Rover Strike: Vortex

Episode 5: Trouble Looming

By Gerhard Naudé

All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Hotrod, Alana © David Fountain
Chris © Chris Markham
Maya © Kristen Coughlan
Vicki Maddog © Robert Baer Jr.
Bugliose © Steven Today

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

The Master's Quarters
Road Rover Mission Control
Underground
State of New Mexico
3 November
6:04 AM:

It is still very quiet in the Master's quarters. The Master is asleep
in his bed, while most of his computers and terminals have been put
on sleep mode for the night as well. The bright light in which he 
usually stands has been dimmed. Merit comes walking in, moving along
silently as he uses a broom to sweep the floor as quietly as possible.
Merit does his work without waking the Master, brushing together dirt
and dust in a heap by the door. As he is busy sweeping by one of the
terminals he notices a flashing light.

Merit:"What is this, then?"

Merit scans the terminal, in particular the flashing light.

Merit:"This is high-level priority."

Merit goes over to the Master's bed and raises the volume on his voice.

Merit:"Attention, Master. Attention, Master."

He repeats the message over and over. Finally the Master groans and
turns to face Merit, blinking his eyes. Merit stops speaking.

Master:"Err... what? Merit? What time is it?"

Merit:"The time is 6:07:24 precisely."

Master:"But this is a day off. Why are you waking me up so early?"

Merit:"Your terminal indicates that there is a signal on the Road
       Rovers general emergency frequency."

At this the Master is more alert. He quickly looks at the terminal
and sees the blinking light. He throws back the sheets and gets up.
He quickly goes over to the terminal with Merit. He activates it
and begins to make checks. After a minute or so he checks the
readings that appear on the terminal screen.

Master:"Odd. There is no message, but a constant beeping noise."

Merit:"It could be coming from a beacon. Their transmissions tend
       to be simple so as to send out signals for an extended
       period of time at maximum energy efficiency."

Master:"Let me see where it's coming from."

The Master types on the terminal's keyboard and starts tracing the
signal. After a few minutes new readings appear on the screen. Both
the Master and Merit look at it.

Master:"It's coming from the Central Pacific Ocean, some distance
        south of Hawaii. Odd, I don't recall having any Rovers in
        that area."

Merit:"According to my databanks, the closest of our organization
       in the general area of the signal beacon would be Striker and 
       Phoenix."

Master:"But they are on their honeymoon. How could they...?"

The Master stops talking and gets a really concerned look on his 
face. He turns back to the console and begins to type furiously on
the keyboard.

Master:"I have a really bad feeling."

Merit:"Oh? What kind of symptoms? I could then diagnose what kind of
       illness you have."

Master:"No, Merit. I'm not sick, but I am worried about Striker and
        Phoenix. We must know if they are still all right. I'll try
        and contact them."

The Master goes to another console that has a communication system
and types on the keyboard. The terminal begins to call to Striker
and Phoenix's yacht. The Master and Merit listen to the call being
made. Minutes pass with no answer. After a few more moments the
Master ends the call.

Master:"I know those two would probably be busy with one another,
        but even they should have answered by now."

Merit:"Should I recommend we use satellite imagery to identify the
       source of the beacon's signal?"

Master:"That is probably best. Let's get the Rover satellite."

The two of them head over to another computer terminal. Again the
Master types away on the keyboard. On the screen appears a live
satellite image of the Central Pacific.

Master:"What are those coordinates again, Merit?"

Merit provides the coordinates and the Master types it in. When he
pressed the "Enter" key, the satellite zooms in greatly. It shows
the tropical archipelago where the battle had taken place. It is
still dark in that region, but the signs of fires are still there.
The Master looks at the image, then at Merit.

Master:"What do you make of this picture, Merit? What information
        can you make out from it?"

Merit looks at the image, scanning it over.

Merit:"It is a large tropical island located in an archipelago that
       is not located near any major commercial or military shipping
       routes. There is a series of structures that date back about
       1,200 years ago. They were abandoned until recently. I can
       notice signs of occupation here of several hundred individuals
       as well damage done by large artillary shells."

Master:"So there was someone on the island and there was a battle?"

Merit:"By all indications, correct."

Master:"Can you show trace the exact position of the beacon?"

Merit:"Affirmative."

The Master steps aside to allow Merit to type on the keyboard. The
satellite zooms in on the beach, then zooms in again on the beacon.
They can see the device lit up by a nearby fire.

Merit:"That is the source of the signal."

The Master looks more closely at the image.

Master:"Move to that fire. It looks like there is somebody lying next
        to it."

Merit:"Executing command."

Merit types in again and the satellite image moves to show the fire.
It is indeed a small camp fire. And lying near it, wrapped in the
tent sails, is Phoenix. Merit zooms in on her, letting them see her
face clearly. She is asleep.

Merit:"I have positively identified the individual as Phoenix."

The Master immediately stands up and goes over to the first terminal.
He presses a button on the terminal. An alarm begins to blare out
within Mission Control. He goes to the second terminal and presses
the button on the intercom.

Master:"All Rover units. Report to the briefing room immediately.
        This is an emergency mission. I repeat, emergency mission."

He releases the button and turns to Merit.

Master:"Go to the briefing room and join the others, Merit. I'll
        be along shortly."

Merit:"Executing."

Merit walks out of the Master's quarters, taking the broom he had
with him. The Master goes to his closet and starts to dress.

City Ruins
Tropical Archipelago
6:06 AM:

The ruined city is quiet. Here and there several fires are still 
burning, but even they have grown smaller. The jungles around the
city are coming alive as the day creatures wake up. The sun has not
yet peered over the horizon, though its rays are already making it
easier to see. On the beach Phoenix is still sleeping in the sails
alongside her dying fire. Nearby the device is still sending out 
its signal. Above the skies are overcast with grey clouds. A single
droplet of rain falls on her snout. This wakes Phoenix. She blinks
her eyes, then yawns and sits up. She sighs as she rubs her eyes.

Phoenix:"And I was having such a nice dream... with Strikie in my
         arms..."

She looks over at the device.

Phoenix:"Well, at least it is still working. I only hope that the
         others are picking it up."

The distant sound of thunder gets Phoenix's attention. She looks
to the south. The clouds there are dark, lit up by the occasional
flash of lighting.

Phoenix:"That looks like a tropical storm. Is it coming my way?"

She looks at some of the palm trees to check the direction of the
wind. When the next strong breeze blows by, it is blowing north.
Phoenix sighs.

Phoenix:"As if things couldn't get worse. I'd better find shelter
         and get the transmitter under cover before it starts to
         rain."

Phoenix gets up, tossing the sails aside. She dashes over to the 
ruined buildings and begins searching for a reasonably intact 
structure. She soon finds one in the form of a stone fishing hut. She
checks to make sure it is okay. Once satisfied, Phoenix goes back to
the beach. She takes hold of the device and begins to pull it to the
hut. The Pomeranian grunts and groans as she drags the heavy machine
over the sand, then stone pavement. Finally she manages to push it
into the hut just as it begins to rain. Phoenix runs out again to
pick up the sails. As she picks them up, the rain becomes a strong
downpour. Phoenix runs back into the hut, a little wet.

