Rover Strike: The Spider Cartel

Episode 7: Island Hop

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
Road Rovers Type R © Racer

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

Grounds
Road Rover Mission Control
United States Of America
21 June
9:35 AM:

This is a path running between the plant life growing on the grounds
surrounding Mission Control. Phoenix and Illanov are walking here
with Merit right behind them. Phoenix and Illanov are talking to
each other.

Illanov:"I thought comrade Striker had no family left."

Phoenix:"It's true, though. Strikie has a brother named Adriaan
         Vorster, who is South Africa's minister of finance."

Illanov:"But why does comrade Striker deny his existence?"

Phoenix:"I don't know. When I spoke to Striker about this, he denied
         that he still has a brother, but I saw the truth in his
         eyes. I saw anger, sadness and regret."

Merit:"How unusual. I usually only see the blood vessels, the iris
       and protective film when I scan an eye."

Illanov looks back at Merit.

Illanov:"Comrade, there are things we can see in other's eyes that 
         your scanner would not pick up."

Merit:"How unusual. I must make a study of this."

Illanov looks back at Phoenix.

Illanov:"Does that hurt his relationship with you?"

Phoenix:"No, Alex. Strikie and I still love each other, but for some
         reason he won't talk about this brother of his. He never
         even told Mark when I asked him about it."

Illanov:"Perhaps the cause of this behavior lies far more in the
         past."

Phoenix:"What do you mean?"

Illanov:"I mean that whatever causes comrade Striker's behavior
         to his brother might come from the days before that massacre
         of his family. It might have nothing to do with his battles
         with the KH Military those many years ago."

Phoenix thinks for a moment.

Phoenix:"Yes, it might be. Something like a family feud?"

Illanov:"That can be a possibility, comrade. Or some kind of hostility
         that came as a result of a disagreement or fight."

Phoenix:"Well, we won't know that until, or if, Strike tells us about
         it. Or if we speak to his brother Adriaan."

Illanov:"That second option wouldn't be a good idea, comrade. Have
         you been watching international news lately?"

Phoenix shakes her head and blushes a bit.

Phoenix:"Not really... Strikie and I... spend our time together a lot."

Illanov:"Then you should hear this."

He looks back at Merit.

Illanov:"Comrade, tell her about what has been going recently in South
         Africa concerning comrade Striker's brother."

Merit:"Instructions received. The South African government introduced a 
       new policy of apartheid to the country, which has been laid forth
       by Adriaan Vorster. It is called Article 251. It indicates
       that all non-human sapiens within the borders of the republic
       are to be detained and sent to concentration camps and denied
       all rights allowed to humans. The policy is widely supported
       by almost the entire South African population."

Phoenix is shocked.

Phoenix:"Oh my..."

Illanov:"The policy had little interest until after our little adventure
         in South Africa 2 years ago. After that, it has become more
         popular among ordinary citizens and politicians alike."

Phoenix:"So that means none us may go into South Africa."

Illanov:"Those of us who are not human. Any non-humans are generally
         imprisoned and sent to detention camps."

Phoenix:"In other words, this policy is a form of revenge by Adriaan
         for the massacre of the Vorster family."

Illanov:"Dah, so that might be the reason for comrade Striker's behavior
         towards his brother."

Phoenix:"Poor Strikie. Looks like he lost his family in more ways
         than one."

Just then Shephard comes running up to the trio from the main
buildings. He salutes at them.

Shephard:"Excuse me, but it's briefing time."

Illanov:"We're on our way, comrade."

Phoenix:"Right."

Merit:"Executing."

The four of them begin to walk towards Mission Control.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control
9:40 AM:

The Master is once again at his balcony. Seated around the table are
Striker, Shephard, Corsair, Tanarus, Elexis and 6 other Rovers who
bear a striking resemblance to Hunter, Colleen, Exile, Blitz, Shag
and Muzzle. Their uniforms are almost the same, only the colors
differ (black and silver instead of silver and blue). Phoenix, Merit
and Illanov come in and sit down.

Master:"Ah. Glad we are all here."

Phoenix looks at the other Rovers, confused.

Phoenix:"Why is Hunter and the others dressed like that?"

The retriever chuckles, then shakes his head.

Retriever:"Nah, I'm not Hunter. I'm his brother Racer."

Master:"The rest of them are Lotus, Xenon, Nick, Max and Axle. They are
        all relatives of Hunter's group."

Corsair:"If it wasn't for uniforms I'd say I was seeing the real deal
         Rovers here."

Illanov sniggers at Corsair.

Illanov:"That is because you stare at computer screens all day. You now
         need glasses."

Corsair quickly turns to Illanov and prepares to say something nasty to
him, but Striker cuts him short.

Striker:"Nee, you two! Stop it."

Corsair looks at Striker.

Corsair:"But boss, I haven't gotten my word over to him yet."

Striker:"And it will have to stay that way, Corsair."

Corsair sulks with Illanov smiling a satisfied smile. The Master points
at the other Rovers.

Master:"Racer and his team are the Road Rovers Type R. They are a group
        which help do the jobs that the Road Rovers do and can stand in
        for if something happens to them. They are relatively new to
        our line of work, so I thought it would be a good idea if they
        came along with Unit STRIKE for the raid on the cartel's strong-
        hold."

Racer:"Cool! Are we going to go in and bring down the cartel?"

