STRAYERS: “Reconstructive Surgery” Story by Steven Today 1ST ROUGH DRAFT February 6, 1998 2ND ROUGH DRAFT November 5, 1999 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 1996-1999 by Steven Today (bearstray@yahoo.com) All rights reserved. Aoife appear courtesy of Padraig O ruanai. Gust appear courtesy of Matthew. Lilac appears courtesy of Allie Jung. Hacker appears courtesy of Bart Walls. 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 anyway. It is strictly used for not-for-profit entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. “RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY” FADE IN 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 - CORRIDOR This is a typical hallway deep inside the complex. A door is set into the wall and is marked “Personal Quarters:” Below that is the word “Bear” but has been crossed out and the word “Rabid” has been written over it but that too has been crossed out and below that are the words “Nitro and Bear” Professor Hubert and Amani Wolf are walking down the hall. He is a male Bloodhound and Cano-Sapien wearing glasses and a lab coat. She is a young Native American female with long black hair. She is wearing a black jumpsuit, leather boots and gloves. All bears the Strayer’s symbol. She is also wearing a headband, bracelet and belt of Indian design. HUBERT (CONFUSED) What do you mean they found Shadow’s tracking device discarded? How can that be? AMANI (ANNOYED) In our last meeting Shadow apparently was not totally honest with us. He has been spotted since. I fear he is falling back into old bad habits. Amani curses under her breath and continues down the hall with Hubert. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - NITRO’S AND BEAR’S QUARTERS This is very similar to what would be in a human's: Bed, desk, chair, etc. It is very clean and well kept. There are pictures of wolves everywhere. On the wall near the door is a picture of Steven with his human family: His parents and his sister. Bear and Nitro are here. He is a Cano-Sapien (having a human body with a canine head, tail, fur, claws, etc.), 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 is wearing fingerless gloves, a vest, shorts and boots made of a strange rubbery/metallic material. All bears the Strayer’s symbol. Nitro is next to Bear, she 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 all bearing the Strayer’s symbol. 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. Bear is packing a backpack as Nitro watches. NITRO (CONCERNED): So, you are really going to go through with this? BEAR (ESKIMO ACCENT, BLUNT): Yep. NITRO (CONCERNED): You are just going to up and leave me. BEAR (BLUNT): Yep. NITRO (CONCERNED): It doesn’t matter how I feel or what I say? Bear pauses and looks at Nitro. BEAR (BLUNT): Well, it didn’t bother you before. NITRO (CONCERNED): True, I kind of liked the break… But that was before we became husband and wife. Things have changed. Bear walks up to Nitro and puts his hands on her shoulders, he stares into her eyes. BEAR (HONEST): Honey. This is important too me… But not as important as you. If you don’t want me to go just say it. Nitro pauses. NITRO (UNDERSTANDING): Look, I want you to go. You seem refreshed every year when you come back. It is that it would be a lot easier if I knew WHERE you disappear for two weeks every year. BEAR (HONEST): And every year I tell you the same thing: I can’t, it is the best for everyone. NITRO (UPSET): Fine! Go away and leave me! See if I care! Nitro turns and races for the exit. BEAR (DESPERATE): Nitro! Nitro ignores Bear, opens the door and races out of the room. He hangs his head and sighs. BEAR (CONFUSED): How did this all come to be? Bear closes his eyes and we go into a flashback. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM This is a huge room with many view screens on the wall and exits. 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 Road Rovers are seated around the table. They are Cano-Sapiens (have super human bodies with canine heads, tails, fur, etc.) that consist of: Hunter a male Retriever, Exile male a Siberian Husky, Colleen a female Rough Collie, Blitz a male Doberman and Shag a male Sheepdog (who is more dog than human) All the Rovers are wearing dressed in the typical Road Rover metallic costume (except Shag) Bear is here as well. He is a Cano-Sapien of an Alaskan Malamute breed whose entire body is covered with black fur but the area around his face is white with two white dots above his eyes. He wears blue jeans, leather boots, leather gloves and a white T-shirt that has the Road Rover logo on the front and reads “Bite Me!” on the back. Hubert is here too. Everyone is anxiously looking towards Hubert. HUBERT (SOUTHERN ACCENT, SLOWLY): I've completed the battery of tests on Steven. Hubert indicated to Bear. MASTER (AMERICAN ACCENT, INTERESTED): And what will it take to change him back to his human form? HUBERT (HONEST): I have no idea. HUNTER, EXILE, COLLEEN, BLITZ, BEAR AND MASTER (CONFUSED): Huh? HUBERT (CAUTIOUS): You have to understand that the Transdogmafier was designed to transform pure canine elements to Cano-Sapiens. Steven was all human when he activated the process. Somehow, the Transdogmafier transformed some of his human traits to canine. It may have been the Dog Scent he used to hide his human scent when he sneaked into here, the process may have incorporated some canine residues left behind when we go through or the Transdogmafier may have tried to synthesize canine elements when it could not find in any in Steven. It could have been a combination of any of these or none at all. I have no idea. HUNTER (AMERICAN ACCENT, CONCERNED) Bummer. Could we at least try getting him back to a human? HUBERT (CAUTIOUS): With so many unknowns it would be a foolish risk. For all we know another pass through the Transdogmafier may turn him into a cat. EXILE (THICK RUSSIAN ACCENT, DISGUSTED): How revoltingski! COLLEEN (THINK ENGLISH ACCENT, UPSET): Ew! Gross! BLITZ (THICK GERMAN ACCENT, SICK): I think I'm going to throw up! BEAR (ESKIMO ACCENT, DEVASTATED) So what you are saying I'll be like this for the rest of my life. HUBERT (DISAPPOINTED): Unfortunately, yes. I am dreadfully sorry my boy. I wish there were something I could do. MASTER (REASSURING): I'm sure you did the best you could, Professor Hubert. HUBERT (FRUSTRATED): It is not good enough. BEAR (DEPRESSED): The only one to blame is I. I did this to myself. I will just have to learn to live with my mistake. Bear sighs. HUNTER (UPBEAT): But you won't have to do it alone bud. BEAR (CONFUSED): I could never return to my family like this. They'd totally freak out. HUNTER (CAUTIOUS): What I meant was we could always use another Road Rover. Hunter looks towards the Master. HUNTER (CAUTIOUS): That is, if it is all right with you Master. COLLEEN (EXCITED): He has certainly proved he has all the qualities to be one of us! MASTER (MUMBLES): That is what I’m afraid of. BLITZ (CONFUSED): What did you say? The Master ignores them and rubs his chin and thinks for a moment, then looks at Hunter. MASTER (PLEASED): Yes. That is a great idea. The Master looks at Bear. MASTER (BLUNT): That is, if that is what Steven wants. Bear pauses to think then looks towards the Master. BEAR (CAUTIOUS): I appreciate the offer but I must decline. BLITZ (CONFUSED): What? BEAR (CAUTIOUS): The Road Rovers are blunt and straight forward, where I like working more behind the scenes. I would never fit in. HUNTER (EXCITED): Sure you would! BEAR (BLUNT): I have declined. MASTER (UNDERSTANDING): We must respect his wishes. COLLEEN (CONCERNED): But what will you do? Bear thinks for a moment. BEAR (BLUNT): All my life I've looked away and refused to help others. With this new body of mine, I can change all of that. I'd like to correct all the wrongs I've caused. To do that I have to be out there. Bear points towards the ceiling. EXILE (PROUD): That is an admiral and noble task. I approve fully. MASTER (PLEASED): I agree too... But that leaves us with one unfinished piece of business. You know the location of this base. You know the secrets and weaknesses of the Road Rovers. The question is: How will you use this knowledge? BEAR (BLUNT): I will set it into the back of my mind and forget about it. MASTER (SUSPICIOUS): And why is that? BEAR (HONEST): In my present form I'm a Cano-Sapien, there is no getting around that. Because of this I have canine loyalty built it. But most of all, you are my friends. I came here as a thief and you treated me as a king. As long as I'm a dog I consider everyone in this room as my family. This installation is my home. How could I betray that? HUNTER, EXILE, COLLEEN, HUBERT AND BLITZ (TOUCHED): Ahhh. HUNTER (TOUCHED): That is really nice dude. Blitz's eyes glaze over. BLITZ (TOUCHED): I think I'm going to cry. MASTER (PLEASED): As long as you feel that way you may come and go as you please. Bear stands up. BEAR (TOUCHED): Well. I'd better go. EXILE (CONCERNED): Do you have to go so soon? BEAR (BLUNT): You all have your work to do. And I have to get started on mine. HUBERT (SLY): Well, before you leave. There is something that might make your job easier. Hubert looks at the Master. HUBERT (CAUTIOUS): Would it be okay if we gave Steven the new C.R. I've been working on? MASTER (CONFUSED): C.R.? The Master thinks for a moment, then a smile comes across his face. MASTER (PLEASED): Oh. The C.R. Yes, I think that would be most appropriate. BEAR (CONFUSED): What is a C.R.? COLLEEN (CONFUSED): That is what I was about to ask mate. HUNTER (CONFUSED): Yeah. Hubert stands up. HUBERT (BLUNT): Well follow me and see. Hubert turns and heads towards one of the exits, Bear and the other Road Rovers stand up and follow him. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - ROVER WORK AREA This is a large room filled with different partially completed Road Rover vehicles, in the center of the room is a super sleek motorcycle. There is one walk-in entrance and a large doggie door exit. Hubert, leads the Road Rovers. Bear is with them. Hubert leads them up to the motorcycle and points at it. HUBERT (PROUD): This is the C.R. Or Cycle Rover. HUNTER (IMPRESSED): Wow. It is really neat. COLLEEN (IMPRESSED): Peachy keen even. Bear looks it over with glee. BEAR (SHOCKED): This is all mine? HUBERT (PLEASED): Yes, my boy. Exile slaps Bear on the back. EXILE (IMPRESSED): You one lucky puppy, comrade. Bear hops on and grabs the handlebars. BEAR (PLEASED): This is great. In fact, you know what it makes me feel like? Everyone shrugs their shoulders. BEAR (PLEASED): Like I've been falsely accused of my wife's murder and have teamed up with an Indian companion in a RV and we cruise the highways fighting for justice. COLLEEN (SARCASTIC): Blimely. He's definitely one of us. Hunter places his hand on Bear's shoulder. HUNTER (PLEASED): What more could you need? Steven. Bear thinks for a moment, then looks at Hunter. BEAR (HONEST): Steven is my human name. Now that I've been turned into a crime-fighting dog and can never be changed back I need a really cool hero name. HUNTER (EXCITED): The Dog Avenger! EXILE (EXCITED): Canine Crime Stopper! HUBERT (EXCITED): Master Mutt! BLITZ (EXCITED): Power Puppy! Bear smiles. BEAR (EXCITED): I got it! COLLEEN (WHISPERS, ANNOYED): So help me. If he bloody says Renegade I'll scream. BEAR (EXCITED): Bear! HUNTER, COLLEEN, EXILE AND HUBERT (CONFUSED): Huh? BLITZ (HONEST): Well. It is certainly better than Fluffy. HUNTER (PLEASED): Then Bear it is. Bear kick starts the Cycle rover and revs it up. COLLEEN (EXCITED): Bye luv! EXILE (EXCITED): Good luckski! BLITZ (EXCITED): Happy trails! HUBERT (EXCITED): Stay in touch! Bear just waves, places the Cycle Rover is gear and speeds away. The vehicle begins to swerve. It starts to crash into several of the unfinished vehicles and bounces off. Bear cries in fear and the motorcycle flies through the doggie door and disappears. COLLEEN (SARCASTIC): Do you get the feeling that the bloke has no clue on how to drive a motorcycle? HUNTER (SARCASTIC): Oh yeah. The Rovers turn and head for the exit. FADE OUT: The words “Strayers” appears along with the Strayer symbol then disappears. FADE IN: EXTERIOR: HAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY VALLEY - OUTSKIRTS This is a squant little town on the edge of the desert. With the look of the 50’s it’s up keep is surprisingly good. Clean and very green. A sign reads “Welcome to Happy Happy, Joy