Texas Jack Utah

Somewhere in a cave, many rather unsavory characters are gathered. Just then, General Parvo and Groomer walk in flanked by two Cano-Mutants.

"What's all this about Parvo?"

"I have a job for you gentlemen." says Parvo

"Really? Who's the target, the President himself?"

Several of the others start to chuckle.

(cough cough) "No. The Maddog Bounty Hunters."

One after the other they turn it down.

"You are the best hired guns around." says Parvo "And your afriad of a group of bounty hunters? (cough cough cough hack) Lozenge!

"Yes General." says Groomer

"They're not just a group of bounty hunters, general." says one "They've personally ended the civil war in Malcoria and captured Cooper Graves."

"So what? I'll pay you big money if you take the job."

"Scuttlebutt says some of your backers cut out on you." says another

"Yeah, what can you offer us general?"

Parvo names a price. Two men walk up, one is of Mexican descent with a scar accross his neck, the other is somewhat the nerdy type.

"You can count on us General." says the nerd

"And who are you?" says another man

"Me? Arnold Posey. I speak for for Mr. Utah here?"

"Who?"

"Texas Jack Utah."

"What kind of name is that for a Mexican?"

"Mr. Utah wanted a memorable name for himself." says Arnold

"So why doesn't he talk? Cat got his tougne?"

Parvo glares at the man while the other chuckle.

"Bite yours before I take it out myself!" says Parvo

"Mr. Utah here lost his ability to speak when he was younger." says Arnold "That's all he'll say on the matter."

"All right Mr. Utah," says PArvo "let's talk about killing someone. Groomer."

"Yes General."

As Arnold, Utah and Parvo walk out of the cave, Groomer looks at the Cano-Mutants and makes a slash movement across her throat. The Mutants nod and sneer. As they enter Parvo's ship, laser fire and screaming is heard, then silence.

Somewhere along the highway, the Maddogs are finishing lunch.

"Outlaw, message coming in from Colleen." says Harley

"Put her through. What can we do for you Colleen?"

"You lads ever here of a hired gun called Jack Utah?"

"Texas Jack Utah?!" says Silver

"That's him. How'd you know?"

"From my early days in the FBI. I was trying to arrest Utah when I shot him in the throat and severed his vocal cords. Now he's got some nerd for a partner named Arnold Posey. Arrested some years ago for hacking onto the Internet."

"Well well. You do know your stuff. Saved me the trouble."

"Where is he?" says Outlaw

"Stonebluff."

"Back to where it started hey buddy?" says Silver

Silver puts his arm over Outlaw's shoulder.

"Yeah. Were on our way Colleen. Over and out."

Stonebluff, sherriff's office. Sheriff Kyle Marcus.

"Hey sheriff, where's Ryker?" says Outlaw

"It's Mayor Ryker now."

"Good for him."

"He really is Number One now." kids Outlaw

"Funny. We got this letter a little while ago. From this Jack Utah character. He wants to have a showdown with you Mr. Silver."

"I'm not surprised." says Silver

"This is isn't the old west you know." says Marcus "But this town is a lot like it anyway. You be careful you here me?"

"When does he want to meet?"

"When else, noon on Main street."

"Of course."

Noon, the street is pretty much deserted. The soundtrack to "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" plays somewhere. Silver comes out on the street, but then looks in annoyance to where the song is playing.

"Do you mind?"

Wesley turns off his CD player and puts it away with a grin on his face.

"Sorry. Couldn't resist."

"He's calling you out Greystone!" says Arnold

They all turn to see Arnold, Jack Utah, Parvo and Groomer standing in the middle of the road. The others go to the side while Utah takes a defensive posture.

"Since when is he one of Parvo's lackeys?" says Silver

"Since the General is paying us some big bucks." says Arnold

They face each other like Old West characters. Utah reacts first and takes out his pistol. Silver reacts quicker, aims and fires, right down Jack's barrel, blowing it up. If he had a voice, it would be screaming.

"Oh, no!" groans Arnold

Arnold falls to his knees and then face down.

"Let's get out of here Groomer!" says Parvo

"Going somewhere?" says Outlaw

Outlaw appears suddenly.

"Get out of my way, mutt!"

A gun comes out of Parvo's cybernetic hand and he points it at Outlaw and fires. Outlaw staggers a little but holds his ground.

"Umm.....Bye now."

Parvo and Groomer run as fast as they can out of town.

"Ya'll come back now y'here?" says Beowulf with a southern accent

"Nice shot Silver!" says Wesley

"Sheriff Marcus, refreash my memory but is there a bounty on Mr. Utah's head?" says Outlaw

"I do believe there is."

"Your off the road, Jack." says Silver

The End