Rover Strike: Vortex

Episode 20: Last Stand

By Gerhard Naudé

All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Hotrod, Alana, Kenya © David Fountain
Pard, Sparrow, Celtic Squadron © K-9
Maddogs © Greg Williams
Grizzlies © Steven Today
Nitro © Amanda Stephenson
Fola, African Wild Dogs © Kirsten Coughlan

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

Bar
Central London
United Kingdom
16 February
11:00 AM:

The bar here serves many of the businessmen and women who work in London's
commercial district. A number of people in suits are seated at tables or
at the bar itself, their drinks served by waiters and the bartender. Right
now the normally noisy bar is subdued as everyone watches the single TV
affixed to the ceiling by the bar. Right now a BBC news anchor is giving
the latest news headlines.

Anchor:"A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office has described the
        situation in South Africa as extremely dire. Elite Guard forces
        are rapidly closing in on Pretoria while US and Chinese forces 
        are struggling to get to Johannesburg, having been forced to make
        their way past civilians fleeing from the Gauteng province. The
        South African government has also evacuated the capital for Cape
        Town a few hours ago and there is still no word of..."

Suddenly the screen goes static. The bar patrons protest and the bartender
moves to adjust the TV. But just before his hand reaches the dials the
image reappears on the screen. This time, however, the image is that of
General Franco on his throne room in the Wardrome. The wolf is grinning
at the camera. Everyone in the bar stare in surprise as Franco begins to
speak.

Franco:"Citizens of the world! By now you have heard the news. My Elite
        Guard forces are close to victory, and the pathetic attempts by
        the allies to stop have done nothing. No matter what they do, they
        cannot prevent the inevitable. Just ask my friend here..."

Franco then makes an off-screen grab of something and pulls it into view:
it is Adriaan Vorster. Though bruised in the face and bleeding from the
nose over his unkempt shirt, the South African president is still deviant.
Franco looks at the camera.

Franco:"Adriaan Vorster, president of South Africa. The man who’s foolish
        ideals had brought conflict to his country and the world."

Vorster:"A conflict you had planned, you mutant."

Franco ignores Vorster and continues.

Franco:"And now, look at him. Just a weak bag of flesh and a prisoner of
        my power."

Vorster:"Give it up, Franco. The world won't swallow your lies anymore."

Franco:"Maybe not now, but soon I will be calling the shots. This is just
        the first stage of my rise to power, a first stage that not even
        the so-called heroes have been unable to stop. And once I have
        achieved my goals, the world will be very eager to sit up and
        listen to what I have to say."

Vorster:"The only reason they will be sitting up is to punch you, you
         dirty, smelly beast."

The patrons in the bar grumble in support of Vorster's words. Franco
glares at Vorster, then suddenly punches him in the stomach. Vorster
doubles over, gasping and coughing. The patrons wince while Franco looks
back at the camera.

Franco:"As I said, it is too late to stop me now. My advice to the allies
        is to cease your futile campaign against me and go home. It's
        better to just pack up and leave than waste time, resources and
        I guess lives for a lost cause."

He moves closer to the camera, his smirking face taking up the entire 
screen.

Franco:"You can't stop me. Nobody will ever stop me. I will triumph!"

Franco steps back, laughing just before the screen goes static again
for a second and then returning to the startled news anchor. The patrons
begin to talk loudly amongst themselves about what they had seen as
the news anchor continues.

Conference Room
KHA Alexander
Somewhere Over The Congo
17 February
10:24 AM:

The top leadership of the KH Military is gathered inside the Alexander's
conference room. Sitting at the head of the table is General Stalker,
while seated by the table is Trigger, Wolfeye, Black and Sky. Two of
the chairs are empty. Stalker is busy reading some reports on the crisis
in South Africa while the rest waits for him to finish. After a few 
minutes he sets the papers down and looks up.

Stalker:"I don't like what I'm reading here. If what this says is true,
         then Franco is on the verge of actually winning this time."

Trigger:"It seems to be that way, brother. And it's not just Franco's 
         propaganda that is saying it. Basically every news organization,
         political pundit or commentator is saying the exact same thing.
         The allied forces are refusing to admit defeat, but there are
         rumours that some leaders are privately conceding that defeat
         is a real possibility."

Stalker:"Speaking of, where ARE those forces opposed to Franco?"

Trigger:"The Americans and Chinese are getting bogged down and stand
         little chance of reaching Pretoria before the Elite Guard. And
         the South Africans cannot be counted on, either. With Vorster
         now Franco's prisoner and most of his ministers dead, the rest
         of the government is choosing to save its own skin. South African
         military units have given up the race for Pretoria and are now
         focusing on digging in around Gauteng."

Stalker:"And the Road Rovers?"

Trigger shrugs.

Trigger:"We don't know. There are hints of possible raids around edges
         of Franco's army, but a full-on assault by them against the Elite
         Guard is out of the question. They wouldn't stand a chance."

Black leans forward, frowning.

Black:"So why don't we do something about? Have General Pard and his
       Celtic Squadron launch a surprise attack upon the Elite Guard. It
       is no secret those boys have been itching for a fight against
       Franco and his fanatics. Or have Thrax launch some of his poison
       at the Elite Guard. Nobody here is going to shed a tear over the
       deaths of those loons. Or we can use a nuke on them."

Wolfeye looks sharply at Black.

Wolfeye:"Are you crazy? There's already been a nuclear blast in that
         part of the world and the international reaction to that was
         not favorable. Imagine what would happen if WE did it too."

Black glances back at Wolfeye.

Black:"And what do you care about the Elite Guard all of the sudden?"

Wolfeye:"Look, I'm no fan of Franco or his followers, but revealing our
         nuclear capability to the world could have dire consequences
         for the KH Military."

Black:"So would an Elite Guard victory in South Africa. More so, in fact.
       Franco cannot be allowed to win, otherwise the Elite Guard could
       transform into a major threat to the KH Military. Franco hasn't
       quite forgotten what we did to him decades ago."

Wolfeye is about respond, but Sky then cuts in.

Sky:"Now, now. There is no need to be concerned. My Eta Squadron have
     the situation in hand."

Everyone's attention turns to the Red Wolf.

Black:"And just how do you have the situation under control?"

Sky:"I have agents on the ground who have managed to infiltrate deep
     into Franco's inner circle and are ready to execute a plan to
     badly compromise the Elite Guard invasion force."

Everyone around the table is a bit surprised at this announcement.

Stalker:"This is the first time I've heard of this, General Sky."

Sky:"My apologies, General, but we weren't certain whether the infil-
     tration had been successful until a few days ago. I didn't wish
     to raise false expectations."

Black:"Just what is this plan you have in mind?"

Sky looks at Black with a small smile.

Sky:"I cannot divulge the particulars of the operation just yet, General
     Black, but I can tell you that it will snatch victory away from
     Franco and leave his forces vulnerable to an attack by the Celtic
     Squadron."

Trigger:"That's a pretty big claim you're making there, General Sky."

Sky:"Just keeping you up to date with my duties, General Trigger."

Trigger:"And if this plan doesn't work?"

Sky:"Then General Black's suggestion of using nuclear weapons might not
     be such a bad one at all."

Trigger and Stalker look at each other with concern, but Black glances at
Sky with suspicion. Sky ignores him and keeps speaking with Stalker.

Sky:"Just let me handle this situation, Supreme General. I assure you
     that Franco will not taste victory."

Everyone looks at Stalker, who is tugging his chin fur while thinking over
what Sky had said. Finally, he nods while leaning back.

Stalker:"Very well, Sky. Go ahead with this plan of yours, but don't waste
         time. According to the latest reports the Elite Guard invasion
         force is less than three days away from Pretoria. If you, or the
         allied forces, fail to stop him in time then I will have to go
         with General Black's ... drastic options."

Satisfied, Sky stands up and salutes Stalker.

Sky:"You have my guarantee, Supreme General."

Sky turns around and leaves the meeting room. The others also decide to
adjourn the meeting and stand up to leave.

Office of the Secretary-General
United Nations Building
New York City
International Territory
18 February
8:11 AM:

The office of Secretary-General Mark Norwood looks like it hasn't been
tidied up in a while. Stacks and loose pieces of paper cover the desk and
lie on the floor, empty cups of coffee sit on several tables and crumpled
up balls of papers fill the wastebasket or lie on the floor. Norwood is
behind his desk, talking to the Master on his computer using a microphone
and mounted camera on the screen. He looks like he hasn't slept in days.

Norwood:"No offense, Professor, but I really don't think the Road Rovers
         are doing enough to stop Franco."

Master:"I can understand your frustration, Norwood. I really do, and we
        are equally frustrated at our inability to halt the Elite Guard's        
        march."

Norwood:"And if the news reports I see on the television is true, then
         the Elite Guard is only a few days away from Pretoria."

Master:"I'm afraid so."

Norwood:"The US and Chinese forces won't make it in time and the South
         Africans have already given up and left Pretoria and the entire
         Gauteng province to the mercy of Franco. Defeat is looking like
         a very real possibility, and I'll be d***ed if Franco ends up
         the victor in the end. The global markets are already in free



         fall and the global cooperation that was restored after the
         exposé of Franco's propaganda is beginning to show signs of
         falling apart again. I've been on the phone for hours trying to
         calm the various leaders, but even I am starting to wonder if
         this is a lost cause."

Master:"Major Cadwell has been telling me the same thing, and even said
        that the US believes our decision to take away South Africa's
        nuclear weapons might have in hindsight been a bad one."

Norwood:"I'd concur with that. The fallout from that would have been less 
         than what is going on here."
         
Master:"Mark, please. Franco hasn't won yet, and the Road Rovers are
        still committed to stopping him. We haven't fail before and we
        won't start now."

Norwood:"That's commendable, professor. Unfortunately, that is becoming
         harder to sell to everyone else, including myself. You have
         little time left to pull a rabbit of your hat."

Master:"We will do our utmost, Norwood."

Norwood:"All right. Do what you must, but do it quickly. Now I need to
         go. There are still many phone calls I need to make."

Master:"Okay, I will leave you to your job. Goodbye."

Norwood:"Goodbye."

The Master's face disappears from the computer screen. Norwood leans
back in his chair and sighs.

Norwood:"I sometimes wonder what I was drinking when I took up this job."

He covers his face with both hand and wipes his eyes, releasing an
exasperated breath. He then picks up the phone and begins to make his
calls.

Recreation Room
Jumbo Rover
Windhoek
Namibia
19 February
16:56 PM:

The recreation room of the Jumbo Rover is a small room with various
forms of entertainment raging from pool tables and dart boards to TVs
and the latest gaming consoles. In the one corner is a small bar that
serves non-alcohol beverages. Two doors lead to the male and female
bathrooms. A number of Road Rovers are here, taking time out from their 
duties to relax a bit. While they are all trying to enjoy themselves, 
the strain of the war against Franco can be seen on their tired faces.
Seated on one of the couches is Striker and Phoenix. Striker is hunched 
over a soda can, a dejected look on his face. Phoenix is rubbing his back, 
looking concerned at her husband.

Phoenix:"It's not your fault, Striker."

Striker:"I should have reacted faster. Now my brother is being hostage
         by Franco, paraded on television like some prize trophy."

Phoenix:"At least he's not given in to Franco's pressure. You saw that
         on television."

Striker snaps, looking at Phoenix with anger.

Striker:"He's shouldn't even be there, d****t!"

The startled Pomeranian looks at Striker a little hurt. Realizing what
he has done, Striker slumps back and resumes staring at the soda can
in his paws.

Striker:"I... ek's jammer, Phoenix. I just..."

Phoenix resumes rubbing the spaniel's back again.

Phoenix:"It's okay, dear. You're just a little stressed. We all are.
         Yuo just need to relax and take it easy."

Striker:"My brother is being hostage by my worst enemy. How the h***
         am I supposed to take it easy?"

Striker sighs, again realizing his reaction towards Phoenix too late.
He suddenly gets up.

Striker:"I'll be in the bathroom."

Phoenix tries to stand up and say something, but then decides not to
do anything for now. She simply watches as Striker walks slowly towards
to the bathroom doors, sipping his soda. As he goes, Alana and Hotrod
come up to Phoenix, the Labrador female and the human watching Striker
walk off.

Alana:"That went as well as expected. You okay, Phoenix?"

Phoenix nods, sighing.

Phoenix:"I'm okay. I'm just so worried about Striker's well-being. He's
         been going on like this for days."

The couple sit down on either side of the Pomeranian.

Hotrod:"But what is the big deal with Striker? He looks pretty angry."

Phoenix:"He's upset over the fact that he couldn't prevent Adriaan
         Vorster from being abducted by the Elite Guard."

Hotrod:"Why should he? Vorster hates his guts more than any of us so-
        called mutants and collaborators."

Alana:"Roddie, I take it you don't know the relationship between Vorster
       and Striker?"

Hotrod:"I do know that Vorster tried to have him hung high."

Alana raises a curious eyebrow at Hotrod.

Alana:"You need to pay more attention, Roddie. Phoenix, how about telling
       him about Striker and Vorster."

Phoenix nods and turns to Hotrod, who is looking at her with curiosity.

Phoenix:"The reason Strikie is so upset is because Vorster is Striker's
         brother and only surviving family member."

Hotrod is taken by surprise.

Hotrod:"Get outta here! You're kidding."

Phoenix:"I'm not. Did you ever hear the story of what Franco had done to
         Striker's family?"

Hotrod:"Yeah, I know about that ugly incident. But I thought that Striker
        was the only survivor from that attack."



Phoenix:"Adriaan Vorster also survived that attack because he wasn't there
         at the time. And he believed that his brother Gerard, who is now 
         Striker, also died in that attack."

Hotrod:"That explains a lot. No wonder Striker is so p****d. His only
        surviving family member is being held hostage by the same punk
        who killed the others."

Phoenix:"That's why Franco is parading Vorster in front of the camera
         the news. It really gets to Strikie and Franco knows it. He's
         getting back at him for what he did during the EDF years."

Hotrod frowns, clenching a fist.

Hotrod:"Man, that Franco deserves a good beating."

Alana:"In more ways than one. Sadly, from everything we've heard so far
       he seems to be winning. And we can stop him from getting away
       with it."

Phoenix and Hotrod nod along, feeling a little depressed at the thought.
Inside the male bathroom Striker is alone. He is standing by a wash
basin, splashing cold water over his face. His Watchcom starts beeping.
The spaniel grabs a towel, quickly dries himself off and then answers
the call.

Striker(into com):"Ja?"

Suddenly a high-pitched beeping noise comes from the Watchcom. Striker's
face immediately goes blank, his eyes alert and expressionless. He
listens to the beeping for a minute until it stops. Once it does, he
walks out the bathroom purposely, his face still blank. Inside the
recreation room Phoenix is talking with Alana and Hotrod. None of them
notice Striker as he walks out of the recreation room.

Runway
Hosea Kutako International Airport
Windhoek
17:12 PM:

The main Namibian airport is full of activity, but instead of commercial
flights the runways, parking spots and hangars are catering for military
aircraft. The Jumbo Rover itself is parked in one of the hangars, while
standing parked along one of the two runways are the various Road Rover
vehicles. One of the vehicles is the Sonic Rover, where Exile and Blitz
are busy loading up equipment for the next mission. Both of them look
very tired.

Blitz:"Ach, mein arms. They are very tired."

Exile:"Not even my old workski as a sled dog was as tiring as this."

As they work, Striker comes walking up to the Sonic Rover. He is now
wearing the Rover power armor and carrying his Sonic Rifle. Blitz
looks up as the spaniel approaches.

Blitz:"Guten tach, Striker. What are you doing here?"

But Striker walks right past Blitz, completely ignoring the Doberman.
Blitz frowns.

Blitz:"You could at least say hello back, you know."

Exile comes out of the Sonic Rover and sees Striker coming up to the
gangway.

Exile:"Evening, comrade. Can we help you?"

Striker walks up the gangway. As he approaches, Exile notices the blank
look in the spaniel's face.

Exile:"You okayski, comrade? You look amusing."

Striker bumps against Exile and pushes the husky aside without a glance.
Exile nearly stumbles, but quickly regains his balance. He frowns at
the spaniel.

Exile:"What is the biggest deal?"

Striker climbs into the Sonic Rover and closes the hatch. Realizing
what is going on, Exile rushes to the hatch and knocks on it hard.

Exile:"Comrade Striker! What is mattering?! Open the hatch!"

There is no response. Blitz runs up to Exile.

Blitz:"Ach. Striker is crazy, yah."

Exile:"This not like him. He's acting more Weird Boy than you, Weird
       Boy."

Suddenly the engines of the Sonic Rover start up and the vehicle begins
to move. Exile and Blitz look in alarm as the gangway they are on gets
dragged along. The two Rovers quickly jump off and roll on the ground,
away from the Sonic Rover. They struggle to their feet just in time to
see the Sonic Rover rocket down one runway and then taking off into the
sky. Exile and Blitz watch it go, then they look at each other.

Exile:"Bolshoi! We need to alert the others!"

Blitz:"Yah, let's!"

The two Rovers starting running towards the Jumbo Rover.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
A Few Minutes Later:

The Master, Norwood, Cadwell and Hunter are at their usual positions in
the conference room. Everyone looks tired and have bags under their eyes.
Empty mugs and cups litter the briefing room table. Hunter is giving
everyone else a status update.

Hunter:"According to our latest reports the first Elite Guard scouts
        have been spotted entering Pretoria's northern suburbs. It will
        only be a few hours before the main invasion force follows them
        as well."

Cadwell:"That's it. We've pretty lost the war now unless we take some
         drastic action. There are already calls here in the Pentagon
         and on the Hill for a limited nuclear strike now."

Norwood:"I've gotten pretty much the same call from world leaders, and
         frankly I can't blame them. By now everyone knows just what
         kind of a person Franco is, and the thought of him winning is
         just too much. I know I find it hard to swallow."

Master:"I don't like the idea of using nuclear weapons to resolve this
        conflict."

Cadwell:"With all due respect, professor, your ideals will have to take
         a backseat to reality. The Road Rovers have done much and we
         appreciate it. But even they are not gods. Hunter, how many
         civilians are still in Pretoria?"

Hunter:"Aside from a few diehards and looters, the city is pretty much 
        deserted now."

Cadwell:"Then civilian casualties will be at a minimum. President Obama
         is in talks with the South African caretaker government on a
         possible nuclear strike. All indications are they are ready to
         back such a move."

The Master looks alarmed.

Master:"Major Cadwell, aren't you all being too quick to resort to such
        drastic measures?"

Cadwell:"We are being quick, professor. Because Franco and his army
         sure aren't wasting time. You must get any Rovers you have in
         Pretoria out of there before the first strike."

Master:"But what about Adriaan Vorster? He is still the South African 
        president."

Cadwell:"He's also a prisoner of Franco. Besides, the presidency of a
         democracy is bigger and more important than any one man. The
         South African caretaker government knows this and has voted to
         suspend Vorster's presidency."

Master:"Isn't there another way?"

Norwood:"I have to back the major on this matter, professor. Sacrificing
         the city is a far better option. Franco has proven time and
         again just how dangerous he actually is and I would rather not
         want to give another chance to demonstrate it."

While the three men argue back and forth, on Hunter's screen the retriever
is talking to somebody off-screen. His face becomes more surprised the
more he listens. When he is finished he turns back to the screen with a
worried look.

Hunter:"Er... Master? We have a bit of a problem."

The three arguing men immediately stop and turn to Hunter.

Master:"What's the matter, Hunter?"

Hunter:"It's Striker, Master. He's gone AWOL."

Master:"AWOL? What do you mean?"

Hunter:"AWOL stands for 'away without official leave'."

Master(groaning):"I know what AWOL stands for, Hunter. What I mean is
      what did Striker do?"

Hunter:"Striker went and stole the Sonic Rover. He's taken off with it
        and, according to our radar, is flying it to Pretoria. He even
        shoved Exile and Blitz out of the way before taking the aircraft."

Norwood groans and covers his face with one hand.

Norwood:"Oh no, that stupid fool. He's gone off to face Franco alone."

Master:"What! He's must be out of his mind!"

Hunter:"Striker's wife and friends did say he was very upset and angry
        over Vorster's capture by the Elite Guard."

Master:"That's no reason for him to run off like that! Major Cadwell, you
        have to call off the nuclear strike."

Cadwell:"Sorry, professor. But that's pretty much out of my hands. The
         president has made his decision and the only the South Africans
         can say no now. I'll try and have him delay the strike, but I
         give no guarantees. My advice is to go after Striker and get him
         out before the attack. I'll send you an ETA as soon as possible."

The Master quickly turns to Hunter, standing up and pointing at the canine.

Master:"Hunter, get the Rovers together and go after Striker. You must
        stop him and bring him back before either the Elite Guard or the
        nuclear strike kills him."

Hunter salutes.

Hunter:"Will do, Master! We'll get him back, pronto!"

The golden retriever vanishes from the screen, leaving the three men to
continue the debate.

Control Room
The Wardrome
Elite Guard First Tactical Brigade
20 Kilometers North of Pretoria
Gauteng Province
South Africa
18:36 PM:

Inside the massive Wardrome's control room, General Franco is standing up
from his throne and getting the latest reports from his officers.

Franco:"Have our scouts reported any heavy hostile concentrations?"

Officer 1:"None so far, Supreme General. The city is almost deserted.
           Beyond some resistance from a few civilians and criminals,
           Pretoria lies open to us."

Franco:"What about the Americans and Chinese?"

Officer 2:"Except for a few harassment attacks by their air forces,
           the two opposing armies seemed to have given up the race
           for Pretoria and are now digging in, Supreme General."

Franco rubs his paws with barely contained glee.

Franco:"Wonderful. Victory is within our grasp."

Another, more junior officer walks up to Franco and salutes to get his
superior's attention. Franco turns to him.

Junior Officer:"Pardon me, Supreme General. Mister T is here."

Franco:"Show him in right away."

The officer salutes, then steps aside to show Mister T. The figure
known as Mister T walks up to Franco, the bright lights of the control
room revealing the dark blue/black wolf-sapien with bright red eyes
and wearing a black long coat over his dark blue clothing. Franco grins
and holds out a paw to Mister T.

Franco:"Mister T, it is good to see you."

Mister T takes Franco's paw and shakes it.

Mister T:"It is good to meet you again, General. Please pardon my...
          absence, but my superiors has a great many matters that needed
          my attention."

Franco:"No need for apologies. You and your leaders' aid has proven key
        to my success up until know. I admit your absence was a problem,
        but I'm sure you had your reasons and I respect that."

Mister T:"I'm glad to hear that, General. Because I have some new infor-
          mation that I need to share."

Franco:"Oh really? And what would that be?"

Mister T:"In a few seconds, one of the phones on your seat..."

Mister gestures to Franco's throne in the control room.

Mister T:"... will ring. It will be a call from someone important."

Franco looks surprised at Mister T, then at his throne, then back at the
wolf. He opens his mouth to say something when the phone rings. Franco
quickly looks at his seat for a moment, then walks over and pensively
picks up the receiver. He answers.

Franco(into phone):"This is the Supreme General."

Striker(over phone):"Franco, this is Striker."

Franco's eyes go wide from surprise, but he quickly recovers.

Franco(into phone):"Oh ho ho. Striker, what a... surprise."

Striker(over phone):"I'm heading your way right now. I want to personally
       meet you. No surprises. Just you and me."

Franco looks at Mister T, who nods his head.

Franco(into phone):"When will you be here?"

Striker(over phone):"Less than 20 minutes."

Franco(into phone):"I'll make arrangements for your arrival."

On the other end of the line, Striker ends the call. Franco then puts his
phone down and turns to his officers.

Franco:"Prepare a landing site near the Wardrome and tell my forces NOT
        to shoot at Striker when he comes in. Once he lands, have the
        Black Paws pick him up. Oh, and be sure to strip him down to
        avoid any nasty surprises. Get moving! He'll be here shortly."

The officers salute and quickly begin to carry out Franco's orders. Franco
turns to Mister T with a grin.

Franco:"Once again you and your organization prove useful."

Mister T:"As I said before, we are have good resources."

Franco:"Very good resources."

Franco glee rubs his paws together, then he and Mister T proceed to leave
the control room. The officers continue their work.

Petrol Station
N1 Highway
1 Kilometer North of Pretoria
18:48 PM:

The petrol station located alongside the main national road is gutted and
burnt out with a large crater where the pumps stood. A few burnt out or
blasted vehicles litter the area. To the south are a few lights from the
city of Pretoria, while to the north are the lights of the advancing Elite
Guard forces with the giant Wardrome looming over them. The Sonic Rover 
is standing in the station's parking lot. Striker is sitting on the hood 
of a nearby car wreck while looking at the approaching army. He looks up 
when he hears the sound of rotor blades growing louder. A pair of Owl 
Transports approach the station, dropping down to land. Striker stands up 
as the helicopters set down and a number of Black Paws climb out. The 
Black Paws rush forward, aiming their rifles at Striker.

Black Paw:"Paws in the air!"

Striker raises his paws. The Black Paws move closer, encircling the cocker
spaniel as General Diehard climbs out of one of the helicopters. Grinning,

the wolf-sapien general walks up to Striker.

Diehard:"Ach so, Herr Striker. You've come to surrender at last, yah?"

Striker:"I never said that, Diehard."

Diehard:"Unt yet here you are, giving yourself up to us."

Striker:"You really think so, Diehard?"

Diehard:"That I am, but just in case you aren't..."

The general turns to the Black Paws.

Diehard:"Strip him down."

Several of the wolves come up to Striker and begin to remove items from
the spaniel: the Watchcom, the sonic rifle, the revolver and even the
wedding ring are taken off. Next, they remove Striker's armor until he
is standing there in a white shirt and shorts. The Black Paws then strip
him of those as well, putting the clothes onto the pile of items. The
spaniel is now standing there without anything on, a frown on his face.

Diehard:"Guht. Now ve know you got no tricks up your sleeve. Get him
         unt his belongings into ze helicopter."

Black Paw:"And what about this, general?"

The commando points to the Sonic Rover. Diehard looks it over, then back
at the commando.

Diehard:"Leave it here for now. Ze Supreme General is sending some engi-
         neers to have a look at zis Rover technology. Let's get moving."

Black Paw:"Yes, sir."

The Black Paws force Striker into the helicopters and load his stuff into
a trunk. Diehard and the other wolves then climb into the choppers. A few
minutes later the two Owl Transports take off and head back to the army.

Franco's Throne Room
The Wardrome
Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade
19:01 PM:

General Franco is seated on his throne, with Champion standing behind him
and Seneschal and Mister T standing at the base of the steps. Huddled 
together and surrounded by Paladins are Vorster and the news duo Melanie 
Malloy and Samuel Knowles. The three of them, especially Melanie and 
Samuel, look haggard and exhausted. Franco is currently speaking with
Mister T.

Franco:"So your people are certain there is nothing the allies can do to
        stop me?"

Mister T:"Absolutely, general. By all indications you have won. Your
          occupation of Pretoria will simply be a formality."

Franco:"Not even the Road Rovers?"

Mister T:"Least of all the Road Rovers. They know perfectly well any
          attack upon your forces will only result in their instant
          demise."

Franco leans back in his throne, smiling widely and rubbing his palms
together in triumph.

Franco:"Success, at last! All those fools who doubted me are swallowing
        their words and cringing in fear of my power! Now, I can finally
        bring the Elite Guard back to its former glory. And once we are
        well and truly established, I will hunt down those traitors of
        the KH Military. Stalker, Trigger, Wolfeye, Black and all the
        others will be swinging from the gallows. And those accursed
        Road Rovers will be joining them as well!"

Mister T:"Speaking of..."

The doors to the throne room slide open and a group of Black Paws, led
by Diehard, march in, escorting Striker(who is now wearing a bright 
yellow jumpsuit and has binds to his ankles and wrists) with them. One 
of the soldiers is carrying his belongings in a box. All eyes turn to 
the group. Diehard and the Black Paws salute.


Diehard:"We have brought ze prisoner, Supreme General."

Franco quickly stands up, climbing down the podium and rubbing his paws
again with glee.

Franco:"Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you, you're dismissed."

The commandoes salute and head out the room while Diehard goes to join
Seneschal and Mister T. One Black Paw holds out the box with Striker's
stuff.

Black Paw:"What about the prisoner's items?"

Franco:"Oh, that? Put it over there."

Franco makes a vague gesture to the one side of the room. As the Black
Paw goes to put the box there, Franco marches up to Striker. He reaches
out and grabs the spaniel's ears, yanking the canine to him. Striker
yelps in pain.

Franco:"Now is the shoe is on the other foot. Isn't that right, Striker?"


Striker(sarcastic, in pain):"Goed to see you too, you b***sun."

Franco grins, releasing Striker's ears. The spaniel reaches up to rub
him, only to have Franco punch him in the stomach. Striker gasps and
doubles over in pain.

Franco:"I have been looking forward to this moment. My nemesis, all
        helpless and alone, at my mercy."

He leans forward, looking at Striker with cold, cruel eyes and a snarl
on his muzzle.

Franco:"First, you and those EDF fools went and wrecked Nuclear Storm,
        killed my top leaders and drove me out of Frazakhastan. Then
        you had to destroy my Ion Cannon, make Stalker and his fools
        revolt against me AND do this..."

Franco suddenly grabs the side of his face and pulls. The fur and skin
come off like a rag, but instead of revealing flesh Striker can see a
metal plate and mechanical parts underneath it. The spaniel's eyes go
wide with shock, but he quickly recovers. Franco keeps talking as he
replaces the mask on his face.

Franco:"... plus that d*** bullet you fired is still lodged in my head.
        And years later you're causing me even more trouble. First you
        and your Road Rover friends refuse to die from the attacks before
        and on your wedding day, then you nearly sabotage my plans here 
        in South Africa, destroy my Kenyan headquarters, ruin my propaganda
        machine and try to derail my invasion of your country." 

Striker:"You deserved it all, Franco. You killed my family, Jess Harnell, 
         Queen Tezca of Eldorado, the EDF and so many others. And then
         you go and ruin even more lives with your lies and violence."

Franco:"All of whom are mere statistics in the grand scheme, stepping
        stones on my path to greatness. And nobody, not even you, can
        stop me."

Striker:"That's what you think, Franco. The world isn't going to just
         sit back and let you do whatever you like."

Franco:"I know they will, but all their efforts up to now have been for
        naught. Thanks to..."

He turns to Mister T and motions for the wolf to come over.

Franco:"... our friend here, we have been able to stay one step ahead
        of everybody."

Mister T comes up to Striker and Franco, nodding his head at the cocker
spaniel.

Mister T:"A pleasure to meet you, Striker. I have heard much about
          your exploits. You certainly have been a busybody, haven't
          you? Even after losing your leg."

Franco:"Oh yes. How could I have forgotten about that fact? It's a pity
        that I never saw that. It must have been excruciatingly painful,
        dragging that stump along before having it amputated."

Striker:"I got better."

Franco nods, looking down at Striker's legs.

Franco:"Indeed. Mister T..."

Striker looks surprised at Mister T. The wolf locks eyes with the spaniel
for an instant, but Franco misses this moment and keeps talking.

Franco:"... told me you have a new cybernetic leg hidden under that skin 
        and fur of yours. Join the club: I also lost one of my legs in
        my escape from the Ion Cannon's destruction. How deliciously
        ironic that you should suffer the same fate, Striker."

Striker draws himself up and frowns.

Striker:"Genoeg talking, Franco. You have me now. Let them go."

He gestures his head towards Vorster, Melanie and Samuel. Franco looks
at the trio, then back at Striker with a grin.

Franco:"Ah yes. That reminds me."

Franco starts walking to the trio. While he does this, Mister T comes
up to Striker and smiles.

Mister T:"So my name rang a bell in you?"

Striker:"Miskien."

Mister T chuckles, then steps back as Franco comes up to them, dragging
Vorster with him. He forces the human to stand next to Striker. The
cano-sapien looks at him with concern.

Striker(Afrikaans):"Are you okay?"

Vorster glares at Striker.

Vorster(Afrikaans):"I'm fine, but why should you care, mutant?"

Striker doesn't respond. Franco his paws once, getting the pair's atten-
tion.

Franco:"I'm sure you too have a lot to say to each other, but please
        do so in English. I'd LOVE to hear the conversation."

Vorster:"I have nothing to say to this mutant, mutant."

Franco grins as he looks at Striker.

Franco:"You haven't told him? My my."

Vorster:"Told me what?"

