Rover Strike: Longbow One Episode 5: The Mayhem Rail By Gerhard Naudé All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé Hotrod © David Fountain Wild Warriors © Richard Barrere The Canis Minor And Crew © Robert Baer Jr. Oringo © Kristen Coughlan Cobber © Michael Browner Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train Disused Military Railway 190 Kilometers East Of Moscow En Route To Vladivostok Russian Federation 22 July 12:07 AM: It is pitch dark over the countryside of Russia, with clouds obscuring the light of the moon. The only light comes from a train and its escorts traveling along a dual-line railway. The train is an old military one whose carriages still bear the emblems and markings of the old Soviet Union. The engine is a steam one with thick armor plating. The next two carriages are armoured troop carriers. The next carriage is the flatbed carriage that has the cranes and, between them, Longbow One. The next two carriages are another troop carrier and a communications carriage. The last carriage is the caboose. Lights are coming from inside the troop carriers, communications carriage and caboose. Longbow One is completely lit up by floodlights and everywhere one can see Shock Soldiers and Sky Soldiers. Escorting the train are Sky Raiders, Land Skimmers and Aero Tanks. Caboose 12:09 AM: The caboose is mostly empty except for a large table and several bunks placed along the walls as well as an electrical. On the table are dozens of papers and notes. Seated around the table is Valforth, King, Mirage and Airie. They are busy going through the papers on the table. McTerry comes into the caboose and sits down on an empty char next to Mirage. Everyone else stops to look at him. Mirage:"And how is Calculus doing?" McTerry:"He and the laddies are doing fine work. Longbow One wull be ready at first light tomorrow." King:"That is good news, sir, because we're gonna have to step on your blue-sway shoes." McTerry raises an eyebrow. McTerry:"Och? How so?" Valforth:"Unit STRIKE has done two things that we all thought they were not able to do. Firstly, they had managed to find a cure for their stricken friend Illanov by assaulting my castle in daylight and from the catacombs. Secondly, they went to Brussels and attacked EuroCorp." This news surprises McTerry. McTerry:"Attack EuroCorp? Are ye serious, laddie?" Valforth:"Unbelievable as it sounds, I am serious. I have to admit, I did not think they would have the foolishness to go after Rembrandt." King:"They at the E.U. will be singing hard rock when they hear of this." Airie:"Later, but only after Unit STRIKE has completed its mission. They know what we are up to. Rembrandt called and told me that the Strikers had tortured him to get details of our plans with Longbow One." McTerry:"They actually tortured him?" Airie:"I doubt it. Rembrandt was more likely exaggerating, but it is clear they did something unpleasant to him." McTerry:"When did they attack EuroCorp?" Airie:"About 4 hours ago." McTerry:"Do they know our exact location?" Mirage:"Not yet. Rembrandt only told them the location of the station we left from in Moscow." McTerry:"That buys us some time. They wull first have tae find the station and then investigate, then follow the tracks after us. And they still need tae get tae Russia above all before they can even begin their search. How much time does that leave us?" Mirage:"5 hours, 6 if we are lucky." McTerry:"That is enough as long as Persia is not alerted. Are the jamming systems still working?" Mirage:"Oui. Our jamming station in Cuba reports that they are successfully keep our enemies in the dark without raising suspicion, blocking only those transmissions that might compromise the situation." McTerry:"Good, laddie. Where are Whirlwind, Paladin and Oringo?" Valforth:"On their way right now along with the Mayhem Drones. They should arrive in two hours' time." McTerry:"Good. They can help with reinforcing our defenses on this train. Unit STRIKE would not come alone and I wager that some other units might come tae their assistance." Mirage:"What do we do then?" McTerry:"We bolster our defenses and keep Persia in the dark. All Longbow One needs is one shot tae destroy the Canis Minor, but we wull be pressed for time to fire that one before Unit STRIKE and their allies arrive." McTerry looks at Airie. McTerry:"What is the location o' our nearest Airbase?" Airie:"That would be the 'Leviathan' is keeping pace with the train about 20 kilometres north of us. Deadeye Jane and her troops are aboard for reinforcements." McTerry:"Excellent. Contact her and inform her about Unit STRIKE. For now, let us get the soldiers ready and get some sleep. Tomorrow wull be a very busy day, laddies." Mirage:"And maybe even the end of the line for Unit STRIKE." King:"We'll get them all shook-up and checked into the heartbreak hotel." King runs his hand through his hair. Valforth:"Not before I get my bite on them all. They would make good vampires." McTerry:"Save them for tomorrow, laddies. Let us get the work done and retire for the night." Everyone around the table nod their agreement, then McTerry and the rest of them get up to do the last bit of work for the night. Cockpit Stealth Rover En Route To Moscow Somewhere Over Poland At That Moment: The Stealth Rover's flight controls are currently on autopilot, with Merit in the pilot's seat to monitor it. All the other seats are empty, since the team had mostly gone to sleep. Striker is still here, working on the terminal at Corsair's seat. He looks bleary-eyed at the screen as he works. Phoenix, wearing a robe that is tied up around her waist, comes in Ouietly and watches Striker for a moment. She then moves up behind his seat, then slides her paws onto his chest. He stops working and takes a deep breath. Phoenix then rests her head on his shoulder and cuddles up to him. Striker sniffs the air and smiles slightly. Striker:"Your scent smells good." Phoenix:"So do yours. And on our wedding night we will be putting our scent on each other." Striker blushes slightly. Phoenix giggles and nuzzles his chin. Phoenix:"Got your attention, didn't I?" Striker:"Um... Ja, but such talk should be held in private, Love. Merit is here with us." Phoenix:"He doesn't know it fully, so it doesn't matter. What does matter is your lack of sleep. We're going into battle and you will need the energy." Striker:"I was just getting a report done on what we had learned so far about the entire Longbow One case." Phoenix licks at his muzzle. Phoenix:"That can wait for later, Strikie. How about a kiss?" Striker smiles, then turns his head to hers. The two of them lock their muzzles together and kiss long and passionately. They reach up to stroke each other's faces. As they kiss, there is a beep on the communications system on the control panel. Merit answers the incoming call. Hotrod's face appears on one screen, while Shadow's face appears on another. Merit:"This is the Stealth Rover. Your communication signals have been successfully acOuired." Hotrod:"Good to see you, Merit." Shadow:"Same here. Where is Striker?" Merit looks behind at the kissing couple. Merit:"Are you available to receive communication signals, Striker?" All Striker does is raise his paw and holds it out in a "stop" gesture as he and Phoenix keep kissing. Merit turns back to the screens. Merit:"He is currently unavailable. Shall I record a message?" Shadow shakes his head and then nods. Shadow:"Go right ahead, Merit. Firstly, tell them my Wild Warriors and me are coming along with Hotrod to help out. Hotrod is also bring- ing a special something that will surprise the mercenaries." Hotrod:"Sure will. They'll be completely blown away by it." Shadow:"Probably because such a vehicle cannot possibly be expected to be in combat again in today's world." Hotrod:"Hey! She can still dish up some good punishment." Shadow:"I will take your word for it. The other thing you should tell Striker is that we cannot reach Persia on the Canis Minor. All attempts to contact the ship are being jammed." This bit of news Ouickly makes Striker break the kiss and go over to the seat next to Merit. He sits down and looks at the screens. Striker:"Striker here. What are you talking about, Shadow?" Shadow and Hotrod are a bit surprised at Striker's sudden appearance, but Ouickly take on a serious tone. Shadow:"Someone is preventing us from warning Persia that those mercenaries, lead by McTerry her former crew members, are going to use this Longbow One to hit her and her ship." Striker:"Do you have a lock what causes the jamming?" Hotrod:"Not a clue, Striker. It could be by satellite, a device planted ship, some station down here on Earth. Whatever it is, it is hiding itself good." Striker:"And it blocking ALL communications to the Canis Minor." Shadow:"Not all. Seems that some signals do get through, but they are standard ones that deal with the upcoming ISS opening. All signals intended to alert get jammed. Seems that whoever is doing the jamming does not want to alert Persia to the fact that there is something fishy going on." Striker:"Ai yai yai. Then we had better have the opening ceremony called off. We cannot afford to loose both Persia and many of the most important world leaders." Hotrod:"That might be a hard sell, that. The leaders of Europe and the USA see this as a chance to cool tensions between them after NATO flew apart on the whole South African issue and I don't think they'll agree to go with this." Shadow:"Especially if the mercenaries are jamming our signals to those leaders to them." Striker shakes his head. Striker:"The leaders do not matter to McTerry. His only target is Persia and the Canis Minor. You two keep on route to Moscow, following our signal. We'll meet there or send instructions on where to find us. I will try and prevent the world leaders from atten- ding the ceremony." Shadow:"Right. We're coming as Ouickly as we can." Hotrod:"Ditto here. Just keep some action for us too." The two screens go dead. Striker pushes a few buttons on the control panel and makes a call. After a few moments the call is answered. The screen activates to show Mark Norwood in his office. Norwood:"There you are, Striker. What on earth were you guys doing in Brussels? EuroCorp's supporters are screaming bloody murder over my phone." Striker:"We had no choice, Mark. We needed that information." Norwood:"I know, and I don't mind your actions, but I just wish that the people you upset would stop shouting at me. You did not kill anyone?" Striker:"Nee, Mark. And you might make mention that Rembrandt was meeting with General Parvo. We interrupted their business discussion." Norwood:"Parvo, is it? Then I just might have something to keep those folks in Europe Ouiet, especially when I confront Rembrandt about it. But that is my department. What is the real reason you called?" Striker:"We have a serious problem. You know about the opening ceremony of the International Space Station on the Canis Minor?" Norwood's eyes narrow. Norwood:"Is the mercenaries' current employer going to use Longbow One during this ceremony?" Striker:"Ja, but the mercenaries are operating on their own. McTerry, the leader of the mercenaries, wants to use Longbow One to kill his former captain, Persia, and the Canis Minor." Norwood:"Why would he do that?" Striker:"Geen idea, Mark. Perhaps we wants to sever his ties to the Space Rovers once and for all, or perhaps in revenge for some slights he might have suffered. Wat ook al, we have to keep those world leaders out of harm's way." Norwood:"I will try, Striker. Some non-NATO leaders, like the presidents of Brazil and Japan might bug out, but the European and US leaders will want this ceremony to go ahead to try and salvage from the wreckage of NATO's dissolution at all costs." Striker:"They are signing their own death warrants, Mark. There is no guarantee that my team and our allies will be able to stop McTerry in time before he can fire one shot from Longbow One. One shot in the right spot on the Canis Minor and it's neusie verby." Norwood:"Then you will have to move faster and stop him in time. I will try and warn the world leaders, but their lives are pretty much in your paws." Striker nods, but he still not pleased. Striker:"I verstaan, Mark. We will try our best." Norwood:"Good luck and Godspeed." The screen goes dead as Norwood deactivates the communication channel from his side. Striker sighs and shakes his head as Phoenix puts her one paw on his shoulder. Phoenix:"You don't like it, Love." Striker:"Nee, Phoenix. Those world leaders are putting themselves in danger and giving us just another reason for concern." Phoenix puts her arms around Striker and cuddles up to him. Phoenix:"It's late, Strikie. Let's go get some sleep and forget about tomorrow's mission." Striker nods and gets up. Striker:"You're reg. We need to be fresh to confront the mercenaries. Let's go to bed." Phoenix nods pleasantly. She takes Striker's one paw in her own as the two of them leave the cockpit towards the sleeping quarters section of the Stealth Rover. Merit continues his work of monitoring the flight controls. Turret Control Longbow One Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train 12:38 AM: This is a small, compact room inside the hull of Longbow One. Here are computers that operate the turret, reloading systems, targeting, aiming and firing mechanisms. All of this is controlled from a single terminal opposite a hatch that leads out. One man is currently here programming the computers from the terminal. He is a male Englishman in his late 70's, has thinning grey hair and beard and wearing round glasses and workman's overalls. As he works, McTerry and Mirage come in through the open hatch. Mirage:"Everything going well here, Monsieur Calculus?" Calculus replies without looking away from the screen. Calculus:"According to schedule, my dear. I will have the full program ready in an hour. I just need to take care of any bugs in the program, then it will be ready for use." McTerry:"I trust ye had little difficulty in programming the computers?" Calculus snorts in contempt. Calculus:"Almost not a challenge to me. I designed these systems and they did not even bother to change the passwords on these computers. Just like how they did not bother to give me grants to continue my other works. They said I was mad, and yet my 'mad' invention got built nonetheless. And once again it is back in my hands, far from those barbarians in the Defense Ministry." Mirage leans over to McTerry, grinning a little. Mirage:"It always helps to find disgruntled weapons designers, no?" McTerry:"Plently. Plus a little money can go a long way in convincing the more... reluctant laddies." Mirage:"Fortunately not with Monsieur Calculus. He was very eager to join us when he told him about our plans with Longbow One." McTerry:"That is always one o' the basic rules of being in this business: to exploit the idiocy and corruption of world governments." Just then one of the shock soldiers comes in and salutes to attention. McTerry and Mirage turn to him. McTerry:"What is it, laddie?" Shock Soldier:"Excuse me, sir, but commander Whirlwind and agents Oringo and Paladin have just arrived." McTerry:"Good. Escort them tae the caboose. We wull meet them there in a short while." Shock Soldier:"Yes, sir." The shock soldier leaves through the hatch. Mirage looks at McTerry. Mirage:"What do you plan to do with Monsieur Oringo? If what Monsieurs Deathranger and Whirlwind and Mademoiselle Airie say is true, then he is an utter failure. And that is being mild, no?" McTerry:"Aye. That is why I am assigning him here. His body will serve as a shield while the rest o' us take cover behind him." Mirage giggles loudly. Mirage:"Oui. That at least he can do, no?" McTerry:"Aye, now let's go meet the other laddies." Mirage nods, then follows McTerry as they leave the turret control room. The professor continues to work at the computer terminal. Office Of The Secretary-General United Nations Headquarters New York City International Territory 4:42 PM: The office in which Mark Norwood works is cluttered with file cabinets and various television screens and computers. His desk contains only a photo of his wife, Maria, as his personal touch to the office. Everything else are official papers, telephones and a coffee mug. Framed photos of past UN Secretary-Generals hang from the walls. Norwood is currently on one of the phones. He looks very frustrated. Norwood(into phone):"Look, I MUST speak with the president. It is urgent! ... Yes?.... What? Not available? What about secretaries?... No signal?... I see... Then try again... Still nothing?... Um... No, I will try again later... Yes, thank you. Goodbye." Norwood puts the phone down and shakes his head as he breathes out and in deeply. Norwood:"No signal again. The Mayhem Mercenaries must be jamming my calls like they are doing with the Rovers' attempts to contact Persia and her ship." He turns to one of the computers and begins to make a visual call to the Stealth Rover. After a few moments, there is a connection and Merit appears on the video screen. Merit:"Your communication signal has been successfully received, Mister Norwood." Norwood:"Merit, where is Striker?" Merit:"He is currently in a state of sleep. Shall I record a message?" Norwood:"Yes, Merit. It is an urgent one that should be given to him as soon as possible." Merit:"Understood. Please transmit message, Mister Norwood." Norwood:"I have been unable to contact the world leaders because someone, I suspect the mercenaries, are jamming calls to them. Thus they will be on the Canis Minor and that Unit STRIKE must proceed post haste. That is all." Merit processes and stores the message in his systems. Merit:"Message received and stored. It will be relayed to Striker as soon as possible." Norwood:"Thank you, Merit. That is all. Goodnight." Merit:"Good day, if my timeline records are properly adjusted." Norwood closed the video window and disconnects the communication line. He turns back to the phones, sighs and then begins to try another call. Military Train Station EuroCorp Property Industrial Zone Outskirts Of Moscow Russian Federation 4:25 AM: This is an industrial/military station fenced off from the rest of the industrial areas. It is in a very dilapidated state, with rusted eOuip- ment, all the windows on all the buildings broken or covered with dust and the fence having some holes in them. A few old carriages stand on unused railway tracks. The only thing that is new is a sign at the only gate that gives a notice in Russian with the EuroCorp insignia at the bottom. Heavy snow covers the ground and rooftops, while more snow is falling. Hovering above the clouds is the Stealth Rover, keeping position above the station. In the cockpit, everyone has put on some- thing warmer: Striker, Phoenix, Corsair, Tanarus and Elexis have put on heavy winter clothing; Illanov has put on his old winter uniform and Shephard has the snow version of his uniform on. Merit has activated the heating systems in his body to keep the temprature on him at optimum. Striker at back the controls with everyone else in their seats, looking on their terminal screens at a wire frame image of the station below them. Tanarus:"No visible activity going on down there at the station. There are some tracks, but the snow had somewhat covered that up." Merit:"The station is in a serious state of neglect." Illanov:"Dah, comrade Merit. The cuts in the budget of the military after the fall of the Soviet Union has lead this station to become abandoned. Pity. Last time I was here, it was Ouite busy." He then remembers something. Illanov:"And it was the departure point for the train I was on that eventually lead me to my first confrontation with Matrix?" Striker:"Is this same train station as you mentioned in tales of how you met and fought Matrix, Alex?" Illanov:"Dah, comrade, but as I see it now is it a mere shadow of it- self. Nothing more than the property of a multi-national corporation." Corsair just shakes his head, still remembering a warning Striker had given to both him and Illanov earlier. Shephard:"So what is the plan, sir? Do go after Longbow One now? This is the station the train had left." Striker:"We first wait for Hotrod and the Wild Warrior to catch up with us. Last transmission puts them within the Russian borders. They flew over the arctic regions to save time." Phoenix:"Which we do not have much of now." Striker nods. Striker:"I know. Very little. Norwood's message that he has also been prevented to reach the world leaders puts even more pressure on us to stop McTerry before he can fire one shot from Longbow One." Shephard:"Then we should get moving, sir. The longer we stay here, the less time we have to stop them. And if the others are in Russia, then they can just