STRAYERS: “Twice as Much Trouble, Twice as Much Pain” Story By Ricky Galahad FIRST ROUGH DRAFT January 24, 1998 SECOND ROUGH DRAFT April 8, 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. Strayers’ characters, names, situations, and the Strayer universe are Copyright 1996-1998 by Steven Today (sftoday@netwave.net). All rights reserved. Story contents, characters, names, situations and anything else associated with Ricky Gallant or his universe are Copyright 1997-1998 by Ricky Galahad. All rights reserved. Any constructive (or the other type) comments can be sent to (daily_bread@hotmail.com). Nitro appears courtesy of Amanda Stephenson. 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. ...commin’ at ya like a blitz... “Twice as Much Trouble, Twice as Much Pain” FADE IN EXTERIOR: DESERT - HIGHWAY It is early morning in a vast open area in the southwest region of the United States. Sand goes off in all directions; Cacti and tumbleweed speckle the landscape. Off far in the distance are some mountains. A two-lane highway, which has seen much use but little repair, stretches forever in both directions. BEAR (VOICE OVER, DEEP RASPY VOICE) The highway. Unforgiving. Endless. Forgotten. We have a lot in common. A very sleek black motorcycle appears and speeds down the highway. Seated on it is a large furry figure wearing a helmet. Both driver and cycle continue on away. EXTERIOR: CYCLBORG - DRIVER SEAT The Cyclborg is a sleek and high tech jet-black motorcycle. It has several closed compartments for storage. On the fuel tank and the handlebars are several buttons, switches and dials. There is also a video screen here which is currently displaying an electronic road map of the area. On the side of it is a large symbol of the Strayers (An image of a red horse with glowing eyes galloping down a highway). The license plate reads: "BEAR". The driver is a Cano-Sapien (having a human body with a canine head, tail, fur, claws, etc.); this particular male is of an Alaskan Malamute breed. His entire body is covered with black fur, but the area around his muzzle is white. He also has two white dots above his eyes. His left eye is blue, and his right is green. This is Bear. He is wearing fingerless gloves, a vest, and shorts and boots made of a strange rubbery/metallic material. All his clothes bear the Strayer's symbol. Covering his head is a helmet that likewise has the Strayer's symbol; a smoke glass visor covers his eyes. He continues to guide the Cyclborg down the highway. BEAR (VOICE OVER, DEEP RASPY VOICE) They use to call me Steven Today. I was a Malamuit Eskimo. I dwelt on the dark side of the law. I wasn't really bad, but I was nothing to write home to mom about either. When the lawless came around, I pretended they weren't there. When they did injustice to the people around me, I closed my eyes. When the authorities came looking for witnesses, I became mute. I took my dumb act to such an extreme that I allowed the evils to pollute my people's sacred lands with nuclear waste. That is when the act ended. A criminal by the name of Ross Dole learned my secrets. He used them to exploit me, and I was forced to do his dirty work. My task was to destroy the Road Rovers. In case you don't know, the Road Rovers are the shiniest light of the law. They are Cano-Sapiens. Part dog. Part super human. All virtuous. They fight to protect the innocent and the weak. Both man and beast. Fortunately for them, they were able to stop Ross and gave him what he deserved. Unfortunately for me, I suffered a freak accident in the process of my own doing. I was transformed from a human to a Cano-Sapien. The Rovers are able to transform back to their pre-Transdogmafier state any time they wish, but I can’t. I have managed to transform myself into various forms in my travels, even back to my human form. But I was meant to be a dog, so here I am. Perhaps it is for the best. I have a new wife. A new life. A new start. Because of this, a deal was struck with the Justice Department. I am now a Strayer, deputized by the United States government to uphold the law and bring those dark elements to justice. By any means necessary. Nitro, Amani and Puffball are the other Strayers that work in my unit. We're called the Grizzlies. I'm the unit leader. We work in conjunction with the Road Rovers and roam the highways of America. But we are not alone. There are other Strayers out there. Some are Cano-Sapiens. Some are just humans with bad attitudes. But I have an edge on all of them. I'm both. Bear continues down the highway. FADE OUT The words "Strayers" appears along with the Strayer symbol then disappears. FADE IN EXTERIOR: SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDWEST - CLIFF The sun is beaming down onto the ground below. There is a small trail that leads to an open area overlooking a deep valley. The area is lined with trees and bushes. Ricky is sitting at the edge of the cliff, leaning against a tree. He is looking out toward the sun in the sky. Ricky is a six foot tall Wolf/Cano-Sapien. He is 50% Grey wolf, 25% Alaskan Husky, and 25% Siberian Husky. He has the physical build of a husky, but the appearance of a wolf. He a blue-green emerald eyes, azure fur except for his paws and the soles of his feet which are white, and a black nose. He is wearing faded blue jeans, black basketball shoes, and a white T-shirt with a large color picture of a Grey Wolf on the back. The picture cannot be seen because of the black polyester sports jacket he is wearing over his shirt. The jacket contains nylon lining, and has two yellow stripes circling the nylon at the wrists. Around his neck is a shoelace type thread that is suspending a polished wood cross. He is near to tears. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL, AMERICAN ACCENT) James 5: 10-11, Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy... Ricky gets to his feet and starts to walk down the trail leading from the cliff. After a few moments, he comes to a small pool of water. He stops, walks over to it, and kneels down. He leans forward and stares into the pond. We can see Ricky’s reflection overlooking the water. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL) It’s said that love never fails. Even when hope seems gone, hope will come through. I truly believe and trust in that with all my heart. But as I’ve also learned, that doesn’t mean it always triumphs either. Sometimes, no matter how strong, love can only prevail through sacrifice. I take solace in the fact that I was able to accept my fate when it found me. There is brief pause as Ricky looks up momentarily. He then returns his attention to the pool. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL) I have known a lot of individuals in my short life. Pretty much all of them thought I was the luckiest dog in the world. It’s probably because so many females find me incredibly attractive. For the same reason, I am envied by a lot of guys, and hated by just as many. If I sound arrogant, or a bit too matter-of-fact about it, it’s because I don’t think of it as a blessing. I have gained nothing from my looks except empty relationships and a few stares. Even worse, I have never experienced love. Or rather, I’ve never had it reciprocated. Ricky reaches down to the water and pokes his index finger into it. Small ripples form and spread out. He pulls his finger out. As the ripples clear, Ricky’s reflection is replaced by a vision of Colleen. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL) Up until a few months ago, I thought I could never feel love. Now I only think that I’ll never have it returned. There isn’t a feeling in this world more painful than a great love that is only responded to with rejection and indifference. Now I know how Christ must feel. A brown leaf drifts down and lands in the pool. The optical illusion of Colleen disappears, and is replaced with Ricky’s reflection. Ricky stands up and begins walking down the trail again. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL) I left the Road Rovers for two reasons. The first was that I just couldn’t stay around someone I love so much, and still keep my feelings from her. The second... is Cain. They never did find his body, but they did find the cross he tore from my neck hanging from the branch of a tree. It was his message to me that he was still around. I can’t let him get to anyone else. I won’t rest until I find him. I have to return to Road Rover Mission Control once a month to change back to my original form, but other than that I stay away. This is the main reason I grieve. I gained so much, but had to give it all up. EXTERIOR: MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - HIGHWAY Ricky comes out of a clearing and walks over to a red 68’ Mustang convertible. Before he gets in the car, he reaches into the front pocket of his jacket and pulls out a pair of black, Predator 8 sunglasses by Rayban. He sticks them on. He then opens the door to the vehicle and gets in. It has been altered slightly, mostly with just a few of Ricky’s personal trinkets. Among several other things including the basics, the Mustang contains a high-tech two-way radio, a CD player, and an electronic screen for displaying various things. Ricky reaches down and turns the ignition key, starts the engine, and drives off down the road. We watch as the car moves off. RICKY (VOICE OVER, SOFT AND MOURNFUL) Cain wants to hurt those I care for, but he won’t succeed. He can’t succeed. I will stop him. I can only pray it’s not when he’s already standing over the body of someone I love. How will I find him? He’ll find me. Either way, the end will not come until one or both of us are gone. I really have no problem with that. I can’t picture anyone who would feel a loss if I died. The only question I have is, “how many of those that I care for will he be able to hurt before the end finally does come?” The Mustang zooms off toward the sunset. It quickly disappears when it gets to a certain point on the road. FADE OUT The words “Several month’s later” appear on the screen. It then fades away. FADE IN EXTERIOR: NEW YORK CITY- SKYLINE It’s late evening in this normally bustling metropolis. The stars are twinkling idyllically in the full onset of twilight. There are numerous skyscrapers dispersed throughout the landscape, and the Statue of Liberty stands prominently in the distance. There are a few cars zipping through the streets, but mostly the boulevards are empty. EXTERIOR: NEW YORK CITY– INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARINA This area of the city is filled with countless warehouses, small-size condominiums, and shipping harbors. EXTERIOR: INTERNATIONAL TRADE MARINA – PIER 18 This is a typical small-cargo port. There are several loading cranes, small carts, and stacked crates lined along the entire wharf. The light posts, which few and far apart, provide poor illumination. The dock itself is empty. There are various structures surrounding the harbor’s storage building, with several more across the street. In addition, many trucks are stationed out front in the parking lot. We can see three shadows moving on the roof of the building across the street. EXTERIOR: APARTMENT BUILDING – ROOFTOP This is a typical three story complex. Along the edge of the entire roof is a wall about three feet high. The door to the stairs leading down are can be seen in the background. Parked in the center of the area is the Cloud Rover (from “Storm From the Pacific”). Kneeling behind the section of the wall overlooking the street is Hunter (a male Golden Retriever Cano-Sapien), Exile (a male Siberian Husky Cano-Sapien) and Blitz (a male Doberman Cano-Sapien). They are all wearing their 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 outfits). Hunter is in the middle, wearing a headset and looking through a pair of high-tech binoculars. Blitz is on his left, holding the Tooshie Biting Bouquet (from “Hunter’s Heroes”) in his hands. Exile is on his right, reading the children’s classic, “Paul Bunyan”. Exile speaks, but doesn’t look up from the book. EXILE (UPSET, THICK RUSSIAN ACCENT) Bolshoi! You should see what tall axe man does to trees in story. What a wasteski! For dogs, it is as bad as someone ripping up their mail! BLITZ (ANNOYED, THICK GERMAN ACCENT) Must you always be with the “why for this” stuff? Exile looks at Blitz. EXILE (CONFUSED) What is good of reading if it not make you thinkski? BLITZ (HONEST) Well, you can read things just to enjoy them. Like for example... Blitz puts down the Toes Biting Bouquet and reaches into his back pocket. He pulls out a little black book. BLITZ (EXCITED) This is what I use to keep track of ALL the tooshies I’ve bitten since I was a little puppy dog! Blitz holds the book to his chest like a treasure, and glances up to the sky. He has a large grin on his face that shows all his teeth, and his eyes have a “dreamy” appearance to them. BLITZ (DELIGHTED) And sometimes at night, I’ll flip through it and go through my mind all the tender bottoms I have had the pleasure of biting! And then I lie there and imagine all the hundreds more there will be in the future! Oh the joy of the soft, mushy, fragile behinds... Blitz loses himself in thought. Exile has a sick look on his face. EXILE (DISTURBED) Weird boy is definitely not in possession of all his cards. Blitz is still out of it. Exile looks to Hunter. EXILE (CURIOUS) Anything to be seen? Hunter lowers his binoculars and faces Exile. He glances at his watch, which shows that it is nearly one o’clock in the morning. Hunter frowns. HUNTER (CONCERNED, AMERICAN ACCENT) There hasn’t been any activity yet Exile, and it’s already and hour past the drop off time. EXILE (IRRITABLE) Figures. You just can’t trust criminals to break law on time anymore. HUNTER (TENSE) I just hope we didn’t get the location wrong. Exile nods. He looks off into the distance, in thought. EXILE (BAFFLED) How do baddest guys keep getting outski? HUNTER (BLUNT) Havoc and Skeam escaped with the help of some men they still had on the outside. They moved their operation here to try and throw off the justice department. Fortunately our satellite spotted them. EXILE (BEWILDERED) Why hereski? HUNTER (CASUAL) There are a lot of mob operations around here. Our spies tell us that Havoc plans to sell special laser weapons to the highest bidder. They’re supposed to be coming in on a ship instead of a plane, because the ocean is a lot harder to police than the air. He’ll let the Mafia destroy each other, create an atmosphere of anarchy, then sweep in and take over the city. Once he establishes a base here, he’ll starts moving across the United States. EXILE (DISAPPOINTED) So basically same plan, just different location. How one-dimensional. HUNTER (REASONING) Pretty much all villains are. Which is good for us because we can usually predict their next move easily. Hunter begins looking through the binoculars again. Blitz is now drooling out the left side of his mouth. BLITZ (DAZED) Tooshies… Hunter and Exile exchange looks. HUNTER (IRRITATED) Next time we’ll bring Muzzle, and leave HIM at headquarters. EXILE (LOST) Where is