Striker:"You're full of lies, Franco. Nobody will believe anything coming
         out of your muzzle."

Franco:"Is that so?"

Still grinning, Franco looks back Vorster while pointing to Striker.

Franco:"Do you know who this mutt is, Vorster?"

Vorster:"Ja, I do. His name is Striker and he's the mutant who murdered 
         my entire family in 1979."

Franco laughs and shakes his head.

Franco:"That last part is oh so very wrong. He didn't kill your family.
        He's completely innocent."

Vorster frowns in confusion.

Vorster:"That's absurd. I've seen the evidence of his involvement."

Franco:"All of them fabricated. A bunch of lies concocted to put Striker
        at the scene of the crime. It served its purpose back then, but
        today there's no point in denying they're fake."

Vorster blinks, then looks at Striker. Striker nods.

Striker:"Franco's right. He framed me for the murders of our... your
         family. HE is actually responsible."

Vorster immediately looks back at Franco, who mockingly bows before the
man.

Franco:"And d*** proud of it. Heheh."

Vorster stares back and forth between Franco and Striker. After a few
moments he shakes his head.

Vorster:"Nee, you two are in league with each other. This is all just
         mind games. Just more lies."

Franco:"No, I can assure you all of this is true. And I have the REAL
        evidence to back it up."

Vorster:"Show me."

Franco's grin grows wider and more vicious.

Franco:"With pleaaasuuure."

The general signals a pair of Paladins to come closer. Two of them come
up to Franco and salute. Franco points to Striker and Vorster.

Franco:"Put these two in the front of the screen. And make sure they

        don't close their eyes or look away."

Paladins:"Your will be done, Supreme General!"

The two Paladins grab Striker and Vorster, then drag the two over to
the big screen on the wall. Franco climbs up to his throne, picks up
a remote and comes back down to rejoin the group. He grins as he raises
the remote, pointing it at a device at the bottom.

Franco:"How about a nice home video?"

He presses a button. Striker and Vorster watch as the screen switches
to what appears to be a recording. It shows the interior of a Huey 
helicopter with several wolf-sapiens in the old KH Military uniforms. 
A young Malcolm and Black is here as well. Outside one can see a pair 
of Hokum helicopters with KH Military markings as the they fly alongside 
the cliffs bordering a coast.

Franco:"Does this look familiar so far?"

Vorster frowns, shaking his head.

Vorster:"Nothing I recognize."

Striker, however, is quicker to realize what the video is. His eyes widen
with the horror of what is going to come next. Franco just grins and keeps
watching the video. On the video one of the pilots turns to Black.

Pilot(on screen):"We're approaching the target zone, sir."

Black sighs.

Black(on screen):"Let's get this over with. Bring up the Huey so I can
      face them. And have the Hokums flank us on either side and attack
      when I give the order."

Malcolm points towards the camera.

Malcolm(on screen):"And be sure to get the footage, as much as it sickens 
       me. Franco will be very angry if we don't get it."

Camera Wolf(on screen):"Yes, sir!"

The helicopters stop moving forward at one point. The Huey remains in
line with the cliffs while the Hokums turn towards it. All three of
them lift into the air. At one point, one soldier goes to the side door
and pulls it open. Striker, and especially Vorster, gasp when they see the 
wedding party of Peter Vorster, his bride Mariaan and the rest of the 
Vorster family and their friends. Malcolm and the wolf holding the camera 
come closer to the open door. Malcolm holds up a loudspeaker.

Malcolm(on screen):"Hello, Pieter. Enjoying your wedding so far?"

Mariaan turns to Pieter and says something. He replies to her, then turns 
to Malcolm and shouts back.

Pieter(on screen):"What do you want, Malcolm?!"

Malcolm(on screen):"I'm afraid that my superiors think that you know too 
       much and as such I have orders to terminate you and everyone here. 
       Sorry."

He puts away the loudspeaker and then nods at Black. Black then takes out 
a walky-talky and signals the Hokums.

Black(on screen, into walky-talky):"Commence the attack."

The Hokum pilots acknowledge and attack. Striker turns his head away as
the killing of those attending the wedding begins. But one of the Paladins
grabs his head and turns it back to the screen, using his fingers to open
his eyes. Tears flow from Striker's eyes while Vorster is staring at the
on-screen massacre with utter horror. Franco, however, is watching the
scene with undisguised joy. While everyone's attention is focused on the
screen, Mister T goes over to a garbage chute and takes out a metallic
cylinder. Checking once to make sure nobody's watching, he dumps the
cylinder into the chute. He then returns to the others as the video
reaches its conclusion. Franco uses the remote to stop the video and the 
screen goes blank. Both Striker and Vorster are visibly shaken by what
they had seen.

Franco:"A magnificent show, yes?"

Vorster goes berserk and jumps at Franco, but the Paladins quickly grab
him and hold him back. He is very angry.

Vorster:"You murderer! You vile monster! I'll kill you! I'll kill you
         all!"

Striker moves closer to try and calm Vorster down, but the Paladins
force him back and drag Vorster away from Franco. Franco waggles his
finger at Vorster, a grin on his face.

Franco:"Now, now, Mister Vorster. You need to watch your blood pressure.
        Heheheh."

Franco looks at the screen, tapping the remote in his palm.

Franco:"But as entertaining as it was, that attack missed one important
        individual."

Vorster:"You wanted me dead as well, didn't you?"

Franco turns back to the human.

Franco:"Perhaps, but you've proven so useful to my grand scheme that I'm
        willing to let your survival of that attack pass."

Franco jabs an angry finger at Striker.

Franco:"YOU, on the other paw, should have died on that day with the rest
        of your family!"

Striker growls back at the wolf.

Striker:"You brought this on yourself, Franco! You signed your own
         death warrant that day!"

Vorster looks at Striker.

Vorster:"Wait a minute. You mean you were at the wedding?!"

Striker turns back at Vorster, contemplating his words before answering.

Striker:"I was in a way, but not in person."

Franco snickers.

Franco:"Quit beating around the bush, Striker. Tell him your real name."

Striker frowns at Franco, but Vorster presses the spaniel.

Vorster:"What does he mean? What is your real name?"

Striker is silent while Vorster and Franco both look at him expectantly.
Finally, he answers.

Striker:"My name is Striker. That's all."

Franco sneers.

Franco:"That's not what I ordered."

Striker:"Your 'orders' are not mine to obey, Franco."

Franco:"If that is what you want, then let me tell him."

Striker's eyes go wide as Franco turns to Vorster.

Franco:"Adriaan, this canine here once had a different name. A name which
        I'm sure you can recall."

Vorster:"What is all this? What are you talking about?"

Franco:"Simple. His real name..."

Franco glances at Striker, then back at Vorster. He leans forward, speak-
ing in low tone of voice.

Franco:"... is Gerard Vorster."

Vorster stares at Franco, stunned by what he just heard.

Vorster:"That.... that's not possible! This mutant cannot possibly be
         Gerard!"

Franco grins, chuckling.

Franco:"Oh, but it is. He's your long-lost brother."

Vorster:"I don't believe you! You lie!"

Franco:"You said that I was lying about the massacre, and yet that turned
        out to be true. So why do you assume I'm lying about this? Striker
        is Gerard Vorster, your brother. I'm sure any DNA tests will
        prove I'm right."

Vorster stares at Franco, and then quickly turns to Striker.

Vorster:"Is this true? Are you... are you really Gerard?"

Striker remains silent for a minute while both Vorster and Franco look at
him expectantly. Finally he shakes his head.

Striker:"Nee. I am not Gerard Vorster. He died a long time ago."

Franco stops grinning and frowns.

Franco:"Quit playing games, Striker. You are Gerard Vorster. You cannot
        escape the truth."

Striker:"Truth? What truth, Franco? You're just making things up."

Franco grabs Striker's ears, making the spaniel yelp in pain as the
wolf pulls him closer.

Franco:"Confess! You're Gerard Vorster!"

Striker(in pain):"Go to h***, you freak!"

Franco:"Is that how you want to play? Very well!"

Franco releases Striker, then turns to Champion.

Franco:"Bring in the stretcher and my 'tools', Champion."

Champion grins.

Champion:"With pleasure, boss."

Champion walks down the steps and towards a side door leading out of the
throne room. Franco turns back to Striker and Vorster, sneering.

Franco:"I'm about to correct those mistakes I made all those years ago.
        And you two will soon be reuniting with your family."

Franco then whips around and walks towards Melanie and Samuel. Striker
leans over to Vorster, who is looking pale and shocked. He whispers.

Striker(Afrikaans):"What ever Franco says, I am not Gerard Vorster. You
       know that's true, right?"

Vorster nods, but the spaniel can see the doubt in his eyes. Meanwhile,
Mister T is standing off to one side, apparently making a call on a
cellphone while occasionally glancing back at Franco and Striker.

Stealth Rover
Road Rover Strike Force
En Route To Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade
South Africa
19:31 PM:

The Stealth Rover is among a large formation of Road Rover aircraft being 
flown by the various Rover units. Tanarus is at the flight controls with
Elexis seated next to him. Behind them are the rest of Unit STRIKE. Most
of them have grim looks on their faces, but Phoenix is very concerned.
From inside the TurboJet Rover, Hunter is commanding the strike force
via radio.

Hunter(over radio):"Okay, everyone. We're approaching the bad guy army.
      Let's keep out of their firing range and circle around to see if we
      can find a weak point to get to the Wardrome."

All the units, including Unit STRIKE, confirm Hunter's orders and start
to split up. The Rover aircraft circle or hover in the air, staying away
from the Elite Guard AA batteries. Inside the Stealth Rover Corsair is
tapping away at his laptop while Phoenix looks eagerly at him.

Phoenix:"Got anything?"

Corsair:"Well, I've found the Sonic Rover. It's parked at a gas station
         next to the N1 highway, some distance south of the main force. 
         I can see some Elite Guard troops there as well."

Phoenix:"And Striker?"

Corsair shakes his head.

Corsair:"Nothing, but I doubt he would be there. They must have taken him
         to the Wardrome. I'll keeping looking.

Elexis:"I'll call Hunter and tell him about the Sonic Rover. Maybe one of
        the teams can go down there and get it back before the Elite Guard
        take it for themselves.'

While Elexis goes to radio Hunter, Corsair keeps working on his laptop.
After a few moments he points successfully at the screen.

Corsair:"Bingo! Striker is inside the Wardrome as we guessed. Well, his
         watch is at least."

Phoenix gets up and goes to look at the screen. Illanov and Shephard also
lean over to see. On the screen is a satellite image of the Elite Guard
force, with a blue dot showing Striker's location.

Phoenix:"Is that the Wardrome's location?"

Corsair:"Looks like it."

Shephard:"Then let's go in and kick some a**.

Corsair looks disdainfully at Shephard.

Corsair:"You can be such a real Leeroy Jenkins, Shep. You know that?"

Shephard blinks at Corsair.

Shephard:"Who's Leeroy Jenkins?"

Corsair(sighing):"Never mind."

Illanov:"It will be difficult to get close to the Wardrome without being
         detected. We need to find a way past all those troops out there
         before we can get into the Wardrome."

Corsair:"IF we can get in. From all the info we've gotten on that thing,
         Franco keeps that giant moving fortress of his locked up tight.
         You'd have to blast your way inside, all the way getting blasted
         at the same time. Plus, we don't know what kind of heat that
         machine is packing."

Phoenix:"Can you perhaps gain access to the Wardrome's computer networks,
         Corsair?"

Corsair stares at the screen, then shrugs.

Corsair:"I could give it a try since we're not going to be doing much
         else around here."

As Corsair returns to work, Phoenix's Watchcom beeps to indicate an in-
coming call. She returns to her seat and answers.

Phoenix(into com):"Phoenix here."

Miss D(over com):"Ah, Phoenix. I see you and your Road Rovers are all
      gathered near General Franco's army."

Phoenix quickly signals to the others about Miss D's call, getting their
attention. She then returns to the call.

Phoenix(into com):"That's right."

Miss D(over com):"And you wish to save your husband from his nemesis,
      despite the fact that you couldn't get near the Wardrome without
      being shot at."

Phoenix(into com):"Do you have any aid to give us?"

Miss D(over com):"That's why I've called. Do you know what a deus ex
      machina is ?"

Phoenix(into com):"I do. It means 'god from the machine'. An outside
       force coming in to save a seemingly hopeless situation."

Corsair(to himself):"I call it an a** pull myself."

Miss D(over com):"Well, whether you call it that or it's more colorful
      name, you Road Rovers are about to receive one."

Phoenix(hopeful, into com):"How soon?"

Miss D(over com):"Within minutes, but I would recommend that you all
      keep your distance until it is over. We don't want... accidents.
      Once it happens, feel free to go in and be the big heroes. I will
      call you back shortly."

Phoenix(into com):"Listen, what..."

But Miss D ends the call before Phoenix can get any further. Phoenix
then looks up to the others.

Phoenix:"Miss D says something is about to happen that will allow us to
         attack the Wardrome, but she said to keep our distance until
         whatever it is happens."

Illanov:"Did she specify what this something is, comrade?"

Phoenix:"No, but we should move once it happens."

Shephard:"Sounds like a plan to me. At least it is something."

Illanov:"Dah, I agree."

Phoenix:"Okay, let's see what happens. Elexis, alert the others about
         Miss D's plan."

Elexis:"Will do, Phoenix."

Elexis goes on the radio again to call Hunter and the other Rover units.
The rest of them watch the horizon, their eyes expectantly looking at
the Elite Guard army spread out in the distance.

Franco's Throne Room
The Wardrome
19:01 PM:

A stretcher and a mobile rack containing various gruesome cutting tools
have been brought in and placed in front of Franco's throne. Striker is
being strapped down on the stretcher by Champion and two Paladins while
Franco is rubbing his paws. Vorster is being made to stand close by
along with Melanie and Samuel. Samuel is being forced to operate a
video camera pointed at Striker. Mister T, Diehard and Seneschal are
standing behind Franco. Franco looks at Striker with a grin.

Franco:"Comfortable?"

Striker growls, but doesn't say anything. Franco points to the camera.

Franco:"Your death will make a wonder addition to my collection. I'll
        be sure to file it right next to your family. Very considerate,
        wouldn't you say?"

Striker:"That bullet in your head hasn't changed how sick a bliksun you 
         are."
         
Franco:"How amusing."

The wolf picks up one of the tools from the rack. It is a large cleaver
with a serrated blade. Franco admires himself in its reflection.

Franco:"I'm sure these tools will help you confess that you are Gerard
        Vorster."

Striker(growling):"Don't bet on it, Franco. I won't play your game.

Franco:"I know. That is why you're the one strapped in and not Adriaan.
        Normally, I would do it the other way around and torture him
        while you watch. But you're far more dangerous than he is, so
        that's why we're going to do it this way."

Franco looks over at Vorster.

Franco:"You're about to learn the truth, Mister President. One way or
        the other way."

Vorster doesn't say anything. Instead, he looks at Striker with alarm.
The spaniel makes eye-contact and shakes his head.

Striker(Afrikaans):"Don't let him get into your head, Adriaan. No matter
       what he does to me! No matter what!"

Vorster nods, but there is a great deal of doubt in his eyes. Franco
moves closer to the stretcher, holding the cleaver menacingly. He grabs
Striker's left leg and feels it.

Franco:"Hmmm."

He then goes and feels the other leg, then grins.

Franco:"Ah, this is the real leg. Since you've already lost the other,

        I don't think you'd mind losing this one."

Striker doesn't respond, but he is breathing quickly as Franco brings the
cleaver close to his leg. Samuel is made to zoom in the camera on the
scene, but Melanie looks away. Vorster's eyes go wide.



Franco:"Time to pay, Striker."

He lifts the cleaver into the air.

Mister T:"Stop!"

Mister T's voice immediately gets the attention of everyone in the room.
Surprised, Franco turns to Mister T.

Franco:"Something wrong, Mister T?"

Mister T:"I'm... afraid I cannot allow you to proceed with this, Franco."

Seneschal:"What's this? Are you ordering the Supreme General around now?"

Franco:"Quiet, General Seneschal. Mister T, explain yourself."

Mister T chuckles and tugs his chin fur while the other paw digs into his
uniform.

Mister:"My superiors were explicit in their instructions. You are not to
        harm Striker or his brother. We need him alive... unlike you."

Franco frowns, looking at Mister T with suspicion.

Franco:"Unlike me? Is that a threat?"

Mister T smiles, taking out a small remote from his pocket. He pushes on
it, then puts it back in his coat. The wolf looks directly at Franco,
folding his paws together.

Mister T:"Five... four... three... two..."

Franco's eyes jump wide with realization.

Franco:"Why you treacherous..."

Mister T:"... one... zero."

Both Diehard and Seneschal rush for Mister T, but at that moment there is
a rumbling noise somewhere deep below their feet. An instant later the
giant electronic screen explodes in a shower of broken glass and sparks.
The lights in the room go dead as multiple detonations shake the Wardrome.
Everyone is knocked off their feet as the room is plunged into darkness,
the sound of the Wardrome's engines suddenly going quiet.

Stealth Rover
Road Rover Strike Force
Holding Position Near Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade
At That Moment:

The Rover Strike Force is keeping out of hostile range of the Elite Guard
force, but they are able to see what is going on. From inside the cockpit
the members of Unit STRIKE suddenly see the Wardrome's lights go dead
and an expanding circle of darkness spreading from the giant machine
over the Elite Guard forces.

Elexis:"Oh my God, look at that."

Corsair:"Looks like Franco forgot to pay his electricity bills."

Merit:"Actually, I am picking up a large electro-magnetic pulse that is
       originating from within the Wardrome. It is most certainly not
       due to the non-payment of an electricity generator."

Corsair rolls his eyes.

Corsair(to himself):"Nobody is getting my jokes today."

Illanov:"This must be that deus ex machina that Miss D talked about. And
         it looks like it got most of Franco's army."

Tanarus:"The outer forces are still going, but that inner circle is
         completely dark. I think we can strike now with minimal hostile
         fire and before they can switch what they can to manual control."
         
Phoenix:"Sounds like a good idea, Tanarus. Elexis, let Hunter know that
         Miss D's plan has been executed."

Elexis:"On it."

As Elexis goes on the radio, Phoenix's Watchcom beeps again. The pome-
ranian answers.

Phoenix(into com):"Miss D?"

Miss D(over com):"That's correct. I take it you are pleased with the
      results?"

Phoenix(into com):"Yes, we are. And we're going in right now."

Miss D(over com):"That's good, because you don't have much time. Look
      towards the north, past the Elite Guard forces."

Phoenix looks up through the cockpit window, her eyes looking past the
paralyzed invasion force to the northern horizon. She sees a large
object coming in from the north.

Phoenix:"What's that on the horizon?"

Shephard:"The Elite Guard, paralyzed and ready to get their butts kicked,
          Ma'am."

Phoenix:"No, Shephard. I meant beyond the enemy force. In the distance."

Illanov:"Let me see, comrade."

Illanov takes out some binoculars from a compartment under the seat and
looks through the window towards the large object. He can see that the
object is actually the Celtic Squadron's KHA Victoria, hovering above
the landscape. Illanov doesn't recognize it as such, though.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! It's the KH Military!"

Phoenix:"You sure, Alex?"

Illanov lowers his binoculars and nods at Phoenix.

Illanov:"Dah. That object is the Alexander, Stalker's flagship."

Phoenix quickly looks back outside, taking the binoculars from Illanov
to take a closer look at the what they think is the Alexander.

Phoenix:"You're right, Alex. That's definitely the KH Military out
         there."

Miss D(over com):"You're right about that."

Phoenix is startled, having momentarily forgotten about Miss D. She
brings up her Watchcom.

Phoenix(into com):"Is the KH Military here to attack the Elite Guard?
       Are they behind this EMP blast?"

Miss D(over com):"In a way they are. And in another way, they're not."

Phoenix(into com):"What's that supposed to mean?"

Miss D(over com):"Don't let it concern you, Phoenix. What should concern
      you all is rescuing your friends before the KH Military attacks.
      They're currently analyzing the situation and preparing their
      forces, but they won't take forever. So you'd better get going."

Phoenix(into com):"All right, we're on it."

Miss D(over com):"Oh. And one more thing."

Phoenix(into com):"What's that?"

Suddenly a high-pitched beeping noise, similar to the one Striker had
heard, comes from the Watchcom. Phoenix's face immediately goes blank, 

her face expressionless. She keeps listening to the beeping noise as 
Illanov looks at her.

Illanov:"Something wrong, comrade?"

There is no response from Phoenix. Concerned, Illanov takes her
shoulder and shakes her a little.

Illanov:"Phoenix? Are you all right?"

Suddenly Phoenix bends backwards and lets out a piercing scream that
startles everyone in the cockpit. An aura of fire begins to surround,
quickly turning brighter and bigger but not burning anything around
her. Illanov and the others back away from her in fear as the aura
spreads. Moments later there is a piercing screech as the aura fades
a little. The Strikers suddenly see Phoenix, now looking like a real
and large phoenix. Phoenix flies up, smashing a hole into the ceiling
and making everyone duck as the debris fly. Phoenix spreads her wings
fully, then begins to fly towards the Elite Guard. The rest of the
team can only watch in shock as she flies off. Corsair quickly turns
to Illanov.

Corsair:"What did you do, Red?!"

Illanov faces Corsair.

Illanov:"What did I do? I did nothing!"

Corsair:"Yes, you did! You pushed her berserk button and set her off!"

Illanov(growling):"I did not do anything, you Yankee dog! So don't go
       accusing me or I will be forced to retaliate!"

Corsair:"Oh yeah? Just try it!"

Elexis:"Enough, you two!"

The two arguing team members quickly stop their argument and back off.
Merit is busy using a brush and a scoop to sweep up the debris from the
floor.

Merit:"Such untidiness. I had thought Miss Phoenix to be more considerate
       than to leave such a mess behind."

Shephard stares at the robot with a perplexed look on his face. Elexis
looks at her husband.

Elexis:"We'd better go after her."

Tanarus:"Good idea, and tell Hunter what happened."

Elexis:"Okay."

Tanarus begins to take the Stealth Rover out of hover mode and pursues
Phoenix. Elexis goes on the radio and contact Hunter.

Elexis(into radio):"Hunter, we got a problem here."

Hunter(over radio):"No kidding, what happened with you guys? Did someone
      eat too much spicy chili?"

Elexis(into radio):"No, Hunter! Phoenix went crazy and turned into her
      phoenix form, then went off to the Wardrome on her own."

Hunter(over radio):"Whoa, that was Phoenix?! I've heard about her using
      something like that at Chernobyl during the Techno War, but I've
      never thought it looked like that."

Elexis(into radio):"We got another problem. That big object in the dis-
      tance beyond the Elite Guard army is the KH Military, and they're
      getting ready to attack."

Hunter(over radio):"Whoa, bummer! Guess we'd better move. Let's hit the
      battlefield, Rovers!"

All of the Road Rover units begin to move in on the paralyzed Elite
Guard forces while the Victoria looms in the distance.

Bridge
KHA Victoria
Holding Position North of Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade
19:10 PM:

The bridge of the KHA Victoria is a multi-tiered room, with rows of
computers and terminals on each tier. At the top tier is the command
desk for the Victoria. The windows give a panoramic view of the land-
scape as well as the Victoria's upper deck. General Pard is standing
at the command desk, reading all the reports being brought in by a
number of officers.

Pard(reading):"Hmmm... curious. Very curious."

Just then Captain Sparrow approaches the general and salutes.

Sparrow:"General."

Pard looks up from the report in his paws and salutes back.

Pard:"At east, captain. What have you got to tell me?"

Sparrow:"General, from all accounts it seems that most of the Elite Guard
         force, including the Wardrome, have been paralyzed by the EMP
         detonation. Only a small number of units outside the blast area
         are still active."

Pard:"And are we ready to take advantage of this?"

Sparrow:"Yes, general. Our Valkyrie bombers and their Orca escorts are
         ready for take-off. We also have our Mohican helicopters ready
         to assist in destroying key anti-aircraft equipment and other
         high-priority targets."

Pard:"Our other forces?"

Sparrow:"Our troops and vehicles are almost ready for a ground deployment
         once our air units have weakened the Elite Guard. The Lady Vee's
         ground cannon crew are also preparing to open fire on the War-
         drome once we are within range."

Pard:"Good. Give the order to attack immediately, captain."

Captain Sparrow is a bit surprised.

Sparrow:"Right away, general?"

Pard nods in reply.

Pard:"Right away."

Sparrow:"General, I do wish to be contradictory, but we were advised by
         General Sky to refrain from attacking immediately."

Pard:"That's just it. It was advice, not an order."

Pard turns to look out the window at the Elite Guard force in the distance.

Pard:"Celtic Squadron suffered immensely at the paws of that lunatic 
      Franco during his reign. Many of our pack were either executed or
      used as cannon fodder, as you well know."

Sparrow frowns and nods, his eyes also drifting to the enemy forces to
the south.

Sparrow:"All too clearly, general."

Pard:"And tonight, Franco and his followers lie helpless before us. This
      is our chance to get our revenge, and advice be d***ed. You will
      order the attack, Sparrow. I will take responsibility for the order
      should it come to that."

Sparrow nods and salutes Pard.

Sparrow:"Very well. I will relay your orders to the rest of the squadron
         to begin attacking the Elite Guard."


Pard looks at Sparrow and nods, then gives a grin.

Pard:"Let's show Franco what we got, Sparrow."

Sparrow grins back.

Sparrow:"With pleasure, Pard."

Sparrow turns around and leaves the bridge. Pard turns back to look once
more at the Elite Guard, then focuses his attention on the reports coming
in from his officers.

Franco's Throne Room
The Wardrome
19:11 PM:

The throne room is pitch dark except for the flashes of sparks coming 
from the damaged monitor bank and blown panels. Franco bellows out in
the darkness as he stumbles to his feet.

Franco:"Lights! Get the lights on in here!"

Unbeknownst to Franco, Mister T rushes over to where the stretcher with
Striker is. Striker spots Mister T as a spark illuminates the wolf.

Striker:"Who are you?"

Mister T:"No time to talk. We need to get you free and out of this room."

Mister T's paws suddenly glow blue and he touches the straps holding the
spaniel down. The straps suddenly freeze up, but Mister T stops just
before the ice touches Striker and moves to the others. He freezes them
up, then he slams his fists on the straps, causing them to shatter and
break loose. Striker quickly gets up and climbs off the stretcher.

Mister T:"Help Vorster and those two reporters. I'll go and get your items. 
          Hurry!"

Striker simply nods and goes over to help Vorster, who is already trying
to get up. Mister T is running over to the box where Striker's personal
effects are in. Champion spots Mister T in a brief flash of light. He
growls and rushes for the wolf. Mister T, however, spots Champion and
quickly turns to the werewolf. His paws light up and two beams of ice
fire from his fingertips to the floor in front of Champion. Champion sees
the ice and tries to stop, but his feet land on the smooth surface. The
big werewolf slips, then falls hard onto his back. Mister T resumes
his run and picks up the box. Meanwhile, Striker helps Vorster to his
feet.

Striker(Afrikaans):"Are you all right, Adriaan?"

Vorster(Afrikaans):"I... I think so. Where is Franco?"

Striker(Afrikaans):"Nearby. Quick, help these two up."

Striker rushes over to help Melanie and Samuel to their feet. But Vorster
notices that the Paladins are lying on the floor, their EMP-damaged suits
keeping them trapped. He then sees one of the magnetic rail rifles that
is strapped to the back of one Paladin, still intact. Franco can be heard
shouting again.

Franco:"Where the h*** is Mister T? Find that treacherous mongrel!"

Vorster quickly grabs the rifle, manages to activate it and shouts in the
direction where he thinks Franco is.

Vorster:"Franco!"

Franco:"What? Who's that?"

Vorster takes aim and fires. A purple light erupts from the rifle as it
fires its deadly rail beam. The shot flies through the air, and misses
Franco by a wide margin. Realizing he is under fire, Franco quickly
rushes to his throne and ducks behind it.

Franco:"Quick! Kill the Vorsters! Kill them all!"

Diehard is the first to respond, pulling out his pistol and taking aim
at Vorster. Striker, who has just helped Melanie up, quickly runs over
and jumps for Vorster. Diehard squeezes off a shot, but Striker knocks
Vorster out of the line of fire and onto the floor. Suddenly a icicle
appears and hits Diehard in the leg. The wolf yelps loudly in pain and
stumbles to the floor. Mister T, his one paw glowing blue and other arm
carrying the box under his arm, rushes to the two.

Mister T:"Quick! Follow me! Hurry, before they regroup!"

Striker helps Vorster up, holding the magnetic rail rifle in one paw.

Striker:"Come on, Adriaan!"

Vorster:"But Franco! I can't let those monster escape!"

Striker:"We'll deal with him later! Come on!"

Led by Mister T, the group quickly rushes for the open main entrance. Just
as they run through it, an officer with a flashlight runs past them. The 
officer does not notice them despite Striker taking aim him. Realizing 
this, Striker follows the others out. The officer runs in the dark to 
where the throne, finding Franco with his flashlight.

Officer:"Supreme General! Supreme General!"

Franco emerges from behind his throne, visibly angry.

Franco:"Fool! Kill the prisoners! Find them!"

Officer:"I have urgent news! The traitors are closing in on us."

Franco:"What? The KH Military?"

Officer:"Yes, sir! Their airborne warship is directly to the north, and
         our defenses are in chaos!"

Franco growls, then quickly shouts out again.

Franco:"Diehard, Seneschal! Go out there and get our defenses organized! 
        Champion, find the prisoners and kill them! I'm off to bridge!
        And somebody get the emergency power online!!"

Franco comes up to the officer, grabs the flashlight, then runs for a
private exit that leads to the bridge. Seneschal stumbles through the
dark to the main exit while Diehard tries to pull the icicle from his
leg and Champion tries to get off the ice sheet by crawl on his stomach.

Corridors
Wardrome:

Mister T, Striker, Vorster and the two journalists emerge from the throne
room and into the darkened, sparse corridors of the war machine. Soldiers
and officers are running and stumbling about as they scramble to get things
going. Thanks to their hurried nature and the darkness, none of them pay

much attention to the escaping group. Mister T leads them down one of the
corridors, then pushes open a door.

Mister T:"In here, hurry!"

The group rush in, then Mister T goes in and closes the door behind them.
His glowing paws reveal what appears to be a bathroom.

Mister T:"Good, this should provide some reprieve. Striker, get your uni-
          form on and grab your weapons."

Striker:"Just what are you...?"

Mister T(interrupting):"All in good time, but not right now. Get dressed."

Striker opens his mouth to say something, and then decides not to press the
wolf further. He begins taking his stuff out of the boxing and changing
from his prison overalls into his uniform. Mister T goes and stands off to
one side, taking out a small device from his pockets. He activates it and
begins to speak into it.

Mister T(into com):"This is Mister T. The canary is out of the cage. How
        about your side?... The Rovers are attacking too? Good. I... What?
        Celtic Squadron too? But they're not supposed to attack yet... 
        Oh, I see. Guess we didn't take that into account... He says it 
        doesn't matter? Good... Yes, I will. This is Mister T, out."

Mister T hides the communicator in his pockets, then turns back to the

rest of the group. Striker has just finished putting on his uniform and
is checking his weapons. He offers his Colt Revolver to Vorster.

Striker:"Here, you should be able to handle this better than that rifle 
         you're holding."

Vorster:"Thank y... wait a minute..."

Vorster takes the revolver and holds it closer to the light provided by
Mister T's paws. His eyes widen as he recognizes what it is.

Vorster:"This... this is my late father's revolver!"

Striker realizes his mistake too late, and simply nods.

Striker:"Er... ja, you're reg. That's m... your father's."

Vorster:"I thought it was lost! How did you get hold of this?"

Striker:"Your father... he gave it to me. Here, take some ammunition."

He takes out a small ammunition box and gives it to Vorster. Vorster
takes it while checking the revolver's chamber. Satisfied that it is
loaded, he spins the chamber and pushes it back into place.

Vorster:"With this revolver I will put a bullet into Franco's head."

Striker:"Better not, Adriaan. Your survival is more important right now,
         and besides I did that before and it only made him worse."

At that moment the darkness vanishes as the overhead lights come on, 
making everyone look up at the same time.

Samuel:"Looks like they got their emergency power back on."

Mister T:"Then this marks the point where we take leave of each other.
          Do what you need to do from here on out, but try not to get
          killed. My superiors would be very sad if you did."