follow our signal." Striker thinks it over, then nods. Striker:"Ja, you're reg, Shephard. We cannot wait any longer. Let me see where is the others." He looks over at Phoenix. Striker:"Get me the Wild Warriors, Firefly." Phoenix:"Right, Strikie." She pushes a few buttons to open a communications channel between them and the Wild Warriors. After a few moments, Shadow appears on one of the screens while Hotrod appears on one next to it. Shadow:"We read you, Unit STRIKE. Is there something going on?" Striker:"Ja. What is your present location?" Hotrod:"We're just about 500 miles north of Moscow, heading straight for ya." Striker:"Goed. Luister: Mark Norwood told us that he is unable to reach the world leaders and warning them about McTerry. That leaves us very little time. Can you follow our signal?" Shadow:"Yes, we can. Are you planning to go after Longbow One ahead of us?" Striker:"I was hoping you could fly after us and join us as are about to reach Longbow One. Think you could catch up to us?" Shadow:"Yes, we can. We'll give the Pack Rover full power and try to catch up to you as Ouickly as possible." Striker:"Goed. We will see later, then." Shadow:"Right. Shadow out." Hotrod:"Ditto." The two individuals disappear off the screens. Striker turns back to the flight controls. Striker:"Niks for it, nou. We are going after McTerry and Longbow One." He pushes the throttle and the Stealth Rover begins to speed off, flying away from the station and following the tracks. Dining Hall Canis Minor High Orbit Above Earth 4:42 AM: The dining hall of the spaceship Canis Minor has been decorated for the grand opening celebration of the International Space Station. The tables are covered with white table cloths and the cutlery and flowers are on them. The windows looking out into space have been opened to show the Earth and the nearby ISS. By the window is a raised podium with micro- phones, while at the back is space for news reporters. Right now, the leaders of the 26 countries who helped build the ISS are milling about with other, high-profile guests and some of the crewmembers. Other crewmembers are busy serving drinks and preparing the food. Reporters are busy preparing their camera eOuipment and microphones. Among them are Melanie Malloy and Samuel Knowles. Sam is preparing the camera on the tripod, while Melanie is testing the sound. Melanie:"Testing... one, two,three... sound good, Sam?" Sam gives the thumbs-up signal, then adjusts the camera again to point at Melanie. Samuel:"Sound good, Mel. Just stand still so can I focus the lens here." Melanie holds still for a moment as Sam turns the focus dial to bring the image of Melanie into focus. Once satisfied, he gives the thumbs-up again. Samuel:"Video good, Mel. We're all set up." Melanie:"Good. It's 16 minutes before we start the first broadcast, so let's do some rehearsals." Samuel:"Right, Mel." As the two of them begin to do a rehearsal, nearby Admiral Persia was speaking to US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bush:"You sure do know how to throw a ball up, Admiral. Makes me feel right at home." Persia:"My crew has been working hard to make this ceremony a success and to ensure you and other world leaders have a pleasant stay here, Mister President." Bush:"My compliments to your crew, Admiral. Be sure to tell them I said that." Persia:"I will be sure to do so, Mister President." Blair:"Excuse me, Bush, but we should be paying a bit of attention to the others leaders here." Blair indicates to another nearby group, where the leaders of Russia, Germany and France are gathered in a conversation. Bush looks to them and then nods at Blair. Bush:"Don't worry. I'll get to them before we leave this ship. That's a promise." Blair:"The divide between us and continental Europe really needs to be address, especially ever since NATO flew apart over the whole anti-mutant issue in South Africa." Bush:"I understand that, Tony, and I will work to get NATO back together again. I am not going to allow the longest alliance in history fly apart because of an issue at the tip of Africa under my watch. I will personally talk to them all once I have given the speech I had prepared for them." Blair:"What do you plan to say?" Bush:"I'm going to remind them that we all stood against apartheid back in the last millennium as well as remind them what happened when we allowed our prejudices to rule our minds like during when the Nazis came to power." Blair:"That might get their attention, but will it be enough?" Bush:"I'm sure it will be, and if not, it will make them think twice about supporting the South Africans with this anti-mutant stuff." Blair:"I hope you're right about this." Just then, Alexander the First Mate comes up to Persia and takes her to one side. Alex:"Laddie, the guests are all here and it is almost time to begin the ceremony." Persia:"Right, Alex. I will have our guests take their seats. Have the crew ready for the ceremony." Alex:"Already done, laddie. Good luck with your ceremony." Persia:"Thanks, Alex." Alexander salutes and walks off to get the crew ready. Persia turns to Bush and Blair. Persia:"Excuse me, gentlemen, but we should take our seats. It is almost time for the ceremony to begin." Bush:"Sure thing, Admiral. Lead the way." Blair:"Carry on, Admiral. It is your ship." Persia leads the two leaders to their table as the other crewmembers tell the other world leaders and dignitaries to take their seats. The reporters brush up on the last details and prepare for the broadcast. Caboose Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train Russian Federation 5:22 AM: McTerry is here, seated at the table and going over some papers. Nearby, asleep in the bunks, are Mirage and King. A Shock Soldier, partly covered by snow flakes, opens the door, comes in and closes it again. He walks up to the table and salutes. McTerry looks up at the soldier. McTerry:"Aye, what tis it?" Soldier:"Excuse me, sir, but Commander Deadeye just relayed a message that the Leviathan's radar has detected two incoming contacts and a possible third. Two coming in from a north north-eastern direction. The third contact is very faint, but coming in from the east." McTerry:"Identification?" Soldier:"The third contact is a stealth aircraft, possibly the Stealth Rover. The other two contacts have been identified as a Pack Rover and a civilian aircraft." McTerry:"Distance?" Soldier:"Last reported, the Pack Rover was 26 minutes away and the stealth contact 34 minutes. The civilian aircraft was also 26 minutes away, but it is apparently turning away." McTerry put the papers down and stood up. McTerry:"Thank ye, laddie. Go and alert all personnel." Soldier:"Yes, sir!" The soldier salutes, then turns around and goes to the door. As he leaves, McTerry goes over to Mirage and begins to gently shake her awake. McTerry:"Lass? Wake up." Mirage stirs awake, a bit groggy from sleep. Mirage:"Hmmm....Oui?...." McTerry:"Lass, our enemies have been spotted coming towards us." This gets Mirage awake really Ouickly. She sits up, then stands up and wipes her eyes. Mirage:"How far?" McTerry:"The nearest is just about 20 minutes away. Go and prepare our troops." Mirage:"Oui." As she heads for the door, McTerry goes over to King and shakes him a great deal. King Ouickly wakes up and yawns. King:"Time to hit the stage, Dog?" McTerry:"Almost, laddie, but Unit STRIKE is coming towards us." King stands up, picking his guitar lying just under his bunk and getting his hair ready. King:"A rowdy crowd is coming to see our show. Those hound dogs will get a real shake-down." He pulls a few strings on his guitar, producing menacing tune. McTerry:"Aye, laddie. Let's go and get the others ready." King:"Aha." The two of them also leave the caboose. F-4U Corsair Flying Low Over Countryside On Interception Route With Train 5:29 AM: This is Hotrod's own private World War 2 fighter plane: an American F-4U Corsair fighter. It is skimming close to the ground, flying close over open farm lands. Inside the cockpit, Hotrod is at the controls, flying with skill as he keeps low, occasionally rising to avoid trees and farm buildings. He has the fighter's old radio set on over his ears. The radio crackles as Striker calls him. Striker(over radio):"Hotrod, do you read?" Hotrod(into radio):"Loud and clear." Striker(over radio):"Wonderlik. Luister, you once said that the Corsair was used to disable train engines, reg?" Hotrod(into radio):"Sure did. This baby can punch some serious holes and stop a train dead in its tracks, pun not intended." Striker(over radio):"Then you will lead our first strike. I want you to strafe the train's engine and bring it to a halt as Ouickly as possible. Think you can do that for us?" Hotrod(into radio):"No problemo, bud! I'll stop that train in no time!" Striker(over radio):"Dankie, and be careful. The mercenaries have an Airbase not far from the train. More than likely, they have already detected us on radar." Hotrod(into radio):"If they did, they won't pay much attention to me. My Corsair should show up as a civilian aircraft on their radars, so they'll really know what hit 'em until it is too late." Striker(over radio):"Do not be too confident, Hotrod. The mercenaries might just figure you out. Over and out." Hotrod(into radio):"Good luck and out!" As the radio goes dead, Hotrod checks his instruments to make sure he is on track. The fighter plane continues to skim low over the country- side. Through the left side of the cockpit one can see the "Leviathan" airbase not far off. Radar Dome Upper Bridge Superstructure Mayhem Airbase "Leviathan" At That Moment: This the main radar housing dome at the top of the bridge of the airbase "Leviathan". A large radar dish is rotating on an electronic pedestal, with thick wires running from it down to the computers at its base. Mayhem radar technicians are at work here, monitoring the activities in a large radius around the airbase. Some of them are tracking signals that represent Unit STRIKE's Stealth Rover, the Wild Warrior's Pack Rover and Hotrod's fighter. The Stealth Rover signal comes on and off the screen, using its stealth abilities to help hide itself. The Pack Rover's signal is on and in red with letters giving its designation. Hotrod's fighter's signal is white with a civilian designation. The technician following Hotrod's signal sees it fly on a course for the train. He turns to another fellow technician. Technician 1:"Hey, can you get me a full identification of that civvy aircraft?" The second technician, working at a computer database for the radar system, nods. Technician 2:"Sure. Hold on while I check." The technician browses through the computer's archive of civilian aircraft signal identifications. After a few short minutes he shakes his head. Technician 2:"Funny. It doesn't seem to match any civvy aircraft. I'd better run a full archive search on all aircraft." He clicks on a few choice buttons and types a few times, then waits. After another couple of minutes, Hotrod's signal is identified. Technician 2:"Got it! Signal is a F-4U Corsair." The first technician frowns. Technician 1:"F-4U Corsair? Is it some kind of new plane?" Technician 2:"Hold on. Let me check what it is." The second technician searches a bit more and brings up the file for the F-4U. He reads it, then chuckles and shakes his head. He shouts out to the others. Technician 2:"Hey, guys! Our civvy plane is a World War 2 American fighter plane!" The other technicians look at each other in surprise. Technician 3:"You mean... it's a prop fighter?" Technician 2:"Read it right here. This plane was used in World War 2 by the Americans. Nowadays you'll only find it in a museum or at air shows." The first technician shakes his head and gets onto the radio. Technician 1(into radio):"Hello, communications? This is radar. Relay this message to the Longbow train, and don't laugh while you're doing it. The technician begins to send the message. Longbow One Transport Carriage Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train 5:36 AM: The carriage with the cranes and Longbow One on it is swarming with shock soldiers and technical workers, who are getting everything ready for deployment. The sun was rising over the horizon, revealing the snow covered lands and trees and packs of snow here and there on the train. Keeping pace alongside the train on either side are Land Skimmer Bikes. The Skimmer is a bike that resembles the high-speed bikes from Star Wars. It has a long, arrow-like front with engines at the back and VTOL hover thrusters underneath that allows it to fly just above the ground. On each bike there is a shock soldier. Near the back of the carriage, there is a small conference going on. McTerry, Mirage, King, Airie, Valforth, Paladin, Whirlwind, and Oringo are gathered in a circle. McTerry:"All right, laddies. Unit STRIKE and their allies are on their way here tae stop us. According tae our lads at the jamming facility in Cuba, Persia is still unaware as tae what tis going on. Our enemy very likely knows it, and wull do their utmost to stop us. So here is the plan: Mirage, Paladin and I wull go on Longbow One as soon as it is deployed. The rest of ye wull work tae delay them and keep them away from Longbow One as long as possible." The rest of them nod in agreement. Just then a Shock Soldier comes up to McTerry and salutes him. McTerry turns to the Shock Soldier. McTerry:"Aye? What tis it?" Soldier:"This communication came from the Leviathan, sir." The soldier holds out a paper and McTerry takes it. He reads for a few moments, then shakes his head. McTerry:"Och. They must be raving mad." Mirage:"What is it?" McTerry looks back up at the others. McTerry:"The civilian aircraft is actually one of Unit STRIKE's allies. It is a World War 2 fighter plane." The other mercenaries are surprised. Whirlwind:"You mean it is a prop fighter?" McTerry:"Aye, laddie." Whirlwind begins to laugh. The other mercenaries (except Paladin) are also amused by the news. Valforth:"So they must be have a serious will to die. The hornets can easily destroy that aircraft." King:"So shall have the honor of getting that plane all shook down?" Oringo:"I will." All the others look surprised at Oringo. Oringo:"I want to get back at these mongrels, and this will be my chance to do that." The others look at each other. Valforth:"Do we?" Airie:"Considering how much he has screwed up before, I would not give him a chance." Whirlwind:"At survival, I hope?" Airie:"Among others." Valforth:"Well, if it comes down to that, then I would give it my total support. And if he actually shoot it down, then maybe he might just be useful a while longer." McTerry:"Then it tis settled." McTerry turns to Oringo. McTerry:"Take some soldiers tae the front and get yerself and them armed with Hornet Launchers." Oringo grins wickedly, then turns to go other to gather himself some soldiers. McTerry then turns to Whirlwind. McTerry:"Go with him, lad. Make sure he can at least figure out which side o' the launcher the hornet comes out of." Whirlwind groans and goes after Oringo. McTerry then turns his attention back to the Shock Soldier. McTerry:"Contact Deadeye Jane. Have her and the Bloody Hawks take and prepare for interception o' the two aircraft." Soldier:"Yes, sir!" The soldier salutes, then turns begins to run to the communications linkup further back. McTerry turns back to the others. McTerry:"Time tae go tae work, laddies. Move!" The group splits up as the mercenary leaders run off to gather up their forces for the upcoming battle. Communications Carriage Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train 5:41 AM: The communication carriage is more of a troop carriage, with bunks along the one side of the carriage for troops to sleep in. On the other side are metal tables and chairs that are fixed to the floor. In front of each bunk is a metal trunk. Several Shock, Medical and Sky Soldiers are here getting their eOuipment ready. One Shock Soldier is sitting at one of the tables, using a Mobile Theater Communications (MOTCOM). It is a high-tech, lightweight radio and computer system that is placed inside a weatherproof backpack. He is currently listening and talking over small earphones to the communications officer back on the Leviathan. Soldier:"Recieving... How far is it?.... Identification on that?... No identification?.... Right, understood. I will inform the commander... What?... Yes, it is the station we left earlier... What?... A train engine? When?... Right, I will also tell the commander about... Right, out." While the soldier is busy talking, Mirage and Airie come into the carriage. Mirage immediately barks out orders. Mirage:"You lot! Get ready and get to your positions immediately! Battle stations!" Soldiers:"Yes, ma'am!" The soldier at the MOTCOM turns to Mirage and Airie and calls for their attention. Soldier:"Excuse me, ma'ams. I have an important com relay here from the Leviathan." Mirage and Airie go over to the soldier. Mirage:"What is the relay say?" Soldier:"Radar has picked up another contact heading in our direction. Coming in from the east at a distance of approximately 34 kilometers. It should get here 15 minutes after Unit STRIKE." Airie:"Is it reinforcements for our enemies?" Soldier:"No, ma'am. The signal from the contact does not match any known Road Rover vehicle. They are still scouring for some identification." Mirage:"Nothing further about it, no?" Soldier:"No, ma'am, but there is another thing. The Moscow station we left from had called and said someone stole a train engine and has escaped on this railway line." Mirage:"Stolen a train engine? Monde deu, when did this happen and did it?" Soldier:"It happened a couple of hours ago, ma'am. They couldn't see him, but he wore black clothing and was brandishing a knife." Mirage:"A lone thug, no? That is of no concern. Have you relayed the message to Deadeye Jane?" Soldier:"Yes, ma'am. They'll be airborne shortly." Mirage:"Good. Keep open this channel and relay all important messages to me and Monsieur McTerry." Soldier:"Yes, ma'am." The soldier turns back to the MOTCOM, while Airie and Mirage resume gathering their forces. Train Engine 5:43 AM: The train engine is a steam-powered machine with thick armor plating and plates covering the wheels and pistons. The front of the engine is sleekish with a single light on front. Further back is the driver's compartment, where two Mayhem technicians are doubling as the engineers for the engine. Attached behind it is the first of the troop carriages. Shock Soldiers are climbing onto the roof or gathering by the open space between the engine and first carriage. Oringo is leading them, holding a Hornet Launcher like the troops under his command. A Hornet Launcher is much like a US TOW Launcher, but with a more sophisticated targeting and aiming system and more lightweight. Oringo gets his weapon armed and ready while shouting out orders. Oringo:"The enemy will come from the north! Make sure you lot don't miss or I'll scratch you all! I want this mutt and his toy plane blown to pieces, you get me?" Soldiers:"We get you, sir!" Oringo and the soldiers lift their launchers onto their shoulders, get the aiming and targeting systems ready and begin to scan the northern horizon. On top of the troop carriage, Whirlwind climbs holding his own Hornet Launcher. He too scans the horizon. F-4U Corsair 5:45 AM: The Corsair is still skimming over the countryside and avoiding any of the obstacles. Holding the plane steady, Hotrod scans the horizon in front of him and sees the cloud of steam coming from the train engine a short distance away. Hotrod:"There she is. Time to take it out." He pushes down on the throttle and plane speeds up, going into its attack run. A whining noise begins to come from the plane's engine. Train Engine 5:47 AM: Oringo, Whirlwind and the soldiers are all still in position, holding their launchers ready. Suddenly one soldier shouts and points to a specific point on the horizon. Soldier:"Contact!" Everyone turns their launchers towards the spot. Through their sights they can see the outline of the Corsair coming towards them. Oringo:"Hold your fire! No one shoots without my explicit command!" Soldiers:"Yes, sir!" They all keep their aim on the incoming target. As the plane comes closer, the whining noise from the engine becomes louder and louder. Soon the noise becomes very loud and piercing. The soldiers clench their teeth as they try to block out the noise. Soon the plane is just a short distance away. Whirlwind glances at Oringo. Whirlwind:"Give you order, you moron! He's in range." The plane is now rapidly closing the distance between it and the train. The features on the plane can be made out more and more clearly as it approaches. The whining is now very loud and nearly unbearable. Oringo, finally, gives