STRAYERS: "The Trailing Beast: Dark Lies and Truths of the Past" Story by Ricky Galahad FIRST ROUGH DRAFT November 15, 1997 SECOND ROUGH DRAFT March 9, 1998 Road Rovers characters, names, situations, and the Road Rover Universe are the property of Warner Bros. In no way is this script connected to Warner Bros. in any way, shape or form. Strayer's characters, names, situations, and the Strayer universe are Copyright 1996-1997 by Steven Today (sftoday@netwave.net). All rights reserved. Story contents, characters, names, situations and anything else associated with Ricky Gallant of his universe are Copyright 1997-1998 by Ricky Galahad. All rights reserved (I don't know why I put this in, but everyone else was doing it). Any constructive (or the other type) comments can be sent to . (Confession: It's my first story, and I'm desperate for feedback so I can make the next one better). This document may not be publicized or reproduced in any way, shape, or form. It must remain fully intact and not be altered in any way. It is strictly used for not- for-profit entertainment purposes and is not intended to infringe on any Copyrights. Neither is it intended to be a desperate cry for help or companionship, contrary to popular belief. ...stand by for ludicrous speed... "The Trailing Beast: Dark Lies and Truths of the Past" FADE IN EXTERIOR: DESERT - OPEN LANDSCAPE There are some cacti scattered along the ground, but not much else. The title "The Trailing Beast: Dark Lies and Truths of the Past" centers in the middle of the screen against a blue sky. During the time it fades, the view moves to the left and pure sunlight fills the screen. As the light slowly diminishes, a tiny panorama of the Sonic Rover (from "A Day in the Life") can be seen, zooming in from the upper left corner of the sky. The Sonic Rover increases in size as it approaches, zooms overhead, and then starts to shrink again as it flies off to the right. There is a sustained picture of the back of the Sonic Rover as it reduces in size, then disappears off screen. EXTERIOR: SONIC ROVER - SKY The angle is now from the right side of the jet. It follows the view of the Sonic Rover for a brief moment, then slowly pans inward. INTERIOR: SONIC ROVER - COCKPIT The scene moves from left to right, surveying the compartment. We see a strange dog asleep in a corner, curled up in the usual canine manner. Hunter, a Golden Retriever Cano-Sapien (having human bodies with canine heads, tails, fur, etc.) is at the controls of the Sonic Rover. On his right is Huntress. She is another Golden Retriever in Cano-Sapien form, but is considerably smaller than Hunter. Both are wearing the typical Road Rover uniforms, blue suits encased with silver plates in a way that resembles armor. The red area around the waist contains the Road Rover symbol, a golden "R" that has extensions near the top similar to a wave. Silver boots and red collars with golden circular tags complete their ensembles. Huntress looks to her left at Hunter. He is gazing around the cockpit suspiciously. Huntress becomes worried. HUNTERESS (WHISPER, AMERICAN ACCENT) What's wrong? HUNTER (SUSPICIOUS, AMERICAN ACCENT) I just feel like we're being "read about" right now. Huntress gazes purposefully around them, then glances back to Hunter with a confused look on her face. HUNTRESS (UNSETTLED) Uh. don't you mean you feel like we're being "watched"? Hunter focuses his attention to Huntress when she says this. He thinks for a brief instant before replying. HUNTER (DEFENSIVE) No. Why would I say that? Hunter's response catches her by surprise. She sits wide-eyed as ponders how to answer him. HUNTRESS (WARY) Well it's just- Hunter looks up. HUNTER (YELLING) Whoever's out there, STOP READING MY MIND! Huntress stares at him, shocked. Hunter lowers his head and returns his attention to flying the Sonic Rover. He's completely out of breath. She takes her eyes off him, but keeps the startled expression on her face. HUNTRESS (ASTONISHED) O...kay. That was definitely worth a few hours of therapy. Huntress takes a brief glimpse back at Hunter, then looks forward again. HUNTRESS (AGITATED) Perhaps for me. HUNTER (SERIOUS) Put a leash on it sis. We already used up our free time, remember? Huntress turns away from Hunter with a smirk on her face. HUNTRESS (DISTURBED) Right. Of course. Huntress lets out a deep breath. She then puts her elbows on the dashboard in front of her, and begins rubbing her temples in a circular motion with her middle and index fingers. She closes her eyes. HUNTRESS (MEDITATING) I was switched a birth... I was switched at birth... HUNTER (CHEERFUL) Sorry, but I already asked. We're related. Huntress stops rubbing her head and opens her eyes. She lets head slip into the palms of her hands. HUNTRESS (GLUM) Great. HUNTER (POSITIVE) I know. It is isn't it? Huntress lets her hands fall in her lap, and looks to the left out the window. After a few moments, she utters something. HUNTRESS (UPBEAT) Anyway, it was good to see mom again wasn't it? Hunter sighs, keeping his head facing forward. HUNTER (MELANCHOLY) Yeah. She's seems to have gotten over what happened pretty well. I'm glad Master allowed us to install surveillance cameras around the farm. There's no telling if those dogs might try to return. HUNTRESS (REASSURING) We did a security sweep of the area. There wasn't a trace of anything for miles. They must have moved on. I doubt they want another dose of what they got before. HUNTER (DEJECTED) True enough. Still, I wish there were a way we could know for sure that mom would be okay. I can't help feeling it was pure luck that Ricky was there when he was. I don't even want to think about how things might have turned out differently if he hadn't been there to save her. Hunter lowers his head, on the verge of tears. Huntress allows herself to collect her thoughts by taking a quick peek out the window. She then returns her attention to Hunter. HUNTRESS (COMFORTING) I know. I've thought about it too. But you shouldn't beat yourself up over it. There are things in this life that we just can't control. You've been a Road Rover for a lot longer than I have. You knew it would be a demanding job, but you made the sacrifices anyway. No one expects you to be everywhere at once. What could you possibly do, stay on the farm twenty-four hours a day? No. The Rovers need you too much. The only reasonable thing any of us can do is try the best we can, and trust that things will work out for the best in the end. We're only human. Huntress suddenly becomes disconcerted; wondering if what she just said made any sense. She casts her eyes back to Hunter, who still has his head down. As if just needing to hear some words of encouragement, he lifts his head up and instantly smiles at her. HUNTER (APPRECIATIVE) You're absolutely right. Thanks. You know, you're a lot smarter than you let on. Huntress grins sheepishly. Hunter gets a mischievous look on his face. HUNTER (JOVIAL) On the other hand you like Blitz, so I could be wrong. Huntress loses her smile. HUNTRESS (ANGRY) Don't even go there Hunter! Huntress folds her arms and pouts. Hunter just laughs. This causes Ricky to stir, moaning slightly. Hunter hears this and stops. Both of them look back at the dog relaxing at the rear of the cockpit. HUNTRESS (APPREHENSIVE) Better keep the noise to a minimal so he can get some rest. Ricky's just recovering from his injuries. Hunter nods, his focus returning to the sky in front of him. After a few moments his eyes move back to Huntress, and he sees her staring at Ricky. He smiles to himself, deciding not to say anything. She turns back around and looks out the windshield, silent. A significant amount of time passes before she turns to Hunter. HUNTRESS (CONFUSED) Why are we bringing Ricky back to Road Rover headquarters? I know everyone wanted to meet him because he saved mom and all, but they could have just come out to the farm with us. Master rarely lets anyone but Rovers and Strayers into Mission Control. Huntress gapes at Hunter with puzzlement written all over her face. At first he doesn't respond, choosing instead to look down and fiddle with the control panel. He then lifts his head and sighs again, but doesn't turn to face her. He swallows, hesitant. There is a dead silence. Hunter rotates his head slightly and glances at her from the corner of his eye. She is giving him a pleading appearance. Finally he gives in. HUNTER (HONEST) I was hoping you would find out from the Master himself, but I guess I can tell you now. There is another reason we're bringing Ricky back with us. With the Strayers temporarily off duty because of Rabid and Nitro's wedding, Master felt it was time to start looking for new recruits. Ricky has already shown his bravery and skill by fighting off that pack of rogue dogs that attacked mom, so we're hoping that his abilities will be enhanced once he is transdogmafied. Hunter rotates his head back toward the control panel in front of him. Huntress, surprised, sits dumbfounded. Finally she snaps out of it and looks to Hunter again. HUNTRESS (GIDDY) Really? Wow. So is he going to be a Rover, a Strayer, what? Oh I know! He's going to be second in command in my new unit right? Hunter turns and looks at her whimsically, shaking his head side to side. He chuckles a little as he responds to Huntress' question. HUNTER (BLUNT) Actually we're not sure who he's going to join right now. There really aren't any openings in Rabid's unit, and we already have more than enough Road Rovers. But Master wanted him, and that's that. I suppose it never hurts to have a few replacements on hand, in case the unthinkable happens to one of us. Hunter tries to act indifferently, but his eyes give him away. Huntresses smile fades, not knowing what to say. She turns away, starts to say something, but stops herself. She then focuses her thoughts on the cabin floor, quiet. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE The area is a desert landscape, containing a few cactuses and a large crater. A few dead leaves are being blown about, and several tumbleweeds are rolling across the dusty vista. As the Sonic Rover approaches the crater, a large concealed door opens from the side of it and the jet zooms in. The secret door quickly closes behind them. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS Contained within the cavern are several large, yellow, illuminated structures shaped like fire hydrants. Thin beams of sunlight can be seen shining in from above, hitting the earth below. Several large, clear plastic tubes intertwine around the buildings, connecting to them at several places. There are no visible entrances to the tubes, as the conduits extend out until they are lost in the surrounding cavern walls. This is the center of operations for the Road Rovers. It contains the transdogmafiers, which allow them to transform between regular dogs and Cano-Sapiens, and the briefing room where they receive instructions on all their missions. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MISSION STAGING AREA The room contains several florescent lights, but is still dimly lit. There is a large circular hatch in the ceiling, and a large sliding door off to the side. The sliding door is the only visible exit from the chamber. Placed around the room are the rest of the Road Rover vehicles, including the Cave Rover (from "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie") and the Sub Rover (from "Storm in the Pacific"). The room also contains two Strayer vehicles, the Cyclborg and Sylvia. The Cyclborg is a sleek and high tech jet-black motorcycle. More than just a machine, Cyc has a living cybernetic brain that allows it to display emotions and think for itself. Containing living tissue, not just metal, Cyc can morph into several different things depending on the need. Its electronic matrix can receive updates and upgrades directly from Mission Control, including information such as mission instructions. It has several closed compartments for storage, and a video screen that can not only display pictures, but electronic maps as well. On the fuel tank and handlebars are several buttons, switches and dials. On the side of it is a large symbol of the Strayers: a red horse with glowing eyes, galloping down a highway. Developed and distributed to all Strayer units, this particular one belongs to the Grizzlies. The license plate on the back simply reads "BEAR". Sylvia is an ordinary looking full size pickup truck on the outside, but the interior is very high tech. She has a winch on the front, and large fog lamps on the roof and bumper. There is also a roll bar behind the cab. Sylvia's license plate reads "Buoy 1". The Sonic Rover has just landed, and the door to it is open. Hunter and Huntress have already stepped out, and are making their way to the sliding door. Ricky is following close behind them, sniffing vigorously as he goes. They soon disappear out the door, which closes behind them. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM This is a large room with many viewing screens set into the walls. There is a balcony protruding from one of the walls, but it is currently empty. In the center of the room is a large oval table with many chairs encircling it. Several Strayers and Road Rovers have already gathered in the room. Prowler sits leaning back in one of the chairs, his arms in his lap and his fingers together. He is twiddling his thumbs. His legs are extended and crossed, right foot over the left, and placed gently on the table in front of him. Dixie is standing directly behind Prowler, her arms crossed in front of her with an impatient look on her face. Colleen, Exile, Blitz, and Shag are in a line in front of the balcony, talking casually to each other. Cleo and Ramses are standing in the corner to the left of Prowler, on the opposite end of the room from the viewing screens. Sheba is resting on Ramses' right arm. Cleo and Ramses are deep in conversation. Outlaw, Star and Silver are standing near the door to the right of Prowler. They form a triangle but aren't looking or talking to each other. They all have bored looks on their faces. Prowler is a male German Shepherd Cano-Sapien who stands at 5'8" tall, and has brown eyes. He is wearing blue jeans, black boots, a green vest and a black bandanna on his forehead. Dixie is a female Cocker Spaniel Cano-Sapien who is an even 5 feet high. She is white and incredibly beautiful. All her clothes have the Strayer symbol on it. Colleen is a female Collie Cano-Sapien. She has long brown hair that goes down to the base of her back. The end of her hair is white. Exile is a male Siberian Husky Cano-Sapien. He has blue fur except around his face, which is white. Blitz is a male Doberman Cano-Sapien. He is completely dark brown except under his muzzle and down his neck, which is a lighter brown. Colleen, Exile, and Blitz are all wearing Road Rover uniforms. Shag is a Sheepdog Cano-Sapien, but retains the outward appearance of a regular dog. Cleo is a female Saluki Cano-Sapien with black hair and brown fur. Any white she had is now gray from age. She stands a 6'2" and is also wearing a Road Rover uniform. Around her neck is an amulet, a red gem with a carving of a howling Jackal on it. A chain suspends it. Ramses is a male 6'2" Saluki Cano-Sapien. He has black fur with white highlights that have turned gray from age. His eyes are yellow green. He is wearing a gray jumpsuit with short sleeves that bear the Road Rover symbol. In his left hand is a wooden staff that is six and a half feet long. Sheba is large golden eagle weighing 20 pounds and having a wingspan of 13 feet. She has green eyes. Outlaw is a male mongrel of many different breeds. He is a Cano-Sapien with reddish fur and is wearing a white shirt, a black leather jacket, blue jeans and cowboy boots. Around his waist is a gun belt for his laser pistol. Star is a female German Shepherd Cano-Sapien whose left ear is limp. She is black and tan in color and has brown eyes. Her uniform displays the Road Rover mark. Silver is a female Wolf-Sapien with a black diamond on her forehead. Next to the diamond are two thick black horizontally curved lines. She has blue eyes and is wearing short shorts and a short, white cutoff shirt with the Road Rover symbol on it. STAR (SARCASTIC, AMERICAN ACCENT) The writer's an idiot if he thinks the reader is going to remember what everyone looks like. Everyone turns to Star, confused. She looks around the room and sees everyone staring at her. She folds her arms in front of her and rolls her eyes. STAR (ANNOYED) Never mind. Everyone returns to what they were doing before. A few moments later, Muzzle walks in from the door on the right and stops next to Shag. He is followed shortly by Amani and Puffball. They walk in and stop next to the table in the middle, to the right of Prowler. Muzzle is a male Rottweiler with a metal muzzle over his face. He is just a normal dog, not a Cano-Sapien. Amani is a young Native American female with long black hair. She is wearing a black jumpsuit, leather boots, and gloves. They all bear the Strayer symbol. She is also wearing a headband, bracelet and belt of Indian design. Puffball is a female Burmese cat in Felo-Mutant form. PROWLER (BORED, AMERICAN ACCENT) It's about time you guys got here. I've been waiting for twenty minutes. We can get started now that... Prowler looks around the room, and notices everyone is not present. He grunts. PROWLER (ANNOYED) Oh jeez, are they still not here yet? I swear, ever since they got engaged they're always late for everything. And the way they always gawk at each other makes me want to puke. He leans back in his chair again and sulks, mumbling something under his breath. Dixie, irritated, looks down at him. DIXIE (PERTURBED, SOUTHERN ACCENT) Just put a cork in it Prowler. You're just upset because Nitro picked Bear over you. I know you were happy when you heard he got turned into a mutant wolf. You thought Nitro would dump Bear just because his appearance had changed, and that she'd come running to you. Fortunately we are not all as shallow as you are. Nitro will always love Bear, regardless of what form he is in. You may see Bear as the mutant wolf Rabid, but all Nitro sees is the dog she fell in love with. Bear is her life, her soul, her universe, and Nitro is his. Nothing will ever change that, so you're just going to have to accept it. Dixie turns away, about to cry. Prowler turns his head to look at her, irate. When he sees the state that Dixie is in however, he smiles. PROWLER (SMUG) Looks like it is a certain Cocker Spaniel that's actually not over being dumped. Dixie looks back at him and growls. Prowler loses his grin and sneers at her. Soon he is on his feet. Everyone in the room has now turned to look at them. They are about to face off when Ramses intervenes. RAMSES (MAD, EGYPTIAN ACCENT) Hey knock it off! You two are always at each other's throats. Save it for after the meeting. PROWLER (ANGRY) Why don't you mind your own business? You're not my keeper. CLEO (CALM, EGYPTIAN ACCENT) No. Ramses is right. Whatever problems you and Dixie are having should be taken outside. PROWLER (DEFENSIVE) Tell that to her! She's the one always up in my face! DIXIE (AGGRAVATED) That's because you have a big mouth! You always complain about everything and I'm sick of it! Prowler is about to speak again when he notices Rabid and Nitro walk into the room, hand in hand. They are quietly talking to each other and smiling, looking lovingly into each other's eyes. Rabid is a male Wolf- Mutant (like a Wolf-Sapien, but much bigger) with red fur. His feet are highlighted with black hair, and there is a large white patch on his stomach. His left eye is blue, and his right eye is green. He is wearing fingerless gloves, a vest, shorts and boots made of a rubbery/metallic material that can deflect bullets. They are all oversized to fit him in his larger form. Nitro is a female Wolf-Sapien that stands at 5'8" tall. She has gray fur with white paws and a white stripe from her neck, down her belly and to her tail. She has a thick black mane with a white strip down the middle of it, and the ends are also white. She has blue-green eyes. She is wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt with the Strayer symbol on it, and black boots. Around her wrist is a small, studded dog collar. PROWLER (RIDICULING) Well look who finally decided to show up for the meeting! A half-hour late I might add. Both Rabid and Nitro stop talking and look at Prowler. RABID (UNRUFFLED, AMERICAN ACCENT) Did the meeting start already? PROWLER (BLUNT) Well... uh... no. But- RABID (SMUG) Well then we're not really late are we? Both Rabid and Nitro smile. Prowler is about to explode. He looks around and everyone is staring at him. PROWLER (FURIOUS) WHAT! What is everyone looking at!?! That's it, I am sick of all of you! Prowler turns and storms out of the room. Everyone watches him go, not sure what to say. Nitro turns and looks at Dixie. NITRO (PEACEFUL, AMERICAN ACCENT) What's with Prowler? Dixie smiles. DIXIE (INNOCENT) I have no idea. Cleo and Ramses just look at Dixie and shake their heads. After a few seconds, everyone is talking as they were before. Dixie has gone over to where Star, Silver and Outlaw are standing, and they are all talking together. Rabid and Nitro are standing a few feet in front of the left door, where they entered. Amani and Puffball have both gone over to where Rabid and Nitro are, and they are also talking. The Road Rovers are as they were before. Suddenly the Master walks in from door behind the balcony, and they all grow quiet. Everyone in the room turns to face him as he moves to the railing at the edge of the tier. The Master is bathed in pure white light, making it difficult to make out his physical features. We can see he has long gray hair, and is wearing a white suit. His eyes are glowing. MASTER (FORMAL, AMERICAN ACCENT) Hello everyone. I apologize for being late, but Ricky's wasn't too eager to get into the transdogmafier. Everyone looks at the Master, not sure what he is talking about. MASTER (THOUGHFUL) I should probably explain. I didn't bring Ricky to Road Rover Mission Control just so you guys could meet him. While he did save Hunter and Huntress' mother, that isn't enough to constitute a visit. You see, the real reason I agreed to let Ricky come here was that I am hoping to add him to our ranks. With the Strayers temporarily off duty because of Rabid and Nitro's engagement, I felt the Rover's could use some new recruits in case another crisis arises. As far as we know, the Eliminator is still at large and thus a threat. Parvo and the Groomer have escaped recently, and are also unaccounted for, so we need to be prepared in case either of them surfaces again. COLLEEN (INTERESTED, THICK BRITISH ACCENT) Who's unit will he be in Master? MASTER (BLUNT) That has yet to be determined. Although the Grizzlies are two members short without Rabid and Nitro, we're not sure if that is really where he belongs. Besides which, putting him with them would create a number problem once the wedding and honeymoon are over. First however, he needs to train just like everyone else did before they became Rovers and Strayers. You are already aware of the circumstances that brought Ricky to our attention. We are hoping that he has enough raw skill to speed up the indoctrination process. It will be Colleen's job to take him through the advanced drills, since she is our most skilled fighter. Colleen smiles at the compliment, but doesn't say anything. MASTER (BLUNT) After which I want Exile to guide him through the use of all the Road Rover equipment, including the vehicles, weapons, and special devices. With any luck it will only take a month or two for Ricky to learn how to use all of them. Once he complete that, I'm was hoping Rabid would give him an introduction to the Strayers equipment. Voices can be heard coming down the hall. Everyone turns to face the door on the left. MASTER (WHISPER, MERRY) One more thing Exile. Make sure driving and flying lessons are part of Ricky's training. Maybe we can even get Hunter and Colleen to join him. Everyone laughs but Colleen, who glares at the Master before returning her attention to the door. After a few moments Huntress and Professor Hubert enter, talking to each other. Hubert is a male Bloodhound Cano- Sapien wearing a white lab coat and glasses. He also has a red bow tie around his neck. They walk in a few feet before they notice everyone is looking at them. They stop and look around nervously. HUBERT (UNCOMFORTABLE, AMERICAN ACCENT) What is it? You're not staring at my nose are you? Look, I'm a bloodhound so I d- MASTER (HONEST) Actually Professor we thought you we're bringing Ricky in with you. Where is he? HUBERT (EMBARRASSED) Oh. Well he and Hunter should be here shortly. HUNTRESS (INFORMATIVE) After Ricky was transdogmafied, Hunter wanted to have a talk with him before he brought him in to meet everyone. MASTER (CURIOUS) Has being a Cano-Sapien enhanced any of his abilities Professor? HUBERT (HONEST) Actually we haven't had time to run any tests yet, so I can't say anything for sure. Judging from initial reactions however, I would have to say that while his senses are not super-powered, they are extraordinary. He helped me find the chew toy I lost last month. Turned out it fell into the trash compactor. I loved that chew toy! Hubert looks like he is about to cry. MASTER (UNEASY) Uh, thank you Professor. So when do- HUBERT (HYSTERICAL) Why? Why? Why? MASTER (ASSERTIVE) Professor please! Hubert glances upward, seeing everyone staring at him. He calms down and wipes his glasses with part of his coat. MASTER (STERN) So how long do you believe it will take to get him ready for action? HUBERT (THINKING) Well he seems quite knowledgeable about the things around him, and he is adjusting well to being in his new form. I would say he can be ready in five to six weeks if all goes well. Advanced training may take two or three months at the most. MASTER (CONCERNED) Has the satellite picked up any activity yet? HUBERT (CANDID) As of this moment nothing is showing up on sensors. I was about to head to war room to check for readings again. MASTER (CONTENT) Very well professor, you may go. Hubert leaves and everyone begins to chat again. Soon however, Hunter can be heard down the hall and everyone turns once more to the door. Hunter enters talking to Ricky, who is on his right. Ricky is a male Cano/Wolf-Sapien wearing a Road Rover uniform without the insignia. He is an unusual cross between a Grey Wolf, Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky. Over his uniform, he is wearing a black polyester sport's jacket with nylon lining. There are two yellow stripes in the nylon encircling Ricky's wrists. He is an even six feet tall with bluish-green emerald eyes and floppy ears similar to Hunter's and Colleen's. His fur is a light azure with hints of gray, except his muzzle which is a milky alabaster similar to Exile's. His palms and soles of his feet are also white and his nose is a light stygian (black) hue. His build is similar to Exile's, but his face and other physical features resembles that of a wolf, not a husky. Around his neck, suspended by a black shoelace-type thread, is a small, polished wood cross. HUNTER (EXCITED) Hey everyone! I want you to meet the... uh... well he's... uh... Hunter thinks for a moment, searching for the right description. Finally he decides on one. HUNTER (HAPPY) The CANINE that saved my mom's life, and a future... Hunter is again stumped. HUNTER (REFLECTING) ...something or other. This is Ricky Gallant. Ricky looks attentively around the room, smiling at everyone. Suddenly however, his eyes meet with Blitz's. The smile disappears instantly as the Doberman's cold eyes lock onto his. Blitz quickly storms out of the room much to everyone's surprise. Ricky is about to go after Blitz, but is detained by Hunter who starts introducing him to everyone. As the Rover's and Strayers start to approach Ricky to greet him, Hunter sees something very peculiar. Much in the way Huntress was staring at Ricky back on the Sonic Rover, he noticed a lot of the ladies are staring at him now. Colleen, Nitro, Cleo, Star, Silver and Dixie are all gathered around Ricky with everyone else, but they are just looking at him, not saying anything. Puffball and Amani however, are not effected. AMANI (AMIABLE, SLIGHT NATIVE AMERICAN ACCENT) So your Ricky huh? Nice to meet you. RABID (HONEST) So how does it feel to be a hero? RICKY (EMBARRASED, AMERICAN ACCENT) Well I don't know if... EXILE (UNRESERVED, THICK RUSSIAN ACCENT) Actually I agree with comrade Rabid. Thanking goodness you were there in the nick of timeski. Just like how Jon Bon Jovi has to save cow so he can jump over moon at end of picture. RICKY (CONFUSED) Uh, okay. Cool. All the guys but Ricky and Exile look at each other and laugh. Hunter goes over to Exile and leans over to his ear. HUNTER (WHISPER, AMUSED) Uh... it's supposed to be John Wayne saving a woman, and they ride off into the sunset. EXILE (PUZZLED) John Wayne? Never heard of him. Hunter and the rest all laugh again. Outlaw shakes his head. OUTLAW (CHUCKLING, AMERICAN ACCENT) What Exile is trying to say is that if you hadn't been there when Hunter's mom was attacked, she could have been seriously hurt or killed. I heard there was about five or six of them. Being immortal, those kinds of odds are nothing to me, but it must have been terrifying for you. How did you overcome your fear? Ricky is starting to turn red, but no one can tell under his fur. RICKY (MODEST) Philippians 4:13, I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. Rabid and Exile both smile when Ricky says this. Amani rolls her eyes. AMANI (ANNOYED) Oh no. Hey Nitro, looks like we got another one on our hands. What do you think? Nitro? Nitro? Amani looks at Nitro his is standing next to Rabid, still staring at Ricky. Rabid sees this and frowns. For the first time, they notice that Ricky is getting a lot of stares. Rabid nudges Nitro with his elbow. NITRO (DAZED) Oh. Hello I'm... uh... um... Nitro finally takes her eyes of Ricky and looks as Rabid, who is quite distraught. NITRO (BLUNT) Engaged. Amani starts to laugh, but manages to hold it in. AMANI (PLEASED) Ricky this is Nitro. And the other five ladies staring at you are Colleen, Cleo, Star, Silver and Dixie. It is up to you to figure out which one is which. Hey! This snaps all them out of what can only be described as a trance-like state. They are all embarrassed as everyone else tells them what happened. Everyone but those six laugh, except the Master who just smiles. MASTER (SERIOUS) That's enough everyone. Ricky needs his rest because he begins his training tomorrow. Silver can show Ricky to his room, since it is right next to hers. Good night everyone. The Master turns and leaves. The Rovers all exit, including Muzzle who seems to be oblivious of what just took place. Rabid and Nitro leave together, but they are not talking. Cleo, Ramses and Sheba follow Rabid and Nitro, with Cleo having a very funny look on her face. Outlaw, Dixie and Star exit through the door on the right. Finally Ricky follows Silver out the door on the left, leaving Amani and Puffball in the briefing room alone. PUFFBALL (INQUISITIVE, BROKEN ENGLISH) Why everyone stare at Ricky? AMANI (ENTERTAINED) I honestly couldn't tell you. I think Hubbie is much cuter. Puffball, still confused, slowly follows Amani out as she turns off the light. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR This is like any other hallway in the complex. Silver is going through first, followed by Ricky. SILVER (PERPLEXED, AMERICAN ACCENT) How could you possibly have known that bible verse? RICKY (LOST) What do you mean? SILVER (SINCERE) Well there aren't any books in the woods the last time I checked. RICKY (UNEASY) Oh. Actually I heard it a long time ago, before I came to America. SILVER (CURIOUS) You're not from around here? I thought you lived in the woods before you found the farm. RICKY (CONFUSED) How did you know that? SILVER (PLEASED) Let's just say that Huntress has been talking about you a lot. Ricky is slightly irritated, but soon recovers. RICKY (BLUNT) The truth is I have only been in the United States for a year. I spent my first year and a half in Germany before coming over in an American cargo ship. I spent many months at sea, and was befriended by one of the crewmembers on board. He would often read to me from his Bible. He was such a nice person compared to any other human I had ever met, and I wanted to know why. So I decided to actually listen to what he was reading to me. Naturally I couldn't speak yet, but in my heart I had already accepted Christ into my life. Silver stops for a minute, amazed. She thinks about his explanation, and turns to face him. SILVER (UNCERTAIN) If you came over here from Germany, how come you don't have an accent? RICKY (HONEST) Because I wasn't born there. When I was very little, I lived on a farm in Wyoming. My original owner then sold me to a German gentleman. He eventually brought me home with him. When I got to Germany, I picked up very little of the language. The time I spent on the ship and in the woods virtually eliminated any accent I might have had. SILVER (BLUNT) So the reason you were in Wyoming was to find your original owner? RICKY (CURT) Not entirely. It was pure luck I happened to be on an American ship. Once it landed in New Mexico, and realized I was in the U.S. again, that is when I start thinking about finding the farm. SILVER (PERSISTENT) Why did you leave Germany anyway? RICKY (DEFENSIVE) I would rather not talk about that right now. SILVER (EMBARRASSED) I'm sorry. I shouldn't be prying. I know only too well what it is like to have things in your past you don't want revealed. It is like a trailing beast, never beaten only stalled by a truce. RICKY (APOLOGETIC) It's all right. I really shouldn't be snapping at you, but it is just too painful for me to talk about right now. Until I get it straightened out, I think it is best no one knows. Silver smiles, relieved. They start walking again, in silence. Finally they pass by Silver's quarters, and come to Ricky's. The door is set into the wall with a piece of paper taped to the front. On it in big scribbled letters is the name "Ricky". As they approach, the tape gives away and the paper falls to the floor. Under it there is another sign that says "Supply Room". Silver starts to giggle, but Ricky is a little disturbed. SILVER (TICKLED) Well... uh... here it is. There wasn't enough time to build another room. The Master said you should get new quarters in a week or two. RICKY (ANNOYED) Thanks. Silver walks up to the door and uses a key to open it. She then hands it to Ricky. They both walk in the room and look around. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RICKY'S QUARTER'S (SUPPLY CLOSET) The room contains many of the same things that a human's: a bed, a desk, etc. The room itself however, needless to say, looks like a supply room. The bathroom, a separate extension from the room itself, is the only thing that makes it look like a bedroom. Ricky stops, actually not too bummed, and turns to Silver. RICKY (PREOCCUPIED) Well I should probably get my sleep. Thanks for walking me over here. I'll see you tomorrow. Silver is staring at Ricky again. RICKY (LOST) Is something wrong? Silver quickly recovers and looks away. SILVER (NERVOUS) No. It's just that... besides Rabid, you're the first male wolf I have seen since I have been here. And Rabid isn't exactly. natural. RICKY (HONEST) Actually I am only half wolf. Silver doesn't respond to him. Instead she just turns and exits the room, leaving Ricky a bit flabbergasted. SILVER (UNEASY) Well, goodnight. Silver walks out, closing the door behind her. Ricky is not sure what to think. He turns and goes into the bathroom. After a little experimentation, he finally figures out how things work. He comes out and hour later wearing a pair of pajamas Hunter gave him. They are white and very comfortable. He walks over to the bed and sits down. As he is about to turn off the light however, he looks up at the door. RICKY (BLUNT) It's open. The doorknob turns and Prowler steps in, wearing the same clothes he was before. PROWLER (CONFUSED) How did you know I was outside? RICKY (HONEST) I could hear you, and smell you. You really need to shower. By the way, I don't believe we've met. Ricky holds out his hand, but Prowler ignores it. PROWLER (ARROGANT) Just call me Prowler. But that's not important. I was outside the briefing room when you came in, and I saw everything that happened. So what's your secret? RICKY (UNSURE) What are you talking about? PROWLER (SLY) Just that you're living every male's dream. I saw the way they we're looking at you. I'll bet you can get any female you want. That is what interests me. I could use someone with your ability. Prowler is grinning from ear to ear, but Ricky is very upset. When he turns to him, Ricky is growling and Prowler is taken aback. PROWLER (SHOCKED) What? What did I say wrong? RICKY (ANGRY) Everything. At this, Prowler starts to back away toward the door. PROWLER (PANICKED) Oh come on. It must great to have broads eating out of your hands like that. Don't tell me you don't like it. If I had your ability, I would be the happiest dog on the planet. RICKY (INFURIATED) Well it's not! I'm not blind you know! I know the effect I can have on people. But regarding it being great, it's the farthest thing from it! Prowler is now in the doorway, unable to come up with anything to say. Footsteps can be heard coming down the hall. RICKY (INFURIATED) You don't know anything! When I was young, I thought it was the greatest thing in the world too. But as I grew older, I learned of all the trouble and pain it can cause. I lost my best friend because of this so- called "gift"! Prowler is now quivering in the hallway. On his left and right are the Rovers and the Strayers, confused about what exactly is going on. Ricky is now situated in the doorway. RICKY (INFURIATED) I have known a lot of females in my life, and most of them did find me attractive. The problem is, none of them could ever get over it! None of them ever got to know the real me, the one within this body. That is why I have always felt so alone. Not a single one of them truly loved me. What they loved was my appearance. Being treated like a piece of meat is pure hell! All the Rovers and Strayers are now looking around with guilty looks on their faces. Ricky is about to explode. RICKY (ENRAGED) So Prowler, if you ever find a way for us to switch places, give me a call! I would trade with you in a second just for the chance to be like everyone else. You make me want to puke! Ricky slams the door in Prowlers face. Everyone stands around, unsure of what to do. Finally they all turn and glare at Prowler. PROWLER (DEFENSIVE) I suppose you're all going to blame this on me. All shake their heads and start to walk back to their rooms. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - BARNYARD The wind is blowing in, rustling the brown and yellow leaves scattered on the dirt ground. The branches on the trees are being whipped about. There is a brown and red barnyard in the distance. In front of the barn are two Caucasian men standing next to a blue, beat up pickup truck. One is an older man, dressed in overalls and wearing a yellow hat. The other is a younger gentleman, wearing a gray suit and red tie. Off to the side is a sleek black Mercedes. Both start to walk toward the barn. YOUNG MAN (STERN, AMERICAN ACCENT) So have you been giving any of the dogs injections of the serum I gave you? The older man nods. OLD MAN (BLUNT, SLIGHT COUNTRY ACCENT) Yep. But not mine. I wanted to test it out first, so I've been givin' it to them pack of dogs we caught about a week ago near the border to Wyoming. YOUNG MAN (BLUNT) So have you put any of them in the ring yet? OLD MAN (EXCITED) Yep. All of them. So far them dogs have won every match. It's almost like they got no fear any more. They're aggressive. Real aggressive. But more than that, it's almost like they're even thinkin'. If they weren't just dogs, I'd even say they became smarter. YOUNG MAN (PROUD) Excellent. You will receive you payment when we get the dogs. OLD MAN (BLUNT) Okay, sure. I got em' in cages out back. Only thing `bout it is that they can't really be controlled very well. Couple days ago that Burmese Mountain Dog went off in the ring and killed the other dog before I could get `em back on the leash and calm `em down. Had to pay the owner for it. YOUNG MAN (STERN) I assure you that that cost will be added to your fee. Can you get the dogs now? The old man nods his head and walks back behind the barn. The young man pulls out a cellular phone from inside his suit pocket and dials a number. He puts it to his ear. YOUNG MAN (BLUNT) Hello? Who is this? Groomer? Its Jeffery Otitus, let me speak to Parvo. What? Just tell him the new experimental drug he wanted me to test is a success. Side effects? There are none. Tell him that the dogs are ready for the Cano-Mutator. Yes. Excuse me? Well why isn't it ready? What do you mean you're still working out the bugs? I had the prototype done before I left to test the serum! All the general had to do was latch it onto the back of the vehicle and it would have been an instant mobile Cano-Mutator. They dropped it? I should have known. Jeffrey pulls the phone away from his face and shakes his head. He the returns it to its original position. JEFFREY (FLUSTERED) Yes. I'm still here. He wants ME to hold onto the dogs until you fix it? But these dogs are dangerous! How long is it going to take? TWO MONTHS! You've got to be kidding me! Oh no, I would never refuse Parvo's command. Yes I'll do it. Jeffrey out. Jeffery presses a button and shoves the phone back in his suit pocket, disgusted. He turns and sees the old man returning with one cage. In it is the Burmese Mountain Dog. It has black fur except at the ankles, which are light brown, the paws, which are white, and the muzzle. The muzzle is white in front and brown around the jaw. OLD MAN (EXCITED) This is the dog I was telling you about. When we caught that pack the first time, he appeared be the leader. Because of what he did in the ring, we don't let him out of his cage when he's not fighting. The dog looks at Jeffrey and starts to growl. Jeffrey begins to back off from the cage. JEFFREY (NERVOUS) Uh. Great. Just go and get the rest of them okay? The old man nods and leaves again. Jeffrey leans against his car, making no sudden movements. