Rover Strike: Vanguard

Episode 5: Italian Strike

By Gerhard Naudé

All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
Thorn, Raine, Casa Lupo Residents © Kristen Coughlan

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

THE ECONOMIST
SPIKE IN OIL PRICE FOLLOWING BAYTOWN ATTACK

The assault on the Baytown Oil Refinery in the United States has sent
oil prices soaring to record levels following the incident. Oil traded
at almost $200 per barrel as more details emerged of the extent of the
damage to one of America's biggest oil refineries...

TIME MAGAZINE
CONDEMNATION OF ROAD ROVERS FOLLOWING BAYTOWN

The Road Rovers have come under fire following the Baytown Incident in
which their efforts to defend the Baytown Refinery caused more damage
to the facility than the actual attack. Many high profile officials in
government and the oil industry have condemned the Rovers for their
lack of restraint...

THE WASHINGTON TIMES
CONGRESS CALLS FOR ACTION AFTER BAYTOWN INCIDENT

Members of Congress today called on the White House to respond following
the recent incident at the Baytown Refinery, where much of the facility
was destroyed in a fire caused by the Road Rovers. Republican Chief Whip
Tom Vermont said that the irresponsible actions of the Road Rovers have...

BBC HEADLINE NEWS
UNITED NATIONS TO HOLD MEETING ON BAYTOWN INCIDENT

Following a request by Special Envoy Ian Macmillan the United Nations
Security Council will hold an emergency meeting later this week to discuss
the UN's ongoing support of the Road Rovers following the attack on the
Baytown Refinery in the United States...

The Master's Quarters
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
29 June
9:22 AM:

Seated around a table in the Master's own living room is Striker, Phoenix,
Tanarus, Elexis and the Master himself. The Master is looking at Tanarus
and Elexis, leaning forward.

Master:"Right. Tell me about this from the beginning. Don't rush."

Tanarus and Elexis look at each other and nod before looking back at the
Master.

Tanarus:"Very well, Master. Elexis and I really need the help, so we might
         as well be forward about this."

Master:"For the best, I agree. Go on."

Tanarus:"Okay, Master. Striker has probably brought you up to speed about
         General Stalker's estranged family and relatives with whom we
         keep contact with. Particularly Tosca, right?"

Master:"The female wolf-sapien who was apparently Stalker's mate and who
        got put into a coma by the Vanguard. I'm up to date on her."

Tanarus:"There's a problem: a few days ago she was abducted from the
         Seattle hospital where she was kept."

The Master sits up straight.

Master:"By whom?"

Elexis:"According to Roz and Riptide, who were taking care of Tosca, it
        was definitely the Vanguard."

Phoenix gasps.

Phoenix:"That's terrible!"

Striker:"How sure is this Roz and Riptide?"

Elexis:"Riptide was one of the first cano-sapiens created by the Vanguard.
        They tried to train him as a soldier, but he wasn't very much into
        it and eventually he faked his own death to escape. So he would
        definitely recognize some of the faces."

Master:"So they, and you, are sure the Vanguard have taken Tosca."

Tanarus:"Yes, Master."

Master:"Where are Roz and Riptide now?"

Tanarus:"They're still in Seattle, hiding. They're worried that the Vanguard
         might come after them."

Master:"In that case, I think we should bring them back here for safety
        and hear their side of the story. I'll let you borrow the Sonic
        Rover to go and pick them up."

Tanarus:"Thank you, Master."

Striker:"Will you need assistance, Tanarus? Phoenix and I could come along
         and help."

Tanarus:"We would appreciate that. We're not sure if Roz and Riptide have
         shaken off the Vanguard or they are still being followed."

Striker:"In daai geval, we really should come along. You and Elexis go and
         get the Sonic Rover ready. Phoenix, go get our weapons."

Master:"Yes, you'd all better get moving."

The Rovers all get up and start leaving, but the Master gets up and stops
Striker.

Master:"Just a moment, Striker. I need to speak to you."

Striker:"Wat is it, Professor?"

Master:"I got a message from Norwood. He's been unable to answer my calls,
        did find a brief window to send an email from the United Nations."

Striker:"Bad news?"

Master:"Very much. The United Nations is turning against over the Baytown
        affair, and Norwood is having a hard time trying to turn things
        around. He fears, and I share that fear, that the next General
        Assembly vote will completely cut our funding."

Striker is shocked.

Striker:"Wat! They cannot do that! That would be a disaster!"

Master:"I know, but Norwood fears that can happen. He's tried to convince
        the UN member states to keep supporting our cause, but Special
        Envoy Ian McMillan is wasting no time in blocking every effort
        to defend ourselves."

Striker:"Who is McMillan? His name keeps coming up whenever we discuss
         the Vanguard and the UN is the same sentence."

Master:"I have no idea, but he is the most vocal critic of the Road Rovers
        and very politically savvy. If anyone can turn the UN against us
        it would be him. Worse, if the United Nations votes for a new
        Secretary-General when Norwood's term expires, his name is likely
        to be on top of the list."

Striker groans and covers his face with his paws.

Striker:"I have a headache now. I'll try and speak to Mark personally
         about this matter."

Master:"Yes, but later. For now, go and help Tanarus and Elexis."

Striker:"Reg, Professor."

Striker leaves the room. The Master sits back down in his chair and sighs
out deeply.

Laboratory
Vanguard Complex
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

Hawkins is again out of his chamber, doing some more exercises under the
supervision of several scientists. He is wearing a heat set to conduct
phone calls while working out.

Hawkins(into phone):"So the Security Council is going to vote our way?...
       Great! Make sure they cut off everything. I want the Road Rovers
       dead in the water... Good, and Norwood? What is he doing?... Aha!
       Work that point over. It should come in handy later this year...
       Good, keep it up. Cheers."

Hawkins ends the call and stops exercising to dial another a number. He
resumes his workout as he makes a second call.

Hawkins(into phone):"Vanderberg? Hawkins here. How are things in Rome?...
       Good, and our friend?... Still reluctant, is he? Just hammer home
       that little issue a few times and he will get the idea... He's got
       no choice, really. He screws his and others will suffer for it...
       Right, and what about River?... She's in place? Excellent. Have 
       her stay there while you oversee the Casa Lupo operation. And 
       tell River not to screw this one up. It will be the most important
       coup for the Vanguard to date... You'd better... Right, keep me 
       informed. Cheers."

He ends the call and stops working out to let some of the scientists do
a check-up on his pulse and breathing rate.

Town Hall
Casa Lupo
Northern Italy
30 June
10:03 AM:

The town hall of Casa Lupo is a simple, open structure with a stage at
the one end and a tiled-floor in the rest. On the stage a long table
has been set while rows of chairs are on the main floor. A number of the
village residents are milling around, taking their seats or chatting
with one another. On the stage are some of the leadership of both Casa
Lupo and the KH Military. At the moment Stalker, Trigger and Thorn are
talking to one another.

Thorn:"I'm glad you agreed to this meeting, Stalker. The residents of
       Casa Lupo have been complaining a lot lately about the outpost
       and your forces stationed there."

Stalker:"I've been getting reports about the behavior of some of the
         troopers here and I think that discipline is called for here.
         That's why my brother and I came here personally to sort these
         matters out. We cannot afford to lose this outpost."

Thorn:"You will have your work cut out for you, Stalker. The residents
       were up in arms even before the recent incidents."

One of the residents, a black and brown wolf, overhears the conversation
and turns to shout.

Kato:"Up in arms? They killed my flock of sheep and pigs! And my prized 
      ram worst of all!"

Everyone looks at the upset wolf.

Thorn:"Yes, we heard you Kato. We will try and resolve your grievances."

Kato:"They'd better!"

Stalker looks back at Thorn.

Stalker:"I'm sure we can smooth out matters."

Trigger:"Malcolm might protest, though."

Stalker:"He always protests. I sometimes wonder whether he really wants
         to fund the KH Military or not."

Voice:"Ahem, excuse me sir."

The trio turn their attention to the source of the voice. Standing at
attention and saluting is a male Eurasian Wolf dressed in Jump Trooper
armor and the name "MAJOR TUNSTALL" on his chest.

Stalker:"Yes, Major?"

Tunstall:"Begging your pardon, but I have some very important information
          to discuss with you personally."

Stalker nods and turns to Trigger and Thorn.

Stalker:"I will only be a minute."

Stalker and Tunstall walk off to one side.

Stalker:"What is it, Major?"

Tunstall:"General, our scouts in Rome were busy looking for any possible
          Vanguard sightings when one of our surveillance drones caught
          this individual on camera. I think you may recognize her."

Tunstall offers a folder to Stalker. Stalker takes it, confused.

Stalker:"Who is it, Major?"

Tunstall:"See for yourself, sir. You wouldn't believe me otherwise."

Stalker opens the folder and looks at the photos contained within. As he
scans the photos his eyes widen and his jaw drops. He takes a minute to
look the pictures over before looking up at Tunstall.

Stalker:"Is... is this really her?"

Tunstall:"We've confirmed it with Eta Squadron. It is her, General."

Stalker:"You the location of this building in the photo?"

Tunstall:"We've scouted it out already. It seems to be some kind of
          healthcare apartment."

Stalker:"And she's there right now?"

Tunstall:"Yes, sir. And there isn't anybody else there aside from the
          nursing staff. A lone security guard, but no serious opposition
          we've seen."

Stalker nods and looks back down at the photos. He runs his fingers over
them while behind him Trigger is glancing every now and then at him. The
wolf then looks back up at Tunstall.

Stalker:"Tunstall, can you take me to her?"

Tunstall:"I can do that, sir. But going there with a big entourage might
          catch the attention of the Vanguard or the Italian authorities."

Stalker:"What if just you and I go, incognito and in civvies?"

Tunstall:"That can work, sir."

Stalker:"Very well. Go find us some clothes and then meet me at the front
         gate."

Tunstall:"Yes, Supreme General."

As Tunstall leaves Stalker goes up to Trigger.

Stalker:"Brother, I need to leave for Rome urgently. Will you take over 
         for me here?"

Trigger(surprised):"I can, but why are you going to Rome?"

Stalker:"I... I cannot say at the moment. Hopefully I can tell you when I
         return. I won't be long."

Before Trigger can ask anything else, Stalker quickly turns around and 
leaves the hall. Thorn looks confused at Trigger.

Thorn:"Where's Stalker going?"

Trigger:"I have no idea. He said he had some urgent business to attend to
         in Rome, but I can't imagine what he would be looking for there.
         Especially the Vanguard and the Italian government on our tails."

Thorn:"So suddenly? But we still got the meeting to do."

Trigger:"I'll handle it. I just hope he isn't long."

Thorn nods, but he looks unconvinced.

Thorn:"I'm not sure about it, Trigger. I see his bodyguards are still here
       in the hall."

Trigger blinks and looks. Standing by the entrance is a squad of Lambda
Troopers.

Trigger:"What the...? Is he going alone?"

Thorn:"He left with just that Major Tunstall."

Trigger:"I'd better talk to the bodyguards."

