Rover Strike: A Jock's History By Gerhard Naudé Jock, his family, The European Corporation, Adriaan Vorster © Gerhard Naudé Kya, all things Cape Hunting Dog Unit © Kristen Coughlan Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. Family Ranch Edge Of Serengeti Eastern Kenya 11 April 4:52 PM: This is the ranch belonging to the Cape Hunting Dog Unit. There are pens with injured animals scattered around the land. The main buildings are a large farm house and a barn. The landscape around it is lush savanna grasslands with the occasional tree. Underneath one tree on a hill not far from the ranch, Jock and Kya were relaxing under it. They cuddled each other as Jock patted Kya's pregnant belly. Jock:"I can't wait for the birth of our first pup." Kya:"Me neither, Dear." Jock:"Will it be a male or female?" Kya:"Oh no. You're getting that from me. Besides, we both agreed not to find out the gender of our pup." Jock:"Ah, at least it would be nice to know. I suppose it would be best just to wait and see." Kya:"Yeah." Kya snuggled closer to Jock, resting her head under his muzzle. He smiles and put his arms around her protectively, then begins to stroke her head. After a few moments she looks up at him. Kya:"I just had a thought." Jock:"What's that?" Kya:"Our first pup will soon be born, yet I don't know much about you, Jock." Jock is somewhat surprised. Jock:"What do you mean? You and I got to learn to know each other while we were held as slaves." Kya:"Yeah, but I mean about what your life was BEFORE you became a slave. Where were you born, who were your parents, how did you grow up, how you eventually ended up as a slave. I want to know these things so that I can tell our pup, Jock." Jock thinks for a moment, then sighs and looks over the ranch. Jock:"You're right. Besides, I've always wanted to tell someone about my past, and now I have that chance." Kya smiles and snuggles back into Jock. Kya:"Then start. We have time." Jock smiles and chuckles, then puts his arms around her again and begins to tell her about his past. CEO Office EuroCorp Headquarters Brussels Belgium 11 February, Several years ago 10:13 PM: The office is still much the same as it would be years later, but it has just recently been furbished, thus all the furniture are brand new and the office clean. The plants in the pots are still small saplings. Seated in his chair behind the desk is Jacques Rembrandt. Seated opposite him is a man in a laboratory coat. The EuroCorp emblem is woven on the coat pocket. He is busy reading through a file as Rembrandt watches and waits. After a few moments the scientist looks up at Rembrandt with a perplexed look on his face. Scientist:"Forgive me, monsieur, but is this really what you are asking us to do?" Rembrandt:"Down to the last word, monsieur Montique." Scientist:"Create humanoid dogs and cats? Like those Road Rovers?" Rembrandt:"Exactly! You see how those dogs fight crime and such! Can you imagine the market for such dogs?" Scientist:"We, but this is a very difficult task you have given us. The success rate for such a project is extremely low and we would end up killing many animals." Rembrandt:"So? Animals are expendable. Besides, if whoever created the Road Rovers succeeded, who says we cannot do the same?" The scientist looks dubiously back at the file. Rembrandt leans forward. Rembrandt:"All those who work on this project will get double the usual pay, monsieur. And a triple bonus vacation package if you succeed." The scientist's eyes immediately lights up. He puts the file into the folder lying on the desk. Scientist:"I will see what we can do, monsieur." Rembrandt smiles and leans backwards as the scientist picks up the folder and gets up. Rembrandt:"Excellent. Now get to work. And remember: double and triple." Scientist:"We, monsieur!" The scientist turns around and heads for the door. Rembrandt relaxes in his chair and swivels it around to face the window. Kennels EuroCorp Headquarters 20 February 2:01 PM: This is a square room with many spacious dog kennels against the walls and in rows. Barks are coming from many of the kennels, which have all kinds of breeds inside, ranging from rottweilers and German shepherds to golden retrievers and huskies. In particular, there is a commotion at one of the kennels holding a very pregnant female husky. One of the caretakers there is working on keeping the female calm while the male husky, who is a white and brown furred husky like the female, is yelping worriedly at her kennel. Another caretaker comes in escorting a veternarian carrying his medical case. Veternarian:"How did she get pregnant?" Caretaker:"The male snuck through a hole where the chain had rusted through into her kennel." Veternarian:"What? And you didn't report it?" Caretaker:"And loose my monthly pay over it? Don't be absurd." The two of them come to the kennel and go in. The veterinarian kneels next the female and opens his case. He takes out his stet scope and puts it against her expanded belly. He listens. Veternarian:"Sounds like about four or five. And they are ready to come out." He puts the stet scope away and then puts on surgical gloves. He then begins to work on helping the female give birth. He looks over at the two caretakers. Veternarian:"Get me a blanket." One caretaker quickly gets up and runs out the kennel. Moments later he comes back with a dog blanket and hands it to the veterinarian. The vet takes it and uses it to wrap the first mewling puppy in it. It is Jock. Moments later he adds a female puppy to the litter, then afterwards two more females. He then adds a male puppy. Veternarian:"That's it. Five very healthy puppies." The caretakers look at the mewling puppies, while in the next kennel the male husky wags its tail. The one caretaker notices it and points at him. Caretaker:"Look. Seems we have a proud father there." The other caretaker and the vet look at him, smiling as they see the happy new father. Veternarian:"Put the male in here. It will help calm the female down." Caretaker:"Right." The two caretakers go out of the kennel to fetch the male while the vet puts the puppies next to the exhausted but happy mother. She goes and rolls onto her side. The puppies go to suckle, but Jock seems to be a little lost and is going the wrong way. The caretakers bring the male into the kennel. He goes over and picks up Jock in his mouth. He puts him by his mother and he quickly finds an open spot to suckle. The male and female husky begin to nuzzle and lick each other. Caretaker:"What a happy family. Pity that they will probably be chosen for those experiments." The vet looks surprised at them. Veternarian:"What experiments?" The two caretakers suddenly look at each other, realizing that they might have said too much. Meanwhile, the two huskies and their pups are oblivious to the conversation. Laboratory Kennels EuroCorp Underground Labs Brussels 4 March 1:01 PM: These kennels are similar to the previous ones, only the room is more clinical and the kennel doors are held with electronic locks. Most of the cages have one dog each in them, barring one. In that cage is Jock's mother, who is nursing Jock and his siblings, who have grown a little more. In the next cage is Jock's father, who is watching his pups suckle. As before, there are two sliding doors on either side of the room. One of the doors slides open and two lab coat scientists come in. They look around the kennel. Scientist 1:"Which one will we use?" Scientist 2:"How about that one? It's healthy." The second scientist points to a nearby kennel, where a male smooth collie was barking at them. The first scientist nods. Scientist 1:"Yes, he'll do." The two scientists walk towards the cage. One of them punches a code on the lock's keypad. There is a beep before the cage unlocks. The first scientist opens the cage, reaches in and grabs the collie's collar. He tugs the collar and the collie walks out of the cage. As the first scientist leads the collie out the door into the adjacent laboratory, the second one closes and locks the cage. He then follows the first one into the lab and the door closes. Jock's father and the other dogs only pay scant attention to the collie's removal. 9:38 PM: The kennels are now dark, save for the light coming through the windows in the sliding doors. Most of the dogs are asleep, including Jock and his siblings, who are curled up against their mother. Jock's father, however, is lying awake, listening to the voices coming from the lab. Voice 1:"What's the subject's status?" Voice 2:"Vital have weakened, but still good. He seems to be holding up to the serum and light electrical currents we are giving him." Voice 1:"Any physical changes?" Voice 2:"Slightly, but not enough to be called successful. The changes that have occurred are in the limbs and paws, as we had planned for good." Voice 3:"That's a start, but we'll need better to give the higher-ups." Voice 4:"Let's increase the shock voltage. Perhaps we'll get even better results with it." Voice 1:"I don't think that's a good idea. We might injure it." Voice 4:"So? It's just a dog. Now, let me just make some adjustments... and..." Voice 2:"Wait! The thing isn't..." Suddenly there is the loud cracking of electrical blasts and flashes of light coming from the lab. All the dogs in the kennels spring awake and start barking. After a few moments the noise and flashes stop in the lab, but the dogs keep barking. But after a short time they stop barking and go back to sleep. Jock's father keeps listening in on the voices in lab. Voice 3:"You killed the subject. Wonderful." Voice 2:"I told you to wait, you idiot!" Voice 4:"Well, YOU could have told me the voltage was not set up properly." Voice 2:"Oh, so now it is MY fault, is it?" Voice 1:"Shut up, all of you! Let's turn in for the night and come back in the morning. You take the subject out to the furnaces and dispose of it there." Voice 4:"Me? Why not the janitor?" Voice 1:"Because you were the one who killed it, so YOU must clean up this mess." The voices trail off. Jock's father sighs, then turns in and falls asleep after a while. Compound Gate EuroCorp Headquarters Brussels 10 September 3:12 AM: This is a fortified, electrical, chain-link gate with electronic locks. A guard shed stands next to the gate, while floodlights along the road to the gate and all along the fence