Striker:"Just who are you working for, Mister T?"

Mister T:"You will never get that answer from me, Striker. Not in the
          near future, that is. I also recommend hurrying along, because
          the KH Military are about to launch their own attack upon the
          Elite Guard. And you know they won't pull their punches just
          for your sake."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. Then we need to get out of here."

Vorster:"What about Franco?"

Striker:"Forget him, Adriaan. Let his former forces kill him and his
         Elite Guard."

Mister T:"Good choice. Now, I bid you all farewell."

Mister T goes to the bathroom door, opens it and steps outside as the
group watches him go. Striker puts on his Watchcom, then switches on
the communicator.


Striker(into com):"This is Striker calling any Road Rover unit. Any
       Rover unit, please respond."

Colleen's voice comes over his com.

Colleen(over com):"Striker? Blimey, are you okay?"

Striker(into com):"I'm fine, and so is Vorster and two journalists. We
       managed to get free, but we're stuck somewhere in the Wardrome.
       Where are you?"

Colleen(over com):"We're coming in now. Franco's army is largely para-
       lyzed from wherever that EMP came from. But Phoenix has gone
       bloomin' AWOL."

Striker's eyes widen.

Striker(into com):"What do you mean, Colleen? Where is she?"

Colleen(over com):"She turned into that flying fire bird thing you told
       us she did at Chernobyl. Then she burst out of the Stealth Rover
       and is flying directly towards the Wardrome."

Striker(into com, shocked):"WAT! She must be mal!"

Colleen(over com):"No idea about that, guv. But we're moving in now
       before she gets killed. That's not the only bad news. Seems the
       KH Military is here to finish off Franco and his forces as well."

Striker(into com):"So I heard. Have they started attacking?"

Colleen(over com):"Nothing we've seen yet, but we're not placing any bets
       that they won't attack soon."

Striker(into com):"Colleen, listen. Make sure nothing happens to my wife,
       you understand? We're moving out of the Wardrome now."

Colleen(over com):"Don't worry, guv. We'll watch her back and pick you
       guys before things get really messy here."

Striker(into com):"Dankie, Colleen. Over and out."

He turns off his communicator and then turns to the group, holding up his
Sonic Rifle.

Striker:"Come on, let's go. Stay behind me and keep your eyes open for
         any trouble."

Vorster:"I'll cover your back."

Melanie and Samuel nod. Striker goes to the bathroom door and looks out-
side. He sees the corridor is empty, but lit up by flashing red lights.
The spaniel then leads the group out of the bathroom.

KHA Victoria
Holding Position North of Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade:

The hangar doors on the belly of the Victoria are opening while guide
lights switch on. The light from the hangars pierce the darkness. A
few moments later the first Valkyrie bombers and their Orca fighter
escorts come flying out of the hangars. Also leaving the Victoria are
Mohican Helicopters, several Dropships and Carryalls bearing Mammoth
and Colossus Tanks. The Orcas and Valkyries fly ahead first, heading
for the Elite Guard forces to the south.

Control Room
Wardrome:

The control room is in shambles. Most of the control terminals are either
non-functioning or have caught fire. Several of the large screens that
had shown information have stopping working and a few of them have even 
shattered from the EMP blast. Technicians and officers are running around, 
putting out fires with extinguishers and trying to get the systems back 
up and running. Franco storms into the control room and shouts above the 
chaos.

Franco:"Report! I need reports!"

Several of the officers quickly rush up to Franco to give reports.

Officer 1:"General, all our systems are offline! Communications, data
           processes, defenses, everything!"

Franco:"Get them back online! Have all the Galt defenses go to manual 
        control if you have to!"

The first officer quickly leaves as a second officer makes his report.

Officer 2:"The Road Rovers are closing in us from the south!"

Franco:"Get them shot down! Kill them all! I don't care how you do it,
        just do it!"

A third officer comes up to the angry Supreme General.

Officer 3:"Sir! It's the traitors! They've appeared to the north!"

Franco's eyes go from anger to surprise for a brief moment. He quickly
rushes down the steps to the northern window, followed by the third
officer. He looks out and sees the silhouette of the Victoria to the
north.

Franco:"Which squadron is that? Alpha?"

Officer 3:"No, Supreme General. That's Celtic Squadron."

Franco clenches his teeth, staring at the giant ship floating above the
landscape. Suddenly he grabs the officer by the collar and pulls him
up.

Franco:"Have ALL Galt defenses focus on the traitors! Immediately!"

Officer 3:"But what about the Road Rovers?"

Franco:"Forget them! The traitors are the biggest threat now! Get the
        order out! Defend the Wardrome to the last unit! NOW!!"

Franco tosses the officer to the floor. The wolf quickly scrambles back
to his feet and runs off to relay Franco's orders. Franco himself stares
back at the Victoria, his snout almost pressing against the glass. He
then rushes back up to his throne and picks up the phone installed into
it. He sits down as he speaks.

Franco(into phone):"Hello?... This is Franco. Prepare the Night Wing for
      take-off... yes, immediately!"

He keeps speaking amid the chaos in the control room.

Exit Ramp
Wardrome:

This is one of four giant ramps at the base of the Wardrome. Each ramp
is wide enough for vehicles and troops to either climb aboard or dis-
embark from the machine. At the moment soldiers and some of the (still
functioning) armed vehicles are making their way down the ramps. Among
them is Diehard and Seneschal, who are coming down the southern ramp.

Diehard:"Get your forces into a defensive position und have all your
         guns turned to ze north!"

Seneschal:"I know what to do, Diehard! I'm not a general for nothing,
           unlike you!"

Diehard immediately moves in front of Seneschal and glares at him.

Diehard:"Und vat is zat supposed to mean?"

Seneschal is about to reply with a snarl, but then his eyes go wide as
he spots something behind Diehard. He immediately falls flat onto the
ramp. Diehard snorts in derision.

Diehard:"I knew zat you vere a..."

Shouts and the sight of soldiers jumping off the ramp or falling flat
on their stomachs, as well as the appearance of a glow on the metal
sides of the Wardrome, gets his attention. Diehard turns around, in
time to see the blazing Phoenix coming directly towards the exit.

Diehard:"Ach!"

He drops flat onto the ramp seconds before Phoenix passes overhead and
flies through the open exit. Phoenix glides between two Rhino tanks,
the force of her pass flipping the two armored vehicles over.

Security Station
Wardrome Interior:

This is a small square room located at an intersection. Two windows for
each wall looks into the room, where several wolf-sapiens are trying to
get their systems back online. The only light available is from the red
emergency lights in the corridors, so the guards are using flashlights
to see what they're doing in the smoke-filled room. Thus they don't see
Striker and his group come into the room until one of them hears the
door opening. The guard points his flashlight towards one of the figures
and finds himself staring at Striker's Sonic Rifle.

Striker:"Lights out."

Striker fires a minor sonic blast, knocking the wolf back against the
window. The others quickly whip around to see what is going on, but
Vorster and Samuel quickly charge them and subdue them with punches
and kicks. Samuel and Melanie each pick up a pistol from the downed
wolves. Vorster looks at them, then back at Striker.

Vorster:"Is it a good idea for them to be armed?"

Striker:"Normally, nee. But we're in the middle of hostile territory
         and I would like it if they were able to defend themselves.
         Because the Elite Guard certainly aren't friendly. Samuel, can
         you watch the door for us?"

Samuel nods, fumbling a bit with the pistol in the light of a flashlight
he picked up.

Samuel:"Can do."

As he goes to the door, Striker goes to the only computer console still
working and begins to work on it. Vorster and Melanie gather around him.

Melanie:"What are you looking for?"

Striker:"The hangars. If we can get there we might be able to steal a
         transport and get out of here amid the confus..."

His words are cut short as the entire Wardrome suddenly shakes, causing
a few loose objects on the tables to fall to the floor. This is followed
by several more powerful vibrations.

Control Room
Wardrome:

Everyone in the control, including Franco, have stopped what they were
doing after the first vibration. More and more vibrations follow in
increased strength while a banging noise becomes louder and louder.
Suddenly the floor under part of the control room explodes, sending
wolves, equipment and debris flying through the air. Phoenix then
appears from the hole, screeching out loud. All the technicians and
officers stare in shock at the huge, burning bird. Franco jumps to his
feet and points at Phoenix.

Franco:"Kill it! Kill that... thing!!"

Several of the officers and the guarding soldiers take out their
weapons and open fire while Franco rushes for the nearest exit. But
the bullets simply pass through the fire being or are melted as they
enter Phoenix's body. Phoenix comes out of the hole, then uses her
talons and beak to begin destroying the control room. She rips consoles
and screens free and tosses them around while her beak smashes apart
anything she pecks at. In addition she occasionally grabs one of the
Elite Guard officers or soldiers and casually tosses them like rag dolls.
Unable to stop her rampage, the wolves begin to flee from the control
room as Phoenix continues smashing the place apart.

Security Station
Wardrome Interior:

Back in the security station everyone can fell the vibrations coming
from above, unsure of what is causing it. Striker keeps working on the
terminal while the others look around nervously.

Vorster:"What do you think is that? Is this place under attack?"

Striker:"I wouldn't be surprised, if what Mister T said was true. All
         the more reason for us to get out of here as soon as possible."

Vorster:"Can you get that computer to work?"

Striker:"I'm trying to, but the system is a mess."

The cocker spaniel keeps working on the console for a few more moments,
then sighs in frustration. He reaches down and pulls up one of the un-
conscious wolves.

Vorster:"Now what?"

Striker:"I'm going to ask for directions."

Striker puts the wolf into a chair, then begins to slap him until the
guard comes to again. The wolf-sapien groans and opens his eyes, staring
at a snarling Striker.

Striker:"Where are the aircraft hangars?"

Guard:"Like I will tell you."

Striker elbows one of the computer screens, smashing it into pieces. He
picks up one of the larger and particularly sharper pieces. The spaniel
then pokes the wolf in the groin with the piece.

Striker:"Tell me or I will use this!"

This gets the wolf's attention and he immediately starts speaking.

Guard:"All right! There are two hangars! One mid-level and one at lower
       level!"

Striker:"What is the difference between them?"

Guard:"The lower levels are for the Wardrome's own fighter and helicopter
       squadrons. The mid-level is for the Night Wing."

Striker:"Night Wing? What is that?"

Guard:"It's the Supreme General's personal stealth aircraft. It's always
       kept ready for take-off."

Striker:"And how do we get to the Night Wing?"

The guard doesn't reply. Striker frowns, and then begins to poke the glass
piece into the wolf's groin. The wolf yelps and begins to immediately
give Striker the directions he needs to get to that hangar. When he
finishes, Striker drops the glass shard and bangs the wolf's head on
the wall to knock him out. The spaniel then turns to the group.

Striker:"Reg, let's go and get out of here."

Just as they are about to leave, however, Champion appears behind the
window. He is holding an EG-47 rifle in his paws.

Champion:"Aha! There you are!"

Striker:"Quick! Get down!"

Striker and the others drop to the floor as Champion opens fire on the
window. The glass shatters and collapses into thousands of small pieces
on the floor. Champion comes up to the broken window, but Striker jumps
up and kicks the rifle in his paws. Champion's aim is thrown off, but
he doesn't drop the rifle. Striker jumps through the broken window to
try and tackle the big werewolf. Champion releases one paw from the rifle
to swing a punch at Striker. The spaniel ducks and lands his own blow
on the werewolf's stomach. Champion grunts and stumbles a bit, but isn't
phased much from the punch. Striker swings another punch at Champion's
face, but Champion blocks the blow with his rifle and then kicks at the
canine. Striker quickly sidesteps the kick and grabs Champion's leg. He
hoists the leg up, causing the werewolf to fall backwards and bang his
head on the wall behind him. Champion groans once, then slumps down to
the floor. Striker kneels down and begins searching Champion as Vorster
comes out of the security station.

Vorster:"Are you all right?"

Striker:"Ja, but I was lucky. This one here is Franco's personal body-
         guard, Champion."

Vorster(frowning):"We've met before, believe me."

Striker:"Be glad you weren't female. Champion is one of 'those' kinds."

Vorster looks at Champion with disgust. Striker finishes his search,
removing any weapons the big werewolf may have. He then gets up and
leads the group away from the security station and Champion. Another
violent shudder rocks the Wardrome, accompanied by more loud bangs.

Stealth Rover
Road Rover Strike Force
Approaching Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade:

The various Road Rover aircraft are flying over the paralyzed Elite Guard
army. Several of them break off to engage in combat with those defenders
who had escaped the EMP blast. The Stealth is among those going directly
for the Wardrome. From the cockpit the Strikers can see the red ball of
flame that is Phoenix bursting out of and smashing into the Wardrome.
Several burning, gaping holes become visible as they get closer.

Merit:"I say, what a terrible mess."

Shephard:"No kidding. Phoenix is really tearing that place up."

Elexis turns around and looks back at Merit and Shephard.

Elexis:"You two make it sound like a bad thing."

Shephard:"Don't know about Tin Man here, but I'm not complaining that 
          Franco is getting his comeuppance."

Corsair:"Me neither, but I don't like the idea of going into the War-
         drome while she is still in berserk mode. We might get our

         faces burnt off."

Illanov frowns at Corsair.

Illanov:"Comrade Phoenix would never do that, American. You should
         know at least that."

Corsair frowns back at Illanov.

Corsair:"Oh yeah? And what about this?"

He points with both index fingers up at the gaping hole in the cockpit
ceiling that Phoenix had made.

Corsair:"This is only the second time that she's gone one-winged angel
         and we don't even how that happened. Who knows what she's
         thinking right now?"


Illanov:"Are you scared?"

Corsair:"Me, scared? Nope, I'm smart."

Tanarus:"Smart or scared, we must get into the Wardrome to rescue Striker
         and Vorster before Franco has them killed or the KH Military
         attacks."

Just then there is a beep on the communications console. Hunter's voice
then comes on the overhead speakers.

Hunter(over com):"Guys, we got trouble incoming. Radar's picking up a
      large number of KH fighters and bombers coming straight for the 
      Elite Guard."

The Strikers look at each other in surprise.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! The KH Military is attacking already!"

Corsair:"But Miss D said they were still getting ready. Did the KH go
         and jump the gun?"

Tanarus quickly looks at Elexis.

Tanarus:"Honey, ask Hunter if the original plan is still a go or if it
         is changed."

Elexis:"Okay."

Elexis goes on the communicator and contacts Hunter.

Elexis(into com):"Hunter, are we still going ahead with the original
      plan? Or has it changed?"

Hunter(over com):"Nope, we're still going in the Wardrome, but we're
      gonna have to be quick about it. I don't think the KH Military
      will spare it just for our sakes. So get in there, find Striker
      and the other hostages, then get out ASAP."

Elexis(into com):"Roger that, Hunter."

Tanarus nods his head in satisfaction, and then looks back at the others.

Tanarus:"Okay, I will drop you guys off at the Wardrome and hold position 
         until you find Striker. Call us soon as you do and we'll pick 
         you up. And try and get Phoenix under control if you can."

The rest of the team nod their heads, though there are dubious looks on
some faces. They begin to get their gear together as Tanarus brings in
the Stealth Rover towards the Wardrome. Getting closer allows them to
see the gaping holes on the Wardrome more clearly. Sparks from severed
cables fly and several fires are burning at the holes, revealing the
gutted interiors where Phoenix had gone through. Some of the other Rover
vehicles that can hover also approach the Wardrome while the others open
their hatches to allow Rovers on jetpacks to fly down to the openings.
As the Stealth Rover comes closer to the hole, Phoenix comes flying in
and land on the exposed deck. Tanarus closes his eyes as Phoenix glows
brightly for a few seconds. When the brightness is gone and Tanarus looks
again, he can see Phoenix is back to her normal. The Pomeranian is
on his knees and paws, panting heavily. A ramp is lowered between the
Stealth Rover and the Wardrome and a side hatch opens for the rest of
the Unit STRIKE team. They quickly board the Wardrome, with Elexis
reaching Phoenix first. The coyote female kneels next to the canine.

Elexis:"Phoenix! Are you all right?"

Phoenix nods her head a bit, still breathing hard.

Phoenix:"Yes... I'm okay... just tired..."

Illanov kneels next to Phoenix, putting a paw on her shoulder.

Illanov:"You all right, comrade? What happened to you?"

Phoenix:"I... I don't know... Miss D was speaking... then all of the...
         sudden my head... exploded and my body... stung all over... I
         don't remember... what happened next... God, I'm exhausted..."

Illanov:"You mean you don't remember doing this?"

The German Shepherd gestures to the damaged deck they are currently on.
Phoenix looks around in surprise.

Phoenix:"Where... are we?"

Illanov:"We're in the Wardrome, comrade. This hole was created by you."

Phoenix(surprised):"By me?"

Corsair:"Yeah. You went in and began to tear Franco's place several new
         ones. Don't you remember any of it?"

Phoenix shakes her head.

Phoenix:"No... not a thing..."

Illanov:"We can worry about that later, comrades. Right now we need to
         go in and find Striker quickly. The KH Military's forces will
         be here any minute now."

Phoenix looks at Illanov as she struggles to her feet with Elexis helping
her up.

Phoenix:"The KH Military is attacking already? But Miss D said they were
         going to be a while."

Illanov:"She was wrong, comrade. Come on, let's go. Can you walk?"

Phoenix gets to her feet, still standing a bit uneasily.

Phoenix:"I... think so."

Elexis:"You sure, Phoenix? You looked exhausted."


Phoenix:"I'm sure, Elexis. We've got to find Strikie."

Elexis:"Let me give you some adrenaline at least."

Illanov:"Come on, comrades. Let's go."

The Unit STRIKE team heads into the Wardrome. Most of them: Merit stays
behind and opens his toolkit hatch while examining the damage.

Merit:"Oh dear, such a mess. This must be cleaned up."

Merit extends a scoop and brush, and then begins to sweep up the debris from
the floor. A few moments later Shephard comes running back. He grabs
Merit.

Shephard:"You stupid tin can! Come on!"

Merit:"I say!"

Shephard drags Merit after the rest of the team. Other Rover units begin
to enter the damaged Wardrome.

Alpha Bomber Flight
Approaching Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade:

The leading flight of KH Valkyries and their Orca escorts are flying low
and fast towards the Elite Guard forces to the south. Inside the cockpit
of the lead Valkyrie, the female wolf pilot radios to the KHA Victoria.

Lead Pilot(into radio):"Lady Vee, this is Alpha Lead. We are approaching 
          Elite Guard invasion force. Standing by for bomb run."

Lady Vee(over radio):"Alpha Lead, this is Lady Vee. General Pard says
        you are clear for bomb run. Give 'em h***."

Lead Pilot(into radio):"With pleasure, Lady Vee. Commencing bomb run."


The pilot then switches her radio over to communicate with the rest of
the flight.

Lead Pilot(into radio):"All flights, this is Alpha Lead. Lady Vee says 
          we are go for bomb run. Primary targets are any AA batteries
          that are still active. After that, pick any target save the
          Wardrome. General Pard wants that one."
          
All the other pilots radio in their acknowledgements. The Valkyries and
Orcas prepare their weapons as the Elite Guard forces, with the Wardrome
looming over them, comes into visual range. Right away the first shots
from the defenders come flying towards them in the form of missiles and
tracer rounds. The incoming KH aircraft break formation to take evasive
maneuvers and launch countermeasures. Some of the aircraft are hit by
the bullets, but they evade all the missiles. The Valkyries and Orcas
then lock onto their targets and return fire. The Valkyries launch
air-to-ground missiles while the Orcas fly to a higher altitude, then
begin dive bombs on the AA guns. Within a matter of moments the aircraft
manage to destroy the majority of AA vehicles that were still function-
ing. From there, the Valkyries and Orcas begin to tear into the Elite
Guard forces, bombing or shooting anything they can target. Explosions
dot the night sky as the Celtic forces start mauling their former tor-
menters. The only response from the Elite Guard are gunfire and the
occasional rocket fired from the soldiers below.

Upper Levels
Wardrome:

The Wardrome's upper levels mainly house the head officers' quarters and
accompanying facilities such as recreation and briefing rooms. Right now
there is chaos after Phoenix tore through this area, smashing many of
the rooms(and setting them on fire) and leaving another hole in the hull
of the giant base. Hunter and his team of Rovers(Colleen, Blitz and Shag)
come flying through the hole with their jetpacks. Hunter, Colleen and
Blitz land safely on the deck, but Shag flails around and bounces off
the walls of an open corridor before landing flat on the floor.

Colleen:"Blimey! I hope he's all right."

Blitz:"No need to worry about Mop Boy. With all that fur he had a soft
       landing, yah."

Hunter:"Hey, Shag!"

The rest of the team rush over to Shag, who is standing up and brushing
the dust off his fur.

Hunter:"You okay, big guy?"

Shag nods and whimpers something. Hunter pats him on the back.

Hunter:"Don't worry, Shag. I'm sure all your steak and chocolate sandwiches
        are still in one piece."

Colleen and Blitz look at each other in wide-eyed shock.

Colleen, Blitz:"Steak and chocolate? Yuck!"

They make faces of disgust. Just then a group of wolf technicians carrying 
fire extinguishers and equipment to repair some of the damage appear at 
the other. They stop when they see the Road Rovers.

Technician:"We've got intruders! Sound the alarm!"

Hunter immediately runs super fast up to the technicians and puts one arm
around one of the wolves.

Hunter:"Hey, buddy. Since you're here, how about giving us some directions?
        I hear this place is a great tourist attraction."

The wolf growls and swings a punch at Hunter, but Hunter quickly dodges the
swing and waggles his finger at the technician.

Hunter:"That's not how you do it."

Hunter suddenly starts to land several rapid blows on the technician's
face, making his head bounce like a bobble head. The other wolves rush
forward to deal with Hunter, but Colleen comes jumping over Hunter.

Colleen:"Sepp Blatter!"

Colleen kicks the two leading technicians in the chest. The impact sends
the duo flying backwards against their colleagues, knocking them all
down into a big heap. Colleen lands gracefully on both her feet, then
stands up and runs her paw through her hair.

Colleen:"It sure does feel great to be able to look good and kick tail
         at the same time."

At that moment an Elite Guard officer, who had been inside one of the
quarter rooms, comes out with two pistols in his paws. He turns to
Hunter and Colleen, but fails to spot Blitz and Shag just behind him.
Blitz rubs his paws in glee and glances at Shag.

Blitz:"This is what I call a prepared meal, Mop Boy."

Shag scratches his head in confusion as Blitz rushes the wolf, his fangs
bared and mouth wide open. The officer takes aim at the distracted Hunter
and Colleen with each of his pistols and prepares to fire. At that moment
Blitz closes his muzzle over the officer's read end. The wolf yelps out

in pain and shoots into the ceiling.

Officer:"AAARG! MY TAIL!!!"

The officer tries to shake Blitz off, but the Doberman holds on tightly
to the wolf. The officer then tries to shoot Blitz, but Blitz then grabs
the wolf and slams him against the side of the walls. The wolf slumps to

the floor, leaving Blitz standing over him with parts of his torn pants
in his muzzle. The Doberman spits it out and pulls out a small booklet.
He opens it, takes out a pen and makes a mark on it.

Blitz:"Und one step closer to that flea collar."

Shag keeps scratching his head, then just shrugs as Hunter and Colleen
approach. Colleen grabs the officer and shakes him until he comes to.

Colleen:"Wake up, nap time's over."

Officer:"Ugh... ow, my butt..."

Colleen:"We'd like some directions, guv. Where is the control room of
         this place?"

The officer growls at Colleen.

Officer:"I'm not talking, mongrel."

Colleen looks over at Blitz.

Colleen:"Want to add another tally to your book?"

Blitz(rubbing paws):"Dah, I'd love to."

The officer's eyes go wide and he immediately begins to babble.

Officer:"Okay, I'll talk!"

Colleen:"Smart move, guv. So talk."

The officer starts telling Colleen what she wants, much to Blitz's mild
disappointment. When he is done spilling the beans, Colleen punches him
out and drops him to the floor. Hunter turns to the others.

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

The Road Rovers head deeper into the Wardrome as other Rover units make
their way into the damaged machine. Outside the KH Military aircraft
continue their attacks on the Elite Guard forces.

Elevator Hub
Upper Levels
Wardrome:

The elevator hub is a room with several elevator doors and several exits
leading out. A few seats line the walls while vents above normally pro-
vide air condition, but smoke is currently billowing from them. Outlaw's
Maddogs come into the room to find it empty, but with some of the lifts
in operation. Outlaw turns to his team.

Outlaw:"Okay, gang. Look around and find out where these elevators go."

The team acknowledges and spread out. Outlaw, Beowulf and Silver go to
check on the elevators while Saphire and Wesley go check on some of the
notice boards and signs on the walls. Saphire spots a chart that shows
coloured diagrams of the elevators, their hubs and to which levels they
go to.

Saphire:"Outlaw, I got something here."

Outlaw goes over to the female husky and looks at the chart.

Outlaw:"What have you got, Angel?"

Saphire:"This chart shows us where the elevators go. I think that red
         one is the one we need to take. It leads to 'central command'."

Outlaw:"Sounds like our ride. Which of these is the red lift?"

Saphire examines the chart, then looks back at the row of elevators
before pointing to the middle one.

Saphire:"That one."

Outlaw:"Okay, let's check it out."

The two of them walk over to the elevator Saphire has pointed out. The
doors are closed. They look up to the lights above the doors, which
shows the floor levels. A red light is moving down those numbers.

Saphire:"Looks like somebody is already using it."

Outlaw:"Then let's ask them to get out. Let's see here..."

Outlaw looks at a panel next to the doors which has a pair of buttons
to call the elevator. Outlaw presses one of them and it lights up. He
turns to the rest of his team.

Outlaw:"Gather around, everybody. We're about to get some visitors."

The Maddogs get their weapons ready and gather by the elevator doors.
They watch as the red light approaches their floor. There is a beep and
then the doors slide open. Inside the lift is Franco, surrounded by four
Paladin bodyguards. As Franco's group steps out, they find themselves
looking at the guns of the Maddogs.

Franco:"What the h***?"

Silver:"Well, look here. It's the Elite Guard top honcho himself, Franco."

Beowulf:"Like winning the lottery."

Franco:"Road Rovers!"

Outlaw:"That's right. And you're under arrest, Franco."

Franco growls and quickly ducks back into the elevator.

Franco:"Defend me!"

The Paladin ready themselves for battle, arming their rail rifles.

Paladins:"For the Supreme General!"

Outlaw:"Bad idea."

The Paladins rush forward with guns blazing, making the Maddogs back off
and duck to avoid the fire. But Saphire takes to the air and over the
Paladin rushing her. She then goes and kicks the suited soldier in the
back, causing him to stumble forward and land on the floor. Saphire
swoops down and lands right on the Paladin's back. She notices the emer-
gency shutdown knob on the suit.

Saphire:"Now what does this do?"

She reaches down and turns the button. Immediately the Paladin's suit
powers down and leaves the soldier helpless on the floor.

Saphire:"How nice. When you're done playing you just turn them off."

Meanwhile, Silver has engaged a Paladin in hand-to-hand combat. He grabs
the rail rifle, trying to keep the barrel pointed away from him and the
others. However, he is struggling against the stronger Paladin. Silver

tries to punch the Paladin, but only manages to hurt his paw against the
suit's helmet. Flinching from the pain, Silver is unable to maintain his
grip on the rifle. Paladin pulls it free and then kicks Silver to the
floor. Triumphant, the Paladin takes aim at the sprawling Silver.

Paladin:"Your death for the Supreme General!"

Silver suddenly kicks the rifle just as the Paladin is pulling the trig-
ger on it. The last thing the Paladin sees is his magnetic rail rifle's
open barrel pointing directly at him. Silver looks away as the rifle
discharges, followed by the Paladin dropping to the floor like a sack
of potatoes."

Silver:"Better yours than mine."

Beowulf is dodging shots from the Paladin attacking him, diving and
rolling about to avoid getting hit. Beowulf gets to his feet and waits
for the Paladin to fire at him. The Paladin takes aim and fires, but
Beowulf drops to the floor to avoid the magnetic rail shot. While
diving, Beowulf claps his paws and releases a sonic boom at the Paladin.
The boom strikes the Paladin, knocking him back and making him yelp in
pain from the impact. Beowulf then rushes up and quickly claps another
sonic boom at the downed soldier. The second blast knocks out the third
Paladin. Outlaw is dodging shots while firing his laser pistol back at

the Paladin attacking. He flips over one of the benches to take cover
behind it. The Paladin rushes forward and Outlaw fires back, but his
laser shots don't penetrate the soldier's armor. The Paladin comes up
and kicks away the bench, leaving Outlaw exposed.

Outlaw:"Oh dang!"

The Paladin takes aim at the mongrel, but then suddenly it staggers about
before falling over flat onto the floor. Outlaw blinks several times as
he stares at the fallen suit of armor, then he looks up and sees his
wife Saphire standing behind the Paladin. Saphire climbs over the Paladin
and holds out a paw for Outlaw, grinning.

Saphire:"Looks like you needed help."

Outlaw:"What would I be without you, Angel?"

He takes her paw and the husky pulls him back to his feet. With the
Paladins neutralized, the Maddogs gather around the open elevator and
wait for Franco to come out. When Franco steps out of the elevator to
investigate the sudden silence in the lobby, he finds himself staring at
several gun barrels pointed at him. The Maddogs all grin.

Wesley:"Wow, we sure scored big tonight."

Beowulf:"Yeah, this one will bring in a handsome bounty for us all."

Outlaw:"You're under arrest, Franco. You'd best come quietly."

Franco growls at the Maddogs.

Franco:"What makes you think you can order me like that?"

Outlaw:"Dunno. Maybe it has to do with this gun I have here."

Outlaw gestures to his laser pistol. Suddenly Franco lunges forward and
bites the pistol. Outlaw jumps back and gasps when he sees his pistol has
a chunk bitten out of it. Alarmed, he looks at Franco, who casually spits
the broken piece out.

Franco:"What gun?"

The next instant Franco grabs Beowulf's arms and flings the Great Dane over
his shoulders. Beowulf lands with a loud thud on the floor, knocking the
air out of his lungs. Silver fires a few shots at Franco, but Franco does
not even flinch much as each bullet hits him. The Supreme General then
turns to Silver, revealing that a bullet had torn a gash in his face and
exposed parts of his metal face. Silver's eyes go wide, then tries to
shoot some more, but Franco then grabs Beowulf again and flings him hard
at Silver. The Dane collided with the coyote, sending them both crashing
against the wall. Franco then turns to Saphire, who jumps up into the
air.

Saphire:"Try and catch me now."

Franco obliges. With a speed that catches Saphire by surprise he manages
to grab one of her ankles. Franco then smashes her down onto the floor,
causing her to yelp in pain. Outlaw rushes forward to try and help her,
but then Franco lifts her up by both her ankles and swings her around.
The husky and the mongrel collide, sending them both sprawling. Franco
then turns to a nervous Wesley, who is still aiming his gun at Franco.


Wesley:"Stay back! I'll shoot you!"

Franco quickly reaches out, grabs the gun and then crushes it into a
ball of twisted metal and plastic. He then drops the broken firearm onto
the floor.

Wesley:"Um... can we talk about it?"

Franco grabs Wesley by the neck and hoists him into the air. Wesley
gasps, struggling to break free of Franco's grasp. Franco then throws
Wesley at one of the vents. Wesley crashes through the vent and dangles
there.

Wesley:"Ouch..."

Franco looks around at the downed Maddogs, then marches to one of the
other elevators. He opens the elevator doors, and then enters it. The doors
then close as Franco rides to a different part of the Wardrome. Outlaw
groans and tries to look around. He finds Saphire lying next to him,
also trying to get up.

Outlaw:"You okay, Angel?"

Saphire:"Not sure... I think Franco broke something... ouch... d***,
         he really kicked our... tails there... ow..."

Outlaw:"No kidding... owie... We'd better get patched up and help the
        others... can you stand?"

Saphire struggles to her feet, groaning and yelping in pain.

Saphire:"I... I think so."

Outlaw:"Okay... let's help the others and see where that elevator Franco
        took goes... and then let Hunter know about it... oooh ouch."

Saphire:"Right... *gasp*... ouch!"

Outlaw and Saphire struggle back onto their feet, then go and try to
help the others back up again.