Phoenix:"Phew. Just in time."

Phoenix shivers from the cold. She sits down and wraps the sails 
tightly around herself for warmth. She then looks out the open door
at the heavy rain outside. She sighs deeply.

Phoenix:"Striker..."

She keeps staring out the door. Outside the fierce storm in the
distance is getting closer to the island chain. The clouds obscure
the rising sun on the horizon.

Sea King Rover
En Route to Tropical Archipelago
Somewhere over the Pacific Ocean
8:22 AM:

Flying high above the waves of the ocean is the Sea King Rover. It
is a modified sea king helicopter that looks much like the one used
by the US Coast Guard. The differences are the red and orange markings
and a few external modifications. Inside the cockpit Hotrod is at
the pilot controls, with Corsair next to him as his co-pilot. Behind
them in the body of the sea king is Chris, Alana and Merit. They are
all wearing bright red lifejackets. Corsair is busy on his laptop
while Hotrod pilots the chopper.

Hotrod:"How far are we, Corsair?"

Corsair checks his laptop.

Corsair:"Less than 100 clicks away. And we're right on course."

He looks up and glances out the cockpit window. Ahead of them they can
see a large tropical storm. Flashes of lighting light up the dark
clouds. Corsair looks uneasy at Hotrod.

Corsair:"Are you sure we can fly inside that storm with this?"

Hotrod:"Yup. The Sea King is made to fly inside hurricanes, so this
        tropical storm should only be a little breeze. Besides, our
        sea king is better than the ones used by the Coast Guard."

Corsair:"But it's still going to make this rescue h***. We don't
         know whether Striker and Phoenix are okay or not, nor if
         we're going to be facing any bad guys. I'd hate to go in
         there and be greeted by missiles and AAA fire."

Hotrod:"Yeah, but I wouldn't worry about that. I don't think the
        bad guys would allow that beacon to work for so long, nor
        would be outside in that storm. It's pretty safe to say the
        storm will be the only opposition we face."

Corsair:"Yeah. At least I'm not the one going outside."

Hotrod chuckles and nods. He looks back at the others, specifically
Alana, who is showing Chris how to operate the winch.

Hotrod:"Doing all right back there, Alana?"

Alana looks at Hotrod and nods.

Alana:"Yeah, Roddie. I'm just teaching our little rookie here how to 
       handle the winch."

Chris:"Hey, I'm not that inexperienced."

Alana giggles and pats Chris on the shoulder.

Alana:"Just teasing you. Think you can handle it okay?"

Chris nods his head.

Chris:"I think so, Ma'am."

Alana:"Good, and just call me Alana."

Chris:"Yes, Ma... er... Alana."

Alana smiles at Chris. Back in the cockpit Corsair watches as the
storm comes closer.

Corsair:"I sure hope you're right about this chopper, Hotrod. I don't
         want to end up in the drink, especially during such a fury."

Hotrod:"Me neither, but relax. She can handle it."

Corsair nods, though he still looks a little doubtful at the tropical
storm up ahead.

Hut
City Ruins
Tropical Archipelago
8:45 AM:

The storm is now over the island and is lashing it furiously. Powerful
sprays of rain hurl down to the ground while the strong winds bend 
the trees as if trying to snap them in half. Any loose objects are
made to tumble along the ground until something solid stops them. In
the fishing hut Phoenix is huddled in a corner, the sails folded
tightly around her. The device nearby is still sending out its
signal. Parts of the roof that had collapsed was letting in some
of the rain, making much of the floor wet. Phoenix shivers from the
cold while listening to the howling winds outside.

Phoenix:"Such miserable weather, and so cold. I can't use my powers
         or else I'll risk setting the sails on fire."

She sighs, huddling a little close to herself for more warmth. After
a few minutes her ears perk up. A continuous thumping noise is just
barely audible above the roaring winds.

Phoenix:"What's that noise?"

She looks up through the hole in the ceiling, but all she sees are
the clouds and the falling rain.

Voice:"Hi, Phoenix. Need a lift?"

Startled, Phoenix looks to the doorway. Standing there is Alana,
wearing a bright orange lifejacket and a helmet with the Road
Rover insignia on it. The Labrador female is smiling and holding a
second lifejacket. Phoenix gets immediately and runs over to her.

Phoenix:"Alana! Oh, thank God you're here!"

Alana:"You okay, Phoenix? Where's Striker?"

Phoenix:"They took him."

Alana:"Who took him?"

Phoenix:"The Elite Guard, Striker's old enemies. They took him away
         from me."

Phoenix's eyes become misty, but she wipes them dry. Alana holds out
the lifejacket to the Pomeranian.

Alana:"Let's get you out of here first. Put this on. Roddie and the
       others are holding position above us."

Phoenix is surprised as she takes the lifejacket and starts to put
it on.

Phoenix:"You mean you're flying? In this weather?"

Alana:"Roddie's got a nice strong here. The Coast Guard uses one of
       them in worse weather all the time. Come on."

Phoenix secures the lifejacket, and then follows Alana out of the hut.
Outside they struggle against the wind and rain, while hovering 
right above them is the Sea King Rover. Chris is at the winch and
a rescue belt lowered onto the ground via cable. The wind is blowing
at the cable, but the weights on the belt keep it to the ground. The
two females go up to the cable and grab hold. They secure the belt
around each other. Alana gives the thumbs-up signal to Chris, then
she and Phoenix hug for support. Chris starts up the winch. Alana
and Phoenix are lifted off the ground, though the winds keep trying
to blow them off. Strong winds buff at the Sea King and sometimes a
strong gust makes it tilt slightly to one side. But Hotrod manages
to keep it steady. Alana and Phoenix are finally brought up and
helped onto the chopper by Chris and Corsair. Once they are inside,
the door is slammed shut. Corsair helps Phoenix onto her feet.

Corsair:"Sorry about coming up and ruining your honeymoon."

Phoenix:"No, it's all right. Our honeymoon was long since ruined."

Corsair:"Where's the boss?"

Phoenix:"Gone. The Elite Guard took him away from the islands when
         the KH Military attacked."

Corsair whistles as he hands Phoenix a nice warm blanket.

Corsair:"Sounds like you guys had it rough."

Phoenix nods as she sits down in an available seat, a distant look
on her face.

Phoenix:"Too rough. Strikie was taken away from me... and I nearly...
         nearly got raped."

Everyone look at Phoenix with a stunned look. Hotrod looks back at
her with a shocked look.

Hotrod:"Raped?"

Phoenix:"Nearly."

Hotrod swears and pounds his fist on the dashboard.

Hotrod:"I'll have the punk who did that dragged behind my car!"

The helicopter starts to tilt heavily to one side. Everyone grabs hold
of something solid.

Corsair:"Hey! Keep your hands on the controls, Hotrod!"

Hotrod quickly grabs the controls and stabilizes the helicopter.

Hotrod:"Sorry about that, everyone. I'm just angry that somebody
        would dare go and do that to you, Phoenix."

Alana:"So am I. I would kick that guy's a**."

Chris:"So would I. I hate rapists."

Corsair:"I'm no fan, either. And once we get back home, everyone will
         be behind you, Phoenix. Present company included."

