Rover Strike: The Spider Cartel

Episode 1: Fallout

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
Chummy Ixarri © Mica Shamrock
Strayers © Steven Today
Vicki Maddog © Robert Baer Jr.

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

Nuclear Reprocessing Plant
Somewhere in Siberia
Russian Federation
12 May, The Year After The Techno War
2:00 AM:

This is a large, but rather old, reprocessing plant for nuclear weaponry
and waste in a remote forest region of Siberia. The plant is surrounded
by a chain-link fence with a single gate in it and two guard towers. A
single road leads through the forest to it. It is deep into the night
and the plant is silent except for a few soldiers. One at each guard
tower, one at the gate and a few patrolling around the plant grounds. The
only noise comes from the sounds of wolves howling, crickets and owls.
The guard at the gate lights a cigarette. He is not very happy.

Guard:"Join the army, they said. Serve Mother Russia, they said. I would
       be the served one than the serving. This post is so boring. Why
       won't something happen around here?"

Suddenly, a sniper's bullet tears into his skull and he crumples to the
ground. The two guard soldiers are also sniper, as are the patrolling
soldiers. They are all soon dead before they can even realize what is
going on. After a few moments, there is movement. Several individuals
wearing blue uniforms, black military boots and blue caps and carrying
either sniper rifles or F-45 automatic rifles come out from the forest.
On their uniform's shoulders are the insignias of the Mayhem Mercenaries.
They are a mixture of humans, cano-, felo- and lupo-sapiens. Not long 
after, two APCs with the Mayhem markings drive on the road through the 
gate and stop in the grounds. More mercenaries come out and join those 
who are already entering the grounds. Another human climbs out, but he
is wearing a completely different uniform. He watches as the mercenaries
storm the plant. Inside several fire fights break out between the mer-
cenaries and the remaining plant guards. After a while, it is again
silent, then later the mercenaries come out carrying a large plastic
container. The individual turns to the mercenary leader and speaks with
a clearly South American accent.

South American:"Is this the device?"

Merc Leader:"Yes, sir. One 10 megaton plutonium core from an SS missile."

South American:"And you are certain the Russians won't know what has
                happened?"

The leader shakes his head.

Merc Leader:"They will, eventually. But this facility is so remote, it
             will be weeks, even months if we are lucky, before they find
             out what has happened here. By that time we shall we long
             gone."

The South American nods.

South American:"I'm impressed, senyor. You are really as good as you
                are advertised."

Merc Leader:"Of course. And the price your people has to pay reflects
             this. I recommend we get back into the APCs and leave. We
             rigged this place's fuel stocks with explosives."

The South American and mercenary leader climb into the one APC while
the plutonium device is loaded into the other APC. One everyone has
gotten in, the APCs turn and drive out and away from the plant. After a
while the entire explodes and erupts into an inferno, lighting up the
night sky.

Commercial
CNN International
14 May
3:30 PM:

This is the typical run of commercials between the various programs of
CNN. One commercial, in particular, is very interesting. It shows various
scenes of people in hospital beds, carrying coffins to graves and other
similar situations. The announcer speaks in a sombre tone of voice.

Announcer:"AIDS. The single most deadly plague facing humanity today.
           Millions of people have died from this deadly disease, and
           many more are infected by it. There has been no cure for this
           dreaded plague..."

The screen then shows the letters AIDS with a line through it and the
announcer's tone becomes more livelier.

Announcer:"...until now!"

The screen shows a high-tech medical laboratory somewhere in a thick
jungle.

Announcer:"The leading medical minds of the Spider Cartel have finally
           found the cure for this deadly disease!"

The screen shows the inside of the facility, where various scientists
are busy working. The camera zooms to a scientist, who then turns smiling
to the camera and holding out a vial. The screen turns black around the
vial and brings it into full view.

Announcer:"The cure is HIVAGEN!"

The letters Hivagen appears beneath the vial. The screen then changes
showing various living cells in a close-up. The infected white blood cells
have ugly green growths on them representing the HIV virus.

Announcer:"Hivagen attacks and destroys the very virus which causes the
           disease..."

Several blue blobs representing Hivagen appear, attack the growths and
destroys them, freeing the white blood cells.

Announcer:"... and protects your body from further infections!"

The blue Hivagen grows around the white blood cells in a shield-form and
fights off more of the green viruses.

Announcer:"As of now, Hivagen has already been given approval by the 
           International Red Cross and the World Health Organization!"

The insignias of the two organizations appear as they are called. After
a few seconds they are replaced by a cartoon man showing his empty
pockets.

Announcer:"No money? No worries!"

The screen shows a woman working at a computer while a queue of people
stand by her table. She is serving them.

Announcer:"The amount you pay for Hivagen is determined by your very own
           monthly income! And since Hivagen also comes at a very compe-
           titive price, you won't be facing any nasty out-of-pocket
           surprises!"

The screen becomes black, then shows a red circle with a black spider
inside of it. The Hivagen vial appears in front of the insignia.

Announcer:"Do not let our reputation get in your way of living your life
           free from death! Get Hivagen, for you or a loved one! Hivagen!
           Brought to you by the Spider Cartel! We make drugs for the
           future!"

The screen fades to black.

Cabin
Village
Somewhere In Idaho
United States of America
3 June
7:12 AM:

This is Bear's and Nitro's cabin near his home town somewhere deep in the
Idaho forests high in the mountains. To the left of the cabin is a hangar
where the Sky Rover is parked under camo-netting. There is snow on the
ground while the Migatuas Wolf Pack play not far off. The Rhino is also
parked in front of the cabin, it's boot open. Outside is Bear, Nitro,
Kyla, Striker, Phoenix, Merit, Corsair, Shephard and a female Border Collie 
wearing a knotted sleeveless shirt, denim shorts and brown boots. Striker 
and Phoenix are busy talking to Bear (who is carrying Kyla in his arms) 
and Nitro (who is again pregnant) while Corsair is seated by one of the 
Rhino's open doors typing on his laptop, the Border Collie is leaning
against the Rhino and Shephard and Merit are busy carrying some suitcases
from the cabin to the Rhino for loading.

Nitro:"Thank you guys for taking Kyla along with you to Paris while Bear
       and I attend Hunter and Colleen's wedding."

Bear:"Yeah. Besides, if we took her along to the wedding she would have
      screamed all the way."

Kyla:"Weddings suck!"

Bear looks sternly Kyla.

Bear:"Be careful, young lady. One day you will have your own wedding
      too."

Kyla:"No way!"

She buries her face into Bear's chest. He just shakes his head and
chuckles. Nitro, Striker and Phoenix chuckle along as well.

Striker:"Geen probleem, Bear. It would be great for her to travel to
         Paris to see the sights."

Phoenix:"Besides, we are only going to be at the peace conference between
         North and South Korea as backup security in case things go bad."

Nitro:"Think things will be okay over there?"

Striker:"Mark will handle the diplomatic side of the conference, and the
         French security and armed forces will take care of everything
         else. In the meantime, it will also be a good opportunity to meet
         with the French Secret Service and Interpol."

Bear:"What about?"

Striker pauses for a moment, then speaks.

Striker:"A month ago there was a hit on a reprocessing plant in central
         Russia. The only item missing from the inventory list was a
         plutonium core from an SS missile."

Both Bear and Nitro are surprised at this.

Nitro:"Do they know who took it? Were there any clues?"

Striker shakes his head.

Striker:"Geen. True, there were boot prints, bullet casings and treads, but 
         the boots were mass produced and had no labels on them. The treads 
         are also not very unique, either. Nor are the bullets, for that
         matter."

Bear:"Witnesses?"

Striker:"Geen. The plant was in a very remote region of Siberia, and the
         only witnesses are dead."

Phoenix:"The CIA, MI6, the FIS, Mossad and pretty much every other secret
         agency are upset about this broken arrow."

Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"They are not upset, Love. Just concerned."

Phoenix laughs.

Phoenix:"Oh yeah. A cursing, screaming CIA director is just concerned."

Striker sighs and throws his paws into the air.

Striker:"Females!"

Bear:"Yeah, I know. I have that feeling at times as well."

