Rover Strike: Vortex

Episode 2: Parents Of The Bride

By Gerhard Naudé

All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Maddogs © Greg Williams
Elaine, Maury © Rob Hopkins
Rock © MG Wolfstone
Sprinter © Andrew Sinclair Corse
Havana, Linda © Ticklish Cowboy
Hotrod, Alana © David Fountain

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

CEO Office
EuroCorp Headquarters
Brussels
Belgium
17 September
2:03 PM:

Rain is pouring down on the city, and storm clouds and rain can be seen
through the window of the office of the CEO of EuroCorp. Rembrandt is here 
in his office and right now he is talking on the telephone.

Rembrandt(into phone):"... Oui, I will want those clauses ratified
         before the first vote on the new EU constitution... No, do
         not agree to that... That one you can change what you think
         is best for EuroCorp... As soon as possible... Good. Good
         day, Monsieur."

He puts the phone down, then turns his attention to some papers lying on
hid desk. Just as he picks them up to read, the phone rings again. Rem-
brandt glances at it.

Rembrandt:"It better not be the EU president again."

He picks up the receiver and answers, still reading the papers.

Rembrandt(into phone):"Oui, Jacques Rembrandt speaking."

Voice(over phone):"Mister Rembrandt. We have a business opportunity
     for you and EuroCorp."

Rembrandt(into phone):"Really? And to whom am I speaking?"

Voice(over phone):"Someone who knows about your failed cano-sapien
     projects."

Rembrandt's eyes widen and he immediately drops the papers he was
reading. His concentration is now fully on the phone.

Rembrandt(into phone):"Sacre bleu. How do you know that?"

Voice(over phone):"Calm down. I am not involved with any agency who
     wants to arrest or fine you for it."

Rembrandt relaxes a bit.

Rembrandt(into phone):"So who are you and what are you talking about?"

Voice(over phone):"It is best you do not know my identity, but it is
     better that you know about this business opportunity. I know that
     many of the specimens involved with the project you had running
     we're either killed or had escaped, at a good financial loss to
     EuroCorp. Am I right?"

Rembrandt(into phone):"Oui, that is correct."

Voice(over phone):"What would you say to an offer of giving you the
     location of a large group of cano-, felo- and vulpo-sapiens?
     A group not protected, or even known by the United Nations,
     most of the governments of the world or even by the Road Rovers. 
     A group that you could go and capture without any risk of a 
     political or economic reprisal."

Rembrandt becomes even more interest. He pulls closer a pad of note
papers and a pen.

Rembrandt(into phone):"Give me the location, monsieur."

Voice(over phone):"You can send some scouts if you wish to confirm
     the information."

Rembrandt(into phone):"I will. The location, monsieur?"

Voice(over phone):"Good. Now, here are the directions..."

Rembrandt starts to scribble quickly on the notepad as he listens to
the directions being given to him by the voice on the other end.

Shangri-La
Himalayan Mountains
Northern India
26 September
10:21 AM:

Deep in a very remote part of the Himalayan Mountains is a large, flat
stretch of open ground, devoid of nearly all kinds of plant-life. A
large herd of wild horses are grazing on the small grass blades that
grow here. On a plateau next to the surface against the mountains is the
city of Shangri-La. It is a beautiful city, its structures in the style 
of ancient eastern China. However, much of the city is run down from
centuries of neglect and some buildings have long turned to ruins
while some of the plants that grow at this altitude have overgrown the
gardens and some of the buildings. The city, however, is far from
abandoned. Amongst the buildings are large yurts, washing lines and
vegetable gardens. A good number of cano-, felo- and vulpo-sapiens
are going about their daily life amongst the ruins of the city. At
one of the yurts a female pomeranian female with brown eyes and
orange/red fur and is in her late 40s. On her forehead between her eyes
is a small, dark spot. She is wearing thick woolen clothes made from 
furs. She is busy gathering clothes from the line between her yurt and a 
nearby pillar. While she does this, another pomeranian, this time a male, 
comes towards her. He has blue eyes and the same color fur and is 
dressed in thicker woolen clothing. He is carrying some wild game and a 
spear he used to hunt it. The female turns to the male.

Female:"Welcome back, Dear. Had a good hunt?"

The male nods in response, walking up to her to give her a quick kiss
on the cheek.

Male:"Yes, though we were lucky. Stumbled upon a herd close to the
      range in a gorge. It was an easy kill. We will have a good supply
      of meat for the next season."

Female:"Good. Put it in the yurt. I'll be there to clean them one I get
        the clothes done."

Male:"All right."

The male nods and walks into the yurt, pulling aside the cover on the
door before going in. The female gathers up all the clothing from the
line and puts it into a basket. She then picks it up and goes inside
the yurt as well. Outside, the other inhabitants continue with their
daily lives. However, their daily lives are not going unobserved. From
a ledge on the other side of the plain, a group of men wearing bright
blue winter parkas and goggles are watching the city with binoculars.
Behind them are some Indian sherpas, who are carrying the gear of the
team. One of the men lowers his binoculars.

Man 1:"No doubt. There are a good number of them."

Man 2:"And all armed with primitive tools. Take a few photographs and
       record the GSP coordinates. Then we head back to Europe and tell
       Monsieur Rembrandt."

Men:"Oui."

The men begin to take out cameras and GSP devices and go to work.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Holding Perimeter Over Alpine Mountains
Southern Austria
1 October
9:34 AM:

The bridge of the airbase "Executive" is a crescent-shaped room with
large bulletproof windows looking down at the airfield surface on top
of the hull. Highly advanced computers control various functions of the
airbase, from the radar and power reactors to the navigation and
engines. Various technicians and officers are at the computers under
the eyes of the captain. Through the windows one can see some unmarked
helicopters landing, guided by the traffic crews on the airstrip. Next
to the captain is King, who is on the mobile phone.

King(into phone):"Aha... their helicopters have just arrived here on the
    scene... No problem, Top Dog. We'll be having those Lambda hound dogs
    secured in a few days... And nobody ain't gonna know what is going to
    happen... Yes, we will. The King checking out."

King puts the mobile phone on down a hook. Outside, EuroCorp commandoes
begin to disembark from the helicopters.

Office Of The Secretary-General
United Nations Headquarters
New York City
International Territory
3 October
12:42 PM:

Norwood's office has been somewhat cleared up so that it looks less 
cluttered with file cabinets. A few potted plants have been added while
his desk is now much more orderly. Norwood is leaning back in his chair
drinking some tea. He looks about the office.

Norwood:"Maria. You sure do know how to make a place feel like home.
         Thank God I married you."

He sips a bit of his tea. The telephone on his desk begins to ring. He
takes another sip before picking up the receiver.

Norwood(into phone):"Secretary-general Norwood."

Voice(over phone):"Mister Norwood, you and I need to talk about the
     Lambda rebellion."

Norwood's eyes immediately widen and he sets his cup down quickly.

Norwood(into phone):"Who is this and how do you know about those
       things?"

Voice(over phone):"You do not need to know either, but what you
     should know is about the current fate of the Lambda Rebellion.
     Then you should contact Unit STRIKE."

Norwood(into phone):"Look, you are wasting my time. The Lambda..."

Voice(over phone, interrupting):"... are not in the United States
     as you believe. Not most of them, at least. If you do not
     believe me, call your friends at the Pentagon for confirmation."

Norwood pauses for a moment, then nods.

Norwood(into phone):"Maybe I will do that."

Voice(over phone):"I will call you again once you have confirmation."

The line goes dead. Norwood quickly puts down the receiver, then picks
it up again. He dials a number, then waits and listens for someone to
answer. It is only a few seconds before his call is answered.

Norwood(into phone):"Hello, Hillary?.... Mark Norwood here... No, need
       to. We can reminisce later. Listen, I need information on the
       status of the Lambda refugees... Yes, those refugees... Right,
       I will hold..."

Norwood waits, picking up his cup to take another sip of tea. He puts
it down again.

Norwood(into phone):"Yes, what is their status?"

He listens, then his eyes widen again in surprise.

Norwood(into phone):"Deported?! How?... What happened to their papers?
       ... Lost in the attack on EDF? What happened to backups?....
       No backups? So where are the Lambda now?... Back to their
       country of origin? But they don't... No, wait. Look, Hillary.
       Thank you for your help. I will call on you again some time...
       No problem, Hillary.... Goodbye."

Norwood puts the receiver back on the hook. He then quickly empties his
cup of tea. Just as he puts the cup down, his phone rings again. He
quickly answers.

Voice(over phone):"Got your conformation, Mister Norwood?"

Norwood(into phone):"Yes, I got it. I will make arrangements to look
       into the current status of the Lambda Rebellion. Thank you for
       bringing this to my attention."

Voice(over phone):"The European Corporation knows about the Lambda
     Rebels and have paid the Mayhem Mercenaries to capture as many of
     them as possible."

Norwood is shocked.

Norwood(into phone):"Are you sure?"

Voice(over phone):"Absolutely. You ask your Rover friends to use their
     satellites to confirm my information, but speed is of the essence
     if you wish to save the Lambda from the EuroCorp laboratories."

Norwood(into phone):"Look, we might need your help if you know so much."

Suddenly the line goes dead and all that Norwood can hear is static. He
puts the receiver down after a moment of hesitation. He sighs and rubs
his eyes.

Norwood:"Why does the past always come back to haunt us?"

He sighs again, then looks at the telephone.

Gymnasium
Road Rover Mission Control
State Of New Mexico
United States Of America
9:45 AM:

The gymnasium is a large hall with many exercise equipment and machines
such as weight, press-benches, stationary bikes and weights on pulleys.
Also there was a large open mat where sparring of various kinds could
take place. Right now, there isn't any fighting going, but instead there
is dancing going on. Striker and Phoenix are being taught new moves for
their wedding dance by Sapphire and Outlaw respectively. Shephard is
here as well, and is being shown the ropes on how to dance by Elaine
(who is dancing with him) and her friend Maury. Merit is here, providing
music via his speaker system. Sapphire looks at Striker.

Sapphire:"Okay, you got it?"

Striker nods.

Striker:"I think so."

Sapphire:"Good, then go for it."

Striker nods. He leads Sapphire a few steps forward, then stops and 
pushes her out, holding her one paw. He then pulls her back and she
turns around. He holds his free arm out and catches her, bending her
backwards down to the floor. Then he pulls up her and out again before
pulling her back to her original position. As they resume dancing,
Sapphire smiles in approval.

Sapphire:"Good! You did it right. Just need to get your rhythm right
          and you'll sweep Phoenix off her feet with your moves."

Striker:"Dankie."

Sapphire:"Right, next move."

They dance past Shephard and Elaine. Elaine is busy teaching Shephard
how to dance in rhythm with a lady.

Elaine:"You see, Andrew, all you need to do is move your feet in timing
        with the beat. Nothing to it?"

Shephard:"Yes, ma'am. It isn't hard to do."

Elaine:"Well, you do learn fast."

Shephard:"In the army, you either learn fast or get chewed out by the
          drill sergeant and given latrine duties."

Elaine laughs.

Elaine:"Sounds like he was nasty to you."

Shephard shudders from the thought, then accidentally steps on Elaine's
toes with his one boot. She yips out in pain.

Shephard:"Oh! Sorry, ma'am."

Elaine:"No, it's okay. It happens when you're new with this."

Maury, who has been following the two as they dance, looks at Shephard's
combat boots.

Maury:"I think it would happen less if Andrew here would take those boots
       off. They sure don't look like something you would want to dance
       with."

Shephard looks at Maury.

Shephard:"Sir, my duties require me to be combat-ready at all times."

Elaine:"Sorry, Andrew, but Maury is right. You should take those boots
        off. It will make it easier for you to learn your steps."

She then grins.

Elaine:"Unless you'd like 'drill sergeant Elaine' to chew you out."

Shephard immediately stops and shudders, while both Elaine and Maury
chuckle in a friendly matter at the joke. Shephard sighs and goes to a 
bench to remove his boots. Lastly with Phoenix and Outlaw, Outlaw is
busy showing Phoenix how to respond to the moves that his wife Sapphire
is teaching Striker. He pulls her in from the move that Striker and
Sapphire did a few minutes ago.

Outlaw:"Not bad, just let your arms relax a bit and let him do the
        work. From what I see, he sure won't drop you."

Phoenix:"Oh no, he wouldn't do that to his bride-to-be."

Outlaw:"Not on purpose, but accidents do happen and its best we let
        them happen here instead of the wedding."

