Rover Strike: The Spider Cartel Episode 3: The Octo Cartel By Gerhard Naudé All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé Vicki Maddog © Robert Baer Jr. Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. Rhino, Biker Rover En Route To Jova Island Chain South China Sea 7 June 7:23 PM: The Rhino and Biker Rover, both in flight mode, are flying over the ocean southwards to Jova. In the Rhino, Striker is piloting with Phoenix in the seat next to him; Illanov and Corsair are seated in the back, separated by Shephard. Merit is in an folded-up but active state between Striker's and Phoenix's seats. Tanarus is flying the Biker Rover with Elexis hugging onto him. Both have their helmets on. Corsair is busy working on his laptop, Illanov is drinking some Vodka and Shephard has a bag of chips. Striker looks at Illanov in the rear-view mirror. Striker:"Reg, Alex. Tell us what you know about Vega." He looks sternly at Corsair. Striker:"And no remarks, Corsair." Corsair just nods and mumbles something while he keeps working on his laptop. Illanov stops drinking, takes a deep breath, then speaks. Illanov:"I first met Antonio Vega during the time Boris Yeltsin was being inaugurated as president of democratic Russia. He was part of a Cuban delegation sent to establish ties with Cuba and the new Russia. While this was partly true, he was to buy our weaponry on Castro's behalf. I was the one who was to oversee the transaction. When I became a renegade arms dealer he was one of my more important customers, secretly purchasing weapons with Castro's orders. Before now I have not seen him since we last met just before Putin became president." He stops and takes a quick sip of Vodka, then continuous. Illanov:"He was one of the top generals in the Cuban army and had fought alongside Castro during the revolution. He was lean, vulpine and rather handsome. But the combination of good foods, high living and other activities I would rather not mention made him decadent, as well as less of a general or a soldier. He still is very intelligent, but not as tough or commanding as he once was. He is also greedy and a compulsive gambler. It is rumoured that he was a drug addict of sorts." Tanarus(over radio):"Not a very savoury fellow, is he?" Illanov:"Neyt, comrade. Last of what I heard of him, he had retired from the Cuban army a few months ago." Striker:"And you do not know whom he is working for?" Illanov:"Neyt, though I think he will work for those who pay him." Phoenix:"Is it possible that he might now be working for the Mayhem Mercenaries?" Striker:"That might be a possibility, Love. Or even with the cartel. We might be able to find papers linking Vega with them." Striker looks at Corsair. Striker:"Speaking of. Wat information have you got on the cartel, Corsair?" He looks sternly at Illanov. Striker:"And of course, Alex...." Illanov:"Dah, I know comrade. No remarks." Striker nods, pleased. Corsair checks his screen again, then looks up at them. Corsair:"The Octo Cartel is one of seven oldest crime families in Asia and one of the more larger crime organizations in the world. It used to be small time, but the British Crown abandoned its colony at Jova, the cartel moved in and took over. Thus they went from small-time to big time in record time. Now they're into everything criminal: gun running, extortion, money laun- dering, pirating, slavery..." Phoenix's eyes widen in shock. Phoenix:"Slavery? That's horrible!" Corsair:"Yeah, though nowadays they call it cheap labour, but its still the same old business." Striker:"Do they have an army?" Corsair:"Yeah. Nothing big or impressive, but its enough to scare off any police or anyone who want to pick a bone with them. They have some old toys the Brits left behind, like some Hueys, four Destroyer ships and a Harrier. Most of their gear comes from the black market or from outlaw arms dealers." Striker:"Who leads the cartel?" Corsair:"No idea, though there is one guy... I mean, gal who might know them." Striker:"Who?" Corsair:"Her name is Airie, a female artic wolf lupo-sapien who is staying on the island chain. Apparently she met one of the big bosses of the cartel and knows where they might be found." Tanarus(over radio):"That's great." Corsair:"But she's working for them, but only for one reason." Striker:"Wat is that?" Corsair:"She is a member of the Mayhem Mercenaries, so more likely her loyalty to them is only as far as their bank accounts can pay her." Striker thinks for a moment. Illanov:"Are we going to purchase her loyalty, comrade?" Striker:"Maybe, but the problem is that we do not actually have money to do so." Elexis(over radio):"And our salaries aren't exactly the highest in the world. Where are we going to get the money?" Striker shakes his head and sighs. Striker:"I do not know. Let's ask her what her price is first. Where is she staying on Jova?" Corsair looks down at her screen again, then looks up and speaks. Corsair:"At one of the island holiday resorts the cartel uses as a front." Striker:"Goed. Let us go meet Mevrou Airie." Phoenix looks suspiciously at Striker. He notices this and looks at her. Striker:"I will behave." Phoenix:"Good. I would hate to get hot MY way." She holds up a finger with a small flame burning on it. Striker smiles and nods nervously, then looks forward. Behind him, Corsair chuckles softly and goes back to work. The Rhino and Biker Rover continue on to the island chain. Swimming Pool Holiday Resort Island of Labi Jova Island Chain 8 June 11:01 AM: This is large, curvy pool with crystal clear water in it. It lies in