Rover Strike: Vortex

Episode 18: Nuclear Balance

By Gerhard Naudé

All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Fola, Bastiff © Kirsten Coughlan

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

Waterkloof Air Force Base
Gauteng Province
South Africa
11 February
12:02 AM:

Though it is past midnight, the South African Air Force base of Water-
kloof is still a hive of activity. The lights are mostly dimmed to reduce
the chances of an Elite Guard air strike, but otherwise there are soldiers,
technicians and base personnel at work everywhere. Security is parti-
cularly tight around one of the hangars, where a trio of Swedish Griffon
jet fighters are being prepared for a mission. Oddly enough, one of the
fighters is being armed only with a single, large white bomb. It is
unmarked except for a serial number "SANUCDEF 001". While technicians
fit the bomb to the plane, the Griffon pilots are receiving their briefing
and instructions from the man who had been in President Vorster's office:
General Frans Bezuidenhout.

Bezuidenhout:"... and once you release it you immediately turn around and
              fly back to base, and be sure not to look back at the blast.
              The flash is enough to blind you. Maintain your altitude at
              50,000 feet and make use of your afterburners. Once you have
              made the drop, return to base. Are there any questions?"

One of the pilots raises his hand.

Bezuidenhout:"Yes, Lieutenant?"

Pilot:"Are we clear to actually carry this out, sir?"

Bezuidenhout:"Yes, that's correct. I've spoken to the president himself
              and he has given full authorization for this mission. Any
              more questions?"

None of the other pilots asks a second question. Bezuidenhout nods in
satisfaction.

Bezuidenhout:"Good. Get your gear and prepare to take off."

Pilots:"Yes, sir."

The pilots get up and salute Bezuidenhout. Bezuidenhout salutes back,
then turns around to leave the hangar while the pilots head for their
fighters.

War Room
Union Buildings
Pretoria
South Africa
12:11 AM:

The war room is brightly lit even though it is past midnight. At the
moment Vorster and his government is gathered around a table covered
with papers, coffee mugs, telephones and radios. Vorster is on a phone
with Bezuidenhout while the rest of his ministers and generals look on.

Vorster(into phone):"... So everything is ready, general?... Do the
       pilots know what to do and to how it?... Goed, goed. Call me
       again when the planes are close to the target."

Vorster puts the receiver down and looks at his cabinet.

Vorster:"Bezuidenhout says the planes, the pilots and the bomb are all
         set and are going to take off in a few minutes."

Safety and Security Minister Grace Haddan looks at Vorster with concern.

Haddan:"Is this really a good idea, Mister President?"

Defence Minister Ntsibi looks at Haddan.

Ntsibi:"I think it's a good idea. Our forces are still not in position
        and the enemy is less than 100 kilometers from Bela Bela now."

Army Chief General Achmed Pahad clears his throat.

Pahad:"Actually, Mister Minister, the Elite Guard has already reached the
       town."

Ntsibi:"There, you see? They're closing in on Pretoria fast and this
        is the only way we have to stop them."

Intelligence Minister Precious Hangana then joins the conversation.

Hangana:"But the fallout from our use of..."

General Mosiuoa Cele snorts in contempt.

Cele:"... is going to be minimal. Who cares what the rest of the world
      thinks of us? They're still too busy wringing their hands over the 
      fact that they were led by the nose by Franco. I doubt they'll make 
      much of a scene if we kill him with this weapon."

Ntsibi:"And it would send out a clear message that the Republic of South
        Africa is NOT to be trifled with."

Hangana:"Can't we at least wait until the Chinese...?"

Pahad:"Haven't you heard, Hangana? The Chinese are now working with the
       Americans and, by extension, the Road Rovers. We cannot trust
       our so-called allies."

Haddan:"Can't we try negotiations with Beijing? Maybe we could convince
        them to..."

Foreign Minister Alfred Mbuweko shakes his head.

Mbuweko:"That won't work, I'm afraid. Beijing is a madhouse right now.
         The Communist Party is busy purging everyone linked to the
         whole Franco tomfoolery and Premier Hu Jinbao is trying to look
         like the hero of the whole affair. And many of those caught in
         the purge were some of our biggest supporters, so we have lost
         too much leverage at this point. And it is pretty the same
         picture with all our other allies. In short, they are too busy
         looking at their navels to look after us."

Haddan and Hangana try to protest further, but everyone is brought to
order by Vorster's knocking on the table. They all look back at him.

Vorster:"I understand that there concerns over this operation, but
         Ntsibi and the generals are right. We are out of options at
         this point and we have no choice but to use whatever means,
         however questionable they are, to stop Franco and his mutant
         army. Bear in mind that this is my decision, thus any fallout
         will ultimately be my responsibility. Is that understood?"

Everyone around the table nods, some reluctantly. Vorster stands up and
looks around.

Vorster:"Then let's get ready for the big event."

The ministers and generals rise from their seats and get to work.

Waterkloof Air Force Base
12:26 AM:

The three Griffon fighters are being taxied onto the runway, where the
lights have been switched on. The leading jet moves to the end of the
runway and turns around to face the other way. A few seconds later it is
given clearance to take off. The pilot pushes on the throttle and the
engines roar as the jet heads down the runway. Once it gathers enough
speed the pilot pulls back on the stick and the Griffon takes to the
skies. Behind it, the second plane is already on the runway and is also
taking off.

Diehard's Brigade Tank
Elite Guard First Tactical Brigade
35 Kilometers South of Thabazimbi
Limpopo Province
South Africa
12:45 AM:

Slowly but surely the Elite Guard forces of the First Tactical Brigade
are moving their way down south along the R511 road. Behind them lies
the town of Thabazimbi, now a mass of burning and smoking ruin. In the
centre of that force is General Diehard's Brigade Tank. Diehard himself
is inside the tank, reading all the latest updates from his commanders.
One of the tank's radio operators turn to Diehard.

Operator:"General, our radars have spotted three incoming contacts."

Diehard looks up from his reports at the operator.

Diehard:"Identification?"

Operator:"Three South African Griffon jets are coming directly towards
          us, sir."

Diehard:"Just three?"

Operator:"Yes, sir."

Diehard:"Ach so, ze South Africans have a death wish? Zen we vill grant
         it. Alert our AA batteries of the incoming planes und give them
         a warm reception, yah?"

Operator:"Yes, sir."

The radio operator turns back to his equipment and relays Diehard's orders
to the anti-aircraft crews.

Griffon Flight
Approaching First Tactical Brigade
12:46 PM:

The three South Africans jets are flying well above the clouds. The lead
plane is far ahead of the other two, who are hanging back. Inside the
frist plane the pilot checks his radar before radioing in.

Griffon Lead(into radio):"This Griffon Lead. I am approaching the target 
            and are at bombing altitude. Over."

Headquarters(over radio):"Copy that, Griffon Lead. Bulldozer is go. Repeat:
            you are clear to release. Over."

Griffon Lead(into radio):"Roger that, HQ. Releasing Bulldozer."

The Griffon pilot pulls up on his flight stick and the fighter goes up at
a 45 degree agree. He flips several switches, readying the bomb and the
bombing indicator. The pilots checks the indicator until he is in the right
position. At the right moment he presses a button on his flight stick.

Griffon Lead(into radio):"Bulldozer is go. Repeat: Bulldozer is go."

Beneath his plane the single big bomb is released and sent flying, momen-
tum sending up and forward at high speed. The Griffon plane turns around
and begins to after burn away, while the other two planes follow suit. The
bomb arcs through the sky before gravity and air resistance finally causes
it to drop down. It vanishes beneath the clouds as it falls towards the
Elite Guard forces below.

Elite Guard First Tactical Brigade
At That Moment:

Inside the Brigade Tank the radio operator turns to Diehard again.

Operator:"General, radar reports the three South African airplanes are
          turning around and flying away."

Diehard:"Is zat so? I guess zey don't have a death wish tonight. Are
         there any ozer targets?"

Operator:"None aside from the three fleeing planes."

Diehard:"Guht. Zen ve proceed as planned."

High above in the skies and too small to be picked by Elite Guard radar,
the bomb continues to fall. It's nose is pointed directly at the centre
of the large Elite Guard formation. Inside the bomb an altitude meter
is counting down as it falls. When it hits a certain point, the meter
sets off an electrical current that travels to the explosives packed
around a grapefruit-sized object inside the warhead. In the blink of an 
eye, South Africa's nuclear bomb detonates. The dark sky becomes a
blinding ball of fire as bright as the sun, the explosion engulfing the
Elite Guard forces. While the explosion is an airburst, the force and
heat completely destroys all the units in the centre of the brigade.
The powerful blast sends smaller vehicles and objects flying through
the air while tipping over heavier equipment that are facing the wrong
way. Ammunition packs and fuel tanks explode and detonate from the
heat. Flying pieces of shrapnel and debris damage everything in their
path. The grass and trees in the blast radius are immediately set on
fire as are any fabrics. Most of the soldiers are killed, either from
the immense heat from the explosion or the deadly objects being hurled
through the air. Only those on the outer edges of the brigade as well
as the scouting and supply forces manage to escape the deadly nuclear
explosion, though many of the soldiers are blinded by the brightness of
the detonation. In a matter of seconds, General Franco's First Tactical
Brigade is virtually wiped out. In the circle of the blast, Diehard's
Brigade Tank has been literally reduced to an unrecognizable pile of
black metal. Suddenly, a foot punches away a plate of still-smoldering
and hot metal. Diehard emerges, alive and, despite his uniform being
nothing but a few shreds of burnt fabric, in good health and condition.

Diehard:"Zey... don't call me... Diehard for nozing..."

Diehard climbs out of the wreck, stands up and looks around. He is now
standing in the middle of a black circle of burnt ground. All around
him are piled of burnt metal that used to be military units and the
bodies of his soldiers, many of whom have been burnt beyond recognition
or even vaporized outright. Fires are burning everywhere, mixed with
the cracking of ammunition still cooking off.

Diehard:"VAT ZE F***!!!"

Diehard swears and curses, kicking at the twisted remains that were his
brigade tank.

War Room
Union Buildings
Pretoria
12:56 AM:

Vorster and his ministers and generals are seated around the table again.
Vorster is on the phone with General Bezuidenhout while everyone else is
looking towards him in anticipation.

Vorster(into phone):"... did it detonate?... And what of the target?...
       ... Goed, goed. Excellent work, General. Tell the pilots they are
       aces."

Vorster puts the phone and looks at his government.

Vorster:"Mission was a big success. The bomb has destroyed nearly the 
         entire Elite Guard brigade south of Thabazimbi."

Cheers and applause erupt around the table while Vorster leans back in
his seat and rubs his face in relief. While most share hugs and hand-
shakes, those who opposed the use of the bomb celebrate with a bit of
unease mixed with relief.

News Headlines
BBC Headquarters
London
United Kingdom
1:02 AM:

The female anchor is busy reading the latest news headlines. Or headline,
since the big news is the nuclear explosion in South Africa. A map of
the country is in the background alongside the picture of a nuclear mush-
room cloud.

Anchor:"The British Ministry of Defense has confirmed that a nuclear
        explosion occurred in South Africa a short while ago. South
        African aircraft dropped a nuclear bomb on invading Elite
        Guard forces near the town of Thabazimbi. Though details are
        sketchy at this point, sources say that most of the invading
        army division targeted was destroyed by the explosion. A short
        while ago the South African embassy in London issued a statement
        in which they confirm their use of nuclear weapons and that
        they will continue to use them against any force threatening
        Pretoria. Downing Street has yet to officially comment on the
        attack, but several officials have said that Prime Minister
        Gordon Brown is 'extremely concerned' about the situation. The
        Prime Minister will address the media within the hour."

She continues reading the news of the nuclear attack.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
7:01 AM:

Everyone is again gathered here, either in person or on the screens. At
the briefing table is the Master, Striker(now walking without crutches),
Collin, Hubert and a few other Rovers. On the screens are Norwood at his
United Nations office, Major Cadwell at the Pentagon and Hunter in the
briefing room of the Jumbo Rover. Everyone has a concerned look on their
faces.

Cadwell:"The CIA is completely in the dark as to how the South Africans
         managed to get a hold of a nuclear arsenal. We have not seen any
         new material on their nuclear weapons program ever since it was
         shut down and dismantled in the early 90s."

Master:"Couldn't they have gotten the weapons from someone else? The
        Chinese, for example? Or perhaps the Israelis?"

Cadwell:"Maybe, but there is slim evidence of that."

Norwood:"Wherever they got those nuclear weapons is not our problem right
         now. What the problem is, is that the South Africans are willing
         to use them against any hostile force."

Master:"Such as the Elite Guard, I take?"

Norwood:"Not just them. Vorster's government didn't come and say it out
         loud, but it is clear to me they intend to use them against the
         American and Chinese forces rushing to South Africa."

Cadwell:"That could have serious repercussions. Vorster must know that
         both us and the Chinese have bigger arsenals and can easily re-
         taliate. I don't think he's that crazy."

Striker:"Nee, he wouldn't. But the threat of getting nuked is enough to
         keep the Americans and Chinese away. Especially, since Vorster
         is using the nuclear weapons to stop the Elite Guard, neither
         country's public would want their troops to come into harm's
         way."

Norwood:"Very true. The use of nuclear weapons is very worrying, but I
         don't think anyone will kick up much of a fuss. Sure, we might
         all protest and make speeches of condemnation, but I seriously
         doubt anyone would shed a tear for Franco. Not after the recent
         little exposé."

Cadwell:"I've been hearing the same thing around the Pentagon and the
         White House. If the South Africans can wipe out the Elite Guard
         then there won't be a need for us to risk the lives of American
         soldiers."

Master:"Or that of my Rovers. But I'm not certain the best approach is to
        just sit on our hands."

Striker:"I agree, Master. Veral since I believe that Franco might be a
         little excited over this, the loss of a big chunk of his invasion
         not withstanding."

Master:"What do you mean, Striker?"

Striker:"What I mean is Franco might try and take the nuclear weapons from
         Vorster's government. We've already seen how well his Elite Guard
         had managed to penetrate covertly into the country. And since we
         don't know where or how the South Africans are storing their bombs,
         there is a risk that Franco might acquire a nuclear arsenal for
         the first time since Nuclear Storm."

Norwood groans.

Norwood:"Oh God. Not that. It was bad enough the first time around."

Striker:"So imagine what will happen in this war if Franco gets hold of
         nuclear weapons. He won't hesitate to use them against the South
         Africans, the Chinese, the Americans or the Road Rovers. Or 
         against civilians if he felt like it."

Cadwell:"Both the White House and Congress would go bezerk if that does
         happen. The Chinese would go nuts, too."