illuminate the entire area. Two guards are here, watching as a EuroCorp truck pulls up to the gate. It stops and one of the guards goes over to the driver's side. The driver hands over his security tag to the guard. The guard inspects it, then hands it back and signals to the other guard. The other guard goes into the shed and moments later the gate is opened. The first guard steps back as the truck enters the compound. As it goes over a speed bump, a bark can be heard from the back of it. Laboratory Kennels EuroCorp Underground Labs 29 December 2:42 PM: The kennels are still much the same, only now most of the cages are occupied by different dogs this time. Jock's family is still together. Jock and his siblings have grown enough to run around and play in their cage with their mother. Their father watches them with a father's pride and a careful guard. Meanwhile, behind the door in the laboratory, the scientists can once again be heard talking. Voice 1:"This is a definite improvement." Voice 4:"Definite? You call that change in the structure of its legs definite? Seriously, all that happened that they now bend a little less backward." Voice 2:"At least it is much more noticeable now than the last few we test." Voice 4:"But not enough for our bosses. They want clearer evidence than this." Voice 1:"Calm down. Mister Rembrant understands that this might take a while, so he is being more patient with our work. Anyway, back to the work at hand. What is his vital status?" Voice 3:"Alive. I mean, if you feel his pulse like this, you can feel he is... is..." Voice 2:"What?" Voice 3:"Dead." A loud groan comes from the lab. Voice 4:"Not again! That is the fifth one this week! I keep telling you their vital organs cannot take all of this." Voice 3:"Can't we use perhaps lower the voltage given? Or perhaps increase the drug treatment? Voice 2:"But then we won't be able to get good results like this." Voice 4:"What result? The result is dead!" Voice 1:"I have to agree with you to some extent. We must not lag behind on the work, but at this rate we are loosing specimens too quickly." Voice 4:"So now what?" Voice 1:"Take a quick break. I will go speak with Mister Johnson. Perhaps we can request a serum or something from another lab to help with our work." As the voices die down, Jock and his siblings play around while his parents keep watch. Both were not paying attention on what was going on in the laboratory. CEO Office EuroCorp Headquarters 8 January The Next Year 12:01 PM: Rembrandt is seated in his chair behind his desk. Seated in the 3 chairs in front of his desk are Johnston, Duroc and the lead scientist who was here earlier. The scientist is giving a report on the project. Scientist:"In short, Monsieur Rembrandt, without some kind of serum to strengthen the canines' vital organs, this project will take much longer, provide less than satisfactory results and be more expensive." Duroc:"I don't see why that should be a problem. They are just dogs. We can always get more." Scientist:"But that will raise suspicion if we keep asking for more dogs." Duroc:"Tell them we need plenty of guard dogs, since they regularly get shot." Johnston:"B-b-but th-th-that w-will r-r-raise securit-t-ty c-concerns w-w-with o-o-our s-s-shareh-h-h-holders." Rembrandt:"Enough, all of you." They stop talking. Rembrandt looks at the scientist. Rembrandt:"Clearly, this project is becoming a little difficult. I think we should comply with your request. What kind of serum do you require?" Scientist:"The serum we require will have to strengthen the organs of the canine subjects, perhaps make them more resistant to the experiments we are conducting on them." Rembrandt turns to Johnston. Rembrandt:"Pass this request to any available biological laboratory and have them make this serum." Johnston:"Y-y-y-yes, M-m-mister R-r-rembrandt." Rembrandt turns back to the scientist. Rembrandt:"Continue your research but do not do any further experiments on the dogs until you get the serum. I do not want to draw any attention to this project with too many requests for canine replacements." Scientist:"We, Monsieur Rembrandt." Rembrandt looks at Duroc. Rembrandt:"Cancel any further orders for more guard dogs unless we actually loose one." Duroc:"We, Monsieur Rembrandt." Rembrandt:"Dismissed." Johnston, Duroc and the scientist get up and leave the office as Rembrandt turns back to the work on his desk. Deliveries Section EuroCorp Headquarters 7 June 4:43 PM: This is where deliveries of EuroCorp goods to and from the headquarters are handled. It looks like a large loading bay/warehouse, with stacks of crates, racks of packages and secured drums of various contents all kept in an orderly state. Workers are keeping inventory of all the cargo and supplies or moving them using forklifts. One of them is guiding a EuroCorp van to an off-loading platform. The van stops just against the cement platform and the rear van door is opened. The worker who helped goes in and meets another worker holding a clipboard. Inside the van are two white medical crates with biohazard symbols on them. The second worker hands the clipboard to the first one. The first worker reads it. Worker 1:"Two crates of serum. High priority." Worker 2:"Got a request for these some time ago." Worker 1:"Yah, I know which department needs this. You can offload them right here." Worker 2:"Si." The second worker offloads the crates while the first one checks and then signs the paper on the clipboard. Laboratory Kennels EuroCorp Underground Labs 12 June 10:09 AM: Things are much the same, only again there are new dogs in some of the kennels. With some of them, they occupy the same dogs. Jock and his siblings have been separated and each put into his/her own cage, but still next to each other and their parents. They are all currently eating their daily rations, while in the lab the scientists are talking one again. Scientist 2:"So this is the serum that is supposed to help?" Scientist 1:"Yes. Came in just a few days ago." Scientist 3:"Finally. Now we can get back to doing our work." Scientist 4:"Has this serum been tested?" Scientist 1:"Of course. The results on the lab monkeys were satisfactory." Scientist 4:"Monkeys? What about dogs?" Scientist 1:"They said it should work on dogs." Scientist 4:"SHOULD work?" Scientist 3:"Quit worrying. A dog and a monkey are both animals. This serum will get us the results we wanted." Scientist 1:"That settles it. We will begin right now. Get the systems running and prepare for electro-charge. You go and get a dog." Scientist 2:"Which one?" Scientist 3:"How about that female husky who had those pups? She looks healthy." Scientist 1:"Yes, get that one." As the sounds of equipment being prepared are heard from the lab, the door to the kennels is opened. The second scientist walks into the kennels and goes to the cage holding Jock's mother. As he opens her cage and begins to lead her out by the collar, Jock's father barks at the scientist. Jock and his siblings also start barking, though not sure of what is going on. The scientist closes the cage, then guides Jock's mother into the lab. The door is closed. Jock and his siblings tire of barking, resuming their lunch break. Their father, however, listens and watches the lab door with worried eyes. Once again the scientists resume talking. Scientist 2:"Here's the husky." Scientist 1:"Get her on the table and inject the serum." There is a short pause before the scientists resume talking. While they do, the sound of electrical generators can be heard being turned on and running. Scientist 3:"She's injected. Vitals are normal." Scientist 1:"Good. Are the electrical feeders ready?" Scientist 4:"Fully charged. We can put her in." Scientist 1:"Do it." Scientist 2:"Right." There is another brief pause, the scientists speak again. Scientist 1:"Goggles, everyone." Scientist 2,3,4:"Goggles on." Scientist 1:"Activate." The sound of a switch being thrown can be heard. Next flashes come from behind the door while the sounds of electrical surges can be heard. In between is the occasional yelp. Jock's father barks again, but Jock and the others don't, being used to the noise and flashing. After a few moments the noise and flashing stop, followed by a few short moments of silence before the scientists speak. Scientist 2:"She... she's been..." Scientist 4:"Ha! It worked! She now looks like a cano-sapien! We've done it!" Scientist 1:"What are her vitals?" Scientist 3:"Very much alive. Breathing normal. No internal or external injures. She is very healthy." Scientist 2:"Shouldn't we cover her? She does look like... a woman." Scientist 1:"You're right. Give her the towel." Scientist 4:"I'll do it." Scientist 3:"I think she is regaining consciousness..." Scientist 4:"There. That should cover her up really..." Suddenly the scientist screams out in pain. Loud growling noises come from the lab. Scientist 4:"GET HER OFF!!! GET HER OFF!!! HELP ME!!!" Scientist 1:"Stop her! Get the gun! Call security!" Scientist 2:"I'll go get help!" The screams and growls continue. Scientist 3:"Got the gun!" Scientist 4:"SHOOT!!! SHOOT HER!!!" Scientist 3:"Hold on, I..." Suddenly there is a snarl and some scuffling. Scientist 3:"No, no. Put that gun down... NO!" A shot rings out. The snarls resume, followed by the snapping of jaws and more screams. Scientist 4:"AAAARGGHHHH! MY ARM!!!!" Suddenly a new voice calls out, the voice being that of Paul Duroc. Duroc:"Halt, mutant!" There is a loud snarl and the sound of weapons being prepped. Duroc:"Open fire!" Suddenly there is bright flashing as the sounds of submachine fire mingles with the screams and yelps. In the kennels, all the dogs are now barking as well. After a few seconds the shots stop, followed by shouts from the commandos. Commando 1:"All clear, Monsieur!" Duroc:"Is it dead?" Commando 1:"We, it's dead." Duroc:"What about those two?" Commando 2:"He's dead." Commando 3:"This one as well." Duroc:"Are there more of them?" Scientist 1:"No... no, Monsieur Duroc..." Duroc:"Clear this laboratory. Get the coroner and someone get me Monsieur Johnston." As orders are shouted and obeyed, in the kennels Jock's father bends his ears back, lies down and closes his eyes. Jock and his siblings watch in confusion, but also lie down when they see tears in their father's eyes. 11:05 AM: The kennels are now more