Bridge
KHA Victoria
Holding Position North of Elite Guard:

General Pard is watching the battle talking place around the Elite Guard
through the panoramic window. In the distance he can see the lights from
explosions, aircraft engines and tracer fire. Pard is satisfied to see
that the number of tracer fire is decreasing rapidly. Sparrow comes up
to the command desk.

Sparrow:"Alpha lead's reporting in that nearly all of the Elite Guard's
         remaining anti-aircraft weapons have been neutralized. We own
         the skies now."

Pard:"Excellent. Let's bring in the Lady Vee over the Wardrome and show
      General Franco the true might of the Celtic Squadron. Prepare the
      ground cannon for deployment."

Sparrow:"Yes, general."

Sparrow leaves the desk to relay Pard's orders. A few minutes later the
KHA Victoria begins to move, flying towards the stricken Elite Guard.

Mess Hall
Wardrome:

The mess hall is a large square room with rows of tables and benches
normally arranged here. The one side of the room is devoted to the
kitchen and serving area. However, a huge gaping hole is in the middle
of the floor where Phoenix had smashed her way through. The tables and
benches lie scattered about, and there is a small fire burning in the
kitchen. Striker and Vorster come in from the one side, scanning the
room for any threats.

Vorster:"Looks all clear."

Striker:"Goed. Let's keep moving."

Vorster brings in Melanie and Samuel as they enter the mess hall. As
they make their way through the debris, Striker quickly stops them.

Striker:"Someone's coming. Get down!"


They all quickly duck behind an overturned table. Striker peers over the
edge to see who is coming. Voices come from one of the doorways leading
in.

Voice 1:"You sure this is the right way?"

Voice 2:"Sure I'm sure. We're heading the right way."


Voice 1:"Doesn't look like it."

Voice 2:"Don't worry, we're on the right track. Because right through
         here..."

At that moment the Grizzlies Strayer unit(Bear, Nitro, Amani and Puff-
ball) enter the mess hall. The smug look on Bear's face vanishes as he
looks around the room.

Bear:"... is... not the control room."

Amani:"Going the right way, you said."

Bear:"Hey, give me a break. This place isn't easy to navigate."

Nitro:"You could at least ask somebody, Bear."

Bear:"Except that that 'somebody' tends to shoot at us."

Striker quickly emerges from cover.

Striker:"Bear! Is that you?"

The Grizzlies immediately turn to Striker, raising their petri pistols
at the spaniel but then lowering it when they see who it is. As Striker
brings Vorster, Melanie and Samuel to the Grizzlies, Bear looks smugly
at Amani.

Bear:"And you criticized my sense of direction."

Amani:"Finding Striker here wasn't originally your plan, Bear."

Bear:"Well, I never said I didn't know he was here so now I can say this
      was part of my plan."

Amani rolls her eyes. Nitro looks at Striker.

Nitro:"You okay, Striker?"

Striker:"I'm reg, Nitro."

Nitro:"Whatever possessed you to come here and try and take on Franco all
       by yourself? You're almost as bad as Bear sometimes."

Bear looks injured at Nitro.

Bear:"Hey, come on!"

Nitro:"I'm just teasing."

Striker:"I have no idea. All I can remember was getting a phone call back
         at headquarters, then I suddenly had this idea to go and confront
         Franco by myself. I don't know what came over me."

Amani:"Sounds like you had a drink or two too many."

Striker:"Nee, Amani. I was perfectly sober when that happened."

Bear:"Well, we found you now. And it looks like you got some friends with
      you as well. Is that Vorster?"

Striker nods and turns to Vorster, who is looking warily at the Grizzlies.

Striker:"Ja, that's him."

Bear:"Wow, you and him look very much alike, if I remember those photos
      of you before the..."

Striker suddenly grabs Bear's muzzle to shut the malamute's mouth. He
leans closer to Bear to whisper.

Striker(whispering):"I don't want Vorster to know THAT aspect of myself,
       Bear. I don't think he will handle it well."

Bear(whispering):"Oh, okay. Gotcha."

Striker:"How many of the teams are here?"

Bear:"Most of us, really. We're storming the Wardrome while the KH Military
      is keeping the Elite Guard forces busy."

Striker:"The KH Military is on our side?"

Bear:"Not really. Miss D said they're really here to get even with Franco
      and his troops, though she probably didn't expect them to attack
      already."

Striker:"Has anybody seen Franco?"


Bear:"Outlaw's team caught up with him near the elevators, but Franco
      kicked their butts before escaping."

Striker:"He must be heading for the Night Wing."

Nitro:"The Night Wing? What's that?"

Striker:"I think it's Franco personal aircraft that he intends to make
         his escape in. I'm on my way there right now."

Puffball:"You go alone?"

Striker(nodding):"Ja. I can't allow Franco to get away again."

Amani:"Hold on! You can't go off by yourself again. You're the reason we
       are all here."

Bear:"She's right, Striker. We are all supposed to be teams here."

Striker:"I'm fully aware of that, Bear. But the thing is we cannot allow
         Franco to get away. I have a strong hunch the Night Wing has
         stealth technology that will allow him to get away. I'm going
         to stow away on it, allowing the rest of you to track down the
         Night Wing and help capture Franco."

Bear:"Is that a good idea? Franco gave the Maddogs a real beat down by
      himself."

Striker:"And I'm not going to make that same fout, Bear. I will keep out
         of sight until the rest of you join up."

At that point Vorster comes up to Striker.

Vorster:"Wait, you're going off by yourself now?"

Striker:"Ja. I want you and the journalists to go with Bear here."

Vorster looks at Bear and his Strayer team with suspicion. Bear gives
him the thumbs up.

Bear:"Hey, we're the good guys here."

Vorster looks back at Striker.

Vorster:"You sure I can trust them?"

Striker:"Ja, all of them... except Bear."

Bear:"Hey!"

Nitro and Amani stifle their laughter, while Striker just smiles at
him.

Striker:"Jammer, Bear. I couldn't resist that one."

The spaniel turns serious again and looks back at Vorster.

Striker:"Will you promise to go with them? We need to get you to safety."

Vorster:"And what about Franco?"

Striker:"He will not escape justice, Adriaan. That I... we promise."

Vorster stares at Striker for a moment, then nods his head.

Vorster:"Very well. I will go with them."

Striker:"Goed."

Striker then turns to Bear.

Striker:"Get them out of here, and tell the other teams to get out of the
         Wardrome. We need to go after Franco. Leave the rest of his army
         to the KH Military to deal with."

Bear:"Okay. Meanwhile, you be careful out there."

Striker nods and gives the thumbs up gesture. The spaniel then makes his
way through the debris of tables and benches to one of the other exits.
Bear then turns to Vorster, Melanie and Samuel.

Bear:"Okay, stay close to us and don't wander off. We're getting you out
      of here."

Vorster:"Very well."

Melanie:"Okay, but will you grant me an exclusive interview afterwards?"

Amani:"Interview?"

Bear:"I don't think we're allowed to speak to the media."

Melanie:"But I really need an interview from you guys! It would be a big
         career booster."

Samuel comes up and grabs Melanie's one arm, tugging her onward.

Samuel:"Mel, I don't think this is the time and place to be having this
        discussion."

Melanie:"But..."

Vorster:"Your friend is right. This is not the time and place."

Nitro(to herself):"Thank goodness for that."

Bear:"Okay, gang. Let's get rolling. Nitro, Amani, Puffball. Keep the
      civilians in the centre and protected from any Elite Guard troops
      who try to take potshots at them."

Nitro, Amani, Puffball:"Right."

The human hostages are placed in the centre of the Grizzlies as Bear
leads them out of the mess hall. Bear takes out his radio and calls for
Hunter.

Bear(into radio):"Hunter, this is Bear."

Hunter(over radio):"I hear you, Bear. What's up?"

Bear(into radio):"Good news. We've got Vorster, and the two reporters
    Franco was keeping hostage."

Hunter(over radio):"Whoa! How did you manage that?"

Bear(into radio):"Luck, actually. Striker was escorting them when we
    bumped into each other."

Hunter(over radio):"Striker? Is he there with you?"

Bear(into radio):"He was with us, but he left again to go after Franco.
    Apparently Franco has an escape plane called the Night Wing ready
    for take off, and Striker was insistent that he wasn't going to let
    the Elite Guard leader escape."

Hunter(over radio):"Yet another unexpected twist, bummer. Did Striker
      say what his plans are?"

Bear(into radio):"Striker told me he was going to sneak aboard the Night
    Wing when it takes off. He then wants the rest of us to use him as
    a tracking beacon to follow the Night Wing, because he thinks it
    might be a stealth aircraft with a cloaking device."

Hunter(over radio):"I guess it makes sense. At any rate, we'd better get
      out of here anyway. I'm getting reports that the KH Military is
      moving in for the kill, and we'd better not be here when that
      happens. Bear, you and your team get those hostages safely out of 
      the Wardrome."

Bear(into radio):"Roger that."

Bear puts away the radio and turns back to his team and the hostages.

Bear:"Okay, we've gotta move out of here fast. Hunter says the KH Military
      is moving in to finish off the Elite Guard and we've got to get out
      of here before we get finished off too."

The rest of the Grizzlies acknowledge. Bear leads the group onward towards
the nearest exit from the Wardrome.

Private Hangar
Wardrome:

Franco's private hangar is at one of the lower levels of the Wardome and
is a long, wide corridor that houses a kind of catapult/runway device.
At the one end of the hangar is Franco's private aircraft, the Night Wing.
The Night Wing is actually a large flying wing, with a large belly and
the cockpit fitted on the center of the wing. Four large engines power
the Night Wing, which is painted in mostly black with a few yellow strips
on the wings and engines. The Night Wing is currently mounted on a large
machine that acts like a catapult. A ramp is lowered down for those who
wish to board the large aircraft. At the moment a number of Black Paws
surround the Night Wing, guarding it against intruders. Technicians run
back and forth to get the Night Wing and its runway ready for takeoff.
Striker comes sneaking into the hangar, ducking behind some empty fuel
barrels. He peers over the edge to scan the Night Wing.


Striker:"So that's the Night Wing. Looks like Franco is getting ready to
         abandon his men to save his own fur."

Just then Striker spots Franco as he comes out of an elevator. He is
greeted by his saluting Black Paws, though he doesn't salute back. The
general quickly talks with one of the senior officers. Striker frowns
as he looks at his arch-nemesis.

Striker:"Praat of the duiwel, there he is."

Striker starts to sneak towards the Night Wing, staying behind cover and
keeping out of sight of the Black Paws and the technicians. A voice comes
on the overhead speakers.

Voice(over speakers):"Attention all crews. Prepare Night Wing runway for
     takeoff. Repeat, prepare Night Wing runway for immediate takeoff."

The technicians scramble to get the runway and catapult ready. Franco
boards the Night Wing, followed by several of his Black Paws. The rest
of the commandoes back away from the aircraft as the pilots start up
the engines. Striker moves a little faster to try and get to the Night
Wing before it begins to take off. The announcer's voice comes over the
speakers again.	

Voice(over speakers):"Opening hangar doors."

At the far end of the runway a set of lights come on, illuminating a pair
of large hangar doors as they open up. Striker moves closer to the Night
Wing as the engines grow louder. The technicians begin to clear from the
runway as they finish preparations. Striker watches the technicians, 
noticing some of them preparing to remove the brakes on the Night Wing's 
landing gear.

Voice(over speakers):"Removing landing gear clamps. Prepare for take off.
     All personnel, clear the runway. Repeat, clear the runway."

Striker:"I'd better hurry. The Night Wing is almost ready."

Striker sees a technician rushing by his position. He quickly grabs the
wolf by the muzzle and drags him behind the crates. After a quick, quiet
scuffle, Striker manages to subdue him and begins to quickly put on the
technician's outfit.

Striker:"This won't fool anybody who takes a closer look, but hopefully
         it should allow me to get close to the Night Wing."

Striker appears from cover, keeping a low profile as he walks towards the
Night Wing. So far, everyone is too much in a hurry to closely examine
Striker and see through his disguise. The cocker spaniel gets close to
one of the landing wheels. He examines it, seeing he can climb up into
the wing of the aircraft.

Striker:"Reg, here I go."

Striker begins to climb up the landing gear. Suddenly someone grabs his
outfit and pulls him off with great force. Striker lands hard on the
floor, momentarily getting the air knocked out of him. The next moment
a large boot is planted on his chest. The spaniel looks up to see
Champion standing over him, a vicious smile on his face and a crowbar
in his paws.

Champion:"What do we have here? A stowaway!"

The big werewolf waves the crowbar in front of Striker's face.

Champion:"You know what they did with stowaways in the good old days?
          They killed them. That’s what they did."

Striker:"Nice history lesson, Champion. Now, let me teach you a lesson
         in anatomy."

Striker lifts one leg between Champion's own legs and gives a strong
kick at the werewolf's groin. Champion yelps in pain and stumbles back
as he grabs his injured crotch. This allows Striker to quickly jump to
his feet. Champion recovers from the blow, and then swings the crowbar
at Striker. Striker ducks, the crowbar passing just inches above his
head. The werewolf tries to land an overhead blow on Striker, but the
spaniel quickly jumps to the side. The crowbar makes a loud "CLANK" as
it hits the metal floor. Striker takes this chance to punch Champion in
the side. Champion yelps, but swings the crowbar at the canine. Striker
jumps back to avoid the sharp piece of metal. As the fight continues,
the announcer spots them.

Voice(over speakers):"Hey! What's going down there? You two! What's all
     that fighting about? Security! Check that out!"

Meanwhile, Champion takes another swing at Striker, but the spaniel grabs
Champion's arm and twists it hard. The werewolf yelps out in pain and
lets go of the crowbar, letting it fall onto the floor. Striker then gives
a series of punches and knee blows to Champion before landing his fist
full on the big wolf's face. Champion staggers backwards before collapsing
amongst a pile of drum. Striker then sees some of the Black Paws rushing
back into the hangar. As he turns back for the Night Wing, the announcer's
voice comes over the speakers again.

Voice(over speakers):"What? Take off now? But he's still on the runway...
     No, of course I won't contract his orders. Night Wing, you are cleared
     for take off. Prepare catapult for launch."

Striker runs for one of the landing gear as the engines of the Night Wing
roar to life. The Black Paws hesitate as they hear the aircraft getting
ready for launch. Champion, however, manages to pick himself up and is
rushing after Striker. Striker starts to climb the landing gear against as
he hears a rumbling noise under his feet.

Striker:"Ai yai yai. I'd better hurry!"

Voice(over speakers):"T minus 20 seconds."

Striker is halfway up the landing gear when suddenly Champion comes up and
grabs his feet. Striker gasps and holds onto the gear as the werewolf tries

to pull him off.

Champion:"Let go you little mongrel!"

Striker struggles to hold on to the landing gear with all his might as
Champion keeps trying to pull him off. As they struggle, the announcer
comes over the speakers, his voice barely audible above the engines of the
Night Wing.

Voice(over speakers):"Take off in 10... 9... 8... 7..."

Striker pulls as hard as he can on the landing gear, trying to secure a
grip. Champion keeps pulling, but opens his muzzle and gets ready to bite
the spaniel's legs.

Voice(over speakers):"3... 2... 1... LAUNCH!!"

The Night Wing's roar to life, then a moment later the machine upon which
the aircraft sits begins to shoot down the runway. Champion gasps as he
is suddenly pulled off his feet. The werewolf clings to Striker as best
he can, but his paws slip down the spaniel's boots.

Champion:"OOOOH SHIYAAAAAAAAH!"

The catapult picks up speed as the Night Wing does. When it gets to the
end of the tunnel, the clamps holding the Night Wing to the catapult
release the aircraft. The fully powered Night Wing takes to the skies,
but at that exact moment Champion loses his grip on Striker. Momentum
flings the werewolf out of the open hangar into the air. Champion screams
in terror as he goes flying to the ground. Something does manage to break
his fall: a giant thorn bush. Champion crashes into the bush, screaming
out in pain from both the landing and the numerous thorns. Above in the
skies Striker holds on as the landing gear is pulled up. Once in the
wing, Striker quickly gets off the landing gear before it crushes him
against the hull. The hatch then closes, leaving Striker in the darkness
of the wing.

Striker:"Reg, now to set the beacon."

He fumbles in the dark for his Watchcom, then presses a button on it to
switch it on. Back outside, a wing of five Predator aircraft join the
Night Wing as escorts. A few moments later the Night Wing's cloaking
device is activated and all six aircraft turn into faint shimmers that
are impossible to see in the darkness.

Stealth Rover
Holding Position Near Wardrome:

The Stealth Rover is hovering near one of the gaping holes in the side
of the Wardrome. Tanarus is at the flight controls, holding the air-

craft steady. Elexis is busy with the flight ramp, helping the rest of
the team onto the Stealth. All around them other Rover teams are getting
off the Wardrome and onto their respective vehicles. From below some
Elite Guard soldiers are firing at the Rover aircraft to little effect
while some Rovers fire back for suppression. Phoenix comes into the
cockpit and goes right up Tanarus.

Phoenix:"What have you got, Tan?"

Tanarus:"Good news. We're tracking Striker's Watchcom on Franco's escape
         craft. Wed don't have a visual on it, but we suspected that he
         might be using cloaking technology. Either way, we know where
         Franco is and we can go after him."

Phoenix:"What about Striker? Is he all right?"

Tanarus:"Not sure about that, but if he's on Franco's plane he is proba-
         bly staying out of sight. His Watchcom shows his vitals are
         still active, so I think he's okay."

Phoenix quickly takes her seat behind Tanarus, buckling up.

Phoenix:"Then let's go after him!"

Tanarus:"As soon as we're all onboard. We should be able to catch up with
         Franco even with this gaping hole in the roof."

Phoenix blinks as she looks up at the massive, burnt hole in the roof of
the Stealth Rover. Her mouth falls agape as she stares at it.

Phoenix:"Did... I do that?"

Tanarus:"Afraid so. You don't remember it, do you?"

Phoenix looks sheepishly at Tanarus and shakes her head.

Phoenix:"No, I don't... Hubert is going to be very mad at me."

Tanarus chuckles and winks reassuringly at Phoenix.

Tanarus:"Don't worry. He might put up a scene, but it won't be too bad.
         I've been through it too. Right now, though, our concern is to
         catch up with Franco before he escapes. Plus it's no longer
         necessary for us to stick around. It looks like the KH Military
         is about to mop up here."

Tanarus points out the window towards the north. Phoenix looks in that
direction and spots the looming shape of the KHA Victoria flying towards
them. She looks back at Tanarus.

Phoenix:"Does it have the same weapons as the Alexander?"

Tanarus:"From what I've learned, yes."

Phoenix:"Then you're right. Let's roll!"

Tanarus nods, looking to see if all the members of Unit STRIKE are in
the cockpit and in their seats. Once everybody is in he turns to Elexis.

Tanarus:"Tell Hunter that all Unit STRIKE members are accounted for."

Elexis:"Okay."

Elexis goes onto the radio and calls Hunter on it.

Elexis(into radio):"Hunter, this is Elexis. All Unit STRIKE members have 
      gotten out of the Wardrome."

Hunter(over radio):"Awesome. You are the last guys to get out of there.
      We've got Striker's signal on our radars. So let's hit the skies
      and leave the bad guys to play with each other."

With that, the Road Rover aircraft start to move away from the Wardrome
and take to the skies in pursuit.

Diehard's Brigade Tank
Elite Guard Third Tactical Brigade:

Parked in the middle of the left flank of the Elite Guard is the Brigade
Tank being used by Diehard as his new commander vehicle. Like most of
the army, the Brigade Tank has also been paralyzed by the EMP blast.
Inside of it, Diehard is using what radios are still working to try and
coordinate some kind of defense against the attacking KH Military. He
also shouts orders at couriers to relay them to other commanders.

Diehard:"I don't care! Get them all working and shooting, yah! Don't
         give me a 'nein' for an answer or I!"

Couriers:"Y-yes, General!"

As the couriers scramble out of the Brigade Tank, Diehard turns to a
wolf operating one of the few remaining working radios.

Diehard:"Have you gotten through to Seneschal yet?"

The wolf nods, holding out some earphones with a mike attached.

Radio Operator:"Yes, General. Just now."

Diehard:"About time!"

Diehard grabs the headset and puts it on.

Diehard(into radio):"Seneschal! Are your forces deployed to the rear
       defence line?"

Seneschal(over radio):"Deployed? You must be kidding, Diehard. My forces
         are already beginning to get their tails out of here."

Diehard's eyes nearly bulge out his skull upon hearing this. His temper
flares up as he responds.

Diehard(into radio):"VAT!!! This had better to be a joke!"

Seneschal(over radio):"No joke, Diehard. We've lost the war. Franco has
         just fled the Wardrome and that KH command ship is moving
         towards us. Already I can see their ground forces dropping down
         on us. We can't fight in this state, and I'm getting as many of
         my troops out of here."

Diehard(into radio):"You coward! You abandon your post und I'll personally
       report you to ze Supreme General!"

Seneschal(over radio):"Oh, you don't understand. I'm watching you from a
         hill about several kilometers away with my retreating army. I
         think you had better take a look outside at the Wardrome..."

Diehard blinks, then quickly drops the headset. He climbs up a ladder
that goes to the hatch in the tank's turret. He pops his head out of the
open hatch and looks around. Amid the chaos he sees the KHA Victoria
hovering above the damaged Wardrome. The belly of the ship has opened
up to reveal the ground cannon, similar to what the KHA Alexander had
used on Parvo's base (see "Born in the RSA"). Lights go on and energy
beams can be seen charging the cannon up. The muzzle of the cannon glows
brighter and brighter until it is almost blinding. Suddenly a beam of
energy fires from the cannon directly into the tip of the pyramid-shaped
Wardrome. An instant later the Wardrome erupts in an enormous, thunderous 
explosion that blows the giant vehicle apart into a fireball. Huge chunks
of debris flew through the air, while the shockwave of the blast knocks
over nearby vehicles and sends troops flying. Diehard gasps and ducks
into his Brigade Tank, closing the hatch to avoid incoming debris. A few
seconds later the impact of metal shards striking the outer hull can be
heard inside. The radio operator gets Diehard's attention.

Radio Operator:"Sir! Seneschal is still on hold."

Diehard takes the headset again and answers.

Diehard(into radio):"Vat?"

Seneschal(over radio):"Oh, you're still alive."

Diehard(into radio):"Does zat sound like disappointment in your voice?"

Seneschal(over radio):"Maybe, maybe not. Either way, you just saw what
         the KH Military did. I don't know about you, but I am getting out
         of here. Perhaps if you have brains I'll chat to you later when
         you've gotten out of there too."

Diehard is about to respond angrily, but then Seneschal hangs up. Diehard
flings the headset back at the radio operator, growling. He paces up and
down the tank while his aides look nervously on. Finally, Diehard turns to
them.

Diehard:"Issue ze following order. Ve are retreating und getting out of
         here."

The aides listen carefully as Diehard gives his forces their marching 
orders.

The Night Wing
Following Escape Route
20:24 PM:

The interior of the Night Wing has a somewhat luxurious look to it, with
all kinds of modern amenities and facilities for relaxation and re-
creation. One of the cabins is a miniature version of the throne room in
the Wardrome, complete with a throne and dozens of video screens. Franco
is seated on his throne while the screens show the barely-recognizable
wreckage of the Wardrome and the fleeing Elite Guard forces. But Franco
is not looking at the screens and is still brooding in his seat. His
Black Paw bodyguards and his senior officers are keeping their distance,
fearful of their leader. The cabin door swings open and a cabin crew
members rushes in. He salutes nervously at Franco.

Cabin Crew:"S-s-supreme General, sir."

Franco looks up slightly at the crew member.

Franco:"What is it?"

Cabin Crew:"Sir, the Road Rovers are right behind us."

Franco:"That's absurd. We're cloaked."

Cabin Crew:"Yes, sir. But they are still following."

Franco stares at the crew member for a second seconds, then his eyes widen
and he jumps to his feet. He barks his orders at his followers.

Franco:"Search the Night Wing! We have a stowaway on this plane! And send
        the fighters out to get the Road Rovers off my back!"

The Black Paws, officers and cabin crew waste no in time in obeying
Franco's orders, if only to avoid their angry boss. Franco walks over to
a large red footlocker with golden linings and a combination lock on it.
He enters the combination, then opens the locker once he hears it unlock.
Lying inside is Franco's personal firearm: the Dragonball Launcher. It is
an automatic rifle with a pair of small tanks attached to the body, a
wooden stock and two muzzles. It is painted mostly black with a red
markings on it. Franco picks it up and begins to load its ammunition.


Road Rovers Flight Wing
Closing In On Night Wing
At That Moment:

The various Road Rover aircraft are flying in hot pursuit of the Night
Wing, guided only by Striker's tracking device to follow the invisible
aircraft. In the leader is the TurboJet Rover, flown by Hunter. Inside
Colleen is putting on what looks to be some kind of flight helmet on
the Golden Retriever's head.

Colleen:"Does it fit okay?"

Hunter:"Just my size. Now let's see if it works."

Hunter pulls down the visor on his helmet. From his point of view one
can see the visor is actually an electronic screen that brightens up
the night sky. He can also see the bright glow of the heat coming from
the invisible planes' engines. Hunter then radios to the other team
pilots.

Hunter(into radio):"Okay, gang. Does everyone have their night helmets
      on?"

The other pilots radio in their acknowledgements.

Bear(over radio):"Right here, Hunter. I can see Franco's planes right
    ahead of us."

Hunter(into radio):"Good. Let's close in and..."

Suddenly most of the heat spots in front of them turn towards the group.
As they do, the Elite Guard Predators come out of cloak for the attack.

Hunter(into radio):"Heads up, Rovers! Here come the bad guys!"

The Rover aircraft split up as the Predators descend upon them and open
fire with their mounted guns. The TurboJet turns away, narrowly dodging
a round of bullets fired from one Predator, which immediately goes onto

their tails in pursuit. The Predator pilot achieves a lock on the Rover
plane and fires a heat-seeking missile at it. Colleen spots the missile
on the flight control dashboard in front of her.

Colleen:"Huntie! Incoming missile!"

Hunter:"Hold on, everyone!"

Hunter pulls a hard right on the flight stick. The TurboJet Rover turns
to the right as the missile closes in. The missile tries to maintain a
visual lock on the aircraft, but the TurboJet manages to move just out
of the missile's visual cone. Losing the target, the missile goes dumb
and flies away harmlessly. The Predator turns to get the TurboJet back
into view for another shot. By now, however, Hunter has turned to face
towards the Predator.

Hunter:"My turn."

Hunter brings the Predator into his sights and presses the trigger on his
flight stick. The nose cannon on the TurboJet Rover fires several quick
bursts at the enemy fighter. The Predator pilot tries to dodge the shots,
but it is too late. The blasts knock several holes into one of the wings.
A few seconds later the damaged wing breaks off and the Predator begins
to plummet to earth, the pilot ejecting from his stricken craft.

Hunter:"And that's why you don't dog fight a Road Rover."

The Jet Rover is currently trying to shake off a Predator that is on its
tail, the Elite Guard aircraft firing its guns. Hotrod is at the flight
controls, trying to keep the Jet Rover from being shot full of holes.
Alana, who is seated next to him, and a few other Rovers seated behind
him are trying hard to hold on even with their seatbelts on.

Alana:"Having a little trouble, Roddie?"

Hotrod:"Nothing I can't handle, Alana."

Hotrod makes a hard right, barely avoiding getting hit by a row of bullets
from the predator. Everyone is thrown sideways.

Alana:"You sure about that?"

Hotrod:"Pretty sure about it. I just need to get behind the bad guy and
        take him down."

Alana:"Sounds like a good idea. The only problem is that that enemy pilot
       shooting us seems to disagree with your plan a bit."

Hotrod suddenly pulls up sharply, pressing everyone into their seats. He
then dives again, sending everybody forward.

Hotrod:"Yeah, but he's the bad guy so his opinion doesn't count."

Alana:"He's shooting at us, Roddie. I'd say his opinion counts a lot."

Hotrod:"Then what do you suggest I do?"

Alana:"Let me fly and I'll show how it is done."

Hotrod shrugs and presses a button on the control panel. A second flight
stick appears in front of Alana. Hotrod lets go of his flight controls
and leans back in his seat.

Hotrod:"All yours, cap'n. Show us your moves."

Alana grins as she takes the flight controls.

Alana:"My pleasure."

Alana suddenly pushes hard on the flight stick, causing the Jet Rover to
immediately nose-dive towards the ground. The Predator follows them as
well, trying to keep up while still firing. In the Jet Rover everybody
is wide-eyed with shock as the ground approaches at an alarm speed.

Hotrod:"Alana! What are you doing?!"


Alana:"Just getting rid of that enemy fighter, Roddie."

Hotrod:"By flying into the ground?!"

Alana:"You'll see."

Hotrod looks forward helplessly as the Jet Rover flies closer and closer
to earth while tracer fire flies past them. The ground is looming large
in the cockpit window, with everyone except Alana pale with horror. At
the last moment Alana pulls back on the flight controls. The Jet Rover
pulls up, barely avoiding smashing into the ground and flying dangerously
low over the countrywide. The belly of the aircraft just clips the tops

of a few trees. The Predator pilot also sees the ground coming and pulls
up. However, he pulls up just a little too late. The Predator avoids
hitting the ground but is flying dangerously low. The aircraft's left
wing clips a tree and tears off. The Predator loses control and smashes
into the earth, exploding and cart wheeling in a ball of fire. Above,
Alana brings the Jet Rover back up into the skies with a pleased look
on her face.

Alana:"And there we go. What do you think, Roddie?"

Alana looks at Hotrod. He, like the other Rovers behind him, are frozen
in their seats from fear and very pale. He smiles nervously at Alana.

Hotrod:"That was... very good, Alana. Um... can I fly now?"

Alana:"Sure, Roddie."

Hotrod:"Th-thanks."

Hotrod takes over, transferring the flight controls from Alana's side over
to his side and retaking control of the Jet Rover. The battle in the skies
rages on, with the Road Rovers slowly winning over the Elite Guard fighters.
But while they are distracted, the Night Wing continues to put more and
more distance between it and its pursuers.

The Night Wing
At That Moment:

Inside the right wing of the Night Wing, Striker is crawling along a
maintenance tunnel. All around him are hydraulic pipes, electrical cables
and fuel lines. He shivers from the cold as he continues along it.

Striker:"Blikskottel, it is cold. I'd better get out of the wing before
         I freeze to death in here."

As he crawls he notices a branch in the tunnel. Curiously, he looks down
the branch as he passes it. It is a short distance to where it stops: a
sphere-like object emitting a reddish glow is suspended in a cage with
dozens of wires running into it. Striker stops and stares at it.

Striker:"That sphere. I don't recognize it as part of an aircraft com-
         ponent."

Striker goes down the branch, crawling closer to get a good look at the
odd device. There is a soft humming noise from the device. The spaniel

reaches out carefully, checking to make sure the red glow is not heat.
He holds his paw close to the device and doesn't feel anything. He brings
it closer slowly, but still feels nothing odd. His fingers are only a few
centimetres away from the sphere. Striker then slides himself closer to
put his paw on the sphere. Upon doing that, his paw shimmers and vanishes
from view. Striker gasps and quickly pulls his paw away, which becomes
visible again. He looks his paw over for a few seconds, then back at the
glowing device. The spaniel puts his paw back on it, whereupon it fades
from view again.

Striker:"This must be the aircraft's cloaking device. Or at least part
         of that system. Perhaps I should disable it and see if I can
         make this plane more visible for the others."

Striker starts digging around in his pockets for something to damage the
cloaking sphere. Suddenly he hears a loud, metallic bang somewhere further
up the wing. Striker quickly drags himself into the branch tunnel, then
turns around and peers around the corner. At the end of the tunnel a hatch
has opened. A Black Paw is climbing into the wing, a pistol in one paw
and a flashlight in the other.

Black Paw:"D****t, why must I always get the worst assignments?"

Striker ducks back at the Black Paw shines his light down the shaft. He
then proceeds to belly crawl along it. Striker waits, listening as the
Black Paw comes closer. When the wolf gets close to the branch, Striker
suddenly pops out, grabs the surprised Black Paw's head and bangs it hard
against the side of the maintenance tunnel. The wolf tries calling for
help, but Striker grabs his muzzle and keeps it shut until he knocks the
wolf out completely. The wolf lies limp in the tunnel.

Striker:"Lekker slaap. Nou, what do you have that I can use?"