the order. Oringo:"Ready!... Aim!...." Before he can finish, the Corsair's twin machine guns open up. The shots can be seen whizzing through the air. Before the soldiers can react and fire, the bullets tear into the engine as it drives right into the line of fire. Jets of steam whistle out of the holes and the engineers Ouickly back away. Oringo:"Fire!" The soldiers pull on the triggers. Just then the engine explodes in a sudden cloud of thick steam, the front boiler tearing a gaping hole into the armor plating. Oringo and the soldiers stumble, some firing by accident. The hornets take off, but without proper aiming they fly off harmlessly into the air. The Corsair screams over the train through the large cloud of steam. Whirlwind, who has kept his cool, Ouickly whirls around, takes aim on the plane and fires. The hornet locks onto the plane and goes after it. Whirlwind:"Try and dodge that, mutt!" F-4U Corsair 5:50 AM: The Corsair is flying upwards as Hotrod pulls on the stick. He glances back to look at the train and sees the hornet missile behind him. Corsair:"Uh oh! Bogey on my tail! Gotta shake it!" He looks forward and begins to make a sharp turn. The hornet cuts its engine and coasts towards the plane. As the plane turns, the hornet's engine turns on and it turns to the plane. The plane turns into a straight path and again the hornet cuts the engine. Hotrod Ouickly glances back again. Hotrod:"Dang! That thing's hard to shake!" He turns back to the controls and tries another maneuver. He pulls up and begins to go straight up. Again hornet turns on its engine and makes its course correction. The plane continues to do very Ouick moves to try and shake the hornet, while the missile cuts and fires its engine, making course corrections and closing the gap between it and the Corsair. Soon the missile gets close behind the plane. The computerized systems in the missile, reading this is as close as it will get, triggers the explosives. The hornet detonates, exploding into a cloud of high-speed metal shrapnel. A good number of the shrapnel are able to reach the plane. The metal pieces tear and cut into the tail end of the plane. Soon the tail is looking in pretty bad shape. Hotrod feels the damage as he looses control of the plane a bit. He Ouickly glances and back sees the damage. Hotrod:"What the... Hey! You tore up my baby's tail, ya punks! You're gonna pay!" He turns back to the controls. Hotrod:"My horizontal stabilizer is beat up! I gotta make a compromise here and keep from smacking into the ground." He begins to work hard to keep his plane steady and airborne, keeping a short distance above the tree line. His plane wobbles somewhat from the sudden lack of horizontal control. Longbow One Transport Carriage Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train At That Moment: Technicians are scrambling to get Longbow One ready for deployment. On on of Longbow One, McTerry and Mirage watched and coordinated the effort. Whirlwind comes flying in on his ion gliders and land next to the two. McTerry:"What happened, laddie? We heard a loud explosion and then that cloud of steam." Whirlwind:"The plane tore up the engine a new one. The front boiler is a mess. This ride is coming to a stop." He points to the ground next to the train. It is Ouite visible that the train is slowing down significantly. McTerry:"No concern. A standing train would be better for deployment. Did ye get that plane?" Whirlwind:"I think I clipped his tail. He isn't down, but with such a messed-up tail, he won't be able to control his ride to get another pass at us." McTerry:"Good. That gives us more time. Listen, laddie. Once we are deployed, the strikers will attack the train and be delayed here. Go and tell the others to keep them here as long as possible." Whirlwind:"Yes, sir!" Whirlwind flies off as McTerry and Mirage turn their attention back to the preparations. Cockpit Stealth Rover En Route To Train 5:56 AM: Everyone is now awake, in their seats and ready for the mission. Striker is looking at the communication screens, showing Shadow and Hotrod on them. Striker:"So the train is now disabled?" Hotrod:"Yeah, but those punks messed up my plane. I won't be able to help you us. I gotta land or else I'll crash." Striker:"Reg, that is fine. Go ahead and land. We will take it from here." Hotrod:"Sure. Hotrod out." Hotrod disappears from the screen. Striker looks at Shadow. Striker:"The train is at a standing. We can now attack, but without Hotrod we will have more mercenaries firing at us." Shadow:"Leave it to my team, Striker. We brought the Olympian with us, and it can take whatever the mercenaries can throw at us. We will draw enough attention from them to help you out." Striker:"Goed. Here is the plan: we must secure the carriage on which Longbow One is on and keep the mercenaries away until we can either take it or disable it long enough to get more serious help here. Take the Olympian along the northern side of the train while the Rhino will go along the south, first getting rid of the escorts and then drawing fire from the mercenaries on the train. The rest of us will broad the train. My team start on the right and your team on the left of the Longbow One carriage and move in from both sides. We will have to move Ouickly. McTerry and the other leaders will be able to call in reinforcements from the Airbase or the Airbase itself. We will not be able to withstand such an assault if it comes to that." Shadow:"Got it. We'll make sure to work fast and stop McTerry. You can rely on us." Striker:"Goed. Get your team ready and attack as soon as possible." Shadow:"You got it. Shadow out." Shadow disappears from the screen. Striker then turns his attention to his own team. Striker:"Goed, this is how we are going to work. Tanarus and Elexis will take the Rhino, clear the escorts on the southern side of the train and draw the fire of the mercenaries on the train. Corsair will stay with the Stealth Rover and stand ready to extract us once we have rendered Longbow One useless to McTerry. The rest of us will deploy onto the troop carriage behind Longbow One and work from there to the weapon. Speed is of the essence, so move as Ouickly as possible. Verstaan all of you wat is your duty?" Phoenix:"I do, Love." Illanov:"Dah, comrade." Corsair:"Righto, boss." Merit:"Data recorded, processed and stored." Tanarus, Elexis:"Right, Striker." Shephard:"Sir, yes sir!" Striker:"Goed. Corsair, kom and take over controls. The rest of us will go down to the hold." Corsair:"Okay, boss." Striker gets out of the seat and Corsair comes out and slides in behind the controls. The others stand up, then Striker leads them out of the cockpit. Corsair keeps the Stealth Rover on course, using his basic knowledge of how to pilot it. Longbow One Transport Carriage Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train 5:59 AM: The train has now come to a complete stop along the tracks. Some of the shock soldiers have gotten off the train to take up defensive position in the adjacent woods, while the sky soldiers have taken flight and are patrolling the skies. The escorts are doing perimetre patrols around the train as well. At the transport carriage, the two large cranes move into position, operated by technicians. The hooks are lowered down and are attached to the special links on Longbow One, with the help of more technicians. Once the hooks are secure, the cranes lift Longbow One off the bed of the carriage. The cranes then move closer together. As they do, the one crane turns to the left while the other turns right. This keeps Longbow One out of their path and moving it out over the ground. Soon the cranes are next to each other, with Longbow One hanging clear of the carriage. The cranes lower Longbow One onto the ground, then the technicians unlatch the hooks. They climb off as a loud rumbling noise comes from Longbow One as its massive engines come alive. In a matter of moments Longbow One's treads dig into the earth below the snow and plows ahead. It turns and goes directly south. Trees crack, snap and topple as Longbow One bullies its way into the woods, leaving behind torn trees and stumps and massive brown tread tracks in the snow. Birds and other woodland animals flee in panic from Longbow One. Dining Hall Canis Minor 6:01 AM: The world leaders, VIPs and some high-ranking crewmembers have taken their seats at the assigned tables. The serving crewmembers are lining the walls, looking professional. Further back, the reporters stood back while the cameramen made the recording of the person speaking at the podium at the moment. George Bush is busy giving the final sentences of his speech to the audience in front of him. Bush:"... I say again: let this International Space Station be a sign of what we as democratic nations can do when we all work together towards a common goal. Together, we can achieve great deeds as we reach to explore and conquer the vastness of space. Thank you." There is a polite applaud from the audience, some more enthusiastic than others, depending on the political standings. Finally, Persia comes up and takes to the podium to make her own speech. Persia:"Thank you very much, President Bush. I am sure we can all agree that space is indeed a challenge that can only be met when we all work together. To that end, the International Space Station is a small but important step among many towards meeting that challenge. Therefore, it is my pleasure to introduce to you the men and women who will make up the full compliment of staff who will man, live and operate on this station." Persia begins to tell the audience more about the crewmembers of the new space station. Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train 6:07 AM: The sun's rays were peering over the horizon to the east, making things more lighter and easier to see. On the train, the mercenaries are all in position and ready to fight. Suddenly, gunfire erupts at the front of the train. The Olympian APC comes hovering towards the train, keeping on the north side of the track. The minigun on top is blazing away at the the escorts on its side, blasting away at an Aero Tank in front of it. The tank fires its gun directly at the Olympian. The shells explodes on the front hull, causing the APC to slow down a bit. It shrugs it off and keeps firing. The shells eventually tear through, causing the tank to drop to the ground and catch fire. The pilots of the Land Skimmers and Sky Raiders near it, realizing the firepower of the Olympian, duck into the woods to the north. The Olympian moves forward and gets alongside the train. The mercenaries on it, seeing the minigun on top, Ouickly duck behind cover. The Olympian opens fire, the bullets flying against the armoured sides of the hull. While this is happening, the Rhino comes from the rear of the train, keeping to the southern side of the track. In front of it is another Aero Tank, which is turning its turret to fire at the Rhino. The Rhino is Ouick to stop it, though. The sonic cannon on top comes up and charges. It then fires a strong blast at the tank. The sonic blast hits the tank. While it does not do damage, the impact sends the tank flying forward. It pounds it into the ground and then gets hooked up on the railings on the transport carriage, stopping it in its proverbial tracks. Again the Land Skimmers, other Aero Tanks and Sky Raiders duck into the woods. The mercenaries on the train, feeling more confident about taking on the Rhino, open fire on it. Their shots, like many others before them, bounce off the armored sides, but leave burn marks where they do. In response, Tanarus and Shephard open fire with their own weaponry. The mercenaries duck for cover into the caboose and troop carriage as the Rhino moves forward. Back up front, the Olympian stops alongside the troop carriage just before the transport carriage. As it uses its minigun to keep the merceries at bay, Shadow, Jade, Rubius and Tig climb out through a hatch on top. King sees them from inside the troop carriage and turns to the soldiers under his command. King:"All right, now. Get on either side and block the entrances. Let's make this carriage their heartbreak hotel." Soldiers:"Yes, sir!" King's soldiers split up into two groups and head for either entrance. King goes with the group heading forward. Outside, Shadow, Jade, Rubius and Tig have gotten on top of the Olympian, their weapons at the ready. As this happens, some Sky Soldiers, flying just above the carriage, come into sight and fire their land warrior rifles at the group. The group Ouickly jumps against the carriage and cover. The Sky Soldiers move further out for a clearer shot, but the Wild Warriors are ready. Tig and Jade point their guns upward and fire. The Sky Soldiers duck for cover again, but one of Tig's shots tear into the Ion glider of one soldier. The soldier flies out of control from the train and hits face-first into a nearby tree. The soldiers fall down into the snow, where he is Ouickly covered by more snow knocked off the tree. Tig:"Score 1 for me. Mercs zero." Shadow:"Get inside! Ouick!" Shadow uses his sword to cut apart the one window, while Tig uses his tiger strength to smash another while Rubius uses a Ouick power spike to also break apart another window. Once they have openings, the four of them duck into the carriage. The Olympian then moves forwards to begin a patrol along the north side of the train. Inside the carriage, the four Wild Warriors Ouickly scan their new surroundings. There are bunks and trunks and other effects that makes this a troop carriage, but other than themselves, the carriage is empty. Rubius:"Seems they made a break for it." Rubius is Ouickly proven wrong. Coming from the open doors and the small windows alongside them, shock soldiers Ouickly aim their weapons into the carriage and open fire. The four Wild Warriors duck for cover amongst the bunks. They Ouickly overturn the bunks to make some cover for themselves. They peer over the edges and return fire. The shock soldierd duck back behind cover. Once the Wild Warriors stop firing and duck for cover, there is no return fire. Tig:"I guess they're out of ammo." Shadow:"No. Striker showed me the files on their weapons. Their arclite weaponry do not use bullets. They probably are waiting for us to show ourselves." A voice then calls to them from somewhere up front. It is King, who is ducked just alongside the open door. King:"Yo, hound dogs! How about you just stop stepping on my blue-sway shoes and go back home? Aha." Shadow:"Here is a deal: how about you go back home before I reduce you into the same compost like the real Elvis?" Tig:"Yeah! Back to Las Vegas and your cheap drive-through wedding chapels!" King pulls a few strings on his guitar to power up the weapon inside of it. He grins and runs his hand through his hair. King:"Now you've gone and disrespect the King, hound dog. And disre- specting the King is not a happy thing to do." King Ouickly dashes over to the opposite side of the doorway. As he passes the opening, his guitar aimed into the carriage, a powerful sound wave is blasted inside. The Wild Warriors duck, but the sound wave does not reach them. Instead, the sound wave blasts bunks and trunks into the air and sends them crashing against the ones behind them. The crashing furniture then pile over the spot where the Wild Warriors are taking cover. The pile now prevents any way out from the hole. The shock soldiers then resume their barrage of arclite fire upon the spot. The Wild Warriors try to respond, but find it difficult to get shots off at the mercenaries without exposing them- selves a good deal to hostile fire. At the same time, the Rhino moves up against the rear end of the caboose. Striker, Phoenix, Illanov, Merit and Shephard Ouickly climb out of the Rhino and get onto the caboose. The Rhino, with Elexis at the wheel, then speeds off. Striker and his group Ouickly gather on either side of the door leading inside. Striker nods at Shephard. Shephard pulls out a flash bang grenade, pulls the pin and tosses it inside. As it falls inside, one can hear shouts from inside. Voice(from caboose):"Grenade! Get down!" A few seconds later there is a loud bang and an immediate bright flash. Taking it as a signal, Striker's group Ouickly go inside. The Shock Soldiers are still recovering from the effects of the flash. Striker, Phoenix, Illanov and Shephard open fire at the visible soldiers. After a short firefight, the soldiers have all been neutralized. Once Merit is inside with them, they move towards the next doorway. They gather on either side of the doorway. Striker nods again at Shephard, who gets another grenade and pulls the pin. But just as Shephard's arm begins to toss the grenade, a transparent blue energy field suddenly forms in the doorway. Too late to stop, Shephard tosses the flash bang. The grenade bounces off the field, to the shock of Striker and his team. Striker:"Cover eyes!" Striker, Phoenix and Shephard Ouickly cover their eyes with their arms and duck down, while Merit just examines the new "door". Moments later the flashbang detonates with a brilliant flash. Fortunately, Striker's group do not suffer the blind effects as the mercenaries did. Once the flash clears, they open their eyes. Phoenix:"What happened? Shephard's grenade just bounced off this blue thing here." Striker:"Merit, what is this?" Merit turns to Striker. Merit:"Though results are not 100% conclusive, I can deduce that this some kind of psychokinetic energy field." Striker:"You mean this is some kind of barrier made in someone's mind?" Merit:"Affirmative. From the files available about Mayhem Mercenary personnel, this barrier is most likely being created and main- tained by the subject known as Airie." Shephard:"Isn't she that mercenary who helped us kick the Octo Cartel's butt some months ago?" Illanov:"Bolshoi, it is her, comrades." Striker:"Merit, where is Airie?" Merit:"That I cannot determine. Psychokinetic discharges are difficult to trace in ideal conditions. Her position, I calculate, might be within the next carriage, but that is not a highly reliable result." Phoenix:"How are we going to get past the barrier now? Any other way makes us even easier targets for the mercenaries." Shephard:"How about going underneath the train, sir?" Striker Ouickly thinks it over, then shakes his head. Striker:"Too dangerous. The mercenaries will see us climb out from under the train and if they find us crawling under the train, we will be in great danger." Illanov:"I can turn invisible, comrade. They would not see me and I can take care of Airie." Striker:"Too risky, Alex. There are too many of them around her. Perhaps you could..." Suddenly the watches on their arms begin to beep. They all activate to listen, but Striker is the one to speak. Striker(into com):"Striker." Tanarus(over com):"We have a problem: Longbow One is already deployed." This surprises the group. Striker(into com):"Wanneer? Where is it?" Tanarus(over com):"We made a pass by the transport carriage and saw it was empty. There are big tread tracks running from it into the woods." Striker(into com):"Ai yai yai. Can you see it?" Tanarus(over com):"No, but the tracks seem fresh. And judging from the size of it, it cannot have gone far." Striker(into com):"Reg, new plan. Come back to the rear of the caboose and pick us up. And have Corsair follow those tracks ahead of us. Over and out." Tanarus(over com):"Right. Over and out." As the communications link is cut, Striker turns back to others. Striker:"Back out! Longbow One is already gone!" Phoenix:"But where is it?" Striker:"Who knows, but we are now running critically low on time. Kom!" The four of them head for the back of the caboose. Back up front, Shadow, Rubius, Jade and Tig are still being pinned down by mercenary fire. A moment later there is a signal on Shadow's radio. He Ouickly answers. Shadow(into com):"What?" Striker(over com):"Get your team out, Shadow. Longbow is already gone. The mercenaries are just a distraction." Shadow growls. Shadow:"Lousy... Right! We're out of here! Out!" He Ouickly closes the communications channel and turns back to his own group. Shadow:"Back to the Olympian! Now!" Tig:"How? We're pinned down here! These mercenaries are all over us!" Shadow thinks for a Ouick moment, then gets an idea. He pulls out his sword. The light around it drains away into pitch darkness while he moves to the side the carriage. He turns the blade so that the tip is pointed at the wall. He uses his strength to drive the sword into the metal and through armor plating outside. Shadow growls and grunts as he works to cut an opening into the side of the troop carriage. The others keep the mercenaries at bay until Shadow manages to cut a circle into the wall. He pulls out his sword, then kicks the