Phoenix nods, smiling slightly.

Phoenix:"Thank you."

Hotrod:"You're welcome. Let's get back home. We won't be able to find
        anything in this weather."

Hotrod begins to pilot the Sea King back onto the route they had
followed. Corsair goes forward to the cockpit, while Chris and Alana
sit alongside Phoenix. Alana takes Phoenix's paw in support.

Alana:"We will find him, Phoenix. We will find your Strikie."

Phoenix nods slowly and squeezes Alana. She looks out the window
and watches as the island below disappears in the haze of rain.
The Sea King Rover now heads back home.

Infirmary
SAS Amatola
Somewhere In the Central Pacific
At That Moment:

This is a state of the art infirmary, with all the cabinets filled
with medicines and supplies required for such a place. There are
dozens of tables and counters as well as several computers and
electronic machines. Striker is here lying on a table while a nurse
is busy checking on him. As she works, the ship's captain comes in
along with two security officers. The nurse stops and salutes, and
the captain salutes back.

Nurse:"Captain."

Captain:"At ease. How is he doing?"

Nurse:"Condition is normal and stable. We should be able to wake him
       at any moment."

Captain:"Wake him up now."

Nurse:"Aye, captain."

The captain watches as the nurse shakes Striker's shoulder. Striker
groans and slowly begins to open his eyes. He blinks and tries to
adjust his eyes to the overhead light. Once his eyes focus, he sees
the captain standing next to him.

Striker:"You the captain?"

Captain:"Yes, I am the captain of this vessel."

Striker:"How did I get here?"

Captain:"We picked you up after we had sunk the boat you were on. And
         now you're here."

Striker is relieved.

Striker:"Dankie, captain. I am in debt to your crew."

The captain smirks.

Captain:"Not for long."

Striker is surprised and tries to move. That's when he realizes that
he is strapped down onto the table. He tries to get loose, but the
straps are too tight. He looks back at the captain.

Striker:"What is going on?"

The captain pulls out a folded piece of paper and unfolds it. He
reads it.

Captain:"Striker, it is my pleasure to inform you that I hereby place 
         you under arrest by order of the president of the Republic 
         of South Africa for the murder of the Vorster family."

Striker is stunned at what he hears. His mouth hangs open and his eyes
are very wide.

Striker:"Ai yai yai."

Captain:"We are taking you back to South Africa to stand trial for
         your crimes, mutant."

Striker:"Captain, I am not responsible for that bloody massacre! The
         people whose vessel you sank are the ones responsible! I
         swear!"

The captain grabs a nearby cloth and shoves it into Striker's open
muzzle.

Captain:"Save it for the courts, mutant. Nurse, sedate him."

Nurse:"Aye, captain."

Striker sees the nurse picking up a syringe and filling it with some
kind of sedative. He tries to spit out the cloth to speak. But he
is not able to succeed before the nurse makes the injection. In a
few moments his eyes close and his body goes limp. The captain looks
pleased, then turns to the officers.

Captain:"Once he recovers, take him to the brig."

The officers salute.

Officers:"Aye, captain!"

The captain salutes back, and then heads out of the infirmary. The two
security officers take up positions on either side of the doorway.
The nurse continues with her work, taking the cloth out of Striker's
mouth. She roughly closes the unconscious cocker spaniel's muzzle.

Study
The Norwood Residence
New York City
15:34 PM:

The study of Mark Norwood is a small but well-decorated space with
a single draped window and a wooden door leading out. A big oak
desk sits by the window, while one of the walls is covered with a
big bookshelf. Nearby is a television set on a stand, surrounded
by potted plants. Here and there are small items that show this is
Norwood's place. Norwood himself is seated at his desk, leaning
back in the chair while drinking tea and watching CNN on the 
television. The female news anchor is giving the daily headline
news.

Anchor:"... So far the Palestinian Authority has denied that it had 
        hired the assistance of the Mayhem Mercenaries using donor
        money from the European Union. Israel has threatened to step
        up retaliatory attacks and even to reoccupy the Gaza Strip
        should it find proof of mercenary involvement in the recent
        attack on Tel Aviv."

Norwood shakes his head.

Norwood:"Those two will never be able to make peace and these third
         party military forces certainly don't help."

He sips his tea, focusing his attention on the news ticker at the
bottom of the TV screen. Suddenly a news item that makes Norwood
choke on his drink. As he coughs, he reads the ticker:

"South African government announces arrest of Road Rover Striker for 
murder of Vorster family."

Norwood stares in disbelief at the news ticker.

Norwood:"This has to be some kind of joke. A joke!"

He quickly sets the tea cup down on the table and picks up his phone's
reciever. He dials a number and waits for an answer. It does not take
too long for an answer.

Norwood(into phone):"Hello? Is this President Adriaan Vorster?... Ah,
       could you tell him United Nations secretary-general Markus
       Norwood wants to speak with him urgently?... Thank you. Yes, I
       will hold..."

He waits while his call is placed through, nervously wrapping the
reciever wire around his finger. Moments later he gets through.

Norwood(into phone):"President Vorster?... Yes, this is Markus Norwood
       ... I just saw on CNN that your government had caught Striker.
       Is this true?.... How did they?... What hostile force?... I 
       see. And where is he now?... When is his trial?... All right, 
       I got it... Why am I calling? I'm worried that you might use 
       this trial to further the rift between the various U.N. member 
       nations... No, I also wish to see justice done, but I worry 
       this might get politicized... No, that is all right... Right, 
       thank you for your time, Mister President.... Good day."

Norwood puts the phone down, his face in shock. He leans forward
and covers his eyes with one hand.

Norwood:"Oh dear God. Please look after Striker. Amen."

He removes his hand and opens his eyes. He picks up the cup of tea
and takes a good swig. Norwood picks up the phone receiver again and
dials another number. He waits until there is an answer.

Norwood(into phone):"Professor Shepard! Did you watch the news?...
       Eh? What crisis?... Where did they find her?... Who was it 
       that attacked them?... Wait, I heard that wrong. The Elite 
       Guard...?"

Norwood lowers the phone, wiping his face and cursing. He lifts the
reciever again.

Norwood(into phone):"What?... No, I'm all right. Just in shock from
       all this bad news... Oh, I know where Striker is... Yes, the
       South Africans have caught him and are going to put him on
       trial for the Vorster massacre... I'm sure of it. I spoke to
       the South African president and he confirmed it to me him-
       self... Yes, I'll try and get more details for you about the
       trial and get back to you as soon as I can... All right, and
       be sure to tell Phoenix that I'm thinking of her and Striker.
       ... Thank you. Goodbye."

Norwood puts the phone down, then leans back in his chair, shaking
his head in utter disbelief.

Norwood:"The Elite Guard is back. And Striker is going to stand trial
         for murder in the worst country for sapiens right now. The
         whole nightmare is starting up again."

He looks at the phone, then picks up the receiver yet again and makes
a new call.