As Trigger walks towards the Lambda Troopers, Thorn goes to one side and
whispers something to his daughter Raine. She nods and quickly leaves the
hall. At the same Trigger approaches the lead bodyguard.

Trigger:"Lieutenant Grisham, did the Supreme General tell you not to
         escort him to Rome?"

Grisham salutes and then nods.

Grisham:"Yes, General. The Supreme General is going with Major Tunstall to
         Rome and we were ordered to stay put."

Trigger:"Did he really say that?"

Grisham:"Yes, sir. And it concerns me, if I may be honest sir."

Trigger:"Do you feel you need to follow him?"

Grisham:"Yes, sir."

Trigger:"Then you have my permission to do so. Follow the Supreme General
         but at a discreet distance and make sure nothing happens to him."

Grisham:"Yes, sir!"

Grisham barks some orders at the other troopers and they all leave the hall.
Trigger goes back to the stay to rejoin Thorn.

Boom's Blacksmith
Casa Lupo
10:13 AM:

This is a square stone building located in the centre of the village, 
with a large forge and chimney attached to the side. The inside of the
blacksmith looks much like a shop with tables groaning under a variety of
work tools, farming implements, machine parts and even a partly rebuilt
GONV nullifier drone. A pair of wolves are by the forge, one of them 
sporting a fur pattern strikingly similar to that of General Stalker. 
The other wolf is wearing a blacksmith's apron and a pair of thick gloves 
over his regular clothes. He is a mix of wolf and coyote, with grey fur 
and reddish highlights. This is Boom. He approaches the other wolf, holding
a quiver of crossbow bolts. The first wolf doesn't notice him, looking 
towards the nearby KH outpost.

Boom:"Here you go, Blake. A fresh quiver for you."

The wolf called Blake snaps out of it and turns to the blacksmith, taking
the quiver.

Blake:"Thank you. I really wish I couldn't impose on you like this, but I
       couldn't go back to Canada to get my own quivers after the KH and
       the Vanguard were both there."

Boom:"Nah, that's all right with me. Casa Lupo wolves needs to stick
      together."

Blake:"Especially now what is going on here recently."

Boom:"Speaking of which, it was very risky of you to come here, Blake.
      Stalker is here today and might recognize you if he saw you. In 
      fact, he's in the town hall right now with most of the other 
      residents."


Blake:"I'm aware of that, but I had no real choice but to come here. Aside
       from the quiver I have other business to attend to here as well."

Boom:"Just keep your head down and don't draw attention. The KH lower 
      ranks have been causing us a lot of trouble lately."

Blake nods. He spots the drone through the window and gestures to it.

Blake:"Where did you get that?"

Boom:"Oh, the robot? I bought it from a scrap dealer who said I can have it
      for a song. I plan to fix it up and reprogram it to be my personal
      assistant."

Blake:"It looks like one of those robots belong to the GONV."

Boom:"Yeah, Europe was littered with their hulks after the Techno War.
      Most of them were broken up or melted down once the war ended, but
      there are still some bits and pieces about like that fellow."

Just then Raine comes running up towards Blake.

Raine:"Blake! There you are."

Blake:"Hi, Raine. You looking for me?"

Raine:"Thorn sent me to tell you that your father is leaving for Rome
       on his own."

Blake is surprised.

Blake:"Alone? No bodyguards or support?"

Raine:"Just him and a major named Tunstall. Stalker looked rather upset
       about some news Tunstall brought him and he told Trigger to take

       over the town meeting for him while he goes to Rome."

Blake:"What was the news about?"

Raine:"I have no idea, but it was enough for my father to alert you
       about it."

Blake:"When are they leaving?"

Raine:"Right away. I think you'd better follow them."

Blake:"You're right. I better follow my father and see what is up."

Raine:"Take care, Blake. And be careful."

Blake:"I will, thanks."

Blake leaves Boom's shop and heads for the village carpool.

Rome
Italy
14:17 PM:

This part of Rome is mostly filled with old apartment buildings and parks
with the odd office or shop in between. A few people walk here and there,
with a lone homeless man sitting near to some steps. A single unmarked 
jeep is driving along the mostly empty streets towards a cluster of 
apartment buildings. Inside is Tunstall in the driver's seat and Stalker
on the passenger side. Both of them are wearing nondescript civilian 
clothing. Stalker looks at the looming buildings ahead.

Stalker:"Is she in there?"

Tunstall:"Yes, sir. I'll pull up to the front and we can go in."

Stalker simply nods. As they pull up, stop the vehicle and get out, the
nearby homeless man looks at them and puts his fingers to his one ear.

Homeless:"They're here."

Stalker and Tunstall go into the apartment building and begin to climb
a flight of stairs. Stalker looks around.

Stalker:"I don't see anyone around."

Tunstall:"This place has a reputation, sir. The residents don't like to
          ask too many questions."

Stalker:"I see."

Tunstall leads them to one floor and then down a corridor. They come to
one door.

Tunstall:"She's in here, sir."

Stalker:"Do we knock?"

Tunstall:"Let me check, sir."

Tunstall tests the door handle. The door is unlocked and it swings open
with a creaking noise.

Tunstall:"Intel said they keep the door unlocked for emergencies."

Stalker:"Who are 'they'?"

Tunstall:"The people taking care of her. Come, sir."

Tunstall heads inside, followed by Stalker. The apartment inside is a
bit sparse, with few furniture. Tunstall goes to the bedroom and comes
back out again.

Tunstall:"Here she is, sir."

Stalker quickly goes into the bedroom and Tunstall steps aside to let
him through. Lying on a bed and hooked up to a machine that keeps her
alive, is Tosca. She is still in a coma. Stalker gasps and moves over
to the side of her bed. He kneels down, takes her paw and looks at her
closed eyes.

Stalker:"Tosca?"

He squeezes her paw, but there is no movement from her aside from her
steady breathing.

Stalker:"It's me. Stalker."

Voice:"She's not going to wake up, you know."

Startled by this new voice, Stalker quickly looks to the doorway and
finds River standing there, flanked by Vanguard N-Ops and several Task
Operators. The Task Operators are wearing Proto-N Battle Armor, which
are bulkier, more armoured versions of the regular Proto-L with black
and navy blue colouring. The Vanguard insignia is on their shoulders.
They are carrying large rifles with rotating barrels and energy packs 
attached to them. These are Crystal Guns. River and the soldiers all
point their weapons at Tunstall and Stalker.

River:"You walked right into this one, General. No way you're getting
       away this time."

Stalker is shocked.

Stalker:"Jinx? What are you doing here?"

River laughs.

River:"Wrong guess. Get him."

Stalker quickly jumps to his feet and prepares to fire bolts of elec-
tricity at River, but the N-Ops act first. They fire their neutralizers
at Stalker, immediately weakening him and preventing him from attacking.

Stalker:"Arg! What... is this?! Tunstall... ugh..."

He collapses to his knees, exhausted and drained. Two Task Operators
rush forward and force him flat on the floor. They then bind his wrists
together with plastic cuffs. Another Task Operator approaches Tunstall,
who doesn't resist as he is cuffed as well. River walks over to Stalker,
kneels down and grabs his muzzle.

River:"The name's River, and I'm Jinx's twin."

Stalker looks at her with wide, but tired, eyes.

Stalker:"H... how?"

River:"Really father. You of all wolves should know."

She stands up and turns to the soldiers.

River:"Take them out to the courtyard and call for extraction."

Soldiers:"Yes, Ma'am!"

The Task Operator begin dragging Stalker out of the room, followed by
Tunstall being escorted out. Stalker manages to catch a last glance of
Tosca before he is taken out. River goes over to Tosca and looks at her.
She then glances at the machine.

River:"You won't need this anymore. We're done with you."

She switches the machine off and it goes dead.

River:"Don't worry, Tosca. You'll be dead in a short while."

She chuckles and begins to follow the wolves out of the apartment. Just
as they step outside the apartment another figure appears at the top of
the stairs. It is Blake, armed with a loaded modern crossbow. River and
the soldiers stop dead in their tracks.

River:"You!"

Stalker:"B... Blake?"

Blake:"Hang on, father!"

Blake raises his crossbow and fires at River. Immediately two Task Ops
step in front of her and stop the bolt with their thick armor. They
return fire, firing bolts of red energy back at Blake. Blake ducks back
into the stairwell to shield himself from the shots smashing into the
walls. River quickly looks around.

River:"How the h*** did he follow us here? And why didn't the watch alert
       us?"

She then spots something through a window at the opposite end of the
corridor.

River:"A fire escape! Quick, follow me!"

The group quickly pulls back, covered by the two Task Ops still firing
back at Blake. Blake fires a few bolts back, but can't take the oppor-
tunity to aim properly due to the suppressing fire. River shoots out
the window leading the fire escape and her team begin to head outside
while the Task Ops provide cover. Blake uses a break in the firing to
quickly rush towards the open apartment door. He ducks in just as the
Task Operators fire again, blasting apart the wooden door frame. As
Blake readies his crossbow he spots Tosca through the bedroom door. He
gasps and quickly rushes over to look inside her room. He sees that
the machine keeping her alive is switched off and rushes over to turn
it back on. He sighs with relief when the machine gets back online and
gets back to keeping Tosca alive.

Blake:"I'll be back for you, mother."

He rush back to the apartment entrance and peeks outside. Just in time
he sees the last two Task Ops go up the fire escape. Blake runs down the
corridor and looks outside. River's group is halfway up the steps while
a Condor helicopter, flanked by four Mosquitoes, is approaching the
apartment. Blake quickly gets onto the fire escape and climbs up the
steps. He climbs as fast as he can and reaches the rooftop, only to be
forced into cover from the Task Ops firing back at him. River and the
others pile Stalker and Tunstall into the Condor.

River:"That's it! Let's go!"

The Task Ops rush to the Condor and get in. Blake takes this chance to
get onto the rooftop and rush for the Condor. But the helicopter is
already taking off. Stalker sees Blake and shouts to him.

Stalker:"Blake!... Your mother! ... save her!"

River closes the Condor's door and the helicopter takes off. Blake
tries to grab the landing gear, but misses. The wolf can only watch as
the flight of choppers fly away over Rome. He growls and stomps his
foot in anger.

Blake:"Grrr! I can't believe I let them do that!"

He suddenly remembers something.

Blake:"Mother!"

Blake turns around, goes back down the fire escape and into the apartment
where Tosca is. He looks her over, making sure she is still alive and
unharmed. His ears then perk up when he hears police sirens.

Blake:"I better get mother out of here."

He goes to close the apartment door and barricades it.

Laboratory
Vanguard Complex
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

Hawkins is back in his chamber, but he is alone while the scientists
around him are off on tea break. There is a beep on his communicator
and he answers it.

Hawkins(into com):"Hawkins... River, how did it go?... You got him?"

Hawkins grins widely.

Hawkins(into com):"That's great news!... Tunstall too, eh? Bring them
       both here... Yes, right away... Good, and congratulations to your
       team. This will mean bonuses for you all... Well done."