the front yard of the large, white-walled holiday resort. Holiday makers of various nations (mostly Asian) are around enjoying themselves. Coming from the building is Unit STRIKE. They look around the pool. Corsair:"Man, I dig this place." Illanov:"Dah. You would fit well amongst all these criminals." Corsair frowns at Illanov, who just grins smugly. Corsair:"Ha ha. Very funny. Go to h***." Striker quickly turns to them. Striker:"Stop it, you two." The two of them clam up, but still pass sneers at each other as Striker turns his back on them. Tanarus then sees whom they are looking for and taps Striker on the shoulder. Tanarus(pointing):"That looks like her." Striker looks to where he is pointing. Reclining in a deck chair is a female Artic Wolf lupo-sapien. She stands at 5 foot 2, has blue eyes and her fur is completely white. She has long hair that is tied to a ponytail. She is well built and beautiful. She is currently wearing sandals, sunglasses and a blue swimsuit. The others also look at her. Corsair:"If Blitz was here, this pool would flood over with his drool." Illanov makes a face of disgust. Illanov:"Agh... what a horrible thought." Striker:"That should Mevrou Airie. Let's go and meet her." As they walk towards her, Phoenix takes Striker's paw and squeezes it hard. This gains his attention and he looks at her. Striker:"Something verkeerd?" Phoenix:"Just want to let you know I'm here with you." Striker:"Bekommerd that I might have wandering eyes?" Phoenix smiles at him. Phoenix:"That and others things that 'wander'." He looks forward, blushing under his fur. Phoenix giggles and also looks forward. As they approach Airie, she raises her head and looks at the group coming towards her. When they stop by her, Striker speaks first. Striker:"Mevrou Airie, I suppose?" Airie:"Indeed. And you are Striker, lead of unit STRIKE, I suppose?" Everyone else is taken aback by this. Tanarus:"How did you know?" Airie:"Oh, I have my means..." Corsair:"Let me guess: your super power?" Airie nods and smiles. Airie:"Smart human, aren't you? Yes, my super power is my powerful psychic abilities, which include reading people's minds." Striker:"Then you probably read my mind on why me and my unit is here?" Airie:"Yes, I have. You are here to dispose the leader of the Octo Cartel because they were behind the nuclear blast in Paris and the sub- siquent war in Korea." Striker nods, raising an eyebrow. Striker:"Ja, that is true. And you know who the leader is, reg?" Airie:"Of course. He personally bought me and the Mayhem Mercenaries' services." Striker:"And you would turn against him and help us if he paid more than he did." Airie:"Certainly. Money doesn't buy loyalty, but more money does. Though you don't have money, I can tell." Striker:"We can work that out. How much?" Airie lies back on the chair and relaxes. Airie:"100 million dollars, in cold hard cash." Most of the Rovers look at each other in shock. Illanov:"Bolshoi! That is an outrageous sum!" Merit:"Might I also add that the amount exceeds the combined amount of money of all Rover units." Striker quickly looks at Airie. Striker:"Verskoon us, Mevrou." Airie:"Go ahead." Striker leads them away from her and they begin to discuss their current dilemma. Striker:"Any ideas?" Phoenix:"That female's demand is simply too much for us. We don't have that amount." Elexis:"Could we try to negotiate?" Tanarus:"I doubt it, Dear. She will keep to her current position, which is one of the characteristics of those working for the Mayhem Mercenaries." Shephard:"And I'm not going go there and rough her up. It's against my upbringing, even if she isn't a human." Striker:"We had better come up with a way to get Airie to help us, for she is our best chance at finding the cartel's leader." Corsair gets an idea and whips out his laptop. Corsair:"Hold on a sec, boss. Let me check if I can find a spot where we can do some fund raising." He begins to type away as the others watch him with interest (except Illanov). After a few moments, he stops and looks up at Striker. Corsair:"The cartel's got another front, on the next island. It's a bank, and the only people who place their cash there are all the big brass of the cartel." The others absorb the information, then look at each other. Illanov:"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, comrades?" Tanarus:"I think so. I mean, it won't be such a big crime." Striker:"I certainly agree, Alex." He goes over to Airie. She looks up at him. Striker:"We will get your money." Airie:"From what you are thinking, I think you should be able to meet my price, if you can get it. I'll wait here until you return." Striker goes back to the group, grinning. Striker:"Reg, everyone. Let's go and rob a bank." Everyone else(except Merit) grin and chuckle as they head back into the resort. Jova National Bank Island Of Philinesia Jova Island Chain 11:34 AM: This is large, fancy-looking bank in the center of the main city by the shores of a beach. The Greek-style pillars hold up part of the building that has a large dollar sign and the bank's name on it. The Rhino and Biker Rover has just stopped in front of the bank and everyone has gotten out. They group together. Striker:"Reg. Corsair, Merit, Shephard and I will go inside to get the money. The rest of you stand guard here and keep away anyone who will try and stop us." Phoenix:"Does that mean the police as well?" Corsair:"Police? Ha! There isn't any cops in a thousand miles from here." Striker:"I twyfel if there are police on this island. More likely they will be security personnel