Hangar
Road Rover Mission Control
State of New Mexico
11:04 AM:

This is a large chamber where the various vehicles of the Road Rovers
and their allies are parked and maintained. A tunnel runs from the
chamber to the underground runaway, while in the ceiling is hatch
for helicopters. Many of the vehicles are parked here, some under
repair. Right now the helicopter hatch is open and the Sea King Rover
is coming in to land. Waiting at the door that leads to the hangar
from the rest of RRMC are Aydrian, Elissia, the rest of Unit STRIKE,
the Road Rovers and the Master. They watch the helicopter come down to 
land on one of the empty helicopters. Once the Sea King's chopper 
blades have slowed down enough, Aydrian and Elissia lead the run to 
the helicopter. Alana and Corsair are helping Phoenix, wrapped tightly 
in a blanket, off the chopper while Chris and Hotrod get off too. When
Phoenix sees her parents coming to her, she runs to them. Elissia is
the first to hug her daughter.

Elissia:"Oh, Phoenix! Are you all right, my dear?"

Phoenix:"I'm all right... right..."

At that moment Phoenix finally loses it. She begins to cry, clutching
tightly to Elissia and folding her ears back. Elissia holds her
daughter close, while Aydrian also hugs her supportively.

Aydrian:"There, there, my daughter. Go ahead. Cry if it will make you
         feel better. We're here for you."

Phoenix keeps weeping. The Master looks at Hotrod.

Master:"Had any trouble?"

Hotrod:"Aside from the storm, nothing Master. It was pretty simple."

Corsair:"Simple? You call a tropical storm simple?"

Hotrod shrugs.

Hotrod:"Yeah."

Corsair just shakes his head.

Shephard:"See any hostiles there?"

Alana:"Nope. It was only Phoenix, but I did see wreckages here and
       there. They looked as if they were made recently."

Colleen and Elexis come up to Phoenix once her storm of weeping has
passed. Colleen gently touched Phoenix's shoulder to get her attention.
Phoenix opens one teary eye to look at Colleen.

Colleen:"Hey, luv. You all right? No injuries?"

Phoenix sobs a few times before speaking.

Phoenix:"I... I'm not... sure... *sniff... haven't checked..."

Colleen:"How about me and Elexis take you for a check-up? You can
         bring your family along."

Phoenix nods, sniffing and wiping her bloodshot and teary eyes.

Phoenix:"Okay..."

Colleen begins to lead Phoenix, who keeps hugging her mother. Elissia
and Aydrian keep close to her, providing comfort. The others follow
them.

Illanov:"Comrade Phoenix, we have some good news."

Merit:"Followed by news that falls in the category 'bad'."

Shephard:"Oh, real smooth, tin-can."

Corsair:"Couldn't have said it better."

Merit:"I agree. Metal storage containers often have sides that do not
       promote good traction."

Corsair and Shephard stare at Merit, not sure how to reply. Phoenix
ignores them and looks at Illanov.

Phoenix:"What is the good news, Alex?"

Illanov:"Comrade Norwood found out where Striker is and so far it
         seems he is all right."

Phoenix's ears perk up and she looks hopefully at Illanov.

Phoenix:"Is my Strikie okay?"

Illanov manages a comforting smile and nods.

Illanov:"Dah. Norwood assures us the people who have him are giving
         him the needed medical attention."

Phoenix looks relieved, finally able to smile a bit.

Phoenix:"That's wonderful! Where is he?"

Illanov looses his smile.

Illanov:"That is the bad news."

Phoenix looks concerned all over again.

Elexis:"I think we should first wait and get her to the infirmary
        before we tell her."

Phoenix:"Is it that bad?"

Master:"Not yet, Phoenix. It might become bad later, but for now
        Striker is reasonably safe. First we should check up on
        your health. Also, do you know where the yacht is that you
        two were traveling in? Or was it destroyed?"

Phoenix:"No, it was intact last time."

Master:"Good."

The Master looks at Hunter.

Master:"Hunter, you take Exile and Blitz and go find their yacht.
        Have the Coast Guard tow it to the nearest harbor. And fetch
        their luggage. Take Chris with you as well."

Hunter, Blitz and Exile wag their tails in happiness upon hearing the
word "fetch". All four of them salute.

Hunter:"You bet, Master! We're on our way!"

Blitz:"Ooooo! I just love playing fetch!"

Exile:"Dah, me threeski!"

Chris(to himself):"Dogs. Go figure."

Master:"And no rummaging amongst their things, Blitz."

Blitz gives an embarrassed look. Exile chuckles to himself and points
at the Doberman. Hunter then leads the three of them to the Sky Rover.
The others follow Colleen as she leads Phoenix out of the hangar to
the infirmary.

Infirmary
Road Rover Mission Control
11:20 PM:

This is a small check-up room that forms part of the larger infirmary
of RRMC. There are dozens of medical equipment and supplies for minor
medical checks and treatments. Phoenix is seated on a stretcher, now
wearing a green hospital frock. Colleen is using a small penlight to
look into Phoenix's ears, nostrils and mouth, while Elexis uses a
stet-scope on her bare back. Shag is giving Phoenix some milk to 
drink and wiping her clean with a rag where he can. Everyone else is 
gathered all around the room and listening to Phoenix.

Phoenix:"... and that's when I heard the chopper blades above the
         noise and saw Alana come into the hut."

Corsair:"Not exactly the best way to spend a honeymoon."

Phoenix:"No, it wasn't. Especially not what that big werewolf was 
         going to do me."

Master:"What was it, Phoenix? You didn't tell it to us earlier."

Phoenix hangs her head.

Phoenix:"No, I didn't."

Aydrian takes Phoenix's paw, squeezing it.

Aydrian:"My daughter, what did he try to do to you?"

There is an expectant hush in the room. Phoenix lowers her head
even more.

Phoenix:"He tried to rape me."

The gasps in the room are very loud. Everyone but Hotrod, Alana,
Corsair and Merit has a shocked look on his or her face. Aydrian 
immediately embraces Phoenix, who starts to sob again. Elissia comes 
up and hugs her daughter as well.

Elissia:"My poor girl... did he manage to...?"

Phoenix:"No, mom... he didn't, but he tried..."

Tanarus:"Was he a large black and green-furred werewolf with a bare
         chest and bandanna?"

Phoenix sniffs and nods her head. Tanarus growls in anger.

Tanarus:"Champion, the son of a b****. I'd have thought someone would
         have killed that beast long ago."

Colleen:"You know that bloomin' creep?"

Tanarus:"Yes. He was general Franco's bodyguard. A criminal with no
         brains except between his legs and an absolutely disgusting
         attitude towards females."

Master:"Striker and Norwood told me about him. One of the worst kinds
        of sapiens that I've heard about in a long time."

Hotrod hits one fist into his hand.

Hotrod:"Man, nobody even tries to do that to my friends. I'll rip
        out his fur one chunk at a time."

Alana:"I'm with you on that one, Roddie."

Shephard:"I'd sooner fill him up with a full belt of my M-249's ammo.
          There are few things I hate more than rapists."

Colleen:"Not if I got to him first, guv."

Master:"I think we would all want to bring this Champion to justice.
        For now though, we should be glad he did manage to carry out
        his ways on Phoenix. And once we have rescued Striker, we
        can focus on chasing down this Elite Guard."

Merit:"I do believe a briefing on the Elite Guard and all of its
       important officers and commanders would be in order."