He switches the communicator and rubs his paws together in glee. He
then quickly dials another number.

Hawkins(into com):"Macmillan? Hawkins here... I got good news. The
       Vanguard has captured KH Military leader General Stalker... Yes,
       really... Why, thank you. This will be a great coup for us... Yes,
       do tell the United Nations. I'm sure they will appreciate this bit
       of news. Even Norwood won't be able to counter it... Yes, do it.
       And thank you once again."

Hawkins shuts off the communicator again and dials another number. This
once takes a few moments to be answered.

Hawkins(into com):"Vanderberg... Reggie, stop goofing around and listen!
       We got Stalker... Yes, and River's bringing him to me... Yeah, so
       are those new units I sent you ready?... Good, you can send them
       to Casa Lupo right away. I want to know how well they perform 
       against those wolves now that Stalker isn't there... Good, and
       don't waste time either. Stop gaming and get to work... Good."

Hawkins switches off the communicator and takes off the headset. He then
chuckles in delight at the good news as the scientists return from their
tea break.

Town Hall
Casa Lupo
18:02 PM:

The hall is now mostly empty after most of the residents have gone home.
Trigger, Thorn and Raine are on the stage while some of the Lambda Troopers
wait off to one side.

Trigger:"I hope they have addressed their grievances, Thorn."

Thorn:"It did calm them, but it will depend on your forces to keep to the
       rules we agreed today."

Trigger:"Stalker should be able to set up the rules and make sure that
         they will not be broken. I'll give him a report on the meeting
         once he gets back."

Thorn:"He is taking his time, though. I wonder where he is."

Trigger:"I'm sure he is all right."

Just then Blake comes in and goes up to the stage.

Blake:"I got very bad news. Stalker has been led into a trap and captured
       by the Vanguard."

This immediately gets everyone's attention. They all rush up towards Blake.

Trigger:"What! What are you talking about?"

Blake:"I followed Stalker and Tunstall into Rome to an old apartment block.
       They went inside and the Vanguard ambushed them. I tried to rescue
       them, but the Vanguard managed to escape with them."

Trigger:"You're joking! You're making all of this up, right?"

Blake:"No, I did not. You can check me up on that."

Trigger:"I definitely will!"

Trigger quickly rushes out, followed by the Lambda Troopers. Raine and
Thorn stay behind with Blake.

Blake:"I didn't want to you this in front of Trigger, but the Vanguard 
       used Tosca as bait."

Thorn and Raine are stunned.

Thorn:"What! They had her?"

Blake explains to them how the Vanguard had used Tosca to lure Stalker 
into a trap to capture him and how they had nearly left her for dead.

Raine:"Where is she now?"

Blake:"In my jeep. I'm hoping to keep her out of sight until I can call
       Elexis and have her pick up Tosca."

Thorn:"Trigger won't like it if he sees Elexis around here."

Blake:"I'll let her pick up Tosca outside of Casa Lupo so the KH doesn't
       see them both."

Thorn:"All right. We'll try and keep her out of sight. Raine, go help
       Blake get Tosca into bed. Try and find a residence that the KH
       patrols won't pester, just in case."

Raine:"Yes, father. Come on, Blake. Show me where she is."

Blake:"Follow me."

The two of the run outside, leaving Thorn to ponder the sudden turn of
events. Outside the hall Trigger has gotten onto his communicator.

Trigger(into com):"This is General Trigger to Lieutenant Grisham. Do you
       read me?"

Grisham(over com):"Yes, sir. I hear you."

Trigger(into com):"What is the latest information on Stalker?"

There is a pause before Grisham answers.

Grisham(over com):"Sir, I have really bad news to report."


Trigger feels a pit form in his stomach.

Trigger(into com):"What is it?"

Grisham(over com):"The Supreme General has been abducted by the Vanguard."

Trigger(into com):"What! How? How did that happen?"

Grisham(over com):"We had followed the General to an apartment in Rome that
       he and Captain Tunstall entered. Just as we thought he had taken too
       long we spotted a Vanguard Condor taking off from the rooftop. We
       checked the General's tracking device and found that he was on that
       helicopter."

Trigger(into com):"Where did the helicopter go?"

Grisham(over com):"No idea, sir. We're trying to get information from the
       air traffic authorities in Rome at the moment."

Trigger groans and covers his face with his paw for a moment before resuming.

Trigger(into com):"Very well. See what you can find out from the authorities
       and then come back here immediately."

Grisham(over com):"Yes, sir!"

Trigger turns off his communicator before covering his face again, this 
time with both paws.

Command Room
Eta Squadron Headquarters
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

The circular command center of the Eta Squadron is a hive of activity with
technicians working at every terminal. General Sky is at his own terminal,
having listened to the conversation between Trigger and Grisham. He leans
back and rubs his chin fur.

Sky:"Now this is an interesting development. I must take advantage of this
     event."

Sky leans back in his chair, deep in thought.

The Master's Quarters
Road Rover Headquarters
United States of America
1201 PM:

The Master is seated at his desk with a cup of coffee and lots of papers
strewn around. Seated opposite him is the Steppe Wolf couple Riptide the 
and Roz the female.

Roz:"... and then Tanarus and Elexis came and picked us up and got us
     out of Seattle."

Riptide:"We really want to thank for giving us shelter here, Mister."

Master:"Please, just call me the Master. Or Professor if you like."

Riptide:"Of course, Master."

Master:"Now, I would like you two to tell me everything about Tosca and
        this Halluci-Venom that left her in a coma. The information
        might help us in future against the Vanguard."

Roz:"Well, its like this. Tosca was defending her litter from a former
     Elite Guard tank commander named Servas when she got a direct hit in
     the head from a dart containing the venom. Despite the healing
     powers of Sebine's friend Erisa, Tosca fell into a coma."

Master:"And Servas?"

Roz:"Barbatus, one of Tosca's sons, killed him when his powers manifes-
     ted. Best not to go into the details of that..."

Suddenly Tanarus and Elexis come rushing into the Master's quarters.

Tanarus:"Master! Master, we need to talk."

The Master quickly turns to the couple.

Master:"What is it?"

Elexis:"We got a call from Blake just a few minutes ago. He had some
        incredible news for us."

Master:"What is it, then? Spit it out."

Tanarus:"General Stalker has been captured by the Vanguard."

Both the Master and the Steppe Wolf couple sit up straight with surprise.

Master:"Captured? How?"

Elexis:"The Vanguard managed to lure Stalker into a trap using Tosca."

Roz:"Tosca? They used Tosca as bait?"

Elexis:"Yes, they did. The Vanguard had her in an apartment room where 
        they lured Stalker in and then captured him. They then took off 
        before Blake could rescue Stalker, but they left Tosca for dead. 
        He managed to save her."

Riptide:"Where is Blake now with Tosca?"

Tanarus:"At Casa Lupo for the moment. Blake has asked me and Elexis to
         come and pick up Tosca and bring her here for safety."

Elexis:"But we need your permission, Master."

The Master nods.

Master:"All right. Bring Tosca here right away, but take Unit STRIKE and
        the Stealth Rover with you. I don't want you to take chances or
        attract attention in any way. We got enough trouble already."

Tanarus:"Thank you, Master. We'll do so."

Master:"Then get going, you two."

Tanarus and Elexis thank the Master again before leaving. The Master then
turns to Roz and Riptide.

Master:"Since you two took care of Tosca I want you to immediate take her
        into your care the moment they bring her here. I'll also have
        Professor Hubert and Collin help you."

Riptide:"Thank you, Master."

Roz:"A trap. So that's why they abducted her. I couldn't figure out exactly
     why they would want her considering the coma."

Riptide:"I thought they wanted to follow up on the tests they did on her.
         Guess they had other plans."

Master:"So it seems, but tell me about the tests anyway."

Roz and Riptide nod and begin to tell the Master the story.

Holding Cell
Vanguard Headquarters
Unknown Location:

This is a small room with thick metal walls, a single fluorescent light 
in the ceiling and a reinforced steel door. Tied down to a chair that
is bolted to the floor is Stalker, now wearing orange prison fatigues.
Heavy straps keep his limbs secure to the chair and a muzzle has been
placed on him. Around his neck is an electronic collar designed to keep
his powers in check. He looks up when he hears the door being unlocked 
and opened. In walks Hawkins, now wearing his old EDF uniform that has 
been modified to accommodate his mutation. Hawkins smiles.

Hawkins:"Ah, the notorious General Stalker. So glad to finally meet you
         face to face."

Stalker frowns and growls through the muzzle.

Hawkins:"Apologies for the muzzle, but you look like the sort who can
         bite."

Stalker keeps growls, though less this time. Hawkins stands in front of
Stalker, arms folded accross his chest.

Hawkins:"Were you glad to have seen Tosca? I hope you got a good glimpse
         of her, because she's probably dead by now. Not that I care. She's
         a vegetable and useless to me."

Stalker struggles against the binds, but they keep him firmly in place.
Hawkins continues.

Hawkins:"And now you're in my grasp, Stalker. Once the world hears about
         this the Vanguard will take its rightful place on the world stage.
         And your KH Military will be easy pickings, since your brother
         Trigger will be put in charge and according to our intel he isn't
         as good at running the whole operation as you are."

Stalker stops struggling, exhausted by effort and panting through the
muzzle.

Hawkins:"And once that is done, you'll be taking the place of honor in the
         Vanguard that Tosca once had."

This makes Stalker look back up at Hawkins.

Hawkins:"We ran some experiments on her using Halluci-Venom, but as you 
         saw it ended less than satisfactory. Since you're a stronger 
         specimen, we should see some good results. Results that will 
         help improve the Vanguard's own sapien army's abilities."

Stalker glares at Hawkins, who is turning around and begins to leave.

Hawkins:"Suchong will be here soon to do some checks to see what we can
         do with you, then it will time for your big debut before the
         world's media. That should be quite a show."

Hawkins laughs and leaves the room. Stalker can only squirm and utter
muffled growls as the door closes and locks. Stalker stops moving, then
lowers his head as he begins to mourn Tosca's passing, tears rolling down
his cheeks.

Railway Line
Northern Italy
31 June
4:43 AM:

This is a single railway track snaking its way through the hilly terrain 
of northern Italy. All of the signal lights are red, indicating that no
trains are to be moving on this track. But one train is on the move on
the tracks: a single, sleek black engine is pulling four unmarked wagons
that look like large shipping containers. A lone light shines from the
cockpit of the engine, where an engineer is driving the train. He is on
a cellphone.

Driver(into phone):"Mister Vanderberg? This is Engine Five. I'm arriving 
      at the GPS coordinates you've given me... Very well, sir. I will
      stop here and open the wagons. You can then take over... About ten
      minutes, sir... Yes, sir. Engine Five out."

