Road Rovers: Chaos Computer

Episode 1: Third Party

By Gerhard Naudé

All Road Rover names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners.
Unit STRIKE, Corsair, Tanarus, Elexis, Shephard, GONV, Cadwell,
Series 9 and all others related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé
Strayers © Steven Today
Nitro © Amanda Stephenson
Alethia © Kylen Miles
Jacob © Dylan Rinalds
Maui © Travis T. Wonders
Mele © Allie Jung
Cobber © Michael Browner
Dervish © Casey Johnson

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

Redwood Forest
Somewhere in Canada
14 February, two months after the destruction of the Iron Fist
11:15 PM:

This is a mountainous part of the forest, with rivers and lakes
filling the gaps. Above in the cloudless night sky is a full
moon. All is quiet, but in the forest itself there is danger.
From the shadows appears a Cano-sapien couple, each carrying
their two children. The male, female and children are Shepherd
dogs. The male is Thunder and the female is Angel. They are
running as if for dear life. Closely behind them are the sounds
of mechanical machinery, making a thumping noise each second. 
Angel looks behind her.

Angel:"It's gaining on us, Thunder!"

Thunder:"Keep running, Angel! We must save ourselves and our 
         children!"

Angel:"We can never outrun that thing!"

Thunder:"We must! Otherwise we all die!"

Angel nods and they continue running. They soon come to cave
in a cliff. Thunder gives Angel the child he was holding.

Thunder:"You three go hide in there while I guide this thing
         away from you. I may not make it, but my actions
         will save you and our children. Just one thing. If
         I don't return, always remember this: I love you."

Tears well up in Angel's eyes. She knows that this may be
the last time that she or her children will see Thunder. 

Angel:"I love you too."

They give each other a quick kiss, then Angel, taking their
two children in her arms, heads into the cave. Thunder 
watches them go, then runs behind a bush. The mechanical 
sounds come closer and closer until it comes, or rather,
walks into view. It is a large walking robot with two
missile packs on each side of the body (which looks like an
Apache cockpit). The windows are dark blue and on the sides
of the robot's body stands the letters "GONV". This is a
Mark 2(MKII) Mech. Thunder appears from the bushes and throws
stones at it, trying to get the robot's attention.

Thunder:"Hey! Over here, you overgrown pile of silicon!"

The mech ignores Thunder and walks up to the cave's mouth. 
Thunder then realises what the mech plans to do.

Thunder:"No! God please, no!"

The mech suddenly fires two missiles that travel down the cave
and then explode with a thunderous roar. The shock from the
blasts caused the mouth of the cave to collapse. When the 
smoke clears all that remains is the collapsed cave mouth and
the mech. Thunder screams in agony. Then, in pure rage, picks
up a stick and runs to the mech.

Thunder:"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

The mech turns around and quickly fires a missile at Thunder.
 
Devans High School
Seattle 
United States of America
1 March
1:34 PM:

This is a standard American high school in the city. The 
students are just leaving. Among the students four friends
make their way home carrying their books. They are David
Larken, James, Kathrine and Markus. They all have sour
looks on their faces.

Kathrine:"Another biology term test!"

David:"A full 50 pages we have to study for by Monday."

James:"And if we don't pass this one we'll spend our entire 
       vacation at summer school."

Markus:"It really sucks. We'll never be able to learn all
        that work by Monday."

David:"But we have to. Guess we'll just have to leave our
       computers alone for a while."

James:"I can't do that. I promised a contact overseas that
       I would finish that web page I am building for him."

Markus:"I have to finish a hack I'm working on so that I
        can post it on the internet." 

Kathrine:"Fortunately for me I don't have anything that needs 
          finishing on my computer."

David:"Me too. I only need to check my e-mail and ICQ for any
       new messages, and that's it."  

Kathrine:"Me three."

Markus:"So it seems me and James are going to suffer."

David:"Guess so."

They continue walking.

Larken Residence
1:42 PM:

This is a modest house in the Seattle suburbs. David and Caroline
are coming up to the house, James and Markus have already gone to
their homes. They both stop in front.

David:"See you later, Kathy."

Kathrine:"Bye, David."

She continues walking down the street while David walks up to the
house and goes into the hallway. In the living room his father, 
John, was busy reading the paper while his mother, Betty, was
busy working in the kitchen.

David:"Hi Mom! Hi Dad!"

John:"Hello son."

Betty:"Hello David. How was school?" 

David:"Bad. We have to learn for such a big test Monday."

Betty:"Well then, you'd best start studying son."

David:"Yeah. Guess so."

He walks up the stairs to his room door, which has a sign on it
that says "KEEP OUT". He enters.

David's Room
Larken Residence
1:45 PM:

The room is a mess. Clothes, papers, books and such are lying
everywhere. On the one of two desks in the room is a personal
computer. David goes over to the PC and turns it on. While it
loads David unpacks his school books on the other desk. When
the PC has finished loading Windows 2000 David goes over to it
again and types in his user name, Corsair (with which he will
now be referred to now), his password and logs onto the internet.
He then back to the desk while the PC loads again. When it has 
finished loading a voice plays on it.

PC Voice:"You got mail."

Corsair goes back to the PC and checks the e-mail.

Corsair:"Let's see... Arg. All junk mail."

He then sees at the bottom of the list an e-mail sent to him
by "Matrix".   

Corsair:"What's this?"

He opens the e-mail and reads.

Corsair (reading):"Corsair. Activate your ICQ program when you
        have read this message."

He scratches his head and then activates his ICQ program. When
it has finished loading he sees that a new user, Matrix, has
come onto his list. Corsair sends the user a voice message
with a microphone.

Corsair:"Hello?"

The user answers in a deep electronic male voice.

Matrix:"Greetings, Corsair."

Corsair:"Who are you and what do you want?"

Matrix:"I want you to assist me. As for my identification you
        can just refer to me as Matrix."  

Corsair:"Okay, Matrix. With what must I assist you?"

Matrix:"I have heard that you and your three other friends, James
        Kathrine and Markus, are among the world's best computer 
        hackers."

Corsair:"How did you know?"