Master:"That is a good idea, Merit. But for now our concern is getting
        Striker back. He is being taken to South Africa, where he
        will stand trial for the murder of the Vorster family."

Illanov:"Bolshoi. South Africa is the worst place in the world for
         non-humans right now. President Adriaan Vorster has been on
         the warpath against our organizations. His policies have
         brought down NATO and are causing rifts in the United 
         Nations."

Alana:"Oh, heck. Striker is innocent. We all know that."

Corsair:"But Vorster doesn't know that, Alana. He'll do anything to
         see Striker dangling from a rope."

Merit:"That is not possible. The South African constitution does not
       allow capital punishment under any circumstances."

Corsair:"I think Vorster might argue that the constitution was made
         for humans. That way he can easily get away with it."

Master:"Plus we don't really know what evidence the South Africans
        have against Striker either."

Alana:"Then let's go and bust him out of jail."

The Master firmly shakes his head.

Master:"That would be the worst thing to do. If we broke him out of
        prison, it would only prove to the anti-mutant block that he
        really is guilty. It would be a disaster for the image of the
        Road Rovers and seriously hurt our credibility."

Phoenix's lower lip begins to quiver.

Phoenix:"Are we just going to leave Strikie to the South Africans?"

The Master comes up and takes Phoenix's paws. He squeezes them in
reassurance.

Master:"No. We will send our best lawyers down there to defend Striker
        in court and prove his innocence."

Merit:"That is a misconception: the defense advocates are not there
       to prove that their client is innocent, but that the case of
       the prosecution is too poor to secure a conviction."

Master:"Eh, yes. Thank you, Merit. Anyway, we will get him out of
        court through the legal system. Not only will it forever
        prove Striker's innocence, but it will be a blow for the anti-
        mutant camp as well."

Elexis:"Especially if you consider that Vorster's entire anti-mutant
        ideology is based on his belief that Striker is the one who
        killed the Vorster family."

Master:"Exactly. If we play our cards right here, we will emerge as
        the big winners here and Phoenix will be reunited with
        Striker."

Phoenix looks hopefully at the Master, tail wagging.

Phoenix:"When do we leave for South Africa?"

The Master looks at Phoenix for a moment, then sighs.

Master:"Sorry, Phoenix. You won't be able to go."

Phoenix is stunned and her tail stops wagging.

Phoenix:"What! Why not? It's my husband that's on trial here!"

Master:"I know, Phoenix. The problem is that South Africa is not the
        best place for non-humans right now. We can only send a human
        contigent down there to help and support Striker."

Phoenix:"You're not actually playing along with Vorster's anti-mutant
         policies are you, Master?

The Master shakes his head, sighing.

Master:"I would not even consider it. Sadly, politics will be all
        over Striker's case and we cannot afford to give ammunition
        to our enemies. Especially not to the prosecution. But that
        does not mean I won't send Rovers down there. Corsair and
        Shephard can go and support Striker."

Phoenix looks accusingly at the Master, but then sighs and hangs her
head.

Phoenix:"Sorry, Master. You're right, but it's just so unfair."

Both Elissia and Aydrian comfort Phoenix.

Aydrian:"Just be strong, my dear. Remember, Striker will not be
         alone down there. He will have some close friends with him
         who would make sure nothing wrong happens to him."

Corsair:"Yeah, Phoenix. Me and Shephard will make sure we help blow
         the prosecution's case out of the water."

Shephard:"Yes, Ma'am. Striker is a good commander and I will support
          him fully."

Hotrod:"You can count on me as well, Phoenix. I'm human, so I will
        be going to South Africa too."

Illanov:"And the Cape Hunting Dogs have a good lawyer amongst their
         ranks who can help defend Striker."

Corsair rolls his eyes at Illanov.

Corsair:"News flash, Russkie: they're all cano-sapiens."

Illanov growls back at Corsair.

Illanov:"Some can shape shift, Yankee."

Corsair:"Doh! I forgot about that."

Illanov chuckles in triumph, while Corsair just sulks. Colleen looks
up at them.

Colleen:"Blimey, your best friend is in danger and his wife needs
         your support, and you two are standing and bickering about.
         How about putting your friends above your bloomin' petty
         arguments?"

Illanov and Corsair immediately stop and look rather ashamed.

Master:"Colleen is right. This is a time for action. Striker's life
        may be in danger and we to prepare to go and rescue him. I
        will contact the Cape Hunting Dogs and any other unit who 
        would have human lawyers to make up our legal team. I will 
        also alert the rest of their team. They're helping sapiens 
        escape the Vorster administration and have many agents in the 
        country. They could stand by in case the trial goes pear-
        shaped."

Tanarus:"And what of the rest of us, Master?"

Master:"Some of you who are human will be selected to make up the
        witnesses for defense. Shephard and Corsair can go down to
        South Africa, maybe a few others from the other units. The
        rest won't be going, but that does not mean we will just sit
        around chasing our tails. The rest of you will begin a hunt
        for the Elite Guard, who their leaders are, where they are,
        what forces they have and what their plans are. If the things
        Striker told us about these wolf-sapiens are true, then I
        can only shudder what chaos they could cause."

Merit:"If I may interrupt, will I also be attending the court trial
       of Striker? I do not fall in the sapien category despised by
       the Vorster administration."

The Master rubs his chin.

Master:"Hmmmm. You're right, Merit. I don't think they would mind a
        robot at the court trial. So yes, you can go along too."

Both Shephard and Corsair sigh.

Shephard, Corsair(to themselves):"Oh boy."

Master:"Something wrong?"

Corsair:"Well, boss. Merit tends to say or do things that... well,
         ain't exactly at the right place or right time."

Shephard:"What he means, sir, is that Merit can drive us crazy and
          screw things up at the worst moments."

Merit:"Of course I screw things up, because I'm programmed to repair
       and replace any loose screws, nuts or bolts. But I must
       declare that I cannot drive any kind of vehicle."

Shephard:"See what I mean, sir?"

Master:"Of course. So that means you two can take care that Merit
        does not make mistakes."

Shephard and Corsair look at each other, then sigh again.

Shephard, Corsair(to themselves):"Oh double boy."

Phoenix tugs at the Master's lab coat, getting his attention.

Master:"Yes, Phoenix?"

Phoenix:"Isn't there anything I do to help Striker?"

The Master thinks for a moment, and then gets an idea.

Master:"I think so. You can join me in monitoring the news and
        communications regarding Striker's trial as well as help
        with the hunt of the Elite Guard."

Phoenix nods her head, her tail wagging eagerly.

Phoenix:"I will do my best."

The Master smiles and puts a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Master:"I know you will. For now, though, I recommend you get some
        sleep and save your energies. You will need it."

Elissia:"The Master is right, Phoenix. You had a rough couple of
         days. Striker will be counting on you being alert and
         awake to help him."

Phoenix nods, getting up with the help of Colleen and Elissia.

Colleen:"Come on, guv. Let's take you to your quarters."

Phoenix:"Okay. You lead the way."

Colleen and Elissia, followed by Aydrian, leave the infirmary. The
Master looks at everyone else once the group has left.

Master:"Right. I want the rest of you to carry out the orders I'm
        about to give. Remember: Striker's freedom and maybe even
        his life may depend on us. Understood?"