of the cartel." Tanarus:"So we shoot on sight?" Striker:"Only if you can identify if it is of the cartel. If not, just delay them." Illanov:"Dah, comrade." Phoenix:"Okay, Love." Tanarus, Elexis:"Right." Striker nods and leads Shephard, Corsair and Merit to the front of the bank while the rest begin to keep an eye open. They walk into the bank. Cashier Area Jova National Bank 11:38 AM: This a spacious room with the pillars, walls floor covered with marble tiles. Potted plants line the walls to the cashier booths, which are just desks with bored clerks behind them. A lone security guard is sitting in a chair next to a plant, sleeping on the job. The clerks, meanwhile, are busy chatting, playing computer games or filling in crossword puzzles. Striker and the others walk in and look around. Corsair:"Looks like business is slow around here." Shephard:"And the security! I was hoping for big laser walls, chaingun security turrets, dozens of cameras and thousands of guards armed with machine guns. Instead, all they have is one freaking guard who's asleep. This sucks!" Striker:"Just as I suspected: since the cartel is the only criminal organization around here, the security is very poor. Shephard, go over to that guard and put him to sleep again if he wakes up." Shephard:"Yes, sir." Shephard walks over to the guard and stops next to him. Striker turns to Corsair. Striker:"And you will have the honour of telling the clerks of what we are here to do." Corsair gives the thumbs up. Corsair:"No problem, boss." The trio walk over to one of the desks, where a female clerk was busy cleaning her nails. As they stop before her, she looks up. Her eyes widen in surprise at the appearance of the trio. Clerk:"Err... C-can I help you?" Corsair:"Yeah..." He takes out his laser magnum and points it at her. Striker takes out his sonic rifle and aims it at the other clerks. Corsair:"STICK 'EM UP! THIS IS A ROBBERY! GIVE US ALL YOUR MONEY!" The clerk screams and the other clerk's eyes widen in fright. They all immediately put their hands in the air. The guard wakes up from the noise, but Shephard quickly punches him out cold. Corsair:"NO FUNNY BUSINESS! NOBODY DOES ANYTHING STUPID AND NO ONE WILL GET HURT!" One of the clerks next to the woman clerk quickly lowers his hand to the underside of his desk. Striker sees him and points his sonic rifle at him. Striker:"Do that and your life expectancy will drastically be reduced." The clerk immediately puts his hand back into the air. Striker then turns back to Corsair. Striker:"Tell them to leave." Corsair nods and shouts at the clerk, his magnum aimed at them. Corsair:"OKAY! GET YOUR SORRY BUTTS OUT OF HERE! COME ON! GET LOST! ALL OF YOU!" The clerks waste no time and they all get up and run from their desks out the front of the bank. Once they are all out, the four of them regroup. Striker:"Come and let us go make a withdrawal." Corsair:"Ooo. Nice words." They head for one of the side door leading to the bank's vaults. Vault Jova National Bank 11:46 AM: This is a huge chamber with steel walls, ceiling and floor. There are several racks in here, each of them holding money containers. A single, large round vault door leads from the vault. The door is then slowly opened up. Striker and Shephard can be seen pushing the vault open as Corsair and Merit begin to walk in. Corsair:"They don't even lock their vaults. This is a robber's dream." Merit:"I find it highly unusual to place paper of little use inside steel chambers of which the materials could be allocated for more optimum uses." Striker:"Merit, you have a lot to learn about the value of money." They all walk into the vault and look around. Striker:"And speaking of, let's get the money as quickly as possible. Merit. Open the containers." Merit:"Executing command." Merit goes to a container and opens his toolkit. A lock pick probe comes out and he proceeds to unlock the container. Once done, he walks to the next one and repeats the process. The others gather around the container and Striker opens it. Inside are a large number of neatly grouped and stacked dollar notes. Striker:"Goed. Shephard, empty this container. Corsair, take the next one. And I will gather the money from the third container. We will need to make several trips." Corsair and Shephard nod, both of them taking out large bags from their backpacks. They split the bags evenly amongst themselves. Shephard begins to remove the money from the container and putting it into his bag. Corsair opens the second container Merit had just opened, then begins to take the money from it and putting it into his back. Striker does the same when Merit opens the third container. As they gather the money, Corsair tries to put a note stack into his backpack. Striker catches him in the act. Striker:"Nee, seun. That is not your money." Corsair:"But we're robbing this joint. We can take some for us, can't we?" Striker:"We are not robbing. We are confiscating the money in the name of the United Nations to complete our mission. We cannot keep some for ourselves." Corsair:"But..." Striker:"Nee, and that is an order." Corsair sighs and puts the pile into his bag. Once Shephard finishes filling up his back, he ties it up and leaves the vault. A few minutes later, Corsair does the same and goes as well. Striker watches them go, then prepares to tuck a stack of notes into his overcoat. But then he hesitates for a second. He shakes his head, then quickly puts the money into the bag. Striker:"Nee. I cannot do that. I will have to get it for her with my own money I earned honestly." He