Norwood:"Same with the Security Council. I shudder at the thought of a
         nuclear-armed Elite Guard."

Striker:"That is why I believe we should try and keep Franco away from
         those weapons by whatever means, Mark."

Norwood:"The problem is we don't know where those weapons are."

Collin:"Neither does Franco, Mister Secretary."

Norwood:"True, but that won't last forever."

Cadwell:"I'll get the CIA working on it and also get in contact with MI5,
         Mossad and the Chinese and Russian security agencies."

The Master looks at Hunter.

Master:"Hunter, get our intelligence agents up to speed. Tell them their
        new objective to find out where Vorster's nuclear arsenal is."

Hunter:"Will do, Master."

Master:"In the meantime let's hope we can find those nukes before Franco
        does."

They all nod in grim agreement.

Vorster Estate
Gauteng Province
South Africa
12 February
9:12 AM:

Security around the presidential residence has been stepped up consider-
ably, with additional guards and a few soldiers stationed everywhere.
A pair of Oerlikon 35 mmm anti-aircraft batteries is positioned on
either side of the estate. Inside the main residence life continues as
normal as it can. Michelle Vorster is working with Jeanette in the
kitchen, while Karen Vorster is busy playing with Fola out in the yard 
and Jaco Vorster is in his room playing computer games. Bastiff is
resting in his dog house, watching as Fola chases a ball thrown by
Karen. Inside the house there are several security guards on patrol as
well. Bastiff looks up when he hears the sound of a car engine at the
main gate. The presidential limousine, under escort from army jeeps and
black SUVs filled with bodyguards, is at the gate. Bastiff gets up as
Karen, followed by Fola, jog towards the front yard. The limo is let
through the gate and pulls up to the front of the house. Michelle also
comes out of the house to greet her husband as Adriaan Vorster climbs
out of the limo. He looks tired and weary, but he still smiles as Karen
runs up and hugs him.

Karen:"Hello, father!"

Adriaan:"Hello, Karen. And how are you this morning?"

Karen:"I'm okay. We missed you here."

Adriaan:"I've been very busy, my girl."

Michelle comes up to hug Adriaan, and he returns the hug.

Michelle:"I've been very worried about you, Adriaan."

Adriaan:"Don't worry, Michelle. We seem to have the enemy on the back foot
         now. But let me get some coffee first."

Michelle:"Then you will tell what is going on?"

Adriaan:"Of course."

Adriaan and Michelle enter the house while the limousine is taken to the
garage. Bastiff follows the couple into the house while Fola and Karen
head back to the yard to resume playing. Inside the residence Adriaan
goes to the kitchen, greets Jeanette and makes him some coffee. Bastiff
lies down near the kitchen entrance. That's when he notices one of the
security guards is busy talking very softly on his phone while looking
towards the kitchen. Bastiff stares curiously at the guard, who quickly
hands up when Adriaan, clutching his coffee, and Michelle come out of
the kitchen. The guard salutes the president.

Adriaan:"Everything all right here..."

He looks at the name tag on the guard's uniform.

Adriaan:"... Julius?"

Julius:"Yes, Mister President. All is well."

Adriaan:"Good. I'll be upstairs in the bedroom. I want some time alone
         with my wife."

Julius:"Yes, sir. Very good, sir."

Adriaan nods, then he and Michelle ascend the stairs to the second floor.
Bastiff stays behind, watching the guard even as he watches the couple.
Suspicious, Bastiff runs out of the house into the backyard. He barks at
Fola, who is playing catch with Karen again.

Bastiff(barking):"Fola, come here. Quick!"

Fola runs over to Bastiff.

Fola(barking):"What is it, Bastiff?"

Bastiff(barking):"Adriaan is about to tell Michelle something important.
       I need you to get into their room and listen in, quickly! Before
       they lock the door."

Fola, now eager to help, takes off and runs into the house and bounds
up the stairs. Bastiff follows her, seeing the suspicious guard going
up the stairs as well. Karen comes back into the house, realizing some-
thing is up. She remains in the living room while Bastiff follows the
guard to the second floor. Upstairs, Fola quickly runs towards the master
bedroom door as Michelle and Adriaan enter it. Just as Adriaan is about
to close the door, Fola slips through the narrow gap. She runs up to
Michelle and barks.

Michelle:"Fola, you little rascal! What are you doing here?"

Nonetheless, she sits down on the bed and lifts Fola onto her lap. Adriaan
locks the bedroom door and then sits down next to Michelle. Outside, the
guard walks up to the bedroom door and looks around. He sees Bastiff, but
he doesn't give the canine more than a mere glance. Satisfied, he leans
closer to the door to listen in as Adriaan and Michelle begin talking in
their bedroom.

Michelle:"We need to talk, Adriaan."

Adriaan:"I assume this is about me ordering the use of nuclear weapons?"

Michelle:"Ja. I am very worried about that."

Adriaan:"I didn't like the idea either, to be honest."

Michelle:"And yet you still gave the order."

Adriaan:"Ja, but it worked. According to our scouts, the explosion has
         managed to destroy a third of the Elite Guard forces and have
         forced the invaders to stop. This not only buys us time to get
         our army back from Namibia and into position, but if we can
         destroy all of Franco's forces we can save many lives."

Michelle:"Drop more bombs? Is that a good idea, Adriaan?"

Adriaan:"I think so. The rest of the world might be screaming at my
         actions, but then who cares about the Elite Guard? I doubt they
         will take action against me. And if Franco decides to surrender
         or retreat, all the better. The odds are now in our favor."

Michelle:"What about your cabinet?"

Adriaan:"Aside from a few protests, which I am not surprised about, there
         is overwhelming support for my decision to use nuclear weapons."

Michelle:"That's another thing I want to ask you about, Adriaan. Where
          did you get those terrible weapons? The Chinese?"

Adriaan:"Nee, it was from our own stock pile."

Michelle is surprised.

Michelle:"Our own? What are you talking about?"

Adriaan:"Let me start from the beginning. A day or two ago, a man named
         General Frans Bezuidenhout came into my office bearing a letter.
         When I opened the letter and read it, I found out he was the
         commander of the South African Nuclear Defense Force. I could
         not believe it at first. In fact, I was at the point of having
         him thrown out of my office."

Michelle:"What made you change your mind?"

Adriaan:"General Bezuidenhout gave me some official documents, signed by
         Former President FW de Klerk."

Michelle:"De Klerk? But wasn't he the one who ordered South Africa's
          nuclear weapons to be scrapped?"

Adriaan:"That's what I and everybody else thought, but Bezuidenhout has
         revealed to me that De Klerk wasn't entirely honest about it.
         He told me that more nuclear bombs were produced in secret
         than was revealed. When the program was being dismantled, De
         Klerk ordered a few of those bombs to kept in a secret arsenal.
         He signed a paper ordering a few select army members to keep
         the bombs hidden until the day that South Africa faces its
         darkest period. Now that the Elite Guard has invaded the country,
         that arsenal has been made available to my administration."

Michelle:"So South Africa remained a nuclear power without anyone but a
          few people knowing it?"

Adriaan:"Ja. De Klerk never told Nelson Mandela. So he never knew about it.
         Nor did his successors. And nor did I until two days ago."

Michelle:"How many bombs are there?"

Adriaan:"Counting the one we've used already, that would be five."

Michelle:"And where are the rest being kept?"

Adriaan:"That is the part that worries me more than any backlash from
         using these bombs. They are being stored in an abandoned mine
         shaft outside Welkom in the Free State, protected only by chain
         fence, a few locks and a dozen aging soldiers."

Michelle gasps in shock.

Michelle:"That's no way to store such dangerous weapons!"

Adriaan:"I know. I nearly fell out of my chair when Bezuidenhout told
         me that."

Michelle:"So what did you do about it?"

Adriaan:"I've ordered that the weapons be taken to a more secure location.
         The Defense Minister has dispatched an armed convoy to pick
         them up and take them to an underground bunker in the Eastern
         Cape."

Michelle:"Are you taking them further away from the frontlines?"

Adriaan:"Ja, but if we need to use another bomb, there are helicopters 
         ready to bring one up here."

Michelle:"I hope it doesn't come to that."

Outside their bedroom door, the guard that is eavesdropping takes out a
small radio from one pocket. Bastiff edges closer until he sees the
insignia of the Elite Guard on it.

Bastiff(growling):"A spy..."

Bastiff runs up and bites the spy on the arm. Not only does the guard
let out a loud screams of pain, but sparks fly as the boerboel's jaws
crush a device on his arm. The spy's skin shimmers for a few seconds to
reveal that the human is, in fact, a wolf-sapien. The exposed spy yelps
in pain and tries to punch Bastiff off.

Spy:"GET OFF ME!"

The bedroom door flies open and Adriaan comes out to look what is going
on.

Adriaan:"What's all that noise?"

He sees the wolf-sapien just as the spy manages to shake Bastiff.

Adriaan:"Oh my God. A spy! SECURITY!!!"

He runs back into the bedroom to hit the alarm button. Fola comes running 
out of the bedroom and starts barking at the spy as a siren goes off in
the house. The spy takes off running. Bastiff and Fola run after him,
barking and growling. Jaco Vorster comes out of his room and sees the spy
being persued by the dogs.

Jaco:"Haai, you! Stop!"

He runs after the spy. The spy runs down the stairs, startling both Karen
and Jeanette. Guards rush in through the front door and spot the spy
coming down the stairs.

Guard:"Halt! Hold it there!"

The spy ignores them and rushes out into the backyard with the dogs in
hot pursuit. The wolf runs across the lawn while more guards and soldiers
come around the house and pursue. He comes to a tool shed at the back end
of the estate and rushes in. The spy closes the door before Bastiff or
Fola can get in. The dogs bark and paw at the door while the guards and
soldiers surround the shed, pistols and rifles at the ready. Behind them
Jaco and Karen are kept back by the some of the guards. Karen whistles
to the canines.

Karen:"Fola! Bastiff! Come here!"

Bastiff looks at the yapping Fola.

Bastiff(barking):"Come on. Let's fall back."

Fola reluctantly stops barking and looks at Bastiff.

Fola(barking):"But what about the spy?"

Bastiff(barking):"Let the guards deal with him. Come on!"

Fola reluctantly follows Bastiff as he runs back to Karen and Jaco. The
sergeant leading the soldiers calls to the trapped spy.

Sergeant:"Intruder! We have you surrounded! Come out with your hands in
          the air!"

There is no response from inside the shed.

Sergeant:"I am warning you! This is this your last chance! Surrender!"

There is still no response.

Sergeant:"I'm counting to three then we move in! One... two... three!"

Spy:"FOR FRANCO!!!"

Suddenly the tool shed explodes, sending debris flying through the air
and making everyone fall to the ground. Jaco uses his body to shield
Karen while she shields Bastiff and Fola. Once the smoke clears and the
debris stops falling, all remains of the shed is the base of the shed
walls and a burst water pipe. Everyone slowly gets up, staring in shock
at the scene of destruction. The soldiers and guards move in while Jaco
helps his sister up.

Jaco:"You all right, sis?"

Karen:"I'm fine. What about you?"

Jaco:"I'm okay."

Adriaan and Michelle come running out of the house. While Michelle
rushes to the children, Adriaan goes up to the sergeant.

Adriaan:"What happened? Where is that mutant?"

Sergeant:"Dead, Mister President. He blew himself up in the tool shed.
          There isn't much left."

Adriaan:"Make absolutely certain about it!"

Sergeant:"Yes, sir!"

Bastiff takes Fola to one side while Michelle is busy with Jaco and Karen.

Bastiff(barking):"What did Vorster say in the bedroom?"

Fola repeats the story about the nuclear weapons, where they came from
and how they are being moved. Bastiff frowns.

Bastiff(barking):"We'd better alert the Road Rovers. I'm not 100% sure
       we prevented that spy from relaying the info to Franco."

Fola(barking):"So what do we do now?"

Bastiff(barking):"Let's get Karen and have her call the Rovers for us."

Fola(barking):"Okay!"

The two dogs go over to the group, where Adriaan has now joined to check
on his family. They paw at Karen's legs and bark to get her attention.
She realizes what they want and turns to her mother.

Karen:"Mom, I need to go and drink some water to calm down."

Michelle:"Good idea, my Dear. And ask Jeanette for some calming pills and
          to make us some tea. That should help us all calm down."

Karen:"Yes, mom."

Karen breaks from the group and runs towards the house, followed by Fola
and Bastiff. More guards show up to secure the area and to scour what
remains of the tool shed. The rest of the Vorster family then head back
to the house.

Franco's Private Quarters
Wardrome
Elite Guard Second Tactical Brigade
5 Kilometers East of Bela Bela
Limpopo Province
South Africa
10:19 AM:

Franco's private quarters deep within the Wardrome very much resembles
his throne room back in the Kenyan base. In the centre of the room is
a raised golden throne with electronic devices built into the armrests.
A red carpet leads from the main door to the bottom steps of the throne.
Aside from a big bank of monitors on the one wall and a queen-sized bed
on the other, there is nothing else here. Franco is pacing back and
forth at the foot of his throne with a scowling on his face. General
Diehard and Franco's second brigade commanders are standing not far
off, while Champion is standing behind the throne. Franco stops and
looks at Diehard.

Franco:"How much is left of your brigade?"

Diehard:"Aside from a few survivors, Supreme General, zere is nothing
         left. Zose who vere not killed by ze explosion have died of
         zeir injuries or have been shot dead by ze South Africans."

Franco swears, then resumes pacing back and forth. He then stops again
and looks at one of his commanders.

Franco:"How long before the South African army comes back from Namibia
        and gets into position around Pretoria?"

Commander:"A few units have already arrived and have fortified their
           positions, but we are still strong enough to crush them,
           Supreme General. However, if we are forced to stay put for
           a few days or a week at most then the main body of the enemy
           will begin coming into our way. And that is assuming the
           South Africans do not use more of their nuclear weapons."

Franco resumes pacing, clenching his fists.

Franco:"D*** that Adriaan Vorster. Even with all the previous setbacks
        dealt by the Road Rovers we were still making good progress. But
        this nuclear attack has completely thrown my plans into disarray.
        Where the h*** did he get nuclear weapons? They weren't supposed
        to have any nuclear arsenal!"

Diehard:"If zat Herr T vas here, he vould have warned us."

Franco:"That's true. Mister T's absence is becoming a bigger problem by
        the day. His information had been invaluable, and now just before
        the invasion he disappears. If only he was here he could have told 
        us just where those nuclear weapons were being kept!"

Commander:"So we could destroy them, sir?"

Franco shakes his head, growling and baring his fangs.