Everyone gives their clear and enthusiastic acknowledgement. Pleased
and satisfied, the Master begins to tell each of them what to do.

Throne Room
Elite Guard Headquarters
Unknown Location
5 November
2:01 PM:

The figure, now identified as General Franco, is seated on top of his
throne while Maya is busy serving him his lunch. At the foot of the
throne's podium is Generals Diehard and Seneschal, Spectre, Champion,
Raul and Mister T. Franco does not look very pleased.

Franco:"It's bad enough that you got yourselves attacked by the KH
        renegades, but you've also failed to kill Striker AND you let
        the South Africans sink the Stealth Ship. Normally I would
        have you all punished for such a comedy of errors, but Mister 
        T has convinced me to refrain punishment."

Franco looks at Mister T.

Franco:"Why did you not warn us that the South Africans would attack?
        You told us about the possibility of a KH Military assault,
        but what about these South Africans?"

Mister T:"It seems we had underestimated President Vorster's drive to
          get Striker regardless of what the cost would be. He had
          ordered his fleet into international waters well away from
          South Africa and was willing to even enter US territorial
          waters to get the spaniel."

Franco:"Even if that would have caused a row between Washington and
        Pretoria?"

Mister T nods his head.

Mister T:"He was willing to pay that price if it meant bring the 
          killer of his family back to South Africa to stand trial."

Franco leans back in his throne, taking a biscuit from his lunch tray 
and chewing on it before speaking.

Franco:"What will happen to Striker? Is he going to be put on trial?"

Mister T:"Yes, a very public trial. The prosecution has a lot of
          good evidence to back their case, but the Road Rovers will
          likely send a contingent to defend him."

Raul:"But won't the presence of so many mutants be hurting his case?"

Mister T:"Yes, but the Road Rovers will send an all-human team to
          South Africa. Their leader knows well the disadvantages of
          bringing sapiens to South Africa."

Franco:"What kind of sentence would be handed down to Striker if...
        .... when he is found guilty?"

Mister T:"Under the previous regime he would have gotten the death
          penalty, but the new South African constitution prohibits
          capital punishment. He would probably stay in prison for
          the rest of his life, never to be released on parole. But
          I wouldn't be surprised if Vorster's government finds, or
          creates, a loophole that will allow Striker to be hanged
          without violating the constitution."

Franco ponders this, tapping his fingers on the armrest of his throne.

Franco:"When will the trial commence?"

Mister T:"The court date is still being finalized, but according to
          our sources it will take place in a month or two at the
          most."

Franco:"Good."

Franco then looks at Spectre.

Franco:"Get a hold of our allies in South Africa and have an obser-
        vation team monitor the trial. Let's make sure that Striker
        is found guilty. No matter what. Understood?"

Spectre nods his head.

Spectre:"Oui, Supreme General. It will be done."

Seneschal:"Do we still continue with the preparations for Operation
           Red Tsunami, General?"

Franco:"Yes, Red Tsunami will still go ahead as planned. As a matter
        of, you and Diehard can go and check up on it, Seneschal."

Diehard and Seneschal stand to attention and salute.

Diehard:"Javol, Herr Supreme General!"

Seneschal:"Yes, Supreme General!"

Franco leans back into his throne, grabbing a chunk of meat from his
plate and chewing at it.

Franco:"You're all dismissed. Except you, Mister T."

Mister T nods his head as Diehard, Seneschal and Raul salute, then
turn around and leave the throne room. Champion still remains behind
as he looks with greedy eyes at Maya, who is looking nervously back
at him. Franco notices these two.

Franco:"Why are you two still here? Get out of here!"

Maya bows her meekly.

Maya:"Yes, general."

Champion just shrugs, but acknowledges his leader.

Champion:"No problem, General. I'm out of here."

Maya heads for the servant's door, looking back nervously as Champion
follows his. He licks his lips and rubs his paws together in glee.
Once both have left and the door is closed, Mister T looks at Franco.

Mister T:"I have to be honest in saying that I can't understand why
          you put up with that animal, General. His mind is an open
          sewer."

Franco just shrugs, taking a plate and using a fork to eat the food
off it.

Franco:"I need his muscles for protection. I don't care what goes on
        in his head. Anyway, keep me up to date on what the Road
        Rovers are going to do to free Striker."

Mister T:"Will do, General."

Franco:"And give my appreciation to your commander."

Mister T:"I will, General. Good day."

Franco grunts, filling his mouth with food. Mister T turns around and
walks out of the throne room. Franco turns to the screens to watch
television news while eating.

Simonstown Naval Base
Cape Peninsula
Republic of South Africa
7 November
10:13 AM:

The three corvettes are coming into the harbor and pulling up to the
docks of the naval base. Lines are tossed from the crew on the ships
to the dockworkers, who secure the lines. Waiting at the docks is a
number of police officers and soldiers, some high-ranking military
and police commanders and a few news men and women. Among those here
are Melanie Malloy and cameraman Samuel Knowles. Melanie giving her
report to the recording camera.

Melanie:"The SAS Amatola has just pulled into Simonstown Naval Base
         in South Africa, carrying the fugitive canine and Road Rover
         Striker. Striker is charged with the murder of more than
         sixty people in 1979, many of whom were family of South
         African president Adriaan Vorster. Waiting here for him are
         Defence Minister Colin Ntsibi and Safety and Security 
         Minister Grace Haddan."

Standing by their government vehicles nearby are Ministers Ntsibi and
Haddan. Ntsibi is a black man of Tswana origin with a thick build and
close-cropped hair. He wears a big grey suit with a red tie and 
matching shoes. Haddan is wearing a formal Indian women's gown in a
bright orange color. They watch the SAS Amatola pull into dock.

Ntsibi:"Finally. I'm glad that this went really smoothly without any
        incident."

Haddan:"Vorster is very happy over Striker's arrest."

Ntsibi:"As am I. The sooner we make an example of this mutant the
        sooner the other mutants in this country get the message. Do
        you think the case against him is rock-solid?"

Haddan:"Absolutely. I've seen the evidence and testimonies that the
        prosecution will use in the trial. He has no hope of walking
        out a free mutant."

Ntsibi:"Speaking of, what will we do with him once he is found guilty?
        Are we going to execute him, or will he be sent to prison?"

Haddan:"I've spoken with Correctional Services. They're preparing a
        special little hole for this mongrel."

Ntsibi:"Good. Who knows what trouble a mutant can stir up in a human
        prison."

Haddan nods her head in agreement. At that moment the gangway is put
up from the Amatola. The captain and crew begin to disembark. Ntsibi
and Haddan watch them.

Ntsibi:"Let's go and get this over with."

Haddan nods again as the two ministers walk towards the ship to meet
the captain. The captain and his officers line up neatly and salute
the ministers as they approach. Ntsibi returns the salute.

Ntsibi:"At ease, captain."

The captain and her crew stop saluting.

Ntsibi:"And how is the crew?"

Captain:"Very relieved at returning from such a long journey, Mister
         Minister."

Ntsibi:"Any losses?"

Captain:"None, Mister Minister. We were easily able to defeat the
         mutants."