quiet, with all the canines now taking a nap. Jock and his siblings are fast asleep as are their father, who has dried tears on his face. In the lab there is a conversation between several individuals, among them Rembrandt and Duroc. Rembrandt:"So this is our test subject. Pity." Duroc:"Not for me. It took nearly a full clip before dying, Monsieur." Rembrandt:"A full clip, you say?" Duroc:"We, Monsieur." Rembrandt:"I would consider that a great scientific breakthrough if it was not for this. What happened here?" Scientist 1:"We gave the injection, then the electrical shocks. She was fine for a few moments, but then suddenly she became bezerk. Bertrant tried to shoot it, but it got his gun and shot him. Gustaff died from his injures." Rembrandt:"Do you know perhaps what caused this?" Scientist 2:"We think it might be because the serum was tested on monkeys and not on canines, so it could be that the serum had some unknown side effects on the dog." Rembrandt:"Can you find a cure for this little behavior change?" Scientist 1:"We might give some heroine or similar drugs to counter the aggressive effects of the serum, but it would be best to change the serum itself. But first we need new staff." Rembrandt:"With the results I'm seeing here, I'm going to assign more to your staff than just 2, plus I will make sure you get whatever drug you require. We are close to reaching success with this project and I want the final results to be good. Clean up here and I will get you the staff and material to continue your work, as well as perhaps a larger laboratory if needed." Duroc:"What do we do about this one? Rembrandt:"We cannot sell dead animals, even mutated ones. Dispose of it." The voices fade away to a few words spoken and then silence for the most part. Bar Downtown Brussels 25 June 8:32 PM: This is a workman's bar located in the downtown district of Brussels, not far from the EuroCorp headquarters. It has a large bar, pool tables, pinball tables, coffee tables and chairs and two television sets mounted against the walls. The bar is full of workmen, most of them wearing clothes with EuroCorp emblems on them, and civilians. At the bar the two caretakers of Jock's kennels were drinking beer. They are already drinking more than their usual and are much more talkative among the other patrons, who are paying more attention to the television sets where a soccer match is being shown. Caretaker 1:"Really... *hic*... I'm getting tired of moving those dogs *hic* into and out of the kennels." Caretaker 2:"Yes, like... we have been cleaning dog s*hic* for months now..." The other patrons just nod and drink their drinks while they watch the televisions. One patron, however, hears their talk with interest and comes over to sit next to them. Patron:"What dogs?" The two caretakers look at the patron, trying to focus. Caretaker 2:"Oh! Those dogs *hic* which are they are using for expert... expense... experience... *hic*... tests down in the lab in EuroCorp." The patron looks concerned at them. Patron:"What tests?" Caretaker 1:"Not... not sure, but it seems to involve lots of serums and electr*hic*al shocks and drugs... and such." The patron is shocked at this. Patron:"What happens to the dogs?" Caretaker 2:"Die, mostly. *hic* We had to burn the bodies in furnaces for the most *hic* part. But ever since they've been able to successfully... *hic*..." The second caretaker looks at the first. Caretaker 2:"What is that word they use when the dog works out right *hic*?" Caretaker 1:"Mutate *hic*. They change the dogs to look like humans... with arms and legs and... and... *hic*" Caretaker 2:"Yes. Ever since that, no dogs have *hic died..." The first caretaker puts his arms around the shocked patron and whispers out loud. Caretaker 1:"Of course, that is *hic* classified. Don't tell anyone about it... *hic*" Patron:"No... no, I won't..." Caretaker 1:"Gooooooo...." The caretaker falls asleep on the bar. The second caretaker watches him, then looks around. Caretaker 2:"Where is the *hic bar?" The patron quickly moves away from the two caretakers and rushes out of the bar. The second caretaker then also passes out on the bar as well. The other patrons pay little attention, still watching the soccer match on the television. Central Laboratory EuroCorp Underground Labs 30 June 8:31 AM: This is a clean, very high-tech laboratory with the latest equipment and computer systems. There large computer processing systems, smaller computers on tables, surgical tables, wash basin, tables with test tubes and other medical equipment, incubation chambers, freezers and electrical systems. Massive hospital lights hang from the ceiling, illuminating the laboratory. Two doors lead from the lab, one going to the kennels, the other heading to other parts of the underground labs. Lying unconscious on a surgical table is Jock. Currently there are electrical wires attached to him along with little pads connected to machines that monitor his vital signs. There are currently four scientists working in the lab, one of them being a woman. The female scientist is checking Jock's vitals. The one other scientist is standing by the machine that generates the electricity for the wires, monitoring it. The third scientist is preparing an injection, drawing some fluids from a tube. The last scientist is at a computer, typing something in. As they work, the leading scientist of the project comes in through the door leading from the lab. L.Scientist:"Sorry that I'm late, but I was held up by the protestors at the front gates. I eventually had to through a side door." The scientist by the electrical machine looks at the leading scientist. Scientist 1:"Again? What are they protesting about THIS time?" L.Scientist:"Surprisingly, specifically about our project here." All the scientists stop what they are doing and look at the leading scientist. Scientist 2(holding needle):"What? How did they find that out? I thought this was a top secret project." L.Scientist:"Seems one of the kennel caretakers drank more than his usual at a nearby pub and became too talkative. Now we have some animal lovers saying that we are torturing animals and turning them into monsters." Scientist 1:"Oh wonderful. That is all we need." The scientist by the computer snorts and turns back to his work. Scientist 3:"Why should we worry? They don't seem to be doing anything other than shouting and waving their placards around. Security will keep that lot out while we earn our pay here." L.Scientist:"Ja, he is right. We have work to do here. How is the next subject?" The female scientist examines Jock again before looking back at the leading scientist. F.Scientist:"He is holding steady. We are about to administer the serum." L.Scientist:"Excellent. Proceed with the injection." The scientist with the needle comes up to Jock, finds a spot to make the injection and sticks the needle into him. He injects the serum into Jock, then pulls out the needle. The lead scientist looks Jock over. L.Scientist:"What is this one's name?" F.Scientist:"Jock. He is the last of that husky family. His father and siblings are in their cages right now, already transformed." L.Scientist:"Guht. We can use this family of huskies to demonstrate the success of this project to Mister Rembrandt. How are they holding up to the heroine doses?" F.Scientist:"Very good. They show no signs of addiction." L.Scientist:"Guht. I do not want our cano-sapiens to end up as drug addicts. Shall we proceed with the transformation?" Scientists:"Yes, sir." L.Scientist:"Guht. Let us proceed. Is the specimen ready?" F.Scientist:"Yes, sir." The lead scientist looks at the scientist at the electrical systems. L.Scientist:"Prepare the charge." Scientist 1:"Dah, sir." The scientist turns to the machine and begins to charge it. The other two scientists by Jock step back from him. The leader scientist takes out a pair of goggles and puts it on. L.Scientist:"Goggles." The other scientist take out their own goggles and put them on over their eyes. Once he can see everything is ready, he looks at the electrical scientist. L.Scientist:"Activate." The scientist nods and pulls down a level on the machine halfway. Jolts of electricity surge through the wires and in seconds into Jock. Jock's body shudders, shivers and shakes from the voltage going into him. As this happens, he begins to transform right in front of the eyes of the scientists. His front legs turn into arms, his front paws into hands, his hind quarters turn into humanoid legs and his rear paws into feet. His body transforms until it is the shape of that of a muscular human male. After a few more electrical shocks, Jock is fully transformed into a cano-sapien. The electrical scientist pushes the level back up on a signal of the leading scientist and the shocks end. The female scientist and the serum scientist take off their goggles and go over to Jock, looking him over. The scientist by the laptop takes off his goggles and looks at the laptop's data. The leading scientist is the last to take off his goggles. He then walks over to Jock and looks him over. L.Scientist:"What is his condition?" Scientist 2:"The serum worked again. Nothing usual from what I can see. No deformities or anything." F.Scientist:"Vital signs are normal. No complications. We have a fully healthy male cano-sapien." L.Scientist:"Wondurbar. Revive him and give him something to wear." While the serum scientist fetches some clothing for Jock, the female scientist begins to wake Jock. F.Scientist:"Wake up, boy... come on, that's right... come on..." Jock starts to stir, groaning and slowly opening his eyes. When he does, he sits up, still feeling a little groggy. The female scientist looks at him directly in the face. F.Scientist:"How are you, Jock?" Jock yawns, then rubs both his eyes. Jock:"I'm fine, thank you for..." Jock suddenly realizes what is going and becomes very awake. He looks alarmed at his paws that have become hands, then at the rest of his body which had become humanoid. Jock:"Wha... what happened?" F.Scientist:"Calm down, Jock. You were only changed slightly. It's nothing serious. Your father and siblings underwent the same change and they are perfectly all right." Jock calms down a little, but still looks and feels himself all over, still a bit alarmed at the change. The serum scientist returns with some blue