Road Rovers: Reich of Franco

Episode 2: Into Training

By Gerhard Naudé

Striker, Norwood, Franco, Oqulus, Malcolm, Black, Stalker, Trigger,
Champion, Diehard and all related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé
All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners.
The Today Family, Bear © Steven Today
Jess Harnell © Michael Browner

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

Infirmary
EDF Headquarters
United States of America
16 November
8:45 AM:

This is a very clean and high-tech infirmary somewhere in the Earth
Defence Force Headquarters. Striker is lying here on one of the
beds. He begins to wake up and rubs his neck.

Striker:"Ai yai yai. That really did hurt."

He rubs his eyes and becomes fully awake. He looks around him.

Striker:"Where am I?"

He then hears several voices behind the door that leads into the
infirmary.

Voice 1:"I don't know what the h*** you see in that creature."

Voice 2:"I wasn't expecting you to. Besides, I was hoping for
         some gratitude for having it captured."

Voice 3:"Are you sure it is a good idea? He might turn against
         us at a moment's notice."

Voice 4:"I don't think so. He really wants to see Franco dead."

Striker calls towards the door.

Striker:"Hello? Somebody there?"

There is a slight pause.

Voice 4:"He's awake."

Voice 2:"Open the door."

There is the sound of buttons being pushed. After a few seconds the
door slides open and the four people walk in. Three EDF agents and
an EDF commander walks in. The commander is Markus Norwood, who is 
much younger now and wearing the EDF commander uniform. He walks up
to Striker.

Norwood:"Had a good rest?"

Striker:"Nee, not with this pain in my neck."

Norwood:"Sorry about that. We were just worried you would not come
         quietly."

Striker:"Where am I? Who are you?"

Norwood:"You are in the Earth Defence Force Headquarters. I am EDF 
         commander Markus Norwood."

Striker:"Earth Defence Force?"

Norwood:"Come along to my office. I'll explain everything there."

Striker gets up, climbs off the bed and follows Norwood out of
the infirmary. The three agents walk behind him as they make
their way through corridors to the main EDF warroom.

EDF Warroom:

The warroom much resembles the briefing room of the future Road
Rover Mission Control: high tech with many screen, control consoles
and computers. Catwalks run on the walls to different parts of the
HQ. Dozens of EDF personnel are working here. As Norwood, Striker
and the three agents make their way to Norwood's office (which is
at the back overlooking the warroom) people stop and stare at
Striker. Striker becomes a bit uncomfortable. They finally reach
Norwood's office. The office much resembles that of the oval
office in the White House except the US insignia is replaced by
the EDF insignia (a UN globe with two swords crossed over it).
Norwood sits down at his desk chair.

Norwood:"Have a seat... er..."

Striker looks at Norwood.

Striker:"Don't bother with the name. I don't have one."

Norwood:"Very well. Sit down and I will explain everything."

Striker sits down on the chair opposite Norwood while the three
agents sit on other chairs in the office. Norwood takes a deep
breath, then speaks.

Norwood:"You are in the Earth Defence Force Headquarters under 
         Washington DC."

Striker:"I am in the United States?"

Norwood:"Please hold your questions until I'm finished explaining,
         okay?"

Striker:"Fine."

He resumes speaking.

Norwood:"The EDF is a top secret department of the United Nations
         which is funded by the veto states: the US, Russia, China,
         Britain and France. The EDF's job is what it's name says:
         to defend Earth."

Striker:"From aliens?"

Norwood:"In a matter of speaking, yes. But not those from outer
         space, but those of more terrestrial origins as well as
         oppresive regimes, powerful terrorists, druglords and
         madmen and the occasional experiment gone wrong. Mistakes
         that governments make that they don't want the world to
         know about, fearing it would cause a collapse of 
         civilization, among other things. As it happens our worst
         enemy happens to have most of the previously mentioned
         properties. One whom you have seen at that power station back
         in South Africa."

Striker:"Who?"

Norwood:"A very powerful terrorist force calling themselves the
         KH Military."

Striker:"The KH Military? Never heard of them."

Norwood:"And neither did most of civilization."

He pushes a button on his desk and a holographic projector appears
from the desk. It is activated and is showing the KH Military 
insignia.

Norwood:"The KH Military consists of creatures called wolf-sapiens.
         That means they are a cross between humans and wolves. I 
         believe you saw some of them?"

Striker:"Ja. I have to admit: I was very scared when I first saw
         two of those wolf-sapiens. Guess I am one of them now."    

Norwood:"Actually, I think you would be called a cano-sapien, since
         you are a cross between a human and a dog. But now let us
         go into more detail." 

He turns to the hologram.

Norwood:"The KH Military's origins are unknown to us thus far. We
         only heard of them when they began raiding nuclear depots
         all over the world a few years ago and since then they 
         have become our worst adversaries. Their leader is simply
         called Franco, who is the Supreme General of the KH 
         Military forces. Nobody outside the KH Military has ever
         seen him. What we do know is that he is a bloodthirsty,
         genocidal lunatic who only lusts for blood. He would order
         his troops to kill people in such horrible ways that it
         please him. Nobody is spared from his cruelty. Hundreds
         of innocents have been slaughter by the KH Military in
         order to fulfill Franco's bloodlust. The KH Military is
         divided into five groups: the Alpha, Delta, Omega and 
         Epsilon Squadrons and Franco's bodyguard troops: the Elite 
         Guard. The Elite Guard is the commanding group, but the 
         Alpha, Delta, Omega and Epsilon Squadrons do most of the 
         dirty work. Franco himself is the leader of the Elite Guard."

The holographic projector then shows Stalker.

Norwood:"This wolf is General Stalker, the commander of the Alpha
         Squadron. He is a much better leader than Franco and is
         a lot less cruel than his superior. But he always obeys
         orders and usually sends the orders to all four the 
         squadrons."
 
The holographic projector then shows Trigger. He too, is younger
and his fur has not yet grayed.

Norwood:"General Trigger commands the Delta Squadron. He is a
         good leader and a formidable opponent. The problem is
         that he is a bit mentally unstable when using weapons.
         It often happens that, when he's shooting, he goes
         crazy and shoots anything is sight, including any KH 
         soldier unlucky enough not be under cover."

The holographic projector then shows Tesla. He looks much the
same as he would twenty-four years later.

Norwood:"This is Tesla, the KH Military's top scientist and a
         supernatural genius. He has the highest IQ in the world
         which makes him a valuable asset for the KH Military. 
         He can create custom weaponry that easily bests anything 
         that even the best military force in the world can
         come up with, except us of course."

The holographic projector then show Malcolm.

