Rover Strike: The Spider Cartel

Episode 8: A Sirius Problem

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé
Lone Dog Team © Kristen Coughlan
Strayers © Steven Today
Nitro © Amanda Stephenson
Vicki Maddog © Robert Baer Jr.

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

Warroom
NORAD Command Centre
State of Colorado
United States Of America
22 June
6:05 AM:

This is a very large room with many computer consoles and six
large screens on the wall the desks are facing. They show the
world in several sections. The countries of the US and Russia
are outlined in blue and red. On a wall is a DEFCON indicator
which is currently at five. Technicians and officers are working
on the desks. On one of the large screens is a larger image
of the southern west coast of the United States. Dozens of
blue markers indicate the position of US forces, while white
markers show towns and cities. A single red marker on the
screen as well, moving towards Los Angeles. Standing at the main
command terminal sipping a cup of coffee is the commanding officer,
General Ridgeway. As he watches the screen, the phone on his desk
rings. He picks up receiver and answers.

Ridgeway(into phone):"Ridgeway here... Well, good day to you, Major. 
        Things busy other there in DC?"

Cadwell's Office
The Pentagon
Washington DC
United States Of America
At that moment:

Cadwell's office is a well-decorated room with polished wooden walls,
doors, chairs, shelves and desk. Photos hang on the wall while potted
plants stand in the corners. A TV set is on one of the shelves. The 
desk, along with the desk lamp and name tag, is covered with papers 
and empty cups of coffee. Cadwell himself is on the phone sorting the
papers while several assistants stand ready.

Cadwell(into phone):"Very busy. The whole place here and in the White 
       House is in an uproar about this business, as usual."

Ridgeway(over phone):"Heheheh. About right. Anything bad comes along,
        like a scandal or an attack by bees, and they treat it like a
        state of emergency."

Cadwell(into phone):"Speaking of, that's why I called. Do your folks
       still have that submarine on your screens?"

Cadwell hands a paper to an assistant, who immediately takes it and
leaves the office.

Warroom
NORAD Command Centre:

Ridgeway takes another sip of coffee, then looks back at the screen.

Ridgeway(into phone):"Yup, we still got it on screen here. San Diego
        Naval Command has their boys on it tracking that sub."

Cadwell(over phone):"Still heading for Los Angeles?"

Ridgeway(into phone):"Still heading for LA. We estimate that it will
        get to the city within about an hour or so. Some of our boys
        are already the ground working local authorities and are
        setting up a cordon up and down the coast and in the harbors
        and beaches. If it should decide to surface there, we'll have
        a reception committee ready for it."

Cadwell(over phone):"Good. Did you clearance for Sergeant Shephard to
       take command if needed?"

Ridgeway(into phone):"Yeah, he's got the command if he asks. By the
        way, how is the kid? I haven't seen him since that one time
        we held a barbeque at your place."

Cadwell(over phone):"He's been doing good so far with the Rovers. He
       certainly has improved while staying with them."

Ridgeway(into phone):"That's good to hear. He sure did look a bit down
        when I last met him, though I have to admit that episode with
        his dad and all would be nasty for anyone to go through."

Cadwell(over phone):"True, but he seems to have made great strides in
       last few years or so. Anyway, back to business. You will keep
       me informed of any new developments?"

Ridgeway(into phone):"Five minutes before they even happen, Will."

Cadwell's Office
The Pentagon:

Cadwell hands a bunch of papers to another assistant, who leaves the
office with them.

Cadwell(into phone):"Thanks, Joe. I'll you back later."

Ridgeway(over phone):"Sure thing, Will. Hey, give my regards to Maria."

Cadwell(into phone):"Sure thing. Goodbye."

Ridgeway(over phone):"See ya."

Cadwell puts the receiver down, then picks it up and dials another
number. As he does, he gives more papers to another assistant.

Cockpit
Stealth Rover
Flying Over Pacific Ocean
102 Kilometers From Los Angeles
4:12 AM:

The cockpit is lit up from an overhead light as well from the lights
on the computer terminals. Striker is piloting while the others work
on their seats' terminals.

Striker:"Location of the target?"

Illanov, Corsair:"Right beneath us."

The two of them immediately flash cold stares at each other. Striker
sighs and looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"How long before it reaches Los Angeles?"

Phoenix:"About 55 minutes, Love."

Striker:"Can you make out the shape the vehicle?"

Phoenix shakes her head.

Phoenix:"No, sorry Love. Whatever this vehicle is, it is kicking up
         large clouds of ocean sand and slick. I cannot tell what it
         exactly until the dust settles down."

Just then Shephard's radio begins to crackle. He takes it out and
replies into it.

Shephard:"Sergeant Shephard... Yes, sir. We are still tracking the
          target towards LA... Yes, sir... Yes, sir. I understand...
          I will, sir. Out."

Shephard puts the radio away. Striker looks back at him as he looks
up again.

Shephard:"Major Cadwell, sir. He says NORAD has had forces stationed
          along the Californian coast and inside Los Angeles. We have
          full authority over these forces should we need them."

Striker:"Goed, Shephard. Dankie."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Shephard turns his attention back to the terminal. Striker looks forward,
deep in thought.

Striker:"But will those forces even be enough?" 

Phoenix notices him talk and puts her paw over his. He looks at her,
gripping her paw, as does she.

Phoenix:"Just think positive, Love."

Striker nods and smiles at her, then turns his attention forward. 
Phoenix watches him for a second, then turns her attention back to her
terminal. The Stealth Rover continuous on its current course.

Ocean Floor
Near US West Coast
4:30 AM:

The ocean floor is, once again, dark. As before, fish and marine
animals of all kinds swim away from the large object moving through
the water. Underneath a nearby rock a cavefish hides under it, with
its light antennae illuminating the area in front it. Suddenly,
a metal object lands right in front of it. The startled fish swims
out of cover, past the object and into the darkness. For a brief
instance the metal object is illuminated more, revealing what
appears to hydraulics. The object then lifts up and disappears into
the darkness with the thumping noise.

Temporary US Military Base
Harbour Area
Los Angeles
State Of California
United States Of America
4:46 AM:

This is a small military outpost located in a warehouse area of the
large harbour. The area had been cordoned off, with only US soldiers,
humvees, trucks, tanks, and missile launchers allowed into the
area. Tents have also been set up to serve as barracks and areas to
house the vehicles. All around the warehouse area is are cranes and
cargo ships of the harbour, with the skyline of Los Angeles behind
it. It is still night, but the first signs of morning is beginning
to appear on the horizon. The Stealth Rover is flying towards the
US Base, guided by signal lights from ground crews. It flies closer,
then hovers in for a landing at a makeshift helipad. It touches
down and after a few moments the engines are turned off. A retrac-
table stairway lowers down from one of the side doors onto the
ground. Unit STRIKE begins to disembark as a high-ranking USAF
officer walks towards the Stealth Rover. As Striker's boots touch the
ground, the officer salutes to him and identifies himself.

Officer:"I am Colonel David Reynolds, USAF Los Angeles Task Force. You
         must be Commander Striker."

Striker salutes back.

Striker:"Ja, Colonel. Have you been notified by the Pentagon about our
         mission here?"

Reynolds:"Yes, sir. Major Cadwell called me and said you're in charge.
          All orders coming from you are top priority."

Striker:"Goed. Are you tracking the target?"

Reynolds:"We have it on radar. San Diego command is tracking the sub
          by lands, sea, air and space. The people on it won't even
          blink without us knowing it, sir."

Striker:"Have they identified what kind of submarine it is?"

Reynolds:"That's whats making them scratch their heads a lot, sir. They
          have no idea what that sub is. The mud it kicks up hides its
          shape, but when they do see something, they it doesn't match
          anything on record."

Striker:"Geen surprise. Our quarry must have built himself a custom
         submarine. What is the status of your forces?"

Reynolds:"Still a bit sleepy, but they're combat ready. We got some
          missile batteries put up around the harbour along with a few
          destroyers. We can also call in air support via commanches
          and warthogs, sir."

Striker:"Goed. I doubt we will require that much firepower, but in
         case things take a different turn they would be useful. We
         have tracked the target and it is making its way to the
         central harbour. It is about 10 minutes out west and in-
         bound." 

Reynolds:"You certain it will surface here, sir? In the middle of LA
          harbour?"

Striker:"Yes, Colonel. We thought it would change course, but it keeps
         on going and it is now too late for it to go a different
         direction without coming into range of the forces along the
         coast. How quickly can your forces deploy?"

Reynolds:"Say the word, sir, and my boys will have that entire harbour
          turned into an armed camp. If that sub surfaces and tries
          any funny business, its going to take a quick and explosive
          trip to Davy Jones' locker."

Striker:"Hold your fire on that part, Colonel. We still need the people
         the submarine alive, but don't hesitate to fire if I say so."

Reynolds:"Yes, sir."

Striker:"Reg. Move out, Colonel."

Reynolds salutes and then turns to some of his officers.

Reynolds:"You heard him! Let's move out!"

The officers salute and begin to call the move out order to the other
forces around the base. Reynolds, Striker and Tanarus head for the
command centre, while the others begin to unload the Rhino and the
Cycle Rover.

Central Harbour
Los Angeles
4:55 AM:

This is a large open part of the docking area of the harbour. Ships
are moored at the docks surrounding the area while cranes stand on
the shores. Right now the docks are lit up and US soldiers are on
the ships, docks, cranes and nearby buildings. Tanks, missile systems
and other vehicles are scattered around the area as well. At the
docks near the harbour entrance are several command humvees as well
as the Rhino and Cycle Rover. Unit STRIKE, colonel Reynolds and some
of his officers and soldiers are here looking out at the harbour
area. Corsair has his laptop plugged into Merit, who is scanning the
harbour. Striker turns to Corsair.

Striker:"Range?"

Corsair:"One mile and closing, boss. In a minute or so we should have
         it right in the middle of the bay."

Striker turns to Reynolds.

Striker:"Are your troops ready?"

Reynolds:"Locked and loaded, sir."

Striker:"Searchlights?"

Reynolds:"Ready as well, sir."

Striker:"Turn them on as soon as the target begins to surface."

Reynolds:"Yes, sir."

Reynolds radios in an order to the soldiers manning the mobile search-
light vehicles. Striker turns to look out at the bay. Corsair keeps
monitoring the bay.

Corsair:"Coming in... 700 yards... 650 yards... it's going into the
         bay... 550 yards...."

The thumping noise can be heard as the vehicle comes into the harbour.
The large shape of the vehicle is starting to become visible in the
water. Reynolds whistles.

Reynolds:"S***. That is one big sub."

Corsair frowns, and then looks up at Striker.

Corsair:"Hey, boss. The thing is stopping in the centre of the bay."

Striker looks surprised at Corsair, then back at the bay. The thumping
noise stops suddenly, the shape of the vehicle visible in the center
of the bay. Reynolds looks at Striker.

Reynolds:"Sir, shall I turn on the searchlights?"

Striker:"Ja."

Reynolds takes out his radio and calls to the troops. One by one the
massive searchlights are turned up and made to illuminate the center
of the bay. The lights now clearly show the shape of the vehicle. 
Striker and Illanov's eyes widen in shock, then they look at each
other. 

Illanov:"Comrade! Are you seeing the same thing?"

Striker:"I hope not, Alex!"

Corsair looks down at his laptop.

Corsair:"Hey, this thing ain't a sub! It has legs! Big legs!"

Striker and Illanov immediately look back at the bay. As they, the water
around the vehicle becomes disturbed.

Corsair:"Boss, this thing is rising!"

They watch what happens in the bay. The vehicle's hull begins to appear
from the water, but as it comes from the water it can be clearly seen
it isn't a submarine. It is a massive body with a head section at the
front. As the body lifts, what is lifting it can also be seen: eight
massive hydraulic legs standing in the water. Everyone around the
harbour can only watch in wide-eyed shock and amazement as the massive
mechanical spider rises up to well over 200 meters in total high, water 
flowing down the metal sides into the bay.

Illanov:"Mother Russia! Comrade, it is the Gargantua!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai yai yai! Not again!"

Corsair:"Man, from which Will Smith movie did this thing jump out of?"

Phoenix, Elexis:"Oh my God!"

Reynolds:"Holy s***!"

Tanarus:"That looks like the same machine that tore up Washington at
         the end of the Colombian War two years ago!"

Merit:"A curious but interesting design and usage of mechanics. I find
       it highly approving."

Everyone stares at Merit. Merit looks around.

Merit:"Is there something wrong?"

A new noise draws their attention back to the Gargantua. They watch as
two of the forward legs place themselves on either side of their
position. The head is then lowered down to right in front of them. The
head has the look and shape of a spider's head, complete with pinchers
alongside two cannons. Antennae stand atop the head, while several
view ports give the illusion of a spider's many eyes. There are several
closed hatches along the head as well. At the front of the head is a
large, half-crescent windshield of the control center. Standing behind
those who control the Gargantua is Turwar, Vega, Carlos, Hawk and
several Cartel Commandos (who wear black and red stormtrooper-style 
uniforms with the insignia of the Spider Cartel on them). At the
controls are several green-uniformed technicians... and at the main
controls is an old face: Francisco Ortega. Striker and Illanov gasp
in shock, while Ortega grabs a microphone and activates some speakers
above the windshield. He grins as he greets them.

Ortega:"Beunos dias, senyors! And a special greeting to senyors Striker
        and Illanov. Good to see you all again."

Striker:"Francisco Ortega! Impossible! You're..."

Striker suddenly stops, then shakes his head and looks back at Ortega.

Striker:"Wag, I cannot say you are dead because you are alive in front
         of us and that, by some twist of fate you had survived the
         destruction of Atlantis and have somehow ended up right here 
         right now."
 
Ortega laughs and smiles.

Ortega:"Gracias, senyor! I'm glad you avoided the usual cliché. You
        have saved us both a lot of time in unnecessary explanations."

Striker:"Do not mention it."

Ortega looks at Illanov.

Ortega:"Senyor Illanov! It has been a while. Tell me, you wouldn't
        happen to be interested in selling more arms to me?"

Illanov frowns and stands up straight and defiant.

Illanov:"Neyt, Ortega. Those days are behind me."

Ortega shrugs.

Ortega:"Such a same. Vamos."

He looks over the group.

Ortega:"Well, I would like to stay and reminisce about has happened
        since we last met, but I am busy right now. Adios, amigos!" 

He turns off the speakers and puts the microphone away. As he does,
Shephard takes aim at the cockpit with his M-249. Striker sees this
and quickly grabs his shoulder. Shephard looks at him, confused.

Shephard:"Sir?"

Striker:"Save your ammo, Shephard. The glass is bulletproof, or else
         he would not have appeared to us in this way."

Striker then remembers something and turns to Reynolds, who has his
radio ready to give orders.

Striker:"Tell your men to hold all fire. The Gargantua is simply
         too strong for anything you have right now."

Reynolds stares at Striker, then at the Gargantua. He holds the radio
to his mouth.

Reynolds:"All units! Hold fire!"

As he gives the orders, the Gargantua lifts its head up and begins to
climb out of the water. The legs lift up and land on the shore,
making a thumping noise as they do. Soldiers scatter out of the way
of landing legs as the Gargantua begins to walk into the city. The
body passes overhead of the Rovers as they watch it walk away.
Striker quickly looks at Reynolds.

Striker:"Colonel! Have some recon unit track it!"

Reynolds:"Yes, sir!"

Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"Get the vehicles and back to the Stealth Rover! Shephard!
         Get Major Cadwell on the line!"

They all nod and rush for the Rhino and Bike Rover. Corsair unplugs
his laptop from Merit and puts it away on the run. As they, the
Gargantua continuous to walk into the city.

Cadwell's Office
The Pentagon
A few minutes later:

Cadwell is still here, but he is now alone in the room sorting out the
papers. The phone on his desk rings and he answers.

Cadwell:"Cadwell... Striker, have you gotten...."

He listens, then stands up in shock.

Cadwell:"What! You must joking!.... S****.... More bad news?... Ortega?
         He alive as well? Oh wonderful.... Yes... Do what you can...
         Yes... I'll get you more help if I can.... Good."

He puts the phone down, then picks it up again and dials a different
number. He waits until there is an answer.

Cadwell:"Yes, this is Major Cadwell. Get me the President."

He waits as he is put through.

Cockpit
Stealth Rover
In Pursuit Of Gargantua
Los Angeles
5:12 AM:

All of Unit STRIKE are back in their seats and at their terminals.
Through the cockpit window the first light from the sun is beginning to 
appear over the horizon. But the night is already lit up by searchlights
illuminating the Gargantua as it makes its way through the city.

Phoenix:"I heard the first Gargantua was a very dangerous opponent when
         you and Alex had to fight it, Strikie."

Striker:"Ja, and if I Ortega, this new one is probably much worse and
         more dangerous. What do your readings show, Alex?"

Illanov looks up from his terminal at Striker.

Illanov:"You may be right, comrade. This Gargantua is almost twice as
         large as the first one. I've also scanned the hatches. Though
         most of them I cannot read, the few that I can have either
         Zeus Shilka AAA cannons or SAM launchers. I am guessing that
         Ortega wants to indicate that to challenge the Gargantua
         would be very costly."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. What about the armor on it?"

This time Tanarus is the one to answer.

Tanarus:"I've had a quick analysis of the metal. It seems to be some
         kind of titanium alloy mixed with several other metals. I can
         also read out that there are several layers of it on the
         main hull. That machine will require some heavy duty weaponry
         to even damage, much less destroy."

Striker takes this in, then looks forward at the Gargantua along with
Phoenix and Elexis.

Elexis:"It is amazing that machine hasn't gone and stepped on anyone
        or any property so far."

Merit:"I can give a logical reason for it: to go and recklessly traverse
       this urban area would result in a great reduction speed along
       with the possibility of having one of the appendages becoming
       caught in debris."

Shephard:"Trust Merit to be full of technical stuff."

Striker:"Regardless, we don't where Ortega is going or what he plans to
         do with it. Not to mention that Project Trojan is probably on
         it as well."

Corsair:"You know, boss. You might consider calling the big chief and
         try and have him bring the other Rovers. We are way out of
         our league here. Or even the Space Rovers. I've heard they
         were the ones who helped destroy the first spider back then."

Striker:"You might be reg, Corsair. Perhaps we should."

Corsair flashes a grin of triumph at Illanov, who just goes "Hmph!" and
goes back to work on his terminal. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Get the Master."

Phoenix:"I'm on it, Love."

She gets on the communications terminal while Striker turns his attention
back to the Gargantua ahead of them.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control
State of New Mexico
United States of America
A few minutes later:

The briefing room is mostly empty. The only one here is the Master. He is
standing on his floodlit pedestal looking at one of the briefing screens.
On that screen is the cockpit of the Stealth Rover. Striker and Phoenix
are clearly visible with the others in the background.

Master:"I got your call, Rovers. How is the mission proceeding?"

Striker:"It took a turn for the worse, Master. Remember Ortega and his
         giant spider that tore up Washington DC two years ago?"

The Master's eyes widen.

Master:"Are they both back?"

Both Rovers nod.

Phoenix:"Bigger and badder, Master. The new Gargantua is busy walking out
         of Los Angeles in a north-eastern direction, with Ortega at the
         controls and with his henchmen."

To prove her point, she pushes a button that shows the view from the nose
of the Stealth Rover. The Gargantua can be seen walking through the
suburbs of Los Angeles towards the desert. The Master sighs.

Master:"Yet again the same bad nightmare coming back to haunt us. Did you
        have a look at this new spider?"

Striker:"Ja. This spider is twice as large as the first one, tougher
         and more heavily armed. We are still looking for a weakness,
         but we haven't found any. Maar I was hoping you could contact
         the Space Rovers to come and help."

The Master shakes his head.

Master:"I wish I could, but Persia and her crew have gone to a con-
        ference with the Taka'Shi. They won't be back for a week."

Striker looks disappointed.

Striker:"Jammer about that. I was hoping to have the formidable fire-
         power of their ship to help us. How about other Rover teams,
         Master?"


Master:"I cannot send a lot. Many are out on missions, but I can get
        you one unit and possibly scrape together a second team."

Striker:"Which unit is it?"

Master:"The Lone Dog Team, lead by Rebel. They are on their way back to
        mission control after a mission against the Mad Dog Organization. 
        I'll have them take a detour and join you to help. The other 
        team I'll try to make up from those Rovers who participated in 
        the Colombian War."

Striker can be seen nodding in slight approval.

Striker:"Not much, maar right now some additional assistance will give
         us a little more ability to challenge Ortega and his force."

Master:"I agree. I would recommend that your unit stay back and watch
        the Gargantua until the two units arrive to help. I'll also
        try to see if I can get other units to come and help, but you
        will have to work with those two until then. For now, keep out
        of harms unless totally necessary."

Striker:"Reg, Master."

Phoenix pushes a button off-screen and the screen goes dead. The Master
quickly turns and walks into his quarters to get help.

Control Room
The Gargantua
Los Angeles Suburbs
5:18 AM:

This is the control room as it was seen from the outside. Besides the
half-crescent windscreen, various control terminals line the walls. In
fixed swivel chairs are the technicians running various aspects of the
giant spider. At the helm of the spider is Ortega, who is driving via
a means of sophisticated levers. Standing behind him are Vega, Carlos,
Hawk and Turwar. Ortega pushes a button on his terminal, then says
something in Spanish to the other technicians. They nod in reply and
do as they are told. Ortega then swings the chair towards the four
individuals behind him.

Ortega:"Welcome to America, hombres. And to the last stage of Project
        Trojan."

Vega:"I didn't like the idea of leaving those Road Rovers behind back at
      the harbour, senyor. They could cause trouble."

Ortega:"It was tempting, but we must push forward. We cannot waste time
        fighting here and there. Who knows what my former hombre Zorrino
        told them."

Carlos:"Zorrino? He knew nothing, sir."

Ortega:"Si, but you never know with him. He has this tendency to snick
        that nose of him into business that doesn't concern him. So I'm
        playing it safe and assuming he let on more about the project
        than what we thought we knew. How fares senyor Basson?"

Carlos:"He has the substance secure and stable in the laboratory. He is
        just waiting for the final addition."

Vega:"Where is this final addition, senyor?"

Ortega:"Be patient, hombre. You'll find out in a few hours or so. Right
        now, just wait for it."

Ortega then looks at Hawk.

Ortega:"Are your hombres at the rendezvous point as we agreed?"

Hawk nods.

Hawk:"Yes, sir. Deadeye Joe and his mercenary unit are waiting just
      beyond the hills for our arrival."

