Rover Strike: The Spider Cartel

Episode 5: Project Trojan

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners
All Rover Strike names © Gerhard Naudé

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

Briefing Room
Road Rover Headquarters
14 June
12:01 PM:

The briefing room table is now occupied by Unit STRIKE. Striker,
Phoenix, Illanov, Corsair, Shephard and Merit are all seated around
the table. The table has a holographic image of central Africa,
focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A red dot
is in the jungles in the northern regions of the country.

Striker:"Now, what we have so far is that the medical equipment
         purchased by the Spider Cartel have been taken to this
         facility hidden in the DRC. We know that they are using
         the equipment for a Project Trojan, lead by Doctor Wouter 
         Basson."

Corsair:"Just who is this Basson chap again?"

Striker:"Wouter Basson was the head of the biological and chemical
         weapons program of the apartheid government in South Africa
         during the late 1980s. He helped create some experimental
         chemical and biological weapons such as bacteria made to 
         kill blacks only, 007-style poison tools, drugs to neutra-
         lize activists and poison-laced soft drinks and cigarette
         packs."

Corsair:"Dude, with folks like that who needs the Twilight Zone?"

Illanov:"With such expertise being used by the Spider Cartel it is
         very worrying, comrades."

Striker:"Indeed, especially if you consider the project's name and
         the fact that this facility is used to manufacture the
         Hivagen HIV/AIDS cure."

Phoenix:"Trojan. As in the Trojan Horse the Greeks used to sneak
         men into the city of Troy?"

Striker:"That's what I'm thinking as well, love. And I'm worried
         that the Hivagen drug is the Trojan Horse being used by
         the cartel."

Corsair:"And who, or what, is the Greeks that are supposed to go 
         into this horse?"
         
Shephard:"Poison, perhaps?"

Merit:"That would highly illogical. The use of poisonous chemicals
       in the antidote would alert major international health bodies
       as well as various governments and agencies such as the United
       Nations and can also seriously damage the flow of income for
       the cartel."

Illanov:"I would have to agree with comrade Merit. Mass poisoning
         wouldn't be of any benefit for an organisation such as the
         Spider Cartel."

Shephard:"Then what is Basson putting in? It certainly isn't candy."

Striker:"Nee, Shephard. That is why we have to go to this facility and
         have a look into this project."

Phoenix:"So what is our plan of action, Love?"

Striker:"We will go to the Congo to this facility, but we are not
         going to be taking the Rhino this time."

Corsair:"Are we finally going to try this new vehicle the professor is
         making for us?"

Striker:"Nee, Corsair. It is still undergoing final construction and
         tests, so we won't be able to use it for this mission. We are
         going to take the Pack Rover as well as the Burrow Rover."

Illanov's eyes brighten up.

Illanov:"Will be able to have new seats, comrade?"

Striker notices that Corsair's eyes have also brightened up and he 
shakes his head.

Striker:"Jammer, I will choose where you sit. And I would hate to have
         to separate such a good couple like you two."

Both Illanov and Corsair look in consternation at Striker, then open
their mouths to speak. Striker puts up one paw and shakes his head.

Striker:"That is my final decision, no further discussions will be
         necessary."

The two rivals sink back into their chairs, sulking and passing ugly
glances at one another. Shephard resumes the meeting.

Shephard:"But why do we need the Burrow Rover, sir? Isn't it used for 
          digging?"

Striker:"Ja, it is Shephard. We need it to dig right beneath and into
         the facility."

Shephard:"What for, sir? Can't we just go in guns-a-blazing for a 
          change? The country's already in a war, so what's just 
          another skirmish going to matter?"

Striker:"As much as I admire your bravery, Shephard, I'm afraid that,
         after what happened in Afghanistan, we are not taking risks.
         There are dozens of rebel factions in the Congo right now,
         and it is very likely some are being bought by the cartel
         to take care of intruders like us. The jungles in that
         region are also dangerously thick, since it can conceal
         snipers, ambushers and AA stinger launcher troops. Also, by
         going underground we will have the element of surprise for
         when it is time to fight."

Shephard sighs.

Shephard:"I don't like it, since it will take away most of the fun, but
          I suppose you're right, sir."

Striker:"Do not be too disheartened, Shephard. If there is going to be
         fighting, then I will make sure you will be in the front lines."

Shephard's eyes brighten up a bit. Striker looks around the table.

Striker:"Nog further questions?"

Corsair raises his hand and Striker looks at him.

Corsair:"What do we do with that Basson dude if we find him? Or run into
         that Turwar thing?"

Striker:"Wouter Basson should be captured if possible. He can give us
         valuable information on Project Trojan. Since he is the 
         project leader, his capture could spike the cartel's plans
         for the project. As for Turwar..."

He looks at Illanov.

Striker:"Alex, do you have some spare Vodka we could use?"

Illanov:"Several cases, comrade. Want me to take some along to use
         on Turwar?"

Striker:"Ja. The Vodka might just help distract Turwar and help us
         escape if we should run into him in the Congo."

He looks around the table.

Striker:"Nog questions?"

No one says a thing. Striker then nods.

Striker:"Goed. Go get your equipment and meet in the hangar within
         30 minutes."

Everyone agrees, get up and leave the briefing room except for Striker
and Phoenix. Striker turns to her.

Striker:"Ja, my Love?"

Phoenix:"I want to ask you something, but not about the mission."

Striker:"Go ahead. I'm listening."

Phoenix:"Well, I was wondering if we could take a break once we sort
         out this business."

Striker:"But we did have a break."

Phoenix:"Not that kind of break, Love. That was just a breather. I'm
         talking about a vacation. A nice vacation somewhere at a
         nice remote holiday resort for a week or two."