Norwood:"Malcolm is the CEO of his own company, Malcolm
         Industries, which I believe you know by now. He is a 
         superb financial player and as such made his company 
         the richest in the world. This wouldn't be a bad thing
         if it wasn't for the fact that he is also the financial
         backer of the KH Military. He provides the needed funds
         for the KH Military. This makes him a key individual,
         like Tesla, for without him the KH Military would not 
         have been able to get to where it is now."

The holographic projector then shows Diehard.

Norwood:"Diehard is Franco's second-in-command and is just as bad
         as his leader. Fortunately he is a bit less bloodthirsty,
         but is nonetheless a fanatic of Franco. He has one ability
         that gives him a great advantage: he is almost impossible
         to kill. You can fill his head full of bullets and he will
         carry on like a normal, healthy wolf-sapien. Many have
         tried to kill him without success and thus he is very 
         dangerous." 

The holographic projector is then turned off and Norwood looks
back at Striker.

Norwood:"These are the only ones we have sufficient intel on. We
         don't have enough reliable info on others like the Omega
         and Epsilon Squadron generals. We've been recruiting 
         agents from all other the world to help combat the KH
         Military, but we still need many more. You,... er... sir,
         on the other hand, is something special."  

Striker:"What is it, besides my appearance?"

Norwood:"These wolves not only gain human characteristics when they
         are transformed through means unknown, but also some kind
         of special abilities or powers."

Striker:"Super powers? As in Superman?"

Norwood:"In a manner of speaking, yes. For example, Malcolm has 
         great financial abilities, Tesla has the best brains this
         side of the Milky Way and Diehard has that immortality
         ability. If my guess is right, you might have some kind
         of super power which you still need to figure out when we
         begin training you."

Striker:"How long does this training last?"

Norwood:"That depends on you. You can be finished in one month or
         five years." 

Striker then gets up.

Striker:"Then I will begin training immediately. I want to begin 
         my battle against Franco as soon as possible."

Norwood smiles and gets up as well.

Norwood:"Very well. Let's get you the right uniform first. Come on
         and follow me."

Norwood leaves the office, followed by Striker and the EDF agents.

EDF Locker Room:

This looks much like a standard locker room. Norwood guides Striker
to a locker which has no owner, yet, and opens it. Inside hangs an
EDF uniform.

Norwood:"That is your uniform."

Striker looks at the uniform, then at the mirror on the locker door.
He looks at his cano-sapien face.

Striker:"Since I am about to put on this uniform, I think that should 
         get a name."

Norwood:"Good idea. You said you don't have one."

Striker:"Not really. I had one, before the KH Military showed up. I am 
         now different, thus I now need a different name."  

The three agents, which have kept quiet, now begin to think up
suggestions for a new name.

Agent 1:"How about... Hunter!"

Agent 2:"No! We need something new and original, like Shag!"

Agent 3:"Shag? That's not the right name, you idiot! Blitz is!"

Agent 1:"That's a German name and he's South African! It won't
         work! Colleen is the right name!"

Agent 2:"That sounds more like a girlie name! What about Muzzle?"

Agent 3:"Ha! That's not a name! I think we should call him Exile!"

Agent 1:"Doesn't fit this dog! How about Nitro... or Bear?" 

Agent 2:"Nope! Puffball's the name!

Agent 3:"Sounds good... to a cat! We should take Dixie!"

Agent 1:"No! Prowler! Prowler!"

Agent 2:"Hubert!"

Agent 3:"That's the stupidest dog name I've ever heard! Ricky! 
         No, wait! DJ! Or Star!"

While the three agents keep babbling names, Striker sees that the
locker had a previous owner. Behind the uniform on the wall is a
picture of an attacking football player positioned forward. Striker 
had seen football matches on CNN and right there choose his name.

Striker:"Striker."

The three agents stop babbling and look at Striker, then at the
football picture. Norwood also looks at the picture.

Norwood:"Striker. Yes, that's a good name. Striker it is."

Agent 1:"Striker. Has a good ring to it."

Agent 2:"Yes. A good choice there, Striker. Don't you all agree?"

Agent 3:"Actually, I was thinking Parvo..."

The second agent punches the third agent's groin and he falls to
the ground.

Agent 3 (in pain):"...but Striker is good too."

Norwood:"We'll leave you to get dressed, Striker. We will wait 
         outside to take you to our training facility."

Striker:"Thank you."

Norwood and the two agents walk out of the locker room, the third
agent hobbles out. Striker then begins to undress his normal
clothes and then puts on the EDF uniform. Once he has finished
changing he takes out his colt and tucks it into his pants. He
then puts his backpack and other things into the locker. He then
walks out of the locker room.

Registration Office
9:34 AM:

This is a simple room with metal walls that is illuminated by the
light in the ceiling. The only objects here is a desk and some 
chairs. Striker, Norwood, the agents and the registration officer
(who is seated at the desk) are all here. The officer looks at
Striker, then at Norwood.

Officer:"Sir, do you really want to introduce this mu... er...
         Striker to the EDF training program?"

Norwood:"Is there something wrong with it?" 

Officer:"Well... no, but I'm not sure that that having this cano-
         whatsit in the EDF is a good idea."

Norwood:"You point being?"

Officer:"Well... er... You see, sir... um... I... er..."

Norwood:"I rest my case. Sign him on... NOW."

Officer:"Yes, sir."

The officer begins to write in the registration book. Striker looks
at Norwood.

Striker:"How does the training program work, Commander Norwood?"

Norwood looks at Striker.

Norwood:"All newcomers must undergo a training program at our top 
         secret training grounds in Alaska, Canada and some parts of 
         the USA. As I said before you could be finished in a month
         or a year. I know it's long, but it is very important to 
         learn the escential skills, strengths and knowledge to 
         combat our enemies, particulary if you go up against the KH 
         Military. The program is ten times more difficult than what 
         can be offered by any military bootcamp. You have to learn 
         how to survive, how to do combat, learn how to handle the 
         various weaponry and equipment of the EDF, operating all 
         known vehicles, both military and civilian as well as other 
         skills such as diplomacy, politics, geography, history and 
         economics. It is so difficult that few make it to the end of
         the program. Those who fail are usually 'silenced'."

Striker:"When can I begin training?"

The one agents leans over to the other and whispers.

Agent 1:"Did you heard what he said?"

Agent 2:"Yeah. This dog really wants to get at the KH Military."

Norwood:"You can begin training whenever you like within a year from
         now. After that you must begin training or else we will 
         drop you from the program. Because of your unique cano-
         sapien properties, you will be placed under our head EDF
         training instructor: Jess Harnell. She will be your training
         instructor for the program."

Striker:"I would like to begin right now."

Norwood:"Very well. We will arrange a flight to the EDF main training
         facility for you tomorrow."  

Striker:"Thank you."

Striker begins to leave the office.

Norwood:"And Striker..."

He stops in his tracks and looks at Norwood nervously.

Striker:"Ja?"

Norwood smiles.