Franco:"No. So we could TAKE them. And USE them. I would love to watch the
        death and destruction as I wiped the South Africans, the Road
        Rovers, the Americans, the Chinese and anybody standing in my way
        off the face of the earth!"

He groans and clutches his head in agony.

Franco:"D*** headaches. And d*** Striker for giving me them!"

Just then an intelligence officer comes in, holding a piece of paper. He
comes up and salutes.

Officer:"Excuse me, Supreme General..."

Franco:"Just a moment..."

Franco rubs his temples a few times, then shakes his head as he recovers
from the pain. He turns to the officer.

Franco:"What is it?"

Officer:"General, our agent at Adriaan Vorster's home has managed to get
         information on the location of the South African nuclear weapons."

Every, especially Franco, perks up at the news. Franco walks up to the
officer.

Franco:"He did?"

Officer:"Yes, Supreme General. He was, unfortunately, compromised and was
         forced to commit suicide. But he did relay the information on the
         weapons."

The officer holds out the paper which Franco quickly snatches. The wolf
general quickly scans the document with eagerness. As he does, his grin
grows wider and wider.

Franco:"Excellent. Excellent! Well done! Be sure to tell the service
        that I approve of their good work!"

Officer:"Yes, Supreme General."

The officer salutes and turns around to leave. Franco walks over to
Diehard and holds out the paper.

Franco:"Read this, Diehard."

Diehard takes the paper and looks it over. He raises an eyebrow at the
information.

Diehard:"Ach so! Zat is how ze South Africans got zeir nukes."

Franco:"Not just that. We know where they are now and what the South
        Africans are doing with them."

Diehard:"Zey are moving zem to a secure location, yah?"

Franco leans closer to Diehard.

Franco:"Would you like to get revenge on the South Africans for what
        they did to you and your brigade?"

Diehard:"Ze brigade, not so much. But to me, yah. I vould very much
         like zat, Supreme General."

Franco:"Then get a force together. I am choosing you to personally go in
        and get those nuclear weapons for the Elite Guard. Bring those
        bombs to me."

Diehard grins wickedly and salutes.

Diehard:"It vould be a pleasure, Herr General."

Franco:"Then go and teach them a lesson."

Diehard:"Javol!"

Diehard turns around and leaves the quarters while Franco watches with a
big, evil smirk on his face.

The Master's Office
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
At That Moment:

Inside the circular control room that servers as the Master's office,
the Master and Striker are seated in front of a terminal serving as a
communications computer. Hunter's face is on the screen.

Master:"Do you have something for us, Hunter?"

Hunter:"Yes, Master. We have good news and... uh... bad news."

The Master and Striker look at each other, then back at Hunter.

Master:"What is the good news, Hunter?"

Hunter:"Our agent at Vorster's house, Bastiff, has managed to find out
        where the South Africans got their nukes and where they are
        keeping them."

Both the Master and Striker sit up, eyes wide with interest.

Master:"What did he find out?"

Hunter begins to tell them what Fola had heard from Vorster and Bastiff
has relayed back to the Road Rovers. Striker tugs at his chin fur.

Striker:"Heng. I never knew we still had nuclear weapons despite what we
         all thought."

Hunter:"Neither did Vorster, it seems. He was pretty surprised as well."

Master:"So where are the bombs now?"

Hunter:"They're being kept in an abandoned mine in central South Africa.
        But Vorster didn't like the lax security there, so he's ordered
        the nukes to be taken somewhere else."

Master:"Do you have the exact location?"

Hunter:"Yup. Bastiff told us where it was and we had our satellite make
        a pass over that area. We've seen a lot of activity at that mine,
        so we're 100% sure of it."

The Master smiles.

Master:"Excellent work, Hunter. Tell Bastiff, and Fola, that I am proud
        of their efforts."

Striker:"Um... Hunter, you said something about bad news?"

Hunter:"Oh, that. Well, the bad news is that Fola wasn't the only one
        listening in on what Vorster told his wife."

The Master stops smiling and becomes very concerned, as does Striker.

Master:"What happened?"

Hunter:"An Elite Guard spy disguised as a human worker was eavesdropping
        on the bedroom. Bastiff attacked and exposed him as a spy. The
        alarm was raised and everyone went after him."

Master:"Did they catch him?"

Hunter:"Nope. The spy ran into a shed in the backyard, then blew himself
        up. There wasn't much left that couldn't fit in a doggie bag."

The Master winches.

Striker:"Hunter, did Bastiff say whether the spy relayed the info back
         to his superiors?"

Hunter:"He didn't see the spy radio his bosses, but since he was inside
        that shed for a good while before going ballistic, who knows?"

Striker sighs.

Striker:"Then I think we can assume that Franco now knows where the
         weapons are."

Hunter:"I would not have predicted this."

The Master looks seriously at Hunter.

Master:"Get any Rover team you have available and send them in to get
        those nukes before Franco does. We cannot allow him to get his
        paws on such dangerous weapons."

Hunter salutes.

Hunter:"We'll get right on it, Master. You can count on us."

The screen goes dead. The Master leans back in his chair, sighs and rubs
his face with his palms.

Master:"Just when you think things are getting better, fate comes and
        throws a curveball at you."

He then notices Striker is looking intently at him.

Master:"Is there something wrong, Striker?"

Striker:"Professor, there is something I really need to ask you. Something
         I need."

Master:"Sure. What is it?"

Striker begins to explain what he is looking for while the Master turns
to him and listens.

Stealth Rover
En Route to Welkom
Approaching South African Border
Botswana
12:27 PM:

The Stealth Rover is flying high above in the sky, skimming the upper
layer of the clouds that cover the landscape. Illanov at the flight
controls with Phoenix seated next to him. Tanarus, Elexis, Corsair,
Merit and Shephard are all seated behind them. Corsair is currently
working at his seat's computer terminal. He sighs as he looks at the
information on the screen.

Corsair:"Oh boy."

Phoenix looks back at Corsair.

Phoenix:"What have you got, David?"

Corsair:"I'm looking at the latest pictures from our last satellite pass
         over where the nukes are being held. Security there has been
         beefed up big time. We're talking APCs, tanks, choppers and lots
         of trigger-happy troops."

Tanarus:"Not surprising. Vorster is probably very worried about losing
         those bombs."

Phoenix:"Is there any sign of the Elite Guard?"

Corsair shakes his head.

Corsair:"Nothing yet, boss. But then again considering how good their
         cloaking technology is, we could be looking right past them."

Illanov looks at Phoenix.

Illanov:"Comrade, I'm certain that the Elite Guard hasn’t gotten close
         to those weapons just yet. But speed is of the essence."

Phoenix:"I hope you're right, Alex. David, are they busy loading those
         bombs?"

Corsair looks at his screen again.

Corsair:"I think so. I can see some closed-top trucks parked near one of
         the shaft entrances. If they're loading right now, they'll hit
         the road before we get there."

Shephard:"That should make it easier for us to ambush them."

Illanov:"Dah, but unfortunately it will also make it easier for the Elite
         Guard to do the same."

Phoenix:"Then we just have to do it before they get there. Let's get to
         work on possible plans in case the nukes are moved or not and
         whether or not the Elite Guard shows up."

Everyone else nods. While Tanarus keeps flying, the rest begin to work
on how they will try and recover the nuclear weapons.

Control Room
Eta Squadron Headquarters
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

Standing on the raised platform in the middle of the circular control
room, Sky is looking at a large overhead monitor where Stalker's image
is on. Sky is standing with his arms folded behind his back while he and
Stalker converse.

Stalker(on screen):"This is very disturbing news. I still have vivid
       memories of what happened the last time Franco had a nuclear
       arsenal at his disposal."

Sky:"He hasn't gotten hold of the South Africans' bombs yet, sir."

Stalker(on screen):"But he is trying to get them, right?"

Sky:"He has sent Diehard himself to go and wrest them away from the
     South Africans."

Stalker(on screen):"What about the Road Rovers?"

Sky:"A Rover unit, specifically Unit STRIKE, has been dispatched to get
     them before the Elite Guard does. My intel shows they should be
     able to reach the bombs ahead of Diehard's force."

Stalker(on screen):"I hate to admit this, but I would prefer that the
       Road Rovers succeed in their mission. If only because letting
       Franco succeed is even worse. What about the South Africans?"

Sky:"President Vorster has ordered that the nuclear weapons be relocated
     to a more secure and heavily defended facility. Already they are
     in the process of retrieving the weapons, sir."

Stalker(on screen):"I see. I had better inform General Pard and have his
       Celtic Squadron wait until this situation has been resolved. What
       about your people, General Sky?"

Sky:"No need to worry, general. I have resources on the ground to monitor
     the situation and step in if the need arises."

Stalker(on screen):"I hope it doesn't come to that. Keep me up to date
       on this matter as soon as anything happens with those nukes."

Sky:"Of course, general."

Stalker leans back just before the screen goes blank. Sky rocks back and
forth on his feet, thinking for a few seconds. He then turns towards
another screen for an intelligence update.

Decommissioned Gold Mine
6 Kilometers Northwest of Welkom
Free State Province
South Africa
14:51 PM:

This is one of the many mines that, in its heyday, had produced much of
the world's gold supply. But the mine is long exhausted and has been
decommissioned. All that remains are the large metal tower over the
central shaft, several buildings that served as offices and mineworker
residences and large mine heaps that have become overgrown. But the mine
is once again active, but this time for different reasons. Armed SADF
soldiers are on duty while Rooivalk attack choppers patrol the skies
above. Several trucks and a Ratel APC or two are parked within the fenced
mine compound. Much of the activity is centered around the shaft, where
the mining elevator is continually moving up and down. Hiding in a copse
of trees on the slopes of one of the mine heaps is Unit STRIKE. Everyone
is using binoculars to scout out the mining compound.

Tanarus:"The South Africans are definitely running a tight operation. I
         can't see any way we can get to that elevator shaft."

Phoenix:"What about a way inside the mine grounds itself?"

Tanarus:"Not sure. The front gate is well defended."

Illanov:"I think I see a way in, comrades. There are some bushes alongside
         the fence near the mineworker residences. If we could sneak up
         to them we can cut through the fence and sneak into the building."

Phoenix:"Good idea. Come on, everyone. Keep low and use the bushes as
         cover from the choppers."

The Strikers move out, staying low with the grass to limit their visibility
to the mine's guards. Whenever one of the Rooivalk helicopters comes to
their position they duck under trees and bushes. At one point Merit
notices a pile of old mine garbage as he makes his way to the next bush.

Merit:"I say. What a mess. Initiating clean up."

Merit walks towards the garbage, much to the shock of the others already
under cover.

Phoenix:"Merit, get back here!"

Above in the skies, a Rooivalk is flying overhead. The co-pilot then
spots Merit down below and radios his colleague.

Co-pilot:"Hey, I think I saw someone down there."

Pilot:"Okay, let's circle around and see who is it."

The helicopter starts to turn around, but Merit continues to go up to
the garbage pile. Shephard swears and runs out from under the bush and
towards the robot to the other's surprise.

Illanov:"No, comrade! Get back!"

Shephard ignores them and runs for Merit, who is standing over the pile
and checking how he could clean it up. The Rooivalk is no almost upon
them. Shephard suddenly tackles Merit and knocks him down onto the
heap of rubbish.

Merit:"I say! This is not the proper method of handling..."

Shephard:"Shut up and keep down!"

As they lie flat, the Rooivalk begins to circle over the area. The pilot
and co-pilot look down at the landscape.

Pilot:"I don't see anything. Do you?"

Co-pilot:"Me neither. I don't see anything now."

Pilot:"I'll keep circling a few times."

The Rooivalk continues to circle overhead while the rest of the team
watches with breath caught. After a few tense moments the co-pilot calls
his colleague, unable to notice Shephard and Merit among the rubbish on
the ground.

Co-pilot:"No, there is nothing moving down there. Must have been some
          wild animal."

Pilot:"Yes, it probably was. Let's resume our patrol."

Co-pilot:"Roger that."

The Rooivalk turns around and continues its patrol, flying away from
where Shephard and Merit are. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.

Corsair:"Geez, that was close."

Shephard gets up, slapping Merit on the head.

Shephard:"You stupid metal moron! Why did you do that?"

Merit's head spins several times from the slap before the robot stops
it and gets up.

Merit:"I was simply carrying out my instructed duties."

Shephard:"In the middle of the mission?"

Merit:"Of course not. This is the start of the mission."

Shephard groans and face palms.

Shephard:"I got a headache."

Merit:"Would you like to be provided with medication?"

Shephard doesn't answer and instead just walks back to rejoin the group
with Merit in tow. They resume sneaking their way to the thicket of
bushes by the fence. Once they get there, Phoenix goes up and checks
on the fence. The chain links are mostly brown from rust, but they still
hold firm when the Pomeranian tugs on it.

Phoenix:"We're definitely going to have cut through this. Merit, take
         out your cutting tool and make a big enough hole for us to get
         through."

Merit:"Performing instructions."

Merit's chest hatch opens and his toolkit appears. A cutter probe comes
out and Merit uses it to begin cutting the fence. The other Strikers
keep their eyes open for any patrols who might stumble across them.
Fortunately nobody notices them, allowing Merit to cut a descent-sized
hole in the fence.

Merit:"Task completed."

Phoenix:"Well done, Merit. Come on, everyone."

The team go through the hole in the fence and run over to the abandoned
mineworker residence close by. Illanov picks the lock on the door,
allowing them to enter the building. The residence is virtually devoid
of furniture with broken floor tiles, peeling wall paint and not a few
holes in the ceiling. Most of the windows have been broken and piles
of rubbish lay in the corners. Unit STRIKE makes their way along the
central corridor of the building to keep out of sight of the soldiers
near the main shaft entrance. After going upstairs to the second floor
they find a good spot to look out from. Phoenix, Illanov and Tanarus
peer over the edges of the open window down at the main shaft. Most of
the soldiers are on guard duty around the central shaft, where several
military trucks are parked. The winch on the shaft tower is in operation,
indicating the elevator is in use.

Tanarus:"I think we can rule out going through the main shaft without
         raising the alarm. There's just too many soldiers there."

Phoenix:"Isn't there another way into the mine? Surely there would be
         side shafts where the mine carts carrying the gold ore enter
         and leave the mine."

Tanarus:"If this was a real mine, there should be. Let's look around and 
         see if we can spot them."

The trio scout out the rest of the mine complex, looking for another way
into the mine itself. Illanov soon spots something and points.

Illanov:"Over there, comrades."

Phoenix and Tanarus look to where Illanov is pointing. Some distance from
the main shaft was another mine entrance, this one being sloped and
having mine cart tracks running along it. The entrance itself is closed 
off with a locked gate. There aren't any guards on duty here.