Striker:"Oh, I see."

He begins to think it over. Phoenix puts her arms around him and looks
into his eyes with her own.

Phoenix:"Pretty please, Love? I'll give you a big kiss right here if
         you say yes."

Striker chuckles and puts his arms around her as well, locking his eyes
with hers.

Striker:"I suppose we can go and have good decent rest. But only after
         we are sure we have stopped the cartel's Project Trojan."

Phoenix grins, then gives him a long, passionate kiss. Once she releases
him, he is quite surprised.

Striker:"A VERY decent rest."

She giggles, then she and Striker lock lips together and resume their
little moment of love.

The Pack Rover
En Route To Research Facility
Haut Zaire Province
Democratic Republic Of The Congo (DRC)
9:31 PM:

The Pack Rover is flying high above the clouds during a full moon. 
Far below are the green jungles of the northern areas of the DRC,
with the occasional lights of a town or city dotted here and there.
Inside the Pack Rover, the lights in the cockpit are the only
light sources which betray the Pack Rover in the darkness. Striker
is at the controls with Phoenix sitting next to him. Behind them
sit Corsair and Illanov next to each other, and behind them are
Shephard and Merit. Phoenix is busy looking at a console screen on
the control panel, which shows the landscape below them. Striker
looks at her.

Striker:"See anything, Love?"

Phoenix shakes her head.

Phoenix:"Nothing of the facility yet, Love, but I am detecting heat
         signatures of people in the jungles down below."

Striker:"Many of them?"

Phoenix:"Yes, quite a lot of them. Soldiers, perhaps?"

Striker:"It should definitely be. They are guarding the facility and
         the area around it."

Corsair:"Is this why we're flying so high?"

Striker:"Ja. Those soldiers carry RPG-launchers and the Pack Rover
         is too slow to dodge the swarms they will fire at us if we
         get too close to the jungle floor."

Just Phoenix looks at Striker and points at the screen.

Phoenix:"Love, we found it."

Striker and the others stare at the screen. Standing out from the
jungle landscape is a large, high-tech complex of laboratories with
fences, outbuildings and plenty of floodlights.

Illanov:"That's got to be the research facility, comrades. No mistake
         about it."

Merit:"My readings also confirms this. I should note that no such
       structure could possibly be operating in this region if it
       belonged to a legitimate organization."

Striker:"Then we have found the cartel's Project Trojan facility. Now
         we will need to find some place to land far away from here
         so that the Pack Rover won't be discovered."

He looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"See if you can find us a landing zone."

Phoenix:"Right, Love."

She works at the console while he keeps piloting. After a few moments
she looks at him again, pointing at the screen.

Phoenix:"There is a volcanic crater about 25 kilometres northeast of
         the facility with an elevation of about 2400 feet."

Striker looks at the screen and sees the crater on the screen.

Striker:"Wonderlik. We can land there and deploy the Burrow Rover with
         little chance of detection."

He looks at the others.

Striker:"But we must not have any light sources on as we land. Any
         light from the Pack Rover will easily be spotted by any of the 
         soldiers in the jungles. And they are vicious."

Shephard sighs.

Shephard:"I really hate all this skulduggery."

Corsair looks at Shephard.

Corsair:"Skul-"duggery"? Is that supposed to be a pun?"

Shephard:"What are you talking about?"

Illanov shakes his head and also looks at Shephard.

Illanov:"Ignore him, comrade. The American is afraid of getting dirt
         in his fingers."

Corsair quickly looks at Illanov with a frown on his face. 

Corsair:"Hey!"

Illanov just sneers back at him. Striker sighs, pushes a button and
turns off all the lights except those on the control panel. He pilots
the Pack Rover towards the crater.

Volcanic Crater
25 Kilometres From Research Facility
9:39 PM:

This is a large crater formed by the eruptions of the now extinct
volcano. The walls of rock and dirt run deep into the volcano, 
hiding the relatively flat bottom from the outside jungle regions.
The Pack Rover, nearly invisible in the darkness, flier into the
crater and lands at the bottom. After a few minutes the cargo
bay door opens and the Burrow Rover is driven out by Illanov. The
others walk out of the cargo towards the Burrow Rover. As they
reach the vehicle, Striker turns to Shephard.

Striker:"Shephard, I need you to stay here and guard the Pack
         Rover. Take off if you need to and radio me if you do."

Shephard is dismayed.

Shephard:"Guard duty? But, sir, I was hoping to see action at the
          facility."

Striker:"Jammer, Shephard, but we cannot risk losing the Pack Rover
         in this dangerous part of the country. Though you are
         authorized to use force if under attack from anyone who
         is investigating the crater."

Shephard sighs and salutes.

Shephard:"Sir, yes sir."

Striker nods and climbs in with the others. He looks at Illanov.

Striker:"Set a course for the facility, Alex."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade."

Illanov starts up the Burrow Rover. Its paws begin to dig into the
volanic ground and soon it begins to tunnel its way into the earth.
It disappears from view, leaving Shephard behind with the Pack Rover.
He watches them go.

Shephard:"Ah well."

He sits down on a nearby rock, takes out his machine gun and a half-
eaten bag of orange-flavoured sweets.

Shephard:"At least I can now enjoy these without the others bugging
          me to share. That's one good thing about guard duty."

He digs in and eats several drops.

Maintenance Corridor
Cartel Research Facility
9:46 PM:

This is a wide corridor lit up only by several red lights. Tubes and
piping run along the ceiling and walls with the occasional substation.
The concrete floor cracks and heaves up. Moments later, the Burrow
Rover breaks through and drives out of the make-shift tunnel and into
the corridor. Everyone gets out of the vehicle, weapons at the ready.
Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Phoenix, stay here and guard the Burrow Rover."