Ortega:"Good, senyor. I paid a good price for your aid, and I would be
        disappointed if I did not get what I paid for. And so would
        senyor Turwar here."

Hawk looks nervously at the tall Turwar, who just glances him and
growls menacingly. He then looks back at Ortega.

Hawk:"We are loyal to our customers, sir. I can assure you."

Ortega:"Loyal to money, senyor. I know that you would leave me as soon
        as someone pays your hombres more money than I do. That's why
        I paid so well... and have had Turwar keep on eye on you. Just
        stay on my side, senyor, and you might live long enough to
        spend your share of the pay."

Hawk nods nervously, with Turwar growling next to him. Ortega smiles.

Ortega:"So let us go and meet your hombres!"

He swings the chair back forward and retakes control of the helm. The
Gargantua can be seen walking into the outskirts of Los Angeles with
the morning beginning to creep over the horizon.

Cockpit
Stealth Rover
5:24 AM:

The Stealth Rover is still following the Gargantua, flying over the
outskirts of the city. Everyone is still at his or her station. At
his moment Corsair looks at Striker.

Corsair:"Hey, boss. I think we got more trouble coming for us."

Striker turns his head towards Corsair.

Striker:"Explain."

Corsair:"I've detected a small armed force directly in the path of the
         Gargantua, just beyond the horizon. And according to the
         readings that force is not USAF."

Striker:"Not? Then who are they?"

Corsair:"The readings on the group say that they are Mayhem Mercenaries."

Striker:"Mercenaries. How many?"

Corsair:"Not too many, about the size of a small platoon. All of them are
         airborne units. But if you add them to the Gargantua, and you 
         got a force to be reckoned with."

Elexis:"Are these mercenaries hired by Ortega?"

Tanarus:"Most likely. Ortega does have the money and the motive to hire
         them. Their presence will be a discouragement to any attacking
         force and make it more difficult for us to get near the
         Gargantua without being detected or fired upon."

Shephard:"Well that tears it. I was thinking of calling up some B-52s
          to come and stop this spider in its tracks. Trouble is, if
          they fly high and release their payload, the bombs would all
          miss. Now, if they fly low to make sure the bombs counted,
          then they are in range of both those mercenaries and the
          spider's guns. Even with escorts, it will be a really dicey
          chance."

Striker:"Don't call them, Shephard. I think in this instance goeie
         thinking will be better than brute force."

Illanov:"Got a plan, comrade."

Striker sighs and shakes his head.

Striker:"Nee, Alex. We first need to have available Rovers units here
         with us before we can create a plan."

Illanov:"And until then we can only watch, eh comrade?"

Corsair glances at Illanov.

Corsair:"Watch what? Movies of Russian chess games?"

Illanov turns and growls at Corsair, baring his sharp teeth. Corsair
immediately moves to the other edge of his chair.

Corsair:"Whoa! Watch the teeth... and your brea..."

Striker snaps at them.

Striker:"Stop, you two! Or else you can both get out and follow the
         Gargantua on foot."

The arguing couple stop and calm down, though still passing angry
glances at each other. Shephard sniggers behind them.

Shephard:"He he he. It's always great to have the commander bark at
          someone else. Makes a nice change from boot camp."

Merit looks at Shephard.

Merit:"Strange. I was not aware that humans are capable of canine vocal
       expressions."

Shephard looks suspiciously at Merit.

Merit:"Did I make an error in my data readings?"

Shephard:"Maybe you'd better keep watching the Gargantua, Merit. You
          are beginning to pick up traits of a certain lab mouse side-
          kick."

Merit:"I was not aware of this. I should study this after the mission is
       completed."

Shephard just shakes his as he, Merit and everyone else go back to
monitoring the Gargantua.

Mercenary Force
California Desert
20 Kilometers North Of Los Angeles
5:30 AM:

Amongst the cacti and tumbleweeds of the barren California desert a
temporary camp has been established. 18 vehicles are parked in a circle 
around a big campfire. Flying on a pole quickly stuck into the ground is 
the flag of the Mayhem Mercenaries. The vehicles around the camp consist 
of 6 A-12 Mayhem Jets, 6 Helix Choppers, 4 Aero Tanks and 2 Mayhem
Chinooks. A-12's are modified blue/white Warthogs. Helix Choppers are
massively large choppers with four rotor blades (two on front and back,
and two on the sides) and many gun ports and turrets. They are also in
blue/white colors. Aero Tanks are blue/white VTOL versions of surface 
tanks, only armed with missile packs and a fully rotatable turret up 
front. The Mayhem Chinooks are a bit larger than the standard Chinook
and in the same color as the other vehicles. All of them have the
Mayhem Mercenaries insignia on their sides. Standing guard all around
the camp are Shock Soldiers, Medical Soldiers and Sky Soldiers. The Shock 
Soldiers are all wearing gasmasks, grey camouflage uniforms and military 
boots and carrying Land Warrior machine guns (across between a M-16 and 
a chaingun). The Medical Soldiers are dressed the same way, only they
have red cross badges on them. The Sky Soldiers are all wearing blue/
silver metallic armor with fold-away ion gliders. They also have a
helmet on that looks like a cross between a pilot helmet and a gasmask.
All of the soldiers have the insignia of the Mayhem Mercenaries on them.
Standing at the edge of the camp staring in the direction towards Los
Angeles is Deadeye Jane. He is dressed up like the Sky Soldiers, only 
she does not wear a helmet. She has a respirator covering his nose and 
mouth. It is attaches via pipes to two tanks inside a metal case on her 
chest. One of her eyes is a deep green, but the other is an electronic 
one with a green lens. Her hair is a brown crew cut with silver streaks
running through them. She looks down at the built-in wristwatch, then
back up at the horizon.

Deadeye:"Where is Hawk? We aren't paid for standing around here."

She then sees something move beyond the hills. She then zooms her
electronic eye in on what she sees. Through her lens one can see the
Gargantua begin to appear over hills as it climbs over it. She then
nods.

Deadeye:"My my. Impressive toy, Mister Ortega. And what a price you
         must have paid for it."

She turns to the other mercenaries around the camp and begins to
bark out orders in a very authorative tone of voice.

Deadeye:"All right, you lot! Get off your butts and get into your
         vehicles! Our customer is coming! Move it!"

The soldiers all salute, then quickly begin to gather all the loose
items around the camp. They start climbing into their assigned
vehicle. Deadeye Jane turns back into the direction of the Gargantua.
As she watches, the Gargantua begins to rapidly walk down the hill and,
with rather amazing speed, the giant spider stomps at a high speed
towards the camp. The rapid thudding noises of the legs become louder
very quickly. Deadeye Jane remains standing where she is while the
Gargantua rapidly closes the distance. In a very short space of time,
the giant spider comes and stops right by the camp in front of her.
The head is lowered down to almost ground level. A "mouth" opens at
the front of the head and a foldable stairway is unfolded until it
touches the ground. Walking down the stairs are Hawk, Ortega, three
cartel commandoes and Turwar. The three commandoes make a circle
around Ortega as they all walk towards Deadeye Jane. Hawk comes up
to her and salutes.

Hawk:"Hiya, Jane. Feeling snug?"

Deadeye:"Cut the crap, Hawk. Me and my crew have been waiting here
         for hours now and I was about to leave, pay or no pay."

Hawk swallows a bit as Ortega looks suspiciously at him.


Ortega:"What is going on, senyor? And who is this?"

Hawk:"Er... this is Deadeye Jane. She one of our best mercenaries,
      but she likes to be very active and into action. She doesn't
      like being kept waiting idly."

Deadeye:"Amazing. You still have your memory."

Ortega:"I am paying you, though, so you will do as I say."

Deadeye Jane shakes her head and steps up to Ortega.

Deadeye:"We will do what you RECOMMEND, dear customer. Remember, we
         are not your troops. We are the hired muscle."

Ortega raises an eyebrow and folds his arms.

Ortega:"So basically, you take my money and then do what you like,
        senyorita?"

Deadeye:"You might say that. I do things MY way, which is almost the
         best way. Besides, I figure out the best way to get more bang
         for your money. So you have any suspicions about hiring me,
         best be off burying them. With me, you get what you pay for."

Ortega:"And you remain loyal to your customer?"

Deadeye snorts and rolls her eyes.

Deadeye:"Please! I am in this for the money, not for some scumbag with
         some kind of cliché plot. As long as there is money, he gets
         me and my organization's muscle."

Hawk watches in wide-eyed shock at Deadeye Jane, while Ortega stares
at her for a few moments. He then bursts out in laughter and claps his
hands.

Ortega:"Caramba! My money is well spent! I've had too many fools
        working for me who were pathetic, cowardly or moronic who made
        up some stupid ideological reason for working under me. You,
        senyorita, make no excuses about it. You work for money, and
        I've learned that those who work for money are the best kinds
        of help."

Hawk breathes a sigh of relief while Deadeye Jane snickers at him.
Ortega stops laughing and becomes serious again.

Ortega:"Are your hombres ready, senyorita?"

Deadeye:"Ready and rocking. What is our job?"

Ortega:"To keep those Road Rovers or any Yankee forces away from this
        spider. If they come close, you deal with them. Meanwhile, you
        can load your vehicles into my Gargantua's hangars until I
        can call upon you."

Deadeye:"Finally. A customer who helps keep our maintenance costs down.
         I'll get my crew ready. You just have your spider ready for
         us."

Ortega:"Certainly, senyorita."

Deadeye Jane turns and walks towards the camp, shouting out orders all
the way. Hawk nervously comes up to Ortega.

Hawk:"Sorry about that, dear customer. She is always like that, but she
      is worth every cent."

Ortega:"I know, but, judging from her behavior to you and certain
        suspicions I've begun to get, YOU don't look like much."

Behind Ortega Turwar growls at Hawk, who becomes increasingly nervous
and gulps loudly. Ortega turns and begins to walk back the stairs into
the Gargantua, followed by the commandoes, Turwar and lastly a hesi-
tant Hawk. In the camp some of the vehicles begin to roar into life
as the last few soldiers get in.

Cockpit
Stealth Rover
5:44 AM:

The Stealth Rover is hovering some distance from the stationary Gargan-
tua. Everyone inside has stopped monitoring and are watching things
through the cockpit window. In the distance the first rays of the
sun is beginning to make its appearance.

Tanarus:"All we can do now is watch and wait until the other units can
         join us."

Shephard:"I don't know why, sirs. We can have all the action to our-
          selves here."

Striker looks back at Shephard

Striker:"Shephard, you should sometimes realize when the odds are
         against us."

Shephard:"Odds against us, sir? There's six of us and only one of that 
          spider."

Striker rolls eyes his and sighs, then looks forward. After a few moments
there is a beep on the main control panel. Phoenix checks on it.

Phoenix:"We've got an incoming transmission on the Rover wavelength."

Striker:"Must be one of the other units. Put them on screen."

Phoenix:"Right, Love."

She pushes a button next to a screen and it turns on. The screen shows
the leader of the Lone Dog Team: Rebel. Behind him one can catch
glimpses of his other team members: Bud, Lily, Chase and Tasha. All
of them are seated inside the TurboJet Rover.

Rebel:"This is Rebel of the Lone Dog Team. You must Striker and Unit
       STRIKE."

Striker:"Reg, Rebel. What is your status?"

Rebel:"We are presently about 50 miles east from your location and
       closing. We also picking up what appears to be that giant
       mechanical spider the Master told us about."

Striker:"You're reg, Rebel. That would the Gargantua, and the leader
         of the Spider Cartel, Francisco Ortega, has just taken up
         a group of mercenaries from Mayhem."

Rebel:"Ortega? I thought that Rover Records said he was dead."

Striker:"Not as dead as we had hoped for. He is still alive and he has
         some kind of plot going on by the name of Project Trojan."

Rebel:"Me and my team read the details on this business as we flew to
       here. Apparently, it involves some kind of chemical drug that
       the Cartel is having developed by the renegade South African
       scientist Wouter Basson."

Striker:"So you are up to date with the situation."

Rebel:"Yes, we are. Now, what are our plans?"

Striker:"At this point, all we can do is wait. Ortega and his forces
         are too formidable at this point, so we are following and
         waiting until we have enough Rover units with us and an
         opportunity presents itself."

Rebel:"That sounds reasonable. Rushing into this, especially with
       such an enemy and with such weapons and allies. We shall
       pursuit and monitor our foe."

Striker:"Goeie idea, Rebel. Keep your distance and follow the Gargantua
         until we have a plan of action."

Rebel:"Understood. Rebel out."

The screen goes dead.

Illanov:"Our comrades are gathering with us. There is strength in
         numbers."

Corsair:"Now all we need is only the entire population of China and
         we are all set."

Illanov frowns at Corsair.

Illanov:"Do you ALWAYS have to be so sarcastic?"

Corsair smirks.

Corsair:"At least its entertaining. All you Russians can do is play
         chess and complain about the cold."

Just as Illanov is about to retort, Striker immediately looks back at
them.

Striker:"If you two don't stop arguing for the duration of ths mission
         you will both be walking back to Mission Control..."

The two of them quiet down, but still give each other ugly stares.

Striker:"... tied together in handcuffs."

Both Illanov and Corsair immediately stare with shock at Striker. They
are about to protest, but Striker just looks forward. The two grumble,
fold their arms and turn away from each other. Merit, who has been
looking at the Gargantua, turns to Striker and begins to speak.

Merit:"My readings indicate that the Gargantua is preparing to depart
       via airborne means."

Striker immediately looks back at Merit.

Striker:"Airborne? You mean fly?"

Merit:"Correct. I can detect vertical take off and landings engines
       being prepared for the departure."

Illanov:"Comrade! The Gargantua is going to fly like the old one and
         that means it will travel much faster as well."

They all look out through the cockpit window towards the Gargantua. One
can see the giant spider beginning to fold up its legs while four large
engines appear from the body. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Tell Rebel to prepare to go into a high-speed pursuit."

Phoenix:"Roger!"

As she contacts him, Striker looks back at Shephard.

Striker:"Get Cadwell and have him contact NORAD for possible air support
         from the USAF."

Shephard:"Already done, sir!"

He begins to take out his radio. Striker turns to the pilot controls,
changes a few settings and prepares to pursue their quarry.

The Gargantua
California Desert
At that moment:

The Gargantua's body is almost to the ground as its legs fold under-
neath the body. Four large VTOL engines coming out from their safety
bays at corner of the body are beginning to warm up. After a few
minutes the engines road loudly into life. The blast from the exhausts
kick up large clouds of dust and dirt. The Gargantua begins to lift
into the air. After it rises a significant high above the desert
floor, the engines tilt forward and blast off. The giant spider flies
off towards the northeast, going slowly at first but picking up speed.
Soon it flies off towards the dawning horizon. The dark shapes of the
two Rover jets fly over the area right afterwards behind the Gargantua.

Warroom
NORAD Command Centre
8:56 AM:

The war room is a hive of activity. More technicians and officers are
now on duty and at their stations. On the main screen is a close-up
radar view of the United States West Coast. On the screen is a large
red dot indicating the Gargantua, followed by two much smaller blue
dots representing the Rover jets. At the main command terminal General
Ridgeway is walking up and down while on the phone. On the table are
several empty mugs of coffee.

Ridgeway:"Yes, I understand, Will... Yes... No, look. I'd like to kick
          Ortega's a** as much as your boys want, but at this point I
          got no air units that we can use against this thing. Our
          jets cannot carry the ordinance to crack that spider open,
          if what I've heard about this thing true... Heavy bombers?
          That can work, but that'll be real dicey... B-52s won't be
          able to make the bombs hit unless they're right on top of
          it. And that range they're sitting ducks for the Gargantua's
          defenses... B-1s?... Yes, they can work, but that's also
          chancy... True, they are stealthed, but even a blind bat
          can spot it with the naked eye, and they will also need to
          get close to the spider. And that means our boys will get
          their a**es blast out of the sky.... The last option is a
          nuclear strike... Out of the question?.... Oh! That makes
          sense... Yeah... Yeah. Sorry that I cannot help more, but
          we'll keep an eye out for any chance to get at this thing
          with our guns... Yes... I'll let you know ASAP.... Good,
          tell your people to hang tight. We'll eventually get this
          sucker... Right, laters."

He puts the phone down. He then picks up a coffee mug and tries to take
a sip coffee. The mug is empty however. He puts it down and turns to
one his assistant officers.

Ridgeway:"Get us more coffee, son."

Officer:"Yes, sir!"

The officer runs off to get more coffee. Ridgeway turns to look at the
main screen, which is still basically showing the same thing.

Cockpit
Stealth Rover
In Pursuit Of Gargantua
6:00 AM:

Striker is doing his best to keep up with the flying Gargantua, which
can be seen in the far distance. Through the windows one can see Rebel's 
team flying alongside the Stealth Rover. Shephard is on the radio talking 
to Cadwell. After a few moments, he puts down the radio down and looks
at Striker.

Shephard:"Sorry, sir, but Cadwell says that NORAD won't give us air
          support because they fear heavy losses amongst their aircraft
          if they attempt to attack the Gargantua."

Striker:"Disappointing, but not surprising. Ortega has certainly found
         a good way to defend himself and just rushing him with
         aircraft is what he would want us to do. Nee, we will have to
         think of a good plan to get onto the Gargantua while avoiding
         our share of hostile fire."

Tanarus:"I agree. Though I think it would be best to wait until the
         Gargantua lands. At that speed a boarding attempt would be
         extremely dangerous."

Striker:"You're reg, Tanarus. We must play it save and let Ortega have
         his way until we can have him dance to our tune."

Corsair, who has been working on his laptop, suddenly stops for a
moment before looking up at Striker.


Corsair:"Boss, I think we got trouble."

Striker:"Besides the Gargantua?"

Corsair:"Yup. I've just had a look at the flight path of that monster,
         and guess what is directly on that path?"

Striker:"No guesses, just tell me."

Corsair:"Okay, boss. It's Bear's hometown in Idaho."

Everyone else looks at each other in shock.

Phoenix:"Oh my God. Bear and Nitro are there for the birth of their
         next pup!"

Illanov:"Bolshoi! And they helped defeated Ortega two years ago. He
         might try to kill them out of revenge."

Tanarus:"I am not sure that that is what he wants to do, but I'd rather
         not gamble our friend's lives on it."

Striker immediately turns to Phoenix.

Striker:"Get Rebel!"

Phoenix quickly turns to the terminal and contacts the Lone Dog Team.
Rebel appears on the screen after a few moments.

Rebel:"What's wrong?"

Striker:"We've just discovered that the Gargantua is heading straight
         towards the town where Bear and Nitro are. Can you quickly
         fly ahead of the Gargantua and get them out of there?"

Rebel:"Wish we could, but are having a hard time trying to keep up with
       this thing. Overtaking and getting to the town is not possible
       in this craft."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. Reg, I will contact the Master for help. Just keep
         the pursuit."

Rebel:"Got it."

The screen goes dead. Striker looks at Phoenix again.

Striker:"Get the Master."

Phoenix:"Right!"

She quickly contacts RRMC. After a few moments, the Master appears on the
screen.

Master:"Is something wrong?"

Striker:"Ja. The Gargantua's flight path indicates that it heading for
         Bear's town."

Master:"Oh no. Is Ortega going take revenge on Bear and Nitro?"

Striker:"Porbably, but I cannot honestly say. What I can say that if
         he is indeed heading for them, we must get them away from
         there. Can you contact Bear and warn him, Master?"

The Master shakes his head.

Master:"The chances are remote. Bear does not have means of contacting
        us other than a communication system in the shed. Even then,
        they are not always available either."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. What about that other unit you mentioned?"

Master:"I have sent Huntress and her team to join you, but they are
        coming from the wrong direction to go to Idaho and get to it
        before the Gargantua."

Striker:"So Bear and Nitro are at the mercy of Ortega."

Master:"I know, but I will keep trying to contact them. And hopefully
        Bear and Nitro might be able to escape if they see the spider
        coming. Either way, all we can do now is hope and pray."

Striker:"I agree. Out."

The screen goes dead.

Corsair:"This sucks. Our friends are going to be attacked by a giant
         spider and all they got are hunting rifles and shotguns."

Shephard:"Man, if Ortega does bad things to them or the unborn baby,
          I'm going to plant my boot in his nuts."

Tanarus:"I guess all we can do now is follow Ortega and hope he is not
         going our friends."

Everybody except nods. Merit looks around at all the others.

Merit:"Interesting. Their facial expressions to seem to change to
       reflect your concern about Bear and Nitro. A highly effective
       communications method."

The Stealth Rover continues to fly after the Gargantua.

Bridge
KHA Alexander
Somewhere Over Canada
5:11 AM:

The bridge is dark, lit up only by the lights coming from the various
control panels and terminals around the bridge. Wolf-sapien technicians
are all at the controls, while Lambda Troopers stand guard all around.
Outside one can see KH Orcas and Valkyries flying patrols around the
ship. Standing by his throne with the ship's captain and Sky is General 
Stalker. They are currently in a conference. Stalker is talking to Sky.

Stalker:"And are you certain that Ortega is onboard?"

Sky:"Definitely, General. After having read the minds of both the Gar-
     gantua crew and the Road Rovers, I can positively say that he is
     there."

Stalker:"Are the Rovers doing any attempts to board the Gargantua?"

Sky:"At this point, no. They are waiting for an opportunity, since they
     lack the force strength needed to launch an attack on the Gargan-

     tua. There is one more Rover unit on their way, but even then they
     need the aid of all Rover units. And most of those units are either
     missions or simply beyond range to help."

Stalker:"And what is Ortega attempting to do?"

Sky:"At this moment he is traveling towards Bear's village to retrieve
     the final sample of his Project Trojan. He will then add that final
     part to the chemical he has had created by Basson. Afterwards, he
     will begin the distribution."

Stalker:"And the Rovers will not be able to prevent him from retrieving 
         it?"

Sky:"No."

Stalker thinks for a moment.

Stalker:"That will be our decision. Since the Road Rovers will not be 
         able to stop him, we will then have to provide support."

Captain:"Help the Road Rovers, General? But they are our enemies."

Sky looks at the captain.

Sky:"We not be on the side of good, captain, but there is an advantage
     in an alliance with our foes when faced against a common foe."

Stalker:"Well put, Sky. Also, I want to be personally certain that
         Ortega pays the price for betraying us all those years ago once
         and for all. Captain!"

The captain stands to attention.

Captain:"Yes, General!"

Stalker:"Set course for the Gargantua and prepare for combat imme-
         diately."