continues to fill his bag while Merit keeps opening the containers. Parking Lot Holiday Resort Island of Labi 12:09 PM: This is the front tarmac parking lot of the resort. Several expensive sport vehicles, sedans and limos are parked out here. Among them is the Rhino and Biker Rover. Unit STRIKE is gather around the rear of the Rhino, talking about their little robbery. Shephard:"They didn't even have an armed response unit of any kind around that bank." Illanov:"Back in the days of the Union we would have had plenty of firing squads disciplining the commanders responsible of such an arrogant breach of duty. With such a lax in security, I could steal a destroyer from them and they would not notice." Merit:"Excuse me, sir, but such an operation would be impossible to execute without proper personnel or equipment, nor would it be possible to remove the destroyer without being detected." Illanov rolls his eyes. Corsair chuckles softly. Corsair(to himself):"At least I'm not the only one whom Merit gets ticked off. He he he." As they talk, Airie comes out of the resort and walks towards them. She is now wearing denim shorts, a blue bikini top, sunglasses and sandals. She approaches the group and they turn to her. Airie:"Judging from what I can read from your minds is that you have gotten the money." Striker:"That is reg, Mevrou. Will you thus work for us now?" Airie:"Show me the money first. You may be thinking that you have money, but in actuality you may be flat broke." Striker:"Fair enough." He turns to the boot of the Rhino and opens it up, revealing a good number of money bags. One of the bags is open to show the stacks of dollars inside. Airie takes her sunglasses off and looks at it with wide eyes. Airie:"My goodness! How much is that?" Striker looks at Merit. Striker:"Tell her, Merit." Merit:"The total accumulated value of all the dollar notes contained within is exactly $675 134 050." Airie stares at the money bags for a few more moments, then puts her sunglasses back on and turns to Striker. Airie:"My services at your disposal, my good customer." Striker:"Goed. Nou, you must tell us who the leader of the cartel is and where he is." Airie:"Sure. The leader of the cartel is called Shanghai Hwong and he controls all of the cartel's operations." Striker:"And where is he?" Airie:"I don't know. He moves around so much and rarely stays in one place for long. However, his brother Chongman might know where he is, and I know where he is." Striker:"Where?" Airie:"I will tell once we get airborne." Striker(confused):"Airb..." He shakes his head. Striker:"Jammer, but we are going alone. We paid for your information, so you will tell us." Airie:"I would tell you, but I won't until I come along." Striker:"And why should I let you come along?" Airie:"One, I know how to get to Chongman without getting us shot at by his bodyguards. Two, I can get the location of his brother straight from his mind without using Mister Shephard's methods." Shephard folds his arms and taps with one foot in annoyance. Shephard:"And what's wrong with my methods?" Airie turns to Shephard. Airie:"They're harsh, that's what wrong. While Hwong is a tough character, Chongman is a coward and he will faint for weeks if you do use your methods." Shephard grumbles as Airie turns to Striker. Airie:"And three, I want to see the chagrin on Chongman's face when he finds that not have I been bought, but that I had been bought with his own money from the bank you robbed. He is such a pig and a pervert at the same time." Phoenix:"He tried to make some approaches on you?" Airie turns to Phoenix. Airie:"You'd better believe it, sister. And very bad approaches at that." Phoenix turns to Striker. Phoenix:"You know what, Love, maybe we should let her help us." Striker is surprised. Striker:"But..." Tanarus:"Phoenix is right, Striker. Besides it would be a waste of our money we used to buy her." Corsair:"Correction: the cartel's money." Airie folds her arms and looks at Striker. Airie:"So I take it the answer is... how you say... ja?" Striker sighs and nods at Airie. Striker:"Ja... ja... you can come along with us." Airie smiles. Airie:"Good. First, I have to change. Oh, could some of your boys bring the money bags to my room. Some of my friends will come and pick it up for me later." She turns and begins to walk towards the resort. Striker turns to the others. Striker:"Come on. Let's get the bags." They all nod and they begin to take the money bags from the boot. They then carry it into the resort, keeping one of their number by the Rhino to guard it. Cartel Army Depot Island Of Golva Jova Island Chain 12:57 PM: This is a small island with a swamp in the center of it. Around the one side of the swamp is a small base. It two barrack buildings, two large hangars and two lots of parked Scimitar and Chaparral Tanks. Cartel soldiers, all dressed in red uniforms, patrol the area around the base. In the center of the base near the barrack buildings, a rings of soldiers has formed around a short and obese man. He is wearing an outrageously ugly miss-match of clothes and jewellery where possible. He watches as the Rhino and Biker Rover comes flying to the base and proceed to land on the tarmac in front of him. The soldiers run to them and form a large circle around them as well. Airie is first to climb out of the Rhino (she had been sitting in Shephard's place while he rode in the back). The man smiles and wobbles over to Airie, who is now wearing black knee-high boots, black leather pants and top and black fingerless leather gloves. She smiles