Phoenix nods and smiles.

Phoenix:"I agree."

Outlaw:"Good, now let's do it again and this time relax."

Phoenix nods, then Outlaw pushes her out to begin the move they had a
moment ago. Meanwhile, Merit watches the couples dance. Music still
comes from his speakers, while he is scanning them.

Merit:"These intricate and highly maneuverable actions appear to achieve
       no apparent goal, but continuing scanning reveal it increases
       stamina while being more enjoyable than the regular exercise 
       routines. Most fascinating."

While the couples keep dancing and Merit and Maury keeping watching,
Corsair and Wesley come in. They are both walking fast. Corsair turns
to Merit.

Corsair:"Stop the music, Merit. I got some news for the boss."

Merit:"Command accepted. Overriding previous command."

Merit's speakers immediately stop playing music, much to the confusion
of the dancing couples. Elaine looks at Merit.

Elaine:"Why did you stop, Merit?"

Merit:"Important information that has to be shared overrides the command
       to play music."

The others then notice Wesley and Corsair walking onto the mat. The
couples let go of each other and turn to them.

Striker:"What is it?"

Corsair:"Wes and I just got off the horn from Norwood. Seems there is a
         group of sapiens who are in big trouble."

Phoenix:"Oh my. Where are they?"

Wesley:"In the mountains of Nepal, at the apparently no-longer myth-
        ical city of Shangri La."

Corsair:"Yeah, but get this: Norwood says Striker should know them. They
         call themselves the Lambda Rebellion or something."

Striker's eyes widen in recognition and shock.

Striker:"You certain about it?"

Corsair:"Sure as I'm standing."

Striker shakes his head.

Striker:"Onmoontlik. The Lambda sapiens are in the United States. I
         helped them to get there."

Wesley:"Seems the bureaucracy doesn't agree on that point. The Lambda
        rebels got deported soon after Franco hit your EDF HQ under the
        Pentagon. Their refugee papers got lost, so the government sent
        them back."

Striker is taken aback.

Striker:"Ai yai yai."

Outlaw:"There is also more to this?"

Corsair:"Yup. Our buddies at EuroCorp found out about the Lambda and
         have sent the Mayhem out to capture the whole lot. Wes and I
         checked on satellite: the mercs are already camping out on
         Shangri La's front lawn."

Striker:"Ai yai yai!"

Shephard:"Sounds to me like those mercenaries need a butt-kicking."

Outlaw:"I think you can quote me on that too."

Phoenix quickly turns to Striker.

Phoenix:"Strikie, we got to help those poor sapiens!"

Striker nods to Phoenix, then turns back to Corsair.

Striker:"Get the data ready for us."

Corsair:"Righto, boss! Come on, Wes."

Wesley nods and follows Corsair out of the gymnasium. The others stay
behind to quickly put their shoes and boots back on.

Conference Room
10:00 AM:

All of Unit STRIKE, the Maddogs (including Beowulf and Silver), Elaine 
and Maury are seated around the main table, while the Master stands at 
his usual place in the white light of his private quarters doorway. The 
main screen is currently showing an overhead satellite image of the 
region where Shangri La is. Right now one can clearly see an Airbase 
holding position opposite the city on the plains, while dozens of 
mercenary vehicles and troops are camped in a perimeter by the city. Smoke 
is rising from some parts of the city.

Striker:"What is the city's current status?"

Wesley:"Right now our friends there are getting some clobbering from the
        mercenaries, but nothing major."

Corsair:"Most likely they are just scaring them. From the intel I got,
         they don't really have any kind of weapons beyond stuff like
         spears and bows and such."

Outlaw:"Then they are no match for the Mayhem Mercenaries."

Tanarus:"Have the mercenaries begun to move in?"

Corsair:"Not yet. They're probably making sure that no of EuroCorp's
         soon-to-be investments don't escape. This is a capture mission
         and the lack of good arms from the Lambda means little or no
         fighting around the city."

Striker thinks for a moment.

Striker:"I know the terrain there. There are only two main passes from
         those plains, one of them heading to a lower lying plain not
         far from the city."

He looks back up at Corsair and Wesley.

Striker:"How big the mercenary force?"

Wesley:"Quite big, but they are all camped around the city with only
        a few units blocking off the passes."

Corsair:"They got some basic weaponry and the standard grunts about on
         the ground, plus some air units flying patrols around the
         plains."

Striker nods, then looks at the Master.

Striker:"We must go in immediately and evacuate those sapiens before
         the mercenaries take them to EuroCorp, Master."

Master:"I agree with you, Striker, but I see that you might need a great
        more help considering the number of mercenaries."

Silver:"I take it we're going to have other units come with us?"

Master:"No, but I have a list of individuals whom can form teams that
        can go along with you. I'll contact them and have them join you
        as soon as possible."

Striker:"Dankie, Master. Any help would be greatly appreciated."

Maury:"Just one thing, though..."

Everyone turns to look at Maury.

Maury:"It seems we're going to be a good number of Rovers on this 
       mission, plus we're going to be picking up a large group of
       sapiens from Shangri La. Any idea how we're going to move them?"

Shephard:"We could arrange for some military assistance from the
          Indian or Nepalese governments, sirs."

Illanov shakes his head.

Illanov:"Neyt, comrade. The bureaucratic red tape would waste too much
         time in organizing a force to help us."

Elaine:"Why not just bring along extra vehicles?"

Tanarus:"Many of the vehicles are being used by teams out on missions
         and the ones we do have here will not be able to carry all
         the refugees."

Sapphire:"There is one vehicle that can carry us all, plus our vehicles."

Everyone now turn to look at Sapphire.

Outlaw:"And which vehicle is that, Angel?"

Sapphire:"The Jumbo Rover."

Several eyes around the table widen in shock, while others raise an
eyebrow or two at the suggestion.

Corsair:"For the record, that's crazy. The Jumbo Rover is a big, slow
         mother goose. If the mercenaries catch sight of it, it will be
         a turkey shoot for their air force."

Phoenix:"It does have the space to take us all plus the refugees."

Merit:"I concur with that statement. The current data I have available
       indicates that the Jumbo Rover has sufficient storage space for
       our logistical needs."

Outlaw turns to look at Striker.

Outlaw:"How big is that other plain you mentioned?"

Striker thinks for a moment, going through his memories.

Striker:"It is about half the size of the main one where Shangri La is,
         but you could land the Jumbo Rover there with good effort."

Elaine:"So we can land there and load our Lambda friends onto it and
        then get out."

Corsair:"And what happens if the mercs find out about it?"

Shephard:"Bring 'em on, I would say, sirs."

Tanarus:"I must state that we will have to take the Jumbo Rover out on
         this mission if we are to be able to get the refugees out. But
         Corsair does have a point: the Jumbo Rover is very vulnerable
         to hostile fire. This means we will have to land, move and
         load the refugees, then take out and fly away out of range of
         the Mayhem fighters without alerting the mercenaries."

Beowulf:"It's going to be hard to hide a converted 747 plane on an
         open plain."

Striker:"Speed is of the essence, as well as a distraction that would
         keep the mercenaries' attention from us long enough to get
         our friends onto the Jumbo Rover and away from the combat 
         zone."

Sapphire:"I bet this is where the other teams will come in?"

Striker:"Reg. But I think we should explain it to them once they are on 
         the Jumbo Rover. We are precious little time."

Master:"I heartly agree. Rovers..."

Everyone turns their attention back to the Master.

Master:"Get to Shangri La and rescue those refugees, then get out of
        there as quickly as possible. If the stories coming from those
        who have been in EuroCorp's clutches are to be believed, then
        we can ill afford to allow the same fate to befall these poor 
        refugees."

Everyone stands up and salutes. Striker and Outlaw then turn to the
others.

Striker, Outlaw:"Let's roll!"

The teams split up and head out of the room to prepare for the mission.
The Master turns and heads back into his quarters to call the other
Rovers.

Throne Room
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

The figure is still seated on the throne, and the large figure is still 
standing behind him, arms folded. Right now the figure is busy talking
to the mysterious Mister T, who is standing before him on the carpet
leading to the throne.

Figure:"So all the concerned parties are now in position?"

Mister T:"Yes, general. The Mayhem Mercenaries are already camped on the
          outer edges of Shangri La, and the Road Rovers are preparing
          for departure to save the Lambda rebels."

As Mister T speaks, a female husky wearing a servants' dress and bib
walks into the throne room. She is carrying a plate of hot food. As she 
approaches the throne, the large figure's teeth can be seen as he grins. 
The husky looks nervously at the large figure. The figure on the throne 
points at the hand rest on his throne.

Figure:"Put it down here, Maya."

Maya:"Yes, my general."

Maya climbs the steps and puts the plate down on the large hand rest of
the throne. She then bows her head and begins to leave. The large figure
growls enticingly, but Maya steadfastly ignores him and walks down and
out of the throne room. Mister T glances between her and the large
figure before looking back at the figure on the throne.

Mister T:"Pardon me for asking, but why do you keep such an animal for
          a bodyguard?"

The large figure bares his teeth again, this time in a growl, but the
one on the throne waves him off.

Figure:"He does his job well. Other than that, I don't care what he
        does."

Mister T:"His mind is a cesspool."

Figure:"Never mind that. He is loyal to me and will protect me with
        his dying breath, so I don't care what state his mind is."

Mister T just shrugs. The figure takes a piece of meat and begins to
chew on it. He then looks at Mister T.

Figure:"Dismissed, but keep me informed."

Mister T:"Of course."

Mister T bows, then turns around and leaves the throne room. The figure 
keeping chewing the meat while turning his attention to the monitor bank 
again.

Jumbo Rover
Somewhere Off The Coast Of California
En Route To Northern India
12:03 PM:

The Jumbo Rover, the large converted Boeing 747, is flying above the 
clouds into an eastern direction. The regular breaks in the cloud cover 
reveal below the blue/green waters of the Pacific Ocean. As it flies, it 
leaves a white vapor trail in the sky.

Conference Room
Jumbo Rover
12:05 PM:

The conference room of the Jumbo Rover is long, rectangular room taking
up more than half the space in that section of the hull. Round windows
look outside. A long wooden table and chairs is in the centre of the
room, while a large monitor, flanked by smaller monitors, is against the
wall at the one end. A double door leads into the corridor next to the
room. Lined against the walls are even more comfortable sofa chairs and
couches. Right now the conference room is fully occupied. Unit STRIKE,
the Maddogs, Tanarus and Elexis, Elaine and Maury are here. They are
now also joined by Rock, Linda and Havana Wolfe, Tyrna and Sprinter,
Hotrod and Alana. Everyone is seated, though the ones who joined the team 
are seated with Striker and Outlaw at the main conference table as the two 
unit leaders explain to them what is going on.

Striker:"Reg, most of you here know what the situation is and what we
         are going to do. For the benefit of those who joined us just
         recently, let me give you a quick overview."

Those seated by the table nod their heads before Striker continues.

Striker:"A group of sapiens, called the Lambda Rebels, is currently
         under siege by a large group of Mayhem Mercenaries at the city
         of Shangri-La in northern India. Latest information we have is
         that the rebels are unable to withstand such a siege for long.
         Our mission is to rescue those rebels by escorting them to the
         Jumbo Rover while at the same time keeping the mercenaries from
         preventing the escape. This is especially true regarding the
         Jumbo Rover, for it will be an easy target for the enemy."

Tanarus:"How many mercenaries are we talking here?"

Striker:"We an airbase there with sky raiders on patrol along with some
         helix choppers conducting air support missions against the
         rebels. Group forces are mostly shock soldiers and mayhem
         drones accompanied by Aero Tanks. Most of these forces are
         concentrated around the siege, and only a few soldiers and a
         couple of tanks are blocking our means of escape."

Havana whistles.

Havana:"That's still quite a lot of bad guys we're going to have to
        rustle with there."

Hotrod:"No kidding. That's a big mob we're up against."

Outlaw:"That's why called you guys in. You're to help by creating a
        diversion to distract the mercenaries long enough for us to get
        the rebels out of there."

Sprinter:"How are we going to do that?"

Striker:"You will take the vehicles we brought in the hold and drive
         about on the plains near the airbase, drawing the mercenaries'
         attention and making them think we are attacking them. You
         will do this while a few of us escort the rebels out and clear
         the path for them. I will not lie: this will be very dangerous,
         for you will be facing the brunt of the mercenary force."