Phoenix:"That looks like a way in."

Tanarus:"Maybe, but it could be closed for a reason. It might not be safe
         in that part of the mine or the South Africans may have booby
         trapped it to help keep out intruders."

Phoenix:"But do you think we could perhaps give it a try?"

Tanarus:"It is worth a shot. I don't see a lot of options right now and
         the longer we wait the biggest the risk of the South Africans
         getting away with the nukes or the Elite Guard dropping in."

Illanov:"I second that idea, comrade."

Phoenix:"Okay. We'll head over there and see if we can get into the
         mine."

Tanarus and Illanov nod. Phoenix turns to the rest of the team.

Phoenix:"We're going to head into the mine via an alternative route.
         Shephard; you, Corsair and Merit will stay behind and keep a 
         lookout for anyone who might cause us trouble and alert us
         if things take a turn for the worse."

Shephard:"Yes, Ma'am."

The team then splits up. Phoenix leads Tanarus, Illanov and Elexis back
out of the room while Shephard, Corsair and Merit stay behind to keep
a lookout. Phoenix's team head back downstairs, then sneak out of the
residences towards the closed-off mine entrance. Keep their eyes peeled
for any patrols or lone wandering guard, they work from cover to cover
until they reach the entrance. Once there, Phoenix turns to Illanov.

Phoenix:"Can you pick the lock?"

Illanov examines the lock, which is very rusty and shows signs of wear
and tear.

Illanov:"It should be no problem, comrade. I can see why Vorster would
         go mad over the security here. Not even the locks on nuclear
         storage facilities in Russia were as bad as this."

Illanov takes out his piece of bent wire and begins picking the lock. It
takes only a few seconds for the audible click to come from the lock. He
unhooks the open lock from the gate and pulls it open.

Illanov:"There we go, comrade."

Phoenix:"Good work, Alex. Let's go inside, but move slowly and keep your
         eyes and ears open."

Everyone nods and pull out their weapons. The team moves through the gate
and into the mine. Phoenix creates a flame in her one paw to provide just
enough light to see where they are going. They move slowly, keeping eyes
open for any potential traps, hazards or patrolling soldiers. As they
go along the tunnel, the shaft slopes downward. Phoenix's flame reveals
the hard rock that had been tunneled through to get to gold. The walls
are wet with leaking water, reflecting the light from the Pomeranian’s
paw.

Illanov:"So far so good, comrades."

Tanarus:"I agree. I was really expecting to come across a trap or two
         in here. Guess Vorster's concerns about lax security here is
         justified."

Elexis:"Let's not get too cocky. We might still encounter opposition
        around the nukes. Plus, we don't know just how stable this old
        mine is."

Phoenix:"That's right. So stay on your toes, gentlemen."

They continue on down along the shaft, going deeper and deeper beneath
the ground. After a while the shaft finally levels out and the light from
electric bulbs can be seen in a new corridor up ahead. Phoenix extinguishes
the flame in her paw.

Phoenix:"Okay, we're coming to the occupied part of the mine. Watch out
         for any soldiers."

The others nod. As they move closer to the illuminated corridor they hear
the sound of a moving machine. The Strikers quickly duck into the darkness
of their shaft. A mine train with flashing lights and carrying several
soldiers moves through the corridor with a loud rumble. Once it passes,
the Strikers wait until the coast is clear. Just then there is a beep
on Phoenix's watchcom. She raises her wrist and answers the call.

Phoenix(into com):"Yes?"

Shephard(over com):"This is Shephard, Ma'am. We got something big hap-
        penning up here. I don't what they are all shouting about, but it
        looks like the South Africans are packing up and leaving in a 
        hurry."

Phoenix(into com):"Is it the Elite Guard?"

Shephard(over com):"I don't see them, and the South Africans are talking
        in every language except English."

Phoenix(into com):"Did you see them load the trucks?"

Shephard(over com):"No, Ma'am. And from what I could see the trucks are
        all empty."

Phoenix frowns, scratching her head in confusion.

Phoenix(into com):"Okay, keep an eye out and see what is going on and
       inform us of anything strange happening."

Shephard(over com):"Yes, Ma'am."

Phoenix turns to the others once she switches off her watchcom's commu-
nicator.

Illanov:"Something wrong?"

Phoenix:"Shephard says the South Africans are evacuating the mine in a
         hurry, apparently without the nuclear weapons."

Elexis:"That's very odd... unless they know we're here."

Tanarus:"That's what I'm thinking. We'd better find out where those
         nukes are fast, before we are caught in a firefight down here."

Phoenix:"You're right. Come on, everyone!"

The team continues on down the tunnel to where the train has passed.
They follow the lit tunnel's rail line, keeping a watch out for any
more trains or patrols. Soon they hear the sound of conversation. Phoenix
signals to the others to keep quiet while they creep closer. Up ahead
they can see what appears to be a station. The train that had passed
has stopped here. The team ducks behind a support beam, watching what is
going on. Once they see nobody is watching the tunnel, they move closer.
When the reach the chamber, they quickly dash behind the train and then
take a look around. Inside they find a large, hollowed out chamber in
the gold-bearing rock. Several tunnels converge here, two of them big
enough for mining trains. Just beyond an empty platform stood another
mine train, where most of the activity is going on. Dozens of soldiers
are busy coming out of what looks to be a metal shed. An elderly general
is barking out orders and clapping his hands to emphasize that the
soldiers hurry up.

Phoenix(whispering):"What do you guys think?"

Illanov(whispering):"That must be where the weapons are kept, comrade."

Elexis(whispering):"But it looks empty and everyone is coming out in a
      hurry."

The soldiers and lastly the general climb onto the second mine train. He
whistles and the driver gets the train moving. It quickly moves into a
tunnel and continues into the darkness, its siren gradually fading away.
Phoenix looks around.

Phoenix:"Looks like the coast is clear. Come on."

They come out from behind the mine train and go over the platform to
the second rail line. Phoenix stops and turns to Tanarus and Elexis.

Phoenix:"See where this other tunnel goes."

Tanarus:"Good idea."

As Tanarus and Elexis head into the train tunnel, Phoenix and Illanov
enter the shed. Inside they find several metal racks with rungs in
them. All of them are empty.

Phoenix:"What do you think, Alex?"

Illanov:"This is definitely where they kept the bombs, comrade. I've
         seen several of these racks in nuclear depots before."

Phoenix:"Looks like they've beaten us to the punch."

Illanov:"Dah, but only by a few hours. We can still catch the convoy
         carrying the bombs before they reach their destination."

Phoenix:"Then let's roll!"

Phoenix and Illanov leave the shed, but just as they do Tanarus and Elexis
come running out of the tunnel at full speed. Tanarus grabs Elexis and
the two of them fall to the ground. Suddenly there is an explosion in the
tunnel behind them, sending a billowing cloud of dust bursting out of
it. Phoenix and Illanov quickly duck back into the shed as the tunnel
collapses and parts of the ceiling fall down. The rumbling continues for
a few seconds, then stops. Phoenix and Illanov come out of the shed and
rush over to help Tanarus and Elexis up.

Illanov:"Comrades! Are you all right?"

Elexis:"Yeah... *cough*... we're fine, we're fine."

Phoenix:"What happened here? Tanarus, what caused that explosion?"

Tanarus coughs a few times before catching his breath to reply to Phoenix's
question.

Tanarus:"Explosives. They were planted inside the tunnel. If Elexis
         hadn't noticed them we would have been caught in the explosion."

Phoenix looks into the tunnel. It has now completely caved-in, buried
under an immovable pile of rock.

Phoenix:"They've cut off any pursuit. So that means they knew we were
         here."

Elexis:"What about the shed?"

Illanov:"Empty, comrade. They must have moved it along these tracks."

Phoenix:"Come on, we need to get back to..."

Suddenly everyone's watchcom starts beeping. They all quickly turn them
on, letting Phoenix answer.

Phoenix(into com):"Phoenix here."

Shephard(over com):"Ma'am, you gotta get out of there! The Elite Guard
        has just arrived at the mine!"

Everyone looks up with alarm.

Phoenix(into com):"How many, Shephard?"

Shephard(over com):"I'm counting over 50 of their troops! They've already
        started going down the main shaft!"

Phoenix(into com):"Listen, get out of there! We're coming up now!"

However, there is no response from Shephard this time.

Phoenix(into com):"Shephard, do you read?"

Voice(over com):"Ach so. A watch zat talks? Ze wonders of technology
     never fails to impress, yah?"

Phoenix(frowning, into com):"Who is this?"

Voice(over com):"Zis is General Diehard of ze Elite Guard. Ve have your
     compatriots in our custody."

Everyone looks up again, this time even more shocked.

Phoenix(into com):"What do you want, Diehard?"

Diehard(over com):"How about zose nuclear weapons ze South Africans are
       hiding down zere? Do you have zem?"

Phoenix(into com):"No, they have already taken them out of the mine."

Diehard(over com):"Really? Perhaps ve should come und look for ourselves,
       yah?"

Suddenly the communications channel is abruptly cut off. The team swears
in unison.

Tanarus:"We must get out of this mine. It's death trap if Diehard's troops
         catch us down here."

Phoenix:"Let's go!"

The Strikers quickly make their way to the other train tunnel and start
to run back the way they came. Back in the worker residence on the surface,
Shephard, Corsair and Merit are forced onto their knees with their hands
in the air by several Elite Guard soldiers. Diehard, flanked by several
Black Paw soldiers, watches the soldiers disarm the trio.

Diehard:"Now ve go down und bring your friends up to join you for a little
         firing squad exercise, yah?"

Corsair:"Yeah, and you could join us too. Company loves misery, you know."

Diehard frowns at Corsair.

Diehard:"You vill be finding it less amusing ven you have several bullets
         tear through you."

Corsair:"Kiss my a**."

One of the soldiers punches Corsair in the stomach. He gasps and doubles
over, much to Diehard's satisfaction.

Corsair:"Ow... crud, that hurt..."

Diehard:"Not zo funny now, yah?"

He then turns to the Black Paws.

Diehard:"Come on. Ve have to go down zere und find the rest."

Black Paws:"Yes, General!"

Diehard and his escorts leave the room. The soldiers completely disarm
Shephard and Corsair of their weapons, tools and backpacks. The items
are tossed onto a heap. Corsair struggles back onto his knees as he
recovers from the stomach punch. One of the soldiers is trying to open
Merit's toolbox.

Soldier:"Come on, open you son of a b****."

Merit:"Such harsh language is hardly appropriate."

The wolf-sapien snaps at the robot.

Soldier:"Shut up! Open this hatch, now!"

Merit:"There is no need to raise the volume of your voice. My audio
       reception is fully functional."

The soldier is about to lose his temper, but Merit opens his hatch and
brings out his toolkit. The wolf calms down a bit and looks at the
device for a moment. He then grabs the toolkit and yanks at it a few
times.

Merit:"I say! Careful now."

Soldier:"Give me this, now!"

Merit:"I am afraid that is not possible. The unit is a permanent..."

Soldier:"GIVE!!!"

The soldier now pulls violently at the toolkit, putting a foot on Merit's
body for added support.

Merit:"This is highly inappropriate handling."

Corsair:"Stop that, you mook! You're going to break him!"

Another soldier punches Corsair in the stomach again and he crumples into
a ball, coughing. Suddenly a voice calls out from beyond the doorway.

Voice:"Leave the robot alone or I will deal with you."

The soldiers immediately stop and stare at the door. The wolf who had been
roughing up Merit marches out the door.

Soldier:"And who put you in cha..."

There is a loud crack, followed by the soldier coming flying through the
doorway and hitting the wall. At the same a figure comes in and dashes
for the other soldiers. Before they could get their weapons ready the
assailant lands a series of quick punches on their faces. All of them
fall backwards against the wall, unconscious. Shephard, Corsair and
Merit look up at the figure as he approaches them. He is donned in a
full body armor with a full-faced visor helmet. The suit is colored
light silver/blue with a red band around the waist. The figure opens
the visor on his helmet, surprising the trio.

Corsair:"Whoa!"

Shephard:"Sir, that you?"

Merit:"What a curious revelation."

Down below in the mine, Phoenix and her group are making their way along
the same route they took earlier. They move quickly but cautiously. They
scan their surroundings, weapons ready and alert for any trouble. After
a few minutes they reach the tunnel heading up to the surface.

Phoenix:"Here's our exit."

Elexis:"Looks like we got here before the Elite Guard did. Let's hope
        they're not waiting for us on the surface... yipe!"

Everyone stops as Elexis is grabbed by an invisible attacker. Before the
rest of the team can respond unseen assailants grab their weapons and
push invisible gun barrels to their heads. The team stops as a group of
Elite Guard Stealth Soldiers decloak, holding them hostage at gunpoint.
General Diehard and his Black Paws appear from their hiding spots behind
the support beams.

Diehard:"You had better drop your weapons, yah?"

The Strikers pause for a moment, then reluctantly drop their weapons on
the ground. The Black Paws pick up the weapons and back off. Diehard
walks up to the group while they frown back at him.

Diehard:"Ach so. Now ve have ze entire team in our grasp."

He walks up to Elexis and looks her over.

Diehard:"You're zat traitor Stalker's daughter, mein fraulin?"

Elexis:"What does it concern you?"

Diehard:"Because zat vould mean ve have a bargaining chip. Knowing how
         veak your father is, he vould meet our demands to prevent any
         hard from coming to his offspring."

Elexis growls at him.

Elexis:"My father did a lot to rid the KH Military of your master's
        evil ilk. He will never jeopardize that."

Diehard:"Not even for you?"

Elexis doesn't answer, instead just staring and frowning back at the
smug general.

Diehard:"Ve'll see once ve put you on display for him, yah?"

He then turns and walks to Phoenix. Rubbing his chin, he looks her over
before finally speaking.

Diehard:"Und here ve have Herr Striker's little v***e. I thought he had
         better taste in females."

Phoenix:"Taunt all you want, Diehard."

Diehard:"Yah, I will. But first, tell how is Herr Striker?"

Phoenix:"Alive and ready to kick your sorry tail."

Diehard chuckles and wags a finger in Phoenix's face.

Diehard:"Not vat I have heard. A guht friend of ours says he lost one of
         his legs during his escape from ze South Africans last year. He
         is now back in the United States somewhere."

Phoenix doesn't respond, but she and the others are surprised that Diehard
knows this fact.

Diehard:"He is probably soliciting anozer female, forgetting all about you
         as he tries to increase his number of mates, yah?"

Phoenix:"You are so wrong, Diehard."

Diehard:"You think so? Maybe you vould like me to show you which leg he
         lost, yah?"