Muzzle? HUNTER (CANDID) He has fleas. They’re probably giving him a bath right now. Exile shudders. EXILE (SERIOUS) I will do silent scream from over here and pray for our comrade’s safety. HUNTER (CURT) Cool. Hunter gives Exile a thumb’s up. He then looks through the binoculars again. The view is of the dock’s storage building across the street from them. With his right hand, Hunter reaches up and adjusts the position of his headset. He then talks into it. HUNTER (CALM, INTO HEADSET) Pack leader to “Tiny Toons”; come in Tiny Toons. Are you there? INTERIOR: PIER 18 – WAREHOUSE An enormous, two-story building filled with plenty of convoy trucks, mechanized freight lifts, and boxes of cargo. Some of the stacks of goods are over ten feet high. Several massive cement pillars form the foundation for the roof, scattered throughout the warehouse. There is a large conveyer belt in the middle of the room, connected to a large packaging machine. Several giant lamps hanging from the ceiling are lighting the entire area. The focus shifts to a particularly large group of crates located on the ground level of the warehouse. It is located off to right as you enter. The Strayers (Bear, Nitro, Amani, and Puffball) are crouched down behind them; the view of them is slightly obscured by shadows. Nitro is a female Wolf-Sapien (a wolf that has gone through the Cano-Sapien process) 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. Circling one of her wrists is a small, diamond-studded dog collar with the word “Bear” on it in gold. Bear has the same type of collar as Nitro around one of his wrists, but his has the word “Nitro” inscribed on it instead. Amani is a young Native American female with long black hair and a small knapsack on her back. She is wearing a black jumpsuit, leather boots, and gloves. They all have the Strayer symbol on them. She is also wearing a headband, bracelet and belt of Indian design. Puffball is a female Burmese cat in Felo-Mutant (like a Sapien, but much bigger) form. Bear, Nitro and Amani are all carrying Petri pistols, while Puffball is holding a Petri rifle. Bear is also wearing a headset. The other Strayers all turn and look to Bear when he begins responding to Hunter. BEAR (PLEASED, INTO HEADSET, AMERICAN ACCENT) This is “Buster”, what’s up? HUNTER (BLUNT, OVER HEADSET) Our viewpoint shows no action, and the rendezvous period has come and gone. I was wondering if they got inside another way. Anything? BEAR (AGGRAVATED, INTO HEADSET) Negative pack leader. Much like watching an episode of “Sailor Moon”, nothing’s happening and I’m sitting here wondering what’s the point. HUNTER (ANXIOUS, OVER HEADSET) How are the rest of the “Grizzlies” holding up? BEAR (HONEST, INTO HEADSET) We’re doing... uh... could you hold on for a second? Bear feels a tapping on his shoulder. He looks back at the rest of his unit and sees them staring at him. BEAR (UNEASY) What is it? AMANI (DELICATELY, SLIGHT NATIVE AMERICAN ACCENT) Well Bear, we- BEAR (HARSH) Hey! Use code names, “Elmyra”. AMANI (COLD) I HATE that name. BEAR (INDIFFERENT) Sorry. She’s the only girl human I could think of from the show. AMANI (PERPLEXED) What about Melody? BEAR (THINKING) Oh, I forgot about... wait a minute... AMANI (NERVOUS) Uh... not that I’ve ever seen it or anything... Bear grins. Nitro shakes her head. NITRO (ANNOYED, AMERICAN ACCENT) The point we’re trying to make Bear is why- BEAR (HARD) What did I say “Babs”? NITRO (BOTHERED) Fine... Buster... why are we suddenly using these stupid aliases! BEAR (INVIGORATED) It gives things more of a dramatic effect, just like during my days in the service. And keep the noise level down will you? PUFFBALL (AGGRAVATED, BROKEN ENGLISH) I think this stupid. BEAR (AGITATED) Objection noted “Furball”. PUFFBALL (ANGRY) That Puffball! BEAR (EXPLAINING) You don’t understand. I’m using your code... oh never mind. Bear returns his attention to Hunter. BEAR (BITTER, INTO HEADSET) Well uh, the troops seem to be supporting each other fairly well. HUNTER (STERN, OVER HEADSET) I copy that Buster, but keep your unit focused. I’ll keep you informed on what we see. Pack leader out. EXTERIOR: APARTMENT BUILDING – ROOFTOP The view shifts back to Hunter as he signs off. He then turns to Exile. HUNTER (GRIM) Everything’s quiet inside as well. Something’s wrong. EXILE (SOLEMN) This reminds of dreadful time in history. Everything was peaceful and quiet, and then trouble started. The horror of it. People lying across the ground, in excruciating pain. There was much running, and screaming, and complete chaos. HUNTER (SHOCKED) Wow. Must have been bad for Russia. EXILE (BAFFLED) Russia? I was talking about recent trip to theatre I had where they were playing the movie “Spice World”. Absolutely terrifying. Exile glances to Blitz, who is still predisposed. EXILE (REVOLTED) But even that was not as scary as this. Exile directs Hunter’s attention to Blitz, who is now kissing himself. BLITZ (ABSORBED) Oh yes, you beautiful dog you. You are the most wonderful thing in the whole world. I just love the way you can bite tooshies in just the right places. Let me take you away from all this, and we can partake in the nibbling of the tender rears. HUNTER (DISTURBED) Right. Try and... get a mop or something. I’d better check up on Colleen. Hunter again fiddles with his headset. HUNTER (CURT, INTO HEADSET) Pack leader to “Mother Goose”, do you read me? EXTERIOR: NEW YORK CITY– STATUE OF LIBERTY The view is of the island; the Hydro Rover (from “Gold and Retrievers”) stationed out front in the water. EXTERIOR: STATUE OF LIBERTY – TORCH ROOM Currently closed to public, this tiny room is relatively empty, with only a few windows. Colleen (a female Collie Cano-Sapien) and Shag (a male Sheepdog Cano-Sapien) are both looking through binoculars and wearing headsets. Colleen is also wearing a Road Rover uniform, but Shag retains the outward appearance of a dog. HUNTER (SEVERE, OVER HEADSET) I repeat Mother Goose are you there? Both Colleen and Shag become aware of Hunter. COLLEEN (FRIENDLY, INTO HEADSET, THICK ENGLISH ACCENT) This is Mother Goose. What’s up honey? HUNTER (DISTRAUGHT, OVER HEADSET) Not now Colleen, we’re on a mission. COLLEEN (CUDDLING, INTO HEADSET) Awwww. Does Huntie Wuntie not like the mooshie wooshie? Wait until we get back to headquarters. HUNTER (NAIVE, OVER HEADSET) Now that’s more like it. Is “Tom Thumb” there? SHAG (HONEST, INTO HEADSET, AMERICAN ACCENT) Rhar. Rhar. Rharrhar. HUNTER (ANNOYED, OVER HEADSET) No Shag, I haven’t talked to Puffball. I’m sure she loves you too. Shag mumbles approvingly. COLLEEN (UPSET, INTO HEADSET) At least ONE Rover is showing some concern for his girlfriend. HUNTER (CHEERY, OVER HEADSET) Good going buddy, you’re scoring points! Colleen frowns. COLLEEN (WHISPER, EXASPERATED, TO HERSELF) Boy do I know how to bloody pick em’. HUNTER (CONFUSED, OVER HEADSET) What was that? COLLEEN (BLUNT, INTO HEADSET) Nothing guv. HUNTER (EARNEST, OVER HEADSET) Anyway, do you guys see anything? The target time has already expired. COLLEEN (CANDID, INTO HEADSET) Negative. But... HUNTER (STERN, OVER HEADSET) All right, stay sharp then. Pack leader out. COLLEEN (QUICKLY, INTO HEADSET) Wait Hunter, I wanted to say that... Hunter signs off. Colleen folds her arms. COLLEEN (UNHAPPY, TO HERSELF) Why couldn’t I have had the one that actually listens to me? Colleen softens. COLLEEN (DEJECTED, TO HERSELF) Oh yeah. Because he left. Such is the story of my life. Colleen’s eyes start to fill with tears, but she shakes it off. Colleen looks through the binoculars again. Suddenly something catches her attention. She taps Shag. COLLEEN (CURIOUS) See it? Shag nods. COLLEEN (FIRM, INTO HEADSET) Mother Goose to pack leader, goal spotted. One object in the water, about two minutes from the dock. EXTERIOR: APARTMENT BUILDING – ROOFTOP Hunter is watching the road in the distance through his binoculars, Blitz and Exile also looking in the same direction. We can see a handful of transport vans and RV’s driving down the road toward the Pier 18 warehouse. Blitz now has the Tooshie Biting Bouquet in his hands again. HUNTER (STERN, INTO HEADSET) I read you Mother Goose; we’ve got visual sighting on ground targets as well. Get to the Hydro Rover and wait for my signal. COLLEEN (DOUBTFUL, OVER HEADSET) Right. And uh... what’s the signal? HUNTER (UNSURE, INTO HEADSET) Oh. I guess I’ll say go or something. COLLEEN (MOCKING, OVER HEADSET) Blimey. How creative. HUNTER (MERRY, INTO HEADSET) Gee thanks, that’s nice! COLLEEN (RIDICULING, OVER HEADSET) Well, you certainly are SPECIAL. HUNTER (OVERJOYED, INTO HEADSET) Wow! Cool! Thanks a lot! COLLEEN (BOTHERED, OVER HEADSET) You know what Hunter, you... oh for Pete’s sake. This could go on forever. HUNTER (IGNORANT, INTO HEADSET) I don’t think so; we’re on a very busy schedule. And... who’s Pete? COLLEEN (SARCASTIC, OVER HEADSET) Gee. I didn’t see THAT one coming. Forget it guv. We’ll be waiting for your signal. Mother Goose out. Hunter turns to Exile. HUNTER (HAPPY) Can you feel the love? EXILE (SINCERE) I can feel something, but I don’t know if it is loveski. I don’t think I should have had third helping of Shag’s mystery meal. The fleet of vessels, numbering around six or seven vehicles, park in front of the storage building. Blitz smirks. BLITZ (EXHILARATED) Now it is time for the mangling of the delicate tuchuses. Exile grimaces. EXILE (DISGUSTED) You are one sick, funky dog man. Blitz looks at Exile angrily. BLITZ (MAD) Hey! Get of my tail! EXILE (BEWILDERED) What are you talking about? Where for is the rear appendage for me to be standing on? BLITZ (BOTHERED) That is not what I meant. EXILE (HONEST) No? I can never understand you weird boy. BLITZ (AGITATED) Quit calling me that! EXILE (TEASING) Prefer Blinky? BLITZ (FURIOUS) Enough! Stop hounding me! Exile rolls his eyes. EXILE (THINKING) Now I know why Germany lost both world wars. BLITZ (INFURIATED) That’s it! Now you’re barking up the wrong tree! Let the biting begin! Blitz starts to put down his weapon and Exile prepares to fire his eye beams when Hunter whips around and glares at them. They both freeze. HUNTER (STRICT) Heel you guys. We’ve got a job to do. Exile and Blitz stare at each other, but they settle down. Hunter talks into his headset. HUNTER (WHISPER, DIRECT, INTO HEADSET) Pack leader to Buster. Please respond. AMANI (WHISPER, ABRUPT, OVER HEADSET) This is... Amani can be heard sighing. AMANI (WHISPER, COLD, OVER HEADSET) Elmyra. What’s up pack leader? HUNTER (WHISPER, DISCONCERTED, INTO HEADSET) I think we can drop the code names now. Where’s Bear? INTERIOR: PIER 18 - WAREHOUSE The view is pretty much of Amani only. Puffball can be see standing behind her. AMANI (WHISPER, EXPLAINING, INTO HEADSET) Well, he and Nitro had a little misunderstanding. HUNTER (WHISPER, FLUSTERED, OVER HEADSET) What are you saying? AMANI (WHISPER, GRINNING, INTO HEADSET) Let’s just say he’s busy with the step that comes AFTER the fight. Amani glances behind her. Bear and Nitro are engaged in a passionate display of their... affections. HUNTER (WHISPER, UNAWARE, OVER HEADSET) I’m sorry, but it’ll have to be postponed. I need to talk to him. AMANI (WHISPER, PLEASED, INTO HEADSET) I’ll see what I can do. Amani strolls toward Bear and Nitro who are still locked together at the lips. She gently taps Bear on the shoulder. AMANI (WHISPER, NERVOUS) Uh... Bear? BEAR (MUFFLED) Not now. Amani looks at Puffball and motions toward Bear. AMANI (UNRUFFLED) Puffball. Puffball nods and starts to walk toward Bear and Nitro. Bear hears her footsteps and catches a glimpse of Puffball out of the corner of his eye. He breaks free of Nitro. BEAR (PERTURBED) Fine. But there better at least be lives in danger. Bear takes the headset from Amani and puts it on. BEAR (BOTHERED, INTO HEADSET) This is Buster. What do you want pack leader? HUNTER (WHISPER, SLY, OVER HEADSET) We’re dropping the labels Bear. What happened to you? I thought you didn’t let ANYTHING interfere with your job? BEAR (DISTURBED, INTO HEADSET) Can I help it if everyone’s out to ruin my image? HUNTER (WHISPER, SHORT, OVER HEADSET) I suppose not. BEAR (UNEASY, INTO HEADSET) Besides, I’m a married dog now. And it’s not as if anything has been happening. And... I was bored okay? What’s with the third degree? Aren’t I allowed to... HUNTER (WHISPER, SURPRISED, OVER HEADSET) Woah. I’m sorry I brought it up. BEAR (OUTSPOKEN, INTO HEADSET) It’s okay. Just remember that even through I’m still the leader of Strayers, I do have other worries now too. Like Nitro. Don’t worry about, I’ll always be ready. EXTERIOR: APARTMENT BUILDING – ROOFTOP Hunter and the rest of the Rovers watch attentively as the doors to the vans and RV’s open. HUNTER (WHISPER, STRAIGHTFORWARD, INTO HEADSET) That’s good to hear. Especially since the purpose of our assignment has arrived. We’ll wait for your first move, Hunter out. Hunter looks through his binoculars once more, this time keying in on the vehicles. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – WAREHOUSE Approximately two dozen men step out of the vehicle’s. All but one are wearing red army uniforms, black boots and red berets. The contrasting individual is wearing a tan collar shirt, brown pants, a red vest, and a black tie. He has short black hair, but it is starting to recede. Known as Gustav Havoc (from “Where Rovers Dare”), the man steps out from the group and scans the area. With the exception of Havoc, each soldier is carrying a machine gun. Havoc has a small pistol. HAVOC (ENRAGED, THICK AUSTRIAN ACCENT) Lt. Skeam! One of the soldiers, smaller and thinner than the rest and with a slim black mustache, hurries over to Havoc’s side. This is Havoc’s right hand man, Lieutenant Skeam (from “Where Rovers Dare”). He quickly throws his right hand up to salute Havoc. SKEAM (TENSE, THICK AUSTRIAN ACCENT) Yes sir! HAVOC (IRATE) Well we’re here. Where the heck are the weapons? SKEAM (UNSETTLED) According to the message we received, the lasers and special equipment are both coming in on a large ocean liner. HAVOC (CONTENT) All right. I’m going to wait for the ship at the dock. Take some men and check the inside of the factory. Skeam nods. Hunter watches as the group splits in two. HUNTER (WHISPER, ABRUPT, INTO HEADSET) Change of plans Bear. Havoc is taking half the soldiers with him to the harbor, probably to wait for the arrival of the freighter. We’ll go after them. Lt.’ Skeam is taking the other dozen men with him to check the warehouse. Good luck guys. Hunter out. Hunter waits a few seconds, then talks into his headset again. HUNTER (WHISPER, CURIOUS, INTO HEADSET) Colleen? COLLEEN (WHISPER, BLUNT, OVER HEADSET) I read you. HUNTER (WHISPER, GRAVE, INTO HEADSET) The targets have split. I want you and Shag to board the supertanker and see what you can do. Exile, Blitz and I will be on our way. COLLEEN (WHISPER, PERPLEXED, OVER HEADSET) You, Exile and who? Hunter sighs. HUNTER (WHISPER, TROUBLED, INTO HEADSET) The Doberman. I thought we resolved this in the last story? Anyway, once you retrieve the target, just stall them okay? COLLEEN (REMINISCING, TO HERSELF) JUST STALL them. I recall that phrase being used before. Too bad it fell on deaf ears. HUNTER (WHISPER, BEFUDDLED, INTO HEADSET) Huh? COLLEEN (WHISPER, PROTECTIVE, OVER HEADSET) Nothing. Just something I was remembering from a time long ago. HUNTER (WHISPER, FRANK, INTO HEADSET) Memories can be cool, as long as you don’t live your life by them. You can’t return to times meant for the past. Colleen is shocked by the wisdom of his words. COLLEEN (WHISPER, WORRIED, OVER HEADSET) Who are you? What have you done with the real Hunter? HUNTER (WHISPER, LOST, INTO HEADSET) What? COLLEEN (WHISPER, FORTHRIGHT, OVER HEADSET) Not important. We’re on our way, Colleen out. Hunter turns to Blitz and Exile. HUNTER (WHISPER, STERN) The wheels are in motion. Let’s move. Hunter, Blitz and Exile begin moving toward the stairs. INTERIOR: PIER 18 – WAREHOUSE The view is of the Strayers. They watch as Skeam and the other soldiers break apart and move through the area. A handful of them ascend the staircase leading to the upper level of the building. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – SECOND LEVEL In this part of the depository are the various machines that control the equipment found on the lower section. There are also multiple rusty metal oil drums and large desks in various places. Above everything is a mammoth iron hook used for lifting of lowering things. The troops quickly secure the area and begin checking out the equipment. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – GROUND LEVEL Bear and the rest of the Strayers have managed to remain unseen. Skeam and the rest are too busy doing other tasks. BEAR (WHISPER, DISMAYED) This is not a good thing. NITRO (WHISPER, SEDATE) Four or five of them went to the upper floor. I have a count of eight men remaining on the bottom sector with us. All of them are armed. However, they’re using automatic weapons; not freeze guns like us. BEAR (WHISPER, DISGRUNTLED) Live ammo. How crude. AMANI (WHISPER, APPREHENSIVE) We’re outnumbered three to one. Not good odds even with the element of surprise. Unfortunately I didn’t think there would be this many, and I only brought the bare essentials with me. Any ideas? PUFFBALL (WHISPER, OPTIMISTIC) We could knock over crates. Maybe take a few out. Bear looks to Puffball. BEAR (WHISPER, HONEST) That would give us no cover. NITRO (WHISPER, HOPEFUL) How about shooting the lights? With her vision, Puffball would have an advantage over them in the dark. Bear turns to Amani. BEAR (WHISPER, HOPING) Any infrared goggles? Amani takes off her backpack and searches within it. After a few seconds she shakes her head. Bear glances at Nitro. BEAR (WHISPER, MELANCHOLY) We would be just as lost as they would. Odds are that Puffball won’t be able to get all of them. AMANI (WHISPER, DISTRAUGHT) What can we do then? Bear thinks before responding. BEAR (WHISPER, INQUISITIVE) What do you have? Amani shuffles through her backpack again. AMANI (WHISPER, COMPOSED) I’ve got some rope, a flashlight, a CD... Bear smiles. BEAR (WHISPER, SNICKERING) Michael Bolton? AMANI (WHISPER, REVOLTED) Gross me out. No. More precisely it’s a CD-ROM. Hubbie... Both Bear and Nitro smile when they hear the pet name. Amani notices this and stops herself. AMANI (WHISPER, EARNEST) Hubert and I were working on a prototype sound console before we left for this mission. If we succeed, the scope of it should be incredible. Basically we will be able to pick up even the slightest hint of noise from as far away as two or three miles. Not only would it be able to enhance security at mission control, but we could also use it to hear what’s happening in an area before we enter it. The rough design of it is on this disk, for my reference. BEAR (WHISPER, DOWNCAST) Is that all? AMANI (WHISPER, NONCHALANT) That... and a box of bombs. BEAR AND NITRO (WHISPER, STUNNED) BOMBS?!? AMANI (WHISPER, CANDID) Sugar bombs. I like to snack on them. Bear and Nitro sigh. Suddenly Bear’s eye’s light up. He points to something else in Amani’s knapsack. BEAR (WHISPER, INQUIRING) What’s that? Amani reaches down and produces a small metal spray can. AMANI (WHISPER, BLUNT) Air freshener. NITRO (WHISPER, DISCONCERTED) Why do you have that? Amani grins. AMANI (WHISPER, PLEASED) Why do you think? Let’s just say that in spending many hours on end with three furry colleagues, I am exposed to a lot of interesting smells that I just don’t handle as well as the rest of you. BEAR (WHISPER, BEFUDDLED) Why didn’t you mention this before? AMANI (WHISPER, HONEST) I wasn’t sure how you’d react if I just came out and said you guys stink. Personally I felt- BEAR (WHISPER, ANNOYED) I was talking about the air freshener. AMANI (WHISPER, EMBARRASSED) Oh. I didn’t think it was important. You have a plan? BEAR (WHISPER, CONFIDENT) Yep. Hand me the canister and the rope. Amani complies. Bear pulls out a lighter from his pocket and places it on the ground next to him. He then begins to fiddle with the top of the can of air freshener. After a few moments, he pauses. BEAR (WHISPER, DISTRESSED) Do I really smell that bad? You wouldn’t believe how much more maintenance I need to do now than before. AMANI (WHISPER, WARY) Well uh... BEAR (WHISPER, QUICKLY) Never mind. It doesn’t matter. AMANI (WHISPER, PEEVED) Maybe not to... Amani decides against finishing her statement. Bear continues to fool around with the dispenser as the rest of the Strayers look on. Nitro breaks the silence. NITRO (WHISPER, INTERESTED) Why do you have a lighter? You don’t smoke. BEAR (WHISPER, DISTRACTED) I use it for other things. NITRO (WHISPER, PERSISTENT) Like what? BEAR (WHISPER, SLY) Like... candles perhaps. Nitro smiles when she picks up on the hint. Bear continues to work diligently on the top of the canister. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – LANDING DOCK As mentioned, there are many crates, carts and loading machinery positioned up and down the embankment. Havoc and about a dozen other men are standing in the middle of the wharf, observing a large ship approaching. They happen to be standing under one of the few light posts in the area. Havoc and his soldiers observe the gigantic freighter pulling into the harbor, and then stopping. It is about fifty feet high, fifty feet wide, and two hundred feet long. Two troops bring over an immense mobile walkway, so they can get on the large ship. Once it’s in place, Havoc and the rest board the boat. EXTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – TOP SIDE This ship is rather old and simple in design, and has probably been used for many illegal operations over the years. There are three colossal exhaust cylinders (through which smoke from the engine would normally escape) placed evenly apart on the ship. The control room is in front of the first one. Several large enclosures extend upward from the deck, containing stairs that lead below. An abundance of wood barrels and ropes are scattered everywhere. Numerous small lights illuminate the ship commendably. HAVOC (DEMANDING) Secure the area. Just as Skeam’s regiment did in the factory, Havoc’s forces also spread out and check out the ship’s deck. They meet a short individual with a handful of other men in sailor uniforms. He is dressed like the rest of his men, but he has a scraggly white beard and a captain’s hat. HAVOC (ANTAGONISTIC) You’re late. CAPTAIN (HOSTILE, AMERICAN ACCENT) It couldn’t be helped. We picked up several Coast Guard vessels on the radar, and had to shift our course to avoid them. HAVOC (COLD) Are all the goods intact? CAPTAIN (RELAXED) Yes. We have everything secured below in a supply room. Havoc looks off and nods, causing most of his soldiers break off. While Havoc and two of his men stay with the Captain, the rest of the troops go below. INTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – LOWER LEVELS As the soldiers reach each floor, two break off and move down the various corridors. Each hallway is lined with many doors on the left and a short barrier on the right. By looking over the short wall, one can see the boardwalk. This continues until two men move down a corridor containing a sign in the shape of an arrow. Within the directive are the words “to storage chamber”. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – LANDING DOCK As that is happening, Hunter, Exile and Blitz are moving toward the ship, hidden from view by the darkness. They stop and examine the ship, still unseen through the gloom. EXILE (QUESTIONING) Do we stall them until good guys get here, or destroy weapons ourselves? HUNTER (STRAIGHTFORWARD) Neither. Those are secondary concerns. According to our operatives, Havoc managed to steal an important universal computer program from a government research laboratory. With it, Havoc can use any computer to link into any nation network he wants. We suspect he’ll try and use the software to access the National Defense mainframe and sabotage their protocols. Our priority is to recover that disk. EXILE (SOMBER) Where should we try and enter? HUNTER (HOPEFUL) We’re not moving in yet. I’m hoping Colleen can get the disk without them knowing it. EXILE (SINCERE) And if she can’t? HUNTER (COMPOSED) We’ll have to take it by force. BLITZ (SCARED) Against all of them? Are you crazy? HUNTER (OBLIVIOUS) Not yet. I’m saving that for another day. BLITZ (PANICKY) Is this one of those “give your life for your country” things? Personally I think patriotism is highly overrated. EXILE (DEPRESSED) It is shame so many folks share your view. That is why government has to send us rather than people. HUNTER (SOLEMN) No time to worry about that. I hear something happening. Exile and Blitz both turn to Hunter, who is listening to his headset. EXTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – STORAGE CHAMBER This room is much larger than most of the rest in the ship. It is filled with tons of cargo, but not much else. Two of Havoc’s men are checking over all the hardwood boxes in the cabin. Concealed in a corner of the room are Colleen and Shag, looking on at everything that is transpiring. After going over all the items several times, one of them pulls out a walkie-talkie from his pocket. SOLDIER #1 (ADEPT, THICK AUSTRIAN ACCENT, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) All the weapons appear to be here sir. HAVOC (STERN, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) What about the disk? SOLDIER #1 (DIRECT, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Where is it sir? HAVOC (EARNEST, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) I placed it in a small rectangular container made of tin. SOLDIER #1 (UNSETTLED, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Hold on sir. The soldier motions for his partner to approach. He talks with him briefly, then his associate goes and looks through all the crates again. Once he finishes, he shakes his head. SOLDIER #1 (SHAKY, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) I’m sorry sir. There is nothing here that matches that description. HAVOC (STARTLED, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) What?!? Seal off the room and secure the area! I’m coming down! SOLDIER #1 (FLABBERGASTED, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Understood sir! The soldier switches a button on his communicator. SOLDIER #1 (HASTILY, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) All units, defensive posts at the end of every deck! He puts the walkie-talkie back in his pocket. He and his cohort ready their guns and start moving through the room. Colleen and Shag realize what’s happening and duck down. Colleen turns to Shag. COLLEEN (EXASPERATED) You HAD to stop at the bloomin’ restroom didn’t you? Couldn’t it at least have waited until we got off the ship? Shag whimpers. Colleen just sighs. She flips on her headset. COLLEEN (WHISPER, ANXIOUS, INTO HEADSET) We’ve hit a little bit of a snag Hunter. HUNTER (WHISPER, ASTONISHED, OVER HEADSET) What is it? COLLEEN (WHISPER, DISMAYED, INTO HEADSET) Because of a slight detour, we weren’t able to take our leave before they realized the disk was gone. HUNTER (WHISPER, PERTURBED, OVER HEADSET) A slight-? Shag! What have I been saying for the last five years! Shag whimpers. HUNTER (WHISPER, FLUSTERED, OVER HEADSET) I read you Colleen. We’ll see what we can do. Hunter out. Colleen glances at Shag. COLLEEN (WHISPER, DELIBERATING) Shag, hand me a Frisbee. Colleen takes the Frisbee from Shag and then returns her attention to the soldiers. Something catches her eye. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – LANDING DOCK Hunter, Exile and Blitz wait until Havoc and his men disappear below. They notice that the men that came on the ship have remained where they are. The Rovers run forward until they are under the walkway, right up against the boat’s hull. The smell of salt water fills their nostrils. Hunter turns to Blitz and Exile. HUNTER (WHISPER, STERN) Let’s take the sailors out first, now that we have the chance. Hunter looks up at the bottom of the promenade. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – GROUND LEVEL Bear has managed to remove the nozzle from the can of air freshener, and is proceeding to spread the liquid it contains on the rope as best he can. Once he finishes doing that, he starts tying one end of the rope around the canister. No one understands what he’s up to. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, BEWILDERED) Why you doing that? BEAR (WHISPER, DISTRACTED) Have you ever read the warning label on one of these? PUFFBALL (WHISPER, ABSENT) No. BEAR (WHISPER, PREOCCUPIED) Let me explain then. Because of the chemicals it contains, and the interior pressure, this can is highly flammable. Amani snaps her fingers. AMANI (WHISPER, PERCEIVING) I think I’m starting to understand what he’s doing. This is an international port, and there’s a lot of valuable merchandise kept in this building. If you look around, this warehouse has a sprinkler system in the event of a fire breaking out. NITRO (WHISPER, PRACTICAL) Water won’t stop bullets. Even if their weapons were soaked, the gunpowder is inside the shell of the ammunition. Their firearms would still work. AMANI (WHISPER, RESOLUTE) Actually I was thinking in terms of the distraction factor. In addition to the sprinklers themselves, when the water hits our little homemade fire, it will create a lot of steam and smoke. We can use that it to screen our movements and take them out before they realize what’s happening. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, UNCLEAR) What rope for? BEAR (WHISPER, EXPLAINING) The first place they’re going to check out is the location of the explosion. I coated this cord with some liquid from the can, so it will catch on fire quickly. Using the rope, we can burst the canister from a farther distance. That way won’t have to be where they’re looking. It’ll make it easier to get the jump on them. Bear finishes tying the rope to the can and picks it up. Moving stealthily, he places is several feet away next to another collection of crates. He then rejoins the rest of the Strayers. BEAR (WHISPER, BLUNT) Everybody ready? He gets three nods in return. Bear then picks up his lighter from the ground and opens it. He ignites the end of the rope. The Strayers watch as the tiny flame slowly makes its way along the cable toward the can of air freshener. They prepare for the impending eruption. INTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – STORAGE CHAMBER We can see Havoc’s two soldiers looking behind every box in the room, making nothing escapes their attention. They gradually approach Colleen and Shag’s location. They can hear Shag whimpering. The first soldier puts his index finger up to his lips as they close in. VOICE (SNICKERING, FROM BEHIND) Didn’t your mom ever tell you not to go sneaking up on people? Both men whip around and see Colleen, but it’s too late. The Frisbee is already on its way, striking both of their guns and knocking them to the floor. Each weapon breaks when it hits the ground, previously weakened by the blow from the projectile. The two troops glare at Colleen and start to walk threateningly at her. They have their hands open and out in front of themselves. She starts to back off. COLLEEN (MOCKING) I’m sorry, I don’t like you that way. The duo now clenches their fists together. Colleen smiles. COLLEEN (ANIMATED) Don’t you blokes know how to take no for an answer? Colleen’s back now finds the wall behind her. COLLEEN (CHUCKLING) Guess it’s time to do Janet Reno proud... Colleen swiftly takes one step forward and begins doing flips toward the two men. Both freeze in their tracks, shocked. When Colleen is right in front of them, she grabs one of them by the collar and throws him off to the left. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Alanis Morissette! He flies through the air with the greatest of ease! The soldier’s back strikes one of the boxes in room with a resounding impact. He groans. The other man tries to grab Colleen from behind, but she shifts her weight and throws him over her shoulder. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Mariah Carey! The other man soon joins his associate on the ground. Resilient, both are soon on their feet again. They exchange looks, then slowly walk toward Colleen again. COLLEEN (IMPATIENT) A little help here Shag? Colleen looks around, but Shag is nowhere to be seen. She sighs. COLLEEN (DISPLEASED) Blimey. I wish it weren’t the nineties. After shrugging her shoulders, Colleen dashes forward and leaps into the air. She has her right foot extended and her left tucked in. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Celine Dion! Colleen’s arms are postured defensively, and she is doing her best “bionic woman” impression. It’s even complete with the appropriate background music. The two men split, and Colleen lands between them. They immediately grab both her arms. COLLEEN (SMUG) I can’t believe you actually think this is going to work! Colleen braces her feet. COLLEEN (SCREAMING) Sandra Bullock! Colleen abruptly brings her arms together, allowing the faces of her two attackers to meet. She then quickly parts her arms, sending both flying off in either direction. Each slams into some surrounding cargo. After a moment to catch their breathe however, they are once again able to recover and are starting to get up. Shag peeks up out of his hiding place. Colleen sees him and smirks. COLLEEN (MERRY) Making sure the disk is safe? Shag whimpers something in defense, but Colleen doesn’t pay much attention. COLLEEN (THOUGHTFUL) It’s all right. Just pass me another Frisbee. Shag reaches within his fur and pulls out the desired item. He tosses it to Colleen who catches it and turns to face the soldiers. Both are on their feet and approaching fast. Colleen looks at a stack of crates. COLLEEN (PEACEFUL) I’ll bet you can guess what’s going to happen now. Without waiting for a response, Colleen flings the discus to the right of the oncoming foes. It strikes the base of a pile of boxes, causing it to fall on the two troops. They are buried under the avalanche of parcels, the pair knocked unconscious. COLLEEN (CYNICAL) Surprising how often that actually works. Colleen turns to Shag. COLLEEN (COLLECTED) Let’s get out of here. INTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – LOWER LEVELS Colleen and Shag run out the door and down the corridor. They soon come face to face with two more of Havoc’s men guarding the stairs. The men fire at them, but miss horribly. The two Rovers run the opposite way, the two soldiers in pursuit. COLLEEN (MINDFUL) The way everyone’s relentlessly chasing us around, you’d think we were famous. Kind of how the bloody media would hound a movie star... a professional athlete... or a... Shag mumbles something. Colleen becomes sorrowful and shakes her head. COLLEEN (DISHEARTENED) Yeah. Or a former princess. And just like her, it looks like they won’t stop pursuing us until we’re dead. Shag whimpers. COLLEEN (ENRAGED) Don’t worry Shag. Someday they’ll learn the hard reality. But in the meantime, let’s get out of here! Colleen and Shag keep running, then turn the corner. They noticed Havoc and his two assistants coming in their direction. Unfortunately, Havoc also sees them. Colleen and Shag stop and see the two groups of enemies advancing from either side of them. COLLEEN (DEFEATED) Bit of a pickle piper don’t you think? SHAG (PUZZLED) Rharrhar? COLLEEN (UNHAPPY) I mean were waist deep in the big muddy guv. Havoc smiles when he realizes they have them trapped. Havoc and the four other soldiers soon surround Colleen and Shag. Colleen surveys the situation and sighs. COLLEEN (DISTRESSED) Waist deep and upside down. Havoc’s four soldiers all have their guns aimed at the Rovers. Havoc starts to step toward them. EXTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – TOP SIDE The four men in sailor apparels are still remaining on the deck of the ship, the captain off somewhere else. They all look around nervously, watching out for signs of the police. VOICE (COMPLACENT, FROM BEHIND) Cool outfits. Who’s the tailor? All turn around instantly. Their eyes meet with the figure of Hunter. Mouths drop open in response. SAILOR #1 (DISTURBED, AMERICAN ACCENT) A man in a dog suit. That’s new. Hunter frowns. HUNTER (INSULTED) Dog suit? No way buddy, I’m a Road Rover. All the men laugh. SAILOR #2 (SCORNING, AMERICAN ACCENT) Yeah right. Where’d you get the costume pal? All the sailors stop chuckling when Blitz and Exile step onto the ship. Hunter looks to his fellow Rovers. HUNTER (AMUSED) Check this out guys, they’ve never heard of us. BLITZ (STUNNED) What? Where have you been, in the middle of the ocean? VOICE (VICIOUS, FROM BEHIND) Yes. Everyone turns to see the captain walking toward them, a double-barrel shotgun in his hands. CAPTAIN (MALIGNANT) These fellows are telling the truth. They really are dogs. Havoc warned me to be prepared for a bunch of talking mutts. Take care of them now. The sailors nod, then start moving at the Rovers. Hunter sees a pair of adversaries coming right at him. HUNTER (CORDIAL) Wanna get some rock, paper, scissors going? He gets no response. HUNTER (DISGRUNTLED) Fine. It would have been fun though. Hunter immediately charges forward, his super speed turning him into nothing more than a blur. In a flash, he appears behind them. The men are shocked. SAILOR #1 AND #2 (ASTOUNDED) What in the-? HUNTER (SILLY) Sorry. No time for guessing games. Hunter reaches down and picks up some thick, coarse rope from the floor. He then blazes off screen again. Once he leaves, the view shifts directly behind to Blitz and another assailant. Blitz is slowly backing off, on his heels. BLITZ (AFRAID) I’m not really with them. I just happen to be walking by and I figured I would visit the ship. Isn’t this the love boat? The aggressor stares wickedly at him. BLITZ (SENSIBLE) I guess not. Blitz screams like a girl and runs off, the sailor trailing after him. We now see the view move to Exile and a large, bruiser type individual. The man growls. Exile shakes his head. EXILE (REFLECTIVE) You remind me of polar bear I once knew. His name was Binky. Looked like the losing end of a head on collision with a rock. The brawler is now beginning to foam from the side of his mouth. EXILE (REPELLED) He had rabies too. Only one thing I could do. The man now screams as he rushes at Exile. Exile’s eyes radiate a bright blue, followed by two solid sapphire beams expelling from his pupils and striking his attacker. The sailor is instantaneously is frozen in a prison of ice. After a few seconds, Exile’s eyes return to normal. He looks right where the screen would be. EXILE (BLUNT) You’d be surprised how many polar bears I know. And they’re all named Binky. Scary isn’t it? Exile now looks off to his right and spots the captain. His gun is aimed directly Hunter, who is busy tying up the two guys who were after him. Exile’s eyes now shine a brilliant crimson. After a brief time, A pair of dense scarlet rays shoots from his pupils this time. They strike the captain’s gun, taking just a few moments to melt the weapon. The captain drops it to the deck. He looks to the owner of the lasers. Exile grins. EXILE (PENSIVE) As we say in Russia, no way pal. Hunter catches the predicament out of the corner of his eye. He finishes tying up the two sailors and walks over to Exile. HUNTER (APPRECIATIVE) Thanks buddy. Is that all of them? Exile thumbs behind him. EXILE (DISGUSTED) Unfortunately... yes. Hunter spots what Exile is talking about. In the background, Blitz is chasing his former aggressor around the ship. The man has a hole in his pants, and the missing piece is in Blitz’s mouth. The sailor runs past Hunter and Exile and races behind the captain. Hunter stops Blitz when he tries to go by. HUNTER (FIRM) Put a leash on it Blitz, play times over. EXILE (REVOLTED) Besides, you’ve already bitten his tooshie! BLITZ (GUARDING) Ya. But you get extra points for a double. Hunter and Exile sigh. EXILE (HORRIFIED) Normally I would say something, but I am way too grossed out at this point. Let’s just find Colleen. Hunter nods. HUNTER (FORTHRIGHT) Blitz. Watch these guys while we go look for her. Keep the biting to a minimal, got it? Blitz folds his arms. BLITZ (WEARIED) Party-pooper. His comment is ignored as Hunter and Exile disappear down the stairs. INTERIOR: B.N. CHAOS – LOWER LEVELS Havoc’s four troops have their guns pointed at Colleen and Shag. Havoc is standing right in front of them. HAVOC (HATEFUL) Give me the disk. COLLEEN (OBSTINATE) You’re always so demanding. HAVOC (OUTRAGED) GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!! COLLEEN (SCORNING) Funny how we always meet under these circumstances. HAVOC (SPITEFUL) I assure you, it will be the last. The only question is whether or not I will make your death painful or not. COLLEEN (TAUNTING) You know you’ve got a lot of hostility and anger. Were you abused as a child or something? Or is it just your charming personality? HAVOC (MALICIOUS) You’ve got five seconds. Then I’m putting bullet in your head. Colleen hesitates and looks at Shag. She gives in. COLLEEN (LOATHSOME) All right. But this isn’t over. Shag takes the metal box containing the disk out from his fur and hands it to Colleen. She in turn surrenders it to Havoc, who angrily snatches it from her hands. Havoc grins. HAVOC (GLAD) No accursed wolves to save you now. Just one of many reasons that I decided to move my business here. Havoc turns around and starts to walk away. HAVOC (COLDHEARTED) Shoot them both. Non-essential organs first, so they live longer. The soldiers start to take aim. Suddenly however, there is a faint explosion emanating from the factory. Using the moment of distraction, Colleen swiftly knocks down Havoc’s men with an extraordinary series of kicks and punches. All their weapons fall from their hands. She then attempts to grab the box from Havoc, but he grasps it tightly. Eventually it slips from both their hands and falls to the dock below. Both look over the edge of the ship at it, then back toward each other. Havoc and the rest of his men run past Colleen and Shag and toward the far staircase. Colleen and Shag dash for the closer one, and soon come face to Blitz and Exile. HUNTER (DISTRAUGHT) What happened? COLLEEN (CANDID) Havoc found us. I lost the disk. EXILE (CONCERNED) He has it now? COLLEEN (BLUNT) Not yet. We dropped it over the side of the ship. We’ve got to get down there before he does. HUNTER (POISED) Not a problem. Hunter turns and zips off. Colleen, Exile and Shag follow him toward the staircase. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – GROUND LEVEL The view is of Skeam and his men. The blaze has already been extinguished, but the activated sprinkler system, continues to disperse tremendous quantities of water to the whole area. The sight and smell of a noxious cloud of smoke has filled the entire building. Between that and the sprays of precipitation, visions have become obscured. Skeam is straining his eyes. SKEAM (DAZED) What the heck happened? A burly soldier with a thick mustache runs over to Skeam. BURLY SOLDIER (INANE, THICK AUSTRIAN ACCENT) The sprinklers are going off sir. SKEAM (RAVING) I know that! Why? BURLY SOLDIER (DULL) Perhaps from a fire? Skeam rolls his eyes. SKEAM (CRAZED) Do I have “stupid” written on my forehead? BURLY SOLDIER (BLUNDERING) Not yet sir. We we’re waiting for the drive home to do that. Skeam sneers at him. SKEAM (INDIGNANT) You idiot! Didn’t you hear the explosion? Go check out the area now! The burly soldier nods. He and another soldier scurry off to the right and disappear into the vaporous haze of fumes. Suddenly, there is the sound of weapons firing. SKEAM (SKEPTICAL) Those don’t sound like machine guns. Instantly, Skeam sees two soldiers on his right hit with strange beams and frozen. He is shocked. SKEAM (EXCITED) We’re under attack! Take cover! The remaining soldiers scatter and begin unleash a barrage of ammunition into the mist before them. The unknown attackers return the fire and manage to freeze another man. Skeam yells furiously. SKEAM (ZEALOUS) Fools! Blast the sprinklers! The troops respond. After a few moments they have destroyed all the sprinklers, and only a faint smog remains. It soon clears, but only the frozen men can be seen. Skeam shoves his hand into his pocket and clutches his walkie-talkie hastily. SKEAM (BLUNT, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Sir, we have a problem. HAVOC (AGGRAVATED, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) What now? SKEAM (ANXIOUS, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) We we’re ambushed in the factory and half our men have been frozen by some undetermined individuals. HAVOC (CURIOUS, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) What was that explosion I heard? SKEAM (CANDID, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Some type of bomb I think. It set off the sprinklers and- HAVOC (CONCERNED, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) What was that? SKEAM (CURT, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) It might have been a small explosive device- HAVOC (TROUBLED, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) Forget that. You said it set off the sprinklers? SKEAM (PUZZLED, INTO WALKIE-TALKIE) Yes sir. HAVOC (AGITATED, OVER WALKIE-TALKIE) You fool, why didn’t you say so! That building has multiple silent alarms. The police are probably on their way right now! Get your men out and leave immediately. I’ll meet you at the checkpoint. Havoc out. Skeam puts his communicator away. He scans the building and sees that the only way out is the way they came in. He sighs. SKEAM (DESPONDENT) I hate my line of work. I wish... Skeam’s voice trails off as he begins sniffing the air suspiciously. SKEAM (PONDERING) What is that stench? The view now shifts to another lump of supply crates. The Strayers are all gathered around, soaking wet but otherwise in good shape. Amani gets a funny look on her face. AMANI (WHISPER, TORMENTED) Oh man who is that? BEAR (WHISPER, AWARE) All of us I’m afraid. AMANI (WHISPER, TESTY) Speak for yourself. BEAR (WHISPER, THINKING) Sorry. There was a small flaw in the plan. I forgot about how bad the aroma of fur could get when it’s wet. If Amani can detect us, I’m sure they can as well. AMANI (WHISPER, AGGRIEVED) That was my only can of air freshener too. BEAR (WHISPER, EARNEST) We’ll worry about that later. How did we do? NITRO (WHISPER, SUBTLE) We managed to hit five of them before they took out our cover. There is still three troops left that I can see. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, HONEST) Still got four on second level. NITRO (WHISPER, ADVISING) That makes eight, including Skeam. Normally it would not be a concern, except for the fact that our scent will give our position away. Bear nods and looks down in thought. While he is doing that, Puffball begins rubbing her arms. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, ANNOYED) I hate water. Nitro also starts to scratch a bit. NITRO (WHISPER, ACKNOWLEDGING) I’m definitely starting to dislike it. Amani begins to hold her breath. AMANI (WHISPER, PERTURBED) I can’t stand this smell! Bear sighs. BEAR (WHISPER, STERN) Quiet. You guys are really not helping the situation. I’m trying to think of what we should do. There is a silence. A brief silence. Puffball continues to rub. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, BOTHERED) I hate being wet. Nitro begins twisting her fur to squeeze out the water. NITRO (WHISPER, PROVOKED) It’s going to take me forever to dry. And I just combed this coat. Amani puts her forehead in the palm of her left hand. AMANI (WHISPER, GROGGY) I feel like I’m going to pass out. Bear lowers his head and begins to shake it. BEAR (WHISPER, IRRITATED) I HAD to have three females in my unit. This just proves that no matter the species, all women all neurotic. NITRO, AMANI AND PUFFBALL (WHISPER, INCENSED) Hey! Watch that buddy! The three of them look angrily at Bear. AMANI (WHISPER, WOUNDED) How rude. NITRO (WHISPER, UPSET) Really. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, INSULTED) Shag never say nothing like that. Bear is taken aback. AMANI (WHISPER, VENOMOUS) Why did you marry him again? NITRO (WHISPER, STRAIGHTFORWARD) Sometimes I wonder. BEAR (WHISPER, DEFENSIVE) Wait a minute. That’s not fair. Just beca- AMANI (WHISPER, SMUG) What a typically MALE response. NITRO (WHISPER, SERENE) We’ve got to have a long talk honey. PUFFBALL (WHISPER, UNFRIENDLY) You making mistress angry? The three start talking quietly amongst themselves, occasionally throwing a glance over their shoulders at Bear. He puts his right index finger to his head, thumb pointed north. Bear then mock shoots himself in the brain. He lets his head stay down. BEAR (WHISPER, DEJECTED) Great. I’ve got my three female teammates angry with me, one of who is my wife. They are now gathered together, talking to each other. Bear looks around the ceiling with a dazed expression on his face. BEAR (WHISPER, REFLECTING) I wonder if this is one of Dante’s seven circles of Hell? Bear catches a glimpse of Nitro, Amani and Puffball giving him the stink eye. They then return to conversing amongst themselves. BEAR (WHISPER, SARCASTIC) If it isn’t, it probably should be. He continues to contemplate the terrible situation before him. Suddenly however, Bear’s ears perk up when he hears the distinct sound of a click. The kind of snap that belongs to a safety on a gun. He slowly turns around, and is immediately staring down the barrel of an M-16. Bear rises and sees Skeam and six other men pointing their weapons in his direction. He then notices one remaining soldier leaning over the second level balcony, also with his gun aimed at Bear and the rest of the Strayers. Nitro, Amani and Puffball eventually walk over and stand next to Bear. SKEAM (QUESTIONING) More talking mutt’s. You Rovers? NITRO (VEXED) Say again? AMANI (BEWILDERED) What are you talking about? BEAR (DRY) We’re the Grizzlies pal. SKEAM (CONCEITED) Meaning what? Bear grimaces. BEAR (WEARIED) Never heard of the Strayers huh? Skeam smiles. SKEAM (OVERBEARING) Sorry. I’m not from around here. NITRO (RIDICULING) I can see why he doesn’t know who we are. The moon is pretty far away. SKEAM (AGGRAVATED) Cute. Different name, same annoying tongues. All you canines must have that bothersome personality in your genes. PUFFBALL (TOUCHY) I not dog. SKEAM (UNSETTLED) All you pets then. BEAR, NITRO AND PUFFBALL (FLABBERGASTED) PETS?!? AMANI (OFFENDED) Excuse me? SKEAM (RESTLESS) Whatever. You’re all a pain. BEAR (SNEERING) Ah! So you noticed huh? Skeam frowns. SKEAM (DESPONDENT) I HATE my line of work. One of the other soldiers speaks over his shoulder to Skeam, making sure to keep his gun directed at the Strayers. SOLDIER #2 (PROMPT) What are your orders sir? SKEAM (INFORMING) Since the sprinklers went off, the silent fire alarm was likely activated as well. Havoc wants us to meet him at the checkpoint. The soldiers start to move toward their frozen associates. Skeam clears his throat, regaining their attention. SKEAM (EGOTISTICAL) However, I don’t think he would have any objection to us eliminating a few mutant animals who got in our way. The troops nod, returning their weapons to the their original targets. Nitro puts her left hand in Bear’s right. They close upon each other. Amani crosses her arms and pouts. AMANI (UNSETTLED) Why does everyone keep calling me an animal? Bear licks his lips, but doesn’t look at Amani. BEAR (LISTLESS) You ARE an animal. While humans are unique because they are blessed with the gift of genius and reason, they often display no trace of responsibility for their precious endowment. No one knows this better than I do. My experiences have allowed me to see that. Rationality often replaces nobility and compassion, making people all the more beastly. If I were you, I would embrace such a description. I definitely prefer it. Amani is dumbfounded. The approaching soldiers don’t know how to react. SKEAM (COMPASSIONLESS) What are you waiting for? Kill them. Skeam’s men hesitate for an instant, but follow his orders. The soldiers’ weapons find their marks again. Bear sighs. BEAR (SULLEN) Case in point. Bear closes his eyes, waiting for the end to come. He is at peace. Thrown from a world of treachery into one of loyalty, he has an understanding within himself that few individuals ever achieve. He was human, of a species that proclaims itself superior to all others. In that, he was truly wretched. Then he was a man trapped in a canine’s body. Though overwhelmed at times with his plight, he was given a fresh start and new perspectives. In this he finally found honor and redemption in a form most might dread. Now he is what he should be. He has left his past troubles and appearance behind him, though they still exist within his soul. He has accepted his new form and accomplishing great things, but even this is irrelevant. In him he embodies man and beast, coherence and faithfulness, intellect and kindness, ingenuity and heart. Yet these are all things of little consequence. For even in death he can gaze back at what he has become, what he has gained, and what he has been blessed with, and finally see his journey’s conclusion. He doesn’t have a perfect life. But looking at his situation, he is for once... happy. Nitro has given him his life back. It can never be taken away again, not even by death. This is why he no longer fears it. BEAR (UNDER HIS BREATH, PEACEFUL, TO HIMSELF) It is finished. Bear can hear the sound of the guns preparing to fire. He braces himself, his right hand tightly squeezing Nitro’s left. But it ain’t going out like that. VOICE (THRILLED, FROM ABOVE) I’ve always wanted to make an entrance like this! Bear’s eyes flip open quickly. He notices Skeam and the other men turn abound and look up, so he does the same. At first he only sees Skeam’s soldier being tossed around, but then his eyes meet with their mysterious helper. He smiles. BEAR (SARCASTIC) About time you got here! The undetermined individual finishes knocking down his man, then leans over the balcony. It’s Ricky, and he isn’t happy. RICKY (PERPLEXED) What are you talking about? I’m not even supposed to be here remember? You should be tha- Bear intentionally cuts him off. BEAR (ABRUPT) Can’t talk now, we’re busy. The Strayers quickly rush Skeam and his men, knocking away their weapons. It quickly turns into a brawl. Ricky picks up the unconscious soldier’s gun and runs toward the stairs. Ricky momentarily stumbles however, and drops the gun down the staircase. He dives down, expecting it to go off, but it doesn’t. It reaches the bottom quietly. Ricky scowls and folds his arms. RICKY (UPSET) Oh man! That worked in “True Lies”! Stinking Jamie Lee Curtis... Bear, busy fighting, yells over his shoulder. BEAR (EXASPERATED) How about giving us a hand instead of just standing there? We are at a “numerical” disadvantage. RICKY (MOCKING) Ooo. Nice word. Been studying? Bear sighs. He ducks a right hand and lands a punch of his own. BEAR (AGITATED) Always with the sarcasm. Don’t you know it’s only cool if I do it? Ricky slides down the banister and runs toward Bear when he reaches the ground. He knocks the soldier in front of Bear out of the away. RICKY (JOVIAL) Get real. You’re the OLD guy remember? I’m the young impetuous one, full of spirit and charisma! BEAR (BITING) Well you’re full of something all right. RICKY (IMPRESSED) Good one. I can see I still have a lot to learn. BEAR (SINCERE) I just hope people don’t start calling you the next Bear. RICKY (GENUINE) There will always be only one Bear and that’s you. Besides, why would anyone do that while you’re still around? It would be as stupid as calling Kobe Bryant the next Michael Jordan. Do you really think there’s anyone that psychotic? BEAR (PLACID) Probably not. Ricky looks around and sees several guys coming toward them. RICKY (NERVOUS) As much as I enjoy the conversations we have, I think we should hold this off for a later time. Bear sees the same situation as Ricky. BEAR (NONCHALANT) Fair enough. Ricky turns and begins jostling with a soldier. Bear is about to do the same, until the troop’s beret comes off. He stops short. BEAR (INTRIGUED) What the? Bear’s eyes immediately focuses on the long blonde hair. His jaw drops. The soldier instantly closes it for him. He staggers back and regains his senses. BEAR (ANNOYED) This has got be some kind of conspiracy. FEMALE SOLDIER (OVERBEARING, THICK AUSTRIAN ACCENT) That is what the male recruits at the academy said before they found themselves on their backs. BEAR (PLEASED) Oh my. Aren’t you just the aggressive one? Did you at least by them dinner first? FEMALE SOLDIER (PROVOKED) Why you... She tries to punch Bear in the jaw, but he catches her fist. BEAR (MELLOW) Can’t we all just get along? She grins. She knees Bear in abdomen, knocking the air out of him and forcing him to release her hand. She at once pushes Bear down on his back and jumps on him. She sits on his stomach, her knees on either side of him. Bear is both shocked and a little amused. BEAR (BLISSFUL) Please! I’m a married dog! His attacker screams in frustration. She then reaches behind her back with her right hand and unsheathes a large bowie knife. FEMALE SOLDIER (SMUG) I guess this makes me a widower then. She tries to bring the blade down onto Bear’s head, but he quickly stops her hand with both of his. She adds her left hand to the equation, pressing down with all her strength, but he still manages to hold her off. She ultimately gets her entire body behind palms, using her leverage to overpower him. The blade continues closing in on Bear’s face. He finally succeeds in locking his elbows however, which causes the dagger to come to a halt a few inches from his muzzle. BEAR (STRESSED) Jeez. All women seem to love me today. Bear quickly shifts his body. The lancet plunges deep into the floor, barely missing sending Bear to heaven. He hastily throws her off himself and pins her down instead. He grasps her wrists and holds them down above her head. She lies prone below him. Nitro, who is busy battling a soldier herself, spots him. NITRO (FURIOUS) Can’t I leave you alone for five minutes? BEAR (WRESTLING) This isn’t what you think! NITRO (FIERCE) Sure. That’s what they always say! BEAR (FRENZIED) Why are you- The female soldier manages to flip Bear off her and knock him away. Nitro watches this and is embarrassed. NITRO (APOLOGETIC) Sorry honey. I- Nitro is grabbed from behind by another troop. She lifts her arms forcefully to get him to break his hold, then kicks him away. She runs off screen after him, and then the view moves to that of Puffball. She is desperately trying to chase down one of the Skeam’s men, but he is avoiding her. She growls. PUFFBALL (AGITATED) Men. They always run from what scare them. Amani runs into view. AMANI (OUTSPOKEN) Get used to it. Sometimes you just have to chase them down. PUFFBALL (SHARP) You expert? AMANI (SATISFIED) Of course. How do you think I got Hubbie, by waiting? A smile cracks Puffball’s face, but it vanishes as she resumes her pursuit. Amani watches her and grins. The soldier is ducking behind crates and running like a psychopath. AMANI (CHEERFUL) Yep. That’s definitely how it goes. Without warning, Amani is grabbed around the arms by two soldiers. Skeam also resides in the background. SKEAM (CRAZED) I’ve had it! If I don’t get rid of at least one of you pests, I’m going to go crazy! I guess you’re the volunteer. AMANI (COMPLACENT) You can’t do me; I’m a recurring character! SKEAM (PROUD) I’ve never been one to follow accepted rules. AMANI (COOL) That’s not what I heard from the Rovers. Skeam frowns. Amani smirks, then throws her right hand up in salute. AMANI (INSOLENT, IMITATING SKEAM) Yes sir! I will not fail sir! I’ll bet my life on it sir! SKEAM (INFATUATED) Shut up! Skeam glares at Amani, but she proceeds unrestrained. Her expression softens and her lower lip quivers. AMANI (DEFIANT, IMITATING SKEAM) I am weak, please don’t kill me! Skeam storms right up to Amani’s face. SKEAM (DEMENTED) I never said that! AMANI (POMPOUS) Sorry. I added the last one. SKEAM (DEVIOUS) I think I have the perfect demise for you. Take her over there. The two men drag Amani along, the other Strayers too busy to notice. Amani is the tied down to the conveyer belt while Skeam runs up to the second level. He rashly powers up the machine, and Amani begins moving toward the opening. Amani screams. AMANI (PANICKY) Oh no! I’m a victim of insufficient originality! Save me! Skeam shouts down from the upper floor. SKEAM (DELIRIOUS) That’s right, feed the bears! I could care less as long as you die! Ricky hears the commotion and turns to look. When he realizes what’s happening he rushes toward the stairs, but the other two soldiers stop him. He calls over his shoulder. RICKY (URGENT) Puffball! Can I get a hand please? Puffball nods and walks over. The soldiers pause, but eventually run away. Puffball pursues them. Ricky smiles. RICKY (IRRATIONAL) I’m starting to like cats. Ricky is about to climb the staircase, but he stops. He shakes his head. RICKY (ALARMED) What am I saying? I knew shouldn’t have had that seventh cup of coffee. Ricky regains his train of thought and rushes up the stairs. He faces off with Skeam. Amani is now getting concerned because she is only twenty feet from going in the machine. AMANI (FIDGETY) Uh... guys? Don’t forget about me. Again. Bear, Nitro and Puffball are engaged with chasing and fighting the various soldiers they see. Amani scoffs. AMANI (DISTURBED, IMITATING RODNEY DANGERFIELD) I get no respect. No respect at all. Amani continues struggling against her bonds, but they are too strong. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – SECOND LEVEL Ricky finishes ascending the stairs and tries to get to the termination switch, but Skeam blocks his path. SKEAM (MALICIOUS) Who the heck are you? You with them or the Rovers? Ricky frowns. RICKY (PLEASED) Let’s just say that I’m the one that no one knows about, but always manages to get in the way. SKEAM (RESENTFUL) I hate you already. RICKY (PLACID) Ditto. Skeam rushes Ricky and catches him around the waist. They slam into a group of oil drums. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – LANDING DOCK Hunter appears first and zooms over to the metal box containing the disk. He picks it up and turns to leave, but Havoc and about ten of his soldiers then show up and surround Hunter. They form a circle around him. Hunter holds the box to his chest. HUNTER (PLAYFUL) Dodge ball? All the soldiers search around and find a collection of rusty iron pipes and crowbars. HAVOC (BELLIGERENT) Yes. My style. Unless you surrender the disk. HUNTER (COMPOSED) I’d love to, but I’m afraid I no longer have it. HAVOC (IMPATIENT) Don’t try and trick me. I see it right in your hands. Hunter holds the box in the air with his right hand. HUNTER (CASUAL) What? This? Before Havoc can speak, Hunter flings the box in the air and blazes to his left. He attempts to run past with surrounding troops using his incredible speed, but a pipe manages to find his left shin. He trips and falls to the ground, holding his leg in extreme pain. The box falls to the wood deck uncaught, and then tumbles toward the edge of the dock. In the distance, a large green speedboat can be seen making its way toward the harbor. Havoc and his men start toward the box, but Exile, Colleen and Shag step out from the ship and confront them. HAVOC (COLDHEARTED) You can use any means necessary, as long as I get that disk. Shag jumps in Exile’s arms, and Colleen takes a defensive stance. The oncoming men begin waving their metal pipes in the air. Before the soldiers reach Colleen and the rest however, Hunter dashes into them and knocks most of them over like a line of dominos. The rest of the Rovers take the opportunity to encounter the startled men. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – GROUND LEVEL Bear and Nitro continue to duel with their respective foes. They are both forced off until their backs collide. Bear and Nitro whip around and prepare to strike, but each stops when they recognize each other. Both turn back around. BEAR (CONCLUDING) This is not going well. NITRO (SENSIBLE) Perhaps we need a new approach. BEAR (BLUNT) Agreed. Still leaning against one another, Bear and Nitro rotate a hundred and eighty degrees. Bear now faces the male trooper, and Nitro is paired with the female soldier. The change works to their advantage as Bear and Nitro begin to master their opponents. We are then given a sight of Puffball, who is trying to catch two different guys. She isn’t having much success. PUFFBALL (TAUNTING) Come here and fight like man. Or are you? Her words fail to entice a change, and she continues to gain no results from her efforts. The soldiers run through a thin gap between two stacks of crates. Puffball, realizing she can’t fit, stops in front of the opening. Once the men realize that Puffball isn’t trying to follow them, they stop running. They arrogantly saunter back to the place from whence they came. They just jeer, saying nothing. Puffball grins back at them. PUFFBALL (ASTONISHED) You back? And they say humans are smart. Puffball wallops both stacks of goods with her arms. The crates collapse upon the two men, who are too surprised to get out of the way. They are soon buried and knocked out. PUFFBALL (SPECULATING) I wonder how- Before she can finish her sentence, two more soldiers tackle Puffball from behind. Their momentum carries the three into another collection of boxes. It collapses on top of them. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – SECOND LEVEL Skeam has managed to get Ricky down, and proceeds to kick him every time he tries to get up. SKEAM (FRUSTRATED) Just stay down darn you! RICKY (HONEST) Good idea. Ricky flattens himself, and Skeam’s foot flies above his back. Ricky instantly flips over and grabs Skeam’s leg, twisting it so he falls down. Both of them stand up at the same time. Skeam is filled with rage, breathing heavily. SKEAM (EXAGGERATED) It is time I end this battle. There can be only one! RICKY (FEARFUL) You’ve got to be kidding me. Where did THAT come from? Somebody shoot me if he pulls out a sword. Realization fills Skeam’s face. SKEAM (MINDFUL) I forgot about that. Thank you. Skeam reaches for his holster and pulls out his pistol. Ricky dives behind some barrels as Skeam begins firing. One bullet ricochets off the edge of an oil drum and clips him in the right shoulder. Ricky bites down on his lower lip to avoid screaming, and covers his wound with his left hand. Blood begins to ooze from the injury. RICKY (WHISPER, INDIGNANT, TO HIMSELF) Darn it! Why am I always the one that gets hurt? I’m the fragile one I guess. Now I wish I had a better HMO. Ricky hears Skeam starting to come toward him. Thinking quickly, he kicks over some of the barrels and rolls them at Skeam. While Skeam attempt to avoid them, Ricky charges him. Ricky’s shoulder impacts Skeam in the chest and drives him hard backwards. The posterior of Skeam’s head hits the wall and he is knocked out. Ricky stands there for a while satisfied with himself, until he remembers what he was trying to do earlier. He hastily rushes to his left. INTERIOR: WAREHOUSE – GROUND LEVEL Bear and Nitro have successfully beaten their opponents, who lie in a heap on the ground. In the background we can see Puffball holding an unconscious soldier in either hand. Bear turns to Nitro. BEAR (OPEN) That was harder than it should have been. NITRO (CANDID) Definitely an experience I could live without. Puffball drops both men and walks over. PUFFBALL (AUDACIOUS) Humans are weak. Nitro looks at Bear, fully expecting him to be angry, but he simply smiles and gently nods his head. BEAR (IMPASSIVE) Only when it comes to faith and forgiveness. Watch out if they want something and you get in their way. NITRO (UPBEAT) At least everything worked out huh? All the Strayers nod in agreement. At least three of them do. VOICE (AGITATED, FROM BEHIND) Oh sure. Everyone dis the human. Bear, Nitro and Puffball turn around and see Amani about three feet from going in the packaging machine. AMANI (SARCASTIC) Could I trouble you for the time to save my life? Bear looks angrily upward. BEAR (ANNOYED) Ricky! I thought you were handling this! Ricky growls from the second level. He is frantically pushing a bunch of buttons on the machine in front of him. RICKY (DISTRAUGHT) Hey, stop rushing me! I’m new to all this all right! Kind of hard to do stuff when I’ve been shot on account of having to help YOU out! BEAR (IRRITATED) You’re never going to get over this are you? RICKY (PLAYFUL) What? And let you off the hook? Never. NITRO (IRKED) Males. It’s always about the same thing. They should all be walking around with rulers so they can- BEAR (INFURIATED) Hey! That’s going a little too far. NITRO (GIGGLING) Why? You’ve got nothing to be ashamed of honey. Bear tries to fight himself, but a smile cracks his face anyway. Amani is a foot from going in. She is about to erupt. AMANI (TROUBLED) Haven’t we dragged this gag though long enough? Bear and Nitro look to Ricky, who throws his arms up in frustration. Bear sighs. BEAR (BOTHERED) Might as well use it since we have no choice. Nitro nods. She steps forward and takes a deep breath. She then lets out a piercing cry in the direction of the machine. The howl lasts roughly five seconds, and completely drains Nitro of all her strength. She then wobbles and starts to collapse, but Bear is able to catch her in his arms before she goes down. They smile at each other. The machine begins to vibrate uncontrollably, then starts to break apart. In melodramatic fashion, it ceases to function just before Amani goes in. Puffball walks over and tears the ropes off Amani. Amani jumps to her feet. Ricky descends the stairs and joins them. He looks at Nitro. RICKY (JESTING) Pre-Madonna. Bear glares at Ricky, still holding Nitro. BEAR (PLEASED) Watch that. Amani glances to Ricky. AMANI (OFFHAND) Did you see the Rovers yet? RICKY (HONEST) No. I came in from the back. Amani turns to Bear. AMANI (CYNICAL) We should check up on them. You know how they are. Bear sighs. BEAR (INDIFFERENT) Unfortunately, yes. Let’s go. Ricky and the rest run toward the door, past the unconscious and frozen soldiers. The Strayers pick up their weapons as they leave. EXTERIOR: PIER 18 – LANDING DOCK The Rovers are fighting valiantly, but they are hopelessly outnumbered. Totally busy fighting each other, no one notices the green speedboat entering the harbor. Hunter tries to help, but he is unable to use his alacrity because of his bruised shins. They are finally overpowered and held before Havoc. He smiles when he sees Hunter rubbing his leg. HAVOC (SATISFIED) You can’t stop something that is not moving. HUNTER (PUZZLED) Uh... okay. What he said. EXILE (ENGROSSED) Shakespeare? HAVOC (STRAIGHTFORWARD) The Tick. EXILE, COLLEEN AND HUNTER (RIDICULING) R-i-g-h-t. Shag mumbles. Havoc sneers at them. HAVOC (VENOMOUS) Before I go, I want to see each of you die. HUNTER (MORDANT) Is that all? Colleen goes over and grabs Hunter around his right arm. COLLEEN (EMOTIONAL) I guess this is it Huntie. I’ll miss you. HUNTER (OBLIVIOUS) I’ll miss me too. Colleen tosses his arm away angrily. COLLEEN (OUTRAGED) I don’t know why I like you! Colleen tries to get up, but Hunter grasps her wrist and pulls her back down to him. HUNTER (TENDERLY) Because I LOVE you. Hunter begins kissing Colleen intimately on the lips, which instantly silences her. Both close their eyes. Havoc shakes his head. HAVOC (DISGUSTED) It’s times like this I’m glad I’m not an American. Absolutely no self- control. EXILE (REPELLED) Tell me about it. HAVOC (EASYGOING) They really don’t get it do they? It’s as if- Havoc stops himself. HAVOC (ASTOUNDED) Why am I talking to you? Kill them! VOICE (CHUCKLING, FROM BEHIND) Come now! How can you just break off a conversation like that? How rude! Havoc turns just in time to see the Strayers open fire on the group of men holding the Rovers. They are soon all frozen, and the Rovers get to their feet. Havoc is too stunned to say anything. Hunter and the rest walk over to Bear. HUNTER (RELIEVED) Guess we owe you another one buddy. BEAR (SMUG) That’s okay. We’re used to it already. HUNTER (SIMPLE) Cool. Colleen taps Hunter on the shoulder. COLLEEN (TENSE) Uh... Huntie? Hunter whips around and looks at Colleen. HUNTER (CHAUVINISTIC) What up woman? COLLEEN (OFFENDED) Excuse me? Hunter drops his façade and his expression softens. HUNTER (REGRETFUL) Sorry. I was just acting. What’s up? COLLEEN (SINCERE) We have a bit of a problem. Colleen points toward the edge of the dock. The green speedboat can be seen zooming off, the box containing the disk in the hands of an unidentified individual. Hunter goes over and grasps Havoc by the collar. HUNTER (STERN) Tell your men to bring that back. HAVOC (FLUSTERED) What are you talking about? Those aren’t my men. BEAR (BAFFLED) They’re not? HAVOC (ANNOYED) Of course not. I like the color red, not green. Havoc thinks for moment, then grins. HAVOC (AMUSED) Actually, I do like certain types of green. Exile turns to Hunter. EXILE (DELIBERATING) If not his men, then who? All are silent. Hunter scowls. HUNTER (UPSET) Awwww man! After them! The Rovers and the Strayers run toward the Hydro Rover, but it is in the process of sinking. A large hole in the hull can be seen, which is spurting water. NITRO (DEFEATED) This was the only vehicle close to here. HUNTER (AMAZED) I- EVERYONE (MOCKING, IMITATING HUNTER) -would not have predicted this. Bummer! Hunter crosses his arms. HUNTER (DEFENSIVE) All right, I get the picture! Jeez, talk about your group interventions! Everyone but Hunter and Ricky laugh. Ricky has been trying his best not to be seen by the Rovers. He fails. HUNTER (AMIABLE) Hey buddy! What are you doing here? The rest of the Rovers spin around to look in the same direction as Hunter. Colleen’s smile vanishes when her eyes meet with Ricky’s. He starts to walk toward her, but she turns and storms away. He lowers his head as Hunter goes after Colleen. The police now begin to arrive, and Blitz appears from the ship. The Rovers and the Strayers separate, each going toward their respective vehicles. Ricky is walking with the Strayers, next to Bear and Nitro. Amani and Puffball are behind them. Nitro looks at Ricky, who is very sad. NITRO (SYMPATHETIC) Thanks for helping us out. What brings you our way? Ricky perks up a bit. RICKY (SERIOUS) Let’s just say that it’s that time of the month. Amani glares at Ricky from behind. AMANI (SHOCKED) Hey! Is that some type of crack? RICKY (CONFUSED) Huh? What do you mean? Bear puts his left arm around Ricky. BEAR (PLEASED) It’s hard to explain. Just ride the storm out. Bear, Nitro and Ricky walk off. Amani is fuming as she runs after them. They eventually come to the area where Ricky’s Mustang, the Cyclborg and Sylvia are parked. 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". Amani points her finger at Ricky as he gets in his car. AMANI (APPALLED) You’d better not be going there! Amani then gets into Sylvia, followed by Puffball. Nitro has already climbed onto the Cyclborg, behind Bear. Both put on their helmets. Ricky still doesn’t understand what Amani’s talking about. As the Strayers and Ricky drive off, Havoc and the other baddies can be seen being handcuffed and taken away in the background. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - BRIEFING ROOM This is a large room with many viewing screens set into the walls. In the center of the room is a large oval table with many chairs encircling it. There is a balcony protruding from one of the walls, extending out into the chamber. The Master is standing here, his hands placed on the railing in front of him. 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. The Strayers, the Rovers and Ricky are gathered around him, yawning uncontrollably from fatigue. Ricky now has a bandage around his right arm. The Master is watching the viewing screens, which are showing many different angles of the green speedboat as it moves off. The Master turns to them as the picture focuses in on the box containing the disk. MASTER (GRAVE, AMERICAN ACCENT) This is very bad Rovers. Colleen grins sheepishly. COLLEEN (BLEAK) Ah. The traditional greeting. How nice. Bear whispers into Nitro’s ear. BEAR (WHISPER, AGGRAVATED) Why are we always being left out? Nitro shrugs her shoulders. The Master sighs. MASTER (BOTHERED, TO HIMSELF) I wonder if people with goldfish have this problem? Everyone in the room stares at the Master suspiciously. MASTER (FIRM) Anyway, whoever has that disk will be able to break into any computer system in the world. We need to get it back as soon as possible. RICKY (SCORNING) Duh. The Master gives Ricky a dirty look. Ricky looks around nervously. RICKY (APPREHENSIVE) Sorry. The Master shakes his head. Hunter steps forward. HUNTER (CONCERNED) How will we find it Master? We weren’t able to identify the men that got away with the disk. MASTER (BLUNT) We’re working on that. The Master turns to the screens again. The panorama zooms in on one of the men in the speedboat, while it is passing a lamppost. His face is still covered by the darkness, but some stray light allows his neck to be seen. The picture freezes when it comes to the man neck. We can see a black tattoo in the shape of a scorpion. MASTER (DIRECT) Our satellite picked up this picture as the men were making their escape. Hubert is going through our criminal database and contacting all our operatives around the world, trying to find out what group uses this symbol. It will likely take a while, so we probably won’t be able to make a move until morning. AMANI (GRUMPY) It’s five a.m. It IS morning. MASTER (INDIFFERENT) The sun’s not even up yet. But if you really wanted to get technical about it I guess it- EVERYONE (SOUR) Yes. Everyone else in the room is leering at the Master. He’s taken aback. MASTER (INANE) Maybe you all could use some rest. RICKY (DRY) You think? The Master fold his arms and rolls his eyes. MASTER (ASTONISHED) All right, I get the picture. Good night everyone. PUFFBALL (SUBTLE) What's left of it. All the Rovers and Strayers turn to leave. Ricky stops Colleen by grabbing her arm. Hunter glances back briefly, but doesn’t say anything. Ricky and Colleen are soon the only one’s in the room. RICKY (PLEADING) Aren’t you at least going to let me explain? At first Colleen keeps her back to him. Finally she turns her head to look at Ricky, but keeps her body faced away. COLLEEN (COLD) I’m sorry, do I know you? Ricky looks down. RICKY (DEVESTATED) I suppose not. Ricky slowly walks away. Colleen starts to say something, but holds back. She now strolls to the door opposite of the one Ricky exited from. She walks out into a gloom filled hallway. Once she is gone, Hunter steps out from the shadows. He glances first to Colleen, then in Ricky’s direction. He has a confused expression on in face. He finally looks back to Colleen and walks after her. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – CORRIDOR Bear and Nitro are walking together down the hall, Bear on the left. Bear has his right arm around Nitro, and she is delicately laying her head on his chest. Nitro is nuzzling up to him, but he is slightly distant. She looks up at him. NITRO (AFFECTED) What’s the matter? BEAR (UNRESERVED) I care too much. NITRO (DUMBFOUNDED) And that’s a bad thing? BEAR (SHORT) It is when it becomes a distraction. You know how I feel. Nitro looks down. NITRO (FRANK) Better resolve it then. BEAR (SOMBER) If only it were up to me. Nitro stares at Bear, but just at the side of his head because he is still looking forward. NITRO (BEFUDDLED) Why does it bug you if you can’t do anything about it? BEAR (PRUDENT) Just because something seems impossible to solve, do you necessarily stop trying to succeed? Nitro returns her head to Bear’s chest. She can hear and feel his heart beat, comforted by the smooth rhythm of its throbs. She grasps Bear tightly, clutching to him as a newborn would her mother. His breath is hot on the back of her neck, sending tingles shooting down her spine. The side of her face feels the incredible warmth of his body. So very warm. She can’t help but be relaxed. NITRO (PLEASED) Of course not. Bear and Nitro stop next to a door marked “Personal Quarters:” Below that are the words “Bear and Nitro”. There is a small piece of paper taped under this. On the paper in faint scribbled letters is the phrase “Watch those aftershocks”. Bear growls. He tears the paper from the door before Nitro notices it. BEAR (FIERY) Very funny. Bear crumples up the paper in his fist, then thrusts it in his pocket. Nitro opens the door and walks in. She stops when notices that Bear doesn’t follow her inside. She looks back to him. NITRO (WORRIED) Honey? What’s wrong? BEAR (DISHONEST) Nothing. Nitro goes over to Bear and wraps her arms around his waist. NITRO (EARNEST) How many months have we been married now? BEAR (DULL) A lot. Nitro isn’t sure how to take that comment. She moves on. NITRO (STRICT) We agreed not to keep anything from each other. So far we’ve succeeded. Don’t hold back now. Bear thinks about Shadow, and knows this isn’t true. He breaks away. BEAR (PROTECTING) I’m sorry. If this we’re just between us you know I’d tell you, but it’s not. I made a promise and I can’t break it. NITRO (DISPLEASED) All right. I can accept that. For now. Nitro walks into their room and shuts the door. Bear hesitates, then walks off. 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. His arms are folded in front of him, and he is laying his head down on them. VOICE (COMPLACENT, FROM BEHIND) This has become our little meeting place has it? We can see of view of Bear standing in the doorway, the light from the hall surrounding him from behind. The gleam from the outside quickly overcomes the darkness. Bear steps inside and the door closes. The illumination quickly vanishes. Ricky doesn’t react. RICKY (REMOVED) You act like we see a lot of each other. BEAR (MELLOW) We see eye to eye. I’ve shared more secrets with you than anyone else, even Nitro. That’s a huge amount in my book. RICKY (GRACIOUS) That’s because I’m easy to trust. I’m not usually around, so I don’t have the opportunity to go spilling the beans. BEAR (PLEASED) True. There is a short pause. Ricky breaks the silence. RICKY (CURT) Things have changed since I’ve been gone. You and Nitro have already been married for a while, and Colleen... Ricky’s voice trails off. Bear goes over and grabs a chair from a corner of the room. He saunters over to the balcony, placing the seat to the right of Ricky. Bear turns it around so the back of the chair is facing forward. He then sits down and looks below to the grounds. The area is empty except for a few tiny crabs scurrying across the beach. Bear can hear every tiny wave rising up and crashing down upon the shore. After a few moments of enjoying the serene conditions around him, Bear looks upward for a second and then turns to his left. Ricky has a very heavy expression on his face as he stares out over the ocean. BEAR (DAZED) The stars are beautiful aren’t they? Ricky directs himself to the sight overhead, responding to Bear’s hidden suggestion. Ricky’s then sighs, but doesn’t say anything. Bear looks up into the heavens as well, the moonlight glistening in his eyes. BEAR (CURIOUS) What are you thinking about? Ricky shifts his head slightly to his right, catching a glimpse of Bear out of the corner of his eye. RICKY (PLACID) Right now? BEAR (GENTLY) Yes. Ricky looks above into the sky again. He swallows once before speaking. RICKY (EMOTIONAL) Oir el silencio immenso de la noche, mas immensa sin ella. BEAR (STUNNED) Huh? RICKY (SORROWFUL) To hear the immense silence of night, still more immense without her. Bear thinks for a moment, then understands. BEAR (SENSITIVELY) You still think about her don’t you? RICKY (UNFRIENDLY) I’m still breathing aren’t I? Bear is startled by Ricky’s hostility. Ricky licks his lips. RICKY (REPENTANT) I’m sorry. Every time someone tries to comfort me, I always snap at them. It’s not because of you, and you don’t deserve that. BEAR (CURT) I forgive you. I’m starting to get used to it already. I can tell this is tearing you apart. You just need to overcome it. RICKY (RESISTANT) I can’t. BEAR (BAFFLED) Why not? RICKY (LISTLESS) Su voz cai en mi alma como rocio cai en la pradera. BEAR (LOST) Say WHAT? Ricky glances at Bear. RICKY (PASSIONATE) Her voice falls on my soul like dew to a meadow. BEAR (INQUISITIVE) Oh. What is that? RICKY (BLUNT) Spanish. BEAR (CONFUSED) I didn’t know you knew Spanish. RICKY (SINCERE) I don’t. Just a few sad lines I like to use when I’m depressed. BEAR (AGITATED) I see. Speak to me in English all right? Ricky turns his head away from Bear again. RICKY (SOFTLY) It’s just that... it’s been so many months, and I still have this burning desire for her within me. I thought that if I just left it would eventually go away, but it hasn’t. It’s grown to the point where everything that I am seems to begin and end with her. I’ve had to yield to this one undeniable truth: that I have a hole in my heart and soul that can only be filled by the love she can give me. Nothing else will fit not even God. Ricky pauses, a little angry with himself. RICKY (UPSET) I can’t believe I just said that. Bear rubs his chin with his left palm. BEAR (PLAIN) Well if you would just tell her- RICKY (ABRUPTLY) No. I walked away and didn’t even say goodbye. I had my chance to mention my feelings to her, and I chose not to. This is by my own doing and I don’t have the right to complain about my situation. I can’t just come back and expect her to forgive me. To understand. To... return my feelings. Nothing can change what I did, and now I have to live with it for the rest of my life. I’ve accepted that. BEAR (BLUNT) Well if you explain your reasons to her, she’d probably realize why you had to go. I’d tell her- RICKY (ROUGHLY) No. I haven’t said anything about Shadow, so you can’t say anything to Colleen about how I feel. She’s happy with Hunter, and that’s all that really matters. BEAR (DISDAINFUL) So what is this? A secret for a secret? RICKY (GUARDING) Don’t say it like that. You’ll make it sound like we’re doing something wrong by keeping our mouths shut. BEAR (HONEST) I certainly feel like I am, even though you don’t believe so. RICKY (CONCISE) Well that’s how I think, and I know you won’t betray me. Bear is caught. He folds his arms in front of him. BEAR (DISTURBED) Personally I think it’s wrong to keep certain things from you teammates, especially something like this. I made a deal with Shadow, but you are doing this to yourself. Your colleagues have a right to know. Ricky grins half-heartedly. RICKY (SMUG) You forget though, I’m neither a Rover nor a Strayer. BEAR (ANNOYED) Again, by your own choice. RICKY (SKEPTICAL) Oh come on! What place would I have with anybody? BEAR (DETERMINED) You’d have a place. For example, there’s only four in my unit. RICKY (COLD) A lack of numbers is not a good reason to take in an unqualified individual. I don’t need your pity. Not about this. BEAR (HURT) Why do think that’s the reason for my offer? The well being of the team always comes before my personal feelings. You’ve already proven capable, especially with your heightened abilities. RICKY (RIDICULING) Seriously, I don’t think I belong. What would I say at the rally cry, “senses”? Or is “sympathy” better? BEAR (PERSISTENT) What about “loyalty” or “sacrifice”? There are a lot of good words left, I’m sure you could find one. RICKY (HOSTILE) I was being sarcastic. I’ve done too many things in past. I would only be a burden. BEAR (UNRELENTING) I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a fair chance. At the very least I’d give you the same. RICKY (DISPUTING) I appreciate the sentiment, but I just can’t. Maybe I’ll be ready to join a unit in a few months, or maybe I never will be prepared. All I can say for sure is that now is not the time. The team should always come first, and I wouldn’t be able to keep my focus. The instant I get word about any sign of Cain, I need to be able to go. With him still around, my presence would put the rest of the team in added danger. I don’t even want to be here, but I need to revert back to my original form pretty soon. BEAR (OPTIMISTIC) It’s been so many months already. Maybe he won’t come back. RICKY (STUBBORN) I can’t take that chance. Bear frowns. BEAR (PERTURBED) You always insist on pushing everyone away on account of Cain, just because you’re afraid to get hurt. It’s always going to be about him isn’t it? RICKY (CANDID) Not always. He just happens to be most immediate concern. BEAR (PERPLEXED) What do you mean? Ricky swallows hard before continuing. RICKY (UNSETTLED) When I was... dying in Colleen’s arms, something happened. It wasn’t that my life flashed before my eyes or anything, just one event. BEAR (CURT) One event? RICKY (DESPONDENT) Yes. My greatest regret. Bear is silent. Ricky goes on. RICKY (DISTRAUGHT) All I could see was a small house in Colorado, out in the wilderness. It was when I was still in Cain’s pack. BEAR (TENSE) You’re not going to have a flashback are you? RICKY (CASUAL) Nah. They make me light-headed. But anyway, it was night and we hadn’t been able to catch anything all day. There was a small wire pen filled with chickens, so we decided to go grab a few to eat. While we were chasing them around however, the son who lived on the farm spotted us. He came at Cain with a large shovel, so I attacked him. I... hurt him pretty badly. We ran off and I never looked back. To this day I still don’t know what happened to that little boy, whether he’s permanently disabled or even dead. What distresses me is that that was the last thing I pictured while I was passing away. BEAR (SOLEMN) Have you ever thought of going back? RICKY (SHIELDING) Never. No more than I could go see my mom in Wyoming. I can’t bring myself to return there. BEAR (UNEASY) That’s pretty harsh man. RICKY (TROUBLED) I know. But what bothers me more is that sometimes I wonder whether my whole life has just been one big mistake. BEAR (STERN) Don’t EVER think something like that. Romans 8:2, through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. In essence, all is forgiven. The question you should be asking is are you going to let these things consume you? RICKY (PESSIMISTIC) Buddy, it already has. Bear rises angrily and stomps toward the door. He halts just before exiting, looking over his shoulder at Ricky. BEAR (SEVERE) You know what your problem is? RICKY (DESPONDENT) Problems. BEAR (CONFIDENT) I think I can break it down to one thing. RICKY (DOUBTFUL) Yeah right. BEAR (CERTAIN) No really. I can. Ricky turns in his seat to face Bear. He smirks. RICKY (SCORNING) Okay. What is the ONE cause of my problems? Bear sighs. BEAR (SULLEN) Your problem is... you’ve got your brain in you heart. Bear turns and leaves. Ricky whips back around and puts his elbows on the edge of the balcony. He makes a fist with his left hand and covers it with his right. He then rests his forehead on his knuckles. 