Rock:"This is what we do as Rovers. I can see the tactical and strategic
      reasons for such a mission. Are we to inflict damage to this force
      that we will face?"

Outlaw:"Sure. If you can give them a blood nose while distracting them,
        so much the better."

Elexis:"Plus, I think it would make the mercenaries think that it is a
        really serious attack and draw more of their forces away from
        the siege."

Striker:"Ja, that is a good chance."

Tyrna:"So who is going to be in this diversion?"

Striker:"The ones who will do the diversion will be Maury, Elaine, Rock,
         Tyrna, Sprinter, Havana, Linda Tanarus and Elexis. The Maddogs
         will head into Shangri-La to begin the evacuation while my team
         clears the escape route."

Striker then remembers something.

Striker:"Oh, one more thing: once we are in the mission, nobody must call
         the Jumbo Rover directly. The Jumbo Rover's transponder will be
         disabled and a complete communications blackout will be main-
         tained for as long as possible. We must not allow the mercenaries
         to detect this plane on their radars or triangulate communications
         to its location, or else this mission could end in disaster. Is
         that understood?"

Everyone around the table nod their heads.

Striker:"Goed. Nou that we understand the main plan, let's go and get our
         gear together."

They all get up, then begin to file out the room. As they do, Corsair 
leans over to Wesley to whisper.

Corsair(whispering):"I still think this is a crazy idea."

Wesley(whispering):"But we're Road Rovers. I thought half of all our 
      plans fall in the crazy section."

Corsair(whispering, sarcastic):"Oh, ha ha. Funny."

Wesley grins and bows mockingly. Corsair rolls his eyes, then files out 
of the room. He does not see Illanov giving Wesley five dollars.

Illanov:"Thanks, comrade. I needed that."

Wesley:"For five dollars? I'm glad to be of service."

Illanov and Wesley then also file out of the room with the others.

Shangri-La
Himalayan Mountains
Northern India
10:21 AM:

The city is under siege. Several of the ancient buildings are on fire,
while sapiens armed with old AK-47 rifles and RPG's are running about
and hiding behind any form of cover to fight back the enemy. All around
the city is a ring of mercenaries. Using the Aero Tanks as cover, the
shock soldiers and mayhem drones are firing at any sapien rebel they
spot, but they do not advance. Overhead, Helix Choppers fly sorties
over the city, drawing most of the bullets and rockets being fired from
various strong points. Further back above the plains the Mayhem airbase
"Executive" is holding position, with flights of Sky Raiders conducting
patrols and scouting all around its location. Amongst the ruins of a
former Shangri-La noble's mansion, the leaders of the mercenaries are
assessing their situation. They are a male fox, the male pomeranian and
his wife, a male Siamese feline and a female arctic wolf. All of them
bear scars from the battle.

Fox:"How long can we hold out?"

Pomeranian Male:"Not very long, Andran. Those mercenaries' weapons are 
                 far more powerful and advanced than anything we have."

Artic Wolf:"We are some supplies for the siege, but we lost a good deal
            of our water when one of those helicopters shot the water
            tank full of holes. We tried to plug them, but too much water
            leaked out."

Andran:"That is bad news, Fenix. What about you, Tanchi?"

The feline Tanchi looks around before speaking.

Tanchi:"Our casualties have been surprisingly few, consider how much fire-
        power we are facing, but our position are becoming perilous. If we
        do not leave the city, or help arrives, we are going to be over-
        run."

Andran shakes his head.

Andran:"This is dire news indeed."

The female pomeranian then speaks up.

Pomeranian Female:"How are going to leave the city? Where will we go?"

Andran:"We will guide our people through the passes, like we once did
        before, Elissia. We will go and flee south into India."

The male shakes his head.

Pomeranian Male:"That option is no longer open to us. The mercenaries are
                 more clever than was Franco's troops. They have blockaded
                 all the passes out of here. We are trapped in the city."

Andran:"Are you certain of this, Aydrian?"

Aydrian nods his head.

Aydrian:"Our scouts came back with the reports not half an hour ago."

Andran sighs and shakes his head again.

Andran:"We are in dire straits, it would seem. Cut off, surrounded by
        hostile forces."

Artic Wolf:"There is something else, too."

Everyone looks at the arctic wolf.

Andran:"What is it, Fenix?"

Fenix:"I had a quick look through binoculars at that large flying ship and
       saw dozens of large cages being placed on the top deck. I think 
       these mercenaries are here more to capture us than wipe us out."

Elissia:"Capture? No, not again. I do not wish to become a prisoner again."

Aydrian moves closer to his mate and puts a supportive arm around her.

Aydrian:"Easy, dear. We will fight to defend our freedom to the bitter 
         end."

Fenix:"I second that. I'm not going to any stinking cage."

Tanchi:"Same here with me."

Andran:"I understand what you all mean. Right now, I want you all to go
        back to your posts and keep the mercenaries away from the city. I
        will send you orders very soon."

Fenix, Tanchi and Elissia nods their heads, then they all begin to leave.
Aydrian stops and says something to Elissia. She looks back at Andran, then
at Aydrian and nods. She then follows Fenix and Tanchi out of the ruins.
Aydrian goes over to Andran.

Aydrian:"Are you sure that no one will come to our aid?"

Andran frowns.

Andran:"I am certain. We are all alone in this."

Aydrian:"But what about calling the aid of groups like the Road Rovers? Or
         the United Nations or a free country?"

Andran shakes his head, holding a paw up.

Andran:"No, we will not do it. We have been betrayed before. By the
        'most free country in the world'. If that is what the United
        States does to us, what can others provide? No, Aydrian. We
        are alone."

Aydrian:"But..."

Andran grabs Aydrian's muzzle, clamping it shut as he looks into his
eyes with anger.

Andran:"I said ALONE, soldier. You understand?"

Aydrian only sighs and nods his head. Andran lets go of his muzzle,
then turns around to some plans on a table.

Andran:"Go and defend the city, soldier. That is an order. And no
        further discussions."

Aydrian tries to say something, but then shakes his head and begins to
walk out of the ruins. Andran just keeps looking at the plans as a
Helix flies overhead and opens fire on a position.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Holding Position Near Shangri-La
At That Moment:

The crewmembers are keeping the Executive in position a good distance
from the city, while mercenary commanders are overseeing the siege of
the city. Looking the city and the siege is King and Paul Duroc, who
is in his commando uniform.

King:"So we are kicking big names amongst those hound dogs over there.
      They got nothing to beat us back."

Duroc:"You do understand you're not to kill too many of them, non? We
       need as many alive as possible."

King:"No need to worry about that. Our choppers are flying sorties and
      making them toss away their ammo. Soon we'll knocking and coming
      to check them out without too many checking into the heartbreak
      hotel."

Duroc:"You had better, monsieur. Rembrandt would pay a great deal more
       if you kept more alive."

King runs his hand over his hair.

King:"Now that will make my blue suede shoes dance. The King is the job
      here."

Duroc nods and keeps watching at the battle down on the plains.

Radar Dome
Upper Bridge Superstructure
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
10:36 AM:

The radar technicians in the dome are all busy monitoring the siege and
the surrounding region. Most of the action is the mass of units around
the city and the few radio signals being detected in the city itself.
The surrounding regions all show a few signals of the patrols and outer
perimeter forces of the Mayhem Mercenaries. The technicians are all
currently eating some doughnuts brought in earlier. One of them, who are
monitoring radar activity in the mountains, suddenly sees a red blip
appear on his radar. He quickly straightens up.

Technician 1:"Contact! I got a..."

The blip, as quickly as it appear, suddenly vanishes again.

Technician 1:"Hold on, lost it."

Technician 2:"Lost what?"

Technician 1:"I got a hostile reading on radar to the south, but it
              suddenly vanished."

Technician 2:"Has it come back?"

Technician 1:"Not right now."

Technician 2:"Watch if it appears again. If it doesn't, it might be a
              glitch in the radar system again."

The first technician nods, then leans back in his seat and resumes eating
his doughnut. His radar screen remains the same as before.

Lower Plains
21 Kilometers South of Shangri-La
10:39 AM:

The plains here is the same as the one further north by the city, the only
difference being that it is much smaller. Herds of mountain bucks, driven
here by the fighting to the north, graze on the sparse vegetation growing
here. They suddenly scatter as the Jumbo Rover appears and begins to land
on the plains. Wheels down, it lands on the ground and soon comes to a 
stop without too much trouble. The engines are cut once the plane comes
to a halt.

Cockpit
Jumbo Rover
10:43 AM:

The cockpit of the Jumbo Rover is much the same as that of a 747, only the
controls and equipment here are more sophisticated and modified to the
needs of the Road Rovers. The cano-sapien pilot, co-pilot and navigator
are at their seats and making checks.

Pilot:"Everything all right with you two?"

Co-Pilot:"100% here."

Navigator:"Ditto here. All clear and no hostiles in our immediate area."

Pilot:"Good."

The pilot then goes on the radio and begins to contact Striker.

Pilot(into radio):"This is Mother Hen to Big Eagle. Come in."

Striker(over radio):"We hear you, Mother Hen."

Pilot(into radio):"The roost is ready. Bring home the chicks."

Striker(over radio):"Copy that, Mother Hen. Hold position and avoid 
       attention of weasels."

Pilot(into radio):"Roger that, Big Eagle. Mother Hen out."

The radio channel is closed. The crew then begins to do various small
tasks and checks about the cockpit.

Blockade
Mountain Pass
3 Kilometers East Of Shangri-La
10:49 AM:

The mountain pass here is a somewhat broad dirt causeway winding it’s
way through the mountains. Occasional boulders litter the road, but it
is still very passable. Near where the pass opens onto the plains by
Shangri-La, a mercenary blockade has been set up. A single Aero Tank
blocks much of the pass, while two land skimmers parked diagonally
along either side the tank help set up the blockade. Some shock and
medical soldiers are here keeping guard. Nearby the two land skimmer
pilots are having a smoke and talking to each other.

Pilot #1:"This salary pays real well, but ever since we moved to Las
          Vegas, my wife has been spending most of my bounties at the
          casinos. She's breaking my bank!"

Pilot #2:"Why don't you just prevent her from getting the money to
          gamble?"

Pilot #1:"Are you kidding? If I don't give her money, she screams like
          a loud trumpet. I'll have to move again. I'd hate to leave
          that mansion I've always dreamed about, but I'd rather not
          go broke."

Pilot #2:"I hear you there."

The two of them draw on their cigarettes. Suddenly the sounds of engines
can be heard from the pass in the mountains. The mercenaries quickly
turn around to look. Coming at them are two Tri-Tank Rovers and three
Biker Rovers. Linda, Havana and Rock are in one Tri-Tank, Elaine and
Maury in the other, Tyrna and Sprinter on one Biker Rover, Tanarus and 
Elexis on the second bike and Hotrod and Alana on the third. As the 
vehicles come closer, the mercenaries begin to make out who their enemies 
are. The two pilots drop their cigarettes and head for their skimmers, 
while the other mercenaries move into position to open fire. The Aero 
Tank begins to turn its turret around. Rock and Elaine lean out of the 
windows of their two Tri-Tanks, each holding Road Rover missile launchers. 
They take aim and fire their missiles at the blockade. The mercenary 
soldiers, seeing the missiles coming, quickly scatter away from the 
blockade. The two missiles strike either side of the Aero Tank, causing 
explosions that gut the tank and send the two skimmers flying against the 
rocky walls of the mountains. The Rover vehicle pass through the cloud of 
smoke and fire onto the plains below. Some of the mercenaries attempt to
open fire, but the vehicles quickly get out of their range. One of the
pilots rush to his still-intact skimmer and gets onto the radio.

Pilot #2:"This is Blockade Alpha! Hostiles just broke through past us!
          Identified as Road Rovers!"

The five vehicles continue onto the plains, heading into the direction
of the airbase.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
10:54 AM:

The bridge is now lit up by red emergency lights while a alarm sirens
through the entire ship. King is busy reading a paper brought in from
the radar dome while Duroc waits nearby. King then looks back up at
Duroc.

King:"Well, well. Seems those Road Rover hound dogs are coming to crash
      our little show here. Aha."

Duroc:"How many of them?"

King:"Five vehicles worth."

Duroc snorts.

Duroc:"Nothing. Monsieur Rembrandt is paying to bring those rebels alive,
       but this lot you can just go and kill, no?"

King runs his hand through his hair.