Nitro elbows Bear and he groans. Phoenix does the same to Striker and he
groans as well.

Bear:"Err... maybe we should switch to a different topic."

Striker:"Ja."

Bear:"Such as that new face other there.?"

Bear indicates to Chummy and Striker looks at her, then back at Bear and
Nitro.

Striker:"That is a recruit called Chummy Ixarri. She is taking Alex's
         place while he and his wife Vicki are attending the wedding."

Corsair calls out over their shoulders.

Corsair:"Good riddance, I would say!"

Striker looks at Corsair.

Striker:"I will Alex you said that, Corsair."

Corsair:"Boss, you suck!"

Striker chuckles as Corsair grudgingly turns back to his laptop and he
turns back to the group.

Bear:"Still at each other's throats?"

Phoenix:"Like you wouldn't believe it. It's amazing that, even after all
         these years since the Cold War ended, those two can still have
         such a rivalry."

Nitro:"Haven't you tried to make peace between them?"

Striker:"Né? I have better chance of making peace between Israel and the
         Palystinians in two minutes. The only thing I can do to keep
         them from becoming violent."

Bear and Nitro chuckle. Just then Shephard walks up to them and salutes.

Shephard:"Sir, the luggage has been loaded onboard."

Striker:"Goed, Shephard. I guess we can leave now."

Nitro paws Kyla to Phoenix, who takes her into her arms.

Nitro:"You take care now, Kyla. Don't get into any trouble."

Kyla:"Yeah, Mom."

Nitro:"And take a bath every day."

Kyla:"Yeah, Mom."

Nitro:"And remember to be polite to the French."

Kyla is becoming visibly irritated.

Kyla:"Yeah, Mom!"

Nitro:"And to change your underwear every day."

Kyla:"Mom! I know what to do!"

Striker, Bear and Phoenix chuckle and Kyla sulks, burying herself into
Phoenix's shoulder. Phoenix looks at Nitro.

Phoenix:"Don't worry. She'll be in good paws."

Nitro:"Thank you, Phoenix. I know I can count on you."

Striker and Bear then shake each other's paw.

Bear:"Good luck with the conference, Striker."

Striker:"Dankie. And try to spare us some of the wedding cake, or else
         Shephard will lash out and obliterate all of Mission Control
         when we get back."

They all look at Shephard with grins on their faces. He takes up a
defiant stance.

Shephard:"It's not often that we get wedding cake to eat in the army,
          sirs. And ma'ams."

Everyone else just chuckle. Striker and Phoenix bid farewell to Bear
and Nitro.

Nitro:"Take care."

Phoenix:"We will. Goodbye."

Bear:"See you all later. And be nice, Kyla!"

Kyla:"Yeah, Dad!"

Striker, Phoenix and Shephard join Corsair, Chummy and Merit by the
Rhino. They then all climb in and close the doors. The Rhino starts up,
goes into flight mode and flies off for Paris. Bear and Nitro watch
them fly away, then go back into their cabin.

Room
Luxury Hotel
Paris
France
6:33 PM:

This is a very comfortable-looking room with elegant furniture, paintings,
expensive carpeting, a wide-screen television and windows overlooking the
city of Paris with the Eiffel Tower clearly in view. Unit STRIKE are in
this hotel room. Striker and Phoenix are busy unpacking their suitcases
on the queen-sized bed, Chummy and Corsair are busy unpacking on the
single-size beds, Shephard is busy pulling out a spare mattress to sleep on 
the floor while Merit is busy sorting out the clothing and putting them in
the appropriate closets. Kyla is by the window and looking at the sunset
over Paris. Corsair, once he finishes with his unpacking, immediately
lies down on his bed with a smile.

Corsair:"This is so cool! Luxury accommodation in Paris and thousands of
         miles away from that rusted Russian. I'm in heaven!"

Merit looks at Corsair.

Merit:"Actually, you are currently located on a high-quality bed in room
       number 16, third floor of the luxury hotel Desaix located in the
       French capital of Paris."

Corsair rolls his eyes. Chummy looks at Merit.

Chummy:"Are you always so technical about things, Merit?"

Merit:"Incorrect. I am not technical when I have no duties to perform. It
       would be a waste of processing power."

Chummy chuckles and just smiles, then resumes to unpack. Just then there is
a knock at the door. Striker looks at Shephard.

Striker:"Gaan see who it is, Shephard.'

Shephard stands up and salutes.

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

He walks over to the door, then unlocks and opens it. When he sees who it 
is, he stands to one side and to attention.

Shephard:"Secretary-General Markus Norwood, sir!"

He salutes as Norwood walks into the room. Shephard closes the door behind
him and remains standing to attention. Striker walks over to Norwood and
they both shake hands/paws.

Striker:"Mark, good to see you."

Norwood:"Same here, Striker. I trust the accommodation is all right?"

Corsair:"No complaints here from me, boss."

Striker:"It is all fine and well, Mark. Dankie."

He looks at Shephard.

Striker:"You may go, Shephard."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Shephard goes back to his own unpacking.

Striker:"How are things going at the conference building?"

Norwood:"As scheduled. We got both Korean leaders at the table and 
         everyone is positive that the talks will be very fruitful.
         Some even say that the two Koreans might also finally decide
         to re-unify North and South Korea."

Striker:"Isn't that too much to hope for?"

Norwood:"It might, though it is possible. If it does happen, then it
         will bring to an end another chapter in the Cold War."

Striker:"Any opposition to such talks?"

Norwood:"Mainly from the hardliners in the governments. Oddly enough,
         the majority of them are South Koreans."

Striker:"Probably they are more worried about what will happen to the
         country's economy... and their rich lifestyles."

Norwood:"That's what I'm thinking also.  Other than the hardliners,
         there are other external factions like the KH Military and other
         bad guys who would rather see the talks careen off into an 
         embankment."

Striker:"And that's what we are here for."

Norwood:"Correct. While the French security and military forces are
         certain they would be able to handle any threats, I need your
         team here in case things unexpectedly becomes ugly."

Striker:"Understood, Mark."

Norwood:"Well, that's enough of me. How are things between you and
         Phoenix?"

Striker looks at Phoenix, who is busy sorting their clothing for Merit
to take, and smiles. He then looks back at Norwood.

Striker:"Wonderful, Mark. I could not have asked for anything more."

Norwood smiles.

Norwood:"So things are fine and well with you two."

Striker:"Most of the time. We do fight now and then, but we are both
         able to come out of these minor brawls stronger and more in
         love."

Norwood:"Excellent. You two keep it up, and one day you will be serving
         each other slices of your wedding cake."

Striker smiles sheepish and Norwood chuckles. He notices Chummy and
indicates to her.

Norwood:"Who is she?"

Striker turns to Chummy and calls her.

Striker:"Chummy."

Chummy stops what she is doing and walks over to them.

Chummy:"Yeah, sir?"

Striker:"Chummy, this is the UN secretary-general Markus Norwood, but
         you can call him Mark."

Chummy looks at Norwood, smiles and holds out her paw.

Chummy:"Pleased to meet you, Mark. I'm Chummy."

Norwood smiles and takes her paw, then kisses it. She blushes.

Norwood:"Charmed to meet you as well, Chummy. Are you a new recruit."

Chummy:"Fresh out of academy and this is my first real mission."

Norwood:"Great. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself in being with this
         team."

Chummy:"Thanks."

Norwood smiles at her, then looks at Striker. Striker nods at Chummy and
she goes back to her unpacking.

Norwood:"Nice girl. Is she standing in for Alex?"

Striker:"Ja. Alex was to come along, but his wife Vicki 'persuaded' him
         the night before we were to leave. Fortunately, the Master
         recommended Chummy to take his place on such short notice."

Norwood:"Was it a good choice?"

Striker:"Her skills are useful, and the experience will be beneficial for
         her."

Norwood:"Of course. And Corsair will not be constantly fighting with
         Alex."

Striker:"Ja, but now he constantly boasts about that fact and will not
         shut up."

Corsair:"Hey!"

Striker looks sternly at Corsair, who just grumbles and turns onto his
side away from Striker. Striker and Norwood chuckles.