The captain salutes.

Captain:"Aye aye, General!"

As the captain turn to the crew of bridge, Stalker looks at Sky.

Stalker:"Come with me, Sky. I want to personally lead the raid on the
         Gargantua and I will require your heart-child abilities to
         discover what resistance Ortega will have to offer us."

Sky nods.

Sky:"Of course, General."

Stalker, followed by Sky and a bodyguard of Lambda Troopers, head for 
the doorway leading from the bridge. As they walk through, the troopers
on guard on either side stand to attention and salute.

Hilltop
Near Bear's Village
Somewhere in Idaho
6:43 AM:

This is a rocky hill amongst the pinewood forested mountains of the
state of Idaho. At the top of the hill is Bear and his father Moses.
Both of them are on horseback as they watch the first beams of sunlight
appear on the horizon.

Moses:"A beautiful dawning of yet another glorious day."

Bear:"Brings back the memories of all those times we sat here watching
      it... and of all those little 'talks' we had afterwards."

Moses chuckles. Bear looks at him.

Bear:"Are we going to have another one of those 'talks', Dad?"

Moses:"My lands, son, no. You are also married and a father now. There
       is nothing new I can teach you. In fact, I think you might even
       be able to teach this old man of yours a few things yourself."

Bear laughs and smiles.

Bear:"Nah, you are and always will be wiser than me, Dad."

Moses just smiles, then they turn to watch the sunrise. But instead of
seeing the sunrise, they see the Gargantua coming to the ground, spread
its legs and land on the ground. Moses is shocked, but Bear is even
more so.

Moses:"My lands! What is that?"

Bear:"It... it can't be! It cannot be!"

Moses looks at Bear.

Moses:"Bear! You know what that thing is?"

Bear:"Oh my God! It's the Gargantua!"

Moses:"Gargan... Oh no, you don't mean that giant spider you destroyed
       at the end of that war you fought two years ago?"

Bear:"I wish I was not meaning it, but now this nightmare is back..."

Suddenly the Gargantua begins to walk onward into a northern direction.

Bear:"It's heading for the village! Nitro!"

Moses quickly pulls on his horse' reins.

Moses:"To the village! Quickly!"

As Moses spurs his horse down the hill, Bear pulls his horse's reins
and follows him down running. The Gargantua, meanwhile, keeps on its
path towards the village.

Cabin
Bear's Village
6:49 AM:

This is a simple log cabin within the hills surrounded by the pinewood
forest. Several other cabins are dotted around the hills as well, while
in the valley is the town itself. Smoke is coming from the chimney of
the cabin. Lying on the porch is Grizzly, the Today family dog. Just then
three figures come walking towards the cabin: it is Duncan, dressed in
prison clothes, and two toughs armed with clubs. Duncan himself has a
gun. As they walk towards the cabin, Grizzly hears them coming and looks
up. He begins to bark angrily at them. As he barks, Bear's sister, Sheba,
comes out.

Sheba:"Grizzly, what's wrong..."

She suddenly stops as she sees the three men standing some distance from
the cabin. Duncan is grinning at her.

Duncan:"Well well well. Nice to see you again, Sheba."

Sheba:"McCube. Aren't you supposed to be in jail."

Duncan:"I got out...."

Grizzly is is just about to lounge at Duncan, but Sheba quickly grabs his
collar.

Sheba:"No, boy! Back!"

Duncan:"Better keep that mutt on a leash. Speaking of, where is that other
        mutt of yours?"

Just then Ester Today, Sue-Lynn and a very pregnant Nitro come out of 
the cabin as well.

Ester:"Sheba, what...?"

Sue-Lynn:"Duncan!"

The other two also spot Duncan and his thugs. Ester stands defiantly in
front of the others, while Sue-Lynn and Nitro fold their arms.

Ester:"Sue-Lynn, go get the shotgun."

Sue-Lynn goes into the cabin. Duncan just grins and takes out a revolver
out of his prison clothes.

Duncan:"So we're going to shoot this one out, Ester? I'd like the
        chance."

He looks over at Nitro.

Duncan:"And the b****. Where's your mutt?"

Nitro:"Why you! I'll get you for that!"

Ester:"Weren't you supposed to be in prison, McCube?"

Duncan laughs.

Duncan:"Like daughter, like mother. Nah, no prison can keep me inside
        for long. Besides, some of my jailers shared my view on the
        mutants as I do."

Sue-Lynn comes out with a double-barreled shotgun and gives it to
Ester.

Ester:"I'm warning you, Duncan. I am a better shot than you are. You
       take one step closer and it will be your last."

Duncan:"Ha! You women can't even find the trigger!"

Nitro growls loudly at Duncan. Kyla then appears at the door, wide-eyed.

Kyla:"Mom? Who is this man?"

Nitro sternly looks at Kyla.

Nitro:"Get back inside, Kyla."

Kyla:"Mom?"

Nitro:"Now!"

Kyla quickly ducks into the cabin. One of the thugs begins to look
around.

Thug 1:"Hey, do you feel something?"

Duncan looks at the thug.

Duncan:"You always feel something... in your pants."

The other thug looks around as well.

Thug 2:"What the? Is that an earthquake?"

Suddenly the sound of screams start coming from the town. Duncan
keeps his gun aimed at the women, while he and his two thugs look
towards the town. They can see the people all running in panic away
from the town.

Duncan:"What the h*** is going on down there?"

Thug 1:"Looks like they're scared of something."

The second thug just sneers.

Thug 2:"Nah. I think they just heard of us."

Grizzly goes from growling to whimpering, and then runs for the cabin.
Sheba looses his grip on his collar as he goes in.

Sheba:"Grizzly! What's wrong, boy?"

Suddenly there is a loud thump noise not far off. Everyone wobbles a
bit from the massive vibration coming from it.

Nitro:"That thumping... sounds familiar..."

Sue-Lynn can be heard screaming and pointing upwards. As everyone looks
up, they are shocked to see the massive shape of the Gargantua appearing
above the trees, heading towards them. The two thugs look at each other,
then immediately drop their clubs and run into the woods. Duncan turns
to see them run and shouts back, though his stern shouts are laced with
fear.

Duncan:"H-hey! Cowards! Get back here!"

The landing of one of legs right on the pathway leading up to the cabin
brings his attention back to the Gargantua. The Gargantua brings its
head down towards the cabin and the people. Nitro is in less shock than
the others.

Nitro:"Oh good grief! Not again!"

Sheba:"What in the lands is that thing?!"

The head is brought level to the ground and the figures inside the
cockpit can be clearly seen. Everyone is still at his place, with Ortega
grinning widely at everyone. The loudspeaker comes on again.

Ortega:"Buenos notches, senyor and senyoritas."

Nitro:"FRANCISCO ORTEGA!!"

Ortega:"Ah, and a special buenos notches to you, senyorita Nitro."

Nitro:"Impossible! You're dead!"

Ortega laughs out loudly, then grins at Nitro.

Ortega:"Really, senyorita Nitro. Your hombre Striker had the sense to 
        see that I am not really dead. You should too."

Ester suddenly aims the shotgun at Ortega and opens fire. But the 
pellets all just bounce off the cockpit window. Ortega chuckles and
wags his finger at her.

Ortega:"Shoot all you want. You can't kill me so easily."

He looks back at Nitro.

Ortega:"Where is your husband?"

Nitro:"Coming to kick your tail."

Ortega:"Not here? What a shame. I would have enjoyed having a little
        conversation with him before killing him."

Duncan, who has largely been ignored, suddenly runs up and grabs Nitro.
He quickly pulls her away from the group and holds his revolver to her
head. The women step forward, but Duncan threatens them.

Duncan:"One more step and I blow her head off!"

The women stop, but they watch Duncan with angry eyes. Ortega then
speaks up.

Ortega:"Hold on there, senyor. I need her alive."

Duncan quickly turns to face Ortega, with Nitro in front as a shield.

Duncan:"Oh yeah? Then I'll kill her if you come closer."

Ortega:"You forget, senyor, that unlike the senyoritas I am not a man
        with morals. Plus I have this spider under my control. You
        kill before I'm done with her and an instant later you will
        be a very unhappy dead senyor."

Duncan quickly considers his options before speaking again.

Duncan:"How about we make a deal, eh?"

Ortega tugs at his goatee, thinking.

Ortega:"I am open to negotiation, senyor."

Duncan:"Let me kill Bear personally, and you can have this b****."

Ortega:"That all?"

Duncan:"That's all. Deal?"

Ortega grins and puts his hands on the controls.

Ortega:"Deal!"

He pushes a few buttons on the controls. A hatch opens beneath the
cockpit window, and a massive fishnet on a steel cable is fired at
the two. The net grabs both Duncan and Nitro. Duncan looses his gun
as he is tangled up. He screams in angry.

Duncan:"We had a deal!"

Ortega:"Si, senyor. I'm just inviting you all aboard."

He pulls a lever and the net is quickly pulled towards the hatch. Ester,
Sue-Lynn and Sheba try to make a grab for the net, but they miss as the
net is lifted up into the hatch. When the net is in, the hatch closes.
Ortega then waves at the three remaining women. 

Ortega:"Adios, senyoritas. And give my regards to senyor when he comes
        back."

He laughs, then raises the head of the Gargantua back up to normal level.
It then turns around and begins to walk away towards the south. Sue-Lynn
breaks down in tears and goes onto her knees, face in her hands. Ester
and Sheba kneel with her and try to comfort her. Kyla runs out of the
cabin and calls out after the Gargantua.

Kyla:"Mom!"

She tries to run towards the spider, but Ester quickly grabs her and 
holds her.

Ester:"No, dear! No. There's nothing we can now."

Kyla:"But... my Mom..."

Ester:"I know, dear. But I'm sure your father will come and rescue her."

Ester looks back up at the Gargantua.

Ester:"I hope."

Just then the Stealth Rover appears over the trees. It hovers lower and
lands in a clearing big enough without hitting the trees. Once it lands,
the staircase is lower and the hatch opened. Unit STRIKE comes climbing
down the stairs and running towards the women.

Ester:"Striker!"

Kyla:"Uncle Striker!"

Phoenix and Elexis run over to help comfort the crying Sue-Lynn.

Striker:"What happened?"

Sheba:"The guy who controls that spider captured my sister-in-law!"

Tanarus:"So Ortega WAS coming here, but why did he capture her?"

Ester:"He said that he needed her alive until he was done with her." 

Corsair:"You mean to tell me that Nitro is the final component of
         Project Trojan?"

Illanov:"Don't stay the obvious, American."

Corsair glares at Illanov and grumbles something at him. Striker looks
around.

Striker:"Where's Bear and Moses?"

Ester:"They went into the mountains some time ago. I'm not exactly sure

       when they'll come back."

Shephard:"Real soon is what I say. You can't that walking pile of bolts
          within any distance of where it is without seeing it."

As on cue, the sound of running hooves can be heard coming from the
forests. After a few moments, Bear and Moses come riding on their
horses to the cabin. They stop and quickly jump off their horses. They
then run up to the group. Kyla immediately runs into her father's
arms.

Bear:"Kyla! Mom, Sis, Sue-Lynn! Where's Nitro?"

Sue-Lynn looks up at Bear, still crying.

Sue-Lynn:"I've failed, Bear! Nitro has been kidnapped by that monster!"

Elexis:"No, you haven't failed Nitro. There was nothing any of you could
        do."

Bear then notices Unit STRIKE and looks at Striker.

Bear:"Striker, what happened?"

Striker:"Franciso Ortega has kidnapped your wife, Bear."

Bear is shocked.

Bear:"What! Ortega's alive?"

Corsair:"Yeah, and so is that giant spider of his."

Bear:"I saw it, but I couldn't believe it. What does Ortega want with
      Nitro?"

Illanov:"We are not sure, comrade, but we think she is important because
         she is needed for Project Trojan."

Corsair:"Now HE's the one stating the obvious."

Illanov glares at Corsair, growling softly. Ester looks at Bear.

Ester:"Bear, Duncan was also here."

Bear looks shocked at Ester.

Bear:"You're kidding, Mom!"

Ester:"He got here before Ortega and threatened us. He and Ortega then
       struck a deal before he and Nitro got pulled into that spider."

Bear swears.

Shephard:"Who's this Duncan guy?"

Bear:"A scumbag that won't go away."

Shephard:"Oh, don't worry about him, sir. I'm an expert at dealing with
          scumbags."

Bear quickly takes Kyla over to Ester.

Bear:"Take care of her, Mom."

Kyla:"But Dad! I want to help too."

Bear:"I know, honey, but you can help the best by staying here and 
      helping Grandma. I'm going with Striker to go and rescue Mom."

Moses:"I will stay here and make sure everybody save. You just go and
       get our daughter-in-law back alive."

Bear:"Will do, Dad."

Striker:"Come on, everyone! Back into the Stealth Rover! You will ride
         us, Bear!"

Unit STRIKE, along with Bear, run for the Stealth Rover as Moses and

Ester lead the family back into the cabin.

Laboratory
The Gargantua
7:17 AM:

This is a square room with steel walls painted in white. A large
window in the side of the hull gives a good panorama of the lands
below. Occasionally one legs passes by the window. Next to the window
is a long work table. It, like the various cabinets and equipment in
the lab, have been bolted down to keep them from moving. Loose items
are held in fixed holders. On the wall opposite the window is a number
of holding pens with a surgical examination table near them. At the
window table is Wouter Basson. He is busy looking over two containers
which are held in place by a holder. It has a single side glass that 
reveals a blue substance inside of it. As he watches, one of the doors 
open and in walks two commandoes holding on to Nitro, who is struggling
to get free. Following her is Ortega, Deadeye Jane, Turwar, Duncan
and several more commandoes.

Ortega:"Here you go, senyor Basson. The final component."

Basson:"Finally. I was becoming a bit idle waiting for her."

Ortega:"So was I."

He looks at the two commandoes holding Nitro.

Ortega:"Into the cell with her."

Commando:"Si!"

The commandoes pull her to one of the pens, opens it and force her
inside. They then close the pen. Nitro growls at them.

Nitro:"What do you want with me, Ortega?"

Ortega:"I will explain in a moment, senyorita."

He looks at Basson, who is carefully looking her over.

Ortega:"Well, senyor?"

Basson:"She looks perfectly healthy and well into her pregnancy. I would
        say that the fetus is now fully developed and only needs to
        come out. Either naturally or through surgery."

Nitro looks alarmed at Basson and puts her arms over her expanded belly
protectively.

Nitro:"What do you mean? What do you want with my baby?"

Ortega grins.

Ortega:"Simple, senyorita. Your unborn pup is carrying the final compo-
        nent needed to complete Project Trojan."

Nitro:"That's ridiculous!"

Ortega:"Not really, senyorita. You see, I needed an incubator for the
        chemical needed to complete Project Trojan. And you were the
        perfect candidate. I know of your husband's REAL origin and
        the fact that he is having a pup with a wolf, would not only
        allow it to properly incubate it, but make it even potent and
        resistant to any known anti-biotics."

Nitro stares in shock at Ortega, then looks down at her belly.

Nitro:"You... you mean..."

Ortega:"... that the chemical is flowing through your pup's veins even
        as we speak."

Nitro:"You poisoned him!"

Ortega laughs.

Ortega:"No, senyorita. If it was dangerous the pup would have been dead
        long ago. The chemical is completely harmless, until it is mixed
        with that."

He points at the containers on the table. Nitro looks at it, then back at
Ortega.

Nitro:"What is that? And what does this all mean?"

Ortega:"That is the 'trigger' if you can call it that. It is completely
        harmless, even when mixed with the chemical in your pup. But it
        comes to its full potential when mixed with Hivagen."

Nitro:"The AIDS drug cure you have been selling?"

Ortega:"Si. You see, among the Hivagen molecules is a molecule that
        does nothing. These just float around inside the body of those 
        who take in Hivagen and are completely harmless. But that 
        'trigger' activates the molecules' mutation properties and
        turns the victim..."

He goes to Turwar and pulls back the hood, revealing Turwar's ugly and
mutated head.

Ortega:"... into a super-soldier like Turwar, subject only to my
        commands!"

Nitro's eyes widen.

Nitro:"But... but that means you are going to mutate millions of innocent
       people into monsters!"

Ortega:"Not really on both accounts. They will look human, albeit much
        stronger and more brutal. Turwar here is hideous because he was
        once human, but he accidentally taken in a lab sample for a new
        drug and became this. But that is what gave me this idea: to
        turn thousands of people into super hombres capable of destroy-
        ing the United States, the KH Military and you Road Rovers.
        Think of it as a payment for the damage you did to me back in
        Colombia two years ago."

Nitro:"So that's what Project Trojan is. Hivagen is the Trojan horse and
       this 'trigger' and the molecules inside Hivagen are the Greeks."

Ortega:"Si, senyorita! You understand well."

Nitro:"But... how did you get this chemical into my pup?"

Ortega:"We didn't really put it into your pup, but rather through you,
        senyorita. You had been taking various injections during that
        one time you were sick. We simply substituted one of the syringes
        with one containing the chemical. Once you got pregnant, the
        chemical was carried over to your pup. Speaking of..."

He looks at Basson.

Ortega:"When can we expect her to give birth?"

Basson:"That is random. It could be within a few minutes, hours or days."

He takes out a syringe.

Basson:"Or we can give her this. This drug will make her give birth in
        a matter of minutes. I'm not certain how long, but it will not be
        more than 30 minutes."

Ortega:"Excellent. Give it to her, then. Let's not waste time."

Basson looks at the two commandoes next to Nitro's pen.

Basson:"Open it and hold her."

The commandoes open the pen, then make a grab for Nitro. However, she
struggles violently.


Nitro:"No way! You are not giving me or my baby that stuff!"

As she struggles with the two commandoes, Basson moves in closer. Timing
his move, he grabs her upper leg and sticks the needle into her. She
yelps loudly as Basson injects the fluid. Once he is done he and the two
commandoes quickly back off and close the pen. Basson looks at Ortega.

Basson:"Now all we do is wait."

Ortega:"Good."

Duncan moves up to the pen, grinning viciously at Nitro.

Duncan:"You like that, b****?"

Nitro screams and grabs the bars of the pen, growling and snapping at
Duncan. He instantly backs off in fear. Everyone else laughs at him.
Ortega chuckles and pats Duncan's shoulder.

Ortega:"Easy, senyor. Once we have done what we need with her, you can
        dispose of her at your leisure."

Just then one of the Shock soldiers runs in and up to Deadeye Jane. He
salutes.

Shock:"Excuse me, Ma'am, but we have trouble incoming. Big trouble."

Deadeye:"How big?"

Shock:"About the size of a large stadium, Ma'am. Our radars are picking
       it up coming in from the north."

Ortega turns to Deadeye Jane.

Ortega:"What's going on, senyorita?"

Deadeye:"Seems we got trouble. Come on!"

She and the Shock soldier run out. Ortega quickly follows, but stops and
turns to Turwar. He points at Nitro and Basson.

Ortega:"Stay here and guard both of them."

Turwar snarls in reply. Ortega nods and runs out. Duncan looks nervously
at Turwar as he walks past, then he too runs out.

Cockpit
The Stealth Rover
Pursuing Gargantua
Idaho
7:23 AM:

Everyone is back in their seats. Bear is with them, squatting between
Striker and Phoenix. In front they can see the Gargantua, and flying off
to their right is the TurboJet Rover.

Bear:"So you still have no plan to get into the Gargantua?"

Striker:"Nee, Bear. I know you want to get at Ortega and rescue Nitro. I
         am eager as well to move in, but unfortunately our adversary
         is simply too difficult and risky to approach. We have to wait
         for the other team to arrive."

Bear:"I just hope Nitro is okay. If Ortega harms her or my unborn pup..."

Phoenix pats Bear's shoulder supportively. Suddenly someone in the
back swears loudly. Striker turns to look.

Striker:"Wat's going on?"

Shephard looks at Striker. He is holding a radio in his hand.

Shephard:"I just got word from the other team. Their pilot screwed up. 
          She flew right into a thunderstorm and had one of their
          engines struck by lightning. They crash-landed safely, but
          I can you that they are clearly out of this mission, sir."

It is Striker's turn to swear out loud in his native language. Merit
looks at him.

Merit:"What a peculiar language. I must study it."

Elexis:"No, Merit. I wouldn't recommend it."

Tanarus looks at Striker.

Tanarus:"That's it, then. We are only two teams now with no further
         aid possible."

Bear:"Oh great. More bad news. Seems like this is the bad guys' lucky
      day."

Corsair, who had been working on his terminal, suddenly looks up at
Striker with a shocked expression.

Corsair:"I'd hate to pile on the bad news, boss, but our troubles just
         got worse."

Striker:"Wat?"

Corsair:"I've just picked up a large object coming from the north towards
         our location. I made an identification check, and, you'll love
         this: It's the KHA Alexander."

Everyone but Shephard and Merit look shocked at Corsair.

Tanarus:"The KH Military! They must have found out about Ortega, and
         Ortega still has to answer for what he did to them."

Illanov:"It appears that General Stalker himself has come to finish what
         they started two years ago in Colombia, comrades."

Phoenix:"But would he know about Ortega's Project Trojan?"

Elexis:"Very likely. The KH intel services would have easily found out
        about it if they were told to look into the Cartel's operations.
        Also, remember that Zorrino is Ortega's cousin, so the KH
        Military would have kept watch on him the last two years."

Shephard:"Yes! Three cheers for the KH Military!"

Everyone stares at Shephard.

Merit:"Strange. I thought it was against our programming to be supportive
       about rivals."

Shephard notices that everyone is staring at him.

Shephard:"What? If the KH Military is going to fight Ortega troops and
          those mercenaries, then we could close in during the fighting
          and get our share of combat."

Everyone else start staring at each other for a moment. Striker then
looks at Shephard.

Striker:"Shephard, I think you just provided us with a plan. Dankie."

Shephard:"Errr... you're welcome, sir... I think..."

Striker:"Listen, everyone! When Stalker and Ortega's forces and merce-
         naries clash with each other, their attention, and firepower,
         will be concentrated on each other. This means someone can
         fly us up to the Gargantua, drop us off on the spider and then
         get away out of range. We can then infiltrate the Gargantua."

He looks at Bear.

Striker:"Bear, you pilot the Stealth Rover."

Bear:"What? Why me?"

Striker:"You are a pilot, Bear."

Bear:"Yeah, but I want to join in the raid."

Striker:"I know, Bear, but you are only one we can spare to pilot the
         Stealth Rover in and out of the upcoming melee. I need my
         entire team on this mission."