King:"Oh yeah!"

The King heads for the command panel on the bridge while Duroc turns to
look back at the siege going on.

Plains
Near Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
10:58 AM:

The five Rover vehicles are driving at high speeds towards the direction 
of the airbase. Alana looks over the massive size of it.

Alana:"That is quite a big toy the mercenaries have there. Wish I had
       one of those, Roddie."

Hotrod:"You're kidding, right?"

Alana shakes her head and looks mischievously at Hotrod.

Alana:"Nope. You're going to have to buy me one of those."

Hotrod's eyes widen.

Hotrod:"Now you really ARE kidding!"

Alana giggles and pats Hotrod playfully on the cheek. Rock snorts as
he looks the airbase over.

Rock:"Personally, I'd wish to see that airbase lying on the ground as a
      flaming wreckage."

Havana:"No kidding, partner, but we ain't here to bring it down. We're
        here to help draw those mercenary rustlers' attention from the
        city."

Rock:"Still I wish to see it that way."

Tanarus' voice then comes over the radios of the all vehicles.

Tanarus(over radio):"Heads up, everyone! Here come the mercenaries!"

Up ahead, they could see a line of Land Skimmers and Aero Tanks coming
from the siege group around the city. The five vehicles then all split
up according to plan.

Helix Chopper
Conducting Strafing Runs
Shangri-La
11:01 AM:

The Helix Chopper is among a number of Helixes that are flying sorties
over the city. The gunners inside fire down on targets being identified
to them by spotters in the siege force and the airbase. The Helix flies
past a bell tower and the crew inside let loose a torrent of bullets
that tear large holes into the ancient structure. The bell inside comes
loose and tumbles down to land with a loud metal "clang!" on the ground.
Inside the Helix, the pilots begin to guide their helicopter to the
next target.

Pilot 1:"Right. Next waypoint over the bath houses in that..."

Suddenly Sapphire appears, flying right onto their cockpit window. The
two pilots are startled by the sudden appearance of the husky.

Pilot 2:"What the f...?"

Sapphire:"Hi, boys. Care to gander at the sexy husky?"

Pilot 1:"Get off, you! We can't see!"

Sapphire:"Awww. Am I not beautiful?"

Pilot 2:"Get lost!"

The two pilots struggle to try and see through the cockpit window, but
Sapphire keeps moving to prevent them from seeing anything. They curse
and swear at her, but she just keeps on smiling and blocking their view.
The Helix chips against the walls of a tall watchtower, the main rotors
narrowly missing it. But the tail rotor gets caught on a corner of the
roof and breaks apart. The Helix spins in an out-of-control circle as 
it spirals out of the city to the ground. Sapphire sees the ground
coming, then looks back at the pilots.

Sapphire:"Sorry, boys. Got to go."

She flies off, letting the pilots see the ground coming at them. They
try to bring the Helix back into the air, but only succeed in making
its nose point down. The Helix smashes into the ground, its rotors
breaking off and flying in all directions. It then tumbles onto its
side. As the crew inside start to climb out, Sapphire looks around the
skies over the city.

Sapphire:"Now for whom else can I put up a show?"

She spots another Helix doing a flyby. Grinning, the husky flies towards
the second Helix.

South Wall
Shangri-La
11:04 AM:

The South Wall is the crumbled remains of a wall served as fortress walls
to protect the city. Most of it is still standing, though it is crumbling
for the most part and several fresh holes have been blasted into it. A
ramp, flanked by two tall decorative pillars, leads up from the plains to
a destroyed gate. A group of Lambda rebels are trying to keep the gate from 
being penetrated by a group of shock soldiers supported by two Aero Tanks. 
Fenix is among the rebels, urging them to fight on with the antiquated Soviet
small arms they have.

Fenix:"Keep them back! Fight with whatever you have!"

One of the tanks fires a shot at a wall section next to the gate, causing
it to collapse onto the rebels. Most of them manage to flee in time, but
Fenix gets caught under the rubble. When the dust clears, she is partially
trapped under the rubble. Some of the rebels down arms and try to dig her
out. She waves them off, groaning in pain.

Fenix:"No! Forget me! Keep fighting!"

Rebel:"We've got to dig her out!"

Fenix:"Leave me! Don't let the mercenaries get in!"

Suddenly one of the rebels shouts out a warning. Fenix and the others look
down the ramp. The two Aero Tanks are slowly advancing up the ramp, acting
as shields for the shock soldiers as they fire and suppress the rebels.
Some of the rebels' courage breaks and they begin to fly. Fenix grabs her
rifle lying nearly and fires at the tanks. Her bullets, however, have no
effect against the tanks. Suddenly two large tennis balls are fired from
the ruins at the base of the pillars. The pillars are blasted apart, then 
topple down on the ramp. Though missing the tanks, they completely block 
them from going further as well as blocking their line of sight. The rebels
are surprised for the moment, then turn back to the ruins. Running down
the stairs from the city to them is Beowulf and Silver. Each of them
have a tennis ball cannon slung over their shoulders while they carry a
metal crate between the two of them. Silver looks at the rebels.

Silver:"Need some help here?"

Fenix:"Yes... ouch... any help would be great, friends..."

The two Maddogs put the crate down, then open it up and take out some
laser pistols.

Beowulf:"Then load up on some laser pistols if you want to give these
         mercenaries a licking!"

The rebels, realizing better equipment is being offered to them, run over
and begin to arm themselves with the more superior arms given to them.
As they do, Silver and Beowulf run over to Fenix and kneel next to her.

Silver:"Let's get you out from under there."

Silver looks up at Beowulf.

Silver:"Use that clap of yours to move this large boulder so I can pull
        her out from under here."

Silver pats the big boulder that is lying on Fenix's legs. Beowulf nods
and steps back, while Silver takes both of Fenix's paws. He gives the
signal to Beowulf. Beowulf takes aim, then claps his paws together to
create a sonic blast at the rock. When it hits, the rock is pushed up
but not over. However, it stays in the air long enough for Silver to
quickly pull Fenix out from under it. The two of them then carry Fenix
to a nearby rebel who is being the medical aid. As they lay her down
on the ground to be treated, Fenix grabs their shoulders.

Fenix:"Thank you for your help, whoever you are."

Silver:"Just doing our jobs, Ma'am."

Beowulf:"Yeah, you just lie back and let deal with these guys. You'll
         soon be far away from this heck hole."

Fenix lays back down and lets the medic treat her while Beowulf and
Silver rush to the gate and begin to help fight off the shock soldiers
attempt to climb over the collapsed pillars.

Palace Watchtower
City Centre
11:09 AM:

The watchtower of the palace in the centre of the city is nearly the
tallest structure in the city. The only structure that is higher is
the palace itself. However, the palace is largely unsafe ruins that
reach up into the sky, leaving the watchtower as the only one that
could still be used safely. The tower has a red-tiled curved roof
and stairs that lead down the tower to platforms that act as floors.
At the top of the tower is Aydrian, Elissia and a male canine. The
canine is working on a primitive radio system, trying to get a
signal, while Aydrian and Elissia stand over him.

Aydrian:"Any luck?"

The canine listens on his earphones for something, but after a few
minutes he sighs and shakes his head.

Canine:"Nothing. I can get nothing. Those mercenaries must be preventing
        me from getting a signal."

Aydrian hangs and shakes his head. Elissia comes up and puts her paw
on his shoulder.

Elissia:"I am sorry, dear. I know how much we really need outside help
         right now."

Aydrian:"But how can we get outside help? Our only radio does not work
         and Andran does not want any help. The stubborn fool."

He sighs again, while Elissia comes closer to comfort him.

Voice 1(from stairs):"Here we are. Top floor."

Voice 2(from stairs):"About time. I feel like I'm going to drop this
       fat pig."

Aydrian, Elissia and the canine immediately turn to look at the stairs.
Wesley is seen coming up, carrying a large computer device with many
small antennas and transmission dishes on it. He is holding the one
end. Aydrian immediately turns to him.

Aydrian:"Hey! Who are you?"

As Aydrian asks, Corsair sticks his head up just into sight of the
the trio. Wesley smiles and nods his head.

Wesley:"Hi there. We're just passing through here."

Corsair:"Speaking of which, Wesley, move your a**! I can't hold this
         thing."

Wesley:"Yeah yeah."

The two of them step up from the stairs and carry the device into the
centre of the floor before putting it down. As they do, Merit comes
up behind them. Aydrian and Elissia look surprised at the group.

Aydrian:"Who are you? You three certainly are not mercenaries."

Corsair:"Nope. Not one bit. Excuse us, me and my friend here need to
         set this up. Ask Merit over here..."

He indicates to Merit.

Corsair:"... if you got questions."

Both Corsair and Wesley begin to work on setting up the device. Aydrian
and Elissia turn to Merit.

Elissia:"Who are you?"

Merit:"I am the Mechanical and Electronic Repairs and Interactive Tasks
       utility drone, but you can address me as Merit."

Aydrian:"Merit, who are you people?"

Merit:"We are the international police force known as 'Road Rovers'."

Hope suddenly fills the pomeranian couple's eyes.

Aydrian:"Are there more of you?"

Merit:"That is correct. My unit leader, Striker, has gone to negotiate 
       with your commander about the evacuation process."

Elissia:"Wait a minute. Did you say, Striker?"

Merit:"Correct."

Aydrian:"A cocker spaniel canine? Light orange and white fur?"

Merit:"Correct."

The couple look at each other, then back at Merit.

Aydrian:"Take us to him, please."

Merit:"Processing request. Please follow me."

Merit goes down the stairs, followed by the eager Aydrian and Elissia.
As they go down, Corsair looks over at the canine.

Corsair:"Hey bud. You'd better get off this tower too and leave that
         radio here. As soon as the mercs find out that this jamming
         device is here, they'll blast this tower back to Genesis."

Canine:"Right."

The canine removes the earphones, then gets up and goes down the
stairs. Wesley and Corsair keep working on getting the device set up.
After a few minutes, Wesley pushes the final button. The device comes
to life, the lights on the antennas flashing while the dishes move
and rotate.

Wesley:"There. That should give the mercenaries lots of fun."

Corsair:"You sure this will be strong enough against that flying
         turkey's eyes?"

Wesley:"Trust me."

Corsair:"Okay, I'll take your word. Let's get out of here."

The two of them get up and start to descend the stairs, leaving the
device to do its work.

Radar Dome
Upper Bridge Superstructure
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
At That Moment:

The technicians are now more alert as they monitor the Rovers on the
plains below and relaying commands and orders to the forces on the
ground. All of a sudden all their screens turn to static and their
communication lines become distorted.

Technician 1:"What the...? What's going on?!"

Technician 2:"I lost everything here! No radar! No com! Nothing!"

Technician 3:"We're being jammed! Somebody tell the captain!"

Technician 4:"I'm on it!"

The fourth technician gets out of his seat and runs out the dome, while
the others try and get the equipment working and find the source fo the
jamming.

Command Point
Northern Ruins
Shangri La
11:14 AM:

This is a hastily set up command centre in the ruins of a shop. The roof
is covered with camo-canvas, though some holes have already been shot
into it. Several tables have been set up, where several rebel leaders
are pouring over some plans and papers. Andran is talking with Striker,
who is here with Phoenix and Illanov. Just then Aydrian and Elissia,
lead by Merit, come into the shop. Everyone looks at the trio.

Andran:"Aydrian. Why are you not at your post?"

Aydrian:"We came here to meet our rescuers."

Andran:"Rescuers? These three?"

Illanov sighs and shakes his head before looking at Aydrian.

Illanov:"Comrade, your leader does not want our assistance."

Aydrian looks surprised at Andran as he walks closer to Striker.

Aydrian:"Why not? Do you not remember this one? This is Striker. He once
         rescued us from Franco's clutches."

Andran:"I remember that. And how he promised us sanctuary, which turned 
        out to be a lie."

Striker:"That was not a lie! I was not aware the United States would
         have you all kicked out. We only learnt about it a day ago."

Andran looks back at Striker, frowning.

Andran:"And where were you, then? Probably living in decadent luxury."

Aydrian growls and grabs Andran by the front of his uniform.

Aydrian:"How dare you?!"

Andran growls back, angry.

Andran:"Let go or I shall have you punished."

Striker and Phoenix quickly step and pull the two of them apart.

Phoenix:"Listen to yourselves: bickering amongst yourselves when the real
         enemy is right outside your gates."