Phoenix is surprised at this.

Phoenix:"Why me, Love?"

Corsair backs her up and points at Illanov.

Corsair:"Yeah, why her? Why not this Ruski fur ball here?"

Illanov growls at Corsair.

Striker:"I'm sorry, Love, but this is a covert-operation. We need
         stealth and covertness and we need to protect our escape
         route."

Phoenix sighs, then gently touches Striker's cheek.

Phoenix:"Be careful."

Striker does the same to Phoenix.

Striker:"You too."

Corsair makes a face. Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"Reg, let's roll."

The four of them head down the corridor, leaving Phoenix with the
Burrow Rover. She watches them go down the corridor. When they dis-
appear from view, she sighs and climbs back into the Burrow Rover.
Meanwhile, Striker, Illanov, Corsair and Merit cautiously walk down
the corridor. Striker then spots a vent grate. He stops and points
at it.

Striker:"We can crawl through the ventilation system."

Corsair:"Vents again? Why are always go into based and then crawl
         through the vents? Can't we just walk?"

Illanov:"Because, American, you need exercise which you rarely get."

Striker:"Alex, stop it. We crawl through vents because we can avoid
         any unnecessary combat and go through the base undetected."

Striker looks at Merit.

Striker:"Open the vent, Merit. Once we are all in, put the vent back
         but don't screw it back completely. We might need to get out
         in a hurry."

Merit:"Confirmed."

Merit walks up to the vent grate, opens his toolkit and begins to
remove the screws of the grate. After a few moments, he stops and
takes off the grate. Striker climbs in, followed by Illanov. Corsair
looks at the open vent and sighs.

Corsair:"So much for being a team who can go for action. All we seem
         to be doing is crawling about in vents. Future episodes will
         be quite boring if we keep this up."

He climbs into the vent. Merit is the last to climb. He puts the grate
back and replaces a few screws before joining the others in the
darkness.

Helicopter Group Gulf
En Route To Research Facility
40 Kilometres West
Northern DRC
At that moment:

This is a wing of three helicopters: two Huey helicopters filled with
soldiers and a six-seated, white and blue private helicopter. They
are flying over the jungles with only their night lights on. Inside
the private helicopter the pilot, who appears rather nervous, radios 
to the facility.

Pilot(into radio):"Gorilla Base, this Blue Bird. We are 40 kilometres
     from the facility and closing. Over."

Gorilla Base responds.

GB(over radio):"This is Gorilla Base. You are cleared to proceed with
  the pickup. All forces have been notified of your approach. Over."

Pilot(into radio):"Roger that. Blue Bird out."

The pilot puts the radio back. From the back of the helicopter there
is a low growl. The pilot and co-pilot become even more nervous.

Co-pilot:"A-are you sure he will not harm us?"

Pilot:"I hope not, but he, or it, has clearance from above so he must
       be all right."

Co-pilot:"Maybe, but he still makes me very nervous."

There is another growl, and the two men immediately stop talking, now
even more nervous.

Main Research Wing
Cartel Research Facility
9:51 PM:

This is a large, square room with windows on two sides of the walls.
The walls are lined with racks, cabinets, tables and other sophis-
ticated medical equipment. Everywhere there are laboratory items like
beakers, burners and microscopes. A vent grate is against the one
wall above a table while a single door leads out of the wing. A lone
camera pants left and right, keeping watch. Only one man is working
here: he is a middle-aged South African with a moustache, goatee and
a bald head with receding hairline. He is wearing a typical lab
coat over what appears to be an expensive suit. He is busy putting
glass containers of a blue fluid into a titanium canister. There is
a knock on the door.

Scientist:"Come in."

The door opens and a black African soldier walks in and salutes. The
scientist looks up at him.

Scientist:"Yes, what is it?"

Soldier:"Excuse me, sir, but I'm to inform you that your flight will
         be landing in a short while."

Scientist:"Good. Tell them I'm almost done here and will be ready to
           depart right away."

Soldier:"Yes, sir."

The soldier salutes and walks out, closing the door behind him. The
scientist turns back to the containers and canister. Unbeknownst to
him, the security has stopped panned and is now deactivated. At the
vent grate, a prod with a screwdriver tip at the end appears and
unscrews the grate without too much noise. After removing the screws,
the grate is gently taken off. From the vent, Merit climbs out in
silence, as does Striker, Illanov (holding his EMP Jammer, which is
on) and Corsair. They see the scientist with his back to them. They 
ready their weapons and Striker walks closer to the scientist. He
grabs the scientist and spins him around until he is staring into
the barrel of Striker's revolver and Striker's face. The scientist
eyes widen in surprise.

Striker:"Wel, wel. Doctor Wouter Basson. We finally meet in person."

Basson then recognizes Striker's face.

Basson:"Haai, you're that humanoid canine who massacred the Vorster
        family back in 1979, reg?"

Striker whinces.

Striker:"Do not remind me, Basson."

Basson grins.

Basson:"I should. You made my work MUCH easier."

Striker frowns.

Striker:"What do you mean?"

Basson:"Wel, since you killed the Vorsters, it was no longer necessary
        for me to create the poison Rand notes that old Oom Botha wanted
        me to. They would have been dead long ago anyway."

This hits a nerve within Striker. He shoves the colt into Basson's 
forehead and pulls back on the hammer.

Striker(angry, Afrikaans):"Jou klein blik...!"

Illanov grabs his arm and shoulder.

Illanov:"Comrade! Neyt! We are here to interrogate! What has happened 
         in the past is of no consequence right now!"