cut part. It budges a bit. Shadow kicks it several times until it falls out onto the tracks outside. He looks outside for the Olympian and sees it coming back towards along the train. Shadow waves at it and the Olympian responds by slowing down and moving closer to where the hole is. Shadow ducks back and turns to the others. Shadow:"The Olympian is coming! Get out! I'll take care of the mercs!" Rubius, Jade:"Right!" Tig:"About time!" Shadow takes over most of the shooting, while the rest of his group go to the hole. The Olympian draws up alongside, its turret firing away to provide cover. Tig, Jade and Rubius climb out and get into the APC through a side hatch. Shadow checks to see if they are all out, then he fires a few more Ouick shots to distract the mercenaries. He takes the break to duck out the hole and into the Olympian. The mercenaries fire a few times at the spot where the Wild Warriors were. When there is no return fire, they venture a Ouick glance. They see the spot is empty, then come out with their weapons ready to surround it. King follows close behind and looks at the hole in the side. King:"So the hound dogs decided to check out. Better call up the big boss." King reaches into his costume for his radio. Back at the caboose, Striker and his group reach the back. As they wait for the Rhino, Phoenix glances back inside. To her shock, she sees the psychokinetic field has now extended to create a barrier inside the caboose. Behind that field Airie was holding the field steady while leading his group of shock soldiers. Phoenix Ouickly turns to Striker. Phoenix:"Striker! The mercenaries are closing in on us!" Striker Ouickly looks inside the caboose and sees Airie and the shock soldiers approaching. Striker:"Ai yai yai!" He Ouickly turns to Shephard. Striker:"Shephard! Toss flash bangs to slow them down!" Shephard:"Yes, sir!" Shephard Ouickly pulls out another flash bang, pulls the pin and tosses it inside. The soldiers duck for cover while Airie steels herself. The grenade goes off with a big flash. Airie stops as she turns her head away. The barrier wavers for a moment as she looses concentration. Shephard watches them, taking out another flash bang. The Rhino comes up Ouickly towards the caboose and stops next to it. As Shephard tosses in the final flashbang, Striker and his team begin to climb back into the Rhino. There is another bright flash moments later from inside the caboose as Striker is the last to get it. The Rhino then Ouickly turns around and speeds up, following the tracks left by Longbow One. The Olympian follows them moments later, also following the massive tread tracks through the woods. Arclite and bullet fire whiz past them as the mercenaries on the train fire at the escaping Rovers. Some of the Land Skimmers then appear from behind the trees and go into pursuit of the two vehicles. From the front of the train, Whirlwind deploys his ion glider and takes off into the air after Unit STRIKE and the Wild War- riors. At the caboose, Airie and Valforth watch them escape. Airie:"They're going after Longbow One now." Valforth:"Leave this to me, my lady. I will go and handle this." A misty cloud appears Valforth, in which he soon disappears. Airie watches as a vampire bat flies out of the mist and in the same direction as Whirlwind. Airie watches him go, then turns to her troops. Just as she begins to give new orders, overhead four Blood Hawk helicopters fly after the Rovers. The Blood Hawks are black helicopters with a flaming red hawk painted on the sides of the hull. They have two rotor engines on the edges of the wings and have a very aerodynamic sleek design to their hulls. The Mayhem Mercenaries insignia is painted in red on the wings. They fly in formation after their prey. Longbow One 6:22 AM: Longbow One is still plowing through the forest, sending woodland animals running for cover and leaving a wide path of destruction. It rises and falls as it goes through gullies and over hills. The turret is now turned skyward. Turret Control: Calculus is operating all functions of Longbow from one single computer, while the screens show off where it is going, radar, its location on the map and a powerful targeting scope system. McTerry is standing next to him, watching the targeting screen. On the screen, one can see the starry darkness of deep space with a large targeting crosshair and some data figures along the edges. McTerry:"Where is the Canis Minor?" Calculus:"Hold on. I think it is..." He turns the crosshair, the background moving somewhat. After a few seconds the entire Canis Minor appears on the screen. Calculus locks the tracking system, letting it follow the ship through space. McTerry smiles in satisfaction. McTerry:"This is yer final command, lass." Calculus:"And my ultimate revenge. Now to lock the targeting and load a slug." He pushes a few buttons. The targeting crosshair moves over the hull of the Canis Minor and turns red, indicating a lock. From somewhere outside there is the sounds of opening and closing hatches and moving machinery as the slug is loaded. Dining Hall Canis Minor 6:23 AM: Persia is still at the podium, but now at the final stages of her speech to the audience. The multi-national crew of the International Space Station is now gathered behind her, all dressed in their finest uniforms. Persia:"... And may this crew, the best and the brightest that this world can offer, be the pioneers for the future generations who will go and explore this vastness of space." There is a good round of applause from the audience. After a short time, Persia raises one paw and brings everyone to silence. Persia:"I now call forward the commander of this crew to give her speech to you." Persia prepares to step back from the podium as the Chinese woman, who is the commander, begins to step forward. Turret Control Longbow One At That Moment: Everything is still the same. McTerry and Calculus are watching the targeting screen, where the crosshairs are still read. Calculus:"Everything is ready." McTerry:"Cheers, Persia. Fire when ye ready, laddie." Calculus Ouickly double checks everything, then presses his finger down on the button that is the firing trigger. Longbow One 6:24 AM: Longbow One is still making its way through the woods. As it dips into a deep gully, the turret jerks back as a loud bang noise sends the slug skyward at blinding speed, leaving a swirling rail trail. Canis Minor: The ship is maintaining its orbit and keeping the same distance and speed with the nearby International Space Station. Suddenly the slug slices through space and through the rear of the ship. Large holes literally burst out from the rear of the ship and the engines as the shot cuts right through the Canis Minor. The ship jerks violently as debris fly out into space. Dining Hall Canis Minor: The lights go out for a moment and the ship shakes violently from the slug's impact. Guests and crewmembers alike are thrown off their feet or out of their chairs. There is a brief moment before the shaking stops and the lights come back on. Moments later red lights come on and alarms staring blaring from inside the ship. Persia Ouickly scrambles to her feet and presses on the communication badge on her outfit. Persia(into com):"Persia to bridge! What happened?" Her second officer, Commander Cobber, responds to her call. Cobber(over com):"Direct hit, Ma'am! Some mate just did a surprise attack from Earth on us!" Persia(into com):"From where?" Cobber(over com):"No clue, but we're tracing the trial left behind. It looks like a railgun slug got us." Persia(into com):"GONV?" Cobber(over com):"Might be, but we're definitely a target for someone who don't like us." Persia(into com):"Find out who it is! And get the command screens here in the dining hall up!" Cobber(over com):"Aye aye, Admiral!" The com link goes dead. Persia touches her communication badge again. Persia(into com):"Persia to engineering! Damage report!" The Japanese sheba enu, Ensign Hojo, responds to her call. Hojo(over com):"This is ensign Hojo, Admiral! Willfong has been knocked out!" Persia(into com):"Report, ensign! What is the damage?" Hojo(over com):"That shot tore right through the engines and our shield generator! No casualties so far, Marie & Francis are leading the repairs! But we are dead in space, Admiral! The engines and shield generators are completely destroyed!" Persia(into com):"What about power?" Hojo(over com):"Power supply is still online, no damage to it. We have to divert power from the destroyed systems for repairs." Persia(into com):"What about getting the engines online and our shields up?" Hojo(over com):"Ma'am, those systems are gone! Huge holes in them. We have no defense or movement!" Persia curses softly for a moment before responding. Persia(into com):"Get auxiliary systems online as Ouickly as possible, ensign Hojo. Move Ouickly!" Hojo(over com):"Yes, Ma'am!" The com link is broken again. Persia is joined by her First Officer and Chief Engineer, Alexander(Alex) and Molotov(Molly), who are both in formal dress. Behind them the crewmembers are working to keep the crew calm. The reporters are frantically giving live reports on what is going on and trying in vain to get interviews for information. Alexander:"What happened, lass?" Persia:"We're under attack! Someone from Earth is firing railgun slugs at the ship. We've lost both engines and shield generators." Molly is in shock. Molly:"What! How bad is it?" Persia:"I'm afraid really bad, Molly. That slug tore huge gashed into those systems. Willfong has been knocked out, so you better go and help." Molly, furious at the damage to her 'children', Ouickly salutes and stomps off through the people towards engineering. Persia turns to Alexander. Persia:"Go and help Cobber at the bridge. I will stay here and help calm the guests. And have the command screens here brought online if it isn't when you get there." Alex:"Aye, lass. I'm on my way." Alexander turns and also heads out of the dining hall, this time heading towards the bridge. Persia turns her attention to keep order amongst the worried dignitaries. Farmlands North of Railway Line 6:24 AM: This is a snow-covered field some distance north of the railway line. Nothing has been planted yet, but the field has been kept relatively flat. At the edge of the field stands a farm cottage with a barn. The F4U Corsair is parked on the field. Hotrod is busy fixing the damage to the tail of his plane with a good roll of duck tape. Hotrod:"Lousy mercs. Good thing they did tear her up entirely, or I would have been really cheesed off. Just a bit more tape here and... there." He runs his paw over the duck tape to make sure it is smoothly attached to the damaged tail. Suddenly he hears a loud whine from the southern side. He Ouickly turns look and is in time to see the blue rail trail left by the slug fired by Longbow One. Hotrod:"Holy cow! They're fired a shot already! I'd better get into the air and help out there!" He Ouickly climbs down and runs over to the ladder leading up to the cockpit. He climbs up, tosses the tape roll inside and climbs in behind the controls. He pulls up the ladder and closes the cockpit. He puts on his radio gear and starts the engine. The engines roars to life and the propellor Ouickly spins up to full speed. The Corsair heads to the edge of the field and turns around. It then speeds up, using the field as a rudementary runway. Halfway down the field, the plane's wheels lift off the ground and the plane goes airborne. It flies over the trees, pulling up its landing gear as it heads for Longbow One. Cockpit Stealth Rover Following Longbow One 6:24 AM: Corsair is currently at the flight controls, using the Stealth Rover's automatic assistant pilot (AAP) to help him fly as he follows some distance from Longbow One. Right now he has just seen Longbow One fire the slug and was staring at the rail trail left behind. Corsair:"Crap! That thing has fired one shot already! Hope it didn't get the bull's eye!" He Ouickly turns over to a nearby terminal and types it in. It shows the readings of the Stealth Rover's scan of the Canis Minor high in orbit. It only gives some general information, but enough for Corsair to see the ship was still there. He breathes a small sigh of relief. Corsair:"Okay... doesn't look its been blown to bits. I'd better get the others and tell them to haul butt." He activates the communications link on his watch and talks into it. Corsair(into com):"Boss, come in! Boss!" Striker(over com):"I hear you, Corsair. What is wrong?" Corsair(into com):"You guys better catch up to Longbow One, fast! It just fired off a shot." Striker(over com):"Wat! The Canis Minor...?" Corsair(into com):"Nothing specific, but it's still there. Can't say for sure if it got hit." Striker(over com):"Corsair! Fly the Stealth Rover in front of Longbow One! Do not let them fire another shot until we get here!" Corsair(into com):"Eh? Hold on, boss. You're telling me to put myself in the line of fire of that thing?" Striker(over com):"The massive shape of the Stealth Rover will obscure their targeting sights. You don't need to be in the line of fire, but do not allow them to get a targeting sight on the Canis Minor." Corsair is still rather dubious, but he agrees to the plan. Corsair(into com):"Okay, boss. I'll try my best. Just hurry up, will ya?" Striker(over com):"Sit tight, seun. We're coming as fast as possible. Over and out." The communications link is closed. Corsair looks back up towards Longbow One, then sighs. Corsair:"I hate admit it, but I wish that Russian was here in my place. Then he could play this game of Russian Roulette with that thing." He takes the controls and begins to pilot the Stealth Rover towards Longbow One. Turret Control Longbow One At That Moment: McTerry and Calculus are looking at the now-damaged Canis Minor on the targeting screen. Small pieces of debris can seen from the holes made by the slug. Calculus:"We got them!" McTerry:"Aye, but not enough. The slug hit the rear section of the ship. I know that the engines and shield generators are there, but we were aiming for the engineering core. Why did it miss that part?" Calculus:"Let me look..." Calculus turns to another system and has a Ouick look. He nods and then turns to McTerry. Calculus:"Terrain flux where we are traveling over is causing too many bumps to allow the turret to adjust its targeting in time. it is why the shot missed." McTerry:"Would a flatter terrain help, Professor?" Calculus:"The flatter, the better." McTerry turns to the navigation screen and looks on the map showing the region around Longbow One. He points towards where the railway line turns to run horizontally with their course. McTerry:"Will the railway line be smooth enough?" Calculus turns to also look at the screen. He studies it for a moment before nodding. Calculus:"Yes, that would be a perfect platform to fire from while still moving." He turns to his main computer terminal and begins to type in something. Longbow One At That Moment: Longbow One slows down and stops, then turns on the spot and begins to plough its way eastward. It begins to go towards a break in the forest where the railway line runs through it. The Stealth Rover also changes course to maintain pursuit. Dining Hall Canis Minor 6:27 AM: The guests are back in their seats and the alarms have stopped, though the red emergency lights were still on and everyone was still a bit in a state of alarm. Persia at the podium, looking at the force field windows and waiting for something. She touches her communications badge again. Persia(into com):"Persia to bridge. Where are those screens?" This time Alexander responds to her call. Alex(over com):"Here it comes, lass." Persia(into com):"Thank you, old man." Just as she closes the communications link, there is the sound of large computer screens sliding down over the three window sections and coming into place to form a makeshift command centre. The curious guests and media turn their attention to the screens as well. Moments later the screens come on. The left side shows the position of the Canis Minor and the International Space Station in orbit around Earth. The one on right shows a computer-generated radar map of the region from which the shot came from. The middle screens shows a sided, top-down view of Longbow One plowing through the woods. They all study the screens. The com- munication badge of Persia's beeps and she presses it to answer. Persia(into com):"Persia." Alexander is the one who speaks to her again. Alex(over com):"That is where the shot came from. From that vehicle in Russia. We are also detecting some troop concentrations whom we have identified as the Mayhem Mercenaries. And we also detected the presence of two Rover units: Unit STRIKE and the Wild Warriors." Persia(into com):"Have you contact our friends, Old Man?" Alex(over com):"That is another problem, lass. Bruno did try to contact them, but apparently someone is jamming our communications channels. He thinks it may be the mercenaries' doing." Persia(into com):"I will try and contact them instead. Have Bruno try and find the source of the jamming and get word to engineering to fix the engines and shields as Ouickly as possible. Out." Alex(over com):"Right, lass. Out." The communications channel is closed once again. Just then Persia hears Bush talking to Blair behind her. Bush:"Tell me, Tony, isn't that thing on the screen that stolen weapon of yours?" Blair:"It does appear like it. That is very likely to be Longbow One." Persia Ouickly turns to the Prime Minister. Persia:"Do you know what that is, Mister Minister?" Blair:"Well, yes. From what I can see, that is the same weapon that was stolen from us. It is called Longbow One: a powerful artillery cannon that fires railgun slugs. What that what happened, Admiral? Are being attacked by Longbow One?" Persia:"I am afraid so, Prime Minister, but we have friendly forces down there to stop the mercenaries who control it." Bush:"Wow. If they do manage to save us, I'll invite them all over to my house for a Texan barbeque." Blair:"Not before I invite them over to Downing Street for English tea." Bush:"We'll see how gets to them first." Persia turns her attention back to the screen and puts her fingers to the sides of head. Closing her eyes, she begins to use her telepathic ability to call the Stealth Rover. Persia(in thought):"This Admiral Persia to whichever Rover pursuing Longbow One. Please think to me?" A rather startled thought from Corsair comes to Persia's mind. Corsair(in thought):"Eh? Persia? That you? Man, you gotta warn people before doing stuff like this." Persia(in thought):"You are with Unit STRIKE?" Corsair(in thought):"Yeah, the name's Corsair. The boss right now is still trying to catch up to Longbow One. Would you believe he asked me to put me between Longbow One and you guys? Thinking of it, have you guys been hit by the first slug?" Persia(in thought):"Our engines and shields are damaged. Who hired the mercenaries to use Longbow One on us?" Corsair(in thought):"Crap! So you guys are sitting ducks. Oh! Nobody hired the mercenaries. They're in it for themselves. McTerry is the one who planned this whole business." Persia is a bit taken aback by this revelation. Persia(in thought):"Scotty McTerry?" Corsair(in thought):"Yeah! Apparently he wants to get at you for some reason, and is using Longbow One to do it. I think he has a big grudge against you." Persia(in thought):"So this is his final act of betrayal against me. And he is going to kill many of the world's leaders and my crew as well." Corsair(in thought):"We're gonna try and stop him in his tracks, but we're running real tight here. I gotta go. I got keep Longbow One from getting another slug in your ship." Persia(in thought):"Understood." Persia stops using her powers, then turns her full attention to the screen showing Longbow One. Behind her the two world leaders are still discussing who will invite the Rovers first. Rhino In Pursuit Of Longbow One 6:30 AM: The Rhino is driving is through the path left by Longbow One in the woods. Not far behind it is the Olympian, and coming behind them are the Skimmer bikes. Inside the Rhino, Tanarus is at the wheel with Elexis seated next to him and Striker, Phoenix, Illanov and Shephard in the back. Merit is folded up between the front seats. Everyone's radio watches beep. All but Tanarus and Merit respond to the call, with Striker answering. Striker(into com):"Corsair?" Corsair(over com):"Boss, Persia just contacted me. They got hit by the slug. No one was killed, but their engines and shields are gone. They're sitting ducks up there. Where are you guys?" Striker(into com):"We are on the trail. Just keep Longbow One from firing another shot." Corsair(over com):"I'm doing that right now, boss, but I'll be flying in close and