Norwood:"They never change."

Striker:"Ja."

Norwood then looks over at Kyla.

Norwood:"Ah. I take it that is Bear and Nitro's first child... er pup?"

Striker nods and calls to Kyla.

Striker:"Kyla, come here for a moment."

Kyla looks over to them, then walks over. Norwood picks her up into
his arms.

Norwood:"You little Kyla?"

Kyla:"Yeah! And who are you?"

Norwood:"I'm Mark. How are you?"

Kyla:"I'm okay."

Norwood:"And are you enjoying being in Paris?"

She grins widely and claps her paws.

Kyla:"Oh yeah! I like it! I didn't want to go some stuffy wedding, so
      Mom and Dad let me come here."

Norwood laughs, then puts her down and pats her head. She then heads
back to the window as the two watch them go. Striker sighs and Norwood
notices this.

Norwood:"Melancholy?"

Striker:"A bit. If things didn't go bad with Franco all those many years
         ago, I would have by now seen my own child graduate."

Norwood:"I understand, but you can brush those feelings aside now. Franco
         is long dead and you have some who loves you just as much as
         you love her. One day, maybe not too many years from now, you
         will be up to your ears with wife and children."

Striker smiles.

Striker:"And I hope that you will be around as well, Mark."

Norwood smiles, then is buzzing noise from his watch. He looks at it.

Norwood:"Forgive me, but I have to leave now."

Striker:"It is all reg, Mark. I'll lead you out."

He and Norwood walk over to the door. Striker opens the door for him.

Striker:"Thank you for coming, Mark."

Norwood:"My pleasure. It is always good to see friendly faces around.
         Perhaps I'll see you before or just after the conference."

Striker:"Reg, Mark. Totsiens."

Norwood:"Goodbye and enjoy your stay."

He leaves the hotel room and Striker closes the door behind him. He
then goes over to Phoenix to help her with the unpacking.

Observation Deck
Eiffel Tower
4 June
9:31 AM:

This is the third and highest level of the famous iron tower in the
center of the city. The view is spectacular and the skies are very
clear. Standing at the deck and looking over the city is unit STRIKE,
all (except Merit) dressed in normal civvies. Shephard is busy sampling
a chocolate bar from the second level restaurant, giving a bite to Kyla
he is holding in one arm, while Striker and Phoenix have their arms around 
each other.

Corsair:"Wooohoohoo! Will you look at this view!"

Kyla:"It rocks! This is so cool!"

Corsair:"I like this kid already."

Chummy, who is holding a camera, takes several photos.

Chummy:"This is such a wonderful opportunity for photos! I cannot wait
        to tell my friends back at Mission Control."

Merit:"The distance of visual range this tower provides can be very
       useful when conducting reconnaissance."

Shephard:"And they have fine rations down at second level. I should stop
          there when we go down for a double ration."

Phoenix:"Oh, how wonderful. The city looks so great from up here."

Striker looks at her and grins.

Striker:"Ja, though I have a better view of something more wonderful
         right here."

Phoenix giggles and they hug. As they look over the city, a cigarette
vendor is walking about selling packets of them. Upon closer inspection,
the vendor is actually Ozari. He looks over at Striker, then slowly
edges closer until he is right behind him.

Ozari:"Cigarettes, monsieur?"

Striker, without looking back, shakes his head.

Striker:"Jammer, we don't smoke."

Ozari:"Ah, that is good..."

He takes out his knife from amongst the packets and prepares to stab
Striker in the back.

Ozari:"... cigarettes can be VERY bad for your health."

Just as he lunges at Striker, Phoenix pulls him to one side to show
him something.

Phoenix:"Look there! There's Notre Dame."

Ozari hurls himself over the railing between Striker and Corsair and
screams as he falls down. Due to the incline of the tower, he succeeds
in hitting against every iron bar as he falls downward. The Rovers and
other visitors watch as he falls down.

Corsair:"Ow! That's gonna hurt when he reaches ground floor!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai!"

Chummy:"Oh my God! We got to rescue him!"

Merit:"At the current rate of his descent, he will reach the ground before
       the elevator has even started up."

Shephard:"I would hate to scrub up that mess."

Down below Ozari keeps on falling, yelling each time he hits a bar while
visitors and others watch him fall by.

Ozari:"Ouch! Ow! Yeow!"

He finally reaches the one foot of the tower and hits the ground. However,
he slowly gets up and stands defiantly, but he looks seriously messed up.

Ozari:"I... may have fallen... but I... Ozari del Figulo... rise again!"

Just then one of the packets of cigarettes, which had fallen down the same
way he did, hits him softly on the head. He falls backward onto the ground,
unconscious. Back above, the Rovers saw him fall onto the ground.

Corsair:"You know, that French guy sounded a lot like Ozzy."

Down below, Ozari lifts his head slowly.

Ozari:"My name... is... Ozarrrreow..."

He then groans and passes out again on the ground.

Restuarant
Hotel Desaix
5 June 
2:01 PM:

This is a restaurant built into the side of the hotel by the street. Several
umbrella tables and chairs are in the dining area. Traffic run to and fro
on the streets, as do pedestrians walking on the sidewalks. Several groups
of people are eating at the restaurant, among them Unit STRIKE. Everyone
but Merit is busy drinking their drink of choice (all milkshakes) while
chatteting amongst themselves.

Chummy:"Really nice tours we had of Notre Dame and the Arch de Triomp. My
        camera has used up all of its film."

Corsair:"That makes it the five roll already. You'd better watch out or
         you'll be bankrupting Road Rovers by taking photos."

Chummy:"Oh Corsair. Stop that."

She lightly punches him on the shoulder, and he just chuckles away. Merit
examines the glass of milkshake Shephard is drinking.

Merit:"Fascinating. A diary based liquid mixed with frozen ice that has
       chocolate colorants in a glass container and can be consumed
       using a tubular plastic device."

Shephard quickly pulls his glass away from Merit.

Shephard:"Stop that! If you want some, then ask the waiter! Don't bother
          me and my glass with your crazy gibbering!"

Merit:"Well, I say!"

The others barely contain their chuckles. Phoenix, who has Kyla on her
lap, looks at the young pup drinking her bubblegum milkshake.

Phoenix:"Do you like it?"

Kyla stops drinking and belches loudly, causing several stares to come
from the other patrons. Phoenix is shocked, as is Striker.

Phoenix:"Kyla! Stop that! It's bad manners."

Striker:"You should put your paw in front of your closed muzzle when
         you need to do that."

Kyla:"Nah. It sounds cooler this way."

Striker:"Oh? And do you think a spanking is also cool?"

Kyla looks in shock at Striker.

Kyla:"Uncle Striker! You wouldn't do that, would you?"

Striker:"I would, jong dame. So keep on with your bad manners and I 
         will do it."

Corsair laughs.

Corsair:"Hey. Everyone needs to let go of a bit of gas now and then."

Striker and Phoenix look sternly at Corsair, who stops laughing.

Corsair:"But that's just me."

Shephard looks up from his glass and at Corsair, then moves away from
him.

Shephard:"If you just dare go and pollute the air around this table I'm
          going to catapult you into the nearest trash bin!"

Corsair:"Hey!"

Merit:"Actually, I can detect that the oxygen molecules have been mixed
       with exhaust fumes already."

Shephard immediately gets up and begins to grab for Corsair. Corsair
quickly jumps up and runs away from the restaurant. He runs down the
street with Shephard right behind him. The others watch in complete
surprise as the two run away. Chummy looks at Merit.

Chummy:"Did Corsair really go ahead and... um... release fumes?"

Merit:"Not that I detected coming from him. The exhaust fumes generally
       come from passing automobiles."

Striker covers his eyes, then rests on the table and groans.

Striker:"I swear, I have a kleuterskool for a team."

Phoenix pats his back playfully. While this happens, a van pulls into
the hotel parking lot next to where they are busy drinking. More to
turn their attention away from what happened, they watch the van. 
Several people climb out. They are all well-dressed Asian men with
the except two. One is a large, paunchy male South American with grey
hair and a moustache. The other is male Caucasian with brown hair. As
the Asians unload the luggage (several suitcases and a large trunk)
they begin to talk.

