement as the first worker puts his card into the slot on the scanner. A light shines from the slot as the scanning process is done. After a few seconds, a green light appears on the device to signal a successful scan. One by one the workers put their cards into the scanner until it is Duroc's turn. He takes out the paper and holds it out the guard. Guard(German):"What's this?" Duroc(German):"Papers for clearance to this area." The guard takes the paper and reads it while Duroc watches. The guard then takes out a radio and makes a call on it while holding the paper in one hand. After a brief conversation, he lowers the radio and holds the paper out to Duroc. Guard(German):"You're cleared, but I warn you next time we won't accept this. Tell those white coats that we have security cards for a reason." Duroc(German):"Yes, I will. Those eggheads are more interested in their little experiments than our petty concerns." Guard(German):"Isn't that the truth." The guard then steps aside while Duroc tucks the paper back into his workman's outfit. Guard(German):"All clear. Proceed." The doors are opened. Duroc and the workers then proceed to wheel the stretcher through into the room beyond. The room is a square, white- walled room with several rows of large tubes. Each tube is filled up with liquid, with computer terminals in front of each and pipes running from the ceiling down to the top of them. Inside a number of them are various sapiens, each floating inside the liquid in a comatose state. Respirators and monitoring wires are attached to them to keep them alive. Several scientists are making the rounds, checking the terminals for the vital signs and marking the info down on clipboards. Duroc and the workers come to a tube that is empty and is open on the side. Worker(German):"We're here. Let's get this one into the tub." Duroc and the workers free the unconscious mutant from the straps, then they lift him off. As they carry him into the tube, one worker looks at Duroc and points at one of the scientists. Worker(German):"Could you get that guy over here?" Duroc(German):"Jawohl." Duroc lets go of the mutant and walks over to one the scientists, who is busy looking at a female feline while tapping his chin with his pen. Duroc taps his shoulder to get his attention. Duroc(German):"They need some help over there." Scientist(German):"I'll be right over." The scientist walks to the workers, but Duroc doesn't follow him. Instead, he ducks between the tubes to get out sight. He checks to see that nobody is watching him, then calmly marches over to one of the exits. He walks out of the room and finds himself at an intersection, where several corri- dors and two seperate flights of stairs are located. On a pedestal in the middle is a set of illuminated signs. Duroc walks over to it and begins to study it. Duroc(to himself):"Surgery, no... Mechanical implants facility, don't think so... Not the bio-chemical development sector... Orientation room? I don't know... hmmmmm, this look interesting." Duroc taps on one of the signs. It says "MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS PRESS OFFICES". Duroc(to himself):"Now why would you have this, Monsiour Schlectermann? Are you doing something that EuroCorp should know about? Let me go and find out." He notes the direction of the sign, and then walks down one of the two staircases to the press offices. Just then there is a beep from the over- head announcement system, followed by a female voice in German. Announcer(German):"Attention all staff. A security check is now underway. Please have your identification cards ready and present them to your nearest security officer immediately. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action." Duroc takes note of the announcement, but continues on nonetheless. Back at the sliding doors the workers and scientists are gathered to show their cards at the security officer, now joined by several other guards. The original guard then notices something and scans the group of people in front of him. He then turns to one of the workers. Guard(German):"Where's your one colleague?" Worker(German):"Which one?" Guard(German):"The one who had the papers instead of a card." Worker(German):"Oh, him! Uh..." The worker looks around, then scratches his head when he doesn't see Duroc among the group. Worker(German):"I wonder where he is. He was with us a few minutes ago." But the security guard is already heading into the security office and picking up a telephone to make a call. Media Offices Lower Keep Levels 11:43 AM: The lobby entrance to the media offices consists of a single small room with a desk against one side. At the desk is a male secretary, who is working on a computer on the