Striker stares angrily at Basson, who keeps his cool. He then sighs, puts
back the hammer and pulls back his colt.

Striker:"You're reg, Alex. We have a mission to complete."

Basson grins.

Basson:"Hehehe. I knew it was you... Striker, isn't it? You are the most
        wanted man, or dog, back in South Africa. Everyone who fought
        against Apartheid wants to have your head. Especially the new
        Minister of Finance, Adriaan Vorster."

Striker is taken aback. The others are surprised.

Striker:"Adriaan?"

Basson:"Thought you killed them all, né?"

Striker regains his stern appearance and holds the revolver to Basson's
head.

Striker:"Leave it. What we want to know is what this Project Trojan is,
         Basson. Talk, for your life isn't very important to us and many
         in South Africa would like to see you dead anyway."

Basson shakes his head smugly.

Basson:"I doubt you will shoot me, for the guards should be here any
        moment to shoot you first."

Illanov:"Are you referring to that security camera in the corner which
         is not working, comrade?"

Basson looks surprised at the dead camera, and he immediately becomes
less sure of himself.

Striker:"So talk now if you want to live, Wouter Basson."

Basson gulps, thinks for a moment, then sighs.

Basson:"Goed, I will tell you what you need to know."

He begins to talk.

Volcanic Crater
At that moment:

Everything is still as it. Shephard is still sitting on a rock by the
Pack Rover, looking around for anything suspicious. He is rolling a
grenade between his hands in boredom.

Shephard:"I'm certain this guard duty business was to appear on
          Maximum Exposure's jobs that suck."

As he rolls the grenade, it suddenly gets stuck on his left hand. He
looks down and sees his index finger stuck in the pin's ring.

Shephard:"Oh crud. Um..."

He stands up and tries to pull his finger out of the pin, with no
avail.

Shephard:"Stupid pin!"

He pulls harder, and with each pull his footing changes. He tries a
very strong tug, but his right heel catches a rock and he falls back
wards with a loud thud. As this happens, his hands fly into the air,
and the grenades flies from his hands. The pin however, remains stuck
on Shephard's finger. He quickly realizes this and turns to look
where the grenade. He spots it just as it bounces off the rim of the
tunnel and into the tunnel itself.

Shephard:"Oh s***!"

He lies down flat. Seconds later, there is loud explosion from the
tunnel that sends dust and rocks flying out of the tunnel. When it
all settles down, Shephard quickly stands up and runs to the tunnel.
He looks inside of it.

Shephard:"Well, at least it only made a crater."

Suddenly there is low rumble, which quickly begins to grow louder.
The ground begins to shake.

Shephard:"Uh oh. I think it did something more than just a crater."

He looks back into the tunnel, then his eyes widen and he quickly
runs away from tunnel. Next, a massive gusher of molten lava explodes
from the tunnel opening. Shephard stops and looks at massive lava
gusher.

Shephard:"Oh crap!"

Several explosions grab his attention. He sees more and more gushers
of lava exploding from the crater ground.

Shephard:"Better get out of here! I wanted action, but not this hot!"

He quickly sprints into the Pack Rover and closes the cargo bay door.
After a few moments, the Pack Rover's engines start up and it takes
off. Just as the wheels of the Pack Rover leave the ground, the 
bottom of the crater disintegrates into a massive pool of bubbling
lava. The Pack Rover clears the rim of the crater. Moments later,
the pool of lava explodes with a loud bang. The volcano is now in 
full eruption.

Main Research Wing
Cartel Research Facility
9:59 PM:

The Rovers are still listening to what Basson is telling them. After
a few moments, Striker stops him.

Striker:"I think you are trying to stall us. You have told us about
         the medical equipment and how you got them via the deal
         that resulted in the nuclear explosion and Korean War. But
         you are still not telling us what is Project Trojan, and
         my trigger finger is becoming tired."

Basson becomes even less sure of himself. Just then is the distant
but loud boom of an explosion.

Illanov:"Was that part of the fighting in the region?"

Merit:"I do not agree. The audio analysis of the explosion does not
       match any known explosive device."

It then that Corsair spots the cause of the explosion and his eyes
widen in shock.

Corsair:"Well there's something new! Boss!"

Everyone looks out the window. In the darkness, the glowing lava
from the erupting volcano can be seen quite clearly.

Striker:"Ai yai yai!"

Illanov:"Bolshoi! The volcano is erupting!"

Basson:"That's preposterous! There hasn't been any indication that
        the volcano was going to erupt."

Corsair:"Well, it sure looks like its erupting to me."

Illanov then looks at Striker in shock.

Illanov:"Comrade Shephard!"

Striker quickly takes out his radio and calls to the Pack Rover.

Striker(into radio):"Shephard, this is Striker! Report!"

There is a few tense moments as the Rovers listen to the crackle
of the radio. It is this moment that Basson grabs the canister,
creeps to the door and slips out. Just then, Shephard responds.

Shephard(over radio):"This is Shephard, sir! I've taken the Pack
        Rover out of the crater, but our LZ is toast!"

Striker(into radio):"How did it erupt?"

Shephard(over radio):"Um... there was an explosion, sir. Next thing
        I knew, lava was gushing out like oil and.... S***! That was
        way too close!"


Striker(into radio):"Wat? What happened? Are you being shot at?"

Shephard(over radio):"I'm being shot at, sir, but not by the enemy!
        This damn volcano is chuckling lava bombs all over the
        place! I'll pulling higher and further from this thing!"

Striker(into radio):"Goed! Keep hovering until we call you to come
       and pick us up!"

Shephard(over radio):"Yes, sir! Out!"