Matrix:"I have my sources. You must help gain funding for me and
        purchase various properties around the globe."

Corsair:"You have to be kidding me. I can't do that."

Matrix:"And how come?"

Corsair:"I don't even know who you are. Besides, I might get 
         arrested by the cops for doing such things."

Matrix:"I can arrange that you and your friends NEVER get 
        arrested by the police. If you still have doubts this 
        might change your mind." 

Corsair's fax machine activates and a paper is printed out. He
takes the paper and reads it. His eyes widen.

Corsair:"This looks a biology test paper."

Matrix:"Indeed it is. In fact, it is the one you and your friends
        are going to write this coming Monday. I have also sent
        copies of it to your friends."  

Corsair:"How did you get this? And how do I know this thing is the
         real deal?"

Matrix:"Write the test, then you will see that I am not lying."

Corsair:"I will hold you to that, Matrix."

Matrix:"Goodbye, Corsair."

Matrix goes off-line. Corsair shuts down his computer, lies on his
and looks the test over.

Corsair:"Perhaps he's right."

He continues checking the paper.

Devans High School
5 March
1:35 PM:

Once again the students are leaving school. David, Kathrine, Markus
and James are talking to each other by a tree.

Kathrine:"So that was the real test."

James:"Now I really believe that Matrix fellow."

David:"Still, do you guys think we should help him get money and
       buy properties for him?"

Markus:"I don't see what's wrong with that. Besides, with him
        we'll be able to pass ALL our tests and exams."

Kathrine:"I don't know. I don't like the idea of cheating."

David:"Do you rather want to spend your time in summer school?"

Kathrine:"No way!"

David:"Then let's help this guy. Besides, he did say we'd never
       get caught."

James:"Yeah. So what are we waiting for?"

They all begin to run back home.

David's room
2:11 PM:

Corsair is sitting by his computer. On his screen appears a bank's
web site. He is finishing transferring money into Matrix's account.
Matrix himself is on the ICQ. 

Matrix:"Thank you, Corsair. Here you go..."

The printer begins printing a paper containing their homework for
the week. Corsair smiles.

Kathrine's room
12 March
2:45 PM:

Kathrine's room is more in order than David's. She too is sitting
by her computer. On the screen appears a Greek property company's
web site. She is busy buying old factories for Matrix. When she
finishes she sends the property papers to Matrix. She talks to
him over ICQ.

Kathrine:"There you go. An industrial area in Ukraine, just for
          you."

Matrix:"And here is your reward..."

Her printer begins printing a Maths test. She smiles.

James' room
21 March
3:56 PM:

James' room is filled with computer equipment and is in much the
same state as Corsair's room. On his computer is a order form
for old scrap metal from Malcolm Industries. Matrix sends to him
the details which is then printed on paper. Next to the printer
lies a heap of papers containing the week's test papers.

Markus' room
1 April 
4:45 PM:

Markus' room is the same as James' room. On his computer is a
property claim for islands in the Caribbean and for chemical
plants in Peru. While the computer processes the information
Markus scans through the exam papers Matrix had sent him.

Larken Residence
12 April
1:43 PM:

David is walking down the street. When he reaches his house
he sees that a truck has parked in front of the house. His
father is outside talking to what appears to be delivery
men. David runs up to them.
 
David:"Hey, Dad. What's up?"

John:"This man says a package has arrived for you with a
      message." 

John hands David a note and he begins to read it.

David (reading):"The package contains the most powerful 
      personal computer to date. I've sent it to you and         
      your friends a show of appreciation for what you have
      done for me. Matrix."

David smiles and looks at his father.

David:"It's okay, Dad. It's from a friend."

John:"Very well."

The delivery men begin to unload the PC while David watches,
a big smile on his face.

GEN-PAR Industries 
Somewhere near Maine
United States of America
14 May
9:13 AM:

This is a large factory in the countryside with the letters "GEN-
PAR" written on the main building. Cano-mutants are guarding the
factory. A Mack truck approaches the gates and is stopped by a
Cano-mutant guard. The guard scans the driver's ID card, then nods
at the other guard. The other guard opens the gate electronically
and the Mack truck goes in. It then makes it's way to the storage
facility. It parks inside and the two Cano-mutant drivers climb
out to unload the crates. When they disappear behind the sail of
the truck, several thumps can be heard which are then followed
by voices.

Voice 1:"That's it. They're out cold, comrades."

Voice 2:"Good work, Alex. Move out."

Striker, Phoenix and Illanov climb out the back of the truck,
weapons at the ready. They are wearing headsets. Striker 
speaks into the headset.

Striker:"Tanarus, are you two in position?"

Ventilation Tunnel
Near Factory Power Generator:

This is a dark tunnel with only light being that coming through
the vent grates, and from Tanarus' and Elexis' night vision
goggles. They too, are wearing headsets.

Tanarus:"That's ten four, Striker. We're ready."

Storage Facility:

Striker, Phoenix and Illanov make their way to the door that 
leads into the factory. Striker again speaks into his headset.

Striker:"Sergeant, are your men ready?"

Quantum Strike Force
Holding Position Near GEN-PAR Factory:

The strike force consists of three UH-60 Blackhawks and two Apache
Attack Helicopters hovering in a clearing. The Blackhawks contain US 
soldiers while in one of the Apache cockpit is the strike force 
commander: Sergeant Andrew Shephard. Shephard is a human male who 
stands at 6 feet, has black hair and green eyes. He wears a standard 
US Military uniform: soldier's gloves, helmet, gasmask, military
boots, PCV (Powered Combat Vest), backpack, camo-pants and rolled up
camo-shirt. He also has a headset on.

Shephard:"Yes, sir. We're ready to move in."

Factory Power Generator Room:

This looks much like the one from "Hunter's Heroes". Tanarus and 
Elexis are waiting at one of the generator room's vent grates. 
Striker calls them again.

Striker:"Tanarus, you two have the green light. Turn out the 
         lights."

Tanarus:"Copy that."