faintly and greets the man. Airie:"Ah, Chongman." Chongman:"And greetings to you, my fair lady. I received your radio transmission and personally came out to meet you." He looks over at Unit STRIKE, who are grouped behind Airie. Chongman:"And I suppose these are are your friends you mentioned, I take?" Airie:"Yeah, that's them. The spaniel there is Striker, and he is in charge of our group." Striker walks forward to greet Chongman. Striker:"Ja, and you are Chongman Hwong?" Chongman:"Ah yes, I am." He holds out his hand to Striker, but Striker looks with disapprovement at the greasy, dirty hand. Chongman notices this and pulls it back. Chongman:"Forgive me. I just busy eating some chicken." He sucks loudly on each finger, then belches even more louder. The others make faces of disgust. Corsair:"Oh man. Not only does he have a bad taste in clothes and looks like an overfed hippo, but he is also makes burps that would make a pig proud." Illanov:"Bolshoi. That I certainly must agree with you, American." Chongman finishes what he is doing, then turns back to the group. Chongman:"Shall we go inside?" Airie:"Sure." Chongman smiles and leads them to the door of the barracks. He offers them the door. Chongman:"After you." Airie goes in first, followed by Striker. But as Phoenix is about to go in, Chongman goes in next to her and puts an arm around her. She looks uncomfortably at Chongman. Barracks Interior Cartel Army Depot 1:01 PM: The inside of the barracks, which is Chongman's living quarters, is just like its owner. There are various kinds of ugly furniture for his size, a huge TV, a massive waterbed, several fridges an a large table with dozens of half-eaten foods and some adult magazines. As Chongman and Phoenix walk in behind Airie and Striker, Chongman looks at Phoenix with a smile. Chongman:"So, tell me my little girl. What's your name? Phoenix:"I... I'm Phoenix." Chongman:"Phoenix, a nice hot name. Are you currently single?" Phoenix:"Er... Yeah, why?" Chongman:"Good! Maybe we can get together?" As he says this, he grabs her butt with a chubby hand and squeezes. Phoenix yelps and jumps, then turns to Chongman and slaps him hard in the face. Striker and Airie turn to the two. Phoenix runs over to Striker, who has a concerned look on his face. Striker:"Wat is wrong?" Phoenix goes behind Striker, putting him between her and Chongman. Phoenix:"The pig squeezed my rear!" Striker immediately looks at Chongman with a VERY angry look on his face. Airie quickly steps in and turns to Chongman. Airie:"Phoenix is Striker's girlfriend, Chongman, and he can rather violent when someone messes with her." Chongman gets a worried look on his face and watches Striker, who is still angry at him. Chongman:"Oh... er... um... Oh, how about we get right down to what you want to talk about?" Airie:"Very well, but first let the others get in." Chongman realises he is stand in the doorway, with Illanov and Corsair watching him with disapproval at what he had done. Chongman:"Ooops. Forgive me." He steps aside to let the others walk in. They keep a wide berth between them and Chongman and then gather with Striker and Phoenix. Tanarus and Elexis looks at the couple. Tanarus:"Phoenix, we heard you yelp. What happened?" Phoenix:"Chongman had designs for my rear, that's what." Tanarus and Elexis get a disgusted look on his face. Tanarus then turns to Elexis. Tanarus:"Keep close to me, Dear. And if he touches you..." Elexis:"Don't worry, Dear. I will give them an injection of something that will make him sorry he touched me." The others look at Chongman with frowns on their faces. Chongman coughs uncomfortably and turns to Airie. Chongman:"Er... you all wanted to meet me about something, yes?" Airie nods. Airie:"Indeed. Though you will have to speak about Striker about it." Chongman turns nervously to the others, only to find himself staring into Striker's sonic rifle. The others also have their weapons out and aimed at the fat man. Striker:"Call your guards and we will kill you." Chongman begins to swear profusely and shake as if he is in extreme cold. He then quickly turns to Airie. Chongman:"I thought they were your friends!" Airie:"No, I lied. They are my customers." Chongman:"Custo...? But we paid for you and your people's services! You cannot do this!" Airie:"Oh, I can. Our group has a policy that we can easily change sides if paid the right price." Chongman looks at Unit STRIKE, then back at Airie. Desperation fills his face. Chongman:"Name your price! I will pay you any amount!" Airie:"Sorry, but I doubt that you will be able to pay my price." Chongman:"But I am rich! Filthy rich!" Striker:"WAS filfthy rich, Chongman." Chongman looks at Striker. Chongman:"What do you mean?" Striker:"The money we used to purchase Mevrou Airie's loyalty, was the money held in the Jova National Bank." Chongman's face pales to a near white colour. Chongman:"My... my money?! You took my money?!!" Striker:"Ja, and I will take your life if you do not keep your voice down." Chongman is silenced immediately, but he is still very terrified of the situation he is in. Airie concentrates on him as she reads his mind, then she looks at Striker. Airie:"I have Hwong's location. He's on a makeshift oil rig not far from here." Striker:"Dankie, Airie. Let's go get him, but first..." He turns to Phoenix. Striker:"I think you should have the honour, Love." She smiles at him. Phoenix:"Thank you, Love." He lowers his rifle and steps aside as Phoenix marches up to the frightened Chongman. She then hits him very hard with butt of her laser pistol. He