South American:"Careful with that trunk!"

Caucasian:"Calm down, Vega. They know what they are doing."

Vega:"How certain are you, senyor Hawk?"

Hawk:"These men understand the nature of our mission here, so just
      relax and let's check into our hotel room."

Vega nods, then he, the man called Hawk and the Asians head into the
hotel reception area. The Rovers watch them go.

Chummy:"That guy must be new to travel. He worries too much about his
        luggage."

Phoenix:"Yeah, but the other fellow knows what they are doing."

Kyla:"What are they here for?"

Striker:"Probably for the peace conference, Kyla. There are many Korean
         delegates around the city to attend."

Kyla:"But those two didn't look like Korrie-ans."

Phoenix:"Koreans, Kyla."

Striker:"That does not mean much. They are numerous representatives from
         other countries attending the conference as well, so it is
         hardly surprising."

They all turn their attention elsewhere. All except Kyla, who watches
the group of Koreans, lead by Vega and Hawk, check into the hotel with
child-like suspicion.

Corridor
Hotel
7:01 PM:

This is one of the corridors where doors leading to various rooms are. A
red, expensive carpet runs along the corridor while on the walls hang
many portraits. Walking down the corridor is Kyla and Merit. They reach
one of the doors and stop.

Merit:"According to the accommodation registry, this is the room
       which the Korean group are occupying."

Kyla:"Okay, Merit. Can you listen in what they are saying in there?"

Merit:"Affirmative."

Kyla:"Cool. Do it."

Merit:"Executing."

Merit's toolbox opens and a device that resembles a doctor's stethoscope
comes out and is put against the door. From Merit's voice box comes
the conversation from behind the door. Hawk's and Vega's voices can be
heard.

Vega:"Are you certain that this won't fail, senyor?"

Hawk:"How many times do I have to tell you? Everything is worked out and
      there can be no hitches."

Vega:"What about the French security and military forces? And those five
      Road Rovers?"

Hawk:"Don't worry about any of them. Even if they realise there is
      something amiss, they will never be able to find the device before
      it is detonated. Believe me, by this time tomorrow, the centre of
      Paris will be a radioactive crater."

Vega:"And the blame will fall on the right people?"

Hawk:"Sure will. Our 'volunteers' all have the right uniforms and will
      be wearing them tomorrow. Our customers will come clean and the
      blame will go the other way. So, as you can see, everything is
      under control."

Vega:"I hope so, senyor."

Hawk:"How about you go outside for a smoke? It will help you relax. You
      are too nervous right now."

There is a pause.

Vega:"Si. Si, you're right. I'll go outside and smoke my Cuban."

Alarmed, Kyla quickly gets up and pulls Merit's arm.

Kyla:"Quick! Back to our room!"

Kyla runs down the corridor with Merit close behind her. Just as they
round a corner, the door of the room they were spying opens up.

Hotel Room
7:23 PM:

Every member of Unit STRIKE except Merit and Kyla are here. Striker
and Phoenix have just finished their showering, Corsair and Shephard have 
already changed clothing and fallen asleep and Chummy is gathering her 
pajamas. The door opens and Kyla and Merit come in, Merit closing the
door behind them. Kyla runs up to Phoenix and Striker excitedly.

Kyla:"Auntie! I just found out something!"

Phoenix:"Ah, there you are. It's bath time."

She picks Kyla up, who has a surprised look on her face.

Kyla:"A bath? But I made a great discovery!"

Phoenix:"I'm sure you did. Now, time for a wash."

Kyla:"But I don't want to take a bath! I want to help!"

Phoenix:"You can help now by taking your bath. Now come on. Chummy,
         I'll need a little help."

Chummy stops what she is doing and gets up.

Chummy:"Sure! I'll be glad to help, especially with Kyla's bathing."

Phoenix carries a pouting Kyla into the bathroom. Chummy follows them
carrying shampoo and a sponge. Striker looks at Merit.

Striker:"You'd better charge up now, Merit. It will be a long day tomor-
         row and we need to get to bed early."

Merit:"Understood."

Merit goes over to an empty wall plug, opens his toolkit and takes out
a power cord. He attaches it to the wall plug and stands motionless
next to it. As Striker gets into bed, running water can be heard coming
from the bathroom.

Conference Grounds
City Center
Paris
6 June
6:46 AM:

The conference area is a very large tent in the middle of a park not far
from the Eiffel Tower. Two massive tent poles lift the canvas up, while
cables keep it to the ground. Around the conference tent are various
French security and military vehicles. Although the sun has just begun
to appear over the horizon, a significant number of dignitaries and news
reporters are already here. Among the reporters are Melanie Malloy and
her cameraman, Sam Knowles, reporting for the BBC.

Melanie:"Already dignitaries from various countries, most notably from
         the two Koreans, China, the United States and Japan have begun
         arriving here as early as six this morning. The mood here is
         optimistic that the two Korean nations, separated from more
         than 50 years, will finally be re-united."

As she speaks, another limousine pulls up and the doors are opened by the
chaffuer. Out climbs Mark Norwood, the North Korean President Kim Yung
Il and the South Korean President Cheng Sei Wang. They are immediately
flocked by reporters and they begin to give their comments.

Room
Hotel Desaix
7:02 AM:

The sun is coming through the windows, illuminating the room in the
morning sunlight. Everyone is awake and are busy putting on the last of
their clothing for the day. Kyla is being dressed up by Phoenix, having
her shirt pulled over her head. Phoenix looks her over when she's done.

Phoenix:"There. You're ready for today."

Kyla looks eagerly up at Phoenix.

Kyla:"Does that mean we'll go after the bad guys, Auntie Phoenix?"

Phoenix chuckles, as does Striker. Everyone else smiles at Kyla's question
(except Merit, who lacks a mouth). Striker pats her head.

Striker:"Ja, we will. As soon as we find some after a bit of searching."

Kyla:"We don't need to search, Uncle Striker. Merit and I have found some
      baddies."

Phoenix looks sternly at Kyla.

Phoenix:"Have you been eavesdropping on some of the guests' rooms?"

Kyla nods.

Kyla:"Yeah!"

Phoenix:"That's really bad manners, Kyla. You mustn't go about spying and
         then make false accusations of people."

Striker:"Listen to what your auntie says, Kyla. Your mom and dad would
         spank you if they found this out."

Kyla is dishearted at their comments.

Kyla:"But it is true! Merit and I heard about some guys who were going to
      blow the city up!"

Phoenix:"Kyla, stop that! Nobody's blowing the city up."

Merit then steps in.

Merit:"Actually, that is not correct."

Everyone but Kyla looks surprised at Merit. Kyla looks hopefully at Merit.

Kyla:"Yeah, tell them Merit!"

Striker:"What are you talking about, Merit?"

Merit:"I had acquired a dialogue between two members of the Korean dele-
       gation that were in the room approximately 10 doors away in dis-
       tance and had recorded it."

Striker:"Play it, Merit."

The dialogue between Hawk and Vega in the hotel room starts playing through
Merit's mouthpiece. As the conversation continues, everyone becomes very
alarmed. When Merit finally ends the recording, Striker immediately looks
at Chummy.

Striker:"Chummy, stay here with Kyla and look after her. The rest of us
         will go and have a look at this so-called delegation."

Phoenix paws Kyla to Chummy, who takes her up in her arms. Kyla is very
disappointed.

Kyla:"But I want to help."

Phoenix:"You've helped enough, Kyla. Stay here with Auntie Chummy and
         don't run off."

Kyla sulks as Striker, Phoenix and Corsair take their weapons from Shephard
who takes them out from his backpack. Once they are armed, everyone except
Kyla and Chummy leave the room.

Corridor
7:11 AM:

This is the corridor where Kyla and Merit had spied. Striker and Phoenix
have taken positions next to the door leading to the room of Vega and Hawk, 
weapons at the ready. Shephard is standing in front of the door with his 
M-249 aimed at it while Corsair and Merit stand off to one side. Striker 
knocks on the door, but there is no answer. He looks at Shephard and nods.
Shephard nods back and immediately kicks the door hard with boot. The door
breaks open and Shephard immediately rushes in, followed closely by
Striker and Phoenix.