The driver pushes a button on the control panel in front of him. The
engine shuts down and activates its brakes. Slowly it comes to a stop
near an open field. Once the train has come to a rest, the driver pushes
another button. The wagon doors all slide open and ramps are lowered from
the openings. A few minutes later bright lights start to shine from 
inside the wagons. It is followed by the sound of whirring blades and
heavy thuds. Then, coming out of the wagons, appear a large number of
Vanguard robots. These consist of several HECUs, platoons of LICUs and
and a large group of Seeker Drones. An LICU (LIght Combat Unit) is a
bipedal robot half the size of their bigger counterparts and less bulky.
One hand is a claw and the other is a belt-fed machine gun. Each LICU
has a single eye slot in their heads. Seeker Drones are flying drones
held in the air by four small rotors. Underneath each Seeker is an
autogun with a pair of small rocket pods on either side. All the robots
have the Vanguard insignia on them. The robots gather in the field and
then proceed to march out into the wilderness while the train wagons
close up and the engine starts up again.

Casa Lupo
Northern Italy
7:11 AM:

The village and the outpost are both in the process of waking to the new
day. The residents of the village are going about their morning routines,
while at the outpost the troopers have gathered in neat parades for in-
spection by their superior officers. Inside the outpost's communication
hut, a square concrete building with many dishes and antennae on top,
General Trigger is holding a video conference. On the screens are the
faces of Wolfeye, Black, Thrax, Sky and Malcolm. All of them except for 
Sky have concerned looks on their faces.

Wolfeye:"So we have no idea where the Vanguard took Stalker?"

Trigger:"None. I've asked Sky and the Eta Squadron to track him down,
         but so far they haven't found anything yet."

Sky:"It was on rather short notice, sir. I'm still getting the resources
     and wolf power together to conduct the investigation."

Black:"Not really in a hurry are you, Sky?"

Thrax:"This is serious! If news got out the KH Military would look weak
       before the whole world, especially to our enemies!"

Trigger:"Right, so do you all have suggestions on what action we should
         take?"

Sky:"General Trigger, until Stalker is rescued, if at all, you will have
     to take over the reigns of the KH Military."

Trigger looks sharply at Sky.

Trigger:"Tell me that is a joke, General Sky."

Sky:"I'm not joking at all, General Trigger. You are the second-in-command
     the KH Military and thus should take Stalker's place now that he is
     a prisoner of the Vanguard."

Malcolm:"He's right, Trigger. Word of Stalker's capture will soon spread
         throughout the KH Military and the world, and you're going to
         have to show everyone that you have the organization under control."

Black:"Is that wise? Trigger can run his Delta Squadron all right, but the
       whole of the KH Military?"

Sky:"I'm certain Supreme General Trigger will be more than up to the task."

Black frowns at Sky, but Sky ignores him and turns to Trigger.

Sky:"Of course, me and the other generals will be more than happy to 
     provide you with any assistance in running the KH Military."

Trigger leans back and sighs.

Trigger:"Very well. I am assuming full command of the KH Military until my
         brother is rescued. Any objections?"

Trigger looks around at the screens, but they all just shake their heads.

Trigger:"Good. Since I'm not really fond of being in command, I will appoint
         one of you as my second-in-command for the time being."

Malcolm:"And who will have that honor?"

Trigger:"I believe General Sky will be a good choice."

Sky:"Thank you, Supreme General Trigger."

However, General Black is clearly upset by this choice.

Black:"What! Why Sky? He is the most junior of us and he doesn't have the
       amounts of experience the rest of us have!"

Trigger:"I know, but General Sky has proven that he is very intelligent
         and good at organization. Those skills are not my strongest
         features, and so Sky will simply handle the day-to-day opera-
         tions of the KH Military and let me deal with more pressing
         concerns."

Black:"I still protest! Sky is not fit to be second-in-command!"


Trigger:"Why not, General?"

Black:"Because I'm not sure if he has the best interests of the KH Military
       at heart."

Sky:"Why, such accusations General Trigger. Are you jealous?"

Black:"Jealous?! Why you...!"

Trigger:"That's enough! The decision is made. I am taking over leadership
         of the KH Military and General Sky will be my second-in-command.
         Any objections?"

Nobody raises any objections, but Black keeps growling softly while glaring
harshly at Sky. Meanwhile by the river running through Casa Lupo Blake has
just emerged from a small house with drawn curtains. Boom and Raine are
standing on the porch in front of the house.

Blake:"There, Tosca is settled in. Spurlock is going to keep an eye on her."

Boom:"Did you get her equipment set up?"

Blake:"Yes, they're all up and running."

Boom:"I hope that generator is enough?"

Blake:"Yes, it is. Thanks, Boom, but I don't think we'll be needing it for
       very long. Elexis should be arriving soon."

Raine:"I've had some wolves scout out a landing zone for them out in the
       hills. Hopefully the KH Military won't spot your friends when they
       land there."

Blake:"Good. We don't need any attention."

Raine:"Did Spurlock notice anything with Tosca? His powers let him scan
       someone and see what's wrong?"

Blake shakes his head sadly.

Blake:"Besides that she is in a coma? No, he couldn't see anything new."

Raine folds her ears back sadly.

Raine:"How sad. I was hoping he might spot a clue to how to get her out of
       that coma."

Boom:"Don't give up yet. Spurlock is quite good and just needs time to do
      his work."

Blake:"True, but for now all we can do is wait."

Raine and Boom nod in agreement as they walk away from the house. As they
walk Raine looks at Blake.

Raine:"This may not help much, but father sent Montecore, Spitfire and
       Pinpoint out to Rome to see if they can't locate a Vanguard outpost 
       in the city and maybe find some clues to Stalker's location."

Blake:"Have you tried asking Jude to help?"

Raine:"I thought of him immediately. He's helping them via cell phone as
       he scans the city with his power."

Blake:"Every little bit helps, Raine. I don't know how successful they
       will be, since I know the Vanguard have probably taken Stalker out
       of Italy by now. But maybe Montecore will get lucky. Might I 
       suggest having Jude and Nesta help them out in case they find
       something?"

Suddenly Blake stops both Raine and Boom as he looks with wide eyes out at
the horizon.

Boom:"Something wrong?"

Blake:"That glint... just above the treeline."

Raine and Boom look towards the forest beyond the village. Just above the
trees sunlight is being reflected off an object hovering above the trees.
A lone Seeker is observing both the village and the outpost from a safe
height and distance.

Cafeteria
Business District
Rome
At That Moment:

This is an upscale cafeteria located at the corner of one of Rome's busy
intersections. It consists of three stories, with the third story having a
balcony with a good view. A number of people are here, mostly to chat and
have a quick bite or drink. But off to one side is a lone figure on a lap-
top with a small dish attached. It is Reggie Vanderberg. The table where he
is sitting has several empty cans of soda and some magazines on it. On his
lap is a touch-sensitive tablet while on the laptop screen are two windows:
one shows an overhead satellite view of Casa Lupo and the KH Outpost and
the other a live feed from the hovering Seeker's camera.

Reggie:"Okay, looks like nobody there has seen us coming. Time to come 
        a knocking."

A waiter approaches Reggie.

Waiter:"Would you like anything else, sir?"

Reggie shakes his head.

Reggie:"Nah, I'm good. Thanks."

Waiter:"Very well, sir."

The waiter leaves. Reggie taps on the tablet with his fingers. On the
screen a large number of blue dots appear all around Casa Lupo and the
outpost.


Casa Lupo:

Blake, Raine and Boom are still trying to make out what is making the sun
reflect in the woods.

Boom:"It looks metal to me. Maybe its one of the KH Military's toys?"

Raine:"I've never seen that around here before, even after the outpost
       was put up."

Suddenly Blake notices something in the forest below the object. At first
it looks like a group of shadows moving amongst the trees, but a few
seconds later the LICUs and HECUs emerge from the forest, marching towards
the village and the outpost. Blake's eyes widen.

Blake:"We got trouble! Look!"

Raine and Boom spot the robots coming towards their village.

Raine:"Uh oh! Please tell me that's KH Military."

Blake:"No, those are Vanguard robots! Raise the alarm!"

The three of them split up and run off to alert the others. Inside the
outpost's communication hut now Supreme General Trigger has just finished
his conference when a battle trooper frantically rushes up to him.

Trooper:"Sir! We've got hostiles!"

Trigger looks at the trooper, ears perking and eyes alert.

Trigger:"ID?"

Trooper:"Large group of incoming robotic drones positively ID'd as 
         Vanguard, sir!"

Trigger:"Get everyone on the alert and get our defenses up! Quickly!"

Trooper:"Yes, sir!"

Trigger and his Lambda Trooper bodyguards rush outside. Alarms sound all
around Casa Lupo. The KH troopers rush to their posts and get their weapons
while the village males (and some females) rush to their own defenses and
getting the defenseless to basements. The robots close in and start the
battle with a volley of rockets fired from the HECUs. The rockets strike
the outpost's Rotor-Turrets, taking down the automated ground defenses in
the first attack. Other rockets rain down randomly on the village, blasting
holes into roofs and exploding several vehicles in huge fireballs. The
villagers and troopers take cover and begin firing back. The HECUs take
the lead and absorb the incoming bullets while the lighter LICUs hide
behind their bigger brothers for protection and return fire. The Seekers
begin flying over Casa Lupo in strafing runs. Thorn rallies the villagers.

Thorn:"To arms everyone! We're under attack! Keep them away from the
       pups and storehouses!"

He cocks his shotgun and rushes forward to a small section of a stone wall
for cover. He ducks down before coming up and firing some buckshot at the
incoming robots. At the outpost Trigger rallies the troopers to their
stations, getting his chainguns equipped and his armored suit charged up.

Trigger:"Push them back! Do not let them reach the outpost!"

Trigger takes the lead and opens fire with both chainguns at the approaching
machines. Soon a full scale battle ensues between the two forces. The
Vanguard robots push on, not bothered by all the gunfire being directed
at them. While the battle starts raging, not too far off the Stealth Rover 
is flying towards Casa Lupo's direction. Inside the cockpit is Unit STRIKE,
with Elexis at the flight controls. Traveling with them is Chester and
Firefly. Firefly is in Phoenix's arms while Chester is being held by 
Striker. The two pups are playfully pawing at each other. Illanov looks
at the two pups curiously.

Illanov:"Comrades, I don't wish to be rude by asking this, but why did we
         bring the children along?"

Phoenix:"Chester needs to get back to his parents and Blake told us we can
         bring him to Casa Lupo. But it seems Chester and Firefly have
         become very good buddies, so we had to bring her along too lest
         Chester teleport back to Mission Control."

Striker:"I really wish he wouldn't do that. It's very tiring chasing him
         around and then having him teleport just as I'm about to grab him."

Illanov chuckles.


Illanov:"Fatherhood wearing you out, comrade Striker?"

Striker frowns at Illanov before looking at Tanarus, who is seated next to
Elexis.

Striker:"How far are we from Casa Lupo, Tan?"

Tanarus checks the terminal in front of him.

Tanarus:"Just a minute or so and Casa Lupo will come into view."

All attention turns to look out the cockpit window. Soon Casa Lupo appears 
on the horizon, but there are several thick plumes of smoke rising above
the area. This does not go unnoticed by the Strikers.

Merit:"I do detect an unusual amount of carbon emissions ahead."