Bear:"But my wife is on there!"

Striker:"I understand, Bear, but we need you here. You must provide us
         with transport and escape if needed. Nitro and your unborn 
         pup's life depends on this."

Bear sighs and nods.

Bear:"Okay, I'll do it. But please bring my family back alive."

Striker:"We will, my friend. We will."

Striker looks at the others.

Striker:"Get to the hangar and prepare for combat! Phoenix, wait a
         moment here."

Everyone else (except Bear) nods and get up. They head for the cockpit 
exit. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Call Rebel."

Phoenix:"Right."


Phoenix turns to the terminal and contacts Rebel's team. After a few
seconds Rebel appears on the screen.

Rebel:"Striker, we are picking up a large object coming in from the
       north towards the Gargantua."

Striker:"That is General Stalker and his forces. We think he is going
         after Ortega."

Rebel:"That might make things more tricky."

Striker:"Not really. In fact, it might work to our advantage. Here is
         our plan..."

He begins to explain the plan to Rebel. Rebel listens carefully as
Striker details the plan. One he is done, Rebel nods in agreement.

Rebel:"Yes, it might just work. This will be an opportunity we cannot
       afford to waste. Let's do it!"

Striker:"Reg, Rebel. Out."

The screen goes dead. Striker paws the controls over to Bear. Bear
gets into Striker's seat as the couple head for the exit. Bear looks
back at them.

Bear:"Hey, you two."

The couple stop and look back at Bear.

Bear:"Good luck and God bless."

Striker and Phoenix nod and smile.

Phoenix:"Thanks, Bear."

Striker:"Dankie, Bear. We will get Nitro back to you."

The couple turn and head out the exit. Bear turns his full attention
back to the pilot controls.

Idaho Countryside
7:34 AM:

The Idaho countryside is now less mountainous, though still hilly and
covered with forests of pinewood trees. The Gargantua is making its
way southward. As it does, the clouds in the sky behind it begin to
move out of the way of something massive coming through them. The front
of the KH Military flagship, the Alexander appears from the clouds.
Soon it is entirely out of the cloud and flying towards the Gargantua.
As it approaches, the Mayhem Mercenaries airborne fighters come out of
the hangars of the Gargantua and fly towards the Alexander. As they do,
Orcas and Valkyries are launched from the Alexander. Within seconds,
the two forces collide in an ensuing fur ball. The Alexander assists
by firing its onboard defenses at the Gargantua, while the Gargantua's
own SAM launchers and AAA guns open fire at the Alexander. The
Alexander's armor and automated defenses deflect the incoming fire
while the Gargantua's thick armor shrugs off the shots that are fired
at it. As this battle ensues, the two Rover aircraft fly carefully
towards the Gargantua.

Control Room
The Gargantua
7:36 AM:

Ortega and the technicians are at the controls working to keep the 
spider balanced as it is fired upon by the Alexander. Deadeye Jane is
doing her best to hold on to the seat of a technician, as is Vega. The
commandoes are holding on to exposed piping.

Technician 1:"Armor holding steady. No fractures."

Technician 2:"Stabilizers engaged. All systems nominal."

Ortega:"Gracias."

Deadeye:"Won't this continuing blasting eventually break through?"

Ortega:"No, senyorita. The Gargantua's armor is made of a reinforced
        titanium alloy. Very strong, but also very expensive and hard
        to get. I had to do many favors."

One of the technicians calls Ortega and says something in Spanish. This
makes Ortega look at one of the monitor screens on the control panel.
He then looks at Vega.

Ortega:"Senyor Vega! Come look at this."

Vega lets go of the pipe and grabs for Ortega's seat. He succeeds in
getting hold of the chair. Once holding on securely, looks at the 
monitor Ortega is indicating to. It shows the top part of the Gargantua's
body. Near a destroyed AAA gun the Stealth Rover and Jet Rover are
holding position as Striker's team and Rebel's team (minus Tasha) climb
off onto the body. Once they are all off, the two vehicles quickly take
off and fly away through the airborne battles raging around them. The
Rovers then go to the destroyed AAA gun and begin to climb through the
open space left by the blasted gun into the Gargantua.

Vega:"By Castro's moustache!"

Ortega:"Our Rover hombres are quite bold and smart. But you and I know
        better, eh?"

Vega grins and nods.

Vega:"Si. Do you want me to lead them into the spider room?"

Ortega:"Si. And make sure the spiders are given the right injections.
        Take senyorita Deadeye and her mercenaries with you. Our enemy
        might survive them, just in case."

Vega:"Si."

Vega lets go of the chair, then proceeds to the door. Deadeye Jane joins
him after he beckons her.

Deadeye:"What spiders?"

Vega:"Just follow me, senyorita. You are being paid for this."

Deadeye:"Yeah, yeah."

She follows Vega as they both leave the control room. Ortega and the
technicians keep working to keep the Gargantua steady.

Corridor
The Gargantua
7:39 AM:

This is long, narrow corridor running through the Gargantua. The walls
have metal plating and pipes running over them while light fixtures
above illuminate the corridor. Moving along the corridor is Striker's
team and Rebel's team, which includes Rebel, Bud, Lily and Chase.
Striker and his team members are armed with their weapons of choice,
while Rebel's team have their own weapons: all of them are armed with
tennisball cannons and wrist-mounted cable launchers, as well as
several other devices. Shephard walks ahead with his M-249, followed
by Rebel and Striker, then the rest with Chase and Merit taking up
the rear. As they go the corridor, they reach the end of it: an open
doorway leading into a room. Shephard goes forward carefully, then
looks inside. As he does this, Chase's ears perk up and he looks at
the others.

Chase:"Hey, guys. Seems the battle outside is calming down."

The other also hear the noise level outside has dropped significantly.

Merit:"My audio analysis indicates that it is correct. The conflict
       outside the perimeter of the Gargantua has ended. The mercenary
       vehicles are returning to the hangars and the weapon systems
       are being deactivated."

Rebel:"Then that means the mercenaries beat off the KH Military."

Striker:"That easily? Strange..."

Shephard turns back to the others.

Shephard:"All clear, sirs. No hostiles about. Single door at the other
          side."

Striker:"Reg. Shephard, go in and then cover the door."

Rebel:"Chase. Cover the door with Shephard."

Chase:"Righto."

Striker:"The rest of us go in and secure the room. Merit and Corsair
         will open the door."

Everyone nods, then the signal is given. Shephard and Chase go in and
guard the door on either side. The others go into the room as well,
checking to make sure all is clear. The room is pretty empty, except
for some panels in the walls (some at floor level) and a single metal
door at the other side. Corsair and Merit walk over to the door. 
Corsair begins to take out his laptop.

Corsair:"See if there is a place for you to plug into the door lock."

Merit looks around, then back at Corsair.

Merit:"Excuse me, but what door?"

Corsair immediately looks surprised at Merit, as does Rebel, Striker and
some of the nearby Rovers.

Corsair:"What do you mean 'what door'? This door, dummy."

He indicates to the door. Merit looks at it, then back at Corsair.

Merit:"I am not certain about your assertion about this section being
       a door."

Corsair is flabbergasted. Striker and Rebel move closer.

Striker:"Wat is wrong? We are wasting time."

Corsair:"Merit's brains seemed to have sprung a leak. He says this isn't
         a door."

Merit:"And that is a correct statement."

Rebel:"Merit, why is it that this door is not a door to you?"

Merit:"It is because my readings indicate that this section you refer to 
       as a door is a wall section that has been designed to have the
       appearance of a door."

Striker:"You mean this is not a real door?"

Merit:"Negative."

Rebel:"No hidden passages behind it?"

Merit:"None."

Realization begins to fill their faces. Suddenly the doorway Chase and
Shephard are guard is suddenly sealed up by the sudden appearance of
a metal door similar to the fake one in the wall.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! We are locked in!"

Rebel:"It's a trap!"

Chase:"Bummer! Seems like we're the mice in the trap."

Striker looks at Merit.

Striker:"Merit, go and see if you can..."

His voice is cut off by the noise of the metal panels at the floor
sliding open. Everyone looks at them.

Phoenix:"Oh no. Here comes the rest of trap."

Bud goes down on his paws and peers into one of the panels. He looks
around it.

Rebel:"See anything, Bud?"

Bud:"I see nothing... Wait, there's something moving in here... it
     looks like..."

He suddenly yelps, jumps up and ducks behind Lily, grabbing her like a
shield. This clearly annoys her.

Lily:"Watch those paws!"

She shakes her arms free from Bud's paws, but he still cowers behind
her.

Rebel:"Bud, what did you see?"

Bud is whimpering too much to speak. Just then the things he saw make
themselves seen. Coming out of the openings are tire-sized, hairy, 
black and yellow spiders. The females (except Lily) all grab for the 
nearest male while the males all immediately back away from the spiders.

Elexis:"Eeek! Spiders!"

Tanarus:"Easy, Honey! Move back!"

Corsair:"Now this is something new!"

Lily:"Ugh! They're hairy little monsters!"

The spiders surrounded them and they are all grouped in a small circle.
The spiders move closer, then stop a few feet short from them.

Merit:"How highly unusual. My database of biological entities indicate
       no records of such a specie of arachnid."

Chase:"Well, hey. Bigger might be nicer. Tarantulas are big spiders,
       but they are good pets and quite friendly."

Corsair looks at Chase.

Corsair:"Hello, genius. Have you forgotten where we are?"

Illanov immediately turns to Corsair.

Illanov:"Stop insulting your comrades and think of something, American!"

Corsair looks back at Illanov, sneering.

Corsair:"Awww. Is the poor Russkie scared of the little spiders? My my."

Striker, who has Phoenix clutching him tightly, quickly looks at them.

Striker:"Stop it! This is not the time for..."

Suddenly Shephard shouts out in pain. Everyone quickly looks at him as
he grabs his left arm. 

Shephard:"Damn! One of these bugs shot an arrow in me!"

Elexis:"You all right, Shephard?"

Shephard:"Yeah, I'm.... oooooohhhhh...."

Shephard begins to swagger, then falls to the floor, the spiders 
scurrying out of the way as he hits the ground.

Phoenix:"Shephard!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai!"

Elexis quickly kneels next to Shephard and feels his pulse.

Tanarus:"Is he... poisoned?"

Elexis:"No, he's unconscious, but..."

One of the nearby spiders suddenly spits a spike at Elexis. She yelps
as it hits her neck. She quickly stands up as Tanarus grabs her.

Tanarus:"Honey, what..."

Elexis's eyes roll into her head and her body goes limp. Tanarus holds 
her up, trying to wake her.

Tanarus:"Elexis!"

Rebel:"The spiders are drugging us!"

Striker:"Gou! Fire on the spiders!"

But even as the two units prepare to retaliate, the spiders attack first
again. Many of them spit their spikes at the Rovers, which strike their
marks. Yelps and shouts of pain can be heard, then quickly afterward the
Rovers fall to the floor unconscious. After less than a minute, only Merit
remains. The spiders keep spitting at him, but their spikes just bounce
off his metal body.

Merit:"Oh my. This behavior is unnaturally hostile for arachnids."

Suddenly there is a high-pitched noise in the room. The spiders stop
spitting and scamper away back to their openings. Once the last spider
is inside, the openings are closed up and the noise stops. A moment
later one part of a wall slides open. Cartel commandoes rush in, guns
ready. Several of them aim their weapons at Merit.

Commando:"Raise your hands, senyor!"

Merit:"Affirmative, though strange command."

Merit raises his metal hands in the air. Several more commandoes rush
in and begin to tie up the unconscious Rovers. Once they are done, they
pick up and carry the Rovers out of the room. Merit is roughly led out
of the room by the commandoes at gunpoint.

Merit:"This behavior I believe is classified as 'rudeness'."

Commando:"Shut up, senyor! Keep moving!"

Merit:"I say."

Merit is lead out of the room and the last commando also leaves the room.
The door is then closes, leaving no sign in the wall that there was a
door. Suddenly, there is a shower of sparks from the door that visible.
A blue energy beam pierces the door from the other side, then begins to
cut into it.

Laboratory
The Gargantua
7:50 AM:

Everything in the laboratory is more or less the same, except that the
other holding pens are now occupied by the unconscious Rovers (who have
been disarmed) and Merit as well. Nitro is looking through the bars at 
them, calling to them.

Nitro:"Striker! Guys! Wake up!"

Merit:"They do seem to be unable to fully take in your audio input."

Nitro:"Then shake them awake."

Merit goes over to Striker and begins to shake him. Striker stirs and
starts to wake up.

Striker:"Oooo... wat.... tyd vir skool, ma?"

Nitro:"Striker! It's me, Nitro."

Striker shakes his head, then focuses his eyes around before finally
seeing where he is. He spots the others lying in the pens. He goes to
Phoenix and shakes his awake.

Striker:"Phoenix, wake up!" 

Phoenix:"Murrr.... eh... what?"

Phoenix opens her eyes and gets up. She shakes off the sleep effects.
Striker looks at Merit.

Striker:"Help wake the others."

Merit:"Executing command."

Striker and Merit go around waking up both their team members and Rebel's
teams. After a few minutes they are all awake, though still blurry. It
is at this point Striker becomes aware of people talking to each other
in the laboratory. He turns to look and sees Ortega, Vega and Basson in
a meeting, with Deadeye Jane, Duncan and Turwar standing to one side.
He moves to the edge of the pen he is in to listen more closely.

Vega:"Why weren't the spiders given the usual poison instead of the
      anesthetic drug? It would be easier to just kill these hombres
      then to let them live."

Ortega:"We lacked the supplies. I have many enemies and thus I tend to
        use my spiders and their poisons a lot. We didn't have time to
        make more. As for the Rovers, we just give them a knock-out
        drug and then let Turwar finish them off. Anyway, back to the
        main issue. How long before senyora Nitro gives birth? We have
        been waiting for some time now, senyor Basson."

Basson:"Look, I know this drug I gave her works on humans. Since she
        is half-human as well it should work, but I never had the
        chance to really test it on a mutant, so I have no idea how
        long it will really take. So you will all need to be patient."

Ortega:"I suppose so, senyor. Though I want the Trojan Trigger ready
        very soon. No doubt we beat senyor Stalker and his forces, but
        I know they won't give up so easily and will come back. And
        when they come back, I want to show senyor Stalker my new
        toys to him."

Striker leans over to Nitro.

Striker:"Wat is he talking about?"

Nitro:"He told me earlier. He says..."

She quickly explains to him about what Ortega told her earlier. When
she is done Striker looks surprised at her.

Striker:"So your pup carries the chemical he needs?"

Nitro:"Yes, and now he's given me a drug to make me give birth within
       30 minutes."

Striker quickly turns to Elexis, who looking after the others who are
still shaking off the effects of the drugs.

Striker:"Elexis, come here and have a look at Nitro."

Elexis:"Just a moment... there..."

She finishes up and comes over to the edge of the pen. She puts out her
paws to touch and feel at various parts of Nitro's body.

Elexis:"How are you?"

Nitro:"Fine now, but I feel some of my muscles moving slightly out
       of my control."

She explains to Elexis about the injection. Elexis then critically
looks over her patient while Striker watches.

Striker:"Wel?"

Elexis:"She is holding out, but this drug is making her muscles that
        working during the birth to spasm a bit. Not that it really
        matters, since she was to give birth any day now, but this
        drug is going to make her give birth very soon now."

Striker:"How soon?"

Elexis:"Don't know, but she's not far off to say within the next 30
        minutes."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. We don't have much time left. We have to break out
         of here before she goes into labor."

As they are talking, a cartel commando walks into the laboratory. He
has a blank look on his face. Ortega, Vega and Basson glance at the
commando and notice the look on his face. They turn to face him.

Vega:"What is it, soldier?"

Commando:"The masters wishes to speak to you all."

Vega:"SIR, soldier. And what are you talking about? Have you been
      drinking or taking in drugs on your watch?"

Commando:"I have not. The masters are becoming insistent that they
          speak to you all."

Ortega and Vega look at each other, then back at the commando.

Ortega:"Who are these 'masters'? Am I not your superior?"

Commando:"No, Ortega. I have new masters, and they are very anxious
          to speak with you."

Vega:"Caramba! You HAVE been taking drugs, soldier! You are relieved
      from your duties!"

Commando:"My masters have lost their patience..."

Voice(through doorway):"And now are coming to meet you."

Ortega's eyes widen.

Ortega:"Caramba! I don't believe it!"

Two figures come walking into the doorway: It is General Stalker and
Sky. Stalker has his full golden battle armor on and Sky has a battle
trooper suit on (minus the helmet). Stalker has his Zinca Chaingun
ready while Sky has a KH-50 Assault Rifle. Both them aim their weapons
at Ortega and his followers. They immediately have the attention of
all in the room. Ortega recovers his disposition, but keeps a stern
look on Stalker.

Ortega:"Buenos dias, senyor Stalker. It has been many years since we 
        last met face-to-face. In fact, the last time I remember was
        during the reign of your predecessor, senyor Franco. May the
        diablo feast on his soul."

Stalker:"The feeling is mutual towards my predecessor, but we are
         here, in the present. And right now, there is an issue from
         the past that we have come to settle."

Ortega:"Ah. Is senyor Malcolm still upset about the money I stole?
        My, you do keep grudges for a long while."

Stalker:"Yes, he is upset about the money and so am I, and I have
         personally come to finish the war that General Black
         waged two years ago."

Ortega:"The Colombian War? That war is over senyor."


Stalker:"That was only what the United Nations and the Road Rovers
         thought. They thought they won the war, but they were far
         from correct."

Stalker then glances at Striker.

Stalker:"That's right, Striker. This war was never over. The only
         warring parties was my forces and Ortega's. All you did
         was to delay the conflict."

Striker:"And nou you have come to finish it yourself?"

Stalker:"Indeed, so it would be in your best interest to do what
         have come to do and leave this personal matter to me and
         Ortega."

He looks back at Ortega.

Stalker:"And speaking of, it is time to resume hostilities."

Ortega:"Si, senyor. And I making the first call."

He glances at Turwar.

Ortega:"Get them!"

Turwar snarls and grows out two long stabbing blades out of his claws.
As this happens, Sky shoots the commando whom he was mind-controlling
and looks at Turwar. Turwar growls and prepares to lunge. But as he
does, he stops and stares at Sky. Ortega shouts at Turwar.

Ortega:"Turwar! Attack!"

Turwar snarls Turwar around at Ortega and his followers. Vega, Duncan
and Basson immediately back away, with Basson grabbing one of the 
containers behind everyone else's back. Deadeye Jane also backs away
slightly.

Stalker:"Sky here has taken control of Turwar's mind and now only
         obeys his orders. Now, our turn."

Ortega suddenly turns to the two cartel commandoes near him.

Ortega:"Get him!"

The ready their rifles. Turwar snarls and jumps for the two commandoes
as they open fire. Ortega and his followers quickly rush out the door
before closing it behind them. Turwar quickly tears the two commandoes
apart. Stalker goes and closes the other door while Sky puts Turwar on
guard at the door Ortega went out. Once Sky turns to Stalker.

Sky:"Laboratory secure, sir."

Stalker:"Good. Have Turwar keep watch on both these doors."

Sky:"Yes, General."

Sky begins to concentrate on having Turwar keep guard on the two doors.
Stalker then turns his attention to the others in the cages and walks
towards them. He looks at Nitro.

Stalker:"What is your status?"

Nitro:"I'm fine."

Stalker:"I meant how close are you to labor? I know Basson gave you a
         drug to make you go into labor."

Elexis:"She is starting to feel the effects of the drug. She could give
        birth at any moment."

Stalker stares at Elexis. She stares back, then looks away. Stalker
then turns to Striker and Rebel.

Stalker:"Both your units are accounted for?"

Striker:"Ja, but they took our weapons."

Stalker:"I know. We have the location of where your weapons are. It is
         not far. We will lead you there."

Rebel:"You? Lead us? You're the bad guy here, General."

Stalker:"That I am, but consider this: both of us are combating the
         same foe once again. You want to stop him, and so do we. I
         would prefer to make an alliance with you instead of fighting
         a three way battle like two years ago. I have learned that it
         is beneficial to make alliances against a common foe."

Corsair:"Yeah, and I heard backstabbing is one of the things they also
         teach at villain school."

Stalker:"I will ignore that. At any rate, have a quick meeting and
         consider my proposal, but do not take too long."

Stalker turns his attention to Sky, and the two of them begin to talk.
The Rovers gather together as close as they can.

Shephard:"Sirs, I don't like the idea of having one the world's big
          super villains watching my back."

Lily:"Yeah. I don't trust Stalker one bit."

Striker:"Look, this may sound crazy, but Stalker is the only one whom
         we can trust in this situation."

Tanarus:"Not to mention the only one who can get us out of these pens."

Bud:"Oh yeah? I can bend these bars with my super strength."

Illanov:"And then what, comrade? We will still need to deal with Stalker
         and Sky and Turwar as well. And we don't have our weapons."

Bud:"Oh, yeah."

Phoenix:"I'm not sure if it the wisest course, but having spent so many
         years in the KH Military labs I can say that he is trustworthy
         enough."

Corsair:"Him? Yeah, right. Like Hitler was to Russians."

Illanov begins to growls, but he is immediately eclipsed by Elexis who
snarls at Corsair. Corsair looks at her surprise.

Corsair:"What!"

Elexis:"My father is NOT a backstabber! He won't turn against his allies
        so easily!"

She suddenly realizes what she said and sighs. Tanarus comforts her.

Striker:"Elexis is reg. Stalker may be a villain. but he does have reason."

Rebel:"I'm reluctant to admit this, but I'll go along with this scheme 
       and so will my team."

Striker:"So we all agree to this?"

Everyone else nods. Striker nods back and then turns his attention back 
to Stalker, who is talking to Sky.

Striker:"Stalker!"

Stalker holds out his paw in a stop gesture as he and Sky keep speaking. 
Once they are done, Stalker goes over to the pens.

Stalker:"Well?"

Striker:"We accept your alliance, but only until we have both defeated 
         Ortega."

Stalker:"Wise. I was going to say the same."

He holds out his paw to Striker.

Stalker:"Done?"

Striker grabs Stalker's paw and shakes it firmly for moment.

Striker:"Done!"

As they let go, Stalker immediately uses his energy blades to slice away
the bars of the pens. He steps back as the Rovers come out of the pens.
Phoenix and Elexis go over to Nitro, who is struggling to stand, and
help her along. Striker looks at Stalker.

Striker:"Where are our weapons?"