shorts. Scientist 2:"This was all I could find. Here, put this on." Jock looks up and sees the shorts being held out to him. He takes it, then stands up and dressed himself up. The female scientist then takes his one paw. F.Scientist:"Come, I'll take you to your family." Jock:"Oh... okay." Jock allows himself to be lead by the scientist out through the door to the kennels. The leading scientist looks at the others. L.Scientist:"Continue monitoring the specimens. I will go and inform our superiors about our successes." Scientists:"Yes, sir." The leading scientist leaves the lab through the other door, while the scientists return to their work. Compound Gate EuroCorp Headquarters At That Moment: The gate is securely locked as a significant group of protestors stands outside the gate. Dozens of EuroCorp guards in riot gear hold the protestors, who are carrying various banners and wearing protest t-shirts, a good distance from the gate itself. Standing behind the riot guards is Johnston and several suited bodyguards. He looks nervously over the protestors as the stretch limo of Jacques Rembrandt arrives with two SUVs filled with bodyguards. As the vehicles approach the gate, the riot guards clear a way for them through the protestors. The protestors turn their shouts and jeers to the limo, shouting at the important occupant inside and banging on it when they can reach it. When the convoy comes to the gate behind the protective line of riot guards, it stops. Johnston walks over to the limo as the driver opens the back door. Rembrandt climbs out and looks around as Johnston approaches him. Rembrandt:"Sacre bleu. What is it THIS time?" Johnston:"T-t-they f-f-found out a-about t-t-the c-cano-sapien pro-pro- project. T-t-the c-caretakers g-g-got d-d-drunk a-a-and they ex-exposed t-the project t-t-to th-these p-p-protestors." Rembrandt sighs. Rembrandt:"What a waste of time. Let me talk to them, and then you can take them on that 'special tour' to prove we are not hurting animals." Johnston:"T-t-the u-u-usual a-a-animal t-t-tour, s-s-sir?" Rembrandt thinks, then shakes his head. Rembrandt:"No, use the one we usually keep back for emergencies. This project is too important to be exposed like this." Johnston:"Y-y-y-yes, s-s-s-sir." Rembrandt then climbs onto the roof of the SUV behind his limo and nearest to the protestors. His bodyguards climb up as well and make a protective circle around him. The protests jeer and boo at him, but after a few moments quiet down as Rembrandt motions to them. As soon as they calm down enough, Rembrandt speaks to them. Rembrandt:"It would seem that you all have come to express your grievance at one of my corporation's practices, no?" A female protestor at the front shouts at him. Protestor 1:"You've been mutilating poor animals in underground labs!" Jeers of agreement come from the crowd. A male protestor from the middle of the crowd then shouts. Protestor 2:"The poor creatures are treated inhumanly and are disposed of like some rubbish! How would you feel if YOU were treated like garbage, eh?" The other protests jeer in agreement. When they quiet down again, Rembrandt speaks again. Rembrandt:"These are indeed very serious allegations and it would be my personal responsibility to deal with personnel who mistreat animals, if there is indeed abuses..." A protestor cuts him short. Protestor 3:"We get that kind of crap talk all the time! We demand to be let in and to see the labs and kennels ourselves!" The other protestors shout out in agreement. Rembrandt acts as if he is thinking it over, then he speaks. Rembrandt:"In that case, since I do wish to maintain this corporation's good image of being friendly with all matters regarding the environment, I accept your demands. Monsieur Johnston here will arrange that you have clearance to the..." The screaming of tires interrupts Rembrandt quite suddenly. He and everyone at the gate look towards the source of the noise just in time to see a green minivan plunge right through the electric fence a short distance away. Sparks fly in clouds as the electricity feeds are severed. The van drives a short distance onto the compound grass, then stops. The back of the van flies open and dozens of men and women, wearing green pants and sneakers and white t-shirts with a green earth logo on them, jump out. Most are armed with cricket bats and pepper sprays while some carry stun guns. One of those women stops and shouts to those at the gate. Woman:"Corporate cruelty ends here! We, the Nature Warriors, will rescue our animal brethren from captivity! Come and aid our cause!" Many of the protestors, emotions already running high, break ranks and dash for the hole in the fence. The guards break ranks too. Some rush to try and beat the protestors to the breach, while the rest whip out nightsticks and begin to beat at the protestors. The suited bodyguards grab Rembrandt and Johnston while the guards open the gate to let them escape. A full scale riot breaks out, which soon involves passersby and pedestrians close to the scene. From the guard towers guards armed with grenade launchers fire tear gas grenades at the rioting mob and the Nature Warriors, who are rushing towards some of the entrances and open windows to the underground labs. Central Laboratory EuroCorp Underground Labs: The three scientists here are still busy doing research and studies on their experiments. Suddenly the door leading to the other labs flies open with a loud crash. The startled scientist turn in time to see several Nature Warriors rush into the laboratory. Scientist 1:"Hey! Who are you? What are you doing here?" The Nature Warriors move in, threatening the scientists with their bats and stun guns. The scientists immediately raise their hands in the air. One of the Nature Warriors grabs the laptop scientist by the collar. N.Warrior 1:"Where are the dogs? Talk!" Scientist 3:"They're behind that door... in the kennels..." The scientist indicates to the door that leads to the kennels. Some of the other Nature Warriors run for the door, opens it and rushes in. Kennels: The kennels of the central laboratories are much the same as the other kennel, only the cages are more spacious and larger. Currently in the cages are the mutated cano-sapien specimens, among them Jock's entire family. Along with here are the female scientist and a kennel caretaker. They are both alarmed when the Nature Warriors burst into the kennels through the door. They immediately raise their hands, while the Nature Warriors look around in shock at the cano-sapiens in the kennels. N.Warrior 2:"Look at this! These dogs have been mutated!" N.Warrior 3:"Poor creatures! This is an affront to Nature and all her creations!" One the Nature Warriors walks over to the closet cage, which happens to be the one with Jock and his family in it. His father walks to the cage bars and looks at the Nature Warrior. Jock's Father:"Who are you?" N.Warrior 4:"I am your friend, and so are they. We're here to rescue you. What is your name?" Jock's Father:"I am Rongue. Are you really to help me and my pups escape from these foul humans? They already killed my mate and I fear that they may kill the rest of us." N.Warrior 4:"That's terrible. Yes, we will help you escape." The Nature Warrior looks threateningly at the caretaker. N.Warrior 4:"Where's the keys!" Another Nature Warrior moves in closer with his bat. The caretaker immediately takes out the keycard chain from his pocket and holds it out. The Nature Warrior takes it and begins to work on unlocking the cage of Jock's family. The other cano-sapiens begin to look eagerly at the warriors as they sign of freedom. Central Laboratory At That Moment: The Nature Warriors with the bats begin to use their weapons. They smash away at the various equipment and systems, much to the shock of their captive scientists. Scientist 3:"Stop, you fools! That is EuroCorp property!" The Nature Warriors ignore them, continuing on their smashing rampage as they smash any glass containers and the laptop. One of them, in an attempt to smash harder at an incubator, accidentally hits a valve on a pipe next it. The impact breaks the valve off. The next instant a strong spray of gas begins to leak out from where the valve was. One of the scientists gasps. Scientist 1:"Mon deu! That's the main pressurized gas line he just severed!" The Nature Warrior keep smashing away, ignoring the gas leak from the pipe. A few minutes later, a group of security guard rushes in with MP5 submachine guns in their hands. They aim them at the Nature Warriors. Guard:"Open fire!" Scientist 3:"Wait! There's gas in here!" The guards pay no heed and open fire. Kennels: Jock's family is just getting out of the cage which the Nature Warrior has just opened while some of the others work on opening the cage. All of the sudden the wall and door that divides the kennels from the lab next door bursts. Behind it a massive fireball blasts the wall and door out into the kennels. Compound Surface EuroCorp Headquarters: Riot guards are still fighting the Nature Warriors in the compound while those at the gate and breach in the fence fight to keep the rioters out of the compound. Suddenly the grass lawns burst apart like volcanoes, sending massive fireballs into the sky. People fall to the ground or try and run for cover as the gas pipe bursts and explodes through the surface towards the surface gas tank. Engineer run their lives as the explosions approach the tank. When it does, the tank explodes into a massive mushroom cloud. Burning chunks fly through the air, landing on the grass, nearby buildings and even buildings across the street from the headquarters. Kennels: The kennels is now a mess. The cages near where the wall was is crushed under the debris, while fires burn where the lab was. A gaping hole is in the ceiling, leading to the smoky skies above. Steel beams and electrical wires hang from the ceiling. Jock is lying not far from their cage was. He comes round, then sits up dazed. Jock:"Ooooo... what... what happened..." He looks around and sees his father lying under a chunk of the wall. He gets up and rushes to him. Jock:"Father!" Using his new cano-sapien strength, he lifts the chunk up and tosses it aside. He kneels down on all fours and begins to nuzzle his father. Jock:"Father! Wake up!" Rongue begins to