Room
7:12 AM:

This room is similar to that of Unit STRIKE's, but it is in disarray with
sheets, towels, extra mattresses and open suitcases lie on the floor while
the beds are unmade. Shephard darts in, scanning for hostiles. Striker and
Phoenix are close behind him and they check the other rooms. Once they are
done Corsair and Merit enter the room. Corsair looks around.

Corsair:"Looks like our delegates left in a hurry."

Phoenix:"They even left some their luggage behind."

Shephard:"Crud. I was looking for a fight."

Striker:"Check the closets and cabinets. Look for any clues."

They all nod and begin to search around. Shephard is the first to make the
discovery: an open suitcase on the one bed. He calls the others.

Shephard:"Sirs! Come look at this."

Everyone walks to the bed and look at the suitcase Shephard is indicating
to. It is empty, but it has foam with a tubular shape in it. Striker
looks at Corsair.

Striker:"Scan it."

Corsair nods and takes out a scanner. He then scans the suitcase and looks
at the readings. He whistles.

Corsair:"Wow. This case has a high concentration of plutonium residue
         inside of it."

Striker's eyes widen.

Striker:"Plutonium?"

Corsair:"Yep."

Merit looks at the shape in the suitcase.

Merit:"The shape within the foam encasement is consistent with the shape
       of the missing SS missile plutonium core we are searching for."

Everyone looks wide-eyed at each other.

Phoenix:"You mean... the missing core. Is here?"

Striker:"Ai yai yai. We have a serious situation."

Voice(from behind):"Hey! Who are you?"

Everyone quickly turn around to see of the Koreans standing behind them,
looking at them with surprise. Within an instant, Shephard and Striker
jump him and wrestle him to the ground while the others keep their
weapons aimed at him. Once the struggle is over, Shephard lifts the
Korean by the collar of his coat and pins him against the wall. Striker
looks at the Korean.

Striker:"The core! Where is it?"

Korean:"Oh! Is that your reason for being here? I am not talking!"

Striker nods at Shephard. Shephard immediately begins to land a series
of blows to the Korean's face, stomach and groin area. The Korean screams
out in pain.

Korean:"You win! I talk!"

Shephard stops the punching and the Korean immediately takes out a folded
piece of paper. Striker takes it and opens it. It is a map of the city's
sewer system, with an "X" marked near the center.

Korean:"The core is being taken there! I swear!"

Striker refolds the map and tucks it away. He then punches the Korean in
the face to knock him unconscious. Once that has happened, Striker calls
everyone to a quick meeting.

Striker:"Reg, this is the situation. Hawk, Vega and these Koreans have
         the plutonium core and clearly plan to detonate it in the city
         sewers. We must locate and deactivate the core before these
         people can use it. We should also alert the French security and
         military forces so that plans can be made to evacuate the
         dignitaries and all civilians within the possible 5-kilometre 
         blast radius of this device. Shephard, contact the French and
         tell them to begin the evacuation."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Striker:"Phoenix, go to Chummy and tell her to go to the conference
         grounds and take Kyla to Norwood so that she can be taken to
         safety with him. Also have her take this Korean prisoner so
         that we can interrogate him later."

Phoenix:"Right, Love."

Striker:"Corsair. You and Merit begin to find out a method to disarm
         or defuse the device should the need arise."

Corsair:"Sure, boss."

Merit:"Confirmed."

Striker:"I'll call Norwood and tell him to begin to help get the 
         dignitaries ready for evacuation. We meet at the Rhino in five
         minutes. Gaan!"

Everyone rushes out of the room.

Conference Tent
7:18 AM:

The tent is very spacious inside. A large stage with a podium and a line
of chairs stands at the one end of the tent, the rest of the tent filled
with tables and chairs. Dignitaries are all seated at these tables, but
the most important delegates are seated on the stage. Among them is 
Norwood, President Ill Yung and President Sei Wang. The conference has
begun and Norwood is at the podium addressing the gathering.

Norwood:"For over half a century, Korea has been a divided nation. A
         torn in half by the rivalries of the Cold War, the one side
         communism and the other capitalism. But the Cold War is long
         since over, and there is no longer any more of the rivalries
         that came with it. And like Germany, it is time for North and
         South Korea to reunite as one nation and close another chapter
         of the Cold War."

As he speaks, there is a soft beep from his pager on his belt. While
still speaking, he takes it out and glances down it without letting
any see him do it. He immediately stops speaking when he sees the message
on his pager: "MARK. EVACUATE DIGNITARIES. DEFINITE NUCLEAR THREAT IN CITY.
TAKE KYLA ALONG. STRIKER." He quickly puts the pager away and looks up
at gathering. Several French security agents have already begun to move
into the tent.

Norwood:"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, but we have just received
         notice that there may be a imminent terrorist attack."

Several gasps come from the dignitaries, followed by various loud murmurs.

Norwood:"I would ask that you would remain calm and calmly leave the tent.
         The security and military personnel will assist in the 
         evacuation."

As the alarmed dignitaries begin to calmly get up get and are being lead
out by the security agents, Norwood steps down from the podium and joins
the two Korean leaders.

Ill Yung:"How do you know about an attack?"

Norwood:"A Road Rover informed me about it and he can be trusted. Right
         now, we have every reason to leave."

Sei Wang:"What kind of attack is it?"

Norwood looks around, then whispers to the two leaders.

Norwood:"A nuclear attack."

The two leaders' faces pale when they hear the news.

Ill Yung:"An attack! By who?"

Norwood:"I don't know, but that is why we have to leave."

Numbly, the two leaders nod and they all begin to evacuate the tent.

Conference Grounds
7:27 AM:

The area around the tent has been cordoned off by security and military
personnel as the dignitaries are begin hustled into awaiting vehicles. All
around, civilians are also being told to evacuate their homes and work
places. Reporting from their news van is Melanie and Sam.

Melanie:"Right now, dignitaries are being lead to safety while the French
         police and army begin to evacuate all people within a 5 kilo-
         metre radius of the city center. While we as yet don't know
         what the threat is, judging from this mass evacuation it has
         to be a major terrorist threat."

Sewer System
Near City Center
7:38 AM:

This is a network of tunnels crisscrossing below the city. Dirty water
flows through the canals in the tunnels while water drips drop from the
damp ceiling. Large rats scurry to and fro along the water, going into
smaller pipes and cracks. Unit STRIKE is walking along the sides of
the water canals, lead by Striker. They all have their weapons ready
and Merit provides light with a portable light from his toolkit. Corsair
has the map with him.

Corsair:"Just a dozen or so feet to go and we'll be at ground zero."

As they round a corner, they can see another light from a side tunnel
straight ahead. They also hear the sounds of Korean voices coming from
it as well.

Striker:"Daar. That's where they are."

He looks at Shephard.

Striker:"Go to the other side of that tunnel entrance and get a flash
         bang ready."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Shephard runs ahead of them, then stops as he reaches the tunnel. He
looks around the corner, then quickly and silently runs across to the
other side. Striker gestures to Corsair and Merit to stay back a bit.
They both nod. Striker and Phoenix then go other to the tunnel and
stop just opposite Shephard. Striker peers around the corner, but
then quickly pulls back. One of the Koreans steps out of the tunnel,
but he doesn't notice the Rovers. Instead, he is focused on lighting
a cigarette. Striker looks at Shephard and nods. Then both he and
Shephard jump the Korean. Before the surprised Korean can react, Striker
grabs his arms while Shephard wraps one arm around his neck while using
his other hand to cover his mouth. They then both drag the Korean out
of sight, then Striker uses the butt of his rifle to silently knock the
Korean out cold. They retake their positions by the tunnels.

Corsair(whispering):"That was darn close. If that Korean wasn't busy
       lighting his fire, this would have been messy."

Striker(whispering):"It will be even more so if we don't disable the
       device. This is our plan of action: Shephard will throw in a
       flash bang. While the Koreans are stunned, Phoenix, Shephard and
       I will round up the Koreans while Corsair and Merit disarm the
       device."