Norwood:"I hope you complete your training with flying colours. I'm
         confident you will succeed." 

Striker smiles and then leaves the office.

Office
Malcolm's Learjet
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean
10:01 AM:

This is an office built into the jet with a desk, chairs, paintings,
potted plants, bookcases, ect. Malcolm is sitting in his chair and
talking over a phone with Black.

Malcolm:"What do mean by vanished?"

Black:"I mean that we have lost contact with him, sir. The SAPD have 
       given up the hunt and our intel shows that Gerard has not 
       left the town of George."

Malcolm:"Then where the h*** can he be?"

Black:"Er... sir. I might just like to point out that some EDF 
       agents were spotted a week ago in Cape Town. We may have to
       accept the possibility that the EDF got him first."

Malcolm sighs.

Malcolm:"If that's so, then Franco won't like this one bit."

Black:"Should I tell him?"

Malcolm:"No, I'll call Stalker. He'll sort it out. Malcolm out."

He cuts the line and then turns to a screen with a phone. He turns
it on and calls a number.

Stalker's Office
KH Military Headquarters
Unknown location
At that moment:

This is a standard office with desk, chairs, file cabinets, maps
and several screens. Stalker is here writing something when a beep from 
one of his phones gains his attention. He turns to one of the screens and 
turns it on. Malcolm appears on the screen.

Stalker:"Yes, Malcolm? What is it?"

Malcolm:"You know that cocker-spaniel we were having the SAPD 
         hunting?"

Stalker:"You mean Gerard Voster. What about him?"

Malcolm:"Captain Black and his men lost him somewhere in a town
         south of the Voster estate. We think that the EDF agents
         we spotted in Cape Town a week ago may have picked him 
         up before the SAPD or Black did."

Stalker:"If that is so, then General Franco will not be very happy
         about that."

Malcolm:"What should we do?"

Stalker:"You just carry out your other business. Franco will decide
         what we should do about Gerard Voster."

Malcolm:"Okay. Malcolm out."

The screen goes blank. Stalker turns to desk and picks up a photo
of Striker. He looks at it, then grins.

Stalker:"I do not know what your next move will be, Gerard Voster,
         but something tells me that your mutation signals the 
         dawn of a new era. For everyone on Earth." 

He puts the picture down, takes a pen and begins writing something
on a piece of paper. When he is done he folds it up and then leaves
his office into a corridor. This is a well lit corridor with many 
KH officers and soldiers walking to and fro, all saluting Stalker as
they walk by him. Stalker looks around and sees one soldier that 
stands out: one wearing the red military uniform of Franco's Elite 
Guard. He walks up to him and the soldier salutes.

Stalker:"At ease. Listen soldier. I need you to take this piece of
         paper to the Supreme General immediately."

He gives the soldier the paper.

Stalker:"Can you do it?"

The soldier salutes again.

Soldier:"Sir, yes sir!"

Stalker:"Very well then."

The soldier turns and begins walking down the corridor. Stalker
watches him go, then turns and walks into the opposite direction.

Throne Room
10:11 AM:

This is a huge room, but instead of a floor there is only dark water.
An observation window can be seen high up in one of the walls. A 
bridge lined with torches leads to the center island. The island
itself has steps leading up to a high-tech and very large throne.
Standing on either side of the throne is Diehard and Champion. 
Champion is a large and muscular werewolf who stands at 7 foot 5,
has dark green fur, black muzzle, hands and ears and red eyes. He
is wearing black jeans, black boots, a black open vest which shows 
his very muscular and furry chest and a black bandanna around his 
forehead. On the jeans' belt is the KH Elite Guard insignia (a yellow
triangle with a red line running around it and the silver star in the
center). Sitting in the throne is the Supreme General: Franco. He is
a Red Wolf Wolf-sapien who stands at 6 foot 5, has bloodred fur and
eyes and is wearing a US General's uniform with the Elite Guard
insignia on it. On his head is a crown with a red ruby in it. He
is busy drinking what appears to be tomato juice from a glass with a
straw. Upon closer inspection the tomato juice is in reality blood.
The soldier with the paper enters the throne room and walks up to
the foot of the stairs. Franco stops drinking and looks at the
soldier.

Franco:"What do you want?"

Soldier:"I have a message for you, sir."

Franco turns to Champion.

Franco:"Go fetch it."

Champion:"Yes, sir."

Champion walks down the stairs to the soldier. The soldier gives him
the paper and Champion walks back up to Franco. He hands him the 
piece of paper and Franco begins to read it. When he is done he looks
the soldier.

Franco:"Leave."

The soldier salutes and begins to walk back down the bridge. Just as
he gets a quarter of the way Franco pushes a button on his throne and
the section of bridge falls away like a trap door. The soldier falls
into the water. When he breaks the surface he sees hundreds of 
little fish swimming towards. When he sees that they are actually
red piranhas he screams in terror and tries to flee. The piranhas
are quickly upon him, and his screams of terror are replaced with that
of pain as the killer fish pull him under. After a few moments the
water turns red from the soldier's blood. Franco watches the scene
with an evil satisfaction on his face. Diehard turns to him.

Diehard:"Bad news again, sir?"

Franco:"Yes. That stupid fool will burn in h*** for this piece of
        information." 

Champion:"What does it say?"

Franco:"It appears that cocker-spaniel Gerard Voster has been 
        recruited by the EDF. I hate it."

Champion:"So what? What damage can he to YOU?"

Franco thinks for a moment, then makes an evil grin.

Franco:"Yes. What can he do to me, the Supreme General of the KH
        Military?"

He gives a very evil laugh that echoes throughout the base. He then
resumes drinking the blood.

EDF Training Base
Somewhere in Nevada
United States Of America
17 November
8:33 AM:

This is a large complex in an underground cave. Intructors and 
recruits are running to and fro doing training or other things. In
the roof is a large metal door. The door opens and a Chinook flies
into the cave to a landing pad. Standing by her Rhino next to the
pad is Jess Harnell. Jess is a female Caucasion with blonde hair
and green eyes. She is wearing the EDF uniform and is busy watching
the Chinook land. When it lands the rear cargo door is opened and
the new recruits climb out, among them Striker. They all gather into
a circle except Striker. The recruits whisper at each other and
occasionally make glances at Striker, but he doesn't pay attention.
Jess walks up to the group.

Jess:"ATTEN-SHUN!!! FALL IN LINE!!!"

The recruits and fall into a line. Jess walks to the one end of the
line and begins to inspect them. She comes to a recruit who is not
standing to attention. She looks at him, then kicks him in the
stomach. He gasps as the air gets knocked out of him.

Jess:"I said to attention, s***bag!"

She continues to inspect when she comes to another recruit who is
busy chewing gum. She then punches him really hard on the nose. He
falls to the ground, his hands over his face and groaning in pain.