Tanarus grabs the grate and forces it open. He and Elexis then
climb out into the generator room. They both take out C4 satchel
charges and place it by the main generator. They then go up on
either side of the generator room door and knock on it. A Cano- 
mutant opens the door and walks in. Elexis throws the mutant
against a wall, knocking him out. Tanarus runs out and quickly
punches out his friend. They both run out of the room and down
the corridor. They take the satchel detonators.

Parvo's Command Room
At that moment:

This is a large control room with many monitors. Parvo is
sitting in his throne talking to Groomer, who is holding a
clipboard.

Parvo:"How's that new Super Cano-mutator coming along, Groomer?"

Groomer:"It's completed, sir. It's ready to create your new 
         super Cano-mutant army."

Parvo begins to speak, but starts coughing instead.

Parvo:"Lozenge!"

Groomer shoots a lozenge into Parvo's mouth and he chews it. Just
as he is about to speak an sudden violent tremor knocks them off
their feet. Next all the power goes off.

Corridor:

Tanarus and Elexis look behind them. Smoke is coming from what
was the generator room. Tanarus calls Striker.

Tanarus:"Striker, the power is off permanently."

Storage Facility:

The lights have gone dead in the storage facility, but is was 
still visible because of daylight coming through the windows.
Striker recieves Tanarus' message.

Striker:"Well done. Move out and complete the other objectives
         of our mission."

Tanarus (over headset):"Roger that."

Striker then calls Shephard.

Striker:"Sergeant, bring in the cavalry."

Quantium Strike Force:

Shephard recieves Striker's message.

Shephard:"Roger that, sir. Quantum Strike Force is moving out."

He then signals the strike force and the five helicopters fly
towards the factory.

GEN-PAR Industries:

It is chaos as Cano-mutants run to and fro to find out what is
going on. In the storage facility Phoenix melts away the door's
lock and the three rush into a corridor which has Parvo's pictures
hanging from the walls.

Phoenix:"Yuk. Doesn't he have taste?"

Illanov:"Bad villains never have good taste, comrade."

Striker:"You said it, Alex. But these pictures show us that we are
         on the right track to Parvo's control room. Come on."

They begin to run down the corridor to Parvo's control room. In
another part of the factory Tanarus and Elexis successfully fight
off the confused Cano-mutants until they reach the mutation room.
Elexis kicks the door open and Tanarus runs in, shooting at the
Cano-mutants with his chaingun. On the Master's orders everyone 
was ordered to use tranquillisers. The mutants become unconscious
as they get hit by the tranquillisers. Elexis and Tanarus run up
to the Super Cano-mutator, toss in some satchel charges and run
out again. They detonate the charges and the Super Cano-mutator
is destroyed. In his control room Groomer has turned on the
back-up generators. Parvo watches in horror at the security
screens. On one screen Tanarus and Elexis were running away from
the now smoke-filled mutation room. On another screen is the
courtyard. The striker force Blackhawks were hovering above the
ground, soldiers climbing out and tranquillising every mutant
in sight while the Apaches took care of the heavy security
guns. On yet another screen unit STRIKE is running towards 
Parvo's control room. He groans.

Parvo:"Not AGAIN. Now I've also got problems with the United
       States Armed Forces."

Groomer:"Do we evacuate, sir?"

He turns to Groomer.

Parvo:"Yes, Groomer. We must leave. I don't want to spend my
       time in a cell again with all those other prisoners
       making cat calls." 

Groomer:"Aye, sir!"

Suddenly the control room door is blown open by Illanov' plasma
rifle and unit STRIKE rush in, their guns aimed at Parvo and
Groomer.

Striker:"Surrender, Parvo! You're surrounded!"

Parvo:"I never surrender, Rover! Fluffy! Dalmat! Jake!"

Another door opens and Fluffy, Dalmat and Jacob rush in. They
are all carrying laser rifles. Parvo points at unit STRIKE.

Parvo:"Get rid of them!"

Jacob:"Sure thing!"

Jacob, Fluffy and Dalmat open fire and unit STRIKE takes cover
while Parvo and Groomer make their escape. Fluffy searches
around where Illanov was. Suddenly his rifle is taken out of 
his hand and aimed at him by the invisible Illanov. Illanov 
reappears in front of him, also aiming his plasma rifle at
Fluffy.

Illanov:"Put your hands on your head."

Fluffy does as he is told and Illanov ties him up. Meanwhile
Dalmat was also looking for Phoenix. She appears from cover,
grabs his rifle and melts it. He yelps in pain and runs away.
Phoenix watches him go.

Phoenix:"What a shame that KH troopers don't do the same thing
         when that happens."

Jacob was looking for Striker, but Striker shoots his rifle
out of his hands. Jacob looks angrily at Striker and growls.

Jacob:"Why you! I'll kill you!"

While he is looking at Striker he begins to grab for his rifle,
but picks up Parvo's lunch (a long hotdog with tomato sauce and
an occasional lozenge) instead and aims it at Striker. 

Jacob:"Die!"

He squeezes the hotdog and the tomato sauce-covered sausage flies 
out of the hotdog and into Striker's chest. It falls to the ground,
leaving a red mess on Striker's clothes. Striker looks at the
surprised Jacob.

Striker:"Do you how difficult it is for me to clean this?"

He aims his sonic rifle at Jacob and fires. The blast knocks
Jacob out before he can escape. Outside Parvo's Bulldog ship has
taken off from a secret part of the factory. Shephard sees the
ship beginning to pick up speed and signals the pilot.

Shephard:"Turn to Parvo's ship and lock onto the engines!"

Pilot:"Yes, sir!"

The Apache turns to Parvo's ship and the pilot locks onto the
ship's engines.

Pilot:"I've got a good lock, sir!"

Shephard:"Fire!"

The Apache fires a hellfire missile at Parvo's ship. The missile 
strikes the ship's left engine and it begin to rapidly descend.
The ship crashes just outside the factory grounds. Shephard calls
the soldiers on the ground.

Shephard:"Move in on Parvo's ship and capture anyone alive!"

The soldiers rapidly respond and run to the crashed ship. Parvo
and Groomer climb out, still dazed from the crash. They then
find themselves staring at the M-16's of the soldiers.

Corporal:"Hands in the air, Parvo!"