Shephard, Phoenix(whispering):"Got it."

Corsair(whispering):"Sure, boss."

Merit(lower volume):"Confirmed."

Striker(whispering):"Goed. Shephard, on the count of three..."

Shephard readies the flash bang in his one hand while the rest ready
to storm in. After a few seconds, Striker speaks.

Striker(whispering):"Three!"

Shephard pulls the pin out of the flash bang and throws it into the
tunnel. Next comes the shouts from the startled Koreans, followed by
a blinding flash from the tunnel. The moment the flash dissipates,
Shephard, Striker and Phoenix rush in, followed seconds later by 
Corsair and Merit. The blinded Koreans are quickly knocked unconscious
by the butts of the Rovers' weapons while Corsair and Merit make for
a large container by the wall. Shephard pins down one conscious Korean
against the wall and aims his M-249 at his face.

Shephard:"One move and your brains will make a nice decor for the
          walls."

The Korean looks wide-eyed at the gun. Striker and Phoenix keep guard
over his unconscious comrades. Corsair opens the container, then looks
inside. He then suddenly looks at the others.

Striker:"Wel? What are you waiting for?"

Corsair:"There's nothing in here but a scrap of paper. It's empty."

Everyone is surprised, especially the Korean.

Korean:"Empty?! Where is the device?!"

Shephard:"Didn't you hear him, punk? There's nothing in there."

Striker quickly goes over to the container and looks inside. There is
only a scrap of paper at the bottom. He looks back at the Korean.

Striker:"Where is the device?"

Korean:"I don't know! It was supposed to be in there!!"

He suddenly realises something.

Korean:"We've been betrayed!"

Striker:"Betrayed? By whom? That Hawk and Vega persons?"

Korean:"Has to be! They took the device and left us to be caught!"

Striker:"Which way did they go?"

Korean:"I don't know! They said they had to go do something in another
        part of the city! They left before we entered the sewers!"

Striker:"Who sent you, then? Someone in Pyongyang?"

Korean:"We are South Koreans, and proud of it! We do not want to reunify
        with the wretched North!"

Everyone else looks surprised at each other.

Phoenix:"South Koreans? I would never have guessed."

Corsair:"If the North Koreans hear about this, Pyongyang will have a
         huge fit."

Merit sees the scrap of paper in the container and takes it out. It has
writings on it.

Merit:"Excuse me, but this sheet has legible text imprinted on it."

Striker:"A note? What does it say?"

Merit reads the note out loud.

Merit(reading):"By now I assume you have discovered that the device is
     no longer with you. That is because we are certain you would be 
     captured by the authorities, most probably the Road Rovers. Do not 
     worry, though. Our employers require the detonation of the device 
     within Paris, so you have nothing to fear. Unless, of course, you 
     decide to remain within the city by 9:00. Sayonara suckers! Hawk."

Phoenix:"That tears it."

Striker looks at the Korean.

Striker:"Who are these employers? Praat!"

Shephard pushes the gun barrel against the Korean's chin.

Korean:"I do not know, I swear! They are our only employers we know!"

Striker looks at Shephard.

Striker:"Bound him, then call the police to round the rest up down here."

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

He releases the Korean, then begins to bound and gag him.

Phoenix:"What now, Love?"

Striker:"Hawk and Vega have now taken the device to another part of the
         city, and we have no information about its whereabouts except
         it is within the vicinity of the conference grounds. They are 
         going to detonate it in..."

He looks at his wristwatch.

Striker:"One hour and ten minutes. All what we can do is alert the French
         have them evacuate the city as quickly as possible, as well as
         circle the city and scan for traces of plutonium residue." 

Corsair:"That's a long shot, boss. It will take days to check the entire
         city center."

Striker:"We might get lucky. But if we are not, then we will have to take
         shelter somewhere and prepare for detonation. Let's move! Time
         is short."

They all nod grimly and begin to help tie up the other Koreans.

Paris
8:15 AM:

The city is in chaos. Everywhere, people are fleeing, either on foot or
any form of transport (mainly military and police vehicles and some
helicopters) while air raid sirens sound throughout the city. Traffic
is at a virtual standing in certain parts of the city, while police
try to regulate the traffic. Not far from the conference grounds, the
limos of the various dignitaries are stuck in amongst blocked traffic.
The dignitaries are being lead out of the limos by security forces.
Amongst them is Melanie Malloy and Sam, both on foot and still reporting
live.

Melanie:"We are currently being lead to underground bomb shelters that
         were used to protect people from a nuclear attack, so we are
         guessing that we may have a possible nuclear threat right now."

Not far away, Norwood, the two Korean leaders and Chummy, carrying a
scared Kyla, move with the throng towards a bomb shelter.

Chummy:"Are these bombs shelters save?"

Norwood:"Yes. They were built to withstand even a direct hit from an
         ICBM, so we can hide down there until the explosion or until
         it is all clear."

Kyla:"I'm scared."

Chummy hugs Kyla tightly against her chest and comforts her.

Chummy:"Easy, Kyla. You're save with me. We'll be all right."

Kyla buries herself deeper into Chummy's chest as they enter the bomb
shelter (which looks like a subway entrance).

Low Altitude
Paris City Center
8:49 AM:

The Rhino, in flight mode, is flying over the now-completely deserted
city. Everyone inside is looking at the computer screen in the Rhino's
dashboard. It shows the city below them in a mainly grey colour. Striker
shakes his head.

Striker:"Niks. No sign of the device."

Corsair looks at his wristwatch.

Corsair:"And we got only ten minutes left."

Shephard:"Forgive me for asking this, sirs, but does the fact that we
          have found nothing possibly imply that the device might no
          longer be in the city?"

Phoenix:"It might be, but the evidence points that Hawk and Vega will
         detonate the device. I don't think we should risk telling
         everyone it is safe to come out."

Striker:"Reg, Love. While it is possible we might just be crying wolf,
         it is too dangerous to not take this threat seriously."

Corsair:"Where are we going to hide this blast, by the way?"

Striker turns the Rhino and points it towards a stadium not far away.
He indicates to it.

Striker:"That stadium over there. Its high, thick walls will shield us
         from an explosion of this magnitude. We will land inside on
         the field, then wait out the explosion."

He continues to fly the Rhino to the stadium until he flies into the
center of it and lands on the soccer field within. He shuts down the
Rhino, then looks at the others.

Striker:"Turn off all electronic equipment. The electro-magnetic pulse
         will destroy them when the explosion occurs. Merit, shut your-
         self down. We will reactivate you after the explosion."

Merit:"Executing."

Merit shuts down and goes limp. The others turn all their electronic
gear, then wait for the imminent explosion.

Paris
8:59 AM:

The city of Paris is now completely deserted. Everywhere, there are open
buildings and cars abandoned during the evacuation. The only things moving
are loose papers blown by a light wind and the only sounds are that of
birds. By a street corner stands an old pole with a clock mounted on it,
the time being 8:59. Its arms then move on one minute to nine-o-clock.
Suddenly, a massive dome of blinding fire appears, followed by a loud
roar as the device explodes. As the blinding light fades, the flaming
mushroom cloud appears over the city centre, while the wall of heat
and flame rushes outward. The shockwaves from these walls smash buildings
and flip over cars before the blast reaches them. The explosion is small
in comparison with that over Hiroshima, but just seconds after it 
detonated, the centre of Paris is covered by the large mushroom cloud.

CNN Center
Atlanta
United States Of America
9:04 AM:

The CNN is busy covering the live broadcast from Paris and has just gotten
the report about the explosion. He begins to read it.

Anchor:"And we've just received this breaking news. A massive nuclear
        explosion has rocked central Paris just minutes ago. The state
        of the numerous foreign dignitaries attending the Korean reunifi-
        cation conference in the French capital, is unknown at this
        time."

Stadium
Remains of Paris
9:08 AM:

The interior of the stadium is largely intact, though the top part has
been burned and all the billboards and flood lights are gone. On the 
field inside the Rhino, unit STRIKE is busy coming from cover. Striker
quickly looks over at the others.