Ntsibi:"Well done, captain. As soon as the prisoner is brought to
        shore, you and your crew go and take a good week's shore
        leave. Courtesy of President Adriaan Vorster."

The captain smiles, as does the officers.

Captain:"Thank you, Minister."

Just then Striker is escorted down the gangway by four sailors with
MP5 submachine guns. Striker's paws and feet are cuffed together,
while there is a muzzle around his mouth. Ntsibi and Haddan walk on
over to the bottom of the gantry along with four police officers.
The sailors salute the officers, who salute back. The two groups
then exchange Striker. The sailors head back onto the ship, while
the officers prepare to take Striker to the awaiting prison van.
Ntsibi and Haddan walk right up to the cocker spaniel. Striker can
only look back at them.

Haddan:"So you are Striker. I'm Grace Haddan, Minister of Safety and
        Security. Allow me to welcome you back to South Africa. The
        president is very pleased to have you back in the country."

Striker keeps staring at Haddan. She comes up and grabs Striker's
muzzle.

Haddan:"You should know, mutant, that the long arm of justice does
        eventually catch those who try to flee from her."

Ntsibi:"We have a nice pleasant cell waiting for you at Polsmoor
        Prison, mutant. I think you will find it far too luxurious
        for something like you, but we have orders."

Ntsibi chuckles, while Striker growls at the two ministers. Haddan
ignores his growls and releases his muzzle. She looks at the four
officers.

Haddan:"To Polsmoor with this mongrel!"

Officers:"Yes, Ma'am!"

The officer roughly drags Striker off to the prison van, while Ntsibi
and Haddan watch with smug grins. Nearby Samuel Knowles' camera
follows Striker to the van, while Melanie gives a voice-over report.

Melanie:"And there you can see the prisoner being put into a van for
         transport to Polsmoor Prison in Cape Town. He will remain
         there until a court date is decided."

Striker is loaded into the van under heavy guard, then the doors are
closed. With an escort of police cars and motorbikes, the van drives
to the harbor exit on its way to Polsmoor.

High Security Cell
Polsmoor Prison
Cape Town
2:18 PM:

This is a small, square one-person prison cell. Thick bars act as the
only door into the cell, while the walls are painted in a dull cream
color. There is a single barred window that looks out over the suburb
that surrounds the prison complex. There is a single bed, toilet and
wash basin here. Striker is here, now wearing bright orange prison
overalls with the words "CORRECTIONAL SERVICES" written in black
circles all over. Outside his cell are a number of prison guards, who
are dressed in green shirts and dark brown pants. They are all armed
with submachine guns. They are all watching Striker, but the spaniel
is not paying attention to them. Rather, he is looking out the window
at the city of Cape Town. While he is looking, he is holding on to the
locket around his neck. Also, the guards outside his cell stand to
attention and salute somebody out of view. Moments later black suited
men with dark glasses and earphones come and form a perimeter around
the prison cell door. Adriaan Vorster then comes and walks up to the
cell door, with the prison's chief warden alongside him. Vorster 
looks at Striker, who was still looking outside.

Vorster:"Mutant! Turn around so I can see you."

Striker's eyes widen at the familiar voice behind him.

Striker(to himself):"Ai yai yai. Here it comes."

The spaniel slowly turns around to look at Vorster, who is looking
smugly at him.

Striker:"Adriaan Vorster."

Vorster:"That's MISTER PRESIDENT to you, mutant. Now, come on over
         here."

Striker hesitates, looking unsure at Vorster. Vorster grins.

Vorster:"Come on, mutant. You don't want me to send in the guards to
         drag you to me, do you?"

Striker sighs, then slowly walks up to cell door. But just as he
comes to the door, Vorster suddenly reaches in and grabs both of
Striker's floppy ears and yanks his head to the bars. Striker yelps
out in pain as his face and ears are pulled through the bars as far 
as they can go. He whimpers from the pain, while Vorster brings him-
self eye-to-eye with spaniel. Vorster has a cold look on his face.

Vorster:"At long last. The butcher of my family is in my grasp. You
         have so much to pay for, you monster."

Striker(in pain):"I did not kill..."

Vorster yanks Striker's ears, eliciting another yelp of pain from the
canine.

Vorster:"Lie all you want, mutant. The hard evidence is there. You
         were at Pieter Vorster's wedding. You were the one who had
         slaughtered him, his wife and everybody else there. Innocents
         who were unharmed, yet you butchered them in cold blood. You
         will pay dearly for this, you foul mistake of creation."

Striker(in pain):"Adriaan, I..."

Vorster yanks very hard on the ears, making Striker scream in pain.

Vorster:"President Vorster, you worm! And you should consider yourself
         lucky that I am even allowing a court trial. I could have had
         my way and just have you hung from the tree right across the
         street."

Striker(in pain):"So why don't you?"

Vorster:"Simple. I am going to allow this trial so as to show those
         pro-mutant fools in the United Nations and elsewhere that my
         actions against your kind are justified. They will have no
         leverage once you are found guilty in a free and fair trial
         under fully democratic conditions."

Striker(in pain):"Free and fair my furry tail. This is revenge."

Vorster shrugs.

Vorster:"True, for me at least. But the rest of the world will see it
         as justice being done. Once you are tried and convicted, I
         will have carte blance to act against other mutants."

Striker doesn't respond, but instead growls weakly at Vorster. The
man then brings his face right up to Striker's.

Vorster:"There is one thing I will ask you and you must tell me. If
         you cooperate, you might get extra scraps for lunch."

Striker winches in pain, but still looks defiantly at Vorster.

Vorster:"What did you do to Gerard Vorster?"

Striker loses his defiant look and instead becomes surprised at the
question.

Vorster:"Well? What did you do to him? His remains were never found 
         at the power plant that he supposedly went to confront you."

Striker stares at Vorster, not sure how to respond. He then finally
sighs and nods.

Striker:"You are reg, President Vorster. Gerard did manage to survive
         the destruction of the power plant, in a way."

Vorster:"In a way? What do you mean?"

Striker:"He is alive today, though not as you remember him."

Vorster tugs at Striker's ears again, making the spaniel wince.

Vorster:"What are you babbling about, mutant? Talk sense!"

Striker looks into Vorster's eyes and whispers to him.

Striker:"I am Gerard Vorster, Adriaan."

There is a moment of silence as Vorster stares blankly at Striker.
Suddenly he yanks hard at Striker's ears, then lands a powerful left
punch on the canine's nose. Striker stumbles and falls backwards in
his cell. He sits up, groaning in pain and touching his bleeding
snout. Vorster stands up, looking very angry.

Vorster:"How dare you even make such a preposterous claim in my
         face?! You likely murdered my brother! I will make sure you
         rot for it!"

Vorster turns to the startled warden.

Vorster:"Feed it only at lunch, and make it only half of what you
         give the other prisoners!"

Warden:"Yes, Mister President!"

Vorster stomps off in anger, followed closely by his bodyguards and
the warden. Striker sighs and wipes his muzzle. He sees the blood on
his prison sleeves. He goes to the toilet roll and pulls a few flies
loose. The spaniel then goes to lie in his bunk, holding the toilet
paper to his bleeding nose.