Joy Valley” People go to and fro at a leisurely pace. Bear, on the Cycle Rover, cruises into town well below the speed limit. He is wearing a specialized pair of mirrored sunglasses. EXTERIOR: GAS STATION - FRONT This is a typical looking gas station from circa 1950’s. It looks like brand new. Bear drives the Cycle Rover into the station and runs over a rubber house, a loud bell sounds in the station. He stops the cycle next to a set of pumps and shuts off the bike. A Gas Station attendant right out of the 50’s comes running out and heads for the back, but half way there he stops when he notices who Bear is. He glares at him. ATTENDANT (ANNOYED): What do you want? Bear looks at him and smiles. BEAR (SARCASTIC): Why most people come to a gas station. To get gas. ATTENDANT (ANNOYED): Well. You’re not people. BEAR (DEFENSIVE): What does that have to do with anything? ATTENDANT (ANNOYED): That does. The Attendant points at the large plate glass window of the station, Bear looks at it. In it is a sign that reads “Only Human Customers Will Be Served” Bear frowns, he looks back at the Attendant. BEAR (FRUSTRATED): So is that how it is going to be? ATTENDANT (DEFIANT): You bet! BEAR (FRUSTRATED): Well, I don’t suppose there is another gas station in this town. ATTENDANT (SMUG): There are three. But none of them will serve your kind. In fact, no business here in Happy Happy, Joy Joy Valley will serve you. BEAR (SARCASTIC): I guess the name of the town is only meant for humans. ATTENDANT (SMUG): You bet. And that is the way we like it. Bear pauses and thinks, he smiles. He reaches down into his boot. The Attendant notices this. ATTENDANT (NERVOUS): Now, there is no need for violence. Bear pulls out a credit card and hold it up to the Attendant. BEAR (SMUG): I totally agree. The Attendant sees the card and sighs with relief. BEAR (SMUG): How about if I pay double for the gas? The man pauses. ATTENDANT (BLUNT): No. You probably blew the limit. BEAR (DEFENSIVE): But I have a 100,000 limit on this. ATTENDANT (BLUNT): It is probably stolen. Besides, credit transactions can be reversed. Bear frowns, pauses and thinks. He places the card back in his boot and pulls out a fifty- dollar bill from it, he hold it up to the Attendant. BEAR (SMUG): What do you say about trading this bill for a tank load of gas? The Attendant pauses. ATTENDANT (SHOCKED): Is that thing real? BEAR (SMUG): See for yourself. Bear holds the money out to the Attendant that balks, then rushes over to Bear. He snatches the bill out of his hands and examines it. ATTENDANT (SHOCKED): Over sized face… Watermark… Strip in the paper… The man smiles, he looks up at Bear. ATTENDANT (PLEASED): It’s is legit. BEAR (ANXIOUS): Do we have a deal? The Attendant pauses. ATTENDANT (PLEASED): Well, the sign says we can’t serve you… But if you pump your own gas I guess it will be okay. BEAR (PLEASED): Thanks. Bear gets off the bike. ATTENDANT (STERN): But once you are filled up you’re out of here. Understand? Bear goes over to the pumps and removes one of the nozzles. BEAR (SMUG): Trust me. I’m as anxious to get out of here as you are. Bear opens the gas tank and puts the nozzle in and starts pumping. ATTENDANT (STERN): Good. The man turns and heads back for the station. Just then, a police car comes racing into the station with its lights and siren on. It screeches to a halt next to Bear. The Attendant stops and turns. Both he and Bear look at it, it is a Happy Happy, Joy Joy Valley squad. The Sheriff jumps out of the car, draws his weapon and points it at Bear. SHERIFF (STERN): And what do you think you are doing you disgusting fleabag? BEAR (BLUNT): Getting gas. SHERIFF (STERN): Think again mongrel. The Attendant rushes up to the Sheriff. ATTENDANT (REASSURING): It’s okay, Sheriff. He’s just going to fill up and then leave town. The Sheriff looks at the Attendant. SHERIFF (ANNOYED): Are you nuts? ATTENDANT (REASSURING): He has paid in advance. It is okay. SHERIFF (ANNOYED): That is not the point. You know the city counsel has passed laws against serving this vermin! ATTENDANT (REASSURING): I know. He is serving himself. Besides, I thought getting his tank filled would get him out of town quicker. SHERIFF (ANNOYED): You idiot! I should run you in along with the mangy mutt! BEAR (DEFENSIVE): You’re going to arrest me? The Sheriff looks at Bear again. SHERIFF (SMUG): You bet Spot. BEAR (CONFUSED): For what? SHERIFF (SMUG): For breaking the law! Haven’t you been listening? Man are you dumb! BEAR (STERN): I don’t care what the local laws are. It is not illegal to purchase gas. I have rights. The Senate and House confirmed this by passing the Mutant Civil Liberty Rights act. I am within the law. SHERIFF (ANNOYED): Though, those morons in Washington were foolish enough to even consider such a thing. They left enough gray area to make what you are doing illegal. The Sheriff smiles. SHERIFF (SMUG): And if it isn’t, I’ll make sure it appears that way. Bear growls lowly. SHERIFF (STERN): Now hands up tick boy or I start shooting. Which, of course, would make my day. Bear hesitates, then raises his hands. The pump continues to pump. SHERIFF (SMUG): That is a good little doggie. Consider yourself under arrest. Bear’s mind races, then he smiles. BEAR (SLY): Well, if I’m under arrest then that means I haven’t broken the law. SHERIFF (CONFUSED): Huh? You gone rabid or something? BEAR (SLY): You wouldn’t arrest say a hamster or a pig now would you? SHERIFF (CONFUSED): Of course not. Only people get arrested. BEAR (SLY): So if you arrest me then I fall into the human category. Which mean I have rights. The Sheriff thinks. SHERIFF (BALKING): Yeah but… BEAR (SLY): Admit Barney. You can’t take me in either way. The Sheriff strains to think, but comes up with nothing. The auto fill kicks off on the pump, the Sheriff sighs. He lowers his gun. SHERIFF (ANGRY): Fine! I’ll let you off this time! But if I see you scum bag butt around here again or in the next five minutes I’ll shoot you dead like a mad dog! That goes for any of your mutant friends! Cat! Dog! Or otherwise! Got it? Bear nods sadly. BEAR (ANNOYED): Unfortunately, all too well. SHERIFF (ANGRY): Now beat it! Bear removes the nozzle from the bike and closes the tank lid. He replaces the nozzle on the pump, jumps on his bike and starts it. He tears out of the gas station and heads out of town. Both the Sheriff and the Attendant watch him go. ATTENDANT (THINKING): You know. Maybe it’s wrong trying to work against them. If we worked together this would be a better place. Not to mention business would be booming. The Sheriff screams and points his gun at the Attendant. SHERIFF (ANGRY): That does it! You’re under arrest gas jockey! The Attendant gasps. The Sheriff pulls out a pair of handcuffs with his free hand. EXTERIOR: HAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY VALLEY - STREETS This is the heart of the city leading out of town towards a highway. Bear cruises on the Cycle Rover doing the speed limit. As he goes people in cars and walking on sidewalks gasp and point at him. Some parents grab their children at the sight of him and drag them inside. Bear pretends not to notice but it is very hard. He continues to head the bike out of town. BEAR (VOICE OVER, COLD): People. I hate them. It is so hard to believe I was once one of them. Almost makes me proud to be a dog. They are ready to throw judgment on you. Ready to condemn you because you aren’t a member of their little club. Ready to make your life a living hell just because you are different. Ready to hate and despise you at a moment’s notice. But do they have compassion and understanding? No way. It isn’t in their vocabulary. Well screw them all. Nine days ago I came out here to help them. I would have bent over backwards for any of them. Laid down my life even. I came here to protect them from the evils of the world. It turns out THEY are what is evil in the world. Animals are cruel to one another to survive. Humans do it because it is fun to them. And they call US dumb. If I had my way I’d exterminate them all. The world would thank me. Lucky for them, I’m one of the good guys. There is only one true reason I’m out here… Bear reaches the edge of town, he guns the throttle and the Cycle Rover speeds onto the highway. He continues to race away. EXTERIOR: DESERT - HIGHWAY 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 on the Cycle Rover continue down the road. He smiles. BEAR (VOICE OVER, COLD): Freedom. That is why I’m out here. The Rovers wanted to me to be part of the team. There is nothing wrong with that or the Rovers. They are a likable bunch, especially after what I put them through. But this dog isn’t about to go to obedience school. I’m not even tamed. I need the wide-open spaces. All my life I have been told how sacred the land of our ancestors was. How we needed to look over it a protect it. Lot good that did. Because of me that land now has a half-life. I was tricked and duped into destroying the land. Or, maybe, I let it come to this because deep down I knew that if the land was gone I was free. Free to see the world. Just like when I signed on to the army and found my way into the Gulf War. That was the happiest time of my life. Not the killing and destruction. I hated that. But I was free. Halfway across the world. Respected and needed. Doing something that actually mattered. But then I was discharged and booted out. It killed me to return home. Just my luck everyone thought my father was going to die but he pulled through. Not that I wanted him to die. It is just I soon found myself trapped again. But not anymore. I’m free to roam the roads of America with the Master flipping the bill. Not a bad scam. The Rovers can have their Road Rover Mission Control. All it is is a giant doghouse. Cooped up and on a leash. That is why they wear collars. I have wind blowing through my fur and an open road. I’m one lucky puppy. Bear continues down the road. But as he does he notices a billboard. BEAR (SHOCKED): Hello. Bear studies the billboard. On it it reads “Mollies. The best dang food around at the best dang prices. Open to all mutants. Just twenty miles ahead.” Bear smiles. BEAR (PLEASED): The sign is brand new. I think it is my duty to check it out. Bear continues down the road. EXTERIOR: MOLLIES - PARKING LOT This is a greasy spoon type style restaurant with a large parking lot and a drive up window. A big sign on the roof reads “MOLLIES” and several signs in the windows say “All Mutants Welcome”. There is a vast collection of various vehicles, some in mint condition and some are beaters. Cano-Mutants, Felo-Mutants, Cano-Sapiens and humans are coming and going or just play loitering about. Bear pulls up on his motorcycle and stops in the middle of the parking lot, he looks the place over and whistles. BEAR (PLEASED): Look at all the mutants… Finally a place where I can feel comfortable. There is one parking spot left, he heads for it. Out of nowhere a black Ferrari races by him almost hitting him and skids into the parking spot. Bear stops and jumps off his bike, he races up to the car. A large Felo-Mutant steps out (he is one of the Felo-Mutants from “Dawn of the Groomer”), his name is Slash. He is has black fur except his face is light gray and the inside of his ears are pink. He wears a shirt that is laced up the front and shorts. Both are purple and tattered. BEAR (VOICE OVER, COLD): Every one of my new found senses screamed. Warning me. They said to turn and run. But that wasn’t my style, especially from a cat. Back when I was a human I loved cats as much as dogs. Now that I was a canine I had an instilled hatred and mistrust of them. Still, somehow I dug down deep and managed to force this all out of my mind and preceded as I saw fit. Bear races up to Slash. BEAR (ANNOYED): What do you think you are doing? SLASH (SARCASTIC): Parking… What are you doing besides wasting my time? BEAR (ANNOYED): That was MY parking spot! SLASH (SARCASTIC): If that is the case then why is MY car parked in it DOG? BEAR (ANNOYED): Because you swerved in front of me, almost hitting me, and stole it! SLASH (STERN): You’re darn right. I have the right. BEAR ANNOYED): Why is that? SLASH (STERN): My, you ARE a dumb dog. Don’t you know who I am? BEAR (ANNOYED): You mean besides butt ugly? SLASH (STERN): I’m Slash. I work for Lacerate. BEAR (ANNOYED): Is that suppose to impress me? SLASH (STERN): Nah, I guess someone as dumb as you wouldn’t