stir. Rongue:"Ugh..." Jock:"Father!" Rongue:"Uhhhh.... J-jock... that you?" Jock:"Stay still, father! I'll go get some help!" Jock gets up, but just as he turns he is only able to catch a quick glance of a security guard swinging a nightstick at him. Compound Surface EuroCorp Headquarters 9:14 AM: Things are more or less now under control. Specially trained EuroCorp firefighters are busy putting out the remaining flames on the surface and at the burst tank while EuroCorp medics treat the injured and carry away body bags. At the breach, engineers are busy repairing the fence, while a ring of heavily armed guards keep watch around the breach. More guards keep watch over the captured Nature Warriors, who are lying on the ground with their hands cuffed behind their backs. At the gate, EuroCorp spokespersons are talking to the crowd of reporters under the watchful eye of even more guards. Standing some distance away from all the goings-on is Rembrandt, Johnston, Duroc and the lead scientist, who are in the middle of a circle of guards. They are having a small meeting. Duroc:"All of the surviving intruders are now in custody. The number of dead is 7 right now." Rembrandt:"What about those specimens?" Duroc:"The surviving specimens have been captured and moved to a more secure holding pen. So far, we've recovered about 5 surviving specimens. The rest are either dead or have to be euphonized." L.Scientist:"Sacre bleu! This is a disaster! I lost all my personnel save one, and nearly all the specimens!" Rembrandt:"Calm down, Monsieur." L.Scientist:"Sorry, Monsieur Rembrandt. It is just that this is an even greater setback than that first incident." Rembrandt:"I know. We all knew these animal lovers would come and make scene, but even I didn't think that they would have the idiocy to do this." Johnston:"W-w-what s-s-shall w-w-we do with th-th-the p-project n-now?" Rembrandt thinks for a moment, then speaks. Rembrandt:"It is temporary suspended. Besides, we might as well move the specimens to more secure locations along all our other projects and operations." Duroc:"Monsieur Rembrandt, you are not taking those reports about the GONV massing armies in Europe seriously?" Rembrandt:"I have it on good authority, Duroc. War may be good for our business, but this war is far too close to our businesses. We must take EuroCorp out of Europe to other continents until the war here has passed or is more or less contained. Now, how many of these specimens are there?" Duroc:"We have two female huskies, one male husky, one male collie, one male bulldog, two female poodles and one female Labrador, Monsieur." Rembrandt:"Right. I want those specimens to be sent separately to those laboratories involved in research and development for Monsieur McTerry's mercenaries. Are they well away from Europe?" Johnston:"W-w-we h-h-have l-labs in B-Brazil, V-V-Venezuela, I-India, V-V-Vietnam, S-S-South Africa, S-S-Singapore and m-m-mainland Ch-Ch-China." Rembrandt:"Have the specimens split up and sent to those laboratories. And notify all personnel to prepare to evacuate on the orders that will be sent when this war erupts." Johnston:"Y-y-y-yes, s-s-s-sir." They continue with the meeting. Cargo Planes EuroCorp-owned Airfield 30 Kilometers South Of Brussels 4 June 2:12 PM: This is a large airfield of EuroCorp located in the countryside of Belgium. It has the regular hangars, traffic control towers, radar towers and service buildings. Also here are a number of warehouses. Right now, several cargo planes with EuroCorp markings are parked on the tarmac near these warehouses. Airport workers are busy loading crates and cages onto these planes. In the cages are Jock, his father and surviving sister, and the other remaining cano-sapien subjects. Jock is in a separate cage, and watches through the bars at the two other cages in which his father and brother are. He is being loaded onto one plane, while his father and brother are loaded into the plane next to them. They stare at each, then Jock waves his paw. His father and sister respond and wave back. As they wave, tears start to flow down Jock's face. He stops waving as his cage is loaded into the cargo plane and he looses sight of his surviving family. Private Airfield 10 Kilometers East Of Sabie Mpumalanga Province South Africa 5 June 6:22 AM: This is a medium-sized, privately-owned airfield located not far from the town of Sabie. There are several hangars, a control tower and a service building. Right now, the airfield has several private light planes about, as well as several heavier aircraft and helicopters. On the runway, the EuroCorp cargo plane is taking off. At the secondary access road running close to the airfield, a trailer truck with the EuroCorp insignia on the trailer's side pulls from the road leading to the airfield. It drives onto the road and heads westwards. Trailer EuroCorp Truck: This is the interior of the trailer of the truck. There are currently several metal and wooden crates marked with the EuroCorp logo. Also in here is Jock in his cage. He is currently sleeping soundly on the floor of his cage. R306 Road 30 Kilometers From Sabie 6:31 AM: This is a secondary road running amongst the savannah of the Highveldt. Currently there is a cash-in-transit heist going on. The security van carrying the money has been rammed off to the side of the road and is now lying on its side. Two vehicles are here as well: a stolen BMW and a stolen pickup with a smashed side. Several armed men are busy looting the back of the truck for the money containers, one keeps the guards down on the grass next to the road, while another keeps watch on the road. Not too far in the distance is the EuroCorp truck. Driver's Cab EuroCorp Truck 6:32 AM: The driver, a black African wearing a blue uniform of EuroCorp, is listening to a local radio station playing kwaito music and drinking a cup of coffee. He is humming to the tunes, taking occasional sips from the cup. As he puts the cup down on the dashboard, the truck hits a dip, causing the cab to jump slightly. The bump is enough to spill the coffee over the dashboard. The driver looks in shock, then frustration at the mess. Driver:"Ish, man! Better clean this mess." He reaches to the back of the cab for a rag, keeping one hand on the wheel but keeps his eyes on the mess. Up ahead, the scene of the cash- in-transit heist is quickly approaching. Heist Site R306 Road 6:33 AM: As the robbers keeping looting the vans for money, those guarding the road see the truck driving towards them. Robber 1:"Do we shoot him?" Robber 2:"Only if he stops or slows down to watch. We don't want him to pay too much attention to get details of us for the police." Robber 1:"Ee." The robber guards step off the road next to their car, watching the truck come closer. Driver's Cab EuroCorp Truck: The driver is still trying to get hold of a rag in the back. Driver:"Where is that rag?" Without thinking, he takes both hands off the wheel and begins to rummage in the back for the rag. As he does this, the wheel begins to turn and so does the truck. Heist Site R306 Road At That Moment: As the robbers are busy loading their booty and guns into the BMW, those standing guard suddenly see the truck begin to veer off its lane and directly towards them. Robber 1:"That fellow's driving towards us!" Robber 2:"Shoot him!" The two robbers take aim at the cab and open fire at the truck. Inside the truck, the driver becomes away of what is going on. In alarm and panic, he grabs the wheel and hits the brakes. The truck's wheel scream and skid on the tar as the truck turns. However, the high speed and sudden turning of the truck causes the trailer to jack-knife. The trailer skids sideways, then tips over onto its side. The sliding trailer pushes the truck cab out of control towards the BMW. Those robbers who are out of the car see the imminent collision and run out of the way. For those in the BMW, they are unable to escape in time. The truck and trailer smash into the BMW, all three of which tumble off the road into the field adjacent, tearing up the fence and corn field next to it. After a short tense moments, the trailer and truck come to a halt, with the mangled wreckage of the BMW caught under the side of the now-tipped over truck cab. Immediately afterwards, the trailer doors, which had broken open in the crash, fly open. Jock appears from the trailer, none the worse for wear. He looks around and sees no one on his feet yet. He then takes his chance. He climbs out the trailer, dashes across the road and over a fence into a sunflower field next to the road. He runs very quickly into the field and disappears amongst the tall crops. CEO Office EuroCorp Headquarters Brussels Belgium 8:02 AM: Rembrandt and a female secretary is here busy clearing the desk of papers and other items, loading them into boxes and suitcases. The phone on the desk rings and Rembrandt answers. Rembrandt(into phone):"We, Rembrandt... Monsieur Mohali, what can I do for you?..." As he listens, his facial expression becomes one of shock. Rembrandt(into phone):"Escaped? How?... We... Cash heist on that route... ... trailer tipped... I don't care about the truck. Where is the specimen who was in the trailer?... You have the police searching for him? No, don't. I do not want the police to find him and have the media hear of it. Do a private search... We.... No, I want him ALIVE. We already lost too many of them... Good. Get to work." Rembrandt puts the phone down rather loudly, then sighs and rests standing against the desk. Rembrandt:"This project seems to be cursed, no?" He turns back to the work to be done. Dekker Maize Farm 20 Kilometers From Secunda Gauteng Province South Africa 7:02 PM: This is large maize farm located on the outer edges of the province. There are several fields of maize here, with the main farm buildings in the center of it. There is the farm house, the barn and tool shed and the homes of the farmworkers. There is light coming through the windows of the homes that show the people on the farm are still awake. In the main farm house, the Dekker family is busy watching the news on the SABC 2 channel. Anton Dekker and his wife Anita are on the coach while their daughter Christelle sits on one of the single seats. The news anchor, Riaan Cruywagen, is presenting the news. Cruywagen:"Finance Minister Trevor Manual