"This is May O'Brien reporting to you live from Caracas, Venezuela. Armed gunmen today siezed several oil fields and 'annexed' them to Columbia. The Venezuelan government is reportedly outraged by this turn of events but can't file an official protest since Columbia's government is undergoing a coup at the moment under the command of self-styled general, Alejandro Xavier. Xavier rose to the position of Columbia's new drug lord after the de-throning of Fransisco Ortega. The world, especially the United States, is watching these developments with great interest, hoping Xavier will not plunge South America into war. Reporting live from Caracas, this is May O'Brien."

In the situation room of the Retriever, Emerald, Bengal, Sultan, Raven and Rajah has just watched the latest report.

"Not good." says Sultan "A war in South America could be a humanitarian disaster."

"And an ecological one." says Bengal

"The U.S. is sending the carrier task force of the Harry Truman to the area." says Rajah. "Our added firepower will help."

"Good. Bengal, have Seamus set a course." says Emerald

"Yes, ma'am."

Hank walks up and hands Sultan a piece of paper.

"This is not good." says Sultan

He hands the paper to Emerald.

"Peru, Brazil and Ecuador are sending troops to their borders with Columbia. Things are heating up in the jungle."

****

"This is May O'Brien reporting from Caracas. It's been confirmed; 'General' Alejandro Xavier has installed himself as the new head of Columbia's government. This morning three Road Rover operatives observing the situation were executed on the charge of spying. In response, the Road Rover aircraft carrier Retriever has anchored off the coast of Panama, which is also sending troops to its border with Columbia. Cooler heads have prevailed in the governments of Central and South America, and have asked the Road Rover organization to handle the affair. The United Nations has hundreds of humanitarian workers on stand-by when this crisis is over. The world waits for Xavier's next move."

****

Retriever pilots briefing room. The pilots from all squadrons are here with Sidewinder and Raven at the head of the room.

"The U.N. has asked us to deal with the situation." says Raven "We are going to launch a preemptive strike against Xavier's forces."

The pilots look and remark to each in shock.

"I know, but it has to be done. Sidewinder?"

"Zev, you will be on the lookout for hostile aircraft; Tailspin, your squad of choppers will be taking out any military vehicles along every border Columbia has. Akira, your squad will take out the airfields and planes; Maverick, your his back-up in case any get in the air."

"We have also gotten reports that several pilots have taken their planes and defected to various Caribbean islands. So Xavier's forces have been weakened somewhat, which will make your jobs much easier. Dismissed!"

Retriever hangar bay, Rika and Kenai's staff are running helter skelter, getting the planes and choppers ready. Rika is waist deep in the bowels of an aircraft while Kenai is carrying a missile on each shoulder. Maverick walks up to Kenai.

"How's my plane coming?"

"Juiced up and armed." says Kenai "I'm on my way to arm one of Akira's planes right now."

Maverick begins to walk away then turns back to Kenai

"Aren't those missile's heavy for you?"

"Are you kidding? These 500 pounders are twigs compared to the things I can lift."

Maverick shares a look with a passing Akira then heads for his plane. Soon all squadrons are in the air.

"This is Watchdog calling Red Dog and Mutt Leaders." says Zev "I've got half a dozen planes headed in your direction."

"Roger that Watchdog." says Akira "Eyes and ears forward crew."

"This is Coffee Leader to unidentifed aircraft, come in."

"Red Dog Leader here, who is this?"

"We are members of Columbia's air force, we wish to offer our help in stopping Xavier. If you want to hit him where it hurts, strike the cocaine fields."

"That's fine if we could find them." says Maverick

"No problem amigo, we know where each one is? Our army is currently headed for Bogata to arrest Xavier. If you senors will follow us we will begin the destruction of all cocaine fields in Columbia."

"Much obliged Coffee Leader." says Akira.

******

"This is May O'Brien reporting live from Caracas, Road Rover forces began a preemptive strike of Xavier's forces today which were cut short when Xavier's own forces turned on him and joined the effort to stop him. The Venezuelan oil fields that were siezed were returned to that country undamaged. Columbia's military forces went through a coup of their own when they descended on Bogata and dozens of cocaine fields. The generals that Xavier put in place have come under house arrest and the sky around Columbia is filled with the fires of burning cocaine plants. Xavier himself was captured nearly an hour ago and is being turned over to Columbian authorities for trial. The crisis is averted and the Retriever has left the area."

*****

Retriever bridge. Emerald walks in at a brisk pace and steps up to Seamus.

"New orders Seamus, maximum speed to the Chukchi Sea. We have to stop an environmental disaster in the making."

"Aye ma'am."

"Bengal, inform Kenai that his help would be appreciated."

"Yes ma'am."

to be continued....