Striker searches the Black Paw and comes across a combat knife. He takes
it out, then looks at the cloaking device behind him.

Striker:"Hope this works."

The spaniel turns around and crawls back to the sphere. Using the knife,
he starts to cut the wires connected to the device. The cut ends spark
a bit as Striker keeps cutting. On the outside, the right wing of the
aircraft begins to appear in view as the cloaking field around it fades
with each wire cut. Within a couple of minutes the wing is fully visible.
In the cockpit the two wolf sapien pilots see a light come up on their
high-tech dashboard. The pilot looks at it and sees that it is a warning
light.

Pilot:"What the? Something's wrong with the right wing's cloaking device."

The co-pilot looks out the window at the right wing. He is shocked to
find that he can see the plane's wing.

Co-Pilot:"Something's wrong, all right! I can see the wing!"

Pilot:"What? The whole thing or just partially?"

Co-Pilot:"The whole wing! The cloaking device is completely non-
          functional. Malfunction?"

The pilot shakes his head.

Pilot:"No, sabotage. The Supreme General said there was a stowaway on the
       Night Wing. That must be him who took out the cloaking device. You'd
       better alert the crew."

Co-Pilot:"Right."

The co-pilot goes on the intercom to alert the rest of the Night Wing's
crew about what is going in the right wing. Back in the wing, Striker
takes the Black Paw's weapons before crawling towards the hatch leading
into the body of the aircraft. As he gets close to it, he hears voices
from the other side.

Voice 1:"He's not reporting back in."

Voice 2:"Then it must be the intruder. Get some smokes out and let's
         flush him out of there."

Voice 1:"Do we take him prisoner?"

Voice 2:"Not this time. The moment he comes out, put lead into him."

Striker moves up to the hatch, taking out his revolver and a grenade
he took from the Black Paw. The grenade is a black ball with a yellow
ring around it and the pen sticking out on top. The spaniel tosses the
grenade through the hatch, but leaves the pin in. He hears the startled
gasps of the soldiers.

Voice 1:"Grenade!"

Voice 2:"Take cover!"

Striker quickly climbs out of the hatch into the underbelly of the Night
Wing, just catch glimpses of where the Black Paws are taking cover. He
rushes over to one and shoots him with his revolver. The spaniel then
rushes over to the other Black Paw, who heard the shot is raising his
rifle. Striker kicks him in the chest, knocking the air out of the wolf
and making him fall backwards. The spaniel then quickly shoots him before
he can recover and grab his rifle again. With the Black Paws neutralized,
Striker puts his revolver away and picks up one of the automatic rifles
along with a few clips. He then moves down the belly of the aircraft,
ducking between cover to avoid ambushes. Striker approaches a set of
metal stairs leading up to the plane's main body and hears voices coming
towards the open hatch they lead up to. He ducks behind a cargo container
to hide. Several additional Black Paws come running down the steps with
their assault rifles ready.

Black Paw:"Shots came from down here! Sweep the whole section and shoot
           any hostiles on sight!"

The Black Paws fan out as they start to search around for Striker. The
spaniel keeps his head down and listens to the Black Paws' movement
before making his move. He looks over the edge of the container to make
sure none of the enemy commandoes can see him, them sneaks over to the
steps. He looks up the steps and notices a Black Paw standing on top,
though the guard himself is unable to see the canine. Striker takes out
his Sonic Rifle and holds it in one paw while carrying the commando rifle
in the other. He waits until the Sonic Rifle is fully charged before
taking a deep breath and making his move. The spaniel appears at the
bottom of the steps and tosses the assault rifle at the Black Paw. The
wolf, caught off guard, raises his own weapon and arms to shield himself
from the flying projectile. Striker uses the opportunity to take aim at
the Black Paw before he can recover and aim back. He fires a sonic blast
the soldier, knocking him back and out. Striker climbs up the steps and
takes a quick look above. He is in a side corridor of the aircraft with
several doors along the walls. From below comes several shouts.

Voice:"Hey! What was that noise?"

Striker quickly climbs up, then turns around and closes the hatch that
covers the steps. He locks it, then jams it with the assault rifle he
threw. Few seconds later the Black Paws unsuccessfully try to open the
hatch again.

Voice:"Open up! Now, d*** you!"

Satisfied that the hatch will do, Striker prepares to move down the
corridor. Only he finds himself staring back at a cabin crew member. The
spaniel raises his sonic rifle, but the wolf ducks out of sight while
shouting out loud.

Crew Member:"Help! The intruder is on the deck!"

Striker swears and ducks into one of the open doors, but his exit is seen
by the Black Paws rushing into the corridor.

Black Paw:"There he is! Quick, secure that doorway!"

The commandoes rush over and form a half-circle. They raise their rifles 
and aim at the closed door. Franco then appears behind them.

Franco:"Where is he?"

Black Paw:"Got him cornered inside the kitchen, Supreme General. Do we
           move in?"

Franco shakes his head.

Franco:"No, I want to personally deal with him. The rest of you stay here
        and make sure he doesn't sneak out or come in if I call for aid."

Black Paw:"Yes, Surpreme General."

Franco holds his Dragonball Launcher ready, then kicks open the door. He
goes inside while the rest of the Black Paws cover him. He finds himself
inside the Night Wing's kitchen, a modest yet clean and modern facility
with stoves, ovens, freezers, cabinets and microwaves. Franco slowly
starts down along the aisle, opening each cabinet with his weapon ready.
One by one, he checks every possible hiding spot. Franco comes to one of
the freezers and reaches for the handle. Suddenly the door swings open,
nearly hitting him. Striker jumps out of the freezer, covered in a thin
layer of frost. Both of them try to aim their weapons, but they both
reach out with the other paw and grab the guns. The wolf and cocker
spaniel find themselves face to face, growling at each.

Franco:"Up close and personal at last, Striker."

Striker:"Too close for my comfort, Franco."

Franco:"Then take a step back. My aim will appreciate it."

Striker:"Sure. Here is my step."

Striker kicks Franco between the legs, but to his surprise Franco barely
flinches from the impact. Franco then kicks back at Striker, sending the
canine flying onto his back. Franco steadies himself and quickly fires
a ball of flame at the spaniel. Striker rolls behind cover as the fire-
ball explodes on the floor next to him, setting his tail on fire. The
dog yelps and pats down his burning tail. Franco marches to where Striker
is, but Striker pops up and fires a small sonic blast at Franco. The
impact sends Franco crashing against an oven. Striker tries shooting him
again, but Franco ducks while also firing another fireball at the canine.
Striker ducks, the fireball passing overhead to ignite a stack of towels
behind him. Striker peers over the edge of the counter, but he doesn't
see Franco. He then sneaks out from cover, keeping low behind the counter
while trying to keep the noise down.

Striker(to himself):"Kom aan, you monster. Where are you?"

Suddenly the cupboard doors in the counter next to him bursts open in a
flurry of pots and pans, knocking Striker over. Franco then comes
brusting out of the cupboard, having gone through them from the other
side. Before Striker can react, Franco thrusts his Launcher against
the spaniel's throat and pins him to the oven doors behind him. Franco
gives an evil smile as he begins to strangle Striker with his gun.

Franco:"End of the road for you, Striker!"

Striker tries to push the gun off his neck, but Franco is too strong.
His eyes become glazed and his breathing more laborious. The wolf grins
as he sees his arch-rival's life fade away before him. Suddenly the Night
Wing gives a violent lurch, causing lose objects to fall to the floor 
and Franco to fall backwards against the counter. With the pressure off
his neck, Striker gasps for air and manages to grab the Dragonball, point
it at Franco and pull the trigger. Franco is struck by a fireball, which
sets his upper body on fire. Screaming in pain, Franco jumps up and runs
towards a fridge. Franco opens it and takes out a big plastic container
containing mineral water. As he pours the contents over him to put out
the flames, Striker struggles to his feet while trying to get his breath
back. He rubs his sore neck while watching put the flames out, now wet
with thin whisps of smoke rising from him. Franco then turns to Striker,
the spaniel's eyes widening by what his sees. Parts of France's face,
upper body and left arm have burnt away, revealing cybernetic implants
and metallic body parts mixed with the flesh and blood. Franco's one eye
is revealed to be a bionic one.

Franco:"Hope you enjoyed that. Because what I will do to you in turn will 
        be much worse!"

He flings the container he's holding at Striker. The spaniel turns and
is hit in the side by the object. He falls to the floor, yelping in pain
from the blow. Just then a Black Paw races in and up to Franco.

Black Paw:"Supreme General!"

Franco immediately turns to the Black Paw, startling the commando with 
his horribly damaged body.

Franco:"What?!"

The commando recovers from the shock and salutes.

Black Paw:"The Road Rovers have gotten past our fighters! They're boarding
           the Night Wing!"

Franco angrily points to the door.

Franco:"Then fight them off! Kill them without ANY hesitation!"

Black Paw:"Yes, Supreme General!"

Franco then turns his attention back to Striker while the Black Paw runs
back out. He goes over to pick him his Dragonball Launcher, then resumes
searching for the spaniel, who has gone into hiding again.

Franco:"Where are you?"

He moves forward, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of the 
canine. Striker appears from cover and flings a meat cleaver at Franco.
But Franco reacts fast: he grabs the cleaver mid-flight with his robotic
paw, then crushes it into a mangled piece of metal before throwing it
back at Striker. Striker ducks to avoid the cleaver then stands up to
fire his Sonic Rifle. Franco acts faster and fires another fireball at
the canine. Striker jumps back behind the counter as the fireball blows
up a microwave behind him. Franco hops onto the counter and over to the
other side. The wolf finds himself standing by Striker's head. Striker
looks up and sees Franco getting ready to stomp his head with his boot.
Striker rolls to one side, narrowly avoiding having his head crushed.
He then grabs Franco's leg and pulls. Franco stumbles backwards and grabs
a fridge door handle to keep from falling. This gives Striker the chance
to quickly get to his feet, turn around and fire his Sonic Rifle at the
wolf. Franco is hit full in the chest by the blast. The Elite Guard leader
staggers backwards and collides with a produce rack. He slumps to the
floor, going limp and out for the count. Striker lowers his sonic rifle,
breathing heavily as he looks at his fallen nemesis. He slowly walks
towards Franco. In the stillness of the kitchen one can hear the sounds
of fighting elsewhere in the Night Wing, but Striker's attention is
fully focused on Franco. The cyborg wolf is lying still against rack.
Striker nudges Franco's boot with his, then he leans closer and pokes
the wolf with his rifle. There is no response from Franco. The spaniel
kneels and reaches out to check Franco's vitals. Striker breathes out,
satisfied that Franco is unconscious.

Striker:"And that is..."

Franco's eyes pop open and he immediately kicks Striker in the face with
his boot. The spaniel is sent flying, dropping his weapons and landing
on his back. Franco gets up, grinning.

Franco:"I knew you were going to do that, Striker. Very predictable."

Striker is lying in pain in the floor, his one eye black and his nose
bleeding a great deal. Franco sees the Colt revolver on the floor and
picks it up. He looks it over, checking to see if it is loaded.

Franco:"Nice piece, this."

He readies the revolver in both paws and takes careful at Striker.

Franco:"And now it's going to do to you what it failed to do to me all
        those years ago."

Voice:"Shoot him and you die a second later, Franco."

Franco glances to his side. Standing next to him with her laser pistol 
pointed at his head is Phoenix. She is growling at him.

Phoenix:"Drop it, Franco."

Franco:"Ah, you must Tesla's adopted pet. I only ever saw you once during
        my reign as KH Military Supreme General. You certainly have grown
        up, Phoenix."

Phoenix:"I said drop it!"

Franco:"Or what?"

Shephard then appears next to Phoenix, aiming his Desert Eagle sidearm at
Franco as well.

Shephard:"Or I join in. And believe me, dirtbag, I'm looking for an excuse
          to blow you away."




Franco looks less sure of himself. Corsair then appears, pointing his own
sidearm at the wolf. He leans towards Phoenix.

Corsair:"Hunter and the Rovers took control of the cockpit and we've got
         all the bad guys rounded up. The plane's ours, Phoenix."

Tanarus, Elexis and Merit in his battle shell come in, holding their own
weapons ready. Franco loses his smile and is surprised by this turn of 
events. He looks between Striker and the rest of his squad. He growls.

Franco:"So be it."

He turns back to Striker and prepares to pull the trigger. But then the
revolver goes upward before discharging, the shot just missing Striker
by a few centimeters. Franco is amazed by what is going, but he is quickly
wrestled to the ground as Tanarus, Corsair and Shephard jump on him. The
revolver floats in the air before Illanov reappears from his invisibility
mode.

Illanov:"That was close."

Phoenix:"Nice work, Alex."

Phoenix puts her pistol away and quickly kneels next to Striker. She helps

him sit up straight, looking concerned at his face.

Phoenix:"Strikie, are you all right?"

Striker nods, but he still looks he's struggling with the impact of the
boot to his face. Phoenix looks at Elexis.

Phoenix:"Elexis, come help Striker here, please."

Elexis goes over and kneels next to Striker. She quickly looks his face
over.

Elexis:"You broke your nose and you got a nasty bruise on your face, but
        I can heal that. Be glad you didn't get your teeth knocked out."

She gets her medical unit ready and begins to treat Striker's injuries.
Meanwhile, the other Strikers work to put Franco into cuffs while he
keeps struggling.

Franco:"Let go of me!"

Corsair:"Quit squirming, nobody cares."

Franco:"You will all pay for this!"

Shephard:"Don't they ever get tired of saying that?"

Tanarus puts a muzzle over Franco's face and secures the straps.

Tanarus:"I certainly have. And this will keep him from saying any more,
         plus he looks like someone who enjoys biting."

Once Franco is bound and muzzled, they drag him to his feet. Shephard
keeps his gun trained on the wolf, making sure he doesn't do anything
violent. Elexis finishes healing Striker, then she and Phoenix help him
to his feet.

Elexis:"How do you feel now, Striker?"

Striker:"Baie better now, Elexis. Dankie."

Phoenix suddenly slaps Striker, causing him to yelp and put a paw on his
cheek. The Pomeranian looks angrily at the spaniel.

Phoenix:"You fool! Never run off like that again!"

Striker:"Jammer, Phoenix. I admit it was stupid of me to off alone like
         that. Will you forgive me?"

Phoenix wraps her arms around Striker and gives him a big kiss. Merit
looks curiously at the couple.

Merit:"I say, I do find this kind of behavior very peculiar."

Corsair:"Yeah, well love is a volatile thing."

Merit:"Really? Do they have the proper equipment to handle this love?"

Corsair stares at the robot with his mouth open.

Corsair:"Uhhhh..."

He turns to Shephard, but the soldier shakes his head.

Shephard:"Oh no, you're not dragging me into this debate."

As Corsair struggles to deal with Merit's question, Striker walks up to
the captive General Franco. Franco is giving him a hostile stare.

Striker:"I can't believe this day has come. General Franco, you are under
         arrest."

He steps closer, coming almost face-to-face with his nemesis.

Striker:"And this time, you WILL face justice."

Franco tries to snarl at Striker, but the muzzle muffles his response. At
that moment Hunter comes walking in, carrying his tennis ball launcher.

Hunter:"How's things wagging here?"

Striker:"Franco is in our custody. See for yourself."

Hunter walks up and takes a look at the captive Franco.

Hunter:"Awesome. We've got the Night Wing under our control, and the KH
        Military have done us a favor. Reports are coming in that the
        the remaining Elite Guard forces are turning tail and fleeing
        away from Pretoria."

There are triumphant smiles all around.

Corsair:"Sweet! Finally we've managed to get some good news after months
         of almost non-stop bad news."

Tanarus:"Hopefully now this means the world can now get on the road to
         recovery after all the damage Franco caused."



Striker:"Ja, Franco will have to answer for many crimes."

Hunter:"Then let's get back to base and tell the world the good news."

In the skies the Night Wing, now under control of the Road Rovers and
escorted by the Rover aircraft, turns for a new route back to Namibia.

Headline News
BBC Headquarters
London
United Kingdom
20 February
06:00 AM:

Inside the main news room of the BBC, the female news anchor is reading
the headline news of the morning. On the screen next to her is an image
of the Elite Guard insignia shattered into a dozen pieces.

Anchor:"Our top story this morning. Celebrations around the world continue
        following the surprise defeat of the Elite Guard in South Africa
        and the arrest of its leader General Franco by the Road Rovers.
        The unexpected news came after much speculation that the Elite
        Guard would reach Pretoria before a combined United States/China
        expedition force. Late yesterday afternoon the Road Rovers made
        a daring assault upon General Franco's forces, assisted by an
        as yet unidentified third force. Franco's fall caused the Elite
        Guard to flee north to Zimbabwe."

The Elite Guard image then turns to a photo of Mark Norwood.

Anchor:"United Nations Secretary-General Mark Norwood greeted the news
        of the Elite Guard's defeat with much relief."

The anchor's image on the screen is replaced by a recorded interview of
Norwood outside the United Nations Headquarters.

Norwood(on screen):"I am very relieved at the news of the Elite Guard's
       defeat. Hopefully this means we can begin putting the pieces back
       together after all the damage Franco had caused. I've already
       talked with the US, Chinese and South African leaders about the
       future of South Africa following this invasion, putting together
       a new government and restoring relations with its neighbors."

The screen shifts back to the anchor, with the image next to her now a
photo of Franco.

Anchor:"At the international airport in Windhoek in Namibia, the leader
        of the Elite Guard, General Franco, was handed over to United
        Nations authorities by the Road Rovers. Our correspondent Melanie
        Malloy, who was held captive by the Elite Guard and freed by the
        Rovers, has this report."

The screen shifts from the anchor to a recording of Melanie Malloy, who 
is on the floodlight tarmac at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The
airport is busy even at the time of night the recording was made.

Melanie(on screen):"Hosea Kutako International Airport was a sea of
       activity tonight as Elite Guard leader Franco was turned over to
       the authorities."

The screen shifts again, this time showing the Night Wing sitting on the
tarmac surrounded by the other Rover aircraft as well as police, military
and United Nations vehicles. Melanie and Samuel (who is operating the
camera) are standing among a number of armed troops and officers as the
Road Rovers bring Franco and his surviving followers from the Night Wing.
Franco is struggling wildly in his bonds, the Rovers struggling to keep
him under control. Melanie and Samuel quickly run up to the group. She
holds out a microphone to Franco as Samuel points the camera at the wolf
for a close-up.

Melanie(on screen):"General Franco, do you have anything to say?"

Franco snarls beneath his muzzle and struggles some more, his red eyes
giving the camera a vicious stare. The Rovers struggle to bring him back
under control. Colleen steps between Franco and Melanie.

Colleen(on screen):"Sorry, guv. No interviews."

Franco suddenly kicks Colleen in the shin. The collie yelps in pain and
grabs her shin, hopping about on one leg. Shephard then punches Franco
in the gut, causing the wolf to double over.

Shephard(on screen):"Behave, you p****!"

Franco is escorted to the authorities while Colleen limps away to get 
some pain treatment. The screen shifts back to Melanie reporting on the
tarmac.


Melanie(on screen):"Franco will be held in custody under strict UN guard
       until a trial date is set. Meanwhile, it is reported that large
       amounts of evidence have been found on Franco's aircraft the Night
       Wing, detailing many atrocities that were committed by Franco and
       his Elite Guard stretching as far back as the 1970s. This evidence
       is currently being studied by investigators and law experts to
       help build the case against Franco. South African President Adriaan
       Vorster was also placed under arrested for as yet unspecified
       crimes. There has been no comment on the matter from either the
       United Nations or the Road Rovers, but a spokesperson has said a
       statement will be released in a few days. This is Melanie Malloy
       for BBC News."

The screen shifts back to the anchor. The image next to her is replaced 
by a picture of a neo-Nazi symbol with a big red "X" over it.

Anchor:"In related news, the global anti-mutant and pro-sapien conflict
        that had soured international relations and led to the collapse
        of NATO appears to be rapidly fading. The shock revelation of
        Franco's propaganda machine has caused support for these groups
        to disappear. Many politicians have also stepped down or have

        distanced themselves from the affair, while police around the
        world arrested many activist leaders and top supporters. Despite
        what has happened there are still many fringe groups that claim
        the Franco revelation was set up by the other side. Several
        analysts have warned that the anti-mutant and pro-sapien conflict
        is still smoldering and that the global community needs to take
        action now to avoid it flaring up again."

The image changes again, this time showing a green arrow pointing upward
on a background photo of bank notes and coins.

Anchor:"In financial news, markets around the world reacted positively
        to the news of the Elite Guard's defeat. Wall Street closed the
        day 3% higher, while Asian markets opened on a positive note. The
        prices of precious metals have dropped slightly as have the oil
        price. We now cross over to our financial expert for more details
        on the subject."

The camera shifts over to the financial reporter as the news continues 
live on television.

Holding Cell
Central Police Station
Windhoek
Namibia
07:01 AM:

These are the cells where the Windhoek police hold captives they arrest.
At the moment some of them have been co-opted to hold several high-
profile prisoners, one of them being Adriaan Vorster. Vorster is pacing
back and forth while under heavy guard by UN soldiers and Namibian police
officers. He looks very displeased. Standing nearby is Striker, Phoenix
and Illanov. The trio are having a discussion among themselves.

Phoenix:"Is that a good idea, Strikie?"

Striker:"I think he needs to know."

Illanov:"You sure, comrade? After all, it WAS Franco who told Vorster
         that."

Striker:"I saw the look in Adriaan's eyes, Alex. I don't think he dis-
         missed everything Franco said despite my own protests."

Illanov shrugs.

Illanov:"Well he is your brother, comrade. I guess it is your choice."

Phoenix:"We'll be right behind you if you need help, Strikie."

Striker:"Dankie, Firefly. Alex. Let's go."

The three of them approach Vorster's prison cell. The human stops pacing
and looks at the trio. Striker the opens the cell door and steps inside.
Phoenix and Illanov flank either side of the opening.

Vorster:"What do you want?"

Striker:"We need to talk, Adriaan."

Vorster:"I have nothing more to say."

Striker:"Maybe not you, but I certainly do. Firstly, I should tell that 
         we have told Mariaan and your children that you are safe and
         unharmed. They're happy you are still alive."

Vorster relaxes a little bit.

Vorster:"Thank you."

Striker:"You're welcome."

The spaniel takes a deep breath before he continues speaking.

Striker:"Do you remember what Franco told you about me? That I am Gerard
         Vorster?"

Vorster nods simply.

Striker:"Do you believe him?"

Vorster stares at Striker for a few moments before he finally answers.

Vorster:"I'm not sure. I don't want to believe him, but after seeing
         that... video of what had happened..."

Striker:"He could have fabricated that."

Vorster shakes his head.

Vorster:"No, it was real. I could see Pieter and his bride, my family.
         He could not have faked that..."

The spaniel nods simply. Vorster looks into the canine's eyes

Vorster:"Also... there is something else. Your voice."

Striker:"My voice?"

Vorster:"Ja, it has haunted me ever since I first heard it. It sounds so
         much like my brother Gerard's voice. I kept telling myself that
         it was my imagination and that you had killed him. Did you?"

Striker:"What do you think?"

The two of them stare at each other for a few quiet seconds.

Vorster:"You said you spoke to Gerard Vorster."

Striker:"Reg."

Vorster:"What happened to him?"

Striker:"Franco's troops caught up with him at a power station not far
         from the estate."

Vorster:"And you were there."

Striker:"Ja."

Vorster keeps staring at Striker, but his hands start to visibly shake. 
His voice seems to break.

Vorster:"I see..."

Vorster suddenly collapses to his knees and covers his face with his
hands as he begins to cry. Startled, Striker quickly kneels down next
to Vorster. Behind him, Illanov and Phoenix are also caught off guard by
the man's breakdown.

Striker:"Adriaan! What's wrong?"

Vorster:"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! So sorry!"

Striker rubs Vorster's shoulder.

Striker:"It's all right."

Vorster:"Nee, it is not! I destroyed everything just to kill you, Gerard!
         I tried to kill my own brother!"

Striker's eyes widen a bit, but he tries to keep his composure.

Striker:"What makes you say that?"

Vorster leans forward, grabs the front of Striker's uniform and buries
his face in it.

Vorster:"Mariaan told me when I called her! I didn't... want to believe
         it, but then... she told me about Maska... I call him... and he
         told me..."

He cries again, clutching tightly to Striker. Striker looks at his friends
with bewilderment. But Illanov is just as surprised as the spaniel.

Illanov:"They told me he had called his lawyers, comrade..."

Striker turns back to Vorster, only to find him looking directly at the
man's tear-stricken face. Vorster puts both his hands on the shoulders
of his brother.

Vorster:"My brother..."

Before Striker can say anything Vorster embraces him and hugs him tightly
while still weeping. Striker then returns the favor, hugging his brother
back. Phoenix sniffs, almost shedding a tear. She turns to Illanov.

Phoenix:"Let's leave them alone for a moment, Alex."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade. I agree."

The two of them back away from the cell to give the Vorster brothers a
moment of peace. As they proceed they find Corsair standing at the end of
the corridor with a VHS cassette in his hands.

Phoenix:"Corsair, what are you doing here?"

He points at Illanov.

Corsair:"Can I speak with him for a moment?"

Phoenix:"Sure, I guess."

Phoenix steps back to allow Corsair to go up to Illanov, who is staring
at the human. Corsair rubs the back of his neck.

Corsair:"Um, there's... something I got to tell you."

Illanov:"What is that, American?"

Corsair:"The reason you became an arms dealer was to fund your search for
         those who killed your dad when his convoy was ambushed, right?"

Illanov looks suspiciously at Corsair, but nods anyway.

Illanov:"Dah, I've told you all that. I never thought you were actually
         listening."

Corsair:"Yeah. Anyway, um.... here."

Corsair holds out the VHS cassette. Illanov takes it and looks it over
curiously.

Illanov:"What's this?"

Corsair:"We found it along with hundreds of tapes, cassettes, CDs and
         DVDs inside a vault on the Night Wing. We had a look at it, and
         what they had on them is not a pretty sight."

Phoenix:"What was on them?"

Corsair:"Seems Franco, especially when he was in charge of the KH Military
         during the boss' EDF days, enjoying having his men recording some
         of their... missions so he could watch them over and over. The
         pictures we saw were none too pleasant."

Phoenix cringes.

Illanov:"But what does this have to do with me?"

Corsair:"Well, that tape in your hands shows the ambush of your dad's
         convoy."

Illanov's eyes go wide. Startled, he looks back down at the cassette in
his paws, then up at Corsair.

Corsair:"Yeah. Franco is the one responsible for your dad's murder,
         Illanov."

The German Shepherd is speechless as he looks back down at the cassette
tape, now clutching it more tightly. Corsair backs away a bit.

Corsair:"Dunno if you want to watch it later or not. I got to get back
         and help the others sort through all those other tapes. It will
         make good evidence against Franco during his trial."

As Corsair turns away Illanov looks up at him.

Illanov:"Corsair."

Corsair stops and turns to look at Illanov.

Illanov:"Thank you, comrade."

Corsair simply nods, then proceeds to quickly make his way out of the
police station. Phoenix puts a paw on Illanov's shoulders, looking at the
tape with him.

Phoenix:"Are you going to watch it?"

Illanov shakes his head.

Illanov:"Nyet. I don't think I need to see that part of my life. I'm just
         glad that I finally have some closure."

Phoenix smiles.

Phoenix:"Care to be alone?"

Illanov smiles, shaking his head and putting the tape into one of his
uniform's pockets.

Illanov:"Neyt, comrade. Let's go first check up on comrade Striker and his
         brother."

Phoenix:"Okay."

The two of them head back to Vorster's cell. Vorster and Striker are now
sitting on the cell bunk. Striker has one paw on Vorster's shoulder as the
man wipes his face with a tissue. Vorster is no longer crying, but he
still looks a bit pale. Phoenix and Illanov comes into the cell.

Phoenix:"Is everything all right?"

Striker:"Ja, Adriaan's gotten over it a little."

Vorster looks up at the Pomeranian, his eyes red.

Vorster:"I apologize for what I had done to your friend."

Phoenix just simply smiles. Striker looks at Vorster and points to Phoenix.

Striker:"Adriaan, allow me to introduce my wife Phoenix."

Vorster:"Oh you're married?"

Vorster holds out his hand. Phoenix carefully take it and shakes with the
man.

Vorster:"A pleasure to meet you, Mevrou Phoenix."

Phoenix:"Thank you."

He then looks at Striker.

Vorster:"Was she a former human too?"

Striker:"Nee, she is 100% canine."

Vorster blinks, looking back and forth between his brother and the female
pomeranian.

Striker:"I wouldn't think too much about it, Adriaan."

Vorster stares some more, then just sighs and shakes his head.

Vorster:"I suppose not. I got more serious things to worry about. Like
         all the damage I had done."

Illanov:"It wasn't really all your fault. Franco was largely behind all
         of it."

Vorster:"But none of his plans would have worked had I not done my part.
         He was playing the tune and I was dancing to it."

He buries his face in his hands again. Striker rubs his back.

Striker:"But now he has been arrested, Adriaan. And he will face justice.
         And if you help testify in his trial, then he will be found guilty
         and sentenced."

Vorster doesn't say anything for a few minutes. Finally he looks back up
at Striker.

Vorster:"I think I need to hold a media conference."

Striker:"We can arrange that. But why?"


Vorster:"I want to tell South Africa and the world that I am resigning as
         president."

Everyone is surprised by this.

Striker:"Resign?"

Vorster:"Ja. I have caused too much damage, both to my country and the
         world. It would be better for me to step aside and let someone
         else take over. I also would like to say that I am denouncing
         the global movement against muta... I mean, sapiens."

Illanov:"That is a positive step forward."

Striker:"You sure you want to do that, Adriaan?"

Vorster:"Very certain, Gerard."

Striker nods and looks at the others.

Striker:"Reg dan. Alex, and go tell Hunter about Adriaan's plans and see
         if we can arrange a press conference."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade."

Illanov turns and leaves the cell. Phoenix is about to leave, but then
Vorster stops.

Vorster:"Pardon me, Miss Phoenix. Could you perhaps stay here with me and
         my brother?"

Phoenix stares at Vorster, then she looks at Striker. Striker nods and

 pats 
the spot on the bunk next him.

Striker:"Right here, Firefly."

Phoenix smiles and sits down. She snuggles up against Striker as the trio
start talking.

Office of the Secretary-General
United Nations Building
New York City
International Territory
7:21 AM:

Norwood's desk is still a mess, with additional paper stacks and a few
extra mugs of coffee placed on it. However, Norwood is in an upbeat mood
despite looking like he needs sleep. He is speaking to the Master on the
computer, who is also looking much happier.

Norwood:"It's certainly the best news I've had yet. And the rest of the
         Security Council are overjoyed that Franco is in custody and his
         army has been scattered to the winds."

Master:"Of course, it was due to the fact that my Rovers got help from
        an unknown outside source as well as the KH Military attack upon
        the Elite Guard. That concerns me a little."

Norwood:"I can understand that, but for now I'm not looking a gift horse

         in the mouth. At least not until after this whole business has
         been wrapped up. Did you see Vorster's speech just now?"

Master:"Saw it live from start to finish. I'm glad to see that he has now
        renounced his hostility towards non-human sapiens."

Norwood:"I'm very glad about that. The unmasking of Franco's masquerade
         had already crippled the two hostile movements. Now Vorster's
         speech has gone and further damaged the credibility of those
         extremist groups, since he was a big figurehead."

Master:"It won't stop all the extremists, Mark."

Norwood:"No, and there will always still be a few nutcases about. But
         Vorster has now gone and taken the wind out of their sails, and
         after what happened most people want nothing to do with them.
         What I didn't like about Vorster's speech is his announcement
         that he was stepping down as president."

Master:"Don't you like the idea? He did admit to having made some big
        mistakes during his term."

Norwood:"I don't deny that, but the problem is that South Africa is
         without a leader at the moment and there isn't someone strong
         enough to run the country until election time. The current
         caretaker government is far too weak and the UN can't run
         things by itself. Vorster must remain president, under UN
         supervision, until elections are held. Then he can step down."

Master:"Your choice, Mark. I'm not really into the business of politics."

Norwood:"You lucky b*****d."


The Master and Norwood both share a laugh before continuing.

Master:"What is to be done about Franco?"