Diehard pulls out a pistol and holds it against Phoenix's one leg. He
pulls back on the pistol's hammer and prepares to pull the trigger. A
shot rings out and Phoenix flinches, but she doesn't feel the pain. In-
stead, Diehard screams in pain while clutching his head. When he moves
his paws, there is a neat hole in his forehead. Diehard growls in both
agony and angry.

Diehard:"WHO DID ZAT?! I'LL HAVE HIS SKIN!!!"

Voice:"Right behind you, Diehard."

Diehard and everyone else looks up the shaft. A figure is marching towards
them, holding a smoking gun. When he steps in the beam from one of the
shaft lights, everyone can see who it is. It is the figure wearing the 
power suit. He lifts his visor and reveals who he is: Striker. The cocker
spaniel grins at Diehard.

Striker:"This makes it... the second time I've managed to shoot you in the
         head. Brings back fond memories of Frazakastan."

The rest of the Strikers are surprised and relieved. Phoenix's tail wags
as she looks eagerly at her husband.

Phoenix:"Strikie! You're back!"

Diehard snarls and takes aim at Striker. Just as he pulls the trigger the
figure of Striker immediately vanished from sight. Everyone looks surprised
at the spot where the spaniel stood. Diehard begins to walk forward.

Diehard:"Vere are you?! Coward!"

A small rock flies through the air and hits Diehard on the back of the head.
He yelps in pain. The wolf then quickly turns around, now even more furious.

Diehard:"VAT ZE?!"

Standing behind the group some distance away is Striker, playing with a rock
in one paw and grinning.

Striker:"You are getting slow in old age, né?"

Diehard roars in anger and lifts his pistol, but Striker is already running
into the mine. He disappears around a corner before Diehard can fire a shot.

Diehard:"GET ZAT FOOL! FOLLOW ME!"

Diehard and Black Paws begin to run after Striker, leaving the Stealth 
Soldiers to guard the team. As Diehard's group go into the side shaft,
another noise gets the attention of those remaining behind. When they
look they see Shephard standing on the spot where Striker was. The
soldiers aim their rifles at him.

Soldier:"You! How did you get free?"

Shephard:"That is none of your business. But what is your business, is
          this grenade."

Shephard holds up a grenade and pulls the pin out. Before anyone can
react he tosses the grenade at the group. Dumbfounded by this move, the
soldiers stare at the explosive at it lands at their feet.

Soldier:"Run! Get down!"

The Stealth Soldiers immediately let go of the Strikers and dive for
cover. Shephard then starts running to them.

Shephard:"It's a dud, sirs!"

The Strikers act quickly before the soldiers can realize they have been
tricked. They fall on the soldiers, landing a series of quick punches
on their captors. A few of them fight back a little better, but they
are overwhelmed in number by their prisoners. One soldier manages to
grab Phoenix and force a gun to her head, taking her hostage. He growls
at the rest of the team.

Soldier:"Get back, or I shoot..."

Striker suddenly appears behind the soldier. He grabs the rifle muzzle
away from Phoenix's head before slamming the wolf's head against one of
the support beams. The attacker slumps to the ground, out cold. Striker
looks at his team.

Striker:"Is everyone reg?"

Most of them nod, but Phoenix rushes up and embraces Striker. Before he
can say a word his wife gives him a big, passionate kiss. It takes a
moment for them to break the kiss again.

Phoenix:"Oh, Strikie. I'm so glad to see you again!"

Striker:"I feel the same way about you, Firefly."

Phoenix smiles and gives Striker another quick kiss. He smiles and returns
the favour before quickly cutting off the kiss. Illanov comes up and pats
Striker on the shoulder.

Illanov:"Good to see you back in action, comrade. Thank you for saving us
         from Diehard."

Striker:"Save the dankies for later, Alex. I've managed to give Diehard
         and his troops the slip, but he won't be far behind. We need to
         get back to the surface and get out of here. Corsair and Merit
         are already on their way to the Stealth Rover."

Tanarus:"But how did you manage to get behind Diehard so fast?"

Elexis taps Striker's power suit.

Elexis:"And where did you get this armor?"

Striker:"That's some of Collin's new equipment he provided. I'll explain
         more of it later. Come on!"

Unit STRIKE gathers their weapons from their fallen foes. Striker leads 
his squad back up the mine shaft, leaving behind the unconscious Stealth 
Soldiers. Once they reach the exit they scan the area for any trouble,
then sneak their way back to the hole in the fence. They go through it
and creep through the grass back to the mine heap. Everyone now and then
they look back to make sure nobody is following. Fortunately the Elite
Guard forces are fully concentrated inside the mine compound. None of
them have raised the alarm yet. It takes a while for the team to even-
tually reach the Stealth Rover, hidden away behind the mine heaps and
several hills. As they come closer they can see Corsair is driving the
red Street Rover up the ramp of the Stealth Rover's cargo bay. Phoenix
looks at Striker.

Phoenix:"Is that how you came here, Strikie?"

Striker:"Partly. The Space Rovers brought me to Namibia via shuttle.
         Hunter then lent me their vehicle to get here."

Elexis:"Say, what about the nukes?"

Striker:"Don't worry. We can still get them. I'll explain it all once
         we are airborne."

They continue on until they reach the Stealth Rover. By then Corsair
had loaded up the Street Rover and Merit had closed the cargo bay door.
The rest of the team climb up into the Stealth Rover. After a while the
Stealth Rover lifts off and takes to the skies, heading up into the
clouds.

Stealth Rover
Holding Position Near Virginia
Free State Province
15:56 PM:

The Stealth Rover is circling high above the clouds near the town of
Virginia, south of Welkom. Tanarus is at the flight controls. Striker
is seated behind him with Phoenix seated next to him and holding his
paw. Elexis checks the radar terminal in front of her.

Elexis:"Okay, we're clear. No hostiles close by."

Everyone then turns their attention to Striker.

Illanov:"So is your new leg, comrade?"

Striker:"Working perfectly now, Alex. All the tests and exercises have
         paid off and my new cybernetic appendage feels almost like my
         real leg. Hubert and Collin even managed to put real flesh and
         fur over it to make it look more natural."

Phoenix:"Are you comfortable with it, Strikie?"

Striker:"I am, though there is still the feeling that my old leg is still
         there. Professor Hubert says my brain might still occasionally
         think of a 'ghost leg'. Plus I'll be walking with a minor limp
         for the rest of my life."

Phoenix squeezes Striker's paw even tighter.

Phoenix:"I'm sorry to hear that."

Striker smiles and squeezes her paw back.

Striker:"Don't be. We're together now, and I'm proud of how you led this
         team up to here."

Phoenix smiles widely. Corsair rolls his eyes and decides to quickly 
change the topic by tapping on Striker's power suit.

Corsair:"By the way, boss. What is this new outfit of yours?"

Striker looks himself over and holds his arms outstretched.

Striker:"Oh, die? This is something Collin asked me to take out on a field
         test. This is a Road Rover Special Operations Suit, a kind of
         combat uniform he based off the KH Military's troopers. It's still
         a prototype, but the Master hopes to have those of us who don't
         wear armor to carry them."

Corsair:"Looks pretty cool. Will I get one?"

Striker:"If the prototype proves successful, ja."

Corsair(grinning):"Sweet!"

Tanarus clears his throat to get the others' attention.

Tanarus:"I think we should get back to the subject of the nuclear weapons
         we were supposed to recover." 

Striker:"You're reg, Tan. We need to get those weapons before they get to
         a secure location."

Illanov:"But where are they, comrade? You hinted that you might know about
         them."

Striker nods.

Striker:"Ja, I do. I received a call from someone who knew where they
         are. I think the rest of you know her as Miss D."

Everyone is surprised.

Phoenix:"Miss D again?"

Elexis:"Wow. She certainly knows how to make contacts with the right
        people. What did she say, Striker?"

Striker:"The South Africans did keep the bombs in that mine, but what we
         didn't know is that the mine was connected to another, more
         distant mine via a long train tunnel. Vorster had the mine near
         Welkom placed under heavy guard while the other was only given
         a small detachment to make sure that neither us nor the Elite
         Guard caught on. The South Africans somehow knew you were at
         the mine, but they let you get in. When they found out the Elite
         Guard were coming, they quickly departed and left the two groups
         to fight over an empty mine."

Illanov:"So where are the nuclear weapons now, comrade?"

Striker:"Miss D says they are moved via convoy along the N1 highway,
         going south. She doesn't know the exact location, but if we can
         follow the highway we might eventually find the convoy."

Shephard:"Then what are we waiting for, sir?"

Striker smiles and looks at Tanarus.

Striker:"Set a course for the N1 highway, Tanarus."

Tanarus:"With pleasure."

Tanarus takes the Stealth Rover from its current course and flies into
the direction of the N1 highway.

Decommissioned Gold Mine
At That Moment:

Most of the Elite Guard forces have taken up defensive positions and
patrols around the mine compound, but very little else is going on. The
main shaft elevator comes up to the surface and the lift door opens.
Diehard and his squad comes walking out, with a medical soldier wrapping
a bandage around Diehard's head.

Diehard:"Curse ze South Africans! Zere are no nuclear weapons here! Und
         curse zat Striker und his sycophants!"

Medical:"Sir, please hold still. I need to tie this up securely."

Diehard snaps and snarls at the medic.

Diehard:"DON'T TALK BACK TO ME, YAH!"

Suddenly he groans in pain and clutches his head. Unperturbed by Diehard's
outburst, the medic continues wrapping the bandage and securing it with
some pins. At that moment the radio on Diehard's belt beeps. He takes it
and answers the call.

Diehard(into radio):"Dah, vat is los?"

Voice(over radio):"General Diehard? This is Mister T speaking."

Diehard's eyes widen and his ears perk up.

Diehard(into radio):"Mein Gott, Herr T. Vere have you been? Ze Supreme 
       General has been frustrated by your silence."

Mister T(over radio):"I can understand that, General. Unfortunately
        certain... people have been compromising my work and that of my
        superiors and we cannot dare expose ourselves to the enemy."

Diehard nods.

Diehard(into radio):"Dah, zat I can understand. But ve have been badly
       handicapped ourselves by your silence, Herr T."

Mister T(over radio):"Then perhaps I should break that silence by telling
        you where those nuclear weapons are."

Diehard's holds the radio closer to his ear.

Diehard(into radio):"You do?"

Mister T(over radio):"Care to listen, general?"

Diehard(into radio):"Yah, yah. Please talk, schnell."

Mister T(over radio):"Of course."

Diehard listens carefully to the information that Mister T is giving to
him while making paw gestures to his troops to get ready to move out.

Stealth Rover
Flying Along The N1 Highway
10 Kilometers North of Bloemfontein
Free State Province
16:23 PM:

The Stealth Rover, keeping a high altitude, is following the N1 highway
in a southward direction. Not far to the south is the provincial capital
of Bloemfontein. Inside the cockpit Corsair is busy using his terminal
to search for the nuclear weapons while everyone waits for results. After
a few moments and a couple of checks, Corsair snaps his fingers.

Corsair:"Got something!"

Striker looks at Corsair.

Striker:"Wat is dit?"

Corsair:"I'm picking up stronger traces of radiation now. I think we're
         close to our targets."

Striker:"Got a location?"

Corsair:"Nothing precise yet, but the nukes are definitely being moved
         along the highway not far from us. We might even be able to see
         them."

Striker:"Goed. Tell me when you've identified the vehicles."

Corsair:"Gotcha, boss."

Striker turns to Tanarus.

Striker:"Take us down to ground level and fly alongside the N1."

Tanarus:"Right."

Tanarus pushes forward on the flight stick and the Stealth Rover dips
down towards the ground. The aircraft comes close to the ground, then
levels up and flies horizontally with the N1 but keeping its distance
to reduce the chance of being spotted. Corsair continues checking the
radiation signatures to locate the nukes. Elexis also gets on her
terminal to do a visual search of the highway. A minute later Corsair
claps his hands in triumph.

Corsair:"Bingo! Got our nukes!"

Elexis also looks up triumphantly from her terminal.

Elexis:"I got them too! They're ahead of us about 5 kilometers." 

Everyone else looks at the two, but Corsair frowns at Elexis' announce-
ment and looks back at his terminal.

Corsair:"You got it wrong, Elexis. The nukes are only 4 kilos away."

Now it is Elexis' turn to look at her terminal. She shakes her head
and looks back at Corsair.

Elexis:"No, you're wrong Corsair. I can see military jeeps, trucks and
        choppers five kilometers away and closing."

Corsair frowns in confusion.

Corsair:"What military convoy? According to the data I got here the
         nukes are inside an 18-wheeler truck a kilo behind your
         army boys."

Striker gets up and comes over to Elexis' terminal to look at the
data on his screen. Illanov leans over to look at Corsair's screen.

Illanov:"The American has it right, comrade. The nuclear weapons are
         on a civilian truck."

Striker:"And Elexis is right about a military convoy ahead of that 18-
         wheeler."

Phoenix:"But why are the nukes not with the convoy?"

Tanarus:"I believe the South Africans are trying to fool us into thinking
         the bombs would be under heavy guard. Remember that time the
         GONV managed to make us attack a defended silo with a dummy
         target while the real missile sat in an unguarded silo? It's
         the same here."

Shephard:"We're not fooled this time, sirs. Since we know what their bluff
          is we can easily get the nukes."

Striker:"Don't be too sure about that, Shephard. The convoy isn't too far
         away that they won't come to the truck's aid should we call their
         bluff."

Illanov:"Dah, and I have good reason to think that some of the civilian
         cars close to the 18-wheeler are full of armed men as well. And
         who knows how many soldiers are inside the truck trailer."

Striker:"Even so, we must still get those bombs and I have a plan on how
         to do that. Listen carefully, everyone."

The rest of the team listens as Striker explains his plans.

N1 Highway Southbound
Near Bloemfontein
16:32 PM:

The highway, which was a single stretch of road, is now split into two
different lanes as one approaches Bloemfontein. Parts of the city's 
suburbs can be seen on hilltops in the distance. The military convoy is
traveling on one side of the double-lane highway heading south. The
convoy consists of three canopied trucks in the middle, armed jeeps and
APCs on either end and Rooivalk and trooper helicopters orbiting the
convoy. One kilometer back a non-descript 18-wheeler trucks is following
the convoy with two civilian cars staying just behind it. Inside the
truck cab is the driver and a passenger, both of whom are army officers
in civilian outfits. Attached to the dashboard is a military-issued CB
radio. The radio beeps to signal an incoming radio.

Voice(over radio):"Bravo Echo, this is Sierra Charlie. Come in."

The passenger picks up the microphone and answers.