Jess:"Spit it out, you piece of crap!"

She continues her inspection until she comes to Striker, who is
standing at attention at the end of the line. She looks at him for a 
while, then walks in front of the group and turns to them again. 

Jess:"I'm head Earth Defence Force instructor Jess Harnell. My job 
      is to turn you babies into fighting and killing machines. You
      will undergo the most difficult training process in the world.  
      If you feel that it is too much, I am treating you unfairly or
      you miss your mommy and daddy then I make sure you get what  
      you deserve: DEATH!!! This is not a like the Delta Force's
      pathetic kindergarden. As a demonstration, I order you to 
      follow my lead. NOW!!!"

She runs to the Rhino and starts it up. The recruits start running
after the Rhino to another part of the base.

Surface
8:45 AM:

There is nothing here but some large boulders, rocks, sand, bone-dry
ground and searing heat. One of the boulders moves to one side to
reveal a rampway that goes down to the caves. The Rhino appears with
the recruits appearing behind it. They stop in the desert. Jess
climbs out and looks at the group. They are still doing well, but
some of them are tired. Striker is doing very well. Jess points out
to the desert. 

Jess:"About twenty miles away is a pole. You must march all the way
      to that pole and back in twenty minutes. Forward!"

Most of the recruits hesitate, but Striker begins to march in the
direction shown by Jess. The recruits look shocked at Striker,
but Jess smiles.

Jess(to herself):"Now that is what we need. A cano-sapien, and one
    with guts." 

She looks at the rest.

Jess:"What's the matter? Can't keep up with a little puppy? H***,
      the puppy has more guts than you lot. MOVE!!!"

The recruits begin to follow Striker, who is now well ahead. Jess
gets back into the Rhino, turns on the air-conditioning and 
begins to sip on a cola.

9:02 AM:

It is still the same as it was before. Jess stops reading a magazine
and looks out into the desert. Striker and seven recruits are coming
back. Striker is tired, but is holding out. The others are almost
exhausted. They continue walking until they reach the Rhino. Jess
climbs out and looks at them.

Jess:"That's just a small sample, ladies. They're will be more to
      come."

Recruit:"Excuse ...me... Ma'am, but ... there ... are some of ... us
         who have collapsed or ... are far behind."

Jess:"Too bad. The heat will kill them off and the vultures will
      pick their bones clean."

The recruits gasps, but Striker remains calm. 

Jess:"Right! Back we go! MOVE!!!"

She climbs back into the Rhino and leads it back down the entrance.
Striker and the recruits follow.

Stalker's Office
At that moment:

Stalker is here talking to Oqulus on one of the screens. On the 
screen Oqulus can be seen playing cards with some of his officers.

Stalker:"That is basically your orders, Sergeant. Do you understand
         the nature of your secondary objective?"

Oqulus:"Yes, sir. While we keep the special supplies moving towards
        Frazakastan we keep our eyes peeled for a humaniod cocker-
        spaniel at the suspected EDF training grounds."

Stalker:"Correct, Sergeant. When you see him report immediately
         to me. We will then give the needed orders."

Oqulus:"Yes, sir."

Stalker:"Stalker out."

He turns the screen off and it goes blank.

Shooting Range
EDF Training Base
29 November
1:03 PM:

This is a more advanced upgrade to a standard shooting range in the
sense that the targets are robots that fire live rounds at the 
trainees in a forest terrain built inside a large room. Striker and 
several other recruits are here armed with various types of weaponry 
ranging from Soviet rifles and American machine guns to British 
grenades and German rocket launchers. The instructors, along with 
Jess, are watching from an overhead observation deck keeping score 
on computers. Most of the trainees are having a hard time against the 
robots, but Striker is busy gunning them down with deadly accuracy 
and without missing once. After a while all the robots are lying 
about, damaged or destroyed. Some the trainees have been injured, but
Striker is fine. Several EDF medics then rush in and begin to treat
the injured. At the observation deck the instructors are checking the
scores on a large screen in front of them. Everyone but Striker did
badly, getting ratio's of 15%, 23% and the highest below Striker, 
34%. Striker's ratio is 100%. Most of the instructors are absolutely
shocked at the fact, but Jess just smiles.

Instructor #1:"He got a hundred percent! Again!"

Instructor #2:"Nobody has ever gotten above 54% in either the desert,
               snow, forest, urban, jungle, mountain, swamp, plain
               or coastal battle areas! This dog has gotten a perfect
               score every time!"

Instructor #3:"This is nigh impossible!"

Instructor #4:"Impossible! This is a bloody miracle!"

Jess:"No, it's not. You are just underestimating God's creation."

The instructors all give Jess a flabbergasted look.

Wilderness
Somewhere in Oregon
United States of America
8 Desember
5:34 PM:

This is a particulary mountainous part of the country. Trees and 
rivers can be seen everywhere. Snow covers the ground. Striker is
walking wearing a summer uniform and carrying a sack of rocks on
his back. He is making fast progress. Some distance behind are his
instructors (in warm winter clothing) and other recruits. They are 
all exhausted and struggling to keep up. The instructors watch 
Striker move forward ahead of them.

Instructor #1:"I can't believe it. He's going faster than we are."

Instructor #2:"And we're not even carrying a bag of rocks."

They continue following Striker.

Jungle Valley
Simulated Panama
EDF Training Base
Somewhere in Canada 
25 Desember
7:21 PM:

This is an almost perfect recreation of the real thing. A river runs
through the jungle-covered valley with clouds, sky and a sun. Coming
into view is an A-10 Warthog ground-attack fighter. In the cockpit is
Striker wearing a pilot's uniform. He pilots the fighter onward until
he sees a highway ahead running alongside the river. On the highway 
are a large number of trucks, APC's, T-50 tanks, Howitzers, jeeps and
MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) units travelling towards their
destination. Striker brings the A-10 in low over the ground and arms
the bombs on the plane's wings. When he closes in on the convoy he
begins to drop the bombs while simultaniously firing the A-10's 
machine gun. The bombs hit and destroy each of the vehicles without
missing once while the bullets mow down the simulated infantry,
leaving no survivors. When the A-10 has finished it's pass nothing is
left of the convoy. Striker then begins to pilot the A-10 back to
his next set of targets: an airfield with a large number of aircraft
waiting to take off.

Death Valley
United States of America
4 January 1980 
12:03 PM:

The heat in Death Valley is deadly. Striker, another recruit and Jess
(in a Rhino) are here. Jess is making snide comments at the two souls
who are wearing a parka and backpack. Suddenly the other recruit 
falls to his knees. Jess stops and does Striker.

Jess:"Aaah. Can't the little baby walk on his legs?"

Recruit:"Thi.. this is insane... You cannot.. d.. do this... to us."

Jess:"Does that mean that you want to go take a nice refreshing dip
      in a cool swimming pool?"