Aydrian keeps his cool, but still looks at Andran with a frown. Elissia
stares at Phoenix, some recognition coming to her eyes. She goes to
Aydrian.

Elissia:"Aydrian, that female..."

Aydrian:"Not right now, dear. We have urgent business."

Merit glances between Phoenix and the couple Aydrian and Elissia, making
several scans. He then goes up to Striker.

Merit:"I have made a rather curious analysis."

Striker:"Nie nou nie, Merit. There are more urgent matters. Tell us once
         we are finished with our mission."

Merit:"Understood, though it is..."

Before Merit can continue, Striker turns back to Andran.

Striker:"Listen, Meneer, you have to lead your people out of the city so
         that we can evacuate them before the mercenaries realize what is
         really going on."

Andran:"Really? And where will you take us?"

Striker:"Back to our organization. We can give you all here new lives,
         away from this."

Andran:"That is what you promised last time."

Striker:"It is a place of safety. You stay here, and these mercenaries put
         you into slavery under the European Corporation. We have spent
         much of our time saving those who were prisoners of EuroCorp and
         its experiments, and I will not let them have your people."

Aydrian looks at Andran.

Aydrian:"Listen to him, Andran! These mercenaries and their masters have
         proven their intentions for us! Don't bite the paw of friendship
         being offered here!"

Andran:"I am listening, but I am saying we do not need their help. We are
        not friends of anyone."

Aydrian finally grows very angry. Elissia and Phoenix try to stop him, but
he goes up to Andran and punches the fox hard on the muzzle. Andran falls
to the floor, unconscious, while the other rebels leader look up in shock
at Aydrian. Aydrian notices this and looks at them.

Aydrian:"I am taking over leadership of our people for the sake of saving
         the lives of us all here, including our loved ones and pups. Any
         objections?"

The leaders look about at each other, searching for any sign of protest.
When they find none, they all look at Aydrian, stand to attention and
salute him. Satisfied, Aydrian turns to Striker.

Aydrian:"How do you plan to evacuate my people from this place?"

Striker:"We have an aircraft on the smaller plains to the south of here 
         that can transport you all away from here. However, it is very
         vulnerable and the longer we stay here, the great the chance the
         mercenaries might discover it."

Aydrian:"What do you want us to do?"

Striker:"Do you have any vehicles?"

Aydrian:"We have some old trucks, a few actually still work."

Striker:"Goed. Firstly, get the pups, the elderly and any females onto
         the trucks and have them taken to the plane. Meanwhile, I want
         as many of your soldiers to hold their positions and keep the
         mercenaries away from the city. Let's not alert them to what
         we are doing. Our teams will help your soldiers."

Aydrian nods all the way.

Aydrian:"Understood."

Striker nods and turns to Phoenix.

Striker:"You take Shephard, Corsair, Wesley and Merit and help lead those
         trucks to the plane as quickly as possible."

Phoenix nods.

Phoenix:"I will, Strikie."

Aydrian looks at Elissia.

Aydrian:"Elissia, you help her get the females, elderly and pups out. 
         Take Tanchi and a few soldiers with you for protection."

Elissia:"I will. You take care, Aydrian."

Aydrian:"You too."

Elissia turns to Phoenix.

Elissia:"Lead the way, er...?"

Phoenix:"Phoenix. My name is Phoenix, Ma'am."

Elissia:"Phoenix? Such a beautiful name. I am Elissia."

The two chatting females begin to leave the ruins, followed by Merit. 
Striker and Aydrian watch them leave, then they turn back to each other.

Striker:"Reg, now we have to keep these mercenaries distracted as long
         as possible."

Aydrian:"Same here. I will inform my troops."

Striker:"And I will update my own side on the latest."

Aydrian turns to the leaders and begins to give them new orders. Striker
goes on his watch's communications system.

Plains
Near Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
At That Moment:

The Rover vehicles have split up and are driving about on the plains,
hunted down by Land Skimmers while Aero Tanks fire shots at them. In
one of the Tri-Tanks, Rock and Havana are firing at the Land Skimmers
behind them with a puppy blaster and Havana's six-shooter. As they
drive, another Land Skimmer drives past right in front of them, letting
two shock soldiers jump onto the front of the tank. Linda, who is at
the controls, gasps in surprise.

Shock Soldier:"Surprise, homeboys!"

The two shock soldiers whip out arclite pistols and begin to smash at
the windshield with the butts of their pistols. As the windshield
starts cracking, Linda calls out to the others.

Linda:"Havana! Rock! We got passengers on our front!"

Havana and Rock quickly look and see the two shock soldiers up front.
Havana quickly looks at Rock.

Havana:"You take the one on your side! I'll deal with my side!"

Rock nods, then both he and Havana climb out of the Tri-Tank and make
their way forward. The two shock soldiers keep smashing the windshield,
making holes into the shatterproof glass. As they prepare to stick the
barrels of their pistols through those holes, Havana and Rock quickly
attack. Rock charges up his one fist with Gravitron energy, then lands
a punch on the one shock soldier. The super powerful punch sendings the
shock soldier flying off and through the air a good distance away.
Havana starts kicking the other soldier, causing him to loose his only 
handhold. He tumbles down and falls off the side of the Tri-Tank as
Linda makes a sharp turn to avoid an Aero Tank rushing past them.
Havana watches the soldier roll in the dirt behind them.

Havana:"Yeeehaaw! Nothing like some good ol' Texas boot stompin'!"

Two of the Land Skimmers that were chasing them then pull up alongside
to open fire with pistols. Rock quickly turns to his side and releases
his remaining Gravitron energies in a field-blast at the Land Skimmer.
The blast knocks the Land Skimmer onto its side, causing both bike and
driver to tumble along the ground. Havana quickly fires his six-shooter
at the driver of the Land Skimmer next to him. He hits the driver, who
falls backwards off his bike. The pilot-less Land Skimmer then veers to
the left and smashes into a large boulder. Havana and Rock climb back
into the cockpit. Havana looks at Linda.

Havana:"You okay, Honey?"

Linda:"I'm okay, but these mercs are all over us like killer bees."

Havana:"Then you just make them splat on your windshield like the bugs
        they are."

Linda just giggles. Meanwhile, Tanarus is still driving the Cycle Rover
while Elexis throws her Widowmaker boomerang to chop off the arclite
turrets of the Land Skimmers pursuing them. He then gets a radio call
on the bike's communications system.

Striker(over com):"Tanarus, we are beginning to evacuate the city."

Tanarus(into com):"I hear you. We'll keep the mercenaries occupied as
       long as we can."

Striker(over com):"Goed. Good luck. We will keep you updated."

Tanarus(into com):"Good luck to you all as well."

The communications link is closed, then Tanarus dodges the Biker Rover
through the narrow space between two Aero Tanks to shake off the Land
Skimmers' pursuit.

Aqueduct
Southeastern City Limits
Shangri-La
11:35 AM:

This is a trench dug into the ground that runs from the mountains,
through the city and then southwards. The surface and sides are covered
with smooth, ancient stones that have cracked in some places. A steady,
swallow river flows along down southward. While smoke rises from the
city and the sounds of battle can be heard from it, a convoy of Soviet
army trucks are driving along the aqueduct in a southern direction.
Soldiers are all driving the trucks, while others keep watch. In the
backs of the trucks are most of the Lambda females, all the young and
the ones too old to fight. In the front truck in back is Phoenix,
Elissia and Tanchi. Phoenix and Tanchi are keeping their eyes open for
any mercenaries who might see the convoy. Elissia, however, is staring
at Phoenix the whole time. After a few minutes Phoenix notices this and
looks at Elissia.

Phoenix:"Elissia? Something wrong?"

Elissia snaps out of it and shakes her head.

Elissia:"No, nothing is wrong. It is just..."

Phoenix leans closer.

Phoenix:"Just what, Elissia? Speak out. I'm an open kind of canine."

Elissia sighs.

Elissia:"It is just that you remind me so much of my young pup that I lost
         so many years ago, when we first left Shangri-La to escape Franco
         and his KH Military."

Phoenix's eyes become filled with sympathy and she pats one of Elissia's
paws.

Phoenix:"I'm sorry to hear about your pup's death."

Elissia:"No, she wasn't killed. We lost her in the confusion of the battle
         when Franco's forces attacked us. We tried to look for her, but we
         had to escape. I was... so devastated at loosing her."

Phoenix takes Elissia's paw, squeezing it tightly. Elissia looks back up at
Phoenix, a smile on her face and a tear in her eye.

Elissia:"She looked so much like you. Red orange fur, beautiful brown eyes,
         curly tail. I miss her so much."

She shakes her head again, then looks back at Phoenix.

Elissia:"Did you know your parents, Phoenix?"

Phoenix:"No, I never had any parents per se. I was brought up in the KH
         Military in the labs of the chief scientist, Tesla. He did take
         care of me, though more to conduct some experiments on me which
         eventually gave me some special powers. I finally managed to get
         loose from their grip and join the Road Rovers."

Elissia:"Of which Striker is a member?"

Phoenix:"Yes. He is the leader of my group, Unit STRIKE. And in two months'
         time he will also be my husband."

Elissia smiles and pats Phoenix's paw with her other one.

Elissia:"That is wonderful. Striker seems like one who would make a good
         mate for you. Congratulations."

Phoenix smiles back at her.

Phoenix:"Thank you."

As this is going on, Merit, who is in a truck behind the first with
Shephard, has been watching the two pomeranian females talk. He sits
back down and turns to Shephard, who is scanning the skies holding his
M-249.

Merit:"My additional scanning of Phoenix and the pomeranian female
       Elissia has lead to me to conclude a 93,5% compatibility."

Shephard keeps watching the skies, not really paying attention.

Shephard:"That's great, sir. You should report it once we close up shop
          around here."

Merit:"Do my vocal sensors detect a disinterested condition in your
       response?"

Shephard:"Look, there's plenty of bogies about the place right now and
          I want to be bagging a few myself."

Merit:"How unusual."

The trucks keep on moving along the aqueduct towards the edge of the
plains.

Radar Dome
Upper Bridge Superstructure
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
11:47 AM:

Everything is still in static, while the technicians are trying to get 
all the systems back online and find the jamming source. Right now,
King is here talking to the leading technician.

King:"You figured out how we gonna get back our good looking?"

Technician:"We're trying our best, sir, but this jamming is simply
            too much for us to handle. If only somebody could take
            out whatever is jamming us."

King:"And what hound dog could be doing this?"

Technician:"It could be a jamming vehicle or a device. The jamming is
            worst amongst the siege force, so I think that the device
            or vehicle is in the city. Maybe on a high platform to
            avoid disruptions."

King:"And once that gets done in?"

Technician:"The moment it is destroyed or disabled or turned off, we
            will immediately have everything restored."

King:"Then you just keep things simmering. I'll soon get this party
      show back on stage. Aha."

Technician salutes as King turns around walks out of the dome. The
technician goes back to work.

Jumbo Rover
Lower Plains
21 Kilometers South of Shangri-La
11:56 AM:

The nose of the Jumbo Rover has lifted up to expose the cargo bay,
while the loading ramp has been lowered. Right now Phoenix, Elissia,
Tanchi and the soldiers are busy guiding the refugees onto the plane
with the aid of the Jumbo Rover's flight crew. Once the last elderly
couple is loaded onto the plane, Tanchi runs up to Phoenix and Elissia.

Tanchi:"There! That's the last one!"

Elissia:"Good. Let's head back and pick up all the others."

Tanchi:"Yes, Ma'am."

As Tanchi and Elissia gather their soldiers, Phoenix goes on her watch's
communicator and calls Striker.

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

Striker(over com):"Phoenix, I hear you. You got the refugees to the
       plane?"

Phoenix(into com):"Yes, Love. No trouble so far We are on our way back."

Striker(over com):"Goed. I will inform the others and prepare the next
       group."

Phoenix(into com):"Okay. Careful now."

Striker(over com):"Ja, you too."

The communications channel is closed and Phoenix runs over to the trucks 
to head back to the city.

Landing Platform
Aft Section
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
11:59 AM:

This is the most forward part of the upper deck of the airbase and thus
the airstrip. Two large concrete blocks sit here on either side. Strong, 
large cables are spanned between them to catch planes that slip off the
runway. At the edge are railings on a catwalk running along it. Duroc and
his commandos come running up to the catwalk, all of them holding bino-
culars. Duroc looks at his troops, barking out his orders in French.