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE The sun can be seen peeking over the horizon. A small rabbit can be seen darting into a hole. Two tumbleweeds roll across the ground. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS A small beam of light shines though the crack in the cavern ceiling, as it typically does. A few tiny birds and soft soothing music can be heard, much like as in "A Day in the Life". INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - KITCHEN This a huge modern kitchen with all the gadgets. There are sinks, stoves, cabinets, tables, chairs, refrigerators, and so on. Sitting alone in a chair is Blitz, sipping on a delicious peppermint milkshake. He has a very gloomy look on his face. Ricky walks in and sees him. He takes a deep breath and walks over. He tries his best to smile. RICKY (SARCASTIC) It's a little too early for one of those don't you think? There is no response. RICKY (PLEASED) I hear you've got quite a thing going on here. Seems you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you. Now everyone I talk to says you're the weird one. Blitz still doesn't respond. Ricky lowers his head and frowns. RICKY (SAD) Aren't you going to say anything at all? How was I supposed to know you were a Road Rover? When I left Germany, you were still in the junkyard. I never meant for this to happen. I never meant for any of it to happen. I tried to push her away because I knew you liked her, but she wouldn't listen. I'm sorry she left. I didn't think she would take it that way. Can't you forgive me? Blitz remains seated and silent for a while, but then speaks without actually looking at Ricky. BLITZ (RESERVED, THICK GERMAN ACCENT) I don't blame you for what happened McCoy, not anymore. But what happened still hurts, and I just can't forgive you yet. Maybe in time I will, but not now. Ricky nods his head, still sad. RICKY (HURT) I understand. I won't push you into anything. But please, don't call me McCoy. It's Ricky now. McCoy was my shallow youth, taking advantage of my appearance to get what I wanted. He's no longer a part of me. He died when I realized what I did to you. Ricky is who I am now. There is an uncomfortable silence. Finally Blitz turns and looks him straight in the eye. BLITZ (CURIOUS) Do you think I'm weird? RICKY (HONEST) Nah. Just in need of a little understanding. Blitz looks at him and gives a weak nod and smile. Ricky returns it. Ricky then watches Blitz as he starts sipping on his milkshake again. A large smile and big Bambi eyes appear on Blitz's face. RICKY (BLUNT, TO HIMSELF) Maybe a LOT of understanding. Colleen now enters. Both Ricky and Blitz observe her as she walks over to the coffee maker and gets a cup of coffee. Blitz smiles and goes over to her. Colleen is busy stirring her cup. BLITZ (ROMANTIC) Morning pretty girl doggy. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) I'm sorry, do I know you? You must be a new recruit like Ricky! Welcome to Road Rover headquarters! Colleen shakes Blitz's hand. Blitz is distraught. BLITZ (DEPRESSED) I don't know why I try anymore. Blitz returns to the table and begins sipping his milkshake again. Hunter then enters, passing by Colleen. HUNTER (CHEERY) Morning Colleen. Colleen smiles. COLLEEN (FRIENDLY) Morning Huntie Wuntie. When he witnesses this, Ricky becomes disturbed but doesn't say anything. Next he sees Exile, who looks around the room before finally walking over to Colleen. They begin to talk quietly, then Colleen turns away, upset. Ricky, with his superior hearing, hears everything and is not sure what to make of it. The kitchen soon fills up with the rest of Rovers and Strayers, except Rabid. Ricky becomes concerned when he notices that Nitro has entered alone. She tries to look indifferent, but Ricky can tell she is hurting inside. He quickly turns and walks out of the kitchen. As he leaves, he hears Shag starting breakfast. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Ricky walks down to a door set into the wall marked "Personal Quarters". Below that is the word "Bear", but it has been crossed out and the word "Rabid" has been written over it. Ricky knocks on the door. RICKY (CONCERNED) Rabid are you in there? Rules are breakfast lasts only a half-hour, no exceptions. Is something wrong? Rabid quickly opens the door and looks out. RABID (TENSE) Uh, no. Nothing's wrong I was just doing something. I'll be there in a minute okay? Ricky is about to go, but he sniffs the air and senses something odd. He steps toward the door. RICKY (TROUBLED) Something's not right here. I smell... a panther? RABID (UNEASY) I think you're mistaken. Rabid tries to close the door, but Ricky has already stepped in. RICKY (STERN) No. I am sure I smell something. In fact, I can hear something moving through the air duct right now! RABID (ANNOYED, UNDER HIS BREATH) How is that possible? I thought I was the only... Ricky has no trouble hearing Rabid. RICKY (HONEST) I don't know. I just do. I spent a year in the woods, so I can only assume that has something to do with it. When your life is on the line everyday, worrying that something could jump out and attack you at any minute, you'd be surprised how good your senses can get. But then you are a wolf, so you probably know what I am talking about. Ricky continues to listen and sniff. Rabid looks at him nervously. RICKY (BLUNT) I don't like what I am sensing. I can't exactly tell what it is, but it definitely doesn't feel friendly. I'd better warn the others about it. Ricky turns and is about to leave when Rabid grabs his arm. RICKY (CONFUSED) What are you doing? I know it's just a hunch on my part, but I would feel a lot better if everyone knew about it anyway. Ricky tries to leave again, but Rabid holds him. After a long pause, he sighs. RABID (STERN) You can't tell anyone about it. RICKY (SHOCKED) Why? RABID (DEFEATED) You just can't okay! Ricky stares at Rabid, more confused than ever. Rabid looks down, in deep thought. He sighs again before looking back up at Ricky. He lets go of his arm, walks over and closes the door. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - KITCHEN Everyone is sitting around the tables with empty plates in front of them. Tiny crumbs can be seen everywhere. Shag is at the sing, starting to wash the dishes. Both Rabid and Ricky walk in, neither showing any signs of the talk they had earlier. Amani is the first to see them. AMANI (ANNOYED) And just where were you two? You both missed breakfast. RICKY (UNEASY) Uh... well you see Rabid wanted to show me the... um... Cyclborg. AMANI (SUSPICOUS) Really. What does it look like? Ricky can see Rabid motioning in the background, but can't make out what he it doing. Amani sees this and moves in front of his face. RICKY (TIMID) Well its... uh... its... Ricky's view of Rabid is now screened by Amani, who has her arms crossed. Ricky quickly looks at his watch and shows mock-disappointment on his face. RICKY (UPBEAT) Well I would like to tell you, but I am late for my session with Colleen. Bye now! Ricky quickly turns and leaves. Amani, frustrated, turns to Rabid. AMANI (ANNOYED) And what about you Rabid? RABID (SARCASTIC) Well you see it's a jet-black motorcycle with... Amani turns and screams. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GYM Inside is a basketball court with the electronic hoops raised. The floor has been covered with mats, and the walls covered with padding. Ricky enters and looks around at the room, which is empty. He starts walking to the center of the room when his ears perk up. He quickly ducks down, taking a crouching stance. Colleen, with her right foot extended, goes flying overhead almost immediately. She lands gracefully and turns to Ricky, surprised. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) How did you know I was behind you? RICKY (BLUNT) I didn't. I just heard you jump so I ducked down. COLLEEN (PLEASED) Blimey. With those kinds of senses it must be near impossible to surprise you. Ricky just smiles. Suddenly however, Colleen goes down and executes a sweeping roundhouse back kick that knocks Ricky off his feet and flat on his back. She quickly places her right knee on his chest, and puts her head up close to Ricky's. Her arms are extended and her hands are on either side of him. Her face is about an inch away from his with a big grin on it. COLLEEN (SMUG) Unfortunately with skills like yours, they won't have to surprise you. Ricky, taken totally off-guard, just nods his head. Colleen gets to her feet and offers him her hand. He takes it and she helps him stand up. COLLEEN (STERN) The first thing you need to do is always be in a defensive stance, so you can defend against attack. Colleen demonstrates, and Ricky complies. Colleen quickly tries to trip Ricky again, but he jumps over her leg. Colleen then throws a right jab, which Ricky blocks with his left arm. Colleen stops and smiles. COLLEEN (PLEASED) Good. You're learning pretty fast. This may not take as long as we originally thought. Ricky makes the mistake of smiling again and dropping out of his stance. Colleen then throws a flurry of jabs and kicks that all find their mark, then grabs his right arm and flips him over her shoulder. He lands on the mat with a resounding thud, and groans. Colleen is still grinning, but her tone serious. COLLEEN (HONEST) Never lower your defense, no matter who your opponent is. Colleen reaches down and helps Ricky up again. COLLEEN (STERN) Okay. Now let's try this again. Both Ricky and Colleen take defensive stances as they prepare to face off. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Rabid and Nitro are walking down the hall together, back to their normal selves. They are holding each other's hands and gazing into each other's eyes as usual. NITRO (LOVINGLY) You know there isn't anyone in this world that I love more than you. I just don't know what came over me. I'm grateful you we're able to forgive me. RABID (BLUNT) How could I hold such a thing against you? It would be hypocritical of me to be upset. In the past, weakness of the flesh had caused me to lust after Dixie, but you understood that you are the one I truly love. I know things are the same with you now. Love keeps no record of wrongs, it simply rejoices in the truth. NITRO (HOPEFUL) Can things really be that simple? RABID (DEPRESSED) No. Relationships are never simple. But as troubles come and go, the rewards of loving each other unconditionally become all the sweeter. You are all that is good in my life. Nothing will ever change how I feel. Nitro smiles, and looks lovingly into Rabid's eyes. Rabid and Nitro then resume their stroll down the corridor. Finally they come to a door marked "Nitro". Both stop, continuing to keep their hands together as if clutching to their very life. They haven't taken their eyes off each other for a single moment. RABID (ROMANTIC) In a few months, we may never have to part like this again. NITRO (ROMANTIC) Until then, I will long for you like the desert longs for the rainfall. They continue to gaze at each other, but suddenly Rabid loses his smile. Nitro loses her smile following this, nervous. NITRO (CONCERNED) Is something wrong? Rabid hesitates, but is finally able to get the words out. RABID (BLUNT) I just... can't survive without you. NITRO (PLEASED) I feel the same way. RABID (STERN) No. It's more than that. I'm worried we may be rushing into things. Nitro is taken a little by surprised. Rabid continues. RABID (NERVOUS) Marriage is a huge step. The stress it presents will be ten times greater than what we have now. I don't want to lose what we have by jumping into to something we aren't ready for. Don't you ever worry about things like this? Nitro thinks for a minute, trying to take everything in. Then she smiles. NITRO (SLY) I think you worry enough for the both of us. But I have thought about it. I didn't stay on the subject very long though. I'm afraid that a silly thing called love clouded my mind. RABID (BLUNT) I'm just worried that getting married too quickly might damage our relationship. What if in the future we aren't together anymore because we weren't prepared for what we are getting ourselves into? NITRO (SMUG) Then I guess I'll just have to start living in the past. Rabid looks away to his right. Nitro reaches out with her left hand and puts it on his cheek. She gently guides his face back to hers. NITRO (HONEST) Look. I know you're concerned. That's just the way you are, and that's why I love you so much. I don't know what the next few years will bring for us anymore than you do. But I do know that this feels right. It always has. And I can't think of anything that could take me away from you. There isn't a single thing that bothers me when we are together. With all the unknown dangers, I know my heart is safe when I am with you. We'll always be together, one way or another. Rabid nods his head and smiles. She returns it with a grin of her own. They instantly recover the mood they had lost. They stare for a moment, smiling at each other. They both lean forward and kiss each other with a passion unlike anything this world has ever known. In that moment they shared a bond so true that death itself could not have broken it. A bond greater than just two bodies becoming one, it was a meshing of souls that could cause heaven itself to rejoice. More than life mates. More then soul mates. No one on earth can doubt that they were created to be each other's true love. Their ardor for each other would put Romeo and Juliet to shame, reveal Helen as a forgotten woman, and make Odysseus seem like a quitter. Truly only the love showed on Calvary could be greater than the love that Rabid and Nitro were laying out for the entire world to see. They finally break apart, still looking into each other's eyes. Nitro turns toward the door, quickly slips inside, gives Rabid one more loving look, and closes the door. Rabid just stands there for a minute, his eyes fixated on the door. He then moves down the hall to his own room, quickly going inside. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RABID'S QUARTERS It contains the same basic items as Ricky's room, with a few personal items added. A picture of Rabid's human family when he was Steven Today can be seen. The room is much nicer than Ricky's, but actually not as clean. Items are scattered along the floor, and on the furniture. RABID (SARCASTIC) I need to get a maid. Of course I always say that. Rabid smiles, looking at the air duct in the wall. RABID (SMUG) And so the little ant wishes to tell me something. Make it quick so I can get my rest. There is no response. RABID (SMUG) Let's not go through this again. You know I can sense you in there. SHADOW (THROUGH DUCT, ELECTRONIC VOICE) You surprise me once more. Perhaps I will give you what I know. RABID (SMUG) You really should try to be a little quieter when you go thumping around in the air duct. Someone else heard you this morning and I had to convince him to keep your identity a secret. SHADOW (BLUNT) Indeed. Perhaps I should make an agreement with him instead. He is truly more my equal than you are. RABID (SMUG) Seems like you're not as undetectable as you think. You're definitely losing you're touch. You should be worried someone might find you out whose isn't willing to look the other way like me. SHADOW (ANNOYED) I fear nothing. No one can defeat me. No one can find me unless I allow it. I am a true shadow. RABID (SMUG) And the great Shadow resorts to lies. Even my senses are not as sharp as his. The two of us together would have no trouble trapping you like an animal. SHADOW (ANNOYED) I tire of your empty threats. Let's get down to business. RABID (SMUG) Have it your way. Go on little fly, I'm listening. I still think cockroach suits you better. SHADOW (ANGRY) Oh forget it! I don't need this. RABID (SMUG) Suit yourself little fly. SHADOW (INFURIATED) You laugh now, but maybe the death of your friend might change your mind. You have kept you part of the bargain by making sure he didn't go blabbing, so I will let you live. But I don't need yet another insect knowing I am around, saying I have to keep some empty promise to them or they will spread the knowledge of my existence. He must die. RABID (PLEASED) You'll never get close. SHADOW (DEFIANT) We shall see. Tell him to watch himself. I like it when my prey quivers nervously, watching... waiting... knowing the end is near, but unable to escape. Fear makes their blood more palatable. Rabid senses Shadow slip away. He just shakes his head and chuckles as he goes into the bathroom. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GYM Colleen and Ricky are both sitting on a bench, with white towels draped from their neck. They are each breathing heavily. Ricky is sitting to the left Colleen. COLLEEN (PLEASED) Not a bad first day in my opinion. RICKY (SARCASTIC) Yeah. I just love the way you had you're way with me. Literally. It might be easier just to get another body than wait for this one to heal. COLLEEN (SLY) Blimey. Good thing I decided to go easy on you. RICKY (SHOCKED) You call that easy? Ricky smiles for a moment, then turns serious. RICKY (BLUNT) Can I talk with you for a minute? COLLEEN (SURPRISED) Sure what's up? RICKY (SERIOUS) I want to know why you treat Blitz the way you do. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Who? RICKY (STERN) Please Colleen, drop the act. Colleen looks into Ricky's eyes and frowns. She sighs and turns away. COLLEEN (HONEST) I really can't tell you why I like to tease him. It may be because of his overbearing chauvinism. It might be the way he keeps acting like a chicken when stressful situations arise. It could even be the way he keeps asking for those stupid peppermint milkshakes, or obsessing after biting people's tooshies. Either way, he just annoys the bloody heck out of me. Colleen folds her arms in front of her. Ricky notices this and frowns. RICKY (CALM) I don't think you've given him enough of a chance. All that aside, I think he's a great guy. Besides which, you don't know why he acts the way he does. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) What do you mean? RICKY (UNEASY) Well the truth is... he really does like you. I can see it in his eyes. That may not make much of a difference to you, but it means a great deal to me. And seeing you reject him like you do hurts me more than you know. Granted, he's changed a bit since I last saw him. COLLEEN (BLUNT) There is something you're not mentioning guv, what is it? Ricky turns and lowers his head. At that moment he realizes that the truce is over. In the end, the trailing beast claims him as its next victim. RICKY (DEPRESSED) Yesterday was not the first time I met Blitz. We actually grew up together in the same junkyard in Germany. We were just pups when we met, and we quickly became best friends. One day however, Blitz started going out with a German Shepherd named Autumn. He liked her a lot, and often brought her back to the junkyard with him. We talked once in a while, but I didn't think anything of it. I always thought of her as a friend. A few weeks later however, I noticed that Autumn would often show up without Blitz. At first I thought she wanted to just hang out, but I soon realized that she had something else on her mind. A few days later, she asked me if I would go out with her. When I told her I wouldn't because of Blitz, she dumped him. I tried to get her to change her mind by telling her that wasn't what I meant, but she didn't believe me. Autumn eventually left and we never saw her again. Blitz never did recover from losing her, and he blamed me for chasing her away. Our relationship just deteriorated from there. I finally decided it was best if I moved on, so I stowed away on a ship one night. It turns out the ship was an American cargo vessel that was bound for New Mexico. After it reached its destination a few months later, I spent another year or so in the woods of New Mexico and Colorado before ending up it Wyoming. I think Hunter can fill you in on what happened after that. COLLEEN (UNSURE) Did Blitz ever ask you to leave? RICKY (HONEST) Not exactly. But I could tell he was changing, and it was for the worst. From what I hear from you, he is still hurting. Autumn was Blitz's first love. Once he lost her he decided never to open up his feelings like that again. That is why he acts so macho all the time. He doesn't want to reveal his true personality to anyone, fearing that they might hurt him again. I believe if you would just give him a chance, he might start to open up. You'd probably find he is a lot nicer than you think. But as far as me leaving, I thought it was what had to be done. I was hoping that once the reminders of Autumn were gone, he might start to get his life back together. Now I wonder if it was the right decision. COLLEEN (SHOCKED) So you had no idea that Blitz was here? RICKY (HURT) No. And if I had, I'm not sure whether or not I would have agreed to come or not. Colleen slides over next to Ricky, putting her left hand on his shoulder and looking into his eyes. COLLEEN (UPBEAT) Well I'm glad you're here. Both sit and stare at each other. COLLEEN (GRATIFYING) You know what? You have very pretty eyes. RICKY (ABASHED) Thank you. I think yours are beautiful. Ricky and Colleen continue to gaze at each other. As Colleen starts to lean forward, Ricky quickly sits up. RICKY (BLUNT) I'm sorry, but I just can't. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Was it something I said? I was only going to give you a friendly peck on the cheek. Colleen looks down, hurt. Ricky sighs. RICKY (EMBARRASSED) I'm sorry. I totally overreacted. Can you forgive me? COLLEEN (HONEST) It's all right. It's not a big deal. I just hope you're not so bloody jumpy all the time. Ricky smiles relieved. As they start to leave, Ricky reaches down to pick up his jacket and cross. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) This is only you're second day here. Where did you get that stuff? RICKY (BLUNT) The cross was a gift from Exile. The jacket was something professor Hubert had just lying around, so he said I could have it. I also received a bible from Rabid, which I have back in my room. Ricky turns to leave, but then notices Colleen is still seated as she was before. He turns to face her. RICKY (CONCERNED) Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it? COLLEEN (BLUNT) Would it have been so bad if it was more than a friendly kiss? RICKY (STERN) Of course. You are going out with Hunter aren't you? COLLEEN (SHOCKED) Hunter? Where did you get that idea? RICKY (HESITANT) Well you two seemed to be pretty friendly. COLLEEN (REGRETFUL) We are. But we're just friends. For a while I thought it was more than that, but he didn't feel the same way. If he had any feelings for me he didn't show it. Maybe some day that will change, but I'm not waiting for it to happen. RICKY (PERPLEXED) So you're not going out with anyone? COLLEEN (BLUNT) I really don't know. RICKY (FUSTRATED) What are you talking about? How can you not know? Colleen sighs. She continues to look at the floor. COLLEEN (DEPRESSED) Look. The truth is I am going out with Exile right now, but things aren't going to well. He's a great guy and all, but there just doesn't seem to be any chemistry. We just don't seem to think or want the same things. Sometimes I wonder if I am sticking with him because of Glitzy. RICKY (CONFUSED) Huh? Who? COLLEEN (BLUNT) Glitzy was Exile's girlfriend back in Siberia, before he became a Road Rover. They both loved each other very much. But when Exile asked her to marry him, she turned him down because she felt she wasn't ready for marriage. She eventually ran off with another dog, which totally crushed him. RICKY (CONFUSED) I still don't understand what that has to do with you. COLLEEN (HONEST) You see Exile made a vow never to put himself in that same position, because he was afraid of being hurt again. It took a while before I finally got him to go out with me. I'm afraid that if I break up with him now, I will be putting him through more of the same pain. I don't want to be another Glitzy to him. It doesn't help that I happen to be a spitting image of her. Ricky goes and sits back down, putting his right arm around her. RICKY (UNSURE) I really don't what to say. It's almost like a bad soap opera. But you shouldn't do anything you're going to regret later. What if in the future he decides to ask you to marry him? Rejecting him then will hurt him much worse than if you go your separate ways now. On the other hand, you might be giving up too soon. True love is worth fighting for, never forget that. Ricky then gets up, hesitantly. He is a few feet from the door when Colleen speaks. COLLEEN (NERVOUS) How old are you Ricky? Ricky turns back to her, confused. RICKY (PERPLEXED) Why? COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) Just curious. Ricky stops where he is and puts his hands on his hips. He lifts his head to look at her. RICKY (THINKING) It's one human year for every seven dog years? Colleen nods her head. Ricky thinks for a long time before he answers. RICKY (UNSURE) I'm still a little ignorant when it comes to time. I was nearly a year younger than Blitz when I left Germany, but he has been a Rover for a while. From what professor Hubert told me, we age at a human rate once we are turned into Cano-Sapien form. I can't say anything for certain, because don't know exactly how many months I was at sea. If I had to take a guess, I would say either my early twenties or late teens. In human terms of course. Not really something I think about much. Frankly, the rules about Cano-Sapien age make my head hurt. Ricky looks at Colleen, who doesn't register a response. Ricky is as confused as ever. RICKY (SAD) I uh. have to go. I still have to meet... um... well I have go learn how to use the Road Rover equipment. I'll see you tomorrow for our training session okay? Ricky quickly exits. Colleen remains seated with her eyes fixed on the ground in front of her. COLLEEN (WHISPER, SADDENED) Yes. Yes you will. But will that always be the only reason you want to see me? Colleen closes her eyes, but the tears are already escaping. FADE OUT The words "Two months later" appears on the screen. After a few moments, "(that's two months in Cano-Sapien years)" appears under it. All the words fade away together. FADE IN INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MISSION STAGING AREA Rabid is alone in the room, polishing the Cyclborg with a rag. Ricky walks in and goes up to him. Rabid sees him approaching and turns to face him. RABID (BLUNT) Hey Ricky, what's up? I heard you completed your basic training last week, congratulations. Have you decided whose unit you want to join? RICKY (FRIENDLY) I haven't really thought about it. Master said I don't have to make any decisions right now. But anyway, could you give me ride into town? RABID (CONFUSED) Why? You already know how to drive all the Road Rover vehicles; you don't need me to take you. RICKY (UNEASY) Actually, that is kind of why I want to go with you. The Cyclborg is the only one I haven't been on yet. If it is all right, I would like a ride in it. RABID (AMUSED) Tell you what. I have some errands to run in town, so I would be happy to go now if you'd like. In fact, you can drive if you want. RICKY (EXCITED) Really? RABID (ANNOYED) Yeah. I'm going to have to teach eventually so we might as well try it now, since I'm not as busy. Ricky walks toward the Cyclborg with a huge grin on his face, and hops on. Rabid sits down behind him. RABID (SHREWD) So. it's been over a month already. When are you going to give me a ride in your new car? Ricky is busy checking out Cyc's controls. RICKY (DISTRACTED) Before the Master would let me get my own vehicle, I had to promise to let Amani and professor Hubert install special features to it. I guess they want to make sure they can keep tabs on me while I'm in it. It's kind of annoying you know? Rabid folds his arms. RABID (SOMBER) I know only too well. RICKY (HONEST) Anyway, it's not ready yet. Amani said they might be able to finish it by tomorrow, but nothing's certain. Ricky smiles as when he is finally able to start the motor. After revving the engine a few times, he lifts the kickstand and the Cyclborg zooms off toward the open door. Suddenly the bike swerves, barely avoids hitting the other vehicles, and then starts off toward the door again. RABID (SHOCKED) Uh oh. Major deja vu happening here. Both Rabid and Ricky can be heard screaming as the Cyclborg disappears out the exit. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - DIRT ROAD On either side of the road the grass is turning brown and the trees have lost all their leaves. A large Mack truck can be seen driving down the road. It finally comes to another road and makes a left turn. After a few minutes it comes to a large warehouse. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - WAREHOUSE The warehouse is a tall gray building without any windows. Jeffrey Otitus is standing outside in the same clothes as before, but with bandages wrapped around his head and both of his hands. He also wears a frown across his face. The Mack truck eventually comes to a stop a few feet in front of Jeffrey. General Parvo and the Groomer both step out and walk toward him. Parvo is a cyborg with thick yellow eyebrows, a long yellow mustache and an unshaven face. He wears a black tank top, light brown pants and a metal helmet on his head. He has a black boot on his right foot, and the bottom of his right leg is robotic. His right forearm is also robotic, and he has a black belt with a metal buckle. The Groomer a woman with long black hair, long black gloves and is wearing a black leather jumpsuit. The suit is red around the arms and thighs, and she is also wearing a metal helmet similar to Parvo's. JEFFEREY (ANNOYED) It's about time you got here. Do you know how much damage those dogs have caused to my lab? PARVO (UNCONCERNED, AMERICAN ACCENT) Put a sock in it Jeffrey. Just bring out the first dog. Jeffrey sulks, but goes back inside the warehouse. GROOMER (PEEVED, AMERICAN ACCENT) Why do you tolerate him general? PARVO (BLUNT) Jeffrey may be a weenie, but he is also one of the most brilliant scientists of our time. As long as he keeps taking the new medication we developed, it prevents him from becoming a fruitcake on us. I just hope this new serum works, for his sake. Once these new, more aggressive dogs are under my control, I will have no trouble taking over the world. Unlike the normal Cano-Mutants, these will be smarter, stronger, and more aggressive. In essence, we have combined the size and strength of a normal mutant, with the brains of a Sapien. Even the Rovers won't be able to stop them. And once they are all defeated, I will finally have. Groomer leans over and put her hands on his right shoulder. GROOMER (ROMANTIC) Oh general. Let me say it. PARVO (PLEASED) Very well. Groomer moves her head up to Parvo's ear. GROOMER (WHISPER) Complete... World... Domination. Parvo starts to laugh loudly, but breaks off into a fit of coughing and wheezing. Groomer takes out a metal dispenser and shoots a small red lozenge in Parvo's mouth. He chews and stops coughing. He swallows. PARVO (BLUNT) Thank you. Jeffrey now returns with the cage containing the Burmese Mountain Dog. The Burmese is barking and banging the cage wildly as Jeffrey sets it down. Groomer turns back to the truck. GROOMER (STERN) Fluffy! Dalmat! Open the back doors! Both Fluffy and Dalmat step out of the back of the truck, swinging both doors open. Fluffy is a Cocker Spaniel Cano-Mutant and Dalmat is a Dalmatian Cano-Mutant. Each is about seven feet tall and very menacing. They stop next to the Groomer. GROOMER (STERN) Go inside and get the other dogs. Fluffy and Dalmat both nod and walk toward the warehouse. Parvo smiles. PARVO (HAPPY) I'm so glad we managed to find those two again. GROOMER (CONFUSED) Really? PARVO (HONEST) Of course. Just like a pair of old shoes, they're already broken in. At least I can rely on them. Unlike some other people. Parvo glares at Jeffrey. Jeffrey points to himself. JEFFREY (NERVOUS) Are you talking to me? PARVO (BLUNT) Yes. Are their any side effects to the serum we tested? JEFFREY (UNEASY) Um... nope. Fluffy and Dalmat both return with a cage in each hand. Inside of the cages are a four dogs: a Boxer, a Labrador Retriever, an Akita, and Kuvasz. The Boxer has reddish-orange fur with pointy ears and a stumpy tail. He has a white stripe from his neck to his chest, white fur from his ankles to his paws, and a black muzzle. The Akita has tan fur, with hints of gray. He somewhat resembles a husky, but smaller. He has a dark brown muzzle and a faint black stripe down his back. The Labrador has black fur all over his body. The Kuvasz has white fur and floppy ears. She has a similar build to that of a retriever. Her fur is shaggy, but relatively short. Parvo, Groomer and Jeffrey watch as Fluffy and Dalmat take the cages to the side of the Mack truck and set them down. PARVO (STERN) Good. Groomer! Put the first dog in the Cano-Mutator. Groomer nods and walks toward the cage with the Burmese. She picks it up and carries it to the back of the Mack truck. Parvo and Jeffery both follow the Groomer, the latter quite reluctantly. When she reaches the Mack truck, the Groomer pulls out a small remote control and presses a button. A mechanical lift is activated, and a strange machine is lowered to the ground. The storage area of the Mack truck is spacious, and contains several large closets, cabinets and trunks. There is also a desk with a very large computer. The Groomer opens the cage quickly, grabs the Burmese, tosses it into the machine, and closes the door instantly. The machine activates and a thick gas fills the compartment containing the dog. After the smoke cloud clears, the Burmese steps out in Cano-Mutant form. He is has on metal boots, gloves, and an armor like suit that extends down to his thighs. After a moment of initial confusion, it looks at Parvo, the Groomer and Jeffrey. PARVO (PLEASED) Excellent. Come over her Rocko. The Burmese doesn't move. Instead he folds his arms and a smirk comes over his face. BURMESE MOUNTAIN DOG (UNFRIENDLY, AMERICAN ACCENT) First of all, I answer to no one but myself, so I could care less if you think I am excellent. Though I am. The Burmese unfolds his arms and walks up to Parvo. BURMESE MOUNTIAN DOG (SMUG) Second, the name's not Rocko, its Cain. Cain leans forward, putting his face right up to Parvo's. CAIN (SLY) Some know me by my nickname... Puck. Parvo is on his heels, backing up. Fluffy and Dalmat appear on either side of him, each grabbing one of his arms. Cain reacts quickly, elbowing both of them in the chin. They release his arms and step back, startled. Cain grabs Fluffy by the shirt and throws him fifty feet toward the warehouse. He then knees Dalmat in the stomach, causing him to lean forward, and rams his head into the side of the truck. Dalmat crumples to the ground, unconscious. Cain glances over to the Groomer, who is reaching for her weapon. Cain moves quickly and with surprising speed for a seven foot Cano-Mutant, considering he weighs a good four to five hundred pounds. The Groomer aims the gun at him, but before she can fire he yanks it from her with his right hand. He whacks her with his left hand and sends her flying. She lands hard against a tree and is knocked out. Cain examines the gun in his hand, and then turns to see Fluffy running toward him. He aims the gun and quickly pulls the trigger as Fluffy approaches him. A beam shoots out and hits Fluffy in the chest, stunning him. A second shot knocks him out. Cain, with a satisfied look on his face, turns his attention to Parvo and Jeffrey. Parvo has him by the collar and is shaking him. PARVO (FURIOUS) You idiot! You said the serum had no side effects. You knew it made the dogs impossible to control, and you didn't tell us! JEFFREY (SHAKING) I... I thought the mind control component of the Mutator would override it. The serum must be stronger than we thought. Parvo stops shaking Jeffrey and throws him forward. Jeffrey sits up and just stays on the ground, trembling. Parvo turns to Cain who it busy loading the other dogs into the back of the Mack truck. He takes a step toward him and points his right finger at him. PARVO (ANGRY) As for you, don't think you'll get away with this! I'll track you down after I get out of here. You haven't seen the last of me! You will learn to fear the name Parvo! CAIN (SARCASTIC) Really? Cain looks at Parvo and aims his weapon at him. Cain's expression is cold and unemotional. Parvo is taken aback. Parvo's expression softens. PARVO (NERVOUS) Uh... on second thought, no I won't. You've seen the last of me. Parvo grins sheepishly. Cain smiles smugly and lowers his gun. While watching Parvo carefully, he finishes loading the four dogs into the storage area. He then picks up the Groomer's remote control from the ground and presses one of the buttons. The mechanical lift raises the Cano-Mutator back up and inside the Mack truck. Cain closes both of the doors and seals it with the latch. He turns back to check on Parvo and Jeffrey, who haven't moved. Satisfied, he walks over to one of the adjacent trees. With his claw, he quickly scratches something into the bark. Cain then turns and gets into the Mack truck. He starts the engine a few seconds later and drives off, leaving Parvo and the rest behind him. Once Cain disappears down the road, Parvo walks over to Jeffrey. He reaches down and pulls out Jeffrey's cellular phone from his pocket. He turns on the phone and puts it to his right ear. PARVO (BLUNT) Sergeant Curse? It's Parvo. Fly the Bulldog Spaceship (from "Still a Few Bugs in the System") over here and pick me up at Jeffrey's laboratory in Montana. We need to evacuate this area immediately. The Road Rovers satellite will probably pick up the little incident we had here in a matter of hours, and will likely send a unit over to investigate. What happened? Let's just sat our little experiment was a failure. Our initiative has not changed. We'll just have to go to plan B. Parvo out. Parvo turns the phone off and lowers it from his head. He looks off toward the right, thinking to himself. He has a tiny smile on his face. PARVO (SMUG) Life has so many options when all you want to do is take over the world. There is just so many ways to go about doing it. That's what makes being a villain so easy and fun. And if the writer's any good, you get to have all the best lines too. Parvo closes the phone and puts it in his pocket. He looks down at Jeffrey. Parvo's expression hardens. PARVO (STERN) We're just going to have to figure out what to do with you Jeffrey. An evil grin emerges on Parvo's face as the Groomer, Fluffy, and Dalmat begin to awaken. EXTERIOR: ST. CROESUS CITY - STREET CORNER It is late afternoon, and the day is beginning to wind down. St. Croesus is a medium-sized metropolis, with as many small shops as skyscrapers. Traffic is relatively light, and few people remain on the streets. The sunset is magnificent, but naturally no one stops to enjoy it. Rabid sits casually on the Cyclborg, somewhat bored. Citizens passing by give him another look, but seem comfortable enough. After a little while, Ricky emerges from one of the stores with two tiny boxes in his hand. Both are gold colored and about the size of his palm. He puts one of them in his pocket, and keeps the other one in his hand. He walks over to Rabid with a smile on his face. RABID (ANNOYED) I can't believe you went shopping for five hours and only picked up two things. Hurry up. We still have several hours drive before we get back to Road Rover headquarters. Ricky pulls out a Lakers cap from inside his jacket and puts it on, still smiling. RICKY (PLEASED) Actually I picked up three things. I don't know who the Lakers are, but I like the design. Ricky's smirk fades as he fiddles with the cap for a few seconds. Finally he takes it off and puts it on backwards. He smiles again. Rabid looks up toward the sky. RABID (LAUGHING) Oh brother. Ricky just continues to grin as he walks over to Rabid. RICKY (UPBEAT) Did you manage to pick up everything you needed for the wedding? RABID (SARCASTIC) Yeah right. We came on the Cyclborg, not in the Space Rover. We only had enough room for a few things. What's in the box? Ricky sees Rabid pointing to his right hand. RICKY (EXCITED) Actually it's for you and Nitro. Think of it as an engagement gift. Ricky hands the box to Rabid, who opens it. Inside are two white doves, both with a small chain connected to it. Rabid looks at it for a while, puzzled. RABID (CONFUSED) Thank you. But. where are the olive branches? Ricky smiles and shakes his head. RICKY (HONEST) They aren't those kind of doves. These are doves of the soul, representative of the Holy Spirit. You will keep one, and give the other to Nitro. As long as you each have one, you will never be apart, no matter how far the distance is between you. Neither an ocean nor death can break the bond you have. Of course it is mostly symbolic, but that doesn't mean the connection isn't there. It's just a little reminder that you can keep with you when times get tough. Rabid smiles. RABID (GRATIFYING) Thank you. This means a lot. After a moment of silence, Ricky gets on the Cyclborg behind Rabid. Rabid loses his smile as he looks over his shoulder at Ricky. RABID (UNEASY) How about we let Cyc drive this time? After some initial. adjustment. you did pretty well. I don't think you really need anymore driving time. RICKY (SLY) How about some flight time? RABID (SERIOUS) Don't push it. You know flying is not my thing. Take us back to Road Rover Mission Control Cyc. A face materializes on the electronic screen. CYC (ELECTRONIC VOICE, SLY) Oh come on Rabid, let Ricky fly back. It could be good for him. RABID (STERN) We're not putting this to a vote. Just go. As the Cyclborg starts up, both Ricky and Rabid put on their helmets. As Cyc starts down the road, Rabid turns to look over his shoulder again. RABID (BLUNT) What's in the other box? RICKY (UNEASY) It's just a gift for someone. RABID (ENTICED) Really? Who? Ricky looks away, not answering. Rabid is at a loss. RABID (CONFUSED) What's wrong? Is there a problem? Ever since you've been here we've always been honest with each other. You've been my confidant for the last two months. I've told you things that even Nitro doesn't know, like about Shadow. You can trust me. I promise it will stay between us, no matter what. RICKY (NERVOUS) No matter what? RABID (HONEST) Until I get you're approval, I promise I won't tell anyone else. RICKY (PLEASED) That's the same thing I told you about Shadow. RABID (BLUNT) Then trust me like I have trusted you. Tell me what's on your mind. Ricky sighs, still silent. Then he looks up to Rabid. RICKY (HONEST) You've been my best friend Steven. I know all about your past, about Ross and the pollution. Ricky looks away again, but continues talking. RICKY (BLUNT) I know all about your history as Bear, and about Matt, and you know everything about me. I feel like you're my brother. RABID (SARCASTIC) As do I. But we both know that's genetically impossible. RICKY (SERIOUS) We're brothers in Christ, and that bond is as strong as blood, if not stronger. Ricky looks toward Rabid again and sighs, but of course he is only looking at the back of his head. RICKY (UNEASY) Okay, I'll tell you. What's in the box is for... Colleen. Rabid's ears perk up when Ricky says this. RABID (EXCITED) Is that what I think it is? RICKY (DEFENSIVE) No. It's not an engagement ring. It's a gold locket. RABID (SOFTLY) Wow. That's a really significant gift. When are you planning to give it to her? RICKY (HONEST) I haven't decided yet. There are too many things to consider before I make a decision. RABID (SLY) What about the other decision? RICKY (BLUNT) I have no plans to get a ring anytime soon. RABID (CONFUSED) But you love her don't you? RICKY (DEFEATED) Yes. but we've only known each other for two months. We haven't even gone out together yet. Besides which, she doesn't love me. RABID (HONEST) Why are you thinking in such limited terms? Where love is concerned, time is meaningless. When it feels right, nothing else matters. Ricky can't think of a thing to say. Rabid continues. RABID (HONEST) And how do you know she doesn't feel the same way if you don't confront her? Besides which, she would want to know. You really have nothing to lose. As they say, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. RICKY (ANNOYED) A million broken hearts would disagree with that statement. As for me, I just can't tell her right now. I just don't think I have the right to make her life more complicated than it already is. RABID (CONFUSED) What are you talking about? RICKY (NERVOUS) As of this moment, things between Exile and Colleen are not going too well. I think she was expecting more than what she got. And her feelings for Hunter may be surfacing again. In the end, she will have to choose whether or not she really loves Exile or Hunter. I don't want to put added pressure on her by revealing my feelings. RABID (SERIOUS) I think. Rabid stops himself. He starts looking around suspiciously. RABID (SOFTLY, REFLECTING) Why do I suddenly feel like Exile? Rabid shakes his head and continues. RABID (CONTENT) I think you're making a big mistake by keeping silent about something this important, but all right. I won't say anything... for now. All I ask is that you think about it. The chance of rejection is a possibility, but the rewards far outweigh the risk. When I first met Nitro, I knew at that moment that I loved her, but I was too scared to tell her. It took me a while, but I finally did confess my feelings. Now I regret that I waited so long, because the last few months have been the greatest of my life. Everyone deserves the chance to experience the kind of love Nitro and I have for each other. Rabid pauses again, filled with realization. RABID (ANNOYED) Oh yeah. Because he gave the same speech to me. Rabid places his attention back to the road. He pauses momentarily to flip open the visor to his helmet, reach in his pocket, and put on his special reflective sunglasses. He then closes the visor. Suddenly he whips around and looks back to Ricky. RABID (WEARIED) You know what? You're making it really had to hone my image. Rabid returns his eyes forward and Ricky puts his head down. Both sit silently in thought as the sun disappears over the horizon. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - BACK ROAD Parvo's Mack truck has pulled over to the side of the road. Voices can be heard coming from inside. INTERIOR: PARVO'S MACK TRUCK - STORAGE COMPARTMENT Cain is sitting at the computer, typing something. He is now wearing a silver suit and green army boots. The suit is made of the same rubbery/metallic material as Rabid's clothes, and looks similar to what Captain Zachary Storm (from "Storm in the Pacific") wears, but without the cape. Standing behind him is the Akita, with his arms folded. He is wearing dark blue jeans, brown hiking boots, a plain white T-shirt and a fake leather jacket. The boxer a going through one of the closets, pulling out several Cano-blasters. He is wearing a gray tank top, camouflage pants and brown army boots. The Labrador Retriever is in the back attaching electronic devices on three motorcycles. He is wearing black pants, brown polished shoes and a red shirt. On the shirt in black letters is the phrase "Golden Sucks". The Kuvasz steps out from the front from wearing a jumpsuit similar to that of the Groomer's. Like Cain, they are all now in Cano-Mutant form. All their attire, naturally, are oversized. KUVASZ (MEDDLESOME, AMERICAN ACCENT) And I thought basketball players have a hard time finding clothes that fit. Where did you get stuff this big Cain? CAIN (ARROGANT) Big and tall store. I didn't have any money, but they were kind enough to let me have it in exchange for their lives. KUVASZ (CURIOUS) So what's our next move? AKITA (PRETENTIOUS, AMERICAN ACCENT) That is what we're trying to figure out Dolores. Fortunately this mainframe has everything we need. Not only does it contain maps of everything in the world, but is also shows all of Parvo's hideouts. BOXER (BLUNT, AMERICAN ACCENT) It also lists a lot of places and projects that Parvo abandoned. We're trying to find one we can use. DOLORES (CONCERNED) Once we do find a place, what is our main objective? CAIN (STERN) Revenge. Hey Chuck, have you finished the bikes yet? LABRADOR RETRIEVER (BOTHERED, AMERICAN ACCENT) You know my name is Charles. And yes, they're done. I'll bet the owners of these are pretty pissed off right now. BOXER (SARCASTIC) They didn't seem too eager to stop me. CHARLES (ANNOYED) That's hardly the point Butch. KUVASZ (BLUNT) So what's the plan Cain? Cain continues to type as he talks. CAIN (BLUNT) According to the computer, Parvo had an old underground installation hidden in the wilderness of Idaho. He abandoned it a few years ago when he moved to his current hideout. I want you and Chuck to take the Mack truck there and get the base working again. Priority one is the security system. Cain then turns around and looks at the Akita. CAIN (STERN) And while they are doing that Guile, I want you and Butch to go visit farmer John. GUILE (SHOCKED, AMERICAN ACCENT) Do you mean...? CAIN (SLY) Yeah. That sucker that captured us. I want his farm wrecked and the fighting ring destroyed. And while you're at it, level the town as well. All of them will pay for what they did to us. All humans deserve to die. For centuries animals have been pushed around for the sake of civilization. Forests have been cut down so man can build his cities. All the while they stick us in zoos and parks. Populations have been wiped out as people expand into our territories under the preconception that all land belongs to them. Whenever interests clash, man uses his guns to get his way. We are going to change that. It is time we pushed back. We'll see who has the power now. All nod their heads and go their separate ways. Dolores and Charles take their seats in front and start the engine. Cain, Guile and Butch drive the motorcycles out the back. The Mack truck starts down the road again. BUTCH (CONFUSED) Where are you going to be boss? CAIN (BLUNT) I'm going to get even with the one who got us captured in the first place. If he had not interfered with our business, we would have never had to travel so far north to try and find food. The only reason that old man captured us was because we happened to be near the border. GUILE (CONCERNED) How are you going to find him? CAIN (SLY) Easy. I will simply return to the scene of the crime. Guile and Butch both nod and start off down one of the side roads. Cain starts his engine and looks out over the countryside. CAIN (ANGRY) McCoy will learn not to double-cross me. Cain lifts the kickstand and speeds off down the road. He passes a sign that says "Border to Wyoming: 50 miles." INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Ricky is walking down the hall, exhausted. He glances at a clock on the wall and sees it is about one-thirty in the morning. He quickly enters his room and closes the door. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RICKY'S QUARTERS (A REAL ROOM!) The room has been converted into a regular bedroom, like all the Rovers and Strayers have. The room itself is much neater than Rabid's. Ricky removes his jacket and drapes it over a chair. He turns off the room light, then turns on one of the lamps. He goes over to his bureau and opens up one of the drawers. He pulls out something, but it is too dark to see what it is. Ricky kicks off his boots and lays out on his bed, his head up against the wall. As he leans over to the light, part of his body remains shrouded in shadows. We now see he has a wood picture frame in his hands, and he is staring at it. It is a picture of Colleen. He props up the back and puts it down next to the lamp, placing it so he can still see it. He lies there for a while, staring at the picture. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GYM Colleen is moving gracefully, doing her exercises. Her eyes are closed. Ricky, in much haste, barges through the gym doors and walks up to her. After opening her eyes briefly and glancing at him, Colleen resumes her meditation. COLLEEN (BLUNT) Is there something you wanted Ricky? It's already pretty late. I really should be in bed already, but I need to do my exercises to relieve stress. Did you get what you wanted in town? RICKY (UNEASY) Uh, yeah I did. Um. could I talk with you for a minute? COLLEEN (BLUNT) Sure guv, what's up? Ricky tries to speak several times, but nothing comes out. Colleen finally stops her motions and opens her eyes. He is looking at the ground and licking his lips slowly. Colleen goes over to him and takes his hands in her own. COLLEEN (WHISPER) It's all right. You can tell me. RICKY (BLUNT) Well I was just lying in my bed, thinking about things and I... Ricky finally looks up, and sees she is staring into his eyes. RICKY (UNEASY) You know. I have pictured this moment in my life a thousand times, trying to figure exactly what I would say. Now that it is actually happening, my mind can't think of a thing. COLLEEN (SOFTLY) Then use your heart. Ricky nods, then takes a deep breath. Finally he speaks, but keeps his head down. RICKY (NERVOUS) When I first got here a few months ago, I felt like the loneliest person in the world. I was so trapped in my own self-pity that I couldn't even share in the joy of those around me. At that point, I succumbed to the idea that I would never be able to experience love. With that I was truly alone. Ricky slowly lifts his head and looks Colleen right in the eyes. RICKY (SOFTLY) But that all changed when I met you. Suddenly, feelings that had laid dormant within me for so long started to emerge. For the first time in my life I realized what true love is, and whom it is that I love. I love the angelic spirit that stands before me right now. Colleen's jaw drops, unable to think of what to say. Ricky swallows and continues. RICKY (PASSIONATELY) I can't even begin to imagine my life without you, and I don't ever want to have to. I don't want another second to go by that I have to wonder whether or not you'll always be there for me. That I why, even though I haven't known you long, I have to do this now. Ricky goes down on his left knee, holding Colleen's right hand with both of his. His eyes have not left hers. She is dumbfounded. RICKY (LOVINGLY) Colleen. You are the last thought I have at night. You are the first thought I have in the morning. I can feel my desire for your celestial essence resonating throughout every fiber of being. You are not my other half; you are my entire soul. Your beauty radiates with magnificence greater than the heavens. I love everything you are. I love everything you're not. I love all your strengths. I love all your weaknesses. I would live through and Ice Age just for the chance to feel the warmth of your touch. My lone goal is to lose myself in your splendor. You make my existence possible. So I am asking you. my love, my life, the reason for me to take my next breath. Will you be my purpose for continuing to live? Will you marry me? Colleen stands shocked, not sure what to say. Finally she answers. COLLEEN (BLUNT) I... I'm sorry. I just can't. I... ... don't love you. Ricky closes his eyes, devastated. Each word is like an arrow into his heart. He can feel his life force drain out of him. Colleen hesitates, not sure whether to comfort him, or to let him be alone with the pure, life-ending devastation she dropped into his lap. Finally she decides to exit silently, leaving Ricky alone on the floor, crushed. FADE OUT NITRO (LOUD, THROUGH THE DOOR) Hey Ricky wake up! We have a meeting in the briefing room in twenty minutes! FADE IN INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RICKY'S QUARTERS Everything is as it was before. Nitro's fist pounding on the door quickly awakens Ricky, and he instantly sits up in his bed. He is sweating and breathing heavily. He is confused for a minute, then looks toward the door. RICKY (OUT OF BREATH, STARTLED) I hear you Nitro. I'm up. I'll be there in a minute. NITRO (CONFUSED) You don't sound so good. Is everything okay? Ricky looks toward the picture of Colleen. RICKY (OUT OF BREATH, SULLEN) Yeah. Everything is fine, thank you. Ricky listens as the sound of Nitro's footsteps disappears down the hall. Ricky closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. His eyes start to glaze up. RICKY (OUT OF BREATH, GRIEVOUS) Everything is... just... Ricky puts his face in his hands. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM All the Rovers and Strayers are gathered around the viewing screens. The room is buzzing with conversation. Ricky finally walks in flustered. He is still sweating, and his breathing continues to be irregular. SILVER (CONCERNED) What happened to you? STAR (SARCASTIC) Someone ought to fix that air conditioner. Rotten landlords. RICKY (UNEASY) Uh... nothing. I guess I was so tired I didn't hear the announcement. SILVER (BLUNT) You guys came back pretty late last night. I am not surprised you didn't get enough sleep. RICKY (CONFUSED) How did you we came back late? You should have been asleep already too. SILVER (UNEASY) Uh... well it's just that... um... The Master enters and everyone grows quiet. Professor Hubert steps out next to him. MASTER (SERIOUS) Sorry to wake you up so early, but we have an emergency. A few hours ago our satellite picked up a disturbance somewhere in Montana. At first we didn't think much of it, but then we did a sensor sweep of the area. CLEO (BLUNT) What did you find? HUBERT (HONEST) Traces of a discharge from a Cano-blaster. Although the area itself was empty, we did see Parvo's Bulldog Spaceship flying away from the vicinity. Further scans have also picked up two Cano-Mutants still in the area. HUNTER (BLUNT) What is the plan Master? MASTER (STERN) Robotic duplicates of you have been placed at the world capitals as usual. I want you and your unit to check out the original area. Take Ricky along. His senses may be of some use, and it will be a good first mission for him. We need to try and figure where Parvo is and what he might be planning to do. CLEO (CONFUSED) What about the Cano-Mutants? MASTER (HONEST) I want you and Ramses to handle them. Take Star, Silver, and Outlaw with you. I need the rest of you to hold down the fort in case something else happens. It just may turn out to be that kind of week. Good luck Rovers. The Strayers all exit mumbling something. Ricky sees Rabid give Nitro a dove, and smiles. Cleo, Ramses, Sheba, Outlaw, Star and Silver leave quickly. Hunter turns to face everyone remaining. HUNTER (HONEST) There are only six seats in the Sonic Rover, so we will be taking the Street Rover (from "The Dog That Knew Too Much") on this mission as well. Colleen will be driving. Who wants to ride with her? Everyone is silent. Even Muzzle starts to whimper. Colleen frowns. Hunter looks around nervously. HUNTER (SLY) Uh... since Ricky is the new recruit, I think he'll learn something riding with Colleen. The rest of the Rovers exit quickly, snickering, leaving Ricky confused and Colleen fuming. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MISSION STAGING AREA Cleo and her unit quickly climb into the Turbojet Rover (from "The Dog That Knew Too Much") and heads off down the runway. Hunter walks up the ramp leading into the Sonic Rover, followed by Blitz, Exile, Shag and Muzzle. Colleen walks over to the driver's side of the Street Rover and gets in. Ricky takes the passenger side, not the least concerned. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RUNWAY This is a very long and wide indoor runway. The floor lighting provides sufficient illumination. As the Turbojet Rover speeds down the ramp, the hidden entrance in the wall opens, letting in a rush of cool air. The Turbojet heads in the direction of the opening and flies through it. As this happens, both the Sonic Rover and the Street Rover can be heard starting their engines. The Sonic Rover then goes for the same aperture, while the Street Rover drives toward another large exit that resembles a doggy door. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS The Turbojet Rover zooms out from the crater's opening and quickly vanishes off screen. A few moments later the Sonic Rover flies out, followed by the Street Rover from an opening in the ground. Once the Street Rover is out into the street, the door closes. The opening in the crater does the same, and both exits are now completely hidden again. It is just before dawn, and the sun is just now peeking over the horizon. A few stars can still be seen as the sun starts to emerge, filling the dark blue sky with brilliant beams of yellow light. INTERIOR: STREET ROVER - FRONT SEAT Ricky is looking out the window of the Street Rover at the sunrise, in silent admiration. Colleen sees him, and smiles. COLLEEN (PLEASANT) It's beautiful isn't it? RICKY (DISTRACTED) Yeah. Sometimes with all the worries and responsibilities in my life, I don't bother to just sit and enjoy the earth around me. It amazes me how wonderful God's creations really are. I just take too many things for granted. COLLEEN (SAD) I think we all do. It's disturbing to think we may never truly appreciate all we have until it's gone. We need grab hold of what is available to us while we can. You can't expect things to be there for you forever. When Ricky hears this, it hits him right in his heart. Suddenly, dismay comes over him. He turns to look at Colleen. RICKY (BLUNT) Colleen? COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Yes? Ricky tries to speak, but nothing comes out. RICKY (QUICKLY) Um... we're falling behind the others. Better speed up. Colleen nods her head and slams on the gas pedal. The Street Rover zips along the road and swerves wildly. Ricky, surprisingly, doesn't notice. He is looking at the floor, just shaking his head. Colleen turns to Ricky with a thoughtful look on her face. It is obvious she is feeling the same things as Ricky. COLLEEN (NERVOUS) Hey Ricky, do you think that... Colleen just can't bring herself to say it. RICKY (SOFTLY) Think what? COLLEEN (DEFEATED) You could. put on your seatbelt. RICKY (BEWILDERED) Oh. Sure. Ricky reaches across his chest and snaps on his seatbelt. Colleen sighs in disappointment. The drive continues in silence. EXTERIOR: IDAHO COUNTRYSIDE - MIDDLE OF NOWHERE Parvo's Mack Truck is abandoned on the side of the road. There is a tiny dirt road that can be seen, leading into a nearby forest. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - DIRT ROAD The road leads inward for a while before finally coming to a small clearing. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CLEARING There is a large steel sliding door set into the ground, but it is covered with shrouds and well hidden. There are several rocks and trees surrounding the area. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - CAVERN There is a large cavern leading several hundred feet down, with lights planted within the dirt and rock walls. The cavern leads down to a large open door. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - BRIDGE ROOM There is a small button panel next to it. Through the door is a huge open area, well lit. There is a wide metal platform that extends out from the door. Its length is over a hundred feet, and it stretches out in the shape of a half circle. There are electronic panels embedded into the adjacent cavern walls. The platform overlooks a large cliff that overlooks a deep pit of darkness. The bottom cannot be seen even with a flashlight. Seventy-five feet across the pit is another platform of the same size and shape. There are electronic panels in the walls on the other side as well. In the middle of the opposite wall is another large metal door. A thick steel bridge connects the two sides. The bridge is about ten feet wide. The opposing door leads to an illuminated hallway. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - INNERMOST COMPLEX The hallway contains many other doors that lead to various rooms. The original corridor then branches out to numerous other vestibules. We eventually come to the Master Control Room. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM There is a large viewing screen opposite to the door, set into the wall. The control system extends as wide as the screen. Charles is sitting at one of three chairs in front of the computer system wearing a communications headset, pressing several buttons and typing instructions on a keyboard. Other systems become operational as he completes certain key sequences. Faints sounds can be heard coming out of the headset, which Charles hears. CHARLES (BLUNT) What is it Dolores? DOLORES (EXCITED, THROUGH HEADSET) All the security robots appear to be in working condition. I checked engineering and the genetics lab and everything appears to be in order. I'm about to go get the Mack truck and bring it down here. There is a mechanical platform that reaches up to the surface though a second opening in the surface. CHARLES (PLEASED) Excellent. Are the Cano-Mutator's working? DOLORES (HONEST) One of them is, but I couldn't find any kind of serum. Apparently it was still in its testing stages and they only produced enough to give to us. CHARLES (UPBEAT) Understood. Carry on. Charles now returns his focus to the mainframe. The viewing screen now turns on with the words "SECURITY PROTOCAL NOW ACTIVATED" across it. A huge grin comes over Charles face. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - MENDICANCY It is a small town with few shops and buildings. The roads are all made of dirt. Everything is in ruins. The few cars that are in the streets have either been overturned or show signs of weapon fire. The Turbojet Rover has already landed and Cleo's unit is already checking out the area. Outlaw, Star and Silver both pull out their laser pistols. Cleo looks at Star and Silver, with a confused look on her face. CLEO (STERN) Those are not standard issue for Rovers. RAMSES (STERN) Looks like the kind of weapons the Strayers usually carry. SILVER (BLUNT) I didn't feel like going up against Cano-Mutants with some stupid tennis ball shooter. Amani had a few extras she lent us. Unlike Hunter's unit, we don't have super powers to fall back on. CLEO (HONEST) I disapprove of this, but it's too late to do anything about it. I especially dislike the fact we're trusting Star with a gun. I just hope she knows how to use it. STAR (ANNOYED) Hey! CLEO (BLUNT) All right. Outlaw, take Silver and Star and check out the north side of town. Ramses and I will check the south end. Everyone breaks apart and goes their separate ways. Two pairs of eyes are watching them from a distance, unnoticed. EXTERIOR: MONTANA COUNTRYSIDE - WAREHOUSE It is as it was before except the warehouse is now empty. There is no sign that this area was ever occupied. The Sonic Rover and Street Rover are parked next to each other in the front. Ricky is walking to the warehouse, sniffing and listening attentively. The rest of the Rovers are behind him, checking the rest of the area out. RICKY (BLUNT) This area was recently cleared out. I smell chemicals, so I can only assume there used to be a laboratory in here. There were several Cano- Sapiens here, along with three humans. BLITZ (CURIOUS) Parvo? RICKY (UNSURE) Can't say for sure, I've never actually smelled him before. I do smell something robotic, so it is a good possibility. SHAG (EXCITED) Rharrharrhar. Rharrhar. Everyone turns to where Hunter and Shag are standing. HUNTER (CONFUSED) Shag says there are faint tire tracks leading down the road. He also found something scratched into the bark of the tree over here, but we can't make out what it means. Colleen, Ricky, Exile and Blitz walk over to the tree. HUNTER (PERPLEXED) All it says is "The Puck will ring twice." Ricky's jaw drops. Realization and fear come over his face. EXILE (DISTURBED) If I remember correctly, Puck is another way to say demon. RICKY (SCARED) Oh Lord, no. Ricky bolts toward the Street Rover without saying a word. The other Rovers are too shocked to move. Colleen finally reacts and starts running after him. The rest of the Rovers finally follow, far behind. Ricky reaches the car and climbs in the driver seat. As he starts to drive away, Colleen opens the door on the passenger side and jumps in. As the rest of the Rovers get there, the Street Rover is already gone. Blitz turns to Hunter. BLITZ (BLUNT) Should we follow them? HUNTER (UNSURE) Negative. Colleen is with him, so she'll contact us with an update later. Right now our priority is to follow those tracks and find out where they lead. We need to know what Parvo is up to. Let's hit the road Rovers! Hunter and the remaining Rovers howl together and then run toward the Sonic Rover. EXTERIOR: STREET ROVER - ROAD The Street Rover is zooming down the road, blowing leaves as it goes. INTERIOR: STREET ROVER - FRONT SEAT Ricky is at the wheel, talking to Colleen who is facing him. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) You should have told Hunter this immediately. He would want to know. Ricky shakes his head. RICKY (BLUNT) There wasn't any time. Cain already has several hours lead on us. We'll just have to pray he isn't moving that quickly. COLLEEN (EXCITED) Wait! Before we left this morning, I heard Huntress say that the Master gave her permission to go visit her mother! She was going to give her an update on how you we're doing. If she is wearing her communicator we can warn her before Puck gets there. Colleen pulls out a headset and puts it on. RICKY (HONEST) Puck is the nickname he made for himself. His real name is Cain. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) How do you know? Have you met him before? RICKY (UNEASY) Well... Colleen gives Ricky the "hold on" motion with her left hand. She continues working with the headset. Finally her eyes light up. COLLEEN (EXCITED, INTO HEADSET) Huntress is that you? It's Colleen. We have an emergency. We need you take your mother back to Road Rover Mission Control with you right now. We'll explain everything to you later. Colleen out. Colleen gives a sigh of relief and turns to Ricky. COLLEEN (BLUNT) We can turn around and wait for the other's now. Huntress is taking her mother back to headquarters with her, so she's safe. Ricky doesn't respond. Colleen frowns. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Did you hear me Ricky? We can turn around now. RICKY (STERN) No. We can't. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Why? The Street Rover was functioning perfectly the last time I checked. Colleen reaches in the glove compartment, pulls out a piece of paper and looks at it. COLLEEN (UPSET) I knew it! All the warranties expired yesterday! RICKY (ANNOYED) It's not that. COLLEEN (EMBARRASSED) Oh. Then what? RICKY (FIRM) We need to go after Cain. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) We will. But we should wait for the other Rovers first. RICKY (HONEST) They won't be coming. It's up to us. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Why? RICKY (BLUNT) Call them. They're not coming. Colleen is still on sure. She changes the frequency on the headset and begins talking into it again. COLLEEN (BLUNT, INTO HEADSET) Hunter, are you there? It's Colleen. HUNTER (BLUNT, OVER HEADSET) Yes. Where are you? COLLEEN (THINKING, INTO HEADSET) We're ten miles north of our original position, heading toward Wyoming. We'll wait for you at... HUNTER (STERN, OVER HEADSET) We can't meet you guys. After we followed the tracks to a fork in the road, the trail split off in three directions. One was headed toward a small town in the country, around the area Cleo's unit was heading. One was going toward Wyoming. I want you two to check it out since you're already headed that way. I assume Ricky picked up on it before we did. COLLEEN (HONEST, INTO HEADSET) Well yes, but I think you should know that. HUNTER (INTERRUPTING, OVER HEADSET) No time for an explanation, just do it. The final trail went off down a road leading to Idaho. We're going to check that one out. I'm afraid you guys are on you own. We contacted Road Rover Mission Control with an update, and found they had located Parvo somewhere in Oregon. Apparently the government learned absolutely nothing from their incident with Zachary Storm. Several Cano-Mutants attacked a federal installation in Washington and managed to steal the decoder that controls the Navy's laser satellite. All our other units are busy with their own assignments, so the Master was forced to send the Grizzlies to Oregon to infiltrate Parvo's base. Good luck Colleen. Hunter out. Colleen takes off the headset and puts it down in disappointment. COLLEEN (UNEASY) You're right. This one's up to us. Parvo's on the move and the Grizzlies. RICKY (BLUNT) I know. I heard. COLLEEN (SHOCKED) The headset even? Ricky nods. Colleen is dumbfounded. The Street Rover zips by a sign that says "Border to Wyoming: 50 miles." EXTERIOR: SKY - SOMEWHERE OVER THE UNITED STATES Rabid is at the controls of the Cyclborg with Nitro seated behind him. On their left is Sylvia. EXTERIOR: SKY - CYCLBORG Rabid is looking down at an electronic map in front of him. The breeze is whipping past them, muffling all sound and speech. Nitro is a little irritated with everything. NITRO (ANGRY) Great engagement gift. Absolutely NO ONE else is available he says. I'll bet he was just tired of shopping. Suddenly a strong gust of wind hits them, causing the Cyclborg to waver a little. Nitro reaches out and taps Rabid on the shoulder. NITRO (LOUD, CONCERNED) I think we should fly a little lower. The winds up here are really wild. Rabid can't fully hear her. RABID (LOUD, CONFUSED) What? NITRO (LOUD, BLUNT) I think we should fly a little lower. The winds up here are really wild. Rabid, even with his superior hearing, still can't hear her. RABID (LOUD, CONFUSED) Huh? NITRO (SCREAMING, ANNOYED) I think we should fly a lower because the winds up here are really wild! Rabid, still unable to hear her, puts his finger up to his ear. RABID (LOUD, CONFUSED) Can you say that one more time? Nitro sighs, frustrated. Finally she gets a mischievous look on her face. She grins. NITRO (LOUD, SLY) I said... I've decided to marry Prowler and we're going to have a child. Rabid just give's her a thumbs up. Nitro shakes her head, defeated. She then looks over to her left to Sylvia. INTERIOR: SYLVIA - CAB Amani is flying, looking as an electronic map in front on her. Puffball, Dixie and Prowler are seated from left to right next to Amani. Prowler squirms in his seat and accidentally whacks Dixie. She elbows him in response, and he elbows her back. They exchange elbows a second time, then start shoving each other back and forth. Amani is annoyed. AMANI (BLUNT) Puffball, if you please. Puffball nods, then whacks both Prowler and Dixie upside the head. Both turn to looks at her, upset. DIXIX AND PROWLER (ANGRY) Hey! What's the big idea? PUFFBALL (STERN) Both of you knock off now. Both sit in their seats and sulk with their arms crossed. Prowler looks at Amani. PROWLER (ANNOYED) It's too crowded in here. Why did we all have to squish in the front? Couldn't someone have rode in the back? AMANI (BLUNT) Of course not. Sylvia hasn't been equipped with a static field like the Cyclborg. That person might fall off if we have to make any sudden movements. PROWLER (SMUG) That's why I volunteer Dixie to go back there. She's low to the ground, so she'll have no problem hanging on. DIXIE (ANGRY) Shut up Prowler! Dixie and Prowler start to shove each other again, but stop when Puffball glares at them. Amani just sighs. AMANI (IRRITATED) Should have left the kids a home. Puffball turns to Amani. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) How we find Parvo's hideout? AMANI (BLUNT) Before the Rovers returned the decoder for the satellite to the Navy the first time, Shag planted a homing device inside. They wanted to be prepared in case it was every stolen again. Frankly I lose more faith in government competence every day. The more I see the representatives of the people, the more I admire my cat. Puffball smiles and purrs. Dixie and Prowler both roll their eyes. PROWLER (UNDER HIS BREATH, BOTHERED) That doesn't sound right. PUFFBALL (STERN) Say who? Prowler thinks about saying something, but just pouts instead. Puffball is grinning from ear to ear. EXTERIOR: MENDICANCY - SOUTH END Cleo and Ramses are walking quietly behind a building. Cleo is still on Ramses' arm. Cleo peers around a corner. RAMSES (BLUNT) See anything? CLEO (HONEST) No. The town looks deserted. Which means of course that they are waiting to ambush us. RAMSES (CONFUSED) How can that be? Cano-Mutants are known for their direct approach, not for their ability to plan. They're not that bright. CLEO (BLUNT) Still, something doesn't feel right. Let's go check on... Suddenly, A laser blast hits the side of the building next to Cleo's head. They look to see Butch on top of a building across from them. He is taking aim again. Cleo and Ramses dive behind one of the wrecked cars. CLEO (SARCASTIC) That direct enough for you? Ramses looks up to Butch. RAMSES (SMUG) Only one of them. Not very smart to send just one. Parvo's getting dumber by the day. VOICE (SMUG, FROM BEHIND) That may be true, but Parvo has nothing to do with this. Cleo and Ramses turn to see Guile standing behind them, just as he fires his weapon. Both are hit in the chest and are stunned unconscious. Sheba, after a moment's hesitation, flies off. Both Guile and Butch take shots at her but miss horribly. Butch is about to follow, but Guile grabs his arm. BUTCH (CONFUSED) What are you doing? That bird's going to attract attention to us. GUILE (STERN) We need to take care of these two before they wake up. Besides which, that bird will make it easier for us to find them. Butch nods his head and goes over to Cleo and Ramses. He picks one up with each arm and puts them over his shoulder. Guile follows and picks up Ramses staff off the ground. BUTCH (CONFUSED) Why do we need that? GUILE (HONEST) If they come here before we return, I don't want to leave any signs that there was a struggle. BUTCH (SMUG) What about the blast in wall? Guile looks at it and frowns. He shrugs his shoulders. GUILE (ANNOYED) Whatever. Butch turns and walks away, Guile following behind him. EXTERIOR: MENDICANCY - NORTH END A loud blast is heard, and Star, Silver and Outlaw turn to look. After running a few feet, they see Sheba flying off. They do not see the shots taken at her. Outlaw suddenly stops. OUTLAW (STERN) Wait! Star and Silver stop, turn, and look at Outlaw. STAR (CONFUSED) What is it? SILVER (BLUNT) We should go see what was. OUTLAW (BLUNT) Think about it. Why would Sheba be flying away like that? Something must have gone wrong. I am guessing Cleo and Ramses must have been captured, otherwise Sheba wouldn't have had a reason to fly off. Running over there will only increase the chances of us getting caught too. We need to move carefully. Star and Silver nod their heads in agreement. Outlaw starts rubbing his chin. OUTLAW (HONEST) I think we should go separately. I work better alone and it will give them more than one target to worry about. Without waiting for a response he runs off to his left and darts behind a building. After a few seconds Star and Silver look at each other, shrug their shoulders, and scurry off to the right. EXTERIOR: SONIC ROVER - SKY The Sonic Rover is flying somewhere over Idaho. In the distance is a magnificent mountain range partially obscured by a chain of clouds. At certain places the peaks are covered with snow. Below the Sonic Rover is a long road with large forests on either side. It is the onset of winter, but of course the Evergreen trees don't show it. INTERIOR: SONIC ROVER - COCKPIT. Hunter is at the controls, with Exile in the navigator's seat. Blitz is seated behind Hunter, sharpening his claws. Shag is behind Exile with a tray in front of him and a napkin tied around the back of his neck and hanging down in front. On the tray is an assortment of hotdogs, hamburgers and French fries. Muzzle is in the back resting. Shag picks up one of the hamburgers and takes a bite. Exile is looking at a screen of the road below. Exile's eyes open wide. EXILE (BLUNT) It is weird. Suddenly the trail is kaputski. Apparently they went into the forest. HUNTER (CONFUSED) Hmmm. Let's land and take a look. EXILE (HONEST) If we turn around, we can set down on the road back there. HUNTER (BLUNT) Nah. I'll just land right here. With those words Shag mumbles, folds up his tray and puts it in his fur, and straps himself in. Blitz stops what he is doing and his eyes get really wide. He puts away his nail file, puts his hands together, closes his eyes, and starts praying. EXILE (UNEASY) Uh... Hunter. I don't think we should land hereski. There's no runway below us, only trees. HUNTER (ANNOYED) That old reason again? Picky picky. Hunter pushes the control stick forward and the Sonic Rover starts descending at a sharp angle. EXILE (ANNOYED) Bolshoi. I be hating the recycled joke. Screams can be heard as the Sonic Rover plunges through the trees. It hits the ground and comes to a stop. INTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - SONIC WRECKAGE The cockpit is now in shambles, and the Rovers are lying on the floor, their feet in the air. It is another classic Hunter landing. Everyone is light-headed from the collision. EXILE (GROGGY) Why is it we be letting you fly all the time Hunter? HUNTER (UPBEAT) I'm just lucky that way I guess. All the Rovers start to get up, trying to clear their heads. EXILE (CONCERNED) Everybody Dokie Okie? HUNTER (STERN) We better get moving. We'll let Muzzle stay and guard the Sonic Rover. BLITZ (SARCASTIC) What's left of it. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - SONIC WRECKAGE Hunter, Exile, Blitz and Shag walk out from the Sonic Rover and look around. BLITZ (CONFUSED) Which way was the trail? Hunter stops and thinks. He starts pointing in multiple directions. HUNTER (CONFUSED) I think it was that way. Or was it that way? Maybe it was that way. Blitz rolls his eyes. BLITZ (ANNOYED) Ya. Perfect. EXILE (ANNOYED) I'll start repairs on Sonic Rover. Exile turns and walks back to the Sonic Rover. Blitz just shakes his head as Hunter is in deep thought. EXTERIOR: STREET ROVER - ROAD It is now night and the Street Rover has its headlights on as it drives through the darkness. Ricky is still driving and Colleen is curled up in the passenger seat, her head lying on her hands. Ricky reaches over and taps Colleen on the shoulder. RICKY (SOFTLY) Colleen, wake up. We just crossed the border to Wyoming and we'll be at the Big Sky Ranch in a few hours. Colleen stirs and yawns, blinking her eyes. COLLEEN (CURIOUS) How long was I out? RICKY (HONEST) Since this afternoon. It seemed like you needed the rest. COLLEEN (BLUNT) So what's the plan? RICKY (BLUNT) That message was for me so he'll be waiting when I get there. He might not be expecting you. We can use that to our advantage. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Why do you think the message was for you personally? Ricky doesn't answer. Colleen's eyes light up. COLLEEN (STERN) You know him don't you? That's why you knew his name was Cain. What's the deal? Why would he want to go after Hunter's mom anyway? RICKY (DISTANT) Because he knew that I would follow him there. COLLEEN (FRUSTRATED) I've had enough of this. What's going on? Ricky glances at Colleen out of the corner of his eye and sees she is serious. He returns his eyes to the road. RICKY (UNEASY) I didn't tell Hunter the whole truth about the night his mother was attacked. Not even she knows all of it. The real reason those dogs showed up was not to get food, though it was part of it, but to kill me. COLLEEN (SHOCKED) What?!? RICKY (DEFEATED) You see after I got off the American cargo vessel in New Mexico, I had no where to go. The sailor I had got to know was leaving on another ship. So eventually I took to the streets. After a few weeks I met up with Cain and his pack. I didn't want to be alone, so I agreed to join them. I did a lot of bad things while I was with them, things I will regret forever. We eventually went across Colorado and then to Wyoming terrorizing people. Eventually I woke up one night, sick to my stomach at what I'd become. So I told Cain I was leaving. He didn't want to hear of it. The next thing I know, I've got them after me trying to kill me. I thought I had lost them, so I went into the barn at the Big Star Ranch to rest for the night. When Cain and his pack showed up looking for me, they found Hunter's mother instead. I had no choice but to confront them. They probably would have killed me if our commotion hadn't woken up Wilson. Cain and his pack were forced to take off, but he vowed he would get even with me for betraying him. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Betraying him? RICKY (BLUNT) He thinks I owe him for the year I was in his pack. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) So if he is trying to kill you, why are you so insistent at giving him a chance? RICKY (SAD) I'm responsible for leading Cain to Hunter's mother. Her life and Hunter's has been turned upside down because of me. Hunter had a good thing going for him. He was able to see his mother, unlike myself, and when he did so he could leave again without wondering if she would be all right. My actions took that away from him. Now he has to constantly worry about her well being. Only by defeating him will she ever be truly safe once more. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) Meaning what? Locking him up? Killing him? RICKY (HONEST) Whatever it takes. I won't let him hurt anyone else. Colleen doesn't know what to say. Finally she thinks of something. COLLEEN (HESITANT) So what happened to your mother? How is she doing? RICKY (EMOTIONAL) I don't know. And I never will know as long as Cain is still out there. He will do whatever it takes to get even with me, and I won't risk leading him right to her by trying to make a visit. COLLEEN (BLUNT) So you know kind of know where she is, but can't go back there because you're afraid it might put her life in danger? RICKY (ANNOYED) That's really oversimplifying it... but in a general sense, yes. COLLEEN (STUNNED) You and Rabid have so much common it's unbelievable. RICKY (SOFTLY) We really do. I wouldn't say it's a good thing, considering what it is we have in common, but it has brought us closer together. We know each other better than almost anyone else. COLLEEN (INSIGHTFUL) You two must understand each other so well. They say misery loves company. Ricky nods. Colleen looks away. Ricky glances at her briefly, then returns his attention to the highway. RICKY (INAUDIBLE) Actually I envy him. He can tell the one he loves how he feels. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) Did you say something? Ricky shakes his head. The drive continues for a few seconds in silence. Ricky then turns to her and speaks. RICKY (BLUNT) I'm going to park the Street Rover a few miles from the ranch. I'll go in first, and you can follow a few minutes later. COLLEEN (OFFENDED) Excuse me? Who put you in charge? RICKY (STERN) It has nothing to do with that. He won't expect me to be with anyone else. I don't even think he knows that I am with the Rovers. You'll be able to take him by surprise once I figure out what kind of trap he has planned. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) You could be killed just walking in like that! RICKY (BLUNT) It's the best way. Colleen folds her arms. COLLEEN (UPSET) I don't like it. Ricky looks at Colleen and his heart softens. He puts his arm around her and pulls her next to him. RICKY (STERN) It will be fine, trust me. COLLEEN (SULLEN) How can you be so sure? RICKY (SARCASTIC) Because I have affair I need to deal with after this mission is done. I have kept something inside too long that I need to get out. Dying would kind of screw my plans up. Ricky looks down at Colleen and she looks up at him. Their eyes lock. They start to lean toward each other, but the car swerves and Ricky returns his attention to the road. Colleen pulls away and looks out the window. The darkness masks everything. Ricky looks ahead and sees a fork in the street in the distance. The Street Rover takes a right turn and goes down the narrow road. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - SKY The Cyclborg and Sylvia zoom overhead, but they can barely be seen in the darkness of night. Both the Cyclborg and Sylvia can be heard descend and moving down among the trees. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - FOREST FLOOR Amani can be seen briefly getting something from Sylvia, then everything is in darkness when she turns out the light. Six dark figures, in the shape of the Strayers, can be seen running swiftly across an open area under the moonlight. Five of them are carry items that resemble weapons. They disappear on the other side of the clearing, into the trees. PROWLER (ANNOYED) Why did we have to park so far away? RABID (BLUNT) Parvo's censors would have picked us if we flew in any closer. Amani has the tracking device with her so we will have no problem finding his hideout on foot. PUFFBALL (CONFUSED) What plan? NITRO (BLUNT) Simple. We sneak in, grab the decoder, call in the authorities, and sneak out. AMANI (SARCASTIC) Like it is ever that simple. They continue walking in darkness. Suddenly a thump is heard. DIXIE (IN PAIN) Owwwwww! NITRO (CONCERNED) Are you okay? DIXIE (FUSTRATED) Yeah. I just hit my foot on a rock. I can barely see anything. AMANI (CONFUSED) I thought dogs had great night vision. PUFFBALL (PROUD) No. That cats. RABID (ANNOYED) Everybody hold on. The sound of footsteps stops. Rabid sighs. His footsteps can be heard for a short time, then are gone again. RABID (ANNOYED) Why don't you just use a flashlight Dixie? DIXIE (ABASHED) Oh yeah. The rustle of a pocket can be heard. RABID (SHOCKED) Hey! That's my pocket and that's not a flashlight! DIXIE (EMBARRASED) Oops. Sorry. PROWLER (SARCASTIC) Yeah right. Nitro can be heard growling in Dixie's direction, while Dixie can be heard growling in Prowler's direction. Dixie stops. DIXIE (HONEST) It really was an accident. I sincerely apologize. RABID (BLUNT) Forget it. Let's just get moving. Dixie turns on the flashlight, but it is very weak. The light only illuminates a few feet. The Strayers continue moving, bathed in the moonlight. There is an opening in the covering of the forest above. Through it a large building can be seen, the light from it shining down on the tops of the trees. EXTERIOR: MENDICANCY - NORTH SIDE Silver and Star are moving in between the buildings, checking inside each through the window. Finally they come to a large rectangular building. Both Silver and Star wipe a portion of smudge from the windowpane and peer inside. INTERIOR: MENDICANCY - OLD AUDITORIUM From their view, Star and Silver can literally hundreds and hundreds of rows of chairs, much like those you would find in a movie theatre. All are facing the other way, toward a large stage. Front and center on the stage is large podium with a microphone. Toward the back of the stage are Cleo and Ramses, bound, blindfolded and gagged. Behind them is a large red curtain. The room is very dimly lit. STAR (EXCITED) There they are! SILVER (STERN) Quiet! STAR (WHISPER, CONFUSED) What? SILVER (WHISPER, HARSH) Isn't it obvious? If this isn't a trap, I don't know what is. The only question is where the Cano-Mutant's are hiding. STAR (WHISPER, BLUNT) Behind the curtain? SILVER (WHISPER, HONEST) Too obvious. I am guessing they are in the balcony overlooking the room on the left. That would give them the strategic position. STAR (INAUDIBLE, ANNOYED) I think they're behind the curtain. SILVER (WHISPER, CONFUSED) What was that? STAR (WHISPER, SLY) Nothing. SILVER (WHISPER, BLUNT) I'll walk over to stage where Cleo and Ramses are. You sneak up there and wait behind the curtain to the luxury box. When my presence draws them out, you take them by surprise. Star nods. Silver looks in the window one more time to check the room. Finally she motions to Star. They open the door to the auditorium and slip in quickly and quietly. SILVER (WHISPER, STRICT) Go get in position. Star moves swiftly to the left and disappears up a flight of stairs. Silver slowly makes her way down the aisle toward the stage, surveying the room carefully. She keeps looking at the balcony out of the corner of her eye. She reaches the stairs and walks quietly up the steps. She is about to lean over and untie Cleo when the curtain is drawn back quickly. Standing there is Guile with his weapon pointed at her. GUILE (STERN) Lower your weapon now! Silver hesitates, then starts to slowly lower her pistol to the stage. Silver looks through the black curtain from the balcony and frowns. STAR (SMUG) I told her they would be behind the curtain. Star leaps out and aims her pistol at Guile. She is about to fire when another beam hits her in the shoulder, causing her to drop her weapon and crumple to the floor. Silver tries to quickly lift her gun and fire, but Guile shoots her first. She is stunned unconscious. Star, groggy, looks over her shoulder to wear the other shot came from. Butch is standing behind her, smiling. BUTCH (AUSTERE) Get up. Star, reluctantly, follows his orders. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CLEARING Hunter, Blitz, Exile and Shag are looking out from behind a bush. It is early in the morning, and the sun hasn't come up yet. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM The view is the same as before, but on a large viewing screen. Charles and Dolores are sitting in chairs, watching. Both are grinning. Charles turns to face her. CHARLES (SMUG) What do you think? Should we kill them now or let them get inside first? DOLORES (PLEASED) Let's let them get inside. I want to see what the security robots can do. It might be fun to behold. Charles nods and pushes some buttons. The red light next to the words "outer force field" turns off. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CLEARING Hunter and the rest of the Rovers are standing over the outer hatch. EXILE (EXCITED) Look what we foundski! Exile points down to the hatch. HUNTER (CONFUSED) How are we going to get down there? BLITZ (BLUNT) Allow me. Blitz holds out his paw, then his claws come out. He goes over and slashes at the hatch. After a few seconds, there is large hole. Blitz steps over to the hole and goes in. The rest of the Rovers follow. INTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CAVERN The Rovers drop down and look around. They all turn and start to walk down the cavern. They stop when they come to the first door. Exile smiles. EXILE (BLUNT) I handle this one. Exile stares at the button panel next to the door. His eyes glow red, and then beams of light of the same shade fire from them. They strike the button panel and it starts to liquefy. Soon the panel is fused and shorts out. The beams stop and Exile's eyes return to normal. He walks over to the door and forces his fingers in-between the two sides of the door. He pulls until the door is forced open. Exile walks through and the rest of the Rovers do the same. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM Dolores turns to Charles with an evil grin on her face. DOLORES (PLEASED) They're in the bridge room. This ought to be fun. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND - BRIDGE ROOM The Rovers look around and notice the overpass. SHAG (CONCERNED) Rharrharrhar. HUNTER (BLUNT) The tracks led over here so we can assume this is where the Cano-Mutants are hiding. It's our job to find out what their up to. If this base is part of their operation, we have to shut it down. EXILE (CONFUSED) How will we be doing that? HUNTER (HONEST) We'll just have to find out. Let's go. Hunter and the rest of the Rovers cross the bridge. When they get to the other side, the door opens. Four robots with guns are on the other side. They turn and begin to fire. Blitz screams in his usual fashion and Shag jumps into Hunter's arms. All the Rovers scatter to avoid being hit. They dive behind a group of crates. BLITZ (BLUNT) I am disappointed. No soft tooshies to bite. EXILE (APPALLED) And I thought astronomers were obsessed with moons. HUNTER (SLY) You want this one Blitz? BLITZ (UNEASY) I would. Really I would. But I don't want to mess up my manicure. Exile just shakes his head and sighs. Hunter puts Shag down and peeks over the top of one of the crates. He barely ducks in time as a laser shot zooms over his head. EXILE (EXCITED) Comrade Shag! Your launcher! Shag reaches inside and pulls out a lunch pail. He mumbles something and tosses it away. He does the same as he pulls out a bone, a book, an umbrella, and a clock. He pulls out a hotdog and sticks it in his mouth. When he gets to his boxer shorts, he blushes and sticks it behind his back. Next he pulls out a picture of Puffball. He stares at it. SHAG (PLEASED) Rhar. BLITZ (SLY) It that a picture mop boy? Shag sticks the picture back in his fur and growls at Blitz. Blitz screams again. The robots continue to fire, and the shots are getting closer. HUNTER (STERN) Hey Shag! Hurry! Shag searches through his fur again and pulls out a chair. He tosses it away as well. He then pulls out a pair of shoes, a television, a grandfather clock, and a small manila folder. Shag hands it to Exile. Exile takes it and looks through it. EXILE (SHOCKED) Well I should be a brother's monkey! So this is where Noah's Ark has been the whole timeski! BLITZ (ANNOYED) You should really clean house more often. Shag starts growling at Blitz again. HUNTER (ANGRY) Shag! Now would be good! Shag goes through his fur one more time. Finally he pulls out his missile launcher. He takes aim at the robots. HUNTER (HONEST) Shag, you've got it the wrong way again! Turn it around! Shag turns the launcher around, aims again, and pulls the trigger. The missile launches and flies backwards, hitting the wall behind them. Everyone turns to Hunter. HUNTER (EMBARRASSED) Oops. My mistake. Blitz and Exile look at each and shake their heads. Shag turns the launcher around and fires a third time. The missile zooms over to the robots, hits the floor and explodes. When the smoke clears, they are all in shambles. HUNTER (BLUNT) Good work Shag. Let's get moving. The Rovers pass through the door and run down the hallway. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM On the screen are the Rovers, running past what is left of the robots. Dolores looks at Charles nervously. DOLORES (UNEASY) Now what? CHARLES (BLUNT) Don't worry. We still have a few tricks left. Dolores nods her head, still unconvinced. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - INNERMOST COMPLEX The Rovers are running down the hallway. They come to stop when they reach the end. There is one corridor going left, and one going right. Hunter turns to the other Rovers. HUNTER (STERN) Exile. You and Blitz try and find the power source for this building and shut it down. Shag and I will try and find whoever is behind all this. EXILE (ANNOYED) Must I always be with weird boy? HUNTER (HONEST) Blitz's claws may be helpful in destroying whatever you need to. Hunter and Shag run off down the left corridor. Exile looks at Blitz who is smiling. BLITZ (PLEASED) Yes. Let the biting begin. Blitz runs impulsively down the right corridor. Exile shakes his head. EXILE (ANNOYED) He has lost case of baskets leaving many marbles. Exile sighs and follows Blitz down the hall. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - ENTRANCE The Street Rover pulls in slowly and comes to a stop. The sound of the tires running over rocks can be heard. Ricky is the only one in the car. He opens the door, steps out, and looks around. He then takes off his jacket and tosses it on the front seat. The lights from the car and the moonlight are the only things preventing utter darkness. Ricky takes the former away as he shuts the car door. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - FARMYARD Ricky walks a few feet and sniffs at the air attentively. The wind is coming from behind him. He is unable to pick up anything because he is the one up wind. He slowly makes his way to the barn. Wilson is nowhere to be found. Ricky continues walking until he is in the large field in front of the barn. A rusted tractor sits in the middle. Ricky ears suddenly perk up. He dives quickly behind the tractor a laser beam shoots out from the darkness within the barn and whizzes past his head. VOICE (SMUG, FROM BARN) Welcome back McCoy. I see I'm not the only one that has changed since we last met. You've given me a bigger target. Ricky peers over the tractor into the barn. All is dark but the sound of Cain's voice tells Ricky he is in the upper level of the barn. Ricky hears another pair of footsteps moving through the forest to the left. CAIN (LOUD, BLUNT) Where have you been McCoy? I've been looking for you. You managed to clear everyone out of here, so why did you come? RICKY (BLUNT, HONEST) To make sure you never hurt anyone again. Colleen is near the edge of the forest, hidden from view. She can hear both Ricky and Cain talking to each other. CAIN (LOUD, ANGRY) Are you going to stop me? How? I defeated you before and I can defeat you again. Only that blasted farmer and his gun saved you. RICKY (BLUNT, ANNOYED) There were five of you and only one of me. Things are different now. Now it is just between you and me. I'm also known as Ricky, not McCoy. CAIN (LOUD, SMUG) Really? Don't you like your real name? Maybe you changed because it's a reminder of how you lied to me. McCoy means many things, such as plain or unvarnished. But the definition I like the most is true or real. Your name contrasts how you lied to me when you said you would be in the pack until the end. You weren't true to me. Did you change it just so you could forget what you did? RICKY (LOUD, ANGRY) First of all, you were the one who lied to ME! You said we wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone. Then you said it was okay to leave if I wanted to. Why should I owe you anything for the way you corrupted me? You used my desire to belong as a tool to get me to do what you wanted. The only reason you're upset is because I broke the hold you had. That's the real reason you want to kill me. You like the fact that you can control anyone through his or her fears and desires, and I represent a flaw in your ability. You truly live up to your name Puck. CAIN (LOUD, ARROGANT) I told the truth when I said you could leave when you wanted. I didn't say I wouldn't hunt you down and kill you afterwards. At that moment another blast is fired and hits the side of the tractor, a few feet from where Ricky's head. Ricky hears Colleen's muffled gasp. Cain hears it too, and smiles. CAIN (LOUD, SMUG) Who is your friend Ricky? Or should I say... was. Cain turns and fires several blasts into the trees. Colleen jumps out and starts running for the tractor. Cain fires two more shots, which hits the ground behind her, then stops and aims instead. Ricky sees this and immediately bolts toward Colleen who is still running toward him. He jumps toward her and brings her down with him. The laser blasts zooms over, just missing Ricky. Ricky, without thinking, picks her up and runs with her toward the forest. Several more shots are fired, but they all miss. Just as they enter the forest, another blast lands near them, causing dirt and rocks to go flying. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - FOREST AREA Ricky trips on one of the dislodged rocks and falls with Colleen still in his arms. She falls prone, but Ricky stops himself with his arms before he lands on her. He looks back over his shoulder toward the barn, then turns and looks down to Colleen. He is propped up right above her. RICKY (CONCERNED) Are you okay? Colleen nods. Then she looks him straight in the eyes. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) Are you? Ricky nods. They stare into each other's eyes. Ricky realizes how they are lying, and quickly jumps up. He holds out his hand to her. She is lost in her previous thought, but snaps out of it and gives Ricky her hand. Ricky helps her to her feet. COLLEEN (BLUNT) Now what? RICKY (HONEST) There is too much empty space between the barn and the forest. He'd shoot us down before we even got close. Fortunately I hear him coming. COLLEEN (CURIOUS) Why would he give up his strategic position? RICKY (BLUNT) The only reason he came back here was to get back at me. Now that I am here, he'll come after us. Besides which, he will assume that we will be trying call reinforcements. Even in his superior position he would be able to hold out for long. Fortunately he doesn't know that backup is not an option that we have at this present time. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) What's the plan? RICKY (THINKING) Do you have any weapons? Colleen shakes her head. COLLEEN (REMORSEFUL) No. I almost never do. RICKY (HOPEFUL) What about your boyfriend? COLLEEN (HURT) We had this talk before. I told you I still haven't... RICKY (ANNOYED) No. The other one. COLLEEN (SAD) Well he didn't... RICKY (PEEVED) The OTHER one. Colleen looks at him for a moment, confused. Finally she realizes what Ricky is talking about. She smiles and snaps her fingers. COLLEEN (CHARISMATIC) Oh, I get it! You mean my boyfriend (from "The Hair of the Dog That Bit You")! RICKY (EXCITED) Yes! Ricky is smiling, hopeful. Colleen loses her smile. COLLEEN (HONEST) No. Ricky's smile quickly vanishes. RICKY (DEFEATED) No? COLLEEN (HONEST) No. Ricky sighs and looks around. He sees Cain walking toward the forest, weapon ready. Ricky looks around desperately, trying to think of what to do. Suddenly his ears react, giving him the answer. RICKY (STERN) Do you hear that? Colleen shakes her head. RICKY (BLUNT) I hear running water... maybe a river or a waterfall. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) So? RICKY (OPTIMISTIC) It's echoing through a cave. It will be the perfect place to ambush him. COLLEEN (BLUNT) Your senses may be superior, but they're not supernatural. How did you know about the cave? RICKY (HONEST) I passed by it when I first came here two months ago. Let's get moving before he spots us again. Ricky starts moving deeper into the forest. Colleen follows. COLLEEN (CURIOUS) How much of what Cain said is true? RICKY (ANNOYED) You think I owe him something too? COLLEEN (DEFENSIVE) No. I mean about your name, and that you would be with him until the end. RICKY (BLUNT) It's all the truth. I did say that. But would you stick to your promise if you knew you had made a mistake and were hurting people? Colleen shakes her head in agreement. After a brief silence, she speaks again. COLLEEN (PERSISTENT) What about your name? Does it really mean real or true or something? Ricky nods. Colleen looks away. COLLEEN (CONTENT) Oh. Colleen looks back to him. COLLEEN (INQUISITIVE) Does your last name have significance? RICKY (ANNOYED) Yes. COLLEEN (DEMANDING) Well? What does "gallant" mean? RICKY (BOTHERED) It has several meanings. COLLEEN (INSISTENT) Name them. Ricky is hesitant, but realizes Colleen won't leave him alone until she gets an answer. He mumbles. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) What? RICKY (UNDER HIS BREATH, RELUCTANT) Brave. Colleen puts the two together and is generally amused. She giggles. COLLEEN (PLEASED) Really? RICKY (COLD) Yes. COLLEEN (UNRELENTING) Well what are the rest? RICKY (UNFRIENDLY) Figure it out yourself. Colleen is taken back by his hostility. COLLEEN (HURT) Aren't we a little testy today. Ricky doesn't respond. Colleen gets a huge smile on her face. COLLEEN (CALCULATING) I'll bet you didn't give me the juiciest meaning, did you? RICKY (UNEASY) Can we focus on the task at hand please? Cain is trying to kill us. Colleen nods, but continues to grin from ear to ear. The cave, dark and foreboding, can be seen in the distance. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT Rabid and the rest of the Strayers are hiding behind a bush. They all peer over the top of it. The entrance to the building is closed. There are two Cano-Mutants in front with Cano-blasters. All the Strayers except Puffball pull out a weapon. RABID (STERN) Weapons on stun. For now. NITRO (BLUNT) Once we hit them, Parvo will know we're here. AMANI (HONEST) What do you suggest? Nitro looks around at the area, thinking. Finally she sees what she is looking for. NITRO (BLUNT) Over there. The rest of the Strayers turn and look in the direction Nitro is pointing. It is a large rectangular opening leading into a well-lit room. Parked inside are several supply trucks, sand skimmers (as in "The Dog That Knew Too Much), and the Bulldog Spaceship. Placed above the opening is a moving security camera, moving from left to right and back again. NITRO (THINKING) If we move quickly, we can sneak past the camera without being detected. It will be easier to find the control box for the satellite if we don't have fifty Cano-Mutants chasing after us. Rabid nods and the Strayers move over to the brush if front of the opening. As the camera sweeps left, everyone bolts toward the door. They quickly slip into the garage before the camera returns to its original position. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - GARAGE The Strayers hide behind one of the supply trucks as a Cano-Mutant approaches. It is a large Poodle. Rabid surveys the room quickly. There are five Cano-Mutants scattered throughout the room, carrying crates or working on the engines of some of the vehicles. There is one Cano-Mutant on sentry duty in front of the door, which leads out of the garage to the rest of the hideout. There is another Cano-Mutant, a bulldog, sitting in front of several viewing screens. On each screen is a different area of the complex. He is leaning back in his chair, asleep, much like a real life security guard. Rabid turns around. RABID (WHISPER, BLUNT) There are seven guards in the room, but one is asleep. The only Cano- Mutant with his weapon out is the one in front of the door. DIXIE (WHISPER, CONCERNED) Can we get all of them before they can react? RABID (WHISPER, HONEST) More than likely. However, I want to see if there is a less revealing way to get past them. NITRO (WHISPER, HOPEFUL) What about the ventilation shaft over there? Nitro is pointing a few feet to the right, behind another supply truck. PUFFBALL (CONCERNED) Puffball no fit. RABID (WHISPER, STERN) That's all right Puffball, I can't either. Amani, you Dixie and Prowler take the ventilation shaft. It's up to you to find the decoder. PROWLER (COLD) What are you three going to be doing? RABID (WHISPER, ANNOYED) We'll find another way in. Just go. Amani and Dixie nod and start sneaking over to the other truck. Prowler stays with his arms folded, looking away. Rabid looks at him and frowns. RABID (WHISPER, STERN) Now Prowler. Prowler shoots him a dirty look, but eventually does as he is told. Rabid sighs and turns to Nitro. RABID (UNEASY) Sometimes I wonder if bringing him along is a good idea. Nitro smiles at him. NITRO (SLY) Only sometimes? Rabid shares the smile, but then turns serious. RABID (HONEST) How are we going to get in? Nitro shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. Rabid sighs again. He starts looking around the room frantically for ideas. At the same time, Dixie and Amani are moving across the room, making their way to the ventilation shaft. Amani reaches the grate covering the shaft first, and starts to unscrew it. Dixie is looking over her shoulder. Prowler soon joins them. After a few moments, Amani smiles and gently removes the grate, placing it on the floor next to her. AMANI (WHISPER, BLUNT) All right. Let's get mov- Amani turns and looks at Prowler. Dixie and turns and does the same. AMANI (UNEASY) Um. how about we let YOU go in first Prowler. Prowler looks at her for a moment, confused. Finally he realizes what she is thinking, and smiles. PROWLER (SMUG) Why? Don't you trust me? DIXIE (COLD) No. Prowler crawls over to the vent, chuckling. He stops just as he is about to go inside. PROWLER (SLY) Okay. But just make sure you two don't get any ideas. Prowler grins as he enters the ventilation shaft. Dixie sticks her finger in her mouth in the "gag me" fashion. Amani just rolls her eyes. She has a "I think I'm going to be sick" expression on her face. They both are shaking their heads as they follow Prowler in. INTERIOR PARVO'S BASE - VENTILATION SHAFT Prowler is moving quickly through the vent. He comes to an intersection. He looks over his shoulder at Amani. PROWLER (WHISPER, BLUNT) Which way? Amani looks down at her tracking device. AMANI (WHISPER, BLUNT) Right. Prowler continues down the shaft until he comes to another intersection. PROWLER (WHISPER, BLUNT) Now which way? AMANI (WHISPER, BLUNT) Right. Prowler starts down the shaft again. He comes to yet another intersection. PROWLER (WHISPER, ANNOYED) Left or Right? AMANI (WHISPER, BLUNT) Right. Prowler sighs and continues on as before. He comes to the fourth intersection. PROWLER (WHISPER, IRRITATED) Let me guess... right. AMANI (WHISPER, HONEST) Right. PROWLER (WHISPER, SCOWLING) Right. DIXIE (WHISPER, BLUNT) How much farther? AMANI (WHISPER, HONEST) According to this, another mile or two. Dixie frowns. DIXIE (VEXED) This is incredibly boring. Better go back to Rabid and Nitro. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - GARAGE Everything is as it was before. Nitro and Puffball continue to look out for guards. Suddenly Rabid's eyes light up and he snaps his fingers. RABID (WHISPER, EXCITED) I've got it! PUFFBALL (CURIOUS) What plan? RABID (WHISPER, PLEASED) To create a distraction. Wait here. Rabid, staying low to the ground, makes his way over to one of the sand skimmers. Nitro and Puffball look on, wondering what he is going to do. Rabid is right above one of the Cano-Mutants, but he can't see Rabid because he is lying under the skimmer, working on the brake pads. Rabid glances at the dashboard and sees the key is in the ignition. He smiles, reaches over to the key, and turns the engine on. As the skimmer's motor starts to roar, Rabid realizes it won't move because no one is pushing on the pedal. Thinking fast, he jumps on and slams on the gas. Nitro tries to stand up and scream "No," but Puffball holds her back. Rabid turns the skimmer around and drives it out of the garage. EXTERIOR: IDAHO WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT After the Cano-Mutants realizes what is happening, they all run after the skimmer in hot pursuit. They didn't turn around in time to it was Rabid who was driving. The only one remaining is the Bulldog at the security post. Once the skimmer disappears into the forest, Rabid jumps off and hides in a bush. The skimmer continues on its own until it slams into a tree and explodes. Once Rabid sees the Cano-Mutants pass him, he starts making his way back to the garage. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - GARAGE The Bulldog is woken up by Parvo yelling at him through one of the viewing screens. PARVO (ANGRY) Rocky! What is going on down there? Sensors register some type of an explosion in the forest. ROCKY (SCARED) One of the sand skimmers was accidentally started, and went off without anyone driving it. PARVO (UPSET) How is that possible? Was someone working on the engine? The Bulldog nods meekly. While Parvo continues to chew out Rocky, Rabid sneaks back in and goes over to Nitro and Puffball. Together, the three of them sneak behind the back of the Bulldog and out the door. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - MAIN HALL Several Cano-Mutants can be seen running down the corridor. There are numerous doors lined up on both sides of the hallway. Rabid, Nitro and Puffball quickly hide in one of the open rooms, allowing the guards to pass. The room is in darkness, except for the small crack of light emanating from the slightly ajar door. Rabid is looking out into the hall through the opening. Nitro and Puffball, unseen, are behind him. NITRO (WHISPER, CONCERNED) Are they gone? RABID (WHISPER, BLUNT) Yes. PUFFBALL (CURIOUS) So what we do now? RABID (WHISPER, UNSURE) I guess we... Suddenly the light in the room turns on. Rabid, Nitro and Puffball turn around and see Parvo and Groomer standing behind them with pistols pointed at them. With them are Fluffy, Dalmat, and another half dozen Cano-Mutants. All of them have Cano-blasters. RABID (ANNOYED) Get caught. Rabid and Nitro both drop their weapons. Parvo motions with his head for the three of them to walk to their left, and they reluctantly comply. Puffball looks a Rabid out of the corner of her eye, and sees he is giving her the "not yet" look. INTERIOR: MENDICANCY - OLD AUDITORIUM Butch is leading Star down to the stage at gunpoint. When she gets there, Butch pushes her in front of Guile. GUILE (BLUNT) How many more are there? STAR (SARCASTIC) What? People in the world? Billions. Butch walks up behind her and whacks her in the back of the knee with his gun, causing her to drop to her knees. BUTCH (OUTRAGED) Don't get smart! STAR (UNEASY) There aren't anymore, just the four of us. BUTCH (STERN) She's lying. GUILE (SMUG) Doesn't matter. Nobody can save them now. STAR (BLUNT) Who are you guys? GUILE (CONCEITED) Just call us the liberators. STAR (SARCASTIC) How about Libby for short? BUTCH (UPSET) Shut up! GUILE (COLD) You have a smart mouth. Shut it before you lose it. Star glares at him, but doesn't say anything. Guile looks at this and his attitude softens. GUILE (NONCHALANT) If you really want need to know, my name is Guile. To my left is my associate Butch. BUTCH (CONFUSED) Why tell them who we are? GUILE (COMPLACENT) Does it matter? They won't be alive much longer. Butch nods and smiles. He looks to Cleo and Ramses. BUTCH (BLUNT) What do you want to do? GUILE (THINKING) Untie them. BUTCH (CONFUSED) What? Are you nuts? GUILE (STERN) Just do it. Butch, after some grumbling, releases Cleo and Ramses. Both look at Guile. Ramses sees that his staff is in Guile's right hand. CLEO (CONFUSED) Why let us go? GUILE (HONEST) I'm not. I want you two to carry your friend over there. Both Cleo and Ramses turn to look at Silver. She is now conscious, but very weary. She tries to stand, but fails. RAMSES (ANGRY) Why are you doing this? GUILE (COLD) To pay back old debts. People have used dogs for centuries for their own agendas and entertainment. We've just decided we've had enough. As for you guys, trying to stop us was your mistake. RAMSES (BLUNT) What did you accomplish by destroying this town? Nothing will amount from it. GUILE (COLD) This was more personal than anything else. I recognized half the people in this town. They were the one's watching and cheering as dogs we're put in rings to fight to the death. Those who cheer on evils are just as responsible as those who actually carry them out. CLEO (HONEST) I'll admit it sounds like some of these people hurt you, but what about the rest? Besides which, revenge was not the way to handle this. You can't right past wrongs by creating new one's. GUILE (ANGRY) All humans are evil. You think this is a recent thing? People cause more problems and deaths in a year than animals do in a thousand. They only difference is that they can get away with it because no one is strong enough to fight back. We've going to change that. They are so sure of their own superiority that they don't respect anything. We may not have enough soldiers now, but we will soon. We will take the earth back. CLEO (SMUG) I pity you. You're so caught up in your own dim lit ideals that you don't notice that what you're doing is for your own self-interest, not for the good of anyone else. You don't even see that this "self- righteous" personality you've fabricated for yourself, only succeeds at being mournfully pathetic. Butch is about to whack Cleo in the back of the neck with the butt of his gun, but Guile holds up his hand in a "hold on" motion. Butch relaxes and Guile turns back to Cleo. GUILE (ANNOYED) I don't have the time, or the desire to discuss the future with someone who has none. Pick up your friend and start walking. Cleo and Ramses look around and see both Guile and Butch have their weapons aimed at them. They have no choice but to comply. They walk over to Silver, help her to her feet, and support on either side by hooking her arms around their necks. Star gets to her feet as well. After a moment, they start walking off the stage and toward the front door. Guile and Butch follow behind them, weapons still drawn. They reach the front door and step out. EXTERIOR: MENDICANCY - STREET The sun is just now rising over the horizon, and is near blinding. Both Guile and Butch put one hand up to their face to block the light. As Guile puts his hand up, he lays Ramses' staff on the ground. They look around but can't see anyone. GUILE (STERN) Stop. Cleo and Ramses stop where they. Star stops behind them. Silver taps Cleo and Ramses on the shoulder and whispers to them to release her. They comply, and she stands on her own. Butch points his weapon at them. Guile takes a few steps forward until he is directly behind Star. GUILE (LOUD, BLUNT) Whoever's out there, reveal yourself now or your friends are dead! There is no response. GUILE (LOUD, ANNOYED) I'm warning you! If you don't drop whatever weapon you have and step out where we can see you, these guys have had it! There is still no response. GUILE (LOUD, ANGRY) You don't think I'll do it do you? Guile turns back to Butch. GUILE (STERN) Weapons on kill. Both he and Butch reach down to the sides of their weapons and turn the dial. We can see the arrow go from "stun" to "kill". Guile turns his weapon toward Star and fires. The beam hits her in the right shoulder and creates a large scorch mark. Star screams, crumples to the ground, and tears begin to form in her eyes. The smell of burnt flesh is overwhelming as precious plasma starts to seep from Star's wound. Cleo and Ramses run over and kneel next to Star, trying to comfort her. Silver growls at Guile. Guile turns the weapon on her. Silver is unfazed. She scowls at Guile. SILVER (DEFIANT) Go ahead you heartless ba- GUILE (SMUG) My. Such language from such a pretty... SILVER (COLD) Shove it. Guile smiles and aims his weapon back at Star. GUILE (SLY) Relax. I won't kill you. Yet. Guile looks back out to the empty buildings around him. GUILE (LOUD, BLUNT) I didn't have to aim for her shoulder. Her head is next. Again no response. Guile frowns. GUILE (LOUD, UPSET) Fine! Say goodbye! As Guile aims his weapon at Star's head, Silver jumps at him and grabs the gun. She tries to pry it from his hands, but is giving up a good foot and a half in height and several hundred pounds. He quickly throws his arms up, forcing Silver to come off him. Guile then takes one step toward her and throws his right elbow at her head. It connects squarely on the left side of her face, causing her to reel back and fall to the ground. She holds her forehead in extreme pain. Guile turns his weapon back in Star's direction. Cleo and Ramses get up and stand in front of her. Guile is amused. GUILE (IRRITATED) Stand aside or you will take her place. Cleo and Ramses don't move an inch. Their faces show absolutely no fear. Guile is extremely pleased at this. GUILE (PLEASED) Such heroic nonsense. Will you save her by dying? Cleo and Ramses neither respond, nor move. Guile frowns. GUILE (HONEST) So be it. At least you're not trying to run like the humans did. It amazes me how little backbone they have