The recruit perks up upon hearing that last sentence.

Recruit:"Y.. yes, Ma'am."

Jess:"Very well. I will now send you to the 'heavenly' pool."

The recruit looks confused at Jess for a few moments, then his face
is filled with terror as Jess pulls out a shotgun and aims it at
him. The recruit, too weak to run, can only watch as Jess pulls the
trigger and showers him with pellets. His body falls back as his mind
fades into oblivion. Jess puts the shotgun and looks at Striker, who
is indifferent from having watched many failed recruits go the same
way.

Jess:"Move."

Striker:"Ja, Ma'am."

He resumes his march, followed by Jess in her Rhino, and leaves the
dead body in the desert.

Laboratory
Howard University
11 January
11:34 AM:

This is a standard university lab with one except: on one of the
tables is an odd-looking kind of machine that looks like a minature of
the Transdogmafier. William Shephard and Isabel is here. William is
working on the device with some lab mice while Isabel stands nearby.

Isabel:"Are you sure this is going to work, Will?"

William:"Yes, Isabel. At least, I hope so."

Isabel:"And if it does work?"

William:"It will be one of my greatest milestones yet."

William takes out a mouse from it's cage and carefully puts it in a
box built into the machine. He closes the box and then pushes a few
buttons on a nearby computer. The machine begins to do its work:
smoke and electrical sparks starts coming from the box and the machine.
Suddenly the box glows for a few seconds, then the glow fades. William
and Isabel move closer, he prepares to opens the box. The box opens
by itself, and the culprit climbs and stands on the box: the mouse is
now standing on it's hind legs and has a humanoid build. William and
Isabel stare at the mouse.

Isabel:"My God, Will. It worked!"

William:"Can you talk?"

The mouse looks at the couple.

Mouse:"It's MISTER Mouse to you, human!"

Isabel:"He can talk!"

William:"This is incredible! I must have this mouse analysed!"

Mouse:"Oh no! No way! I've had it up to here!"

The mouse jumps off the box and then the table. He begins to run towards
a vent that is at floor level. William begins to run after it. He jumps
in an attempt to catch it, but misses and the mouse escapes into the 
vent. The mouse turns around and waves at William and Isabel (who is
helping William up).

Mouse:"So long! Gotta go!"

William:"Wait! Where are you going?"

The mouse smiles.

Mouse:"Where, you ask? Hollywood of course. I'm sure they have an opening
       for a mouse that can talk. If I'm lucky, I might even become a
       star! Bye, Professor! I'll make sure I mention your name at the
       Oscars!"

The mouse disappears into the darkness. William hangs his head.

William:"Terrific. My proof that the Transdogmafier is possible went
         and left for Tinseltown."

Isabel:"It's okay, Will. At least your machine worked."

She makes a sly smile.

Isabel:"How about you and I go out and have dinner to celebrate your
        milestone?"

He looks at her.

William:"You mean it?"

Isabel:"Always."

He hugs her and she hugs back.

Abandoned Village
Somewhere in Alaska
18 January 
4:43 PM:

This is a desolate village buried deep in the mountains. Most of the
buildings are crumbling or falling apart. Suddenly a Soviet T-50
tanks breaks out of a general store. Striker pops his head out of 
the driver's section. Jess also appears through the hatch on the 
turret.

Jess:"Well done. Move to section eight."

Striker:"Ja, Ma'am."

Striker begins to guide the tank to an old blacksmith's shop. From
a tree some distance away evil eyes were watching. A KH soldier is
up in the tree watching Striker and Jess through some binoculars.
He has a headset on. He calls his command post.

Soldier:"This is Private Static to command post. I have sighted
         target Striker in area B19. Over."

He continues monitoring Striker and Jess.

Norwood's Office
31 January
9:37 AM:

Norwood is seated at his desk talking to Jess on the holographic
projector. Jess is giving her report on Striker's training.

Jess:"He has done exceedingly well. He only has to complete Rhino 
      training, which I will oversee. Once he's done with that, he
      will be ready for activate duty."

Norwood:"Well done. I knew he was the perfect choice to help in
         the fight against Franco's forces."

Jess:"And you were right once again, Norwood. That's why you are
      the best EDF commander."

Norwood:"And you're the best EDF instructor we got. Striker's 
         training must the crowning achievement of your career."

Jess:"Indeed it is. I've actually grown very fond of him."

Norwood:"Ooo. Does Misses Hard-a** have a soft spot for a certain 
         cano-sapien?"

She blushes.

Jess:"Well... sort of."

He smiles.

Norwood:"You two go off and have fun."

Jess:"Yes, sir. Jess Harnell out."

Her image disappears from the hologram.

Forest Road
Alaska
1 February
3:03 PM:

This is a dirt road running through a forest in the mountains. A 
Rhino is on the road. Inside is Striker, who is driving, and Jess, 
who is busy working on his scoresheet.

Jess:"Well done. Your score, in particular the sonic cannon firing
      and handling, is more than enough to let you finish training  
      with flying colours." 

Striker:"Does that mean I'm now an EDF agent, Ma'am?"

Jess:"As soon as we process this final score, Striker. Then you can
      start taking part in field operations."

Striker smiles widely, as does Jess.

Jess:"Thanks for being such a great trainee, Striker."

Striker:"And thank you for being such a great instructor, Jess."

Jess:"You just called me by my real name, you know."

Striker:"Oh... I mean ... er..."

Jess:"I don't mind."

He looks at her.

Striker:"You don't?"

Jess:"No, I don't."

Striker:"Thank you."

The two keep staring at each other, as if some connection has now
been formed between them. Suddenly the peace is shattered as two
tactical pick-up trucks with mounted machine guns and a mack truck 
smashes through some bushes behind the Rhino. Striker and Jess snap 
out of it and look behind them. In the trucks are KH soldiers. In
the mack truck next to the driver is Oqulus.

Jess:"Oh my God! It's Oqulus!"

Striker:"Friends of yours, I hope!"

Jess:"He's a sergeant in the KH Military!"

Striker:"KH Military??? What the h*** are they doing here on EDF
         training grounds? I though it was safe here!"

Jess:"I think we were all wrong! Speed up and try to loose them!"

Striker does as he is told and the Rhino begins to speed up. The
trucks also speed up and begin chasing the Rhino. Oqulus radios
the other soldiers.

Oqulus:"Listen up, soldiers! We want Striker alive, so try and
        force them to stop!"

Soldiers:"Sir! Yes, sir!"

The soldiers manning the machine guns open fire on the Rhino. Striker
pushes a button and the armor window plates fold over the windows.
Jess radios headquarters.

Jess:"This is Jess Harnell to any EDF forces! Do you copy?"

HQ(over radio):"We read you, Harnell. How's the training going?"