Norwood:"He needs to stand trial. A very public one, so the world can see
         just what kind of a monster he is. I've spoken with the Inter-
         national Criminal Court and its prosecutors are already building
         the case against Franco. I've also pulled a few strings to have
         some old Earth Defense Force documents about Franco's reign in
         70s and 80s made public and available to the prosecution. Vorster
         has offered to testify, which should further help out case."

Master:"Has there been any decision on what to do with him after his trial?"

Norwood:"We're still discussing that. Some say he should be put to death
         while others say he should rot in prison for the rest of his life
         and not be turned into a martyr. This could take some time to
         resolve."

Master:"What do you say, Mark?"

Norwood:"Let me put it this way. If Franco was to walk in the way of a
         bullet..."

He shrugs.

Norwood:"Too bad."

Master:"I'd share the same sentiment. Franco and his Elite Guard caused
        a lot of suffering to a lot of people, including those in my
        organization."

Norwood:"Speaking of which, I think once things settle down in South
         Africa I'll be calling for a special United Nations conference.
         These events were just the latest in a string of crisis that
         have hit the world, and it's becoming a very big problem."

Master:"You mean ever since the KH Military returned?"

Norwood:"Yes. Oh sure, in the past we had villains before and they were
         dangerous, but generally they couldn't upset the status quo
         by much if any. Even during Franco's reign the EDF managed to
         keep it mostly behind the scenes. But then came the war between
         the KH Military and the Spider Cartel in Colombia and the Iron
         Fist crisis. After that, the Techno War against the GONV, the
         Spider Cartel causing chaos in Paris and Korea, the Mayhem
         Mercenaries and now the Elite Guard's invasion of South Africa.
         This is not to mention the shenanigans by Malcolm Industries
         and the European Corporation, who both have their fingers in
         this pie. It is the elephant in the global room. Or rather a
         whole herd of them."

Master:"Do you have ideas you want a float at such a conference?"

Norwood:"I have a few ideas, but I don't want to talk about it because
         I'm still working on the details..."

Suddenly one of the telephones on the desk begins to ring.

Norwood:"Oh! That must be the Chinese Premier. I'm expecting a call from
         him. I will tell you more about this later, Professor."

Master:"No problem. I'll get in touch with my Rovers and hear the latest
        from them."

Norwood:"Do that. Goodbye."

Norwood ends the video screen conversation, then picks up the ringing
telephone and answers it.

Recreation Deck
KHA Alexander
Somewhere Over Madagascar
28 February
12:01 AM:

The recreation deck, one of the lowest levels of the Alexander, is a
spacious interior with large windows that look down upon the island's
forested interior, several parks and pools with grass and trees, benches
and tables and even a cafeteria. Through the window one can see the KHA
Victoria hovering alongside the Alexander. At the moment the deck is
being used for a ceremony. A podium has been erected in the centre of
the deck, with a red carpet running from it. Seats have been put up on
either side of the carpet. On the podium are Stalker, Trigger and Pard.
Sitting in the front row are Wolfeye, Black, Thrax, Sky and Sparrow while 
the rest of the seats are occupied by high-ranking KH Military officers
and commanders. Stalker is standing by a microphone stand, while Trigger
stands behind him with a polished wooden chest in his paws. Everyone is
dressed in their finest ceremonial uniforms. Stalker addresses the
crowd.

Stalker:"Today, we are here to congratulate General Pard and his Celtic
         Squadron for the success of their mission. As you all know, the
         Elite Guard recently conducted an invasion of South Africa with
         the intention of stealing its wealth to rebuild and challenge the
         KH Military. General Pard and his squadron were assigned to deal
         with this matter, which led to their victory over Franco's forces
         just north of Pretoria. Many of the Elite Guard were killed or
         captured by Celtic Squadron and according to our latest intel,
         the surviving forces are now facing a split. Franco himself is
         now a prisoner, standing trial in South Africa for his crimes,
         both present and past. Those of us who served under his reign
         decades ago will know about those crimes."

There is a rumbling of agreement among the crowd, especially from the
Celtic Squadron members. Stalker continues.

Stalker:"For his actions, I now present General Pard with the Red Star
         of Honour."

General Pard steps forward to Stalker, as does Trigger. Stalker opens
the chest Trigger is carrying and takes out a medal. It is red, star-
shaped medal with a golden center and a red ribbon. Stalker steps up
and pins the medal to Pard's uniform. The crowd then claps their paws
as Stalker and Pard salute and shake each other's paws.

Stalker:"Congratulations and well done, General Pard."

Pard:"Thank you, Supreme General. It was an honor and a privilege to
      have been entrusted with this mission."

Stalker:"And a good chance to settle some old debts?"

Pard:"Maybe that as well."

Stalker chuckles and turns back to the microphone stand.

Stalker:"In addition, all members of Celtic Squadron will receive special
         ribbons to indicate their participation in this mission."

Again, the wolf turns to Trigger and takes out a ribbon bar. It is red
with a single yellow stripe in the middle and two silver stars on each
side of the stripe. He pins it on Pard while the crowd applauds again.
Stalker turns back to the microphone.

Stalker:"Once again, let me congratulate Celtic Squadron on a job well
         done. You have made the KH Military proud."

The crowd applauds, standing up this time. The ceremony concludes and
the crowd starts to move to the cafeteria for the post-ceremony cele-
brations. Stalker and most of the generals gather in a group to talk as
they drink some wine. Sky comes up Stalker and salutes.

Sky:"Excuse me, Supreme General. I have something to tell."

Stalker turns to Sky and salutes back. The other generals look at Sky
as well.

Stalker:"Yes, Sky. What is it?"

Sky:"Eta Squadron has been monitoring the collapse of the Elite Guard
     since their defeat in South Africa and two interesting topics have
     emerged. Firstly, it seems there is a rift forming between Generals
     Diehard and Seneschal, Franco's top commanders. Both want to take
     the Elite Guard into different directions and they hate each other
     a fair bit."

Stalker:"Oh really? So you predict a possible civil war in the ranks of
         the Elite Guard?"

Sky:"There is a strong possibility of that happening."

Wolfeye:"More power to them, I say. Let them destroy each other while we
         sit on the sidelines and laugh."

Trigger:"Hear hear."

Sky:"However, such a civil war depends on what Franco's ultimate fate
     will be. His trial is proceeding as planned and my intelligence
     services have found the evidence against him is... overwhelming, to
     put it mildly."

Black snorts.

Black:"Mildly!"

Sky:"Yes, but there are hints that some remnants of the Elite Guard who
     are still in South Africa might try to free him during his trial.
     They are a ragtag bunch, but we are still monitoring them."

Stalker:"Does this group pose a significant threat?"

Sky:"Not really, General. They are small in numbers and lack the fire-
     power to really pose a threat to the Road Rovers, who are overseeing
     the trial."

Thrax:"The Road Rovers? Then this group doesn't stand a chance."

Stalker:"Very true, but I wouldn't like to take chances. Especially when
         it concerns Franco."

Sky:"No need to be concerned, General. I have agents in place to... tie
     up any loose ends."

Stalker:"Good. Get this matter behind us, General Sky."

Sky:"Will do, General. Oh, one more thing before I take leave."

Stalker:"Yes?"

Sky:"Does the name Spectre mean anything to any of you?"

Trigger:"Spectre is Franco's shape shifting secret agent. Are you perhaps
         referring to him?"

Sky:"That is correct. During the Elite Guard's invasion Spectre took on
     the identity of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe after killing
     him. Thus it gave the Elite Guard a corridor to enter South Africa."

Stalker:"And now we can assume that he has abandoned that role after the 
         Elite Guard's defeat?"

Sky:"Correct, but there lies the twist: he has completely vanished."

Black:"What do you mean by that?"

Sky:"Exactly what I said, General Black. Spectre has disappeared, and not
     just from our radars. The Elite Guard has lost track of him. He has

     not reported in, they cannot contact him and the Elite Guard is
     unable to find him. He has gone AWOL."

Wolfeye:"That's a surprise. I always thought Spectre was a Franco
         hardliner."

Trigger:"Not really. Spectre was never fond of Franco or his toadies,
         but I think he was somewhat afraid of him. Guess he finally
         decided to leave after Franco was caught."

Thrax:"Then why didn't he simply defect over to us, like Hildagarde
       had done?"

Trigger:"I have no idea. Either way, it's another blow to the Elite
         Guard."

Stalker:"Yes it is, brother. Is there anything else, General Sky?"

Sky shakes his head.

Sky:"No, that is all."

Stalker:"Thank you."

Sky salutes and then starts to walk away. While Stalker and the other
generals resume the celebrations, Black breaks away from the group
and catches up with Sky.

Black:"One moment, General Sky. What did you mean by loose ends?"

Sky turns to Black.

Sky:"Just a few minor issues that need to be dealt with. You sound like
     as if I'm hiding something, General Black."

Black:"Maybe you are."

Sky grins.

Sky:"Or perhaps you are just a bit paranoid, general. I assure you there 
     is nothing odd going on with me or my organization."

Black frowns, then turns around and walks back to the group. Sky loses
his grin.

Sky(to himself):"Too paranoid for my tastes."

He then turns around and continues walking while Black rejoins the other
generals as they prepare to hold a wine toast.

Epilogue: Loose Ends

Vorster Residence
West of Pretoria
North West Province
South Africa
5 March
09:33 AM:

There is much activity at the residence of Adriaan Vorster. The estate
has many guards, but this time they are South African police officers
rather than the presidential bodyguards. A large furniture truck is 
parked in the driveway. Workers in green overalls are busy loading 
furniture and boxes onto the truck's trailer. Parked on an open field
outside the estate is the Stealth Rover. Inside the house more workers
are busy picking up furniture or placing smaller objects into boxes
and plastic bags. Mariaan is overseeing most of the work of loading the
smaller objects while Adriaan is sitting on a couch in the living room
and discussing matters with his lawyer seated opposite him. Jeanette
the domestic worker is busy working in the kitchen. The doorbell rings
and the butler opens the door. Unit STRIKE is here, with Striker at the
leading.

Striker:"Goeie morning. Is Mister Vorster home?"

Butler:"Yes, he is. He is currently meeting with his defense attorney."

Striker:"He called us to come and visit him. Could you perhaps ask if
         he is available?"

Butler:"One moment, sir."

The butler goes to the living room where Adriaan is.

Butler:"Excuse me, sir. The Road Rovers are here."

Adriaan looks up and nods at the butler.

Adriaan:"Ah. Please let them in."

The butler nods and goes back to the front door while Adriaan excuses
his lawyer. The attorney gathers the papers and proceeds to wait out at
backyard porch. Adriaan then calls Mariaan.

Adriaan:"Mariaan, they're here."

Mariaan stops working and enters the living room just as the butler
leads Unit STRIKE into the room. Adriaan walks up to Striker and the
two brothers shake.

Adriaan:"Good to see you again, Gerard."

Striker:"Same here, Adriaan. But my name is Striker."

Adriaan:"To me, you will always be Gerard. In private, of course." 

Mariaan comes up and hugs Striker, who returns the gesture.

Mariaan:"Welcome, Striker. How are the legs?"

Striker:"One is better, but the other leg I had to replace with a new
         cybernetic one. It works very well, though."

Mariaan:"Oh, that's terrible. Are you coping?"

Striker:"Aside from a minor limp, ja. No need to worry about it."

Mariaan:"If you say so."

Mariaan then goes to Phoenix and hugs her as well.

Mariaan:"And you must be Phoenix. Gerard told me about you. A pleasure
          to meet you as well."

Phoenix:"Likewise. I'm glad to have the opportunity to thank you for
         sheltering my husband and friends while they were on the run."

Mariaan:"You're welcome. Please, sit down."

Once the introductions and greetings are completed, everyone sits down
on the various seats around the living room table. Mariaan goes to the
kitchen and makes some tea with the help of Jeanette. Illanov looks
around at all the workers and boxes.

Illanov:"I see you are moving, Mister Vorster."

Adriaan:"That's right. I'm moving to my former residence in the Western
         Cape, away from heart of the country. I had only moved here to
         put myself close to the seat of power after I had gotten in-
         volved in politics. Now I want to get away from it. Too many
         bad memories are here."

Phoenix:"Didn't the government place you under house arrest?"

Adriaan:"Ja, they have. But they have allowed me this move, under police
         guard of course. Personally, I think it is a good idea. I have
         neglected my family for too long and want to change all that
         once the court trials are over. Oh! Before I forget."

Adriaan reaches for an envelope lying on a coffee table next to his
couch. He picks it up and holds it out for Striker.

Adriaan:"Here, take this."

Striker takes the sealed envelope and looks at it curiously.

Striker:"Wat is dit?"

Adriaan:"The title deeds to the Vorster property near George. I think
         you should have it."

Striker looks surprised at Adriaan.

Striker:"Me?"

Adriaan(nodding):"Ja, you. According to our father's will you were the
       one who was to inherit it, but since you vanished I inherited
       it instead. But I haven't been staying there much. Maybe once
       a year while on holiday, while Maska has mostly been taking care
       of the place. Now that you're back, I'm going to uphold father's
       will and give the mansion to you. No strings attached. And you
       don't need to worry about the bills: I'm paying them. It's the
       least I could to compensate for what I had done."

Striker:"But Adriaan..."

Adriaan holds up both hands and shakes his head.

Adriaan:"Not another word, brother. I don't want to hear it. I am doing
         this and I will not change my mind."

Striker chuckles.

Striker:"Still as stubborn as ever, brother."

Adriaan grins back. Striker puts away the envelope.

Striker:"But is that the reason you called us here?"

Adriaan shakes his head.

Adriaan:"Nee, not really. I have a big request to ask of you and the
         Road Rovers."

Striker:"What is it?"

Adriaan:"I've realized now that during my time in government that I have
         brought up my children the wrong way. Both of have learned from
         me not to like... sapiens, is it? Now I want to try and set them
         straight. I want to ask that you take Jaco and Karen into the
         Road Rovers for a year or two."

The Strikers are surprised by this request.

Illanov:"You really want us to enroll your children as Road Rovers, 
         comrade?"

Adriaan:"Not necessarily, but you see the reason I want you to take them
         under your wing is to teach them tolerance and to get all this
         anti-mutant nonsense out of their heads."

Striker:"If that is what you would like then we can take them along with
         us. We just need to talk with the Master, but he should accept
         the idea."

Adriaan:"Goed. Let me call them."

Adriaan turns his head towards the staircase while Striker instructs
Corsair to get in contact with the Master.

Adriaan:"Jaco! Karen! Come down here, please!"

As they wait, Jeanette and Mariaan bring a tray of tea cups along with
a kettle of hot water and teabags and a mug of milk. Mariaan sits down 
next to Adriaan and everyone begins pouring themselves cups of hot tea. 
After a short while Jaco and Karen come walking down the stairs. Jaco 
looks disapprovingly at the Rovers.

Adriaan:"Jaco, Karen. I would like to meet Striker and his team. They're
         from the Road Rovers."

Jaco:"That organization for mutants?"

Adriaan(frowing):"They are not called mutants. They are sapiens."

Jaco:"But they are still freaks, father."

Both Adriaan and Mariaan look angrily at their son.

Mariaan:"Jaco! Don't speak like that in front of our guests!"

Jaco:"But..."

Adriaan:"Listen to your mother, Jaco. And had better be respectful to
         guests because you and Karen will be going with them and spend
         a few years under their tutelage. Hopefully they will teach
         you a few good morals."

Jaco is shocked by this announcement. Karen is also somewhat surprised
by this.

Jaco:"But... but you can't send with these mutants! They'll kill me!"

Adriaan:"No, they won't. Stop complaining, Jaco."

Jaco:"But what about my studies? My career?"

Adriaan:"Already sorted out. You will be excused from your studies until
         after you have spent time with the Road Rovers. Think of it as
         a student training period."

Jaco tries to protest again, but Adriaan holds up his hand and shakes
his head.

Adriaan:"I will not hear any more of this. Now go up to your room and
         start packing."

Jaco grumbles and begins to make his way up the stairs. Karen stays
behind and looks at Striker.

Karen:"I just want to thank you for saving my father from Franco. I was
       really afraid he was going to... get hurt."

Striker smiles.

Striker:"Glad to have helped, Karen. It was really a team effort in this
         war, and you were part of that team."

Adriaan:"I was very surprised when Mariaan told me that my daughter had
         been spying for the Road Rovers all this time."

Phoenix looks concerned at Adriaan.

Phoenix:"You're not mad at her for that, are you?"

Adriaan chuckles and shakes his head.

Adriaan:"Nee, of course not. In fact I am very proud that my daughter
         was on the right side of the fence."

Karen goes and gives her father a hug. Just then Bastiff and a yapping
Fola come bounding into the living room.

Illanov:"Ah, here are our other comrades."

Adriaan:"I'm sure your kind enjoys communicating with each other."

Corsair:"There's more to it than that, Mister Vorster."

Adriaan looks at Corsair.

Adriaan:"Oh? What is it?"

Grinning, Corsair looks at Karen.

Corsair:"Karen, I'll let you do the honors."

Confused, Adriaan and Mariaan look at Karen, who is blushing a bit.

Karen:"Father, mother. Bastiff and Fola were part of my spy ring here.
       Bastiff is a Road Rover and Fola worked with him."

Both parents are surprised by this revelation and look at the dogs. Both
Bastiff and Fola bark and sit up proudly.

Mariaan:"Our dogs are Road Rovers? But they look like normal dogs."

Striker:"Yes, but they are still Road Rovers. Bastiff was given to Adriaan
         as a gift, which was actually a deliberate insertion act. Fola
         was later brought into the ring when she proved herself useful to
         us. They have both been working with Karen to find out what you 
         were doing, Adriaan."

Adriaan chuckles.

Adriaan:"My goodness, my home was just full of spies. You didn't recruit
         my gardener, butler or Jeanette as well?"

Striker smiles.

Striker:"Nee, we try to keep the operation small."

Just then Corsair snaps his fingers to get everyone's attention. His
laptop is sitting on the table.

Corsair:"Got the Master on the line, boss."

Striker:"Bring it here."

Corsair pushes the laptop over to Striker. The spaniel turns the laptop
so that it is facing towards him. The Master's image is on the screen.

Master:"You called, Striker?"

Striker:"Ja, Master. We're currently here at Adriaan Vorster's place and
         he made a big request from us."

Master:"Oh? What is it?"

Striker:"I will let him explain."

Striker then turns the laptop towards Adriaan.

Striker:"This is the head of the Road Rovers. He has a real name, but we
         prefer to use the nickname Master. You can simply call him the
         professor."

Adriaan and Mariaan look curiously at the strange man on the computer
screen.

Adriaan:"Greetings to you, Professor."

Master:"Hello to you, Mister and Miss Vorster. A pleasure to finally see
        you face to face."

Mariaan:"What is the matter with you, Professor? You look so... strange."

The Master chuckles.

Master:"It's just one of my little quirks. But be assured that I am still
        human and in good health."

Adriaan:"Good to hear, Professor."

Master:"Striker said that you have a request for me?"

Adriaan nods and begins to explain his request of letting his children
join the Road Rovers for a while. After he is done, the Master thinks it
over for a bit. Finally, he nods.

Master:"It is a good idea. Very well, I will allow Karen and Jaco to
        enroll here as trainees and teach them how to tolerate other
        sapiens."

Adriaan:"Thank you, Professor. It means a lot to me to have my children
         put on the right path."

Master:"And you are a much more sensible man than I thought. It is brave
        of you to try and rectify your mistakes."

Adriaan:"I try to do my best to make up for what I had done. May I ask
         one more question?"

Master:"Go ahead."

Adriaan:"Will you be taking Bastiff and Fola back to your headquarters
         and turn them into sapiens as well?"

Master:"Yes, I will. They have completed their mission. But I could
        perhaps leave them with you if you wish."

Adriaan shakes his head.

Adriaan:"Nee, it would be better if they go with my children. Jaco loves
         Bastiff so maybe seeing him as a sapien will help set him
         straight. Karen is also fond of Fola."

Master:"I agree. Thank you for putting your trust in our organization.
        We will do our best."

Mariaan:"Please take good care of them, Professor."

The Master smiles.

Master:"We will, Miss Vorster. You have my word. Striker?"

Striker turns the laptop back towards him.

Master:"Are Bastiff and Fola there?"

Striker:"Sitting right here with us, Master."

Master:"Let me speak to them for a moment."

Striker nods and turns the laptop towards the two dogs. Fola eagerly
jumps around, her eyes focused on the Master. Bastiff remains sitting
in a dignified manner.

Master:"Bastiff. You have done very well in your mission. Your efforts 
        played an important role in the crisis that has taken place. And
        you, Fola, proved yourself a valuable asset and a real Rover at
        heart. As a result, the two of you will return to headquarters
        where you will be promoted to true Road Rovers and also help take
        care of the Vorster children. Well done. You're good, good dogs."

Bastiff and Fola look at each other, smiling. Fola then suddenly runs over
to the table, jumps up and starts to lick the screen. Corsair shouts and
jumps to his feet.

Corsair:"Oi! Not the screen!"

He rushes over the laptop and grabs it away from Fola. Fola growls and
starts to nip at Corsair's ankles. Corsair hops around, trying to get his
feet away from Fola.

Corsair:"Ow! Not this again! Ouch!"

Karen quickly rushes over and swoops up Fola, who is still growling at
Corsair.

Karen:"Bad Fola, bad. Don't do that."

Fola looks a bit bemused at her mistress. Corsair looks at the mess on his
laptop.

Corsair:"Aw, man. Just look at this..."

Corsair then realizes he is still looking at an amused Master.

Corsair:"Sorry chief."

The Master starts to laugh, while everyone else in the room starts to 
chuckle as well.

Master:"That's all right, David. I need to go anyway. I see I got another
        incoming call. I will see you later."

The Master logs off and Corsair then tries to clean the laptop. Illanov
grins amusingly at Corsair.

Illanov:"A bit messy isn't it, American?"

Corsair:"Yeah, yeah. Laugh at my expense."

Once the commotion has died down a bit, Mariaan begins to pour the tea
into everyone's cups.

Mariaan:"Come, let's all have some tea."

Everyone begins to pour in milk and sugar into their cups and stirring
the contents. Once they are done, Adriaan holds up his cup.

Adriaan:"I propose a toast. Here's to a reconciliation with the past and
         the hope for a better future between us all."


Striker:"Amen."

They all raise their cups in a toast before sipping the hot tea. Except
for Merit, who is just looking at the whole scene with confused curiosity.

Western Cape High Court
Cape Town
Western Cape Province
South Africa
7 July
07:00 AM:

The Western Cape High Court is a large sandstone building in the middle
of Cape Town. Though it is early in the morning the court and the streets
in front of is already full of activity. Police cars and United Nations
APCs barricade the streets while police officers and United Nations troops
stand guard and make sure no unauthorized personnel get through. The media
is gathered in front of the court: a confusion of microphones, cameras,
sound equipment, notepads, recorders and other paraphernalia. Melanie
Malloy and Samuel Jackson are among the crowd. Melanie is busy giving
her report.

Melanie:"Security is tight here in Cape Town as the judgment of Franco
         is to expected to wrap up after several days in which Judge 
         Eddie Dlamini gave a d***ing summary of Franco's numerous crimes.
         While a guilty verdict is all but a certainty, the question is
         what kind of sentence will be handed down to the former leader
         of the Elite Guard. There have been calls for Franco to be given
         the death penalty, while some suggest that he may sentenced to
         life in prison, never to be released. Former South African
         president Adriaan Vorster will be among the many high profile
         personalities who will be attending the sentence."

She continues reporting.

Court Room
Western Cape High Court
11:35 AM:

The inside of the court room is divided into four parts: the judge's
bench at the front, floor space in front of it where the witness stand
and the desks for the defense and prosecution are, the rows of wooden
benches where the accused, relatives, witnesses and others sit and
finally the public gallery at the back. This morning the court is full
to bursting. The main attraction is Franco, who is seated on his bench
dressed in bright green prison fatigues, wearing a muzzle cage and
tied down with straps, cuffs and chains. Two heavily armed and armored
police officers sit on either side of him while more officers stand
guard to one side and at all the exits. The media have taken up a good
deal of the floor space, with a forest of cameras on tripods and mike
booms among the many journalists (including Melanie and Samuel). Seated 
in the witness benches are Adriaan and Mariaan Vorster, Striker and 
Phoenix, Maska, Unit STRIKE and a number of witnesses and those affected 
by Franco's actions. The public gallery is also packed with many spec-
tators. Judge Eddie Dlamini, a heavyset bald man dressed in a black and 
white judge's robes, is busy reading his judgement ruling. Everyone's 
attention is on him, but Franco is very angry and growling.

Dlamini:"... destruction in your wake. All the evidence that have been
         presented to this court show beyond a shadow of a doubt that
         you are complete monster, ready to destroy anyone and anything
         in your dash for power. Not even your sycophants are safe from
         your..."

Franco:"Get to the point, you windbag."

The judge gives Franco an icy glance. One of the officers slaps Franco
across the back of the head. The wolf-sapien winces and growls at the
officer. The judge continues.

Dlamini:"As I said, your behavior is a danger to everyone around you.
         And your antics in this court is just another demonstration of
         that behavior. Therefore my decision for your sentence was not
         hard. Franco, in light of your actions and demeanor, I have
         decided to hand you down the harshest sentence possible. I
         hereby sentence you to permanent incarceration and isolation
         in a maximum security prison with hard labor and with no 
         possibility of ever receiving parole. You will stay there until
         the day you die."

Enraged by this ruling, Franco jumps and starts raving like a lunatic at
the judge. The police guards rush him and try to restrain him.

Franco:"YOU CAN'T DO THIS! I WILL NOT ROT IN SOME HOLE! I AM FRANCO! YOU
        ARE NOTHING! NOTHING, YOU HEAR?! I'D SOONER DIE THAN BE FORGOTTEN
        IN PRISON!!"

Adriaan leans over to Striker.

Adriaan:"Did he often act like this during your EDF days?"

Striker:"Very much before I put the bullet into his brain."

Adriaan:"Sounds to me like the bullet's effect is wearing off."

Striker nods. Franco is finally forced back into his seat, growling while
clutching his aching head. Once the court has settled down, Judge Dlamini
continues.

Dlamini:"Some may wonder why I had not given you the death penalty,
         Franco. While you do richly deserve to die, after many hours of
         deliberation I had..."

The judge suddenly stops. From somewhere outside is the sound of multiple
cracks and bangs of firearms. The court room is silent as everyone except
Franco listens with growing concern at the noise outside.

Corsair:"Dude, that sounds like gunfire outside."

Striker quickly turns to Shephard.

Striker:"Shephard, go outside and find out what's going on."

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

Before he can do that, the main door to the court room bursts open and a
police captain comes running in. The judge stands up.

Dlamini:"Captain, what is going on outside?"

Captain:"Your Honor, the court building is under attack! Armed individuals 
         we identified as Elite Guard troops have surrounded the area. We
         are trying to fight them off, but we need the Road Rovers' help."

Dlamini:"Permission granted."

The captain quickly goes over to Strikers, but they are already to their
feet and taking out their weapons.

Striker:"We're coming, captain."

Captain:"Yes, sir. Hurry."

Striker takes out his revolver and gives it to Adriaan along with the
ammunition for it.

Striker:"Keep this for self defense, Adriaan."

Adriaan:"Will do. You be careful out there."

Striker nods and turns to Corsair and Merit.

Striker:"David, you and Merit stay here and keep an eye on Franco. Make
         sure he doesn't escape."

Corsair:"No worries, boss. He isn’t getting out of our sights.

Merit:"Command received. We will keep Franco stationary until combat
       operations are over."

Satisfied, Striker then leads the rest of the team with the captain as
they rush out of the court room. The judge addresses the court, trying
to keep them calm amid the crisis outside.

Western Cape High Court
11:45 AM:

The police captain and Unit STRIKE come running out of the court room
and into the main corridor that leads to the front entrance. At the
entrance a table has been overturned to provide a shield for some police
officers and UN soldiers to fire outside. Through the explosive-damaged
doors one can see the streets are in chaos: officers and soldiers are
hiding behind cars, shooting back at Elite Guard foot soldiers and Black
Paws with the occasional Paladin. The streets are all blocked off with
garbage trucks. Captain brings the team to the table and they all duck.

Striker:"How did they get this close?"

Captain:"A fleet of garbage trucks started moving up into the streets.
         We tried waving them off, but they kept blocking the roads. Then
         the Elite Guard forces jumped out of them and started attacking."

Striker peers over the table to take a look at the garbage truck. He can
see that the backs of the trucks are fakes and have been turned into
makeshift armored personnel carriers. He ducks back down.

Striker:"What happened to the drivers?"

Captain:"They fled. I think the Elite Guard forced them to drive here."

Striker:"How many of them are there and where?"

Captain:"At least 100 of them, maybe more. Most of them are in the
         streets but a few of them have gotten to the roofs of the
         neighboring buildings."

Striker:"What about the streets and alleys behind the building?"

Captain:"I haven't heard anything from there. Most of the enemy is out
         front here."

Striker:"Better have that checked to be sure. What about additional help?"

Captain:"I've sent out an alert. Police, UN and army forces are rushing
         to the area and will be here in a few minutes."

Striker:"Goed. Then we need only keep them out of the court building.
         They are here to free Franco and we got to keep them from
         clearing a path for him."

Captain:"Understood."

The captain radios in to the other officers. Striker turns to Illanov who
has just finished his own quick scan.

Striker:"What do you think, Alex? Can we hold them off?"

Illanov:"The grounds troops we can easily keep out of the court building.
         I'm more worried about those Paladins. Their jump jets can get
         them onto the roof of the court and into the building itself."

Striker:"Then we'd better get to the roof. Shephard, you help the police
         here keep the Elite Guard out."

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

Striker:"The rest, let's go to the roof!"

Striker, Phoenix and Illanov quickly move towards the door that leads
to the rooftop stairs. Shephard sets up his M-249 on the table's edge
and begins to open fire on the Elite Guard soldiers outside. It takes a
few minutes for Striker, Phoenix and Illanov to climb up to the stairs
to the rooftop and open the door. As they do so, they find themselves
looking at several Paladins coming towards them. The leading Paladin
stops and takes aim with his magnetic rail rifle.

Paladin:"Kill the infidels!"

Striker:"Get down!"

The three Rovers drop flat on the steps as a rail shot flies over them
and blasts a hole in the wall behind them. Striker and Phoenix crawl
up the steps and return fire, causing the paladins to take cover behind
air vents and air conditioning machines.

Phoenix:"They're already here! Got any plans, Strikie?"

Striker:"We need to get off these steps, we're too vulnerable here! Alex,
         see if you can create a diversion for us. We'll cover you."

Illanov:"Dah!"

Striker and Phoenix wait for a lull in the shooting, then jump up and
return fire. Illanov quickly turns invisible and runs out onto the roof.
The canine couple then duck back down as the Paladins return fire. Il-
lanov turns visible some distance back behind a ventilation duct. He
looks around and sees that the Paladins are all facing away from where
he is. The German Shepherd talks out his Plasma Rifle, scans for a good
target or two and takes aim. He fires blast at one Paladin. The plasma
strikes the soldier and penetrates the weaker rear armor of the wolf's
powered suit. The wolf gives a yelp of a pain before collapsing dead on
the roof. Startled by this rear attack, the other Paladin's attention
shift away briefly to Illanov. The German Shepherd ducks as the Paladins
fire back at him. This gives Striker and Phoenix the opening to quickly
get out of the stairwell and run behind an air conditioner for cover.

Phoenix:"Glad we got out of there. I'd hate to think what we would do if
         they tossed a cooked grenade in there."

Striker:"Ja, but we still need to get rid of these troops before they
         go downstairs."

Phoenix:"I wonder if these troops are flammable."

Grinning, the Pomeranian creates a ball of flame in one of her paws.
Striker looks at it with contemplation.

Striker:"I'm not sure their suits can catch fire, but it should provide
         a goeie distraction. See if you can get a few of them 'dis-
         tracted', Dear."

Phoenix:"With pleasure, Dear."

Phoenix holsters her laser pistol and creates a second fireball in her
other paw. She peers around the corner, but quickly ducks back as a rail
shot strikes the AC unit near her. A panel falls off, crashing to the
ground. The magnetic shot also singes a hole in Phoenix's hair, narrowly
missing her head.

Phoenix:"That was too close a shave."