I think I can see some of those robots from the castle on it." Striker(into com):"Just keep Longbow One from firing, Corsair, and try to ignore those robots and only act when they threaten to destroy you completely." Corsair(over com):"Uh... okay, boss. Out." The communication channel is closed between all the watches. Striker turns to Tanarus. Striker:"Go as fast as possible, Tanarus." Tanarus:"I'll do it, but we're already going really fast." Illanov taps Striker on the shoulder. Illanov:"Comrade, I got a suggestion." Striker turns to Illanov, who points out the back. Illanov:"We should try and get one of those bikes. They are faster than the Rhino." Striker turns to look out the back. He can see the Skimmer Bikes closing in very Ouickly on their position. Striker:"Ah, ja. Those can help. Tanarus, slow down and let them catch up. Alex, you and I will both grab a bike when they get up to us." Illanov:"Dah, comrade." Tanarus:"Slowing down now..." Tanarus eases his foot off the speed pedal, puts it down a bit on the brake pedal and the Rhino begins to slow down considerably. The Skimmers Ouickly catch up. Some of them turn to engage the Olympian, while two more go after the Rhino. They slow down to match their speed to the Rhino's and begin to fire from their arclite guns alongside the bikes. The shots bounce off the armor, but still leave some ugly marks on them. Striker watches the bikes as he and Illanov moves over to the doors and put their paws on handles. Striker:"Gereed, Alex?" Illanov:"Ready, comrade." Striker:"Reg, Tanarus, ready?" Tanarus:"Ready." Striker waits for a few seconds, still keeping his eyes on the bikes. He then gives the signal. Striker:"Now!" Tanarus slams on the brakes and the Rhino slides to a sudden stop, sending up a shower of mud and snow. The Skimmer bikes, surprised by this sudden stop, have no choice but to dodge on either side of the the Rhino. At this point, Striker and Illanov swing open and jump out in time to land on the bikes. Illanov is lucky in knocking his rider off in the jump and sending him slamming into the branches of a fallen tree. Striker is less fortunate and nearly jumps over. He grabs the shock soldier biker, but the biker keeps hold on the steering. But the sudden force of the grab and Striker's momentum causes the bike to veer off towards the trees. The two struggle to get each other off, but in the process the bike bumps into a tree. The impact causes the bike to veer back towards the path and causes the biker to loose balance. Striker takes this advantage and Ouickly kicks the one leg of the soldier off the bike. With this sudden imbalance, the soldier falls off onto the ground and rolls a few times. Striker gets onto the bike, takes hold of the controls and steers the bike onto the path to join Illanov, who is waiting with him on his acOuired Skimmer. Illanov:"All okay, comrade?" Striker:"I'm reg, Alex! Let's roll!" The two of them speed their bikes up, learning Ouickly the simple control system of the skimmers and setting their pursuit after Longbow One at high speed. Behind them the Rhino and Olympian are speeding up, with the Rhino helping out to get rid of the other skimmers. Longbow One Disused Military Railway 6:33 AM: Longbow One plows its way out of the woods back onto the railway track, which had turned into a southward direction. Longbow One goes on the tracks and begins to travel with the track, the treads leaving marks on either side. Not far off, the Stealth Rover was closing the distance with Longbow One. Turret Control Longbow One 6:34 AM: Calculus is operating the targeting system again, with the targeting crosshairs again moving on the screen towards the now-disabled Canis Minor. McTerry just keeps watching. McTerry:"Any luck now, laddie?" Calculus checks the signatures and then nods. Calculus:"Yes, it is much better now. With no further terrain flux Longbow One can now hit the Canis Minor with little change of the slug missing again." McTerry:"Excellent." Calculus presses a few buttons and the targeting crosshairs moves to the Canis Minor. It flashes red as it gets a lock. Calculus:"No missing this..." Suddenly the targeting screen goes black. The crosshair goes white while the message "targeting lock lost" appears on the screen. Both Calculus and McTerry are surprised by this. McTerry:"Och! What happened?" Calculus checks all the systems again. Calculus:"Something is wrong. I think something is blocking the sights of Longbow One's targeting systems." Suddenly the hatch flies open and Mirage pokes her head into the room. McTerry Ouickly turns to her. McTerry:"What tis it, lass?" Mirage:"The Strikers! Their craft is flying right up against us!" Calculus:"That must be what is blocking the targeting!" McTerry turns back to Calculus. McTerry:"Can ye shoot that craft down?" Calculus:"Maybe, but I cannot see where it. For all I know, I can be wasting previous slug and not hit anything." McTerry Ouickly pulls out his phaser rifle. McTerry:"Be prepared to fire once the sights are clear, Professor." He then turns to Mirage. McTerry:"Let's go and get rid o' this annoyance." Mirage:"Oui." The couple Ouickly leave the turret control room, leaving Calculus to monitor the systems and keep an eye on the still blacked out targeting screen. Cockpit Stealth Rover At That Moment: Corsair is holding the controls steady as the Stealth Rover, as can be seen through the cockpit windshield, flies in front of the turret of Longbow One, keeping just under the deadly line of fire of the cannon itself. Also through the windshield one can see four mayhem drones on the hull of Longbow One, just looking at the Stealth Rover. Corsair looks back at them. Corsair:"I remember the last time I saw those things. Now to have them stare at me like this is giving me serious heebie-jeebies." Just then Mirage comes out of the hatch leading into Longbow One, with McTerry following right behind her. She points an angry finger at the Stealth Rover. Corsair:"So, that guy is the big shot of the mercenaries?" McTerry looks at the Stealth Rover, then shouts out something. Suddenly he and the drones all aim their weapons and open fire on the aircraft. Corsair ducks down as arclite and phaser shots strike the Stealth Rover loudly. Corsair:"Man! This sucks! Get paid to get shot at!" He keeps his head down and the Stealth Rover in position as McTerry and the drones keep on firing at the aircraft. Cockpit Leading Blood Hawk 6:38 AM: The cockpit of the Blood Hawk being flown by Deadeye Jane has all the high-tech system reOuirements for flight control and combat. The cockpit window is projecting holographic information and images to assist in operations. Through the cockpit one can see the other three Blood Hawks flying alongside. Right now they are flying in formation along the path left through the woods by Longbow One. Up ahead the Rhino and Olympian are not far off, red identification boxes appearing around them on the cockpit holograms. Deadeye Jane radios her wingmen. Deadeye(into radio):"Hawks 3 and 4. Go after those two enemy vehicles and get them off the pursuit." Wingmen 3 & 4(over radio):"Copy that. Engaging enemy vehicles." The two assigned Blood Hawks break formation, each one going after the Olympian and the Rhino respectively. Deadeye Jane then radios the remaining wingman. Deadeye(into radio):"Hawk 2, aid Hawk 3 by attacking the enemy vehicle from up front. Flank them however you can." Wingman 2(over radio):"Copy that. Executing flanking maneuver." The second Blood Hawk breaks formation, taking a wide turn off the path over the woods. Deadeye Jane then goes the other way, also going over the woods in a wide turn. Rhino 6:39 AM: The Rhino, followed nearby by the Olympian, is bumping over the terrain as it follows the trail left by Longbow One. Inside, the remainder of Unit STRIKE held on to anything secure as the Rhino made its way. Elexis glances back and sees the Blood Hawks coming towards them. Elexis:"Hostile birds on our tail!" Everyone takes a Ouick glance back at the helicopters, which are now coming in very close. Merit makes a scan of them. Merit:"Faction identification is that of Mayhem Mercenaries. Significant armament poses threat to our vehicles." Just then the Blood Hawk following the Olympian opens up with a fire of rockets. The rockets pummel the APC and causes it to veer into the trees. Moments later the Olympian's turret returns fire, but the Blood Hawk dodges the shots and goes over the trees. Unit STRIKE watched the scene all the time. Phoenix:"Those helicopters' rockets a serious threat." Shephard:"Do we turn back and go after them?" Phoenix shakes her head and turns to Tanarus. Phoenix:"Into the trees, Ouickly!" Tanarus:"Right!" Tanarus turns the wheel and the Rhino heads right in amongst the trees. The Blood Hawk following them just then opens up its own barrage of rockets. The rockets explode into the ground and trees, sending up earth and wood splinters into the air. It then goes after the Rhino and goes over the trees. Meanwhile, Phoenix Ouickly calls the Wild Warriors. Phoenix(into com):"Shadow, come in! You guys okay?" Shadow(over com):"All right. We have some bruises, but nothing serious." Phoenix(into com):"Can you guys get back on track?" Shadow(over com):"Negative. Two of those helicopters are chasing us through the trees. Rubius is having trouble shooting at them because of it and those rocket blasts might flip the Olympian over. Until we manage to shake them off or destroy them, we can't go back to the chase." Phoenix(into com):"Understood. You take now. Out." Shadow(over com):"Out." As the communication channel is closed, Phoenix turns to Merit. Phoenix:"Merit, can the Rhino's armor handle the rockets?" Merit:"In single quantities, the armor plating can compensate. In large volumes, armor compromisation will be achieved Ouickly." Phoenix:"Okay, so we cannot take that chopper on one-on-one." Elexis:"Two, actually." Phoenix turns to Elexis, who is looking at the radar screen on the Rhino's dashboard. Elexis:"There is a second helicopter that is attempting to flank us. It seems they want to force us out into the open again." Phoenix:"Now that is bad odds." Shephard:"Who, Ma'am? For them?" Phoenix:"We have to get those helicopters off our tails and get back to helping Strikie and Alex." She Ouickly thinks, then turns her attention to Elexis. Phoenix:"Anything else around here besides the forest?" Elexis goes and checks the information available on the computer systems on the dashboard. Elexis:"There are two farmsteads within 10 kilometers, a large lake, the railway line and a few brooks." Phoenix:"Where is this lake?" Elexis:"One kilometre directly to the southwest." Phoenix then gets an idea and turns to Merit. Phoenix:"Merit, are you and the Rhino waterproof?" Merit:"All the needed upgrades and waterproofing precautions have been made and successfully tested for underwater submersion." Phoenix turns to Tanarus. Phoenix:"Head for the lake." Tanarus:"Right. But why?" Phoenix:"We're going for a swim." Tanarus gets the Rhino into the right direction, but he has the same look on his face as what Elexis and Shephard are giving Phoenix. Elexis:"You do realize that the waters of the lake are probably well below freezing." Phoenix:"That is why Tanarus will switch over to flight mode so that we can be out of the lake as Ouickly as possible. We have to shake those helicopters off." Shephard:"Ma'am, shouldn't we rather fight the choppers? Then they would not follow us anyway." Phoenix:"Sorry, Shephard. We're pressed for time and we cannot afford to risk taking on two of those helicopters in these woods." Shephard:"Still better than getting soaked, if you ask me." Tanarus keeps the Rhino on a more or less direct route, dodging trees and other obstacles. Behind and above the trees, the two Blood Hawks are closing the net around the Rhino, coming closer. A few minutes later the white, frozen surface of a fair-sized lake can be seen past the trees. Tanarus guns the engine, keeping one paw close to the button that activates the Rhino's flight ability. Everyone keeps their eyes on the lake. Phoenix:"Get ready to take a deep breath, everyone." Merit:"Might I comment by noting that I lack the ability to contain a reasonable supply of oxygen under the..." The Rhino breaks past the tree line and goes over a Ouick rise just before the lake. The Rhino goes airborne and Tanarus pushes the button. The Rhino begins to transform to flight mode as its arches downward towards the frozen lake. Tanarus, Elexis, Phoenix and Shephard take a deep breath while Merit keeps talking. Just as the Rhino finishes transforming, it smashes through the ice and splashed into the lake. It Ouickly sinks out of sight, leaving only a hole in the ice surface. The Blood Hawks appear from above the trees and stop above the hole in the ice. From inside the cockpit of her Blood Hawk, Deadeye Jane is trying to track the Rhino under the surface, but she is picking up nothing. Deadeye(into radio):"Hawk 2, do you pick up anything?" Hawk 2(over radio):"Negative, Hawk 1. I got nothing on my screens. Maybe they're down there for good." Deadeye(into radio):"No, they are down there somewhere and waiting to come back up. Split up. You go left along the shore and I will go right." Hawk 2(over radio):"Roger that, Hawk 1. Scouting." The two Blood Hawks split up, one going left alongside the shore of the frozen lake, while the other goes right along the same route. The left side Blood Hawk flies along the shore, passing over a dock where a fisherman had made a hole in the ice and is busy fishing. He watched the helicopter go back, then shrugs and picks up a bottle of Vodka. He takes a sip of it. Suddenly the ice next to the docks crack open as the Rhino smashes through in flight mode. It lands on the shore, much to the wide- eyed amazement of the fisherman. The doors of the Rhino open and all the water inside floods out. Phoenix, Tanarus, Elexis and Shephard then lean out the doors, gasping for air as the water floods out. The four of them are shivering from the cold water. Shephard:"Holy c-c-c-crap! That water is c-cold!" Merit:"I did note earlier that the temperature of the water was below optimum levels." Phoenix:"T-t-tanarus, let's go after L-l-l-longbow One." Tanarus:"R-r-r-right." Phoenix:"M-m-merit, give us some h-heat." Merit:"Confirmed." The four of them close the doors, then the Rhino speeds off into the woods. The fisherman watches them go, then looks at his bottle of Vodka. He shakes his head, then Ouickly drinks out the entire bottle before throwing it away. Longbow One Disused Military Railway 6:42 AM: Longbow One is still moving along the track, with the Stealth Rover right next to it. McTerry, Mirage and the drones are firing away, but Corsair keeps the Stealth Rover in position. However, the cockpit window now has large cracks in them and the hull has some bad holes and marks on it from all the firepower. Some distance behind Longbow One, Striker and Illanov are driving on towards it on the stolen Skimmers. Striker's watch beeps and he opens up the communications channel. Corsair(over com):"Boss! Where are you fellas? The bad guys are blowing some nasty holes into the Stealth here!" Striker(into com):"Hold on, Corsair! We have you and Longbow One in sight!" Corsair(over com):"About time! I'll be waiting! Out!" The channel is closed again. Striker moves his bike closer to Illanov's and calls out to him. Striker(shouting):"Alex! I have a plan on how we will attack Longbow One!" Illanov(shouting):"I'm all ears for your plan, comrade!" Striker begins to shout over the plan of attack. Back on Longbow One, McTerry stops firing his phaser rifle and turns to Mirage and the drones. McTerry:"Cease fire!" Mirage and the drones stop shooting. Mirage:"What's wrong?" McTerry:"We are wasting too much time in trying tae bring down this aircraft. Get the drones to board it and take over the cockpit flight controls. Then move it out of our way." Mirage:"Oui." Suddenly one of the drones points back down the railway tracks. Drone:"Possible incoming hostiles." McTerry and Mirage Ouickly turn their attention back down the railway line. They spot the two incoming skimmers and can see Striker and Illanov standing upright on their seats. McTerry:"Och! They've caught up with us! Prepare tae open fire!" McTerry, Mirage and the drones begin to point their weapons at the two incoming strikers. On the bikes, Striker and Illanov standing upright, seemingly ready to jump as they speed the skimmers down the tracks. Longbow One Ouickly comes closer as the first phaser shot from McTerry flies past. As a signal, Striker shouts out to Illanov. Striker:"NOU!!!" Striker and Illanov let go the handle bars and jump with all their strengths into the air. The momentum from the skimmers causing them to fly above their bikes towards the upper hull of Longbow One. As they fly over, the two skimmers smash into the treads of Longbow One and explode in two separate fireballs. The explosions knock McTerry and Mirage off their feet. The drones remain standing, but the flying Striker and Illanov crash into two of them and tumble over to the front side of Longbow One. The two drones are knocked off onto the ground on either side of the tracks, only to be crushed under the massive treads of Longbow One seconds later. Illanov lands safely on top of the hull, but Striker almost overshoots. He grabs hold of the antennae on the driver cockpit and stops his flight before he goes over. Turret Control Longbow One At That Moment: Calculus is still here, watching the radar screen for the black image of the Stealth Rover to disappear. Suddenly he is jolted off his chair by the impact and explosions of the skimmer bikes hitting Longbow One. In an instinctive attempt to keep himself from falling, he grabs the keyboard and his thumb presses the fire button. Longbow One: Longbow One one's turret jerks back as a loud bang sends the slug towards the sky just barely missing the Stealth Rover. The loud bang hurts the ears of McTerry, Mirage, Striker and Illanov. Corsair watches the rail trail left behind with shock. Corsair:"Oh s***!" Dining Hall Canis Minor At That Moment: Persia and everyone in the room are still watching the events on the screens over the windows. Suddenly Longbow One can be seen firing from the Earth. An instant later the slug flies past the windows, leaving the blue rail trail behind to marks it passing. There are startled gasps and a few of guests, mostly women and a few men, faint immediately from the sight. Bush:"Holy cow! That one nearly got us!" Among the media, Melanie is giving her live report to the audiences watching it on the news. Melanie:"We just had another hostile shot from the enemy cannon from the surface. While I think I can see someone is trying to stop the soldiers there, they appear to be struggling to prevent the enemy from..." Persia, meanwhile, tries contacting Corsair down on Earth again with her telepathic powers. Persia(in thought):"Corsair, what happened?" Corsair(in thought):"You guys okay up there?" Persia(in thought):"The shot missed us. What happened?" Corsair(in thought):"Don't know. Guess someone couldn't hold his or her itchy trigger finger anymore. The boss and the Russian just got here to stop them. Hang tight." Persia(in thought):"Just keep them from firing again." She breaks the link again, then can only turn her attention back to the screen. Mayhem Mercenary-controlled Train Disused Military Railway 6:45 AM: Chinooks and Helix Choppers have landed on the train and are busy loading up the soldiers and eOuipment of the mercenaries, while the Airbase moves closer to help with the evacuation. Medical soldiers are busy treating the wounded from the train and from the damaged Aero Tanks. As the operation is going ahead, there are shouts and troops jumping off from the other, empty railway line. An electric train engine roars by at high speed past the train and continues on the track. Back on the train, Airie and King see the train go by. King:"Hey hey hey. That looked like the engine back at the station." Airie:"You're right. Didn't Mirage mention something about stealing a train engine?" King:"Aha. That she certainly did. But it doesn't look like it belongs to those hound dogs." Airie:"No, it didn't. Either way, I couldn't detect any hostiles on that train. I think this is just some common thief trying his luck. Let's keep up the evacuation." King:"You got. Aha." The two of them and the mercenaries resume their work, while the train engine continues to speed along the track. Longbow One Disused Military Railway 6:46 AM: Longbow One is still moving forward, leaving behind the burning wrecks of the two Skimmer bikes. The Stealth Rover is still keeping its position next to Longbow One. Illanov is leaning over the