know you’re playing with fire. Lacerate controls everyone in this county. BEAR (ANNOYED): Just one county? Geez, no wonder I’m not impressed. Now get that hunk of junk out of my parking spot! SLASH (STERN): I see you’re not going to let this go. Fine, let’s rumble out here since Mollie doesn’t allow differences inside. BEAR (ANNOYED): You are going to let some woman dictate your actions? SLASH (STERN): Molly is MORE than a woman, she’s tough. I’d rather face an army of dogs than her. Slash takes a defensive stance and extends his claws. Bear hesitates. BEAR (BLUNT): Nah, you keep the spot. SLASH (SMUG): So the dog is yellow. BEAR (ANNOYED): No, this dog is SMART. It is a stupid parking spot, not worth it. Bear turns back for his bike. Slash smiles and lashes out with one of his claws and slices Bear across the back. He screams in pain and spins around. BEAR (ANGRY, IN PAIN): You idiot! What did you do that for? SLASH (SMUG): I don’t like seeing a pair of extend claws go to waste. Slash retracts his claws, laughs and turns away. He goes into the restaurant. Bear moans with pain and watches him go, he gives Slash an icy glare. INTERIOR: MOLLIES - EATING AREA This is a large greasy spoon style seating area. Booths line the windows and stools line the counter. The seats are filled with an assortment (tall, short, thin, fat, etc.) of Cano- Mutants, Cano-Sapiens, Felo-Mutants and humans. Waitresses dash around taking orders and taking food to customers. A large mean looking woman smoking a cigarette is sitting behind the counter, this is Mollie. Slash is talking to her. Bear enters walks up to him he taps him on the shoulder. He turns around and looks at him. SLASH (SMUG): Well, if it isn’t the fraidy dog. What do you want? BEAR (APOLOGETIC): I just wanted to apologize for my behavior in the parking lot. It was rude and inappropriate. Slash smiles. SLASH (SMUG): Wow, you have no back bone what so ever. I like that in a dog. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): I hope you will accept my humble apology. SLASH (SMUG): Sure, whatever. Now beat it. Bear turns towards the door, Slash goes back to talking to Mollie. Bear hesitates and turns back to him. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): Oh, one more thing. Slash turns back to Bear. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): To show my sincereness I fixed up your car. A confused look comes over Slash. SLASH (CONFUSED): Fixed up? My car didn’t need fixing. BEAR (SARCASTIC): It does now. Slash looks out the window to his car, something is scratched into the side of it. All that can be made out is “Slash is an assho” His eyes widen and he looks at Bear, he returns a smile. BEAR (SMUG): That is what happens when you mess with a dog! Slash screams with rage and punches Bear in the face, he reels back a few steps. SLASH (ANNOYED): A dog that fights like a pup! BEAR (SMUG): No, just one who doesn’t need to fight. Slash looks at Bear, confused. He points at Mollie, Slash turns towards her. She is holding a small box with a keypad. SLASH (TERRIFIED): No Mollie! Pleased! MOLLIE (ANGRY): You know the rules, Slash! You keep everything OUT of my place! SLASH (TERRIFIED): But he goated me into it! Slash points at Bear. Mollie punches a series of numbers into the keypad. There is a loud sound of a vacuum and slash is sucked up into the tube, he screams with terror. EXTERIOR: MOLLIES - GARBAGE HEAP This is a large pile of garbage made of animal carcasses and discarded food. The pile is behind the building. Set into the back of the building is a large opening, Slash is ejected out of the hole and lands on the garbage pile. Stunned, he looks around. He screams with anger. INTERIOR: MOLLIES - EATING AREA Back inside, Molly looks at Bear. MOLLIE (STERN): You know, he is right. You DID goat him into it. Bear looks at Mollie. BEAR (BLUNT): Hey, it is your place… Your call. Mollie hesitates and smiles slightly. MOLL (STERN): Fortunately, our conversation was quiet dull so I’ll let it slide this time… But you better watch yourself from now on. Bear opens him mouth to reply but Mollie just turned and walked away. Bear smiles and takes a seat in one of the open booths. As he goes a female Felo-Mutant (she is one of the Felo-Mutants from “Dawn of the Groomer”) watches him, this is Lacerate. She has brown fur except her eyebrows and top of her head, which is yellow. She wears a shirt and shorts that are tattered and dark blue in color, a length or rope is tied around her waste as a belt. He has leather bracelets on with metal spikes. She gets up and walks over to Bear, he is looking over a menu. She places her hands on the table and glares at Bear. LACERATE (STERN): May I ask who you are? Bear does not look up from his menu. BEAR (BLUNT): No you may not. LACERATE (STERN): I must insist. BEAR (BLUNT): And I must refuse. LACERATE (STERN): Don’t you know who I am? BEAR (BLUNT): Besides a smelly Felo-Mutant? LACERATE (CONFUSED): How did you know I was a feline without looking up? BEAR (SARCASTIC): I’m a dog. I know these things. LACERATE (STERN): My name is Lacerate. BEAR (SMUG): Let me guess. You’re pissed off that I kicked your lackey’s tail and now you are here to teach me a lesson. LACERATE (STERN): No, I’m here to THANK you for kicking his tail. Bear looks over the menu at Lacerate. BEAR (CONFUSED): Come again? Lacerate points to the seat opposite of Bear. LACERATE (HOPEFUL): May I? Bear hesitates. BEAR (STERN): Okay, just don’t get comfy. Lacerate sits down and looks at Bear. LACERATE (STERN): I’m a business cat. I have a reputation and an image to keep. If they are positive, business is good. If not, well I think you understand. Slash has been nothing but trouble, you putting him in his place may humble him. BEAR (CONFUSED): Then why don’t you get rid of him? Lacerate sighs. LACERATE (DISAPPOINTED): I’d love to, but I’m kind of indebted to him. Shortly after we left The Groomer’s service things got kind of rough. BEAR (CONFUSED): The Groomer? LACERATE (BLUNT): It doesn’t matter, those are days past. What matters is that Slash was a great help back then and I owe him. Thank you once again. Bear looks back at the menu. BEAR (STERN): Okay, you’ve made your point. Now scat cat. LACERATE (BLUNT): Not so fast, it is I who would like to help you. BEAR (STERN): You’ve got nothing I want. LACERATE (BLUNT): I’m a very wealthy and influential cat. I can make your dreams come true. Power, fame, wealth. It could be yours. Bear looks over to Lacerate. BEAR (STERN): Give me a break. You’re going to make me a king just because I put someone in their place? LACERATE (BLUNT): If I did I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today. No, but doing so you have shown me you are an individual I could use in my organization. All of my employees are well to do in the brawn department, but lack in the brains. You have shown me you have both. You know how to get things done and are resourceful. You eliminated a problem by letting others do your dirty work. BEAR (STERN): Wouldn’t you be afraid that I might use my skills to eliminate you? LACERATE (SMUG): You’re not THAT good. Besides, I have many safeties set into my organization. But you would be high up on the management chain, at least one Felo-Mutant would be under you. So what do you say? BEAR (SARCASTIC): A dog in charge of a Felo-Mutant? Why don’t you throw in a wolf and an Indian into my little team? LACERATE (ANNOYED): Do you want the job or not? Bear pauses. BEAR (HONEST): Well, I could use a job… And one that pays well is a plus… So what exactly do you have planned for me? LACERATE (BLUNT): No, not here. This has to be done in private. The competition in my business is fearous, even deadly. Lacerate stands up. LACERATE (BLUNT): Down the road about five miles is an abandon quarry. Meet me there at dusk and I’ll reveal everything to you. Lacerate turns and begins to walk away. She stops and looks over her shoulder at Bear, she smiles. LACERATE (PLEASED): Eat well my friend, your meal is on me. Lacerate turns and walks away, Bear watches her go up to Molly and begin to talk to her. BEAR (VOICE OVER, COLD): If my senses were insistent of trying to warn me of Slash, they were downright determined when it came to Lacerate. Something didn’t sit true, I sensed something evil about her. You would figure this would force me not to keep our date, and it did. I didn’t want anything to do with her and that is the way it would be. Lacerate turns and walks out. EXTERIOR: DESERT - HIGHWAY Bear is cruising down the highway again. BEAR (VOICE OVER, COLD): But that quickly changed. After Lacerate left others in the dinner came up questioning me on what she said, what advice she gave me. In turn I questioned them. As it turned out Lacerate was queen of the Puppy Milling industry. I wasn’t sure what that meant but it was explained to me. A Puppy Mill is a place where dogs are reproduced at an alarming rate, they are fed just enough to keep them alive before they can be sold off. They live in horrid conditions, usually living in their own feces. The conditions are usually so bad some of the newborns do not survive but nothing is wasted. They are ground up and feed to the living. I was grateful that my parents always got our dogs from a pound. Because of tactics like this there is an extreme profit margin. Usually, places like this don’t last long thanks to animal rights groups and authorities. But somehow the largest Puppy Mill on record was thriving here and had been for some time. I suspect that the authorities were on Lacerate’s payroll. As I saw it I was those dogs last hope. Oddly, their plight energized me. Helped me to focus on why I was really out here: To do good. My inner dog was at work, I could not turn tail and run. I was going to keep that appointment after all but on my terms. Bear continues on down the road. EXTERIOR: ABANDON QUARRY – STOCKPILE This is an area of rusting machines and piles of rock. There is an old shack near by but it is knocked over. It is well after dusk. Lacerate and Slash wait in the shadows, the latter is armed with a gun. SLASH (ANNOYED): Where is he? LACERATE (REASSURING): Patience. He’ll come. SLASH (ANNOYED): I don’t know, this one was more cool and resourceful than the others were. LACERATE (BLUNT): He’s a dog, they are simple minded. Throw them a bone and they’ll do anything. Just be sure to kill him on the first shot, I want this neat and clean. SLASH (IMPRESSED): Going to all this trouble just for me? I’m touched. LACERATE (ANNOYED): You shouldn’t be, I’m doing this so you can get revenge but only for myself. No one screws with my employees and gets away with it. This dog has to be made an example of. SLASH (CONFUSED): If he is to be made an example then why are we killing him way out here? LACERATE (BLUNT): Fear not, word will get around. I was the last one seen with him. He is bound to question this meeting and has talked to others. They will put two and two together and come up with me. SLASH (CONCERNED): Aren’t you afraid the authorities will also put two and two together? Lacerate busts out laughing. LACERATE (LAUGHING): Oh please. All I have to do is say I never showed up for the meeting, you’d back me up. That will be the end of that, case closed. We never have to worry about the authorities. VOICE (OF SCREEN, BLUNT): And why is that? Both Lacerate and Slash spin around to see Bear leaning up against a rock pile, he is pointing a gun at them. SLASH (SHOCKED): You! LACERATE (IMPRESSED): My, my, my. Slash was right for once, you’re not like the others. BEAR (SMUG): You mean that because I’m still alive? LACERATE (BLUNT): Exactly. I’m glad you passed my little test, I don’t let just ANYONE work for me. BEAR (STERN): Save it. I’ve been here all the time. In fact, I came way before you did. I heard everything, especially how you plan to kill me. LACERATE (IMPRESSED): Hmmm. I don’t think I’ve EVER misjudged anyone so much before. Maybe you DO have a place in my organization. BEAR (STERN): The only organization I’m headed for is the police, to turn you two in. As Bear talks Slash slowly eases his gun at him, Bear spots this. BEAR (STERN): You have exactly a split second to drop your weapon or it will be a closed casket for you. Slash considers his position. BEAR (STERN): Okay, times up! LACERATE (QUICKLY): There is no need for that, Slash would be more than happy to do as you say. Slash looks at Lacerate. SLASH (CONFUSED): I would? Lacerate