Passenger(into radio):"This is Bravo Echo, over."

Voice(over radio):"Bravo Echo, how's the view? Over."

Passenger(into radio):"All clear, Sierra Charlie. No funny weather on
         our side. Over."

Voice(over radio):"Roger that, Bravo Echo. Stay sharp. Over and out."

Passenger(into radio):"Copy that. Out."

The passenger places the microphone back on the hook. Flying directly
above the truck though high enough to be out of sight of those below is
the Stealth Rover. The cargo hatch on the belly is open. Inside the
cargo bay Striker and Phoenix are busy fitting Rover Rocket Packs to
their backs while Corsair, Merit and Shephard help out. Shephard secures
the straps on Striker's pack as Merit finishes helping Phoenix.

Shephard:"There you go, sir. All ready."

Striker:"Dankie, Shephard."

The spaniel turns to his team.

Striker:"Reg. You all know what to do from here on out. Once we have the
         truck and the convoy is neutralized you will join up with me
         and Phoenix to begin loading up the warheads. Verstaan?"

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Corsair:"I hear you, boss."

Merit:"That is affirmative."

Striker nods and turns to Phoenix.

Striker:"Gereed, Firefly?"

Phoenix:"Ready as ever, Strikie."

Striker:"Let's roll!"

Striker and Phoenix jump out of the cargo bay through the hatch. As they
tumble to earth the Stealth Rover flies on ahead towards the convoy. The
couple switch on their jet packs and fly towards the 18-wheeler. Up in
the Stealth Rover cockpit Tanarus is flying while Illanov is handling
the craft's armament via his terminal.

Tanarus:"I'll come up on the convoy from behind. We have one pass to
         make before they start shooting at us. Make those bombs count,
         Alex."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade. Just keep a good course and leave the rest to
         me."

Illanov pushes a button that makes the bomb bay doors on the Stealth
Rover's belly open. Tanarus keeps the Stealth Rover flying straight
along highway, rapidly closing the distance between and the convoy.
Illanov checks the bomb target indicator, waiting until the central
trucks are within the crosshairs. When they do, he presses another
button.

Illanov:"Bombs away!"

Several immobilization globes are released from the Stealth Rover's bomb 
bays. Momentum carries them a good distance while the aircraft flies over
the convoy. For a brief instant the soldiers below are startled by
the sight of the black shape passing overhead. None of them see the
gel orbs until it is too late. Some of the orbs miss their targets, but
a few of them score direct hits. The orbs shatter upon smashing into
either the trucks or the road, sending gobs of blue goo flying all over
the place. The goo coats the vehicles and the road and immediately causes
the drivers to lose control. The trucks swerve and slide all over the
place before the lead truck finally tips over onto its side. The other
trucks immediately crash into the first. The jeeps and APCs behind them
try to brake, but they only manage to slide on the gooey surface and
collide into the trucks or off into the ditches alongside the road.
Several civilian vehicles also get caught in the mess and crash into
the convoy. It only takes a few seconds for a pile-up to form on the
highway, essentially blocking the southbound lane. Up in the Stealth
Rover Illanov relays the successful bombing to Tanarus.

Illanov:"Perfect hit, comrade! The convoy has been stopped."

Tanarus:"Good work, Alex. That should get their attention. Now let's go
         and see if we can't force down those helicopters."

The Stealth Rover turns around and prepares to engage the choppers. Back
with the 18-wheeler the driver and passenger have seen what has happened
up ahead. The CB radio beeps and the passenger answers quickly.

Voice(over radio):"Bravo Echo, this is Sierra Charlie. Come in!"

Passenger(into radio):"Sierra Charlie, what's going over there?"

Voice(over radio):"We're under attack! Take an alternative route as
     recommended immediate."

Passenger(into radio):"Roger, Sierra Charlie. Changing course."

He hangs up the microphone and turns to the driver. He points to an
off-ramp leading to a road heading into Bloemfontein.

Passenger:"It's an attack up ahead. Take that ramp and head into the
           city."

Driver:"Right."

The 18-wheeler takes left turn onto the ramp and leaves the highway,
followed closely by two non-descript sedan cars. Striker and Phoenix
come flying in and land on the trailer. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Take the passenger. I'll deal with the driver."

Phoenix:"Roger."

They move on up to the cabin while the truck turns onto the road that
heads into the city. Holding on to the sides, the couple lift their feet
and kick at the side windows. The glass panes break loose from their
frames. Both the passenger and the driver are taken by surprise, but
before they can react Striker and Phoenix kick again. They hit both men
in the face and knock their heads against each other. Both canines then
quickly swing inside. Phoenix and Striker push the unconscious men into
the back of the cabin and Phoenix quickly takes the wheel, just averting
the truck from slipping off the road. Just the CB radio beeps.

Voice(over radio):"Bravo Echo, this is Dassie. What's going on? Why are
     you swerving like that?"

Striker clenches his fist and smashes the CB radio with it, rendering it
silent and breaking it into several pieces.

Phoenix:"They'll quickly figure out something is wrong here."

Striker:"Ja, but if the others have taken care of the convoy then we
         still have time to load the bombs onto the Stealth Rover. On
         the other paw, we're entering Bloemfontein and no doubt they will
         call in help from the police and the military bases in the city."

Phoenix:"So what do I need to do?"

Striker:"Keep the truck on the double lane streets unless absolutely
         necessary and don't drive too fast. We're not trying to outrun
         them and we don't want to cause an accident."

Phoenix:"No problem, Strikie."

She winks at him. Striker  contacts Tanarus on his watchcom.

Striker(into com):"Tanarus, come in."

Tanarus(over com):"Tanarus here. Got the truck?"

Striker(into com):"Ja, but we still have the escorts. What about the
       convoy?"

Tanarus(over com):"A big mess on the highway. We're moving in to deal
       with the helicopters."

Striker(into com):"Goed, but moenie draaie loop nie. We need to get these
       weapons in the Stealth Rover before reinforcements arrive."

Tanarus(over com):"Roger that. We'll try and come ASAP."

Meanwhile, behind the truck inside the sedans are a number of soldiers in
civilian clothing. One of them in the front car next to the driver is
trying to call the truck driver with the CB radio.

Radio Soldier(into radio):"Bravo Echo, come in!"

He waits for a response, but there is no answer. He looks at the driver
and shakes his head.

Radio Soldier:"Nothing. Bravo Echo isn't answering."

Driving Soldier:"With the convoy ambushed this silence can only mean
                 that it's been hijacked. Alert the Tempe base commander
                 and the city police."

Radio Soldier:"Roger."

The soldier uses the CB radio again, this time to call the commander of
the military base in Bloemfontein and the city's police commissioner.
Meanwhile, Striker has climbed out of the truck cabin and back onto the
the roof. He jumps onto the trailer and goes to the middle. He takes
out several small tennis balls and places them in a large circle on the
roof. He connects with them wires and secures them with plastic
explosives. Once the bombs are set, he steps back, presses a button
on a remote and turns back. The balls explode with loud pops, blowing
a ring of holes into the roof. Once the blasts are over, Striker goes
to the ring and kicks it a few times. The circular piece of metal breaks
loose and falls into the trailer. Striker looks inside. Secured in
big plastic trunks on metal racks are the nuclear bombs. He counts them
all.

Striker:"One... two... three and four. Just like Bastiff said."

Striker climbs through the hole into the trailer. He goes to the trunks
and gets to work on the locks and fasteners. Meanwhile, back at the
highway the Stealth Rover is busy forcing down the helicopters. Tanarus
uses the aircraft's front guns to target the attack choppers' tail rotors
to make them crash. The bullets tear into the Rooivalks' metal skin,
causing smoke to billow from the holes and the choppers to spin out of
control as their tail rotors shut down. The pilots try to regain control,
but are all eventually forced to eject before their craft crash into the
ground alongside the highway. Tanarus works methodically through all the
attack helicopters while the troop choppers, seeing how the Stealth Rover
is cutting down their allies, fly away from the scene. He then brings
the Stealth Rover up behind the final Rooivalk helicopter and takes aim.
Tanarus watches his targeting system as the crosshairs come closer to
the chopper.

Tanarus:"Just a little more..."

Suddenly the Rooivalk does a complete 180 degree turn and begins to fly
backward with its nose lifted up somewhat. The gunner immediately begins
to open fire. Tanarus gasps.

Tanarus:"Oh s***!"

He quickly pulls on the flight controls, but the Stealth Rover is not
able to completely avoid the incoming fire. The bullets manage to strike
the belly, tearing a row of holes into the hull. Inside the cargo bay
Corsair, Shephard and Merit, who are strapped into seats, are narrowly
missed by the powerful chopper rounds. They shield themselves as best
they can as the bullets ricochet and sends sparks flying. When Corsair
opens his eyes and looks downward, he sees a gaping right next to where
his left foot is.

Corsair:"Oh man! No matter how cliché these close shaves are they still
         leave me wanting to change my shorts."

Tanarus takes a wide circle around the defending helicopter, then pulls
up higher before swooping down directly towards his quarry. The chopper
tries to full the same trick as before, but Tanarus takes a turning arc
to keep its tail rotor in his sights. He pushes the trigger and fires
again. This time the bullets rip apart the tail rotor and causes the
Rooivalk to spin towards the ground. As the pilots eject from their
damaged helicopter Tanarus turns away from the scene of the battle.

Tanarus:"Now let's go and help Striker and Phoenix."

Illanov and Elexis, who are in the cockpit with him, voice their agreement.
The Stealth Rover heads towards the city. Meanwhile Phoenix keeps the
truck going, passing a shopping mall before finally entering one of the
city's suburbs. Immediately a police car appears from a side street with
its sirens wailing.

Phoenix:"Oh d***! I was hoping they wouldn't show up so soon!"

The police car pulls alongside the truck cab on Phoenix's side. The officer
inside uses a megaphone to call to her.

Officer:"Driver! Stop the truck immediately by order of the law!"

Phoenix growls and responds by swerving the truck against the side of the
police car. The impact sends the vehicle spinning out of control into
the fence of a nearby house.

Phoenix:"So that's what a de-fence is."

The sirens of additional police cars can be heard in the distance, but 
they are drowned out by the sound of the Stealth Rover's engines as it 
appears right above the truck. It comes lower, allowing Shephard to
jump out from the cargo hatch onto the trailer. He dashes over and looks
down into the hole.

Shephard:"Reporting for duty, sir!"

Striker goes to the hole and looks up to Shephard.

Striker:"Goed! Take up a defensive position on the rear of the trailer
         and take care of any pursuers."

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

As Shephard turns away Striker looks up to Corsair and Merit and holds
up a paw with four fingers up.

Corsair:"Okay, we got four nukes down there. Let's go and get the winch
         and hook these bad boys up."

Merit:"Affirmative."

While the two of them fetch the hook and ready the automatic winch
Shephard lies down on the trailer's back and deploys his M-249's tripod
stand. Illanov then jumps out the hatch onto the trailer and down the
hole to join Striker.

Illanov:"Everything all right here, comrade?"

Striker is busy removing one of the nuclear bombs from its case.

Striker:"Ja, but help me here. These bombs are heavy."

Illanov:"Hold on, comrade."

Illanov comes over and helps Striker lift the heavy device from the
protective case. Above, Merit activates the winch and Corsair guides
the hook and line down to the hole. Elexis stands next to him, using
her watchcom to relay information back to Tanarus to help keep the
Stealth Rover in position. This does not go unnoticed by the truck's
escorts. In the front sedan the soldiers inside see the winch coming 
down.

Driver:"That looks like a winch coming down."

Passenger:"They can't lift that trailer off the ground with that."

Driver:"They're not. They're picking up the bombs."

Passenger:"How? The trailer doors are still closed."

Driver:"They probably blew a hole in the roof. Get your guns out and
        stop them!"

The soldiers quickly pull out some submachine guns and lean out the
windows. They all open fire on the Stealth Rover's open hatch. Corsair
and Elexis are forced away from the opening to avoid the incoming fire.
But Shephard takes action right away. He aims his M-249 at the first car's
engine and opens fire. Sparks fly as the bullets tear into the engine.
After a few seconds the hood bursts out as a cloud of steam explodes from
the ruptured engine. The car comes to a slow stop, enveloped in steam.
Shephard takes aim at the second escort car and fires again. He hits the
engine again, but this time one bullet strikes a tire and causes the
driver to lose control. He swerves around the street until the tail of
the car hits a lamp post and spins it out to a stop. Shephard looks
satisfied at the disabled cars.

Shephard:"Two bogies down. A little too easy, though."

A police car races past the two sedans, sirens wailing and lights
flashing as it takes up the pursuit. Shephard frowns.

Shephard:"And it's not good to just shoot at cops."

With the hostile fire subdued the hook is finally lowered down into the
trailer. Striker and Illanov secure the hook onto a rung in the bomb's
frame and give the signal. The winch is started up, lifting the bomb up
slowly while Striker and Illanov get another bomb. Not far behind the
truck a third escort car, which had gone unnoticed, is keep pace. The
soldiers inside see the bomb being lifted. One of them pulls out his
submachine gun and loads it.

Soldier 1:"I'll stop them!"

He leans out the window, but a colleague quickly grabs him and pulls
him back in.

Soldier 2:"You crazy? You can't shoot a nuke!"

The first soldier looks perplexed at the second.

Soldier 1:"Why not? The bombs are made to lie in a pool of burning fuel
           without going off for hours. Surely a handful of bullets won't
           make it go off."

Soldier 2:"No, but the bullet impact can cause the explosives around the
           nuclear core to go off. It won't cause a nuclear blast, but
           getting covered with radioactive debris is no less hazardous."

The driver glances at them in the rearview.

Driver:"He's right, but don't worry. The Air Force is scrambling support
        and the police are setting up a trap for the truck. They won't 
        get away with the bombs."

The first soldier nods and puts away his gun while the car keeps up the
chase. The first bomb is finally pulled up to the Stealth Rover's cargo
bay. Corsair and Elexis move the bomb into the hold, remove the hook and
push it to the back. They return to lower the hook down where Striker and
Illanov are getting a second bomb ready. Phoenix sees that the double lane
street they're on is coming to a traffic circle.

Phoenix:"Oh boy. Left, right or straight ahead?"

She looks to the streets on the left and right. Though both are double
lanes, police cars blockading them.

Phoenix:"Straight ahead, I guess."

Phoenix comes to the circle and goes straight ahead, by driving onto the
circular island. The truck bounces as it hits the curb and ploughs over
the flower garden on the centre. It crosses the circle to the street going
straight ahead towards the city centre. The police cars quickly break
off the barracades and give chase. Striker and Illanov hook up the second
bomb and give the signal. Corsair and Elexis have the second bomb hoisted
up to the cargo hold. About that time Shephard spots something flying
along the street they had taken into the city.