table. Behind him is a file cabinet and a waste paper basket. The room itself is of a more modern design, with wood panels instead of stone walls. Opposite the desk is a large framed portrait of Josef Schlectermann. Duroc enters the lobby, the sound of the door opening attracting the secretary's attention. Secretary(German):"Can... I help you?" Duroc(German):"Yah. I was sent here." Secretary(German):"What? I wasn't told about this. By whom?" Duroc(German):"No? Perhaps you should double check with my superiors." Secretary(German):"Give me your security and let me make a call." Duroc holds out his hand, pretending to be holding a security card in his hand. The secretary reaches out for the imaginary card. Before he realizes Duroc is not holding anything, Duroc quickly reaches out with other hand and grabs the man's shoulder. He squeezes a certain spot where the nerves are. The secretary's eyes go wide before he collapses flat on the desk. Duroc:"Touché." Duroc goes around the desk and begins to pilfer the unconscious man of his security guard, keycards and keys. As he does this, another an- nouncement is make over the castle's PA system. Announcer(German):"Attention all staff. An unauthorised individual in workman's clothing has been sighted on this level. Remain where you are while security conducts a sweep. Anyone disobeying this order will be dealt with severely." Duroc looks up as he hears the announcement. Duroc:"These Germans are fast." He pockets all the items, looks around to make sure the coast is clear and then goes through the door opposite the one he had just entered. He finds himself in a much larger room filled with several cubicles. Each cubicle has a desk and computer. It too has wooden panel walls and a plain brown carpet with a few potted plants here and there. Right now only Duroc is in the room. He scans the room, looking for something that would catch his eye. Duroc:"Now what might you be hiding here, Schlectermann?" Duroc walks through the cubicles, looking inside each one for anything of interest. In one cubicle he notices a waste bin full of crumpled papers. He goes over to it and knees down. The Frenchman starts rum- maging around, unfolding the papers and looking at them. Duroc:"Blah blah... TPS report... blah blah... request for office supplies... blah blah... internal memo... blah... Oui?" One piece of paper catches his attention and begins reading it. Duroc:"My fellow Germans... excetera excetera... our Fatherland... blah blah blah... bring glory back to our nation... excetera... with Anicom we will... blah blah... hmmmm. Signed, Schlectermann." He rubs his chin. Duroc:"Now what is this all about, Monsiour Schlectermann? This speech of yours is very suspect. Perhaps Monsiour Rembrandt would love to have a look at this, no?" Duroc folds the paper and puts it into one of his pockets. He gets up and keeps walking through the cubicles. He comes to a door that is marked "PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM". Duroc:"Hmmm. What do you need this for, German?" Duroc looks around, then tries to open the door. It is locked, but Duroc takes out the keys he had taken from the secretary and starts to go through them one by one. It takes a few minutes for him to find the right key, but he smiles when he hears the satisfying click from the lock. Duroc opens the door and heads inside. Duroc:"Now what do we have here?" The interior of the press conference room consits of a podium with a microphone stand at the front and rows of chairs lined up in front of the podium. However, the giant banner directly behind the stand is what immediately catches his eye. Duroc's eyes widen with shock. Duroc:"Sacre bleu! Merde, I cannot believe this." The sound of doors swinging open somewhere back in the offices snaps Duroc out of his shock. He goes to the door and leans over to see what is the commotion. The entrance doors have been forced open by security guards, all of them now armed with their pistols. A guard captain points into several directions. Captain(German):"Search around! Sweep every cubicle and side room!" Guards:"Yah!" The guards begin to spread out. Duroc ducks back into the press conference room and grabs one of the chairs. He waits behind the open doors. A few moments later one of the guards steps inside with his gun drawn. Duroc waits until the guard takes a few steps inside. He appears from behind the door and smashes the chair over the man. The guard grunts once before dropping unconscious to the floor. Duroc drops the chair, picks up the gun and checks the magazine on it. Satisfied, he creeps towards the conference room entrance again and peers around. The other guards are still unaware of their unconscious comrade. Duroc