Stalker:"They are inside an armory a short distance away. We best make
         haste to it."

Striker nods towards Sky's direction.

Striker:"Will Sky be able to control Turwar?"

Stalker:"Somewhat, but he must not completely break his concentration or
         else he will lose the connection."

Sky walks over to Stalker. He has the one trigger container is his paws.

Sky:"I have the one trigger container, but it seems Ortega or Basson have
     the other one."

Stalker:"I see."

Stalker looks back at the Rovers.

Stalker:"I will lead you to the armory. And hurry! Ortega will certainly
         try and get Nitro back with force."

Striker:"Reg, but I warn you..."

Stalker:"I understand."

Stalker goes over to the door he and Sky came through and opens it. He 
looks outside for any trouble, then goes out. The Rovers follow him out, 
followed by Sky and the mind-controlled Turwar.

Control Room
The Gargantua
At That Moment:

Ortega, Basson, Vega, Deadeye Jane and Duncan are in the control room.
Basson is holding the other trigger container.

Ortega:"I want a full search on all decks. Check the armory first, 
        since those senyors will certainly try and get their weapons 
        back. Nitro is not to be harmed at all costs, and if she is,
        try to hurt the pup."

Deadeye:"These seem like bad odds. You bada** bodyguard has been mind
         controlled, your enemies are ganging up on us and you want
         to get, through them, one pregnant wolf. That in tight cor-
         ridors and small rooms."
          
Vega:"I do have to agree somewhat with the senyorita. Turwar on the
      enemy's side is already serious disadvantage for our side."

Ortega:"I know, but we must get both Nitro's pup and that second
        container back. Without Nitro's pup, we won't be able to
        activate the mutations and the enemy could use the second 
        trigger to develop an antidote for the mutation cell in
        Hivagen."

Duncan:"Hey, about that mutation thingie. What does it do?"

Basson:"It works like this: Hivagen contains mutation cells that are
        trigger to activate state by this trigger we have here. The
        subject then turns into a very strong super human, similar
        to Turwar but without the hideous side-effects."

Duncan:"And what does the b**** Nitro's pup got to do with it?"

Basson:"Well, we suspect the trigger, as it is right now, is rather
        unstable and the chemical in the pup contains cells that
        have taken in the pup's natural human and animal resistances to
        bacteria, poisons, chemicals and such, will render the trigger
        and thus the mutation fully stable."

Duncan:"Do you guys really need that? Or have you no proof that your
        suspicions are correct?"

Basson and the others stare at Duncan.

Ortega:"What do you suggest, senyor?"

Duncan:"Simple. You inject me with this stuff as it is. I'll get the
        trigger for you in exchange for letting me kill Bear and Nitro."

Ortega, Basson and Vega look surprised at each other, then back at
Duncan.

Basson:"I wouldn't recommend it."

Duncan:"Bah! Your suspicions are just that! I bet you don't even need
        the pup. Now how about it?"

Ortega motions Basson and Vega to one side. He begins to speak to them
in a softer tone of voice.

Ortega:"Senyor Basson, what would the effects be?"

Vega:"You're not thinking of giving him those chemicals without the final
      component, sir?"

Ortega:"I am. Now, what is your answer, senyor Basson?"

Basson:"Well, he would still become the fully mutated specimen we expect, 
        but I do not know what the reactions of his current bodily
        metabolism will be to these changes. They might do nothing, or
        cause dangerous side-effects. Simply put, I don't know what
        will happen."

Ortega:"Very well. Give him the injections."

Vega:"You certain?"

Ortega:"Of course. We're not paying him to do this and he is fighting for
        free, so it won't be a major loss if he happens to suffer any
        'consequences' from the mutation. Give him the injections."

Basson:"Ja, mister Ortega."

They all turn back to Duncan and Deadeye Jane. Basson digs around in his
lab coat and takes out two syringes, one empty and the other filled with
Hivagen. Ortega looks at Duncan.

Ortega:"You have a deal, senyor. Just kill those Rover hombres and get
        the container back."

Duncan grins evilly.

Duncan:"My pleasure."

Basson:"Pull up your one shirt sleeve."

Duncan does as he is told as exposes his one arm to Basson. Basson takes
the syringe with Hivagen and finds the spot where an artery is. He
sticks the needle in and Duncan doesn't even flinch. Basson injects
the Hivagen into Duncan, then removes the needle.

Basson:"Now for the trigger..."

He takes the other syringe and sticks it through a plastic plug in the
container. He draws out some of the fluid, then goes back to Duncan.

Basson:"Now pull the other sleeve up."

Duncan does it again and exposes his other arm. Basson sticks the needle
into the same spot as he did with the other arm. He hesitates, then
injects the fluid into Duncan. He removes the syringe, then steps back.

Basson:"Now we just have to wait."

Ortega:"How long?"

Basson:"Depends, but it shouldn't take long for the drugs to flow
        through his bloodstream and meet each other."

Ortega, Basson, Vega and Deadeye Jane wait and watch Duncan as he waits
for the drugs' effects to begin. After a few moments, he begins to
flinch. He flinch more and more with each passing moment. Suddenly he
falls to his knees and screams. The others back off as the Trojan Drug
begins its mutation of Duncan.

Armory
The Gargantua
8:08 AM:

This is a small, rectangular room with a single door leading in from the
one side. Along the walls are racks containing automatic weapons, rifles,
pistols, RPG launchers and machine guns. As here are a few tables which 
have the weapons of the Rovers placed on them. Striker and Rebel's teams 
are here getting their weapons, while Stalker keeps an eye on them. Sky
and the mind-controlled Turwar stand guard at the door. The body of a 


mutilated commando lies next to the door. Elexis, meanwhile, is helping
Nitro, who is leaning on a table and holding her belly.

Elexis:"How are you holding?"

Nitro:"I feel I'm slipping a bit here..."

Striker looks over at Elexis as he gets his revolver.

Striker:"How is she?"

Elexis glances over at Striker.

Elexis:"I'm afraid there isn't much time left."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. We must get her to safety before she goes into 
         labor. Can you give any medication to help her?"

Elexis:"I've given her all that I have. I doubt she'll be able to hold
        it until we can her out of here."

Suddenly Nitro gasps loudly and grabs her belly. This gets the attention
of everyone in the room (except Sky and Turwar). Elexis quickly turns
her attention back to Nitro.

Elexis:"Nitro! What's wrong?"

Nitro:"I... I think..."

She groans out in obvious pain.

Nitro:"I think I'm going into labor!"

Corsair:"Ah crap. Not now."

Lily and Phoenix rush to Nitro's aid. They each take one of her arms
and helps her down onto the floor. Stalker and the others come closer.

Stalker:"Is she going into labor?"

Elexis:"Yes, father! I'm afraid I'll to midwife right here!"

Stalker quickly grabs his cloak, takes it off and holds it out to
Elexis. She looks up at Stalker in confusion.

Stalker:"You know what to do with the cloth, Elexis. Don't disappoint
         me."

Elexis:"Yes, father."

She grabs the cloak, then uses it to cover Nitro's legs. She begins to
ready Nitro as Nitro holds tightly on to Phoenix and Lily's paws. She
is panting heavily and yelping in pain. Rebel turns to the others.

Rebel:"I think we males best step back. This is their turf now."

Tanarus:"I agree. Let Elexis do this."

Striker:"Ja, but keep guard! We are now at our most vulnerable."

The males all move away, but Merit keeps watching. He looks under the
cloak.

Merit:"How strange. Production of new organisms do now have sufficient
       space for delivery."

Striker quickly grabs Merit and pulls him to one side.

Striker:"Merit, I know you want to learn more about us, but I'm afraid
         this is one of those things that are best left unseen and in
         private."

Merit:"Unusual."

Bud:"Wow, a perverted robot."

Corsair:"Nuff zed."

Illanov sighs and rolls his eyes. Nitro screams in pain as Elexis helps
with the delivery, urging her on.

Elexis:"That's it. Keep going. Keep going, you're doing fine."

Nitro screams in pain again. Some of the males glance nervously at the
single doorway.

Chase:"Her screams are gonna bring down every bad guy on us."

Rebel:"That can't be helped, but I doubt they'd come gunning in here.
       Ortega wants Nitro's pup alive."

Chase:"I know, but I'm worried that some overzealous grunt forgets that
       fact and goes and chucks a grenade in here."

Corsair:"Now that would really suck."

Nitro screams again. Shephard goes and looks out through the doorway in
all directions, then comes back in.

Shephard:"No sign of the enemy, sirs. Rather strange, since those
          screams would surely have brought them here."

Striker:"I'm not so certain, Shephard. Our enemy is working on a plan
         to attack us, and we must be ready to counter-attack."

Nitro screams again. Elexis can be heard calling out encouragements to
Nitro.

Elexis:"Keep going! I can see the head! Push!"

Nitro:"I am pushing! AAAAA!!!"

A few seconds later there is the sound of a crying pup. Nitro keeps
pushing in pain as Elexis helps with the newborn.

Elexis:"Almost there! Almost! Almost!"

She looks up at Phoenix.

Elexis:"Your jacket! Quick!"

Phoenix quickly takes off her jacket and paws it to Elexis. Elexis
takes the jacket and disappears with it under the cloak. After a few
moments she reappears. In Phoenix's jacket is the newborn wolf-sapien
puppy, crying out loudly. Nitro gasps with relief and a weak smile comes
on her face. Elexis looks up at Stalker.

Elexis:"Father! Help cut the umbilical cord!"

Stalker:"Right."

Stalker goes over to Elexis and kneels down. He readies his energy blades,
then carefully cuts the cord from the puppy and Nitro. Elexis quickly
cleans things up, then wraps the pup in the jacket. She smiles at Nitro.

Elexis:"It's a boy!"

Nitro holds out her arms and Elexis gives her the pup. Nitro cuddles the
pup against her breasts, cooing at her new crying baby.

Nitro:"My sweet little Sirius... welcome to this world..."

Those around her start to smile one by one (except Merit, who is looking
confused at the whole matter, and Sky who is still controlling the snarling
Turwar).

Lily:"Awwww! How cute!"

Phoenix:"Such a nice puppy."

Striker smiles and looks at Shephard.

Striker:"Get Bear."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Shephard gets out his radio and contacts the Stealth Rover.

Shephard(into radio):"Hey, sir. I think you'd want to hear this..."

He comes and holds the radio near Sirius, who is still crying out loudly.
Nitro takes the radio from Shephard.

Nitro(into radio):"Bear?"

Bear(over radio):"Nitro! Are you all right? Who's screaming like that?"

Nitro(into radio):"It's Sirius, silly."

There is a brief pause.

Bear(over radio):"My son?"

Nitro(into radio):"Yes, your son."

Nitro holds the radio closer to the crying Sirius.

Bear(over radio):"Hey, Sirius... this is daddy... glad to hear you..."

Phoenix smiles and cuddles up with Striker, who puts his arms around her.
Elexis and Tanarus do the same, then glance at Stalker. Stalker nods
slightly.

Stalker:"Well done, my Daughter."

Elexis smiles slightly.

Elexis:"Thank you, Father."

Suddenly there is a scuffle at the door. Before anyone can even turn their
heads, Turwar flies past them and smashes right through a wall. A second
later there is a guttural shout and Sky comes flying past through the hole
onto Turwar, who is still shaking off the effects of the smash and the
mind control. Everyone quickly looks to the door. Standing in the doorway
is Duncan, but it isn't Duncan either. He is now almost ten feet in high,
extremely muscled and his skin color is now like that of Turwar. Thick
blood veins can be seen through his skin, but a blue liquid is flowing
through them. Duncan's eyes are very wide and bloodshot, but have a
violent look in them.

Corsair:"Well, this is new!"

Bear voice calls out over the radio.

Bear(over radio):"Nitro! Honey! What was that noise?"

Nitro(into radio):"Got to go, Dear! We have guests!"

She turns off the radio and tosses it to Shephard, who catches it with
one hand while the other holds his rifle aimed at Duncan.

Rebel:"What are you?"

Duncan laughs.

Duncan:"I'm your worst nightmare! I'm going to smash you into small
        little pieces if you don't give me that baby and the other
        container!"

Tanarus:"You're going to smash us anyway!"

Duncan:"Yeah, but I just had to say it!"

Stalker readies his energy blades and looks at the others.

Stalker:"Get Nitro and Sirius out of here! Now!"

Stalker lunges at Duncan, but Duncan just keeps standing there. The
energy blades dig into his skin, but are then just bounced back. The
skin where the blades dug in are still uninjured. Duncan then grabs
Stalker by the neck and lifts him into the air. Stalker tries to
get loose from the grip, but is unable to stop Duncan from choking
him. Elexis' eyes widen. 

Elexis:"Father!"

She runs to Stalker's aid, followed by Tanarus. Striker turns to the
others.

Striker:"Through the hole! Gou!"

Lily and Phoenix help Nitro up and go through the hole with the
others. Elexis and Tanarus each grab one of Duncan's arms as Stalker's
struggles become weaker. They are unsuccessful in getting Duncan to
let go.

Elexis:"Hold on, Father!"

Tanarus:"I got an idea!"

Tanarus climbs up to Duncan's head and calls into your ear.

Tanarus:"I heard you are quite a mutant lover in your pickup."

This immediately makes Duncan turn his head to Tanarus. There is fury
in his eyes.

Duncan:"I'll kill you!"

Tanarus jumps down and runs through the door. Duncan roars in fury,
lets go of Stalker and runs after Tanarus. Elexis comes to Stalker
and helps him up.

Elexis:"Father! You okay?"

Stalker:"Yes... I'm fine... If this mutation is what Ortega has in
         store, then... we are all in trouble."

Voice(from behind):"Si, senyor. You are correct."

The two look behind them and see Ortega, Vega and Deadeye Jane standing
in the doorway. Vega has a M4 rifle, Ortega has a minigun and Deadeye
Jane has a EHV (EuroCorp High Velocity) rifle, gun that looks like a
high-tech hunting rifle. All three have their weapons aimed at the
two, while behind them Carlos and Hawk are running after Duncan.

Ortega:"As you can see, senyor Duncan is the final result of Project
        Trojan. Carlos and Hawk are going to call him back, since the
        drug also allows me and my hombres to control Duncan against
        his will. Soon, there will be many more of him."

Elexis:"But... didn't you need Nitro's pup?"

Ortega:"Doesn't look like it, does it, senyorita? We gave senyor Duncan
        the uncompleted trigger, and so far he is doing well. If he
        keeps it up, then I won't need the pup anymore. Right now, I
        don't need you."

Stalker quickly grabs Elexis and puts him between her and Ortega and
his sidekicks. The trio open fire as Stalker leads Elexis towards the
hole. The shots blasts apart the surrounding racks and tables, but
bounce off his armor. As the two go through the hole, Ortega, Vega and
Deadeye Jane begin to go into pursuit. But their pursuit is stopped
as Stalker raises his one paw. A glow appears around the paw, then the
debris from the broken begin to fly back into their place to close
up the hole. Ortega turns to the other.

Ortega:"Come. That is the gymnasium and there is only one way in."

Deadeye:"They'll escape through that!"

Vega:"Not really, senyorita. That one way leads into the main barracks."

Ortega:"But they can still go out the windows, but it gives us time."

Ortega, followed by Vega and Deadeye Jane go out the armory through the
door.

Gymnasium
8:19 AM:

This gymnasium contains all the gymnastic equipment found in a high
profile gymnasium. The walls are all covered with mirrors, except one
side which are sloped windows looking out down at the Idaho countryside.
Stalker and Elexis, who are looking at the closed up hole, have a scream
turn their attention back to the others. Bud is running around in a 
circle around a gym machine while Turwar runs after him in a circle.
The other Rovers are standing around watching the scene. Phoenix and
Lily are tending to Nitro and Sirius.

Stalker:"What's going on here?"

Chase:"Seems Bud's got a roach problem on his tail."

Stalker:"Where's Sky?"

Striker points to where is Sky is sitting on a bench rubbing his head.
Stalker goes over to him.

Stalker:"What happened?"

Striker:"He was knocked unconscious by Duncan and without him we cannot
         control Turwar."

Bud:"Wake him up! Make him get this thing off me!"

Stalker motions for Elexis to come over and help. Shephard watches her
as she goes to him.

Shephard:"Why is she helping one of the biggest terrorist generals in
          the world like that, sir?"

Lily:"Yeah, what is her case?"

Rebel:"I'm also curious myself."

Striker:"Elexis is Stalker's daughter, though never have told us if it
         is biological or adopted. They do still share that bond,
         though."

Rebel:"Despite the fact that both belong to groups that oppose one
       another?"

Striker:"Ja."

Bud:"Hey! How about helping me here?!"

Corsair:"That's a little hard for us to do with that creep chasing you, 
         you know."

Bud:"Oh, thank you! You are so helpful!"

Bud yipes as Turwar swipes at him with one his blades and barely misses
his back. They both keep running. Rebel glances at the window, then back
to Striker.

Rebel:"Since there is a window, how about we get Nitro and her pup out 
       of here quickly?"

Striker:"Ja, that would be best, but I'm worried that the glass might be
         difficult to break through and take too long before Ortega's
         forces find us."

Rebel:"I think we can get past that."

Rebel turns to Lily.

Rebel:"Can you break a hole into one of these windows?"

Lily:"Sure, just let me check quickly."

Lily walks over to the windows and feels over them with her paws, as
if searching for something. She rubs at one spot, then steps back a
bit. She turns back to one, takes aim with her tennisball launcher
and fires. The tennisball strikes hard at the spot where she had
rubbed, then plops to the ground. The window immediately cracks at
the spot until it is entirely cracked. The window then breaks loose
from its frame and falls to the ground far below.

Rebel:"Nice work, Lily."

Lily:"Amazing what one can do with super intelligence."

Striker gets out his radio and calls the Stealth Rover.

Striker(into radio):"Bear, come in."

Bear(over radio):"I hear you. You got Nitro and my son?"

Striker(into radio):"Safe, for nou. We are hemmed in a gymnasium
       with windows looking out through the sides of the hull. One
       of those windows has been blown. Bring the Stealth Rover in
       so we can your family to safety."

Bear(over radio):"Roger. Coming in."

Striker puts away the radio and turns to the others.

Striker:"Luister, everyone! Bear is bringing in the Stealth Rover. We
         have to provide cover fire while Nitro and her pup are
         evacuated from the Gargantua. Turn over some of these machines
         and equipment and use them for cover."

As Striker gives these orders, Stalker and Elexis help up Sky, who is
recovered well enough but rubbing his chest. Stalker turns to Striker.

Stalker:"Does this mean you are evacuating the Gargantua?"

Striker:"Ja. We got Nitro and her pup, and once we are away from here,
         Ortega won't have the final piece to complete his deadly
         drug. We can then call in the USAF and have them destroy this
         machine."

Stalker:"That does sound good in theory, but unfortunately there is
         some new information that might make that effort somewhat of
         a failed mission."

Striker:"Failed mission?"

Stalker:"Yes. That thing you saw attacking us. That was your friend
         Duncan."

Everyone except Bud (who is still running from Turwar) is surprised at
this, especially Nitro.

Nitro:"Duncan? That thing? But how?"

Stalker:"He was given an injection of the Trojan drug."

Lily:"Hold on! Doesn't Ortega need Sirius to do that?"

Stalker:"Apparently they seem to come to the conclusion that, seeing that
         Duncan has successfully been mutated, that Sirius is no longer
         required for project Trojan. That means that the other container
         they have is sufficient for their plans."

Striker:"But you have the other one, Stalker."

Stalker:"Yes, and once I get it to Tesla, he will make an antidote which
         will then be sold by Malcolm Industries to those who have 
         been given Hivagen."

Corsair:"And why on Earth would you do that and not use the drug to make
         your own mutant army?"

Stalker:"Simple. I am not a monster who thinks he can use innocent
         civilians as weapons of mass destruction. Also, the money
         generated from the sale of the cure is much more flexible than
         just the drug itself."

Corsair:"Oh."

Illanov chuckles at Corsair.

Illanov:"Outsmarted this time, American?"

Corsair glares at Illanov.

Corsair:"Yeah, well you get outsmarted ALL the time."

Illanov stops chuckling and growls at Corsair, who just frowns back.
Tanarus comes back to the topic.

Tanarus:"This means we must go in and fight all of Ortega's guards plus
         his mercenaries to get that other container as well."

Rebel:"It seems so, but wouldn't it be easier to just get out of here
       and then call in the Air Force to bomb Ortega, his spider and
       the Trojan drug into slag?"

Striker:"It would be a good idea, but then that means we run the risk of
         having Ortega making a quick escape as he did the last time we
         destroyed the Gargantua."

The sound of a soft humming engine draws their attention to the windows.
The Stealth Rover appears alongside the windows, matching its speed to
that of the Gargantua. One of the hatch doors near the cockpit is kept
at the broken window opening. Lily and Phoenix help Nitro, who is cuddling
the pup in her arms, up to her feet, while Illanov goes to the hatch
door and opens it. He climbs into the Stealth, and after a few moments
Bear comes out. He looks around and spots Nitro, who is smiling at him.
He goes to her.

Bear:"Nitro! You all right?"

Nitro:"I told you I'm fine... look at your new son..."

Nitro indicates to the pup in her arms. Bear looks at his new son, tears
of joy coming to his eyes. The others watch him as well, some with
happiness, some with indifference and one with curiosity (Merit).

Voice:"There you are!!!"

The voice suddenly makes everyone turn to the source of the voice.
Standing in one doorway is Duncan. At two other doorways are Vega, 
Deadeye Jane, Carlos, Hawk and Ortega, their weapons ready but not
aimed at the Rovers. Bear looks at Duncan with wide eyes.

Bear:"Duncan McCube?"

Duncan:"Very same! Now I'm the one who's gonna play baseball... with
        your head!!!"

Shephard immediately opens fire at Duncan, but just like with Turwar
the bullets do nothing to Duncan. Duncan roars and lunges at Bear.
Bear quickly pushes Nitro and Sirius away from him. Duncan collides
with Bear and forces him to the floor, a firm grip on Bear's neck.
The others quickly take out their weapons and fire at Duncan, but
their shots do nothing. Ortega is grinning as he watches.

Ortega:"Caramba. So the Trojan Drug is a success. Guess I won't be
        needing that pup anymore."

Stalker quickly turns to Sky.

Stalker:"Sky, can you mind control him?"

Sky:"I think I can, sir."

Sky looks at Duncan, concentrating for a few moments. After a few
seconds he breathes out and shakes his head.