Striker:"Everyone reg?"

Phoenix:"I'm fine, Love."

Corsair:"Hunky dory, boss."

Shephard:"Alive and well, sir."

Corsair reactivates Merit and the drone springs back into life. Striker
looks at him.

Striker:"How are you, Merit?"

Merit:"All systems fully operational."

Striker:"Goed. Let me contact Chummy and see if she, Kyla, Norwood and
         the others are reg as well."

He activates the Rhino's radio system and it comes online. The speakers
crackle with static.

Striker:"Chummy, this is Striker. Come in."

There is more static as the Rovers anxiously listen for an answer. Just
then the static stops.

Chummy(over radio):"This Chummy."

Everyone breaths a sigh of relief.

Striker:"Are you all reg?"

Chummy(over radio):"Me and Kyla are fine, and so is Mark and everyone in
      the bomb shelters. They are busy opening the doors to the surface."

Striker:"Good. You and Mark keep the dignitaries there until we can find a
         way to safely evacuate them."

Chummy(over radio):"Sure, Striker. Chummy out."

The radios goes static and Striker turns it off. He then starts up the
Rhino's engines and activates its flight mode.

Striker:"Let's survey the damage and see if we can find a workable mode
         of transport."

Corsair:"If there's anything left. You know how nukes are: they waste
         things real good."

Striker pilots Rhino into the air and guides it up towards the open
stadium skyline. When they get over the rim of the stadium skyline they
are all in shock. The entire city centre is in ruins. Most of the
buildings have been either serious damaged or destroyed. The Eiffel
Tower is still standing, but the heat from the explosion has softened
the structure's ironworks and it is bended at an angle away from the
explosion. Near where the conference tent was is a large crater with
a radioactive lake in the center of it. Most of the streets are buried
under debris while fires burn everyone. The sounds of sirens begin to
come from outside the blast zone while people begin to emerge from the
various bomb shelters around the city.

Striker:"Ai yai yai yai yai."

Phoenix:"Oh my God."

Shephard:"Man, this reminds me of Yugoslavia - with lots of radiation
          about."

Corsair:"This is going to take a serious chunk out of the national
         budget."

Striker opens the Rhino's computers and begins to scan the city. A
map of the ruined city appears on a screen. He then points at it.

Striker:"The city's train station. It should still be intact. Let's
         go and see if we can get the dignitaries out that way before
         that station becomes swamped with civilians."

He pilots the Rhino towards the train station.

Train Station
Edge of Detonation Radius
9:16 AM:

This is a modern train station with several tracks and platforms in
between. It has suffered minor damage, but nothing serious. A passenger
train is standing at the station platform. French security and military
officials are already cordoning the area off for civilians, allowing the
dignitaries to climb onboard first. At the edge of the platform the Rhino
is parked. Unit STRIKE is holding a conference with Norwood and Chummy
whom they have just met.

Striker:"You three all reg?"

Norwood:"We're fine, and so is everyone else. But I cannot say the same
         for the city or the reunification talks."

Phoenix:"Are you okay, Kyla?"

Kyla, who is still frightened and clinging to Chummy, nods slowly.

Kyla:"Y-yeah..."

Striker:"Goed. First thing we should do is get you all out of the city
         to safety."

Norwood:"Who caused the explosion?"

Striker:"The South Koreans thought they had the device, but their em-
         ployers had doubts about them succeeding in their mission."

Norwood swears.

Norwood:"This news of South Koreans being behind this will cause an
         uproar if word gets out. We must keep this quiet until we can
         figure this whole business out."

They all nod, not noticing Melanie Malloy, who is hiding behind the
crowd, picking up what they say. As she walks off, Striker turns to
Corsair and Merit.

Striker:"You two take the Rhino and scout out the tracks to see if it
         is still usable and unobstructed."

Corsair:"Right, boss."

Merit:"Orders received."

The dual run for the Rhino. Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"The rest of us should secure the train and get it moving as
         quickly as possible. Also, try and get as many civilians on the
         train as possible so that we can take them to safety. Let's
         roll."

They all nod. As they break up, Chummy paws Kyla over to Norwood, who
takes her into his arms.

Chummy:"Could you take care of her, Mark?"

Norwood:"I certainly will. Come along, Kyla. I think I have some treats
         left in my pocket."

Kyla cheers up as Norwood and the others board the train. Corsair and
Merit get into the Rhino and take off.

Rhino
Low Altitude Over Railway Line
Paris City Limits
9:37 AM:

The city limits have suffered not damage (since they are far away from
ground zero) and is mostly suburbs or industrial areas. The dual railway
tracks move through one such industrial area. The Rhino, piloted by
Corsair, is flying low over the tracks. Both he and Merit are surveying
the tracks for damage.

Corsair:"Nope. No messed-up tracks so far, and I doubt we'll find anything
         wrong outside of the blast area. I think we should head back."

Just then Merit spots a plume of steam appearing in the distance where the
tracks disappear. He scans it.

Merit:"Sir, there is a locomotive heading inbound of the city."

Corsair looks up confused towards the steam plume.

Corsair:"That's weird. Normally, during a nuke blast, people are supposed
         to be heading out. Can you tell what train that is?"

Merit:"Negative. The distance is too great."

Corsair:"Then let's have a closer look."

The Rhino flies towards the inbound train. As they come closer, they can
see that is a single train engine with one carriage. A flag flies over
the engine. Merit picks this up.

Merit:"How strange. That train has a cloth flying over it."

Corsair:"Cloth?"

Merit:"Or what is commonly referred to as a flag."

Corsair:"A flag? Who's flag?"

Suddenly, as they near the train, several shots are fired from it and
the bullets hit the armoured sides of the Rhino.

Corsair:"Oh boy! They're not friendly!"

He pulls the Rhino out of range. In passing he spots the flag and
realises which flag it is: South Korea.

Corsair:"Seems its more of Hawk and Vega's buddies. Bummer!"

Merit:"Their train is according to memory on the tracks that the
       dignitaries are being carried on."

Corsair:"Oh great. More good news. We HAVE to share this with the
         boss."

Merit:"Incorrect. This is not good news."

Corsair groans, then he activates the radio on the dashboard.

Engine
Dignatry Escape Train
Train Station 
At that moment:

The train is now loaded with dignitaries, media reporters, security
personnel and civilians alike and is pulling out of the station to make
way for another train to evacuate more people. In the front engine is
the train driver along with Striker, Phoenix (holding Kyla), Norwood, 
Chummy and Shephard. They are all looking ahead as the train pulls out.

Chummy:"I'm glad to be out of here."

Phoenix:"And so are all these people. This has been a bad day."

Norwood:"For everyone. Now the re-unification talks are driven into
         the sand. And if word got it out that it was South Koreans
         behind this..."

Suddenly Striker radio crackles and he answers it.

Striker(into radio):"Striker here."

Corsair(over radio):"Boss, I got bad news, worse news and worst news."

Striker's eyes narrow.

Striker(into radio):"What is the slegte nuus?"

Corsair(over radio):"Oh, bad news? Troop train's a coming."

Striker(into radio):"Ai yai yai. Worse news?"

Corsair(over radio):"Worse news, it is a South Korean troop train."

Striker(into radio):"Ai yai yai yai. And the worst news?"

Corsair(over radio):"It's heading towards you on your tracks."

Striker swears, startling the others.

Corsair(over radio):"My. What happened to that extra 'yai'?"

Striker(into radio):"Corsair! You and Merit try and get that troop
       train diverted off our tracks!"

Corsair(over radio):"And if we can't do that?"

Striker(into radio):"Then blast it off."

Corsair(over radio):"I like the second option. We'll do. Out."

The radio goes dead and Striker puts it away. The others look at him.

Norwood:"Something wrong?"

Striker:"We an enemy troop train coming on our tracks. Corsair and Merit
         are going to try and get the train out of our way. In the mean
         time, we might have to prepare for combat and brace for a
         possible collision. Mark, take Kyla, then try and get the
         dignatries to the rear carriages. Shephard, alert the security
         personnel and prepare for combat."