sneaks out of the room and hides amongst the cubicles as he makes for the exit. When he gets there and looks around the corner, he sees another guard with his back to him and a third one checking on the secretary. Duroc pops right behind the guard and puts the pistol muzzle against the German's back. Duroc(German):"One wrong move and I shoot. I'm a trained killer, so don't think I'm bluffing. Keep your mouth shut and do exactly what I say. Got it?" The German guard nods nervously. His friend treating the secretary has his back to them and is unaware of what is going on. Duroc prods the guard with the pistol again. Duroc(German):"To the door. And no heroics." Guard:"Yah." The guard walks towards the door with Duroc right behind him, keeping the gun on the man's back at all times. They go through the open door and leave, the other guard still not aware of what is going on until he turns to his missing compatriot. Guard(German):"Frederick? Frederick? Where is he?" The first guard gets up to look around. Outside Duroc and his hostage are making their way down the corridor. The Frenchman is looking for a sign to show him which way to go. The second guard then appears from the press room and spots them. Guard(German):"Oi! What's going on?" Duroc stops and tries to think of something to say. Suddenly his hostage shouts at the top of his lungs. Guard(German):"It's him! It's the intruder! It's the intruder!" Duroc:"Oh merde!" Duroc shoots the guard in the back, then quickly turns around and fires at the other guard. The other guard ducks back into the room for cover. Duroc starts running down the corridor, disappearing around a corner. A few seconds later an alarm can be heard within the facility. Duroc finds a flight of emergency stairs, but when he looks up he sees a large group of guards running down the steps. Seeing that there isn't anyone running up the steps, Duroc heads down the stairwell. The Frenchman goes lower and lower until he reaches the bottom of the stairs. Here, a door swings open just as Duroc comes to the last step. A security guard armed with an HK machine gun is about to take aim at Duroc. Duroc jumps from the step with both feet pointed at the guard. His boots slam into the guard's chest, knocking the air out of him and smashing him against the wall directly behind him. Duroc gets up as the man slumps to the floor and picks up the machine gun. Duroc:"That's better." Duroc goes through the open door. Beyond the door lies another laboratory. Here, groups of scientists and engineers are busy working on what appear to look like large suits of powered armor. On each table is one piece of a suit along with various tools ranging from simple hammers and screw- drivers to more advanced, robotically controlled building machines. The scientists and engineers look startled at the Frenchman who just came in. One indignant scientist marches up to Duroc. Scientist(German):"Who are you? How dare you come in here and..." Duroc raises the machine gun he confiscated at the scientist, who stops talking and stares with wide eyes at the barrel pointed at him. Duroc(German):"I know who you people are, so if any if you get in my way I will kill you. Understood?" The scientist nods quickly and backs off immediately. Duroc closes the door behind and then grabs a hammer from one of the tables and uses it to jam the door. The Frenchman turns to some of the engineers. Duroc(German):"Is there any other way out of the castle from here?" The engineers look hesitantly at each other. Duroc aims the machine gun at them. Immediately they cooperate. Engineer 1(German):"There are two more doors leading out of this room." Duroc(German):"To where? Outside?" Engineer 1(German):"Er, no. They lead to other labs." Duroc(German):"Is there any way that leads outside? Any vents?" Engineer 1(German):"Nein, the vents are all too small to crawl through and all the grates are welded shut." Frustrated, Duroc prepares to shoot at the engineers. One of the engineers quickly speaks. Engineer 2(German):"But there is the rubbish chute!" Duroc(German):"Where?" The engineer nervously points to a hatch in the wall near his table. A yellow sign above the hatch says in German "RUBBISH CHUTE: Waste materials only". Duroc runs over to the hatch just as a loud bang can be heard form the door he just barricaded. He opens the hatch and looks into the chute, a tunnel of smooth metal sides that slopes sharply downward. Another bang from the doors forces Duroc to climb into the chute, the hatch closing behind him as he begins to slide down. Once he's gone, the scientists run over to the door to remove the barricade and allow the security guards in. Waste Disposal Castle Sublevel B 12:09 PM: The waste