nods, Slash sighs with relief. SLASH (RELIEVED): Thank goodness. Slash happily drops his weapon. LACERATE (SMUG): Should we go to the authorities now? Lacerate smiles. BEAR (BLUNT): Don’t get your hopes up. Were not going to the local authorities but the state authorities. Lacerate loses her smile. LACERATE (ANNOYED): It is a considerable distance to the nearest state agency, plenty of time for one of us to jump you. BEAR (SMUG): Again, don’t get your hopes up. Bear reaches with his free hand and pulls out a set of handcuffs fit for mutants, he tosses them to Lacerate’s feet. BEAR (SMUG): If you would be so kind to put these on your employee, paws behind the back if you please. Lacerate hisses at Bear, he just smiles. She then bends down and picks them up. BEAR (SMUG): While you are doing that maybe you would like to tell me the secret location of your puppy mill. VOICE (BLUNT): That information will be useless to a dead dog. Bear spins around to see a gun pointed at him, it is being held by a Felo-Mutant (he is one of the Felo-Mutants from “Dawn of the Groomer”) He has white fur and is wearing a light green vest, he is also wearing pants with a brown belt with little packs on it. This is Mangle. MANGLE (STERN): Drop it dog. Bear weights his options. Slash quickly picks up his gun and points it at Bear, he notices this. He sighs and drops his gun. Lacerate looks over the Mangle. LACERATE (ANNOYED): What took you so long? MANGLE (BLUNT): Sorry but I was on the other side. I had to go slow otherwise he could have heard me. SLASH (EXCITED): Can I kill him now? LACERATE (STERN): No. Slash looks over to Lacerate. SLASH (CONFUSED): We’re not going to kill him? LACERATE (STERN): I didn’t say that, just not with a gun. That would be too quick, this one needs to be taught a lesson before he dies. SLASH (CONFUSED): Then how? Lacerate indicates to hand cuffs she is holding. LACERATE (SMUG): Like this. Lacerate moves towards Bear. LACERATE (STERN): Don’t get any bright ideas, you make one false move towards me and they’ll shoot you down. Lacerate moves behind Bear. LACERATE (SMUG): If you would be so kind. Bear sighs and places his hands behind his back, Lacerate locks them there with the handcuffs. LACERATE (STERN): Now move out into the open. Bear walks into the center of the clearing, Slash and Mangle put their weapons away and joins Lacerate with Bear. BEAR (ANNOYED): Now what? LACERATE (STERN): This! Lacerate punches Bear in the muzzle and he reels back a few feet, she points a finger at him. LACERATE (ANGRY): No one points a gun at me and gets off easy! Lacerate punches Bear in the gut and he bends over and groans. MANGLE (BLUNT): Mind if we joined in the fun? LACERATE (HONEST): Sure, consider this your bonus. Mangle and Slash smile, the latter extends his claws. Lacerate notices this. LACERATE (SLY): No, no claws. I want this to last. Something I can savor. Slash nods and retracts his claws. He, Mangle and Lacerate then begin to beat Bear up. With his hands locked behind his back he is unable to protect himself, he is totally helpless. EXTERIOR: ABANDON QUARRY – ENTRANCE These are the gates leading to the quarry, they are wide open. A police car comes cruising down the road that runs by the quarry. After it passes the gate is comes to an abrupt stop. It then backs up to the gate. The officer behind the wheel looks at the gate. She is a female in her late twenty’s, this is Adrian Sktenski. ADRIAN (CONCERNED): That is odd, the gates are almost never open. This place hasn’t been used in years. Maybe I should call this in… Nah, control would just tell me to mind my own business…. But this WOULD give me a chance to poke around on Lacerate’s grounds… I could learn a lot. Adrian pauses. She then puts the car in gear and drives it through the gates. EXTERIOR: ABANDON QUARRY – STOCKPILE Lacerate, Slash and Mangle are still beating up on Bear, he passes out on the ground. He is in very bad shape. LACERATE (ANNOYED): Get up! We’re not done with you! Lacerate kicks Bear in the side several times, he does not move. MANGLE (BLUNT): It is no use, he’s out cold. Our fun time is over. SLASH (PLEASED): I guess that only leaves one thing to do. Slash pulls out his gun. SLASH (HOPEFUL): May I? LACERATE (PLEASED): Be my guest. MANGLE (BLUNT): Well, I guess we can have some fun trashing his motorcycle. Lacerate looks at Mangle, Slash points his gun at Bear’s head. LACERATE (CONFUSED): His bike? MANGLE (BLUNT): Yeah, it is a beauty. It is parked behind one of these rock piles, I saw it when I was sneaking around. Slash pulls the trigger. But as the gun fires Lacerate grabs the hand that is holding it and pushes the gun away from Bear, the shot missed. Slash looks at her. SLASH (ANNOYED): Hey! LACERATE (PLEASED): I have an idea. Lacerate looks at Mangle. LACERATE (PLEASED): Go and fetch his bike. Mangle nods, turns and disappears behind the rock piles. Lacerate looks at Slash. LACERATE (PLEASED): Bring the car around. Slash nods reluctantly, puts his gun away and also disappears. Lacerate bends down and rips a strip of Bear’s clothing free. Mangle reappears wheeling the motorcycle, he carefully places it on its kickstand. Lacerate walks up to it, admires it and then pushes it over. LACERATE (STERN): Throw him on top. Without a word Mangle goes over to Bear, picks him up and tosses him on the motorcycle. Lacerate then opens the gas cap to the bike, some gas spills out. She places one end of the cloth inside the tank. Just then Slash brings their car around, he rolls down the window. She looks to him. LACERATE (STERN): Your lighter. Slash pulls out a small lighter and tosses it to Lacerate, she then uses it to light the end of the cloth. He and Mangle smile. MANGLE (SMUG): You’re one creative cat. LACERATE (URGENT): You can suck up to me when we are far from here. Lacerate races towards the car, Mangle follows. They both jump in and Slash quickly drives them all away. The cloth continues to burn towards the open gas tank. EXTERIOR: ABANDON QUARRY – ROAD By road leading out there are some stone piles. Lacerate’s car races up the road and past the piles, it continues on. Adrian pops out behind one of the piles, she watches the car flee. ADRIAN (CONFUSED): That is one of Lacerate’s cars… I wonder why she is in such a hurry… I’d better find out. Adrian disappears behind the pile again and comes back out driving her squad car, as she continues there is a large explosion from the direction of where Lacerate came from. The squad car stops, Adrian looks out the window behind her. ADRIAN (SURPRISED): What in the world was that… I’d better go investigate. Adrian turns the car around and she goes racing towards the explosion, off in the distance a cloud of smoke can be seen. EXTERIOR: ABANDON QUARRY – STOCKPILE Adrian pulls up in her car and jumps out, she notices in the center of the area the smoldering remains of Bear’s bike. He is no where to be seen. ADRIAN (SHOCKED): Boy, I hate to have been the one on that when it went up. Adrian looks around. ADRIAN (SHOCKED): If anyone WAS on that one they are as good as dead… I’d better get out of here before anyone notices me. Adrian turns to leave, there is a soft moan. She stops and looks around. ADRIAN (CONFUSED): What was that? The moan is heard again, Adrian draws her gun. ADRIAN (CONFUSED): Who is there? There are more moans, Adrian tracks them down. She finds Bear laying behind some rusting machinery. ADRIAN (SHOCKED): Hello, what do we have here? Adrian notices that Bear is cuffed and unconscious, she puts her gun away. ADRIAN (SMUG): So you are the reason Lacerate was in such a hurry, lucky for you that I found you. Adrian kneels next to Bear and feels his neck for a pulse. ADRIAN (SHOCKED): Then again, maybe it doesn’t matter… You’re dead. Adrian removes her hand and shakes her head. FADE OUT FADE IN EXTERIOR: DESERT – SAND Way out in the middle the desert the crater for Road Rover Mission Control can be seen far off in the distance. In the foreground are two Cano-Sapiens dressed in Strayer clothes and searching the area. One of them is a West Highland terrier called Gust. The other is the female Belgian Malinois who is 5’8 with brown eyes, tan fur, almost black face and short black hair. This is Lilac. Gust has a type of scanning device, he's using it to checkout the area. He stops and studies the readings of the scanner. GUST (BLUNT): You know what I just discovered? Lilac turns and looks at Gust. LILAC (CONFUSED): The origin of the mysterious readings? Gust looks at Lilac. GUST (BLUNT): No, that there is no mysterious readings. LILAC (CONFUSED): But the instruments back at the base definitely picked up some strange readings out here. Gust turnoff the scanner and clips onto his belt. GUST (BLUNT): Well according to the scanner if there was anything here it's gone but even my dog senses could have told you that. We’re all alone out here. LILAC (DEFIANT): No, I refuse to accept that. It doesn't make any sense, is not logical. We must continue our investigation. GUST (ANNOYED): Oh give it a rest. You’re were a famous police dog at one time but not anymore, in fact you’re not even a dog. There's nothing out here except us. LILAC (STERN): Now you listen here! We’re not dogs we’re Strayers! The Master sent us out here on a mission and we’re not going to go back until we have completed it! Do I make myself clear? Gust rolls his eyes and sighs. GUST (SARCASTIC): Looks like someone is bucking for a promotion. LILAC (CONFUSED): What do you mean? GUST (SMUG): Oh come of it! Now that Dixie has her own unit your chances of becoming a leader has vastly improved. LILAC (ANGRY): That's not true! I'm happy being a team member unlike SOME. GUST (SMUG): Whatever. LILAC (ANGRY): You know Gust, not only is your superpower being able to control the wind but your mouth can generate a lot of hot air too! And another thing…. Lilac’s sentence is drowned out by the howl of the wind as it begins to blow harder. Gust and her find it evermore difficult the standup. LILAC (ANGRY): Nice try but kicking up a breeze isn’t going to keep me quiet! GUST (DEFENSIVE): I swear this is not my doing! Gust pulls up the scanner again, turns it on and studies the readings. GUST (SHOCKED): All the readings are off the scale! You were right there IS something out here but what is I haven't a clue and neither does the scanner! Whatever it is it is all around us and getting stronger! A vortex of wind forms before Lilac and Gust and threatens to suck them in. In an effort to prevent this they grab onto each other and fight the powerful breeze. LILAC (EXCITED): You can control the wind so you can put a stop to this. GUST (ANNOYED): What you think I've been trying to do? But this isn't a natural wind! In fact I don't think it is wind at all! Lilac and Gust continue to fight the wind. But as quickly as it began the wind suddenly dies, all is quiet again. As they look around they notice that where the center of the vortex was now stands a Cano-sapien, this is Aoife. She looks a lot like Colleen but has several metal implants all over her body, the others are shocked. GUST (SHOCKED): Colleen, is that you? LILAC (HONEST): No, I sense this is not Colleen. She is an impostor. AOIFE (BLUNT): Lilac is correct in one point Gust, I am not Colleen. But she is wrong when she accuses me of being an impostor. GUST (STERN): Then if you’re not Colleen who are you? LILAC (STERN): And how do you know our names? AOIFE (BLUNT): My name is Aoife. I come from a distant place. On my world war and pollution run rampant, it is the depressing place. GUST (SMUG): So you're hoping to bring all that here. AOIFE (STERN): No but just the opposite. I’ve been sent back to change all of this. You see, I am from the future. I am from earth. GUST (SARCASTIC): Yeah and I’m a freaking cat. AOIFE (BLUNT): I could go into a lengthy explanation and do a few things that would prove I am what I say I am but it would be a lot easier and faster just to have Lilac do that for me. LILAC (CONFUSED): How can I do that? AOIFE (BLUNT): By using a superpower to read my mind. Lilac closes her eyes and concentrates, after a few seconds her eyes spring open and she has a ghastly look on her face. LILAC (STERN): All that she says is true, we must take her to the Master. GUST (SHOCKED): Are you crazy? We can't just march her up to the Master. She could be our enemy. LILAC (STERN): We have to. For what I saw in her mind I do not wish to become