Norwood takes Kyla and runs into the carriages, with Shephard. Striker
turns to the others.

Striker:"The rest of us will stay here and guard the engine."

Chummy:"But won't that endanger our lives in case of a collision?"

Phoenix:"That's why we are Road Rovers."

They take out their weapons, then begin to take up positions. In the
distance, the troop train can be seen coming towards them.

Rhino
Low Altitude Over Railway Line
9:41 AM:

The Rhino flies along the railway line ahead of the troop train. Corsair
and Merit are both looking for a way to divert the train.

Corsair:"See anything?"

Merit:"Negative. There is no non-destructive method of diverting the troop
       train from our friends' track."

Corsair grins.

Corsair:"Then its time to do some serious sonic shooting. Rhino style."

He pilots the Rhino to land at a crossing alongside the tracks ahead of
the troop train. Once he lands he rubs his hands and cracks his fingers.

Corsair:"Okay, now watch the expert."

He pushes a button on the dashboard and the two front lights of the
Rhino open up to reveal machine guns. The train is coming closer.

Corsair:"Uh oops. Wrong button."

He tries another button, this time activating the mine/disc shooter at
the rear of the Rhino. The train is now almost at their position.

Corsair:"Crud! Wrong button again!"

As Corsair fumbles about, Merit calmly pushes a button and the sonic
cannon activates. Just as the troop train reaches them, Merit fires the
sonic cannon. The power sonic strikes the front end of the train engine,
causing it fly off the tracks, taking the carriage with it and sending
Korean soldiers flying through the air. It smashes into the railway 
tracks next to the one it was on and tips over. The carriage also tips 
onto its side, crushing several hapless soldiers. When the dust settles,
the train is still mainly intact, but it is on its side and off the
the Rovers' tracks. Unconscious or dead Koreans are lying everywhere. 
Corsair looks at Merit.

Corsair:"Now you've made me look stupid in front of everyone who is going
         to read this story."

Merit scans Corsair.

Merit:"Actually, you look weary and slightly dirty."

Corsair groans and drops his head on the steering wheel, causing the horn
to sound.

Engine
Dignatry Escape Train
Not Far From Train Crash
9:45 AM:

Striker, Phoenix and Chummy see the enemy train having been knocked off
their tracks. Striker takes out his radio and calls Shephard.

Striker(into radio):"Shephard, tell the men to hold their fire for now.
       But if you see any survivors taking aim at our train as we pass,
       fire at will."

Shephard(over radio):"Copy that, sir. Out."

Striker turns his radio off and puts it away.

Chummy:"I hope we don't have to kill them now, after their crash."

Striiker:"Nee, you're reg. Besides, they can provide with information
          about who was behind this attack. But keep your weapons ready.
          Some of the survivors might try and take a shot at us."

They nod grimly. As their train passes the wreck, they see of the survivors
trying to help their comrades. None of them raise their weapons even as
the train's caboose passes them. As the train clears the distance, the
Rhino joins alongside them. Striker takes out his radio and calls Shephard
again.

Striker(into radio):"Shephard, you can order the men to lower their
       weapons. I think we are past the danger for now."

Shephard(over radio):"Shucks and I was looking for a fight. Okay, sir."

As Shephard signs out, Striker contacts Corsair.

Striker(into radio):"Goeie work, Corsair."

Corsair(over radio):"Thanks, boss. Anything else?"

Striker(into radio):"Just keep flying ahead of us and keep us informed if
       our friends have any more surprises waiting for us."

Corsair(over radio):"Sure thing, boss. Over and out."

Corsair signs out and Striker puts his radio away. As he does so, Norwood
comes walking onto the train, still carrying Kyla, with an angry look on 
his face. The Rovers look surprised at him.

Phoenix:"Some wrong, Mark?"

Norwood holds Kyla out to Phoenix.

Norwood:"Take her away from me before I explode."

Phoenix takes Kyla from Norwood and walks some distance away. When she
does this Norwood begins to swear violently. Striker goes over to him.

Striker:"What is it, Mark? What did Kyla do?"

Norwood calms down a bit.

Norwood:"Kyla? Nothing. I just didn't want her to hear the language I
         was using just now."

Striker:"Oh. Then what is the problem?"

Norwood:"The problem? Kim Jung-Il just found out the fact that these
         terrorists are South Koreans."

Striker is shocked.

Striker:"How did he learn that?"

Norwood::"Our friend miss Melanie Malloy ask him in an interview what
          his reaction was to this nuclear attack by South Korean ter-
          rorists. He went right off at a tangent at that point. Cheng 
          Sei Wang and I tried to explain things, but he didn't want
          to hear another word."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. Now what is going to happen?"

Norwood:"Inevitably, Kim will get hold of the first phone and call his
         people in Pyongyang. Then it will be only a matter of time 
         before you see the Korean People's Army blasting their way to
         Seoul."

Striker:"Won't the United Nations security council oppose that action?"

Norwood:"Some, like the United States, might, but many of them won't.
         The problem is that Kim now has a fully legitimate excuse to
         invade South Korea. And unless we can get these South Korean
         mavericks to spill the beans about who really got them here,
         the conflict could spiral out of control, with countries either
         siding with the North or the South."

Striker:"In other words, there is the possibility of a world war?"

Norwood:"The likely hood is high."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. We must stop this war before it happens."

Norwood:"I'm afraid war there is going to be, Striker. The French and I
         will force these mavericks to confess even if we have to torture
         them if it comes to that. However, by that time Kim will have
         his armies attacking over the DMZ. You must contact Professor
         Shepard and get as many Rover units to reinforce the DMZ sector
         north of Seoul. If Kim gets Seoul before we can end this war,
         it will be impossible to get the KPA to leave the city, thus
         sparking another crisis."

Striker:"So we must keep the KPA away from the South Korean capital at
         all costs?"

Norwood:"With your lives if necessary."

Striker:"I'll contact the Master immediately. Fortunately, he and many
         of the Road Rovers are attending Hunter and Colleen's wedding,
         so we can quickly get everyone to the Korean border before war
         breaks out."

He quickly takes out his radio and begins to call the Master.

Wedding Reception
Redwood Forest
United States of America
At That Moment:

This is a large clearing deep in the forest. Inside the clearing are many
tables and chairs with a dance area. Dozens of Rovers, Strayers and other
units and guests are here. They are all seeing off Hunter (in a tux) and 
Colleen (in a wedding dress), who are both smiling and getting into their 
limo to leave for their honeymoon. As their limo takes off, the couple
wave back at their guests, who all wave back at them. As the guests wave,
Blitz is clearly disappointed.

Blitz:"Bye bye, pretty she-doggie."

Exile notices Blitz's disappointment.

Exile:"Too badski, Weird Boy. Comrade Colleen has finally said noski to
       you."

Blitz glares at Exile, then pulls himself together.

Blitz:"Ach well. There are other pretty she-doggies about."

Exile rolls his eyes. Just then the Master, who is also waving, hears his
phone ringing. He takes it out and answers.

Master:"This is the Master... Ah, Striker. Hunter and Colleen have just...
        what?... what problem?... Why not tell... yes... yes... I see... 
        Yes, I agree this is urgent. I will tell them... Okay, goodbye."

He turns his phone off and puts it away, a grim look on his face.

Master:"Rovers, we have a crisis."

Everyone else looks surprised at the Master.

Bear:"What's wrong, Master?"

Master:"Striker has just called. He wants all Rovers to the demilitarised
        zone sector north of Seoul, South Korea."

Realization begins to fill everyone's faces. Before anyone can speak, the
Master puts his hand in the air.

Master:"I cannot explain right now. Just get ready and leave as quickly
        as possible for Korea. Striker says he will inform us all of
        what happened. Roll, Rovers!"

All the Rovers quickly begin to gather their teams together and run off 
for their vehicles, while the Master watches them go. Paris has been
destroyed, the reunification talks have been derailed and now North and
South Korea are going to war. Will Unit STRIKE as well as other Rover
teams be able to protect Seoul from the KPA? Will they be able to sort
out the truth from the lies? Or is the world heading for the brink of 
World War III?


TO BE CONTINUED...