falls to the floor with a loud thud. Corsair:"Tim... er.. Blubber!" Striker puts his arm around Phoenix and gives her a light hug. Striker:"Goeie work, Love." Phoenix:"Thanks, Love." Illanov:"How about we leave the "Love"'s for a while, comrades, so that we can leave before Chongman's guards find out what is going here?" Airie:"He's right. Those guards may not be Jackie Chang, but they are still dangerous." Striker nods his agreement. Striker:"I agree. Let's go and get Hwong. We can return for Chongman later." Corsair:"Yeah, with a chopper and container hook." They begin to casually file out of the barracks so as not to alert the guards outside. Rhino, Biker Rover Holding Position 1 Kilometre North of Hwong's Oil Rig Jova Island Chain 1:18 PM: The Rhino and Biker Rover are hovering a few feet above the ocean. In the distance one can see a large oil rig off the shore of another island. Striker and Tanarus are busy scanning the rig with their vehicles' systems. Tanarus(over radio):"That rig has four AAA on each corner, plus a large number of cartel soldiers." Striker(into radio):"No aerial threats and only one speed boat at the base of the rig." Tanarus(over radio):"Though those AAA are a real problem. The only way we can attack the rig is via the air." Striker(into radio):"But those AAA will tear us to pieces, ja. We will need to think of another way. Perhaps a water assault." Tanarus(over radio):"Might work, but there is only one way onto that rig via that way and its heavily guarded." Airie, who is seated in the back, taps Striker on the shoulder and he turns to her. Striker:"Ja, Mevrou Airie?" Airie:"Does your mission require that Hwong be caught alive? Or is a 'wanted: dead or alive' situation." Striker:"The latter is not out of bounds. Do you have a plan you want to share with us?" Airie:"Yeah, I do. There is an island not far from here, called Site 20. It houses the cartel's stock of nitro-glycerine storage tanks, manufacturing sheds and barrels." Corsair:"Nitro-glycerine? What's that?" Illanov sneers at Corsair. Illanov:"Simple, American. Stand next to a tank of it, light a fire and you will create an impressive explosion that would make any Hollywood producer proud." Corsair sneers at Illanov. Corsair:"At least, I'm smart enough not to be one standing next one of those tanks. Unlike a certain Russian I know." Illanov growls at Corsair and Striker immediately looks at the two of them with a stern look. Striker:"Stop dit! If you do not behave, I will leave you two alone on one of these islands!" The arguing duo stop, but they still pass each other nasty glances. Striker shakes his head and looks at Airie. Striker:"Jammer. Where is this Site 20 island?" Airie:"Just go due north and I'll point it out for you." Striker:"Reg." He radios Tanarus. Striker(into radio):"Tanarus, you and Elexis remain here and keep watch on the rig. If you see any suspicious activities or see an important person leave, inform us immediately. Mevrou Airie is going to show us what we can use against the rig's defences." Tanarus(over radio):"Copy that, Striker." Striker turns off the radio and begins to pilot the Rhino into the direction pointed out by Airie. Tanarus and Elexis hold their position as the Rhino flies due north. Site 20 Island Jova Island Chain 1:26 PM: This is a small island on the edge of the island chain. The ground is burned black and it is devoid of any non-human life. There are a few large soot-covered sheds and storage tanks and several stacks of nitro-glycerine. Also on the island is a helipad with a heavy-duty cargo helicopter. The Rhino appears over the island and flies low over it. Shephard, who is still riding in the back, is looking around the island with his desert eagle pistol drawn. As the Rhino finishes its pass over the island, he ducks back and puts his head through the open back window. Shephard:"Sorry, sir, but I saw no movement down there." Striker:"You seker, Shephard?" Shephard:"Sad to say, but absolutely, sir. I saw no hostiles." Corsair:"This is going to be easier than the bank job. The cartel is certainly looking less and less nicer." Illanov mumbles something, making Corsair pass a stern glance towards him. Airie:"No surprise. The cartel leadership is so smug that they tend to overlook certain duties." Striker:"That is goed. Since we are not likely to encounter enemy fire means that the risk of accidentally shooting one of these barrels is drastically reduced. Let's land and get what we need." The Rhino flies lower until it lands on the island. Everyone climb out and look cautiously around for bad guys. They see none. Striker then turns to Merit. Striker:"Merit, how many barrels of this nitro-glycerine do we need to severely damage or destroy the oil rig?" Merit:"Will it be necessary for me to repair the oil extraction structure after the task?" Striker chuckles and shakes his head. Striker:"Nee, Merit. Just tell me what I ask you for." Merit:"Processing. Four containers of nitro-glycerine will be sufficient for the operation." Striker:"Dankie, Merit." He turns to Illanov and Shephard. Striker:"Let's go and get a barrel." Illanov:"Dah, comrade." Shephard:"Yes, sir." They walk over to one of the stacks of barrels and go to one of the loose standing barrels. They prepare to pick up the barrel. The others watch them, Phoenix having a slightly worried look on her face. Phoenix:"Be careful, Love." Striker smiles at her, then he, Illanov and Shephard take a hold of the barrel. They begin to pick it up, or at least try to. They groan and pull hard at the barrel, but