Master:"We hope so, or at least this Project Trojan. However, you might
        need to stay back a bit. Striker and I spoke with Mark Norwood
        earlier about this. He said would relay the information about
        the cartel's involvement in the Paris explosion and Korean War
        to the affected parties. He just called in."

Striker:"Did they agree?"

Master:"Yes. The French, the US and the two Koreans are sending in
        cruisers and submarines to help out. They will fire cruise
        missiles at the island and destroy any resistance you might
        encounter on the island."

Nick, Blitz's relative, speaks up.

Nick:"But won't that be it, then? Everything is destroyed, so there
      is no real need for us to go in, yah?"

Master:"Not really. The cartel does seem to have a submersed facility
        near the island where the real work on Project Trojan is going
        on. The missile campaign is to clear the island of heavy
        weaponry and most of the guards there so you can go in, get
        into the facility and complete your mission."

Shephard:"Good. I was afraid we might not get any action on this
          mission."

Striker:"Moenie bekommer nie, Shephard. Though I am bekommerd we might
         come across Turwar again."

Lotus:"Who is this bloomin' Turwar?"

Corsair:"Two words: nasty killer."

Xenon:"Nothing to worry about, comrades. We Rovers always get the better
       of any bad guy we meet."

Corsair:"Really? This Turwar has skin that repels bullets, blades that
         can cut through metal, moves like a cheetah and is as tough as a
         a tank."

Max whimpers a bit.

Max:"O-o-o-oh. I-I-I see. Maybe I should s-s-stay here."

Racer:"Don't worry, bud. If we come across Turwar we can always sick Axle
       on him."

Axle rubs his paws in glee.

Axle:"Oh yeah."

Striker:"You could try to use Axle, but I personally do not recommend it.
         Run away if you see him, or give him an alcoholic drink to dis-
         tract him."

Racer:"That nasty?"

The members of Unit STRIKE all nod in unison.

Racer:"Okay, we'll keep it in mind."

Master:"As for other individuals, we suspect that Wouter Basson and 
        Zorrino might be at the underwater and they must be captured. 
        The equipment and objects of Project Trojan are to be either
        confiscated or destroyed unless hazardous. This sinister
        operation must be stopped, whatever the reason may be."

Striker:"Ja, master."

Racer:"Sure thing, Master."

Master:"Good. You may go now. Head for your vehicles and join the
        naval assault force. They will begin the missile strike, and
        then you can move in."

The two leaders nod. Racer stands up and looks at his unit.

Racer:"Let's hit the skies, Rovers!"

The Rovers all howl unison, and then run for the exit. Corsair rubs 
His ears as Unit STRIKE also gets up.

Corsair:"I'm certain all this howling is going to make me deaf one
         day."

Merit:"That is not possible at the current frequency of howling."

Corsair rolls his eyes. As they all leave, Tanarus and Striker talk
to one another.

Tanarus:"I am beginning to have suspicions about who is really
         behind this operation. This Drug Lord is the only one I've
         seen who tries to keep his identity a secret."

Striker:"I agree, Tanarus. I think we might just meet someone we have 
         met before in the leadership position."

Tanarus:"And I hope he isn't as bad as Francisco Ortega."

Striker:"Me neither, but I wonder sometimes..."

The two of them follow the others out the exit.

Coalition Naval Force
25 Kilometers North Of Palmyra Island
Pacific Ocean
11:19 AM:

The naval force consists of several American and South Korean AEGIS 
cruisers, two French cruisers and several North Korean submarines. The
force moves through the ocean waters towards a small island in the
distance. Crew members are busy on decks, preparing the missile
launchers for the attack. The helipads of one of the American cruisers
are being cleared as the Stealth Rover and the Rovers' Jet Rover, which
is a modified version of the original Jet Rover. Deck guidance crew
help the two vehicles land on the pad.

Bridge
USS Norfolk
Coalition Naval Force
11:23 AM:

This is a highly advanced deck with many terminals and consoles, with
technicians running the ship through them. The ship's captain is look-
ing at a screen when Unit STRIKE and the Rovers come onto the bridge.
The captain is notified and he walks towards. Striker and Racer
salute him and he salutes back.

Captain:"Welcome aboard, Rovers. Glad you could join our expedition."

Striker:"The feeling is mutual, captain. What is your status?"

Captain:"We were just waiting for you guys to arrive before we start
         the show. H***, I never expected to be fighting alongside the
         North Koreans, but I guess when one has a common enemy,
         strange alliances can be formed."

Striker:"Indeed, captain. Though I think our enemy was working more for
         its self interest than any real political agenda."

Captain:"Still, they're accessories in the whole business. And now
         they got to answer for their crimes. Speaking, why are you
         guys going to the island when we are going to blow the crap
         out of it?"

Racer:"The bad guys are holed up in an offshore underwater base. We
       are to go and get them as well as put their secret projects
       our of business."

Captain:"Why not let us handle it, then? The North Korean subs can
         turn that base into an underwater scrap yard in short order."

Striker shakes his head.

Striker:"I wouldn't recommend such an action, Captain. There are a
         few individuals we are to arrest and some of those projects
         they have could release dangerous chemicals into the ocean."

Captain:"Ah, I see now. Well then, let's stop talking and start the
         shooting."

Racer:"Go for it, captain."

The captain turns to his crew.

Captain:"Prepare for immediately launch in two minutes! Notify all
         units!"

Crew:"Aye aye, captain!"

The Rovers and Unit STRIKE move closer and get binoculars as the fleet
prepares to launch the missile campaign.