The radio goes dead and Striker puts it away. It is then that Corsair
notices Basson's absence.

Corsair:"Crud! Basson's gone!"

The others too notice he is missing.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! More bad news!"

Striker:"Ai yai yai! So much for our covert mission."

Merit:"Sir, I have more negative news to relay."

Striker sighs and looks at Merit.

Striker:"Wat is it, Merit?"

Merit:"If the volcano is erupting, then the tunnel we dug will operate
       as a channel for high-temperature magma from the eruption area
       to this facility. Phoenix and the Burrow Rover are in danger
       at their present location."

Striker's eyes widen and he reaches for his radio again. Through the
windows the meteoric lava bombs can be seen flying through the night
sky and fall into the jungle, some close to the facility.

Maintenance Corridor
Cartel Research Facility
10:03 PM:

Phoenix is still seated in the Burrow Rover, but she is looking around
in surprise as the corridor rumbles slightly. Loose dirt falls from 
the ceiling of their custom-made tunnel. Her radio crackles and she
takes it.

Phoenix(into radio):"Phoenix here."

Striker(over radio):"Phoenix, get out of that corridor! Leave the
       Burrow Rover and get out!"

Phoenix becomes worried.

Phoenix(into radio):"What's wrong? What happened?"

Striker(over radio):"The volcano we landed in has erupted and Merit
       says that lava is flowing through our tunnel to the facility!
       Get out while you can! We'll meet you outside the facility!"

The radio goes dead. Phoenix looks back the tunnel. She gasps when she
the orange/red glow of the lava deep in the tunnel.

Phoenix:"Oh no!"

She tucks the radio away and jumps off the Burrow Rover. She runs down
the corridor.

Main Research Wing
Cartel Research Facility
10:05 PM:

Striker is putting away his radio while he looks at the others.

Striker:"Reg, we will have to get out of here soon. Basson will have
         raised the alarm and the lava flooding into ths facility
         will only make the situation worse. In the meantime, search
         around here for any files, papers or something that will
         tell us about Project Trojan."

The others nod and they spread out searching amongst the equipment
and supplies.

Maintenance Corridor
Cartel Research Facility
10:06 PM:

Phoenix is still running down the corridor. Far back the Burrow Rover
can still be seen, but it is now illuminated by the glow of the on-
coming lava. She comes to a steel door and tries to open it, but it
is locked.

Phoenix:"Better melted this quickly before the lava melts me!"

She puts her paws against the door and they begins to emanate a great
amount of heat. The steel door glows red, then begins to slowly melt.
Phoenix looks back behind her. The rumbling noise of the rushing lava
becomes louder and louder, while the glow from the tunnel becomes 
brighter. She turns back to the door, which is still melting away.

Phoenix:"Come on! Come on!"

She looks back again. The lava explodes from the tunnel and begins to
flow into the corridor. The Burrow Rover begins to melt into the lava
as it were sinking in quicksand. The speed of the lava flow slows down,
but it still going fast. Steam hiss from melted water pipes and sparks
fly from destroyed wires. Phoenix looks back at the door, which is now
almost melted away. Beyond the opening she can see the mess hall of the
guard barracks as well as surprised African soldiers. Once the hole is
big enough she jumps through it into the mess hall. The soldiers 
quickly take out pistols and take aim at her. She looks up at them
and points to the opening.

Phoenix:"Run for it! There's lava coming!"

Most of the soldiers don't understand her and keep their pistols
aimed at her. A few of the soldiers look through the opening. Their
eyes bulge in horror as they see the lava coming. They shout out in
an unknown African language. Instantly the soldiers panic and begin
to run out of the various exits. Phoenix, now completely ignored by
the soldiers, runs to the one of the exits as well. As this happens,
the lava begins to flow through the opening as well some of the vents
connected to the corridor. The lava melts away the mess hall tables
and chairs as it spreads out.

Command Centre
Cartel Research Facility
10:09 PM:

This is a tower on top of the facility with a central spiral staircase
and windows looking out into all directions. Security and military
are here on duty, but they are all staring at the erupting volcano in
the distance. Basson comes running up the stairs and goes over to
the base commander.

Basson:"Commander! We have an emergency."

The African commander, dressed in fatigues, turns to Basson witn an
annoyed look.

Commander:"I can see that!"

Basson:"It's not the volcano, you idiot! There are intruders in the
        base! It's the Road Rovers!"

The commander looses his annoyed look.

Commander:"You certain?"

Basson:"So certain that I want to get on my flight. Where are those
        helicopters?"

Commander:"Three minutes until they land. You get on that flight as
           our bosses ordered. I'll deal with these 'Road Rovers'."

One of the security officers calls to the commander. The commander
and Basson run over to the window he is point out and down of. They
see the guard barracks attached to the side facility, but they also
see the soldiers running out of it. Among them is Phoenix, who is
not being paid attention to. What is paid attention is the lava
flowing out of windows and doorways of the barracks. The commander
swears in African.

Commander:"The boss will have my hide if he finds out about this!"

Basson:"He won't care about the loss of the facility. He WILL care
        about the loss of the sample if the Road Rovers find me."

The commander turns to one of his soldiers.

Commander(African):"Guard the scientist until he gets onto the
         chopper. DO NOT let the enemy get near him!"

The soldier salutes. Basson turns and climbs back down the staircase
with the soldier and several of his men going along. The commander
turns to his other personnel and gives the order to evacuate.

Main Research Wing
Cartel Research Facility
10:01 PM:

Everyone is still searching around for the clues about Project Trojan.
It is Merit who sees what is going on outside in the courtyard. He
looks at Striker.

Merit:"Excuse me, sir. Please come observe this."