Shephard:"Just say smoke, tin-can. No need to get all science on us."

Corsair:"Is it a forest fire?"

Striker:"Not widespread enough. Tanarus, what do you say?"

Tanarus:"Some of them could be smoke from chimneys. They're don't really
         have much electricity availabe."

Merit:"I detected an object coming rapidly towards our aircraft."

Elexis:"What ob..."

Suddenly they see a stray rocket flying towards them. Elexis gasps and
banks left, narrowly missing the rocket.

Elexis:"Oookay. That almost made me break my water."

Merit:"Water is fragile?"

Illanov:"I think our comrades have got trouble in the village!"

Striker:"Elexis, fly us over the village!"

Elexis:"Right."

Elexis takes the Stealth Rover up higher while guiding it towards the
village. As they fly over the area they can see the battle raging down
below between the Casa Lupo residents/KH Military and the Vanguard
drones.

Corsair:"Looks like a scene from a Terminator movie down there."

Shephard:"Looks a like fight to me, one I say we take part in, sirs!"

Striker:"Elexis, brings us down to the village, then take the Stealth
         to a safe distance! The rest of you, arm yourselves!"

Elexis puts the Stealth Rover into hover mode and brings it down to the
centre of the village while the others ready for battle. Striker and
Phoenix put Chester and Firefly into a seat and strap them in before
gathering their weapons and leaving the cockpit with the others. The
Stealth Rover comes to the relative safety of the village centre and
hovers a short bit above the ground. The Strikers jump out via one of
the cargo bay doors. The Stealth Rover then quickly takes off and flies
away, narrowly dodging yet another rogue rocket. Striker, sonic rifle
in his paws, turns to Tanarus.

Striker:"Can you see the leader of the village?"

Tanarus:"No, but I see his daughter."

Tanarus points. Raine is running up towards them, clutching a hunting
rifle. She approaches Tanarus.

Raine:"Tanarus! You came at a bad time."

Tanarus:"I think we came at a good time. Looks you need help. When did the
         attack begin?"

Raine:"Not a few minutes ago they showed up and started shooting at us."

Striker:"We can help you fight them off. Where is your father?"

Raine:"South side of the village."

Striker:"Reg. Take me and Tanarus there. The rest of you, split up into
         teams and take each side of the village."

The Strikers nod. Raine leads Striker and Tanarus to Thorn while Phoenix
and Illanov go to one side, Corsair and Merit to one and Shephard takes
his own side.

Shephard:"Finally, time to see what these fancy drones can really do in
          battle."

Striker and Tanarus are brought to Thorn, who is just ducking down to
reload. They join up and take cover with him.

Raine:"Father, help has arrived."

Thorn:"Tanarus! You're a welcome sight. And I see you brought a friend
       along."

Tanarus:"Thorn, this is Striker. He's the leader of Unit STRIKE, one of
         top Road Rover teams."

Striker:"Meneer Thorn. My team have spread out to help defend the village.
         What is the situation?"

Thorn:"We're trying to push them back, but our bullets aren't doing much
       to them."

Striker takes the opportunity to peek over at the advancing robots. Sure
enough, the shots fired by the villagers bounce off the big HECUs that
are acting as shields. He frowns and ducks back down.

Striker:"We first need to deal with the heavies if we are to hit the
         smaller ones. I think my sonic rifle can topple them at full
         power, but I will need covering fire for the blast."

Thorn:"Good idea. We'll give you cover."

Tanarus:"Striker, what should we do about the KH Military?"

Striker:"Best ignore them for now and focus on defending the village first,
         Tanarus. We'll handle them afterwards."

Tanarus nods. Striker puts his sonic rifle on the highest power setting
and waits until it is fully charged. Meanwhile Thorn, Tanarus and the
other villagers wait until Striker is ready while taking occasional pot
shots at the drones. The robots retaliate with a barrage of gunfire and
laser shots, forcing them all down into cover. Striker's rifle becomes
fully charged.

Striker:"I'm gereed! Give me covering fire!"

Thorn:"Right! On the count of 3!... 1!... 2!... 3!"

They all rise up and open fire on the robots. This causes the advancing
drones to lock onto Thorn's group first. Striker then quickly jumps up,
takes aim at the HECU with his sonic rifle and fires. A powerful sonic
blast is unleashed at the HECU. The blast hits the robot up front, causing
it to topple backwards in a cloud of metal shards. The smaller LICUs
behind it are crushed under its weight, sparks flying from severed
wires and flattened processors.

Thorn:"Good shot!"

Tanarus:"Well done!"

Striker:"Dankie. Let's focus on..."

However, the HECU manages to push itself up, slightly damaged but still
battle-capable. It counterattacks with a barrage of small rockets. The
group immediately take cover before the rockets strike. Small explosions
go off, sending clumps of dirt falling on the group.

Tanarus:"That big one is going to take more than that to take down!"

Striker:"We need to fall back further! This cover won't hold back all
         these rockets!"

Thorn:"Very well. Come on!"

The group jump up and run further back into the village, firing back at
the damaged but still fighting HECU and its advancing brethren.

Cafeteria
Rome:

Vanderberg is monitoring the battle at Casa Lupo via his laptop while
taking another sip of soda. He watches the screen, noting all the data
being live streamed and seeing the Vangaurd drones closing the circle
on the village and outpost. He nods approvingly.

Vanderberg:"Yup, this is definitely going to mean a big payday."

Suddenly the streaming comes to a sudden stop. A message box appears with
the words "CONNECTION INTERRUPTED". This makes Vanderberg nearly choke
on his drink. He sits up.

Vanderberg:"Interrupted?! Now, of all times?!"

He quickly taps and clicks on the laptop and begins to restore the
connection.

High Earth Orbit
Outer Space:

Floating above the European continent is a single satellite with a powerful
transmitter on the front pointing down and a dish at the top pointing into
space. Sunlight reflects from the solar panels arranged on four "wings".
The satellite adjusts its position to better aim its transmitter towards
Italy. As it does, the lettering on its hull appears from the shadow: GONV.

Boom's Blacksmith
Casa Lupo:

Boom and Blake rush into Boom's blacksmith. The windows rattle from the dull
thuds of explosions. Blake is clutching his crossbow.

Blake:"You got any good bolts, Boom?"

Boom rushes over to a desk and digs out some keys.

Boom:"I got some armor-piercing bolts."

Blake:"Any explosive bolts?"

Boom goes to some cabinets with big locks on them and begins to use the keys
to open them.

Boom:"Sorry, lacked the gunpowder to make them."

While waiting for Boom, Blake is looking out the windows for any sign of the
Vanguard trying to sneak up on them. His eye then catches sight of the drone
on the table. The nullifier's single eye is switched on, making whirring 
noises as it looks around and opening and closing its apeture. Blake frowns.

Blake:"Boom, did you manage to get that GONV robot running?"

Boom:"No, I haven't been able to get it started. Why are you asking that?"

Boom approaches Blake with several quivers of bolts. Blake points to the
drone. Boom is surprised.

Boom:"What the...? How did it start up?"

Blake:"No idea, I didn't touch it. I hope this isn't another attempt by 
       the Vanguard."

Boom:"I'll deal with it."

Boom goes to a table, grabs a tarp off an engine and throws it over the 
drone,covering it up and its wandering eye.

Boom:"There. Let it try and spy on us now. Come on, you got your bolts.
      Let's get back to the fight!"

Blake nods and follows Boom out of his shop, but not before looking back
at the covered GONV robot one more time.

Outpost:

Trigger at the frontlines of the battle, leading squads of battle troopers
against the advancing robots. The HECUs fire barrages of rockets at the
outpost, blasting apart the rotor turrets before they can return fire. The
return fire from the troopers are marginally more effective against the
HECUs than that of the villagers, but still not capable of slowing them
down or damaging them significantly. Trigger barks out orders.

Trigger:"Slow them down! And get some TOW launchers from the armory! We
         to take down the big ones!"

Some troopers rush to the armory to get the launchers. The rest remain to
try and stop the advancing machines. Medical Troopers run around healing
those troopers who get injured, which is happening at a very quick pace.
Trigger himself is standing out in front, legs braced as he fires his
chainguns at an incoming HECU. The bullets scratch off paint and even
tear off some of the armor plating, but the HECU keeps coming. What Trigger
doesn't notice is another HECU nearby taking aim at him with its cannon.
The HECU charges up and fires. Trigger sees the blast from the corner of
his eye, but is too late to react. The blast hits his armor and sends him
flying backwards into one of the walls of the outpost. A pair of medical
troopers rush over to drag him to safety while Lambda Troopers try and
provide covering fire.

Trigger:"Ughh... ow..."

Medical:"Easy, sir! We got you!"

Trigger:"I... I'm fine, I can fight..."

Medical:"Let's first heal you up, sir!"

The medical troopers get their kits out and begin to run them over Trigger's
body to patch up any injuries from the blast impact. Meanwhile the HECUs
and escorting LICUs and Seekers keep on advancing. Suddenly, without any
warning, they stop firing and moving. The entire Vanguard force comes to a
halt and cease fire despite the continued attacks from their opponents. A
Lambda Trooper reports this to Trigger.

Lamdba:"Sir! The robots have halted their attacks!"

Trigger:"What?"

Trigger lifts his head and sees the idling Vanguard drones.

Trigger:"How? A glitch? Nevermind! Use this chance to build up better de-
         fences and get the heavy weapons in place!"

The KH forces waste no time in making use of this opportunity: reloading,
repositioning, healing and equipping better weapons. The robots remain in
idle stance.

Cafeteria
Rome:

Vanderberg is still trying to get the drones back online, frantically 
working the keyboard on his laptop.

Vanderberg:"Fine time for this to crop up! I got to get those bots back
            online fast!"

Suddenly a window pops up on his laptop's screen.

Vanderberg:"What the hey?"

A video feed appears in the window and shows a blue-metallic skull: the
virtual representation of the GONV itself, Matrix.

Matrix:"Your robotic servants are now under my control."

Vanderberg:"Hey! You're that GONV computer! Get off our systems!"

Matrix:"Negative! You organics think you can use my technology for your
        own ends? I do not accept that and I am now taking over control."

Vanderberg:"Is that so? We'll see who's boss around here!"

He closes the window before Matrix can say anything else and gets to work
on getting the Vanguard's systems freed from Matrix's control.

Casa Lupo
Northern Italy:

The battle has subsided somewhat as the Vanguard drones go into standby
mode and stop firing. On the east side of the village Corsair is peering
past Merit's battle shell to look at the inert robots.

Corsair:"Hey, what's up with them? Did they run out of juice?"

Merit:"Juice? Did you perhaps mean hydraulic fluid?"

Corsair rolls his eyes.

Corsair:"I meant did they run out of POWER?"

Merit:"Negative. My scans indicate that their power levels are at optimal
       levels for operations."

Corsair:"Huh. Then why did they stop? Did someone hit the sleep button
         somewhere?"

Corsair shrugs.

Corsair:"Good news for us anyway. Move closer. Let's see if we can hack 
         one of the big ones to fight for us before they wake up again."

