STRAYERS: "Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow" Story by Steven Today 1ST ROUGH DRAFT April 01, 2002 2ND ROUGH DRAFT July 22, 2002 Road Rovers characters, names, situations and the Road Rovers universe are the property of Warner Bros. Neither this script nor I are connected with Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. Story contents, characters, names, situations and anything else associated with Strayers are Copyright 1996-2002 by Steven Today (bearstrayer@yahoo.com) All Rights Reserved. Dixie, Prowler and Nitro appear courtesy of Amanda Stephenson. Draco Wolfe, Anca Sanabria, Angelo Sanabria, Megumi Wolfe and all the Outlanders appear courtesy of Peter Nitti. Pierce Kamali appears courtesy of Peter Nitti. Hans appears courtesy of McCracken. Texas Jack Utah appears courtesy of Greg Williams. Craig appears courtesy of Kristen Coughlan. Hunter Conrad Dobermann and Faith Leia Dobermann appear courtesy of Jaggie. The Wild Warriors appear courtesy of Richard Barrere. This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape or form. It must remain fully intact and may not be altered in any way. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. "Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow" FADE IN EXTERIOR: DESERT - HIGHWAY It is early morning in a vast open area in the southwest region of the United States. Sand goes off in all directions, Cacti and tumbleweed speckle the landscape. Off far in the distance are some mountains. A two-lane highway, which has seen much use but little repair, stretches forever in both directions. BEAR (VOICE OVER, DEEP RASPY VOICE) The highway. Unforgiving. Endless. Forgotten. We use to have a lot in common. But things change. For example, I use to be Malamuit Eskimo. I dwelt on the dark side of the law. I wasn't really bad but I was nothing to write home to mother either. When the lawless came around I pretend they weren't there. When they did injustice to the people I loved I closed my eyes. When the authorities looked for witnesses I became mute. I took my dumb act to such an extreme that I allowed the evils to pollute my people's sacred lands with nuclear waste. The act ended when I suffered an accident. I was transformed from a human to a mutant, a freak, and an outcast. A Cano-Sapien (having a human body with a canine head, tail, fur, claws, etc.) appears, this male is of an Alaskan Malamute breed. His entire body is covered with black fur but the area around his muzzle is white, with two white dots above his eyes. His left is blue and his right is green. This is Bear. He has Black Fingerless gloves, blue jeans, tan kaki shirt and a leather WWII bomber jacket (His name is on the front and the Strayer's symbol is on the back - red horse with glowing yellow eyes galloping down a highway. On his sleeve is his team insignia - Mean looking grizzly bear on a motorcycle) Covering his head is a helmet that also bares the Strayer's symbol, a smoke glass visor covers his eyes. BEAR (VOICE OVER) But don't pity me. I'm the leader of a Strayer unit called the Grizzlies. We're deputized by the United States government to uphold the law and bring those dark elements to justice. By any means necessary. We patrol the highways and byways of the United States of America looking for trouble. Nitro, Amani, Puffball and Cyclborg appear next to Bear. Nitro is an adult timber Wolf-Sapien. She has gray fur, white paws and a white stripe from her neck, down her belly and to her tail. She has blue-green eyes. And a thick black mane down runs the back of her head, it has a white strip down the middle of it and the ends are also white. She wears blue jeans, a black T-shirt and black boots. Around her wrist is a small dog collar studded with jewels and has the words "Bear" in gold. He has the same collar on his wrist but it says "Nitro" on it. He also loses the helmet. Amani is a young Native American female with long black hair. She is wearing a black jumpsuit, leather boots and gloves. All bare the Strayer's symbol. She is also wearing a headband, bracelet and belt of Indian design. Puffball is a female Burmese cat in Felo-Mutant form with bright yellow eyes and stands at 7'4". The Cyclborg is a sleek and high tech chrome motorcycle. It has several closed compartments for storage. On the fuel tank and the handlebars are several buttons, switches and dials. There is also a video screen. On the side of it is a large symbol of the Strayers. The license plate reads: "BEAR" BEAR (VOICE OVER) We are not perfect and some of us have lost our way at one time or another. But we're back once again, together and on track. We're on a mission to right all the wrongs of the world and then some. So if you are on the wrong side of the law you had just better look out for the. FADE OUT: The words "Strayers" appears along with the Strayer symbol then disappears. FADE IN: EXTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND This is a large field surround by trees, it is the dead of night with no moon. Out of the darkness there is a large inflatable tent (the walls inflate not the interior), on it has "Darke Ages" To one side is a group of several large semi trailers that have been converted into living quarters. To one side is a single trailer of the same design. Out back behind the tent is a mobile home with two mean looking guards outside of it. The tent and vehicles have blacked out windows, without the moon it is almost impossible to tell their existence. As we move closer we see a ticket booth in front of the tent. Humans are handing the attendant hundred dollar bills and getting no change in return, they make their way inside. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING This looks a lot like a circus but is scaled down, there are only seats for a hundred. The crowd is piling in as they take their seats. Around them the employees look out of place, they all look like they are out of the Dark Ages. There are knights sparing, jugglers with axes and jesters. Scattered around the place are more guards, medieval music plays in the background. It has dark over tones that the crowd seems to enjoy. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - HOLDING TRAILER Cells with heavy doors and thick walls are here, a pair of guards walk past each cell and checks the doors to ensure they are locked. As they do they make sure the prisoners are still inside. As they make their rounds we can recognize the tattered uniforms of Strayers, Rovers and various Mutants. The guards talk as they go. FIRST GUARD (SAD) Poor saps, none of them are going to get out of here alive. We capture then and pit them against one another in real combat. The winner gets to live another day, the loser dies before a cheering crowd. SECOND GUARD (CONCERNED) Don't tell me you are going soft on us. FIRST GUARD (HONEST) No way, if we run out of combatants then we'll be sent into the ring. Better them than us. Besides, it is for a good cause. SECOND GUARD (SMUG) Yeah, lining the pockets of the boss. When they are over flowing some of that trickles down to us. FIRST GUARD (STERN) In my opinion we should get more. I mean, because the law wants to shut us down we have to do a lot. When there is no moon we use the darkness to set up shop, have our bout that evening, then have to have it all torn down and on the road by morning. We get driven like dogs yet don't get any sleep. SECOND GUARD (HONEST) True, but on the nights where there is a moon we get some peace and rest. Besides, we just have to look over this lot. The promoters are the real ones that have it hard. Day in and day out they have to have to find customers for our shows. It isn't just pulling someone off the street, they have to be checked to sure they aren't the law. Even if they aren't there is a risk that they could snitch on us and bring the law in. All it takes in one big mouth and were through. We got it easy compared to them. FIRST GUARD (STERN) They also get paid a lot more. Besides, they don't have to smell this garbage. The guards stop and check the last cell, they look inside. Nitro pops her head in the bars and smiles. NITRO (DEEP VOICE, SMUG) You're mistaken, we're actually the ones downwind from you. One of the guards hauls off and punches Nitro in the nose. She reels back and disappears into the cell, the guards grumble and walk away. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - HOLDING TRAILER - CELL This is a standard prison cell. The Grizzlies (Bear, Nitro, Amani and Puffball along with Wondrous Wolf) are here. Wondrous Wolf is wearing red tights, has a blue cape and a white belt. Nitro is sitting on the floor rubbing her nose, Bear is kneeling next to her. Amani and Puffball stand near by concerned. NITRO (EMBARRASSED) This is most embarrassing. BEAR (HONEST) Nah, you just have to work on your timing. Nitro looks up to Bear. NITRO (CONFUSED) I should have paused a second more then delivered the punch line? Bear shakes his head. BEAR (SMUG) You should have ducked. Nitro giggles, Amani seems annoyed. AMANI (SLIGHT NATIVE AMERICAN ACCENT, ANNOYED) Are you two through yet? Need I remind you why we are here? Bear and Nitro look to Amani. NITRO (CONFUSED) Because we are prisoners? AMANI (ANNOYED) We were assigned to find the traveling carnival of death and shut it down. Bear helps Nitro to her feet. BEAR (CONFUSED) And how exactly do you expect us to do that locked up in here? Weaponless, no equipment, the Rovers don't even know where we are. WONDROUS (BLUNT) Well, you only have yourself to blame. This would have never happened if a wolf was leading us. Bear looks over to Wondrous. BEAR (SARCASTIC) Funny, I wasn't the one that told the enemy where we were but I guess that is a job only a wolf can do. Wondrous looks to Nitro. WONDROUS (FAKE SHOCK) Are you going to just stand there, my Alpha and reason for living my love? He's lying through his teeth. Nitro points an angry finger at Wondrous. NITRO (ANNOYED) You DID rat on us and are the sole reason we are locked up in here. WONDROUS (FALSE SURPRISE) Hey, I was acting like a true hero. Not like the coward that your so-called husband is. Nitro growls at Wondrous. AMANI (HONEST) Well, Bear does shoulder some of the blame. After all, it was his idea to bring Wondrous Wolf along. Bear looks over to Amani. BEAR (ANNOYED) Thanks for the support, Amani. AMANI (SMUG) My pleasure. Bear looks back at Wondrous. BEAR (ANNOYED) I had heard the stories but I didn't think they were true, but I admit I was proven wrong. He's a menace. WONDROUS (DEFENSIVE) I am not! I was only trying to be fair, I offered the enemy a chance to surrender to me before I annihilated them all single pawedly. I did it for the team. BEAR (SMUG) You wanted all the glory, even I wouldn't have stooped that low. AMANI (STERN) I'd like a second opinion. Everyone ignores Amani. NITRO (ANNOYED) It was no great surprise that the enemy captured you instead. Then when they threatened to kill you pleaded to spare you, in exchange you would tell them about our mission and lure the rest of us into a trap. WONDROUS (DEFENSIVE) I did no such thing! NITRO (ANGRY) You called us all over so we could be ambushed! We didn't have a chance! WONDROUS (DEFENSIVE) Well our so-called leader should have sensed it. Now if a wolf had been in charge... Nitro screams and tries to tear Wondrous limb from limb, he screams in fear. Bear grabs her and holds her back, he can barely manage it. BEAR (STERN) Now honey, he's not worth breaking any commandments. Nitro pauses then settles down, she nods. VOICE (OFF SCREEN, SMUG) Is that any way heroes are suppose to act? Everyone turns to see Excalibur at the door, two guards with cattle prods flank him. He is a pit bull mutant with an eye patch over his left eye, he is dress as if he was a king (including a crown) He smiles at them. NITRO (BLUNT) Well, well, well. If it isn't our host. Mister Darke Ages himself, Lord Excalibur. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) Actually, it is King Excalibur but you can all me Your Majesty. BEAR (SMUG) I think Mister Cesspool would fit better. Excalibur chuckles. EXCALIBUR (PLEASED) Ah, this is the Grizzly wit I have heard so much about. You don't know how pleased I was when my latest acquisition were you. NITRO (CONFUSED) I'm not sure but I think we were just complimented. EXCALIBUR (REASSURING) Very much so. The crowd loves banter during an fight, I just may raise the price for admission. BEAR (CONFUSED) Well with that eye patch shouldn't this place have a pirate theme rather than medieval? The comment cuts deep. EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) This is not ambience, I really did lose my eye. I was breed to fight in the ring, I was actually quite good. But in one match I lost. It was quite evident that I was still alive but my owner left me to die. As you can see, I survived. Now it is I who arranges fights for profit. My profit. PUFFBALL (BLUNT) Oh, I'm sure your owner would be proud. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) He was, he was the first one I forced to fight. It cost him his life. The Grizzlies feel uneasy, Excalibur notices this and smiles. EXCALIBUR (REASSURING) But that was the past, we need to look to the future. NITRO (STERN) Well if I had my Banshee Howl right now you and your sick show would be blasted back into history. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) You will have to thank your old friend, the Admiral. For a few personal shows he gave me a formula to the drug that has nullified your world famous super power. As long as you get your shot once a day it will continue to be a useless power. Without them you would be back to normal in no time. I have done my research. BEAR (ANNOYED) Your concern is overwhelming. EXCALIBUR (PLEASED) No concern, this is just business. Speaking of which, tonight I have decided to put one of you into the ring. NITRO (DEFIANT) Like heck you are! Excalibur snaps his fingers, the guards pull the trigger on their cattle prods and bolts of energy leap out into the air. Nitro backs off. BEAR (FRUSTRATED) If anyone of us has to fight it will me. WONDROUS (SMUG) That is perhaps the most intelligent thing you have ever said. Amani looks to Wondrous. AMANI (CONFUSED) I thought you'd be the first one to volunteer. WONDROUS (TAKEN ABACK) Wolves are lovers, not fighters. Amani rolls her eyes. AMANI (WHISPERS, ANNOYED) Typical male. Nitro turns to Bear. NITRO (CONCERNED) Why must it always be you? Bear looks to Nitro. BEAR (STERN) I'm the leader here, this team is my responsibility. NITRO (CONCERNED) But you are my husband, your responsibility is to me and not to go off to get killed. BEAR (REASSURING) We've been down this road before. When we're in the field we're Strayers first, spouses second. Nitro look very concerned. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) That is quite noble of you. Unfortunately, the group tonight doesn't seem to be in the mood for Malamute. Nitro turns to Excalibur. NITRO (STERN) Fine, then I will go. BEAR AND WONDROUS (EXCITED) No! EXCALIBUR (SMUG) You can save the chivalry, Gentlemen. Fighting wolves are so pass‚. Wondrous Wolf sighs with relief. PUFFBALL (PERFECT ENGLISH, BLUNT) Well I'm no one to destroy a series, so I'll volunteer. Everyone looks concerned to Puffball, Amani is very concerned but Wondrous couldn't care less. WONDROUS (SMUG) She's a cat, no loss. Amani looks over to Wondrous, she gives him the evil eye. EXCALIBUR (HONEST) We had a Felo-Mutant bout last night, we need something fresher. Everyone looks back to Excalibur. AMANI (CONFUSED) Then who is left to. Amani's voice trails off when she realizes she is the only one left, the other realize this too. BEAR (DEFENSIVE) How exciting can watching a human fight be with all us mutants standing around? EXCALIBUR (EXPLAINING) True but she isn't going out as just any human. No, she is going out as a wild beautiful Indian princess. Born in the wilds of the Amazon. Wolves brought her up. WONDROUS (SMUG) Yes, only wolves could have raised her. NITRO (ANNOYED) That is so pass‚. EXCALIBUR (BLUNT) I could careless what you think, she's going on tonight. AMANI (DEFIANT) Like heck I am! I refuse to help your show profit by killing another creature. EXCALIBUR (STERN) If you refuse I will have you killed. AMANI (DEFIANT) I'm going to die anyway now is as good as a time as any. I won't do it. NITRO (CHEERING) You go girl! Excalibur snaps his fingers and points at Bear. The guards step forward and use the prods on Bear. He screams with pains and falls to him knees. Nitro gasps and goes to his side, Excalibur smiles. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) Are you going to go on or does your leader feel my wraith once again? Amani is confused, she doesn't know what to do. Does she stand by her principals or her friend? Bear notices this. BEAR (STERN) Forget him, Amani. When we became Strayers we knew there was a chance we would die. We are here to protect the innocent, not kill them. Amani regains her confidence, she glares at Excalibur. AMANI (STERN) Screw you! Excalibur claps. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) Nice speeches. But you know, tonight we could have a demonstration of the rack on your leader. Turning the wheel slowly until we yank his limbs from their socks. Or perhaps you would like to see him hanged, drawn and quartered? BEAR (DEFIANT) You heard her, you can't intimidate us! EXCALIBUR (SMUG) This is strictly business. I'm not trying to intimidate her, just showing her your life is in her hands. She will be responsible for your death. Bear shows no fear but Amani see Excalibur is serious, dead serious. AMANI (CONCERNED) If I go on will you spare my friends? All of them. Excalibur smiles. EXCALIBUR (PLEASED) If you put on a good show I'll not only spare them but also rotate them to the bottom of the list, it will buy them some time until they will have to go on themselves. BEAR (STERN) Don't do it, Amani! He can't be trusted! EXCALIBUR (SMUG) True, but it is a sure thing someone will die if you refuse. If you accept at least there is a chance. Amani looks at Excalibur, he seems to be honest. Finally, she nods. AMANI (FRUSTRATED) Then I will go on and do my best. It's a deal. EXCALIBUR (PLEASED) Excellent, we are off. The Guards grab Amani and lead her out with Excalibur, the cell door is slammed shut and is locked. Excalibur peeks through the bars. EXCALIBUR (HONEST) Like I said, this is all business. BEAR (ANNOYED) Dirty business. Excalibur chuckles and then disappears. The Grizzlies are all alone again. Nitro helps Bear to his feet. BEAR (CONCERNED) I hope she knows what she is doing. NITRO (REASSURING) She is a big girl, she can handle herself. Bear forces a smile. WONDROUS (PLEASED) As always my beloved future mate is correct. After all she is only a human and not a wolf, she is expendable. Puffball hisses at Wondrous wolf but Nitro smiles at him. NITRO (PLEASED) Actually, I'm just relieved that they didn't take you. Bear and Puffball are confused, Wondrous is all pleased. WONDROUS (HIGH ON HIMSELF) I knew it! I knew it all along! You have the hots for me! BEAR (FRANTIC) Say it isn't so! PUFFBALL (SHOCKED) Please! NITRO (STERN) Because if you were the one that died then I couldn't kick your tail! Nitro smiles at Wondrous, he yipes and hides behind Bear. She takes a step towards him, Puffball sighs. PUFFBALL (ANNOYED) I'm getting really sick of being a prisoner. Nitro stops, Bear smiles. BEAR (SMUG) Then I say it is high time we changed our status. Everyone notices Bear is smiling slyly, they don't know what to make of it. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING Everyone is seated, the crowd talks among each other as they wait. A woman looks concerned as she talks to a man next to her. WOMAN (CONCERNED) Do you finds the real killings as uneasy as I? MAN (REASSURING) Relax, they're mostly mutants or friends of mutants, enemies of mankind. WOMAN (CONCERNED) But I heard they use Strayer and Rovers in the fights as well. MAN (REASSURING) It doesn't matter, they aren't human. They all deserve to die. The woman opens her mouth to speak but the music swells. Everyone focuses on the center ring, Excalibur marches out into the center ring and the crowd claps. He addresses the crowd. EXCALIBUR (DRAMATIC) Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, mutants of all species. I am now proud to present the main fight of the evening. The crowd cheers with excitement. EXCALIBUR (DRAMATIC) Deep from the jungles of the Amazon, where only the strongest survive, my trappers have caught a wild beast. She is ferocious, she is wild and she is a killer. She is not an animal but a human. She is as beautiful as she is deadly! She is royal as she is cunning! I present to you Exotica: Princess of the Amazon! Amani comes running out dressed in a skimpy bikini made out of animal skins, she has no shoes but bracelets and a necklace made of animal teeth. She also has a sword. She runs back and other in front of the crowds ranting in gibberish, as she does she waves her sword over her head. The crowd loves it. EXCALIBUR (DRAMATIC) When she was just a baby she crashed in an airplane in the heart of the Amazon, everyone but her was killed on board. She was found by a pack of wolves and raised by them. She knows no morality, no virtue and has no conscious! All she will eat is the flesh of her enemies! She is Exotica: Princess of the Amazon! The crowd goes nuts. EXCALIBUR (DRAMATIC) And her opponent tonight is big, mean and evil. He never forgets how to cause pain and misery to his foes! Death is always synonymous with his name. I present to you Gigantric the Dreadful! The ground shakes as Gigantric comes out into the ring. He is a Elephant mutant that stands ten feet tall and is very muscular, he roars loudly. Once Amani sees him she stops in her tracks and looks in awe. AMANI (SHOCKED) Oh yeah, this is going to be fun. EXCALIBUR (DRAMATIC) Gigantric was scheduled to be destroyed for all the people he has killed but I rescued him from certain death just so he could be here tonight to entertain you! The crowd cheers. Excalibur motions to the two fighters, they go over and join him. EXCALIBUR (STERN) You know the rules. There are none! First one to kill the other wins and gets to live another day, the loser dies horribly and is soon forgotten. Begin! Excalibur rushes away as the two fighters face one another. Amani holds her sword at the ready and Gigantric takes a defensive position, they circle one another. The crowd cheers them on. AMANI (LOWLY) Look, we don't have to do this. They can't make us fight. Me must stand together against Excalibur. GIGANTRIC (STERN) If we don't fight they will kill us. AMANI (LOWLY) We are dead already. Even if you win tonight you will have to fight again, eventually you will be killed. But if we stand firm here and now maybe others will refuse to fight. If no one fights no one will come. We will all win. Gigantric pauses and thinks about what Amani has said, the crowd starts to boo from lack of action. She looks towards them, as she does he backhands her! She goes flying one way and her sword goes the other way. She lands on her back and moans with pain, the crowd cheers. He rushes up to her and thrusts his powerful fist down at her! She looks up just in time to see the attack. She rolls and the fist just misses her, it leaves a big dent in the ground. She quickly recovers her sword and the two face off again. AMANI (ANNOYED) You're a fool! GIGANTRIC (SMUG) Better to be a fool and have life course through your veins than be smart and being bored to death. Amani wipes blood from her nose but keeps her eyes on him. He swings at her a couple of times but she manages to dodge all the attack, but only barely. She refuses to attack but keeps out of his reach, the battle continues. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - HOLDING TRAILER - CELL Back in prison, Nitro is laying on the floor screaming with pain. Bear is at her side and is very concerned. Wondrous couldn't care less and Puffball watches the door. BEAR (CALLING OUT, FRANTIC) For goodness sake! My wife is very ill! She needs medical assistance or she will die! Bear looks towards the door, the two guards from before appear and look inside. BEAR (FRANTIC) Please! Open the door! Help her! I beg of you! The guards just smile. GUARD (SMUG) I'd like to say nice try but I'd be lying. Do you really think you are the first to fake an illness? Bear smiles. BEAR (SMUG) Well, have they tried this one? Bear nods to Puffball, she races at the door. The guards do not balk, the door is too thick for even her massive weight. She jumps up and hits the door feet first, it easily separates from the hinges and falls on them. They are pinned under it with Puffball on top, the scream with pain. GUARD (SHOCKED) How can this be? A Rhino Mutant has charged these and they have never broke! Bear and Nitro get up and walk over to them, they look down. NITRO (SMUG) That is because the hinges weren't melted away by acid. GUARD (SHOCKED) Acid? Where did you get acid? BEAR (SMUG) From our resident chemist. Bear indicates to Puffball, she smiles. PUFFBALL (SMUG) You would be astonished what you can formulate with juices from a few fruits and items found round a cell. WONDROUS (ANNOYED) Oh, I could have come up with that but it would have been the easy way out. Everyone ignores Wondrous. The guards cry for help but Puffball bashes their heads together, they are knocked out cold. Bear looks to the others. BEAR (STERN) Now that messy business is done. Bear looks to Nitro, he points at her. BEAR (COMMANDING) Head for the radio room, it should be on the other side of the tent. Call RRMC and tell them our location then call in every unit in the area. Nitro nods. NITRO (BLUNT) Check. Bear points to Puffball. BEAR (COMMANDING) You go and free the hostages, these are the non-fighters Excalibur has locked up incase the law catches up with him. They are suppose to be locked up in a small trailer near here. Puffball nods. BEAR (COMMANDING) I'll be busy saving Amani. Any questions? NITRO (CONCERNED) What about the rest of the prisoners here? BEAR (STERN) What about them? Most of the are killers and wanted by us, I don't think freeing a bunch of criminals is an option right now. When the calvery arrives we can sort out who is who. Any other questions? Puffball hesitates then nods. PUFFBALL (UNEASY) Bear, you are my friend and my leader. I will do whatever you request. But if I had a choice I would much rather go and save Amani. BEAR (STERN) Well you don't have a choice, this isn't a democracy. You will save the hostages. Puffball nods, Nitro elbows Bear in the side. He looks at her, confused. She indicates to Puffball with her head, he just shrugs his shoulders. She rolls her eyes and looks to her. NITRO (CURIOUS) Why is it so important that you save Amani? PUFFBALL (UNEASY) Well, we've been through a lot together. Long before we met you. Deep down she is still my mistress. Nitro smiles. NITRO (PLEASED) In that case I'm sure Bear wouldn't mind switching missions, right darling? Nitro looks to Bear but he is a bit upset. BEAR (ANNOYED) But rescuing Amani is the most fun of all the missions. NITRO (STERN) I said, you won't mind switching missions my HUSBAND. Nitro glares at Bear, he sees this and thinks. BEAR (UNEASY) Let me guess, if I don't do this I get to sleep on the couch for the next week. Nitro just nods, Bear sighs and looks to Puffball. BEAR (BLUNT) Sure, you can have all the fun. Go and save Amani, I'll deal with the boring hostages. Puffball smiles. PUFFBALL (PLEASED) Thank you. WONDROUS (CONFUSED) So what is my mission? Everyone looks to Wondrous. NITRO (SMUG) You mean besides being annoying? BEAR (PLEASED) You're coming with me. Wondrous smiles. WONDROUS (SMUG) Ha, you need my help. Can't you do anything on your own? BEAR (BLUNT) You're not coming along to help, I just need you near to make sure you don't screw anything up this time. Nitro laughs. NITRO (LAUGHING) Keeping him from screwing up. Is that possible? Bear chuckles, Wondrous smiles slyly as he looks at Nitro. WONDROUS (SLY) You can't fool me my pet, you want me. You are just playing hard to get. Nitro stops laughing, she looks at Bear. NITRO (STERN) Remind me when this is all over to kill him. BEAR (SMUG) Get in line. The group turns and races out the door, all headed for their individual missions. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING Back at the fight, Amani is still dodging the killer blows from Gigantric. She pants heavily as the battle continues. AMANI (PANTING, FRUSTRATED) One of these times he isn't going to miss. My only chance is to take the offensive. Amani holds her sword high. AMANI (STERN) Forgive me but you leave me no choice! I will try only to wound you! Amani thrusts her sword at one of Gigantric's knees but it stops dead, it can't penetrate his thick skin. She tries again and again, each time she puts more weight behind the attacks but she can't even scratch his skin. Finally, he pauses from his attacks and laughs. GIGANTRIC (SMUG) Only a laser can penetrate my thick skin, it is like armor. Now who is the fool? Amani tosses the sword to the ground in frustration. AMANI (ANNOYED) Me for thinking Excalibur would have a fair fight. Gigantric laughs then swings at Amani, she manages to dodge it but it is only a matter of time until he strikes and kills her. She is doomed! INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - HOSTAGE TRAILER This is a small trailer with a few doors leading to other areas of the trailer. Bear and Wondrous enter and look around. WONDROUS (PLEASED) We're in luck, no guards. BEAR (STERN) First off, there is no such thing as luck. Secondly, I fear this is not to our advantage. Wondrous looks to Bear and smiles. WONDROUS (SMUG) They probably don't have any Wolf hostages so there is so threat of escape. Bear glares at Wondrous. BEAR (ANNOYED) For once could you please stow the ego and concentrate on the mission? I mean, were all alone here so there is no one to impress. Wondrous opens his mouth again. VOICE (OFF SCREEN, SMUG) Well, I wouldn't say you are alone. Bear and Wondrous spin around to see five guards at the door. Bear is first shocked but then smiles. BEAR (SMUG) Five deadbeats against two Strayers, which evens things. What do you say we teach these guys to knock, Wondrous? There is no response. BEAR (CONFUSED) Wondrous, didn't you hear me? GUARD (SMUG) I think you are going to have to yell in order for him to hear you. Bear looks to see Wondrous on the far side of the room hiding in the shadows. BEAR (ANNOYED) What are you doing way over there Mister Ego? WONDROUS (BALKING) Um. Well, I thought. Er, you could handle this one by yourself. I'll, ah, just observe how an expert handles a situation from way over here. BEAR (ANNOYED) Coward. Wondrous does not offer any argument. Bear turns back to the guard but he has been distracted long enough, they are on him! He puts up a valiant fight but there are too many of them. They force him on the floor in a spread eagle position, each guard hold a limb down. The last one towers over him. GUARD (STERN) Comfy Mutt? Bear looks up and smiles. BEAR (SMUG) Actually, I'm a pure breed. Malamute through and through. The guard pulls out a knife, Bear's eyes widen. GUARD (SMUG) Then you need a shave, MalaMUTT. BEAR (BLUNT) But the long look is in. The guard kneels next to Bear. GUARD (SMUG) I thought I'd cut it down to... The guard places the knife against Bear's neck! GUARD (SMUG) Here! The other guards laugh, the knife is pressed against Bear's throat. He dare not move or even speak! It looks hopeless. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING Back at the fight, Amani is tiring. She can't last much longer. To conserve energy she falls on all fours and pants heavily. The crowd is bored, there is no action. Gigantric pauses and smiles. GIGANTRIC (SMUG) Do you need a time out, little human? Amani glares back. AMANI (ANNOYED) No but you are in dire need of some liposuction fatboy! Gigantric roars with rage and walks over to Amani, he raises both fists above his head and thrusts them down on her! But even before they were in motion she was, she dives between his legs. As his fists come down he tries to constipate in order to hit her but she is now behind him. His fists go between his legs and he begins to loose his balance. Though it is difficult he manages to stay on his feet, he looks between his legs at Amani. She is on her feet and waving at him. She quickly grabs his trunk and yanks it. Though she could not hope to even budge him normally in his current position it is just enough to make him loose his balance completely. He falls to the ground with a thunderous thud and lays on his back. Even before he has hit Amani is in motion, she rushes over and grabs her sword so by the time he is on the ground she is on him. She jumps on his chest and straddles him, she hold her sword over his head and threatens him. The crowd comes to life. He just smiles back. GIGANTRIC (SMUG) You are indeed a fly, or at least you have the brain capacity of one. You have forgotten your weapon is like a tiny little pin compared to my massive body and armor like skin! Without a word Amani quickly places the tip of her sword in Gigantric's mouth, she smiles. The crowd cheers. AMANI (SMUG) Even a pin, if used properly, can kill. Gigantric raises his hands to bash Amani but she presses her sword on the top of his mouth and keeps pressure on it. AMANI (STERN) One false move and I'll jam my sword through your brain! Gigantric pauses and then lowers his arms. AMANI (SMUG) Now that is better. Are you going to try anything? Gigantric shakes his head slightly, the best he can do with the sword in his mouth. AMANI (SMUG) Now do you surrender to me? Gigantric pauses and then nods the best he can. AMANI (SMUG) If I remove the sword will you try to harm me? Gigantric shakes his head. AMANI (SMUG) Do you promise not to harm me? Gigantric nods again. AMANI (STERN) I said PROMISE! Do you swear? Gigantric pauses, thinks then nods one more time. The crowd chants "Kill him!" Amani smiles and removes the sword. He smiles and she smiles back. Then he backhands her, she goes flying one way and the sword goes the other. She lays there and moans with pain as he gets up and goes over to her. He kneels next to her, he holds her down with one hand and prepares to punch her with the other. The crowd chants "Kill her!" GIGANTRIC (SMUG) With one blow I will crush your skull! You should have killed me while you had the chance. AMANI (HONEST) Some things are worth the risk, like trust. Gigantric is taken aback. GIGANTRIC (CONFUSED) You trusted me? AMANI (HONEST) You had given me your word. Gigantric pauses to think, the crowd continues to cheer. He looks around to them. GIGANTRIC (BLUNT) They're like sharks smelling blood in the water, all they want to see is death. That makes even me sick. AMANI (OFFERING) If we put an end to the killing we can end to all of this. Gigantric looks back to Amani. GIGANTRIC (STERN) I'm not as knave as you, nothing can stop this. It is too late for that. Gigantric prepares to kill Amani! But instead he lets go of her and stands up, he looks down to her and smiles. She is confused. GIGANTRIC (SMUG) Fortunately for you it has been a long time since someone trusted me, I forgot how it felt. I miss it. We'll play it your way. Gigantric reaches down and offers a hand, Amani smiles and takes it. He pulls her to her feet, they face the crowd. AMANI (DEFIANT) There will be no killing tonight! GIGANTRIC (DEFIANT) If you want to see death kill each other! Amani and Gigantric wave defiant fists at the crowd, they boo them. They stand firm. They have won INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - HOSTAGE TRAILER Back with Bear, the guards still have him pinned down and knife is still at his throat. He is at their mercy. BEAR (WHISPERS) I have a last request. GUARD (SMUG) I don't do requests. BEAR (WHISPERS) Take the wolf before me. GUARD (STERN) Because you want it I should take him last. The guard looks over to Wondrous who is still cowering in the shadows. GUARD (THINKING) Then again, you at least tried to fight and I do so much hate a coward. The guard removes the knife from Bear's throat and stands up, he faces Wondrous. GUARD (STERN) Come here, wolf. It is time to die. Wondrous points at himself as if to say "Who me?" GUARD (ANNOYED) I said get over her you coward! The guard takes a step towards Wondrous, he quickly "yipes" and runs. He goes to the closest door and opens it. Before he can get in the hostages locked inside rush out, they knock him to the ground. They rush the guard with the knife and knock him down, once disarmed they go after the others. All the guards are over whelmed and are quickly subdued, when it is all over they are out cold. Bear gets to his feet, he faces them. BEAR (THANKFUL) Thanks, you really saved my tail. HOSTAGE (PLEASED) We saw everything. We know you came to save us, it was the least we could do. Wondrous looks to them. WONDROUS (SMUG) Actually, you should thank me. Everyone looks to Wondrous. BEAR (ANNOYED) For what? Cowering in the corner while the guards were going to turn me into a pincushion? The hostages are the ones that save me. Not you! WONDROUS (SMUG) But I'm the one who freed them. It was my plan all along. BEAR (ANNOYED) You're plan was to watch me die! Probably so you can have Nitro all for yourself! WONDROUS (SMUG) Whether you live or die, I will have that. That is because I'm a wolf and you're a mere dog. BEAR (ANNOYED) Well with that look of fear in your face it is more likely you were just looking for an exit and accidentally opened the cell for the hostages. WONDROUS (SMUG) You are mistaken. BEAR (ANNOYED) Well why did it take you so long to open the door? WONDROUS (BALKING) Well, ah. BEAR (ANNOYED) And why did you spend all that time in the shadows? WONDROUS (BALKING) Er um. BEAR (ANNOYED) And I could have sworn you were trembling. WONDROUS (BALKING) Look. We should, er, get the hostages to safety. Wondrous heads for the exit, the Hostages all make clucking noises. Bear laughs, he and the others follow him out. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING Back at the fight Gigantric and Amani are still defiant, the crowd boos them. Excalibur and his guards storm up to them, they face off. EXCALIBUR (CONFUSED) What is the meaning of this? AMANI (SMUG) The meaning is there will be no killing tonight. EXCALIBUR (STERN) There HAS to be killing, that is what these people paid for! GIGANTRIC (SMUG) Then oblige them and kill yourself. Excalibur growls, he has no affect on the situation. EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) There is no surrender in the ring! The only way to win is to kill the other! And mark my words, someone will die tonight! Amani and Gigantric remaining firm, Excalibur snaps his fingers. The only guard with a weapon, a laser pistol, draws it and shoots Gigantric in the chest. He cries with pain and falls to the ground, Amani rushes to his side. He weakly look up to her. AMANI (SHOCKED) I'm sorry, I am so truly sorry! I didn't mean it to end like this! Though all the pain Gigantric smiles. GIGANRTIC (IN PAIN, WEAK) Don't be. It is better this way. At last I am free. Free from myself. All my life I have been evil. I was made to be evil. Professor Hypotenuse would be disappointed. But I'm proud. The last act of my life was for good. Gigantric dies, Amani is horrified but the crowd cheers. Excalibur and his goons go over to her, they grab her and haul her to her feet to face him. EXCALIBUR (STERN) Our deal is off. Your friends will soon follow. AMANI (ANNOYED) Like you would have kept the bargain anyway! I see I was a fool now! EXCALIBUR (STERN) Since you did not kill in the ring you too must die too. AMANI (ANNOYED) Go ahead! Kill me! I don't care! I'm better of this way! The guard with the gun points the weapon at Amani and squeezes the trigger! EXCALIBUR (STERN) Wait! The guard eases off the trigger. Excalibur looks to the crowd, they have calmed down. EXCALIBUR (CONCERNED) They came to see a show, which is exactly what I'm going to give them! Amani is confused, along with the guards. But he just turns and rushes away. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - COMMUNICATION RV This is a small room with communication equipment, one of Excalibur's goons are monitoring. Suddenly the door flies open and Nitro appears, two guards can be seen laying unconscious outside. The operator notices her. OPERATOR (SHOCKED) What are you doing? NITRO (IMITATING A PIRATE) A vast ye swab! I be here to turn this into a pirate radio station! Argh! The operator grabs Nitro but she brushes him off and sends him crashing into a wall, he is knocked out cold. She stands over him and smiles. NITRO (SMUG) Just think of me as the FCC. Nitro sits before the controls and goes to work. She changes the frequency and then speaks into the mic. NITRO (BLUNT) This is Vibrating Breath to Glowing Eyes! This is Vibrating Breath to Glowing Eyes! We have located the sword! We have located the sword! We need assistances! We need assistances! We are seven miles at bearing of one niner three from route 37 and Farm Trail Road! We are seven miles at bearing of one niner three from route 37 and Farm Trail Road! Please send all available units! Please send all available units! Do you copy Glowing Eyes? Nitro listens for a response but there is none, all she hears is static. She checks the controls, they all seem fine. She addresses the mic again. VOICE (OFF SCREEN, SMUG) Sorry but your license has been revoked. Nitro turns towards the door to see some of Excalibur's goons. Before she can get up they rush her and grab her. She put on a valiant effort but there are too many of them, she is their prisoner. The leader looks her over. NITRO (SMUG) Has the station undergone a hostile take over? The leader backhands her. LEADER (STERN) Your wit is wasted as your feeble attempt here. As a precaution the antenna is disabled during a performance, the only time you wretches are let out of your cage. The same reason why only a few of us guards have weapons, so you can get your mitts on them. It prevents the prisoners from doing what you just tried to do. No message got out. NITRO (SMUG) Then can I use your phone? The Leader backhands her again. NITRO (SHOCKED) And I thought Bear had ill manners. LEADER (ANNOYED) Take her out of here! Nitro is dragged out kicking and squirming. The Leader stations a pair of guards to stay behind and then follows the others out. The two tend to the unconscious operator. INTERIOR: DARKE AGES COMPOUND - CENTER RING Back at the fight, Gigantric's body has been removed. Amani's hands have been tied behind her back, a chopping block has been brought out. Excalibur is dressed like an executioner, in his hands is a large axe. He is addressing her. EXCALIBUR (STERN) Exotica! You have worked against your king and have refused to do his bidding! AMANI (DEFIANT) Well boo hoo hoo! EXCALIBUR (STERN) You have refused to kill! This is treason! AMANI (DEFIANT) Sounds like morality to me! EXCALIBUR (STERN) The only sentence that can be passed on you is death! AMANI (DEFIANT) I'll make you a deal. I'll die if you go first! EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) Place her on the block! The guards grab her and force her head to lie on the cutting block, she fights them all the way. EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) If she continues to resist, shoot her! AMANI (DEFIANT) Hey, I'm going to die anyway! EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) I meant shoot your legs off. Amani looks around, she sees it is useless. She stops resisting and lays still. EXCALIBUR (STERN) If she so much as flinches shoot her. Amani glares at Excalibur. AMANI (CALM) Fear not, I see my time is at an end. I will resist you no more. I do not fear death now but embrace it. We shall see how you react when my friends end your life. Excalibur laughs then takes a firm grip on the axe. EXCALIBUR (SERIOUS) I now carry out your death warrant! Excalibur raises the ax high over Amani, she just stares at him showing no fear. The crowd cheers. He looks back at her and hesitates, she still stares. Finally, he lowers the axe and the crowd boos. She smiles. AMANI (SMUG) What's wrong, you lose your nerve? EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) I can't do it with you glaring at me. Turn away! AMANI (SMUG) If you think I'm going to make this any easier on you are nuts! Excalibur nods to his guards and they grab Amani, they turn her hear away from him. EXCALIBUR (STERN) If she looks back at me- AMANI (INTERRUPTING, ANNOYED) I know, shoot her. Excalibur grips the axe again. Now that Amani can't see what is going on, when the end will finally be she becomes uneasy but tries not to show it. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) Now how brave are you? You are mere seconds from the end of your life! AMANI (DEFIANT) I have no regrets, no complaints. I have had a good life, I have done a lot of good. Erased some debts. I'm ready to meet my God. When it comes your time can you say the same? Excalibur laughs, he raises the axe high. AMANI (DEFIANT) No, you can't say the same. Your life has been nothing but utter contempt, you should have learned from your own life that killing for profit is wrong. You were given a second chance but you blew it. When you are dead and gone who will morn you? No one! EXCALIBUR (ANGRY) You die now peasant! Excalibur prepares to chop Amani's head off! The crowd cheers. He swings the axe at her neck! Suddenly, Puffball appears out of nowhere. Everyone is so transfixed on the execution no one notices her. She jumps Excalibur and they tumble to the ground. The axe misses and sticks into the ground. Puffball jumps to her feet, the crowd boos. Amani sits up and see her, she smiles. AMANI (SMUG) You can never keep a good cat down. Excalibur screams it rage and points at Puffball. EXCALIBUR (ANGRY) Kill her! The guard with the gun points it at Puffball, the crowd cheers. He squeezes the trigger! Seeing the danger Amani falls on her back and kicks upward, she hits the gun. It goes flying and lands at Puffball's feet, the crowd boos. Amani looks up to the weaponless guard and smiles. AMANI (SMUG) Drop something? The guard backhands Amani, the crowd cheers. Puffball retrieves the weapon and points it at the guard. He sees this and trembles with fear, the crowd boos. PUFFBALL (ANGRY) You will refrain from doing that again! The guard quickly nods. Puffball goes up to the guard and punches him, he falls on his butt. She points the gun at him. PUFFBALL (ANGRY) No one is to harm my mistress! No one! The guard quickly nods. In a rage, Puffball screams and rips the gun in two. She throws it to the guard. Excalibur and the guards are glad to see this, he gets to his feet and points at her. EXCALIBUR (STERN) Kill her! Amani glares at Excalibur. AMANI (ANNOYED) Get some new material! Excalibur points at Amani. EXCALIBUR (STERN) Kill her too! As the guards circle around them Puffball grabs Amani and pulls her to her feet, she uses her sharp claws to free her. Then they stand back to back and face the army of guard that prepare to attack. AMANI (STERN) It was pretty stupid of you to try and save me. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) It is stupid to save an old friend? AMANI (STERN) Old is the keyword, I'm not worth your death. PUFFBALL (REASSURING) You're not that old. Besides, you're worth ten times the risk. Amani can't help but smile. AMANI (PLEASED) I just hope that naughty kittens end up in the same heaven with us humans. PUFFBALL (SMUG) Yeah, it would be pretty dull without us. Amani chuckles but then becomes serious. AMANI (GRATEFUL) While I still have a chance, thanks. PUFFBALL (UNDERSTANDING) No need to say it. Amani then glares at the guards who are still circling them. AMANI (ANNOYED) Aren't you getting dizzy? PUFFBALL (ANNOYED) If you are going to attack let's get this over with! The guards rush them! The crowd cheers. But they make the mistake of charging one or two at a time. Together, working as a team, Amani and Puffball are able to tackle them all. Soon there is a heap of unconscious guards, only Excalibur remains standing. The crowd boos. The heroines smile and face him. AMANI (SMUG) Come one Excalibur, it is your turn. PUFFBALL (SMUG) Come and play with us. Amani and Puffball smack their fists into their open palms, they smile. Excalibur points at them. EXCALIBUR (ANGRY) This is all for nothing! You have wasted my time! If you don't surrender to me right now the hostages will all die! AMANI (SMUG) There is no surrender in the ring, remember? PUFFBALL (SMUG) Bear has gone on ahead and saved the hostages, you have no more cards to play. Excalibur laughs. EXCALIBUR (LAUGHING) Oh please! My guards are too well trained and determined to fail me! Amani points to the unconscious guards here. AMANI (SMUG) Like these. Excalibur screams and shakes a fist at Amani, she and Puffball laugh. Just then a guard rushes up. When Excalibur sees him he smiles. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) This one was guarding the hostages, they are here to tell me your leader has failed. GUARD (BLUNT) Actually, I'm here to tell you he has succeeded. All the hostages are free. EXCALIBUR (ANGRY) What! Amani points to the guard and Puffball grabs him, she then goes up to Excalibur. He stands before the axe, she picks it up and hands it to him. AMANI (BLUNT) I think you dropped this. Excalibur quickly snaches it from Amani's hands, he smiles at her. EXCALIBUR (DEFIANT) Fool! Now I have you right where I want you! Prepare to die. Amani just stands there and folds her arms, she glares at him. AMANI (STERN) Fine, it is just you and I but remember you only have one shot. Make it count. Then it is my turn. The crowd chants "Kill her!" But Amani's icy stare get the best of Excalibur, he doesn't have the guts to raise the axe. He drops it to the ground and trembles with fear. AMANI (SMUG) You lost more than an eye in the fight, you lost your nerve. It showed you how easily you can die. You are brave when your enemy is outnumbered but why the odds are more even you're just a scared little puppy. Amani laughs. The crowd boos, this makes Excalibur smile. He turns to the crowd. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) I have decided to make this audience participation night. This is not Exotica but Amani Wolf, a Strayer and an officer of the law. She has come to arrest me but if I fall she will surely take you with me. But if you stand up against her and kill her we will all be saved. Excalibur points at Amani. EXCALIBUR (EXCITED) KILL HER!!! Amani and even Puffball become concerned, so much so the guard slips free. The crowd looks at one another and stands up, Excalibur laughs insanely. The crowd then makes a beeline for the nearest exit, including the guard. EXCALIBUR (FRANTIC) No! Wait! Come back! Only together can we win! CROWD (ANNOYED) You're too wimpy and not worth saving! EXCALIBUR (FRANTIC) I am so! I am your king! I command you to save me! But everyone has left, Excalibur is all alone. EXCALIBUR (ANGRY) Cowards! AMANI (SMUG) Speaking of which, it is still just you and I. Here and now. What do you say? Excalibur turns to Amani and smiles. He then proceeds to fall to his knees and begs for mercy. EXCALIBUR (BEGGING) Please don't hurt me! Please! I will give you anything you want! Power! Money! Souvenirs! You name it! AMANI (ANNOYED) The only thing I want from you is silence! Excalibur quickly shuts up, he trembles with fear. Bear and Wondrous then show up alone, the prisoner is pleased. He jumps to his feet. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) I take it all back! With your friends here that means the hostages are still in my possession! Surrender to me or die! BEAR (SMUG) Actually, they are safely hidden in the forest out of harms way. WONDROUS (PROUD) Thanks only to me. Bear glares at Wondrous. BEAR (ANNOYED) Don't start that again. Excalibur becomes fearful. EXCALIBUR (MEEK) Er, never mind. Excalibur starts shaking again. Just then the guards show up with Nitro in tow, everyone notices this. BEAR (CONFUSED) What is? Confidence comes over Excalibur. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) Your doom! All bets are off! I have won! GUARD (STERN) She tried to get a signal out but we stopped her. Nitro looks to her friends. NITRO (ASHAMED) Sorry guys. Excalibur looks to his guards. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) I'm glad you are here, it will save me the trouble. Kill them all! Wondrous quickly hides behind Bear. Amani pulls up the axe and threatens the guards, at the same time Puffball bares her sharp claws and roars. Seeing they are all alone without weapons and the crowd has fled, they do the same. EXCALIBUR (FRANTIC) Where are you going? Come back here and kill them! The guards are gone, Excalibur is all alone again. He looks to the others and laughs nervously. EXCALIBUR (NERVOUS) I guess I should assume the position. Amani nods, Excalibur falls to his knees again and begs for his life. Just then the crowds and the guards race back in, Excalibur jumps to his feet. EXCALIBUR (SMUG) I knew it! I knew you wouldn't leave me! Now kill them all! Suddenly, Rover and Strayer units rush in with their weapons drawn! With nowhere to run they all surrender, they are taken into custody. He is confused, he looks to Nitro. EXCALIBUR (CONFUSED) I don't get it? How did you get the signal out and tell them where we are? The radio is disabled. BEAR (SMUG) By this. Bear holds up a homemade radiotelegraph, it looks like a small radio with a telegraph key. BEAR (PLEASED) You can thank Amani for that, Nitro was just a diversion. We made this from things we carried in and items found in the cell. EXCALIBUR (CONFUSED) But how can that be? You were strip searched when you were captured. Where did you hide all this stuff? NITRO (SMUG) You don't want to know. Just then the Outlanders step foreword, this is a Strayer unit lead by Draco Wolfe and consisting of Anca Sanabria, Angelo Sanabria and Megumi Wolfe. Draco is an intimidating male Wolf-Sapien. His fur is all white. He's quite tall and has a very large muscle-bound build. He has three tattoos: On his right shoulder is the emblem of the Strayers, on his left shoulder is the Japanese word `Waru', and on the right side of his upper-back is the Greek word `arete' He wears a black tank top, khaki cargo pants held up by a black leather weightlifting belt and black leather combat boots. He wears two black fingerless gloves and a black bandana is tied over his head. A pair of military dog tags hangs on a chain around his neck. A combat knife is hidden in his right boot. Anca is a stunningly beautiful female Cano-Sapien. She appears to be a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel. She has golden-tan colored fur and straight, chin-length brown hair that's been shocked white at the bangs. She wears a light blue tube-top, a black leather miniskirt, long black leather boots, and a black, men's leather jacket, with the red emblem of the Strayers on the right shoulder, that is much too big for her. In fact, it looks as if it might have been previously owned by an overly large Cano-Sapien. A pair of military dog tags hangs from her neck. Angelo is a tall, muscular male Cano-Sapien with golden-tan colored fur. He's the same species as Anca. He has short light brown hair with blond highlights, gelled and styled. From his back sprout two enormous white-feathered wings, making him resemble an angel. His uniform consists of a skin-tight black body suit that seems to be made of similar material to Bear's uniform. It cuts off at the wrists and at the top of the forehead, allowing his hair to show. There are holes cut out for his face, ears, tail, and wings. The red emblem of the Strayers is on the left side of the chest. Over his he wears a brown leather jacket with holes in the back for his wings, a baggy pair of worn blue jeans and white high-top sneakers. Megumi is a beautiful female Collie Cano-Sapien that looks about the same age as Sirius. She has straight, shoulder length light brown hair, highlighted a golden color. She wears a woman's burgundy leather jacket over a tan cotton sweater, flared blue jeans, and brown leather boots. The Strayers emblem is on the back of the jacket. She also wears a pair of silver military dog tags around her neck. Draco walks up to Bear and thumbs over to Excalibur. DRACO (DEEP GRUFF AMERICAN ACCENT, HOPEFUL) Mind if I take out the trash for you? Bear smiles. BEAR (PLEASED) Sure Draco, you and the Outlanders can have the honor. DRACO (PLEASED) Thanks. Draco turns to Angelo. DRACO (STERN) You heard him, Seriphim ANGELO (DEEP SPANISH ACCENT, PLEASED) My pleasure. But as Angelo goes to grab Excalibur Anca steps in, she looks to Draco. ANCA (VERY LIGHT SPANISH ACCENT, ANNOYED) Hey takedown, how come Seriphim gets all the fun? Draco looks to Anca. DRACO (STERN) Because I said so, Freefall. Megumi now steps in. MEGUMI (AMERICAN ACCENT, ANNOYED) But he always has all the fun! DRACO (ANNOYED) Maybe that is because he is the only one that follows orders, Siryn. MEGUMI AND ANCA (ANNOYED) That's not fair! Draco sighs, Bear leans over to him. BEAR (WHISPERS, SMUG) Trust me, I know the feeling. Nitro elbows Bear, Draco sighs again. DRACO (ANNOYED) Fine! You can ALL take him out! Angelo is a bit miffed but Megumi and Anca are happy. Everyone grabs Excalibur. EXCALIBUR (ANNOYED) Hey! What do you think you are doing? They ignore him and hoist Excalibur up, kicking and screaming. They carry him away. Draco shakes his head. DRACO (FRUSTRATED) I need to re-enlist. Draco follows them out. Bear holds his hand before him. BEAR (LOUD) Leadership! Nitro places her hand on Bear's. NITRO (LOUD) Endurance! Amani places her hand on Nitro's. AMANI (LOUD) Intellect! Puffball places her hand on Amani's. AMANI (LOUD) Courage! Before they can continue Wondrous places his hand on the others. WONDROUS (LOUD) Wolves who without you would all fail miserably and all die a horrible death! Everyone stops what they are doing and looks at him as if he was nuts, he notices this. WONDROUS (CONFUSED) What? Nitro screams and jumps Wondrous, she proceeds to beat him up. The rest sigh. They continue to hold their hands on top of each other but raises them over their heads. They look upward. BEAR, PUFFBALL AND AMANI (SCREAMS) Strength through diversity! Strayers!!! They break and look to Nitro, she is still beating up Wondrous but he seems to enjoy it. WONDROUS (SLY) I knew it, I turn you on. Nitro screams and continues to punch Wondrous, the rest shake their heads and sigh. The rest of the baddies are taken away. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE This is the surface of the earth above Road Rover Mission Control. It is a desert like area of the southwest, there is sand and cactuses all around and a large crater. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS Deep in a large cavern in the earth is a lighted complex of buildings (shaped like fire hydrants) and clear tubing (that connect the buildings together) Sunlight shines through a hole from above. This is where the Road Rover's base all their operations. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM This is a huge room with many view screens on the wall, they are flashing pictures of Excalibur and his goons. There are also exits to the room. In the center of the room is a large table with many chairs around it. Set into one of the walls is a balcony bathed in brilliant light, The Master is standing on it. He is a male human in form but has long white hair and glowing white eyes and wears a white lab coat. It is very hard to make out the Master. The Grizzlies minus Wondrous are here. They are all seated around a giant round table. The Master is speaking to the group who are listening intensely. MASTER (PLEASED) And you will be pleased to know that some of the spectators in the crowd have turned states evidence, along with some of the combatants. Excalibur is going away for a long time. You're good, good mutations. Amani glares at The Master. AMANI (ANNOYED) Since when is a Native American a mutation? Bear leans over to Nitro. BEAR (WHISPERS, SMUG) When her name is Amani. Nitro giggles and nods. The Master sighs. MASTER (PLEASED) No matter what you are, you all did great. Everyone smiles and thanks him. MASTER (BLUNT) But onto new business, your next mission. NITRO (CONFUSED) I think you have forgotten something, Master. That WAS our last mission. We're leaving Strayers. Bear and myself are going to head up the Leadership and Computer programs at the Strayer Academy in England. Amani nods. AMANI (CONFUSED) Yeah and I'm off to Firetron to head the designing department for Strayer and Rover weapons manufacture. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) And I'm off with Outsider to be teachers at "Wide Horizon: School For The Challenged" BEAR (BLUNT) We're all retiring, the Grizzlies are no more. Remember? MASTER (STERN) I have forgot nothing. The Justice Department has suspended your retirement for one last mission. AMANI (ANNOYED) They can't do that! MASTER (STERN) Yes then can. Your contracts states that whenever deemed necessary you can all be recalled for service. You should really read the fine print. BEAR (EMBARRASSED) Fine print always confuses me. Nitro looks to Bear. NITRO (CONFUSED) Hey. Didn't the Rovers use that joke in one of their episodes? Bear looks at Nitro and nods. BEAR (HONEST) Yeah, now you know why we are being canceled. MASTER (BLUNT) Your mission will be up in Montana. AMANI (ANNOYED) Wait a minute, Montana isn't even our territory. We have no business up there. Let the Montana units handle it. MASTER (BLUNT) That is because you have been requested for this special final mission. PUFFBALL (ANNOYED) I swear, if this turns out to be a surprise going away party I'm going to complain to the RFCA. Amani looks to Puffball. AMANI (CONFUSED) RFCA? Puffball looks to Amani. PUFFBALL (EXPLAINING) Retired Fictional Characters Association. Everyone goes "oh" and faces The Master. NITRO (ANNOYED) We've done our duty, we have new lives now. PUFFBALL (ANNOYED) Yeah, with new jobs! AMANI (ANNOYED) We can't risk losing that! MASTER (BLUNT) I've talked to all your new employers, they have agreed to hold your new jobs without risk. NITRO (ANNOYED) But the point we are trying to make is- Bear looks to the others. BEAR (INTERRUPTING, STERN) Enough! We're still Strayers! We have been assigned a mission! Period! Everyone is shocked by Bear's attitude, he looks to the Master. BEAR (APOLOGETIC) Sorry, Master. Please continue with the briefing. MASTER (HONEST) Actually, I was pretty much done. AMANI (CONFUSED) Done? But what is the mission? What are our objectives? MASTER (BLUNT) You will be briefed by your contact in Montana. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) Which is? MASTER (STERN) Everything you need to know will be downloaded to Cyc. That is all. NITRO (CONFUSED) Yeah but. The Master turns and leaves, everyone but Bear is confused. NITRO (CONFUSED) Wow, I have never seen the Master like this. BEAR (EXPLAINING) He is probably just upset that this is our last mission. NITRO (CONFUSED) I'm starting to think that he doesn't plan on us having a last mission. AMANI (CONCERNED) Yeah, why all this secrecy? What's this all about? BEAR (STERN) It doesn't matter what we think. We have been given a mission. All we have to do worry on how to complete it. AMANI (ANNOYED) Oh, I'm just going to miss your blind leadership. BEAR (STERN) We'll meet at the staging area in one hour, don't be late. Amani salutes Bear. AMANI (SMUG) Aye aye, captain. PUFFBALL (EXPLAINING) Well, I'm in need of some kitty litter, see you all there. NITRO (SARCASTIC) Now there is an image I didn't need to see. Puffball turns and leaves. Amani pauses and rubs her thin, she is still concerned. Bear sees this and smiles, he places an arm around her shoulder. BEAR (REASSURING) Look, this is probably some cakewalk. To cheer you up we can stop at Mollies on the way up. Amani grabs Bear's hand flings it off of her, she glares at him. AMANI (ANGRY) Eating food not even fit for rats! Now that is an image I didn't need to taste! Amani storms away, Bear chuckles. NITRO (CONFUSED) Wait a minute, Mollies is not on the way to Montana. Bear smiles. BEAR (SMUG) I know but I couldn't resist teasing her one last time. Nitro goes up to Bear and places an arm around him, they look at one another. NITRO (SLY) Now I remember why I married you. Nitro kisses Bear on the cheek, he smiles. They leave the room arm in arm. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MASTER'S STUDY This is an office with a desk, chair and many monitors. The Master is sitting here. On the screens he can see several different parts of the base. The Road Rovers are standing before him. Blitz is a black male Doberman Cano-Sapien with tan highlights. Exile who is a male Cano-Sapien Siberian Husky with white highlights. Colleen who is a female Cano- Sapien Smooth Collie with a mixture of light tan (a majority of her body), white (her face and paws) and black (ears and the tip of her tail) Hunter who is a male tan Golden Retriever Cano-Sapien. Shag who is a male Sheepdog (who is more dog than human) They are all wearing green tee shirts, brown pants, black boots, black belt with the Road Rover symbol on them (the clothes from "A Hair From The Dog That Bit You") The Master is looking up to them. MASTER (STERN) I think you all know why I have sent for you. Hunter Salutes the Master. HUNTER (AMERICAN ACCENT, OFFICIAL) Yes Master, you want me to lead the team on another exciting dangerous mission! COLLEEN (BRITISH ACCENT, SARCASTIC) Er, I think we can find the trees on our own Hunter. The group laughs, Hunter is kind of hurt. MASTER (STERN) No, this is not about a mission. I called you into my study so we can talk more privately. EXILE (RUSSIAN ACCENT, CONFUSED) You going to give us a talk about the beeing birds? BLITZ (GERMAN ACCENT, SARCASTIC) Leave it to Weird Boy to get the simplest of things wrong. Colleen high fives Blitz, Exile gives them the evil eye. MASTER (STERN) It is about the future of the Road Rovers. Shag mumbles something that is incoherent, the rest of the Rovers look at him and growl. MASTER (STERN) Look, I have some documented accounts I need to take some action on. Everyone looks to The Master. EXILE (UNDERSTANDING) Ah, so you finally openski suggestion box. HUNTER (PLEASED) Great! Now you can tell Colleen to stop calling Blitz Blitzy Witzy. In makes my stomach churn. Colleen glares at Hunter. COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) That isn't your stomach it is your heart breaking! You're bloody jealous over my Blitz because I dumped you for him! HUNTER (ANNOYED) I'm the one that dumped you! COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) You blooming did not! HUNTER (ANNOYED) I blooming did to! COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) Did not! HUNTER (ANNOYED) Did to! COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) Did not! HUNTER (ANNOYED) Did to! Colleen and Hunter continue to go back and forth. EXILE (BLUNT) Forget trivial pursuit things like love, there is a more important matter here to discuss. The Master smiles. MASTER (PLEASED) I'm glad someone is on the same level as me. EXILE (BLUNT) I mean how can we missski it? Shag spends like eight hours a day in room of relief! We all end up having to use a tree and we're in the middle of a desert! Shag mumbles back something and Exile starts arguing with him. Blitz steps forward. BLITZ (BLUNT) The question is when are you going to realize I'm the only one capable of leading the Rovers? The Master jumps to his feet. MASTER (ANGRY) Enough! Everyone continues to argue. MASTER (ANGRY) One more word out of any of you and you'll eat dry dog food for a week! The room goes dead silent, everyone looks to the Master. MASTER (ANGRY) This is what I'm talking about! You all use to work so well together, caring for one another! Sure you had differences but the mission always came first! But now look at you, all you do is fight and argue! You have failed the last two missions and the last one had to be scrubbed! This can't go on! The Rovers hang their heads. HUNTER (UNEASY) You're right, of course Master. COLLEEN (UNDERSTANDING) Blimey, what happened to us? EXILE (SHOCKED) I thinkski we forgot about the cause and were more interested about ourselves. BLITZ (SMUG) You all did except me, which is why I should be leader. Shag smacks Blitz in the back of the head. He goes "ow" and rubs it. HUNTER (HONEST) I think I speak for everyone here by saying we promise never to let this happen again. The Master smiles, Colleen looks to Hunter. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Hey! What is the blooming idea making a promise on our behalf? Hunter looks to Colleen. HUNTER (BLUNT) Well I AM the leader. BLITZ (STERN) There he goes throwing that in our faces again! COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Blitzy Witzy is right! This is all your fault! Colleen shoves Hunter. EXILE (BLUNT) Oh leave Hunter aloneski! Shag smacks Exile, he spins around to face him. They jump each other and start wrestling. Hunter and Colleen get into a pushing contest. Blitz sees all this then looks to The Master. BLITZ (SMUG) This is exactly why I should be leader. Colleen and Hunter prepare to punch one another. MASTER (ANGRY) That's it! I've had it! Everyone stops what they are doing and looks to The Master. MASTER (ANGRY) You are all worse than cats! COLLEEN (HURT) There is no call for insults. MASTER (ANGRY) You are all suspended from duty! Everyone gasps. MASTER (ANGRY) Unless you all can get your heads together I will disband and replace you all! You will be stuck in dog form forever! Everyone is too shocked to say anything, only Shag mumbles something. MASTER (CONFUSED) What did he say? HUNTER (UNEASY) He said maybe we could lick this problem if we knew the cause? BLITZ (DISGUSTED) Lick? That even grosses ME out! MASTER (UNDERSTANDING) I think the problem is that you all have been working so much and so long with one another. Maybe spending some time off on your own might help. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) But we just came back from a holiday. EXILE (ANNOYED) Some vacation! Shag spentski all the time in the bathroom. Hunter and Colleen fought all the time and I got stuck with Blitz! MASTER (THINKING) Well, you all belong to various charities. Perhaps it is time you spent doing some work with them. HUNTER (EXCITED) That's a great idea! COLLEEN (EXCITED) Absolutely blooming smashing! EXILE (EXCITED) Number one A! BLITZ (BLUNT) Of course my charity is the best. Everyone turns to Blitz and stares at him. MASTER (STERN) Then it is settled. You all have the week off. You will spend it doing charity work. Hopefully when you return you will all be refreshed and can work as a team again. Hunter salutes The Master. HUNTER (PLEASED) We won't fail you Master! COLLEEN (ANNOYED) There he goes again making promises for us! MASTER (STERN) You're dismissed. Everyone turns to leave but suddenly realize this will be the first time they will be away from each other for any extended period of time. They wave sadly at one another and leave the room. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BEAR AND NITRO'S QUARTERS This is very similar to what would be in a human's: desk, chair, etc. There is a large bed here and a couch. It is very clean and well kept. There are pictures of wolves everywhere. On the wall near the door is a picture of Bear in human form with his human family: His parents and his sister. Next to it is a painting of Bear and Wyoming, they are on horses out in the old west. They are dressed up as a cowgirl and cowboy looking out across the plains, they look very happy. Nitro is sitting on the bed and is dressed in a big fluffy robe, all her fur is wet (she just took a shower) She is drying herself off with a towel. Bear steps out of the bathroom, he too is dressed in a robe and is all wet. He has towel around his neck, he smiles slyly and goes over to her. BEAR (SLY) I'm disappointed in you. Nitro looks up and smiles. NITRO (TEASING) Just fulfilling my duty as a wife. BEAR (SLY) Back when we were newlyweds we took showers together all the time, our excuse was to conserve water. But today we took separate showers. Is the honeymoon over? NITRO (BLUNT) Back when we were newlyweds you hadn't been on the road for a straight month without a bath. BEAR (DEFENSIVE) Hey, you weren't smelling like a rose either. NITRO (BLUNT) True, but then again I wasn't rolling in everything in sight. BEAR (DEFENSIVE) That is what dogs do, you new that before we got married. Nitro pauses then smiles. NITRO (TEASING) Wolves never have that problem. BEAR (ANNOYED) Oh great! I've married Wondrous Wolf! Nitro can see Bear is upset. She stands up and goes up to him. NITRO (JOKING) Can I sniff you? Bear relaxes a bit and chuckles, he smiles. BEAR (MOCK ROMANTIC) Oh honey, I've been waiting all my life for you to ask me that. Nitro and Bear laugh. She then grabs the towel around his neck and pulls him close to her, she looks lovingly at him. NITRO (FAKE URGENCY) Hurry, we don't have much time. My husband will be home soon. Bear smiles. BEAR (SLY) I've always been envious of your husband, he has the most gorgeous wife at RRMC. Nitro is taken aback, this pleases her. NITRO (IMITATING A SOUTHERN BELL) Why I do declare Mr. Bear, you do flatter me. Why the sudden burst of kindness? Bear becomes all serious. BEAR (SERIOUS) I'm just trying to do my part at making this marriage work. NITRO (PLEASED) That is so sweet. Bear smiles but Nitro frowns. NITRO (BLUNT) Okay, now tell me the real reason. Bear looks at Nitro, he sees there is no fooling her. He frowns. BEAR (HONEST) If you must know, I'm just in a good mood. I'm happy were going to Montana. It is wintertime there and after all I am a winter dog. Nitro smiles. NITRO (PLEASED) Yeah, I look forward to it too. It may be our last chance to get up there for a long time. But Nitro's smile fades, Bear notices this. BEAR (CONCERNED) What's wrong honey? Nitro sighs. NITRO (SADDEN) But it also reminds me of my parents. They're lifeless bodies lying in the snow. The blood. I saw it all. Bear sees Nitro's eyes glaze over. He places her head into his chest and hugs her tight, a tears down her cheek. NITRO (UPSET) I miss them sooo much. BEAR (UNDERSTANDING) I know. I know. Another tear rolls down Nitro's cheek, Bear comforts her the best he can. Finally, she pushes away from him and looks up, she wipes the tears from her eyes. NITRO (EMBARRASSED) Look at me. I'm an adult crying like a pup. That was nearly twenty years ago. BEAR (UNDERSTANDING) But you were a mere pup, you witnessed it all. It was very traumatic. I'm not so sure I could have endured that and came out with all my marbles. NITRO (DEFENSIVE) What kind of crack was that? BEAR (SLY) This is what I meant to say. Bear kisses Nitro passionately. She is slow to respond but finally warms, she kisses him back. It is quite obvious they are still very much in love. They continue to kiss with the passion of Newlyweds. That is until she catches sight of the painting of the wall of Bear and Wyoming, the mood is shattered. She pushes away from him and gives him her back, she folds her arms and does not look at him. He is dumbfounded. BEAR (CONFUSED) Do I kiss that bad? Nitro shakes her head and just points to the painting, Bear looks at it. NITRO (ANNOYED) I don't know why you keep that around? Wyoming nearly destroyed our marriage! BEAR (DEFENSIVE) I could ask you the same question. Bear points over to some of Nitro's stuff on a nightstand, especially a photo taken by The Eliminator of Wyoming and Bear in each other's arm in bathing suits in a hot tub. Nitro looks at the photo then turns to Bear. NITRO (EXPLAINING) That is different. That photo reminds me of just how close I came to losing you. I never want that to happen again. BEAR (REASSURING) That is why I keep the painting in full view. When I was with Wyoming all I could see was you. She talked in your voice. So when I look at the painting all I sees is you and myself on those horses. NITRO (BLUNT) Save it, we're not in Montana yet. Bear looks oddly at Nitro, she notices this. NITRO (BLUNT) You're giving me a snow job! BEAR (HURT) Have you forgotten our talk already? Why we decided it was time to retire. Nitro shakes her head. NITRO (EXPLAINING) Every week we have to save the world all the while someone is always trying to kill us. The Eliminator, thanks to Wyoming's help, nearly succeeded in killing you. We still have a lot of years ahead of us but we almost lost them because we are Strayers. It is time to slow down and enjoy life. All the kids are grown up so they can't nag us into being on the road instead of staying home and bugging them. But we don't want to totally drop off the face of the earth, we still want to give some good back. That is why we took the jobs at the academy. BEAR (PLEASED) Yeah, 9 to 3 jobs. The rest of the time we can enjoy each other. Nitro smiles and looks at the painting. Bear places his arm around her and looks at it too. They both smile. NITRO (UNDERSTAND) Now I see, I'm glad you kept it. BEAR (PLEASED) And I'm glad I still have you. Nitro places her arm around Bear, they continue to look at the painting. BEAR (PLEASED) You know. When I look at that picture I see me as John Wayne and you as Calamity Jane, together forever out in nature. Nitro looks to Bear. NITRO (WHISPERS, CONCERNED) Never use the name Calamity Jane, especially with the Rovers around. Bear nods, Nitro looks back at the picture. NITRO (HONEST) Actually, I see us more like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Bear looks at Nitro. BEAR (CONFUSED) Old and dead? Nitro looks at Bear. NITRO (EXPLAINING) Young, alive and in love. Bear smiles. BEAR (IMPRESSED) I see over the years I have increased your entertainment trivia, you have learned well grasshopper. NITRO (BLUNT) Oh please, I wouldn't watch that crap you watch if you paid me. BEAR (DEFENSIVE) Hey! You watched Deadly Weapon 5 with me. NITRO (SMUG) That is because it starred Mel Greyhound. I'm only interested in the classics. BEAR (SMUG) You mean like Hollowscream 7? NITRO (BLUNT) No, more like Catsablanca. Let me reinact a scene from it. Nitro spins Bear around and pushes him on the bed, he lands on his back. She jumps on his chest, he groans. BEAR (MOCK PAIN) Oh, this seems more like HitDown 27! Nitro kisses Bear, he is taken aback. BEAR (SHOCKED) I never remembered this scene it Catsablanca. NITRO (SLY) It's from the director's cut. Bear and Nitro begin to kiss one another, they are a frenzy of love and passion. Their two hearts are one. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - DINNING ROOM This is the eating area of RRMC. There are many tables and chairs. It is cafeteria style, to one side is where the food is served. It is quite busy here. Monique is here. She is a Pekingese Cano-Sapien with the same color fur as Dixie, she is about nineteen. She is wearing a cotton skirt, gym shoes and a tee-shirt which says "Reporters do it on a deadline" She is nibbling on a sandwich as she works on her laptop, the top of which has "LBN" on it. As she works Barb stops by. She is a Husky/Cocker Spaniel mix. She has a swirl of black and white fur and the body of a Cocker Spaniel but the ears and tail of a Husky. She wears cutoff jeans, a tube top and high heels. She looks down to Monique. BARB (BLUNT) So this is where you have been hiding. Monique just nods and continues to type, Barbs sits across the table from her. BARB (FRUSTRATED) I've been so bored since you've got that job at Late Breaking News. Why in the world the Rovers and Strayers need an official news network is beyond me. Monique continues to type away on her laptop and never looks up as she talks. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) Just like any other office of the government they need good press. Not everything that they do is public domain, some things are part of national security. We are the official filter for that. BARB (ANNOYED) Well with you gone all that is left for me to bum around with are ugly geeks, there is no one cool to hang out at the malls. You simply have to quit your job. Monique is too busy working to pay attention to Barb, this is noticed. BARB (ANNOYED) Are you listening to me? Monique just keeps typing away. Barb growls, reaches over to the laptop and turns it off. The screen goes dead. Monique "eeeks" and glares at her. MONIQUE (ANGRY) That was an hour's worth of work I just lost! What did you do that for? Barb smiles. BARB (SMUG) Now that I have your attention. You simply have to quit your job, I have no one fun to hang out with. MONIQUE (ANGRY) After what you just did I will never quit my job! Monique turns the computer back on, it goes through some diagnostics. MONIQUE (ANNOYED) Besides, even if I wanted to I can't. With my parents moving to England I have to get a job to keep my room, they are only for RRMC personal and their families. Working with the Late Breaking News I still qualify. If I didn't get this job I'd have to move with my parents to England. BARB (CON FUSED) So? MONIQUE (HONEST) As far as parents go they are pretty cool. But with their new jobs they are going to have a lot of free time, just like the first time they retired. They would drive me nuts with all their "quality time" just like last time. Especially since I would be the only kid over there. BARB (CONFUSED) Surely they have malls in England, we could ditch your parents and shop all day. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) I'd be living with my parents, you would have to find your own place to live if we went there. BARB (SMUG) Your parents love me, they would be honored to have me live with them. Monique laughs. MONIQUE (LAUGHING) One of the reasons why they are moving is to get away from you. They had hoped I would come with them, they think you are a bad influence on me. BARB (SHOCKED) Me? A bad influence? Why would they think that? Monique settles down. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) Well, I'm sure when you bound and gagged me and left me that way for three days had something to do with it. Stealing my mom's jewelry didn't help either. To be quite frankly, they may just be onto something. BARB (DEFENSIVE) It was to help you build character, to break you out of your geekdom. Besides, those jewels look a lot better on me than her. MONIQUE (ANNOYED) Regardless, I can't quit my job. Besides, I have to admit, I kind of like it. Currently I just collect stuff for the gossip column but there is room for advancement, I find work rather exciting. Barb screams and covers her ears. Everyone stops eating and look to her, she doesn't care. BARB (FRANTIC) Ahhh! That is how it starts! You don't think work is too bad so you accept it, which is when they have you hooked. You'll be working the rest of your life! MONIQUE (CONFUSED) What is so bad about that? It gives me responsibility and fulfillment. Barb lowers her hands and shakes her head. BARB (DISCUSSED) There is no hope for you. Everyone goes back to eating. MONIQUE (CONFUSED) So what are your plans for the future? BARB (SMUG) Shopping, shopping and more shopping for the rest of my life. I'd live at the mall if I could. MONIQUE (CONFUSED) And you expect your parents to pay for all this the rest of your life? BARB (SMUG) Of course, I have them wrapped around my little claw. Even if my parents tried to make me get a job I'd tell the to take a hike. I won't be as meek as a kitten like you. Monique just shakes her head, she looks at her laptop. It is booting up with a Monopoly 2016 logo on her screen. Just then Dixie and Prowler, who were sitting at a nearby table, get up and comes over to them. Dixie is a female cocker spaniel Cano-Sapien who stands at 5 feet high. She is white and extremely beautiful. Prowler is a German Shepherd Cano- Sapien who stands 5'8" tall and has brown eyes. He wears blue jeans, black boots, a green vest, and a black bandanna around his forehead. Their clothes bare the Strayer's symbol as well, they also have their team's insignia (The Malamutes): A malamute that looks almost like Bear if he was a pure dog. DIXIE (ANNOYED) So you have us wrapped around your little claw? PROWLER (ANNOYED) You'll tell us to take a hike. Barb quickly turns towards them, Monique looks up to them. They have their arms folded and look very upset. BARB (SHOCKED) How long have you been there? DIXIE (ANNOYED) Long enough to hear everything. Barb forces a smile. BARB (SUCKING UP) Oh dearest, kindest and most loving parents. Surely you know I was just kidding. Dixie and Prowler chuckle once dryly and then glare at Barb. PROWLER (ANNOYED) Well laugh this one up. I think you need to find direction and responsibility in your life like Monique has. From this moment on we're cutting you off. We're canceling all your credit cards and your going to start pulling your weight around our home. You have one week to find a job or you're out on her tail. BARB (DEFIANT) Well you're not my dad, you aren't even married! So what you say has no meaning! DIXIE (STERN) Then let me say this, what Prowler just said stands by me. You have one week missy. BARB (FRUSTRATED) But that is sooo unfair! PROWLER (STERN) So is life! DIXIE (STERN) Get use to it! Dixie and Prowler turns and leave, Barb pouts. Monique has a big smile on her face. MONIQUE (UPBEAT) Hey, it isn't that bad. Barb looks up. BARB (FRANTIC) Not that bad? I've been reduced to the rest of the geeks of the world. That is what work does to you. My life is over! MONIQUE (UPBEAT) Hey, there are some openings down at LBN. It is all grunt work but the pay is decent, enough to keep your parents happy. I'll have to talk to a few people but I can probably get you in no problem. BARB (ANNOYED) Some friend you are! My world is crumbling around me and all you can do is try and speed up the process. I want nothing to do with it, I'm allergic to work. I don't know how you can stand it. MONIQUE (HONEST) Like I said, it isn't that bad. Actually, there is an opportunity opening up for me. They've posted a field reporter job. You usually have to work a while before you can graduate to that level but I feel I have the drive and determination to make it. BARB (ANNOYED) Tell it to someone who actually cares. That has nothing to do with me. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) Actually, it does. There is a snag, in order to apply for the job I need my own cameraperson. I know you're a whiz with a camera, you could fill that position. BARB (ANNOYED) Apparently you didn't hear me. I want nothing to do with work! MONIQUE (WOOING) Come on, it is a great job. There is exciting assignments, world travel and working in the field side by side with Rover and Strayers as they try and save the world. Plus you get paid a big salary just to have fun. What do you say? BARB (ANNOYED) I say take a hike! Monique sighs and goes back to typing on her laptop. Barb sits there and thinks for a bit, then she looks to Monique. BARB (UNEASY) So. Er, what is your brother up to? MONIQUE (CONFUSED) Sirius? Why would you be interest in him? You hate him. BARB (ANNOYED) No, I mean Tad, the cute one. Monique smiles, she works her computer and pulls up some information on her laptop. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) Says here he and his unit, The Widows, have been assigned to guard the Wentondra Ambassador. Her country is the only country other than Cuba that is Communist in the western hemisphere. They have recently become a democracy, she is currently in Washington getting economic aide from the president. She has always loved country western music so before she leaves she want to go to Nashville to take in the sights including a Clint Blue concert, she is to give a speech before hand. BARB (CONFUSED) You have access to all the Rover and Strayer missions? Monique shakes her head. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) No, just the political ones. Ones the LBN are assigned to promote to the public. Barb thinks some more. BARB (BLUNT) Okay, I'll make you a deal. I'll be your cameradog if the story we cover is the Wentondra Ambassador. MONIQUE (EXCITED) Are you nuts? I have one crack at this job. If I do poorly I may never be offered a job like this ever again. So the story has to be really special and hot! BARB (SMUG) But this is such a great human-interest story. Communism falls to Country Western. Monique pauses and nods. MONIQUE (UNDERSTANDING) I don't deny that but again I only have one shot here, I can't waste it. I have to ask for a juicy assignment. BARB (SMUG) What are the chances they will give a cub reporter, trying to leapfrog ahead, a hot story? If you did they would laugh you out of the newsroom for just asking. Monique pauses and thinks. MONIQUE (FRUSTRATED) I hate to admit it but you're right. The Wentondra story is decent and is so small they would give it to me, so we have a deal. BARB (PLEASED) Partner? Barb holds her hand out to shake but Monique doesn't take it. Instead she gets into Barb's face. MONIQUE (STERN) Before I shake paws I warn you. This is REALLY big, this job means the world to me. If you screw up you'll live to regret it. BARB (SMUG) Come on, Mon. It's me, Barb. What could go wrong? MONIQUE (STERN) That is the attitude I'm afraid of. Barb just smiles and thrusts her hand into Monique's, they shake. MONIQUE (STERN) Remember, you have been warned. To drive the point home Monique squeezes Barb's hand as hard as she can, she "yelps" and tries to pull it free but Monique keeps squeezing. BARB (IN PAIN, FRANTIC) Okay! I won't screw up! I promise! Just let go! Monique give Barb one more hard squeeze and then lets go, she waves her hand and blows on it trying to get the feeling back into it. Monique smiles slyly. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MISSION STAGING AREA In this huge dimly lit room are parked all the air and land vehicles the Road Rovers have used on previous missions (which have survived) Way up in the ceiling is a large circular hatch, other than that there is only one other exit from the room: a large sliding door. Parked in the center of the room are Cyc and Sylvia. She is an ordinary looking full sized pickup truck with a winch on the front and large fog lamps on the roof and bumper, there is a roll bar behind the cab. The license plate reads: "Buoy 1" Amani and Puffball are waiting here. The feline looks bored but the human is impatient. Bear and Nitro run in and walk towards them, Amani glares at them. AMANI (ANNOYED) It is about time you showed up. BEAR (APOLOGETIC) Sorry we're late. NITRO (APOLOGETIC) We had some, er, last minute things we needed to attend to. Nitro and Bear smile slyly. Amani looks them over, their fur is all messed up along with their clothes. It looks like the just got dressed. AMANI (ANNOYED) Don't give me that! I know what you were up to! The first chance you get you jumped each other's bones! BEAR (IMITATING MCCOY) He's dead, Jim This doesn't help the situation. NITRO (REASSURING) At least we finally took your advice, we got a room. AMANI (ANGRY) You both disgust me! Amani storms away and gets into her truck, she slams the door. Bear and Nitro look on with confusion, they look to Puffball. She sees this. PUFFBALL (WARNING) Don't go there. Bear and Nitro shrug their shoulders. CYC (ELECTRONIC VOICE, PROUD) If I may take this opportunity, it is an honor and a privilege to work as a team one last time. Bear smiles and looks to Cyc. BEAR (PLEASED) The pleasure is all ours. Nitro goes over to Cyc. NITRO (CURIOUS) Have you received the information on our mission? CYC (PROUD) Yes I have, Nitro. I've downloaded it all. NITRO (CURIOUS) The suspense is killing me. Who is our contact? CYC (BLUNT) Unfortunately, that was not included. The contact will find us. NITRO (CONCERNED) This mission gets stranger by the minute. BEAR (STERN) Speaking of which, we'd better get if we want to make Montana by nightfall. Let's move out. Puffball walks over to Sylvia and gets into the passenger seat next to Amani. Nitro picks up her helmet from Cyc and waits for Bear to get on him. Bear picks up his helmet but just stands there, she notices this. NITRO (CONFUSED) Aren't you going to get on? BEAR (BLUNT) Hey, the driver has to get on first. NITRO (CONFUSED) You mean I'm driving? BEAR (PLEASED) Hey, this is our last mission. I figured you could have the honor. Nitro smiles. NITRO (SLY) Ooo, we need to go to Montana more often. Nitro jumps on and puts her helmet on, Bear does the same. Cyc starts up, she speaks into the mic in her helmet. NITRO (INTO HELMET, SLY) Hang on, darling. Bear scoots up close behind Nitro and wraps his arms around her waist, he smiles. BEAR (INTO HELMET, SLY) I should have done this a long time ago. CYC (PLEASED) You have complete control, Nitro. Nitro smiles and guns the throttle, Cyc pops a wheelie and races out the exit, Sylvia follows. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - EXIT TUNNEL This is a huge metal tunnel that snakes around underground. Cyc, driven by Nitro, races down it. Sylvia races closely behind. Nitro swerves back and forth, driving up part way up the sides of the tunnel and swooping back down. INTERIOR: SYLVIA - CAB This is a standard cab of a pickup truck except the dash board is all high tech. Amani is driving while Puffball is seated in the passenger seat, both are wearing their seat belts. Out the front windshield they see Nitro and Bear on the Cyc driving recklessly. They look tenses and have their eyes fixed on Cyc. All the while Bear is cool and calm. AMANI (SHOCKED) Whoa, look at Bear. Nitro is a wild wolf but he is cool as a cucumber. Puffball looks at Amani. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) Exactly how cold is a cucumber? Amani looks at Puffball and scowls at her, Puffball smiles. PUFFBALL (EXPLAINING) Bear has been spending some time with Colleen in the driving simulator so he is immune. Amani goes "oh." EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE A trap door opens in the sand, the Cyclborg and Sylvia drives up through the door and out onto the sand. They make a beeline for the road. Once on the road they continue on down it. Wide wings sprout out of the sides of the Cyclborg as well as a V shaped tail, a set of large jet engines do also pop out of the back of the vehicle. As both the Cyclborg and Sylvia speed down the road, the sides of the bed of the truck folds down. Then they swing out like wings. The tailgate twists and flips up to form a tail. A pair of jet engines pops out of the sides. The engines on the Cyclborg and Sylvia fire, moving both vehicles faster and faster. They quickly reach air speed and takeoff and climb skyward, they head away. INTERIOR: ENEMY BASE - MEETING ROOM This is a large room with a table and chairs deep in a subterranean complex. Seated around the table are Parvo, The Groomer, The Admiral, The Eliminator, Ecosystem and Anubus. Parvo is a large cyborg. His right forearm and bottom part of his left leg are mechanical. He has a long slender blonde mustache that hangs down and thick eyebrows. He wears brown pants and a dark sleeveless T-shirt. On his head is a metal helmet in the design for bicycling. The Groomer is a human female dressed in a red jumpsuit, black boots and gloves. She has a helmet similar to his. The Admiral is a large muscular African American male human with a goatee. He is dressed in army fatigues and boots. The Eliminator is a short slender female who is wearing a holster with a gun and is wearing army fatigues and boots. Ecosystem is a human female. She is in her mid 20's and very muscular, she's bigger than a wrestler. She has long flowing blonde hair. This wears a half t-shirt and a short shirt, she also has sneakers. Though she is very muscular here extreme beauty shines through. Anubus is a jackal mutant (human body with a jackal head, tail, fur, claws, etc and being a bit larger than Cano-Sapiens) He wears the clothes of an Egyptian pharaoh. Parvo is addressing the group. PARVO (STERN) I now call the Console of Doom to order. As Parvo is about to continue, Ecosystem raises her hand. He notices this. PARVO (CONFUSED) Yes Ecosystem? ECOSYSTEM (AUSTRALIAN ACCENT, CONCERNED) It's the title of our group. I mean, doom is so dark a dreary. We need a lighter name. GROOMER (THICK IRISH ACCENT, CONFUSED) Of course it is, we're a collection of killers, thieves and terrorists! We're suppose to strike fear in the hearts of the world! ELIMINATOR (AMERICAN ACCENT, HONEST) Actually, my marketing research has discovered that people tend to remember pleasant names rather than evil ones. PARVO (ANGRY) So what do you expect to call us? The Fuzzy Squishy Happys? ECOSYSTEM (DEFENSIVE) Of course not! ELIMINATOR (SMUG) More like the Pretty Pelted Ponies. Ecosystem nods in agreement. GROOMER (ANNOYED) Have you two been sniffing Nerve Gas again? Ecosystem and Eliminator try to look innocent, they fail. ANUBUS (EGYPTIAN ACCENT, BLUNT) We're here on more urgent matters. PARVO (PLEASED) Exactly. ANUBUS (BLUNT) Has anyone realized that out of this group half of us have THE as their first name. Everyone looks to Anubus with confusion. ANUBUS (BLUNT) THE Groomer, THE Admiral and THE Eliminator. Where is the originality in that? ADMIRAL (STERN) Speaking of which, The Eliminator stole my costume. I mean, I worn fatigues before her. ELIMINATOR (ANNOYED) What do you mean? I appeared in the show before you did! ADMIRAL (DEFENSIVE) But in the timeline I met Bear before you did! PARVO (ANGRY) Enough! We are here to take over the world, not bicker about who wears what! Parvo looks around the room. PARVO (STERN) Now has everyone done their homework? Everyone nods their heads. PARVO (PLEASED) Excellent. We have all hired the best assassins we could find. They will be unleashed to destroy the Road Rovers. Once the Rovers fall the rest of the Master's organization will be in turmoil. Then we will sweep down and destroy them once and for all! Parvo laughs insanely, the others join in. But after a few seconds The Eliminator stops. ELIMINATOR (CONFUSED) Hey, wasn't that the same plot I used in the last episode? Everyone stops laughing, The Groomer looks at The Eliminator. GROOMER (HONEST) Now you know why we are being canceled. ANUBUS (CONFUSED) Wasn't the joke already been used? Parvo glares at Anubus. PARVO (ANGRY) Shut up! Anubus is kind of hurt, he pouts as the others make plans for the destruction of the Road Rovers! EXTERIOR: MONTANA - CLEARING Out in the middle of nowhere it is night, there is a light snow on the ground. The Grizzlies have set up camp. There are two metal shelters about the side of pup tents, they have keypad locks on them. There are artificial lights set around the area and a campfire is burning. The Grizzlies are scattered around the camp sitting on folding chairs, Amani is by the fire. She is wearing a heavy winter coat. Bear and Nitro are chatting, they have thick sleeveless vests on over their regular clothes. Puffball is playing with a ball of string, Amani is working on her laptop. Sylvia is parked nearby as Cyc patrols the area. Nitro pauses for a minute and looks to Puffball. NITRO (CONFUSED) With your IQ Puffball why would you play with string like a normal cat? Puffball pauses and looks to Nitro. PUFFBALL (SMUG) What can I say? I'm still a cat at heart. Puffball goes back to playing, Bear looks to Amani. BEAR (CONFUSED) So what are you working on Amani? Amani pauses and looks up. AMANI (EXPLAINING) When I tried to get back to my Indian roots I tried it with tutors, real Indians. But that backfired when