Striker stops what he is doing and goes over to Merit. He looks outside
and sees the lava flowing out of more buildings beginning to fill the
courtyard. Soldiers and scientists alike are running out of the gates
of the facility and into the jungles. Some climb onto vehicles and
quickly speed away onto the road leading from the facility.

Striker:"Ai yai yai. The situation is critical now."

Merit then spots something and points at it.

Merit:"Sir, there is Phoenix."

Striker quickly looks to where Merit is pointing. He spots Phoenix
hiding next to a jeep some distance away from the lava flow. He
quickly takes out his radio and calls to her.

Striker(into radio):"Phoenix! Come in!"

Phoenix can be seen taking out her radio and responding.

Phoenix(over radio):"Striker! You okay?"

Striker(into radio):"I'm fine, Love. Look at the second floor windows
       to your left."

She does as she is told and looks up at the research wing windows. She
smiles when she spots and Striker and Merit. Striker smiles back at
her.

Striker(into radio):"Goed. Try to start the jeep and meet us just
       outside of the facility grounds. If need be, take cover in the
       jungle. We will be together shortly."

Phoenix(over radio):"Sure. Take care, Love."

Striker(into radio):"Jy ook, Love."

He puts his radio away, as does Phoenix. She begins to work on the
jeep while Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"Reg! Gather what you found! We are leaving!"

They all stop searching and gather around. Illanov and Corsair are
holding papers while Merit has one of the glass containers with the
blue substance.

Illanov:"The American and I found some documents, comrade."

Corsair:"The Russian and I haven't checked them yet if they will
         help, so we're taking them all."

Merit:"I have obtained a glass container holding some unknown form
       of liquid. Wouter Basson was putting them into a steel canis-
       ter that he took with him."

Striker:"Goed. Hold on to them. We will examine them when we return
         to headquarters. Corsair, get out the grapple and rope."

Corsair:"Righto, boss."

Corsair takes off his backpack and opens it. He takes out a grapple
and a long piece of rope and hands it to Striker. As Striker takes
it, Corsair puts the papers into his backpack along with the con-
tainer. Illanov uses the butt of his plasma rifle to smash the
windows open. Striker hooks the grapple on the edge of the window
sill and drops the rope down. It reaches the ground, but the lava
is closing in as well. Striker quickly turns to them.

Striker:"Let's go! Quickly!"

Illanov is first. He quickly climbs down the rope, followed by Merit
and then Corsair. Striker then unhooks the grapple and it drops to
the ground. Corsair quickly picks it up while Merit and Illanov
stand ready to catch Striker. Striker jumps out and is caught by
his friends.

Striker:"To the jungles, quickly!"

They run off for the gate, which is now unguarded. The lava continues
to flow its away through the facility, setting fire to everything.

Helipad
Cartel Research Facility
10:06 PM:

This is a large H-pad on the roof of the facility next to the command
centre tower. Four lights flash on and off around the helipad. Basson
and the soldiers are standing at the edge of it. The lights of the
helicopter group can be seen in the darkness. As the private chopper
comes in to land, the facility illuminate it even more, showing its
markings and the insignia of the Spider Cartel. After a few moments
the chopper touches down, and the door is opened. A South American
man wearing a blue business suit and red tie climbs as Basson walks
towards him. They shake hands.

Basson:"Diaz. It's about time!"

Diaz:"Same here, senyor Basson! Have you got the sample?"

Basson pats the canister.

Basson:"Right here. I'm all done here with them."

Diaz looks down and sees the lava. He quickly looks back at Basson.

Diaz:"Caramba! What is going here?!"

Basson:"Road Rovers, that is what is going. Come on!"

Just then Diaz spots Striker and his team running out the gate of the
facility.

Diaz:"Madere de dios! Those Road Rovers will pay dearly for this!" 

He looks into the chopper.

Diaz:"Turwar!"

There is a snarl, then Turwar steps out of the helicopter. The African
soldiers immediately panic, drop their weapons and run away back into
the facility. Basson shakes his head.

Basson:"Africans."

He climbs into the chopper. Diaz points at Unit STRIKE while looking
at Turwar.

Diaz:"Kill them."

Turwar growls, then runs to the edge of the building and jumps down to
the ground. He goes after the Rovers. Diaz climbs into the chopper and
closes the door. After a few moments, the private helicopter takes
off and joins the two hueys as they fly off into the west.

Jungle Road
Near Research Facility
At That Moment:

This is a gravel road that winds its way through the jungles from
the facility. Phoenix is in the passenger seat of the jeep, which
is parked just out of sight. Striker and the others coming running
up to the jeep and they all jump in. Striker gets in behind the
wheel and starts the jeep up. He turns it onto the road and drives
away from the now-burning research facility. Phoenix looks at
Striker.

Phoenix:"You find anything?"

Striker:"Ja, but we don't know if it help us. For the oomblik we
         have to vacate the area quickly. Did you contact Shephard?" 

Phoenix:"Yeah. He says he'll be waiting for us at the first village
         up this road."

Striker:"Did he say if there were any hostiles?"

Phoenix:"None. The villagers and any soldiers there fled in the face
         of the erupting volcano."

Above them, a lava bomb streaks loudly over the jungle to crash
somewhere close.

Corsair:"Man, this volcano's releasing some seriously pent-up 
         tension!"

Illanov frowns at Corsair.

Illanov:"This is no different from being in war, which I doubt you
         know of."

Corsair frowns at Corsair.

Corsair:"Hey! At least we have the Discovery Channel, which educates
         us in how these..."

A snarl catches both of their attention and they look back. Behind
the jeep Turwar is running on all fours. He is quickly catching up
to them.