Parvo and Groomer sigh then put their hands in the air. The
soldiers run up and arrest them.

Courtyard
GEN-PAR Industries
9:23 AM:

The helicopters have now landed in the courtyard. The Rhino and
Tanarus' and Elexis' Biker Rover(a motorcycle that looks similar 
to the Cyclborg, except that it doesn't have an organic mind and
has the Road Rover insignia on it's side) are also here. Parvo, 
Groomer and Jacob are being led into a prison van waiting for 
them while the Cano-mutants are being loaded into a large prison
truck to be taken for demutation. Unit STRIKE, Tanarus, Elexis
and Shephard are standing by the Rhino and Biker Rover. Striker
looks at his stained uniform.

Striker:"Look at it. I've had a hard enough time removing blood
         from it during my service in the EDF. This is even
         harder to remove." 

There is a brief silence.

Shephard:"Sirs, why are we out here catching Parvo?"

Tanarus:"Because most of the Road Rovers and other units are at
         Bear's treason trial."

Striker:"I know we don't usually do police work, but because of
         the trial and the fact that we are one of only a few 
         units available the Master has given us the Road Rovers'
         tasks until the trial is over."

Illanov:"Bah. Bear is innocent, comrades. He may have kept Shadow's
         presence in Mission Control a secret, but it was in
         everyone's best interests."

Phoenix:"I agree, but with Lydia as the prosecutor she will bring 
         forth evidence against Bear that is about as true as the 
         fact that Adolf Hitler was a humanitarian."

Shephard:"Personally I don't give a damn about this trial. All I
          want to do is to shoot KH troopers and kick some 
          dictator's a**."

Elexis:"We all want to, Shephard, but until the trial is over we
        will rarely see such action."

Striker:"Come on. Let's return back to base."

The others agree. Shephard runs over to the second-in-command
and quickly gives him the needed orders. Tanarus and Elexis
climb onto the Biker Rover while unit STRIKE climb into the
Rhino: Striker is driving, Phoenix sits next to him and Illanov
sits in the back. When Shephard is done he quickly climbs into
the back of the Rhino. Both the Rhino and Biker Rover then
take off and begin to fly towards Mission Control.

Nihau Island
Hawaii
At that moment:

It is still night over this Hawaiian Island and all is quiet on
it. But off shore things aren't so quiet. In the darkness several
silhouettes of odd-looking ships silently make their way through
the waters towards the island. Flying above them are several
craft that emit a low humming sound. The only lights are that
from the engines of the craft. They continue making their way
towards the island.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control
11:21 AM:

Unit STRIKE, Tanarus, Elexis, Shephard and the Master is here. 
Striker has just finished debriefing the Master.

Master:"You did well. You're good good dogs."

Tanarus, Elexis:"I beg your pardon?"

Shephard:"Excuse me, sir?"

Master:"Oh bother. That's the problem with using different 
        species. You're also good good wolves and humans."

Tanarus and Elexis smile. Shephard is still annoyed, but salutes
anyway.

Shephard:"Thank you, sir. I just want to ask one thing."

Master:"What's that?"

Shephard:"How long is this trial going to last, sir? We've been 
          running about doing cop jobs instead of fighting   
          oppressive regimes and terrorists."

Striker:"I have to agree with Shephard, Pro... Master. We are
         a unit that battles dictators, terrorists and regimes,
         not one that goes running after criminals."

Master:"I know. Don't worry. The way the trial is going I should
        be able to pass sentence on Bear within the week. Then
        the Rovers will go back to active duty and you will be
        able to go on with your normal missions."

Elexis:"Thank goodness. I've had enough of this."

Just then Mr. Bugliosi (from "Shadow Boxing") comes into the room
and walks up to the Master.

Bugliosi:"Your honour. I want to discuss something with you in
          private."

Master:"Very well, Mr. Bugliosi. Come into my quarters and we'll
        be able to discuss in private there."

The Master and Bugliosi walk into the Master's quarters. Striker
turns to the others.

Striker:"Dismiss."

They then begin to walk to the various exits. Illanov is talking
to Tanarus and Elexis.

Illanov:"I have to get dressed and cleaned up. I am going on a
         date with comrade Alethia tonight." 

Tanarus:"You two have sure grown fond of each other since our
         victory over the Iron Fist."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade Tanarus."

They leave the room. Striker looks his messed clothes over.

Striker:"Guess I had better try to clean this uniform."

He leaves the room. Phoenix watches him go with loving eyes and
Shephard begins to walk towards the door that leads towards the
kitchen.

Shephard:"Man, I hope Shag has some good grub to eat."

He looks at Phoenix, still staring at the doorway Striker had
exited through.

Shephard:"Coming?"

She shakes her head.

Phoenix:"No thanks. I've got other things to do."

Shephard:"Suit yourself. I'm hungry."

Shephard walks out to the kitchen. Phoenix keeps staring, then
leaves through the door that Striker had gone out.

KH Military Outpost
Somewhere in Moldavia
At that moment:

This is a small base with a few buildings, a laser fence, a
rotor-turret on each of the four corners and a radar dome. The 
base is on the red alert as troopers and base personnel scurry 
towards awaiting dropships. Transport are picking up the trucks,
the rotor-turrets and heavy weaponry. Mohigan helicopters hover
over the base. It is all too clear that the outpost is being
evacuated. In the radar dome the outpost commander is calling
his recon troops in the field. A trooper runs to the commander.

Trooper:"Come on, sir! Those things are almost here!" 

Commander:"Continue the evactuation, private! I will join the
           group in a few minutes!"

The trooper salutes and runs out and the commander turns back
to the radio. 

Commander:"Come in, Togaris! Do you copy? We're abandoning the
           outpost! If you can, try and get to the evacuation
           force near Beltsy! I repeat: we are pulling out of
           Moldavia! Get your men and pull out!"

Outside the dropships and transports have taken off and quickly
flew away. The commander runs out of the radar dome and towards
his awaiting Mohigan. He climbs in and starts the Mohigan's
engines. The helicopter then takes off and flies away, leaving
the outpost totally abandoned. In the distance where the road
from the base disappears into the forest a large group of
robots appear. They walk like the MKII Mech, but their chassis
looks like that of an F-16 and have vulcan chainguns attached
to their sides. On the body is the letters "GONV". These are
MKI Mechs. They continue walking towards the outpost.