reality. Lilac turns and heads for the crater. GUST (ANNOYED): Police dogs… Go figure. Aoife follows Lilac. As they go Gust uses the scanner on Aoife, he is shocked at the readings. INTERIOR: BEDROOM - BEDROOM This is a small bedroom that one would expect to find in a human's home. There is a bed, a dresser and a closet. In the bed is Bear in his human form (Steven) whom is sound asleep. Lying next to him is a figure that we cannot make out because it is completely covered by the covers. The room is dimly lit. Bear stirs and awakens to realize where he is. BEAR (RELIEVED): Whoa. It was all a dream. Bear turns to the figure lying next to him. BEAR (RELIEVED): Honey you would not believe the dream I just had. I somehow was changed into a dog mutant and cruised the highways of the United States fighting crime and injustice. The figure next to Bear stirs and sits up, it is Colleen. She is dressed a nightgown and has curlers in her fur. She turns to Bear and smiles. COLLEEN (SLY): Sorry guv, but this is the dream. At that moment the door bursts open. Exile, Blitz, Hunter, Shag and Muzzle rush in and up to the bed. They all point at Bear and start chanting "You are a dog!" The more they chant the more Bear morphs back into his dog form. Until finally he is Bear again. Bear screams. FADE OUT FADE IN INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM The Master is in his balcony as Aoife, Gust and Lilac are standing before him. MASTER (SHOCKED): That is quite a story. GUST (SMUG): More like a fairy tale. MASTER (BLUNT): Unfortunately, I have to share Gust’s optimism. AOIFE (ANNOYED): I see I’m going to have to prove myself. Aoife grabs Gust and gives a battle cry, she flips him across the room. But before he hits the ground she races after him with super speed, she leaves a trail of fire as she goes. She catches him large body with ease and sets him down. Then she rummages around in her fur and pulls out a steel bar, she uses her teeth to bit the bar in two. After that she turns back to the others. AOIFE (SMUG): Now what do you have to say? MASTER (SURPRISED): Amazing! She posses Colleen’s agility, Exile’s strength, Hunter’s speed, Blitz teeth and Shag’s fur. AOIFE (SMUG): And it isn’t by pure change. I was genetically engineered with all the Rover’s DNA to I would fit in better here. Plus I have a few things the Rovers don’t have. GUST (BLUNT): You don’t have all your shots? AOIFE (SMUG): No… This. Aoife fades into nothingness, everyone is shocked. LILAC (SHOCKED): She’s gone! GUST (SHOCKED): She’s disappeared! Aoife reappears behind Lilac and Gust. AOIFE (PLAYFUL): Boo. Both Gust and Lilac scream and turn around, Aoife smiles and waves at them. LILAC (ANNOYED): What are you? A ghost! MASTER (BLUNT): No, she just has a higher form of stealth technology then we do. Probably generated from the implants. Everyone turns back to the Master. AOIFE (HONEST): Precisely. Plus a few other goodies but I can only use them in a limited capacity due to energy restrictions. GUST (IMPRESSED): Boy is Parvo in for a surprise. AOIFE (BLUNT): No, I will not be sharing them with you. GUST (STERN): Then I guess we’ll just have to take them from you. AOIFE (BLUNT): That is the precise reason why I have them. Just being here I have changed the course the history. LILAC (CONFUSED): Isn’t that why you came? AOIFE (BLUNT): Yes, but just to change a few key elements of history to insure that there is a future. The little you know about the future and me the better it will be. Otherwise we could just end up screwing up things even worse. MASTER (CONCERNED): Then a trip to the future is out of the question. AOIFE (BLUNT): Not only because of that but the travel trough time is a one way trip. I’m stuck here. MASTER (CONCERNED): How do you feel about this Lilac? LILAC (HONEST): I’ve scanned her mind and she has opened to me freely, I sense no decent. Also my future instincts on her are all positive. I say what she has told us is the truth. GUST (ANNOYED): And I say despite a little DNA rearranging and a few parlor tricks she is a Parvo spy. MASTER (BLUNT): I’ll side with Lilac. GUST (SHOCKED): What! MASTER (BLUNT): Aoife, you may come and go as you please. You can consider this your home. AOIFE (PLEASED): Thank you. GUST (ANNOYED): Are you crazy! MASTER (BLUNT): Oh yes, and Gust will be assigned to you as your aide. If you need anything just let him know. GUST (SHOCKED): This is outrageous! MASTER (STERN): You have your orders, Gust. The Master turns and leaves, Aoife turns to the Gust. AOIFE (PLAYFUL): And what demands of you I have… But first, show me to my room. Aoife turns and heads for the exit, Gust watches her go. GUST (ANNOYED): DNA generated dogs from the future, go figure. LILAC (REASSURING): Relax Gust, even if the Master didn’t go her way she’d still have run of the place with the stealth stuff. Gust sighs, he and Lilac follow Aoife out. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – BEDROOM This is a small and quaint bedroom with only the bare necessities. The floor, walls and ceiling are made of rotting wood. Lying on the bed here is Bear, his leg is in a cast and his chest, arm and forehead is wrapped in bandages. He is currently unconscious but starts to come around, he moans with pain. VOICE (FROM OTHER ROOM, URGENT): He’s coming around. Bear regains consciousness just in time to see a large Felo-Mutant standing over him, this is Natalie. She is a Scottish Fold with a mixture of tortie and white. She wear ragged blue jeans, a messy T-shirt and hiking boots. Around he neck is a silver locket that is closed, she leans over him and smiles. NATALIE (PLEASED, SLIGHT SCOTTISH ACCENT): Welcome back to the living. Bear look up to Natalie and gasps. BEAR (SHOCKED): You! Bear grabs Natalie around her neck and begins to strangle her. She desperately tries to free herself but his adrenaline is pumping and he is full of hate. BEAR (ANGRY): You tried to kill me! But now it is I who will kill you! NATALIE (GASPING): That wasn’t me… That was another Felo-Mutant. BEAR (ANGRY): You expect me to believe that? VOICE (OFF SCREEN, BLUNT): Actually, yes. Bear continues strangle Natalie as he glances over to see the Road Rovers standing in the doorway. BEAR (SHOCKED): The Road Rovers! COLLEEN (ANNOYED): Now if you don’t let her go this instant mate I’m going to send you back on your way towards death! Colleen shakes an angry fist at Bear and growls at him. He pauses then lets go of Natalie, she falls to her knees and gasps for breath. Colleen rushes over to her. COLLEEN (CONCERNED): Are you all right? Natalie nods and tries to catch her breath, Blitz looks at Bear with shame. BLITZ (ANNOYED): You are an embarrassment to canines everywhere. EXILE (ANNOYED): Dah. And after nice she cat saved comrade’s liveski. Bear looks over to Exile, shocked. BEAR (CONFUSED): Huh? HUNTER (BLUNT): That’s right, she is a vet. She is the one that bandaged you up and watched over you for the past three days. Bear is dumbfounded, he doesn’t know what to say. Natalie regains her strength and stands up. NATALIE (DEFENSIVE): Lay off, I won’t have anyone badgering my patient. Everyone is taken aback, especially Bear. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): Look, I’m real- Natalie holds up her paw in a stop motion. NATALIE (REASSURING): No need to apologize Bear, you reacted, as anyone in this room would have. The last thing you remember was being pummeled by a group of cats and what is the first thing you see? Me, a cat. In fact, it is I who should be apologizing to you. I shouldn’t have been so abrupt. In fact, I didn’t even introduce myself. Hello, my name is Natalie. Natalie holds out her paw. Bear pauses and then takes it, they shake hands. BEAR (PLEASED): It is a pleasure… And thanks for saving my life. They let go. NATALIE (PLEASED): My pleasure. But you would have to also thank Adrian. BEAR (CONFUSED): Adrian. Who is that? NATALIE (PLEASED): She the police officer that found you and rushed you to me. BEAR (CONFUSED): Police officer? But I thought they were all on the take? Natalie gets a confused look on her face and opens her month to reply, but Hunter cuts in. HUNTER (ABRUPTLY): Could I have a word with you, doc. Natalie seems a bit concerned. NATALIE (CONFUSED): Sure. Hunter and Natalie walk off into the next room, everyone watches them leave. Colleen seems a bit miffed while Blitz smiles. BLITZ (SARCASTIC): Who would have ever thought Hunter would be attracted to cats? Colleen turns to Blitz, infuriated. COLLEEN (ANGRY): You take that back Benji! BLITZ (ACTING INNOCENT): What? Colleen grabs Blitz by the collar and waves her fist in his face. COLLEEN (ANGRY): You take that back this bloody instant or you’ll be a patient here as well! BLITZ (DEFENSIVE): Okay, okay. I take it back. Colleen lets Blitz go, in turn he looks at Exile. BLITZ (ANNOYED): Who would have thought a collie could be so high strung? Exile slaps himself in the face as Colleen growls at Blitz and prepares to pounce on him. Just then Hunter returns (by himself), everyone notices this and calms down. BLITZ (SMUG): Have a pleasant chat with your lady cat friend? Colleen growls lowly. HUNTER (HONEST): Actually, yes. Colleen is shocked, Hunter looks at Bear. HUNTER (BLUNT): Looks like you’re going to stay here a while Bear. BEAR (CONFUSED): What? HUNTER (BLUNT): Natalie thinks it is best for you to stay and rest a bit. BLITZ (SMUG): Ooo, Hunter is on a first name basis. Colleen flashes a cold look at Blitz, he yips and hides behind Exile. BEAR (ANNOYED): I don’t want to stay here. This is an animal hospital. I’m no animal. HUNTER (BLUNT): Well, she’s the doc. Colleen looks at Hunter, hurt. COLLEEN (HURT): I thought I was the blooming doctor here? Hunter looks at Colleen. HUNTER (HONEST): You are but Bear is under Natalie’s care. She calls the shots. Colleen humphs. BEAR (ANNOYED): I don’t care. I’m not a Road Rover. You can’t tell me what to do. I’m not going to stay here under the care of some… Some… Some… Some cat. Hunter sighs and moves closer to Bear. HUNTER (HONEST): Okay, I’ll be completely honest. Something here stinks. EXILE (BLUNT): Er, Comrade Hunter. This animal hospital. Of course it stinks. Hunter looks at Exile. HUNTER (STERN): I meant something is not right here. Bear is lured out into the middle of nowhere and is ambushed by a gang of notorious cats that we’ve been after for a while. An officer of the law from a crooked department just happens to come across Bear and saves him. And of all the places she can takes him to a cat who refuses to release him and could easily be in league with those who almost killed Bear in the first place. And on top of all that the officer then informs us where Bear is and that he hasn’t told a soul in order to protect him. I tell you it stinks. BEAR (CONFUSED): Then you need to get me out of here. Hunter looks at Bear. HUNTER (STERN): No, you need to stay. We need to find out exactly what is going on here, you’re going undercover. BEAR (ANNOYED): Are you crazy? I would be a sitting duck if I stayed here just begging to give Lacerate another chance to kill me! HUNTER (SMUG): Sitting, yes. Duck, no way. Hunter produces a small gun and communicator, he holds them out to Bear. He hesitates before he takes them, he looks them over. HUNTER (BLUNT): All you have to do is play patient for a while. See what you can find out. Bear looks up to Hunter. BEAR (ANNOYED): You know what you can do with your undercover idea? You can shove it up you- HUNTER (STERN, INTERRUPTING): This is surprising coming from a guy who swore he was going to fight for justice and right wrongs. Bear pauses to think. HUNTER (STERN): Exactly how many good deeds have you done since you left us? Bear looks over the gun and communicator again. HUNTER (STERN): Lacerate has caused a lot of harm against dogs and humanity, this is a chance to put an end to it all. The bone is in your court pal. Bear looks at Hunter. BEAR (FRUSTRATED): Okay, I’ll give it a try. Hunter smiles. HUNTER (PLEASED): That’s all I ask. Natalie steps back into the room. NATALIE (POLITE) I hate to interrupt but this is the first chance I have gotten to examine my patient while he is awake. Everyone turns to Natalie, Hunter smiles. HUNTER (UNDERSTANDING): Not a problem… We have to get going anyway. Hunter steps up to Natalie and shakes her hand. HUNTER (GRATEFUL): Thanks for everything, Natalie. Natalie smiles. NATALIE (PLEASED): Just doing my job, Hunter. Hunter turns and looks to the Rovers. HUNTER (STERN): Let’s hit the road, Rovers. The Rovers head for the exit, Blitz glances over to Colleen as they go. BLITZ (WHISPERS, SMUG): Ooo. They are now BOTH on a first name basis. Colleen doesn’t even look at Blitz, she just gives him a sharp blow with her elbow into his side. He staggers and moans loudly, Natalie turns to him. Everyone stops. NATALIE (CONCERNED): Are you all right? BLITZ (IN SLIGHT PAIN, BLUNT): Yeah, just an old war wound. EXILE (SARCASTIC): Yeah, it condition we like calling run-on-mouthski. Natalie looks at Exile oddly. The Rovers continue on and exit. She shrugs her shoulders. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD This is your typical farm, though a bit more run down than most. There are chickens walking around the yard and cows in a fenced in area, all have bandages or casts. Off on a hill the Sonic Rover (from “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”) is parked. The Rovers step out of the house and head for the plane. Colleen stops and looks at Hunter. COLLEEN (CONFUSED): What was that all about Huntie? Hunter stops and looks at Colleen, so do the rest. HUNTER (CONFUSED): All of what? COLLEEN (CONFUSED): Those blooming lies you told back there. EXILE (CONFUSED): Comrade Hunter lieski? HUNTER (DEFENSIVE): More like exaggerations. COLLEEN (BLUNT): Exaggerations my crumpet. Our sources say that Natalie is on the up and up and the Officer that brought in Bear actually has supplied other authorities and us with valuable information in the past. HUNTER (HONEST): Okay, they were lies. Blitz points at Hunter. BLITZ (SMUG): Liar! Liar! Your fur is on fire! HUNTER (ANNOYED): It was for Bear’s own good. EXILE (CONFUSED): How is that? HUNTER (STERN): In the short time we have known him he has been reckless and stubborn, the way he got hurt proves that alone. If he plans on surviving he has to learn how to be a team player. Giving him a mission, though bogus, will help him to achieve this. Besides, it will give him time to rest and think things over. COLLEEN (CONCERNED): But having him spy on Natalie, even though she is a bloody cat, doesn’t seem right. HUNTER (STERN): He’ll snoop around for a while, that’s it. It isn’t like he is going to find anything. EXILE (CONFUSED): But what if he doesski? Hunter looks at Exile. HUNTER (STERN): Trust me, Natalie is clean as a whistle. BLITZ (CONFUSED): But exactly how clean IS a whistle? HUNTER (ANNOYED): The point is Natalie is clean, it isn’t like she is a real spy or something. Hunter turns and heads for the Sonic Rover, the others follow. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – BEDROOM As it was before. Natalie goes over to a desk and opens the top drawer, she digs around in it. As she does we see a picture of her and Slash, they have an arm around each other and are smiling at the camera. They make a great couple. She finds a small flashlight and takes it out, she closes the drawer and goes over to Bear. She sits on the bed next to him and looks at him, she smiles. NATALIE (BLUNT): Now let’s see how that concussion is doing. Natalie turns on the flashlight, grabs one of Bear’s eyelids and forces it open wide. She uses the flashlight to check the eye out, then repeats the process on the other. BEAR (CONCERNED): Well how do they look? Natalie lets go of Bear and turns off the flashlight. NATALIE (PLEASED): In all my years as a vet I have never seen a pair of eyes as beautiful as yours. BEAR (SLY): Why Natalie, are you coming on to me? Natalie gets up and smiles, she heads for the door. NATALIE (TEASING): Now Bear, a vet having romantic relations with a patient. That would be unethical, kinky, but unethical. Bear frowns, Natalie giggles and leaves the room. A few seconds later she returns carrying a book, a cane and a collar. She goes back over to the bed. NATALIE (PLEASED): I bet you are starved. BEAR (HONEST): You got that right. NATALIE (PLEASED): Well, before I get you something to eat we need to go over a few things. Natalie places the cane on the bed next to Bear. NATALIE (BLUNT): This will help you get around. Natalie tosses the collar to Bear. NATALIE (BLUNT): Here you go. Bear looks the collar over, confused. BEAR (CONFUSED): What am I suppose to do with this? NATALIE (BLUNT): Put it on, silly. Bear looks at Natalie. BEAR (STERN): I don’t wear collars. NATALIE (BLUNT): You’re a dog, of course you do. BEAR (BLUNT): You see, I’m not really a dog but a… Bear catches himself. NATALIE (SARCASTIC): Not a dog? Maybe you still have a concussion. BEAR (BLUNT): Look, I just don’t want to wear it. Okay? NATALIE (STERN): I don’t care what you want. You are staying in my place, eating my food, taking up my time. I’m the vet here, what I say goes. Bear looks back at the collar, he looks hurt. Natalie picks up on this. NATALIE (APOLOGETIC): Look, I’m sorry but it is for your own good. The tags indicate what your injuries are and what treatments you are on. This is incase if you are rushed to an emergency facility they know what to do. Besides, my insurance carry requires it. BEAR (BLUNT): I’ll think about it. NATALIE (BLUNT): Well here is something that will make you decide. Natalie hands Bear the book. He puts down the collar and looks the book over, the title of the book is simply “The Bible” Suddenly, he turns all-mean. BEAR (ANGRY): The Bible! I’m not going to read this! This has nothing to do with my healing! NATALIE (DEFENSIVE): Actually it does, the body heals a lot better when there is soul. Besides, like I said before, I call the shots here. Bear looks at Natalie. BEAR (ANGRY): No way! My parents tried to cram this junk down my throat all my life! Now that I’m an adult I can say no! NATALIE (STERN): Well for an adult you certainly act like a child. BEAR (ANGRY): I don’t care! I’m not reading this and you can’t make me! Bear toss the book across the room and it hits the far wall, it lands on the floor. Natalie is furious! NATALIE (INFURIATED): That does it! You’re out of here! No one stays in my place, sick or not, who defaces the sacred word! Natalie turns and storms out, Bear sulks and mumbles insults all that end is the word “Natalie” INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – KITCHEN This is a standard kitchen that is as primitive as the rest of the house, it is also as messy. Natalie is sitting at the table with her arms folded, she is staring down. She mutters insults all that end with “Bear” BEAR (BLUNT, OFF SCREEN): Natalie… NATALIE (ANNOYED): What do you want? Natalie looks up to see Bear standing at the doorway. One hand is using the cane to support himself and in the other is the Bible, around his neck is the collar. She is stunned. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): To say I am sorry. You’re right. This is your house and you’re the doc, what you say goes. Natalie is stunned, she doesn’t know what to say. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): If you want me to still go I will, I just wanted to clear the air before I did. Again I’m sorry. Natalie can’t help but smile. NATALIE (MOVED): Why you sweet little Teddy Bear. Bear doesn’t know what Natalie means, she picks up on this and sighs. NATALIE (APOLOGETIC): Look, I was way too hard on you in there. I mean you’ve been through a lot almost dying and all, I should have given you more leeway. I can be suborn myself a times. I’m the one who should be sorry. Bear limps over to the table, he puts the Bible down on it. He scratches his neck underneath the collar. BEAR (UNDERSTANDING): Let’s just say it was a team effort. Fair enough? Bear holds out his hand. Natalie gets up and walks over to him, she shakes it. NATALIE (PLEASED): Fair enough. Bear and Natalie let go, he scratches his neck again. Natalie yawns. BEAR (TEASING): You’re a well of enthusiasm Natalie. NATALIE (APOLOGETIC): Sorry, late night last night. BEAR (CONCERNED): Emergency case? NATALIE (SARCASTIC): Yeah, his name is Bear. Know of him? BEAR (SARCASTIC): That jerk! I would have let him die! Natalie giggles, Bear smiles. He scratches again and looks her over, she looks beat. His smile fades away. BEAR (CONCERNED): You look beat doc, you could use a nap. NATALIE (TIRED): I could sleep for a week… Unfortunately, my patients need attending. Namely lunch starting with you. BEAR (BLUNT): Forget me, I can get my own grub. As far as the others, let your assistant take care of that. NATALIE (CONFUSED): Assistant? What assistant? BEAR (BLUNT): You know, your staff. Natalie busts out laughing. NATALIE (LAUGHING): I don’t have a staff, I don’t even have a nurse. I’m out here on my own. Thanks to my pigheaded mentality no one would want to work for me. BEAR (HONEST): I would. Natalie stops laughing, she smiles. She touches his arm. NATALIE (TOUCHED): That is sweet… But I couldn’t afford to pay you anyway, I do all this for free. BEAR (SHOCKED): You do it all for free and all by yourself? My, my, my Natalie. I never expected to meet a true angel of mercy. NATALIE (TEASING): Mercy I have a lot of. But angel, not on your life. Natalie winks at Bear, he scratches his neck. NATALIE (HONEST): If it weren’t for the charitable donations of Miss Lacerate I’d be out of business. BEAR (EXCITED): Lacerate! What do you have to do with Lacerate? NATALIE (BLUNT): Oh yeah, that is a sore point with you. Sorry. Bear grabs her by the arm with his free hand. BEAR (ANNOYED): You didn’t answer my question. NATALIE (STERN): Bear, you’ve quickly developing the abusive nature of my old boyfriend. Bear hesitates, he lets go of Natalie and forces a smile. BEAR (APOLOGETIC): I’m sorry. Natalie pauses and smiles back, Bear scratches again. NATALIE (CONCERNED): That thing really bothers you doesn’t it? BEAR (BLUNT): I can handle it. NATALIE (STERN): You’re in bad enough shape as it is, last thing you need is a rash. Natalie reaches for Bear’s neck, he flinches and she stops. NATALIE (PLEASED): You really are a Teddy Bear, you’ll make a pleasant change. Natalie grabs the collar and unfastens it. She then places it around his cane arm and buckles it snug, she then pats it. NATALIE (CONCERNED): How is that? Bear reaches up with his good arm and feels the collar, he smiles. BEAR (PLEASED): Much better, thanks. NATALIE (PLEASED): You’re most certainly wel… Natalie’s voice trails off when her and Bear’s hands touch, neither of them move their hands away. They look deep into each other’s eyes. NATALIE (DISTANT): I… really… need… to… feed… my… patience… BEAR (DISTANT): What… about… feeding… yourself… first… NATALIE (DISTANT): I… just… ate… BEAR (DISTANT): I… wasn’t… talking… about… food… Natalie forces herself to turn away. NATALIE (UNEASY): Look… I have to work now… The kitchen is yours, help yourself. Bear touched her shoulder and she freezes. BEAR (HONEST): It must be very lonely out her being surround by animals. NATALIE (BLUNT): Yes, very. BEAR (HONEST): My life recently has become very lonely too. NATALIE (BLUNT): Every once in awhile I get a mutant or two but they usually don’t talk much and bolt the first chance they get. Natalie looks over her shoulder at Bear, she smiles. NATALIE (PLEASED): You’ve been the nicest one so far. Bear smiles back. BEAR (HONEST): I’d love to show you how nice I really can be. NATALIE (PLEASED): Ditto. They both stare deep into each other’s eyes again, trying to figure out exactly what they are feeling. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD Natalie walks across the yard slowly as Bear limps behind her, every once in a while she looks back to him and flashes a smile. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): I’d love to say that my come ons to Natalie were just a way to earn her trust so I could find out if she was a spy or not, but I’d be lying. Testing her loyalty was the furthest thing from my mind. In fact it took all of my will power not taking her there in the kitchen and making love to her right there and then. As a human I would not have dreamed of that but as a dog that was a basic instinct. Still, there had to be more to why I was so attracted to her. I could give several but I kept going back to one. Back when I was a human I had a love, a woman who was my world and reason for living. She was smart, intelligent and sexy… Well, in her own special way. I felt so deeply towards her that in my last days as a human I was going to propose to her and I really felt she would say yes. But it never came to be. Before I could pop the question that faithful night happened. When Steve was destroyed and Bear was born I swore I would never ever love anyone again, at the very least as much as my fiancée. But Natalie proved me wrong, she reminded me of her in every way. Every time I looked at that cat the image of my old girlfriend filled my mind. The way she walked, talked, her compassion and the way she swished her tail… Okay, my human girlfriend didn’t have a tail… This was just an added bonus. The bottom line was I was a dog who was head over heels in love with a cat, and the odd thing was she appeared to feel the same way for me. Granted, it was probably more lust that love. After all we had just met and she admitted to me lonely, the same was true with me. Since becoming a dog the Rovers had done their best to befriend me but it wasn’t the same. Because of their technology I changed into what I am, I could never really be sure if it was compassion or just plain pity. But now I found myself with someone else, a cat no less, that hadn’t a clue of my past and didn’t really seemed to care. She was only interested in for what I was now in the present, she liked me for me. That made me feel real good, the best I had felt since my accident. All thoughts of spying or prying into this lovely creature’s life were put aside. How could you spy on someone you love? Natalie stopped before the doors to the barn, she turned and looked at Bear. He stopped too. NATALIE (PLEASED): I really appreciate you offering to help me feed my patients. BEAR (HONEST): It is the very least I could do after all you have done for me. Granted, in my present condition I don’t know if I can be much good. NATALIE (PLEASED): Well just offering is sweet enough. Fortunately, there is one task you CAN help me with. BEAR (PLEASED): Then consider it done. Natalie smiles, she turns and steps into the barn. Bear follows. INTERIOR: BARN - STABLE This is a typical barn that has seen better days. There are several stalls with various animals like goats, horses and cows. Natalie walks up to the stall with the cow, Bear joins her. NATALIE (BLUNT): Bessie here could really use your help. Though, that is not her real name. I don’t know what it really is. She was found on the side of the road half dead, the driver of the car that hit her was completely dead. I managed to nurse her back to health and in turn she provides for all the milk here, usually more than what we know what to do with. Bear looks at Bessie. BEAR (CONFUSED): So she’s not really a patient. NATALIE (BLUNT): More like a partner but she has needs too. Bear looks at Natalie. BEAR (CONFUSED): Like? NATALIE (BLUNT): I thought I made that clear. Natalie points at a stool and a tin bucket laying next to the cow, Bear’s looks at them and his eyes widen. BEAR (SHOCKED): You’ve got to be kidding! NATALIE (BLUNT): Far from it. If a cow goes unmilked long enough it can be just as deadly as getting hit by a car. Bear looks at Natalie. BEAR (SHOCKED): But I’ve never milked a cow before in my life! NATALIE (REASSURING): It is a synch. All you do is grab her utter and give gentle pressure. Natalie reaches out and coerces Bear’s cheek. NATALIE (SLY): You DO now how to be gentle to a female? BEAR (HONEST): Yes. Natalie smiles. NATALIE (SLY): Somehow I thought you did. Natalie pulls her hand away. Bear looks back at the cow, unsure. NATALIE (UNSURE): Then go get her Teddy Bear. Natalie turns and starts across the room. NATALIE (SARCASTIC): Just make sure you don’t miss the bucket. Natalie walks away, Bear watches her go. He looks at the cow, hesitates and then moves into the stall. He gently pats her. BEAR (SARCASTIC, DOING A BAD FRENCH ACCENT): Good afternoon madam. My name is Bear and I’ll be your waiter. Bear eases down onto the stool and lays his cane down next to him. BEAR (SARCASTIC, DOING A BAD FRENCH ACCENT): If I may suggest, the milk de la bucket is excellent today. Bear places the bucket under the cow. BEAR (SARCASTIC, DOING A BAD FRENCH ACCENT): So just stand there and let me attend to your every need. Bear grabs the utters gently, there is a loud moo. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD There is a loud crash and Bear goes flying through the open barn doors, he lands in a large mud puddle were some pigs are gathered, they all squeal and flee in terror. Natalie rushes out of the barn. NATALIE (FRANTIC): Bear! Natalie rushes over to Bear and kneels next to him, he groans. NATALIE (FRANTIC): Are you okay? BEAR (BLUNT): Yeah, the best that can be expected after being kicked by a cow. Natalie helps Bear into a sitting position. NATALIE (STERN): I told you to be gentle. BEAR (DEFENSIVE): I was gentle! NATALIE (CONFUSED): Then I don’t understand what could have gone wrong. Natalie pause to think for a moment. Then she quickly grabs one of Bear’s hands, she cringes. NATALIE (SHOCKED): Your hands are ice cold! BEAR (CONFUSED): So? NATALIE (BLUNT): How would you like to be grabbed in you privates by an ice cube? Bear hangs his head. BEAR (FRUSTRATED): I’m totally useless. Natalie puts her hand on his shoulder. NATALIE (ANNOYED): Now don’t give me that pity crap, Teddy Bear. You just need a little help. We’ll make a farm dog out of yet. Bear looks up to Natalie. BEAR (HOPEFULLY): Really? NATALIE (REASSURING): You’ll quickly discover when I want something nothing is going to stop me from getting it. Natalie winks at Bear, he smiles. She then looks him over, she busts out laughing. BEAR (CONFUSED): What’s so funny? NATALIE (LAUGHING): You! You look like a pig. Bear looks himself over. BEAR (BLUNT): Well, I am a little muddy. NATALIE (LAUGHING): A little? I have seen pigs that are cleaner than you. Bear looks back up to Natalie. BEAR (ANNOYED): Oh yeah… Bear reaches for her, sensing his intentions she quickly gets to her feet. But he grabs her hand and yanks her forward, she squeals. She stumbles and falls into the mud face first, Bear chuckles. She sits up and pouts, he looks at her and smiles. BEAR (SMUG): Welcome to club oinker. Natalie grumbles and picks up a handful of mud, she slaps it in Bear’s face. He looks at her, annoyed. BEAR (ANNOYED): Why you… Bear jumps on her and the two wrestle in the mud. Though Bear is in bandages and casts she doesn’t put up that much of a fight, it is more playing than a contest. She allows Bear to over power her. She lays there in the mud with him on top of her, they both stare into each other’s eyes. NATALIE (SLY): Looks like you win, I’m your prisoner. What do you plan on doing with me master? BEAR (SLY): That all depends, the next move is all up to you Kitten. Natalie moves her mouth towards Bear’s and puckers up her lips, as they are about to touch she stops. NATALIE (SARCASTIC): I would rather get back to my choirs. Bear sighs and rolls off of Natalie, she gets up. NATALIE (BLUNT): I’ll go get your cane. Bear sighs again and looks down at the mud, defeated. NATALIE (SLY): Don’t give up so quickly, Teddy Bear. What you find at the end of the chase will well be worth it. Bear looks up to Natalie, she winks at him and giggles. She then goes back into the barn, he watches her go. BEAR (ANNOYED): Great Bear, you’re in love with a tease. Bear can’t help but smile. EXTERIOR: FOREST – OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE It is near dusk. Natalie and Bear, now nice and clean, trudge through a dense forest. She leads and he limbs behind. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): After our, er, encounter in the mud puddle the rest of the day was work, work, work. I never realized how hard it was on a farm, there is always something to do. Though her playful nature was driving me up the wall, I could never read her. I started to have a new admiration for the feline. I was beat after just a few hours for work yet she was frisky as ever, plus she did this day in day out. Her only concern was the well being of her patients, she was incredible… In more ways than one. After the chores were done, it was late afternoon. We both took a shower, separate ones unfortunately, and had a quick meal. All the long she keep pushing me to hurry up or I’d miss it but every time I asked what she would refuse to tell me, it was some sort of surprise. Good or bad she would not even hint on. Then we set off down a forest path. BEAR (ANNOYED): How much further? NATALIE (BLUNT): Not far, if we hurry we can still make it. So pick up the pace Teddy Bear. BEAR (ANNOYED): Give me a break! I’ve got a broken leg here! NATALIE (SARCASTIC): Do you always complain this much or are you just trying to impress me? Bear just grumbles something intelligible, the two press on. EXTERIOR: FOREST – STREAM Here is a wide stream clam river running through the trees, on a bank is a large rock. Natalie comes out of the trees and looks up the stream towards the sun, it was just over the horizon. She smiles. NATALIE (PLEASED): We made it with a moment to spare. A few seconds later Bear appears next to her, he looks around. BEAR (ANNOYED): It’s a stupid stream! We could have seen this any time, no rush. Natalie looks it him. NATALIE (SMUG): Patience oh whiny one. Natalie sits down on the rock and faces up the stream. BEAR (ANNOYED): Sure, I’m the cripple and YOU take the seat. NATALIE (STERN): There is room for both of us. Natalie pats a spot next to her. Bear grumbles some more and takes a seat next to her on the rock. BEAR (ANNOYED): Drags me out in the middle of nowhere… See some stupid stream… Probably got ticks… NATALIE (EXCITED): Here it comes! Bear looks around. BEAR (ANNOYED): What? You going to show me stump now. Ooo, I’m so impressed. NATALIE (STERN): Would you shut up and just look! You’re going to miss it! BEAR (ANNOYED): What? NATALIE (STERN): That! Natalie points up stream and Bear looks to where she is pointing, his mouth drops open. The sun is setting but it isn’t just any sunset, it is the most beautiful sunset ever. The sky is filled with fiery colors that reflect into the stream, it looks like a colored corridor to Heaven. It is breath taking. BEAR (SHOCKED): Incredible. NATALIE (PLEASED): I have seen this over a hundred times yet I never grow tired of seeing it, it reminds how wonderful a world God has given us. Natalie and Bear enjoy the impressive sight for a few moments, both in awe. NATALIE (PLEASED): Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you have ever seen? BEAR (SHOCKED): Indeed. Bear and Natalie enjoy the view some more. BEAR (HONEST): Actually, there is one other thing that is more beautiful than this. Natalie looks at Bear. NATALIE (SURPRISED): What could be more beautiful than this? Bear looks at Natalie. BEAR (HONEST): She’s sitting right next to me this very moment. Natalie can’t help but smile. NATALIE (SARCASTIC): Nice line. BEAR (BLUNT): No line, just the truth. Natalie studies Bear’s face, she realizes he is memorized by her. She looses her smile. NATALIE (BLUNT): Remember how today you told me it was my move? Bear just nods. NATALIE (BLUNT): Well I’m making it now. Natalie grabs Bear’s head and forces it to hers, their lips meet in a passionate kiss more powerful than the sunset they just witnessed. The kiss is long and sensual, when it is over they stare at each other. She is has a loving look, he is simply shocked but a smile comes across his face. He opens his mouth to speak but she placed her hand over it and shakes her head. NATALIE (BLUNT): No, let’s not ruin the moment. Just enjoy it for what it was worth, we don’t know how many we have left. Natalie turns back towards the sunset, Bear hesitates and then also looks at the sun. She places her head on his shoulder and he puts his arm around her, she does not protest. She purrs softly as they continue to look at the dying sun. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – KITCHEN Both Bear and Natalie are at the table, each has their own Bibles. She is reading out loud. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): Afterwards was Bible study. At first this made me cringe, bad memories of my parents trying to cram this junk down my throat haunted me. I’m not sure if it was Natalie’s unorthodox teaching style or being an adult made it easier to comprehend, but somehow this time around I actually started to enjoy it. I found many lessons that would help me later in life and the fact that God indeed loved me was very comforting. The following lessons Natalie and I would have several heated discussions over that guidebook to life, but we never went to bed mad… Separate beds of course, we always kissed and made up… Literally. She was very pleased to play teacher and I was very willing to be her student, it was as if we were meant to be together. Still, life wasn’t perfect. My biggest fear after that first kiss was that she did it only because she was swept up in the moment, I was glad to discover it was more than a mood. The two put away their Bibles, look at each other lovingly and smile. They kiss one another passionately. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD Natalie and Bear are busy doing their chores. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): The routine of the past day was the template for our life on the farm. We would wake up, eat, do our chores, enjoy the sunset, Bible study, bed. It was a very dull and tedious routine. Yet being there with Natalie made it exciting and wonderful. Her dedication and love of other creatures never creased to amaze me. Because of her I learned compassion, patience and even love… Especially love. Bear and Natalie stop their work and glance lovingly at one another, they smile and go back to work. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – BEDROOM It is late at night and Bear is lying in his bed but is wide-awake. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): Though I was in paradise one thing troubled me. Bear sits up and looks at the door, a light shines from down the hall. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): Every night when Natalie thought I was a sleep she would get up and rummage around the kitchen, having super sensitive ears can be a burden sometimes. I tried to push it off as a “girl thing” and remind myself it wasn’t my business. Yet every morning I would find her up but looking like she was half-dead. She was my girlfriend, there was no getting around that, and her well-being was my concern. I asked her about it a few times but she always came back with “I was just checking up on my patience” I knew that was a lie because she never left the house. Hunter’s suspicions on her trust were starting to get to me. Could the cat whom I loved really be a spy? But that was a mute point, a relationship that was expected to last had to have a strong foundation set in trust. I could not trust anyone who lied to me. I had to get to the bottom of this. Bear gets up and walks to the door. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – KITCHEN There are medical books spread out all over the place. Natalie is sitting at the table but her head is resting on it, she is fast asleep. Bear enters the room and stops at the sight, he smiles. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): I could not help but admire her. Here she was up half the night yet she looked as beautiful as ever. After a few seconds I remembered why I was here. Bear walks up to the table and picks up a book and looks it over. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): Glancing over the material it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what was going on, what she was doing, what she was hiding. It sent chills up my spine. It was so terrifying that I wanted to wake her up and beg her to tell me it wasn’t, but another look at my love and I just couldn’t. Bear puts the book back down and leaves. A few seconds later he comes back carrying a blanket, he places it over her back and around her shoulders. Then he leans down and kisses her on the cheek, she stirs slightly. NATALIE (GROGGY, PLAYFUL): Stop that, Teddy Bear might see us. Bear looks oddly at Natalie, then shrugs his shoulders and leaves. INTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – KITCHEN It is now the morning and all the books are gone, Natalie is cleaning the dishes. Bear is sitting at the table drinking some coffee, he looks disturbed. She looks equally disturbed. BEAR (BLUNT): You want to tell me about it? NATALIE (CONFUSED): What ever do you mean Teddy Bear? BEAR (BLUNT): Let’s stop playing games. You know I was in here last night by the blanket I left on you. You know what I saw. So are you going to tell me or not? NATALIE (CONFUSED): I still don’t know what you mean. All you saw was a vet brushing up on her profession. BEAR (BLUNT): What I saw was a SO-CALLED vet having medical material that is at such a basic level that it should be etched into their brains, no brushing up needed. Natalie stops what she is doing and turns to Bear. NATALIE (UNEASY): What are you implying? BEAR (BLUNT): You’re no vet. NATALIE (DEFENSIVE): Not a licensed one, mutants can’t be doctors. But I’m still trained as a vet. BEAR (BLUNT): Then what kind training requires a vet to go back to first year studies? NATALIE (UNEASY): Well… Uh… Er… BEAR (BLUNT): Fess up, Kitten. You’re no vet. Natalie rushes over to the table and gets into Bear’s face. NATALIE (ANGRY): Okay! Fine I’m no vet! I have never received training! All I know is from the books I have read! Are you happy now? Bear looks at Natalie, she is near tears. BEAR (HONEST): Not even close. NATALIE (ANGRY): I thought you were different Bear! I thought you were kind and compassionate! I thought if anyone would understand me it would be you! But I see I was wrong! Natalie turns away and folds her arms, she fights back the tears. BEAR (HONEST): I DO understand. I do care. Any smuck can walk into medical school and buy his way through. But only an individual who has no money and trains herself so she can help others proves she is compassionate. They may have the medical training of a vet but you have the heart of one. Natalie looks over her shoulder at Bear. NATALIE (CONFUSED): What kind of mind games are you playing? BEAR (HONEST): Look, you saved my life and thus proved you are a vet in my book. My only problem is that you deceived me. I love you more than anything, Kitten. NATALIE (SHOCKED): You do? BEAR (HONEST): Absolutely. But it is hard to remember that when you are sneaking around at night and hiding stuff from me. Natalie hangs her head. NATALIE (DEPRESSED): You’re right, I’m sorry. I just didn’t know how you would react. Bear reaches up and lifts her chin. BEAR (REASSURING): I understand that now so forget it. Natalie smiles. BEAR (BLUNT): But if our relationship is going to survive we can’t keep secrets from one another. Agreed? Natalie looses her smile, then nods. NATALIE (HONEST): Agreed. I swear to you, Teddy Bear. I will never keep anything from you again. Bear smiles and touches the locket around Natalie’s neck. BEAR (PLEASED): Then mind telling me where you got this? NATALIE (COLD): Yes I would very much. Natalie turns and marches out of the room, Bear is stunned. BEAR (ANNOYED): And she accuses ME of playing mind games. Bear sighs. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD Bear and Natalie are doing their chores again. This time Bear is now wearing blue jeans, a T-shirt and work boots. All his casts and bandages are gone. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): At first I was put off by Natalie’s refusal and thought I was back at square one. But after asking her other personal questions she seemed to freely answer. Only regarding that locket would she clam up. Well, I guess we are all entitled to our own little secret. In all fairness I had a secret that she could never top: I was not really a dog. So I let the whole matter slide. At least now her secret about being vet was out in the open so she didn’t have to hide it. This meant she didn’t have to wait till I went to bed to start her studies and so she got to sleep at a decent hour. I also helped by taking on some additional chores that she did at night freeing up more time. As time past my body healed from Lacerate’s attack, thanks to Natalie’s wonderful care and endless love. In no time I was as good as new. Though we both knew I was fit to leave I choose not to, for obvious reasons and for the same reasons she never asked. How could anyone expect me to leave the female I loved? So life went on. Yet soon that dreaded day came, the day I knew that had to but didn’t want to. EXTERIOR: FARMHOUSE – FARMYARD Bear is here with Hunter. Off in the distance is the Sonic Rover, the other Rovers are by it. Hunter looks at him totally shocked. HUNTER (SHOCKED): What do you mean you’re not coming back? BEAR (BLUNT): Did I stutter? HUNTER (SHOCKED): You’re a mutant dog. What else can you do but fight crime and chase tennis balls? BEAR (BLUNT): Stay here and help Natalie. HUNTER (SHOCKED): Stay here? On the farm? Being some nurse? Now look Bear, we’re dogs. We don’t sit around, we got to stay active. This cushy life may seam nice now but mark my words you’ll be yearning for the open road soon again. BEAR (BLUNT): That is where you are wrong, Hunter. There is nothing out there for me, everything I need is right here. HUNTER (SHOCKED): What about all that talk about righting all your wrongs and thwarting injustice? BEAR (BLUNT): That is all it was, talk. The only things I want to protect are right here. HUNTER (SHOCKED): You picked a heck of a time to drop out. The Master is starting this new program , actually you gave him the idea. It is called Strayers. He is taking dogs, humans and others and giving them intense training. They will roam the highways of the United States fighting for justice, this is right up your alley. He wants you to lead the program. BEAR (BLUNT): Thanks but no thanks, I am happy right where I am. HUNTER (CONCERNED): I know you faced death but that is no reason to turn tail and run. BEAR (STERN): I am not scared, I just want to stay here with the female I love. HUNTER (CONFUSED): Female? Love? But the only female her is… Hunter’s eyes widen and his mouth drops open. HUNTER (SHOCKED): But she is a cat! BEAR (DEFENSIVE): She is also warm, loving and caring. The most wonderful creature I have ever met. HUNTER (BLUNT): Look, it is understandable you have feelings for her. After all she saved your life, but they are not true feelings. They can’t be, she’s a cat. BEAR (ANNOYED): Would you stop saying that? HUNTER (BLUNT): The fact is your canine and she is feline. You were both made to HATE each other, that is the way of the world. BEAR (ANNOYED): That may be your world, not mine. HUNTER (BLUNT): Wherever you go, whatever you do, people will make fun of you. They’ll tease you and maybe even hurt you. BEAR (ANNOYED): I don’t care, I’m not in love them. I am in love with Natalie. HUNTER (BLUNT): Are you sure about that? BEAR (CONFUSED): What do you mean? HUNTER (BLUNT): I know you’re going to hate me for saving this but, she’s a cat, she’s excellent at hiding her true feelings and deceiving people. BEAR (ANGRY): That does it! Our friendship is over! Bear turns and starts to storm away. HUNTER (STERN): Wait bear! Please! Bear stops, hesitates and looks at Hunter. HUNTER (HONEST): Look, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to hurt you, I really like you. In some ways we are kind of the same, almost like brothers. I don’t really have a family and neither do you anymore. I said all that stuff because I just want the best for you. Really. Bear pause and nods. BEAR (BLUNT): I know. HUNTER (HONEST): You want to be a boyfriend to a cat, that is fine by me. You don’t want to fight crime, that is fine by me. But, in the off chance, things don’t work out I’m leaving the doggy door open and the light on for you. You’re welcome to become a Strayer anytime. Bear smiles. BEAR (PLEASED): Thanks, that means a lot. HUNTER (HONEST): Just do me one favor. First make absolutely sure that this is the real thing, that you and Natalie were meant for one another, before you set anything in stone. Bear nods. BEAR (BLUNT): I’ll think about it. Hunter smiles. HUNTER (PLEASED): That is all I ask, thanks… Well, we’ve got to run… Be seeing you… BEAR (PLEASED): Drop by anytime. Hunter nods, turns and heads towards the others. Bear watches him go. BEAR (VOICE OVER, BLUNT): As I watched Hunter go one thing was bugging me… Well, that would be an understatement, it was ripping me apart. Out of all the stuff he said one thing rung true: What WERE Natalie’s true feelings for me? She did tell me openly that she did love me, but those were just words. And she had done some things to reinforce them, but nothing to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt. Not that I had proved my love to her as equally. I had to know for sure, either way. It was time to take the next step in our relationship, a step that would either make my life complete or destroy