Illanov, Corsair:"Uh oh!"

The both of them turn to Striker.

Illanov:"Comrade!"

Corsair:"Boss!"

Striker looks into the rear-view and spots Turwar. His eyes widen.

Striker:"Ai yai yai!"

Striker puts his foot down the accelerator and the jeep speeds up. 
Merit and Phoenix also look. Phoenix gasps when she sees Turwar, who's
speed matches that of the jeep.

Phoenix:"What is that thing?!"

Merit:"That is Turwar."

Corsair:"THAT thing? It looks like Gollum in a bad mood!"

Illanov quickly takes out his plasma rifle, charges up and takes
aim. He fires, but the shot misses and explodes harmlessly behind
Turwar. He quickly recharges and fires again. This time his shot
rings true. The plasma blast hits Turwar and he tumbles into the
jungles by a turn. Illanov smiles and looks at Corsair.

Illanov:"That is how Russians take good care of problems."

There is suddenly another roar and Turwar jumps out of the
thick jungles directly behind them. He is clearly no worse for
wear. Illanov is stunned.

Illanov:"Bolshoi! What kind of creature is it?"

Corsair takes his laser magnum and smirks at Illanov.

Corsair:"Okay, Russki. Watch and see why we won the Cold War."

He takes and begins to fire. Most of his shots miss Turwar, but one
hits Turwar's leg and he tumbles into the gravel road. Corsair
smiles and looks at the fuming Illanov.

Corsair:"What do you think, Russian?"

Illanov:"I think you'd better look at your target again, Yankee."

Corsair looks back. Turwar quickly gets up and spurts after the
jeep, again uninjured. Corsair is stunned.

Corsair:"What does this thing have for skin? Kevlar?"

Phoenix decides to act. She quickly opens Corsair's backpack and
digs out a bottle of Vodka. She waves at Turwar.

Phoenix:"Hey! Turwar, look here!"

The bottle gets Turwar's attention slightly, but keeps running
behind them. Phoenix throws the bottle in the passing jungle. Turwar
sees this and quickly jumps off the road and into the jungles. They
watch the road for a few more moments, then relax. Striker smiles at
Phoenix.

Striker:"Knap gedaan, Love."

Phoenix smiles back at him.

Phoenix:"Thanks, Love. At least I HOPE you congratulated me."

Striker:"Jammer. I mean well done."

Phoenix:"That's okay. I love your language."

Striker grins and looks forward, dodging a lava bomb lying on the
one side of the road. They speed on with lava bombs flying all over
the place.

Village
6 Kilometres From Research Facility
10:18 PM:

This is a small, relative non-descript village with stone buildings
which have thatched roofs. Some the buildings are on fire and several
lava bombs are lying about. In the distance the erupting volcano
can be clearly seen, spewing lots of lava down its sides. The Pack
Rover is in the centre of the village. The cargo bay door is open
and Shephard is standing guard just outside. The jeep drives into
the village and stops by the Pack Rover. Striker and the others
quickly climb and head for the Pack Rover. Striker and Shephard
get to one side as the others run in.

Striker:"Everything reg?"

Shephard:"Yes, sir, but these lava bombs are quite a hazard. They
          nearly hit the Pack Rover several times."

Striker:"Goed. We must leave quickly. I don't think Turwar will linger
         long on that one bottle."

Shephard:"Turwar? Is he still around, sir?"

Striker:"Ja, and we must leave quickly. Come on, Shephard!"

Shephard:"Yes, sir!"

The two of them run into the Pack Rover and close the cargo bay door.
After a few moments, the Pack Rover's engines fire up and it lifts
off into the night sky. It flies away from the disaster-stricken
area.

Cockpit
Pack Rover
En Route Back To RRHQ
10:20 PM:

Everyone is now seated in the Pack Rover in his or her original seat.
Phoenix is busy checking the aircraft's scanners before looking
at Striker.

Phoenix:"We are now clear of the volcano and its lava bombs. I
         also do not detect any hostile aircraft following us."

Everyone(except Merit, who has no lungs) breathes a sigh of relief.
Illanov turns to look at Shephard.

Illanov:"Comrade, what happened in the volcano?"

Shephard:"Well, sir. There was an explosion and the next thing I
          knew lava was gushing out everywhere."

Everyone else turn to look at Shephard as well.

Striker:"What explosion, Shephard?"

Shephard:"I don't know, sir. I guess it was just natural."

Corsair then notices the grenade pin still stuck on Shephard's
finger. He points at it.

Corsair:"Natural, eh? And its also natural that a grenade pin is
         sitting on your finger?"

Shephard holds up his hand and sees the pin, as does the others.

Shephard:"Uh oh."

Merit:"Sir, my analysis of the eruption is that it could not have
       happened unless there was human intervention. I deduce that
       Shephard started the eruption with a grenade."

Shephard looks angrily at Merit, while the others look at him with
frowns on their faces.

Shephard:"You just have to make the connection, eh?"

Merit:"Did I make an error?"

Striker:"Shephard, tell the truth."

Shephard looks at the others and sighs.

Shephard:"Yes, sir. I caused the eruption with my grenade by accident.
          The pin got caught on my finger and I lost the grenade to get 
          it off."

Corsair:"Oh really? Would you like to call a friend on that?"

Striker looks sternly at Corsair.

Striker:"Corsair! That is uncalled for!"

Corsair:"But how do we know he's not trying to say his skin, boss?"

Striker:"Because I have training in reading eyes, and he is not lying.
         Maybe you need some training as well when we get back to
         base."

Corsair groans and buries his face in one hand. Illanov chuckles softly.
Striker looks at Shephard.