announced his retirement today in parliament, endings months of speculation whether South Africa most successful finance minister ever would step down due to failing health. He also announced his successor, Deputy Finance Minister Adriaan Vorster, would be taking his post..." Suddenly there is a knock at the living room window. Anton turns to look and sees one of his farm workers at the window with wide eyes. Anton gets up, goes to the window and opens it. Anton:"What's wrong, Mbulelo?" Mbulelo:"Sir, there is someone in the barn. Kalaote saw him open the door and sneak in." Anton's face becomes blank. Anton:"Get the others and tell them to get their weapons." Mbulelo:"Yes, sir!" As Mbulelo turns to run for the other houses, Anton turns to his now concerned family. Anton:"Anita, lock the doors and get on the radio. Christelle, go get a flash light. We may have an intruder." Anita's face also becomes blank. She gets up and walks into the kitchen while Christelle goes to the hallway. Anton heads for his study. After a few minutes, Anton and Christelle, both armed with rifles, come out to join the farmworkers, who are armed with assegaais (tribal spears), pangas (sticks with a large knob on one end) and small pistols. Chris- telle has a flashlight while some of the farm workers have paraffin lamps. Once they are all gathered together, the move in on the barn. They keep their weapons aimed at the door, which is slight open. Once they get into position, one of the farmworkers move closer carefully and pushed the door open. He steps back quickly as the door creaks open. Once they see it is clear, they slip in. Those with the lamps hold it inside while those guns look around. They then step inside, carefully looking around with weapons ready. They begin to look around, but it isn't long before one of the farm workers notices something in a bundle of hay. He points his gun at what he sees and shouts out loudly. Farmworker:"Freeze! Hold it there!" The others rush to his aid. Those with guns rush ahead and stand in front to aim their weapons at who is in the hay. It is Jock, who is lying on his back in the hay. He looks around in alarm and tries to get up, but Anton takes careful aim at him. Anton:"Stay right there!" Jock:"I mean no harm! I am only looking for a place to rest! I am not here to rob you!" Anton:"Stay there!" Jock carefully lifts his paws up so as not to alarm his captors. Jock:"Look. I have no weapons on me." Anton and the farmworkers look him over, seeing that he is unarmed. They ease their aim, but keep their weapons pointed in Jock's general direction. Anton:"You seem unarmed... but you are like nothing I have ever seen." Christelle:"Wait, father! He looks like one of those Road Rovers on the television. Remember? Those canine and feline super heroes who fight evil?" Mbulelo looks at Jock. Mbulelo:"Are you a Road Rover too?" Jock:"No, I am not a Road Rover, but I also am against any kind of evil. Especially that which has taken my family away from me." Christelle looks sympathetically at Jock, then puts her rifle down and steps closer to him, much to her father's and the farmworkers' alarm. Christelle:"My name is Christelle. What is your name?" Jock:"They called me Jock back at the EuroCorp kennels I was held." Anton:"EuroCorp? As in European Corporation?" Jock:"Yes. They turned me from a normal dog to this... cano-sapien, they call me now." Anton and his farmworkers take in this information with barely concealed contempt. Mbulelo:"Thjee, man. Those EuroCorp colonialists. As if raping Africa was not good enough for them." Anton:"None of us here like EuroCorp. They keep forcing the food prices down so that it can buy cheaply here and then sell overseas for outrageous sums. Hard on me and my workers." Christelle:"Was it EuroCorp who took you away from your family." Jock nods sadly. Jock:"Yes, and I have only recently escaped from their cages. I worry that they might try and recapture me." Anton lowers his rifle. Anton:"Not on my farm." Jock looks up at Anton. Anton:"You can stay here if you like. We can hide you from EuroCorp." Jock:"I do not want to get you into trouble. I just ask for some food and then I will leave." Anton:"You had better stay here. EuroCorp might be searching for you throughout the province. We can give you food and shelter until EuroCorp stops searching and we can decide what to do with you." Jock:"Thank you for this aid, but I am more than willing to work for food." Anton:"We can discuss that tomorrow, Jock. Right now, I think you had best hide under the hay and sleep. Come along, Christelle." As Anton and the farmworkers begin to file out of the barn, Christelle leans closer to Jock to whisper. Christelle(whispering):"I'll sneak you some biltong tomorrow." Jock(whispering):"Biltong? What's that?" Christelle(whispering):"Oh, it's dried meat. You'll see it's good." Jock(whispering):"Thank you." Christelle winks, then gets up and leaves the barn. As the light from the paraffin lamps and flashlights disappear, Jock digs himself into the hay and begins to sleep soundly. Main Hall Parliament Cape Town Western Cape Province South Africa At That Moment: This is a large hall where the members of the South African government, Members of Parliament representing the various parties and others gather for meetings, discussions. and speeches. There is a wooden podium at the front of the hall, behind which are even higher podiums for the Speaker. Set up in an amphitheatre are wooden benches for the MPs, while above it was a gallery for visitors, media and others. In front of the podium is a pedestal with a scepter placed on a mount. Running from the podium to the main entrance doors between the benches is a maroon and cream carpet. Two doors on either side of the hall lead out. Although it is night, the lights are fully on to illuminate the hall. Right now there are four individuals at the benches in an informal meeting. It is Adriaan Vorster, the new Minister of Finance; Alfred Mbuweko, the Minister of Internal Affairs; Tsepo Masakela, Public Prosecutions and Scorpions chief; and Grace Haddan, the Deputy Minister of Security. Vorster is a male Afrikaner in his late-40s with well-groomed brown hair, clean-shaved face, brown eyes and is about 6 foot 9, wearing a brown suit with a red tie. Mbuweko is a black male of the South Sotho group in his mid-50s, with a clean-shaved head and blue eyes. He is wearing a grey suit and tie. Masakela is a black male of the Xhosa group in his late-30s with close-cropped hair, goatee, brown eyes and wearing a black suit with blue tie. Haddan is a female of Arab origin in her mid-40s, with long black hair streaked with shots of grey, green eyes and wearing the traditional Islamic woman's robes. Each of them is wearing a tag with his name and office on it. Mbuweko is looking at Vorster. Mbuweko:"Why are we here, Vorster?" Masakela:"Have you already forgotten about the discussion we had some months ago? Seems you are becoming older in your mind than in your body." Mbuweko:"What are you talking about? You don't mean that business about those policies with the mutants?" Haddan:"Of course we mean those policies, Alfred. Did you think we had all those discussions just for fun?" Mbuweko:"I thought it was all a joke." Vorster:"Geen joke, Alfred. Every one of those policy discussions were for real. And now that we are in good positions of government, we can begin to implement those policies." Mbuweko:"What? Vorster, I know about that incident with your family back in 79 and I express my condolences, but that is no reason for these.... revenge policies." Vorster looks at Mbuweko with rage in his eyes. Vorster:"You know nothing! And if you think I am going to allow these mutants to take over our country, then I might just believe that you are on their side." Mbuweko:"Wha... no, no! Of course I don't like them..." Masakela:"You must make yourself very sure of that fact, Alfred. The rest of us are sure." Haddan:"Very sure." Mbuweko tries to say something, but Vorster raises his one hand and cuts him short. Vorster:"Enough bickering. We have work to do. Masakela, can you begin drawing up a list of all mutants in the country?" Masakela nods. Masakela:"I can by using the results from our previous census to draw a preliminary list. Then I will have our field officers follow up on the mutants on that list as well as monitor local news for reports of any other mutants." Vorster:"Goed, goed." Mbuweko:"Just how many of these mutants are there actually in this country?" Masakela shrugs. Masakela:"Not many. About a few hundred. No more than a thousand for certain. They are all just refugees from groups such as the KH Military, Mayhem Mercenaries, etc." Vorster:"Refugees, you say?" Masakela:"Ee, mostly they come here to perhaps hide out." Vorster:"Interessant." Vorster looks at Haddan. Vorster:"And if they are refugees here, then that might mean they have into the country illegally?" Haddan:"That is highly possible. I haven't yet seen any mutant apply for asylum. Perhaps we can use that as a reason to detain them, you think?" Vorster:"The thought had crossed my mind. Once we have the list of the mutants, then you might consider persuading Security Minister Dalfour into taking action against them." Haddan:"That shouldn't be too difficult." Mbuweko:"Is that wise? Using state resources like this?" Masakela:"Of course it is. Being an illegal immigrant can get you arres- ted if you are human. These mutants will just be easier to locate and detain." Vorster:"Excellent. Keep that in reserve." Mbuweko:"I'm still not sure about this." Vorster and the others glare at Mbuweko. Vorster:"Really? And are you sure about the fact that we won't tell the ANC chief whip about that incident with the travel coupons?" Mbuweko's eyes widen and his face turns pale. He begins to sweat and adjusts his shirt collar. Vorster:"I did not think so. Just do everything we have agreed upon. Oh, and try to get that new policy proposal to President Mbeki's desk. Clear?" Mbuweko sighs. Mbuweko:"Clear." Vorster:"Goed so. Let's go get some sleep. Tomorrow is another general meeting." They all stand up and begin to file out of the hall. Dekker Maize Farm 1 September 2:55 PM: The farm is now busy with activity. Most of the farm workers are out in the fields taking care of the maize, while their wives