Babbling Brook nearly killed me, he is paying for it with a long stint in jail. So to continue my training I have removed the Indians. I've digitized all my family's documents, their history and all about my tribe and placed it on my computer. I have also download a lot of general stuff from various databases. I will study using multimedia. BEAR (JOKING) Glad you're not using Strayer equipment for personal use. Amani finds nothing funny. NITRO (CONFUSED) You've been working on that for hours. You should almost be out of juice. AMANI (EXPLAINING) Not for several months. Nitro is confused, this is noticed. AMANI (EXPLAINING) We started using macro engineering. You see we use power plants instead of batteries now. Inside the laptop are tiny jet engines, they work tiny turbines that generate electricity. It is like a very tiny dam inside my computer. Yet the output is incredible. Nitro nods and looks to the fire, Amani goes back to work. NITRO (CONFUSED) Why the fire, Honey? You know how I feel about the rainforest, burning trees is no way to save it. BEAR (DEFENDING) Well, just trying to keep Amani from freezing. She is the only one without fur. NITRO (CONFUSED) Don't we have heating units for that? Bear tries to think of something but can't, he shrugs his shoulders. BEAR (HONEST) Okay, this is our last camping trip before we leave. I thought a little ambience was in order. Sorry. Bear is kind of hurt, Nitro sees this and smiles. She places her hand on his. NITRO (REASSURING) Well, I guess one fire isn't going to hurt that much. It is very nice. Thank you. Bear smiles and squeeze her hand, she smiles back. Then she looks up into the sky, it is a clear night full of stars. NITRO (PLEASED) Speaking of ambience, look at all those stars. Bear looks up, Nitro and he glaze at them. NITRO (HONEST) This is a part of being a Strayer I'm going to miss. BEAR (UNDERSTANDING) Me too. Bear looks to Nitro. BEAR (CURIOUS) You want to get away from the light of the camp so you can see them better? Nitro looks to Bear and nods, he smiles. They get to their feet, Nitro turns to the others. NITRO (ASKING) Anyone want to tag along? Puffball stops playing with her string and looks to Nitro. PUFFBALL (HONEST) Thanks for the offer but with my IQ I know the stars are not what they appear, it has taken all the fun out of gazing. I will pass. Amani stops working and looks to Nitro. AMANI (STERN) You couldn't pay me enough to go out there with you two. BEAR (CONFUSED) Too cold? AMANI (STERN) With you two there will be PLENTY of heat generated out there. Nitro and Bear are confused, this is noticed. AMANI (ANNOYED) I know why you are REALLY going out there. You are going to snuggle and cuddle! Nitro smiles. NITRO (SARCASTIC) Thanks for the idea. Amani screams and gets to her feet, she points to Bear and Nitro. AMANI (ANGRY) You two disgust me! Amani turns and storms away, she enters one of the shelters and slams the door. To make her point she opens the door and slams it again. Bear and Nitro are taken aback. BEAR (THINKING) Amani never go squeamish about romance before. Must be too much caffeine. NITRO (THINKING) Amani is very hyper, she must be eating to must sugar. PUFFBALL (THINKING) Did I pack any catnip? Bear shrugs his shoulders. BEAR (CONFUSED) What is eating her? No response is offered, Puffball goes back to playing with her string. Bear shrugs his shoulders and faces Nitro and smiles. BEAR (POLITE) Care to join me fair maiden? Bear offers his arm, she takes it. NITRO (PLEASED) It would be an honor, kind sir. Bear and Nitro walk away arm in arm and into the night. Puffball keeps playing with her string and Amani can be heard in her shelter screaming and throwing things around. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - LATE BREAKING NEWS This looks like a typical newsroom. Reporters of all breeds are rushing too a fro along with their camera people, it is a fury of activity. There are many desks around the room but almost all of them are empty. The center of attention is Perry Jamerson, Editor-In-Chief of Lake Breaking News. He is an anteater-Sapien dressed in business casual clothes, he is puffing away on a cigar. He looks around the room, he does not look pleased. PERRY (ANGRY) We go live in 48 minutes people and you know what I have to air? Crap! I've seen better stories on bathroom walls! I've seen better art from kindergarteners than what you people have produced! What am I paying you people for? The only explanation is you have a pool on who is going to tick me off the most! Well, let me give you a bit of advice. YOU ARE ALL WINNING!!! Perry rambles on and on. Monique and Barb enter the room, he throws his arms around screaming. Monique points to him. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) That's him, Mister Perry Jamerson. Editor-In-Chief of Lake Breaking News. My boss. The one who is going to hire you. Monique steps towards Perry but Barb grabs her. She stops and looks at her. BARB (SHOCKED) Are you nuts? I've seen cornered lions that were nicer than he is! We should come back when he is in a better mood. Monique smiles. MONIQUE (SMUG) He IS in a good mood. Come on. Monique approaches Perry, Barb sighs and reluctantly follows. He is in full swing, waving his around and screaming as if he is directing traffic. The girls stop behind him. MONIQUE (BLUNT) Mister Jamerson. May I have a word with you? Perry stops dead without even looking back. PERRY (ANGRY) Are you nuts? I have a broadcast to get out and crap to offer! Crap belongs in the toilet, not on TV! That is unless you are the competition! MONIQUE (STERN) This will only take a minute, sir. PERRY (ANGRY) It will take me less than that to fire your tail! And if you don't already work for me I'll hire you just so I can fire you! Perry spins around to release his full furry, Barb hides behind Monique in fear but she stands tall. But when he sees it is she his anger fades, he actually smiles. PERRY (EMBARRASSED) Oh, it is you Monique. Sorry, I thought you were one of those lazy low lives that call themselves reporters. Barb is shocked at the change in temperament, she slides from behind Monique. MONIQUE (UNDERSTANDING) Completely understandable Mister Jamerson. PERRY (PLEASED) Please, call me Perry. Now what can I do for you? MONIQUE (BLUNT) Well Perry, I think I can solve your little reporter problem. I know of a top-notch ace reporter that can bail you out of future crises. I believe you have an investigative reporter position open. PERRY (LEARY) It better not be one of those network reporters that only produce fluff only suitable for pillows, I have plenty of those. I need a hard hitting, no holds bar reporter that will do anything to get the story. MONIQUE (REASSURING) Oh, I assure you, she is all that and more. PERRY (CONFUSED) She? Who is this she? MONIQUE (PROUD) That she is I. I'm applying for the job. It takes all of Perry's resolve not bust out laughing, this is noticed. Up to this point Barb had hope but now she sees it is just a pipe dream, but Monique refuses to yield. MONIQUE (STERN) Before you go ahead and dismiss the idea give me a chance to hear me out. Perry pauses, recomposes himself and smiles. PERRY (BLUNT) Okay, you have two minutes. Let's here your speech. MONIQUE (STERN) All I'll need is one. Monique takes a deep breath. MONIQUE (HONEST) I could go on and on how reporting is in my blood, how I'm the perfect one for the job, about my drive and ambition. But even if all I said were true you would still only have my word to take. I am untested and unproven. So instead I'll just sweeten the deal, my first assignment will be free. I don't expect any payment, not even my regular salary. This one is all on me so even if I do screw up it will cost you absolutely nothing! How does that sound? Perry pauses for a moment and takes a puff on his cigar. PERRY (BLUNT) It will cost me one of my scoops, with all the crap these other reports are dishing out I can't afford it. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) That is the beauty of it, I have my own story. The Ambassador to Wentondra, the only other country other than Cuba that is Communist in the western hemisphere, is here. They recently become a democracy. She is currently in Washington getting economic aide from the president. PERRY (BLUNT) Any idiot with half a brain knows that, you're not impressing me kid. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) But what a lot of people don't know is that she loves country western music so before she leaves she wants to go to Nashville, take in the sights and conclude at a Clint Blue concert. Where she is scheduled to give a speech before hand. PERRY (BLUNT) But I know your bother's Strayer unit is assigned to her. Is this some sort of scam you get a free vacation with your brother? MONIQUE (ANNOYED) Are you nuts! I hate my brother! But I thought that would be part of the angle. Sister and brother set aside their differences, just like Wentondra and the United States has. Perry chops on his cigar. PERRY (THINKING) Not bad. Not bad at all. Monique smiles. MONIQUE (PLEASED) Thank you. PERRY (STERN) There is only one problem, it is still fluff. I've got fluff coming out my ears! I don't need any more fluff! MONIQUE (DEFENSIVE) But it isn't fluff! That is the beauty of it. This is a victory, democracy over communism! This will be the hottest story since the Berlin wall was pull down. PERRY (STERN) That is the whole problem with the story, which happened over 25 years ago. It is old history! Old news! Who would want to hear about it? MONIQUE (SLY) So what you are saying you would rather put one another mutant rampage story for the millionth time just like all the other networks instead of something new and fresh. Perry pauses again, he rubs his chin. PERRY (HONEST) Okay kid, you got my interest peaked again. Don't lose me. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) It will have tons of info plus nostalgic, we could run it all week with the history of the cold war any everything. Only PBS has done that recently and no one watches PBS. PERRY (BLUNT) But maybe that is exactly why no one does. MONIQUE (SLY) But PBS doesn't have the cash to do the postproduction values we can. Graphs, charts, pics. The audience loves all that visual stuff. PERRY (SARCASTIC) So this isn't going to cost me a dime. MONIQUE (BALKING) Well.. Um. Er. Perry smiles. PERRY (REASSURING) Relax kid, you almost got me sold. Just one more hurtle. The Department of Justice pays for this operation, we have to justify how this story could improve the image of the Rovers and Strayers. I mean, the rising of the communists isn't going to cut it. MONIQUE (EXPLAINING) That is where my brother comes in. Though there is almost no threat against Wentondra the Strayers are spending time and expense making sure nothing happens to the ambassador and ensuring she have a good time because it is the American way. Perry starts to clap, Monique and Barb don't know how to take it. PERRY (PLEASED) Bravo! I love it! I absolutely love it! You covered all the angles, leaped through all the hurtles. You have the sense of a reporter already. MONIQUE (EAGAR) So do I get the job? PERRY (PLEASED) I'd like to say all your long hours of hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, I have kept my eyes on you. I like what I see. MONIQUE (EAGER) That is nice, but so I get the job? There is a long pause. PERRY (REASSURING) You dig up a decent Cameraperson and the assignment is yours. MONIQUE (PLEASED) No need to, she is right here. I would like you to meet Barb. Perry holds his hand out and Barb grabs it, they shake. PERRY (PLEASED) A pleasure. So what network did you work for? BARB (CONFUSED Network? This is my first job. Perry quickly pulls his hand away. PERRY (BLUNT) Whoa! No way! The reporter is the voice but the camera dog is the eyes, they both have to be on the mark. Monique, you have shown you're on the mark but you can't throw in a new comer. A greenie. The deal is off! MONIQUE (DEFENSIVE) But she is really good at what she does! PERRY (STERN) No offensive but she's a greenie. She probably couldn't work a camera if her life depended on it. I'm sorry. Monique steps up and picks up a camera lying on the desk, she begins to explain all the features of it from memory, also the pros and cons of using it. She then puts it down and goes to another desk, she picks up the camera lying there and does the same thing. She puts it down and gets another. By the fourth one Perry stops her. PERRY (STERN) Okay, you would make a great salesdog but how are you in the field? What lens would you use to film Zukolan as he is about to destroy the world? BARB (DEFENSIVE) Browning 37 Magna! PERRY (STERN) And filming a fire? BARB (DEFENSIVE) A Jordan Beta Aqua Seven! PERRY (STERN) When filming a flood which do you focus on? People, property or animals? BARB (DEFENSIVE) I'd get pictures of all three. PERRY (STERN) Not bad for a greenie. Where did you learn so much? Film school? BARB (ANNOYED) No, it is called life. I was locked up most of my life, to pass the time I was given various toys. One of my hobbies was photography. I made my own films. PERRY (HONEST) Your life story would make excellent copy, throw in the rights and the deal is back on. What do you say? BARB (ANNOYED) My life story is off limits! If you try doing it I will wring your neck myself! Perry glares at Barb as he puffs away on his cigar, Monique is very tense. Finally, he busts out laughing. PERRY (LAUGHING) Backbone! That is what you need in this business! Okay girls, the deal is back on. The Wentondra story is yours. You pull this one off and you can keep the jobs on a permanent basis. Monique jumps for joy, even Barb is happy. They thank Perry over and over again. He stops them. PERRY (STERN) Well this story isn't going to write itself! Barb and Monique nod, they thank Perry one more time and they rush off. Perry stands there and smiles, puffing on his cigar. A reporter sitting at a desk who has witnesses everything goes over to him. REPORTER (BLUNT) I know you going to scream and holler at me boss but why the gamble? They came and gave you a story on a platter. Why didn't you snatch it from them and boot them out? Perry glares at the Reporter. PERRY (ANNOYED) What kind of heel do you thin