Striker:"And you and I will need to have a friendly talk about this, 
         Shephard. It is an accident, but in future we should try and
         avoid such incidents."

Shephard sighs and salutes.

Shephard:"Yes, s..."

He sees something and quickly points at Striker.

Shephard:"Sir! Behind you!"

Striker quickly looks forward. He then instantly ducks just as a long 
scythe blade punches through the windshield and into his seat. The
others quickly look forward and gasp when they see Turwar sitting
on the outside of the cockpit. Both his hands has his scythe blades
out. He pulls out his one blade, then stabs at Phoenix. Phoenix
yipes and jumps out of her seat as the scythe smashes through and
into her seat as well. Turwar snarls as he pulls out the blade.
Striker reaches out for the pilot controls, keeping well away from
Turwar.

Corsair:"Dude, that thing just won't go away!"

Shephard gets up and readies his Desert Eagle.

Shephard:"I'll wax that critter!"

Phoenix:"Wait!"

She quickly opens Corsair's backpack and takes out another bottle of
Vodka. She stands up, waving the bottle of Vodka at Turwar.

Phoenix:"Remember this?"

The bottle once again catches Turwar's attention and he watches it
intently. Phoenix opens a window, still keeping Turwar's attention
on the bottle. She then throws the bottle out window.

Phoenix:"Catch!"

Turwar suddenly jumps for the bottle. He catches it, but at the
same he falls towards earth. Striker gets back at the controls while
the others watch Turwar fall out of sight.

Corsair:"This goes to show: Do not drink and dive."

Shephard:"Guess that's taken care of Turwar for good."

Merit:"My findings indicate that Turwar, given the nature of his
       body and the dense jungle regions we currently crossing, has
       an 83% chance of surviving a descent of this kind."

Shephard:"You always have to spoil everything, eh?"

Striker:"Nonetheless, I agree with Merit. We cannot be certain that we
         have seen the last of Turwar. For now, we must be on our
         guard for him."

The others agree and get back into their seats. The Pack Rover 
continues on back home.

Ancient Temple Ruins
Congo Jungles
At that moment:

This is an overgrown stone temple hidden deep in the jungle. Creepers
and moss cover the stones and strange statues of the temple. A single
entrance across a bridge leads into the temple. Suddenly, the ground
begins to shake as parts of the temple begins to collapse. Just as
the entrance collapses, a woman runs out of the temple holding
something in her hand. She dashes across the bridge as it also
collapses. She reaches the other side and watches as the whole temple
collapses and sinks into a large pool lava. The women herself is
young, has long hair made into a ponytail, a tank top several sizes
too small for her very large... attributes, extremely short shorts
that more resemble bikini bottoms, hiking boots and a belt with two 
pistols and bags of ammo. This is Sara Kroft. She looks triumphantly 
at the object in her hands: a large gem that looks like a wing nut.

Sara:"At last! I have it! The Great Shiny Gem Of King Anassassassa 
      XXVII From The Great Sacred Temple Of The Brotherhood of..."

Suddenly Turwar falls through the branches and lands right on top of
Sara, smashing her into the ground and causing the gem to drop next
to him. He shakes his head, then notices he still has the bottle
Vodka in his claws. He removes the cap, then gulps down the Vodka in
one chug. He belches loudly, and then notices the gem. He picks it up
and looks it. He grunts, then casually throws the gem and the empty
bottle over his shoulders. Both items fall into the pool of lava.
Turwar gets up and runs off into the jungle, hiccupping as he does.
Sara Croft's head appears from the hole made by her when Turwar
landed on her, her hair in shambles and her face covered with
dirt.

Sara:"Hey, that wasn't in the Catacomb Raider 16 script..."

She then notices something.

Sara:"AAAAHHH! I tore my top again!!!"

Path
RRHQ Grounds
Road Rover Mission Control
United States Of America
7:04 AM:

This is a paved path running through the woods on the grounds around
Mission Control. Striker is here walking on his lonesome. As he
walks, Phoenix comes up from behind him and puts her arms around
Striker. He smiles and puts his paws over hers.

Striker:"Hello, Phoenix."

She smiles as well and hugs him tighter.

Phoenix:"Hello, Strikie."

He looks back at her.

Striker:"Strikie?"

She giggles and turns him around to face her.

Phoenix:"It's my pet name for you."

He chuckles.

Striker:"Oh. It is a nice one."

Phoenix:"Do you have one for me, by any chance?"

He thinks for a moment.

Striker:"How about... my little firefly?"

She laughs out loud and hugs him tightly

Phoenix:"That's nice, but you can do better."

He blushes a bit. She pulls him closer and kisses him lightly and
long, he does the same. After a while, they pull apart.
 
Phoenix:"There is something I want to ask you."

Striker:"Ja?"

Phoenix:"Who is this Adriaan Vorster Corsair told me about?"

Striker's eyes suddenly grow distant and he pulls away from Phoenix.

Striker:"Ek... I'm jammer, Phoenix... I cannot talk about this..."

Phoenix is surprised.

Phoenix:"Striker? Is there something wrong?"

Striker:"Nee... nothing... I ... have to talk to Corsair. I will
         see you at breakfast..."

He walks away back to Mission Control. Phoenix watches him go.

Phoenix:"What is wrong with him? Maybe I should keep quiet about
         this... but also have a look into it. His behaviour is
         worrying me."

She keeps watches Striker walk away from her. The Rovers have gotten
files about Project Trojan, destroyed the research facility and
escaped the erupting volcano. But Basson got away with something
important and little is still known about Project Trojan. What is
Basson making? What details will the files reveal about the cartel's 
project? And what is the connection between Striker and Adriaan
Vorster?


THE END