they are unable to get it up. They let go and take deep breaths. Illanov:"Mother Russia. This barrel is heavy." Airie:"Can we help?" Striker:"Ja, you can help us." Phoenix, Corsair, Airie and Merit go over to the trio and they all take hold of the barrel. Striker looks at them. Striker:"Reg, everyone?" All but Merit nod in reply, but Merit scans the drum before speaking. Merit:"Sir, may I point out that the current weight of this container is beyond our ability to efficiently raise above the ground for transport. Also, the Rhino cannot maintain a secure weight control while transporting four such containers." Striker:"Basically, you're telling us these barrels are too heavy." Merit:"That would not be a very accurate statement, but it is a factor." Striker looks around and spots the helicopter nearby. He turns to Merit and points to the helicopter. Striker:"Will that helicopter be able to do the job?" Merit turns to scan the helicopter, then turns to Striker. Merit:"Affirmative. The helicopter has a container hook specifically designed to transport a limited number of these containers." Striker:"How many?" Merit:"Six before compromising safety limits." Airie:"And it flies the enemy's colours. They won't react until the big one." Striker turns to Illanov. Striker:"Alex, commandeer the helicopter. And take Corsair and Shephard with you. Corsair can hotwire it for you and Shephard can operate the winch." Illanov and Corsair are about to protest, but Striker points at the helicopter with an angry look. Striker:"Nou!" Illanov and Corsair groan and walk towards the helicopter, followed by Shephard. As they walk towards the helicopter, Airie turns to Striker. Airie:"Always like that, huh?" Striker sighs. Striker:"Ja.... come. Let's get the containers ready." They rest of them follow Striker as they begin to head to one of the containers pre-prepared for transport inside a steel transport cage. Biker Rover Holding Position 1 Kilometre North of Hwong's Oil Rig 1:41 PM: Tanarus and Elexis are still hovering on their Biker Rover some distance from the oil rig. As they keep an eye on the rig, Striker's voice comes over the radio. Striker(over radio):"Tanarus, this is Striker. We got what we need to destroy the rig. Has anyone come onboard or left the rig?" Tanarus(into radio):"Welcome back, Striker. No, no one has come or gone from the oil rig." Striker(over radio):"Goed. Now, prepare to move in. Alex, Corsair and Shephard are coming over the rig in a cargo helicopter. They are going to drop some nitro-glycerine drums onto it. If you see anyone trying to escape, move in and get them." Tanarus(into radio):"Roger, Striker. Standing by." They keep looking at the rig as the Rhino flies in and next to them. Meanwhile, at the oil rig, the commandeered cargo helicopter is flying towards the rig. Hanging underneath it are the four containers. As the chopper comes to the rig, none of the rig's defenders fire at the "friendly" helicopter. The chopper flies to the centre of the rig, then lifts high into the air. When it comes high enough, the four containers are detached from the main container hook. The chopper quickly flies away as the containers fall towards earth, or rather the rig. The containers fall in the centre of rig and the force of the impact causes the nitro-glycerine to ignite and explode. In a split second the entire upper part of the rig is engulfed in a huge fireball. Several more explosions follow as fuel drums on the rig explode. When the explosions stop, almost the entire oil rig is engulfed in huge flames. Tanarus makes a scan of the rig and picks something up. He quickly gets on the radio. Tanarus(into radio):"Striker! Someone is being taken into the speedboat at the rig's bottom!" Striker(over radio):"Move in and intercept!" Tanarus(into radio):"Roger!" Tanarus opens the throttle fully and the Biker Rover takes off at high speed towards the rig. Behind them the Rhino takes off, though not as quickly as the Biker Rover. Back at the rig, the speedboat takes off and begins to head for one of the nearby islands. The chopper also goes after the speedboat. As the Biker Rover closes in on the boat, Striker's voice comes over the radio again. Striker(over radio):"Tanarus! Alex! Hwong is in that boat! Airie says he is the one with sunglasses and red shirt!" Tanarus(into radio):"Copy that, Striker!" Illanov(over radio):"Copy, comrade!" The Biker Rover and chopper close the distance on the boat. The chopper is the first to fly alongside the boat. Two soldiers begin to fire on the chopper with pistols, while Shephard and Illanov return fire with their weapons. Standing to one side of the boat is Shanghai Hwong, a Eastern man in his mid-thirties, wearing sunglasses and red shirt. Tanarus sees that he and his bodyguards' attention is on the helicopter and he speaks to Elexis. Tanarus:"Get ready to grab Hwong when I make a pass by his boat, Dear." Elexis:"Right, Dear. Go for it." Tanarus pushes up the speed and the Biker Rover darts for the boat while Elexis leans out to one for the grab. As they reach the boat, Hwong hears their bike's engines turns to look. Just then, the Biker Rover flies over and Elexis grabs his by his shirt. They all quickly fly away before Hwong's bodyguards know that their leader has been captured. Hwong struggles to get loose, but Elexis holds firm. He looks up at Elexis and gasps when he sees what she is. Hwong:"You! What the h*** are you?! What do you want with me?! Elexis:"You're busted, Hwong. You're under arrest for the destruction of Paris and starting the Korean War, not