Coalition Naval Force
11:26 AM:

Alarms sound from all the vessels as the crew begins to clear the decks.
On the cruisers the missile launcher rotate into position, while on
the submarines the missile tubes open up. After a few moments, the
alarms stop. The loud roar of engines immediately follows it
as American tomahawk missiles, French ANS missiles and North Korean
Taepong-Dong missiles launch into the skies. The missiles streak off
into the direction of the island.

Palmyra Island
11:29 AM:

The island of Palmyra is a small tropical island about the size of
a small town, surrounded by clear and shallow blue waters. Two
buildings stand out prominently from among the forest of tropical
trees that cover the island: the mansion, which is a large white home
with a red-tiled roof, and the barracks, a square structure on the
opposite side of the island. In the sky, the small shapes of the
cruise missiles become rapidly larger as they head for the island.
Sirens begin to go off on the island and tracers can be seen firing
from amongst the trees as AA guns begin to fire at the missiles.
The fire proves to be futile, as the missiles all come streaking
to the island. The missiles slam into the island, especially into
the mansion and barracks. The two building are blown apart completely
while other missiles slam into the forest, sending tree parts and
dirt flying into the air. The island becomes engulfed in explosive
fireballs, then all that can be seen of the island is a huge cloud
of smoke and the telltale glows of fires burning out of control.

Laboratory
Underwater Ocean Base
Near Palmyra Island 
At that moment:

This laboratory is similar to the one in the Congo, but the windows
are reinforced to keep the ocean out. Through the window one can see the
ocean floor quite clearly, with various ocean plants and fish swimming
about. Inside the laboratory is Wouter Basson and several scientist.
They were working, but are now listening to the detonations of the
cruise missiles on the island. The explosion cause minor tremors, 
making glass and other loose objects rattle a bit. As they talk, a
figure walks into the lab. Basson turns to look at him.

Figure:"How far are you, senyor Basson?"

Basson:"We are almost ready. We can leave in a few minutes. And judging
        by those booming noises, I would say that it is not a moment
        too soon."

Figure:"Si, senyor. The Americans and their allies are bombing the
        island with their cruise missiles. Not that it really matters.
        All they do is destroy some buildings and kill off a few men
        who all have questionable loyalties."

Basson:"Ah. Letting the enemy do the dirty work, sir?"

Figure:"Si. It is certainly much less of a hassle."

Just then two figures run into the laboratory. One of them is Vega, the
other is Zorrino. Vega has a worried look on his face, but Zorrino is
in a panic.

Zorrino:"Cousin! We are being attacked! We must flee now! Now!!"

The figure sighs and hits Zorrino in the face, causing him to fall to
the floor in pain. Vega watches with a shocked expression before
turning back to the figure.

Vega:"Forgive me, senyor, but are we not in danger? The Americans are
      destroying everything on the island."

Figure:"Let them. They cannot touch this facility. And by the time
        they get their forces into this facility, we will be well out
        of range."

Vega:"That is something else I'm worried about, senyor. I'm not certain
      if that machine of yours can work, much less help us escape these
      hombres."

Figure:"You are too worried, senyor Vega. It is perfectly safe and it
        has been tested beforehand. I tell you: nothing the Americans
        have could stop my machine."

Vega:"I am still not certain of it."

Figure:"Then it is even simpler, senyor: you stay behind and get 
        captured or killed by the enemy hombres. It would be much
        cheaper for me, since I won't have to pay you anymore."

Vega looks around worried, then back at the figure.

Vega:"Then again, what is a little water?"

Figure:"Gracias, senyor. Very clever. Now that we have sorted that
        out, how about telling me about the status of that mercenary
        force?"

Vega:"Si. Senyor Deadeye Joe and his forces are ready and are waiting
      for our arrival in Los Angeles."

Figure:"Gracias. Take Zorrino here and go to Commander Carlos. Make sure
        that everything is ready for departure. And tell him to release
        the green guards."

Vega salutes, then grabs Zorrino by the collar. He lifts Zorrino up,
who is holding his bleeding nose. Vega pulls him out of the room with
him. The figure watches as Basson and the other scientists resume
their work.

Mansion Ruins
Palmyra Island
11:35 AM:

The mansion, which had been standing a while ago, has been reduced to
an unrecognizable heap of rubble and debris. A large crater is in the
middle of where the mansion was, while several fires still burn here
and there. The surrounding area has also been decimated, with craters
and burning trees everywhere. Through the smoke the Stealth Rover and
Jet Rover appear, coming in for a landing. Their gears are out and
are descending to where a part of the road is still intact. They land
and come to a stop by the ruins. Once the vehicles stop, the two units
climb out. The Rovers have all their weapons ready and looking around
for any hostiles. Xenon is looking around the area with x-ray vision.

Xenon:"No baddies about, comrades."

Racer:"Look around for some underground entrance which can lead us
       to the underwater base."

Xenon:"Dah."

Xenon looks around more. Merit scans the entire as well.

Merit:"Oh dear. The structure has been damaged. It must be repaired."

Merit opens his toolbox and heads for the nearest rubble heap. Illanov
quickly grabs Merit and shakes his head.

Illanov:"Neyt, comrade. You must not fix the mansion. It is supposed
         to be destroyed."

Merit:"Oh highly unusual."

Merit closes his toolbox again. Phoenix whispers to Striker.

Phoenix:"A very long way we will have to go with him, Love."

Striker:"Ja, a VERY long time."

Just then Xenon points to a corner of the ruined mansion.