disposal room is big and dirty, filled with several steel furnaces and incinerators. Pipes bring in waste into large drums that are then emptied by workers into the furnaces and incinerators. More pipes take the smoke out through the walls and out into the open. OSHA warning signs in German are all over the room. The workers wear masks to protect their eyes and faces, gloves and boots. One of the workers is preparing to move a drum that is almost full of rubbish. Worker(German):"This one looks full enough. I'll empty it and then go on my coffee break." He takes hold of the barrel, then hears some loud noises from the chute above the barrel. He looks up. Worker(German):"Uh oh. Sounds like a big one coming. Better wait until it's in the drum." The worker steps back. The noise from the chute quickly grows louder until Duroc suddenly falls into the drum, his fall somewhat broken by the rubbish. The surprised worker rushes over and tries to help Duroc out of the barrel. Worker(German):"Mein Gott! What were you thinking? You can't play around with these things!" He helps Duroc out of the barrel while the other workers come closer to gawk at the man who fell down the rubbish chute. Duroc looks around the room and then at the worker who helped him out. Duroc(German):"Where is the exit?" But before any of them can reply one of the workers points to Duroc in alarm. Worker(German):"Hey, it's the intruder we were warned about! Why else would he come down the chute?" Duroc acts quickly. He grabs the worker who helped him out of the drum and holds his head in his arms. The Frenchman looks threateningly at the other workers. Duroc(German):"Where is the exit? Tell me or I break his neck!" The workers immediately point to a door with a red sign on it. Duroc moves to the door, holding the one worker while keeping his eyes on the other workers. When he gets to the door, he tries the handle and the door opens. Duroc throws the worker to the floor and escapes through the exit. To his shock Duroc finds himself on a ledge with a rail that overlooks a gorge, on the side of the mountain that Red Spire sits on. Duroc turns around, but the workers inside close the door and lock it before he can get to it. He tries to force it open, but he can hear the workers barricading it shut. Duroc:"Merde!" He turns back to the rail and looks down at the gorge. There is a small stream below, but it is too shallow to jump into. Shrubs and bushes are all that grow along the sides of the mountain. Duroc:"How am I going to get down from here?" Duroc looks upward. He can see some balconies and the castle itself looming above, but the sides of the mountain is too steep and almost devoid of any plant life. He looks back down, studying the sides of the mountain leading to the stream. Above he can hear the sound of alarms and the shouts of guards. Duroc:"Guess there's only one way." Duroc climbs over the railing and starts climbing down the mountain, using the shrubs and bushes as grip. It is a difficult climb, for the plants begin to unroot from the mountain due to Duroc's weight, forcing the man to move quickly. Duroc release loses his grip several times, loose pieces of rock tumbling down the gorge. Despite this and his hands becoming cut and full of blisters, the Frenchman is almost to the bottom when guards appear on the balcony he was on. They look around, scanning the gorge for the intruder. One of them spots Duroc and points. Guard(German):"Look! There's the French pig!" The guards take aim with their machine guns and open fire. Hearing the gunfire, Duroc lets go of the plants and drops the last few metres into the stream. He lands hard and falls flat with a big splash in the shallow river. But Duroc gets up quickly as bullets whiz by and strike the ground around him. The Frenchman runs as fast he can even though his legs pain greatly from the fall he just took. Duroc takes his own machine gun and fires wildly back at the guards. His shots miss, but it is enough to force the guards to stop firing and take cover. This gives Duroc the chance to make his escape. He comes to a point where the gorge widens out into a forest. Duroc leaves the stream and heads into the relative safety of the trees. Behind him the guards rush back into the castle. Helipad Castle Red Spire 14:56 PM: The Eurocorp Helicopter is getting ready to take off. Grasson and his executives and bodyguards are climbing onboard with Schlectermann and Kaufmann(eating another bag of chips) on the helipad to see them off. Josef:"I trust your tour of our facilities has been satisfactory, Herr Grasson?" Grasson:"It has been, Monsiour Schlectermann. Your work here does show promise and that EuroCorp will get a return on its investment. There