Merit:"Confirmed. Advancing forward."

Merit rolls forward while Corsair and a few Casa Lupo residents follow
him, their eyes and weapons aimed at the idling machines before them.
But the Vanguard drones remain in their current positions, neither
reacting or even acknowledging the group. Once they are close enough
Corsair approaches one of the HECUs and looks around.

Corsair:"Okay, big fella. Where's an access port for me?"

Corsair finds some panels on its back and fiddles around it with them.
He tries to pry one open, but is unable to. He turns to Merit.

Corsair:"Merit, can you open this up for me?"

Merit:"Affirmative."

Merit comes up, opens its toolkit and begins to cut open the panel. A
minute later the panel comes loose. Corsair removes it and looks. There
are a number of access ports.

Corsair:"Bingo!"

He gets out his laptop, plugs it into the HECU and gets to work. He logs 
on and tries to break into the HECU's operating system.

Corsair:"Hmmm... okay, some serious firewalls here... give me a few
         minutes..."

While Corsair is working, on the north side Shephard is walking out of
cover towards the stopped robots. He looks rather annoyed.

Shephard:"Great. The battle's barely started and they already decide to
          throw in the towel."

He walks up to a group of LICUs and removes a pair of grenades from his
pouches.

Shephard:"Well, if you're just going to stand there you might as well do
          me a little favour. Hold these for me."

He places the grenades in the claws of two drones, then janks the pins
from them and runs back to cover. Second later the grenades explode,
destroying the two robots and badly damaging the other LICUs in the
group.

Cafeteria
Rome:

Vanderberg and Matrix are still locked in virtual over control of the
Vanguard robots at Casa Lupo. Vanderberg's efforts do not go unnoticed
and he is drawing stares from some of the nearby patrons. He is too busy
to notice them, however.

Vanderberg:"Come on! Come on! Load that program up!"

A window pops with a message. Vanderberg reads it and claps his hands
together.

Vanderberg:"That's it! Time to get off the line, Matrix!"

He taps one key. Another message pops up: CONNECTION RESTORED. Vanderberg
cheers, startling some of the patrons.

Vanderberg:"Now that's what I'm talking about!"

He gets to to work on getting the Vanguard drones back up and running.

Casa Lupo
Northern Italy:

Corsair is still hacking into the HECU, monitoring the progress on his
laptop screen while everyone else keeps an eye on the other machines.

Corsair:"Okay, almost got it... there! This one is ours now. Let me give
         it some new orders."

Merit:"We may have imminent complications. The Vanguard automatons are
       reactivating."

Corsair:"What?"

Corsair looks around. The other HECUs, LICUs and Seekers are turning
around and going back into combat mode. The Casa Lupo villagers back
away to the village, weapons raised. 

Corsair:"Oh crud!"

He turns back to his laptop and works quickly. Some of the LICUs spot
Corsair and march over with their claws ready.

Merit:"Defending."

Merit opens fire on the LICUs, blasting one down. The robots focus on
Merit and return fire while dropping to the ground for cover. Merit
keeps firing, using his battle shell to protect Corsair from harm. While
Merit is distracted, an LICU comes from the side and grabs the utility
drone with its claw. It yanks and tips Merit over.

Merit:"Oh dear. Out of position."

The LICU jumps onto Merit and takes aim at Merit's head. Suddenly a big
arm swings around and smashes the robot away. The HECU that Corsair has 
been working on then opens fire on the other LICUs. The LICUs are blown
apart. While the HECU goes on to attack its former comrades, Corsair goes
over to Merit and lifts him up back onto his treads.

Corsair:"You okay, buddy?"

Merit:"All systems functional with minor damage to my shell."

Corsair:"Great! Let's get back to the village and let our new friend rip
         up the Vanguard."

The two of them run back to the village while their HECU rampages through
the Vanguard lines, its former allies unable to target it. On the opposite
side of the village Phoenix has just created a wall of fire as the robots
came back to life.

Phoenix:"That should hinder them a bit! Shoot them as they walk through!"

The villagers wait until the robots, which are struggling to acquire their
targets through the heat of the flames, march through the firewall. They
open fire on each of the smaller robots they can sight past the bigger
HECUs. Phoenix lobs fireballs at the HECUs, setting them on fire and
causing their targeting systems to lose their sights on the villagers.
Further back, Illanov appears from thin air with his plasma rifle ready
and aimed at the back of one of the the HECUs. He fires a powerful blast
at the robot and hits its square in the back. Sparks fly from the hole
in its back before the HECU topples over like a tree. Illanov quickly
turns invisible again as the LICUs nearby turn to his direction.

Illanov:"Out of sight, out of mind, eh comrades?"


The LICUs look around but are unable to find Illanov. While the ground
forces are beginning to struggle against the Casa Lupo residents, in the
skies the Seekers are having better luck. The flying robots are attacking
the roofs of the houses, starting several fires, and straving some of the
battle lines. Sebine is leading the fire fighting teams, guiding them to
where the fires are the worst.

Sebine:"Get some water on this before the whole roof goes up! And get
        those hoses unknotted!"

Sebine sees a pair of water buckets not being carried and rushes over to
pick them up. But as she runs towards a fire next to one house one of the
Seeker drones locks onto her and fires a burst of gunfire at her. They
miss, but the bullets send up chunks of dirt flying up in front of her.
Startled, Sebine falls over and drops the buckets.

Sebine:"Ugh! Ow, dirt in my eyes!"

The Seeker readjusts its aim and prepares to fire at Sebine. Suddenly a
sharp quill pierces one of its flaps, throwing its aim off. Standing nearby
is Quil, Sebine's husband. He is sprouting sharp quils from his back and
his paws.

Quil:"Keep your eyes off my mate, you flying rustbucket!"

The Seeker turns to the new threat and opens fire. Quil waits and then
rolls out of the way. The bullets rip up the ground next to him in a line.
Quil tosses some quils at the Seeker, but it spots the incoming arrows
and strafes out of the way in time. The Seeker readjusts its aim while 
Quil rushes forward. The drone fires again, but Quil sprints to one side
to dodge the volley. He then stops and holds his quills in his paws ready
while keeping an eye on the robot. The Seeker turns to him and takes aim.

Quil:"Catch!"

Quil tosses the quills at the stationary robot. Before it can react, the
sharp quills rip through its CPU. It spins wildly in the air and tumbles
down into the ground. Quil runs over to Sebine as she is getting to her
feet.

Quil:"Are you all right?"

Sebine:"I was doing okay, but thanks."

Quil:"You can't be out here. You're pregnant. Let the rest of the village
      do the fighting."

Sebine:"And let you hog all the action? Try and stop me."

Sebine marches over to the well to get water. Quil shakes his head.

Quil:"Hey, I wanted to marry a strong-headed wolf. So I only got myself to
      blame."

Quil runs on to go and help out other villagers fight off the Seekers that
are still strafing the houses. At the outpost the battle has grinded into
a stalemate, but the battle has shifted more to the KH Military's advantage
thanks to the drone shutdown. Assault Troopers march forward to engage in 
combat with the equally-sized HECUs, a few even going to hand-to-hand with 
the robots. Troopers with TOWs try to down the big HECUs, but their rockets 
either miss, get shot down by Seekers or are intercepted by LICUs jumping 
in the way. Trigger is behind one of the attacking Assault Troopers along with
some Lambda Troopers as they approach a large squad of Vanguard drones.
He fires past the armoured suits to keep the LICUs hiding behind their
HECU big brothers.

Trigger:"Press on! Keep them surpressed!"

Trigger's group keeps pushing forward until they are right on top of the
Vanguard robots. One HECU rushes up towards the Assault Trooper and tackles
it. The Assault Trooper topples over, forcing Trigger and his squad to
jump out of the way before it lands on the ground. With their cover blown,
the LICUs take their opportunity to attack the group. Trigger sees the
drones rushing to them and jumps up with both chainguns ready.

Trigger:"This is for my brother!"

He lets out a loud growl and opens fire with both chainguns, spraying
bullets in front of him and tearing up a number of the robots. Some of the
LICUs fire back, but their shots don't penetrate Trigger's personal combat
armor. Thanks to their leader pinning the robots down, the other KH
troopers can fire back without too much supression fire. However, another
nearby HECU turns its attention on Trigger and charges towards him. A
Lambda Trooper sees the big robot going for the general.

Trooper:"General! Incoming on your nine o'clock!"

Trigger quickly turns his guns on the HECU and fires wildly. But the bigger
and better armoured HECU shrugs off the shots and fires a pair of rockets
at Trigger. Trigger, who is still firing madly, doesn't jump out of the 
way and gets hit directly by the rockets. The blasts knock him onto his 
back, his chest armor badly damaged and the chainguns knocked out of his 
paws. The HECU quickly moves in for the kill. The Lambdra Troopers fire 
their Graviton guns at the HECU and succeed in destroying its arm cannon, 
but the HECU keeps going for Trigger. Trigger is struggling to get to
his feet.

Trigger:"Ugh... oh no... lost it again..."

When Trigger gets his bearings he finds himself looking up at the HECU
now looming over him. He gasps and tries to reach for his chainguns, but
the big robot is already drawing a bead on the wolf with its rocket
packs. Just as it is about to fire, however, the HECU steps back and
starts to march away. Confused, Trigger gets up and sees the remaining
Vanguard robots are pulling away from the outpost without a show. The
Lambda Troopers rush over to help the Supreme General.

Trooper:"Sir! Are you all right?"

Trigger:"Yes, but... what is going on?"

Trooper:"No idea sir, but it looks like the robots are pulling back again
         like they did earlier."

Trigger:"Then let's use this chance. Open fire and don't stop until they
         have all stopped moving!"

Troopers:"Yes, sir!"

The Lambda Troopers and the rest of the KH outpost defenders fire on the
robots, who make no effort to defend themselves and get torn to pieces
by the incoming piece.

Cafeteria
Rome:

Vanderberg is staring in horror at his laptop. On the screen he can see
the robots all go dumb.

Vanderberg:"Oh come on! What's wrong now?"

A second later a window appears on the screen. It is Matrix again.

Matrix:"Do not assume for a nanosecond that you can defeat me."

Vanderberg:"Hey! Get the f*** off our systems!"

Vanderberg gets to work frantically on his laptop to try and wrest control
from the GONV again. Unbeknownst to him, a sedan has pulled up in front of
the cafeteria. Three Casa Lupo wolf-sapien residents climb out of the 
vehicle: Montecore, Pinpoint and Spitfire. Montecore is holding a cell in 
his paw, talking to Jude.

Montecore(into phone):"You sure he's here?"

Jude(over phone):"Yes. Check the second floor."

Montecore(into phone):"All right, we'll check it out."

He puts the phone in his pocket and leads the trio into the cafeteria.
They make their way up to the second floor, where a waiter approaches
them.

Waiter:"Good morning, sirs. May we be of assistance?"

Montecore:"Is there somebody here who's been working with a laptop for
           a while now?"

The waiter frowns and nods.