Xenon:"There, comrades! Beneath that rubble."

Striker:"Move in and keep an eye out for any hostiles."

The Rovers move towards the ruins, keeping their eyes and ears open
for any surviving enemies. Once they reach to the corner, Xenon points
to a collapsed rooftop.

Xenon:"Under there, comrades."

Racer:"Good work! You and Max get that roof off so we can get in."

Max and Xenon nod, then head for the rubble. They grab either end of
the roof, then use their super strength to pick it up. They move it
to one side, revealing undamaged stairs that lead down to a steel door
with a access panel. The Rovers move closer, some going down the
stairs while others stay on the surface. Striker points at the access
panel.

Striker:"Corsair. Open it."

Corsair:"Easy as pie, boss."

Xenon:"It is not easy as cake?"

Corsair rolls his eyes as he goes to the access panel and connects his
laptop to it.

Corsair:"Russians."

Illanov and Xenon growl at Corsair. Corsair prepares to hack, then he
suddenly curses.

Corsair:"Crap! Someone's opening the door from the other side!"

Racer and Lotus quickly step forward as Corsair removes his laptop and
steps back. The others raise their weapons at the steel door. From the
other side, electronic locks can be heard opening. After a few moments
the door slides open. Standing in the doorway are two cartel green
guards. Green guards looks like ordinary soldiers in green uniforms,
but their eyes are completely green and have blank looks on their
faces. Racer immediately charges super fast at the one guard while 
Lotus does a kick for the other. The two green guards, however, react
with surprising speed and movement. The one green guard immediately
ducks so that Racer runs and falls over him. The other green guard 
ducks Lotus' kick, then kicks her other leg out from under her. As
Racer and Lotus fall to the ground and the green guards stand up,
Striker (holding his sonic rifle) and Illanov (holding his plasma
rifle) each fire a shot at the green guards. The blasts hit the
two guards and send them flying down the corridor onto the floor.
Moments later, the two guards get up again. The Rovers watch in
surprise.

Nick:"Ach! Those are no ordinary guards!"

Striker:"Shephard! Get down here and get them!"

Shephard immediately come down and walk ahead of the group. Racer
and Lotus quickly get up and get behind him. Shephard takes aim
with his M-249 at the two approaching green guards. He fires a few
shots at one guard, but the guard takes the bullets and keeps
stumbling towards them. Shephard then fires at the guard until the
guard collapses to the floor. He repeats the process with the
other guard, who also takes many bullets before falling.

Shephard:"Man, those guys could take quite a beating!"

Phoenix:"Who were they? They don't look normal."

Merit:"Scanning indicates that the deceased subjects are the influence
       of an unknown chemical substance."

Striker:"So these guards were some kind of super soldiers. And if there
         are two, then there are certainly going to be around."

Racer turns to his team members.

Racer:"Okay, gang. Let's go for Type R!"

Lotus, Xenon, Nick and Axle all nod and then tap their belts along with
Racer. In a few quick seconds their uniforms convert into a stronger
version with aerodynamic and aerofoil effects, then race helmets and
engines are also added to the uniform. When the upgrading is done,
Corsair whistles as he looks over the new uniforms.

Corsair:"Sleek stuff. Wish we had such cool uniforms."

Striker:"Kom. And stay alert for more of this type of guards. Alex,
         you go ahead and scout for us."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade."

Striker and Racer lead the way through the door, the others following
behind them. Illanov walks ahead, then turns invisible to scout the
area ahead.

Airlock C
Underwater Ocean Base
11:49 AM:

This is a tube running from the base towards some large metal object.
The floor is metal, while the rest of the tube has windows looking
out at the ocean floor. There are metal rings every few feet to
support the tube. In the middle of the tube is a circular hatchway
with a control panel on either side. Two cartel guards stand on
either side of the hatchway as soldiers and scientists head through
it towards the large object. One large group of soldiers are escorting
Zorrino, Basson and the mysterious figure. Standing in the hatchway
is Carlos. Zorrino, clearly very scared, is babbling at the figure.

Zorrino:"Cousin! We must flee!"

Figure:"We ARE leaving now, Zorrino."

Zorrino:"Too slow! Those Rover hombres could be here any second!"

Zorrino keeps babbling as the group comes to the hatchway. Carlos looks
at the figure.

Carlos:"We are ready to depart immediately. All systems are in working
        order."

Figure:"Excellent, senyor Carlos."

Zorrino:"Cousin! Stop talking and let's go!"

The figure groans, then, as the group steps through the hatchway, he
quickly turns and kicks Zorrino. Zorrino yells in pain as he falls
back through the hatchway. The figure then pushes a button on the
control panel on his side and the hatch begins to close up. The two
soldiers guarding it quickly duck through the opening as the hatch
door slides into place. Just as the door closes, Zorrino recovers
and sees it. His eyes widen in horror. He gets up, stumbles to the
door and bangs on it frantically.

Zorrino:"Cousin! Cousin! Let me in!"

The figure speaks to him from behind the door.

Figure:"No, hombre! You have irritated me to the point where I've
        decided to let senyor Striker and the Rovers have you."

Zorrino:"They'll kill me! Please! Give me Turwar! He can protect me!"

Figure:"Turwar is going with me. He is, after all, MY bodyguard and
        not yours. Besides, you can have the Green Guards I'm leaving
        with you."

Zorrino:"No! You can't do this to me! You cannot succeed without me!"