cook and the children play around. Some distance near one of the sheds, Jock is busy chopping up logs of wood with an axe. He is perspiring a lot, but shows no sign of being tired. As he cuts the wood, Anton and Anita watches him from the window of their kitchen. The kitchen is small, but contains all the necessities, like a fridge, oven, stove and a washbasin. Anita is busy washing dishes while Anton drinks a cup of coffee. Anton:"A hard worker, that Jock. Look at him: he's been cutting wood for almost three hours without tiring." Anita:"Ja, and despite his menacing appearance, the children adore him and he is quite gentle with them." Anton:"That is probably because of his breed. Huskies are friendly dogs." Anita:"Ja, miskien." There is a brief pause before Anita stops washing the dishes and turns to look at Anton. Anita:"What are we going to do with him? That new law requiring mutants like Jock to be registered could get us in trouble." Anton:"I know. I sent several letters to the foreign ministry's office, but so far I got no reply. I tried to call them, but they kept saying they will work on it." He takes a sip of coffee. Anton:"Bloody governmental workers. The service quality never seems to get better." Anita:"This is serious, Anton. We could get in trouble with the police over Jock." Anton:"I know." Anton takes another sip of coffee, drinking the last few drops. He then puts the cup down next to the sink. Anton:"I had beter call Arthur. Perhaps his law firm can help us with this problem." Anita:"Do that, Dear." Anton turns and walks out the kitchen, while Anita takes his cup and begins to wash it. Offices SAPS (South African Police Service) Station Secunda 12 September 12:01 PM: This is the typical offices of a police station, with desks and private cubicles for police officers, file cabinets, food and drink dispensers and notice boards. Members of the SAPS are busy at their work. One officer comes to the notice board holding a piece of paper. He holds the paper against the board, then pressed a thumb tack into it. As he walks away, one can see what is written on the paper: TO ALL SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE PERSONNEL GENERAL ORDER: Locate and detain all known mutants (canines, felines or other animals that have humanoid features such as arms and legs) in your area of duty. If said mutants have official papers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and/or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in possession, detain on grounds of falsified documents. Should mutants be in custody in your station, contact the number provided below for further orders. J. Dingiza Minister of Safety and Security Dekker Maize Farm 16 September 8:04 AM: Everyone is back at their usual work, toiling in the fields, gathering woods, cleaning up and so forth. Jock is using a pitchfork to load hay onto the back of a pickup truck (called a bakkie in South Africa). As he works, he suddenly hears a commotion coming from the farmhouse. He turns his head to look. Coming towards him are Anton Dekker and two SAPS officers, with Anita Dekker behind them. Anton looks angry, while Anita is concerned. Anton:"You people cannot just arrest him like this!" Officer 1:"He is illegally on your property. He must be detained." Anton:"I have tried to get papers for him from the Department of Foreign Affairs! Can't you give us time to get it sorted out?" Officer 2:"We have orders, sir. All mutants must be taken into custody by order of the Minister of Safety and Security." Anton:"This minister of yours is mad in the head! You cannot just come here and do what you want!" The first officer stops and looks threateningly at Anton. Officer 1:"Sir, you are obstructing justice. That is regarded as a criminal offensive. Do not make this difficult." Anita comes and grabs Anton's arm. Anita:"Please, Anton. Don't get into trouble like this." Anton sighs, but keeps a hostile eye on the two officers as they approach Jock. The first one pulls out handcuffs while the other puts his hand on his pistol holster. The first one points to Jock. Officer 1:"You are under arrest, mutant. Put your hands in the air and come quietly." Jock:"Why? What for?" Officer 2:"For violation of South Africa's immigration laws." Jock:"But I wasn't..." The second officer pulls out his pistol and aims it threateningly at Jock. Jock looks at Anton and Anita, who shake their heads. He sighs and puts his paws in the air. The first officer then comes and forces his arms behind his back. He cuffs Jock's paws. Officer 1:"This way, mutant." The two officers escort Jock from the back of the farm house to the front driveway, where the police officers' bakkie stood waiting. The Dekkers follow them from behind. They can only watch helplessly as the officers load Jock into the back of the bakkie and lock the doors. They then climb in and start the engines. Anton comforts a saddened Anita as they watch the police vehicle drive up the path from the farm to the road. Concentration Camp Disused Steel Factory 43 Kilometres North Of Pretoria Limpopo Province 17 September 4:21 PM: This is the interior of an old steel factory that is now used by the government as a concentration facility. Most of the machines used in the making of steel is long gone, but there are still catwalks running above the factory floor and to the foreman's shack at the back. Light shines through the window skyline high above in the ceiling. Down on the floor are rows of large cages that are nothing more than enlarged dog kennels. Most of the cages are empty, but there a few that are already occupied by mostly cano- and felo-sapiens with the odd lupo-sapien in the mix. They are for the most part dressed in ragged clothing and have only two bowls for food and water in their cages. Above them on the catwalks, prison guards from the Department of Correctional Services are patrolling the factory and keeping watch. Jock just sits in his cell, staring the bowl of water and empty food bowl. While he stares, the guards at the factory door escort someone important into the building: Adriaan Vorster, who is surrounded by several suited bodyguards. He and the camp warden talk to each other. Vorster:"Well done, Warden. Seems you have everything operating well in your area." Warden:"Thank you, Mister Minister. Though I have to apologize that so many of these cells are empty. There are not many mutants out there, despite the best work of the police." Vorster:"No apologies needed, Warden. Just the fact that you have taken these few mutants off our lands warrants congratulations. And every little effort helps rid our country of these beasts. Let us have a look at them, ja?" Warden:"Yes, Mister Minister." Vorster, the warden and Vorster's bodyguards walk to the row of cages in which Jock is in. The group takes a look at the few cano-sapiens already in prison. At the first cell a pug cano-sapien is holding his cage bars and looking at Vorster. Pug:"You cannot just go and imprison us in these cells like this! We have rights!" Vorster laughs in his face. Vorster:"Wrong, mutant. You have NO rights. Not even under the South African constitution." Pug:"But I have rights under SPCA rules!" Vorster:"Wrong again. SPCA rules apply only to animals. You mutants do not qualify as any kind of animal." Pug:"But I'm a dog! Can't you see it?" Vorster:"What I see is a mutant." Vorster walks on, while the warden bangs his nightstick at the pug's bars. He yelps and ducks whimpering into the corner. The same routine follows as Vorster visits the current inmates, who protest, shout and plea at him to no avail. All the while Jock keeps on staring. Finally Vorster and the Warden comes to Jock's cell. They look at him, but he doesn't look back. Vorster:"What is this one's name?" Warden:"This mutant says his name is Jock, Mister Minister." Vorster:"Jock, is it? Well, he looks more docile and submissive than the others." Warden:"Indeed. He eats, drinks and sleeps as ordered. He hasn't caused us any trouble." Vorster nods, thinking. Vorster:"Probably because he is... WAS a husky. That breed of canine are not aggressive and are hardworking." He leans forward slightly. Vorster:"Jock." Jock immediately looks up at Vorster. Jock:"Yes?" Vorster:"What did you do here in South Africa?" Jock:"I did manual labor at the Dekker farm." Vorster grins and rubs his chin. Vorster:"Manual labour? Nou toe nou." He looks at the warden. Vorster:"Release him." The warden looks surprised at Vorster. Warden:"Mister Minister?" Vorster:"Release him, warden. Oh, but not as a free mutant. As a slave. Bring some shackles to secure him. I need some labor at my estate, and this mutant can easily take up that role." Jock's face darkens slightly, but he says nothing. The warden nods. Warden:"Yes, Mister Minister." The warden turns to his guards. He orders some to open Jock's cage while another lot goes to fetch shackles. The guards open Jock's cell. The other guards return with some shackles. They step inside and look at Jock. Guard:"On your feet, mutant." Jock slowly stands up on his feet, but still keeps a stern look on the humans. The guards step up and begin to shackle his feet and paws. Then they attach chains between the shackles before stepping back. The warden looks at Jock sternly. Warden:"Step out, mutant." Jock waits a moments, then begins to move forward. He gives small steps because the restricted moments offered by the shackles. He steps out of the cell right in front of Vorster, who is grinning at him. Vorster grabs Jock's muzzle and moves it left and right as he examines him. Jock frowns but does not become aggressive. Finally satisfied, Vorster lets go of Jock and looks at the warden. Vorster:"He looks healthy. Take him to my convoy." Warden:"Yes, Mister Minister." The warden turns to the guards behind Jock. Warden:"Take the mutant to the Minister's vehicles." Guards:"Yes, sir!" The two the guards grab each of Jock's arms, then begin to escort Jock out of the factory. Vorster, the warden and their group move on to further inspect the rest of the factory. Vorster Estate 14 Kilometers West Of Pretoria Gauteng Province 5:16 PM: The Vorster Estate, nestled amongst the hills of the Highlands, stands in stark contrast to the general savannah region of dry shrubs, bushes and trees. Green trees mingle with various bright colored