Jess:"It just got very deadly! We are in sector D and under attack 
      from KH forces lead by Oqulus! We need immediate assistance!"  

HQ(over radio):"WHAT!!! You're must be mad! What are the KH Military
                doing on EDF grounds?"  

Jess:"I don't care! We need help! NOW!!!"

HQ(over radio):"Hold on! We're on our way!"

The radio goes dead. Suddenly another tactical appears in the middle
of the road. Striker turns the Rhino down the hillside next to the
road. The four trucks also follow. Soon the Rhino and the trucks 
go onto a tarred road running through the mountains.

Striker:"Can't we use blackjacks on them?"

Jess:"Sorry. We used them all in training, Striker."

Striker:"Looks like we will have to keep driving and hope our help
         arrives soon. Another thing I am worried is the danger
         we are running by going on this road. We might be sighted
         by civilians or worse, county police officers."

Jess:"Don't worry about that, Striker. The chance of civilain or law 
      enforcement involvement is very rare. Even if they do spot us    
      or get involved, you know what to do. Don't you?" 

Striker thinks, then realises what Jess means.

Striker:"Ja. I almost forgot the mind disruptor."

Jess:"I just hope we live long enough to ever use it."

The Rhino continues down the road, the machine gun toting trucks
right behind them.

Mountain Road
5 Kilometres Away From Chase
At that moment:

This is another part of the road that still runs through the 
mountains. There are only two vehicles on this road right now, both
are heading towards Striker, Jess and Oqulus. One vehicle is a 
large truck which is carrying timber, the other is an old green 
station wagon. Inside the car is the Today family: Steven Today (the 
future Strayer, Bear), his sister Sheba, their parents Moses and 
Ester and their dog Bear (Steven's malamute dog). Moses and Ester are 
in the front while Steven, Sheba and Bear are in the back. Sheba and
Steven are both teenagers while their parents are much younger than
they would be many years later. Steven is teasing Sheba, as usual.

Steven:"Sorry, wildcat. You lost that bet."

Sheba:"You cheated!"

Steven:"No, I didn't."

Bear barks at Sheba. Steven hugs him.

Steven:"Baby Bear agrees with me. Don't you, boy?

Bear licks Steven's face.

Steven:"I love you too, boy."

Sheba:"He doesn't count! He's a dog!"

Ester looks back to the group.

Ester:"Hey! Calm down you two. Remember what we agreed on: no 
       fighting while we're driving."

Steven, Sheba:"Yes, Mom."

They calm down a bit but keep talking to each other. Ester looks
forward again.

Ester:"Those two are the limit. They're always going at it."

Moses:"Calm down, Ester. They're only kids."

Ester:"Kids! They're teenagers. They must learn to behave 
       themselves if they are to get anywhere in this world."

Moses:"Don't worry. We will help them through to the end. That's
       why we became parents."

Ester sighs.

Ester:"You're right, Moses."

Moses keeps the car driving forward on the road. He comes closer to
the truck and begins to pass it. Around the corner the Rhino and the
four trucks are coming at high speeds. Moses passes the truck and
begins to speed back up to their normal travelling speed. They come
closer to the corner. Suddenly the Rhino comes round the bend coming
right at them.

Jess:"STRIKER!!!"

Moses:"MY LANDS!!!"

Striker:"AI YAI YAI!!!"

Ester and the kids scream as Moses hits the brakes. Striker hits the
brakes and turns the Rhino so that it comes to a halt with it's side
faced at the oncoming car. The Today's car screeches as it tries to
come to halt. It is going too fast and just a second after Moses had
slammed on the brakes the station wagon broadsides the Rhino with 
such a force that the Rhino is lifted a few metres off the left side
before landing on the front of the Today's car. The KH trucks, who
were right behind the Rhino, try to stop but it is too late. One
tactical slams into the side of the Rhino so hard that it flips over
the cars and lands on its roof. The second one is flung into the
air and it corkscrews in the air. The lumber truck driver, who was 
just a short distance away, had only a second to realise what is
going before the nose of the tactical slammed into his cockpit.
The third tactical broadsides the Rhino and Oqulus' truck smashes
into the back of the third tactical. Five second after Moses and
Striker saw each other there was now an ugly crash site. Striker
and Jess are lying on their sides slightly dased. The Today's are
a bit worse off: Steven, Sheba and Ester are also dazed with minor
injuries. Moses is badly injured but alive. The occupants of the
tacticals are slightly injured and dazed. The lumber truck driver
is beyond help. Oqulus, his driver and the soldiers in the back jump 
out, they are all right.

Driver:"Gee-zhus! What's the chance of this happening??"

Oqulus:"Go check and see if everyone is okay! Secure Striker and
        Harnell as well as the civilains!"

Soldiers:"Yes, sir!"

Two soldiers go over to the Rhino and drag both Striker and Jess out.
One soldier runs towards the lumber truck, four head for the station
station wagon and the rest go help the others out of the tacticals.
Ester manages to get Moses to wake up.

Moses:"Wha.. what...?"

Ester:"Thank God you're okay, Moses!"

Moses:"The children!"

Ester:"They're okay."

Moses looks behind him and sees that Steven and Sheba are both shaken
and scared and slightly injured, but otherwise they're fine. Then one
of the KH soldiers aims his AK-47 at them. 

Soldier 1:"Don't move!"

The Todays look at the soldier and are suddenly filled with horror.

Ester:"What the h*** is that thing!"

The children begin to scream in terror. The soldier and a second one
forces the front doors open and grab the two parents. They force
them out of the car. Another two open the rear doors and begin to
grab for the kids. They are still screaming.

Soldier 2:"Come here, you little brats!"

Bear appears and bites the soldier in the arm, he screams in pain. He
then punches Bear out cold.

Steven:"You monsters!"

Soldier 2:"Get out!"

The one soldier grabs Sheba while the other grabs Steven. They drag
the kids out and forces them to where Striker, Jess, Moses and Ester
are currently being detained. They let the kids run to their parents,
who promply hug them for support. Moses and Ester begin to comfort
them, though they are still gripped with terror at the sight of the
wolf-sapien soldiers. The last soldier who was checking out the truck
runs up to Oqulus.

Oqulus:"Well? Where's the driver?"

Soldier:"The fact is, sir... um... lets just say the seat and headrest
         are PARTICULARY messy."

Oqulus:"I see."

He turns to the prisoners. He looks at Striker.

Oqulus:"Well, well, well. The rumours were true. The EDF has gone to
        the dogs."

Striker:"Let this family go, Oqulus! They are not soldiers. They're
         civilians."

Oqulus:"Wish I could, Striker, but I'm not going to. If I do, General
        Franco will eat my heart for supper."
 
Jess:"What do you want with us, Oqulus?"

Oqulus:"That answer I will give when we got back to base and gotten
        the orders."

He turns to a group of soldiers.