side to check up on Striker, who is climbing back up onto the hull. Illanov:"You okay, comrade?" Striker:"Ja, Alex. You go into the control room and keep Longbow One from firing. Smash the eOuipment if it becomes necessary." Illanov:"Dah, comrade!" Illanov gets back up while Striker keeps climbing. Meanwhile, McTerry and Mirage are getting back up onto their. As soon as they are standing, McTerry turns to Mirage. McTerry:"The two o' us wull take care o' those lasses. The drones can board the aircraft and get rid o' it." Mirage:"Oui. I'm ready." She pulls out her stainless steel alloy katana from its sheath as McTerry recharges his phaser rifle and turns to the drones. McTerry:"Assault the aircraft and kill the pilot." Drones:"Orders received." McTerry and Mirage then split up to either side of Longbow One while the drones jump onto the hull of the Stealth Rover. Inside the Stealth Rover, Corsair's eyes widen at the sight of the drones climbing up to the cockpit window. Corsair:"Double crud! Now they're really p***ed at me!" Back on Longbow One, Mirage is moving silently and keeping a sharp eye for her quarry. Suddenly she hears a hatch open. She Ouickly whips her head towards the entrance of the turret control in time to see the hatch open and moments later close and lock. She Ouickly darts over to the hatch. Turret Control Longbow One At That Moment: Calculus has gotten back into his chair and back in control over Longbow One's systems. Suddenly he hears the hatch open and Ouickly looks towards it. He sees it open, but does not see anyone. He has a confused, tense look on his face. Calculus:"Hello?" The hatch then closes shut and the lock turns on its own to shut the hatch. Calculus gets up in shock. Calculus:"What the bloody..." Suddenly something hits him in the face and he reels to the floor. A few seconds later Illanov appears out of thin air. Illanov:"... hex, comrade?" Calculus begins to recover, but Illanov Ouickly goes out and punches him again in the face. Calculus goes limp from unconsciousness. Illanov gets back up and looks around. Illanov:"Bolshoi. What technology." Suddenly he hears someone trying to open the locked hatch. He turns to look at it. The handle tries to turn, but the lock is securely in place. The next moment there is banging on the hatch, followed by the voice of Mirage from the other side. Mirage(behind hatch):"Monsieur Calculus? Who is in here?" She bangs few times on the hatch again. Mirage(behind hatch):"Open up now!" Illanov keeps watching and listening, but begins to relax a bit when he realizes that Mirage won't be immediately getting in. A minute later, his watch beeps and he answers. Illanov(into com):"Dah, comrade?" Corsair(over com):"Hey, Russkie! Have you guys got control of this big machine's gun? I got trouble here that I got to shake off!" Illanov(into com):"Dah, Yankee. I have control of the turret here." Corsair(over com):"Great! Now excuse me!" The communication channel is abruptly closed off. Illanov just shrugs and lowers his arm again. Just then Calculus, who had recovered back to consciousness, grabs Illanov with one arm over his neck. Illanov gags and stumbles back, punching Calculus with his elbows. Calculus grunts in pain as the two of them begin to struggle. Cockpit Stealth Rover 6:49 AM: Corsair Ouickly gets back control of the flight system and begins to fly the Stealth Rover away from Longbow One. Through the window one can see the two Mayhem Drones holding onto the hull and slowly climb up to the cockpit window. Corsair:"Got to shake those bugs off!" He buckles up into his seat, then takes the controls and starts to make the Stealth Rover wobble to the left and right. The two drones slide in tandem with the wobbling, but they hold on. Corsair then turns the Stealth Rover so that it is flying upside down over the woods. The drones dangle from the hull, but still hold on tightly. Corsair:"Man, these things are sticking to me like flies!" He lowers the altitude of the Stealth Rover so that skims over the taller trees in the woods. The branches brush over the hull of the Stealth Rover. The drones are knocked back each time they get hit by a tree. Finally one drone looses its grip after a particular hard knock and goes flying into the woods. It smashes against a large boulder and explodes. Corsair is satisfied that it fell off. Corsair:"One down!" Suddenly the second drone is knocked loose, but the momentum causes it to hit the window. It Ouickly grabs hold before falling off again. It then punches a hole into the window with its one hand. Corsair Ouickly turns his attention back to the drone. Corsair:"Oh man! Guess 'bulletproof' does not include 'fist proof'!" He tries to spin the Stealth Rover until it back upright, but the drone keeps firm. It then begins to squeeze its arclite cannon through the hole in the windshield and points it at Corsair. Corsair tries to duck for cover, but his safety belt keeps him in place. He fumbles and tries to get himself loose. Corsair:"Man! Stupid belt!" Just as the drone takes aim at Corsair, it suddenly jerks as powerful bullets tear right through its metal body. The storm of bullets is so strong that the mayhem drone is blown away in several pieces off of the Stealth Rover, leaving only its arclite cannon and arm still in the hole. Corsair Ouickly looks to the source of the bullets. Hotrod's F4-U Corsair comes flying by, much to Corsair's relief. Moments later Hotrod's voice can be heard over the radio speakers. Hotrod(over radio):"Guess I was just in time, eh bud?" Corsair uses the communications system on the control panel with a look of relief and a grin on his face. Corsair(into radio):"So cliché, but one that I don't mind right now. Thanks, dude." Hotrod(over radio):"It's cool, bud. How's things on Longbow?" Corsair(into radio):"We got control of the turret now. Hopefully the others will come and help take over the entire thing." Hotrod(over radio):"So what can we do?" Corsair(into radio):"Sit back and watch, I hope. But I suppose we have to go in and help out like the good team mates we are to be." Hotrod can be heard chuckling on the other side. Hotrod(over radio):"Sure. Let's go and scout about Longbow One for any bad guys trying to come in and help out." Corsair(into radio):"Gotcha." The radio goes dead. Corsair takes the flight controls and begins to fly after Hotrod back towards Longbow One. Longbow One Disused Military Railway Line 6:50 AM: Longbow One is still making its way along the railway line. While Mirage is still trying to get into the turret control, McTerry is moving forward to where Striker was still clinging to the front of the hull. Striker examines the hull's edge above him. Striker:"Nee, no cover for protection. Better find another way." He looks around for another way and spots the driver's cockpit to the right. He begins to climb towards it. Soon he reaches the cockpit. He can see that there is no one there. He takes out his sonic rifle and begins to bang at the glass with the rifle butt. The sound it makes gets McTerry's attention. He runs to the edge and peers around the front of the hull. He Ouickly spots Striker and gets his phaser rifle ready. McTerry:"I have ye now, lass." He takes aim at Striker and fires phaser shot at Striker. The shot hits him in the hip. He yelps as he feels immense pain on his hip from where the shot hit him. This causes him to loose his one footing, but he Ouickly overcomes the pain to take his sonic rifle and fire at McTerry without aiming. The sonic blast comes too fast for McTerry to reach and it hits his arm. He yelps and stumbles back in pain, dropping his phaser rifle. Striker clenches his teeth and tries to ignore the pain, resuming his work on breaking the cockpit glass. With a good shatter, he finally cracks the glass enough to tear out a big enough hole for himself. He climbs into the cockpit and collapses on the driver's chair. He winches as he touches the spot where the phaser shot him. Striker:"Arg... Ai yai yai, that hurts..." He gets back onto his feet, struggling to stand a bit from the injury. He looks at the control panel in front of him. It is a computerized operating system similar to the one in the turret control. The screens show the status of Longbow One's engines and driving controls, as well as the terrain it is crossing. Striker:"Geen driver... they must be controlling it from the turret control room." He recharges his sonic rifle and aims it at the control panel. Striker:"Ten minste I can make these systems worthless to the enemy." He fires a small blast. It is, however, powerful enough to overload the systems. Sparks fly and the screens bursts apart as the system explodes, setting off small fires. Longbow One, however, keeps on moving on its current course, though this does not surprise Striker. Striker:"Just as I thought." He moves away from the control and goes to the hatch of the driver's cockpit. He approaches it cautiously, being wary for hostiles. When he reaches the hatch, puts his ear against the hatch and tries to listen. Dining Hall Canis Minor In Stationary Orbit Above Earth 6:53 AM: Persia, the world leaders, media and guests still have their attention focused on the screen showing Longbow One. Some gasp loudly as they see McTerry score a hit on Striker, but cheer when Striker returns fire and succeeds in getting McTerry. As this happens, Alexander comes back into the dining hall and goes up to Persia. She turns to him. Persia:"Can we get moving, old man?" Alexander shakes his head. Alexander:"No, lass. Molly says she is still struggling to get auxiliary engines online. Seems that slug did more damage to the engines that we first thought. We cannot move for at least half an hour, if we are lucky." Persia:"A big if then. It all hinges on our friends down below to stop McTerry and Longbow One." Suddenly Alexander sees something happening on the screen. Alexander(pointing):"Lass! Look!" Persia Ouickly turns to look at the screen. She can see a large aircraft has appeared above Longbow One. They immediately recognize the distinc- tive bulldog shape of the ship. Persia(shocked):"Parvo!" Alexander:"Aye, lass. Parvo. That big if became even bigger now." Persia:"We must hope Striker and his friend are not caught off guard." They keep watching the screen. Meanwhile, several familiar figures can be seen climbing off the Bulldog ship. The Rhino Approaching Disused Military Railway Line 6:56 AM: The Rhino is coming through the woods towards where the railway track is winding its way through it. Inside, all but Merit are still shivering from the cold although Merit's heating systems and the hot air conditioner of the Rhino is keeping things warm inside. Elexis is first to spot the railway line through the trees. Elexis:"Look. It's the rail tracks again." Tanarus:"Longbow One must gone onto the tracks. That explains why it turned eastwards." Phoenix:"Then let's go to the tracks and catch up with it." As they approach the tracks, above them two figures are Ouickly closing in on the Rhino: Whirlwind and Valforth in his bat form. The duo fly down until they are just above the ceiling. At that moment the Rhino comes out of the woods and goes onto the tracks. Far in the distance they can make out the shape of Longbow One. Elexis:"There's Longbow One! We're catching up to it." Tanarus:"Let's hope Striker and Alex are..." Suddenly a hand appears through the side window and grabs tightly around Tanarus' neck. He gags and he and everyone Ouickly look to the window. Valforth's head appears from above, looking at Tanarus with a grin. Valforth:"Salutations." Valforth opens his mouth, revealing his vampire fangs. He lunges at Tanarus. Tanarus lets go of the wheel and grabs Valforth's neck in an attempt to keep him from biting. Elexis Ouickly grabs the wheel as the Rhino swerves over the tracks. Shephard reaches for his Desert Eagle and pulls it out. Shephard:"It may not kill it, but a bullet in the head is sure to be distracting!" As he does this, an Arclite Pistol is suddenly pointed through his window from the roof. Whirlwind can be seen glancing from the roof through the window. Phoenix spots him and Ouickly tosses a small ball of flame at him. The flame goes past Shephard, who ducks back in his seat and then at Whirlwind. Whirlwind Ouickly moves up to avoid the flame ball. As the flame ball passed by to burnt out in the cold air, Whirlwind ducks back down with his pistol. This time Shephard is ready and grabs Whirlwind's hand. He bangs it against the side of the door. Whirlwind mews in pain and drops the pistol. However, Whirlwind Ouickly sticks his other paw, claws extended, into the window and scratches at Shephard's mask. The claws cut into the mask and leave cuts on his face. Shephard drops his gun and uses his free hand to grab the paw and hold it away from his face. This tug-of-war continues, all the while the Rhino keeps swerving over the tracks. Up front, Valforth brings his other hand into action and grabs Tanarus' ears. He tugs hard, causing him to yelp in pain and bend his neck while letting go of Valforth's face. Valforth readies his fangs and goes for Tanarus' neck. Valforth:"Now, you too shall become... a kindred!" Upon hearing this, Merit activates his speakers and suddenly a very loud "TARATANTAA!" blares out from his speakers. The noise startles everyone and briefly stops the fighting as all turn to look at Merit. As a result of this, no one watches as the Rhino heads for a large signal post next to the tracks. Before they can gather their wits, the Rhino smashes into the post. While the Rhino's heavy armor minimizes the damage to it, the force of the impact throws everyone forward. Tanarus and Elexis barely miss hitting the dashboard thanks to their seatbelts and the same is true of Shephard, Merit and Phoenix. However, Whirlwind and Valforth are thrown off the Rhino to crash into the snow in front of the vehicle. The post falls over onto the track with a loud clang. Inside the Rhino, the members of Unit STRIKE start to recover. Phoenix shakes her head, then sees Whirlwind and Valforth beginning to get up. She Ouickly reaches for the dashboard and pushes a button. The sonic cannon folds up from the Rhino and into position. Phoenix then immediately pushes another button on the dashboard. The sonic cannon charges up and then fires a medium- strength blast at Whirlwind and Valforth. The blast hits them just as they are on their feet and sends them flying through the air. They land a good distance from the where they were hit. Inside the Rhino, everyone has now fully recovered. Tanarus:"Phew. That was close. For a moment I was afraid I was going to end up like Illanov." Elexis then notices a cut on Tanarus' forehead that is bleeding somewhat. Elexis:"Honey, you got a cut. Let me handle it." Tanarus tries to protest, but Elexis works firmly and uses her medical unit to heal the wound. Shephard and Phoenix turn their attention to Merit. Phoenix:"Thanks, Merit. That help us somewhat, but please tell us about your plans before you carry them out." Merit:"Plan? I do not have any files on my systems that relate to a current plan." Shephard:"But you just did that trumpet thing and got rid of the bad guys from the Rhino." Merit:"That? I was simply responding in a natural order to a situation in which the reOuired conditions were met." Shephard looks at Phoenix, a confused look on his cut face. Shephard:"Ma'am, what is he talking about?" Phoenix:"Let me talk to him, Shephard. You have Elexis take care of those cuts on your face." Shephard:"Yes, ma'am." As Shephard leans forward to be treated by Elexis, Phoenix turns to Merit. Phoenix:"Merit, when you are going to do that again, please try and warn us beforehand." Merit:"Understood." Phoenix then turns to Tanarus. Phoenix:"Let's go after Longbow One again." Tanarus:"Right." The next moment Valforth appears again on the driver's side of the Rhino, standing on the tracks and looking smug even if his clothes are somewhat shabby. Valforth:"A fine challenge, but you are still mortals. And I am superior to you mortals." He bares his fangs and prepares to pounce for Tanarus again. Inside the Rhino there is a scramble to try and get weapons, but Valforth is ready to lunge at them. Suddenly a wall of metal smashed into the vampire as it goes by over the tracks. The strikers winch from the sudden appearance of the metal machine. When it passes, they can see it is actually the electric train engine. Shephard:"Hey, that doesn't look like the mercenaries' engine." Tanarus:"No, it isn't. It did get rid of Valforth, though." Phoenix:"But it's heading for Longbow One. Striker and Alex are still on it." Tanarus:"No time to waste then! Let's go!" Tanarus gets the Rhino started up again, moves it off the lamp post and drives off next to the railway tracks. Up ahead the train engine keeps going directly for Longbow One, with the Bulldog Ship hovering just next to it. Longbow One Disused Military Railway Line 6:59 AM: Inside the driver's cockpit Striker is still listening at the door while charging up his sonic rifle and keeping one eye on the open hole in the cockpit window. After a minute or so he hears McTerry shout out from the other side. McTerry(outside):"Laddie! Come out o' there now! We have your friend!" This gets Striker's attention, but he keeps a cool head despite the news and the pain in his hip. He turns the lock on the hatch and pin- points the direction of McTerry's voice. Once he hears the loud "clank!" that signals the door is unlock, he puts his shoulder to the hatch and holds his rifle in both paws. He takes a deep breath, then pushes the hatch open with his shoulder. He darts out sideways and immediately fires a sonic blast as he comes at where he thinks is McTerry is. McTerry is indeed where he is, but he ducks down behind a piece of the hall to shield himself from the blast. Striker immediately looks for others, then finds that he is surrounded by Parvo, Groomer and the two cano-mutants Fluffy and Dalmat, all holding their guns pointed at him. Behind them Striker can see Illanov being held by Mirage, who is holding her katana blade against Illanov's throat. Flying alongside Longbow One is Parvo's ship. Parvo grins with a smug look on his face. Parvo:"Drop your weapon, mutt." Striker(growling):"Parvo! We should have arrested you back in Brussels!" Parvo:"Yes, but you didn't and it will cost you. Now drop it!" Striker frowns at Parvo, but still complies. He drops his sonic rifle on the hull. Groomer moves closer and picks up the rifle before going back. Groomer:"Good doggie. Now put your paws on your head and join your friend." Groomer motions to Fluffy and Dalmat. The two cano-mutants grab Striker and force him over next to Illanov. Mirage removes her blade and forces Illanov next to Striker. She keeps her katana pointed at them while Fluffy and Dalmat keep their rifles aimed at the two cano-sapiens. McTerry comes up from cover and goes over to Parvo and Groomer. McTerry:"Laddie, I thank ye for yer assistance. But I am curious as tae why ye're here." Parvo:"Oh, that's simple. I'm here for this." He points his finger down to the hull to indicate Longbow One. McTerry:"Longbow One?" Parvo:"Yes! This weapon is clearly a fine sales choice, and I'm here to conclude the transaction." Groomer:"Of course, we might have to get rid of some... competition." McTerry:"By that yer meaning me." Parvo:"The thought does cross my mind." McTerry:"Well, laddie, me and my lads would gladly oblige ye and take yer fellows on. But there might be no need o' that." Parvo:"Oh? Do you have a deal in mind?" McTerry nods. McTerry:"Aye. See, I only need Longbow One tae destroy the Canis Minor and me former captain. After that, I have nae further use o' it." Parvo thinks for a moment, scratching his chin. Parvo:"Hmmmm. So you're saying that once you destroy your captain, I can have Longbow One?" McTerry:"Only after, then tis all yers. We have nae need for it then." Parvo thinks some more, then nods in agreement and holds out his cyborg hand. Parvo:"Deal, then!" McTerry takes the hand and shakes it firmly. McTerry:"Deal!" Parvo:"Just hurry up. I want to be out of here Ouickly." McTerry:"Aye. Tis weather is cold. I'll go and get Calculus and finish this." McTerry goes off towards the hatch leading into the turret control. Parvo rubs his hands in glee. Parvo:"With this weapon, I can easily destroy anything I want from far away." Groomer grins. Groomer:"What do you have in mind, my General?" Parvo:"Oh, just a few minor things. The White House, the United Nations, the Kremlin, NORAD, the International Criminal Court. Small things that stand in my way on the path to world domination." Groomer giggles. Striker and Illanov growl at Parvo. Striker:"Do not think for a moment that you will get Longbow One, Parvo! We have defeated