foliage that are in spring blossom in the walled estate compound. The home itself is a large, two story European/African style building with white walls and black roof. Green laws and a deep blue swimming pool surround the home along with various flower beds. In the estate are various other buildings like tool sheds, garages and the quarters of the guards at the estate. A single road leads from a nearby neighborhood to the elaborate front gate. All around the estate are the blue suited personnel of Vorster's private security force. At the gate, the guards watch as Vorster's convoy, consisting of two black BMWs and his own white Mercedes in the middle, approach the gate. They stop and one of the guards check a security tag of the lead driver. Once he is certain of the tag's validity, he signals to the guard operating the gate. The gate slides open electronically and the convoy drives into the estate. The vehicles drive up to a tri- door garage and stop. A black butler walks up from the front door to the white Mercedes. The guards in the two BMWs climb out, while Vorster and his bodyguards climb out of the Mercedes. The butler moves forward to Vorster. Butler:"Good evening, Mister Minister." Vorster:"Good evening, Zakes. How are things here?" Butler:"All is well, Minister. All the chores and duties are done and your wife is just waiting for you so that we can have tea." Vorster:"Excellent, excellent. Any important messages?" Butler:"Only a telephone call from the Minister of Communication regar- ding the government fixed network service." Vorster:"Ah. Nothing else?" Butler:"That is all, Minister." The butler then notices the guards in the rear BMW pulling Jock of the back seat. Butler:"What is that? A prisoner?" Vorster looks over at Jock, then chuckles and looks at the Butler. Vorster:"No, that is our new gardener. It's name is Jock. Have it put into that disused bird cage at the edge of the estate and then give it food and water. And he reacts violently, you can tell the guards to use the correct measures." Butler:"Yes, Minister." The butler goes over to the guards holding Jock and tells them to follow him. As Vorster heads into his home, the butler and guards lead Jock around the back of the house. Living Room Vorster Estate 5:20 PM: The living room is large, spacious room with large sliding door windows that look out at the patio and swimming pool. On the white walls are framed pieces of art and photos, while standing in the corners are reading lamps and potted plants. Hanging from the ceiling is a simple, but elegant, chandelier. In the centre of the room is a polished marble tea table with a glass top and some magazines on it. Around the table is a couch and several comfort chairs. A large television sits on a stand of its own along with a DVD and VHS player, and a DSTV satellite deco- der. Three doorways lead out of the room, one to the main hall, one to the dining room and one to a hall that leads to the bedrooms. Mariaan Vorster is seated in one of the chairs. She is a beautiful, brown- haired woman who is wearing a blue dress. She is watching the door to the main hall. When Vorster steps through the door, she smiles a little and gets up. Mariaan:"Welkom back, Dear." Vorster puts his suitcase down next the couch and goes to Mariaan. The two of them embrace one another. Vorster:"Dankie. How was things here at home?" They stop hugging and sit down on the couch together. Mariaan:"Quiet for the most part. Jeanette and I did some cleaning up and kept the house tidy. Oh, our children called. Both of them passed the tests with distinction." Vorster:"That's goed. They are going to make excellent financial and economic experts. Carrying on the tradition of the Vorsters." Mariaan:"I suppose." A portly, homely black woman wearing a maid's dress comes in from the dining room carrying a tray of teacups, and a tea-, milk- and sugar- pot. She comes and puts it down on the table. Maid:"Tea, Ma'am." Mariaan:"Dankie, Jeanette. Did you make yourself some tea too?" Jeanette:"Not today, Ma'am. I'm drinking some coffee. Oh, welcome home, Minister Vorster." Vorster:"Dankie, Jeanette. Good to see you too." Jeanette heads back out of the living room to the dining room. Mariaan takes the teapot and pours in the tea into the two cups. Once she is done pouring in, the couple put in their own share of milk and sugar. They then take spoons to stir their tea, then pick them up and begin to sip on it. Mariaan:"Adriaan, when will you finally be able to come back home for a long while? I'm feeling very lonely here." Vorster:"What do you mean? There is Jeanette, Zakes, the guards and our new gardener." Mariaan's one eyebrow shoots up. Mariaan:"What new gardener?" Vorster inclines his head towards the window and Mariaan turns to look towards it. Through it she sees Jock being led by the guards and the butler towards a large, disused bird cage against the wall not far from the house. Mariaan stares at him, then sighs and looks at Vorster. Mariaan:"I wish you would stop being so preoccupied with these things. They are distracting you from important matters." Vorster:"Only a little. My financial service to this country still takes priority over these mutants." Mariaan:"That is not what I meant. I mean, you are rarely here for me. There is little time for closeness and intimacy. Why, we have not even made love in years." Vorster drinks his tea before speaking. Vorster:"I am jammer, but you know that we must make sacrifices for the good of South Africa and all of it's citizens. HUMAN citizens, actually." Mariaan:"I understand, but ever since you and your friends in govern- ment began these anti-sapien..." Vorster(interrupting):"Anti-mutant." Mariaan:"... these policies, you have been here even less for me." Vorster stands up, putting his cup on the tray. Vorster:"It is my role as Minister of Finance, Mariaan. Once I have done my duties, I promise you I will dedicate more time to you." He walks over to his suitcase, picks it up and walks out through the doorway to the main hall. Mariaan sighs and turns to look out the window towards the cage where Jock has just been put in. As she watches, Jeanette comes in and begins to gather the tray and the items on it. Jeanette:"Ish, Ma'am. The Minister is working too hard." Mariaan:"I know. He is so obsessed with his work, particularly with these policies against the sapiens." Jeanette:"Speaking of, Ma'am, did you see Zakes and the guards bring that new gardener?" Mariaan:"Ja, he's in the cage there." Mariaan points to the cage as Jeanette picks up the tray. Jeanette looks at Jock in the cage and shakes her head. Jeanette:"Oooo ai. The poor creature. I tell you, Ma'am, this is going to get the country in trouble." Mariaan sighs. Mariaan:"I know." She keeps staring towards Jock as Jeanette turns and takes the tray to the kitchen. Cage Vorster Estate 18 September 5:34 PM: The disused birdcage in which Jock is held is a big, square wire framed cage with two large disused bird huts in it. Jock is seated on the ground cross-legged, eating his food from a large old bowl given to him. As he eats, Mariaan comes walking up to his cage. Jock notices her and looks up as she stands by the cage. Mariaan:"Hello. I am Mariaan. What is your name?" Jock stares at Mariaan for a moment, then responds. Jock:"Jock." Mariaan:"Jock? Very familiar name, and a nice one too. How are you doing, Jock?" Jock:"I... I'm all right." Mariaan:"That's goed. I was worried that the guards might be mistreating you. I have given them orders to leave you alone." Jock looks curiously at Mariaan. She notices this and kneels until her eyes are level with his. Mariaan:"You are thinking why I am treating you so well, given the actions of my husband. The fact is, my husband is a little 'obsessive' about these anti-sapien laws because..." She sighs. Mariaan:"... because of what happened to his relatives. They were murdered back in 1979... by a cano-sapien named Striker. Since then he has had this extreme hatred of all non- humans." Jock:"He lost family?" Mariaan:"He was the last of the Vorster family. Most of them were killed during a wedding ceremony." Jock:"Most of them?" Mariaan:"One of them, Gerard Vorster, was never found. He was Adriaan's brother. They assumed that Striker took him somewhere else and then... killed him... disposed of his body in some way." Mariaan hangs her head, a tear rolling down her cheek. Jock puts his bowl down and moves to the edge of the cage. Jock:"You knew Gerard?" Mariaan looks up at him, another tear rolling down her cheek. Mariaan:"Ja, in a much deeper sense." Jock looks sympathetically at her and takes hold of the wire cage. Jock:"I am sorry. I know how it feels. I lost family as well." Mariaan stares at Jock, then smiles slightly and puts both her hands over Jock's paws on the wire cage. Mariaan:"I think we will get along well. Jeanette, our maid, and my daughter are much more friendly towards your kind. My husband and son, on the other hand, will be much be harder on you. We will try and keep them from hurting you." Jock:"Thank you." Mariaan nods, then lets go and stands up. She turns and begins to walk back towards the house. Jock watches her walk, then picks his bowl up and resumes eating. Slave Pen Vorster Estate 24 November 7:01 PM: Night has just fallen over the estate. The lights are on in the house and around the estate. Jock is about to tuck in on his bedroll in his hut when he hears the approach of guards. He looks out and sees Kya being brought to the pen by the estate security guards. Family Ranch Edge Of Serengeti Eastern Kenya Present Day: Jock is finishing up on the story as Kya is listening intently. Not far off the sun is beginning to set over the horizon. Jock:"... and that is when we first met." Kya:"Wow. You've had a rough life." Jock:"Yes, but now..." He pats Kya's tummy. Jock:"... I can have new life with you." Kya smiles and hugs Jock. He smiles and hugs her back. The two of them cuddle for a few minutes, then separate. Kya:"We should get back to the ranch. The other will be waiting for us so that we can have supper." Jock:"I am feeling a little hungry, but you and our new soon-to-be pup must be very hungry" Kya giggles. Kya:"And how! Let's go, Dear." The two of them stand up, take hold of each other's paw and begin to walk back down towards the ranch. THE END