Caribbean Sea. The Retriever, Ruegger and Mills are docked just off Panama, ready to go through the canal. On the fantail of the Retriever, below the main deck, the entire senior staff is gathered, along with Denali, Clementine, Nick and Kestral. They are all in dress uniform.

"Bring him out!" shouts Bowser.

Bengal comes in, his arms shackled with Tex and his first squad behind him, armed with laser rifles. Bowser and Emerald confront Bengal with scowls.

"Mr. Bengal, are you prepared for what you are about to hear?" says Emerald

"I am."

Emerald looks at Bowser, who nods. Emerald takes out a paper and begins reading.

"We the officers and crew of the U.S.S. Retriever, being of sound mind and judgment, hearby declare the following charges. One: the Mr. Bengal did knowingly, and willfully, perform above and beyond the call of duty over many an occasion. Two: and most seriously, has earned the admiration and respect of this entire crew."

Bowser steps up to Bengal with a medal and smiles as Tex undoes his shackles.

"Bengal, I hearby award you with the very first Road Rover Medal of Honor and the future position of first officer when Emerald takes my place as Captain. Congratulations Bengal.

"Thank you sir."

Denali pumps his fist in the air.

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip hip"

"Hooray!!"

"And To the Power of the Pack!" shouts Bowser

All present howl out in triumph.

"Lower the badge of office!" says Emerald.

From the flight deck an old navy cap is lowered over the ocean and a plank moved out. Bengal steps up to the plank and eases himself out on it, all of them shouting encouragment.

"Show 'em what your made of Bengal!"

"Make us all proud, buddy!"

"I know you can do it!"

Bengal tenses, jumps and catches the hat and lands with ease back on the plank. The crew erupts with cheers as Bengal places the hat on his head. Without warning Tex upturns the plank and Bengal falls into the ocean with feline yowl. The crew bursts out in laughter.

"McCoy!" sputters Bengal "I'm gonna get you for that!"

"Sorry buddy!" he shouts down to him, "Its an old naval tradition to get dunked you know!"

"All right everyone back to your station" says Bowser "We're going home!"

As the crew goes back to stations, Tex and Cobalt help Bengal back aboard.

"Texas Oliver McCoy, I cannot believe you did that to him." says Cobalt

Bengal overhears and and starts laughing.

"Your middle name is Oliver? Ha ha ha ha!!"

"Watch it bucktooth, unless you want another dunking!"

Bengal jumps lightly onto the deck and then pushes Tex overboard.

"I think not, Oliver! We're even now!"

Cobalt rolls her eyes and sighs.

"I'm surrounded by children. Come on and help me bring him up."

"No way. He's your husband, you bring him up!"

"Now that is not the right way a future first officer acts!"

Bengal merely upturns his nose at Cobalt and walks away.

****

Bowsers office, Emerald, Denali, Clemetine, Nick and Kestral are here as well.

"Have you heard from Captain Reynolds?" says Denali

"He's been given a desk job in Washington." says Bowser

"I imagine his superiors weren't happy about him losing the Constellation." says Kestral.

"No they weren't." says Bowser "If not for my intervention he'd be in the brig at the moment."

"It was good of you to stand up for him." says Nick

"It was nothing. I know what its like to lose a ship."

"And I hear the Master is going to give us all a commendation for our work helping to rebuild Rabu." says Emerald.

"True."

"Meanwhile, you go on to become the new academy commandant." says Denali. "I know its a little premature, but congratulations Captain Emerald."

"Thank you sir."

"Bandage, Rusty and Winston will be going with me." says Bowser "I'll leave it up to them on who takes their places."

"Captain, Sultan here. I think you better get to the bridge. We've got a complication."

The six of them enter the bridge.

"Report." says Bowser

"About half an hour ago, a task force of twelve KH Military navy ships took up positions surrounding San Diego. From just north of La Jolla to the U.S./Mexico border, they have just put San Diego under a blockade."

"Sir." says Winston "I'm getting a transmission from the flagship of the task force. There's a Commodore Khan wanting to speak to you."

"Put it on."

"Captain Bowser, this is Commodore Khan of the KH Military task force. I am here to accept your unconditional surrender. By order of Supreme General Stalker, you are to be captured and executed for your crimes against the KH Military, your ship sunk and your crew our prisoners. You have 12 hours to comply or we will begin bombardment of the city of San Diego. I await your reply."

"We do not negotiate with terrorists!" growls Bengal

"Agreed!" says Bowser "Captains, I suggest you return to your ships. Have Sidewinder report to my office immedately. Khan is going to regret he ever heard of me."

to be continued......