Sky:"Then again, I cannot, sir. Duncan has somehow become more mind
     control resistant."

Stalker:"Curse it!"

Stalker readies his energy blades and lunges at Duncan, while Elexis
tries to inject Duncan with a drug. The others fire shots at exposed
spots on Duncan's body. All of this is in vain. The shots and stabs
do not penetrate Duncan's skin. They all can only watch as Duncan
squeezes the life out of Bear. Nitro is staring in horror.

Nitro:"Bear! No!!!"

Suddenly Duncan lets go of Bear, who drops to the floor gasping for
air. Duncan starts gasp heavily as Chase and Phoenix drag Bear away
from Duncan. Ortega is looking confused at Duncan.

Ortega:"Senyor Duncan! What are you doing?"

Duncan is gasping even more, then turns around. He is now wide-eyed
and sweating very heavily.

Phoenix:"Oh my God. What's happening to him? Is he sick?"

Elexis:"He certainly looks very sick."

Ortega quickly looks back out the way he came in and shouts out some-
thing. The next moment Basson is next to him and looking at Duncan,
who is beginning to shake and sweat even more.

Ortega:"Senyor! What's happening to him?"

Basson:"I don't know, but he looks like he is suffering from a severe
        form of fever."

Suddenly Duncan screams again. Then, horrifically, his skin begins to
drip from his body. The others (except Merit and Bud) watch in shock
at the scene.

Merit:"My scanning indicates that the subject is suffering from a 
       certain form of decomposure."

Chase, Corsair:"Whoa!"

Phoenix, Elexis, Nitro, Lily and even Deadeye Jane look away, as do
some of the males. Duncan's skin is now looking more and more like
putty.

Tanarus:"By God, he's melting!"

Stalker:"How... disturbing..."

Bear:"Oh yuck!"

Ortega looks at Basson, who is staring at Duncan in disgust.

Ortega:"Basson!"

Basson:"I think my theory was correct! The drug has destabilized his
        bodily molecules and now he is melting like that!"

Duncan is still screaming in immense pain and reaches for his melting
face. He staggers around, going closer to the broken window. Suddenly
he misses his footing and plummets over the side, his scream now more
of a gurgle. Corsair rushes to the window edge and looks out. He sees
Duncan hitting the ground below. Before Corsair can see what has
happened to Duncan in the fall, one of the giant spider legs goes and
lands right on top of him. Corsair makes a face, then looks back at
the others.

Corsair:"Final analysis: he's roadkill."

Some of the Rovers make faces.

Bear:"I wanted him to rot, but not like this."

Ortega:"Oh well. At least his death proves I need that pup."

This brings everyone back to reality. Everyone turns to Ortega and
his followers, their weapons ready and aimed. Ortega and his followers
take aim at their opponents as well. Bear moves more protectively
closer to Nitro.

Bear:"You are not getting my son!"

Ortega:"Really, senyor?"

Suddenly there is a scuffle near Nitro. As Bear and the others turn to
look, they see Basson snatching Sirius from Nitro's arms. Basson quickly
backs away before they can react. Some turn their weapons to Basson, but
he holds Sirius, who has begun crying, in front of him.

Basson:"You shoot and miss, you kill this pup!"

Striker immediately takes out his revolver and aims it at Basson's
head.

Striker:"Let him go or I will shoot you!"

Basson:"Ja, reg! As if you would shoot while I hold this little
        hostage."

Striker:"I am a good shot, Basson."

Basson:"Nottedém. You're not that good."

Striker pulls back the hammer on his revolver, still aiming it at
Basson. Suddenly a shot rings out from Hawk's EHV rifle. The bullet
hits Striker in the arm. He yelps out in pain and drops his revolver.
Basson suddenly dashes for the door past Carlos and Hawk. The Rovers
quickly duck behind the gym equipment and Ortega's men duck behind
the doorways as a firefight breaks out. Shots ring out as both sides
try to outgun the other. Elexis creeps over to Striker to give him
medical attention, while Bear holds Nitro back.

Nitro:"But he has my baby!"

Bear:"We can't get him, but we WILL get him back! I swear it!"

Meanwhile, Stalker is talking into the communicator built into his
suit's wrist. Sky covers him by firing his KH-50 at those who want
to shoot at his superior.

Stalker(into com):"This is Stalker to the Alexander! Recommence the
       attack immediately!"

As this firefight goes on, Bud is still being chased by Turwar.

Bud:"Dang it! Doesn't anyone care about me?!"

He looks around for a way to escape, then looks at the window. He
thinks for a moment.

Bud:"Crazy idea, but its less crazy then being chased in a circle by
     a monster during a firefight."

He stops running and runs for the open window, with Turwar following 
him in close pursuit. Bud runs to the window and jumps off, but quickly
grabs the ledge. Turwar also jumps, but goes falling down to the ground,
snarling all the way. Bud breathes a sigh of relief.

Bud:"Finally, no more running. I'd better start climbing up and help
     the others."

He begins to climb up, but as his head appears over the ledge, a bullet
flies over it. He quickly ducks back.

Bud:"But then there's nothing wrong about hanging around here."

Meanwhile the firefight continues in the gymnasium between the Rovers
and Ortega's followers.

Barracks
The Gargantua
8:28 AM:

This is a square room with metal floors, walls and ceiling. One of the
walls is a window wall like that in the gymnasium. Along the other
walls are elevated double bunks with military trunks at the foot of
each one. In the centre of the room are several metal tables and chairs.
There are three doorways leading out of the barracks. The one that leads
to the next-door gymnasium is now heavily covered by cartel commandoes
and mercenaries. They are keeping the doorway covered while some take
pot shots at the Rovers in the gym. At one table is Basson along with
Hawk and Carlos, who are covering him. On the table is the crying
Sirius and the one Trojan container. Basson has taken out a fresh, 
empty syringe and is preparing to use. He looks for a spot on Sirius' 
arm, then sticks the needle in. Sirius cries out loudly in pain as 
Basson extracts blood from him. Once taken out enough blood, he takes
out the syringe and sticks it through the rubber plug on the container.
He injects the blood into the container. As the blood mixes with the
bleu liquid, the liquid turns a slightly purple color. Basson tosses
the syringe to one side and shakes the container. 

Carlos:"Is it done, senyor?"

Basson shakes the container a bit more, then looks at Carlos and nods.

Basson:"Ja, it's ready! We can leave now!"

Carlos:"Come on!"

Carlos leads the way to the exit leading from the barracks. Basson 
follows him, holding the container. Hawk covers the rear. They leave
the barracks, with a crying Sirius still on the table.

Gymnasium
8:34 AM:


The firefight is still raging in the room, though the Rovers are more
successful. The bodies of dead commandoes and mercenaries are lying at
the doorways. Behind one doorway Ortega was standing behind his men
as Carlos comes up to him.

Carlos:"Sir, senyor Basson has completed the Trojan drug!"

Ortega:"At last! Where is he?"

Carlos:"He is on the way to one of the mercenary aircraft, just as
        you ordered."

Ortega:"Gracias! Take some commandoes along with you and keep these
        hombres away from Basson and the container!"

Carlos:"Si!"

As Carlos runs off, Ortega turns to Deadeye Jane, who is busy reloading
her rifle.

Ortega:"Senyorita Deadeye!"

Deadeye:"What? I'm busy!"

Ortega:"I need you to escort senyor Basson and the container he is
        holding away from here."

Deadeye:"And just leave my boys behind? No dice!"

Ortega:"I'll double your pay."

Deadeye:"Now THAT's business!"

Ortega:"Gracias. Follow senyor Carlos to the hangar."

Deadeye Jane immediately runs after Carlos. As she runs off, a cartel
officer comes running to Ortega and salutes.

Officer:"Excuse me, sir, but we have detected the KH Military ship
         that attacked us earlier closing in our position!"

Ortega:"Caramba! They do not give up! Prepare our defenses and get
        the mercenaries into the air! Also get our demolitions teams
        here!"

Officer:"Si, sir!

The officer runs off. Ortega quickly appears from cover to fire off a
few more shots. Inside the gymnasium Sky makes his way up to Stalker.

Sky:"General, I've managed to get some information from Ortega's mind.
     Basson has already extracted the final component from Sirius and
     completed the Trojan Drug. Now he's going to have one of the
     mercenaries take off and fly Basson with the drug away from here."

Bear comes up to the two.

Bear:"My son! Where is he?"

Sky:"He is unharmed in the barracks next to this gymnasium. His useful-
     ness to our enemies has ended."

Bear quickly goes over to Striker and gets his attention.

Bear:"My son is in the barracks next door! Basson has already extracted
      the component from him and completed the Trojan Drug!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai! How did you know this?"

Bear:"Sky there just told his boss. He also said that Basson is going to
      try and jump ship with the drug."

Striker:"If Basson gets away, Ortega will have won. We MUST get the drug
         away from him and Ortega!"

Stalker runs over to them, firing off a few shots from his chaingun before
joining behind cover.

Stalker:"I recommend some of us go after Basson and stop him from 
         boarding that flight."

Striker:"Won't your forces be able to just shoot him down?"

Stalker:"Maybe, but it isn't a guarantee. His flight might just slip
         past my forces during the melee, and then Ortega will have 
         won."

Striker:"Ai yai yai. Then we should go after him."

Stalker:"You take a small force and have Sky accompany you. He can
         locate Basson for you in this mechanical labyrinth. I will
         provide you with shielding to escape from the gymnasium."

Striker:"Very well. We will leave through the barracks so Bear can
         get his son back."

Striker, followed by Bear, goes over to the other Rovers, while
Stalker goes back to Sky and begins to give him orders. Striker joins
the rest of the teams.

Rebel:"What did Stalker say?"

Striker:"Basson is going to try and sneak away during the fighting with
         the drug on a mercenary flight. We have to go and get him
         before he leaves, since Stalker says that his forces might not
         be able to catch him during the confusion. I need several of
         you to come and get Basson and help cover Bear while he gets
         his son back. Stalker will provide some shielding, but don't
         take chances. Shephard and Chase will come with me and Sky.
         Tanarus, you come and cover Bear and make sure both he and his
         son get into the Stealth Rover."

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

Chase:"No probs."

Tanarus:"You can count on me."

Striker:"Kom! Let's roll."

Striker, Bear, Tanarus, Shephard and Chase go over and join Sky. Stalker
then stands up, holding both his paws out. Suddenly a powerful energy
field appears from his paw and creates a shielding dome that nearly fills
the gymnasium. Striker and his group get up and run for the door leading 
out to the barracks. Shots are fired at them, but the shield Stalker
keeps up bounces them away. Stalker is clearly struggling with fatigue
at holding the shield. Striker and his group charge through the barracks
doorway, Shephard blasting the way ahead. Once they are in, Stalker stops
making the shield and drops behind cover, rather exhausted.

Stalker:"Note to self: Out of practice. Need to spend more time in
         Somalia."

Barracks
8:39 AM:

The barracks is still much the same. At the doorway leading to the gym-
nasium are the wounded and dead of the cartel. Bear rushes for the table
where his son is and picks up in his arms. Striker and Chase come up
and flip the table onto its side. The two of them and Bear duck behind
the table, while Shephard, Sky and Tanarus flip over their own tables 
and duck behind them. Hostiles start firing at them from the other 
doorways. Bear cuddles his crying son.

Bear:"My son... My Sirius... you're safe..."

Striker:"You'd better your son and wife to the Stealth Rover. Once we
         get that last container from Basson, we'll leave and let the
         the Alexander finish off the Gargantua."

Bear:"Right. Cover us!"

Striker nods, then peers over the edge of the table to fire a sonic 
blast at one of the doors while Tanarus fires at the other. Bear takes 
this chance to run out the barracks back into the gym. Sky points to the 
door nearest to him.

Sky:"This way. Hurry. They are preparing to depart."

Striker nods and they all appear from cover, firing at the enemy as Sky
leads the way out to their quarry.

Gymnasium
At That Moment:

Everyone here is still fighting back at Ortega and his forces. Bear comes
running in and behind the cover where Nitro, Elexis and Lily are. Nitro
looks at Bear.

Nitro:"Sirius?"

Bear smiles and shows his son. Nitro smiles and takes the pup, holding
it close to her. She coos at him as he cries.

Nitro:"There, there. Mommy's here."

Elexis:"You two better get on the Stealth, fast!"

Bear:"She's right, honey. Let's go!"

Bear and Elexis help Nitro up and the couple runs for the Stealth Rover.
Both them get onboard it within minutes. Moments later Illanov comes
out and joins Rebel.

Illanov:"Comrade Bear is now at the controls. Where is comrade Striker?"

Rebel:"He and several of us have gone after Basson through the barracks."

Illanov:"Ah, he has already left. Comrade Bear told me about Basson."

Stalker comes up to Rebel and Illanov.

Stalker:"I hate to interrupt, but I think you should plan on evacuating
         the Gargantua. As soon as your friends have the drug secured,
         I am going to use the Alexander to completely destroy this
         Gargantua. I do not want that idiot Ortega to be alive to see
         another day."

Illanov:"Comrade Striker suspected you would. But why do you tell us
         this?"


Stalker:"Two reasons: we are still in an alliance here, and I do not
         want to have revenge attacks from your comrades during this
         period."

Rebel:"I don't mind. All we need is that drug back and then we can just
       let Ortega meet his fate. We'll do it."

Stalker:"Good."

Stalker goes back to his cover with Sky and resumes fighting. Illanov
whispers to Rebel.

Illanov:"Why did you agree with him, comrade?"

Rebel:"I want to keep him on our side. That will make it easier for us
       to get the other container away from. He may be on our side, but
       he is still a villain and I don't want him to have that drug."

Illanov:"Dah, I agree. We shall wait until we can get it from him."

Rebel:"Right, but first we keep Ortega and his folks pinned here to keep
       them off Striker's team's back."

Illanov nods and the two of them begin to exchange fire with the enemy.

Hangar D-07
The Gargantua
8:46 AM:

This hangar looks much like an enclosed airport hangar, with drums,
crates, stepladders and other equipment for aircraft maintenance and
repairs. Currently a Mayhem Chinook is parked on the metal tarmac. The
hangar door is wide open, showing a good view of the landscape and
the battle going on outside. Shock Soldiers is currently behind
the various objects around the hangar, while Sky Soldiers hover above
near the ceiling. Basson is waiting next to the Chinook with Deadeye
Jane. Basson, holding the container, looks nervously at his watch.

Basson:"How long?"

Deadeye:"Just a minute, you! My boys need to give us a clear corridor
         to fly through this mess."

Basson:"Tell them to hurry up, at least."

Deadeye Jane ignores Basson as he paces up and down. Finally Deadeye
gives the thumbs up.

Deadeye:"We got clearance."

Basson:"Finally!"

Basson begins to climb up the stepladder towards the door of the 
chinook. Suddenly a shot ricochets off the metal by the door. Basson
jumps in fright while Deadeye and the others turn to the source of
the shot. Striker is standing by the service entrance coming into
the hangar, flanked by Shephard, Sky, Chase and Tanarus. His revolver
is still smoking from the shot fired.

Striker:"You are under arrest, Basson."

Basson quickly puts the container inside the chinook next to the door
and pulls out his own pistol.

Basson:"The South African government could not put me in prison, and
        neither will you!"

He fires a shot, but it hits the floor. Striker and his team duck for
cover as Deadeye and her team open fire as well. Deadeye grabs Basson
and pulls him behind cover.

Deadeye:"You stay here! I'm not getting my pay jeopardized by having
         you killed!"

Basson:"But..."

Deadeye:"STAY!!!"

Basson sighs and remains as Deadeye appears from cover to fire at the
Rovers. As the fighting goes underway, Sky communicates to Striker
through his mind.

Sky(psychically):"Be prepared to stand down fire and to capture Basson. 
                The mercenaries are about to abandon their employer."

Striker(thinking):"Abandon? What do you mean?"

Sky(psychically):"Ortega is not the only one with massive cash reserves."

Sure enough, moments later the Chinook pilot appears in the doorway
and signals Deadeye Jane to him. Deadeye fires off a few rounds, then
dashes over onto the Chinook.

Pilot:"We just got this from high command."

The pilot holds out a piece of paper to Deadeye Jane. She takes the
paper and reads it. Moments later she tosses it to one side and looks
at the pilot.

Deadeye:"Prepare for take-off!"

Pilot:"Yes, Ma'am!"

Deadeye then gets on her communicator and radios to the other mercenary
commanders.

Deadeye(into com):"All units, new order! Suspend all activity and leave
       the Gargantua! We are no longer under serve of Ortega and have
       been given orders to head to grid 14-56 immediately! Out!"

Deadeye then steps to the Chinook hatch and shouts out orders to the
mercenaries still fighting the Rovers.

Deadeye:"Everyone fall back into the Chinook! We're leaving!"

The mercenaries begin to fight their way to the Chinook. Striker barks
out his own orders.

Striker:"Hold fire!"

The others, rather confused, stop firing but remain behind cover. As
the mercenaries begin to board the Chinook, Basson comes out cover to
join the rear of the line. As he reaches the top of the steps, Deadeye
Jane grabs him by the collar.

Deadeye:"And where do you think you're going?"

Basson:"With you, of course! This was part of the plan."

Deadeye:"Sorry, but your boss just got sold out. We're under new manage-
         ment here."

Basson:"What! This is treason!"

Deadeye:"This is business!"

She immediately shoves Basson backwards and he tumbles down the steps
to the floor, dropping his pistol. She then closes the door as the 
propellers begin to spin. Basson groans and looks up just in time to 
see the Chinook lift off and fly out the door. He gets up in alarm and 
tries to catch the helicopter. He is unsuccessful and can only watch 
through the open hangar door as the Chinook flies off, the other 
mercenary aircraft join it in formation. The KH Military aircraft don't 
pursue, but instead keep their position near the Alexander. Basson 
waves his fists at the mercenaries.

Basson:"Curse you scum!"

He immediately turns around, only to find himself staring into the eyes
of a grinning Chase.

Chase:"Seems you missed your flight."

Basson tries to punch him, but before he can even connect, Chase rapidly
grabs his punching arm while grabbing by the neck. Basson struggles, but
quickly stops as the other Rovers join up and hold their weapons aimed
at him.

Striker:"Soos I said: you are under arrest."

Basson sighs in frustration.

Striker:"Where is the container?"

Basson:"Hah! As if I..."

His eyes widen with realization and he twists his face in anger.

Basson:"Dumb Bliksun!"

Striker:"Wat? Where is it?"

Sky quickly concentrates, then he quickly looks at Striker.

Sky:"He has left the container on the Chinook that just took off."

Tanarus:"You mean the mercenaries have it?"

Sky:"Yes, but they are not aware of it. Basson left the container
     there without the mercenaries' knowledge. They will only
     have it once they see it."

Chase:"Well, on the bright side, at least Ortega doesn't have it
       anymore."

Shephard:"Speaking of, sirs. Now that we got this little sucker here,
          can we go after the big boys now? We have gotten both con-
          tainers and Bear and Nitro's pup away from Ortega, so all
          we got to do is take him out."

Tanarus:"He's right. We can get the container back later from the
         mercenaries. Our first priority is to defeat Ortega."

Striker:"Reg, but I would rather go after the mercenaries and leave
         it to the USAF to decide Ortega's fate. Shephard, call them
         and tell them to prepare an air strike."

Shephard:"But..."

He sighs and takes out his radio.

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Striker:"Let's go back and help the others. Tanarus, you keep our 
         friend Basson in custody."

Tanarus nods and grabs Basson by the back of his neck, holding his
chaingun against him. 

Striker:"Let's move!"

The Rovers run for the exit, Shephard calling the USAF while Chase helps
Tanarus keep an eye on Basson. Sky, however, keeps standing where he
is. He clearly seems to be in deep psychic thought. A few moments later
he comes back to attention and follows the Rovers.

Gymnasium
The Gargantua
9:01 AM:

Striker and his team come running into the gymnasium via the doorway 
leading to the barracks. All of them except is startled by what they
see next. Lying all over the gymnasium are the dead bodies of Green
Guards along with several commandoes. Stalker is standing in the middle
of the room with his energy blades ready, but armor has been dented
in several places. The Rovers who can be seeing here all have some
form of bandages around them. Striker runs up to Rebel, who has a
bandage around his head, while Sky heads over to Stalker.

Striker:"What happened here?"

Rebel:"We were keeping Ortega's troops and those mercenaries at bay,
       when all of the sudden the mercenaries abandoned their mission
       and left. Stalker said he had them bought out."

Striker:"So I heard, but what are all these bodies?"

Rebel:"A few minutes after those mercenaries left, Ortega suddenly sent
       these... what you call? Green guards, yes. He let dozens of them
       loose on us. We fought them back, but they seriously beat us up.
       Elexis is busy treating those who were more seriously injured in
       the Stealth Rover. However..."

Striker"However?"

Rebel:"Ortega's commandos kidnapped Phoenix."

Striker's eyes widen in shock.

Striker:"What! Where is she?"

Rebel:"Ortega took her to the control room of the Gargantua. He demands 
       that we return the canister containing the complete Trojan drug 
       to him or else he will kill Phoenix in less than an hour."

Striker:"Oh no."

Rebel:"Speaking of, where is that canister?"

Striker:"We lost it. Basson left the damn thing on one of the mercenary
         aircraft without their knowledge and now they've left with it."

Rebel:"Oh no indeed. We will have to devise a rescue mission."

Striker:"But how?"

Stalker comes up to the two of them.

Stalker:"Apparently, if what Sky tells me is true, you do not have that
         other container due to our little friend Basson."

Striker:"And you have probably know that I need that container to rescue
         Phoenix."

Stalker:"What guarantee is there that, even if you had the container,
         that Ortega will not simply kill both you and Phoenix once he
         gets the container?"

Striker sighs and hangs his head.

Striker:"I know. I never did trust Ortega and I am not trusting him 
         right now. But I have to rescue Phoenix."

Stalker:"Then I think we can continue this alliance longer. I want
         Ortega dead, and with your help I can have him dead. And you

         will have Phoenix back."

Rebel:"I thought you were here for the drug."

Stalker:"Side benefit, but the real prize is Ortega's death. I have
         plan that might work."

Striker:"Which might include backstabbing us?"

Stalker:"Cute, but that comes later. Right now I still need your
         assistance and without it you cannot get Phoenix back."

Rebel:"We cannot get her back because we don't have the right
       container."

Stalker:"That I know, Rebel, but Ortega does not. He still thinks that
         we have it."

Striker:"You plan to use the other container you have?"