Striker's Quarters
Mission Control
11:38 AM:

It contains only the basics: bed, desk, chair, ect. The only
personal items here is a picture of Striker and his family (while
he was human) as well as the Bible is on the desk and a United 
Nations flag hanging on the wall. In the bathroom Striker had 
taken off his overcoat and shirt and had finished washing it in 
the bathtub. He is busy hanging them on a makeshift washing line
in the shower. Unknown to him Phoenix had snuck into his room and
has staring at him from the bathroom doorway. When he turns around
he finds himself looking at Phoenix.

Striker:"Phoenix! What are you doing here?"

Phoenix snaps out of it.

Phoenix:"Oh! I'm just paying a visit, Striker."

Striker:"Well, in future knock before you enter. You might end
         up scaring me to death." 

He walks out of the bathroom past her.

Phoenix:"From what I've heard about you you don't scare easily."

Striker:"Heard what?"

Phoenix walks towards the picture on the desk while Striker opens
the closet and takes out a spare shirt and overcoat. She looks
at the picture.

Phoenix:"About what happened to you during those four years you
         battled the KH Military when it was under the command  
         of General Franco."

Striker puts on the shirt and overcoat. He turns to the desk, walks
up to it and picks up the picture. He sighs.

Striker:"I have to admit: after those four years, I turned into a
         different person then what I was before... before the..."

A tear rolls down his cheek.

Phoenix:"Before your family was killed?"

Striker:"Butchered is more like it. Franco and his fanatic Elite
         Guard destroyed my life back then."

A smile forms on his face and he looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"But you, my friends and my family, have helped me rebuild
         most of it."

Phoenix:"Most of it?"

Striker:"There are still some wounds that simply refuse to heal."

Phoenix:"You mean the fact that the KH Military is still around 
         today?"

He puts the picture back on the desk and looks at the UN flag.

Striker:"Nee, not the KH Military. It's something more personal. 
         Something that happened while I was in the Earth Defence
         Force." 

Phoenix:"You mean the KH Military's attack on the EDF headquarters?"

Striker:"Nee. It's something more personal than that."

Phoenix:"Then what is it?"

Suddenly there is a knock on the door.

Striker:"Who is it?"

Shephard (from behind door):"It's Sergeant Shephard, sir."

Striker:"Come in."

Shephard opens the door and walks in.

Shephard:"Sir, Major Cadwell just called. He says that he wants to 
          see us at the NMCC in the Pentagon." 

Striker:"What about, Shephard?"

Shephard:"Don't know, sir. He didn't say. He only said that we 
          should go there ASAP."

Striker:"Tell him we are coming, then call Tanarus and Elexis and
         inform the Master."

Shephard:"What about Illanov, sir?"

Striker:"He has other things to do. Leave him alone."

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

Shephard leaves the room. Striker then grabs his weapons from the
dresser and he and Phoenix leave too.

David's room
Larken Residence
1:41 PM:

Corsair is once again at his computer, but instead of filling out
forms he is busy hacking into Matrix's systems.

Corsair:"Let's see what this guy has."

He continues hacking.

Computer Bunker:

This is the bunker housing the GONV super computer. On the GONV's
screen appear the words "UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY DETECTED".

David's room:

Corsair succeeds in hacking into Matrix's computer. The background
picture loads: it has the letters "GONV" written on it. An option
list appears. Corsair smiles smugly.

Corsair:"Okay, Matrix. What are you hiding?"

He looks the list over and stops smiling. The list includes options
like "GONV MILITARY DEPLOYMENT", "CHEMICAL PRODUCTION SITES", "HUMAN 
MILITARY STRENGTHS", "EARTERN EUROPE WAR PLANS" and worst of all,
"GLOBAL ORGANIC EXTERMINATION PROGRAM". His yaw drops open and his
eyes widen in horror.

Corsair:"Oh my God. This is some kind of military computer."

He looks at the options and becomes more upset as he reads them.

Corsair:"Human military strengths? Chemical production sites?? 
         Eastern Europe war plans??? GLOBAL ORGANIC EXTERMINATION 
         PROGRAM???? What the f*** is this?!?!"

He begins to print the list on paper while he opens the "GONV 
PRODUCTION FACILITIES" option. A map of Europe appears on the
screen. Red dots flash all over Europe, mainly the eastern
section. Corsair becomes more upset as he realises that he and
his friends have been tricked. Once the printer finishes he
picks the phone up to call his friends. Suddenly an electrical 
surge goes through the phone line, knocking out Corsair's 
computer, phone and Corsair himself. He lies on the floor,
unconcious, the phone hanging off the hook.

Nasional Military Command Center (NMCC)
The Pentagon, Washington DC
United States of America
2:23 PM:

The NMCC consists of two sections: the information room and the
counsil chamber. The information room has several long desks
with computer on them facing six large screens on the wall. 
Behind the desks on the opposite wall are several clocks showing
the time in different cities around the world. Above the clocks
is the window of the counsil chamber. The chambier is well
furbished with a long wooden desk with chairs, phones and speaker
phones. US flags and insignias decorate the wooden walls. Unit 
STRIKE walks up the stairs that lead to the counsil chamber and
they enter. Major Cadwell and few other US military commanders
and officials are here. Striker and Cadwell shake hands.

Cadwell:"Welcome, Striker. Nice to see you."

Striker:"Ditto. What is it that you called us?"

Cadwell:"A few hours ago our satellites and contacts in Europe
         discovered that there is heavy activity at KH Military
         bases in Europe."  

They to the window and Cadwell points at a map of Europe. KH
logos flash all over the map, mainly in the eastern section of
the continent.

Cadwell:"Those KH logos represent bases with heavy activity. They
         also include bases which he didn't know of. As far we can 
         tell the KH Military has been moving it's forces from
         those bases and abandoning them."

Tanarus:"Abandoning? That's rather odd, don't you think?"