Figure:"You always think you are the most important senyor in the world, 
        but you are worthless and a liability."

Zorrino:"But... but... but I fought off the Road Rovers in Colombia!"

Figure:"Liar! You tried to run away from them and got captured, PLUS
        you gave them Cartagena on a plate. And now you have given
        them our location on a plate as well. So now I am going to let
        you see the results of your weakness."

Zorrino:"But..."

The figure chuckles.

Figure:"Of course you could try to escape.... or even better: resist
        arrest. The Rovers might just shoot you for resisting, and I
        won't shed too many tears. Adios amigo."

Zorrino stares helplessly at the locked door. Basson's voice suddenly
speaks.

Basson:"Play nicely with the doggies."

Laughter can be heard from the other side along with fading footsteps.
After a few moments, there is the sound of a metal door closing. Zorrino
begins to bang on the door with his fists.

Zorrino:"No! No! NO!!! Don't leave me!!!"

The tube then begins to shake as the large metal object is activated. It
then begins to move away, making regular thudding noises as it goes.
Zorrino can only watch helplessly as the escape vehicle disappears into
the darkness of the ocean. As it disappears, so do the vibrations and
the noise. When it is all gone, Zorrino quickly looks back towards the
base in a panic.

Zorrino:"Caramba! I have to find some guards to protect me!"

He quickly scrambles to his feet and runs back to the base.

Corridor 5-3
Underwater Ocean Base
At that moment:

This is a tubular corridor similar to the one Zorrino is in. Standing
here is Tanarus and Elexis, who are feeling the disappearing vibration
of the escaping vehicle. When the vibrations stop, Tanarus gets out
his radio and calls the others.

Tanarus(into radio):"Striker, come in. Tanarus here."

Striker(over radio):"Striker here. Did you also feel those vibrations?"

Tanarus(into radio):"Yes, we have. What was it? Certainly not an earth-
       quake."

Striker(over radio):"I have geen idea either. Let me contact the others
       and hear if they have discovered what caused it."

There is a moment of silence, then several voices begin speaking.

Racer(over radio):"Vibrations? Oh, I thought it was Max's stomach again."

Xenon(over radio):"Neyt, comrade. I have been too busyski freezing
     greenest baddy guards."

Shephard(over radio):"Me neither, sir. And speaking of which, these green
        punks are certainly running on more than just some high. I've
        emptied several rounds into them, but they just keep on coming.
        Even religious fruitcake fanatics know that when they take a
        few bullets they should lie down."

Striker(over radio):"I think we should change our objectives. Search
       around for any high-ranking member of the cartel and capture
       him. Or find any documents that are informative. Once that is
       done, we will retreat and call him for reinforcements from the
       task force."

Racer(over radio):"Roger!"

Xenon(over radio):"Dah, comrades... Bolshoi! More of them!"

Shephard(over radio):"Crap! Hey! Let go of my boot, you freak!"

Several shots ring over the radios. Suddenly Elexis points down the
one end of the corridor.

Elexis:"Honey!"

Tanarus quickly puts away his radio and turns to look. Several green
guards are running down the corridor towards them. The couple ready
their weapons (Puppy Blasters) and open fire. Some of their shots
miss, but a few hit their marks. The blasts knock back their victims,
but only for a moment. Tanarus and Elexis keep firing, walking back-
wards as they do. The green guards quickly get to them, the blasts
only making them lose their balance. One guard makes a grab for
Tanarus' neck. Tanarus quickly drops the blasters and grabs the
guard's hands. The two of them begin to struggle. Two more green
guards make a grab for Elexis. She quickly drops her pistol, then
jumps directly over them. As she lands, she quickly kicks backwards
at one guard's exposed back.

Elexis:"Hiya!"

Her kick hits the guard in back, knocking him hard into the glass
windows looking out from the corridor. The glass cracks a bit, but
does not break. The guard slumps down in a daze. The other guard
and one last guard coming down the corridor head for Elexis. She
skillfully evades one guard's grab. She then grabs that guard's
arms and flings him at the other. The flying guard hits the other
guard in the head. Those is a loud snap as both guards fall to the
floor. One guard immediately gets up, but the other stays down,
his neck broken. The guard rushes at Elexis again. Just as he is
about to grab her neck, she ducks down and quickly sticks several
needles from her medical unit into the guard's belly. She injects
something as she uses her body and one free arm to toss the
guard into the side of the corridor. The guard begins to struggle
to his feet, but he starts faltering as the serum takes its effect.
After a few moments, the guard collapses to the floor. Elexis
turns her attention to her husband, who is still trying to keep the
one guard from strangling him. She runs to the guard and quickly
sticks the needles into his neck. She injects the serum again. At
that moment Tanarus quickly gets his feet under the guard and, after
a few moments, kicks the weakening guard into the wall. The guard
slides to the floor, out cold. Elexis grabs her husband's paw and
pulls him up.

Tanarus:"Thanks, Dear. That guy was far stronger than he looked."

Elexis:"And certainly more pain resistant. I had give them a very
        strong serum that could bring down an elephant, and yet
        even that they can resist for a few seconds."

Tanarus:"We must go and find the others. They might also be having
         trouble with these guards. Let's go!"

Elexis:"Right!"

The couple runs down the corridor, leaving the defeated green guards
lying on the floor.