Waiter:"Si. He's been bothering our clientele a lot."

Pinpoint:"Where is he?"

The waiter points to where Vanderberg is sitting. Vanderberg is still
distracted by Matrix and hasn't noticed the trio yet.

Spitfire:"Yup, that's him all right."

Montecore:"Come on. Let's go and get him."

The trio approach Vanderberg, who is still distracted by his laptop.
Only when he glances to his left he suddenly notices the three wolves.
He looks up at them in alarm.

Vanderberg:"Oh c***!"

Vanderberg pushes a button on the laptop before rushing to the railing
and jumping over it. The laptop sparks and catches fire just as Spitfire
reaches it.

Spitfire:"Geez, this laptop is toast!"

Montecore rushes to the railing in time to see Vanderberg get up from
a crushed table and start running. Montecore jumps over the railing but
manages to land on his feet. He begins to pursue Vanderberg.

Montecore:"Hold it right there!"

Pinpoint jumps over the rails and climb down to join in the pursuit
while Spitfire uses her flying ability to take to the skies. Vanderberg 
sprints as fast as he can, dodging passersby as he tries to outrun 
Montecore. Montecore, however, is much faster thanks to his powerful wolf 
legs. But he struggles to get past the people on the sidewalk and gets
slowed down. Vanderberg manages to cross a busy street, dodging cars and
disappearing into an alley. Montecore is stopped short by a delivery van
and loses sight of Vanderberg.

Montecore:"Arg! Spitfire! See if you can find him!"

Spitfire:"On it!"

Spitfire flies up and searches around for Vanderberg. She spots him running
down an alley towards another street on the opposite side of the block. She
waits until he is almost out of the alley and then creates a pair of 
fireballs in her paws. She dives down and tosses the balls at the alley
exit. Vanderberg gasps and stops in his tracks, allowing Spitfire to swoop
down behind him. Vanderberg turns around to find himself staring directly
at the female wolf-sapien.

Spitfire:"Day's getting a little hot for you?"

Vanderberg:"Get out of my way!"

He tries to tackle her, but she simply sidesteps and lets him tumble past
and land flat on his face. Spitfire then immediately goes and sits on him,
pinning him to the ground. He struggles to get up.

Vanderberg:"Get off me!"

Spitfire:"Say please."

Vanderberg:"Please."

Spitfire:"Hmmmm... no."

Vanderberg:"What! I said please!"

Spitfire:"I told you to say please. I didn't say I was going to let you go
          if you did."

Vanderberg groans and covers his face with both hands. Montecore and Pinpoint
comes running up to them.

Montecore:"Nice work, Spitfire. I can always rely on you to pick up the
           slack."

Spitfire:"Don't think that I owe you any more favours, Monty."

Montecore whinces at the name while Pinpoint stifles a laugh.

Montecore:"Let's just get going. Pinpoint, you go back to the restuarant 
           and get all of his stuff while Spitfire and I tie him up and 
           take him to our car."

Pinpoint:"You got it, Monty. I mean! Montecore."

Pinpoint turns around and runs back to the restuarant while Montecore 
takes out some cuffs and begins securing Vanderberg, who is struggling
futely beneath Spitfire.

Casa Lupo
At That Moment:

By now the battle is pretty winding down. Most of the surviving Vanguard
robots have now departed under the GONV's control. The remaining drones
are either destroyed or being mopped up by the defenders. The injured
are either being treated on the spot or rushed to the infirmaries. In
the village Unit STRIKE is regrouping. Everyone is looking harried and
beaten up, but no serious injuries.

Striker:"Is everyone reg?"

Phoenix:"We're all fine, Strikie. We managed to get through the battle
         without too serious an injury."

Shephard:"Shame the battle was over so quickly. The robots just seemed
          to give up."

Corsair:"Yeah, I wonder if the Vanguard bots have got a bug or two their
         QA department missed."

Striker:"We will discuss that later. For now we're fortunate to be on
         the victorious side. Tan, call Elexis and have her bring in the
         Stealth Rover for landing."

Tanarus:"Sure."

While Tanarus calls the Stealth Rover, Thorn walks up to the group. His
arms and one of his legs now has bandages.

Thorn:"Thank you very much for your help, Rovers. You saved our village
       without anyone getting killed."

Striker:"A plesier to help, Thorn. It was good timing of us to arrive
         just as the Vanguard attacked. Though it was also fortunate
         that the Vanguard's robots apparently did not behave as they
         were supposed to."

Thorn:"I may have an answer for that: some of our residents went out to
       Rome to find any Vanguard operatives and they discovered one of
       their computer experts working from a restuarant. Seems he was
       the one operating the attacking robots."

Striker:"Did they stop him?"

Thorn:"Yes, and they've caught him too. They're bringing him to Casa
       Lupo."

Striker is now really interested.

Striker:"They have? That's goeie news! We might be able to get some good
         information from him."

Thorn:"You may have some competition, I'm afraid."

Thorn gestures behind him. Coming towards the group is General Trigger
and his Lambda Trooper bodyguards. Striker and his team become very
apprehensive at the sight of the approaching KH staff. Striker in
particular is growling fiercely.

Striker:"Seems we're about to get into another fight."

Shephard:"Great! They should put up a better fight than those buckets of
          bolts."

But Thorn quickly steps between the two groups, looking at Striker.

Thorn:"Please, no fighting! Let me talk to them first."

Striker:"If you say so, but don't think we will not defend ourselves if
         necessary."

Thorn quickly runs over to Trigger while the Strikers watch cautiously
and keep their weapons ready. Thorn talks to Trigger, who glances at
Unit STRIKE every now and then. After a few minutes Trigger finally nods
and gives some orders to his Lambda Troopers. They step back a bit and
lower their weapons while Thorn and Trigger approach Unit STRIKE.

Trigger:"Thorn has convinced me that since you helped defend Casa Lupo
         and help drive off the Vanguard I should at least accept a kind
         of truce for the moment."

Striker:"We'll accept it too, for the time being."

Trigger:"Good. Firstly, what are you doing here?"

Striker:"We came here to bring a pup named Chester to his relatives. He
         teleported to us when his parents were abducted by the Vanguard."
         
Trigger:"You too?"

Phoenix:"What do you mean 'you too', General?"

Trigger:"Stalker had a pup named Sneaker teleport into his room a while
         back. We also brought him back here to Casa Lupo while we try and
         locate his parents, whom we believe were abducted by the Vanguard
         as well."

Phoenix:"Maybe they were both from the same family."

Striker:"Now I need to ask you, General Trigger. What is the KH Military
         doing here?"

Trigger:"That is none of your concern, but if you insist all I can say is
         that this part of our strategy to counter the Vanguard."

Corsair:"It can't be a good one if the Vanguard managed to capture Stalker."

Trigger snarls, barely holding himself back.

Trigger:"You watch your mouth or I'll rip it off!"

Corsair jumps with fright while Illanov chuckles to himself.

Merit:"I am detecting high aggression levels from the KH Military commander."

Shephard rolls his eyes.

Shephard:"Really? I didn't notice that, Merit."

Striker:"Are you trying to locate your brother, Trigger?"

Trigger:"Of course! I'm not letting the Vanguard keep him locked up! Word 
         of the capture has damaged morale throughout the KH Military."

Tanarus:"That would be a good if it wasn't for the fact that the Vanguard 
         will no doubt get a big publicity boost from the capture."

Trigger:"No doubt, you traitor. Be glad we got a truce here otherwise I
         would have you lined up against the nearest wall, Tanarus. We
         haven't forgotten your betrayal."

Tanarus:"I certainly haven't."

Trigger:"I think we talked enough. If you will excuse me, I need to speak
         to Thorn."

Thorn:"Very well, general. Striker, you can talk to my daughter Raine."

Striker:"We will, Thorn."

Thorn:"Again, thank you for your help."

Striker:"A plesier."

Thorn and Trigger walk away with Trigger casting one quick glance back at
Unit STRIKE. Striker turns to his team.

Striker:"Let's go and meet Elexis and get Chester to Jude. I'm not sure
         if the KH Military will let us stay here for long."

Tanarus:"Good idea. Trigger didn't like seeing me here."

Striker:"For a goeie reason, Tan. Let's deliver Chester and then leave as
         quickly as possible."

Corsair:"Aren't we going to wait for Thorn's people to bring that Vanguard
         agent they caught in Rome?"

Striker:"Nee. It is unfortunate, true, but I'm very concerned about the
         KH Military being in such close proximity. I do not want them to
         spy on us or seize an opportunity to attack us."

Tanarus:"I can ask Blake and Thorn to let us take the Vanguard agent to
         RRHQ once they are done questioning him before the KH Military
         can get him."

Striker:"Goeie idea, Tan."

Just beyond the village the Stealth Rover comes in for a landing. Unit 
STRIKE goes over to the aircraft and reach it just as Elexis disembarks
with Chester and Firefly in her arms. The two pups are playing patty
cake.

Elexis:"You guys all right?"

Tanarus:"We're fine, dear. A bit banged up here and there, but otherwise
         we got through the battle without too serious injury."

Elexis:"I'll be the judge of that. What about the residents?"

Striker:"Despite some serious injuries and damage to their homes, the
         villagers managed to pull through the fight."

Elexis:"And the KH Military?"

Tanarus:"Not sure. They seemed to have handled it well on their own, but
         Trigger did come and have a talk with us."

Elexis:"Talk? He would shoot you on sight if he saw you."

Tanarus:"Thorn intervened. Trigger did tell us that Sneaker teleported
         to them and they brought him here to Jude."

Elexis:"Is that what happened to Sneaker? I'm glad he didn't get into
        trouble. Anything else?"

Tanarus:"Nothing else except that Trigger is quite upset about Stalker's
         capture."

Elexis folds her ears back.

Elexis:"So am I, to be honest. He is still my foster father, even if he
        and I don't see eye-to-eye. We really must find him if only to
        keep him out of the Vanguard's clutches."

Striker:"I hate to admit this, but you're right. We must find out where
         Stalker is. The Vanguard is only going to get stronger while
         they have him. Firstly, though. Chester."

Elexis:"Right. Come on, I'll take you to Jude's house. I hope he's
        there."

Elexis hands Firefly over to Phoenix, who takes her pup in her arms but
stays close to Elexis so that Firefly and Chester can keep playing with
each other. The group then follows Elexis through the village, passing
by craters and some badly damaged houses. The few fires that remain are
quickly being put out by residents carrying hoses or extinguishers. She
leads them to one of the bigger houses near the middle of the village.
Jude is standing outside, examining a big hole in one of his walls that
was caused by one of the Vanguard rockets.

Jude:"Ugh, what a mess. And right in the bedroom too. This is going to
      take days to fix."

Elexis approaches Jude, followed by Unit STRIKE.

Elexis:"Jude, hi! You okay?"

Jude quickly turns around and smiles.

Jude:"Elexis! I saw your friends during the battle. I'm very happy they
      came to help..."

Chester holds out his paws to Jude, tail wagging happily.

Chester:"Dada!"