Phoenix:"I agree. This is way too strange. The KH Military cannot
         afford to draw attention to ANY of their bases, so why 
         are they suddenly making such a mass movement? It doesn't
         make sense."

Shephard:"Perhaps they are preparing for war somewhere."

Cadwell:"That is what we suspect too, Sergeant. Striker. Your unit
         will have to find out where the KH Military plans to
         attack and when."

Striker:"Major, I don't think the KH Military is planning any kind
         of military operation except one: evacuation of Europe."

Cadwell:"What are you saying?"

Striker:"What I'm saying is that the KH Military is fleeing from
         someone or something, and it isn't us. I think they know
         something that we missed and now I know what it is."

He turns to others.

Striker:"We might have a third party here. Something is going to
         happen to Europe and if my suspicions are correct, I do
         not think it is going to be good."

Elexis:"Do you think that there is another European war looming?"

Striker:"Ja. That's what I'm thinking, and judging by this KH
         evacuation, it is going to be very bad."

Cadwell turns to the other commanders and officials in the counsil
chamber.

Cadwell:"Alert the president, the European Union and the United
         Nations. Tell them that we may have a possibly huge war
         brewing in Europe." 

The commanders and officials quickly scramble to the phones and
begin the needed calls. Cadwell turns to Striker.

Cadwell:"If this war does occur we would need your assistance as
         well as that of the Road Rovers."

Striker:"We'll go back to Mission Control and alert the others,
         but they are more concerned with Bear's treason trial
         than anything else."

Cadwell:"Then you tell them the US goverment doesn't give a 
         rat's a** about the trial."

Unit STRIKE chuckles.

Shephard:"That sounds much like our attitude towards the trial."

Phoenix:"Full marks."

Cadwell:"Once you've alerted your friends, try and find out from
         the KH Military why they are evacuating and what is going 
         on."

Striker:"Right, Major. We will try."

Striker turns to the others.

Striker:"Come on. We got work to do."

Shephard:"Finally. We're going to kick some KH butt."

They leave the counsil chamber.

Highway
Outskirts of Seattle
3:48 PM:

This is a well maintained highway that runs towards the city. 
Traffic is heavy, but the most unusual traffic causes drivers
to stare at them. Four odd vehicles move down the highway. They
look like human APC's, except they are larger, look high tech 
and hover a few feet above the ground. The front has a very 
large window, but one cannot see through it. This is a Warhorse
APC. The Warhorses continue down the highway towards Seattle.

Sleeping Quarters
Mission Control
4:11 PM:

Illanov has just left his quarters and is now wearing a tuxido.
He begins to walk down the corridor to Alethia's quarters when
he runs into Nitro.

Nitro:"Well, well, well. And who's the gentledog?"

Illanov:"Comrade Alethia and I are going on a date. What is 
         the news with comrade Bear?"

Nitro:"He's still holding out, but he's becoming worried. With
       all that evidence Lydia is bringing up against him." 

Illanov:"Don't worry, comrade Nitro. Lydia's evidence will be
         proven false, you and comrade Bear will be back 
         together and unit STRIKE will be back to busting 
         terrorists and dictators. See you later, comrade." 

Nitro:"Enjoy your date."

He continues walking to Alethia's quarters.

Announcer:"Attention. Lydia please report to the Master's quarters
           immediately."

He comes to Alethia's door and knocks. Alethia answers from behind
the door.

Alethia (from behind door):"Who is it?"

Illanov:"It's me, comrade Alethia. Are you ready?"

Alethia opens the door. She is dressed in a very elegant blue dress.
Illanov smiles.

Illanov:"You look lovely, comrade."

Alethia:"Thank you, Alex."

She closes the door and they take each other's hand.

Illanov:"Shall we?"

Alethia smiles.

Alethia:"Let's."

They begin walking towards the hangar.

Larken Residence
5:22 PM:

Corsair was beginning to wake up from the shock. He gets up, still
feeling groggy.

Corsair:"Ouch. What happened?"

He looks at his dead computer.

Corsair:"Must've been some kind of malfunction, I guess."

He then sees the printed paper and realises what he was trying to
do. He looks at his wristwatch and gasps at the time.

Corsair:"Oh boy! Have I been out THAT long?"

He picks the phone up, it is dead. He then leaves his room and runs
down the stairs.

Corsair:"Mom! Dad! Can I use the phone in the kitchen?"

When he reaches the bottom of the stairs he notices the door is 
open. He closes it and walks to the kitchen, but stops when he
sees what was wrong with it. Pots, cutlery, food, ect. was
lying everywhere, as if there was a struggle. He phone has been
smashed to pieces. Corsair becomes worried.

Corsair:"Mom? Dad? Where are you?"

He becomes worried. He quickly runs up to his room, takes out his
backpack and packs his working laptop computer, the papers and
other small things into it. He then walks down the stairs and walks
out. He locks the door behind him. He then begins to run to James'
house. In the meantime the sun was beginning to set.

Mountain Pass
Rocky Mountains
5:45 PM:

This is a lonely road that runs through the forest-covered Rocky
Mountains. The sun was beginning to set. At a sight-seeing point
the Street Rover was parked. Illanov and Alethia are sitting on
a bench near the cliff. They are sitting against each other,
their arms around each other. They watch the sunset.

Alethia:"Oh, Alex. It is such a beautiful sight."

Illanov:"Dah, comrade. In my past when I was in the arms business
         I never really got the chance to admire God's wonders."

They look lovingly at each other.

Illanov:"But ever since I met you, you have made my life the best
         it has ever been." 

Alethia:"So have you, Alex."

They draw closer to each other, then kiss each other long and 
passionately while the sun sets before them. Suddenly a dark
shadow falls over them and the humming noise of an engine
can be heard. They stop kissing and look towards the source
of the noise and shadow. They both gasp. Flying before them
is a large robotic aircraft. It looks like a cross between
a jet fighter and a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing)
aircraft. The engines on the tips of the wings keep it 
hovering while the rear thrusters move it forward. The 
cockpit window has the same deep blue colour as the mechs.
Just under the cocpit window are two laser cannons. This
is a Predator Fighter. Before Illanov or Alethia can do 
anything the Predator fires two laser at the Street Rover.
The shots send the Street Rover flying through the air as
a big fireball. Illanov and Alethia quickly get up.