Oqulus:"Get them into the back of my truck."

Soldiers:"Yes, sir!"

They begin to take the prisoners to the mack truck. Steven is struggling
to get away, but a soldier holds him back.

Steven:"My dog! I want my dog!"

Soldier 2:"Fat chance, kid! Move!"

Steven continues to struggle. Oqulus turns to the rest of the soldiers.

Oqulus:"Check and see which of these vehicles can still be driven. Pick
        up all machine guns and other KH items from those tacticals
        which are now useless. After that, we head back to base."

Soldiers:"Yes, sir!"

The soldiers do as they are told. After a while, it is found that one
tactical and the Rhino is still drivable. Oqulus and the soldiers
then climb into the vehicles and drive away, leaving behind the
remaining smashed vehicles. Clinging for dear life on the bumper of
the tactical is Bear.

KH Military Alaska Outpost
Somewhere In The Mountains
6:01 PM:

This is a large base whose buildings have been camoflauged to match with
the surroundings. A fence surrounds the compound with a guard tower at
each corner and a pillbox by the gate. Several KH weaponry are parked 
on an open area and covered with camo-netting. A single road runs from
the forest to the base. On the road Oqulus' convoy is heading towards
the gate and soon pulls up to it. The guard sees Oqulus, then signals
other soldiers who open the gate and let the convoy in. The convoy 
then goes into a maintenance garage and stops. Oqulus and the soldiers
climb off first. The prisoners are then taken off the back of the Mack
truck and taken into the compound. Moses and Ester are doing their best
to comfort Steven and Sheba, who are still very scared. Bear jumps off
the back of the tactical and heads into a ventilation shaft whose 
opening is at ground level and the grate had been removed. Oqulus takes
the prisoners to a cell block in another part of the base. Striker, Jess
and the Today family are flung into the cell and locked in. Oqulus comes
up to the cell bars.

Oqulus:"Lovely catch we got today, eh? It is a particular honor to meet
        the famous cocker-spaniel, Striker. Your name is now well known
        to everybody in the KH Military, including the Supreme General."

Striker:"That is an honor I do not accept. As for your Supreme General,
         who I believe is Franco, you can tell him I am going to come 
         for him to make him pay for my family's death."

Oqulus:"Ha! You first need get through Franco's Elite Guard. As for the
        rest of our forces, I am not really sure if they will stop you
        or just let you kill Franco."

Jess:"Is Franco really that hated by his own men?"

Oqulus:"That's correct. Most of us, except his Elite Guard and some
        loyalists, are very unsure of his authority. Which also includes
        me."

Striker:"Why don't you try turning against him?"

Oqulus:"Are you crazy? His Elite Guard will chop any rebellion to tiny
        little pieces. Well, enough small talk. I'll just go and call
        my superiors so that they can decide your fates."

He turns to one of the soldiers who has the keys.

Oqulus:"Keep a close eye on them."

Soldier:"Yes, sir."

Oqulus and the other soldiers leave the room while the soldier with the
keys leans back into a chair and begins to read a magazine. Striker
looks at the Today family.

Striker:"Don't worry. We will get you all out of here, alive."

Moses, who is hugging Steven, looks at Striker.

Moses:"Why should we trust you?"

Striker:"Two reasons. One, I am on your side. Two, would I really be in
         the same cell as you would be?"

Moses thinks for a moment, then sighs.

Moses:"I don't know if we can trust you, but you can get me and my 
       family out of this h***hole I would be incredibly thankful."

Striker:"Trust me, Mister... er?"

Moses:"Moses. Moses Today. This is my wife Ester..."

He points at Ester, who is holding Sheba.

Moses:"... and our children Steven and Sheba."

He indicates Steven and Sheba. Striker smiles at them.

Striker:"Hello, Steven and Sheba. Are you two all right?"

The children are still scared, but Steven then gathers his courage.

Steven:"Are... are you really going to save us?"

Striker:"Swear to God."

This calms the kids down and they force small smiles. Striker smiles
back. Meanwhile, not noticed by anyone, Bear has come into the cell 
block and is silently walking towards the soldier. He sees the keys
hanging from the soldier's pocket. He creeps up and takes the keys.
Just then Steven sees Bear.

Steven:"Bear!"

The soldier looks at Steven, then notices Bear with the keys in his
mouth. The others also notices him. The soldiers begins to bring his
hand to Bear.

Soldier:"Be a good doggie and give me the keys."

Bear growls at the soldier.

Soldier:"Come on! I won't hurt you."

Bear growls again.

Soldier:"Give me the key, you little bastard."

Steven:"Bear! RUN!!!"

Bear runs out of the room, the soldier follows.

Soldier:"You're pissing me off, mutt!"

Once the soldier leaves the room Bear runs back into the cell block and
up to the cell. Striker takes the keys while Steven rubs Bear, who is
whining with joy. Striker opens the cell and they all get out. The Today
family hugs and pats for Bear.

Steven:"Good boy, Baby Bear! Good boy!"

Moses:"You're a good good dog, Bear."

Striker goes over to the table while Jess goes up to the door to keep
watch. He sees the soldier's AK-47 lying on the table, picks it up and
arms himself with it. Jess then spots the soldier coming back with two
more soldiers.

Jess:"We got three bogies coming towards us!"

Striker runs up to the side of door while Jess stands on the other
side. Ester and Moses usher the kids back into the cell for protection.
Just as the three soldiers walk in Striker grabs the second soldier
while Jess goes for the third. The cell block soldier sees this and
reaches for his sidearm. Moses quickly comes from behind and grabs the
sidearm. He then punches the soldier out cold while Striker and Jess
take care of the other two. Soon they are lying on a heap. Striker
gives Jess an AK-47 and then turns to Moses.

Striker:"Moses."

Moses looks at Striker and catches the AK-47 he tosses at him.

Striker:"Do you know how to use that?"

Moses cocks the rifle and readies it. He nods at Striker.

Moses:"I am an Eskimo hunter. I learned how to use rifles from my
       people."

Striker:"Well, now you will have to use all those hunting skills to the
         fullest extent if we are to battle our way out of this base.
         Moses, you cover your family while Jess and I lead the way.
         Let's go."

They leave the cell block. Striker and Jess walk ahead while Ester
guides the children with Moses ahead of them. They walk down a corridor
when suddenly a patrol of soldiers appear further down. Before they
can react Striker and Jess open fire, gunning down all but one of them.
The surviving soldier runs away, shouting for help.

Jess:"The shots and that soldier will alert the whole base."

Bear runs to a door and claws at it. He then barks at the group.

Steven:"I think Bear wants us to go through that door."

Ester:"Do you think it may be wise?"

Striker:"An alternative escape route is better than fighting off an 
         entire battallion of soldiers who want to kill us."