Shephard:"Uh oh, is that the army?"

When the aircraft get closer to the truck, Shephard can make who it really
it. An Elite Guard skylift, carrying two Templars and flanked on both
sides by owl helicopters, is coming towards them. The transport flies lower
to the street, allowing the two Templars to detact and begin running after
the truck. The mechs use their giant claws to smash the pursuing vehicles
out of the way, sending them flying or crushing them against lamp posts,
fences and trees.

Shephard:"Oh s***!"

He quickly goes to the hole and looks inside. Striker and Illanov are
bringing a third bomb for transfer.

Shephard:"Sir! The Elite Guard is right behind us!"

Striker quickly looks up.

Striker:"How many?"

Shephard:"Two choppers and two mechs, sir!"

Striker:"Try to keep them distracted, Shephard! Use any means necessary!"

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

Shephard quickly moves back to his position just in time to see a Templar
come up to the trailer. It reaches out with one claw, slamming them
through the trailer's doors. Striker and Illanov are startled when the
the claws tear through the metal, then rip both doors off their hinges.
The Templar tosses it aside and reaches in again. Shephard takes aim at
the cockpit and opens fire, but this doesn't do much except make the
bullets nick the paint off the metal plating. Inside the trailer Striker
and Illanov see the giant claw reach for a bomb. They quickly grab it
off the rack it was on just before the Templar can get hold of it. It
instead grabs the rack, then throws it away. Inside the cockpit of the
other Templar is Diehard. He is looking at the Stealth Rover.

Diehard:"Ach so! A sitting duck!"

He aims his Templar's laser cannon at the Stealth Rover. Elexis spots
him taking aim at them and quickly warns Tanarus.

Elexis:"We're going to get shot! Evade!"

Tanarus doesn't waste time to react. He pulls the stick and turns the
Stealth Rover to the right. Diehard fires the laser at the aircraft.
The strikes the tip of the left wing, but Tanarus keeps the Stealth
steady while still pulling away. Diehard growls as the aircraft dis-
appears from his view.

Diehard:"Little schwein. Just come back. I'll be vaiting right here,
         yah?"

At that moment one of the helicopters moves in to take the place of the
Stealth Rover. Shephard looks up in time to see four Paladins drop down
onto the trailer. Two of them then jump into the hole, the third runs to
the cab and the final one quickly aims and fires at Shephard. Shephard
tries to roll out of the way, but they magnetic rail shot strikes the
side of his chest. The blow from the blast sends him reeling over the
edge of the trailer, but he still manages to grab hold of the edge
before falling off completely. Shephard groans in pain from the wound on
his side while struggling to hold on. Inside the trailer Striker and
Illanov see the two Paladins drop in.

Striker:"Quick! Charge them!"

The two canines drop the bomb they are carrying and rush for the two
Paladins. The Paladins try to aim and fire, but they are not fast enough.
Striker and Illanov grab their magnetic rail rifles and a struggle ensues
for their control. Meanwhile, the Paladin on top of the trailer walks
to the edge where Shephard is still holding on. He puts his rifle to
Shephard's face.

Paladin:"Now, feel the power of our Supreme Leader Franco!"

Shephard:"Oh, I'll feel all right!"

Suddenly Shephard grabs the Paladin's rifle with both hands, putting his
full weight on them. The Paladin, caught by surprise, is pulled off his
feet and falls over the edge of the trailer. Shephard quickly lets go of
the rifle and grabs the bumper of the trailer. The Paladin however lands
on the road in the path of Diehard's Templar. Diehard doesn't see this
and the Templar steps on the fallen power suit, causing the mech to slip.
The Templar staggers forward for a few seconds before collapsing onto
the street, causing the other Templar to trip over Diehard's and fall
to the ground as well. Shephard just holds on the bumper, struggling to
pull himself up while being dragging along on the road. Meanwhile, up
front the fourth Paladin reaches the cabin and climbs onto the roof.
Phoenix quickly looks up when she hears the metallic thuds.

Phoenix:"Who's that? Shephard?"

The Paladin leans forward and uses his fist to smash into the front 
windshield. Phoenix gasps as the Paladin repeatedly pounds on the thick 
glass until there is a big hole. He then pushes his rifle through the
hole and fires at Phoenix. Phoenix ducks, the blast hitting the uphol-
stery behind her head and causing the truck to swerve. The Paladin
takes aim, this time for Phoenix's lower body. In reaction Phoenix
quickly lets go of the wheel and jumps to the opposite side of the
cabin. Again the shot misses and the truck veers off onto a median
where it knocks over several street lights. Phoenix takes action: she
grabs the wheel and the rifle's muzzle at the same time while heating
her paw on the gun. The Paladin tries to pull the rifle away while
Phoenix tries to maintain her grip on it while also attempting to get
the wildly swerving truck back on course. The heat from the Pomeranian’s
paw melts the muzzle until it is a ball of slag filling the hole in
the windshield. This allows Phoenix to retake the wheel with both her
paws.

Phoenix:"Now I see why my driving instructor chewed me out so much over
         keeping both paws on the wheel!"

The Paladin sees Phoenix take the wheel and attempts to fire the rifle,
unaware the barrel had been melted. The result is that the magnetic
blast detonates inside the barrel, causing the rifle to explode. The
force sends the Paladin stumbling backwards and falling off the front
of the truck. However, he manages to grab the bumper before sliding
under the truck. At the same time the rifle explosion causes the
windshield to shatter so badly that Phoenix can't see through it. She
is forced to kick the glass free from its frame, letting it fall off
onto the road in order to see. At that moment the Stealth Rover appears
above the truck again, taking up position above the hole in the
trailer. Corsair and Elexis look down from the cargo bay to the truck.

Corsair:"I don't see them down there."

Elexis:"Let me try calling them."

Elexis tries to contact Striker with her Watchcom, but there is no
reply. She tries again, this time going for Illanov. He doesn't answer
either.

Elexis:"No answer. Something must have gone wrong while we were away."

Corsair:"So now what?"

Elexis reaches for the hook and grabs it.

Elexis:"Lower me down."

Corsair:"You sure about that?"

Elexis:"Very sure. Lower me!"

Corsair shrugs and signals to Merit. Merit starts the winch and Elexis
begins to descend to the truck. Inside the trailer Illanov and Striker
continue to fight the Paladins hand-to-hand, but both of them now have
cuts and bruises on their faces as the armored wolves try to punch the
two canines away. Striker and Illanov fight back, but they don't do much
against the Paladin's suits aside from making a few dents. At the same
time Shephard is straining hard as he pulls himself up into the trailer,
grunting and groaning with pain. Illanov gets shoved away by the Paladin
he is fighting. The Paladin quickly fires at the German Shepherd, but
he dodges the shot and turns invisible. Confused, the Paladin begins to
swing his rifle around in the hope of hitting his invisible foe.

Paladin:"Where are you? Reveal yourself, coward!"

Illanov reappears directly behind the Paladin. He reaches around, grabs
the rifle and yanks it up against the soldier's neck. The two of them
struggle anew as Illanov tries to choke the Paladin with his own rifle.
Striker keeps struggling with the other Paladin, trying to force the
wolf to trip over his leg. Suddenly the Paladin head buts him hard,
causing a mild concussion and making the spaniel stumble backwards
against a rack. Now free of Striker's grip, the Paladin takes aim at
the unsteady canine.

Paladin:"Die, vile spawn!"

Suddenly Elexis jumps down from the hole and sits on the Paladin's
shoulders. She wraps her legs around his head and bends down to grab
the rifle. The Paladin lets go of the trigger to try and get the coyote
female off him.

Paladin:"Get off me! I can't see!"

As the two of them struggle, Striker recovers from the blow to the head
and sees Elexis holding the Paladin at bay. He quickly pulls out his
revolver and rushes up. He puts the gun barrel under a weak spot in
the Paladin's suit: the armpit. The spaniel then fires. Immediately the
Paladin stops fighting, then collapsed to the floor a second later.
Elexis yips as she hits the deck of the trailer. Striker quickly helps
her up.

Striker:"Dankie, Elexis. Are you hurt?"

Elexis:"No, I'm fine. What about Alex?"

They look and see Illanov still trying to strangle the other Paladin
with his rifle. The wolf remains stubbornly deviant and is knocking the
canine against the sides the trailer. One hard blow causes Illanov to
let go of the rifle. The Paladin comes free and whirls around to fire
at Illanov. Striker and Elexis rush up and both of them kick at the
wolf. The blows, while not enough to hurt the wolf through his suit,
is enough to send him staggering backwards. The Paladin tries to stop
his momentum, but the last second his one feet steps out the back of
the trailer and into empty air. He falls and lands on the road, tumbling
like a barrel and getting left behind. Striker and Elexis then see
Shephard struggling to pull himself up. They come up to him and grab
his hands.

Striker:"Hold on, Shephard!"

The two of them drag the injured soldier into the trailer. Striker sees
Shephard's injuries.

Striker:"That doesn't look goed."

Shephard:"I'm fine... sir... ow..."

Striker:"Nee, you're not. Elexis, patch him up."

Elexis:"Right!"

As Elexis readies her medical unit to begin treating Shephard, Striker
goes over to where Illanov has gotten up.

Striker:"Are you reg, Alex?"

Illanov(nodding):"Dah, comrade. But we really need to get the bombs up
       to the Stealth Rover now."

Striker:"Agreed. Come on!"

The two of them run over and grab one of the nukes while Striker radios
Corsair to lower the winch. Once again the hook is lowered down and hooked
up to the third bomb. Striker gives the thumbs up to Corsair, and the bomb
is lifted up to the Stealth Rover. Phoenix keeps the truck, now heading
into the central business district, on course while dodging civilian cars
and running over red lights. At the same time, she tries to keep her eye
on the last Paladin trying to climb up the front of the truck. Then she
sees trouble: just past a bridge running over a viaduct is a t-junction
where a large number of police cars and military APCs have blocked off
the street. Policemen and soldiers and carrying rocket launchers are
gathered at the barricade.

Phoenix:"Oh s***!"

She spots one last street before the bridge and takes a sharp turn. So
sharp, that the trailer's end fishtails. Inside the trailer everyone
grabs the racks and hold on. The final, unsecured bomb slides towards
the open back, much to the Strikers' horror.

Striker:"Gou! Stop it!"

Illanov tries to grab it, but the bomb slips out of his reach. They can
only watch as the nuke flies out the back of the trailer and down into
the empty viaduct. The bomb falls down, bounces off the concrete slabs
of the viaduct before rolling to a stop near a wall. Thankfully, it does
not go off. At the same time, just as Phoenix makes the turn, the soldiers
fire the rocket launchers. But the truck manages to get into the side
street before that, successfully dodging the rockets. Directly behind
the truck are the two Templars. Diehard sees the nuke flying out the
back of the truck and turns to go after it. As a result, he too dodges
the rockets. The second Templar pilot is not so lucky. Several rockets
score hits on the Templar, one of them directly on the cockpit. The
badly damaged hulk falls to the ground and rolls a few time before
exploding in a cloud of fire and debris. Diehard's Templar jumps down
into the viaduct and goes over to the nuclear bomb. He picks up it
triumphantly with the Templar's claw.

Diehard:"Ach so! Success!"

Diehard turns his Templar to run west along the viaduct. From the back
of the trailer the Strikers see him grab the bomb and run.

Illanov:"Mother Russia! They've got the bomb! We lost!"

Striker:"Nee, they only got the bomb! They haven't gotten away with it
         yet! Come on, let's get back to the Stealth Rover! This truck
         is only drawing attention now!"

Striker calls Tanarus and Corsair, telling them to hold position and
pick up the team. The hook is lowered to allow Illanov and Elexis to
both lift Shephard up to the cargo back. Striker gets his Rover jetpack
ready and calls Phoenix.

Striker(into com):"Phoenix, get ready to abandon the truck!"

Phoenix(over com):"Loud and clear!"

Up front Phoenix holds the wheel with one paw while using the other to
get her jetpack ready. What she can't see is the Paladin pulling out
his pistol. As she turns from the street alongside the viaduct into
a double lane, the Paladin jumps up and fires at Phoenix. Phoenix gasps
and ducks down to avoid the fire. The bullets miss her, but not her
jetpack, blasting several holes into them. Jet fuel leaks in streams
from the holes. Phoenix can feel herself becoming wet from the fuel.

Phoenix:"Oh no! Not my jetpack!"

To make matters even worse, up ahead the double lane ends in another
t-junction with an even larger barricade of police and army units. Again
the soldiers get ready with their rocket launchers. The Paladin keeps
firing, preventing Phoenix from even sitting up.

Paladin:"Franco demands your blood, curr!"

Suddenly a sound causes him to stop firing and look. Too late he sees
Striker coming in with his jetpack. The Paladin tries to aim for the
spaniel, but Striker kicks the pistol from his paw and nearly causes
him to fall again. While the Paladin tries to regain his grip, Striker
flies over to the driver's side and pulls the door open.

Striker:"Phoenix, come on!"

Phoenix:"My jetpack's fuel has leaked out! I can't fly!"

Striker:"Grab my paws! Gou!"

Phoenix quickly grabs Striker while he pulls her out. The soldiers at
the roadblock take aim and then fire their rockets. Striker pulls
Phoenix out of the truck and the two of them fly up to the Stealth
Rover. Below the Paladin sees them escape and shouts curses at them,
failing to see the incoming the rockets. The rockets all score direct
hits on the truck. The blasts cause the cabin to explode in a large
fireball before tipping over. The trailer breaks free and falls over
onto its side. The whole wreckage of the truck slides on for a few
metres before finally stopping. Above Striker carries Phoenix into
the open hatch of the cargo. Once they are in, Corsair closes the bay
doors. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Are you reg, Firefly?"

Phoenix:"Yes, but now I'm covered in smelly jet fuel."

Striker:"At least you are still alive."

Phoenix smiles at Striker.

Phoenix:"That's certainly a worthwhile trade-off."

While Illanov and Elexis carry Shephard off to the medical bay for
better treatment, Corsair comes up to Striker.

Corsair:"Hey, boss. Where's the last nuke?"

Striker:"The Elite Guard has the bomb now."

Corsair(shocked):"WHAT!? Oh man, that sucks!"

Striker:"But they haven't gotten away with it yet, David. I got a plan
         on how to retrieve it. Let me explain to you."