to mention all of your other crimes." Hwong:"WHAT!!! You can't touch me! I'm powerful! And you don't have a warrant!" Elexis:"We don't need any, Hwong. You're going to stand trial." Hwong growls at Elexis, then pulls out a device with a single button on it. Before Elexis can stop him, he pushes the button. He lifts his shirt, revealing a timed explosive device attached to his waist. The timer is ticking down from 10 seconds. Hwong has a maniacal look on his face. Hwong:"You will never take me to prison! You hear me?! NEVER!!!" Elexis gasps and lets go of Hwong. Hwong screams insanely as he falls down into the ocean. There is a splash as he hits the water, followed by a much larger splash with the loud roar of an explosion. Tanarus quickly looks to Elexis, who is still shocked at Hwong's fate. Tanarus:"Honey! You okay? What happened?" Elexis looks at the spot where Hwong exploded, then turns back to her husband. Elexis:"Hwong had a time bomb on him. I dropped him before he blew himself up, and us with him." Tanarus cringes and looks forward. Tanarus:"Dead or alive, but not what I expected when it came to the dead part." Striker's voice suddenly comes over the radio. Striker(over radio):"Tanarus! Where's Hwong? And wat was that large splash behind you?" Tanarus(into radio):"Hwong's done. He blew himself up and nearly took us with him." There is a moment of radio silence. Striker(over radio):"Goed. Almal, let's go and pick up Chongman, then we can consider this mission." Tanarus(into radio):"Copy." Illanov(over radio):"Copy that." The Rhino, the Biker Rover and the cargo chopper gather together, then head off for Golva Island. The speedboat speeds away to the nearby island while the oil rig burns away in the distance. CNN News Center Atlanta State of Georgia United States Of America 9 June 1:01 PM: CNN is broadcasting a special report on the US/French/Korean/UN military operation in Jova. The anchor in the study is busy speaking to Melanie Malloy, who is currently in Jova and speaking over a videophone. Anchor:"Melanie, can you give us an update on what is going there in Jova?" Melanie:"Well, right now the US-led forces are busy gathering the remnants of the Octo Cartel's armed forces. Most of them surrendered after heavy aerial and naval bombardment by US and French aircraft and North and South Korean naval vessels. Most of the cartel's leadership are in custody, but the leader of the cartel, Shanghai Hwong, is confirmed dead. Several groups of people, who were held as slaves in labour camps and junks, have been rescued and are being treated by the Red Cross. The cartel's assets have been confiscated, along with many files and documents which could lead to more arrests." The special report continues. Briefing Room Road Rover Mission Control United States Of America 10 June 11:47 PM: It is late night a single light is shining in the briefing room. The table is covered with dozens of files and papers. Striker, Tanarus, Illanov and Merit are busy going through the papers. Striker yawns and looks at the others. Striker:"Any geluk?" Illanov:"Neyt, comrade. Nothing." Tanarus:"Same here, sorry." Merit:"I have negative readings from my scanners of the documents I have examined." Striker:"Ai yai..." He yawns again. Striker:"... yai..." Voice(from behind):"What are you guys looking for?" Everyone looks to one of the doorways. Standing there wearing robes are Phoenix, Elexis and Vicki. The three of them walk over to the table. Phoenix puts her arms around Striker, as does Elexis with Tanarus and Vicki with Illanov. Illanov:"Aren't you supposed to be asleep, Honey?" Vicki:"Couldn't sleep. And speaking of, you need some sleep as well." Illanov:"I wish I could, but we must keep looking for any clues of Vega and where he is." Elexis:"You can do it tomorrow. Besides, Merit can do the searching for you. Right, Merit?" Merit:"That is correct. My battery systems can still function for two days generally before requiring recharging." Tanarus:"Maybe..." Elexis and Vicki wink at each other, then whisper in their husbands' ears. Tanarus' and Illanov's eyes widen and they put the papers down. Tanarus:"Maybe we should go to bed." Illanov:"Dah. Maybe we really should." Elexis and Vicki giggle as their husbands stand up. They take each other's arms and leave the room, saying goodnight to the others. Striker and Phoenix watch them leave as Merit resumes working. Phoenix:"You think that could happen with us one day, Love?" Striker:"We can only hope and keep our love strong, Love." Phoenix smiles and gives Striker a kiss. He kisses back. When they break the kiss, she looks at him. Phoenix:"What happened to Airie, by the way?" Striker:"Her people evacuated her and her money from the island before the coalition forces arrived, as we had agreed on..." He yawns again. Phoenix smiles and takes his paw. Phoenix:"Come on, you need to go to bed. Not that kind of going to bed, mind you." Striker chuckles. Striker:"Reg, Love." He gets up and takes her arm. The two of them look at Merit, who is still working away. Striker:"Report to me any findings tomorrow morning, Merit." Merit:"Order recieved." Phoenix:"Good night, Merit." Merit:"Initiating appropriate reply... Good night, Phoenix and Striker." The couple chuckle, then leave the room arm in arm as Merit works away at the papers. The Octo Cartel has been destroyed, its leadership taken into custody and its criminal empire in ruins. But Antonio Vega has eluded Unit STRIKE's grasp. Where is he? What is he up to? What secrets will the confiscated documents reveal? THE END