Duroc(French):"Look around for some kind of radar truck or device that
     looks like a communications system. It might be the jamming device.
     Report anything that looks like it."

Commandos(in French):"Yes, sir!"

Duroc and the commandos then lift their binoculars to their eyes and
begin to scan the city for the jamming device.

Barracks
Southeastern Sector
Shangri La
12:12 PM:

The barracks, which once was home to the city guards and royal guards,
is now a strong point for the rebel forces. Built into the wall and
looking down on the plains, it is providing excellent cover for those
inside. Among them is Outlaw and Illanov, who are helping the rebels
and firing down at the mercenaries through blast holes and windows.
As the battle rages, Illanov then gets a beep from his watch. Turning
away from the window he was shooting from, Illanov answered the call.

Illanov(into com):"Dah, Illanov here."

Striker(over com):"First evacuation complete. We're beginning to load
       the second group. Start deploying those special turrets we've
       brought, Alex, but don't turn them on just yet."

Illanov(into com):"Dah, comrade. Will do."

Striker(over com):"Goed. Out."

The communications channel is closed. Illanov goes over to Outlaw,
who is firing at shock soldiers sniping from the burning hulk of a
crashed Mayhem Chinook. He taps Outlaw's shoulder. Outlaw ducks
behind cover and looks at Illanov.

Outlaw:"Yeah? Is the first evac done?"

Illanov:"Dah, comrade. We can start positioning those turrets, but
         not turning them on just yet."

Outlaw:"Yeah, we wouldn't want to spoil the surprise we go in store
        for the mercs."

Illanov chuckles. The two of them run over to the large crate they had
brought along with them. They open it and begin to rummage around 
inside.

Aqueduct
Southeastern City Limits
Shangri-La
12:35 AM:

Once again the convoy of trucks are leaving the city, this time carrying
many of the rebel soldiers, mainly the seriously wounded. In the leading
truck Elissia and Phoenix are taking care of a wounded lion male. They 
have a first-aid kit and are busy treating the arclite wounds on the
lion's chest. Phoenix is swabbing away the blood and trying to hold a
cloth on the burn marks. She looks up at Elissia.

Phoenix:"He will need some surgery to treat these burn marks. We have
         facilities on the Jumbo Rover."

Elissia:"Thank you, but I think I can handle this."

Elissia then gently holds her paw just above one of the burn spots. The
fur is singed away, leaking an ugly black mark on the skin. Suddenly her
paw glows with a soft, light blue aura. Phoenix's eyes widen a bit in
surprise at the sight. Below Elissia's paw the black mark fades, quickly
replaced by healthy skin. Once the mark is done, Elissia moves her paw
to the next mark. Phoenix looks up at her.

Phoenix:"Is that your special power?"

Elissia:"Yes, it is. I can heal many external injuries and some internal
         ones with my powers, but not by much. It does help a great deal
         and helps ease the physical pain."

Phoenix:"I can imagine. I also have a power, but it is more of a
         destructive one."

Elissia looks up at Phoenix.

Elissia:"Oh? What is it?"

Phoenix holds up one paw. A red aura forms around her paw, which becomes
a slight flame. Elissia's eyes widen in surprise.

Elissia:"You can create fire?"

Phoenix nods and puts out of the flame around her paw.

Phoenix:"Yes. Fireballs, intense heat that can melt metal and even turn
         myself into the fire bird called the phoenix."

Elissia stares at Phoenix, looking at her eyes.

Elissia:"You are much like my husband. He too has the power to make fire,
         though only as such to provide light, start a fire for cooking
         or heating or a defensive weapon."

Phoenix raises one eyebrow at this revelation. Suddenly the male lion
groans out in pain. The two females quickly turn their attention back
to their patient. In the truck behind them, Merit once was observing
them.

Merit:"Further evidence noted and stored."

The trucks continue on their way along the aqueduct towards the south
plains and the Jumbo Rover.

Landing Platform
Aft Section
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
12:43 PM:

Duroc and his men are still searching the city for the jamming device
while the battle still rages down below. Just then one of the commandoes
shouts out and points.

Commando(French):"There! There is a device in that tower!"

Duroc and the others quickly turn their binoculars towards the tower the
commando is pointing at. As they fix their sights on the tower, they can
see the jamming device in the tower. Duroc lowers his binoculars and nods
in satisfaction.

Duroc(French):"Good work! That has to be the jamming device! Now we need
               to take it out."

Duroc turns around and sees a Helix helicopter and its crew doing some
cleaning of the hull. Duroc turns to his men.

Duroc(French):"Follow me!"

Commandoes(French):"Oui, sir!"

Duroc, followed by the commandoes, turn over to the Helix's crew. Duroc
goes up to them.

Duroc:"Which one of you is the pilot?"

One of the crew comes forward, wearing a pilot's outfit.

Pilot:"I am, sir."

Duroc:"Prepare your helicopter. You are taking me and my crew on a
       mission over the city."

Pilot:"Sorry, sir. We have orders to remain here until the jamming is
       lifted."

Duroc:"That is our mission! We know where the devices is that is causing
       the jamming and are going to take it out! Are you going to let us
       do our jobs?"

The pilot quickly salutes.

Pilot:"Liftoff in 3 minutes, sir!"

Duroc:"Good."

As Duroc turns to his men, the pilot turns to his crew and starts barking
out orders. The crew get up and quickly get into the helicopter, with the
pilot and co-pilot climbing into the cockpit. Duroc and his men climb
into the helicopter, then go to the gun ports and man them. A few moments
later the rotors spin to life and the Helix takes off from the platform.
It flies off into the direction of the city and towards the tower.

South Wall
Shangri-La
12:45 PM:

Fenix, Beowulf, Silver and the remaining few soldiers (now armed with
far better weapons) are doing well in holding back the mercenaries from
getting into the city. At strategic points, many of the same gun turrets
have been put up by Silver and Beowulf, though not yet activated. Down
below outside the city, shock soldiers are firing from behind ruins and
wreckages while medical soldiers are taking care of the injured. As
Beowulf comes up from cover to fire, he sees the Helix chopper flying
at them. He ducks down and pulls out a radio.

Beowulf(into radio):"Hey, Sapphire. There's a chopper coming our way."

Sapphire(over radio):"I see it. Thanks, I'm on it."

Beowulf(into radio):"Okay. Beowulf out."

Beowulf puts the radio away and resumes fighting the mercenaries. The
Helix chopper begins flying directly over the battlefield.

Palace Watchtower
City Centre
12:47 PM:

The tower is now empty except for the jamming device. The radio that
was here is gone and there is no one here either. The Helix chopper
is flying directly towards the tower. Not far from the tower, Sapphire
has just spotted the helicopter.

Sapphire:"Aha. There you are."

She then notices the direction in which the Helix is flying.

Sapphire:"Oh, no way! That jamming device is not yours!"

She quickly flies towards the Helix chopper. However, the helicopter
turns sideways, its momentum still pushing it towards the tower. Inside
the helicopter Duroc and his commandoes open up their MP5's on the
tower. Chunks of stone fly off the tower as the bullets tear through
it in seconds. Moments later the Helix turns around and flies back
towards the airbase. Sapphire watches it go and growls.

Sapphire:"Great! Too late!"

She quickly flies to the tower, lands there and looks at the device. It
is no longer working, with only sparks flying from the many holes blasted
into it.

Sapphire:"So much for turning the mercenaries' blind eye."

Just then Corsair and Wesley come up via the stairs and turn to look at
the device.

Wesley:"So much for turning the mercenaries' blind eye."

Sapphire:"I already said that, Wes. No need to repeat a one-liner on one
          episode."

Wesley:"Oh, sorry."

Corsair:"Whatever, the device is swiss cheese."

Sapphire:"Can't you guys fix it?"

Wesley:"Not a chance, Sapphire. The machine is wasted beyond my ability to
        fix it."

Corsair:"And I doubt Merit, if he was here, would be able to do much
         either."

Sapphire:"We'd better go and tell the others."

Wesley:"Good idea. Let's go."

Sapphire takes to the air while Corsair and Wesley head back down the
stairs, leaving behind the broken jamming device.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Holding Position Near Shangri-La
At That Moment:

One of the radar dome technicians has just entered the bridge and runs
up to King. He stops and salutes as King turns to him.

King:"Yes, you got a message for the king?"

Technician:"Yes, sir! The jamming has been lifted and all radar and
            communication systems are fully functional again."

King:"Now that is the best news since the king got his first gold record.
      What is going on down on the dance floor?"

Technician:"According to our ground forces, the enemy is still holding
            up in the city, but we've encountered much tougher resistance
            than before. Some of our troops are still chasing those Rovers
            on the plains. Flying over the city is proving hazardous since
            there is a flying dog bringing down our aircraft."

King:"I think it's time to bring down some serious hard knocking on those
      hound dogs. Thank you. Thank you very much."

The technician salutes, then turns to leave the bridge. King then turns to
the captain.

King:"Drop down those drones and a couple of extra divisions and have them
      push into the city. It's time to really rock."

Captain:"Aye, sir."

As the captain begins issuing the orders, the King turns back to look at
the siege through the bridge windows.

Command Point
Northern Ruins
Shangri La
13:06 PM:

Striker and Aydrian are here along with a few of the commanders. Andran is
lying on a stretcher nearby, still unconscious. Striker is on his watch com.

Striker(into com):"Where are you now, Phoenix?"

Phoenix(over com):"We've just left the Jumbo Rover and are on our way."

Striker(into com):"Goed. We will evacuate via the aqueduct and meet you en
       route."

Phoenix(over com):"Okay. Take care, Love."

Striker(into com):"You too."

As the communications link is closed, Striker turns to Aydrian.

Aydrian:"Where are they?"

Striker:"They just left and are on their way."

Aydrian:"So we should go ahead with this?"

Striker:"Ja. It will take a good while for the mercenaries to find out
         about those turrets, and another while for them to find the
         city empty. The sooner we move, the gouer we can get out and
         away from the mercenaries."

Aydrian:"Very well, then. Let's proceed."

Aydrian turns to his commanders.

Aydrian:"Prepare to move out! Get all the critical items and then get
         the word to the rest of our forces to head for the aqueduct!"

Commanders:"Yes, sir!"

As Aydrian gives the order, Striker goes on his watch's global communi-
cations link.

Striker(into com):"This is Striker to all units. Activate the turrets 
       and have everyone head for the aqueduct. I repeat."

He continues to give out the instructions while the commanders begin
gathering their things. Aydrian gets two rebels to begin carrying the
stretcher with Andran on it.

Barracks
Southeastern Sector
Shangri La
At That Moment:

The rebels are still firing back at the mercenaries, but now Illanov
and Outlaw are busy activating the turrets. Each time they turn one on,
one canister on each turret begins to belch out clouds of smoke and
begin firing at the mercenaries below. Once they have turned on all
the turrets, the two Rovers turn to the rebels.

Illanov:"All right, comrades! Let's go!"

Outlaw:"To the aqueduct, everyone!"

The rebels, under the cover of the smoke, pull away and follow Illanov
and Outlaw into the ruins. Across the city, smoke begins to envelop
the ruins as the turrets are turned on.

Plains
Near Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
At That Moment:

The Rovers vehicle are still driving about the plains fighting off the
mercenaries. The plains are now littered with destroyed Aero Tanks and
Land Skimmers, leaving only a line of Aero Tanks and Land Skimmers to
keep a defensive line not far from the airbase. Elaine glances at
the line.

Elaine:"Looks like the mercenaries have had enough."

Maury:"Shame. Just as the fun was beginning."

Alana:"Ditto here."

Hotrod:"So what's the plan now?"

Tanarus:"The plan is we get back to the Jumbo Rover. I just got word
         from Striker that the last of our friends are moving out of
         the city and he wants us to head home. Let's head back. And
         make sure no mercenaries follow us. We cannot let them spot
         the Jumbo Rover."

Everyone(in unison):"Roger!"

Tanarus:"Let's hit the road!"

The Rovers all turn their vehicles around and begin to head for the
edge of the plains where they had first come through. Behind them, the
Land Skimmers take off in an attempt to intercept the retreating
Rovers. Tyrna looks behind her as she holds on to Sprinter on the
back of their Biker Rover.

Tyrna:"We got company behind us!"

Sprinter:"Oh boy. That's not good."

Tyrna:"Just keep it steady, Sprinter. I'll deal with these people."

Sprinter:"Gotcha!"