are few labour issues that will have to be discussed as well as security matters." Josef:"Are you perhaps referring to the alarm earlier today?" Grasson:"Not really. That probably was a drill, I take?" Josef:"Yah, it was." Grasson:"Ah. Well, let's waste each others time. I need to make my report to the CEO later today." Josef:"Have a safe flight, Herr Grasson." Grasson nods and gets into the helicopter as the rotors start spinning up. Schlectermann and his entourage step back from the cloud of snow being kicked up by the helicopter blades. Schlectermann and Kaufmann watch the helicopter take to the skies and fly to the west. Kaufmann:"You think they know what really happened?" Josef:"The snake Grasson confessed without saying anything. He knows one of his men went down there. What is the news from the search teams?" Kaufmann swallows and digs in for another handful of chips before he answers. Kaufmann:"Nothing so far. They're still looking and sweeping the valley the intruder has escaped into. He won't get far." Josef:"What did the intruder see?" Kaufmann:"Apparently he was in the press corps offices, so he may seen one of our flags." Josef looks alarmed at Kaufmann. Josef:"Did he take pictures of it?" Kaufmann:"Luckily not. Security cameras all show that he didn't have a camera with him. Nor did he take anything besides a few guns." Josef:"Did he get to the rest of the restricted areas?" Kaufmann shakes his head as he swallows another mouthful of chips. Kaufmann:"Nein. Once the alarm was raised he made his escape. Besides the press corps offices he didn't see anything else." Schlectermann frowns, turning around and folding his arms behind him as he walks back to the keep. Kaufmann follows him. Josef:"We will need to tighten security. The intruder's eyewitness account won't be enough to convince Rembrandt to shut us down, but it will definitely encourage more espionage attempts. Kaufmann, make sure that all the security holes the intruder used to gain entry are eliminated." Kaufmann:"Yah, Mein Herr." The two of them and their followers enter the keep to get out of the snow and wind. Mountain Lodge Alps Mountains Southern Germany 16:36 PM: Nestled amongst the snow-covered forests is a large cabin made of logs with a number of smaller buildings around it. The signs on the lodge indicates its status as a holiday destination. A few people are higher up on the slopes with skis while others are in the lodge enjoying some afternoon dinner. In the parking lot a businessman is busy talking on a cellphone while trying to unlock his sports car. Businessman(into phone):"Who cares about the locals? Just pay them off and get them to leave... then bribe the police to get rid of them. It's just them and a bunch of hippies between us and those resources..." As he speaks he doesn't see Duroc coming up behind with a big branch in his hands. Businessman(into phone):"The police chief won't accept the bribe? Then offer him a better one... My suggestion? I suggest you give him..." Duroc clubs the businessman on the head with the branch. He lets out a single groan before collapsing onto the lot, out cold. Duroc picks up the phone and the dropped car keys and ends the call. He drags the man to a power substation and hides him behind it and out of sight. Duroc goes back to the sports car, unlocks it and gets in. He starts it up and drives down the road away from the lodge. As he does so, he makes a call on the phone while driving with one gloved hand on the wheel. He waits until there is an answer. Grasson(over phone):"Oui?" Duroc(into phone):"This is Duroc." Grasson(over phone):"Where are you?" Duroc(into phone):"In a stolen car leaving a holiday lodge. I've managed to shake off Schlectermann's guards but I won't get far." Grasson(over phone):"Oui, but don't worry. We have a business in Munich that can help. Just go there and you will be all right, but get rid of that car before you do." Duroc(into phone):"Oui. What is the address?" Grasson describes the address of the business. Duroc memorises it and then throws the cellphone out the window when he finishes the call. He drives on down the road. Cafeteria EuroCorp Headquarters Brussels Belgium 9 February 9:25 AM: On the campus of the European Corporation grounds a small square building serves as a cafeteria for employees. The interior resembles a fast food outlet with big signs showing the prices of various kinds of food and drink. Tables and chairs are set up both inside the cafeteria and outside on a roofed patio. A number of office workers and a few executives are here enjoying their breadfast or morning coffee. Sitting at one table in his normal security uniform is Paul Duroc, who is drinking some coffee. Grasson comes to the