The groups runs to the door and goes into the room, closing the door
behind them. It is pitch dark.

Sheba:"I can't see."

Jess:"Hold on. Here's a light switch."

Jess fumbles for a few moments, then turns the lights on. The room
is illuminated... and so are the stacks of nuclear warheads in the
room. Striker and Jess gasp.

Striker:"Stop me if I'm wrong, Jess, but from what I have been trained
         for those look like American-made nuclear warheads."

Jess:"It IS nuclear warheads!"

Moses' and Ester's eyes widen.

Ester:"My lands! Are those atomic bombs?"

Moses:"Oh my God."

Striker:"This must be the stockpiles Oqulus and men have stolen from all
         those bases."

Jess:"So our suspicions were right. We have got to get this information
      to Norwood as soon as we can."

Striker:"There is one question that bothers me: where are taking all
         these warheads?"

Unknown to them Oqulus and some of his men have appeared behind them. 
Oqulus then grabs Steven while two other soldiers grab Sheba and
Ester. Striker, Jess, Moses and Bear turn around.

Oqulus:"Don't move, or this family dies!"

Moses:"Let go of my family, you monster!"

Striker:"Let them go, Oqulus. They are civilians, not soldiers."

Oqulus:"That's about half right: they are our trump cards. Now drop
        your weapons."

While they are talking Steven takes out his small hunting knife from his 
shoe. He then takes a blind stab at Oqulus. The knife lands right on
his left eye. Oqulus screams in pain, lets go of Steven and falls to the
floor. Striker quickly aims his rifle at the distracted soldiers and
fires a few shots at them. He successfully guns them down while keeping
Sheba and Ester unharmed. Moses rushes over to his family and helps
them up. Jess then spots an exit.

Jess:"There's an exit! Let's go!"

They begin to run to the exit just as Oqulus takes the knife out of
his head. He puts his hand over the new hole in his head and throws
the knife away.

Oqulus:"THAT'S IT!!! YOU ARE ALL DEAD MEAT!!!!!"

He picks up his rifle at opens fire just as Jess is about to leave the
room. The shots hit her in the back, she falls to the ground. Striker
sees this.

Striker:"JESS!"

He rushes over and drags her into the corridor. Moses comes over to
help, but Jess is now dying. Striker comforts her.

Striker:"Hold on! We will get you out here!"

Jess:"Leave me, Striker. I... I will just slow you d... down. I wi...
      will... never make ...it."

Moses then sees more soldiers rushing into the warhead room. He fires
a few short burst at them. He gets one while the rest take cover. Jess
puts her hand on Striker's cheek.

Jess:"G... go. Now."

A tear rolls down Striker's cheek. He then gives her a quick kiss on
the lips.

Striker:"Goodbye... Jess."

Jess:"Goodbye... Striker. I... hope you... win... the battle. Get them
      for... me..."

Her eyes roll into her head as she breathes for the last time. Her body
then goes limp. She is dead. Striker strokes her hair for a few moments
while Moses fights off the soldiers. Bear comes up and licks Striker's
face. Striker gets up, gathers his courage and turns to the family.

Striker:"Let's go!"

He gets up, closes the door and then jams it with Jess' rifle. The group
then runs onward while the soldiers on the other side try to get in. 
The group, lead by Bear, soon comes to the garage. Striker and Moses
quickly gun down the soldiers here. They group then climbs into the 
Rhino. Striker is at the wheel, Moses is seated next to him and Ester,
Sheba, Steven and Bear climb into the back. Striker readies the Rhino
by activating the armored shutters and the Sonic Cannon. He looks at
the family.

Striker:"Ready?"

Todays:"Ready."

Striker:"Hold on."

He pushes a button and the sonic cannon fires a sonic blast that blows
open the garage door. The Rhino then goes out of the garage. The 
soldiers open fire, but their shots bounce off the Rhino's armor plates.
It then plows through the gate at top speed and quickly disappears into
the forest.

Village Outskirts
Northern Alaska
7:45 PM:

A small village consisting of wooden cabins sits in a remote part of 
Alaska. On the outskirts of the village is the Today's cabin. The
Rhino(in flight mode) lands in the front yard. Striker and the Todays
climb out. The family gathers to say goodbye to Striker. Moses and
Striker shake hands.

Moses:"Thank you for rescuing me and my family."

Ester:"We are forever in debt to you. We don't know how we can repay
       you."

Striker:"You will find that out just when I have finished talking to
         little Steven and Sheba here."
 
Striker looks at Steven and Sheba, who are both petting Bear.

Striker:"You two take good care of Bear. He is a very fine dog and I
         know he will be the greatest dog you will ever have."

Steven:"Thanks, Striker."

Sheba:"We owe you big time."

Striker:"Speaking of which..."

He digs around in his pocket and takes out a high-tech kind of camera
with the letters EDF on it.

Striker:"I just want to take a picture of you all as a memoir."

The family smiles.

Moses:"Very well, Striker."

The Todays gather for the "photo shoot" while Striker prepares the
device. He raises it and aims its lens at the family. They smile.

Ester:"Say 'cheese', everyone."

Striker:"Actually, the correct phrase is 'amnesia'."

The family continue to smile with a confused look on their faces. 
Striker pushes a button on the device. There is the usual flash, followed
by an unusual glow from the Todays' eyes except Bear. Striker looks at
the device.

Striker:"This mind disruptor is unfair, but it is company policy. 
         Figures."

He puts the device away and looks at the family, who are still standing
frozen in place.

Striker:"None of you will remember what happened between the accident up
         to now. Sorry."

Bear barks at Striker. He pets him on the head.

Striker:"Take good care of this family for me will you, Baby Bear?"

Bear barks happily at Striker. Striker smiles, gets up and climbs into
the Rhino. He takes one last look at the family and waves at them. Bear
barks back. The Rhino then goes back into flight mode and flies off
into the night. Bear watches him go.

Norwood's Office
2 February
8:21 AM:

Norwood is seated at his desk talking to Striker on the holographic
projector. Striker has a sad look on his face.

Norwood:"I am truely sorry about Jess Harnell. I know how much you two
         liked each other."

Striker:"I think we had something beyond that, Norwood. Now I will never
         find out."

Norwood notices that Striker is starting to become emotional and goes
to another subject.

Norwood:"Are you sure about those warheads you saw in Oqulus' base."

Striker:"Ja, I am deadly sure about that."

Norwood:"Report back to headquarters, Agent Striker. We will need all 
         the manpower to find out what is going here."

Striker:"Ja, sir. Striker out." 

His image disappears from the hologram. Striker's training for the EDF
has been completed, he has won his first battle against the KH Military
and have saved the Today family from certain death. But it comes at the
cost of Jess Harnell's life. What is the KH Military plans with the
nuclear warheads? Why are they being taken to Frazakastan? And where
is General Franco?

THE END