Sprinter keeps the bike on its route while Tyrna watches the Land
Skimmers close the distance. When one of the Skimmers get close to
them, Tyrna suddenly shape shifts from a husky into a large, ferocious
tiger. She growls and jumps right at the Skimmer. She lands on the
nose of the bike, much to the startled surprise of the shock soldier
riding it. The nose digs into the group and then the bike cartwheels.
The impact sends Tyrna and the shock soldier flying, though Tyrna is
guiding herself to the second Land Skimmer. As she heads it, the
shock soldier hits the ground and rolls. Tyrna comes to land right
on the back of the second Skimmer. Before the shock soldier riding it
can react, Tyrna knocks him off with a powerful back paw slap. The 
soldier is sent flying off the bike into the ground. As the Skimmer
begins to veer off into another direction, Tyrna jumps once again. She
comes and lands right behind Sprinter on the Biker River. The force of
the landing nearly causes him to loose control of the bike. Tyrna
turns back to her normal husky form and puts her arms around Sprinter.

Sprinter:"Seriously, Tyrna, not so rough!"

Tyrna smirks.

Tyrna:"I thought you liked a little roughness in a female."

Sprinter:"Well... yeah, but not during a mission riding a bike... Look,
          we'll talk about it later."

Tyrna just giggles. Meanwhile, Hotrod and Alana are also trying to
escape the mercenaries. The Land Skimmers are quickly closing in on
them. Hotrod looks back at the pair coming closer.

Hotrod:"Man, our rearview is all filled up with bad guys!"

Alana:"I'll take care of them for you, Roddie."

Alana opens the door on her side and begins to climb out. Hotrod sighs
and shakes his head.

Hotrod:"Why does she keep calling me that?"

Alana climbs out and smoothly works her way to the very back of the
Tr-Tank. She looks back at the mercenaries coming closer and whistles
at them to get their attention.

Alana:"I've got something for you boys!"

One of the shock soldiers speeds up his Skimmer until he almost right
behind the Tri-Tank. He takes out his Arclite pistol and takes aim at
Alana, who is calmly remaining at her position. Suddenly she leaps at
the shock soldier, her legs stretched out in front of her and pointed
at him. The soldier fires a single shot that misses Alana. The next
instant both Alana's feet hit his chest. The impact knocks the wind
right out of him and sending him flying off the Skimmer. Alana then
takes his place and takes control of the bike.

Alana:"I've got to get me one of these."

A second Land Skimmer pulls alongside her and the shock soldier takes
aim at her with the pistol. She glances over at him.

Alana:"Hi! Need a new bike?"

She rams her bike against the side of the second one. The soldier looses
control and spins out onto the plains. Alana watches him go, then speeds
up alongside the Tri-Tank. She climbs off, letting the Skimmer slam into
a rock and smash apart. She climbs into the cockpit next to Hotrod. He
looks over at her.

Hotrod:"Nice work, Alana."

Alana winks at him.

Alana:"Does that mean I can get a kiss?"

Hotrod looks forward, clearing his throat and feeling uncomfortable.

Hotrod:"Let's talk about it later."

Alana giggles.

Alana:"Not too later, I hope."

The Rover vehicles go past the road block they blasted through earlier,
their pursuers turning back due to losses and their enemy going out of
the operational theater.

South Wall
Shangri-La
13:21 PM:

Smoke still covers large portions of the city. The turrets are still
firing away while their last canisters billow out covering smoke. Down
below, the mercenaries are launching a new offensive. Mayhem Drones now
lead the way, their body armor taking the shots from the turrets. Behind
them the shock soldiers and medical soldiers are moving up. The drones
fire back at the turrets. Their advanced targeting systems are able to
easily take out the stationary turrets. The shock soldiers fire as well,
their shots mostly missing but some score lucky hits. As the battle goes
on, the number of turrets rapidly decrease. Finally, as the last turret
falls, the mercenaries pour past the walls and gate and into the city.
One of the shock soldier captains goes up and checks on their foe. He
kneels down and examines the turret. He looks around and notices more
and more turrets lying around. He reaches for his radio and begins to
contact the airbase.

Captain(into radio):"This is Corps 5A. We've got negative contact on
       targets. All we got here are automated turrets."

More and more mercenaries pour into the city while air units fly into
the city as well.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Holding Position Near Shangri-La
13:28 PM:

Duroc is back at the bridge with King. Both of them are watching as the
mercenaries are going into the city while the smoke is clearing from
the skies above it. About that time a technician from the radar comes
up to them and salutes. King turns to him.

King:"Got something good?"

Technician:"Afraid not, sir."

Both King and Duroc raise questioning eyebrows. The technician holds out
a piece of written paper. King takes the paper and begins to read it.
Duroc watches him.

Duroc:"Well?"

King looks up, crumpling the paper in his hands.

King:"The city is empty. Those hound dogs are all gone."

Duroc:"Gone?! Sacre bleu! How can they be gone? There was fighting not a
       8 minutes ago!"

King:"Those were some kind of turrets that fired back and make this big
      smoking stage effect."

Duroc swears and bangs his fist again the window.

King:"Don't check into the heartbreak hotel just yet. Such a crowd can't
      get too far."

King goes over to the captain.

King:"New orders to our fly boys: expand their patrolling area four times
      and report in any kind of suspicious activity or sightings."

Captain:"Aye, sir!"

As the captain begins to send out the orders, King goes back up to Duroc.

King:"Just stay cool. Those hound dogs will not be getting away from us
      so easily. Aha."

King runs his hand over his hair, while Duroc looks on unconvinced. Out
on the landing field some of the Sky Raiders are being put into the
air to search for the Lambda rebels.

Jumbo Rover
Lower Plains
21 Kilometers South of Shangri-La
13:36 PM:

The Jumbo Rover's nose is still up and the ramp still lowered. The
last of the Tri-Tanks and rebel trucks are being loaded up into the
hangar. Some of the Rovers are still outside keeping watch while the
last few rebels are getting onto the plane. Striker and Outlaw watch
as the vehicles are finally loaded up. Aydrian comes up to them.

Aydrian:"That's it. All of our people and vehicles are on the plane."

Outlaw:"And all our units are accounted for. I'd say we can take
        off right now."

Striker:"I agree. The mercenaries will have discovered our secret
         in the city by now."

Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"Let's hit the skies!"

The other Rovers all nod. They all then begin to climb onto the ramp
and into the cargo bay. Once they are all in, the ramp is raised and
the nose closed. A few minutes later the engines come to life and the
Jumbo Rover moves to get enough space to take off. The plane then
turns around. The Jumbo Rover's engines roar as the plane goes down
the plains. It then lifts off the ground, it's landing gear pulls up.
It turns to the east and flies away from the plains.

Conference Room
Jumbo Rover
13:41 PM:

All the Rovers are now gathered here in the room, along with Aydrian,
Elissia, Andran, Fenix, Tanchi and a few of the rebel commanders.
Aydrian is shaking paws with Striker and Outlaw, full of gratitude.
His wife and the other Lambda rebels are also grateful, except for
Andran.

Aydrian:"We owe you so much. Again you have saved us Striker. And your
         friends are just as noble as you are."

Striker:"I felt we needed to spare you from EuroCorp. And I had a debt
         to repay as well."

Elissia:"You have no debts with us, Striker. Not with friends."

Andran:"What friends? They are not our friends."

Everyone looks at Andran, except for Merit, who keeps looking between
Phoenix and Aydrian and Elissia.

Fenix:"How could you say such a thing, Andran? They risked their lives
       to save us all!"

Andran:"Save us? Who says they are not here to deliver us into the
        hands of our enemies, like these mercenaries?"

Elissia growls, then goes up to Andran and punches him right on the
muzzle. He stumbles, getting caught by Maury and Elaine.

Hotrod:"Guess loudmouth likes getting punched."

Tanchi:"He deserves a few more."

Corsair:"Are we going to start our own WWE in here?"

About that moment Merit goes up to the front of the table and raises
his one hand.

Merit:"Excuse me, but I have something to declare."

Everyone turns their attention to Merit.

Striker:"Ja, Merit? Wat is dit?"

Merit:"It is highly important. I have..."

Suddenly Merit tilts his head as he looks back down the room.

Merit:"Oh dear. It seems the information that I was to declare would
       have to be relegated to secondary priority."

Everyone is confused at what Merit is saying.

Corsair:"What's he babbling about?"

Striker:"What is the primary priority, Merit?"

Merit:"The Mayhem Mercenary airbase is directly behind our aircraft and
       and closing the distance."

Everyone's eyes widen in shock.

Jumbo Rover
Over Himalayan Mountains
En Route To United States of America
At That Moment:

The Jumbo Rover is flying above the mountains, going through the clouds
that shroud the higher peaks. Directly behind it is the Executive Airbase,
looming large over the 747 aircraft.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Pursuing Jumbo Rover:

King and Duroc are standing by the window looking at the Jumbo Rover in 
front of the airbase. The crew is keeping the airbase in hot pursuit
of the Rovers.

King:"See, dog? Those hound dogs will soon be on deck and be checking
      them in. After that, your boss will break his blue suede shoes
      and do some dancing."

Duroc:"I will not be satisfied until all those creatures are in their
       cages."

King:"You can count on that, aha."

King runs his hand over his hair again.

Rear Cargo Bay
Jumbo Rover:

This is the tail section of the cargo bay, which looks much like that
a military aircraft, only twice as wide. The vehicles are all lined up
inside the bay. Ladders lead up to the decks above. Just then Striker,
Aydrian, Tanarus, Hotrod, Outlaw, Havana and Maury come climbing down
the ladders into the bay. Maury looks at Aydrian.

Maury:"Are you sure this plan will work?"

Aydrian:"Only if you are all willing to make the sacrifices."

Tanarus:"We are all ready to make those sacrifices."

Hotrod:"Hubert might disagree on that point."

Havana:"But he ain't here, and we'll apologize to him later."

Striker:"Reg, let's do this."

The Rovers all run forward to the trucks up front and begin to offload
the crates of ammunition. They carry it back to the Tri-Tanks and begin
to load them up inside the vehicles. This goes on for a few minutes
until all the crates are in the Tri-Tanks.

Outlaw:"Okay, that's the lot of them."

Striker looks at Aydrian.

Striker:"Do you have the charges ready?"

Aydrian holds up three packs of dynamite demolition charges.

Aydrian:"I'm ready."

Striker:"Goed. I will open the cargo bay door and lower the ramp. The
         rest of you push the vehicles and Aydrian will place the charges.
         We all gereed?"

Outlaw, Havana, Maury, Tanarus:"Ready."

Striker:"Goed. Into position."

Striker runs to the controls that operate the cargo bay doors, while 
Aydrian stands opposite him. The others run over to the first Tri-Tank
and get behind it. Striker then goes on his watch's com and calls the
cockpit crew.

Striker(into com):"This is Striker. Decrease our speed."

Pilot(over com):"Copy that. Decreasing speed. Good luck."

Striker nods and closes the communications link. As he does, the engines
can be heard powering down significantly. Striker then pushes two buttons
and the cargo bay door begins to open while the ramp is being lowered. The
more it opens, the more one can see the airbase coming closer to the plane.
The Jumbo Rover was clearly losing speed to the airbase as the landing
field began to go underneath the 747. At that moment Striker turned to
the others.

Striker:"Nou! First one!"

Outlaw, Havana, Hotrod and Tanarus release the brakes on the first Tri-
Tank then begin to pushing it towards the open hatch. They then let go 
as the vehicle goes forward on its on moment. Just before it rolls out 
of the cargo bay, Aydrian goes up and throws in an armed charge into the 
cockpit. The Tri-Tank then goes airborne, falling towards the landing
field below.

Landing Field
Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
At That Moment:

The landing field has been cleared of personnel and vehicles for the
flight to avoid the wind from knocking them off. The Tri-Tank comes
plummeting down from the Jumbo Rover. It crashes into the deck. The Tri-
Tank suddenly explodes as the charge, ammunition and the vehicle's own
explosive fuel create a massive fireball. The airbase shudders from the
explosion. Overhead, the Jumbo Rover goes over the fireball as the slow
speed of it is causing the airbase to overshoot the 747.

Bridge
Mayhem Airbase "Executive":

King and Duroc are watching wide-eyed at the explosion as the Jumbo Rover
is coming closer to the bridge. They watch as a second Tri-Tank tumbles
out and strikes the center deck of the landing field. Again the vehicle
explodes into a mushroom cloud, sending vehicle parts flying through the
air and punching a hole into the airbase.