Alethia:"Alex, I think we'd better get out of here!" 

Illanov:"I think you are right, Alethia! RUN!"

They quickly turn around and begun to run, but they quickly
stop dead in their tracks. From the woods appear a large
number of Light Drones along with three MK I Mechs. Light
Drones look much like their cousins (from "The Phantom 
Menace") except they are real, have armor plates at key body
points and have the letters "GONV" written on the chest
plates. The robots aim their weapons at Illanov and Alethia.
The couple look around for an escape route, but there is
none. The robots have them surround.

Alethia:"I take it our date is over."

Illanov:"Indeed, Alethia. Though far too early for my taste."

Alethia:"Mine too."

One of the Light Drones steps out of line. He looks just like
rest of the drones, except it has red shoulder armor plates.
It signals that it is a Light Drone Captain. He points at 
Illanov and Alethia.

Captain:"Raise your hands above your heads and do not execute
         any hostile moves."

The couple do as they are told and raise their hands. The
captain walks up to them.

Captain:"Our force commander wants to have you two biological
         forms relocated for interrogation."

Illanov notices the GONV letters and frowns.

Illanov:"By whom? The KH Military?"

Captain:"We are not controlled by the KH Military. We operate
         under our command leader, the GONV computer."
  
Illanov and Alethia look confused at each other, then back at
the captain.

Alethia:"You mean that the GONV computer is running by it's
         own?"

Captain:"Correct. Now, we must have you transported immediately
         before your hostile Road Rover comrades discover what
         the situation is at this location." 

The captain then turns to a group of Light Drones.

Captain:"Secure the biological prisoners and move them to the
         Blackbird Transports."

Drones:"Executing command."

The drones go to the couple, secure them and begin to lead them
into the woods, followed by the rest of the robots. After a few
minutes five Blackbird Transports and several more Predators take
off from the woods. Blackbird Transports are large, high-tech,
shuttle-like craft with a large belly and has four VTOL engines 
attached to the sides. On the hull are the words "GONV". They all
fly off westwards, leaving behind the burning wreck of the Street
Rover in the mountain pass. The sun has now disappeared in the 
distance.

Kathrine's Home
Seattle Suburbs
At that moment:

This is a modest house in another part of the suburbs. The street
lights are on, illuminating the Warhorse that is parked in front
of the house. Corsair is creeping up towards the house, hiding
behind anything that provides cover. When he takes a peek over
a bush he gasps. A group of light drones are dragging Kathrine 
towards the Warhorse. The family is bound and gagged. Corsair 
watches as the light drones load their prisoner into the APC.

Corsair:"My God. What the h*** is going on?"

The drones then also climb in. The Warhorse starts up and begins
to move. Corsair runs out of cover, up to the Warhorse and jumps 
onto the back of it, grabbing hold of a rail to prevent him from
falling off. The Warhorse speeds up and drives away.

Briefing Room
Road Rover Mission Control
6:33 PM:

Unit STRIKE is here and the Master is standing once again on the
balcony. Striker is busy telling the Master about their meeting
at the NMCC. Shephard is busy eating on a chocolate bar.

Master:"Are you quite sure about your suspicions?"

Striker:"Ja. If my suspicions are correct then we might be looking
         at something that will get very vicious. Major Cadwell
         says that the Road Rovers should be ready to move in if
         this 'something' happens."

Master:"We still have Bear's treason trail to take care off before
        I can..."  

Shephard interrupts after swallowing a piece of chocolate.

Shephard:"Major Cadwell says that the US Government doesn't give a 
          rat's a** about the trail, sir. And frankly, neither do
          the rest of us here."

Tanarus:"He's right. We should be ready to move out at moment's
         notice, regardless whether or not the trail is in
         progress."

The Master thinks for a moment.

Master:"I understand. I will put the others on alert and tell them
        to be ready to go help out in Eastern Europe."  

Voice (from behind):"But first justice must be served, no?"

Everyone looks towards one of the doorways. Lydia is coming into
the briefing room.

Lydia:"Bear's treason is far more important to us than something
       in Europe of which you don't even know what it is."

Unit STRIKE gives Lydia a cold look.

Elexis:"Did anyone tell you that you stink?"

Lydia:"I lost count, and I've been told that so many times that it
       no longer matters."

Shephard:"What you really need is a good whacking with my M-249."

Lydia:"What I need is Bear's treason convession."

The announcer speaks over the speakers.

Announcer:"Incoming transmission for the Master. Stand by..."

Everyone looks towards the main view screen. Maui's and Mele's
faces appear on the screen.

Master:"Ah. Maui and Mele. What news have you got?"

Mele:"I think it may be very bad news."

Master:"What bad news?"

Maui:"A few hours a large military force landed on the island of
      Nihau and have destroyed most of the military and police
      forces on the island. They've established a base on the
      east coast of the island."  

Master:"Is it the KH Military?"

Mele:"I don't know, but it isn't the regular military forces they
      normally use. The force consists entirely of robots with the
      letters GONV on them."

Phoenix:"The GONV? Then it must be the KH Military. They have the
         GONV computer."

Maui:"Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, this looks nasty."

Tanarus thinks for a moment, then gets a shocked look on his face.
The others notice this.

Striker:"You got something to tell us, Tanarus?"

Tanarus:"Yes. I think I now know why the KH Military is pulling 
         out of Europe. They're are going to invade the USA with
         the aid of this new robotic force." 

Phoenix:"Okay. That sounds REALLY bad."

Mele:"I don't if that's really true. I haven't seen the KH insignia
      on any of those robots." 

Striker:"She has a point there. One and one doesn't add to two here.
         Either way, we must have a look at this."

Master:"You're right. Unit STRIKE, I want you to go to Hawaii and
        help Mele and Maui with these robots."

Unit STRIKE salutes.

Striker:"Yes, sir."

Master:"One more thing: take Cobber and Dervish along with you. They
        are not involved with the trail and they don't have much to
        do anyway." 