you before, and we will do it again!" Illanov:"Dah! Even before any of you can fire a shot!" Parvo glances casually at them and waves them off with his hand. Parvo:"Bothersome noises. Fluffy, Dalmat. Do something about it." The two cano-mutants nod, then immediately kick in Striker and Illanov's legs. They yelp and fall to their knees on the hull. Striker, especially, suffers from the pain on his hip. As this happens, Longbow One comes to a full stop. Parvo looks around at the sudden stop. Parvo:"Now what?" McTerry and Calculus then appear through the hatch of the turret control room. Calculus is holding the laptop computer in both his hands as he speaks to McTerry. Calculus:"... and this wireless laptop can let you fire from anywhere in a 5 kilometer radius of Longbow One." McTerry:"That is good tae hear, but we can fire just fine from where we are." As the two approach Parvo, Parvo gestures all around Longbow One. Parvo:"Why has it stopped?" McTerry:"Simple, laddie. There is a bridge just up ahead that cannae carry Longbow One's weight." Calculus:"And being stationary improves Longbow One's accuracy." Parvo:"I see. Well, get on with so I can get my new toy." McTerry turns to Calculus. McTerry:"Get her ready, professor." Calculus nods and begins to work on his laptop. The turret begins to move into position while the sound of a slug being loaded into the firing tube can he heard. Illanov leans closer to Striker to whisper to him. Illanov(whispering):"Comrade, we have to stop this shot!" Striker(whispering):"I know. Gelukkig they did not remove all my weapons. I will strike when I have a good shot." Illanov then realizes what Striker means and nods. He leans back into position as Striker shifts a bit to keep Calculus in sight. Dining Hall Canis Minor At That Moment: Everyone is staring in shock as they see Longbow One's turret barrel is pointed directly at the screen, and thus at the ship. There are nervous prays and biting of fingernails while the reporters report frantically on the breaking development. Persia and Alexander are staring at the screen, watching as McTerry glances in their general direction to make a wave of farewell. The two growl at him. Alexander:"He will pay this dearly if he gets away with it." Persia:"Very dearly. Let's hope there is some last minute miracle." However, on Longbow One the villains can all be seen looking up towards where they think the Canis Minor is. McTerry takes the laptop from the professor and looks up with a big grin. Longbow One Disused Military Railway Line 7:06 AM: Everyone is standing at the ready and turret is now in position and aimed towards the sky at the Canis Minor. McTerry holds the laptop in his one paw while the other holds a finger above the firing key. While everyone is distracted, Striker is lowering one paw to reach for his revolver. McTerry looks up one last time. McTerry:"Now Persia, yer career ends here!" He is about to press the key and Striker is about to pull out and fire his revolver. Suddenly a loud whistle makes everyone jump. They Ouickly turn to look up the railway tracks. Coming full speed towards them is the electric train engine. Inside the train engine we can see that the train driver is Ozari. He is grinning widely and pulling the whistle cord. Pressed against the front of the train engine is Valforth, who is still alive but his clothes have been rather torn by the impact. Those on Longbow One can only widen their eyes in sudden shock. McTerry:"Och! Nooooo! Parvo:"Arg! Noooo! Striker:"Ai yai yai!" Illanov:"Bolshoi!" There is suddenly a mad scramble by the villains to try and get off Longbow One. Striker and Illanov think more Ouickly and grab hold of the hull instead. The train is now mere seconds from impact. Valforth recovers from the first impact and turns to see Longbow One coming up on him really fast. He sighs. Valforth:"This is really going to ruin my good suit." The villains prepare to jump, but McTerry stays behind to try and fire the last shot. But it is too late. The train smashes into the back of Longbow One. The momentum and force of impact by the train mauls up the front of the engine and the back of Longbow One's hull. It also causes the two vehicles to glide along the tracks towards the steel girder bridge up ahead. The impact also causes the villains to fall to the hull, dropping their weapons. McTerry also falls and drops the laptop. Fortunately, the laptop does not land on its keys. Striker and Illanov hold tightly as Longbow One is pushed towards the bridge. After a few moments Longbow One and the train engine come to a stop on the first section of steel bridge. But they barely stop when the steel section starts giving away. Years of neglected maintenance and the weight of both Longbow One and the train cause the beams to bend, squealing loudly from stress. Before anyone can get off, the section gives away. The train and Longbow One only fall a short distance onto a steep slope. But they immediately start sliding towards the edge of valley, where the sides are near-vertical. In the way, however is the first support column of the bridge, made of steel girders and anchored to the rock. Longbow One smashes into it, but the anchored beams are able to stop Longbow One and the engine before they go over. However, the force of the impact causes the villains to fall forward. McTerry Ouickly grabs the edge of the hull and hangs there. Parvo tumbles over but manages to grab McTerry's legs. Mirage, Calculus, Groomer, Fluffy and Dalmat are not so lucky and instead fly too far over the edge. They start fallings towards the rocky river below. Halfway down, however, the Stealth Rover flies up on them. The five of them land on the hull and grab hold of anything solid. Through the cockpit window, Corsair is grinning about his little catch of five desperate villains clinging to the Stealth Rover for dear life. Corsair:"The catch of the day." Back up at the edge of the steep slope, the Rhino comes to a stop and everyone climbs out. Phoenix is first at the edge and cups her paws around her mouth to shout down towards Longbow One. Phoenix(shouting):"Strikie! Alex! You two all right?!" Back on Longbow One, Striker and Illanov recover from the impact and shake their heads clear. Striker hears Phoenix calling and turns to shout back at her. Striker(shouting):"We are all right, Phoenix! Get some rope and help bring the prisoners back up!" Phoenix shouts back again. Phoenix(shouting):"Right, Love!" As Phoenix turns back to the others, Striker turns to Illanov, who is looking over the edge of Longbow One. Striker:"Any survivors, Alex?" Illanov:"Dah, comrade. And the two main ones are right here." Striker nods, then goes and picks up his sonic rifle and the laptop. He then goes over to where Illanov is standing. He looks over the edge at McTerry and Parvo. Striker:"I am not really the one for clichés, but I have to say that this is the end of the line for both of you." The two villains clench their teeth in anger. Parvo:"You will pay dearly for this, Rovers! Oh yes! You will pay!" McTerry:"This is far from over, laddie! I swear tae it!" Striker:"Oh ja, it is, McTerry. Watch." Striker casually tosses the laptop over the edge. McTerry desperately tries to catch it, but is simply out of his reach. He can only watch as it falls towards the river blow. McTerry screams in anger and turns back to Striker. McTerry:"Och! Why you!!!" He pulls himself and Parvo up somewhat and takes a punch at Striker. The sudden attack catches Striker off-guard and he is punched on the hip. He yelps and collapses forward. As he does, a small blue box falls out of one his pocket. He sees it fall out and tries to grab it. Striker:"Nee!" He misses and the box tumbles over. The box does not fall too far before landing on a ledge in the cliff, not far from where McTerry is hanging. Striker watches in shock, then Ouickly gives Illanov his sonic rifle. Striker:"Dé, hold this for me, Alex." Illanov nods and takes the rifle. Illanov:"Dah, comrade, but what do you...?" Before he can finish his sentence, Striker climbs over McTerry and begins to climb down his body towards Parvo. This surprises all three of them. Parvo:"Hey! What are you doing?" McTerry:"Get off, laddie! You're too heavy!" Illanov:"Comrade, come back!" Striker ignores them and climbs down further, climbing down Parvo to hang on his legs. McTerry strains from the additional weight. Striker reaches out to the box on the ledge. It just some distance away. Illanov leans over to the edge look. Illanov:"Comrade! Leave the box! Climb back up!" Striker:"Nee! I have to get it!" Striker tries to reach again, swinging to try to reach the box. McTerry groans from the increased weight. Suddenly his eyes widen as he sees Ozari moving up behind Illanov with a wrench. McTerry:"Laddie! Behind you!" Illanov doesn't pay attention to McTerry. Ozari swings the wrench and hits Illanov in the back. Illanov yelps and falls on the hull in pain. Ozari then tosses the wrench aside, then begins to climb down McTerry. McTerry's eyes bulge from the additional weight. McTerry:"Och! Get off o' me!" Parvo:"Get lost! We have too many of you crawling over us!" Ozari ignores them and keeps climbing down towards Striker. As this happens, the Stealth Rover has landed and Tanarus, Shephard, Elexis and Phoenix are busy rounding up and cuffing Mirage, Groomer, Calculus, Fluffy and Dalmat. The Olympian is coming up towards the group. Phoenix cuffs Calculus, then turns to Tanarus. Phoenix:"Stay here and have Shadow help us bag these villains." Tanarus:"Right." Phoenix gets up and goes over to where Merit and Corsair are standing at the edge of the slope. Merit is scanning behind Longbow One. Phoenix:"Have Strikie and Alex brought up the big fish?" Corsair turns to her, his face full of concern. Corsair:"I think the boss has gone mad." Phoenix is surprised by this. Phoenix:"What do you mean?" Corsair:"He just climbed down McTerry and Parvo like they are a ladder and is trying to something on the cliff." Phoenix gasps in shock and rushes to the slope's edge. She looks about for signs of Striker. Phoenix:"What is he thinking?!" Corsair:"Oh, it gets better. Ol' Russki just got bushwhacked by Ozzy, and and now he too is climbing down McTerry and Parvo. Merit says McTerry can't hold it any longer." Phoenix becomes hysteric, then angry. She starts to shout. Phoenix:"Striker! You get back up here now!" Back on Longbow One, Striker reaches out for the box, his fingers just touching it. Ozari climbs further down on Parvo, who is trying to shake him off. Parvo:"Get off me!" Ozari ignores Parvo. He goes into position, then pulls out his knife and holds it in one free hand. McTerry is trying to hold on, but his grip is slipping. McTerry:"I can't hold on!" Back on the slope edge, Merit reports from his scanning to Phoenix and Corsair. Merit:"My scanning indicates that the subject McTerry can no longer maintain his current grip." Phoenix Ouickly runs along the edge until she is right behind Longbow One, then climbs down the slope. Corsair watches her go. Corsair:"Man, Striker better watch out. If he doesn't fall to death, then Phoenix will kill him." Merit:"I find this sudden change of feeling by Phoenix towards Striker very strange." Corsair:"You don't know the half of it. Really, you don't." He keeps watching as Phoenix scrambles over the train and begins to climb up Longbow One. Illanov groans and turns over, still in pain from the hit. He crawls to the edge to look down. Striker has his fingers on the box, but Ozari has his knife ready. Striker finally grabs the box in his paws and holds it tightly in triumph. Illanov:"Comrade! Look out!!!" Striker Ouickly looks up right into Ozari's grinning face. Ozari:"This time I, Ozari del Figulo, gets my revenge!" He raises his knife, ready to stab. At that point, Phoenix is running over the hull towards Illanov, who sees McTerry's paws slipping their grip. He gasps and makes a grab for them. But McTerry's paws finally loose it and he, Parvo, Ozari and Striker begin to fall down towards the bottom of the valley. Phoenix screams out in shock. Phoenix:"NOOOO!!!" She reaches the edge and looks over with Illanov. Just then Hotrod's Corsair flies underneath the falling foursome and catches them on his wings. Striker grabs hold of the left wing, McTerry and Parvo the right wing and Ozari the tail wing. Striker glances over at Hotrod, who waves at him. Striker can only smile and hang on as Hotrod flies out of the valley to land. Phoenix and Illanov watch them go, a deep sigh of relief coming from each of them. Phoenix:"Safe. He's safe." Illanov:"Dah, I though he was going to die today." Phoenix then remembers what happened and becomes very angry. She speaks through clenched teeth. Phoenix:"And when I'm done with him he'll wish he had!" Illanov glances at her, surprised. She gets up and takes his arm. Phoenix:"Let me help you up and let Elexis take care of you." Illanov just nods and groans in pain as Phoenix help him up. From the slope's edge Corsair is all full of the excitement of what had happened. Corsair:"Woohoo! Now that was far out! Far freaking out!" He then realizes something and turns to Merit. Corsair:"Say, is Longbow One going to fall into the gorge or what?" Merit makes a scan, then shakes its head. Merit:"Negative. The steel support column is more than sufficient in keeping Longbow One and the electrical locomotive engine in place until the necessary eOuipment can be brought in." Corsair:"Amazing. I was expecting it to fall down and explode in a big fireball or something. Guess that idea has been done so much, that this makes a nice change." Merit:"I agree. This would certainly prevent any unnecessary repairs." Corsair:"Speaking off, I guess we should check up our rides for nicks and cuts. Come on." The two of them head for the Rhino and Stealth Rover. Phoenix is helping Illanov off Longbow One while the Corsair is making a wide turn to land. Disused Military Railway Line & Bridge 7:23 AM: Adam6, Eve7, Tech and Tig are busy loading up the handcuffed Mirage, Groomer, Calculus, Fluffy and Dalmat into the Olympian. Shadow, Tanarus, Rubius, Jade and Shephard are waiting as the landing Corsair moves in alongside the tracks. As soon as it stops, they rush up and Ouickly grab McTerry, Ozari and Parvo. The three villains try to struggle, but they too are cuffed up. Striker climbs off the wing, shivering from the cold. Elexis comes up to him and begins to check him over. Elexis:"Any injuries?" Striker:"The left side of my hip." Elexis begins to feel there, making Striker clench his teeth and winch from the pain. Elexis then uses her medical unit to heal Striker. As she does this Illanov and Phoenix are coming up to him. They reach him just as Elexis finishes with Striker. She pats the spot and Striker does not feel any more pain. Elexis:"Good as new." Striker:"Dankie." Phoenix brings Illanov to Elexis. Phoenix:"Have a look at Alex, Elexis. I want to have a word with this cocker spaniel." Elexis is surprised at the tone of voice, but takes Illanov to one side and begins to treat his injury. Phoenix goes up to Striker. He smiles at her. Striker:"Phoenix, I..." Suddenly she slaps him really hard. He yelps in pain and grabs his cheek. Before he can even recover, she punches him in the jaw. He stumbles and falls on his butt. All the other Rovers sans Shadow are watching with wide eyes. Shadow is just snickering a bit. Phoenix stands over Striker with a really angry look. He looks up at her, rubbing his nose. Striker:"Phoenix! What's wrong?" Phoenix:"You dumb, stupid, foolish mongrel! How dare you endanger your- self like that! You scared me to death!" Striker:"Look, I'm..." Phoenix:"You are sleeping on the couch in the recreation room on the Stealth Rover AND back at base for the next week!" Before Striker can even respond, she turns around and stomps away in an angry manner. Hotrod, who had just climbed out of his cockpit, comes up and helps Striker up. Hotrod:"Bud, I never figured she was the angry type, but she really can be nasty." Striker just sighs and nods. He notices the others are staring at him. He sighs again and walks towards the Rhino. The others resume what they were doing. As Striker approaches the Rhino, Corsair comes up to him. Corsair:"Hey, boss. Got a minute? You have a call from the Canis Minor for ya on the Rhino." Striker:"Goed, I'm coming." The two of them head to the Rhino, where Merit is busy making some repairs to the armor plating. Striker and Corsair get in. On the screen on the dashboard they can see the dining hall of the Canis Minor. With their appearance, everyone in the hall stand up and applaud. Persia is smiling widely. Persia(on screen):"Well done, Striker. That was a close thing." Striker:"You're welcome, Persia. Are there any casualties?" Persia(on screen):"None, thanks to you. The engines are still down, but we are all very much alive. I want to thank you and your teams for saving my crew and ship from Scotty McTerry." Striker just nods in reply. Persia then steps aside as Tony Blair comes up to the podium, still applauding. Blair(on screen):"On behalf of the British government and the British people and the free world, we thank you for saving our lives and successfully stopping the enemy from using Longbow One. I will make sure that the special reward my government promised you is given to you swiftly. That and some medals." Striker:"My team and I were just doing our job, Prime Minister." Corsair:"Though I wouldn't mind a few medals on my chest." Blair(on screen):"And medals and a good vacation you will receive. I do have to ask you to remain there and guard Longbow One until I can talk to President Vladimir Putin about returning it back into the control of the British military." Striker looks up and thinks for a few moments. On screen Blair stops and looks confused at Striker. Blair(on screen):"Commander Striker? Is there something wrong?" Striker looks down at the screen again. Striker:"Prime Minister. Longbow One was developed to be a new kind of weapon, by your government, to be used in war. It gets stolen by mercenaries who tried to destroy the Canis Minor and we had to recover it. Now it is to return back to the control of the British government." Blair(on screen):"Yes, that is correct." Striker:"And yet, there was already someone else who coveted this weapon for his own needs. And soon there will be dozens more. And many more of Longbow One will be built. To what end? Peace? Security? Military dominance?" Blair looks confused at Striker. Blair(on screen):"What are you talking about?" Striker:"What I am talking about, Prime Minister, is that at some point..." He closes the door and puts on his seatbelt. He motions to Corsair to do the same before turning back to the screen. Striker:"... a line has to be drawn." Blair(on screen):"What? What do you mean?" Striker doesn't answer. Instead he turns on the Rhino and puts into flight mode. After a few moments, the Rhino lifts off into the sky. Dining Hall Canis Minor At That Moment: Everyone's attention has just gone from the screen showing the interior of the Rhino to the main screen showing Longbow One and the area around it. They watch as the Rhino flies over the valley, them moves to hover in front of where Longbow One is. Blair then looks back at Striker. Blair:"What are you doing?" Striker(on screen):"Observe, Prime Minister." Blair looks back at the main screen. The Rhino's sonic cannon comes up. While Persia and Alexander immediately realize what is going to happen, Blair is still confused about what is about to occur. After a short time, the sonic cannon fires a very powerful sonic blast at the bottom of the bridge support column. The sonic blast explodes the rock and the steel beams anchored to in. Longbow One, no longer held by the beams, slides forward and then over the edge. The bridge section held up by the column topples over, while the train engine slides off just after Longbow One. Longbow One, the train and bridge section fall down towards the swallow river below. Longbow One fall end over, then lands with a spectacular splash into the river. The impact causes the main body to literally crush the turret under the weight and makes chunks of the hull disconnect and break loose. Shards of metal and sheets from the hull fly in all directions while the treads peel off and fall into the river. Longbow One's fall barely ends when the train engine plunges nose-first into the much-weaker underside of Longbow One, smashing right through it. The train then bends over and falls flat, half on Longbow One and half in the river. The column and bridge section then falls on both vehicles. Steel beams fly off in all directions as it smashes itself onto the vehicles. After a few moments everything settles down, showing nothing by a heap of