She checks the corner, and then ducks back as another shot strike the AC
unit. This time she immediately flings a fireball back before hiding
back in cover. The Pomeranian grins when she hears a yelp from somewhere
ahead of her. Phoenix leans around the corner and tosses a few more balls
of fire while the Paladins are distracted with their comrade trying to
put out the flames on his suit. She manages to catch another Paladin and
set him ablaze, but the other fireballs miss. They do, however, create
multiple fires around the cover of the Paladins, disrupting their aim of
the canines' own hiding spot.

Phoenix:"That should keep them busy."

Striker:"Well done! Let's move and take a few down."

Phoenix:"Right behind you."

The couple wait until any return fire has paused before they charge out
towards a pair of air vents near the edge of the roof. A Paladin is busy
reloading there when she sees the couple running towards her. She tries
to get her weapon ready, but Striker acts first and fires a sonic blast
at her. The impact of the blast sends the Paladin reeling backwards into
the wall that marks the edge of the roof. The wolf stumbles over it and
falls over to the ground several floors below. Striker and Phoenix take
up positions behind the recently vacated vents. Opposite them, Illanov
turns invisible again while his position is peppered with rail fire from
two Paladins near him. He moves away while the Paladins keep firing at
his position. Illanov gets behind and sees some grenades attached to their
belts. The Paladins are talking to one another and don't see Illanov
reappear behind them.

Paladin 1:"I don't see any movement, maybe we got him?"

Paladin 2:"Let's make sure. You jump over to his position while provide
           cover fire."

Paladin 1:"Right."

Illanov grabs the pins on two grenades on each of the Paladins and yanks
the pins free. The German shepherd then sprints for cover, but the two
Elite Guard troops hear his footsteps and see him.

Paladin 1:"Hey! He's behind us!"

Paladin 2:"Quick! Kill him!"

The Paladins aim at Illanov, but at that the moment the fuses on their
grenades burn out. The grenades explode, trigging a chain reaction as
the other unprimed grenades also go off. The explosions blast apart the
Paladins and the AC unit they are hiding behind. Illanov ducks behind
an air vent, shielding himself from the debris.

Illanov:"Always watch behind you, comrades."

The battle rages on. The Rovers continue pushing back on the Paladins,
their numbers diminishing until only three of them are left. Striker,
Phoenix and Illanov now have them surrounded on three sides. Striker
calls the others on the Watchcom.

Striker(into com):"Are you two in position?"

Illanov(over com):"Dah."

Phoenix(over com):"Yes."

Striker(into com):"Goed. Here's the plan: Alex, you will take your EMP
       device and disable the Pal..."

Without warning, the three Paladin emerge from cover and charge towards
Illanov's position behind a vent. They let out war cries while firing
their magnetic rail rifles at Illanov's position. Illanov tries to fight
back, but the amount of fire directed at him keeps him pinned. Striker
and Phoenix are shocked by this surprise move from the enemy.

Striker:"Ai yai yai! Gou, stop them!"

Striker and Phoenix appear from cover and attack the Paladins. Striker
fires a sonic blast at one Paladin while Phoenix tosses fireballs with
one paw while firing her laser pistol with the other. The couple manages
to knock down one Paladin and distract the second, but the third gets
closer to Illanov's position and keeps firing. A yelp of pain then comes
from the German Shepherd as a rail shot manages to score a hit on him.
Phoenix fires a shot at the third Paladin's head. The laser beam hits
the helmet but is deflected. It does distract the Paladin away from the
injured Illanov to Phoenix. He turns to aim at the Pomeranian, but she
throws a fireball at his face. The Paladin flinches and covers his face
reflectively with his arms. This gives the Phoenix the opportunity to
run up and kick the armored wolf in the chest. The impact sends the wolf
flying backwards into the control panel of an AC unit. The suit damages
the panel, causing a short circuit and making the electricity jump to
the armor. The wolf yells in pain as he is electrocuted by the AC unit's
power. Striker moves in and takes out the second and final Paladin with
his Sonic Rifle. With all the hostiles taken down, Striker and Phoenix
rush over to where Illanov is. Illanov is lying the ground, clutching
the bleeding side of his upper leg.

Striker:"Alex!"

Illanov:"Just a minor... wound, comrade... ow... nothing serious..."

Phoenix kneels down, checking Illanov's wound.

Phoenix:"Nothing serious my tail. You need medical attention. Let me
         check that wound, Alex."

Phoenix takes out a first aid kit and begins to treat Illanov's wound.
Striker uses his Watchcom to call for paramedics and to report that the
roof is clear. None of them have noticed that the AC unit the last three
Paladins were hiding behind has a panel removed, revealing the interior
of an air duct leading into the building.

Court Room
Western Cape High Court
At That Moment:

Inside the court room the judge and officers are trying to keep the
people calm as well as making sure the exits are guarded. A close eye
is being kept on Franco, who is simply listening to the fighting outside
the buildings. The media people are giving live reports as best they can
while trying to get some information from the officers. Corsair and Merit
are staying close to Adriaan, who is trying to reassure Mariaan.

Corsair:"Hey, Merit. Can you tell me if the shooting outside is getting
         less?"

Merit:"My audio sensors indicate that the number of firearm discharges
       have fallen, though this may not indicate reduction in combat. I
       am also picking up an increase in the number of approaching
       emergency service sirens."

Corsair:"Okay, that doesn't sound..."

A loud crash quickly gets everyone's attention: a ventilation grate has
fallen from the ceiling and a trio of buzzblades come flying into the
court room.

Corsair:"Oh crap! Buzzblades! Watch out!"

Immediately there is chaos in the court as the buzzblades attack. The
two police officers guarding Franco try to reach for their weapons, but
the flying sawblades aim for the their heads. The two officers are killed 
before they can fire a shot. Everyone else drops to the floor as the 
buzzblades look for more targets. The officers start shooting in an attempt 
to try and down the buzzblades. Corsair and Adriaan are lying next to each 
other.

Adriaan:"What are those things?"

Corsair:"Buzzblades. Elite Guard flying robots with saws on them. I'd
         recommend keeping your head down because they're looking for
         necks to slice."

Adriaan shudders.


Adriaan:"Such cruel creations, but I guess its standard for the Elite
         Guard."

Corsair:"Pretty much, yeah."

Corsair then sees Merit is still standing up with a buzzblade coming
directly towards the robot. His eyes widen in shock.

Corsair:"Merit! Get down!"

But Merit is focused on the buzzblade.

Merit:"I say, I do believe those blades are slightly dull. It requires
       a bit of filing."

Merit opens his toolkit and begins to go through his tools as the flying
robot closes in the for the kill. The drone locates a sander tool and
brings it up.

Merit:"This should do."

The buzzblade is almost upon Merit, the red light eye focused on its
target. At that moment Merit turns the sander so it points directly at
the flying robot.

Merit:"Please remain stationary while..."

But the buzzblade keeps coming. Carried forward by momentum and unable
to turn in time, the buzzblade smashes into the tip of the sander with
its red eye. Spark fly as the robot sputters and then dies. Merit looks
surprised at the mess dangling on the end of his tool.

Merit:"Oh dear. That did not proceed optimally."

The broken buzzblade slides off and falls at Mariaan's feet. She stares
at briefly. Suddenly the blades buzz for a brief second before stopping
again. She gasps and kicks the broken machine away. Meanwhile the other
two buzzblades continue to run riot in the court room. One of them has
its sights on Judge Dlamini. Dlamini tries to fight it off using his
gravel hammer.

Dlamini:"Get out of my court, you horrid machine!"

The judge swings his hammer at it. He scores a hit, but the buzzblade
is not even dented. In fact, the gravel is caught in the blades and cut
into a dozen wooden pieces. Shocked, the judge is forced against a wall
and grabs a chair to try and keep the buzzblade away. The buzzblade
starts chewing the chair, ripping it to pieces as it cuts its way to
the judge.

Dlamini:"Somebody help me!"

The buzzblade cuts the chairs' legs and seat off, leaving only the back
rest between it and Dlamini's neck. Suddenly a laser blast hits the side
of the buzzblade and sends it flying against wall, the blades cutting
deep gashes into the paint. Corsair comes forward with his laser pistol
aimed at the robot.

Corsair:"Pick somebody your size, buddy!"

The buzzblade focuses on the new threat and barrels towards Corsair.
Corsair braces himself and fires a few more laser shots at the flying
drone. Some of the shots hit, but they do little but slow the buzzblade
down at it heads for the human.

Corsair:"Oh crud!"

A flying jug of water strikes the buzzblade from behind and drenches
it in ice cold water. Sparks fly as the buzzblade malfunctions from the
moisture and flies in a jerky manner in the air. After a few seconds it
drops to the floor. Corsair looks up and sees the judge was the one who
made the throw.

Corsair:"Nice one, your honour."

Dlamini:"Now I am very glad I played as bowler in my high school cricket
         team."

The final buzzblade has just finished off another officer and is seeking
out another target. A shot rings out and hits one of its blades, getting
the robot's attention. Adriaan is standing up, holding the revolver in
his hands.

Adriaan:"This way, you flying bliksum."

The buzzblade obliges and flies straight for Adriaan. Adriaan carefully
takes aim with the revolver, holding it with both arms. The buzzblade
gets closer, its blades buzzing louder and louder as it closes in. Just
as it gets dangerlously close, Adriaan pulls the trigger. The revolver
fires and the bullet scores a hit right in the buzzblade's eye. The
damages drone spins about and sparks before going off course and crashing
into the wall, breaking into a dozen pieces on the floor. Corsair comes
over to Adriaan as everyone else in the court begin to stand up, the
danger now passed.

Corsair:"Nice shot, Mister Vorster. You're as good a shot as Striker.
         Guess it runs in the family."

But Adriaan isn't listening to Corsair. Instead, his eyes are quickly
scanning the court with growing alarm.

Adriaan:"Where's Franco?"

Corsair immediately looks to where Franco was seated. Instead, all that
lie there are the cuffs and shackles that held him captive. His eyes
then see that a nearby door is open.

Corsair:"Oh man! Franco got away!"

Corsair rushes for the open door. Adriaan is close behind him followed
by the surviving officers. Merit is busy studying the buzzblade he had
destroyed when he sees them running off.

Merit:"I say, is there a fire?"

As they run out the court room, Corsair calls Striker on his Watchcom.

Western Cape High Court
At That Moment:

Inside the hallway that leads to the front entrance of the court, Striker
and Phoenix are carrying the injured Illanov. At the entrance is standing
up, wiping his brow and taking his helmet off. At his feet are dozens of
spent bullet casings. Outside the battle appears to be won. Soldiers and
officer are busy checking on the fallen Elite Guard troops while arresting
those who are still alive. Ambulances and fire trucks have pulled into
the streets along with police squad cars and military jeeps and trucks.

Striker:"How are things looking down here, Shephard?"

Shephard:"All clear here, sir. There are one or two stragglers about, but we
          got most of the hostiles. What happened to him?"

Striker:"Alex has been injured. He's stable, but he will need medical
         attention."

Shephard:"I'll go and get a medic over here for him."

Shephard runs outside, whistling to an approaching pair of paramedics.
As that happens, Striker's Watchcom beeps. The spaniel answers it.

Striker(into com):"Striker here."

Corsair(over com):"Boss, this is Corsair! Franco got away!"

Striker's eyes immediately go wide. Phoenix and Illanov also turn to
look with alarm.

Striker(into com):"Wat! Hoe?"

Corsair(over com):"Some buzzblades broke into the court room. I guess
       he escaped during the confusion."

Striker(into com):"Where are you now?"

Corsair(over com):"We're still inside the building, sweep for Franco but
       he may run outside."

Striker(into com):"Search everyone! Do not let Franco escape!"

Corsair(over com):"Gotcha Boss!"

Striker turns off the Watchcom and begins to lower Illanov onto a chair.

Striker:"Jammer, Alex. We need to move. Franco has escaped."

Illanov:"No need to worry about me, comrade. Find Franco first."

Shephard comes up with a paramedic.

Shephard:"Here he is."

The paramedic rushes over to Illanov and Striker and Phoenix back off
as the man begins to treat their injured colleague. Striker quickly turns
to Shephard.

Striker:"Shephard, find that police captain and alert him that Franco has
         escaped the court room."

Shephard:"Oh d***. Yes, sir!"

Shephard runs off in search of the police captain. Striker turns to
Phoenix, getting his sonic rifle out.

Striker:"Let's go outside and sweep the streets for Franco. He cannot
         have gotten far."

Phoenix:"Let's go!"

The couple runs out of the court building. Meanwhile, to the back of the
building Corsair, Adriaan and the officers come running out onto the
parking lot that serves the court. Several private vehicles and a prison
van are parked in this lot. Just outside the gate are several parked
ambulances, police cars and a fire truck. The group looks around for
Franco.

Corsair:"Man, where could he be?"

Adriaan notices a scuffle at the fire truck. The fire fighters are being
forced out of their vehicle by Ozari del Figulo, brandishing his knife.
As he gets into the cabin, Adriaan sees that Franco is getting in on the
opposite of the cab. He frowns.

Adriaan:"Nee, Franco. Not this time!"

He begins to run towards the fire truck. Corsair sees him run.

Corsair:"Hey, Mister Vorster! Where are you going?"

Corsair then sees what is going on in the fire truck. He and the officers
start to run towards it. The fire truck begins to pull away as Ozari puts
the truck into gear and pushes on the gas. Just as it does so, Adriaan
jumps and grabs the ladder hanging off the back of the truck. Corsair
takes aim, but unfortunately the fire truck takes off with Adriaan still
clinging to the ladder. Corsair quickly gets on the Watchcom as he watches
the fire truck drive away.


Corsair(into com):"Boss, this is Corsair!"

Back at the street in front of the High Court Striker and Phoenix stop as
the spaniel answers the call on his Watchcom.

Striker(into com):"Have you found Franco?"

Corsair(over com):"He's taken off in a fire truck! Vorster is hanging
       off the back of it!"

Alarmed, Striker scans the streets. He and Phoenix manage to catch a
glimpse of the truck as it passes down a different street, spotting
Adriaan hanging from the back.

Phoenix:"There it is!"

Striker:"Let's roll!"

The couple run over to an unoccupied police motorcycle. Striker climbs
on and Phoenix climbs behind him. The spaniel turns the ignition key, and
then guns the engine. The motorcycle heads the down the street as the
two Rovers go after the fire truck.

Streets of Cape Town
11:59 AM:

The escaping fire truck is racing through the streets of Cape Town,
running red lights, knocking other cars out of the way and smashing
street lamps and traffic lights. Adriaan is still holding to the ladder,
swinging wildly with the truck's movements. In the cabin Franco is
staring at Ozari, who is at the wheel.

Franco:"And where did you come from? You come out of nowhere, clear a
        path for me and then get me into this fire truck."

Ozari:"A little birdie told me that you are Striker's enemy and you
       know what they say about an enemy of my enemy. If I stick with
       you I might get my revenge on Striker at last."

Franco:"First you get me out of here. Fail..."


Franco holds his claws close to Ozari's face, but the human doesn't seem
to be bothered.

Ozari:"Yes, yes. I hear you."

Further back, Striker and Phoenix are racing with the police motorcycle
after the truck. Though they cannot see the truck, they are still able
to follow it by following the chaos left in its wake. Phoenix is calling
the rest of the team on her Watchcom.

Phoenix(into com):"Shephard, do you read?"

Shephard(over com):"Loud and clear, Ma'am."

Phoenix(into com):"We're in pursuit of Franco! He's in a fire truck and
       is driving very erratically! Adriaan Vorster is hanging to the
       back of the truck! We need backup! Follow our Watchcom signal!"

Shephard(over com):"Copy that, Ma'am! We're on our way!"

Phoenix switches off her Watchcom and holds onto Striker as they dodge
a three-car pile up at an intersection. Up in the skies above a civilian
helicopter has appeared above the chase. In the chopper behind the pilot
is Melanie Malloy and Samuel Knowles. Samuel is holding his camera aimed
at the fire truck below while Melanie is giving running commentary on
what is going on.

Melanie:"This is Melanie Malloy coming to you live from Cape Town where
         convicted war criminal, General Franco of the Elite Guard, is
         attempting to escape with a hijacked fire truck. Below you can
         see him plowing through the busy streets. We also see there
         is somebody hanging from the ladder at the back of the truck. I
         can't tell who the man is, but he is desperately holding on as
         the truck swerves about. And now it seems the truck is heading
         up to one of the highways, cars getting out of the way as it
         goes up the wrong way."

The fire truck is now going up an onramp that leads to the N1 highway,
cars swerving to try and dodge the large red vehicle. Franco checks in
the rearview mirror to make sure they are not being followed. That is
when he catches a glimpse of Adriaan hanging on the ladder.

Franco:"Somebody's back there! Keep driving! I'll go deal with him."

Ozari nods. Franco opens the door and climbs out of the cabin. He
climbs onto the roof, then makes his way to the back. When he gets to
the ladder and sees who it is, he grins.

Franco:"Well, well. It's one of the Vorster brothers, at my mercy."

Adriaan:"Boast, you monster! You are not getting away!"

Franco:"I am getting away. And YOU are getting off!"

Franco begins to make his way up the ladder to where Adriaan is hanging.
Further back Striker and Phoenix come onto the highway, still dodging
cars. They see the fire truck far ahead of them.

Phoenix:"There they are!"

Striker:"We have to get Adriaan off the truck! I'll bring the bike in
         and you catch him!"

Phoenix:"Gotcha!"

Striker guns the engine and the motorcycle speeds towards the fire truck.
Up ahead Franco reaches Adriaan, who is taking out the revolver. He tries
to aim it at Franco, but Franco quickly reaches down and snatches it from
Adriaan. Franco looks the revolver over triumphantly.

Franco:"Ah, the famous Vorster revolver. Thank you, I needed a gun here."

Franco tucks the revolver into his prison overalls, and then begins to kick
at Adriaan's hands. The man lets out shouts of pain from the impact of the
blows, but keeps hanging on.

Franco:"Let go!"

Adriaan:"Never! Eina, my hands!"

Franco keeps hitting on Adriaan's hands, but he keeps holding on. The pain
gets worse and his hands start to look bruised. The more Franco stomps on
them the weaker Adriaan's grip gets. He begins to slip.

Franco:"Now you go!"

Franco stomps once more on Adriaan's hands. This is enough to make him
slip off the ladder. Just as that happens, the motorcycle carrying Striker
and Phoenix comes in under the ladder. Phoenix quickly grabs Adriaan and
helps him on the seat behind her.

Phoenix:"Got you!"

Adriaan holds onto Phoenix as she helps him get seated. Striker slows down
a bit to bring the motorcycle out from under the ladder. Franco growls as
he sees Vorster getting rescued by Striker and Phoenix. He takes out the
revolver.

Franco:"Now let's see you get on the receiving end, Striker!"

As this happens, Ozari sees he is coming up on some heavy traffic. He
looks around on the dashboard.

Ozari:"Now where do you turn the siren on?"

After checking a few switches, he manages to get the fire truck's siren.
The truck's red lights flash and the sirens wail loudly. Up ahead some
of the cars begin to move out of the way, but there is still not much
room to move. On the motorbike Striker shouts to Adriaan.

Striker:"Are you all okay, broer?"

Adriaan:"I'm fine, but my hands are a mess. And that b*****d has father's
         gun now."

Striker:"Don't worry. We'll get it back AND put Franco back in jail."

Phoenix:"Keep your hands around me, Adriaan. I'll try and patch them."

Phoenix begins to bandage up Adriaan's bleeding hands while Striker
turns his attention to Franco. Franco is still on the ladder and is
holding the revolver with one paw. He takes aim at the motorcycle. Just
then the fire truck reaches the heavy truck and Ozari swerves out of
the way of a car. Franco pulls the trigger, but the sudden movement
throws his aim off and the bullet strikes the tar next to the motorcycle.
Striker begins to swerve about, not only to dodge the traffic but also
to keep Franco's aim off balance. Franco tries to aim again, but he is
hampered by the swerving of the truck he is on. Several times he nearly
loses his balance and almost falls off. Franco gives up and begins to
fire wildly at the motorcycle. The trio ducks their heads as the bullets
fly past them. Franco keeps firing until the revolver clicks, its bullet
chambers now empty.

Franco:"D****t!"

He is about to throw it away, but another sharp swerve the truck causes
him to grab hold of the ladder. Without thinking he tucks the revolver
back into his prison garb and begins to climb back to the truck. Ozari
still tries to dodge traffic, but now he sees a traffic jam up ahead.
He then spots a road going from the highway to a nearby mall.

Ozari:"Guess it’s a good time to go shopping!"

He turns the firetruck towards an off-ramp, crossing the opposite lane
and making cars hit their brakes. Striker follows the fire truck as it
heads towards the large, looming structure of a shopping mall next to
the highway. Franco is climbing his way back to the cabin while Ozari
races past swerving cars into the mall parking lot. Franco gets in and
closes the door.

Franco:"They're still behind us! Lose them!"

Ozari looks at the mall, and then grins.

Ozari:"Sure, I'll lose them."

Ozari guides the fire truck through the parking lot, then aims it at
one of the main entrances of the mall. Startled shoppers and security
guards run out of the way as the truck comes to the automatic doors.
Ozari and Franco duck as the truck smashes through, sending glass shards 
and pieces of metal flying. The motorcycle trio follows after the truck.

Phoenix:"A mall! What are they thinking?"

Striker:"I doubt Franco would even care. Let's just hope nobody gets
         killed here."

Inside the mall people are running in every direction as the fire truck
ploughs its way through. Ozari turns the truck to knock over any object
in his way. Behind the truck Striker struggles to dodge the fallen debris
as well as civilians. Up ahead a cluster of luxury cars are parked on
display in the middle of the walkway. The fire truck heads straight for
the cars, people running in all directions. The truck smashes into the
cars, tipping them over and rupturing the fuel tanks. A spark from the
scraping metal-on-metal causes the spilled petrol to ignite, creating
a wall of fire that cuts off the truck from pursuit. Striker stops the
motorcycle, swearing.


Striker:"I can't go through! The fires are too much!"

Phoenix points to a nearby emergency fire exit.

Phoenix:"There! We can outside through that. Franco has to come again
         if he thinks he's shaken us off."

Striker nods, turning the motorcycle to the exit. People jump out of
the way or press to the wall as the motorcycle runs down the concrete
corridor. Meanwhile, Franco checks the rearview and sees that they had
lost their pursuers.

Franco:"We've lost them."

Ozari:"Told you I'd do it."

Franco:"Spare me the self congratulating and get out of this mall."

Ozari:"Uh... okay."

Ozari guides the truck through the mall to the nearest exit. Again the
big red vehicle smashes into the automatic doors, sending glass and
metal flying. It comes out onto the large parking lot again, knocking
against parked vehicles as it heads for the exit. Meanwhile the motor-
cycle comes out of the mall, but a good distance away. Striker stops
the bike and the three look around.

Striker:"Do you see them?"

They scan the parking lot for a few tense seconds before Adriaan points.

Adriaan:"There!"

In the far distance Striker and Phoenix spot to where Adriaan is pointing
his bandaged hand. The fire truck is back on a road leading to the highway
again, barely visible amongst the scenery. Striker refs the bike, then
speeds through the parking lot after it. In the fire truck Franco checks
behind them again.

Franco:"I don't see them."

Ozari:"Heh, we've lost them."

The fire truck pulls onto the highway, now driving along the traffic in
the fast lane. But Franco keeps looking in the rearview to make sure. He
spots flashing lights far in the distance. He growls and turns to Ozari.

Franco:"The police are catching up to us. Get moving!"

Ozari nods and puts his foot down. The fire truck speeds up again, dodging
the traffic it passes. Further back, the Rhino (with Shephard driving and
Corsair and Merit with him) and several squads of police cars, United 
Nations and SANDF jeeps are trying to catch up with the fire truck. Up in 
the skies the news helicopter is also in hot pursuit. Melanie keeps up
the running commentary.

Melanie:"Having just crashed through a crowded mall, the escaping fire
         truck is now back on the N1 highway heading out of the city.
         Behind it you can see police and army units trying to follow
         the truck, with civilain cars and trucks trying to get out of
         the way."

Back in the Rhino Shephard is keeping his foot down while guiding the
hummer through the traffic. Merit is scanning the road ahead.

Shephard:"How far are they?"

Merit:"Distance is approximately 723 meters and closing."

Shephard:"We're gaining on them. That truck can't go faster than we are."

Corsair:"But where is the boss? I don't see them."

Merit:"My sensors indicate that Striker and company are located near our
       position."

Shephard:"Which way?"

Merit:"Oh, right there."

Shephard and Corsair turn their heads to where Merit is pointing. They
see the motorcycle pulling in alongside them. Corsair rolls down his
window after Striker gestures to them.

Corsair:"Hey boss! I see you got Mister Vorster!"

Striker:"Ja, but he's hurt! I need him transferred to the Rhino for
         safety!"

Shephard:"Okay, sir!"

Corsair climbs into the back, then opens the rear door. Striker brings
the motorcycle as close to the Rhino as possible. Phoenix and Corsair
carefully begin helping Adriaan to the hummer while Shephard and Striker
keep the vehicles steady. Once Adriaan is in the Rhino, Striker pulls
away while Corsair closes the door. Striker then moves in next to the
driver's side window.

Striker:"Shephard! Do you know where Franco is?"

Shephard:"Merit says he's straight ahead of us, sir! And we're catching
          up!"

Striker nods, then guns the engine to go faster. Slowly but surely the
convoy of authorities are catching up with the fire truck. Franco and
Ozari are watching the approaching flashing lights with increased agi-
tation. The motorcycle is quickly gaining on the fire truck.

Phoenix:"We're almost on them, Strikie! Got a plan?"

Striker:"We need to find a way to stop the truck! Perhaps if we..."

A loud crash to the side makes them turn their heads. To their shock,
a truck and trailer carrying several cars is crashing from a street
running alongside the highway onto the way itself. The huge truck
smashes cars out of its way as it comes up behind the motorcycle. Behind
it the Rhino barely manages to avoid the crashed cars. Up in the sky
Melanie is reporting the scene with surprise.

Melanie:"We just had a trailer truck come crashing its way onto the way,
         colliding with several cars and pulling up between Franco and
         the authorities. I have no idea what the driver is thinking."

But in the Rhino and on the motorcycle the Rovers can see who is in
control of the truck. Phoenix looks back and gasps when she sees Champion
behind the wheel of the truck.

Phoenix:"It's Champion!"

Striker quickly glances back and sees the big werewolf in the cabin.

Striker:"Ai yai yai! More trouble!"

In the Rhino the others can see several Elite Guard soldiers riding on 
the back of the trailer with the cars.

Merit:"There are about seven Elite Guard infantry on that transport."

Corsair:"Elite Guard? Don't these guys give up?"

Shephard:"I hope not. If they want a fight, I'll be glad to give them 
          one."

Corsair:"Geez, you're a combat junkie, you know that?"

Shephard frowns at Corsair.

Shephard:"I don't do drugs. I have rules about that."

Corsair:"That's not what I... HOLY COW! WATCH OUT!"

Shephard looks forward and sees several Elite Guard taking aim at them
with their EG-47s. Shephard quickly pushes a button on the dashboard.
Just as the soldiers fire, the armor plating of the Rhino comes up to
cover the windows and the front grill. Still, Corsair and Adriaan 
instinctively duck as the bullets start ricocheting off the Rhino's armor. 
Shephard keeps the Rhino on track, unfazed by the storm of bullets fired 
their way. When they see the Rhino is still coming after them, the 
soldiers stop shooting and climb further back into the trailer. Shephard 
looks at them as they start working around the cars.

Shephard:"What are you guys doing?"

His answer comes when the soldiers release the chains holding a car on
the trailer. The car rolls off the ramp and into the path of the Rhino.

Merit:"Obstruction ahead."

Shephard swerves to avoid the car, but the UN jeep directly behind
fails to get out of the way and crashes into the car, sending both the
vehicles spinning out. The other convoy vehicles dodge the wreckage.
Back up front Champion puts his foot down and speeds towards the 
motorcycle.

Champion:"Let's see how you do with several tons of metal on you!"

Phoenix sees the truck coming towards them.

Phoenix:"He's trying to ram us, Striker! Speed up!"

Striker does so and the motorbike picks up additional speed, managing
to stay ahead of Champion's truck. Up in the fire truck Franco sees
what Champion is trying to do. He turns to Ozari.

Franco:"Slow down."

Ozari frowns and looks at Franco.

Ozari:"Slow down? Are you nuts? The police are on our tails!"

Franco turns to Ozari and jerks his thumb to the back.

Franco:"I know that! But I want to have Striker crushed between our
        truck and that of my bodyguard."

Ozari looks into the rearview mirror. He sees the motorbike with the
car carrier truck behind them. That's when he gets the idea and grins.

Ozari:"Oh, that's different then. This should be fun."

Ozari slows the fire truck down and starts to swerve to keep Striker
and Phoenix directly behind them. Striker slows down, unable to pass
the fire truck. Behind them the car carrier is closing in, Champion
giving a vicious smile as he closes in his target.

Champion:"Fresh roadkill coming up!"

Behind the truck the Elite Guard soldiers continue to unload the parked
cars. Some rolling onto the road while others crash and bounce all over 
the highway. The Rhino and the following squad cars and jeeps try to
dodge the vehicles, but several of them crash into the cars or are forced 
off the highway and into ditches or roadside billboards.

Shephard:"So they play dirty, huh? We can play that game too. Let's break
          out the sonic cannon."

Corsair looks eagerly at Shephard.

Corsair:"Hey, can I have a go with it? I always wanted to fire it."

Shephard(nodding):"Sure. Fire when I say so."

Corsair rubs his hands, looking over the dashboard. He finds the right
one and presses it. The large sonic cannon appears from the back and
settles on the roof.

Corsair:"Cannon charging... okay, it's full power!"

Shephard:"Wait for it..."

Shephard dodges another car, then moves the Rhino in position directly
behind the car carrier. The soldiers are trying to unload another car
onto the road.

Shephard:"Fire!"

Corsair pushes the fire button. The sonic cannon shoots a large sonic
blast at the car carrier. The blast strikes the car the soldiers are
trying to unload, sending it flying through the trailer along with the
blast. Debris and soldiers are sent flying and the carrier buckles
from the impact. The impact knocks Champion forward, causing him to
lose control of the truck momentarily. When he tries to bring it back
on the track, the trailer tips over and falls onto its side. The
coupling holding them together breaks and the truck cab, now free of
the trailer's weight, takes off at very high speed.


Champion:"Oh s***!"

Seeing he is rapidly speeding towards the fire truck, Champion moves
over to pass it. Striker and Phoenix manage to move away, giving them
the chance to avoid being crushed. Behind them the Rhino passes the
overturned trailer while some of the police cars stop and officers get
out to arrest the surviving soldiers. Up front Franco and Ozari watch
as Champion's truck shoots past them. Ozari whistles.

Ozari:"He's going way too fast."

Indeed, Champion is struggling to keep the speeding truck under control.
He swerves wildly, pushing cars out of the way and knocking over road
signs.

Champion:"Slow down, you stupid machine!"

He blows the truck's horn, trying to force vehicles out of his way. Up
ahead two large trucks are passing each other and blocking both lanes
of the highway. Champion is coming so fast that he is forced to go into
the emergency lane. To his horror another truck, carrying a load of
pipes, is stalled on the emergency lane. The truckers and a traffic cop
are running as Champion barrels for the vehicle.

Champion:"Brake!"

He pushes his boot down hard on what he thinks is the brake pedal, but
in panic he is actually pressing the clutch pedal.

Champion:"Brake!!!"

The pipe truck is closing in very quickly on Champion's cab. The werewolf
screams and his eyes bulge out. He puts both feet on the "brake" pedal.

Champion:"BRAKE YOU SON OF A...!!!"

The truck cab smashes at full speed into the back of the stationary pipe
truck, sending both vehicles crashing off the road and onto their sides.
Glass and metal shards fly all over the place. It takes only seconds and
the crash is over. The fire truck, the motorcycle and the Rhino pass the
wreckage while the truckers and traffic officer run back. Two police cars
pull up alongside the crashed trucks.

Ozari:"Ooooh, I think your bodyguard is history."

Franco growls, looking back at the Rovers still following him. He then
begins to dig around in the cab.

Franco:"There's got to be something here I could use to finish that spaniel
        off!"

On the motorcycle Striker is talking to Phoenix.

Striker:"We need to slow this truck down! Can you make some fire and set
         the truck's wheels alight?"

Phoenix:"Yeah, but I need to be close to the wheels or else my flames
         will fizzle too much from the draft!"