Striker begins to explain to Corsair what he has in mind. Back on the
ground Diehard's Templar enters a tunnel that leads towards the city's
waterfront. The waterfront is a shopping mall located at the shores of
a small inner-city lake. Separating the lake from the viaduct is a
three-story concrete wall. Catwalks for shoppers and restaurant diners
run over the viaduct. Diehard's Templar appears from the tunnel and
climbs up the wall, causing it to crack a bit. Surprised mall visitors
watch as the large mech jumps off the wall onto a walkway and run for
a nearby parking lot. People flee in all directions as Diehard charges
ahead, crushing several cars before entering a street that runs between
the mall and the city's stadium. Diehard looks around to see if the
coast is clear. Satisfied that he is in the clear, he radios the Skylift
that brought him.

Diehard(into radio):"Zis is Diehard. Requesting immediate pickup."

Pilot(over radio):"Roger, General. We're closing in your location. Be
     there is a few minutes."

Diehard(into radio):"Guht."

Diehard looks outside and raises the Templar claw holding the nuclear
bomb. He grins as he looks it over.

Diehard:"Hasn't changed much since ze days of Nuclear Storm, yah?"

Suddenly a hook appears above the bomb. Diehard looks up to see the
Stealth Rover flying overhead. The hook snags the frame of the bomb
and locks in place. Immediately the Stealth Rover pulls up, tugging
at the bomb in the Templar's claw. It almost breaks free.

Diehard:"Nein!"

Diehard tightens the claw's grip and simultaneously raises the Templar's
laser cannon. He takes aim at the Stealth Rover. Through the cargo bay
Striker, who is using straps to prevent falling out through the open
hatch, sees the Templar aiming at them. He calls Tanarus.

Striker(into com):"Incoming fire! Dodge!"

The Stealth Rover banks left as Diehard fires. The laser beam misses
the aircraft, but at the same time the plane tugs the bomb. The Templar
is pulled to the left of the road, causing oncoming traffic to veer off
onto the sidewalks. Diehard takes aim again and fires. The Stealth Rover
banks to the right to avoid the shot and pulls the Templar along with
it. This goes on for a few times, making Diehard even more frustrated
with each missed shot. He finally snaps and decides to just fire without
aiming. His first two shots miss the Stealth Rover by wide margins. The
third one scores a hit on the Stealth Rover's wing, however. The laser
blasts a big hole in the centre of the wing, causing Tanarus to tempo-
rarily loose control of the Stealth Rover. As he struggles to bring the
aircraft back under control, Diehard takes aim on the damaged plane.

Diehard:"Now you die, you schwein!"

His fixation on the Stealth Rover prevents Diehard from looking in front
of him. As a result he fails to spot the road works up ahead. Workers
scatter as the Templar bears down on a cement mixer. The mech collides
with the mixer, causing the truck to tip and the Templar to trip over
it and fall to the ground. This also causes the Stealth Rover to be
pulled down as the claw holding the bomb yanked on it. But as the mech
falls the bomb slips free from the claw's grasp. From above Striker sees
the bomb come free.

Striker:"The bomb is free! Gou, hoist it up Merit!"

Merit starts up the winch and the bomb is lifted up while the Stealth
Rover attempts to gain height. But Diehard quickly gets his Templar back
onto its feet and runs after the Stealth Rover. In a desperate attempt
to regain the bomb the Templar jumps, grasping for the Stealth Rover.
The claw manages to dig into the aircraft's belly, the sharp talons
ripping through the hull and nearly skewering Corsair.

Corsair:"Oh man! Gimme a break here!"

The added weight of the Templar makes it difficult for Tanarus to keep
the Stealth Rover level. Combined with the damaged wing he is barely
able to prevent the plane from hitting trees and low-rise buildings.
He fights with the flight stick, sweating as he struggles.

Tanarus:"Feels like I'm trying to fly with a troop of elephants!"

Down in the cargo bay the others are using whatever tools they can
find or powers they have to try and pry the Templar's claws free from
the hull. Diehard sees that he is now in a prime firing position. He
takes aim at the badly damaged wing.

Diehard:"Now ve see how vell you fly wizout a wing, yah?"

However, the weight of the Templar is having an unforeseen effect on the
hull: the bullet holes left by the Rooivalk helicopter are starting to
tear. Each hole grows bigger and bigger, their tears moving closer to
joining up. Merit is the one to notice this and immediately opens the
toolkit.

Merit:"I say, this must be repaired."

As Merit gets to work Corsair, who is trying to use a crowbar to pry the
Templar claw, notices him.

Corsair:"Hey, Merit! Give us a hand here, will ya?!"

Merit:"I must first finish these repairs."

Corsair:"What rep..."

That's when the human notices the bullet holes are growing bigger. His
eyes widen and he taps Striker's shoulder.

Corsair:"Uh, boss..."

Striker looks to where Corsair is pointing. His eyes go wide as well,
especially now that the holes are really starting to tear apart. He
quickly turns to the others.

Striker:"Staan terug! Get back!"

The others are confused, but do as Striker tells them to. Striker then
grabs Merit and pulls him away in the nick of time. The tears all join
up and in a split second the entire portion of the hull rips away like
a giant banana peel. Diehard can do nothing but flail about as the
piece of hull breaks off from the Stealth Rover. His Templar plummets
to the ground below, still clutching the metal sheet. The mech is
falling towards the giant furnace of a hospital, where the workers
see it and scatter in all directions. The Templar smashes into the
building, causing the structure to collapse and catch fire. It takes
a few moments for the entire furnace to be engulfed in flames. The
workers warily approach the burning mess, when suddenly Diehard comes
walking out of the flames. His fur is singed and his uniform in tatters,
but otherwise he is not injured.

Diehard:"Zey don't call me Diehard for nuzing."

The workers watch with stunned amazement as Diehard walks past them,
brushing himself off. High above, the Strikers stare briefly at the
gaping hole in the hull the Stealth Rover.

Corsair:"Man, Hubert and Collin are NOT going to like this."

Striker:"Where are the bombs?"

They quickly look around. Three of the bombs are secured in place, but
the last one is rolling towards the open hole. Everyone's eyes widen.

Striker:"Gou! Stop that bomb!"

They rush forward. The bomb rolls to the edge of the hole, but Phoenix
jumps and catches the bomb before it can go over. The others come and
help her pull the nuclear bomb to safety.

Corsair:"Four close calls in one day? Man, this is one of those days."

Striker:"Let's get this one secure and go home."

They carry the bomb over to the others and begin to secure it with
straps while the Stealth Rover flies up and away, heading back to base.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
7:32 AM:

Everyone is again gathered here, either in person or on the screens. At
the briefing table is the Master, Collin, Hubert and a few other Rovers. 
On the screens are Norwood, Major Cadwell and Hunter and Striker in the 
briefing room of the Jumbo Rover. Striker is relaying the success of
their mission to the others, much to their relief.

Striker:"... and all four bombs are now under control. Vorster no longer
         has a nuclear option, and Franco's been denied getting one."

Norwood:"Thank God! The last thing I'd have wanted is Franco with his
         finger on THE button."

Cadwell:"And now both us and the Chinese can move in without fear of a
         nuclear attack. What do you plan to do with the weapons?"

Hunter:"I'm having them loaded on a plane to bring back to RRHQ until we
        can dispose of them."

Norwood:"I got some contacts at the International Atomic Energy Agency
         who can destroy these weapons. I'll make a few calls to make
         arrangements for your delivery of the bombs. So where do we
         stand now that the nuclear threat is out of the way?"

Cadwell:"If all goes well, the first US and Chinese troops will begin
         making landfall on both sides of the South African coast. We've
         been doing some negotiating with the mayors of Cape Town and
         Durban and if we're successful we could use those ports to
         unload the troops."

Norwood:"What about the South Africans and Franco?"

Striker:"That's a different story, Mark. Sadly, our successful mission
         has benefitted Franco even though we took the nukes out of
         his reach. With his army no longer in danger of being wiped
         out so easily he will now resume his push for Pretoria."

Master:"And while the Elite Guard stood still it bought the South Africans
        time to move their army closer to Gauteng. I have confirmed recon
        reports that the first SANDF troops have reached Johannesburg.
        But they are still too few in number to stop Franco's army. It
        will be a very close race."

Norwood:"Then we need to redouble our efforts and try to beat Franco to
         the punch. Let's get to work immediately. We don't have time to
         waste."

Everyone agrees. Norwood and Cadwell disappear from the screens, while
the Master gets up and excuses himself. As he leaves, Hubert and Collin
take the opportunity to speak with Striker.

Hubert:"How did you leg hold up over there, my boy?"

Striker:"Baie goed, Professor. It felt so natural that I didn't notice
         it during the mission. And I think I can get used to that minor
         limp I have."

Hubert:"That's good, but I think we will need to do more tests just to
        be sure that your leg is properly calibrated. Once you return
        after the war, of course."

Striker:"I'll be sure to remember that, Professor."

Collin:"And that new special ops suit of yours. How did that fare?"

Striker:"Pretty well for the most part, though I haven't used all of
         its functions. But it did help protect me while on the mission
         and I can see this becoming my team's standard uniform if it
         turns out a success."

Collin:"Be sure to transmit me the data from the suit so Hubert and I
        can analyze it. We need the feedback if we are going to make
        more of them."

Striker:"I will speak to Corsair tomorrow and have him send it to you."

Hubert:"Very good. That's should be all, my boy."

Striker:"Um... just een ding, Professor. It's about the Stealth Rover."

Hubert:"Oh? What is it?"

Outside the briefing room the Master is walking to his quarters when
suddenly he hears Hubert screaming behind him. He stops and chuckles
to himself.

Master:"Poor Hubert. He will probably have grey fur before he retires."

The Master resumes his walk.

Franco's Private Quarters
Wardrome
Elite Guard Second Tactical Brigade
5 Kilometers East of Bela Bela
Limpopo Province
South Africa
19:09 PM:

Franco is pacing back and forth, cursing and swearing angrily after getting
Diehard's report from a messenger. Seneschal and the other commanders
keep their distance from their furious leader. Even Champion is hiding
behind Franco's throne.

Franco:"D*** you, Striker! D*** you and your entire f***ing family!"

He clutches his head due to a sudden stab of pain, but that doesn't stop
him from growling and gnashing his teeth in fury. While everyone is un-
easy about Franco's anger, Seneschal has a smug look on his face.

Seneschal:"This failure must be met with response, would you not agree,
           Supreme General?"

Franco growls in agreement, clutching his fists as he keeps pacing around.

Franco:"Yes, you're right. Someone must pay!"

Seneschal:"Someone... perhaps involved in the mission?"

Franco nods again, still growling.

Franco:"Yes, indeed. And I know what to do about it."

Seneschal smiles triumphantly. Franco then suddenly turns to his commanders
and marches up to them quickly.

Franco:"Get our forces on the move! Have the second, third and the sur-
        vivors of the first tactical brigades merged together! We move
        for Pretoria right away! I may not have gotten my nukes, but Vorster
        no longer has his! We must make up lost ground!"

Commanders(in unison):"Yes, Supreme General!"

But Seneschal loses his smug smile.

Seneschal:"But... what about Diehard?"

Franco:"I'll have him and remaining forces merge with mine."

Seneschal:"But he failed in his mission!"

Franco:"That is why I am giving responsibility of this next plan of mine
        over to you instead."

Franco turns to his commanders.

Franco:"Get moving! Now!"

The commanders salute quickly and then run out of the throne room. Franco
then turns to Seneschal as he begins to explain his plan, oblivious to
Seneschal's obvious disappointment at not getting Diehard in trouble.

War Room
Union Buildings
Pretoria
South Africa
At That Moment:

Vorster and his cabinet are seated around the meeting table, where the
South African president is holding the piece of paper confirming the
loss of the nuclear bombs. His cabinet ministers are looking pensively
at their leader, who is staring at the paper with a blank face.

Vorster:"So... we have lost our final hope..."

Nobody says anything, unsure of how to respond. There is an awkward
silence as Vorster keeps staring at the piece. Finally he crumbles
it up and throws it away. He turns back to his cabinet, an angry look
on his face.

Vorster:"So be it! But our enemies will soon find out that Adriaan
         Vorster will not roll over and play dead yet!"

He stands up, looking at his cabinet.

Vorster:"Get the word out: I am ordering a complete evacuation of the
         civilian populace out of the Witwatersrand area. The Elite
         Guard will reach us soon, so we might as well try and save
         as much as we can."

The Home Affairs Minister and Police Chief Frans Klopper nods their 
heads.

Minister:"I will get the order out immediately."

Klopper:"The police will set up routes and provide the necessary
         transport where needed."

Vorster:"Next, put a fire under our army commanders. They must get
         here as quickly as possible."

Army Chief General Achmed Pahad nods his head.

Pahad:"Our troops are rushing as fast as they can to Gauteng, but I
       urge them on."

Vorster:"Good. And finally, activate Operation Blood River."

There is a horrified collective gasp from many in attendance. Those 
not part of the meeting look in shock at Vorster. Even his closest
supporters are stunned by the order.

Haddan:"Mister President, surely you are not serious!"

Vorster:"I am deadly serious. I want Franco's victory to be a hollow
         one. If he comes here, then all he will find is his own doom."

Hangana:"But this is madness! I thought Blood River was supposed to
         be the ultimate last resort!"

Vorster:"And it is, Minister Hangana. We have lost all chances of
         defeating the Elite Guard, so we now use our last resort. Are
         we going to let these mutants, who have murdered their way
         over our country, just march into our cities like it was a
         Sunday stroll? Allow them to get away with rape, murder and
         looting? Blood River is our way of answering NO to all those
         questions. We might lose plenty, but it will be better than
         to lose the entire country. Are there any objections to that?"

Hangana and Haddan raise their hands in objection, but hostile stares
from some colleagues and indifference from the rest force them to lower
them again.

Vorster:"Then we get to work immediately, ladies and gentlemen. Time is
         short."

All the cabinet members stand up and get to work. All except Haddan, who
pulls Hangana to one side.

Haddan(whispering):"Vorster has gone mad. Blood River could have cata-
      strophic consequences."

Hangana(whispering):"But what can we do? You and I are the only ones who
       protest this. The others agree with Vorster, and the worst part
       is they are all right."

Haddan(whispering):"That is why we might have to... make some changes
      around here."

Hangana looks shocked at Haddan.

Hangana(whispering):"A coup de tat? That's madness! And it won't work!"

Haddan(whispering):"No, not by us. But maybe by... some others."

Hangana(whispering):"Who are these others?"

Haddan looks around, then takes Hangana to a quiet corner of the room to
explain her plans. Unit STRIKE has recovered the nuclear bombs, Striker
is back with the team and the threat of nuclear escalation is no more.
But time is running out as various forces race for Pretoria. Will the
Elite Guard get there first? What is this Operation Blood River? And
what is all the scheming about?


THE END