Laboratory
Underwater Ocean Base
11:58 AM:

The laboratory has now been cleared out. There are abandoned machines
and equipment, as well as papers burning in steel trash bins. Here and
there lie empty test tubes and other glass objects. Shephard, Corsair
and Merit are. Corsair and Merit are looking around the lab while
Shephard stands guard by the door. As they search, Shephard motions
to someone beyond the door.

Shephard:"In here, sir! I'll cover you!"

As Shephard takes out extra ammunition, Racer and Lotus come running
in. Their armor has been dented in several places and both are pan-
ting with exhaustion.

Lotus:"Crimey! Those blokes are tougher than we thought!"

Racer:"No kidding! I'm super dextertious, but those dudes are even
       more super than I am."

Shephard fires a few rounds out the door.

Shephard:"I'd like to know what it is that make these guys like this.
          It certainly isn't your typical pharmacy steroids."

Racer looks up at Corsair.

Racer:"You guys find anything?"

Corsair shakes his head.

Corsair:"Empty hands here. They've certainly cleared this place out of
         anything that might be a clue. No computers, no papers, no
         disks. Ziltz."

Racer:"Bummer!"

Suddenly Shephard opens fire fully out the door, but after a few moments
his M-249 runs out of ammo. He quickly slings it over his shoulder and
pulls out his Desert Eagle.

Shephard:"Incoming!"

He quickly dashes away from the door while the others stand away from
the door. A soda machine suddenly comes flying through the door. The
machine crashes onto a table, smashing it and the glass falling to the
floor. Merit begins to walk towards the smashed machine.

Merit:"Repairs must be completed."

Corsair then grabs Merit and pulls him under a table.

Corsair:"Merit! Quit this stupid fixing business for a sec! We got
         bigger problems!"

Merit:"Commands recieved."

Corsair quickly gets out his laser magnum and begins to fire at the
guards from behind the table. Shephard fires quickly at one guard's
chest as he rushes for him. Lotus is trying hard to karate kick
away a particularly tough guard while Racer rushes super fast and
head-first into the stomach of another guard. The force of the impact
knocks the air completely out of the guard before he is smashes
against a metal cabinet. The force smashes the guard into the metal,
leaving a deep dent where his body smashed in. The guard tries to
get up, but Racer quickly comes up and begins to punch the guard
super fast. After a few seconds of eye-blinking punches, the guard
is out cold. Meanwhile, Shephard keeps firing at the guard. The
bullet holes in his chest are clearly visible, but the guard keeps
coming for Shephard. Just as Shephard tries to empty his magazine,
the guard dives and grabs his leg. Before Shephard can react, the
guard suddenly bites his leg. Shephard shouts in pain and falls
to the floor. He then kicks the guard hard in the face with his
boot.

Shephard:"Let go, you freak!"

He keeps kicking, his boot causing the guard's face to bleed. The
guard keeps his teeth in Shephard's leg. Suddenly, Lotus appears,
wraps her legs around the guard's neck and twists. There is a loud
crack, then the guard goes limp. Shephard pulls his leg free and
pulls up his pants leg. There is an ugly bite mark where the guard
bit him, bleeding badly.

Shephard:"I hope that guy didn't have rabies!"

Lotus kneels next to him and begins to dig in her uniform.

Lotus:"Let me help with that wound, guv."

She begins to treat Shephard. Racer fights the guard that had been
fighting Lotus, while Corsair keeps firing at another guard. That
guard then looks around, to Corsair's slight confusion.

Corsair:"What now? He lost something?"

The guard goes to a large, steel refrigerator that is twice as large
as the guard is. The guard grabs the sides of the fridge, then, with
amazing strength lifts it above his head. He turns to Corsair with
it. Corsair stands up with wide eyes.

Corsair:"No way! I'm NOT playing catch! Merit, run!"

Corsair quickly runs out of the way as Merit gets up and looks around
him.

Merit:"Something amiss?"

The guard throws the fridge at Merit as Merit turns and spots the
guard throwing it.

Merit:"Oh my. Executing evasion maneuvers."

Merit quickly takes a step to the left. The fridge misses him by
inches and smashes into the window behind him. The fridge smashes to
the ground, showing massive cracks where the fridge hit the glass.
As the guard begins to look around for another object to throw, Racer
runs super fast to him and jumps into the air. He smashes hard against
the head of the guard, breaking his neck. The guard slumps to the
ground, the last one to be taken out. Lotus helps Shephard (who has
reloaded his pistol) up onto his feet, his injured leg bandages. They
all look around.

Racer:"Any more?"

Shephard:"None that I can see, sir.... ow..."

Lotus:"Easy there. We should take you back to the Stealth Rover."

Merit:"Oh dear! It must be repaired."

Corsair turns confused to Merit. He then sees Merit opening his tool-
box hatch as he stands by the cracked glass. Water is leaking through
the cracks, while more cracks begin to form.

Corsair:"Uh oh!"

He turns to the others.

Corsair:"We'd better beat it fast! This place is going to become an
         aquarium pretty quickly."

The others also spot the cracks as they spread out over the glass,
causing more water to leak in. Merit takes out his toolkit and
begins to search for the right tool.

Racer:"I would not have predicted this!"

Shephard:"Dang! We have to warn the others and get out of here!

Lotus:"Let's bloomin' run!"

Racer:"Let's roll!"

Everyone runs for the door except Merit. Corsair stops and grabs
Merit's arm as the robot prepares to mend the glass. He drags
him to the door.

Merit:"Repairs need to be completed."

Corsair:"Forget it! Unless you'd like to be rusted up!"