Stalker:"Yes, and this is how. Listen carefully, because your lives
         and that of Phoenix depends on it."

Stalker begins to explain his plan to Striker and Rebel.

Control Room
The Gargantua
9:14 AM:

The technicians are still at work at controlling the Gargantua as it
walks along a valley within a mountainous forest. Phoenix is sitting
inside the command chair, bound and gagged. Ortega and two commandoes
stand around the chair, aiming their weapons at Phoenix. On either side
of the stairs leading down to the body is Carlos and Vega, holding a
M-4 Rifle and pistol respectively. Carlos looks down the stairs, then
immediately looks at Ortega.

Carlos:"Senyor Striker comes."

Ortega:"Get ready. Take no chances with him."

Carlos and Vega nod and cock their weapons. They step back a little as
Striker climbs to the top of the stairs, carrying the canister that
Stalker had. Phoenix's eyes widen as she sees Striker. She begins to
struggle, but Striker gently shakes his head. She nods in acknowledge-
ment and stops. Ortega aims his minigun at Striker.

Ortega:"Glad to see you came to your senses, senyor Striker."

Striker:"I brought you your drug, now let her go."

Ortega:"You should know I do not go for that kind of transaction,
        senyor. You give me mine before I give you yours, si?"

Striker frowns at Ortega.

Striker:"Si."

Ortega nods at Vega and Carlos, who move closer with their weapons 
still ready. Striker holds out the canister to Vega. Using one arm, 
Vega takes the canister away and keeps his pistol aimed at the 
spaniel. Carlos then searches Striker, taking away his revolver an
a small box. Striker growls at him. 

Striker:"Hokaai. That is not yours!"

Carlos:"It is now, senyor."

Once he does this, he and Vega walk over to Ortega and give him 
the canister and the small box. Ortega looks over the canister, 
then nods at Vega. As Vega goes and undoes the bonds holding Phoenix,
Ortega opens the box and looks into it. He snorts a little, then puts
the box into one of his pockets. Vega gets Phoenix loose, then picks 
her up and tosses her at Striker. He quickly grabs her in a hugging 
embrace. Phoenix growls back at Vega.

Phoenix:"Watch how you handle a lady!"

Vega:"Maranita."

Phoenix:"What's that?"

Vega:"It means b****."

Phoenix growls in anger and a fiery aura forms around her one paw.
Striker quickly grabs that paw and winches in pain from the heat. She
gasps and quickly stops.

Phoenix:"Love..."

Striker:"Not now."

Ortega puts the canister on the floor and re-aims his weapon back at
the two cano-sapiens, smiling smugly.

Ortega:"Charming, but now I must kill you. You should know that a hombre 
        like me is not to be trust."

Striker growls at Ortega.

Striker:"And you should know that I am such a hombre too."

A steady beeping noise starts to come from the canister, going at a
faster rate with each beep. Ortega stops smiling and looks down at it,
then at the two canos. Striker quickly pulls Phoenix down as they
drop down flat on the floor. Everyone else looks in alarm at the
canister.

Ortega:"Ai caramba!"

Ortega drops his weapon and kicks the canister off to one side of the
control room. Everyone else then quickly run for the other side of the
room as the beeping becomes a high-pitched whine. The next instant the
contents of the canister detonate in a powerful explosion. The force 
of the blast knocks everyone to their feet and blasts apart a gaping
hole in the one side of the Gargantua's head. As the smoke clears, the
Stealth Rover appears right next to the hole and the side hatch opens.
As the walkway is lowered onto the blasted edge of the hole, Shephard
comes out with his M-249 ready. Right behind him is Tanarus and
Illanov, their weapons ready as well. The commandoes reach for their
rifles while the technicians take out glock pistols. As this happens
Striker punches Carlos out cold and grabs his revolver. Very quickly 
a firefight breaks out, but the more ready Rovers quickly overpower 
the enemy, gunning them down before they can fire a good shoot. Ortega
tries to reach for his minigun, but is pinned behind a chair. Vega
steps back, but forgets about the stairs behind him. He misses a step
and falls backwards down the stairs. Very soon the fighting is over,
with all the commandoes and technicians either dead or seriously
injured. Elexis, Corsair and Merit soon join the other Rovers inside
the cockpit. Shephard moves in and puts the barrel of his rifle
against Ortega's head, who immediately stops trying to get his
weapon.

Shephard:"On your feet and hands up, scumbag."

Ortega frowns and puts his hands in the air as he stands up. Illanov
goes and pulls Carlos to his feet, keeping his Plasma Rifle aimed
at him. Striker goes over to Ortega and searches him. Just then
there is a loud snarl from the stairway. Tanarus suddenly comes flying
from the stairs into the cockpit. He lands hard on the floor. Elexis
quickly runs to his aid as everyone turns their attention to the
stairs.

Corsair:"Uh oh. I think Big Ugly is back."

Sure enough, Turwar jumps up into the cockpit. He snarls and slashes
his scythed claw at Illanov. Illanov quickly jumps away, the scythe
just slicing a gash in his uniform. Ortega grins.

Ortega:"Excellent, Turwar. Now, slaughter these hombres."

Turwar roars and move closer to Illanov, who stumbles onto his feet.
Elexis helps Tanarus up and gives him her laser pistol, while Phoenix
takes out hers and so does Corsair. Turwar jumps for Shephard and
Striker. The two of them roll out of the way as Turwar slashes at
them. Ortega ducks into the corner. Turwar goes for Shephard, thrusting
one of his blades at his chest. Shephard rolls back and kicks his
boots into Turwar's face. As they struggle, the others fire their 
weapons at Turwar, trying to distract him. Ortega sneaks over to
Carlos and they both descend down the stairs. Striker spots them
and runs down after them, yelling for Illanov.

Striker:"Alex! Follow me!"

Illanov:"Dah, comrade!"

Illanov, still holding his Plasma Rifle, runs after Striker as the
two of them run down the stairs after the villains. As the rest of
the Rovers keep struggling with Turwar, through the cockpit window
a tall building in the midst of a small town can be seen in the 
distance, right in the path of the Gargantua.

Front Plaza
The Big Bear Casino
Central Idaho
9:30 AM:

This is a wide-open concrete plaza in front of the very tall building
in the centre of the town. The building itself is a huge casino/hotel
that has many luxury rooms, gambling halls, patios and all the other
trappings of a 5-star luxury hotel and casino. At the top of the
building's roof is a giant figure of a standing bear. Helipads jut
out at each side of the building near the top. Down at the plaza the
townspeople and the media have gathered around where many VIPs are
seated in front of a podium. On the podium is the town mayor, the
sheriff and a very wealthy-looking Texas businessman. Police officers
keep the crowds seperated from the VIPs. They also keep at bay a
large group of local and native American protestors not far off. The 
Texan is currently speaking to the crowd and cameras.

Texan:"Now I am certain that the state will prosper greatly from this
       new development here, despite what some folks would say."

The Texan indicates to the protestors. Some of the VIPs grin and
chuckle a little.

Texan:"The Big Bear Casino and luxury resort, as well as the lovely
       natural beauty of this state, will attract many wealthy 
       individuals from all places in America and across the world."

As the Texan speaks, among the nearby media crews are Melanie Malloy
and Samuel Knowles. Samuel is keeping the camera on the Texan while
Melanie plays with her microphone. She is clearly not happy.

Melanie:"Why on earth are we here reporting on this grand opening of
         a giant casino when there are more newsworthy stories around?"

Samuel:"You mean the stories we're hearing of that giant mechanical
        spider that appeared in Los Angeles?"

Melanie:"Yes! I mean, that is the kind of story we're born to report
         on."

Samuel:"But you know our policy, Mel: we cannot report on it until
        we finish up our first one."

Melanie:"Sometimes I think we've screwed ourselves over with that one."

Samuel:"Yeah well, nothing we can do about right now."

Melanie sighs. Down the street they are standing in, in the distance,
one can see the Gargantua walking closer to the town.

Power Station & Engine Room
The Gargantua
9:34 AM:

This is a large chamber in the heart of the Gargantua, divided into
two halves. The top half has four giant hydrogen generators. Water
pipes feed water to the generators, while other pipes takes the steam
and takes it back into the ceiling. Catwalks crisscross between the
generators. Massive power cables move from the generators against
the ceilings and walls down to the engines below and other parts of
the Gargantua. Down below in the second half, massive machines and
pistons pound, running the engines of the spider and operating its
massive legs. Technicians and engineers are everywhere, keeping the
engines and generators running. Striker and Illanov come running in
at one of the upper entryways, startling the workers. 

Illanov:"You keep working and no one will be shot, comrades."

Striker:"Presies."

The workers, reluctantly, return to work. Striker and Illanov care-
fully move forward, keeping their eyes open. Suddenly a nearby
engineer jumps for Illanov. He grabs onto his back. Illanov tries
to shake him, but Striker knocks the engineer off with the butt of
his sonic rifle. As the engineer falls onto the catwalk, there is
the sound of a rifle being cocked. Striker and Illanov look and see
Ortega and Carlos standing on either side of them, holding M-16
rifles aimed at them.

Ortega:"Put your weapons down and put your paws on your heads, 
        senyor."

Striker and Illanov reluctantly put their weapons down on the
catwalk, then stand up and put their paws behind their heads. Ortega 
nods at Carlos, who quickly moves it and drags the weapons away from 
the Rovers. Ortega then moves closer to Striker.

Ortega:"First let me search you. I know you have that little pistol
        of yours somewhere in there."

Ortega begins searching Striker, holding his rifle barrel against
Striker's chest.

Striker:"It's over, Ortega. You have lost the formula."

Ortega:"I admit a serious setback, BUT millions of hombres around the
        world still have HIVAGEN in them. I can always redo the trigger
        long before you can even find a cure, much less manufacture it
        in large enough quantities."

Illanov:"That is an awful abuse of those who suffer from AIDS, and you
         shall regret it."

Ortega:"So? I'm a villain, senyors. I'm not accountable to anyone."

Striker:"Like your friend Vega? Where is he?"

Ortega snorts in contempt.

Ortega:"The fat coward grabbed the first parachute and jumped off. He
        has no cohonés."

Ortega then finds something in Striker's overcoat. He pulls it out: a
small box. He opens it, looks inside, and then closes it. Striker
growls.

Striker:"Gee that back!"

Ortega grins.

Ortega:"Sorry, senyor, but it's mine now. Think of it as a down payment
        for the damages you have done."

Striker keeps growling at Ortega even as he resumes searching.

Control Room
The Gargantua
9:38 AM:

Tanarus, Elexis, Phoenix, Shephard and Corsair are still fighting 
off Turwar, while Merit stands off to one side watching. Sweat is 
flowing down the foreheads of Shephard and Corsair while Phoenix, 
Tanarus and Elexis pant from exhaustion. Turwar is still looking in 
good shape.

Corsair:"Man, if only the WWE had this guy on their side!"

Shephard:"I like a good fight, but this is crazy!"

Shephard ducks from another swipe from Turwar, backing off against
the controls with Tanarus and Elexis.

Tanarus:"I think I have a plan! We he attacks, prepare to duck!
         Phoenix, get a fireball ready!"

Elexis:"Right, honey!"

Shephard:"Got it, sir!"

Phoenix:"Sure!"

The trio prepare to duck as Turwar moves in for the kill, while
Phoenix makes a fireball in her paws. Suddenly he stops, apparently 
staring beyond the enemies in front of him. After a few tense seconds,
he snarls and turns around. He rushes down the stairs and disappears
into the body of the Gargantua.

Corsair:"Was that the plan?"

Tanarus:"Er... not really."

Phoenix lets her fireball fizzle.

Phoenix:"I don't like it. Maybe he's gone after Strikie and Alex."

Elexis:"And leave an easy kill like us alone?"

Merit:"Sirs, if I may make an observation: such an action by a hostile
       individual, in general, is the result of having seen something
       that could be dangerous behind us."

Everyone quickly turns to look. The town is now much closer, the tower
of the casino now the dominant feature that can be seen.

Merit:"According to my readings, this vehicle on a collision course
       with the tall structure at a 12 degree angle within 8 minutes."

Corsair:"Crap. Always happens. Always!"

Tanarus:"We got to turn this machine around! Merit, can you change our
         course?"

Merit:"I require only approximately 1 hour 16 minutes to study and
       master the control systems of the Gargantua."

Tanarus looks surprised at Merit.

Tanarus:"But you just said that the collision is in 8 minutes."

Merit:"Unfortunately that is a significant problem that could hamper
       the process."

Tanarus sighs. Corsair shakes his head.

Corsair:"Merit, you are definitely NOT a good tactician."

Elexis:"We'd better get out of here. And try to have that building
        evacuated."

Tanarus:"You're right! Come on, let's go! Shephard, get Striker and
         Alex and tell them what's going!"

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

Shephard takes out his radio while Tanarus gets out his own.

Tanarus(into radio):"Rebel, can you hear me?"

Rebel(over radio):"We hear you. Did you know a building is heading
     straight for you? Some of the Cartel troops are bailing out with
     chutes, so they certainly know."

Tanarus(into radio):"Just found out. And we're leaving right now. Can
       you get the authorities to have the building and town evacua-
       ted?"

Rebel(over radio):"Tasha is on it right now. You guys better get out
     there."

Tanarus(into radio):"Copy that."

Tanarus puts away his radio and urges the others to the way out to the
Stealth Rover.

Tanarus:"Come on, everyone!"

Corsair is first over to the Stealth Rover, followed by Elexis and then
Merit. Shephard is still calling on the radio, while a concerned Phoenix
looks at him.

Shephard(into radio):"Shephard to Striker! Shephard to Striker! Come
        in sir! Do you read? Illanov! Do you hear me?"

Tanarus walks over to them.

Tanarus:"What's going on?"

Shephard looks at Tanarus without lowering his radio.

Shephard:"I can't reach them, sir!"

Tanarus:"We have to go, now!"

Phoenix immediately turns and runs down the stairs into the body. Tanarus
tries to shut something at her, but he can only watch as she disappears.

He then turns to Shephard and indicates to the exit.

Tanarus:"Let's go! Keep radioing them and tell them we'll be staying close
         to pick them up!"

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

The two of them run for the exit, Shephard still calling to his superiors
on the radio. The town and tower is now much closer and more visible.

Front Plaza
The Big Bear Casino
9:40 AM:

Everyone's attention is still on the podium, where the mayor is the one
now giving a speech. They are all completely oblivious to the Gargan-
tua now looming ever closer.

Mayor:"As mayor of this fine community, I dare say that grand new
       structure here will put this town on the US and world map and
       put more coin in our pockets. Now I know there have been worries
       about all the pollution and noise and crowds that the tourists
       will bring, but that is but a small price to pay for a great
       and rich future for this."

As he speaks, one of the nearby deputies gets a call on his radio. He
listens to it, then suddenly looks in the direction of the Gargantua.
His eyes widen and instantly he goes running up the podium and to the
sheriff. This causes quite a stir on the podium.

Mayor:"For God's sakes, man! I'm in the middle of a speech here."

Sheriff:"You better have a damn good reason to interrupt the mayor,
         deputy!"

The deputy just points to the Gargantua. Everyone; the mayor, sheriff,
Texan, VIPs, media, protestors, locals, Melanie and Samuel look in that
direction. Loud gasps and shouts of shock are clearly heard as they
all see the monstrous spider coming towards them. The mayor recovers
from his shock turns back to the crowds.

Mayor:"Okay. Stay calm. Don't panic."

Suddenly the crowds panic. The VIPs, locals and protestors swarm over
the police officers (some of whom are also bolting) and running into'
the streets away from the casino. The mayor sighs.

Mayor:"Oh, what the h***. PANIC!!!"

The mayor and the sheriff join the crowds, which now include the small
casino staff now running out of the building. The Texan is reluctant
to leave the plaza, but can only walk backwards away from the building
while the Gargantua moves ever closer. Meanwhile, the media is backing
off while keeping the cameras on the spider. Samuel and Melanie are
among those crowds.

Samuel:"That must be the spider they told about in Los Angeles!"

Melanie:"No, Sam. That's our big story! Come on! Follow me!"

Melanie runs off to a tall building some short distance from the casino,
with Samuel running after her. He keeps the camera rolling on the
Gargantua.

Power Station & Engine Room
The Gargantua
9:41 AM:

Ortega is holding Striker and Illanov's radios, listening to the calls
of Shephard over their speakers. In his other hand is Striker's revol-
ver.

Shephard(over radio):"Sirs, come in! Where..."

Ortega tosses the radios over the side. He then aims the revolver at
Striker's head and grins.

Ortega:"How ironic, senyor. The same weapon that killed the murdered
        of your family will now be killing you, the last of your
        family."

Striker growls in anger at them.

Striker:"You are now in serious trouble, Ortega. You crossed a major
         line!"

Ortega shrugs and pulls back the revolver's hammer.

Ortega:"Whatever, senyor. Adios."

Voice:"You shoot him and I'll literally make your life a living h***!"

They turn to look at the way the two canines came in. Standing there
with a fiery aura around her is Phoenix. She is very angry.

Striker:"Phoenix!"

Illanov:"Comrade!"

Ortega:"Ah, senyora. Glad you could join us! How about making time to
        watch your friend's execution here?"

Phoenix:"Even if YOU had time, you would be ash before you could pull
         the trigger!"

Ortega is confused, as is Carlos.

Ortega:"What do you mean, senyora?"

Phoenix:"Simple: since you are not driving, this spider of your is
         going to plow into the large building ahead of us in a few
         minutes."

Ortega and Carlos are surprised at this. The next moment, there are
shouts in Spanish. The technicians and engineers begin to abandon their
posts and running for the nearest exit. Carlos shouts at them, after
which one them shouts something back at them. Carlos looks up at
Ortega.

Carlos:"Caramba! The senyora is right!"

Ortega drops the revolver and readies his rifle, then carefully steps
past the group. He says something to Carlos, which makes Carlos stare
wide-eyed at him. As Ortega runs past Phoenix, Carlos tries to call
to Ortega. Illanov then spins and grabs the rifle. He quickly turns it
on its former owner. Carlos immediately raises his paws.

Illanov:"Got you, comrade."

Striker quickly picks up his revolver and sonic rifle, then goes to 
Phoenix. She looks in relief at him.

Phoenix:"So glad you..."

Striker:"You and Alex get out of here. I have to get Ortega."

Striker immediately runs past Phoenix after Ortega. Phoenix is shocked
and calls after.

Phoenix:"Strikie! Wait! Don't do it!"

Phoenix runs after Striker. Illanov shouts at them.

Illanov:"Comrades, wait!"

Illanov picks up his plasma rifle and hurries after the two. Carlos
then drops his arms and bolts for the nearest exit.

Front Plaza
The Big Bear Casino
9:43 AM:

The plaza is now empty and the crowds are now standing well away from
the casino. On the rooftop of the building they ran to, Melanie, Samuel
and a few newspaper journalists have their sights on the Gargantua,
which is just entering the town. As it steps on stores, vehicles and
warehouses, parachutes can be seen as the Cartel's troops, workers and
officer bail out from the giant spider. The Stealth Rover and Jet
Rover are holding their positions near the Gargantua.

"Neck" Corridor
The Gargantua
9:44 AM:

This is an upward sloping corridor leading up to the control room in
the Gargantua's head. Massive pipes and cables lead from the head
to the body and back. Near the entrance of the control room is a
flight of stairs leading in. Ortega comes running up the corridor
and to the stairs. As he begins to climb the stairs Striker appears
at the other end of the corridor. He stops and takes aim on Ortega
with his sonic rifle.

Striker:"Ortega! You have something of mine!"

Ortega glances back at Striker with a sneer as he reaches the top of
the stairs. As he darts forward Striker charges up a blast. Ortega
then looks forward as he goes into the control room. He suddenly 
screams and folds his arms over his face.

The Gargantua
Big Bear Casino
9:45 AM:

The Rovers in the Stealth and Jet Rover, townsfolk, the media, the 
visitors and the world via the media watch as the head of the Gargantua 
plows right into the side of the massive casino with a thunderous crash. 
Glass and debris are flying everywhere as the Gargantua continuous to 
walk right into the building.

"Neck" Corridor
At That Moment:

Striker watches with wide eyes as Ortega disappears in a explosive cloud
of shattered glass and dust. He quickly spins around, just in time to 

see Phoenix and Illanov appearing at the end of the corridor. He shouts
at them as he starts running.

Striker:"RUN!!!"

The two canines see the debris of the casino smashing through into the
neck and spin around. They join Striker and the three of them run down
through the central corridor of the Gargantua, massive explosions of
debris occurring right behind them.

The Gargantua
Big Bear Casino
At That Moment:

The giant spider continuous to burrow into the guts of the casino, 
smashing itself and the building apart. When the front legs crush into
the sides of the casino, the Gargantua stops with a suddenly jolt. The
legs, however, still try to walk forward. The sounds of twisting and
bending steel can be heard very clearly.

Central Corridor
9:46 AM:

Illanov and Phoenix stumble to their feet, while the Gargantua is
shuddering and the sounds of twisting metal echo through it. Phoenix
quickly looks around and sees Striker at the debris pile that blocks the
way to the control room. He is searching around it.

Phoenix:"Strikie! Let's leave!"

Striker:"Nee, I have to go back!"

Illanov:"Comrade, he's dead mostly likely! Let it be!"

Striker looks back at them. Phoenix looks at him with pleading eyes. The
radio in his overcoat begins to crackle with static.

Tanarus(over radio):"Striker! Merit says he detects that the Gargantua 
       is still trying to walk into the building and that it will cause 
       the structure to collapse! Get out of there! We'll pick you up 
       at the gym, but hurry!"

Striker listens to the radio, then looks back at his friends, who are
staring at him with worried eyes. The sounds of metal stress becomes
even louder. He shakes his head and sighs, then goes over to them.

Striker:"Let's leave."

Illanov breathes out in relief, while Phoenix goes and takes his paw.
Striker looks back at her, squeezing her paw tightly before the three
of them leave for the gymnasium.

Cockpit
The Stealth Rover
Next To Gargantua
9:49 AM:

Tanarus is at the controls, keeping the Stealth Rover steady next to the
broken gymnasium window. Bear is seated at the rear with Nitro, who is
breast-feeding Sirius while Elexis checks them over. Shephard is not
the control room, but outside in the gym. Everyone else watches 
through the cockpit as Striker, Phoenix and Illanov run into the room, 
then cross the gangway into the Stealth Rover. Shephard covers them,
then disappears as he boards the Stealth Rover. Corsair looks worried at
the building, which is only a few feet away.