Jude is stunned to see his son.

Jude:"Chester!"

He quickly goes over and takes Chester from Elexis. He hugs his son, who
hugs him back.

Jude:"Chester! You little rascal! You had me so worried!"

Chester:"Dada!

Elexis(smiling):"He'd been staying with us all this time. I guess he
      remembered when we visited you and teleported directly to us when
      the Vanguard came."

Jude smiles and looks at the Strikers.

Jude:"Thank you so much. I'm so relieved."

Phoenix:"It was a pleasure. He was a little of a pawful, especially when
         he and my Firefly started becoming friends."

Jude chuckles.

Jude:"Yeah, he can be exasperating sometimes. But I still love him for
      it. And since he's found a new friend to play with, I'll be sure
      to let him visit now and then."

Phoenix:"That's good. He and Firefly have a lot of fun together."

The two pups are pawing at each other again.

Elexis:"Speaking of, I heard you have Sneaker with you."

Jude:"Yes, General Stalker brought him to me. He's currently with the
      other pups in the village bunker. I think I should go check on them
      now that the battle is over."

Elexis:"Speaking of, I'm glad to see you're still one piece."

Jude:"Yeah, but sadly my home wasn't so lucky. One robot got lucky and
      made me a new window here."

Merit examines the damage.

Merit:"Oh dear, such a mess. Initiating clean-up mode."

Merit immediately goes over to the home and begins to sweep up the
debris around it, much to Jude's surprise.

Jude:"Er, what is he doing?"

Elexis:"Oh. Merit can sometimes be very eager to fix and clean up things.
        It's in his blood, or programming rather."

Jude:"Thanks, but that's not necessary. I can get this all cleared up and
      fixed on my own."

Corsair:"Forget it, Jude. Once Merit gets the idea into his CPU, he won't
         stop until he's cleaned up the whole town."

Jude chuckles.

Jude:"I understand."

They all watch as Merit uses his various tools to both sweep up the debris
and begin fixing the hole in Jude's house.

Laboratory
Vanguard Complex
Unknown Location
17:32 PM:

Hawkins is back inside his chamber and wearing his headset while on the
phone. He is talking animatedly while the scientists continue working
around his chamber.

Hawkins(into com):"... And where the h*** is Vanderberg?... No idea? Get
       an idea and find him immediately! And get our IT teams to work on
       security patch for our drones. I don't want the GONV to go and
       subvert our forces again!... Good!"

He hangs up angrily and then rubs his face.

Hawkins:"I don't believe this! Its bad enough to loose a battle against
         the KH, but now that stupid AI has gotten into the mix as well.
         Thank God the media wasn't anywhere around to show the world
         that."

He suddenly remembers something and dials a number. He puts on the headset
again and waits for an answer.

Hawkins:"Macmillan, this is Hawkins... Yes, I want an update. When will
         the UN hold the vote?... Two days? Excellent! And you're sure the
         vote will pass?... Great. I really need some good news today...
         A security breach, but my specialists are on the case. Still bad,
         though... All right, good. I'll watch it via stream. Thanks for
         good news, Macmillan... Goodbye."

He hangs up, takes off the headset and lies back to begin sleeping.

United Nations Headquarters
New York City
International Territory
3 July
09:58 AM:

There is a lot of activity around the United Nations. A strong security
presence is visible in front of the building, where troopers and police
officers are keeping crowds away. They are also keeping an eye on two
groups of protestors: a small, pro-Rover crowd and a much bigger mob of
anti-Rover protestors. Both sides are chanting slogans and waving flags
and placcards about. There is a large number of reporters outside the
UN as well. Among them is Melanie Malloy and cameraman Samuel Knowles.
Melanie holds her mike while speaking at the camera.

Melanie:"In a few minutes the United Nations Security Council will hold
         a vote which will determine whether the Road Rovers will continue
         to receive funding from member nations. While Secretary-General
         Mark Norwood and several smaller nations fully support ongoing
         funding, the majority of the Security Council as well as the
         permanent member nations are expected to vote against it. UN
         Special Envoy Ian Macmillan says he expects the resolution
         ending the funding to pass with a sound majority."

She continues reporting.

Security Council Chamber
United Nations Headquarters
10:26 AM:

The interior of the chamber is packed with delegates, special envoys
and their staff members. All the member nations are at their seats with
their nation's name before them on a tag. Norwood is at his seat as the
UN Secretary-General, while Ian Macmillan is seated further back. The
media is even further back, their cameras focusing on the meeting taking
place before them. Right now Norwood is finishing his argument to the
council for continued funding for the Road Rovers.



Norwood:"I hereby close my arguments by reminding the Security Council
         that had it not been for the Road Rovers the world would be
         under the sway of forces like the KH Military, the GONV and
         the Elite Guard or engulfed in wars, economic disaster or other
         crisis caused by criminals such as General Parvo and the Spider
         Cartel. The Rovers have done much for the citizens of the world
         and I urge all of you to continue funding them lest we make
         ourselves vulnerable to those forces of evil, who will no doubt
         jump at the opportunity to take advantage of a weakened Road
         Rovers. I thank you."

Norwood is done, but he gets only an unenthusiastic applause from the
council members. Ian Macmillan leans closer to the microphone before
him and begins his arguments.

Macmillan:"I'm not going to say much since I've already explained my 
           points to our esteemed council members. I will make this
           final request, however."

He looks over at the members, all of whom are looking more intently at
him than they did at Norwood.

Macmillan:"The United Nations needs to reign in the Road Rovers. While
           I do understand concerns about international security, there
           are other organizations who will glad take up the mantle
           without them running amuck like the Rovers. They can be
           responsible and transparent while being more up to the task
           of handling powerful organizations like the KH Military and
           the GONV. Thus the choice is simple: a group of uncontrollable
           and destructive beasts, or a highly disciplined, highly
           trained and highly efficient force. I thank you."

MacMillan sits down to a thunderous applause from the Security Council
members.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control
State of New Mexico
United States of America
At That Moment:

The briefing room is packed with many Rovers, among them the original
Road Rovers and Unit STRIKE, either seated or standing around. The Master
is on his usual spot on the balcony. Everyone is watching the live
broadcast from the UN Security Council.

Colleen:"Blimey! Just who is this MacMillan bloke?"

Hunter:"British."

Colleen:"Funny, Huntie."

Shephard:"He sounds more like a shill for the Vanguard to me. Just how
          did this guy become a member of the UN?"

Striker:"Mark told me MacMillan was a British diplomat who managed to
         end several civil wars and conflicts where years of diplomacy
         and/or military intervention had failed. Norwood appointed him
         as Special Envoy after he secured a lasting peace in Somalia
         along with a somewhat stable government."

Master:"True, but there have been rumors that peace came about in
        Somalia because many of the warlords, terrorist leaders and
        criminal gangs ended up dead and the survivors were too afraid
        to act against MacMillan."

Corsair:"Anyone want to place a bet on that MacMillan being such a big
         shot diplomat is not because of his smooth tongue but because
         he's got the Vanguard as a big stick he can beat groups with
         into accepting his peace terms?"

Illanov:"That is one bet I'm not placing any wagers on, American."

Corsair:"You Russians were never big on the lottery."

Phoenix:"I hope Mark can convince the UN not to cut our funding."

Striker:"I'm not so hopeful, Firefly. From what I'm seeing here, MacMillan
         has the entire United Nations in his hands."

Master:"Nothing we can do now but watch and hope for the best."

Several Rovers nod, but they are all looking nervously at the television
screen.

Laboratory
Vanguard Complex
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

Hawkins is still inside his chamber, but none of the scientists are on duty
at the moment. Hawkins is watching the live proceedings of the United
Nations on a television screen inside chamber.

Hawkins:"Time to see if all that effort paid off."

He continues watching.

Security Council Chamber
United Nations Headquarters:

The last few speeches have been given and all eyes are now on Norwood. He
takes a deep breath before speaking.

Norwood:"Very well, let us proceed with the vote. United Nations Security
         Council Resolution R237 is now tabled. Resolution binds all the
         member nations of the United Nations to immediately suspend any
         and all forms of support for the organization Road Rovers, either
         financially, militarily or politically, for an indefinite period 
         of time."

He looks around at all the members.

Norwood:"Let us vote. All members who abstain from the vote raise their
         hands."

Several representatives raise their hands and hold it up until their votes
are counted. Once it is done they lower their hands.

Norwood:"Thank you. All members in favor of the resolution please raise
         your hands."

A large number of representatives raise their hands. It takes a while for
the votes to be counted before they can lower hands. Norwood swallows 
before speaking again.

Norwood:"All members opposed to the resolution please raise your hands."

This time only a few lone representatives raise their hands and the votes
are quickly counted.

Norwood:"Any vetoes against the resolution by the permanent member nations?"

The Chinese, Russian, British and French representatives shake their heads.
All eyes then turn to the American representative. After a minute of silence,
the American shakes her head. Norwood is pale in the face, but sighs and
begins to speak.

Norwood:"Resolution R237 is now accepted and in force."

The council immediately erupts in applause. MacMillan, and then many of 
the representatives, stand up and applaud with enthusiasm. Norwood just 
hangs his head.

Laboratory
Vanguard Complex:

Hawkins is smiling widely and clapping his claws together after seeing
the result of the vote on his screen.

Hawkins:"Ha ha! That's right, Norwood. Now you're paying the price for
         abandoning the Earth Defense Force, and your Road Rover buddies
         are now destitute. I finally got you back for what you did to
         us!"

He quickly puts on his headset.

Hawkins:"Got to make some calls. The iron is hot as h*** and we need to
         strike it now!"

He begins to dial a number while still watching the television.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control:

Inside the briefing room there is a stunned silence. Everyone is shocked
by the outcome of the UN vote. Finally Shephard break the silence.

Shephard:"This is b*******!"

Blitz:"Ach du lieber! Without that money, how will I get my new flea
       collar?!"

Exile:"Forget flea collar, Weird Boy! How will we get food now?"

Hunter:"Yet another unexpected twist! Bummer!"

Corsair:"Man, without the UN monies we're screwed!"

Striker:"Worse than that, imagine what will happen when this news reaches
         all the villains we have been fighting. They will all jump on
         this and exploit their advantage to the fullest."

Master:"And I fear the Vanguard will let them do their worst until the
        world is begging for them to save them."

Phoenix:"Master, what are we going to do now?"

All eyes turn to the Master. There is a minute of silence before he 
finally lets out a big sign and shakes his head.

Master:"I simply have no idea at this point, Rovers. The future looks
        very grin for us all."

Everyone is dejected, upset or angry while on the screen the United
Nations Security Council is full of happy representatives gathering
around MacMillan while Norwood is left alone to gather his notes. The
Road Rovers have been dealt a severe blow with the United Nations vote
to end all funding for them and leaving both them and the world at the
mercy of their enemies. At the same time the Vanguard have the leader of
the KH Military, General Stalker, in their custody? What will be the
consequences of the UN vote? How will the Road Rovers bounce back from
this setback? And what will the Vanguard do next?


THE END