twisted and torn metal. The train is still recognizable, but Longbow One has been smashed beyond what it looked like before. Blair is staring in stunned amazement, and so do some of the world leaders. Some of them also barely hide satisfied grins at the British leader's loss. Corsair(on screen):"So much for a change in the typical big ending." Blair recovers and is looking very angry. Blair:"You cannot do this! That is British property!" Striker(on screen):"Prime Minister, this world has far too many super weapons for it to live with it. One less is a step away from that." Blair:"But that was mine! I mean, British property!" At that point Bush comes up and steps in. Bush:"Well, technically Tony. Longbow One was in the hands of those mercenaries and they very nearly killed all of us on this ship. You should be glad that they did destroy it. Think of it as help- ing us disarm terrorists of weapons of mass destruction." Blair:"But that weapon was now back in our control! They no orders to go and destroy it like that without consulting my government! Longbow One was the responsibility of the United Kingdom!" Striker(on screen):"And yet members of your government betrayed you and helped the mercenaries steal Longbow One from you. And if we did return it, what guarantee was there that others would not also try the same?" Persia:"He is right, Prime Minister. What he did was the right thing, and I am ready to support his case." Bush:"Besides, you can't complain about Longbow One anymore now that it is a scrap heap. But you and I can talk with our friend Putin about bringing back that heap." Blair tries to say something, but finally he throws his hands in the air. He turns back to Striker. Blair:"You realize this means that I cannot give you the medals or the vacation as a reward, since you destroyed Longbow One rather than bringing it back in one piece." He walks back to his seat with Bush. Corsair(on screen):"Bummer. No vacation and no medals either. Some reward." Persia:"Never mind the Prime Minister. What you do did was right. That weapon belonged to McTerry, not the British, and he was going to destroy us all up here. And for saving us, I am more than willing to offer you a suitable reward for your team once we able to." Corsair(on screen):"Sounds good to me, boss. How about it?" Striker(on screen):"Dankie, Persia, but we were just doing what we are sworn to do as members of unit STRIKE. Nou, you have to excuse us. I... I mean we have some important matters to finish here." Corsair(on screen):"Like apologizing to Phoenix, for one." Striker growls at Corsair, who just looks the other way. Persia raises one eyebrow. Persia:"What happened down there between you and Phoenix, Striker?" Striker(on screen):"Er... long story. I will tell you later. Tot later!" Persia:"Farewell and thank you once again." Striker nods on screen, then pushes a button off-screen to make the screen go blank. Further back among the reporters, Melanie turns back to the camera. Melanie:"And we have seen the members of the special units that saved us here on the Canis Minor from certain death by the group known only as the Mayhem Mercenaries and the destruction of their weapon of mass destruction called Longbow One. Back to you in the studio, Tom." Wreckage of Longbow One Valley Floor 7:34 AM: The pile of metal that is the wrecks of Longbow One, the train engine and the bridge section has some smoke billowing out from among the mangled metal. Fires have broken out in Longbow One and is spreading to any combustible in the heap. Suddenly, a bat flies out from the smoke and gets away from the wreckage. Cockpit Stealth Rover En Route To London Somewhere Over Eastern Russia 8:07 AM: Everyone is now back in their seats. Striker is at the flight controls, but Shephard is now sitting in Phoenix's seat while Phoenix is in Shephard's seat next to Merit. She still has an angry look on her face. The hole in the window has been patched up to the best of Merit's repair abilities. Through the cockpit window one can see the Pack Rover in which the Wild Warriors are travelling and the F-4U Corsair piloted by Hotrod. Striker is busy talking to Hotrod and Shadow on the screens on the communications terminal. Striker:"... and once we arrive there, we will deliver Calculus to the British authorities. They can then take care of him. Then we head back to the United States and have the others turned over to the military police and the United Nations." Shadow(on screen):"Understood. I'll be glad to get rid of at least him. He keeps on complaining and shouting things such as 'we will pay for this', etcetera." Hotrod chuckles. Hotrod(on screen):"That the signature characteristic that shows the prof is a bad guy. Never fails." Striker just nods along. Shadow then notices something. Shadow(on screen):"Striker, what is it between you and Phoenix just now? She is very angry at you right now." Striker glances back at Phoenix. She refuses to look at him. He sighs. Striker:"I wanted to wait, but it seems she will only get worse if I do." He turns back to the flight controls and puts on the autopilot. He then gets up and walks over to where Phoenix is sitting. He kneels down next to her. Everyone else turn to glance apprehensively at the couple, except Merit who seems to be taking in the observation of the situation with much interest. Phoenix still doesn't look at Striker. Striker:"Phoenix, there is something I must tell you. Please listen." Phoenix turns her head to look at him, but her mood has not changed. Striker:"Phoenix, I..." Phoenix:"How could you do that, Striker? You deliberately put your life in danger. You could have been killed had Hotrod not come and save your furry butt. You were irresponsible and foolish." Striker:"But..." Phoenix:"I expected better from you, Striker. I always thought you were the one who made sure not to take unnecessary and deadly risks like the one back there. And you didn't even think of what my feelings would be over this. I am so disappointed in you." Striker:"There was a reason that I did it." Phoenix:"Oh, I'm sure there was. Whether it was a smart one is another matter entirely." Striker:"But I had to do it. I had to get..." Phoenix:"Get what?" Striker digs in his overcoat pocket and takes out the small box he took from the cliff ledge and holds it gently in both paws. Striker:"... this. It is very valuable to both you and me." This does not seem to please Phoenix. In fact, it makes her even more angry. He grabs the both and then slaps Striker hard. He yelps in pain. Phoenix:"A box! You risked your life for a box?!! Everything you and I shared... FOR A BOX!!!" Corsair:"Man, you're really steaming now, Phoenix." Phoenix quickly looks at Corsair, a fiery look in her eyes and baring her fangs. Phoenix:"Who asked you!!!" Corsair flinches back and slumps back behind his seat. Phoenix turns her attention to the box. She puts her paws on the lid. Phoenix:"And just what is in this stupid little that you would..." She stops talking as she opens the box. Her angry expression quickly disappears as sees a ring resting inside the box. It has large, heart- shaped ruby in it surrounded by smaller diamonds on a golden band. She gasps and stares it, all traces of anger gone. The others are also watching in surprise. Corsair:"Stop me if I'm wrong, but that looks like a wedding ring." Merit:"Correct. More accurately, it is a pure ruby with a circle of 8 diamonds of 18 carat inlayed into a band of South African gold. Approximate value is 2344 United States Dollars." Phoenix's mouth hangs open and her eyes are very wide as she keeps staring at the ring. Striker sighs, gets up and puts his paws over her own against the box. Striker:"I wish I could have asked this at a more appropriate time, but there is little choice for me now." Phoenix looks up at Striker as he goes on his knees and looks into her eyes. Striker:"Phoenix, I love you. You are the one who has showed me what the wonders of living out life are. There is no one else whom I would ask to share those wonders with. Phoenix, will you marry me?" Everyone else except Merit watches breathlessly at the couple. Phoenix is still staring at Striker. Suddenly she slaps him again and he yelps out in pain. Corsair:"Ouch. Guess that is a no." Striker turns to look back at Phoenix, a deep disappointment filling his eyes. Phoenix then quickly puts the ring box aside, then grabs both his fluffy ears and pulls him to her lips. She kisses him long and passion- ately, much to his startled amazement. Merit:"A most peculiar behavior. Highly inconsistent." Shephard:"Did she change her mind again?" Phoenix breaks the kiss, looking deeply into Striker's eyes wide a big smile on her face. Phoenix:"Yes, Striker. Yes, I will marry you!" But before Striker can smile, Phoenix suddenly squeezes his ears very tightly, making him wince in pain. She looks sternly at him. Phoenix:"But if you ever do such a stunt like that again, I swear I'll singe your tail before making you sleep on the couch!" Striker can only nod painfully in reply. Phoenix releases his ears, then embraces him fondly. Striker recovers from his little lesson and hugs her tightly. The others (excluding Merit and Shadow) break into smiles and start to clap their hands and paws together. Even Shadow nods a little bit in approval, though still does not smile. Illanov:"Well done, comrades! Mother Russia, this is wonderful news." Tanarus:"Congratulations, you two." Elexis:"I am absolutely sure you will also experience the joys of being married." Corsair:"Totally cool, boss! You and Phoenix finally decided to tie the big K." Shephard:"I salute you, Sir and Ma'am." Hotrod(on screen):"Congrats, you two love birds!" Shadow(on screen):"I suppose a bit of congratulations is in order." Merit:"Strange, and yet somehow it seems to be a very positive aspect of social interaction." The happy couple keep on hugging for a minute, then finally break the hug with happy smiles on their faces. Phoenix:"Well, aren't you going to put the ring on your mate-to-be's finger?" Striker:"Oh, ja!" He reaches for the box and takes the ring in one paw. His other paw takes her right paw. Just before putting on the ring, he remembers something. Striker:"Before I vergeet, there is something on the inside of the band of the ring. Please read it, my Firefly." He paws the ring to her. She holds it close to her eye to look inside the band and sees a message. She reads it. Phoenix(reading):"To the one who saved me from the darkness. Met liefde, Striker." She looks back at Striker, a tear rolling down her cheek while she smiles at him. Phoenix:"Oh, Strikie. Thank you." He smiles and takes the ring from her. He then begins to put it on her right paw's ring finger. Once it is on, he takes her paws and squeezes them. Striker:"Dankie, Phoenix." She pulls him close and hugs him again. Phoenix:"Thank you, Striker." As they hug, Tanarus leans over to Shephard and whispers something to him. Shephard nods and begins to make a call over his watch's communi- cator. After a few moments the sleepy voice of Mark Norwood answers the call. Norwood(over com):"Uh... yes? Who is it? Shephard(into com):"This is Sergeant Andrew Shephard, sir." Norwood(over com):"Shephard? What are you calling at this hour?" Shephard(into com):"Sir?" Norwood(over com):"It's past midnight here in New York. Why are you calling?" Shephard(into com):"Sorry, sir, but I have important news." Norwood(over com):"What is so important?" Shephard(into com):"The news is that Striker has asked Phoenix to marry him and she accepted, sir." Norwood's voice immediately becomes less sleepy and more excited. Norwood(over com):"That is wonderful news! Can I ask to Striker?" Shephard(into com):"Patching you through, sir." Shephard gets up and goes over to Striker and Phoenix, who have started kissing again. Shephard taps Striker on the shoulder. He breaks the kiss and turns to Shephard. Shephard:"Sorry to interrupt you, sir, but Markus Norwood wishes to speak with you on the watch com." Striker:"Reg, I'll do it now." He lifts his watch up and opens the communication channel. Striker(into com):"Mark?" Norwood(over com):"Striker! I never thought I would live to hear the news Shephard just told me. I am so happy that I completely forgot that I was asleep. Congratulations, old friend. I am so pleased." Striker(into com):"Dankie, Mark. I am also very pleased." Norwood(over com):"And where is your lucky wife-to-be?" Phoenix leans closer to Striker's watch to speak. Phoenix(into com):"Here I am, Mark." Norwood(over com):"And very happy too, by the sound of it." Phoenix giggles. Norwood(over com):"However, I have to forbid you two from marrying." Striker and Phoenix are taken aback by this announcement, their eyes wide with shock. Norwood(over com):"Unless I am the best man at the wedding." Striker laughs out loud and Phoenix only giggles even more. Striker(into com):"I think that we can comply with that, Mark." Norwood(over com):"Good. Now you two love birds probably want some time alone. And I need my sleep anyway. Once again, congratu- lations." Striker(into com):"Lekker sleep, Mark." Norwood(over com):"Good night, or morning day in your case." Norwood closes the communications channel. Striker and Phoenix embrace one another again. Tanarus:"I will take over flight controls, while Striker and Phoenix go off somewhere private." Elexis:"Good idea, dear. They need it right now." Illanov:"Dah, comrades. Let's give them that opportunity." Tanarus gets up and moves in behind the flight controls. Striker and Phoenix get up and walk out of the cockpit, holding each other's paws tightly and looking lovingly at each other while the others watch them leave. Private Sleeping Quarters Stealth Rover 8:18 AM: This is a small, compact room with a single bed, a small metal table with a chair, an overhead light and a washbasin. A door leads out to the hall connecting the other rooms and the bathrooms. Striker and Phoenix are sitting on the each of the bed, holding each other's paws and kissing each other. After a few minutes, they break the kiss and look lovingly at each other. Phoenix:"Pity we can't take it one step further." Striker:"Be patient, Firefly. Once the ceremonies are concluded, we can indulge ourselves." Phoenix giggles, then looks back down at her ring. She lifts her paw to admire it more closely. Phoenix:"It is so beautiful." She suddenly looks up at him. Phoenix:"Did it really cost as much as Merit said?" Striker:"Nee, not THAT much. But it was expensive, considering that this is the second ring I had to get you." Phoenix:"Second ring? You mean you have a first ring?" Striker:"HAD a ring." Phoenix:"Oh dear. That's bad. What happened to it?" Striker:"Remember how I wanted to go into the Gargantua and get Ortega before the casino caved in on it?" Phoenix nods. Striker:"Wel, the real reason was because Ortega took your ring for himself. Unfortunately, I could not get it back. I had to save up money all over again to buy a new ring." Phoenix holds his paws sympathetically. Phoenix:"It's all right, Strikie. If you had gone in the first ring, you would not be around today to give me the second one. And that one is enough." Striker:"Dankie for being so understanding." Phoenix laughs. Phoenix:"And I was being understanding when I was slapping you?" Striker chuckles and smiles at her. She puts her arms around his neck again. Phoenix:"But now we have plans to do: catering, arranging a pastor, the wedding party, dance band..." Striker puts his arms around her hips and holds her close. Striker:"Later, Phoenix. For now, let us share this moment." He leans forward and kisses her lingeringly. She closes her eyes and kisses him back. The couple hold to each other and kiss for a long while. Epilogue: Collision Course Prison Van Scotland Yard London Great Britain 29 July 2:06 PM: This is a high-security prison transport van fitted with armor plating and thick bars over the windows. Guards dressed in the uniforms of the Yard's security, are seated in the van and behind the wheel. The back of the van opens, revealing the courtyard of Scotland Yard headquarters. A line of guards are escorting McTerry and Mirage towards the van. Both of them are dressed in bright orange prison overalls. Neither of them are looking downtrodden, but rather defiant. They are brought to the van. Guard:"Watch your head and step." Mirage:"Oui, Oui. We know." The guard ignores them. McTerry climbs in first, then he helps up Mirage into the van. Two more guards climb in and close the door, banging on it as a signal. The van starts up and begins to move. Sirens can be heard outside from the military police escorts. As the van moves, one the guards clears his throat. McTerry glances for interest at the guard and notices the guard wink at him. McTerry raises an eyebrow in response. The guard shifts his body armor a bit, revealing for a brief moment a badge that has the EuroCorp insignia on it. McTerry does not smile, but his wink back at the guard tells everything. Both McTerry and the guard keep up their nonchalant looks as the van makes its way through the streets of London. Throne Room Unknown Location 5 July 8:03 PM: This is a large dark room that is only illuminated by a bank of monitors on the wall to left. The faint light reveals a raised dais with steps leading up to a concrete throne. A figure is sitting on the throne and watching the monitors. The monitors are showing news channels from all over the world, but there is no sound except from one monitor that the figure is apparently watching more intently. The channel is of CNN, showing the anchor giving headline news. Anchor:"The European Union continues to be torn from inter fighting between representatives regarding the South African issue. While some decried the country's new anti-mutant legislation as 'im- moral', others have given their covert support for it. The legislation, the brainchild of South African Finance Minister Adriaan Vorster, passed in the..." The figure keeps watching the news. Across from the throne, a double door opens slightly and another, much larger figure comes walking to the throne. He stops next to throne holding what appears to be a set of papers. Figure 2:"Here are those reports you wanted on Striker." The figure on the throne immediately stops watching the monitor and takes the papers. As the second figure takes up a guarding position next to the throne, the first one examines the paper closely. He can be heard chuckling slowly. Figure 1:"Ah, at last. Striker, you think that your wedding to Phoenix would put the past finally behind you. You are so wrong, and you will discover it the hard way." The figure starts to laugh in an evil, hysterical kind of manner. Monitoring Room Unknown Location At That Moment: This is the circular monitoring room of Sky and his personnel. As his staff is busy on other terminals, Sky is looking at a screen showing the throne room of the mysterious figure via one of the monitors on the bank. As the figure starts to laugh, Sky just grins slightly. Sky:"That it may be, general, but I have other ideas. I can see that operations will soon reach a critical stage." Sky turns to the automatic diagnostic and announcement system terminal on a nearby control panel. He presses and holds in a button and speaks into a microphone on the panel. Sky(into microphone):"Send in that individual I requested earlier." Sky releases the button and turns to look back at the screen. Three beeps signals the activation of the announcement system. Announcer:"Attention. Corporal Twilight please report to monitoring room in sector H." The system goes dead again, while Sky keeps watching the screen. Office Of The Finance Minister Union Buildings Pretoria South Africa 7 July 11:03 PM: This is the office belonging to the South African Minister of Finance. It is a well-decorated room with wooden walls and furniture. A large wooden table stands by the one wall with a comfortable wooden chair. A bookcase stands against the opposite wall. Above the chair are the Photos of the current South African president and of the Finance Minister, Adriaan Vorster. The large window overlooks the gardens of the seat of government in the country. Although, the curtains are draped and it is night, moonlight still shines through an opening in the curtains to illuminate a thin length of the table. On the table one can see a local newspaper and an official document, and the moonlight is currently shining on two important parts. One is a photo of Striker and Phoenix, with a story about their upcoming wedding. The other are large, red letters that say OPERATION KINGFISHER: TOP SECRET! THE END The author would like to thank the following (no particular order): - Warner Brothers - David Fountain - Kristen Coughlan - Robert Baer Jr. - Richard Barrere - Michael Browner