Merit:"Oh, then it would be more appropriate to relocate rapidly."

The two of them run out the door after the others. Behind them,
the sounds of the glass cracking becomes louder and louder.

Corridor 2-1
Underwater Ocean Base
12:04 PM:

This corridor is like the one Tanarus and Elexis were in, only it
runs alongside another corridor that can be seen through the glass.
Xenon, Max and Axle are running down the corridor towards one of
the exits of the base. Xenon looks back at the others.

Xenon:"Rush, comrades! The glass will soon make base full of water!"

Max:"Don't remind me. I hate being wet."

Axle:"Grrr... me too! I hate baths!"

They keep running. Suddenly Axle spots something in the other corridor.
He points to it.

Axle:"Look! Someone important, I think!"

Max and Xenon stop. Xenon looks to where Axle is point. Walking down
the corridor surrounded by a good number of green guards is Zorrino.

Xenon:"Bolshoi! It is one of top cartel baddest guys, Zorrino! We
       must get him!"

Max whimpers a bit.

Max:"Couldn't we just wait for him outside?"

Xenon points further down the corridor to another, smaller corridor
that connects the two larger ones together.

Xenon:"We can getski him from there! Let's rush!"

Xenon and Axle run down the corridor, followed by a reluctant Max.
As they run, Zorrino and his bodyguards continue towards the exit.
Just as they begin to pass the connecting corridor, Xenon, Axle and
Max appear at the other end of it. Zorrino looks down the corridor
and spots them. His eyes widen and he frantically points at them.

Zorrino:"Caramba! Get them! Don't let them near me!"

The group of guards begin to run for the Rovers. Xenon quickly fires
his freeze beam down at the floor in front of them. The guard slip
and fall on the floor, but they still try to get at their quarry.
Max digs around in his fur and pulls out a rocket launcher similar
to Shag's.

Max:"I'll stop them."

Axle and Xenon turn to Max with wide eyes as Max prepares to fire the
launcher. Zorrino also sees this and begins to run for the exit.

Xenon:"Wait, comrade!"

Axle:"Not in here!"

They both try to stop Max, but too late. Max fires the rocket and it
flies down the corridor. The rocket flies over the guards and smacks
into the corridor wall. There is a explosive fireball, followed by the
rush of water into the corridor.

Xenon:"Bolshoi! Run, comrades!"

The three Rovers quickly turn and run into their corridor. In the other
corridor, the wall of seawater floods over the green guards and begins
to rush down into every direction.

Laboratory
Underwater Ocean Base
12:11 PM:

The glass now has massive cracks and water is coming in as large leaks.
As the sounds of the water rushing somewhere else in the base echo in
the room, the window finally gives in with a loud crack. Water floods
into the lab, washing away everything in its path.

Mansion Ruins
Palmyra Island
12:14 PM:

Striker, Phoenix, Illanov and Nick quickly run out of the exit and up
the stairs as water rushes through the door and pools up. They stop
and pant, exhausted.

Nick:"Ach. We made it."

Illanov:"Dah, but what of our other comrades?"

Striker quickly takes out his radio and begins to call the others.

Striker(into radio):"This is Striker to all Rovers. Report."

Just as he does, there are several shouts. The Rovers look around and
spot the other Rovers appearing from other parts of the ruins. They
all come together and regroup.

Racer:"Everyone okay?"

Lotus:"Looks like it."

Striker:"Reg. We made it. Did anybody get any information?"

Xenon:"We nearly hadski Zorrino, but comrade Max blew open hole and let
       the ocean in."

Max whimpers.

Max:"Sorry."

Illanov:"So he drowned?"

Tanarus:"Most like, the way I see it. We all came through the only exits
         and none of us spotted Zorrino."

Corsair:"Great. He's fish food and we certainly have no computer data of
         any kind."

Striker:"Anyone find anything else?"

Everyone else shakes their heads. Striker sighs.

Striker:"So the enemy has gotten away from us and we don't know where he
         is going or what he is up to."

Lotus' ears perk up as she hears something. She raises her paw and looks
around.

Lotus:"I thought I heard some bloke calling for help..."

Everyone stops to listen. Merit points towards the ocean.

Merit:"The source is coming from that direction, positioned above the
       underwater base."

Phoenix:"Could it be...?"

Striker:"Let's go and investigate."

They all run down to the beach and look over the waters. There are
massive sprouts of bubbles indicating air is still escaping from the
base. A single figure is trying vainly to swim near the shore, shouting
in panic.

Elexis:"Over there! There he is!"

Racer turns to Max.

Racer:"Fish him out, bud."

Max digs around in his fur and takes out a fishing pole. He tosses the
hook towards the figure and snags on his clothing. Max begins to reel
him to shore. The others ready their weapons.

Axle:"Better not be another green guard."

As Max pulls the figure onto the shore, they see who it is: Zorrino. The
others go to him and surround him. Shephard drags him to his feel as
Max puts away the fishing pole. Striker walks to him as the others keep
their weapons ready. Striker looks into Zorrino's eyes, who stares
blankly back.

Striker:"Reg! Who is your leader and where is he going?"

Zorrino then smiles widely and points towards the water.

Zorrino:"Cousin? Cousin gone, senyor. Gone gone gone gone to city of
         angels. Si. I'm an angel! Look at me!"

He suddenly begins to run in a circle, flapping his arms and tweeting
like a vulture. The others watch him with surprise.

Elexis:"Oh dear. He's gone insane."