compared to us canines. Take solace in the fact you will die on you feet, with respect, not on your knees. Guile aims the gun at Ramses, who is in front. He prepares to pull the trigger. VOICE (EXCITED, FROM BEHIND) Wait! Guile relaxes his finger, but keeps it on the trigger. He lifts his head and looks behind him. Butch, who has been off to the side, also turns and looks in the same direction as Guile. He had watched the whole altercation between Guile and the rest, keeping his weapon pointed at them in preparation. Stepping out from between one of the buildings adjacent to the old auditorium is Outlaw, his weapon drawn and aimed at Guile. Guile smiles. GUILE (BLUNT) I might if you drop your gun. If not, they're already dead. Outlaw glances at Butch, then back to Guile. Outlaw sighs. OUTLAW (DEFEATED) All right. Here. Now take your weapon off them. Outlaw lowers his pistol and drops it in front of him. Guile grins. GUILE (SMUG) As you wish... fool. Guile directs his weapon to Outlaw and fires. The blast hits Outlaw in the chest and knocks him onto his back. A large gaping hole with burn marks can be seen where the blast hit Outlaw, about six inches wide. Outlaw lays there, eyes closed and not moving. Guile turns back to others. GUILE (HONEST) Now that that's taken care of... Guile aims his gun back to Cleo. Suddenly a piercing screech can be heard. Guile turns just as Sheba gets to him. She digs her claws deep into his arm. He screams in agony and drops his weapon. Sheba releases him and flies toward Butch before Guile can react. He remains slightly bent over, holding his arm, which is oozing blood onto the ground. GUILE (IN PAIN, ENRAGED) Shoot that freakin' turkey! Butch takes his weapon off Star and aims it at Sheba, who is swooping toward him. Ramses, with blazing speed, rolls toward his staff that was lying on the ground. He picks it up and does a quick upward motion with it. The staff hits the bottom of the gun and pushes it aloft, just as Butch pulls the trigger. The shot sails over Sheba, hitting the top of a building instead. Ramses swiftly brings his staff down on Butch's hands, causing him to drop his weapon. The staff next connects with Butch's chin, and he reels back. Guile seeing this, reaches down for his gun. GUILE (UPSET) Forget it! I'll do it myself! Just as Guile is about to pick his weapon, a shot is fired and knocks the gun away. Guile whips around and Outlaw standing behind him, his weapon aimed at his head. Guile stands up and his jaw drops. The hole in Outlaw's chest is nowhere to be found. GUILE (CONFUSED) How? But I... But you... It's not... You shouldn't be... OUTLAW (SMUG) Alive? Did I forget to tell you that I'm immortal? Sorry. My bad. Guile remains standing, in disbelief. Outlaw glances over to his left. Ramses has picked up the Cano-blaster and has it pointed at Butch. Outlaw motions for Guile to go over next Butch, which he does without much persuasion. Outlaw walks over with him. When they get there, Outlaw turns to Ramses. OUTLAW (BLUNT) You want to go call in the authorities? Ramses nods and walks over to Silver. He leans over and offers her the gun. She snatches it from him and gets to her feet. Ramses walks off in the direction of the Turbojet Rover. Silver walks over next to Outlaw. She has a noticeable bruise on the left side of her forehead. A few feet away, Cleo is finishing putting a crude cloth bandage on Star's injured shoulder. Silver looks at Star, then back to Guile. SILVER (HOSTILE) Get moving! Guile and Butch start to walk slowly. Cleo helps Star stand and guides her along with everyone else. Silver turns to Outlaw. SILVER (UNSURE) Where are we going to take them? OUTLAW (HONEST) We'll wait for the authorities to arrive, then give them a full report on what happened here. Then we'll take them back to Road Rover Mission Control with us. SILVER (CONCERNED) Is that safe? OUTLAW (BLUNT) I think it will be all right. We'll put them in Professor Hubert's electrically powered handcuffs. Even with their strength they shouldn't be able to break free. SILVER (CONFUSED) Then what? OUTLAW (UNSURE) I am hoping Master will know what to do with them. There is no way a normal prison will be able to hold these two. We might have to find a special holding facility to put these guys in. They continue to walk, Guile and Butch in front this time. Cleo and Star are bringing up the rear. Guile is as arrogant as ever. GUILE (DEFIANT) Don't think you've won. No prison can hold us. And when we get out, we'll come after you. All of you. Then we'll go after you're friends. This is only beginning. We are not alone. Silver and Outlaw give each other concerned looks when Guile says this. Ramses steps out to greet them when they reach the Turbojet Rover. RAMSES (BLUNT) The authorities are on their way. OUTLAW (PLEASED) Good. Bring out the electric handcuffs and a medical kit for Cleo. Ramses nods and goes back inside. Silver turns to Outlaw. SILVER (UNEASY) So... what was dying like? OUTLAW (SARCASTIC) Painful. I recommend not trying it if you can. Outlaw and Silver smile. Ramses returns with the medical kit and the handcuffs. Guile and Butch just stand there, sulking. INTERIOR: INNERMOST COMPLEX - LEFT CORRIDOR Hunter and Shag are running down the hall, two robots in pursuit. Hunter stops and turns toward the oncoming attackers. He reaches behind his back and pulls out a tennis ball shooter. Laser blasts are hitting the floor around him, creating tiny crevices. He quickly aims and fires. The ball reaches the robots and explodes. After the thick haze clears, the fragments of the robots can be seen dispersed along the ground. Shag walks over to Hunter and pulls out a trophy. Shag mumbles something and Hunter turns to face him. HUNTER (EXCITED) For me? Shag nods his head. Hunter looks at it and shakes his head. HUNTER (CONTRITE) I can't. It belongs to Colleen. Shag mumbles something again, pointing his right finger at the label at the bottom that reads: "Best at Shooting". Hunter smiles. HUNTER (UPBEAT) Really? Well in that case, thanks buddy! Shag smiles and mumbles something else. Hunter and Shag continue to move down the passage until they come to a large steel door. On the door in big red letters are the words: "A Really, Really, Really Top Secret Project Regarding the Construction of a Device That Will Destroy all of Mankind". Below it in small black print are the words: "For Your Own Safety, and the Safety of Others, Please Do Not Run in the Halls". Hunter frowns and turns to Shag. Shag whimpers something. HUNTER (CONCERNED) I know. I'm worried too. We broke one of the house rules. Shag continues to whimper. HUNTER (CANDID) Oh. Well I suppose the destruction of mankind is something to be anxious about as well. Shag whimpers something else. HUNTER (ANNOYED) We've had this talk several times before Shagster, you're supposed to go before we leave headquarters. Shag mumbles. Hunter's expression softens. HUNTER (SOOTHING) Don't worry Shag, I won't take away your fire hydrant privileges. Shag perks up and mumbles with gratitude. Hunter smiles and turns back to the door. HUNTER (HONEST) We have to find out what kind of top secret project their working on in there. Shag mumbles something. HUNTER (EMBARRASSED) Oh yeah. Well then we need to get inside and... um... sabotage it. Shag mumbles and nods his head. Hunter scans the area and spots a button panel. Hunter turns to Shag. HUNTER (INQUIRING) Hey Shag, do you happen to have that new prototype infrared goggles that Professor Hubert was working on? Shag thinks for a moment. He then reaches into his fur, searching. Finally he finds what he is looking for. He pulls out a small pair of infrared goggles, much like a diving mask. Shag hands it Hunter. Hunter is extremely pleased. HUNTER (CHEERFUL) Cool. I love being a Road Rover! Not only do we get the neatest gadgets, but also they're always there when we need them. Hunter slips the goggles over his head. A blinding white light fills the screen. Hunter grimaces. HUNTER (BEFUDDLED) Hmmm. Odd, this doesn't seem to be helping at all. Hunter takes the goggles off and holds them in his hands. He looks at them with suspicion while blinking his stunned eyes. Hunter looks to Shag with a confused look on his face. HUNTER (FLUSTERED) Could it be broken? Shag mumbles, then whimpers. HUNTER (HONEST) You're right. Why did I think this would allow me to see fingerprints? Hunter let's out a sigh of disappointment and tosses the goggles away. He starts to rub his chin as he gazes at the door. HUNTER (THINKING) Jeez. Now how are we going to get in? Shag and Hunter stand in deep thought. Finally Shag snaps his fingers. SHAG (EXCITED) Rharrhar. Rharrharrhar. Hunter smiles. HUNTER (JOYFUL) Good idea Shag. Hunter reaches out and knocks on the door. They wait a few moments and there is no response. Hunter glances back to Shag. HUNTER (DISAPPOINTED) Wow. I can't believe that didn't work. Shag shrugs. Suddenly a loud click is heard, and the door starts to open. The room is completely in darkness. The light from the hall only extends a few feet into the chamber. Hunter and Shag step in, unable to see anything. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - TESTING LABORATORY The door shuts behind them immediately. Hunter and Shag are lost in the gloom. The cessation of sound is trance inducing. After a few seconds, Hunter breaks the silence. HUNTER (IRRITATED) You better not be doing what I think you're doing Shag. Shag whimpers. Hunter sighs. HUNTER (DISTURBED) I just can't take you anywhere. Suddenly there is a tumultuous whirling noise. The light switches on quickly, revealing a tremendous vent with a gigantic steel fan. It is easily a fifty feet tall and fifty feet wide. As the ventilator accelerates its pace of rotation, the air starts to be sucked into it with increasing intensity. HUNTER (HONEST) I would not have predicted this. Bummer. The fan in now moving at such a pace that several papers and other small objects are now slamming into it. A small clock flies into the propeller and creates a tiny spark when it hits. The clock is burst into dozens of diminutive fragments. Hunter looks to Shag. HUNTER (CONCERNED) REALLY big bummer. Hunter and Shag run to a nearby desk and go behind it. Several lamps and chairs begin to fly toward the aperture. Sinister laughter can be heard reverberating throughout the room. VOICE (SMUG, OVER SPEAKER) How do you like the fan? The previous residents used it to remove any dangerous chemical fumes that might have accumulated, mostly as a result of the numerous scientific projects they were working on. Of course, no one is supposed to be in the lab when the vent is utilized. I guess it was a small miscalculation on your part. The same ominous laughter can be heard again. The propeller is now moving at an erratic speed, with no indication of it slowing down. HUNTER (LOUD, BLUNT) Who are you? VOICE (EGOTISTICAL, OVER SPEAKER) I'm known as Charles. You can call me whatever expletives you want in your last few seconds of life. Hunter glances over to Shag. HUNTER (SARCASTIC) He really is one for the melodramatics isn't he? Shag nods and mumbles something. Hunter eyes the vent, trying to some up with some type of remedy for their ever-increasing problem. The motor of the fan sparks several times; suggesting it is exceeding its normal operating level. CHARLES (PLEASED, OVER SPEAKER) Hey Dolores, you want to say anything? Hey don't get mad at me Dolores, I just asked you a simple question. All right. All right. I'll leave you alone then. Trying to be a bully. She's just bitter because I wanted to go with the fan instead of the ever-boring ten-foot tall robot. Talk about a lack of imagination. Suddenly the desk in front of Hunter and Shag starts to lurk forward. They look at each other, the horror apparent on both their faces. Shag reaches out and manages to grab metal hook embedded into the wall. Hunter dives and manages to grab the handle of a large cabinet, just as the desk become aloft. It soars in the direction of the vent. Upon impact the desk is tattered to shreds. Hunter is now holding onto the handle of the cabinet with both hands, and is nearly horizontal. The suction of the vent is astonishingly powerful. The rush of the air is unbelievably loud, making it hard to verbally communicate. HUNTER (SCREAMING, DESPERATE) Shag! Throw everything you have into the vent! We might be able to stop it if we can obstruct its motion with enough paraphernalia! Shag mumbles, but loudly. Hunter becomes deflated. HUNTER (SCREAMING, SHOCKED) What do you mean you're out of stuff? How can that be possible? Shag shrugs his shoulders. Hunter acquires an exasperated expression on his face. HUNTER (LOUD, HONEST) I suggest we scream uncontrollably. Shag nods. They scream uncontrollably. INTERIOR: INNERMOST COMPLEX - RIGHT CORRIDOR Blitz is racing down the hall impetuously, slashing everything he sees. Exile is following slowly behind, just shaking his head. Robots are lacerated to scraps almost instantly as Blitz attacks them. Blitz comes to a door and screeches to a halt. The sign on the door reads "No Animals Allowed". Blitz groans and then starts down the hall again. Exile passes the same door a few moments later, with the book "War and Peace" in his hands. Blitz now stops when he comes to a second door. The sign on this door reads "No Dogs Allowed". Blitz growls and continues down the corridor. Exile is seen again, passing the second door this time. He still has the book "War and Peace" in his hands. Suddenly he stops and looks right where the screen might be. EXILE (HURT) Whatski. You think I be reading the children's book all the time? Suddenly a small paperback version of the children's classic "Red Riding Hood", falls out onto the floor. Exile blushes. EXILE (EMBARRASSED) I be having the chicken on my face. Exile throws the book in his hands away, and picks up "Red Riding Hood". Blitz in the meantime, running at full speed, stops in front of a third door. This sign reads "No Blitz's Allowed". Blitz frowns and folds his arms. BLITZ (IRRITATED) They are singling me out. Exile now comes down the hall reading the book "Red Riding Hood". He halts next to Blitz, his face still in the book. Finally he looks up and turns to Blitz. EXILE (CONFUSED) Why for does little Red not share food with wolf? Surely grandma not that hungry. BLITZ (BLUNT) What about in here? Exile puts his book away. He then turns and looks at the sign on the door. He smiles. EXILE (SMUG) I like it so far. Let me checkski first. Exile glares at the doorway, and his eyes turn white. Clear beams expel from his pupils and disperse into a wide zone on the door. Through the entrance we can see a large generator. Exile relaxes and the beams disappear. His eyes return to normal. EXILE (BLUNT) I think we be hitting the pot of Jack. Blitz puts his hand together. He has and exaggerated grin on his face that shows all his teeth. BLITZ (EXCITED) Any opportunities for the biting of the tender behinds? Exile gives Blitz a funny look. EXILE (SICKENED) Seek help. Exile now gazes at the door again. His eyes glow blue, and beams of ice depart from them. They hit the entrance and quickly crystallize it. Exile then walks over and throws his fist into the center of the door. It crumbles easily under the strength of the impact. The remaining segments drop to the floor like shattered glass. Exile swiftly step through the opening, followed immediately by Blitz. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM Charles and Dolores are watching the viewing screen. On it is the testing laboratory. Suddenly an alarm goes off and a red light starts to flash. Dolores looks it over. DOLORES (CONCERNED) There has been a security breach in the generator room. CHARLES (SHOCKED) What? DOLORES (COLD) It has been broken into stupid. So much for our security measures. Once they destroy the generator, this whole place will shut down. Charles glares at her. He turns back to the viewing screen. CHARLES (STERN) Computer. Show a split-screen view of the testing lab and the generator room. The viewing screen splits and shows the testing lab on the right, and the generator room on the left. Charles can see Exile and Blitz standing in the generator chamber. CHARLES (STERN) Computer. Activate emergency force field, access code "Armageddon". COMPUTER (AUTOMATED VOICE) Emergency force field activated. CHARLES (STERN) Computer. Activate emergency defense android, access code "Babylon the Great". COMPUTER (MONOTONE) Emergency Defense android activated. Dolores glances at Charles, confused. DOLORES (PERPLEXED) What are you doing? Charles smiles and looks to Dolores. CHARLES (SMUG) You wanted a large, ten-foot tall robot? Well this one's a little bit bigger than that. DOLORES (LOST) Well I... I thought... CHARLES (SATISFIED) Just watch the screen and you'll see. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - GENERATOR ROOM This room is well lit from the florescent lights on the ceiling, and the luminescence emanating from the power source. Exile and Blitz walk toward the generator slowly, which resides in the center of the room. The generator is roughly twenty feet wide and nearly a hundred feet tall. It looks much like an old furnace or stove. Metal platforms are scattered throughout the room, made available by strategically placed vertical ladders. Exile and Blitz begin to examine the generator. EXILE (HONEST) It seems simple enough. Exile reaches back and throws a punch at the generator. His fist slams into an invisible field, a foot short of the generator. EXILE (SHOCKED) Bolshoi! It has force field! BLITZ (DEFEATED) Now what? Exile looks quickly around the room. EXILE (BLUNT) This generator may be powering compound, but force field must be running on alternative energy source. Suddenly the thundering sound of large footsteps can be heard. Exile continues to scan the room. Finally he sees what he spots something that interests him. Exile points toward a medium-sized machine on one of the upper deck platforms that overlooks the rest of the room. EXILE (EXCITED) Up there! I think that's it. Now where is the ladder leading...? Exile folds his arm and begins to look around the room for a way up. The sounds of footsteps are deafening. Blitz turns around and looks behind them. His ears flop back, as he looks upward. Then he elevates his head some more. His jaw drops. He begins tapping Exile on his shoulder furiously, agitated. Exile ignores him. EXILE (THINKING) Now if I were ladder, where would I be? Blitz continues to tap Exile's shoulder. BLITZ (NERVOUS) Uh... Exile. EXILE (ENGROSSED) Maybe near doorski? The robot is fifty feet from them. BLITZ (APPREHENSIVE) Uh... Exile. EXILE (THOUGHTFUL) Maybe toward machine? The robot is twenty-five feet from them. BLITZ (TENSE) Exile I think... EXILE (PENSIVE) Could it be over there? The robot is five feet from them. BLITZ (EXCITED) Exilo Mikhailovich SanHusky! Exile turns angrily to Blitz. EXILE (AGGRAVATED) What Blinky! Can't you see I am looking for way up? Blitz thumbs behind him. BLITZ (ALARMED) You can climb up on his shoulders. Exile turns and sees the android behind them. It is a good twenty feet tall, with several lasers attached to its shoulders. It looks like a colossal Great Dane Cano-Mutant. It is constructed out of thick titanium, very tough. Exile turns to Blitz and points back and forth between them. EXILE (FEARFUL) We must work on communication skills. Blitz nods, then screams as a laser beam lands a few inches in front of him. It leaves a crater a two feet in diameter and one foot deep. Blitz and Exile run in opposite directions. Without warning, Exile spots a ladder leading upward. EXILE (LOUD, STRICT) Blitz! You keep the android busy. I go after power source of force field. BLITZ (LOUD, HESITANT) Why do I have to keep the big bad robot thingy busy? EXILE (LOUD, SMUG) Because you are one with the helpful claws that be used to destroy whatever we need! BLITZ (DEFEATED) I was afraid he would say that. Exile reaches the ladder and begins to climb. Blitz readies himself, then dashes toward the robot. Two lasers are fired at him, but miss. He lunges at the robots left foot and slashes at it with all his might. His claws barely go in an inch, slightly scratching the surface. Blitz notices this, and frowns. BLITZ (UNEASY) Ooh. This is a bad thing. This is a very, very bad thing. The android lifts its arm and starts to bring it down. Blitz quickly moves out of the way, and the robot's really big fist smashes into the floor. It ah... leaves a REALLY big hole. Blitz starts to run around the room, the android in pursuit. BLITZ (TERRIFIED) My turn to scream uncontrollably. But I will do it even better than Hunter. Blitz starts to scream uncontrollably. He was telling the truth. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - VENTILATION SHAFT Everything (unfortunately) is as it was before. Prowler comes to what is probably their fiftieth intersection. As if by habit, Prowler looks back at Amani who is watching the tracking device. PROWLER (EXASPERATED) Do I even have to ask? AMANI (WHISPER, HONEST) You can if you want. Prowler sighs. I'm sure can you guess what kind of look he has on his face. PROWLER (WHISPER, SCORNFUL) Which way? AMANI AND PROWLER (WHISPER, BLUNT) Right. Prowler shakes his head. Suddenly Amani face lights up. AMANI (WHISPER, EXCITED) Wait! Take a LEFT at the next intersection! Prowler is slow to react, but finally turns back to Amani. PROWLER (WHISPER, INTERESTED) Did I hear correctly? You're not just toying with me right? Because if you are, I will kill you right here and now. AMANI (WHISPER, OFFENDED) I'm serious. Take a left. Stop at the next grate. Prowler responds. They come to a grate, a scarce amount of light managing seep through it. Prowler, Amani and Dixie gather around the grate and look through it. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - VIEWING ROOM This is a heavily illuminated room with one large viewing screen. In front of it is one deluxe chair, which Parvo usually sits in. In the center of the room is a very plain table with the decoder for the satellite on it. There are two Cano-Mutants standing next to the table, guarding the decoder. There are two more sitting at their posts at the other side of the room. Parvo and the rest are nowhere to be seen. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - VENTILATION SHAFT Dixie glances to Amani. DIXIE (CONFUSED) Why would Parvo and the Groomer have left their viewing room? AMANI (HONEST) I have a feeling Rabid wasn't too successful at finding another less- revealing way in. PROWLER (BLUNT) Now what? AMANI (STERN) Our orders remain unchanged. We get the decoder and get out. Then we call in the authorities. DIXIE (CONCERNED) What about the others? AMANI (HONEST) They can take care of themselves. As much as I hate it, recovering the decoder is our priority. There are too many lives at stake. PROWLER (BLUNT) What do you suggest? AMANI (THINKING) A diversion perhaps. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - PRIMARY STORAGE AREA The room is filled with numerous computers, crates and desks. There are also two Cano-Mutators near the back of the room. A large dome-shaped light in the center of the ceiling is illuminating the room. There is a tall, middle-aged woman with a clipboard in her hands, standing among several Cano-Mutants. She is examining a picture of the White House on one of the computer screens. She has short red hair, brown eyes, and is wearing a lab coat. She is also wearing blue pants, polished black shoes and a green collared shirt. Rabid, Nitro and Puffball walk in, followed by Parvo, the Groomer, and the rest of their soldiers. There is a large cage off to one side of the room. Rabid rolls his eyes. RABID (IRRITATED) This situation seems vaguely familiar. Someone must have limited creative ability. The woman scientist is a new twist. PARVO (BLUNT) That's Professor Melissa Empyrean. She's our newest recruit. Jeffrey and I had a little falling out. NITRO (SARCASTIC) So what's this one's story? Did she lose her mind in a freak scientific accident, or watching too many repeat episodes of "Captain Planet"? PARVO (DIRECT) Actually, Professor Empyrean is quite brilliant. She may even be smarter than Jeffrey and Atwater combined. The only reason she is working for me is that I promised to give her a few countries to rule once I take over the world. NITRO (COLD) Doesn't she realize who she is dealing with? You have a perfect record of double-crossing every one of your employee's. PARVO (HONEST) I said she was mentally brilliant, not wise. There is a huge difference. Some of the smartest people in the world are idiots. RABID (BLUNT) Enough small talk. What do you plan to use the satellite for? Parvo glances to Rabid and sighs. PARVO (DEPRESSED) The art of intelligent banter between good guys and villains is at such a premium these days. It's people like you that ruin the once wonderful ambience that used to occur when the hero met the criminal mastermind for the first time. The way things are now, the villain has to spill his guts, otherwise the hero would never figure anything out. RABID (HONEST) So are you gonna tell us or not? PARVO (HOSTILE) Fine. Be boring. I'm planning to use the laser satellite to blow up all the world capitals. With all nations' in anarchy, I expect little resistance to my force's when we attack. In a matter of month's, the world will be mine. RABID (SARCASTIC) Is that it? Didn't Storm already try to do that one? PARVO (UPSET) No! His plan was completely different! RABID (THINKING) I don't think so. You're just trying to rip him off. PARVO (ANGRY) That is just like you hero's, always criticizing the villains plans. We don't get enough respect. All you guys do is sit around, waiting for us to do something. It's a lot of pressure to have to come up with all these plans you know. I'll bet it's easier to be the hero than the villain. But now that I have fulfilled my obligation, get moving! Parvo motions for them to start walking, which they do. NITRO (CONFUSED) What does she have to do with this? Parvo looks at Nitro. PARVO (STERN) Professor Empyrean is helping us create a universal radar scrambler. None of the world's sensor systems will pick up any satellite activity until it's too late. NITRO (SMUG) You don't have enough troops to take over the United States, let alone the world. PARVO (COLD) Not yet. But I have operatives all over the planet. It won't be long until I do. And with the help of the satellite, I will be able to weaken all opposing forces to the point of nothingness. The little soldiers I have will be more than enough to completely annihilate all opposition. Rabid and the others stop before Professor Empyrean. She looks at them and smiles. MELISSA (SMUG) Ah. Three more freaks of nature. Yours Parvo? NITRO (OFFENDED) Hardly. Melissa looks Rabid, Nitro and Puffball up and down. She points in between Rabid and Puffball. MELISSA (HONEST) These two might have the physical ability to join our army, but the third one has to go. Puffball hisses at Melissa. Rabid just glares. MELISSA (SMUG) On second thought... they're a little too nasty for my taste. RABID (SARCASTIC) Oh yeah? Well your clothes don't match. MELISSA (HONEST) The lab coat is a bit overdone isn't it? It was standard issue. PARVO (ANNOYED) Anyway, what's the status report on the radar scrambler? MELISSA (UNEASY) It's operational, but that isn't the problem. The amount of energy required to disrupt all the radar's in the world is unbelievable. Right now I would need to align and fire the satellite in less than a minute. That is how long we can run the radar scrambler with the limited power we have. That's not enough time. PARVO (STERN) Solution? MELISSA (UNSURE) I had a few of the Cano-Mutants put out a large solar panel with an oscillating generator. It is attached to our main generator through a series of fiber-optic cables. The idea is to use solar energy to power the scrambler. Though untested, I believe it will be able to give us sufficient power to run the scrambler for at least thirty minutes. That's more than enough time to align the satellite at all the desired locations. Parvo and Melissa continue to discuss their plans. The Groomer goes over to join them. Nitro leans over to Rabid. NITRO (WHISPER, BLUNT) What are we going to do? RABID (WHISPER, CONFIDANT) Don't worry. I have a foolproof plan. Suddenly, Puffball reverts to her original form. Rabid sees this, and frowns. Nitro goes over and picks Puffball up. She walks back to Rabid. NITRO (WHISPER, SMUG) Fool proof huh? RABID (WHISPER, ANNOYED) That wasn't what I was talking about. NITRO (WHISPER, PLEASED) Yeah right. RABID (WHISPER, BUGGED) Just let me think for a moment. Rabid surveys the room, and sees that there are about a dozen Cano- Mutants, including Fluffy and Dalmat. Fluffy is holding their weapons in his left hand. RABID (WHISPER, DEFEATED) What I wouldn't give for a hole in the plot right about now. NITRO (WHISPER, CURIOUS) What? RABID (WHISPER, BLUNT) Nothing. Melissa glances over to Nitro and Rabid and becomes agitated. MELISSA (CONCERNED) What are you going to do about those two? They look like they're up to something. We can't afford to have anything in here damaged. PARVO (CRUEL) We'll just take them out back and... what do you mean two? MELISSA (HONEST) Those two over there. That... uh... weren't there three before? GROOMER (BLUNT) She's right general. Parvo is confused. He walks over to Rabid and Nitro and spots Puffball in Nitro's hands. He smiles and points at Puffball. PARVO (PLACID) Don't worry. The cat's right here. MELISSA (CONFUSED) What are you talking about? PARVO (HONEST) One of the many unique products of our experiments with Mutation. This also happened when we saw these three the first time. Apparently the cat transforms back and forth between mutant and its original form involuntarily. MELISSA (PLEASED) Interesting. PARVO (INQUIRING) Regarding that, have you had a chance to look at the schematics of our Mutator's? MELISSA (THINKING) Yes. I have upgraded the mind control mechanism on the Cano-Mutator's, and I am working on a solution to your problems with the Sapien-Mutator. If you and the Groomer would follow me into my office, I have something else I want to show you. Parvo nods. He and Groomer follow Melissa into a room adjacent to the main storage area. Rabid sees them leave, then turns to Nitro. RABID (WHISPER, STERN) Get ready. We're getting out of here. NITRO (WHISPER, PERPLEXED) How? We're outnumbered and without weapons. Do you mean.? RABID (WHISPER, CANDID) No. Don't want to use it just yet. Just wait and see. Nitro is unsure, but nods anyway. Rabid focuses on his target. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM Ramses is talking to the Master, who is speaking from his balcony as usual. They stop chatting when they see Star and Cleo enter. Star's right shoulder is bandaged heavily. Ramses looks to Cleo. RAMSES (CONCERNED) How's the shoulder? CLEO (HONEST) There is quite a bit tissue damage and some stress to the ligaments in the shoulder. It could take a month or two before Star recovers fully. After which she needs to undergo rehabilitation. RAMSES (WORRIED) What about Silver? CLEO (BLUNT) She a slight hairline fracture on the left side of her skull, which is going to require a few weeks to heal. MASTER (CONFUSED) Where is Silver? CLEO (BLUNT) She and Outlaw are putting the two Cano-Mutants into one of the cells. MASTER (CURIOUS) Did Professor Hubert's handcuffs work all right? RAMSES (BLUNT) Yes. Silver and Outlaw now enter, both still holding their weapons. Silver's head is bandaged. MASTER (CONCERNED) Are you okay? SILVER (NONCHALANT) Yeah. It's not really that bad. OUTLAW (ANXIOUS) What are we going to do with Guile and Butch? MASTER (HONEST) Your initial assessment is probably correct. Given their size and intelligence, it is unlikely a normal prison will be able to hold them. It would also be undesirable to keep them here. If they ever escaped and caused damaged to headquarters, it could be catastrophic. STAR (HOPEFUL) Can we turn them back into their original form? VOICE (BLUNT, FROM BEHIND) Actually, that may be impossible. Everyone turns and looks toward the door. Professor Hubert enters studying a clipboard. HUBERT (UNEASY) After a little effort, I was able to acquire blood samples from our two guests. According to my initial tests, they more than likely went through Parvo's Cano-Mutator. MASTER (CONCERNED) So what's the problem? HUBERT (UNSURE) Well, as you already know, Parvo's Mutator tends to maximize a canine's physical ability, while sacrificing their free will and intelligence. Parvo has it this way because it makes them easier to control. SILVER (BLUNT) But the two Mutants' we brought back were different. Smarter. They were capable of making their own decisions. CLEO (HONEST) One of the Mutant's did mention that they weren't connected to Parvo. HUBERT (ANNOYED) I was getting to that. The tests also showed something unusual in the specimen I took from them. It was almost as if they had been injected with some type of foreign serum. I ran more tests and found that there were small residual traces of a chemical I didn't recognize. It was more complicated then anything I had seen before. So I had the inorganic matter analyzed, and found it to be synthetic. SILVER (CONFUSED) Are you saying it was manmade? HUBERT (STERN) Correct. I used my computer to try and figure what kind of effect the chemical might have on an organic subject. From what I can tell, the serum is designed to have certain behavioral results. Following introduction into the host, the chemical makes into the bloodstream, and up through the brain stem. It then bonds directly to the cerebral cortex and the amygdala. OUTLAW (CONFUSED) What are you talking about? HUBERT (BLUNT) The cerebral cortex is the main control and information-processing center of the body. The amygdala is the part of the brain that controls aggression and fear. The chemical is able to stimulate and effect both of them by changing the subjects normal thought pattern. STAR (SARCASTIC) Meaning what Mr. Wizard? HUBERT (PLEASED) In simple terms, the chemical heightens the subjects mental capability and virtual eliminates inhibitions. Everyone but Hubert sighs. OUTLAW (IRRITATED) As the saying goes... in English. Hubert rolls his eyes and frowns. HUBERT (IRRITATED) The reason these mutants retained their free will and rational ability was because they were injected with this serum. I can't explain how, but the chemicals it contains managed to nullify many of the detrimental effects of the mutation process. OUTLAW (WORRIED) I'm guessing that's not a good thing. HUBERT (ANXIOUS) No. Originally Parvo's Cano-Mutants were physically superior to our Cano-Sapiens, but our Sapiens were far more intelligent. The mutants were easy to defeat because we could always outthink them. And because of their unwavering loyalty and reliance on Parvo, once he was captured they usually surrendered. This serum severely shifts the balance of power. These mutants not only have a physical advantage over Cano- Sapiens, but now they also have a mind and free will to go along with it. That is a dangerous combination for us. CLEO (BLUNT) Do you think there's any truth to Guile's statement? HUBERT (CONFUSED) Guile? CLEO (BLUNT) The Akita. The Boxer called himself Butch. HUBERT (UNSURE) Oh. You mean that they're not alone? It's hard to say. These mutants have the capacity to do anything we can, including the capacity to lie. But it's a possibility. We should alert all other Road Rover and Strayer units of our discovery. We have to remember though, while the serum increased their intelligence, it also allowed them to retain their free will. I doubt Parvo would continue to create mutant's that he couldn't control. He would, however, try and find a way eliminate that property from the serum. If he succeeds in doing it, nothing will be able to stop him. RAMSES (STERN) You were mentioning how it might be impossible to return them to their original forms? HUBERT (BLUNT) Yes. Because the chemical bonds directly to the brain, its presence is virtually permanent. Because they are so aggressive and uncontrollable, it would be dangerous to turn them back into dogs. SILVER (CONFUSED) Wouldn't they be easier to contain if they were in their original forms? HUBERT (HONEST) More than likely. But the serum also mutated their genetic structure. It is impossible to revert them to their original form. CLEO (CONCERNED) What can we do with them? HUBERT (HONEST) I don't know yet. I'm still working on a solution. Hubert looks at the Master with a serious look on his face. The Master, realizing what he wants, nods quickly. MASTER (STERN) In the mean time, I want all of you to get some rest. Outlaw will have the first guard shift. Cleo, Ramses, Outlaw, Silver and Star are mumble amongst themselves. Hubert smiles. HUBERT (PLEASED) Don't worry. We won't have a test on this later. They all smile and give a small cheer as they leave. Hubert goes over to the Master once everyone else has stepped out. MASTER (CONCERNED) What is it? HUBERT (UNEASY) I wasn't being totally honest with them. Rabid has been open about his history with the original Rover's and Strayer's, but I don't believe the newer recruits know that Rabid's first form was as Steven Today. I thought it best if he tells them at his own time. MASTER (CONFUSED) What does that have to do with anything? HUBERT (BLUNT) The serum hasn't changed their genetic structure; it has only effected their central nervous system. We could try and revert the mutants into their original forms if we wanted to. MASTER (LOST) Then why- HUBERT (NERVOUS) Like I said, the serum is synthetic. Just as when Steven was first changed, the transdogmafier is still only meant to handle pure canine subjects. Even though Steven was turned into Bear, he could just as easily have died. That's the real reason I don't want to put Guile or Butch in there. I can't be sure what will result if we try and put synthetically altered mutants into the transdogmafiers. MASTER (CONFUSED) But you said they weren't physically altered, only mentally. HUBERT (HONEST) While that's true, the synthetic chemical found in the serum is still present throughout their bodies. It's also connected right to their brains. While they may look like normal Cano-Mutants, internally they have been changed. Trying to change them back may very well kill them. MASTER (ANXIOUS) What can we do with them then? HUBERT (BLUNT) I'm going to start trying to adapt the transdogmafiers to handle synthetic materials. It involves the same concepts as my research regarding Rabid. For the present, we can create an isolated holding facility for them, just as we did for Herod and Herodias. MASTER (SAD) Unfortunately, we haven't succeeded in keeping them on their island either. HUBERT (DEFEATED) I know. But it will have to do for now. MASTER (DEPRESSED) I already have several facilities in mind, but like I said, none of them have worked as a prison. But since we have little choice, I'll tell Cleo what we've decided to do so they get started on the moving process. Hubert and the Master nod to each other. Hubert leaves. The Master turns and stares at the blank viewing screen. MASTER (NERVOUS) I have a bad feeling about this. The Master quickly leaves the room, shaking his head. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - TESTING LABORATORY Hunter and Shag remain in the same situation, trying desperately to avoid being sucked into the giant vent. Both have stopped screaming. The cabinet Hunter is clinging to is starting to be uprooted by the tremendous suction from the fan. Shag sees this and reaches out his free hand to Hunter. Hunter, using all his strength, tries to reach for Shag while attempting to hold onto the cabinet with just his left hand. He is a few inches short. HUNTER (SCREAMING, STRAINED) Shag! Try to find something to extend your reach! Shag quickly looks around the tattered laboratory. The floor in covered with remnants of the broken contents of the room, but not much else. Finally, Shag spots a small clock on a wall, one of the few items that has yet to be dragged into the vent. Unfortunately, it is on the other side of the chamber. Shag notices that the clock it about to be torn from the wall. Shag mumbles loudly in Hunters direction. HUNTER (SCREAMING, CONFUSED) How is a clock going to help? Shag continues to mumble loudly. HUNTER (SCREAMING, UPBEAT) The electrical cord? Of course! Great idea! Shag points in the direction of the clock, which is starting to be pulled from the wall by the incredible sudation. The force of the suction has leveled off, but it still overwhelming. Hunter sees how far away it is, and frowns. HUNTER (SCREAMING, NERVOUS) How are you going to get it Shag? Shag thinks for a moment, then responds. SHAG (LOUDLY, HONEST) Rhar. Rharrhar. Rhar. HUNTER (SCREAMING, CONCERNED) But what if you miss it when it flies by you? Shag shrugs his shoulders. Hunter thinks for a moment, then his eyes light up. He struggles furiously, and is able to reach behind his back and produce a red Frisbee with the Rover symbol on it (from "Gold and Retrievers"). HUNTER (SCREAMING, QUICKLY) I'll use this to direct the clock toward you! Then you ca- Suddenly, the lock on the cabinet breaks and the doors fly open. Hunter is flung with the left one, and drops the Frisbee. Hunter quickly grasps the handle with both hands to avoid flying off. HUNTER (AGITATED, TO HIMSELF) Now that was a bad thing. SHAG (LOUDLY, SCARED) Rhar. Rhar. Rhar. HUNTER (SCREAMING, STERN) Don't worry Shagster, I have another one. Hunter quickly produces another Frisbee. Instantly, the clock is ripped from the wall and flies toward the vent. Shag tries desperately to grab at it as it zooms by him, but it is out of his reach. Hunter rears back and throws the Frisbee toward the clock, but the suction knocks it from its flight path and it misses. The clock is pulled into the vent and is shredded by the fan. HUNTER (SCREAMING, BLUNT) Well that certainly was for the worse, don't you think? SHAG (LOUDLY, SARCASTIC) Rhar. Rharrharrhar. Rharrhar. HUNTER (SCREAMING, UPSET) Shag, don't say things like that! You know what happens when you blurt out that kind of stuff. Things always do get... Abruptly, the cabinet jolts and falls on its side. It slowly starts to be dragged toward the vent. HUNTER (IRRITATED) Worse. Hunter gazes hopelessly around the lab, trying to think of a way to escape his impending doom. He tries to support the cabinet with his feet, but is doing little good. Finally his eyes find their way to the open cabinet. Inside he spots numerous items. He thinks for a moment, then reaches inside and pulls out a small wood broom. HUNTER (SCREAMING, EXCITED) Shag! Help me out buddy! Hunter reaches out desperately, and Shag tries to grab the broom. After some stretching, he is finally able to seize it. Shag pulls Hunter toward him just as the cabinet is sucked into the vent. The cabinet is ripped into a thousand pieces. Hunter is now horizontal, hanging on to the handle of broom as Shag clings to the other end. Hunter is starting to lose his grip due to the force of the fan. HUNTER (SCREAMING, DEFEATED) Maybe I should've grabbed the rope instead. Shag growls at him. Hunter's hands continue to slip toward the end of the shaft of the broom. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MAIN CONTROL ROOM Charles is grinning wickedly at Hunter's plight in the testing lab. He has a very self-satisfied look on his face. Dolores is still a little restless. DOLORES (UNEASY) Hey Charles, don't you think...? CHARLES (STERN) Quiet! I want to enjoy this. DOLORES (DISGUSTED) You're enjoying this? CHARLES (DELUSIONAL) Of course. It's wonderful to see how these creations of the mind can so easily destroy your enemies. DOLORES (HONEST) Personally I would get more satisfaction from killing them with my bare hands. There's no sport in letting machines do all the work while we sit in these stupid chairs Chuck. CHARLES (ANNOYED) Don't call me that! The name's Charles. DOLORES (PLEASED) Sorry about that... Chuckie. CHARLES (ANGRY) Shut up! DOLORES (SMUG) Or you'll do what Chase? CHARLES (COLD) Or I'll go over there and shut it for you. DOLORES (ARROGANT) Go ahead and try. It's been a while since I have had a good workout. You know what I capable of. Charles growls at her, but backs down. He returns his attention to the screen, now focusing on the generator room. INTERIOR: INTERIOR BASE - GENERATOR ROOM Exile is climbing swiftly up the ladder to the force field's power source. Blitz is running around the room screaming, pursued diligently by the robot. Laser beams are hitting the ground all around him, leaving more and more holes in the floor. When Exile reaches the top, he glances over his shoulder. The robot has Blitz backed into a corner, and he is handling it with his usual amount of courage. Blitz is down on his knees, his hands together. BLITZ (PLEADING) Pleeeazze don't kill me! I'm too young to die, and far too pretty! Exile rolls his eyes, folds his arms and shakes his head. EXILE (ANNOYED) I don't know what disturbs me more, him or the overused joke. Exile returns his attention to the task in front of him. He runs over to the machine and begins to examine it. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM Dolores is watching Exile as he looks over the machine. She is visibly disturbed. She gazes to Charles who is still watching the testing lab. DOLORES (WORRIED) Hey Chuck, does the main generator power all systems? CHARLES (DISTRACTED) It's Charles. And no. It provides energy for everything except emergency systems. DOLORES (ANXIOUS) Are the force field and the defense android considered emergency systems? CHARLES (BLUNT) Yes. DOLORES (CONCERNED) What do they run on? CHARLES (ANNOYED) Each individual entity has its own device powering it. Why do you- Charles looks over to his left and sees where Exile is. CHARLES (SHOCKED) Uh oh. Charles slides his chair over to the large control system and begins to type furiously on the keyboard. DOLORES (LOST) What are you doing? CHARLES (HONEST) That particular apparatus is running the force field. If they destroy it, the main generator will be at their disposal. I'm giving the defense android a primary target. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - GENERATOR ROOM Exile is completing his observations. The loud sound of footsteps can be heard in the background. EXILE (THINKING) I wonder if this is source of force field? All of a sudden, to laser beams whiz by Exile's head. He runs and ducks behind the mechanism providing energy for the force field. The robot has left Blitz and is now moving toward Exile's position. EXILE (SCARED) I am guessing that is robot for big fat yes! The robot continues firing at Exile, but stays away from the power source. Exile sees Blitz hasn't moved. EXILE (LOUD, STERN) Blitz! When I smash this machine, I want you to check and see if force field goes kaputski. If it does, destroy the coolant system. Without it, the generator will overheat and explode. Blitz stands up and nods. Exile blinks slowly as he takes a deep breathe and gently lets it out. Exile reaches down, and with all his strength, lift up the machine. He then throws it at the oncoming robot. The android catches it without damaging the device. Exile's jaw drops. Meanwhile, Blitz is running full at the main generator, thinking the force field has been taken out. Exile sees this, and tries to warn him. EXILE (LOUD, STRICT) Wait Blitz! I didn't... It's too late. Blitz runs face first into the force field and is knocked to the floor. He sits up lightheaded. BLITZ (DIZZY) Ah yes. I liked Clooney in Batman and Robin. I really did. Blitz's head sways from side to side, then thumps on the floor. Exile folds his arms in front of him. EXILE (HONEST) I guess it be up to me. Exile puts his hands on the rail in front of him, and looks down at the force field generator. Instantly his eyes glow red, and after a few seconds, crimson beams expel from them. The beams strike the machine, and it explodes while still in the androids arms. The rays them cease, and Exile's eyes return to normal. He waves his fist in the air. EXILE (DELIGHTED) Black Jack! The robot now looks up at Exile. It brings its fist back, then slams it into the foundation of the balcony Exile is on. The whole platform comes down, bringing Exile with it. He braces his fall well, but still lands on the ground hard. He sits up holding his head, a little woozy. Suddenly his eyes shoot open and he dives to his right. The large foot of the robot comes down on the floor and just misses crushing him. Exile runs swiftly over to Blitz who is starting to wake up. Exile starts shaking Blitz. EXILE (HARSH) Blitz, wake up! Blitz rises slowly, still a little out of it. BLITZ (LIGHTHEADED) Oh yes. Pauly Shore is a wonderful actor. The robot is now moving toward them. Exile continues shaking him. EXILE (STERN) Snap out of it Blitz! That is too weird, even for youski. Finally, Blitz shakes his head and recovers. He looks to Exile. BLITZ (CONFUSED) What happened? EXILE (BLUNT) Never mind. Let's break this thing and get out of here! INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - TESTING LABORATORY Hunter is trying in vain to hold onto the end of the broom. Just as he is about to lose his grip, Shag mumbles something and Hunter nods. Shag releases the broom, and Hunter brings it out in front of him as he sucked mercilessly toward the vent. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - GENERATOR ROOM Blitz reaches out his hand and Exile helps him get to his feet. They bolt out of the way as another laser beam lands where they just were. Blitz runs over and slashes the coolant device and the outlet system with his claws. The machine sparks violently, and then the whole system goes down. After a few seconds, the entire main generator explodes. Exile and Blitz make their way out of the room and down the hall, the robot following them. As the regular lights in the compound goes out, and the red emergency lights come on. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - MASTER CONTROL ROOM Charles is busy watching the viewing screen when the room grows dark. He looks around nervously as the emergency system comes on line. CHARLES (SHOCKED) What happened?!? DOLORES (BITTER) You're an idiot. Instead of watching the generator, you spent your time screwing around with the computer. CHARLES (STUNNED) They destroyed the generator? DOLORES (SARCASTIC) Gee. Nothing escapes you. CHARLES (DISTRESSED) How could they have defeated the robot? DOLORES (COLD) They just did okay. You're little "Babylon the Great" failed. It lost. In the end, it was defeated. All we can do is get out of here while we still can. According to the few systems we have left, the generator's coolant system has been breached and it is about to reach critical mass. Once it does, this base is history! Both Charles and Dolores get to their feet. CHARLES (HOPEFUL) Can we make it to the vehicles? Dolores (HONEST) Not enough time. We'll have to go out the back exit. Charles nods. Both he and Dolores race from the room. The picture now switches to the viewing screen, still displaying the testing lab. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - TESTING LABORATORY The power goes out and there is a brief moment of darkness, but the emergency lights go on almost instantly. The fan however doesn't stop, but only starts to slow down. As Hunter flies into the vent, he is holding the broom out in front of himself like a spear. The handle of it strikes the fan and is shredded, the motion of the blade sending Hunter flying off to the side. The slowly diminishing suction from the vent then drags him along the floor until he is right up against it. To avoid going in, he positions his feet up against the area just below the vent. Eventually the fan dies down and Hunter lets out a sigh of relief. Shag comes over and helps Hunter to his feet. HUNTER (RELIEVED) Remind me never to doubt the usefulness of a servants tool. SHAG (PLEASED) Rharrhar. HUNTER (LOST) I wonder why the fan stopped? COMPUTER (MONOTONE) Fifteen minutes to core meltdown. Hunter turns and looks to Shag. HUNTER (CONFUSED) Is that a bad thing? Should we leave? COMPUTER (MONOTONE) Fifteen minutes to leave compound and avoid horrible death. HUNTER (CHEERY) I guess that's a yes! Shag mumbles disapprovingly. Both he and Hunter make their way out. INTERIOR: INNERMOST COMPLEX - RIGHT CORRIDOR Blitz and Exile are moving quickly down the hall, the robot in pursuit. BLITZ (HORRIFIED) The robot is still chasing us! Why is it still functioning? EXILE (THINKING) It must have its own power source. BLITZ (FEARFUL) What are we going to do? EXILE (HONEST) We have to find way out. We destroyed the outlet system, which caused the loss of power to the building, but we also smashed the coolant system. Because of this, the generator is slowly on its way to meltdown. Once it explodes, it will take entire place with it! BLITZ (TROUBLED) What about the robot? EXILE (OPTIMISTIC) I believe that once this base is gone, robot will stop functioning because power source will be no more. BLITZ (PLEASED) Eloquently put. EXILE (UPBEAT) Thank you. This way. Exile points to the corridor on his left. Blitz nods and follows. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - BRIDGE ROOM Hunter and Shag appear from the door leading to the inner complex. The building is starting to become unstable as a result of the condition of the generator. Sections of the dirt and rock walls are starting to come loose, falling to the platforms and into the pit. HUNTER (APPREHENSIVE) Where are Blitz and Exile? A large boulder falls from the ceiling and lands in between Shag and Hunter. Shag whimpers nervously to Hunter. HUNTER (BOLD) Shag, go back the Sonic Rover and get it ready for takeoff. No telling how much damage will occur once that generator explodes. Shag nods and makes his way across the bridge and out. Hunter takes a deep breath and then runs back into the complex. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CLEARING After a few seconds, Shag pokes his head out of an opening and looks around nervously. He pauses briefly to watch the sun come up. He then jumps out and disappears into the forest. INTERIOR: INNERMOST COMPLEX - RIGHT CORRIDOR Hunter is zooming down the hall, leaving a trail of fire behind him. He is merely a blur. Hunter screeches to a halt when he finally spots Exile and Blitz coming toward him. He holds his hands out in front of his body and gets them to stop. HUNTER (CASUAL) Hey guys! What's up? BLITZ (JITTERY) Besides the very large robot chasing us? HUNTER (NAIVE) All right. Besides that then. EXILE (SARCASTIC) Hunter, once again you are big success when it comes to missing the point entirely. HUNTER (PLEASANT) Gee thanks, that's nice! Blitz rolls his eyes. Exile lets out a deep sigh. He and Blitz start running down the hall again. Hunter shrugs his shoulders and follows. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - SONIC ROVER Shag emerges from the forest and runs over to the Sonic Rover. He pauses As a result of the repairs done by Exile, there is little sign that is crashed. In front of the ship however, Charles and Dolores step out holding weapons. DOLORES (STERN) Hold it right there shaggy! Shag freezes in his tracks and starts whimpering. DOLORES (SMUG) This is going to be easier than I thought. Charles stares at Shag. CHARLES (GRIM) Once we get inside, you're going to fly us out of here. Go ahead Dolores, I've got him covered. Dolores walks over to the entrance of the Sonic Rover and puts down her weapon. She brings back her right arm and slams it into the side of the ship. Dolores then does a swift right kick and bursts open the door. CHARLES (AMUSED) Actually I was talking about pushing the button on the side over there, but I guess that works too. Dolores sticks her tongue out at Charles, who does the same to her. He then motions at Shag with his gun. CHARLES (BLUNT) You go in first, slowly. Shag continues to whimper, but does as he is told. INTERIOR: INNERMOST COMPLEX - RIGHT CORRIDOR Exile and Blitz are still dashing down the hall, followed closely by Hunter. Exile spots something disturbing. EXILE (PANICKED) Hunter! The bridge is revolting! HUNTER (UNSURE) Don't you mean it's retracting? EXILE (TERRIFIED) Retracing! Retaining! Who cares? We'll be waist deep in cow cake if we don't make it across! Hunter nods and speeds off toward the bridge, which is starting to withdraw to their side. When Hunter reaches the end, he leaps and catches the edge of the opposing platform. He manages to pull himself up just as the bridge fully contracts itself. Blitz and Exile are left on the other side. HUNTER (EXCITED) Exile! Can you make a bridge of ice and use it to cross? Exile frowns at Hunter. EXILE (BLUNT) What do you think this is, a cartoon? It doesn't work that way. You need to find manual override. It should be somewhere over there. Hunter runs over to one of the button panels contain within the wall, and starts pressing all the buttons. Blitz turns and hears the robot catching up to them. BLITZ (COWERING) Hurry! Before the hurting starts! Both Exile and Blitz turn at the robot appears. The entire complex has now collapsed as a result of the robot, which is twenty feet tall, traveling through corridors only twelve feet high. Hunter continues pushing all the buttons he can. INTERIOR: SONIC ROVER - STORAGE AREA Shag enters through the back, followed by Charles and Dolores. CHARLES (BLUNT) Go to the cockpit and fly us out of here. Shag walks off and disappears in front. After a few moments, Shag reappears. Charles and Dolores look at each other. Dolores looks back at Shag. Charles readies his weapon. DOLORES (COLD) What do you think your doing? Get back in there and get this thing in the air! Shag shakes his head then steps to his right. Behind him is Muzzle. Charles and Dolores both laugh. CHARLES (PLEASED) What is this? You think a little doggy is going to stop us? Charles and Dolores continue to laugh. This extremely aggravates Muzzle. Shag reaches down, mumbles something, then removes the metal restraint from the Rottweiler. Muzzle growls menacingly. Dolores stops laughing and taps Charles on the shoulder. DOLORES (NERVOUS) Uh... Chuck. CHARLES (GIDDY) What? Dolores points to Muzzle, who is about to go ballistic. Charles loses his smile. CHARLES (WHISPER, SCARED) Think we can make it out? DOLORES (HONEST) Doubt it. Both scream at the top of their lungs as Muzzle leaps toward them. Shag whimpers, then covers his eyes. INTERIOR: UNDERGROUND BASE - BRIDGE ROOM Exile and Blitz are hiding behind some crates. Laser blasts are falling around them. EXILE (STRESSED) Comrade Hunter, hurry! Before we be forced to play dead! HUNTER (HONEST) Some habits die hard don't they? Don't worry. There's only one button I haven't tried yet. EXILE (ANNOYED) Let me guess... Hunter walks over to the large red button that is labeled "manual override". He pushes it and the bridge extends out. Exile looks at the bridge, then at Blitz. EXILE (BLUNT) Let's go weird boy. Exile and Blitz race across, and the robot follows. When they reach the other side, Exile blasts the bridge with the android still on it. The robot falls down the pit and disappears into the darkness. The Rovers wait, but don't hear a crash. EXILE (CONFUSED) No explosion? HUNTER (STERN) Forget it! We gotta get out of here! COMPUTER (MONOTONE) Five minutes to complete destruction. HUNTER (PLEASED) See? Exile and Blitz again exchange glances. They follow Hunter out nonetheless. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - CLEARING Hunter, Exile and Blitz emerge from where Shag exited and run off in the same direction. EXTERIOR: IDAHO FOREST - SONIC ROVER As the other Rovers show up, Shag is waiting for them outside. SHAG (UPBEAT) Rharrharrhar. HUNTER (BUMMED) You don't say? And we missed it? EXILE (CONTENT) At least now I still be able to eat dinner. Shag mumbles something as he pulls a small video recorder out from his fur. Hunter smiles. HUNTER (PLEASED) You taped it so we can watch it during dinner? Thanks! EXILE (NAUSEATED) So much for that. Hunter, Exile, Blitz and Shag all go into the Sonic Rover. Charles and Dolores are sitting in a corner with handcuffs on, their clothes shredded. Muzzle is lying in an opposing corner, holding his expanded stomach. He lets out a loud, sustained burp. Charles and Dolores have blank looks on their faces as the rest of the Rovers walk past them to the cockpit. Hunter frowns when he sees Charles' shirt with the phrase "Golden sucks" on it. Everyone takes the same seats they had earlier. Shag is mumbling something as Hunter glances over his shoulder at him. HUNTER (ANNOYED) As a matter of fact, I don't like his shirt. Shag mumbles something else. HUNTER (INTERESTED) Oh. So you talked to Professor Hubert already? What did he want us to do with those two? SHAG (BLUNT) Rhar. Rhar. Rharrharrhar. HUNTER (THINKING) I've never heard of that place. Did you get directions? Shag nods. HUNTER (CURIOUS) Are Cleo and Ramses meeting us there? Shag shrugs. Hunter turns on the engines and prepares to take off. Suddenly the cockpit becomes blanketed in shadows. Hunter's jaw drops when he sees the robot standing in front of the Sonic Rover. HUNTER (HONEST) I wound not have... The robot throws its fist through the windshield and grabs Hunter in its right hand. Blitz screams and dives behind his seat. Shag puts his hands together and whimpers. Exile quickly jumps to his feet. EXILE (SURPRISED) Evil robot is still operational! Blitz peeks over his seat just slightly. BLITZ (SCARED) How can that be? The base already blew up! Exile steps out of the cockpit through the side door. Hunter is struggling in vain as the robot proceeds to crush him in his hand. EXILE (BLUNT) Robot must be getting powered internally. Exile pauses and scans the robot with his x-ray vision. EXILE (EXCITED) I located power source, but don't see any structural weaknesses! The robot continues to squeeze Hunter, but then spots Exile. ROBOT (AUTOMATED VOICE) Primary target located. The robot lessens its grip, then tosses Hunter away. He lands hard on the ground and lays motionless. EXILE (HONEST) Lucky thing the robot let Hunter go. The robot begins to move toward Exile, preparing its lasers. EXILE (ALARMED) Unfortunately, it's not good lucky for me! The robot fires its weapons several times at Exile, who avoids all the laser blasts. Exile tries both his heat and ice vision against his attacker, but neither works. Finally the robot manages to corner him. EXILE (FEARFUL) October revolution wasn't this hard to put down. As the robot aims all its lasers at Exile, he closes his eyes and braces himself. Suddenly there is the sound of several short circuits, and then a loud explosion. Exile opens his eyes and sees the robot on the ground, lying face first. The entire rear end is torn apart and charred from the blast. Standing over the robot is Blitz, who still has his claws drawn. He's growling and has wires hanging from his jaws. EXILE (GRATEFUL) Blinky! I can't believe it! You saved me! Blitz looks to Exile. BLITZ (CONFUSED) Huh? Exile grins at Blitz. EXILE (PERPLEXED) Robot was going to blast me, and you stopped it. How did you know where power source was? Blitz retracts his claws and stops snarling. He glances at the mangled rear end of the robot, then back to Exile. BLITZ (LOST) Power source? Exile loses his smile. Exile sees what part of the robot was destroyed, then looks back at Blitz suspiciously. EXILE (DISGUSTED) So much for needing soft tooshies. Blitz has a silly look on his face. BLITZ (PLEASED) I'm trying to expand my horizons. Exile shakes his head. EXILE (DISPLEASED) Let's just help Hunter and get out of here. Exile walks off mumbling. Blitz shrugs his shoulders. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - FOREST AREA Ricky and Colleen continue to move quickly through the forest with Cain a considerable distance behind them. Ricky spots a second path and comes to a stop. Colleen stops next to him. COLLEEN (ANXIOUS) Why are you stopping? Ricky points to obscure trail on their left. RICKY (STERN) We're going to need help with Cain. You can double back to the Street Rover using that trail, and call the authorities. COLLEEN (INSULTED) What century are you from? I taught you remember? Why don't you go back to the Sonic Rover? RICKY (BLUNT) Someone needs to stall Cain until help gets here. He's going to follow me anyway, so I might as well be the bait. COLLEEN (AMUSED) Do you guys really think this kind of behavior impresses me? You might be hanging out with fluffy pants too much. RICKY (HURT) I'm not like that. I'm the reason Cain is here, so I should have to deal with him. He's my responsibility. COLLEEN (SMUG) Too proud to ask for help? If you're going to be a Rover you need to learn to work with others as a team, even with problems that you feel you are accountable for. RICKY (UNEASY) It's just that... I don't want to see you get hurt because of me. Colleen goes over to Ricky and takes his hands in hers. COLLEEN (GENTLY) Thank you. But you need to learn to trust the abilities of your friends. Ricky smiles. RICKY (SINCERE) I trust you. I just don't trust myself. Think about what I'm saying. You know my plan is the best. Cain will be so busy trying to catch me, he'll forget about trying to escape before you can bring back help. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Do you expect me to believe that's your real motivation? RICKY (SLY) I was hoping I had earned your trust. Colleen turns away from Ricky, trapped. COLLEEN (DEFEATED) That isn't fair. RICKY (SATISFIED) I know. I wasn't trying to be. Colleen folds her arms in front of her, her head down. COLLEEN (SOFLTY) Why do I always have to be the one who has to worry? Ricky smiles. RICKY (COMPLACENT) Because you're so good at it. Colleen thinks for a moment before finally turning around and responding. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) You're just going to try and stall him right? RICKY (CANDID) That's the plan. We'll see if he cooperates. Colleen lowers her eyes, looking aimlessly at the ground. COLLEEN (IRRITATED) I can see I won't be able to change you're mind. RICKY (HONEST) No. This is something I need to do. I can only hope you'll understand. There is an uncomfortable silence. Colleen lifts her eyes up to Ricky's. COLLEEN (STERN) Fine. I'll go along with your plan. Just make sure you don't do anything stupid until I get back. RICKY (PLEASED) Thanks for your support. Both Colleen and Ricky smile at each other. Colleen turns serious. COLLEEN (UNEASY) I just don't want to see you get hurt either. RICKY (CALM) I'll be fine. Don't worry. COLLEEN (HONEST) I can't promise that. RICKY (BLUNT) I wouldn't expect you to. Ricky turns and starts to move off. Colleen mouths a few words, but no sound comes out. He's already a few feet away when she is finally able say something. COLLEEN (DETERMINED) Ricky, wait. Ricky turns back to her in an instant. RICKY (CASUAL) Yeah? Colleen is mute, unable to get her voice to work. RICKY (NERVOUS) We have to get moving. Cain will be here any second. What is it? Colleen again tries to speak, but the words continue to get stuck on the tip of her tongue. Unknown to them, Cain is behind a bush a few hundred feet away, aiming his weapon at Cain. He is about to fire, but lowers his gun and watches them attentively instead. Colleen continues to fight the fears that are holding her back. COLLEEN (STRUGGLING) I... it's just that... well... ... ... oh heck. Colleen walks boldly up to Ricky and wraps her arms around his neck. She then gives him a long, intense kiss on the lips. She can no longer contain the raging fire within her very soul. Unable to control her own feelings any longer, her powerful craving reaches out for the only thing that can satisfy it. All the passion, emotion, hunger and desire for him that she had once had hidden within her, is expressed in this one incredible action. In an instant, all the thoughts in her mind freeze. For that moment, there is him and only him. She senses everything else in her head fading into the background. She releases Ricky from their connection and locks onto his eyes. Going past his exterior, she is looking right into his heart, his soul, and everything else that he is. COLLEEN (INFATUATED) Please. be here when I get back. Don't let him defeat you. Worlds will crumble if things end that way. Colleen continues looking into his eyes for a brief interlude, then turns and runs off down the other path. Ricky stands there speechless, unable to react to what just transpired. She disappears before he is able to snap out of his stupor. When he finally comes to, Ricky notices he is alone. Without saying a word, he resumes his journey down the other path. A few seconds later, Cain appears where they just were. CAIN (PLEASED) Well. Why didn't you tell me she was more than just your friend Ricky? You and I will have to have a little talk. Cain grins maliciously as he moves off in Ricky's direction. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - VIEWING ROOM Amani, Dixie and Prowler are surveying the room from behind a desk. Lying on the floor behind them is the grate to the ventilation shaft. AMANI (BLUNT) As much as I would like to come up with some sophisticated plan, we don't have time to goof around. We'll just have to try the direct approach. Prowler. Prowler looks to Amani. AMANI (BLUNT) I want you to draw their attention. Dixie and I will blast them while they're distracted. PROWLER (DEFIANT) Why do I have to be the bait? Why can't I do the blasting? Dixie and Amani exchange looks. Prowler folds his arms. AMANI (AGGRAVATED) There's no "I" in "team" Prowler. PROWLER (ARROGANT) Oh yeah? Well there's an "m" and an "e". AMANI (ANGRY) Just do it all right? PROWLER (SMUG) Whatever you say. Prowler draws his gun and sneaks off to the right. Amani and Dixie also draw their weapons. AMANI (ANNOYED) Man's best friend. Hah! I'll take Puffball any day. Dixie is a little displeased when she hears Amani, but declines any comment. They watch intently as Prowler makes his way toward the satellite decoder. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - PRIMARY STORAGE AREA Rabid discreetly makes his way over to one of the table's in the room. Fluffy, Dalmat and the rest of the Cano-Mutants seem oblivious to his movements. Nitro watches Rabid pick up a scissors and quickly sticks it in his pocket before any of the guards see him do it. He then walks casually back over to Nitro. RABID (WHISPER, STERN) Ready? Nitro nods, putting Puffball under her right arm. As Rabid walks right up to Fluffy, the other Cano-Mutants in the room take notice. Fluffy and the rest all have their weapons aimed at Rabid. Nitro can feel a lump gathering in her throat. Fluffy eyes Rabid. FLUFFY (BROKEN ENGLISH) What? RABID (BLUNT) If you surrender up now and give us back our weapons, I promise not to do anything you'll regret. Fluffy and the rest look among each other and laugh. FLUFFY (HOSTILE) And how you going to do that? You in no position to make threats. What can you possibly do? Rabid reaches behind into his pocket and produces the scissors. Fluffy loses his smile, but not his arrogance. FLUFFLY (HAUGHTY) You think you able beat us with that? We have guns. Do not be stupid. RABID (HONEST) I'll give you one more chance. FLUFFY (ENTERTAINED) Go ahead. I waiting. Nitro is very uncomfortable as she waits to see what is about to unfold. The Cano-Mutants still have all their weapons on Rabid. RABID (SMUG) Have it your way. In one swift motion, Rabid reaches out and cuts Fluffy's belt with the scissors. His pants fall to the floor revealing white boxers with red cats on them. All the other Cano-Mutants, including Dalmat, laugh at the top of their lungs. RABID (CHUCKLING) Say cheese. Fluffy drops the weapons he has in his hands and reaches down to pull up his pants. Rabid instantly picks up his weapon and tosses Nitro the other. Totally overcome by the sight of Fluffy, the Cano-Mutants are easily stunned unconscious. Once she sees they are all defeated, Nitro walks over to Rabid. Fluffy is the only mutant left standing, still holding his pants up with both hands. NITRO (REVOLTED) That was a disturbing sight to see, but at least it worked. Only you would think up a plan like that. RABID (UPBEAT) What can I say... Suddenly, a laser blast knocks Rabid's weapon from his hand. Both turn and see Melissa, Parvo and the Groomer aiming weapons at them. Melissa is holding an odd looking device. Nitro points her weapon among the three, not sure who to point at. RABID (BLUNT) What can I say. PARVO (SPITEFUL) You can say goodbye. You've annoyed me for the last time. NITRO (DARING) Nobody do anything. Fluffy goes and stands behind Parvo. He's whimpering. PARVO (CONCEITED) Really my dear. You don't have a chance. GROOMER (MERCILESS) You are both going to die. Painfully. Nitro points her weapon at the Groomer. NITRO (FEARLESS) Save it. I'll blast you before... Nitro's voice trails off. Both she and Rabid crumple to the floor, holding their heads. Fluffy goes down on one knee, doing the same. Melissa steps forward holding her device. MELISSA (UNFEELING) This machine emits high frequency sound waves that are painful to those who hear it. With, of course, the exception of humans. You may shoot them at your leisure. Both Parvo and the Groomer direct their guns at the helpless Rabid and Nitro. Suddenly however, Fluffy lets out a loud scream and plunges out of control toward Melissa. MELISSA (STARTLED) Look out mutt! Fluffy falls into her roughly, knocking the device from her hands and onto the floor. The machine hits the ground and is damaged. Melissa ends up being pushed into a desk, and Fluffy simply falls to the floor. Both lie unconscious. Rabid and Nitro are still awake, but groggy. PARVO (DISAPPOINTED) Idiot. GROOMER (HUMEROUS, IMITATING HUNTER) "Beware of dog" I guess. Parvo laughs, then coughs violently. PARVO (EXASPERATED) What did I say about making me laugh! GROOMER (OBLIGING) Sorry sir. Parvo finally regains his composure. PARVO (GRUFF) Forget it. At least we will still be able to get rid of these two. Both Rabid and Nitro recover just in time to stare down the barrel of Parvo's and the Groomer's guns. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - VIEWING ROOM Prowler has stopped a few feet from the Cano-Mutants and the decoder. He glances back to Amani and Dixie and nods. Amani looks over to Dixie. AMANI (DIRECT) Looks like he's actually going to do it. I wonder what changed his mind. DIXIE (SNICKERING) Probably his ego. Doesn't want any one to think he's chicken. AMANI (APPEASED) Whatever works I guess. I don't like to question blessings. Amani and Dixie also signal that they are ready. Prowler jumps up and fires a shot at one of the guards at the other side of the room. It hits him in the back and knocks him out. When the two Cano-Mutants standing next to the decoder turn to Prowler, Amani and Dixie jump out and blast them first. The final guard goes over to the alarm and trips it just before Prowler can take him out as well. AMANI (ALARMED) So much for discretion. Let's move! Amani quickly grabs the decoder off the table. She, Dixie and Prowler quickly bolt out the door. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - MAIN STORAGE AREA The alarm sounds and both Parvo and the Groomer look up. PARVO (BEWILDERED) What the- Nitro reacts immediately, turning her pistol on the large dome light on the ceiling and shooting it. The room is instantly sheltered in darkness. In the dark, several more shots are fired which set off multiple explosions. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - HALLWAY Rabid and Nitro appear first from the room and then run down the hall. After a few moments, Parvo and Groomer emerge coughing. Smoke is spilling out from the room into the hall. GROOMER (PERTURBED) General! They destroyed the radar scrambler and the main generator! This whole place is disabled. Parvo reaches in his pocket and pulls out a cellular phone. He turns it on and puts it up to his ear. PARVO (HARD) Sergeant Curse? Parvo again. We have two intruders coming your way. Eliminate them using any means necessary. Just make sure it's gruesome. Parvo closes the phone and puts it away. GROOMER (UNWAVERING) What are your orders general? PARVO (BLUNT) Grab the professor and head toward the Bulldog. We're getting out of here. It won't be long before we get more visitors, and I don't plan to be here when we do. Groomer runs back inside the primary storage area. Parvo looks back into the room, dark and filled with the smell of smoke. The only things lighting the room are the fires engulfing the damaged machines. PARVO (DEJECTED) I'll never be able to replace these. I don't think my protection policy covers attacks from Cano-Sapiens. Not that it would make a difference. Insurance companies always screw you anyway. The Groomer appears from the room carrying Melissa. She follows Parvo down the hall. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - FOREST AREA Ricky is running frantically through the forest. He glances over his shoulder at the rising sun. When he reaches the cave he goes in without hesitation. Cain then appears, following slowly behind him with his weapon ready. He stops when he comes to the entrance to the cave. CAIN (SNEERING) This ought to be interesting. I hope it's worth all the trouble. Cain walks undeterred toward the cavern. INTERIOR: FOREST AREA - WATERFALL CAVERN The light from outside only extends about fifteen feet in. Cain is able to see only a few feet in front of him. The sides of the cave are obscured by the darkness. All over the cavern are miniscule holes in the wall, which allow small beams of light to shine through. Cain walks into the cave and vanishes into the gloom. Only an undistinguishable outline of his body can be made out, turning methodically as he checks everything around. Unlike the rest of him however, his ominous, florescent yellow eyes are easily recognized. The dark, narrow slits that make up his pupils are similar to that of a snake. We catch a fleeting glimpse of Cain when he passes through one of the rays of light. Just one of a few that managed to penetrate the murkiness within through a tiny cavity in the wall. CAIN (MALEVOLENT) Do you really think you can hide from me? The sound of Cain's voice echoes throughout the cave. The faint resonance of rushing water can be heard in the background. As Cain moves deeper and deeper into the cave, the sound gets louder. A tiny stone suddenly flies through the air and hits him in the head. He zips around and fires his gun in that direction, but the blast only finds its way to one of the rock walls. Cain starts to lose his cool. CAIN (FURIOUS) Come out you bug! You're only delaying the inevitable. I will never rest until I have made you suffer! I will not be denied vengeance. Once you join my group you are in for life, no exceptions. Since you selfishly chose to leave, you have voided yours! Another rock hits Cain in the back of the head. RICKY (TAUNTING) I think you watch too many movies. CAIN (IRATE) Aaaaahhhhhh! Cain starts firing wildly in multiple directions. He stops and there is silence. He looks around angrily. RICKY (MOCKING) You are UGLY when you lose control. Cain quietly begins moving toward his right, where he last heard Ricky's voice. He eventually sees some light up ahead through an opening and walks toward it. As he gets closer to the hole, the can hear the sound of running water clearly. Cain catches a short view of Ricky going into the lighted area. He smiles. CAIN (SNOBBISH) Who says I'm not in control? Cain promptly follows Ricky into the same place. INTERIOR: WATERFALL CAVERN - OPEN REGION This part of the cave is dimly illuminated through a large opening on the left. Blocking visibility through this hole is an imposing wall of flowing water. There are also numerous rock pillars scattered everywhere in the area. From what he can see, Cain guesses that this part of the cave is directly behind a large waterfall. He moves around carefully. CAIN (DEMANDING) I know you're in here Ricky. Come out now and I'll make sure your death is only a little painful. Ricky slips out from behind a pillar and kicks Cain weapon out of his hand. Cain smiles when Ricky takes a defensive stance. CAIN (BEAMING) You've got to be kidding me. And just who are you supposed to be, Jackie Chan? RICKY (BLUNT) Let's see how you do without your gun. CAIN (SOLEMN) You really want to do this? Ricky stays as he is. Cain's smile dissolves. CAIN (CONFIDENT) If you want to go down that road, it's fine by me. Perhaps it is best this way. The end always comes after chaos. Cain walks right up to Ricky. He swings at him with his right arm, but Ricky quickly ducks under it. Ricky then throws a punch right at Cain's nose and connects solidly. When he starts to slouch as a result, Ricky grabs Cain's right arm and flips him over his shoulder. Cain lands hard on his back a few feet away. He sits up and holds his left hand up to his nose. When he removes it, there is a small trace of blood. CAIN (UPSET) You little son of a- RICKY (AMUSED) This really is your nastier side. Cain is instantly on his feet. CAIN (INCENSED) I'll rip you in half you little pest! Cain runs right at Ricky, who sidesteps him. Ricky then gives Cain several jabs in the side of the stomach. When Cain bends over, Ricky flings his knee right up into his face. Cain keels over a second time. RICKY (SARCASTIC) You're quite clumsy in your bigger form. CAIN (THREATENING) I could squish you like an insect! RICKY (SMUG) It certainly has given you a lot more hot air. Cain gets to his feet a third time. He is overcome with rage and breathing heavily. CAIN (INFURIATED) When I get through, there won't be enough of you remaining to fill a coffee mug. They might as well do your tombstone in blood, because that's all that's gonna be left! Ricky readies himself again. Cain's two-inch long claws and teeth are fully bared, and he is drooling profusely. RICKY (UNSETTLED) Perhaps I went a little too far with the hot air thing. Cain charges full speed at Ricky. Ricky manages to avoid him again and get a few good blows in, but this time Cain is unfazed. He quickly slashes at Ricky with his right hand, creating a deep gash on the left side of his head. Cain then busts Ricky with a powerful uppercut to his jaw. The strength of the hit sends Ricky flying back several feet. He is unable to react before Cain is upon him once more. CAIN (MALEVOLENT) You're gonna wish you'd never met me. RICKY (WEARY) Again? Cain walks slowly over to Ricky and stands over him. Ricky gets up to his knees and attempts to hit him again, but Cain catches his right fist with his left hand. He proceeds to crush the bones in Ricky's hand. Thunderous screams of pain reverberate throughout the cave. CAIN (EGOTISTICAL) If it's any consolation, you lasted longer than I thought you would. Cain brings back his right hand and drives it with all his strength into Ricky's forehead. This time he flies back into a rock pillar. He howls in pain on impact, then crumples to the earth. Ricky struggles desperately and manages to get to his feet as Cain approaches. Cain grabs a wobbly Ricky by the collar and lifts him off his feet. Through his blurry eyes, Ricky looks directly at Cain's face, which is right in front of his. CAIN (MALICIOUS) Your life. Your hopes. Your dreams. All of these I will destroy. Ricky lays limp in his attacker's hands, unable to prevent the impending onslaught. Cain then shoves him back and proceeds to beat him again. A few minutes later, Ricky lies in a heap on the ground. CAIN (UNEMOTIONAL) Don't worry. It will all be over soon. And when I'm done with you, I'll make sure to kill that Collie too. Ricky slowly lifts his head to look at Cain. RICKY (MOANING, IN AGONY) Why? Cain chuckles briefly. CAIN (HEARTLESS) Why? Because I can and because I know you don't want me to. And since you have thing for her, I'll do it slowly. RICKY (TENSE, IN AGONY) I don't know what you're talking about. CAIN(DEVILISH) Save your pitiful lies. I saw the both of you earlier. It is so obvious you two love each other. Or at least, that you love her. That is why the collie's death will give me so much satisfaction. The greatest part of it is that while you are dying, you will have to painfully accept the reality that you won't be able to protect her or stop me. Best of all, she is going to lose her life all because of you. RICKY (DESOLATE, IN AGONY) You ruthless monster. You are pure evil. Using all the strength he has left, Ricky lunges at Cain and grabs him by the waist. He tries the throw him, but is too weak. This pleases Cain greatly. He easily reaches down and throws Ricky off himself. CAIN (THRILLED) I can see my proposed course of action is something you're very much against. How wonderful! I set out to make sure you would experience an unrivaled suffering. A suffering unlike anything anyone else in this world has ever known, or ever will know. I believe I'm going to succeed marvelously, don't you think! Ricky tries to get up one last time, but fails. Cain goes over to his weapon and picks it up off the ground. He walks back over to Ricky. CAIN (RIDICULING) You know what? Now that it's all over, I kind of pity you. After all, the last thing you're going to see in this world is me. It won't be your friends or your loved ones, but someone who hates you completely. Personally I think your life has turned out pretty bad. Oh well. Give my regards to whatever god to whom you pray. As Cain takes aim with the gun, Ricky shuts his eyes. RICKY (FAINT, IN DISTRESS) I'm sorry Colleen. I failed you. Cain is about to fire when Colleen leaps at him from out of nowhere. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Sleepy! Colleen kicks Cain's gun just as he pulls the trigger. The blast hit the fall a few feet to the left of Ricky's head. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Dopey! Grumpy! Bashful! Colleen knocks the weapon out of Cain's hands and gives him two good shots to the head. She then begins doing several consecutive back flips away from Cain. Cain puts his hand to his forehead and grimaces. CAIN (IRRITATED) Man! That's the second time today that's happened! Colleen stops next to the gun and picks it up. She then runs over to Ricky, who is still on the ground in extreme pain. Colleen snaps the weapon in half over her knee and tosses the two pieces away. She then kneels over Ricky. Grief begins to fill her eyes. COLLEEN (OVERWHELMED) You jerk! I ask you do one simple thing and you don't listen! Ricky smiles meekly. His uniform is torn in numerous places and covered in blood. He has bruises all over his face and his body. The gash on the left side of his head is still bleeding considerably. Plasma is also escaping from his mouth, nose and above his left eye. His right eye is an ugly bluish-purple, and is swelled shut. RICKY (SARCASTIC, IN TORMENT) I said I have great hearing. I didn't say I always use it. Besides which, I know you like having to save my rear end all the time. Colleen laughs half-heartedly and gives a twisted smile. COLLEEN (SARCASTIC) And a very nice rear end it is. Ricky surveys his wounds. He glances back to Colleen. RICKY (LAUGHING, IN TORMENT) Even now? COLLEEN (SLY) It always has been, and it always will. RICKY (PLEASED, IN PAIN) Watch that. People are going to get ideas. Ricky and Colleen grin stupidly at each other. Cain gives out an "excuse me" cough. Both look at him. CAIN (QUEASY) Before you two make me sick to my stomach, I'm afraid will have to butcher you both. It's nothing personal; I just like my sanity. He smiles for a moment, then gets a confused look on his face. CAIN (BEWILDERED) What am I saying? This is personal. Anyway... Cain starts moving toward them. Colleen prepares to defend herself. COLLEEN (STERN) Give it up Cain! The authorities are already on their way. CAIN (SKEPTICAL) Give me a break. We're out in the middle of nowhere. I have more than enough time to kill you both before I make my escape. COLLEEN (DEFIANT) If you want him you'll have to go through me. RICKY (SPUTTERING, IN ANGUISH) Colleen... no... Ricky tries to get up again. Colleen holds out her palm to him. COLLEEN (DIRECT) Don't move. You're hurt really bad and you've lost a lot of blood. You could permanently damage something if you don't stay immobilized. RICKY (PLEADING, IN DISTRESS) But... COLLEEN (STUBBORN) I can handle this. Stay down. Colleen marches up to Cain who is wearing a broad smile. CAIN (OVERBEARING) My deepest gratitude. Now I'll get to kill you with Ricky watching. Not as good as my original plan, but it will suffice. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Jennifer Aniston! In a split second, Colleen grabs Cain's left arm and flips him over her shoulder. He rolls with it and springs back up to his feet. CAIN (SCORNFUL) That was cute. Let me give it a try. Cain attempts to grab Colleen with both arms, but she rolls under them and out of the way. CAIN (IMPATIENT) You gonna run forever? COLLEEN (INSULTED) Who says I'm running guv? COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Courtney Cox! Lisa Kudrow! Colleen turns and gives Cain a foot to the groin that instantly knocks the air out of him, then follows it with a kick to the face that sends him reeling back. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Matthew Perry! Matt LeBlanc! David Schwimmer! Colleen batters Cain with a barrage of punches to the chest, the final one knocking him on his back. Once she sees Cain fall, she runs back over to Ricky. Cain remains on the ground. COLLEEN (AFFECTIONATE) How are you doing? Ricky manages to sit up. RICKY (DISHONEST, IN PAIN) I'm fine. But that display of yours really disturbed me. COLLEEN (FLUSTERED) Why? Because I was calling out the names of the "Friends" while I was beating the pulp out of him? Or just that I know all of them? RICKY (JOKING, IN PAIN) That you like the show. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) I'll pretend I didn't hear that. RICKY (SCORNING, IN PAIN) What? That "Friends" stinks? Colleen points her finger at him. COLLEEN (UPSET, IMITATING GARY COLEMAN) Don't make me violent on your behind. RICKY (SARCASTIC, IN PAIN) And I'd bet you'd like to do it to. Colleen smiles and looks Ricky up and down. COLLEEN (ECSTATIC, GANGSTER TONE) You know it. Word. Colleen puts her fist out in front of herself. Ricky shakes his head slowly as best he can. RICKY (DISTRESSED, IN PAIN) That is wrong. That is just SO wrong. Colleen folds her arms and leans to one side. COLLEEN (HASSLING, GANGSTER TONE) Your mama! Ricky is now genuinely displeased. RICKY (HURT, IN PAIN) That isn't funny. Colleen softens. COLLEEN (JOVIAL) Sorry. I didn't mean it... sweetums. Ricky smiles. RICKY (PLAYFUL) I forgive you buttercup. They grin ridiculously at each other AGAIN. Cain suddenly grabs Colleen from behind by the shoulders. CAIN (REVOLTED) What did I say about doing that kind of stuff while I'm around!?! Cain throws Colleen towards a pillar. She manages to brace herself just as she hits it. She quickly recovers. COLLEEN (THREATENING) I'm going to do a lot more than that! Colleen gets a running start and leaps into the air at Cain, her right foot extended out. Cain easily ducks under it and whacks Colleen with the back of his right hand. She falls back, shocked. Cain points at Ricky while keeping his eyes on her. CAIN (JEERING) Let me guess. Ricky here was trying to be Jackie Chan, so you must be attempting to be Xena. Now that's original! A wannabe of a wannabe! Colleen growls viciously at Cain. RICKY (STRAIGHTFORWARD) I would have to agree with him. Colleen looks angrily at Ricky, who is now in a crouched position. COLLEEN (STUNNED) Hey! How about a little support here? He's the one trying to kill us. I'm the good guy, remember? RICKY (HONEST) I'm sorry! "Xena" is a BAD show! She's got that affirmative action thing going a little too far. COLLEEN (STEAMED) You'd just better keep your mouth shut about "Baywatch"! RICKY (BLUNT) Well. Colleen gives him the evil eye. She looks back and realizes Cain is gone. COLLEEN (BAFFLED) Where did he go? RICKY (QUICKLY) He's over... It's too late. Cain quickly grabs Colleen around the arms from behind and proceeds to squish her like a boa constrictor. She tries to twist free but he is too strong. CAIN (CONCEITED) Thanks for distracting her Ricky. Now you can watch me crush the life out of her! RICKY (AGONIZING) Not if I... Ricky tries franticly to get to his feet, but drops back to his knees instead. He groans. Cain smiles. CAIN (GRINNING) What? You can't even get up, let alone aid her. Cain proceeds in adding more pressure to his hold. Colleen's head starts to droop as she nears unconsciousness. Her eyes start to become dilated and she is no longer struggling. Ricky is beside himself as he watches Cain squishing the life out of the one he lives for. Sheer despair overcomes him. He lowers his beaten and battered head, and closes his one unswollen eye. He lets the tears gather and then fall freely to the earth. All hope is beginning to leave him. RICKY (DESPERATE) Please Lord. Let me have this one. Keeping his eyes closed, Ricky digs his right fist into the ground. He lets out a deep breath and clasps his lips together as he attempts to rise for likely the last time. Most of his cuts are starting to clot, but he continues to bleed from the deep laceration on the left side of his head. There is an incredible stabbing pain in his temples. Every single part of his body aches without compassion. CAIN (SMUG) Don't strain yourself on my account. Ricky's lips part and his teeth begin to grind together with immense stress. His breathing is erratic and laborious. His suffering can be seen in his eyes, his face and his flesh. He's putting everything he has left into his fight to get up. All the fury, rage and wrath within him, powering his last futile attempt to stand up to the unimaginable evil residing before him. It mocks him and his Lord without care or remorse, an offense that his soul just won't allow. Defying anything and everything, Ricky brings himself to his feet. Cain doesn't know whether to pinch himself or die of shock. RICKY (ENRAGED, IN PAIN) Let... her go... now... Cain releases Colleen and she collapses to the ground. She is still conscious, but really out of it. CAIN (FLABBERGASTED) What in the...? How? RICKY (GRAVE) Surprised? Cain's jaw drops. Colleen is alert enough to see what is going on. She is still too physically drained to get up, but she stares at Ricky. COLLEEN (SOFTLY, PUZZLED) How can... hey! I told you not to move! Colleen is on all fours. Cain glances between them then focuses back on Ricky, keying in on how much red he sees. CAIN (ANGRY) Look at you! You shouldn't have enough blood left within you to move, let alone to be on your feet! By the devil... Ricky stares unforgivingly into Cain's eyes. RICKY (EMPOWERED) No. Not by your master. By mine. THE God. You'll meet yours soon enough. Ricky strength slips away and he slouches. Cain regains his arrogance. CAIN (POMPOUS) What an actor. Keep that pose while I finish my previous task. Colleen has enough energy to roll away from Cain. She is forced to stop when she reaches the wall next to the opening. Cain stands right next her in front of the hole. He starts to rub his chin with his right hand. CAIN (THINKING) Maybe I'll just throw you through this hole over here. I'm not really sure how high up we are, so you might be able to survive the fall. Cain is about to reach down for Colleen, but stops when he hears Ricky. RICKY (WEAK) Not in my lifetime Cain. Ricky, with surprising quickness, dashes toward Cain. Colleen tries to voice her disappointment, but it is too late. Before he can move, Cain feels the impact of Ricky's shoulder on his sternum. He also feels Ricky's arms wrap around his waist. They both fly out the hole and rip through the wall of water. All Cain can see is the running waterfall as he and Ricky descend to the pool of water below. INTERIOR: PARVO'S HIDEOUT - MAIN HALL Bear is leading the way down the hall, followed by Nitro. Nitro is holding Puffball in front of her with both hands. NITRO (PUZZLED) Why are we running? Shouldn't we be going after Parvo? RABID (BLUNT) They have us outnumbered. We'll let the Department of Justice get here before we try and tackle them. NITRO (UNSURE) But we already took out most of them. Besides which, WE work for the Department of Justice too, remember? RABID (STERN) No matter how good a situation looks, there is usually a better way to handle it than the direct approach. NITRO (SARCASTIC) You're not just in a hurry to go home and watch some evil Warner Brother cartoon that promotes violence are you? Rabid glares angrily at her. NITRO (UNEASY) Sorry. That was a bad... um... oh forget it. RABID (STRICT) First of all... Rabid's tone makes Nitro a little uneasy. She starts to run a little more behind Rabid. RABID (QUICKLY) ...Warner Brother cartoons are NOT evil and they don't promote violence. Nitro shakes her head and starts to say something, but a quick look from Rabid silences her. RABID (SOLEMN) Second... I NEVER let my personal life effect how I do my job. NITRO (REGRETFUL) Of course not. Nitro follows him obediently down the hall. He comes to a halt at the end of it and peeks around the corner. He then glances back to Nitro. RABID (HONEST) In any case... I have a VCR. Nitro rolls her eyes. She smiles smugly. NITRO (CLEVER) But do you know how to program it? RABID (CAUGHT) Well uh... Nitro smiles. RABID (DEFIANT) ...I choose to take the Fifth Amendment! NITRO (EXASPERATED) You can't do that! It doesn't apply to this! RABID (SMUG) Watch me. Rabid notices that Nitro is starting to lose her focus. He hastily puts his hand on her shoulder. RABID (SERIOUS) Besides which, we have more important things to worry about. To Cano-Mutants run down the hall from where they came from, firing Cano-Blasters at them. Rabid glances to Nitro. RABID (CASUAL) See? Rabid and Nitro dive out into the open area connected to the hall. They are soon completely surrounded by Cano-Mutants and Sergeant Curse (from "Hunter's Heroes"). Curse is 6'1" with a shaved head. He is wearing tan army fatigues, brown boots and a sergeant's hat. Rabid and Nitro stand with their hands raised. Curse paces around briefly before facing them. CURSE (POMPOUS, AMERICAN ACCENT) You may be wondering what I'm doing here. RABID (PLACID) Uh... not really. CURSE (SURPRISED) Oh. Well then... you may be pondering the question, "what is this dangerous villain thinking?" NITRO (TRUTHFUL) Um... no. That really isn't it at all. We've pretty much had our fill of "crazy" for today. CURSE (HOPEFUL) Hmmm. What about... "how we gonna beat this guy?" Rabid and Nitro look at each other and lower their hands. After some brief deliberation, they look back at Curse. RABID AND NITRO (BORED) Nah. CURSE (BEGGING) Do you even know who I am!?! Rabid and Nitro converse again. Finally Nitro steps forward. She shrugs her shoulders. NITRO (UNSURE) Comic relief? CURSE (PROVOKED) No! I... Curse sighs. CURSE (BEATEN) Forget it. All that you have to know is that I'm here to kill you. Period. I suppose the "why" and the "who" aren't that important. Rabid and Nitro again look at each other, then back to Curse. RABID (THOUGHTFUL) Actually, that last one was pretty significant. We probably knew it and just forgot. NITRO (CANDID) I wouldn't mind learning the "why" now. CURSE (HARSH) It's too late to try and sweet talk me. Mutants! Destroy them! The surrounding Cano-Mutants all take aim at Rabid and Nitro with their weapons. Neither can think of a way out. Curse is a little sad. CURSE (REGRETFUL) You seem like decent dogs. I'd hate to kill you. RABID (CONTRITE) You seem like a decent fellow. We'd hate to die. A smile cracks Curse's usually hard demeanor. He motions for the Cano- Mutants to lower their weapons, which they do. CURSE (CORDIAL) Tell you what. Since I have such a bad part in this story, I'll give you one last request. Some rules to remember however: I'm not a genie, I will still kill you, and I won't make you a peppermint milkshake. NITRO (DISTURBED) Peppermint milkshake? CURSE (SINCERE) Let's just say I hear things. Nitro and Rabid start to discuss their options. Curse glances at his watch and taps his right foot impatiently. Suddenly they start to argue. They both turn to Curse at the same time. RABID AND NITRO (ABRUPTLY) I wanna die first! Kill me! Rabid and Nitro turn to each other and glare. Curse is taken totally by surprise. He turns to one of the Cano-Mutants. CURSE (DOUBTFUL) Okay. Which one said it before the other? The mutant shakes its head from side to side. Curse shrugs his shoulder. CURSE (BLUNT) Oh well. Curse begins pointing his weapon back and forth between Rabid and Nitro. He then lets it drop to his side. CURSE (HONEST) I can't decide. Shoot them both at once. Rabid and Nitro hold each other's hand as the Cano-Mutants take aim. Without warning, several lasers are fired from out of nowhere. They hit the Cano-Mutants and knock them out. Only Curse is left standing. CURSE (DISMAYED) What the...? Dixie and Prowler step out holding their weapons out. Amani is behind them holding the decoder. Prowler smiles. PROWLER (DELIGHTED) Now that plan I liked! CURSE (UPSET) Why you... Curse tries to blast Prowler, but Dixie shoots him first. Prowler looks at her with a surprised expression on his face. DIXIE (INDIFFERENT) Don't read into that. I only did it because I'm on the clock. Prowler smiles. PROWLER (SNOBBISH) Face it. You love me. DIXIE (ANNOYED) Don't be ridiculous. Prowler goes up to Dixie and puts his arms around her waist. PROWLER (ENTHUSIASTIC) Kiss me! You know you want to. Dixie instantly throws Prowler off herself, and to the floor. DIXIE (OFFENDED) Are you crazy? No way! No how! In every other possible way, NO! Prowler remains seated, but still won't give up. He holds his arms out in Dixie's direction. PROWLER (PLEASED) Oh, come on Dixie; stop denying your feelings for me! We'd be great together! Just imagine it! Dixie stares pleadingly at Rabid. DIXIE (IMPLORING) Can we please get him "fixed"? Please? Please? Rabid and Nitro both roll their eyes in disappointment. Amani walks over to them and places the decoder on the ground. She thumbs back at the display going on behind them between Prowler and Dixie. AMANI (FLUSTERED) Do you see what I've had to put up with ALL day long? PROWLER (IMPULSIVE) Give in! We're meant to be together! Dixie looks at Prowler, then back to Rabid again. Nitro and Amani are also watching what's occurring. DIXIE (HOPEFUL) I'll even pay and arrange for it myself! Dixie looks down in thought. DIXIE (THINKING) I wonder if it's too late to get him a date with a Lorraina Bobbitt? Rabid, Amani and Nitro all exchange looks. Amani grabs Rabid roughly by the collar and pulls his face right up to hers. It's an amazing feat considering how big Rabid is compared to her. AMANI (SEVERE) If you EVER, put me with those two again, I will personally make sure that you and Nitro have to adopt! Amani releases Rabid, picks up the decoder, and storms down the hall. Dixie quickly follows her, pursued by Prowler. Nitro smiles sarcastically. NITRO (MERRY) Nothing but love among the troops! Nitro frowns. Rabid watches Amani, Dixie and Prowler walk disappear through the corridor, then returns his focus back to Nitro. RABID (ASTOUNDED) I don't think Amani's going to have any problem asserting herself when it's time for her to have her own unit. NITRO (BLUNT) No. Nitro and Rabid follow the rest down the hall. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT The sun has just appeared from the West. The Strayer's look up and watch helplessly as the Bulldog Spaceship starts to takeoff. Rabid looks around before finally turning to Dixie. RABID (STERN) Make your way back to Sylvia and get some people down here to pick up Curse and the rest of the Cano-Mutants. Rabid now focuses on Prowler RABID (EARNEST) You can join her Prowler. Dixie sees Prowler smiling and instantly runs off. Prowler goes after her with a giant grin on his face. Nitro glares at Rabid. NITRO (CONCERNED) Why did you do that to her? RABID (SMUG) Believe me, they'll get there A LOT faster now. Nitro and Amani exchange glances, then smile. They return their attention to Rabid. He looks right at Nitro. RABID (SARCASTIC) Now all we have to do is figure out a way to stop Parvo before he gets away again. AMANI (CONFIDENT) Well how about- NITRO (DISPIRITED) Oh, all right. I still don't see why we always have to save it for so long, just so we can use it at the end. AMANI (CURT) If you don't want- RABID (HONEST) It's just easier that way. Who wants to go through the trouble of chasing after them if you don't have to? NITRO (CONVINCED) Fair enough. Amani frowns and folds her arms. Nitro takes a few steps forward and takes a deep breath. INTERIOR: BULLDOG SPACESHIP - CONTROL ROOM Parvo is sitting at a large chair in the center. Melissa is lying in a smaller chair in the back, still unconscious. Groomer is at the controls of the ship. Her eyes widen at she looks into a viewing screen. GROOMER (NERVOUS) We may have a slight problem general. PARVO (IRRITATED) How slight? Groomer points at the monitor in front of her. GROOMER (TENSE) Take a look for yourself. Parvo walks over and sees Nitro preparing to do her howl. PARVO (BLUNT) That is not good. GROOMER (MUMBLING, INSOLENT) Brilliant deduction. PARVO (LOUD, HARSH) What! GROOMER (TIMID) Nothing. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT Nitro is just about to release her Banshee Howl. Suddenly however, Puffball, who is still in Nitro's arms, reverts back to her Felo-Mutant form. Taken completely be surprise, Nitro loses all her air and is pinned down under Puffball. NITRO (IN PAIN) Aaaaahhhhhh! Get off me! Puffball, after a moment of confusion, leaps to her feet. Nitro remains on the ground. PUFFBALL (HURT) Sorry. Me no can control. Nitro sighs, realizing Puffball is correct. NITRO (CONSOLING) It's okay. I'm just surprised how bad your timing can be. Rabid walks over and helps Nitro up. RABID (EXCITED) I can't believe that happened! Now what are we going to do? Amani smiles. AMANI (CALM) Maybe we can... NITRO (OBLIGING) I could try it again. RABID (CONTEMPLATING) They already started to move off. Can your howl reach them from this distance? Nitro starts thinking. Amani tries to continue. AMANI (RESTLESS) Consider this... NITRO (HONEST) Probably not. Any other ideas? RABID (DISCOURAGED) I can't think of any. Amani is about to lose control. AMANI (ANGRY) Hey! Listen! Rabid and Nitro look to Amani. She is visibly upset. RABID (PEACEFUL) Oh, I'm sorry. Did you have something in mind? Amani fights back her incredible urge to strangle Rabid. AMANI (SARCASTIC) Just this. Amani reaches out and pulls out a remote control. AMANI (PLEASED) I decided to take a page from Exile's book. RABID (CONFUSED) What do you mean? AMANI (SMUG) Let's just say... we made a brief stop before bailing you two out. Amani starts to reach for the red button. INTERIOR: BULLDOG SPACESHIP - CONTROL ROOM Parvo is laughing hideously. Groomer is still at the controls. PARVO (ECSTATIC) Ha! I can't believe our luck! GROOMER (BLUNT) I don't think she can reach us now general. PARVO (EXHILARATED) Excellent. I think our luck is finally starting to change. Parvo laughs again. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT Amani pushes the red button. Several places on the Bulldog Spaceship explode, and it starts to descend. INTERIOR: BULLDOG SPACESHIP - CONTROL ROOM Parvo's stops laughing and sighs. PARVO (SOMBER) And as usual, it's for the worse. Parvo and Groomer can be heard screaming as their ship plummets to the forest floor. EXTERIOR: OREGON WILDERNESS - PARVO'S HIDEOUT Rabid grins, then looks to the remaining Strayers. RABID (UPBEAT) I think our work here is done. NITRO (CONCERNED) Shouldn't we help the authorities take them in? RABID (HONEST) Nah. I'm sure they can handle it. Nitro nods contently. RABID (BLUNT) Besides. I want to get home and check my tape. Rabid walks off in the direction on the vehicles. Nitro and Amani look at each other and shake their heads. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS We can see the light from above shining down on mission control. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM Cleo, Ramses, Sheba, Star, Silver, Outlaw, and the Strayers are scattered around the chamber. They are all looking at the Master, who is at his place on the balcony. MASTER (CURIOUS) How did everything go Rabid? I just got a priority one message from the navy saying they received the decoder in one piece. Sorry about having to send you guys out, but we didn't have anyone else. I hope you didn't run into too many obstacles. Rabid smiles and puts his arm around Nitro. RABID (NONCHALANT) Not a problem. It was our... Rabid releases and stares at Nitro, who is growling. RABID (UNEASY) Pleasure. Nitro folds her arms. The Master smiles. MASTER (GRATIFIED) I'm sure it was. By the way, you'll be glad to know that the Justice Department picked up Parvo and Groomer, and returned them to where they belong. In jail. Maybe they'll be able to keep them there this time. RABID (SARCASTIC) If they were capable of doing that, you wouldn't need us around. MASTER (HONEST) True enough. As for Fluffy and Dalmat, they've been reverted to their original forms and found good homes. NITRO (BLUNT) Any news about the Eliminator? MASTER (UNHAPPY) We've been looking for her since her escape, but there's been no sign of her as of yet. I just hope we can catch her before your wedding in a couple of months. NITRO (SOMBER) Me too. Master turns to Cleo. MASTER (QUESTIONING) Any problems while moving the Cano-Mutants? Cleo shakes her head. CLEO (SINCERE) They resisted a little, but there was no real conflict. We saw Hunter finishing his drop-off just as we we're leaving. I would say their prisoners had a little run in with Muzzle. Everyone in the room cringes. The Master smiles. MASTER (PLEASANT) Well then, you all did a good job. You're good good... Master sees Rabid, Nitro, Amani and Puffball looking at him intently. He stops himself. MASTER (DEFEATED) I'm not going through that again. You ALL did a good job. Strayers, Rovers, dogs, wolves, cats, humans... am I missing anyone? Sheesh. And I thought the President had a problem with P.C. Everyone in the room smiles. After a few moments, Hunter, Exile, Blitz, Shag and Muzzle walk in. The Master looks at them and smiles. Hunter frowns when he sees this. HUNTER (BUMMED) Awwwww man! Did we miss the good good dog speech? That's always my favorite part! Hunter pouts. Rabid walks over to Hunter. RABID (TEASING) I'm afraid so. It was a new politically correct version too. Hunter becomes even more deflated. HUNTER (DOWNHEARTED) Awwwwwwwwwwww maaaaaaannnnn! Hunter sulks a little bit longer, then recovers. HUNTER (CHEERY) Oh well. There will be other's. Good thing I'm super patient. Hunter goes and stands with the Rovers. The Strayers just kind of stay back and chuckle. HUNTER (LOUD) To the power of the... Hunter pauses and everyone looks at him. EXILE (PERPLEXED) Why are we stopping? BLITZ (MOCKING) A certain leader dog must have forgotten the words. Hunter paces, agitated. HUNTER (DELIBERATING) No. I feel like we're forgetting something. Exile walks over and puts his hand on Hunter's shoulder. EXILE (CANDID) Do not worry about it comrade. Credits roll after we finish. HUNTER (IGNORANT) Oh yeah. Hunter smiles. He takes his place again. HUNTER (LOUD) To the power of the pack! All the Rovers howl together. The Strayers just shake their heads. AMANI (RELIEVED) I'm just glad we don't have to do that. My lungs aren't as good as they used to be, and I'm sure Puffball might have some problems with it. Hunter looks around skeptically as the Rovers stop howling. Finally it hits him. HUNTER (EXCITED) I knew we forgot something! EXILE (BEWILDERED) Whatski? HUNTER (TERRIFIED) Our soprano! BLITZ (LOST) Huh? HUNTER (AGITATED) Colleen! EXILE (BLUNT) Nyet. Her voice is too low to be soprano. HUNTER (EAGER) The point is she's not here! EXILE (PERSUADED) Ah! Good point. HUNTER (BOLD) Looks like we have one more loose end to deal with. BLITZ (STIMULATED) End? What end? A soft, mushy end? Hunter and Exile exchange looks. HUNTER (GRIM) Hopefully a happy end. Let's go Rovers. Hunter, Exile, Blitz and Shag all run out. Rabid reaches into his pocket and pulls out his white dove. He squeezes it tightly in his hand. EXTERIOR: FOREST AREA - PANDORA RIVER Struggling all the way, Ricky and Cain fall to the base of the waterfall, which is actually a river. The current is relatively weak. After a few seconds of submergence, Ricky appears from the cold depths, sputtering and coughing up water. A pair of rather large hands immediately greets him around his throat. CAIN (FIERCE) You're really starting to irritate me! Why won't you just die! RICKY (SCORNING, MUFFLED) Must be that "will to live" thing... Cain continues to strangle Ricky. Ricky has his hands around Cain's arms, but it too physically drained to do anything. The river is starting to grow stronger, pulling them toward a collection of rocks. CAIN (MALICIOUS) It's been a blast, but I've had enough exercise to today. It's time to bid you farewell. Out of the corner of his eye, Ricky sees them being pulled toward a large rock by the strength of the current. CAIN (SPITEFUL) Finally there is no one to save your miserable hide. RICKY (BLUNT, SUFFOCATED) Actually, there is still something left that can save me. The Rock that is higher than I. CAIN (BOTHERED) Enough of your religious babble. It's not going to happen. RICKY (SINCERE, GAGGED) I probably should be thinking about that, but I wasn't. Cain and Ricky slam directly into the large rock, and break apart. Both disappear under the water. Ricky eventually comes up, but Cain is nowhere to be seen. In the distance, Ricky can see the water cascading off an invisible edge. With everything he has left, which was gone so long ago, he battles desperately to reach shore. About ten feet from the edge of the precipice, Ricky finally manages to pull he totally exhausted body onto dry land. He lies there, breathing heavily. EXTERIOR: FOREST AREA - RIVER BANK Ricky is lying on the dirt, his chest rising and falling as he takes in the precious oxygen which had previously been denied to him. There are several bushes, rocks and trees a few feet in back of him. RICKY (FATIGUED) I guess I get another day. After about a minute, Ricky at last is able to gather enough strength to get to his feet. He starts to walk toward the area behind him. VOICE (SARDONIC, FROM BEHIND) Don't leave yet. I'm still having fun. Ricky turns just in time to have Cain's fist find his left cheek. Ricky staggers back and falls on his rear end. Cain picks him up and throws him to his left. Ricky lands face first, a few feet before the edge of the cliff. Ricky turns and staggers to his knees, groggy. Cain attempts to kick Ricky, but Ricky blocks it with his arms. Cain then takes a swing at Ricky's head with his right arm, which this time finds its mark. Ricky is driven back down on his face. He tries to get up, but Cain quickly kicks him in his stomach. Cain continues to stomp Ricky while he is on the ground, until he stops moving. He gives him one more sharp kick to the gut, and Ricky groans in pain. Cain smiles. CAIN (COCKY) And so ends round two. Time for your coach to throw in towel. Cain walks past Ricky and looks over the brim of the ledge. The falling reservoir is creating a heavy mist as it reaches the base of the waterfall. It is several hundred feet to the bottom. There are a couple of tree branches extending out from the side of the crag. CAIN (RELAXED) I wonder if there are any rocks down there? If we had gone over, we probably wouldn't have survived. Cain walks over and stands above Ricky, who is still down. CAIN (CONCEITED) I guess we're gonna get to find out if you're really as blessed as you think you are. Cain starts to reach down for Ricky, but Ricky kicks his legs out from under him. Cain falls on his back, shocked. Ricky tries to crawl away, but Cain grabs his legs. He eventually forces Ricky to his feet and pushes him up against a tree. Cain batters Ricky in the stomach, then picks him up with both hands and lifts him above his head. Cain has his right hand around Ricky's neck, and his left hand clutching one of Ricky's thighs. Ricky's is grabbing at Cain with his arms, but without any effectiveness. CAIN (HOSTILE) Time to take your place in history. Cain carries him over to the area overlooking the bottom of the waterfall. Ricky tries desperately to get free, but Cain's grip is too powerful. Cain is as cold as ever. CAIN (INTOXICATED) I would have waited my entire life for this. Today it ends. RICKY (DEFIANT, IN PAIN) Can you please stop speaking? At least until you can come up with an original line for once? CAIN (BEAMING) Oh Ricky, I will miss you. You were always able to provide me with biting sarcasm, no matter what the situation. RICKY (DEVIOUS) I won't miss you Cain. In one fluid motion, Ricky grabs the back of Cain's uniform and uses his weight to flip Cain over him. He then rushes Cain while he is facing the wrong way, and pushes him toward the end of the cliff. Ricky succeeds in pushing him over the edge, but Cain manages to grab Ricky just as he is going over. Ricky falls to a ground, attempting to avoid going over as well. He struggles furiously as all of Cain's weight is being suspended over the mountain face by his neck and shoulders. CAIN (ENRAGED) You little punk! I'm not going without you! Cain wraps both hands around Ricky's throat, squeezing with all his might. Suddenly his hands slip, and he is now holding onto the cross that is suspended around Ricky's neck. RICKY (SMUG, EXHAUSTED) As sweet as that is, I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline the offer! The stress on the thread holding the cross is too great, and it finally snaps. Cain screams as he falls, then disappears into the mist below. The cross remains in his right hand. Ricky watches him fall, the back of his neck red from the rope. Ricky rubs the swollen area. RICKY (SARCASTIC) What a pain. Ricky hoists himself up and starts walking away. A few feet from the edge however, he collapses. EXTERIOR: BIG SKY RANCH - FOREST AREA Colleen is slowly making her way through the forest, exhausted. EXTERIOR: FOREST AREA - RIVER BANK Colleen appears from the forest and sees Ricky lying on his face. She quickly runs over to him and rolls him over on his back. His eyes are closed. Colleen begins to shake him. COLLEEN (TERRIFIED) Ricky! Ricky! Wake up or I'll... Ricky finally stirs and slowly opens his eyes. What a great sight to wake up to. RICKY (WHISPER, BLUNT) Please. I had enough pain already. Ricky lies frail before Colleen. He is barely conscious. Colleen just shakes her head as the tears start to fill her eyes. COLLEEN (SMUG) I should probably kill you for failing to follow orders TWICE, but given your present situation I'll let you slide this time. RICKY (WHISPER, PLEASED) Cool. Colleen takes Ricky's left hand in both of hers and starts to rub it. COLLEEN (AFFECTED) Your hands are so cold. RICKY (WHISPER, LYING) It's from the water. Colleen fails to crack a smile. COLLEEN (MAD) Liar. It's from a lack of blood. RICKY (WHISPER, FAINT) That too. Colleen turns as she hears the sound of helicopters and ambulances approaching. The Sonic Rover flies overhead. COLLEEN (UPBEAT) It'll be all right now. The paramedics... Colleen feels Ricky's hand go limp. She turns to him. COLLEEN (ANXIOUS) Ricky? Ricky? Don't you dare! Ricky's head drops to the side and his eyes close. He lies motionless. A helicopter lands and several men step out. Colleen starts to weep as several medical officers run toward her. FADE OUT The words "Two days later" materialize on the screen. After a few seconds, the words "(that's forty-eight very long hours)" appear under it. All the words vanish together. FADE IN EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS The light is shining down on mission control from above. There is no birds chirping, no Muzzle running across the screen. There is only a dead and depressing stillness. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Hunter and Exile are walking through the hall in silence. Both have very sad expressions on their faces. They continue walking until they come to Colleen's room. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - COLLEEN'S QUARTERS Blitz, Shag, Ramses, Sheba, Rabid, Nitro, Amani, Puffball, Dixie, Star and Silver are already gathered around the door. Prowler, Outlaw and Cleo are nowhere to be found. Everyone looks very glum. Hunter and Exile walk over to Rabid. EXILE (HOPING) Any changeski? Rabid lowers his head. RABID (GLOOMY) No. She still refuses to come out. HUNTER (CONCERNED) She's taking it pretty hard. It's been nearly two days since... Hunter's voice trails off. He looks away from everyone. HUNTER (OVERCOME) I wish there were something I could do, something to make it all better. Nitro goes over and puts her hands on Hunter's shoulder, trying to comfort him. NITRO (DREARY) I know. When things like this arise, it serves as a reminder to everyone just how dangerous our jobs our. What happened to Ricky could happen to any one of us at any time. It's been difficult for everyone to deal with, but it's been especially strenuous on Colleen. She blame's herself for... ... everything. HUNTER (HURT) If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I'm team leader and I'm responsible for everyone's safety. I sent them there alone. I caused this. Amani puts her hand on Hunter's other shoulder. AMANI (STERN) No. Cain did. If anyone should shoulder any guilt, it's him. At least he got what he deserved in the end. VOICE (INCENSED, THROUGH DOOR) That may be true, but it still wasn't worth the price. Everyone looks toward the door. Colleen steps out wiping her eyes, which are noticeably puffy and red. At first all are silent. Finally, Silver goes over to Colleen and puts her arm around her. SILVER (GENTLE) Are you going to be all right? COLLEEN (CRUSHED) Eventually. If you'll excuse me, I've got someplace else to be. Colleen nudges Silver off her and begins walking away. STAR (SARCASTIC) Gonna "powder your nose"? Colleen exits without responding. Once she is gone, everyone glares at Star. She looks around with surprise. STAR (UNEASY) What? Do I have something in my teeth? Puffball goes right over to Silver. PUFFBALL (HONEST) You bad taste. STAR (STARTLED) Me? RAMSES (PLACID) That comment really was uncalled for. The last thing Colleen needs is to have someone mock her. Star glances around and notices everyone is against her. STAR (OFFENDED) I'm sorry. Whew! If I new this was going to be the serious part of the story, I would have left already. Star starts to move off, but then turns around. STAR (HURT) I really don't think I did anything that bad. With all the stress Colleen is under, I'm the only one that's tried to cheer her up. She may need that more than being alone. Star stomps off. Realization comes over everyone. RAMSES (CANDID) She's probably right. NITRO (BLUNT) I just hope it's not too late. Everyone walks off in the same direction that Colleen left. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Colleen is walking alone down one of many different halls in the complex. She eventually comes to a door marked "Hubert's Lab". She stops a few feet in front the door. She hesitates, turns as if to leave, then turns back again. She sighs. COLLEEN (WHISPER, TO HERSELF) I need to get on with my life. Colleen takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. She steps up to the door, which opens automatically, and goes in. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - HUBERT'S LAB This is a huge room filled with numerous counters and cabinets. It is packed with all sorts of computers, electronic devices, test equipment and experiments that are currently in progress. Professor Hubert is standing in front of a lab station, placing a small patch of red fur on a tiny plastic dish. He reaches over and picks up a thin vial containing a mysterious green liquid. He lets a few drops of it fall onto the sample, then observes it. There is no reaction. Hubert then picks up a clipboard and records what he sees. He then reaches across the counter and grabs a large beaker with a yellow liquid in it. He is about to pour it when he hears the door to the lab open, and someone step inside. He doesn't look up. HUBERT (DISTRACTED) If it's all the same to you, this experiment requires my full attention. I would prefer if you waited outside until I'm done. VOICE (BLUNT, FROM BEHIND) All right then. I'll wait. Hubert immediately freezes when he hears the visitor's voice. HUBERT (HASTILY) Colleen? Is that you? Hubert turns and sees Colleen standing behind him. COLLEEN (HONEST) I was hoping to give you hand with your experiment, if that's okay. Hubert stares at her for a second, but then shakes his surprise off. HUBERT (POLITE) Of course. You can help take down data. Hubert holds out the clipboard to Colleen. She walks over and takes it. She also picks up a pen from the tabletop. He keeps his eyes fixated on her for another moment before turning back to his original focus. HUBERT (BLUNT) I acquired this fur and membrane sample from Rabid. I'm testing a few formulas to see if it will be able to revert it into a human skin specimen. It's kind of an on going experiment. It could take months or years to find a cure, if I ever can. Colleen nods. Hubert turns and pours the second container. After a few moments there is no reaction. Colleen writes something down. She gently places the clipboard and pen down on the counter. She looks right at Hubert, who is busy looking at another solution. COLLEEN (HARD) Well? HUBERT (DAZED) Well what? COLLEEN (IRRITATED) The same thing I asked you last night, and the day before. HUBERT (CALM) Sorry. I wasn't expecting it. The last two days, you chose to come to me after everyone else had already gone to bed. Colleen folds her arms waiting for a response. Hubert tries to avoid the question by picking up another container. Colleen scowls at him. COLLEEN (COLD) Don't make me knock that out of your hand. Hubert looks her right in the eye. He can tell she's not lying. He places the receptacle back where it was. HUBERT (UNSETTLED) I spoke to Cleo a few hours ago, and there wasn't any change. She told me she'd contact me the instant there is. Colleen turns away from Hubert. COLLEEN (IRATE) I should be the one over there. I have more medical training. HUBERT (STERN) You were too physically depleted before, and you're too emotional now. It's better if you just wait like everyone else. Colleen whips back around. COLLEEN (WOUNDED) That's ridiculous. I'm fine. HUBERT (BLUNT) The decision has already been made. You have no say in this. COLLEEN (UNFRIENDLY) Suit yourself. I'll be back later. Colleen starts to walk out. HUBERT (DELICATELY) Colleen. Colleen stops, but doesn't face Hubert. HUBERT (CAUTIOUSLY) You have to accept that fact that he may... never come out of his coma. Colleen remains with her back to Hubert. She bites her lower lip. COLLEEN (DETERMINED) I don't think so. He's not a liar. Colleen continues forward, then briefly stops before leaving. COLLEEN (DEFEATED) At least not usually. Colleen exits. Hubert shakes his head and returns to his experiment. After a few moments, Cleo enters wearing a mask around her mouth. Hubert turns and watches her as she walks over to him. Once she is standing to his left, she removes the mask. Hubert faces Cleo. CLEO (PRYING) Was that-? HUBERT (DEPRESSED) Yes. Anything different? CLEO (MELANCHOLY) No. Both Hubert and Cleo lower their heads. Hubert looks back up first. HUBERT (OPTIMISTIC Any ideas? What about taking some blood from Outlaw? CLEO (RELUCTANT) He's gone. No one has seen him since yesterday. But it wouldn't matter. HUBERT (CONFUSED) What do you mean? CLEO (SORROWFUL) This is a little different than just being dead or dying. This is one area of medicine that doctors have a hard time explaining, and an even harder time providing solutions. In a general sense, he's already recovered from his injuries. The laceration on the left side of his head is still in the process of healing, and he still has a bruise on his right eye, but for the most part he's physically fine. HUBERT (ANNOYED) Except? CLEO (DISPIRITED) When the paramedics got there, Ricky was already in cardiac arrest. Lacking a sufficient amount of blood, his heart simply stopped. He was legally dead for several minutes before they gave him enough units of blood to revive him. His heart failed several more times before Hunter got him back here. We simply don't know how much injury occurred to his brain during that time. Worse case scenario is that he's brain dead, and will never awaken. HUBERT (UNRESERVED) I'm not ready to make that assumption. CLEO (CONFIDENT) Neither am I. From what I can tell, there's a better than eighty percent chance that he didn't sustain any damage at all. It's just a matter of him being able to start his body up again. I'd better get back. Cleo turns and leaves. Hubert tries to continue his research, but can't. He reaches over and pushes the button on the intercom. HUBERT (BLUNT, INTO INTERCOM) Silver? Can you come to my lab please? Hubert removes his finger from the button. He looks over to the clipboard. Scribbled in Colleen's handwriting are the words "No change". INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS Colleen I sitting on the steps alone (just as Hunter did at the end of "A Day in the Life"). The area behind her is well lit, but the ground in front of her is illuminated only by the moonlight. Colleen is making circles in the sand with her finger. VOICE (DIRECT, FROM BEHIND) How long are you going to let this go on? Colleen remains as she is. COLLEEN (DISTANT) What are you talking about? VOICE (CAUTIOUSLY, FROM BEHIND) I mean... Silver steps out and leans against the doorway. This scenario looks oddly familiar. SILVER (CAUTIOUSLY) ...how long are you going to beat yourself up over Ricky? COLLEEN (BITTER) Until next Thursday. Silver doesn't respond. Colleen lifts her head and rests her chin in her left palm. She looks out over the ocean. COLLEEN (SOUR) I don't know. Is there a set period of time you're supposed to feel guilty for nearly getting someone killed? Silver goes over and sits down next to Colleen. SILVER (SOOTHING) It's not your fault. No one could have known this would happen. COLLEEN (DEJECTED) I know. It's just that I feel like there were things I could have done differently, things that could have kept Ricky from what happened. He only did it because he felt he had to. I should have talked him out of it. I should have... Silver puts her left hand on Colleen's right shoulder. The touch alone is enough to calm her. After a few moments, the silence is broken. SILVER (OFFHAND) Colleen... are you perfect? Colleen finally looks at Silver. She is completely shocked. COLLEEN (STUNNED) What kind of question is that? SILVER (INSISTENT) Humor me all right. Colleen hesitates, then realizes how silly it is to even be pondering such a thing. COLLEEN (APPREHENSIVE) Of course not. Why? SILVER (PLEASED) Why? Because in order to admit that you're not perfect, you also have to be able accept the fact that you are destined to make mistakes in your life. How can you thus blame yourself for doing what you're going to do anyway? That in itself is a contradiction. Colleen thinks about it and then smiles. It doesn't last long. COLLEEN (REASONING) You're right of course, but it's more than that. SILVER (CONFUSED) You've lost me. COLLEEN (CHEERLESS) It's because of him that it hurts so much. He doesn't deserve to be like that, lying unconscious in a bed while a machine keeps him alive. SILVER (BAFFLED) Does anybody deserve to be like that? COLLEEN (MOURNFUL) That's not what I mean. It's just that it's more painful because of what I feel like we've lost. His alluring smile and eyes. His charming personality. His quiet kindness and understanding. The way he kind of listens attentively and lets you do all the talking. And just when you think he might not be paying attention, he says something so profound. He doesn't say much, but he has a lot to say. SILVER (DREAMY) Yeah. He's a great dog isn't he? COLLEEN (TEASING) I'm guessing I'm not the only one who's sweet on him. SILVER (DEFENSIVE) Huh? I don't know what you're talking about. COLLEEN (SLY) Sure you don't. But anyway, thanks for listening. I guess I just needed someone to talk to. SILVER (PLEASANT) No problem. Let's go back inside okay? Colleen nods. As they get to their feet, they hug. They don't get very far before they hear Hubert over the intercom. HUBERT (EXCITED, OVER SPEAKERS) Hey everyone! Ricky's awake! Colleen and Silver look at each other. They both rush inside. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - CORRIDOR Colleen and run frantically through the halls. They finally come to a door marked "Infirmary". They a pause and look at each other briefly before slowly walking in. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - INFIRMARY This is a relatively small room with several beds. It is filled with various types of medical equipment, counters, and cabinets with medical drugs and supplies in them. There is one sliding door leading in and out. As Colleen and Silver enter, they see everyone (including the Master) gathered around a bed in the corner. Everyone is quietly talking to an unseen figure. Silver frowns. SILVER (SMUG) Think you all can move back for a second, hmmm? Everyone turns to glance at them, then look amongst themselves. They slowly part like the Red Sea. Once they have all moved to the side, we see Ricky sitting upright on the edge of the bed smiling, still looking at someone else. He had he head wrapped in bandages, mostly to cover the cut on his left side. His right eye is still slightly bruised and he is wearing just a white medical gown. Once he realizes everyone has kind of moved away from him, he turns his attention to the vacated area. He finally spots Colleen looking right at him and his smile fades. Everyone else is watching silently, waiting to see what will happen. Colleen slowly starts to walk toward Ricky; her eyes still locked with his. They watch each other until she stops right next to the bed. Just like a great scene from a movie, this one starts brilliantly. COLLEEN (NERVOUS) Hey. RICKY (NERVOUS) Hey. The Master clears his throat, but his hint falls on deaf ears. He then starts doing all sorts of motions with his head and eyes, but no one is paying attention to anything but the two before them. RICKY (SMUG) He wants everyone to leave so we can talk alone. Everyone turns around to look at the Master, who has his hand over his eyes. He nods and smiles. At last everyone walks out. Hunter, Exile and Silver all give the couple a last glimpse before exiting. Finally, Ricky and Colleen are the only ones left in the room. COLLEEN (CONCERNED) So how do you feel? RICKY (GENUINE) All right. Cleo said the bandages can come off tomorrow, and that the black eye should go away soon enough. How have you been? COLLEEN (EVADING) Fine. Why? RICKY (STRAIGHTFORWARD) It's just that... you look a little flushed is all. Have you've been getting enough rest? COLLEEN (WARY) Enough. RICKY (RELAXED) That's good. There is a silence. Neither seems to know what to say. Colleen's eyes light up. COLLEEN (PONDERING) So uh... any permanent damage? RICKY (SARCASTIC) None that they can see. Seems that I lucked out as far as that is concerned. Nice question by the way. COLLEEN (RESTLESS) Sorry. I'm a little uncomfortable in situations like these. RICKY (PERPLEXED) But you're a doctor. COLLEEN (SINCERE) True. But I don't have a whole lot of bedside time. I usually just help patients, and then send them off. RICKY (INTERESTED) Would you like to take a walk instead? COLLEEN (DOUBTFUL)` Really? Are you allowed to? RICKY (CHARISMATIC) Sure. Cleo gave me permission. After all, I've been in here for over two days already. COLLEEN (AMIABLE) In that case, I'd love to. Colleen takes Ricky's left arm and helps him up. They walk toward the door together. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GYM Ricky and Colleen walk in and sit on the bench. As before, he is sitting to the left of her. They sit and gaze at each other for a while. Eventually Colleen turns away. Ricky then reaches down and pinches his right arm. RICKY (IN PAIN) Ouch! Colleen turns back to him, concerned. COLLEEN (CONFUSED) What happened? Ricky is rubbing his arm. RICKY (BLUNT) Nothing. Just checking something. Colleen doesn't know what to think. Her mind shifts to something else. COLLEEN (TENSE) This is harder than I thought it would be. RICKY (DISTRAUGHT) Huh? COLLEEN (ENGROSSED) Just... sitting here with you again. This is where we first talked things out. It was also the first time I confronted my worries. RICKY (BLUNT) About Exile and Hunter? COLLEEN (SOMBER) Yes. RICKY (UNSURE) And what have you decided? COLLEEN (HONEST) I'm actually even more confused than I was before. RICKY (ASTONISHED) Why? Colleen faces Ricky. COLLEEN (HEARTFELT) Because of what happened in Wyoming. I don't want make you uncomfortable or anything, but- Ricky puts his right hand on Colleen's mouth. RICKY (FIRM) No. Don't say anything more. You'd don't have to explain. COLLEEN (AMAZED) So... you know? What do you think? RICKY (KIND) I'm okay with it. Why should I feel any different? COLLEEN (RELIEVED) Well it's just that... it was so sudden that I thought you might... RICKY (PLEASED) What? That it would make me uneasy? COLLEEN (OUTSPOKEN) Yeah. Ricky stands up smiling. RICKY (WARM) Don't worry about. We we're in a very bad situation, and I was putting a lot of pressure on you. I'm sure your mind must have been going a mile a minute. When people are stressed out like that, they often do and say things they don't intend because of their emotions. I wouldn't hold that against you. I know the kiss didn't mean anything. Just relax. Colleen, who is still sitting down, is totally taken by surprise. Her jaw drops and she quickly stands up. COLLEEN (SHOCKED) A stressful situation!?! You thought that the kiss...!?! RICKY (DEFENSIVE) Came under false pretenses. I SAID I know. Chill out. COLLEEN (UPSET) You don't understand! I- VOICE (THRILLED, FROM BEHIND) Colleen! Colleen glances behind her and sees Hunter walking toward them. Ricky also sees him, and takes a few steps back. She speaks over her shoulder, a little annoyed. COLLEEN (BOTHERED) I'm a little busy right now! Can we talk later? HUNTER (WOUNDED) But I've been waiting three days to speak with you! COLLEEN (SURPRISED) I know but... you have? Colleen turns around faces Hunter. HUNTER (SUAVE) I have. COLLEEN (FLUSTERED) For what reason? Hunter takes Colleen's hands in his. HUNTER (EARNEST) Just that... I've been worried about you. I care a lot about you, and I don't like to see you unhappy. I'm glad you're feeling better. Colleen looks into his eyes and is speechless. Hunter looks back and smiles. He then looks down at their hands, and releases them. He is quite embarrassed. HUNTER (EMBARRASSED) Oh. Sorry about that. I... just wanted to make sure that you were okay. I'll talk to you later all right? Hunter walks off and Colleen watches him the whole way. Ricky sees this and frowns. He starts to walk away when Colleen recovers. COLLEEN (HASTILY) Ricky wait! I wasn't finished! RICKY (COLD) What else could you possibly have to say to me? COLLEEN (FRANTIC) Look. Yes it was a stressful situation, and yes my mind wasn't totally clear. But regardless of the conditions we were, or are in, I want you to know th- VOICE (EXCITED, FROM BEHIND) Colleen! Colleen again takes a brief glimpse behind her, and this time sees Exile walking toward her and Ricky. She is again irritated. Ricky retreats once more. COLLEEN (AGITATED) My. Aren't I the bloody popular one all of a sudden. Colleen whips around to confront Exile. COLLEEN (DISTRESSED) Can you come back in two minutes? This is REALLY important. EXILE (ANXIOUS) Nyet. This can't wait. Can we talk lonely? COLLEEN (PROVOKED) Blimey. You have absolutely NO patience. However, neither do I anymore. Now you're just going to have to stand there while I say this. Colleen returns her attention to Ricky. Exile is startled. COLLEEN (QUICKLY) Ricky. Taking into account the situation we were in, and what you thought I meant, I want you to know that... Exile, after the initial surprise passes, begins tapping Colleen on the shoulder; finally she lets it get to her. COLLEEN (FURIOUS) Listen Exile. I'm sure you have something very pressing on your mind, but I'll bet it can wait a few minutes while I- Exile turns her around and plants a passionate kiss on her lips. When he releases her, she is dumbfounded. EXILE (SMOOTH) I REALLY want to go for walk now. COLLEEN (OVERWHELMED) Well uh... I... what was I saying? RICKY (COMPOSED) You wanted me to know that in the future, regardless of what you do in stressful situations, it doesn't always mean anything. COLLEEN (THINKING) Oh. I guess that was it. I think. RICKY (AMUSED) It was. Go on, I'll be fine. I should probably go get some rest anyway. Colleen and Exile walk off together, hand in hand. Ricky watches them go out. He sighs. RICKY (DOWNHEARTED) Yeah. And that's all it ever will be. I know that now. Ricky scans the room, feeling its emptiness barely transcending his own. He then exits without saying a word. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - TOWER CHAMBER This is a rather dark room compared to any other in mission control. It lacks a central light, but is instead poorly lit by numerous lamps in different places. There are several couches, tables and chairs throughout the room. Ricky is sitting in a chair on the balcony, which overlooks the grounds. He is watching Colleen and Exile as they are walking together down the beach. His arms are folded in front of him, and he is laying his head down on them. VOICE (STRICT, FROM BEHIND) Shouldn't you be getting your rest? Ricky doesn't turn around, but instead we see a view over his shoulder. Standing in the doorway, illuminated from the hall, is Rabid. RICKY (AGGRAVATED) You know it's really annoying how everyone has to walk up to you from behind around here. Ricky continues to observe Colleen and Exile, able to see them clearly despite their distance because of his excellent eyesight. They have stopped next to a palm tree, and are looking at each other. RABID (COURTEOUS) You're still wearing that medical gown. RICKY (HOSTILE) Yes, I believe I am. Rabid is taken aback. Ricky sighs. RICKY (EXPLANATORY) I'm sorry. That was incredibly rude of me. I'm just in such... so how did you know where I was? Rabid recovers. RABID (SMUG) You're not the only one with superior senses remember? Besides... Blitz told me that you would be in here. Ricky doesn't respond. Rabid becomes concerned. RABID (TROUBLED) You're not in here because of him are you? RICKY (REMOVED) No. In fact I just talked to him, and that's why he saw me. We decided to start over. We're friends again. RABID (POSITIVE) That's certainly good news. RICKY (APATHETIC) I know. So what did you want? RABID (BLUNT) Just to tell you that Huntress is about to take her mother back to the Big Sky Ranch, and they wanted to say goodbye. RICKY (DISTRACTED) I already did. RABID (PUZZLED) When? RICKY (DISTANT) Right after I saw Blitz. Not as if that's really what you came up to talk to me about. Rabid grins. RABID (PLEASED) Well, you know me. RICKY (COLD) And you know me, so there's no use avoiding this. So what do you have to say, more wonderful words of advice? So much for your new image. Rabid chuckles. He walks over to Ricky and sits down in a chair next to him. He glances to Ricky. RABID (EASYGOING) Not so much advice, as to ask a question. What happened between you and Colleen in Wyoming? RICKY (RESENTFUL) Well in a fairytale sense, something completely wonderful occurred. In a more realistic sense however, absolutely nothing. RABID (CLEVER) I trust you will give me more than that. RICKY (DIPLOMATIC) Colleen kissed me. And once I finally pulled my head back down from the sky, I returned it. RABID (JOKING) Are you sure it wasn't the other way around? Ricky cracks a smile. RICKY (BEAMING) No. I distinctly remember losing all feeling in my body, and not knowing where I was. This in light of the fact that there was someone trying to murder us at the time. RABID (NONCHALANT) So she gave you a kiss on the cheek and... Ricky kind of looks away, almost embarrassed. Rabid has a huge smile on his face. RABID (INTERESTED) It wasn't on the cheek? Then... hmmm... Ricky is twiddling his thumbs, childishly. RABID (EXCITED) So she gave you a quick kiss on the lips and... Again Ricky looks away. At this point he is REALLY blushing. Rabid has a kind of best friend demeanor to him now. RABID (EXHILARATED) So it was... a long one. RICKY (NEGATIVE) It didn't mean anything. RABID (PERSISTENT) Oh, I think it did. RICKY (SEVERE) It DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING. RABID (APPALLED) How can you say that? RICKY (DEPRESSED) Because she told me it didn't. RABID (BOLD) And? RICKY (SURPRISED) And what? RABID (DETERMINED) And what else. There must have been something more. RICKY (SAD) And... that. Rabid looks in the direction Ricky is pointing. Colleen and Exile are engaged in a long, passionate kiss. Colleen is wearing a beautiful gold locket on a chain. It is in the shape of a heart. RABID (UNEASY) Is that the same as...? RICKY (DEJECTED) Yes. As the one I was going to give her. So as you can see, it didn't mean anything. RABID (HOPEFUL) Well it's possible that... RICKY (DEPRESSED) I also think she has strong feelings for Hunter as well. I'm not really sure if Exile knows about it yet, but I saw it. Rabid stands up and folds his arms. RABID (ANNOYED) So that's it. You've simply given up. RICKY (SORROWFUL) How can I accept defeat in a race I was never in? Rabid glares at Ricky. There is no compassion in his face. RABID (ANGRY) I am such a fool. Ricky is shocked by Rabid's words. He looks back to him. RICKY (DISMAYED) What are you-? RABID (MAD) Talking about? The fact that I was actually gullible enough to buy into your facade. Ricky turns away from Rabid, trying to ignore him. Rabid is unfazed. RABID (UPSET) You act like you're such a giving and caring person, but you're not. You're the most selfish person I know. When Ricky hears this, he quickly stands up. RICKY (ASTOUNDED) Excuse me? RABID (COMPOSED) Do I really need to explain this to you? RICKY (TENACIOUS) I'd like to know what your reasoning is, yes. RABID (THINKING) All right then. I believe it was Ed Cole who said, "There are times when silence is golden, other times it is just plain yellow." That basically sums it up right there. Ricky remains obstinate. Rabid paces around the room briefly, shaking his head. He then stops and stares right at Ricky. RABID (DISTURBED) You want to know why I think you're selfish? I'll tell you why... Rabid's manner softens. RABID (SINCERE) ...because you have gift that not many people get, and you're wasting it. Ricky is still confused. Rabid thinks of another way to say it. RABID (DELICATELY) What I'm saying is. you've got such a love inside you for Colleen, so strong and so passionate, and you've got the nerve to keep it to yourself. You're depriving her of something wonderful because you're afraid of confronting the possibility of hurting Hunter or Exile. That's what upsets me. It's not right for you to hold things in because it's the most convenient thing for you. I'm sorry, but you don't have the right to decide what's best for everyone else based on your own fears. It's just not right. Ricky is totally conquered by Rabid's words. He sits like a child who's just gotten a lecture from his parents for doing something wrong. Rabid decides to come to his aid. RABID (HARSH) How do you feel about her Ricky? Do you really want to walk away? Ricky smiles as he gently gazes at Rabid. RICKY (SOFTLY, BEATEN) No. RABID (GLAD) And do you know why? Because- RICKY (BOLD) Because... it would be the biggest mistake of my life. Ricky gets to his feet. RICKY (VISIONARY) I yearn for Colleen every second of every minute of every hour of every... Rabid puts his hand on Ricky's shoulder. RABID (SATISFIED) I get the picture. Ricky smiles. RICKY (INTENSE) I love the way her eyes sparkle. I love the way her smile brightens the day. The sound of her voice causes all my defenses to melt away. My world is defined by my visions of her. RABID (UNEASY) Uh... Ricky? RICKY (FONDLY) I can hear her heart beat from a thousand miles away. Fathoming how wonderful she is takes me into another state of mind. RABID (ANNOYED That's for sure. Ricky? RICKY (AFFECTIONATELY) The most wonderful place in the universe is in her arms. She- RABID (ECSTATIC) Ricky! Save it for her man! Ricky smiles, embarrassed. RICKY (UPBEAT) I'll tell her tomorrow. RABID (LAUGHING) You do that. Ricky nods and begins to walk out. He has a wide grin on his face. Rabid calls him just as he is about to leave. RABID (HASTILY) Hey Ricky! Ricky glances back to Rabid. RABID (BLUNT) Think I can you any of those? Ricky continues to smile. Ricky (DELIGHTED) I may not know much about how love works, but I do know this: You don't need ANY help from me. In fact, I could probably use some lessons from you Steven. Good night. Rabid smiles briefly, but then it fades. He starts running after Ricky. RABID (SERIOUS) What did I say about using that name!?! Rabid runs out, a little bothered. The door closes behind him. EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE We can the see darkness of night, then the sun coming up. It quickly chases away the gloom. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - GROUNDS A beam of light beats down on mission control, as usual. All of a sudden, Cyc zooms across the screen on the ground. Following a few feet behind is Blitz, his fangs and claws drawn. CYC (SCREAMING, TERRIFIED) Get away from me you weirdo! BLITZ (INSANE) Tooshie! Tooshie! Tooshie! After a few moments, Cyc zips past Exile. When he realizes what is going on, Exile freezes Blitz with his cold vision. Once he sees Blitz is contained in ice, Cyc drives over to Exile. CYC (TROUBLED) What is with Blitz? EXILE (IRRITATED) Ever since last mission, he has been experimenting with the NON-soft behind. My apologies. CYC (DISGUSTED) Let me guess, trying to expand his horizons? Exile nods. CYC (ANNOYED) I don't get it. I really don't have a "behind" for him to bite. EXILE (BLUNT) I don't think it matters to himski. All of a sudden, Blitz breaks out of his confinement and spots Cyc. Once again he becomes crazy. BLITZ (CRAZED) Tooshie! CYC (FRIGHTENED) Aaaaahhhhhh! Cyc drives off again, pursued by Blitz. Exile shakes his head. EXILE (WORRIED) Comrade Rabid is not going to like this. Exile runs after Blitz. Cyc's screams of fear can still be heard. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RABID'S QUARTERS Rabid is in the bathroom brushing his teeth. We can hear the running water from the sink. After awhile it turns off, and Rabid steps out wearing his usual clothes. He walks over to air duct. RABID (SMUG) Can't you at least wait until after breakfast? A faint sound can be heard, almost like a sigh. SHADOW (THROUGH DUCT, COCKY) Like the darkness, I come and go as I please. Be thankful that's all I do right now. RABID (SARCASTIC) Yeah, right. Should I also be thanking you for Ricky's life? Seems he's not quite as dead as you said he'd be. I doubt you were even thinking about killing him. SHADOW (THROUGH DUCT, BLUNT) Actually, that is why I have I come. I decided to let him live for now. RABID (MOCKING) Oh, Really? Why the change of heart? I thought you didn't have one? SHADOW (THROUGH DUCT, MALICIOUS) I find no sport in hunting an already wounded animal. I was planning to end his life this morning, when I saw him leave. Rabid loses his smile. RABID (SURPRISED) He's gone? SHADOW (SMUG) Oh, you didn't know? He left early this morning. So much for you improved wolf senses. What a waste on you. Rabid recovers. RABID (SCORNING) You had your chance. Why back out? SHADOW (EGOTISTICAL) Because I know where he's going, and what he's up against. As much as I hate to admit it, you are at the very least superior to him. But like you were before, he seems to be blessed with a fool's luck. That amuses me, as you already know. As long as he can entertain me with his foolish notions of hope, and that he might actually be able to succeed, he's worth something to me alive. In fact, I think I'll go check up on him right now. RABID (PERPLEXED) But why did he...? Shadow? I don't have time track you down now. Rabid quickly turns and exits. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - RICKY'S QUARTERS Rabid opens the door and flips on the light. The room is empty, except for several Road Rover uniforms in the closet. Rabid survey's the room and starts to go through everything. After a few minutes, he finds nothing. He sits on the bed, frustrated. He then spots the picture of Colleen. Rabid walks over to it and turns it over. He instantly rips off the envelope from the back. He opens it and starts reading. RICKY (VOICE OVER, MELANCHOLY) Somehow, I knew you'd find this letter Rabid. Or would you prefer for me to call Bear, or even Steven? Oh, well. As you can see, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm already gone. Rabid gets up and leaves the room. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - MISSION STAGING AREA Rabid runs into the room and looks around. His eyes focus on and empty space in the parking lot. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SAD) I'm sorry I left the way I did. I hope you won't hate me, especially since now you can't ride in my car. But all joking aside, I had to do this. After breakfast, the Master will announce my departure to everyone. They will be told I left to be on my own, because I was unhappy. I felt that would be the easiest for them to accept, and then everything will return to as it was originally, before I arrived. However, because of the relationship we have, I decided that you deserved to know the true reason I'm leaving. It's because of Cain. We can see Rabid continuing to read the letter. EXTERIOR: FOREST AREA - RIVER BANK The view is of several federal agents looking around the area. One of them spots Ricky's cross hanging from a branch. RICKY (VOICE OVER, BLUNT) For three days they checked up and down the whole river where Cain fell. They found no body. They did, however, find my cross hanging from a tree. It was returned to me last night. I knew then that my problems with him weren't over. It took everything I had to convince the Master to let me go after him on my own. Cain will not rest until he gets even with me. When I finally explained to the Master that Cain would find me if I stayed here, he said it was all right for me to leave. The secrecy of mission control and the well being of everyone else comes before my own individual safety. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM All the Rovers and Strayers are gathered in front of the Master, who is speaking. Colleen is sitting in one of the chair around the center table, and Rabid is watching her. He can see the tears in her eyes. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SORROWFUL) As far as Colleen is concerned, she'll be fine. After what Cain tried to do to her, I feel it's best if she isn't around me. It completely tore me up inside, my love her and my desire to protect her. In the end, I decided that revealing myself would only make things harder, so she can't know how I feel. I trust you to keep your promise Rabid. All that matters to me is her happiness, and she will be happy. Hunter and Exile will be good for her, no matter which she chooses. She's deserves all the best things that this world has to offer, and I just don't fall into that category. I love her too much to stand in her way. Trust me, in a few weeks she won't even remember who I am. Whatever I thought I saw, it just isn't meant to be. Sometimes love works that way. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - TOWER CHAMBER Rabid is in the position Ricky was, still reading the letter. RICKY (VOICE OVER, DEPRESSED) I'll be back once month to return to my original form, but other than that I feel it best if I just stay away. I'm going after Cain, and there will be closure. I'm sorry I won't be there for your wedding, but I don't know where Cain is, or if he's following me yet. If I were to show up, it could put your lives in danger as well, and I couldn't live with myself if either of you got hurt. Finally, thank you for the honor, but I'm sure you'll have no problem finding another best man. We see the closing part of the letter, which reads: "Fading into the shadows, for I fear my own,". Ricky's complete name is on the bottom. Rabid folds up the letter and puts it in his vest. He turns and walks out of the room. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - COLLEEN'S QUARTERS This room is similar to Rabid's and Ricky's but it contains items that are unique valuable to Colleen. Colleen is lying on her bed, staring at a wall. He feet are stretched out toward the wall, and she has her face buried in a pillow facing the door. Suddenly there is a knock. COLLEEN (SARCASTIC) Unless you're an attractive wolf-like dog with beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile, go away. Rabid turns the knob to the door and walks in. RABID (PLEASED) Okay. Colleen glances at Rabid as he walks in. She returns her head to where it was. COLLEEN (UNFRIENDLY) I forgot about you. You don't count. Rabid frowns. RABID (FAKING) I resent that. COLLEEN (BLUE) Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. RABID (PLAYFUL) Then in what way did you mean it? Colleen looks up to him. COLLEEN (GLUM) Just that... never mind. I don't want to talk about it. Colleen's face returns to the pillow. Rabid goes over to the bed and sits down next to her. RABID (POLITE) I'm guessing you're not too happy about Ricky. COLLEEN (JEERING) Blimey. What gave you THAT idea? RABID (CASUAL0 I'm sure he had a very good reason for leaving. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Yeah. He wasn't happy. Almost getting killed certainly will reduce your positive spirits. RABID (BLUNT) I'm sure he had another reason. COLLEEN (UPSET) Like what? RABID (SHIELDING) Like... a personal matter. Colleen's head shoots up and stares right at Rabid. COLLEEN (TENACIOUS) What do you know? RABID (UNEASY) Just that... I'm sure he'll be back soon enough. Colleen relaxes. COLLEEN (BOTHERED) Of course. Every month he needs to return to his original form. RABID (HONEST) Actually I was taking about- Colleen quickly jumps out of bed. COLLEEN (ANGRY) How could just leave; just go away because he felt like it? RABID (TENSE) I guess he- COLLEEN (RAVING) After all we went through together, it meant absolutely nothing to him! I can't believe he didn't even care enough to say goodbye! RABID (NERVOUS) Well uh... COLLEEN (FUMING) Well that's just bloody fine with me guv! I'm sick and tired of waiting for my bloomin' dream dog to come and sweep me off my feet! Colleen grasps the locket around her neck. COLLEEN (SMUG) As far as I'm concerned, he's no longer in the picture. Colleen starts to stomp out of the room. Rabid looks away, defeated. She suddenly halts and turns around to face him. COLLEEN (HOPEFUL) Do you think he ever could have had feelings for me? RABID (FIDGETY) I think... Rabid begins to ponder the dilemma before him. Colleen watches him with pleading eyes. Rabid isn't sure what to say. RABID (WARY) I think... Ricky makes his own choices. It hardly matters what I think, or what I want to say. COLLEEN (DISPLEASED) That's hardly the answer I was looking for. RABID (SINCERE) Then maybe you're looking in the wrong place. Colleen turns to leave again. She glances over her shoulder. COLLEEN (DEJECTED) Or maybe just for the wrong dog. See ya guv. Colleen turns and walks out. Rabid can only shake his head and sigh. RABID (GLOOMY) Make that a million and two broken hearts. Rabid reaches into his vest and pulls out Ricky's letter. He proceeds to tear it up. EXTERIOR: DESERT - DIRT ROAD The sun is just above the horizon. We see a red 68' Mustang convertible parked on the side of the road. There is a short trail leading off. EXTERIOR: DESERT - CLIFF Ricky is standing at the edge of a cliff. He is now wearing faded blue jeans, black basketball shoes, and a white T-shirt with a large color picture of a Grey Wolf on the back. He has his polished wood cross back on. He right eye is still bruised, and the cut on the left side of his head is still visible. He is looking off toward Road Rover Mission Control, which is visible in the distance. The tears are filling his eyes, then dropping to the ground. RICKY (ANGUISHED) Goodbye Colleen. I'll always love you, even if you never will. He turns and walks away. EXTERIOR: DESERT - DIRT ROAD Ricky walks over to his car, reaches inside, pulls out his jacket, and puts it on. He then goes around to the drivers seat, opens the door, and gets behind the wheel. Among the basic things, the Mustang contains a high-tech two-way radio, a CD player, and an electronic screen for displaying various things. Ricky looks at the set next to him. RICKY (SARCASTIC) Well. I'm not driving into the sunset, and I'm alone, so maybe I really am Jon Bon Jovi. Ricky sighs. He opens the glove compartment and pulls out his Lakers cap and puts it on backwards. It easily covers the cut on his head. He then reaches into the front pocket of his jacket and pulls out a pair of black Predator sunglasses by Rayban. He puts it them on and then looks at the rear-view mirror. His bruised eye is completely concealed. Finally, he reaches into the seat next to him and pulls out a PFR (Pray for Rain) CD. He puts it in and begins playing it. He actually starts singing, and we find he has a relatively nice voice. RICKY (PLEASED, SINGING) So wait... for the sun to come out again. Storms always come, but they blow away with the wind. So wait... for the Son is coming again. Winds of trial blow hard, so we've got to hang on. Hang on to Him. Ricky stops singing and reaches for the ignition key. Just as his about to turn it, he stops. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small gold colored box. He opens it and we a small gold locket in the shape of a heart. After a moment's hesitation, he tosses it out of the car and to the ground. He then starts the car. The rumble of thunder can immediately be heard. Ricky pushes the button for the roof, but it fails to close. He sighs. RICKY (TROUBLED) Figures. I have an electronic screen, but they didn't bother to make sure the stinking roof worked. Ricky presses the gas and the car drives down the road. After a few seconds the view switches to the box. Out of nowhere, we see a mysterious paw pick it up and hold it in its palm. VOICE (PLEASED) Don't worry ant. This will stay between the three of us. The claw collapses, the box still inside. When the paw opens again, the container is crushed. The parcel is then discarded. The view is now of the back of the Mustang. VOICE (AMUSED) You are an unusual one. Most individuals spend their entire lives running from and avoiding death. I've seen this one you pursue. You are no match for him. In that notion you are unique, because you chase your own demise. How amusing. EXTERIOR: DIRT ROAD - MUSTANG The view is now of Ricky's face, sad yet content. VOICE (VOICE OVER, HOSTILE) But if you ever do defeat the one you seek by the blind fortune that has guided you so far, you will lose your entertainment value to me. And so I will be watching you, waiting for the end to come. And if you triumph in your foolish quest, I will be here to greet you. Either way you will meet the inevitable fate of your life, as you have always known. The Mustang drives off toward the sun, and soon disappears. Ricky's path unknown, but perhaps his fate already sealed. The words "Is this the way Ricky's story ends? Should it be?" appear on the screen. The words "Yeah right!" appear under it a few moments later. All the words fade out together. FADE OUT Dan Patrick: "This is the SERIOUS part of the program." (Haven't we seen enough of those ESPY commercials?) This script is dedicated to the least respected people on the planet: parents. They sacrifice everything for almost nothing, and are rarely compensated. Love is the most powerful force in the world, though even it fails at times. Never forget the sacrifices they make for you. Thank them while you still can, and enjoy their company. There will come a time in your life when all you can do is... miss them. SPECIAL THANKS TO: -Steven Today for the use of his universe and indirectly inspiring the creation of this story (and if he'll let it, putting this story on his Strayer page). -Greywolf Lupous for letting me in on this fan story thing. -Everyone who let me use their characters (they are all credited below). SERIOUS QUOTE: "The disciple of Jesus will be made to look and feel like a fool. Yet fools for Christ formed the early church. And as that tiny band of believers grew, the world witnessed the power in such foolishness." -Brennan Manning SILLY QUOTE (From the movie "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective"): "How selfish of me, let's do everything YOU want to do!" -Jim Carrey SENTIMENTAL QUOTE (From the movie "Phenomenon"): John Travolta: "Will you... love me for the rest of my life." Kyra Sedgewick: "Nah. I'm gonna love you for the rest of mine." (I guess I'm really a sucker for the romantic stuff. I apologize to men everywhere for me being so pathetic) Huntress and Silver appear courtesy of Greywolf Lupous. Nitro, Dixie, and Prowler appear courtesy of Amanda Stephenson. Cleo, Ramses, and Sheba appear courtesy of Katalin Bakonyi. Shadow appears courtesy of Talon Saurn. Outlaw appears courtesy of Greg Williams. Star appears courtesy of Kathrine Gore. "Okay I love you. Bye-bye!" -Mindy (from "Animaniacs")