Striker:"Reg! Get ready!"

Striker brings the motorcycle up on the right side of the truck and
as close as possible to the rear wheel. Phoenix creates as big a fire
in her one paw as she can. As the two vehicles start to pass the trucks
that Champion failed to get by earlier, Phoenix reaches out and tosses
the fireball at the wheel. The fireball ignites the rubber on the tire,
creating a spinning ring of flames.


Phoenix:"Got the first one!"

Striker:"Get ready! Next one coming up!"

Striker speeds up, bringing the motorcycle closer to the front wheel
of the truck as well as the cabin. Phoenix creates another fireball and
is getting ready to throw it. Suddenly the cab door flies open and
Franco leans out. He swings a fire axe, aiming it for Striker. The wolf
misses, but the axe does strike the front tire of the motorcycle and
causes it to burst. Striker starts to lose control of the motorbike.

Striker:"Gou, jump off!"

The canine couple quickly jumps from the motorcycle for the fire truck.
They just manage to grab onto the valves on the side of the vehicle as
the motorcycle tumbles forward and crashes behind them. Franco leans
out of the cab and swings the axe at Striker. The blade just narrowly
misses the dog.

Franco:"Now I will finish you off! Like I should have done all those
        years ago!"

Striker:"Keep dreaming, Franco!"

Franco swings the axe again. This time it glazes Striker's arm, cutting
his uniform and leaving a small cut in his arm. The spaniel flinches
from the pain but holds on. Smiling, Franco swings the fire axe for a
third time. This time Striker grabs the axe and tries to pull it away
from Franco. But Franco's grip is much stronger and he pulls back on
it. Striker holds up, but his grip on the fire truck is starting to
slip. After a brief tug of war Striker nearly loses his grip on the
truck and is forced to let go of the axe. Franco holds the axe ready,
seeing his arch enemy is now even closer to him. He lifts it.

Franco:"Goodbye!"

Phoenix tosses the fireball she had ready in her paw at Franco. The
big wolf yelps out as the fireball strikes his chest and sets fire to
his prison clothes. Startled, Franco falls back into cab, flailing his
arms as he tries to extinguish the flames.

Franco:"GAAAAAH!"

Ozari looks alarmed at the burning wolf next to him.

Ozari:"Ay caramba!"

His alarm turns to shock as Franco waves the axe while trying to put
out the flames. Ozari moves as far as he can from the wolf, but the
end of the axe handle strikes him in the face. He shouts in pain and
covers his face with both hands, taking them off the wheel.

Ozari:"Ow! My nose!"

With nobody able to drive, the fire truck starts to turn towards the
side of the highway. Up ahead Striker and Phoenix see that the truck is
heading straight for the edge of an overpass crossing the highway.

Striker:"Phoenix! We have to jump! On my count!"

Phoenix:"Okay!"

They wait and watch, the truck moving closer and closer to the median
between the north and southbound lanes of the highway.

Striker:"Three... two... ONE!"

The canines jump off, landing in the grassy ditch in the median as the
fire truck passes over it. They land hard and roll with their momentum.
The fire truck is now going over to the opposite side of the highway.
Cars swerve out of the way and sound their horns, but the fire truck
is now going for the rise that forms part of the mound of the overpass.
Franco manages to put out the flames on his overalls, but watches with
wide eyes as the embark closes in fast.

Franco:"Oh s...."

The fire truck hits the embankment at a steep angle and high speed. As a 
result, the fire truck goes airborne briefly while tipping over to one
side. The truck lands on its side, skidding along the highway while
sparks fly from the metal scraping the tar. Cars swerve out to avoid
the overturned truck. The vehicle continues on for some distance before
it comes to a stop. Further back, Phoenix and Striker are helping each
other up.

Striker:"Are you all right, Firefly?"

Phoenix:"I got a nasty bruise on my left side, but I don't think anything
         is broken. What about you?"

Striker:"I feel pain all over, but nothing serious."

They then turn their attention to the fire truck and see it lying on its
side up ahead. They start running towards it. Up in the sky the news
helicopter hovers above. Samuel has the camera on the fire truck while
Melanie keeps up the commentary.

Melanie:"The fire truck is now on its side, effectively ending this
         chase. Emergency vehicles are now pulling up and surrounding
         the truck and sealing off the highway from civilians."

Below the various police, army and UN vehicles stop around the fire
truck. Officers and soldiers jump out and take aim with their weapons
at the vehicle while others move to keep the car drives and curious
civilians away. The Rhino pulls up as well, the rest of the Strikers
getting out to join Striker and Phoenix. Franco climbs out of the
cab and lands on the ground next to the truck. He looks around to see
guns pointed all around him. Striker and Phoenix get their weapons
from Shephard, then the Rovers also take aim at Franco. Ozari climbs
out of the cab, his nose bleeding and a big bruise on his face. He then
pauses as he looks at all the law enforcement and military officers
around them.

Striker:"Put your hands in the air!"

Franco growls, taking out the revolver and pointing it at Striker. This
causes everyone else to focus their aim on the wolf. Ozari quickly takes
this opportunity to jump off the truck and run for a nearby thicket of
trees, once again making an escape.

Franco:"I am not surrendering!"

Striker:"It's over, Franco. You've lost, and that revolver is not even
         loaded. You are surrounded and there is nobody left to help
         you."

Franco growls and keeps up his aim, but his eyes are darting around as
he looks for a way to escape. But there is too much open space and too
many guns pointed at him. He snarls.

Franco:"I am Franco! I cannot be put into some hole and forgotten! You
        are nothing to me!"

Adriaan:"Face it, Franco! You are no longer king! This is the end of the
         line! Surrender or die!"

Franco bites his lower lip, looking around again. There seems to be no
way for him to escape. He then tosses the revolver to the ground and
bares his fangs and claws.

Franco:"Then come and get me! Go on! I am willing to take you all with
        me!"

Striker:"Don't be stupid, Franco. We are not going to fight you hand
         to hand. We will shoot you if necessary."

Franco:"NO! I DEMAND MARTYRDOM!!"

Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Set him on fire again, Phoenix. That seems to distract him."

Phoenix:"With pleasure, Strikie."

But before she can do anything, there is the sound of cracking electricity
in the skies. Everyone, including Franco, turn their heads to see what it
is. To their surprise, a sleek black helicopter has appeared out of thin
air and is hovering a short distance away at a low altitude. The rotors
are much more quiet than the news chopper nearby. The cockpit windows are
tinted, hiding the pilot and whomever else is with him/her. There are
no markings of any kind on the chopper. In the news helicopter Samuel
now has the camera focused on the new arrival.

Melanie:"An unknown black helicopter has just... literally appeared out
         out of thin air. I don't know if it belongs to Franco or..."

A hatch opens under the nose of the black helicopter and a rotary cannon
appears. The cannon takes aim on Franco, spins up and opens fire at
a rapid rate. The Rovers and the authorities drop to the ground and 
civilians either flee in terror or dive into their cars. Franco stumbles backwards against the fire truck as the bullets tear into his body. 
Shephard and some of the officers open fire on the black chopper, but 
their shots bounce off the Plexiglas windows and armored plating. After 
only five seconds after opening fire, the rotary cannon stops shooting 
and is withdrawn back into its hold. The black helicopter turns around 
and starts to fly away. Cracking bolts of electricity appear over the 
black helicopter and in a few seconds it fades out of sight completely. 
There is a brief moment of stunned silence as Unit STRIKE and authorities 
stare at the spot where the helicopter was just seconds ago.

Merit:"How odd. The vehicle has completely disappeared from my scanner
       field."

Striker:"Anybody see any identification on that helicopter?"

Everyone else shake their heads.

Shephard:"Sorry, sir. I got nothing on that chopper."

Adriaan:"Haai, what about Franco?"

Startled, they turn their attention back to Franco. Franco is slumped
against the side of the bullet-riddled fire truck, a vacant look on his
face and blood pooling around him. Several officers are moving cautiously
towards him, guns still drawn. The Rovers also move in. Corsair looks at
the wolf.

Corsair:"Oh man. He's Swiss cheese."

Merit:"Actually, the correct statement is that he was shot multiple times
       with high velocity rounds."

Corsair(rolls eyes):"Sure."

One of the officers goes up to Franco and feels for a pulse. Striker
approaches him, his sonic rifle ready.

Striker:"Anything?"

The officer looks at Striker and shakes his head.

Officer:"No, sir. Franco is dead."

Striker looks at Franco, seeing the empty stare from the wolf's open
eyes. Adriaan comes up alongside him, folding his arms as he looks over
the now dead Elite Guard leader.

Adriaan:"He gunned down our family with helicopters, and now Franco has
         died in the same way. How fitting."

Striker:"I suppose..."

Adriaan:"You don't sound very enthusiastic about his demise, brother."

Striker:"Don't get me wrong, Adriaan. I am not sad that Franco is dead,
         but at the same time I have this feeling that he had somehow
         managed to escape justice.

Adriaan nods, putting one hand on Striker's shoulder. He winches a bit
from his bandaged sores.

Adriaan:"I understand what you are saying, but I say do not let it bother
         you. Franco is dead and has paid for his crimes. The world is
         a better place and he stands before a higher court to answer
         for his deeds."

Striker nods, turning to his brother.

Striker:"You're reg. Franco's demise is probably for the best."

Adriaan smiles, and then holds out the Colt revolver he had picked up.

Adriaan:"Here, you keep it."

Striker smiles, taking the revolver from Adriaan and putting it away.

Striker:"Dankie."

The two brothers pat each other's shoulders.

Striker:"What really does bother is me is where that helicopter came
         from and why they killed Franco."

Adriaan:"Franco had a lot of enemies. Perhaps one of them got tired of
         pace of justice and decided to finish him off."

Striker:"Perhaps. But I'll feel better if we know who that one enemy
         is."

Adriaan:"If you wish."

Shephard comes up to Striker.

Shephard:"Excuse me, sir. I just got word from the police who stopped
          after that car carrier crashed."

Striker:"Did Champion survive?"

Shephard:"Was that him? Well, he did survive the initial impact, a
          surprise given how fast he was going. In fact, he would have
          been able to walk away had one of the pipes on the truck he
          hit had not impaled him. But here's the catch: the pipe got
          him right between the legs."

Adriaan flinches.

Adriaan:"That must have hurt."

Striker:"Don't feel too sorry for Champion, Adriaan. He is a serial
         rapist, so he very much deserved it."

Shephard:"Anyway, the paramedics found he was still alive when they
          reached him. But as they started to cut him out he went into
          shock. They tried to revive him, but he was declared dead on
          the scene."

Striker:"Ag, shame. Or it would be, if it wasn't Champion."

Phoenix:"Millions of females will sleep easier knowing that monster is
         dead."

Just then Striker's Watchcom beeps. The spaniel answers.

Striker(into com):"Striker here."

Norwood(over com):"Striker, this is Norwood. What's going on down there?
       I just saw the whole business on television here."

Striker(into com):"Franco is dead, Mark. That black helicopter gunned him
       down."

Norwood(over com):"Ah, I figured so from the visuals I'm seeing here,
       but I wanted to hear from you firsthand. You must be glad that
       Franco has finally bitten the dust."

Striker(into com):"Ja, somewhat. I won't be crying for him, but I just
       have that feeling that he escaped justice. And that somebody
       didn't want him alive any longer."

Norwood(over com):"That black helicopter does leave my head scratching,
       but I don't think we should lose sleep over Franco's demise in
       front of the world. Now we all know he really is dead and not
       just hiding."

Striker looks over at Franco, where paramedics are busy placing a blanket
over his corpse.

Striker(into com):"Ja, there is that. Oh, and Champion is dead too. He 
       was in that car carrier that followed us."

Norwood(over com):"Oh? That ugly brute met his end?"

Striker explains to Norwood how Champion had died. Norwood laughs.

Norwood(over com):"Ha! Looks like karma finally caught up with Champion.
       Some of our old EDF colleagues called me when they save the live
       footage of the chase. I'm sure they will be breaking out the
       champaine when they hear of Franco and Champion's deaths. It might 
       sound cold, but then this isn't Mother Theresa we're talking
       about. And this probably closes the final chapter of your long
       journey from that day in 1979?"

Striker(into com):"In some sense it does, Mark. But I think my journey
       will still go on. There is still much to do."

Norwood(over com):"That is for sure. But regardless, you can now put
       this business behind you and focus on the future. Now I need to
       go and make some calls. Well done, Striker."

Striker(into com):"Dankie, Mark. Goodbye."

Striker turns off his Watchcom and looks back at Franco's draped body.
Phoenix begins to treat the cut on Striker's arm with a cotton swab,
making her husband flinch.

Phoenix:"Hold still."

Striker:"Dankie, Firefly. Eina."

Corsair:"So what do we do now, boss? Staring at that mess over there
         isn't exactly good viewing."

Merit:"Actually, I find it quite fascinating studying the effect of..."

Corsair:"Don't finish that sentence, Merit. Please."

Merit:"Oh, I say."

Striker:"Merit's... odd fascination aside, we should return to the court
         to see how Alex is doing. And get Adriaan back to Mariaan."

Adriaan sighs as he looks at his bandaged hands.

Adriaan:"Mariaan will very angry at me over what I did. She can very
         shrill about putting my life in danger."

Striker chuckles and nods.

Striker:"I know. I used to date her before she hooked up with you. But
         I think she will just be glad you are safe. Kom, let's go."

The group head back to the Rhino, leaving behind the crash scene and
the paramedics as they start to put Franco's corpse into a bodybag. The
other officers try to get traffic moving again while some are searching
the woods for Ozari.

Headline News
CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia
United States of America
13:14 PM:

A male news anchor is busy reading the day's top story. It concerns the
events in Cape Town, an image next to his head showing Franco's face
with an X through it.

Anchor:"... say that Franco's death will mostly lead to the further
        collapse of surviving Elite Guard forces as infighting over
        who take charge is likely to occur. The South African Government
        has yet to decide on what to do about Franco's body, which is
        currently being held in a morgue in Cape Town. Coming up next,
        reaction from around the world to the death of General Franco."

The camera pans back as the CNN headline theme plays. A few seconds
later the first commercial runs. It shows various images to what looks
to be scenes of industry, big cities and farmlands. A female announcer's
voice speaks over the images.

Announcer:"In today's global economy it takes a certain advantage to get
           ahead of the competition, to stay up to date with global
           trends and events and to build a better future. We can give
           that advantage."

The images are replaced with a company logo. It is a pentagon shape cut
into four grey pieces and with a white and orange border. Two red "eyes"
make the logo look like some kind of face. The announcer continues.

Announcer:"The Amalgatronics Corporation is here. A new company set to
           shake up the globe with new innovations and technology at
           affordable prices."

As she speaks, photos or blueprint diagrams of various high tech devices
and machines appear on either side of the logo. The announcer continues.

Announcer:"Be on the lookout for future products as we launch the new
           technological revolution."

The photos and diagrams disappear and the logo grows larger, a shine
appearing on it.

Announcer:"The Amalgatronics Corporation. Tomorrow's technology, today."

The words the female announcer uses appear verbatim underneath the
company logo for a few seconds. Then the commercial ends and the next
one begins.

Vorster Estate
Near George
Western Cape Province
South Africa
13 July
16:31 PM:

The mansion and the grounds of the Vorster Estate are still in good
condition, though the mansion's windows are barred and closed by old
blankets. The lawns and gardens are still keep in good condition. The
Stealth Rover is parked on one of the lawns while a sedan and two police
cars are parked on the driveway outside the house. Some distance away,
in the family cemetary, there is a solemn gathering going on. Striker
and Adriaan, who is still wearing some bandages around hands, are 
standing at the graves of their late family, with Phoenix and Mariaan 
joining them. The rest of Unit STRIKE (including Illanov, whose sides are
heavily bandaged), Jaco, Karen, Maska the groundskeeper and a number of 
police officers are standing a respectful distance away. The two brothers 
have been placing bunches of flowers at the graves of each family member 
killed by the Elite Guard. They are now standing by the grave of their 
father and mother. Mariaan and Phoenix give the bushes of flowers to 
their husbands, who kneel down and place the flowers on their parents' 
grave. They then put their hands on the grave, close their eyes and say 
a silent prayer. Their wives join them. After a minute they reopen their 

eyes and Striker and Adriaan stand up again.

Adriaan:"Their souls are probably resting easy now that Franco is really
         dead this time."

Striker:"Ja. And they are also perhaps glad that you and I have finally
         buried the hatchet. I can still remember the exasperation on
         father's face whenever you and I got into a fight."

Adriaan smiles and nods.

Adriaan:"So do I. What a long road we have travelled to this point."

Striker nods along. They look at the grave for a minute while putting
their arms around their wives. Afterwards, they turn around and walk
back to the group. They approach Maska.

Striker:"Dankie vir looking after my family, Maska."

Maska:"It is a pleasure, Master Striker. Your parents would be very

       proud of you and Master Adriaan. Will you be coming back again
       soon?"

Striker nods and looks at the mansion.

Striker:"Ja, Maska. I will be coming back later this year to see if we
         can get the mansion back to being a home again."

Maska:"Will you be moving in?"

Striker:"Not really, but it will make a good second home to visit now
         and again."

Maska:"That would be wonderful to see you live here again, Master Striker."

Striker:"Ja, it would. Dankie, Maska. And take good care of yourself."

Maska:"I will. You do the same, Master Striker."

Striker smiles and shakes Maska's hand. They then all head back to their
vehicles. Jaco is grumbling, kicking a pebble and sulking.

Jaco:"Ugh. I hate this."

Shephard looks at the young man.

Shephard:"Hate it or love it, you are doing it."

Jaco:"And who are you? Some kind of drill sergeant?"

Shephard:"As a matter of fact, I am a sergeant. And I can drill you if
          need be. Your father has told us as much."

Jaco:"What? Are you going to make do fifty push ups or something."

Shephard:"Oh, you like that? Very well. Fifty push ups each day sounds
          like a good idea."

Jaco groans and puts his hand over his face. Shephard just chuckles to
himself. The group splits up as they go over to their respective modes
of transport. Striker and Phoenix follow Adriaan and Mariaan to the
sedan. The police officers open the rear doors for them while others
get into the squad cars. Adriaan turns to Striker.

Adriaan:"And now you will be going back to the United States?"

Striker:"Only briefly to enroll Jaco and Karen. We will then fly to Kenya
         to attend a wedding of some of our friends."

Adriaan:"Ah. I hope you have good time there."


Striker:"Dankie."

Adriaan holds out his hand.

Adriaan:"Farewell, brother. And dankie."

Striker takes his brother's hand and the two shake firmly.

Striker:"Farewell and dankie to you as well, brother."

Mariaan and Phoenix embrace one another.

Mariaan:"Take good care of Striker, Phoenix."

Phoenix:"I certainly will."

Mariaan:"And be sure to let us know when the children start arriving. I
         will want pictures, you hear?"

Phoenix blushes a bit and giggles.

Phoenix:"Yes, of course."

Once all the farewells and goodbyes are made everyone gets into their
vehicles. The sedan and its police escorts make their way towards the
gate leading out of the estate while the Stealth Rover takes to the
skies. Maska waves as the Stealth Rover flies off and the convoy leaves
the estate.

Brigade Tank
An Undisclosed Location
14 July
13:51 PM:

The interior of the Elite Guard Brigade Tank is full of cigarette smoke 
as radio operators and the tank's crew go about their duties. However, 
they are all nervously looking at Diehard, who is speaking with General
Seneschal over the radio. He looks very angry.

Diehard(into radio):"Zat is preposterous!"

Seneschal(over radio):"Oh, on the contrary. It's absolutely essential."

Diehard(into radio):"Vat you are suggesting is treason! Mutiny!"

Seneschal(over radio):"You think so, Diehard? You saw the news. Franco,
         our leader, is dead. Champion is dead. More than half of the
         Elite Guard soldiers are either dead or captured. Hildagarde has 
         defected to the KH Military and Spectre, our top spy, has run off. 
         We are on the ropes here, and it calls for some fresh leadership
         to guide the Elite Guard back to prominence."

Diehard(into radio):"Und you think you are going to be zat leader?"

Seneschal(over radio):"Sure, why not? Face it, Diehard. You're a relic,
         a leftover from the old days. Your ideas are stale if they
         even exist and you lack diplomacy. To put it simply, you suck."

Diehard(into radio):"Vat! You... you... If you were here I vould kill
       you with my bare paws, yah!"

Seneschal(over radio):"Funny, because I would do the same if you were
         here you old hairball."

Diehard(into radio):"So, you vant to kill me?"

Seneschal(over radio):"Yes, I want to kill you. In fact, why don't we
         just declare war on each other?"

Diehard pauses for a moment while everyone else stares in suspense at
the wolf.

Diehard(into radio):"War, eh? Very well. War it is, yah!"

Seneschal(over radio):"Okay, this means war then! See you on the field
         of battle, where I'll show you just who is the real leader
         around here."

Seneschal hangs up. Diehard tosses the headset he is wearing against
the side of the tank, causing it to break. He then marches out, his
face contorted in rage while the crew watches with wide eyes.

African Wild Dog Ranch
The Serengeti
Kenya
29 July
12:32 PM:

The skies above the ranch are clear with the occasional cloud or two. On
the ranch itself there is a big event going on. Many Rover vehicles are
parked in and around the ranch and there is a big tent nearby. Inside
the tent dozens of Rovers from various units have gathered for the wedding
of Alana and Hotrod. A long table has been set up to one side of the tent
while various tables form a circle around the area set aside as the dance
floor. In front of the long table is a smaller table with the wedding
cake, featuring the figures of Hotrod and Alana on top. Hotrod and Alana
are seated in the middle of the long table. Alana is dressed in a fine
white wedding dress, while Hotrod is wearing an good black tuxedo with
red bow tie. Their parents are seated with them, as are Hunter and
Colleen, while the other teams are all seated by the round tables. All
are dressed in formal attire. Hunter is currently standing and giving
an announcement.

Hunter:"Before we get to the cutting of the cake and the dancing, Hotrod
        would like to share a word with us. Take it away, Rod!"

Hunter sits down as Hotrod stands up. He clears his throat before 
speaking.

Hotrod:"Uh, okay. I got a few people whom Alana and I would like to
        thank. I hope I don't forget anybody."

Alana smirks and winks at her new husband.

Alana:"Don't worry, Dear. I'll be ready to back you up."

There is a bit of a chuckle from the crowd. Hotrod blushes a bit, but
he continues.

Hotrod:"First I would like to thank my wife for marrying me and not
        hurting me too much when I was reluctant about it."

Alana pouts at him while everyone else laughs a bit.

Hotrod:"Next I want to thank our folks for helping us make this day
        possible and giving us support all the way. I also want to
        thank Hunter and the Wild Dogs for letting us this ranch for
        our species day and all the other Rovers who helped us out
        while we got ready."

As he continues speaking, Corsair is busy checking something under
the table where Unit STRIKE, Tanarus, Elexis and Illanov's wife Vicki
are seated.

Hotrod:"I would also like to thank Striker and Phoenix, who were our
        best man and bridesmaid respectively and had been great friends
        to us over the years. Since they married before us but had
        their honeymoon cut short by the Elite Guard, Alana and I
        have arranged a surprise gift to them. Which Phoenix already
        knows and should tell Striker soon."

Striker, dressed in a navy blue suit, looks suspiciously over at Phoenix,
who is wearing an elegant white dress. She just winks at him.

Phoenix:"You'll see it soon, Strikie."

Striker:"Why I do feel very uncomfortable right now?"

Phoenix giggles. Hotrod continues giving thanks to select individuals
or groups before he finally finishes. As he sits down, Hunter stands
up.

Hunter:"Now for the good part. It's time to cut the cake. Alana, Hotrod.
        You two do the honors."

The bridal couple gets up and walks around the table over to the wedding
cake. They pick up the cake knife lying next to it while a photographer
moves into position to take a picture. With each of them holding the
knife, Alana and Hotrod cut a slice from the wedding cake while the
photographer takes the picture. A round of applause comes from those
attending. Except for Corsair, who is still busy under the table. Striker
notices and taps the human on the shoulder. Startled, Corsair looks up.

Striker:"Wat doen jy?"

Corsair:"Sorry, boss?"

Striker:"I asked what you are doing."


Corsair:"Oh, sorry. I was quickly checking some of the news feeds on my
         mobile. I got bored with all the speeches."

Striker:"You still shouldn't do that. It's bad manners."

Corsair:"Yeah, I know. And I just wanted to quickly check the headlines
         when one story caught my attention. You know that Franco's body
         is being kept in a morgue in Cape Town, right boss?"

Striker:"Ja?"

Corsair:"Somebody burnt the morgue down last night."

Striker looks with surprise at Corsair.

Striker:"Wat?"

Corsair:"Somebody must have been really angry at Franco. Late last night
         the Cape Town fire department got called to the morgue. When
         they got there the place was already up in flames. Nobody was
         hurt luckily, but the whole place burnt to the ground."

Striker:"And Franco's body?"

Corsair:"Almost nothing left. All they found were the melted remains of
         his cybernetic implants. The rest of him was cremated. Guess
         there is no kill like overkill."

Striker:"I see. Dankie for telling me, David. But don't read the news
         during the ceremony, asseblief."

Corsair:"Yes, boss."

Corsair puts his device away while Striker looks back at the wedding
couple, deep in thought. Phoenix notices this and leans over to him.

Phoenix:"Something wrong?"

Striker explains to her what Corsair had told him.

Phoenix:"Geez, somebody wanted to make sure Franco is dead."

Striker:"Or try to clean up loose ends and hide something."


Phoenix:"Is that what's bothering you, Strikie?"

Striker nods. Phoenix smiles and puts a comforting paw on his and
gives him a squeeze.

Phoenix:"Don't let it bother you, Honey. Just relax and enjoy this
         day. Besides, I wouldn't want you to be too distracted later
         today."

Striker:"There it is again. What did you and Alana come up with?"

Phoenix:"You'll see."

She winks at the spaniel, who simply raises a curious eyebrow at the
Pomeranian. Meanwhile, Hotrod and Alana have just finished eating
their piece of cake. Hunter stands up again.

Hunter:"And now it's time for the dance, with the lucky couple taking
        the floor first. Take it away!"

Nearby, the Rover DJ puts on some music which plays over several hidden

but well placed speakers. Alana grins, grabbing Hotrod's hand and
pulling him onto the dance floor.

Alana:"Come on, Dear. Let's dance!"

Hotrod:"Whoa! Easy there, Alana."

Hotrod and Alana take each other's hands/paws and begin to dance on
the open area. Despite a few missteps here and there, the newlyweds
dance quite well. After enough time has passed, other couples begin to
join them on the dance floor. As this happens, Tanarus and Elexis turn 
to the rest of their team.

Tanarus:"My friends, Elexis and I have a special announcement to make."

The rest of the table looks at the coyote couple.

Striker:"Oh? What is it?"

Elexis:"We're expecting our first pups. I'm pregnant."

There are smiles all around. Vicki and Phoenix immediately get up to go
over and hug the couple.

Vicki:"Ooo, that's wonderful news you two! Congratulations!"

Phoenix:"You lucky dogs! I'm so happy to hear that."

The males all reach out and shake hands with the couple.

Illanov:"Congratulations, comrades!"

Shephard:"Great to hear, sir, ma'am. Hope the young ones come out strong
          and healthy."

Corsair:"Congrats!"

Striker:"Veels geluk, you two. I'm sure you two will make very good
         parents for your new arrivals."

Tanarus:"I hope so, in between missions and all..."

Striker:"If you would like paternity leave for a few years, then you have 
         my blessing."

Elexis:"Thank you very much, Striker. And thank you all for your well
        wishes."

The wedding party continues, with couples coming and going on the dance
floor. Meanwhile, Shag and a dozen waiters appear and begin serving the
food. Shephard rubs his hands together as Shag puts a big plate of food
in front of him.

Shephard:"Thank, big guy! This looks delicious."

Shag:"Rha rhu rah!"

Shephard:"Oh, I will."

But as Shag moves away and Shephard prepares to chow down, a female African
Wild Dog dressed in fine traditional Kenyan tribal wear comes up and
kneels to Shephard.

Kenya:"Hi there, Andrew Shephard. Remember me, Kenya?"

Shephard turns to her and nods.

Shephard:"I do, ma'am. What can I do for you?"

Kenya:"I heard that you are single, right?"

Shephard:"Yes, ma'am. Why do you ask?"

Kenya grins, her tail starting to wag.

Kenya:"Because I think you're a handsome male and that we should start
       getting to know each other better."

Shephard stops eating and stares at the smiling wild dog. Phoenix, Vicki
and Elexis start to giggle.

Vicki:"Lucky you, Shephard. You got yourself a girlfriend."

Shephard looks alarmed. Merit studies his face.

Merit:"How odd. His face has taken on a reddish hue."

Shephard:"No, it has not!"

Merit:"Actually, it has. In fact the reddish is now even more prominent."

Corsair tries his best to hold back his laughter. Shephard looks at
Striker, who is trying his best to maintain his composure.

Shephard:"Sir?"

Striker shakes his head, smiling.

Striker:"Sorry, Sergeant. You're on your own with this one."

Kenya grins, pulling a chair closer to sit next to Shephard. The wedding
party goes on for a while. Striker and Phoenix have just finished their
own dance with the others. Striker is about to head for the table, but
Phoenix stops him, smiling and wagging her tail.

Phoenix:"Hold on, Strikie. It's time I show you that surprise that Alana
         and Hotrod had arranged for us."

Striker:"Oh?"

Phoenix takes Striker's paw and then leads him away from the party and
out of the big tent. The Pomeranian takes the spaniel around the ranch.
He frowns in confusion.

Striker:"Where are we going?"

Phoenix:"You'll see."

The couple continue on until they reach grass-roofed rotunda on the other
side of the ranch. Phoenix takes out a key and opens the door, then
leads Striker inside. Once they are inside, Phoenix closes the door and
locks it. From inside the couple can be heard speaking.

Phoenix:"Here we are, Strikie."

Striker:"So what is the surprise?"

Phoenix:"What do you see?"

Striker:"Wel, I see that this rotunda looks like a bedroom with a large
         bed and some good decorations."

Phoenix:"Exactly. Now, let me just undo these..."

Striker:"What are you...?"

There is a brief moment of silence.

Striker:"Ai yai yai yai yai..."

Phoenix:"Like what you see, Strikie?"

Striker:"Very much."

Phoenix can be heard giggling from inside the rotunda. Some time later
Merit is coming out of the tent and is walking towards the main ranch
building.

Merit:"Reviewing inventory that needs to be collected. Twenty bottles
       of 2001..."

He stops and turns his head towards the rotunda. The drone initiates a
scan of the rotunda.

Merit:"Oh! So that is what my sound sensors heard."

The robot then tilts its head slightly.

Merit:"How curious. So that is how organics conduct networking. Very
       fascinating and worthy of future study. However, I first need
       to executive the command given. Reviewing inventory that needs to 
       be collected. Twenty bottles of 2001..."

Merit continues walking towards the main building.

Command Room
Eta Squadron Headquarters
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

The circular command center of the Eta Squadron isn't as busy as it
usually is. Most of the officers and technicians are away, with only
two wolf caretakers making sure things are running smoothly. Sky is
seated at his own computer terminal, reviewing some files sent to him
via email. He is deep in thought as an Eta Squadron officer comes up
behind him and salutes.

Officer:"Excuse me, General. Your two special contacts have arrived."

Sky answers without looking away from the computer screen.

Sky:"Bring them in."

The officer nods and leaves the room. Sky saves the files he has been
reading and shuts down the computer. As he gets up, the two special
contracts enter the room: It is Major Dusk, and next to her, Mister T.
Sky smiles and turns towards them.

Sky:"Ah. Majors Twilight and Dusk. Or should I say, Mister T and Miss
     D?"

The two wolves salute Sky. He salutes them back.

Sky:"I trust my final orders were carried out as instructed?"

Twilight:"That is correct, general. All the loose ends have been tied
          up as you had ordered."

Dusk:"We made sure all incriminating evidence was destroyed."

Sky:"Excellent. This should conclude Phase 1. You two have done an
     admirable job. Particularly you, Major Twilight."

Twilight:"Thank you, sir."

Sky:"Now then. Let's go to the conference room where we can conduct
     a full debriefing on Phase 1 and discuss Phase 2, shall we?"

Sky, Mister T and Miss D all leave the room, leaving only the two wolves
working inside the command room.


THE END