Hard Time

Midnight, San Francisco. A Cano-Mutant runs at full speed. He hides behind a building to catch his breath and looks behind him. The Maddogs run to an intersection just up the road from him, guns drawn.

Outlaw: Where is he?

Silver: I'm looking! Uh-huh. There! Toward that warehouse!

The Cano-Mutant curses under his breath and runs inside. The Maddogs cover the door.

Outlaw: Ready?

They all nod. Outlaw kicks the door open and they rush inside, only to be stopped by some unseen force. The next thing they know, they are sliding down some sort of chute and then land at the end in a heap.

Beowulf: Ow! Get your elbow out of my eye!

Wesley: Get your foot out of my face!

They untangle from each other and look around. It is a dingy, dirty place. A human and wolf-sapien walk up to them.

Man: Welcome to Devil's Gulag.

Outlaw: Who are you?

Man: Professor Sergey Talinsky. This is Nala.

Outlaw: Nala? Why does that name sound familiar?

Nala: My brother is a member of the Storm Corps.

Beowulf: Nala! Good to see you again.

Wesley: What are these devices?

Wesley scratches his head around some implant.

Sergey: Oh, those implants were designed by me. Would you believe that I used to work for Parvo?

Outlaw: You what?

Sergey: I worked at GenPar Inc. Before that I was just another scientist. Parvo designed this place as well. These implants were supposed to stimulate the brain, instead they drive you crazy.

Silver: Do you know where this place is?

Sergey: Not a clue.

Wesley: Nala, haven't you tried to get help with your beacons?

Nala: They don't have enough power.

Wesley: Maybe I can fix that.

Outlaw: Who else is here?

Sergey: Strayer units, Felo's, Cano's people who used to work for Parvo. Come on, let's get you a shelter.

After they settle into a shelter.

Outlaw: So how long have you been here?

Sergey: At least 4 months. I'm not really sure.

Wesley: Ok. Let me see if I can extend the range.

Nearby, A Cano-Mutant confronts a Felo-Mutant sitting in a shelter.

Cano: Hey! Your in my shelter!

Felo: Gee, I don't see your name on it.

Cano: Then let me carve it for you..ON YOUR HEAD!

The two start to fight viciously. Outlaw tries to break up the fight but Sergey holds him back.

Sergey: Don't bother. This happens all the time.

Wesley: Got it. Let's see if they'll pick it up.

Just then, the Cano notices Outlaw and ends the fight by snapping the Felo's neck and begins stalking towards Outlaw.

Outlaw: Uh-oh. It's Bruiser.

RR Mission Control. The Master is working at a console and does a double take when he see's something.

Master: What the...?

Later, the Rovers have gathered in the briefing room.

Master: As you know, several of our operatives and Strayer units have disappeared. The Maddogs included. I just recieved word from a distress beacon, in orbit. Take the Space Rover into orbit and find this orbital prison.

Hunter: Right. Let's hit the road, Rovers!

Back in the prison, Outlaw crashes into an unused shelter.

Outlaw: Hello Bruiser.

Bruiser: I'm in here because of you!

Voice: And so am I!

Scanner comes up from behind Bruiser.

Bruiser: Butt-out Scanner. This is between him and me.

Outlaw: Sorry about the low punch but can I make it up to you by saying were getting out of here?

Bruiser: What?

Outlaw: Wesley?

Wesley: I increased the range of this beacon. The Rovers should have heard it by now.

A portion of the wall starts to sizzle. Everyone steps back as a circlular cut is made, and falls to the floor with a clang. On the other side is Exile.

Exile: Let's go comrades! Is independent dayski!

Wesley: That was fast.

Hunter: Everyone inside! Hurry!

As the Space Rover disengages from the station, it fires it's lasers destroying the station. Back at Mission Control, the Rovers, Maddogs, Hubert, and Sergey are in the briefing room.

Master: How would you like to work for us Professor?

Sergey: I'll pass. I've always been a loner. But I could use a more modern lab.

Outlaw: I think we can help you with that. We got money to spare after we purchased our own house.

Hunter: Can you show it to us?

Outlaw: As soon as it's finished.

Sergey: Thanks, I appreiciate it.

Wesley: No problem. Say, ever think about teaming up.........

The End