CNN Centre
Atlanta
State of Georgia
United States of America
8 November
1:01 PM:

The female news anchor is reading the day's headline news to the
camera.

Anchor:"The date for the trial of the Road Rover Striker has been set
        for the 10th of December next month, according to a spokes-
        person from the South African Justice Department. So far there
        has been no official word from the Road Rovers, though sources
        say that a dream team of lawyers has been put together to
        defend Striker. Striker is accused of massacring the Vorsters, 
        a powerful and influential Afrikaner family who resisted the 
        apartheid government, during a wedding ceremony in 1979. The
        only surviving member of the family, Adriaan Vorster, is the
        president of South Africa."

She moves on to the next news item.

Anchor:"In other news, Malcolm Industries has a won a major contract
        from the Iranian government to build several hydrogen power
        plants..."

She continues with the news.

Hangar
Road Rover Mission Control
State of New Mexico
United States of America
9 November
7:34 AM:

The Sonic Rover is parked facing towards the hangar runaway, ready 
for take off. Members of the Road Rovers, Unit STRIKE and the Master
are here to see off Corsair, Hotrod, Shephard, Merit and the lawyer
Mr. Bugliose. Hunter and Colleen are also with them, while Blitz and
Exile are in the cockpit going over the equipment and Shag is loading
their luggage on the Sonic Rover. Phoenix is flanked by her parents
and the other non-human Unit STRIKE members as well Vicki and Alana. 
Phoenix is talking to Bugliose.

Phoenix:"Thank you so much for taking up this case, Mister Bugliose."

Bugliose:"Don't thank me yet, Phoenix. We still need to get Striker
          a not guilty sentence before we can pop the Champaign cork.
          Still, it's my pleasure to help out. The Master pays good
          money."

Master:"That's because you are good, Bugliose. I haven't forgotten
        how you managed to clear Bear's name at his treason trial."

Bugliose:"That was a piece of cake compared to this new case. Last
          time we didn't have that dangerous element in the mix that
          makes fair trials less fair: politics. But I'm always up
          for a challenge."

Master:"Still, you will be working with Sunrise of the Cape Hunting
        Dogs on this one. He's a good lawyers as well and one of the
        few human lawyers we have available to us."

Bugliose:"Not a problem for me. The more help the better for Striker."

Colleen:"Will we going straight to the Cape Hunting Dogs' ranch,
         Master?"

The Master shakes his head.

Master:"Not yet. You need to make a stop in Washington DC to pick up
        Major Cadwell. I've managed to get him on leave so that he
        can join you at Striker's trial. Norwood, I'm afraid, is too
        tied up in work, but Cadwell's testimony can be just as good
        as Mark's."

Corsair:"It has been a while since we last saw old Will. And it is
         always while he's in uniform and at duty."

Shephard:"He is a major after all, sir."

Corsair:"Yeah, but he is also human. At least, I hope he is."

Master:"Anyway, Colleen. After you've picked up Cadwell, you will then
        go to the ranch and get Sunrise. You Rovers will then stay at
        the ranch with the Cape Hunting Dogs as emergency backup. Our
        human team will take a flight from Nairobi in Kenya directly 
        to Johannesburg."

Hunter:"Cool! I always wanted to visit the Serengeti in Kenya. I need
        to remember to take some photos back home for mom."

Colleen looks at Hunter, folding her arms and putting a stern face.

Colleen:"And what me, Huntie?"

Hunter:"Oh, you want photos too?"

Colleen makes a great sigh and throws her arms into the air.

Colleen:"What do I see in you?"

Before Hunter can answer, Elexis comes up and whispers something in
his ear. Hunter immediately looks embarrassed at Colleen.

Hunter:"Oh! Heheh... sure. We can go and tour the Serengeti together,
        Colleen. No problem."

Colleen smirks as Elexis winks at her from behind Hunter.

Colleen:"Glad to see you are not super-thick in the head."

Everyone has a good chuckle about it, but then Master calls to order.

Master:"All right, children. Fun over. Now, our legal team will stay
        at a CHD strong house in Johannesburg for the duration of the
        trial. That way they won't to stay at a place where they will
        be spied upon by the security services in South Africa."

Vicki:"They really don't trust us cano-sapiens, do they?"

Master:"Not one bit from what I read in reports. Now, Hunter's team
        will stay at the ranch and will be ready to take Striker home
        as soon as the trial is over. Phoenix and the rest of Unit
        STRIKE will remain here with me to watch the trial on TV and
        to help in the investigation into the Elite Guard."

Tanarus:"Speaking of which, Bugliose and the others will have to
         watch for the Elite Guard interfering in Striker's trial.
         Franco wants to see Striker convicted as much as Vorster."

Colleen:"No wonder there, guv. Franco is the guilty party and would
         love to see Striker take the fall for his crimes."

Elexis:"And as revenge for what Striker did to him and his plans to
        destroy the world during the early 1980s."

Master:"That is why I will want updated reports from the legal team
        each day. We don't want any more interference from either
        Vorster, Franco or any of the other villains in this trial."

Corsair:"No problem, chief. I'll send regular e-mails and even some
         instant messages over the net during the trial."

Phoenix:"Will you also let me speak to Strikie directly?"

Corsair:"Got some earphones and mikes that we get into prison and
         let you speak to him, Phoenix. Hubert and I made them so
         that the guards, should they try to tap or trace it, will
         only find themselves listening in on the Cartoon Network."

Phoenix giggles and smiles at Corsair.

Phoenix:"Thank you, David."

Corsair:"Hey, my name's Corsair. But you're welcome anyway."

Hunter:"Anyways, it's time to get going. Our legal team will need
        time to get our buddy out of jail."

Master:"I agree, Hunter. It's time to leave."

Everyone begins to exchange their farewells and good lucks. Phoenix
hugs Corsair and Shephard, wishing them luck.

Phoenix:"And bring my Strikie back safe and sound."

Corsair:"Gotcha, Phoenix."

Shephard:"Yes, Ma'am."

Alana gives Hotrod a big hug and whispers in his ears.

Alana(whispering):"Don't let those eyes of yours wander about down
     there. Remember: you will still be coming back to me and I'll
     box your tail if I find you've been cheating on me."

To emphasize her point, she grabs one of his ears and twists it. Not
too much, but enough to let him get her point. He winches.

Hotrod(whispering):"No worries, Alana. You can count on me."

The farewells continue for a minute or so, then the legal team and
Hunter's Road Rovers board the Sonic Rover. Everyone else steps back
a good distance as the Sonic Rover's engines come to life and it
taxis onto the runaway. The engines then roar to full power and
speeds down the runaway to the hangar exit. Everyone waves at the
Sonic Rover as it leaves the hangar. Phoenix has a tear in her eye
that rolls down her cheek.

Phoenix:"Please, Lord. Help them bring back Striker."

Aydrian hugs his daughter tightly as Illanov and Tanarus pat her
shoulders. Striker's future now hangs in the balance as his trial
for the murder of the Vorsters approaches. Will the Rover legal
team be able to prove his innocence? Will the South Africans convict
him and send him to prison, or even execute him? And what role will
Striker's arch-nemesis Franco play in all of this?


THE END