Corsair:"About time. I'd rather not be here and have that casino fall on
         me."

After a short minute, Striker, Phoenix, Illanov and Shephard come in.
They all get seated, Striker sitting next to Phoenix just behind Tanarus.

Striker:"Get us away from here."

Tanarus:"No problem."

The Stealth Rover pulls away quickly from the Gargantua, then begins to
back away from the structure. Merit makes another scan of it and the
giant spider.

Merit:"Structural damage reaching critical levels. Collapse is now
       imminent."

Everyone turns their attention out the cockpit window at the casino
and the Gargantua.

The Gargantua & Big Bear Casino
Town Center
9:51 AM:

The Gargantua's legs are still trying to walk forward, its engines
still running. The Stealth Rover backs away a few blocks and joins the
Jet Rover, while the police in the town keep the crowds safely away. 
The media now crowd everyone available tall rooftop within the safe 
zone. Everyone is watching in suspense at the spider and casino, the 
sounds of crumbling concrete and twisting metal reverberating in the 
air. Suddenly there is a loud snap, followed by an explosion of dust 
and debris at the point where the Gargantua is smashed into the casino. 
The tower beings to collapse, a roaring sound coming from the dying
building. The upper floors lurch over the Gargantua and there is a 
sudden symphony of twisting and snapping metal. The Gargantua's body 
explodes in a fireball before the flames are smothered in the massive 
avalanche of dust and concrete. It only takes a short minute for the 
casino to be reduced to a heap of twisted steel and concrete and the 
Gargantua nothing but a skeletal mass of metal. A massive dust cloud 
obscures the site, the wind gently blowing it away into a north-eastern 
direction. At one of the road blocks, the mayor and the Texan stare 
with open mouths and disbelieving eyes at the rubble pile that was the 
casino. The two of them sigh.

Mayor:"Oh well, at least it was a nice collapse to see."

Texan:"Yeah."

The Texan takes out two cigars. He puts one in his mouth and holds the
other out to the mayor.
 
Texan:"Cigar?"

The mayor takes the cigar and puts it into his mouth.

Mayor:"Thanks."

The two of them take out lighters and light their cigar. They begin to
smoke, watching the dust cloud clear from the site.

Ground Zero
Town Center
10:22 AM:

The dust has large cleared away, though smoke still comes from fires
burning around the ruins. Firefighters of the town and their trucks
surround the site, fighting the fires. The police, state troopers
and the National Guard is standing around the site keeping the crowds
back. Only a few media journalists are allowed closer to the site.
Above US Apache helicopters circle the area, as do the news choppers
of several major networks. Parked by the site is the Stealth Rover
and the Jet Rover. Parked some distance off, surrounded by US Marines,
is a Chinook. Nearby, Melanie Malloy is interviewing an American Indian 
protestor with Samuel holding the camera on him.

Melanie:"So you are not disappointed with the casino's destruction?"

Protestor:"No, I'm not. This casino would have brought pollution and
           environmental degradation while only the rich benefit from
           the tourists, leaving nothing for me and my people. The
           spirits were offended by this abomination and they have
           now demonstrated their fury."

Melanie is not believing it, but she tries to seem interested.

Melanie:"Well, thank you for your comments, sir."

Protestor:"Thank you."

As the protestor walks away, Melanie looks for the mayor and that Texan.
Meanwhile, the Rovers nearby are are meeting with Major Cadwell. Several 
Marines can be seen escorting Wouter Basson away to an awaiting military 
police humvee.

Cadwell:"Basson will be taking to temporary custody in Guantanamo Bay
         until we can him over to the South African government. We
         have also captured General Vega and we're rounding up most
         of the Cartel troops. There are still a few stragglers, but
         we'll find them."

Striker:"That's goed. What about Carlos and Turwar?"

Cadwell:"Carlos is still on the loose, but we've put a description of
         him out to our troops and the state police. They'll find him
         easily. As for Turwar, we've told our boys to stay away from
         him. I've read your reports on him and we agree that we can't 
         take him so easily. We will try and monitor his movements so
         that we can make sure he doesn't kill any innocents."

Rebel:"What about the Alexander and the Mercenaries? They both still 
       have the trigger formula."

Cadwell:"NORAD has the Air Force searching for both groups and have
         closed off US airspace for most civilian traffic in Idaho
         and the surrounding states. As for this nasty surprise the
         Cartel has in HIVAGEN, the Centre for Disease Control is
         working along with WHO and other organizations to find an
         antidote and get it distributed."

Striker:"My team could go after them and get the trigger. The KH
         Military will not use it with HIVAGEN if I know them, and
         the Mayhem Mercenaries don't know they have the formula and
         would not have much use for it either. We should have time
         to get them back."

Cadwell:"Don't think so. Your Master called me with a message I am to
         give to you from Secretary General Norwood. The French were
         quite happy you helped bring to justice Francisco Ortega,
         the man ultimately responsible for the nuclear detonation
         in Paris. They've given your team 2 weeks paid vacation to
         any destination in Europe."

Striker's team breaks out in smiles (except Merit) and they look at 
their leader.

Shephard:"Let's take it, sir! The enemy won't be able to get the
          secret of HIVAGEN before other Rover teams can get it back
          from them."

Merit:"This would be a good opportunity to conduct maintenance on my
       systems as well as study this 'recreation' activity."

Corsair:"Come on, boss! We need a good vacation."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade. We need to rest from all of this work."

Tanarus, Elexis:"Vacation, my friend!"

The couple chuckle together. Phoenix snuggles up to Striker and winks
at him.

Phoenix:"Let's relax, Strikie."

Striker sighs and smiles.

Striker:"Very well, team."

Phoenix hugs Striker while the rest of the team cheer their new
vacation. Rebel's team congratulates Striker's team.

Rebel:"Congratulations, my friend. You've deserved this."

Striker:"We could not have done it without your aid, Rebel. You
         should ask the Master for some relaxation as well."

Rebel chuckles.

Rebel:"I just might."

Bear and Nitro come walking up to Unit STRIKE. The couple is smiling
as they hold a sleeping Sirius in their arms.

Bear:"Thanks, guys. I owe you all a lot for getting my son and wife
      back."

Nitro:"We really appreciate it."

Striker:"Geen problem. How about your parents?"

Bear:"I sent a message telling them we're okay. I want to surprise them
      my new son."

Phoenix:"How is little Sirius?"

Nitro glances at her newborn pup.

Nitro:"He's doing fine. Elexis says that his own systems are slowly
       beginning to get rid of the chemicals in him, the only side
       effect being that he'll be paper training much earlier."

Bear and Nitro chuckle hug each other. Phoenix gives Striker a sly
glance.

Phoenix:"Maybe Strikie and I will ask you two for parenting tips."

Striker coughs embarrassingly. Cadwell glances at the rubble pile
and then back at Striker.

Cadwell:"Is Ortega really under all that?"

Striker and the others turn to look at the rubble pile.

Striker:"I saw him in the control room just before it smashed 
         into the building."

Cadwell:"So, he has finally gotten what he deserved."

Striker:"Ja."

They watch the firefighters keep working on putting out the fires.

Sewers
Under Town Centre
At That Moment:

This is a tube with dirty water running down it. At one end the
tube had collapsed under the casino's destruction. Nearby a
fresh tunnel has been dug into the side of the tube. From inside
the tube snarling can be heard.

Mayhem Airbase "Spearpoint"
Idaho State/Canadian Border
10:40 AM:

This is a large, rectangular flying airstrip that is flying just
above the sea of clouds. At the end near the engines is the bridge,
which looks like one of an oil tanker. Dozens of technicians are
running about securing the landing mercenary aircraft of Deadeye
Jane. Personnel caddies, which look like green airport baggage
carts, drive workers and troops to and from deck elevators coming
out of tubes at various points on the deck. Deadeye Jane herself is 
climbing off from her Chinook. As she breathes in fresh air, one of 
the mercenaries on the Chinook taps her shoulder. She turns to him 
and sees that he is holding the canister with the trigger drug.

Deadeye:"Where did you get this?"

Mercenary:"I just found it on the chinook. Seems Basson forgot it
           there. What should we do with it?"

Deadeye Jane looks the canister over, thinking. She then gives out

an order.

Deadeye:"Put it in storage. I think I'll call McTerry. Maybe our
         backers can make use of this."

Mercenary:"Yes, Ma'am!"

The mercenary walks off for the nearest deck elevator. Deadeye Jane
just breathes in the air.

Deadeye:"The smell of fresh air... and fresh money, that's what it
         is."

She laughs and begins to walk to a nearby personnel caddie to take
her to the bridge.

Epilogue: Big Bust

Headline News
BBC News Centre
London
Great Britain
29 June
12:00 PM:

This is the studio of the British Broadcasting Corporation. The woman
anchor is giving the headline news. On the screen next to her are
images of police officials from various parts of the world arresting
several people.

Anchor:"... major Spider Cartel assets have been seized and dozens of
        top cartel chiefs have been arrested in several countries.
        Meanwhile the World Health Organization has placed a complete
        ban on the sale, distribution and use of the HIVAGEN drug
        following revelations that the drug was a biological weapon
        created by Spider Cartel drug lord Francisco Ortega. UN officials
        have unanimously voted to label HIVAGEN as a weapon of mass
        destruction."

The screen then changes to the ruins of the Big Bear Casino. Clean-up
crews and construction equipment are working to clear the rubble.

Anchor:"In the American state of Idaho the search still continuous for
        the body of Francisco Ortega, who was allegedly killed when the
        giant spider, called the Gargantua, crashed into the Big Bear
        Casino. Authorities have not given any comment as to when or
        if the drug lord's body will be found in the rubble. Clean-up
        is expected to last for 6 months."

The screen changes again, this time showing the main entrance to the
US Prison Base of Guatanamo Bay. US soldiers are escorting Antonio
Vega, who is in orange prison clothes, to an awaiting Cuban military
delegation.

Anchor:"At the US base in Guatanamo Bay, the United States handed over
        Cuban dissident and Francisco Ortega's henchman, Antonio Vega,
        to Cuban authorities. Investigations have brought up that Vega
        was responsible not only for selling Soviet weaponry to the
        Spider Cartel via Cuba, but also for aiding the drug lord as
        well several charges of corruption and treason. Vega will face
        the Cuban High Court and if found guilty could face the death
        penalty."

She continuous to read the rest of the news headlines.

CEO Office
EuroCorp Headquarters
Brussels
Belgium
30 June
3:11 PM:

The sun is now shining into the office through the large window,
bathing everything with a yellow light. Seated behind the desk is
Johnston. He is looking at some papers when he pushes a button and
shutters close over the window to reduce the sun's harsh glare. As
he keeps reading, there is a knock at the door.

Johnston:"C-c-come i-i-in."

The door opens and the corporation's French sales executive walks in. 
As he closes the door, he looks confused at Johnston.

Executive:"Where is Monsieur Rembrandt?"

Johnston looks up.

Johnston:"D-d-didn't you r-read t-th-the memo t-that w-w-w-was s-sent
          a-around? H-he is a-away on a-a-a-a b-business t-t-trip t-to
          N-N-New Y-York."

Executive:"Sorry, Monsieur Johnston. I have had so much paperwork regar-
           ding our new cure for the HIVAGEN drug, POXAL."

As the executive walks forward, Johnston puts down the papers.

Johnston:"A-a-and h-how a-are our s-s-sales o-on P-P-POXAL?"

The executive puts some papers on the table, which Johnston picks up
and begins to read.

Executive:"Sales are excellent, Monsieur. It would be better if it wasn't
           for the fact that our competitor, Malcolm Industries, also
           hasn't developed their own cure: TA-50. According to some of
           our 'sources', they apparently also managed to get hold of
           that trigger drug the mercenaries brought us."

Johnston:"W-w-what is o-our s-s-share o-o-of t-the m-m-m-market?"

Executive:"Both EuroCorp and Malcolm Industries have equal shares of 40%
           each of the market, Monsieur. The remaining 20% is held by
           the World Health Organization, the Red Cross and similar
           organizations, who are busy distributing their cures to the
           poorer nations who cannot afford it."

Johnston:"L-l-let t-t-t-them. W-w-we w-w-w-want t-t-to m-make a p-profit
          h-h-h-here. O-o-o-ur m-m-main w-w-worry i-i-is M-M-Malcolm
          I-I-I-Industries."

Executive:"We do have an advantage over them, Monsieur. Seems their
           trigger drug lacked something that our trigger drug seems to
           have. It is costing them somewhat to manufacture that some-
           thing."

Johnston:"E-e-excellent. M-m-m-mister R-Rembrandt w-w-w-will b-be
          p-p-pleased."

Executive:"Shall we continue with our marketing campaign for POXAL,
           Monsieur?"

Johnston:"Y-yes. A-a-and t-t-try t-t-to p-point o-out t-t-the f-fact
          t-t-that o-our r-r-rival l-l-lacks t-t-that 's-s-something'
          f-f-for t-t-their c-c-cure."

Executive:"Yes, Monsieur."

The executive turns and heads for the office door. Johnston keeps
reading the papers as the executive leaves the office and closes the
door behind him.

Conference Room
KHA Alexander
Somewhere Over Atlantic Ocean
12 July
4:01 PM:

The conference room of the KHA Alexander has a single, expensive, long
wooden table which is polished and smooth. At the one end of the table
is a large, swivel chair that is secured in place, and along the
table four swivel chairs on each side. Behind the large chair is a
round window that looks out at the sky, which is currently very cloudy.
At the other end are two large wooden doors with polished steel
frames. In each corner of the room is a potted plant and in the ceiling
a large luminosity light. On the right side of the large chair is a
single wooden door. General Stalker is seated in the large chair.
Seated to his left (from the closest to him outward) is Trigger, Black
and Tesla. Seated to his right is Wolfeye and Sky. The two doors swing
open and two Lambda Troopers walk in, escorting a nervous-looking
Wouter Basson. The two troopers salute Stalker, who salutes back, then
turn and leave the room. As the doors close, Stalker leans forward.

Stalker:"Welcome aboard, Mister Basson. I trust my troopers have treated
         you well?"

Basson:"J-j-ja... yes... they have. You are Stalker?"

Stalker:"Correct. Supreme General of the KH Military, as you might know
         by now."

Basson:"What do you want with me?"

Stalker:"Good question, isn't it? I simply did not have my forces inter-
         cept the aircraft ferrying you to Guantanamo Bay with the
         intention of simply being helpful. No, we freed you because
         of what is in that mind of yours."

Basson:"Do you mean Project Trojan that I was working on for Francisco
        Ortega? Do you want to continue with it?"

Stalker:"To some extent I did mean Project Trojan, but I am interested in
         continuing it. It is now dead, and I also hope with it your
         former employer."

Black:"Ortega has to be dead. What with all that debris and such that fell
       on him after he was in the front of that spider of his when it
       smashed into the building."

Wolfeye:"They haven't found any body yet, so cannot be for certain. And
         you should know that I thought I had killed him in Atlantis two
         years, and yet he lived."

Black:"By Jupiter, how CAN you find a body under all that? Many Sep-
       tember 11 victims were reduced to nothing but a few scraps of
       DNA after those towers collapsed. Not to mention the Gargantua
       exploded before it got buried under the casino, so Ortega was
       most likely incinerated before being crushed."

Wolfeye:"And can you prove it?"

Sky:"Gentlewolves, I have personally used my psychic abilities to look
     over the debris site and even if he wasn't reduced to atom par-
     ticles he is dead. We now have this business to deal with, plus
     the 'future' projects."

Stalker:"Sky is right. We are here to recruit Mister Basson here to
         work for us."

Basson:"Work for you?"

Stalker:"Yes. More specifically, you will working with Tesla here..."

He indicates to Tesla, who nods a little but is keeping his attention
more on Sky.

Stalker:"... to develop new chemical and biological agents for
         psychic augmentations and implementations."

Basson:"Psychic? You mean things like mind control?"

Sky:"Amongst others."

Stalker:"Indeed. We will, of course, provide the usual financial and
         security benefits for your work."

Basson:"And what guarantee is there I won't get captured by Unit STRIKE
        or those Road Rovers?"

Stalker:"Our security is much more efficient than Ortega could have
         ever wished for. You will kept isolated from any law enforcement
         agency, be it the Road Rovers or otherwise."

Basson:"I have my doubts. I think I should just go into exile and hide
        until the day I die."

Stalker:"And waste your scientific knowledge? Tsk tsk."

Basson:"Better to waste it than have it get me in trouble again."

Stalker:"Perhaps we can persuade you otherwise. Sky."

Sky:"Yes, General."

Sky focuses his eyes on Basson, who is nervously looking back at him.
As Sky focuses more, Basson seems to become less nervous and more
enthusiastic. After a few moments, Basson looks at Stalker with an
eager face.

Basson:"You said something about benefits, General?"

Stalker:"I'm glad that Sky convinced you to provide us with your
         scientific abilities. You will be rewarded for your work.
         Tesla, take Mister Basson to the laboratory and tell him
         what his work will entail."

Tesla:"Yes, General."

Tesla gets up, then goes to Basson and he leads the both of them out
the room. Once the door closes, Black looks over at Sky.

Black:"I don't like you methods, Sky."

Sky looks with a straight face.

Sky:"Really? How disappointing. Our Supreme General thinks otherwise."

Black:"That doesn't mean I have to like it. I got my suspicions about
       your powers and your new Eta Squadron."

Stalker:"That may be, General Black, but bear in mind that Sky is work-
         ing towards the same goal as we all are. And his Eta Squadron
         will be a great asset for the KH Military."

Black still looks suspicious. Stalker then gets up.

Stalker:"The meeting is adjourned until 8'o clock. We have other plans 
         to discuss. Dismissed."

The other generals stand up and salute Stalker, who salutes back. The
generals then leave, Sky leaving first. Black and Stalker remain the
only ones in the room. Stalker looks at Black as he walks up to
Stalker.

Stalker:"Yes?"

Black:"I do not wish to be disrespectful, sir, but there's something
       about Sky I don't trust."

Stalker:"I have noticed that since Sky's powers truly began to grow
         last year during the Techno War. Is that what you are worried
         about?"

Black:"Somewhat, sir, but the thing is... I don't know if it was my
       eyes or not, but Sky's report on Ortega's demise wasn't entirely
       truthful."

Stalker:"You believe Ortega is still alive?"

Black:"No, sir. I think he's gone for good this time. It's just that
       I feel Sky is not entirely... correct."

Stalker:"His powers are still unfocused. Tesla said so himself. It
         will take some time before Sky can reach his full potential.
         That is probably why his behavior is fluctuating somewhat."

Black shrugs.

Black:"I suppose, sir. Still, he has changed much since we discovered
       those psychic powers of his in the year after we returned to
       Earth."

Stalker:"I know, but it is for the benefit of us all. Do not worry
         too much about it, Black."

Black:"Yes, sir."

Stalker:"Dismissed."

Black salutes, and Stalker salutes back. Black walks to the door and
leaves the room. Stalker walks to the side door and heads into his
private living quarters, closing the door behind him. Outside, it 
begins to rain.

Beach
Tropical Island Resort
Off Coast Of French Guinea
16 July
11:03 AM:

This is a wide stretch of sandy beach near a resort on the island. The
waves wash over the beaches and the occasional rock outcroppings. The
beach have a number of foreign tourists swimming in the ocean, suntan-
ning or just chatting at the bars. In the crowd are members of Unit
STRIKE. In the water Tanarus, Elexis, Illanov and Vicki Maddog are
having a little fun. They are trying to push each other off the
shoulders of their husband who are carrying them. On the beach Striker
and Phoenix are relaxing on beach towels under a sun umbrella. Striker
is wearing blue swimming trunks while Phoenix wears a deep red bikini.
He is lying on his back while she is lying on her tummy.

Phoenix:"Finally. Some time to relax, Strikie."

Striker:"Ja, and two weeks to do so."

Phoenix looks around.

Phoenix:"Where is Corsair, Shephard and Merit?"

Striker:"They went to go ride on the Super Tube, though Merit got dis-
         tracted by a local repair shop. He's probably fixing people's
         motors and appliances."

Phoenix:"I wonder if Merit knows that he is supposed to relax when we
         are on vacation?"

Striker:"Not really, I would think. He would regard vacationing as just
         sitting idle and so doing those repairs might be his way of
         relaxing. He is a robot and he's still learning about our ways."

Phoenix:"I guess so."

They both look out at the ocean.

Phoenix:"Do you think Francisco Ortega is dead this time, Strikie?"


Striker:"I will be honest: Nee. Even though that debris site has been
         cleaned up, no body or even pieces of his body have been
         found. I thought that Ortega had died when Atlantis sank, but
         I was wrong. I am going to keep an open mind until I find
         evidence that he is truly dead."

Phoenix:"I heard his cousin Zorrino committed suicide."

Striker:"Ja. He was so insane from that ordeal at the underwater lab
         that climbed up the radio mast of the Sunnivale Sanitarium
         to get away from what he thought was a flood. Then he slipped
         and found out the ground was dry, the hard way."

Phoenix shudders.

Phoenix:"Gruesome fate."

Striker:"Ja."

Phoenix undoes the strings holding her top, then tosses Striker a special
furry suntan lotion. He grabs it as Phoenix relaxes.

Phoenix:"Come on, Strikie. Let's forget about any work and rub that lotion
         on my back."

Striker grins and removes the cap off the lotion bottle.

Striker:"Reg, my firefly."

Phoenix giggles, then yelps softly as Striker squeezes the cold lotion
onto her back. He then begins to massage the lotion into her furry
back. As he rubs her back, he sighs.

Striker(in thought):"Jammer that I did not do this earlier before
       Ortega fouled things up, but I am still unsure..." 

He keeps rubbing the lotion onto her back while she giggles and paws at 
him. Striker smiles, takes her paw and squeezes it. She squeezes back as 
her tail swishes a little.

Monitoring Room
Unknown Location
At That Moment:

This is a circular with only one door. Banks of monitors line the walls
and the corner of the ceiling. In the centre of the room is a smaller
circular room with glass walls. Inside there are more monitors with
computer terminals. In the outer circle there are wolf-sapiens at the
terminals monitoring the screens, which show various kinds of images
around the world. The wolf-sapiens are dressed in the uniforms of
the KH Military. In the circle in the middle of the room is Sky. He
is looking at the one of the nearby monitors, which shows a satellite
image of Striker and Phoenix.

Sky:"Oh, you will be sure, Striker. As well as unsure about that which
     is sure."

He glances at the other monitors.


THE END