Corsair:"Guess the water made his mind slip."

Phoenix:"Poor thing."

Zorrino falls onto his back and begins to make a sand angel. Striker
kneels next to him and looks at him.

Striker:"Zorrino? Where are your friends?"

Zorrino stops and begins to run his hands over Striker's fluffy ears,
which makes Striker winch and pull away.

Zorrino:"Hombres? You my hombres. Not like my other hombres. They
         leave me. Leave me alone! All alone!"

Zorrino curls up and begins to cry. The females kneel next to him and
begin to comfort him. Striker sighs and shakes his head.

Striker:"Wonderlik. Our only link to Project Trojan and its mastermind
         has gone and lost his sanity."

Nick:"But he did say something about his cousin going to the city of
      angels."

Corsair:"City of angels? Man, that guy's a whack. There's no such
         place."

Illanov looks at Corsair with a smile of triumph.

Illanov:"Ha! You Americans do not even know your own country."

Corsair frowns at Illanov.

Corsair:"Oh? And why's that?"

Illanov:"Simple."

He looks at Striker.

Illanov:"Because the City of Angels is the nickname for the American
         city of Los Angeles."

Corsair suddenly realizes his mistake and grumbles while Illanov grins
in victory. Striker rubs his chin.

Striker:"Los Angeles... though I am not certain I can trust a person
         who is insane and was our enemy."

Phoenix looks up at Striker.

Phoenix:"It is our only lead, Strikie. I think Zorrino might actually
         be telling the truth in his madness."

Striker thinks for a moment more.

Striker:"I suppose you're right, Love. At any rate, we at least know in
         which direction our foe is heading. We can contact the US
         Navy and have them help us intercept them."

Corsair:"And what about our crybaby here?"

Striker turns to Racer.

Striker:"Can you guys take Zorrino back to Mission Control and have
         Hubert and his staff take care of him until the Master can
         decide a better fate for him?"

Racer:"Hey, no problem here. We'll go there right away."

Striker:"Goed. The rest of us will follow our quarry until we can find
         a way to stop them."

Racer:"Right. Let's head back to base, team!"

The females help Zorrino up, who is still sniffing with sadness. Lotus
begins to lead him by the arm to the Jet Rover along with the rest of
the Road Rovers Type R.

Lotus:"Come along, guv. We are going flying."

Zorrino immediately cheers up and begins to clap his hands.

Zorrino:"Caramba! I'm going flying! Flying! Like a bird! Flying!"

The Rovers lead the skipping Zorrino to their vehicle. Unit STRIKE
watches them go.

Elexis:"Poor man."

Illanov:"But he got what he deserved, comrade. This madness is his
         punishment, though it would appear he doesn't mind it."

Tanarus:"It would have been nice if he had stayed sane for a while
         longer. He could have been a wealth of information about
         the Spider Cartel and its operations."

Striker:"Wel, it is too late now. His mind is gone, and so is our
         quarry. We had better get airborne and call the US Navy
         immediately. Come on! Back to the fleet."

Everyone begins to run towards the Stealth Rover. As they do, the
Jet Rover begins to take off. Elexis helps Shephard as he limps
his way towards their vehicle.

Elexis:"I'll take care of that wound once we're onboard."

Shephard:"Thanks, ma'am. Those zombie freaks sure did a number on
          me back there."

They continue towards the Stealth Rover.

The Master's Quarters
Road Rover Mission Control
United States Of America
2:23 PM:

The Master is standing by the control terminal in his room. On one
of the view screens is Striker's face. He and the Master are in
conversation.

Master:"Has Zorrino completely lost his mind?"

Striker:"Ja, Master. I'm afraid so. Racer and his team are bringing
         him to Mission Control."

Master:"Hubert and I will try and talk to him, though I doubt we would
        be able to restore his shattered mind. I think we will have to
        have him taken to Sunnyvale Sanitarium. What about Project
        Trojan or the leaders of the cartel?"

Striker:"Cadwell has the West Coast Naval Command tracking their
         vehicle. If Zorrino is to be believed, both the leaders and
         Project Trojan are on that vehicle, heading towards the city
         of Los Angeles. We don't know exactly what kind vehicle they
         are traveling in, but we think it might be a submarine of
         custom cartel design."

Master:"Did you find out anything more about Project Trojan?"

Striker:"Jammer. They had taken all the information they could with
         them and destroyed the rest, but whatever it is, the answers
         are on that submarine."

Master:"Will you require any further help?"

Striker:"Not right now, Master. Though it would help to notify any other
         available teams should this situation become more difficult."

Master:"Right. Keep me informed about any developments. I'll send help
        immediately if you need it."

Striker:"Reg, Master."

The screen goes dead. The Master turns to the doorway and begins to 
walk to it, deep in thought.

Ocean Floor
Somewhere Between Palmyra Island and US West Coast
At That Moment:

The bottom of the ocean is very dark, with only a few fish and plants
willing to live in these conditions. There is a steady thumping noise
coming from somewhere in the darkness. A predatory fish with a light
antennae attached to its forehead swims away from the noise. It's
light illuminates the darkness, showing large amounts of sands being
kicked up by the passing vehicle. Unit STRIKE and the Rovers have
captured Zorrino, but with his mind gone and the Ocean Base now
under water, they can only follow the mysterious vehicle of the
Cartel Leadership. Who is on board? Why is it heading for Los Angeles
and the United States? Will the secret of Project Trojan finally be
revealed?


TO BE CONTINUED...