Striker:"Very well."

Striker turns to Shephard.

Striker:"Sergeant, go find Cobber and Dervish. Tell them to come to
         the hangar for the mission."

Shephard:"Yes, sir. Should I also inform Major Cadwell about the KH
          invasion?"

Striker:"Hold that for the moment. We don't know if these robots are
         part of the KH Military. Now go get Dervish and Cobber." 

Shephard:"Yes, sir."

He leaves the briefing and Striker turns to Tanarus and Elexis.

Striker:"Tanarus. Elexis. Go find Illanov and bring him to Hawaii."

Tanarus:"Sure."

The couple leave the briefing room. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Let us go and get ready, Phoenix."

Phoenix:"Lead the way, my love."

Striker gives Phoenix an odd look for a second, then they both leave
the briefing room.

Clearing
Industrial Zone
Outskirts of Seattle
7:32 PM:

This is an old and decaying part of the city. Many of the old 
factories and warehouses have been closed or condemned. In a 
clearing (which is actually a large disused parking lot) sits a
Blacbird Transport, closely guarded by more light drones. The 
Warhorses, now back from Seattle, pull up to the Blackbird and 
the drones inside climb out. Corsair jumps off and goes hiding 
behind an old car. He watches as the drones unload the prisoners:
Corsair's family as well as his friends James, Kathrine and Markus.
They are all bound and gagged. Just then another robot climbs out 
of the Blackbird. It is very different from the other drones in 
the sense that looks less high-tech than the others. It has a 
humanoid body which looks like it's been built by an amateur. The
electronic parts that can be seen are bright green and the metal 
parts are dark green and yellow. It's head looks it has a helmet 
on, it's eyes are dark blue and it has a speaker for a mouth. 
Written on it's chestplates are the letters GONV. It is carrying 
a weapon that is a cross between a laser rifle and a shotgun. This
is Series 9. He looks at the prisoners and then at the drones.

Series 9:"Load the organic prisoners into the transport."

Drones:"Following orders."

The drones force their prisoners into the transport. Series 9 then 
follows inside. The drones that have been guarding then climb into
the Blackbird while the rest climb back into the Warhorses. The
vehicles then start up. Corsair sees this.

Corsair:"No way. You're not taking my family and friends without
         inviting me too."

He appears from cover and runs towards the transport. None of the
drones in the Warhorses or the Blackbird see him. He then climbs
into a nook on the transport that is out of the way of the wind
with some pipes to hold onto. The Blackbird takes off and is
quickly joined by some Predators which have been hiding a short
distance away. The aircraft fly westwards while the Warhorses
begin to leave the city. Two bums, who have been watching from the
windows of an empty warehouse, walk out into the open and watch
the vehicles move away. They both have whiskey bottles in their
hands.

Bum 1:"Man, this is weird stuff."

Bum 2:"Yeah. I think it may be that Earth is finally being invaded
       by robotic aliens. Either that or we're in a George Lucas
       movie."

Bum 1:"Just drink up. You're probably too drunk."

Bum 2:"You're right. Let's go."

They walk off, both taking a sip of whisky.

Mountain Pass
7:56 PM:

It is as it was before, except that the Street Rover has now burnt
out completely. Tanarus and Elexis (on the Biker Rover) appear
from behind a hill and land near the wreckage. They take their
helmets off and look at the wreckage, shocked.

Elexis:"Seems like someone, or something, got here first."

Tanarus begins to call out for their friends.

Tanarus:"Alex! Alethia! Where are you?"

The only response is his echo that resounds throughout the mountains.
They then climb out and look around. Elexis then sees footprints
left by the robots.

Elexis:"Honey! Come look at this."

Tanarus runs over to where Elexis is standing. She points at the
footprint. It is one of an MKII with the letters GONV imbedded into
the ground. 

Tanarus:"Oh no. Looks like those GONV robots got them." 

Elexis:"But why?"

Tanarus:"Good question, Love. But first we must inform Striker and
         then try and find both Alex and Alethia. Come on."

They run back to the Biker Rover, climb on, put their helmets on
and take off. They begin to fly towards Hawaii.

Pack Rover
Over Pacific Ocean
En route to Hawaii
8:00 PM:

The Pack Rover is flying towards the tropical islands. In the 
cockpit Striker is flying with Phoenix sitting next to him.
Shephard, Cobber and Dervish are seated behind them. Tanarus
then calls them on the Pack Rover's communication system and
his face appears on the screen.

Tanarus:"Striker, we have a problem."

Striker:"What kind of problem?"

Tanarus:"Illanov and Alethia have been dognapped by these GONV
         robots. We found footprints near the place where they
         were dating."

Striker:"What! You sure?"

Tanarus:"As sure as I'm talking to you." 

Cobber:"Why would those robochucks want Illanov and Alethia?
        They've done nothing."

Dervish:"Then again, neither did any of the Rovers."

Striker:"I don't like this. Tanarus. Keep heading for the rendevouz
         point in Honalulu. We will meet you there."

Tanarus:"Copy that."

Tanarus' face disappears from the screen. Striker looks at Phoenix.

Striker:"Phoenix, see if you can trace Alethia's collar. She should
         be wearing it and we can use it to find out where they are
         being held prisoner."

Phoenix nods and begins to type on the dashboard computer. After a 
few moments the words "COLLAR CODE ACCEPTED. TRACING..." appears
on the screen. The computer traces Alethia's collar and shows a
map of Hawaii with a red dot flashing on Nahui island.

Phoenix:"They're in Hawaii. On Nahui island."

Dervish:"Isn't that where that robot base is?"

Shephard:"Looks like we got a double mission to do, sirs." 

Striker:"You're right, Shephard. We must rescue our friends and find
         out what these robots are up to."

Phoenix:"I hope we aren't too late."

The Pack Rover continues flying towards Hawaii. A new foe has made
it's appearance known to the Road Rovers and has now brought much
concern. Why did the GONV capture Illanov and Alethia? What is going
on in Eastern Europe? Will Corsair be able to rescue his friends
and family from these robots? And who is Matrix?

TO BE CONTINUED...