Retriever bridge. Bowser enters and takes his seat by the window and sighs. Emerald walks up to him.

"It's been some year, hasn't it sir?"

"That it has Emerald."

"You know, some superstitious human sailors might think this ship is cursed. It's been captured by terrorists twice."

"I never believed in that mumbo-jumbo. Anyway, we got work to do. Mauser, set course for East Timor. The U.N. has asked that we help in the rebuilding process."

"Aye sir." says Mauser

"Why us sir?" says Emerald.

"We're the closest major ship in the area. Besides, it'd be nice to walk on solid ground for a little while."

****

Dili, East Timorese capital. The Retriever is docked in the harbor. In the streets of Dili, Viking and Rika are walking, getting looks from the populace; some of awe, some of fear. A native Timorese walks up to them.

"Viking and Rika?"

"Yes?" says Viking

"Alberto Gomez. I run the local food shelter. Miss Rika, I'm told your a mechanic, can you fix our cooking equipment?"

"That's what I'm here for."

****

Shelter kitchen. Rika is currently working on a stove while Viking is handing out food to the natives. Suddenly gun shots ring out and everyone scatters in fear. Before they know it, Viking and Rika are surrounded by Arab gunmen.

****

Out in the harbor several motor boats are coasting along when three of them make sharp turns and make a colision course for the Retriever.

In his quarters Bowser is at his desk reading a book when three explosions rock the ship. Alarms blare throughout the ship!

Battlestations! All hands to battlestations! Captain Bowser to the bridge!

Bowser runs into the bridge.

"Report!"

"Three speed boats have just rammed us." says Emerald

Bowser goes to a pickup.

"Namib!"

We're on it sir! My crew's patching up the hole's as we speak!

"Additional report sir." says Winston "Viking and Rika have been taken prisoner by gunmen."

"Tell McCoy to get his team ready!"

"Aye sir."

"Four aircraft on a collision course!" says Bengal.

"What kind?"

"Cessnas!"

"What damage can Cessnas inflict?" says Bowser

As if in answer, one of the planes crashes into the deck and explodes, making the whole ship rock.

"Open fire!" shouts Bowser

The others are shot down before they can hit the ship.

"Sparkplug's team is already on the fire sir." says Winston

****

Somewhere in Dili, Tex's squad and Timorese soldiers are shooting it out with Arab gunmen. A Timorese captain is sharing his cover with Tex and Cobalt.

"Blasted Palestinian exiles! I knew it was a bad idea to let them come here."

"Sir, look!" says T-Bone.

"Hold your fire!" says Tex

There on the other side is Viking, armed only with a frying pan, bashing the enemy soldiers on the head; and Rika using a large wrench doing the same.

"Take me hostage will you?!" shouts Viking "I'll teach you a thing or two about messing with Road Rovers! Take that! And that! And that!"

Soon all the gunmen are unconcious and the Timorese soldiers begin taking them into custody. Tex walks up to Viking.

"Remind me never to get you angry."

"What reminding?" growls Viking, hefting his frying pan.

"He has a point." says Cobalt.

"Come on, let's get back to the ship."

****

"We suffered a minor hole along the waterline, some hull buckling, and a scorched flight deck. We'll need repairs."

Bowser is in his office talking to the Master on his monitor.

Any casualties?

"A few broken bones, but nothing serious."

I want you to make for Australia if you can. They have the proper facilities to repair your ship. But be careful. There are reports of KH Military submarines in the area.

"I'll have Bengal keep an active watch on the sonar. Over and out."

****

Bowser enters the bridge.

"Mauser, set course for Sydney Australia, we're getting our repairs there."

"Aye sir."

"Bengal, keep a close eye on the sonar."

"Trouble captain?"

"Possibly. I just hope we make it in one piece. I'm starting to subscribe to that sailor's superstition your mentioned Emerald."

to be continued.....