Duroc:"Sacre bleu! Are they mad?!"

King, however, is much quicker on his feet. He quickly grabs Duroc's arm
and starts to drag him towards a doorway leading out back. The captain
and crew also realize what is going on and make a dash for the exits. 
The Jumbo Rover comes closer to the bridge.

Mayhem Airbase "Executive"
Over Himalayan Mountains:

The Jumbo Rover is just going over the bridge when the third Tri-Tank 
is thrown out the back. The vehicles flies through the air, then smashes 
into the middle section of the bridge. Instant there is an explosion 
that destroys the vehicle and blows apart several decks of the bridge. 
By then the Jumbo Rover has flown past overhead, then makes a turn and 
flies off into  another direction. The airbase, however, keeps moving 
forward. Soon, however, the emergency systems bring it to a halt. 
Crewmembers begin to appear and begin to put out the numerous fires on 
the airbase. On a platform behind the bridge superstructure, Duroc was 
cursing and waving his fists at the Jumbo Rover, while King is giving 
out orders to stabilize the airbase. The Jumbo Rover changes course and 
begins to head for home.

Throne Room
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

The figure is still seated on the throne, and the large figure is still 
standing behind him, arms folded. Maya is also here, gathering the
dishes from the figure's last meal while he is busy talking on a mobile
phone.

Figure(into phone):"So how did it go?"

The figure listens, then suddenly growls and bangs his fist on the arm-
rest. Maya drops a glass and breaks it as she is startled.

Figure(into phone):"How did those fools fail?... I see... I must remember
      not count on those mercenaries to actually get the job done... So
      where are they now?... Grrr..."

The figure just ends the call and puts the phone down. He then looks at
Maya.

Figure:"Get out of here!!"

Maya:"Y-yes, sir!"

Maya quickly and haphazardly grabs what she can and quickly runs down the
carpet out of the throne room. The figure starts to growl and bark in
anger, causing the larger figure to step back a bit.

Conference Room
Road Rover Mission Control
State of New Mexico
United States of America
8:05 PM:

Unit STRIKE, the Maddogs, Havana, Linda, Maury, Elaine, Sprinter, Tyrna,
Hotrod, Alana and Rock are all here along with Aydrian, Elissia, Fenix
and Tanchi. The Master is here as well, standing at his usual spot at
balcony. On a nearby screen is the image of Mark Norwood in his office
at the United Nations. Everyone attention is on the Master.

Master:"The Lambda refugees will be drawn into either the Road Rovers,
        the Strayers, or any of the other units. We can provide them
        with jobs, homes and safety. And also they would be able to live
        their lives out without worrying about being deported due to
        bureaucracy."

Norwood(on screen):"That is one thing I would be glad not to see as part 
       of the package."

Aydrian:"I am so grateful for this, sir. And on behalf of all of the
         Lambda, we thank you."

Master:"Spare the thanks for my Rovers. They helped save you from the
        Mayhem Mercenaries and the European Corporation."

Aydrian and Elissia turn to the others.

Aydrian:"For you all, we are eternally thankful for what you have all
         done for us."

Elissia:"We owe you all a great debt."

Striker:"Aikona. You owe us nothing. I am just happy that I was able to
         correct the mistake made by the EDF in deporting you."

Phoenix:"And that we spared you the cages of EuroCorp."

Aydrian:"We are still thankful."

Elissia:"And Striker, you have made a good choice in choosing Phoenix as
         your mate. She is a very good canine and would make you very
         happy. You two are going to make a fine couple."

Striker and Phoenix smile, then put their arms around each other.

Striker:"Dankie."

Phoenix:"Thank you. Perhaps we might even be able to invite you to our
         wedding if we can fit you both in on our wedding list."

Merit:"How peculiar."

Everyone glances over at Merit.

Striker:"Why do you say that, Merit?"

Merit:"It is my understanding that Aydrian and Elissia would be classi-
       fied as those who would receive primary priority in the guest
       list for weddings."

There is confusion amongst the Rovers as they look at each other.

Wesley:"What's he going on about?"

Corsair:"Don't know, but he's making less sense than usual."

Elaine:"I think his memory chips a bit loose."

Phoenix looks back at Merit.

Phoenix:"What are you talking about, Merit?"

Merit:"Aydrian and Elissia should be seated at the main table with you
       and Striker since they are your parents."

Both Phoenix and Elissia gasp out loud as everyone in the room look at
Merit with wide eyes and a shocked look on their faces. The shock is
particularly evident with Striker, Phoenix, Aydrian and Elissia.

Hotrod:"Like Hunter would say:'I would not have predicted this!'"

Linda:"Parents? You mean, as in Aydrian and Elissia being Phoenix's
       mom and dad?"

Merit:"That is correct."

Corsair:"I think Elaine was right: Merit's memory chips ARE loose."

Merit quickly looks at Corsair.

Corsair:"My memory chips are in perfect operation condition and I would
         appeal to you to cease this appalling line of comments."

Corsair is abashed and a bit embarrassed, but Illanov is still able to
snicker at him. Norwood then gets Merit's attention.

Norwood(on screen):"Merit, why do you say Aydrian and Elissia are
       Phoenix's parents? What evidence do you have?"

Merit turns to look at Norwood.

Merit:"I several noted items of evidence that could make a solid case in
       a court of law. Aside from obvious similarities such as them
       being canines of the pomeranian breed and having fur that are
       identical in color, several physical features from Aydrian and
       Elissia can be identified on Phoenix, such as eye color, facial
       features from her father and bodily features from her mother and
       the same tails from both parents. In addition, Phoenix shares 
       powers similar to her father, though I suspect that the experi-
       ments conducted on her by Tesla in the KH Military amplified her 
       abilities. To further strengthen my case, I can use information 
       gathered from Phoenix, Elissia and Striker. Striker said that the 
       first rescue attempt he conducted for the Lambda refugees was on 
       the 26th of June the year 1981. Phoenix's current age is 26, 
       which situates her date of birth in the same year. Secondly, 
       according to Elissia she had lost her pup during the rescue and 
       there was never any confirmation of the pup's death. Furthermore, 
       KH Military forces were pursuing the Lambda refugees. Since 
       several testimonies confirm that Phoenix grew up in the labora-
       tories headed by Tesla, I can make a strong link that Phoenix is 
       the missing pup of Elissia and Aydrian. A DNA-analysis could, 
       however, nullify my entire conclusion, but based on the current 
       data I have just relayed to you, the probability of a success 
       DNA comparison between Phoenix and her parents are 85% rounded 
       down."

The conference room is very quiet as everyone stares in surprise and 
shock at Merit. Finally Shephard breaks the silence.

Shephard:"Does that mean my share of the wedding cake will be smaller 
          now?"

Tyrna looks at Shephard with a growl.

Tyrna:"You greedy pig! How can you think of food at a time like this?"

Shephard:"Well, ma'am, right now I am a bit hungry, so that causes me
          to think of food."

Phoenix quickly looks at Elexis.

Phoenix:"Can you do a quick DNA test, Elexis?"

Elexis:"Yes, I can. It's the only real way I think we can see if they
        are your parents, Merit's facts aside."

Phoenix pulls up her jacket's sleeve and holds out her arm. Elexis takes
her medical unit and looks for a blood vein. When she finds one, she
inserts the need, making Phoenix winch a bit. She then draws a bit of
blood into her unit and pulls out the needle. She applies a cotton swab
on the needle hole. Elexis then turns to Aydrian and Elissia, who both
hold out their bare arms. She repeats the process on the two pomeranians.
Once she has the samples, she begins to do a spot check on her medical
unit while everyone else watches in anticipation. After a few moments,
Elexis stares at her unit before looking up at Phoenix, Aydrian and
Elissia.

Elexis:"Analysis done. DNA match between you three is 96,7%."

Phoenix quickly turns and looks wide-eyed at Aydrian and Elissia, who
also look at her with wide-eyes.

Phoenix:"Mother? Father?"

Elissia suddenly cries out and grabs Phoenix in a hug, crying out with
tears streaming down her face.

Elissia:"My daughter! I knew you never died!"

Aydrian quickly rushes up and also hugs Phoenix tightly, tears flowing
freely from his eyes.

Aydrian:"Phoenix... my dear daughter!"

Phoenix wraps her arms around her parents, also crying with tears
coming down her face.

Phoenix:"Mom! Dad!"

Merit suddenly plays out a loud fanfare of "TARANTANTAA", stratling most
the Rovers except those by the hugging pomeranian family.  Most them
look at Merit, frown.

Hotrod:"Now THAT I would not have predicted."

Havana:"Why did he do that?"

Silver:"That's what I'd like to know too."

Illanov:"I have no idea, comrades. He must have picked up this bad habit
         somewhere."

Corsair:"While we weren't looking."

They all turn their attention back to the family reunion. Striker steps 
back, a smile on his face with a slight tear rolling down his face. 
Everyone else also smiles, some with teary eyes (especially the females). 
Alana cuddles up to Hotrod, sniffing.

Alana:"What happy reunion."

Hotrod, for once, only smiles and puts a comforting arm around Alana. The
other couples are embrace one another. Illanov is almost crying, the tears
rolling down face.

Illanov:"What a wonderful moment."

He pulls out a hanky and blows his nose. Corsair looks at him, rolling his
eyes.

Corsair(to himself):"Russians..."

Norwood looks over at the Master.

Norwood(on screen):"I think I have some work to do. Maybe it is best to
       let the family be alone now."

Master:"Good idea."

The Master then turns to the Rovers.

Master:"I think we should leave Phoenix and her family alone for a while,
        Rovers. Let's go."

Most of the others nod their heads. The screen on which Norwood appears 
goes dead as everyone begins to file out of the room. Striker, however, 
remains behind a bit as he watches the family. He then sighs and starts
to head out. Aydrian and Elissia look up at him.

Aydrian:"Striker... wait."

Striker stops and slowly turns around to them.

Striker:"Ja?"

Elissia:"We want you to stay with us. You are going to be our son-in-law
         and we want to learn more about you."

Aydrian:"You are part of our family, Striker. Come, sit with us."

Striker smiles and goes over to join the family as they all sit down by
the conference table. After wiping away the tears, the fourth of them
begin to talk. Phoenix is holding tightly to both Striker's paw and her
parents' paws.

4 October
4:21 AM:

Striker, Phoenix, Aydrian and Elissia are still here in the conference
room talking. Empty cups of coffee are on the table. Although their
eyes are tired, they are still eager to talk.

Phoenix:"... and that's how Striker proposed to me."

Aydrian:"It's good to see he was willing to go such lengths to proclaim
         his love for you."

Striker:"Even though she did scold me for being so stupid. But she was
         right: I was rather foolish in risking my life for the ring."

Elissia:"She knows how to put a male in his place and still love him.
         You were brought up well, Phoenix."

Phoenix:"Thanks, Mother."

Just then Shephard comes in, wearing his pajamas under his night jacket.
He looks at the four.

Shephard:"Good morning, sirs. Have you all been here the whole night?"

They all turn to look at him.

Striker:"Wat is the time, Shephard?"

Shephard:"It's about half past four in the morning, sir."

Phoenix:"Oh dear. Have we been up all night talking?"

Elissia:"That's all right, my dear. A little sleep is a small price to
         pay for us to come together as family."

Aydrian yaws and stretches his arms.

Aydrian:"I am rather tired. Perhaps we should get some sleep and then
         come together again later."

Elissia:"Good idea. We can then talk about your wedding arrangements."

They all get up, while Shephard heads on over to the bar at the other
end of the room and begins to dig around in the refrigerator.

Phoenix:"I'll take you to your rooms and show where mine and Striker's
         are."

Elissia takes Phoenix's paws and squeezes them tightly.

Elissia:"Thank you, Phoenix. It is wonderful to see you again, my dear."

Phoenix smiles back, squeezing her mother's paws.

Phoenix:"Same here, Mother."

Striker:"Kom. Let's go get some sleep first, and then we can carry on with
         our reunion."

The four canines head out of the conference room, while Shephard begins
to make his breakfast. It has been a great victory for Unit STRIKE. Not
only have they saved the Lambda refugees from the clutches of EuroCorp
and it's hired mercenaries, but Phoenix has finally been reunited with
her parents. But who is the mysterious figure sitting on the throne?
Why does he want Striker dead? And who was the other mysterious figure
who told EuroCorp about the Lambda?


THE END