table and sits down opposite him. Grasson:"Welcome back to Belgium, Major." Duroc:"Merci, Monsiour Grasson. It's good to be back after what happened in Germany." Grasson:"Indeed. Seems you hit a nerve with our German friends." Duroc snorts derisively. Duroc:"Friends! I doubt you will want to be friends with them after what I've discovered." Grasson:"Oh? What did you find? I'm curious to know what is down there in Red Spire." Duroc:"Oui. I went down there and at first there wasn't any odd. The usual scientific experiments and changing animals into those mutations. Then I found out that they have a press corps in the lower levels." Grasson looks confused at Duroc. Grasson:"A press corps? Sacre bleu, what does Schlectermann want with a press corps?" Duroc:"That's what I wondered. So I went there and had a look. That's when I found something that convinced that Schlectermann is not on our side." Grasson:"What is it?" Duroc tells Grasson. The EuroCorp executive stares at Duroc with a shocked expression on his face. Grasson:"Merde! Are you serious?" Duroc:"As serious as I am sitting here before you." Grasson:"Did you get a photo of it?" Duroc shakes his head. Grasson sighs in frustration. Grasson:"That's unfortunate." Duroc:"Why? Rembrandt would easily change his mind about Schlectermann if we told him." Grasson:"Not THAT easily. Rembrandt has invested too much in AniCom to allow it to be derailed by baseless accusations." Duroc:"But what do we do? Who knows what those Germans are using Ani- Com for." Grasson:"I know. If only we had proof. And we can't go back and get it. Schlectermann is no fool and will certainly have stepped up security to prevent further intrusions." Duroc:"Then let me assemble a squad to attack Red Spire. Then we can get the proof we need." Grasson:"And what happens if you don't? Schlectermann knows that you saw what you weren't supposed to see and will make sure all the evidence is removed. And if you attack and find nothing, your career is gone. Rembrandt will not look kindly on an attack on EuroCorp's own assets." Duroc sighs in frustration. Duroc:"So now what?" Grasson taps his fingers on the table while looking around the cafeteria. Grasson:"There has to be a way to..." He stops speaking as he gets an idea. Smiling, he looks at Duroc. Grasson:"I just had a brilliant idea on how to screw over our German 'friends' without having us lift a finger or even get involved." Duroc looks curiously at Grasson while sipping coffee. Call Centre Road Rover Mission Control State of New Mexico United States of America 8:13 AM: The call centre in RRMC is a small room with three computers placed against each wall with the fourth wall contain a door. Tables are built into the walls to rest telephones, keyboards, mousepads and other items on them. Comfortable swivel chairs are placed at each computer terminal. At the moment a female poodle in Road Rover armor is sitting at one of the computers, polishing her nails with a cup of hot chocolate next to her mouse. Poodle:"La la la, lookin' good!" Her telephone starts to ring. She puts down the polish, puts on earphones with an attached microphone and answers the call. Poodle(into mike):"Hello, good morning and welcome to the Road Rovers Hotline! This is Lizelle speaking." Voice(over phone):"Is this the place where one can report suspicious activities that can only be dealt with by the Road Rovers? Lizelle(into mike):"Absolutely, sir! If you know something about Parvo, Storm or Havoc or have information about the KH Military, GONV or the Mayhem Mercenaries or any other big bad, just let me know." Voice(over phone):"I have information regarding a certain Project Anicom. Do you know about it?" Lizelle(into mike):"Let me check it, sir. One moment." Lizelle tipes and clicks on her computer, checking for information on Anicom while also tracing the call at the same time. When the info appears on the screen, her eyes widen a bit. Lizelle(into mike):"Uh, sir. This Project Anicom has been flagged as highly important by my superiors. Exactly what information do you have on it?" Voice(over phone):"I know that you Road Rovers had infiltrated Anicom in Brussels last year. Since then, the project has been relocated to a different location. I know where that is." While Lizelle listens she checks the window where the tracing is going on. An error message appears saying "ERROR! FAILURE TO CONNECT TO REMOTE HOST. TRACE PROCEDURE CANCELLED". The poodle blinks but keeps up with the caller. Lizelle(into mike):"And where is this new location, sir?" Voice(over phone):"There is this castle in southern Germany..." Lizelle tipes the information onto her computer while listening to what the caller is telling her. TO BE CONTINUED...