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. It is early morning, and the sun is starting to radiate magnificently across the sky. 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 Cyclborg and Sylvia are also stationed here. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – BRIEFING ROOM Everyone is scattered around the room, gazing forward attentively. The Master is at his normal position on the balcony, and Professor Hubert is standing in front of him. Hubert is a male Bloodhound Cano-Sapien wearing a white lab coat and glasses. He also has a red bow tie around his neck. Colleen is still ignoring Ricky. Hunter notices this. MASTER (GRIM) I hope you all had a good rest last night. We’ve got a serious dilemma on our hands. RICKY (CRABBY) Is there any other kind? The Master is a little irritated, but disregards Ricky’s comment. MASTER (CRITICAL) After checking things out, we managed to find out who got away with the disk. What we found is not good. Hubert will explain. Hubert turns to the viewing screens. They are showing a frontal picture of a young man with dark brown eyes and black hair. The skin on his face is a hazy brown. He is wearing a blue collared shirt, black pants and white sneakers. HUBERT (DIRECT) This teenager is known only as Vice. We obtained this image from one of our agents in Hong Kong. He is believed to be the leader of an international group of computer hackers known to break into federal mainframes and steal classified government information. They are the only group we have on record that uses the scorpion as their symbol. So far his group has been able to break into basically every major national CPU network. They have been capable of getting their payment every time without being caught. The United States has been the only exception because of their use of a prototype access program. The entry disk we lost was one of three required components. Vice has been spotted three times over the last week in the United States, once in Washington D.C. and twice in New York City. He current location is unknown. BEAR (BEWILDERED) If they have the disk, why haven’t they asked for a ransom yet? MASTER (HONEST) Vice and his organization have been incredibly successful at breaking into any computer systems they’ve wanted to, leaving out ours and the one we’ve already mentioned. We know little about them except they are unbelievably arrogant. Because they failed at other attempts to break into the U.S. mainframe, we suspect them to try and go after something big to get even. HUBERT (CANDID) That’s why we think they’re going to go after the other two components next, so they can get into the federal network and gain control of something huge. AMANI (REFLECTIVE) What are the other two parts? HUBERT (SEDATE) Besides the disk, getting into the federal computer system requires a special key phrase. To protect it, the password was encrypted. In order to figure out what the access words are, both the encrypted password and the translation program are needed. Each is kept at separate locations for security reasons. RICKY (SMUG) Somebody saw “Mission Impossible” too many times. The Master glares at Ricky. MASTER (HARD) Because we don’t know which one Vice will go after, we need both the Strayers and the Rovers on this one. I want the Rovers to protect the federal instillation with the password, and the Strayers to fly to the government compound with the translation disk. You guys know what to do if you encounter Vice or his men. HUNTER (CHEERFUL) Play fetch? BLITZ (HOPING) Bite tooshies? EXILE (PONDERING) Get help with computer? BLITZ (LOUD, EXCITED) Bite tooshies? HUNTER (BENEVOLENT) Frisbee? BLITZ (LOUDER, WILD) Bite tooshies?!? The Strayers, Colleen, Hubert and the Master all shake their heads and sigh. Nitro leans over to Colleen’s ear. NITRO (WHISPER, DISTURBED) How have you guys survived all this time? COLLEEN (WHISPER, CONCERNED) I honestly couldn’t tell you guv. Bear rolls his eyes. BEAR (MOCKING) How about arresting them? Hunter, Blitz and Exile look amongst each other. They smile. HUNTER, BLITZ AND EXILE (ENERGETIC) Oh, right! Of course! They begin to argue with each other that they knew that. The Master is a little uneasy. MASTER (APPREHENSIVE) Ho boy. At any rate Rovers, you should get moving as soon as possible. Your final destination will be New Jersey. HUNTER (SIMPLE) Piscataway? MASTER (CURT) No. One of the smaller counties. Hubert will send it to you as you go. Shag whimpers something to Hunter, who nods in response. HUNTER (WARY) Uh... Master? MASTER (POLITE) Yes? HUNTER (HOPING) Can we eat before we leave? MASTER (AGGRAVATED) Just go. HUNTER (SHAKY) We’re gone. The Rovers quickly exit. The Master turns to the Strayers. MASTER (WEARIED) As for your unit Bear, you’ll be on your way to Rome. NITRO (DELIGHTED) Really? MASTER (DIPLOMATIC) Yes. I’m sure Cyc can show you the way. Good luck. The Strayers turn and make their way out. Ricky is about to follow, but Hubert stops him. HUBERT (HARSH) Where do you think your going? Ricky crosses his arms. RICKY (DEFENSIVE) Look, I’m sorry about the comments; I just have a lot on my mind. HUBERT (HONEST) Those were a little inappropriate, but that’s not what I mean. RICKY (FLUSTERED) Then what? HUBERT (FRANK) At about nine o’clock tomorrow morning, it will be exactly a month since your last reversion. You need to return to your original form or you’ll be stuck in Sapien form forever. That’s why you can’t go. RICKY (AGITATED) Oh man! HUBERT (DISINTERESTED) I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is. I’ll expect you report to my lab tonight for your transformation. Hubert walks off. Ricky marches off angrily. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – MISSION STAGING AREA The Strayers are making their way toward their vehicles. In the background we can see the Jet Rover (from “Where Rovers Dare”) making it’s way down the runway and taking off. A hidden entrance in the wall opens and the Jet flies through it. We can see Amani and Puffball get into Sylvia, while Bear and Nitro climb on the Cyclborg. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – EXIT TUNNEL This is a huge metal tunnel that snakes around underground. Cyc, driven by Bear, races down it. Nitro is behind him, arms around his waist. Sylvia, with Amani and Puffball inside, are following closely behind. INTERIOR: EXIT TUNNEL – CYCLBORG Bear is watching the electronic map in front of him. Nitro is excited. NITRO (ECSTATIC) I can’t believe we get to go to Rome! I’ve always heard how beautiful the city is, and of all the things there are to see! I can’t wait to get to Rome... EXTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL - SURFACE A concealed door opens from within the ground. After a few moments, the Cyclborg and Sylvia emerge from the opening. They immediately get on the road and speed down it. EXTERIOR: SURFACE – CYCLBORG Everything is as it was before, except now Nitro is upset. NITRO (AGHAST) Rome, Georgia?!? That’s where we’re going?!? BEAR (CANDID) That’s what the map says. NITRO (SARCASTIC) We’ve traded architecture for baseball. How nice. As the Strayers travel down the road, wide wings sprout out from the sides of the Cyclborg, as well as a V shaped tail. A set of large jet engines also pop out from the back of the vehicle. Meanwhile, as Sylvia trails from behind, the sides of the bed of the truck fold down. They then swing out like wings, and the tailgate twists and flips up to form a tail. A team of jet engines comes out from the sides. The engines on both the Cyclborg and Sylvia fire, accelerating the duo of vehicles to incredible velocities. They quickly reach air speed and takeoff, climbing skyward. EXTERIOR: PARTS UNKNOWN – FROST COVERED ALPS This is a magnificent mountain range that stretches as far as the eye can see, sporting peaks blanketed with snow. Hovering around the apex of this massive stockade of dirt and rock is an ominous formation of misty clouds. They aren’t moving, yet still seem to have a grotesque life that is all their own. The silent fog embraces the crests of the mountainous expanse, as a person would hug a dear friend. Far from barren however, these cold hills support a flourishing world of vegetation. EXTERIOR: FROST COVERED ALPS – WOODLAND REGION Smothering the base of this expanse of mountains is a thick canopy of forest. Contained within this exotic world is a marvelous menagerie of tiny animals. Small blue bird’s can he heard chirping from the tops of the trees, while a small family of squirrels can be seen scampering across the woodland floor. Every tiny gust of wind rustles each leaf and branch, moving them in gentle patterns of sound. Any breeze immediately creates something that can only be described as a song of nature, almost like a mother’s whisper or lullaby. EXTERIOR: FROST COVERED ALPS – SLOPES The thicket extends for several miles before coming to a complete halt. The next area is entirely coated in snow. There are a few rocks and dead bushes, but basically the land is desolate. We can see a deep imprint of tire tracks in the white frost. EXTERIOR: FROST COVERED ALPS – SECRET LAIR The tread marks continue for another mile before coming to a side of the mountain. Then continue forward into the rock wall, but then vanish. EXTERIOR: SECRET LAIR – VEHICLE STORAGE AREA While the area resembles a common cave, the entire region is filled with high tech equipment. There are numerous soldiers dressed in camouflaged clothes tending to various machines. We now see tire tracks made of sludge that extend inward for about a twenty feet. The owner of the tracks is a large green snowmobile with chain links around its tires. Big enough to seat about eight men, the vehicle contains a radio with a visual screen and also several large receptacles for storing various items. The melting ice crystals are dripping relentlessly onto the ground, creating a greasy puddle of muck and ooze. There is a small opening on the far end of the vicinity, leading to another section of this hidden bedrock refuge. EXTERIOR: SECRET LAIR – INNER DOMAIN This is an interlocking series of underground passages, abandoned mines and darkened caverns. Old-fashioned lights adequately illuminate the entire section. The surrounding dirt walls have been made moist by an undetermined water source, and are slippery and slimy to the touch. They now model an unusual black hue, almost eerie in color. Footprints can be seen all along the soft dirt ground, each bearing the shape of the bottom of a combat boot. Faint voices are able to be heard coming from a place unseen, but they eventually increase in volume. As we hear the utterances, the view moves steadily down the passageway. VOICE #1 (ANXIOUS, FAR OFF, SLIGHT RUSSIAN ACCENT) For what reason is this room always so dark? VOICE #2 (UNRUFFLED, FAR OFF, SLIGHT ENGLISH ACCENT) Don’t know. That’s the way Vice likes it I guess. VOICE #1 (WORRIED, FAR OFF) It just kind of creeps me out you know? VOICE #2 (SCORNFUL, FAR OFF) Why? You afraid of the dark Joey? JOSEPH (AGGRIEVED, FAR OFF) You watch what you say! I am not afraid of anything. And that’s “Mr. Saltin” to YOU Winston. There is a brief silence. John starts up again. JOSEPH (UNSETTLED, FAR OFF) It’s just a weird situation is all. WINSTON (PENSIVE, FAR OFF) What part of it? The gloomy conditions or the fact that he always pays us in cash for our services? INTERIOR: INNER DOMAIN – CENTRAL CHAMBER This is an enormous circular cave located in the heart of the center realm. There are a handful of square-shaped lights contained within the encircling perimeter, but overall it is fairly difficult to see. We are able to make out many large granite spikes protruding from the ceiling, providing a somewhat suffocating ambiance to the room. Standing within, one almost feels like you’re being contained within the jaws of some vicious beast. We can see a variable cornucopia of men standing around the border to the room, all dressed in green military uniforms. Toward the center of the chamber however are John and Winston, looking directly at each other. John is a male Caucasian wearing a gray suit without a tie, gray pants and has his hair slicked back. He also has a thick mustache. He has black hair and black eyes. Winston is also a Caucasian male, but his ensemble includes a yellow vest, brown pants and a white undershirt. He is near bald, the remaining hair having a light gray color to them. Both are wearing polished Gucci’s and are rather plump. Joseph is holding up two blue cartons. JOSEPH (REPELLED) The fact that he always has us bring him TWO boxes of cheese puffs. How can one guy eat that much? WINSTON (INANE) You got me Joey. Maybe he’s really hungry. JOSEPH (ANTAGONISTIC) That’s a stupid reason. WINSTON (OPPOSED) Shut up! I don’t see you coming up with any solutions! All you do is sit back while everyone else comes up with ideas. JOSEPH (ANNOYED) Not this again. It’s always about- VOICE (UPSET, FROM BEHIND, AMERICAN ACCENT) Saltin! Hillchurch! Can you guys pipe down! I’m sick of the way the two of you are always arguing, and I want it to stop now. We’re all on the same team, working for the same goal, so I want you both to learn to cooperate. You’ll both get paid, so just relax. Both Joseph and Winston turn around and see a tall Caucasian gentleman standing at the entrance of the chamber. He is in a blue suit and wearing a dark red tie. He has all his hair, but it is completely white. He wears glasses and the same type of shoes that Saltin and Hillchurch are wearing. Both men look away. WINSTON (APOLOGETIC) I’m sorry Mr. Veltroose. It’s just that before we met up with you, we had already been having issues with each other. We kind of live in the same vicinity. FRANK (BLUNT) I think we’ve worked together long enough to drop the formalities. JOSEPH (OPEN) Shall we call you Franklin? FRANK (CASUAL) Nah. Frank’s fine. The three men smile at each other. VOICE (CONCEITED, SLIGHT JAPANESE ACCENT) Awwww. Isn’t that just sweet. How revolting. Saltin, Hillchurch and Veltroose look in the direction of the utterance, directly into the darkness. FRANK (WARY) That you Vice? VICE (FOREBODING) Yes. Do you have it? Frank reaches within his vest pocket and pulls out a tin box. FRANK (AFFRONTED) Of course. The disk is in this container. VICE (ANGRY) The puffs you fool! JOSEPH (STARTLED) Relax. They are right here. VICE (PLEASED) Good. Give them the suitcase Diesel. A large Italian man steps out of the gloom. He is about 6’5 and looks like he weighs roughly 300 pounds. He is extremely muscular, but also incredibly quick for his size. Diesel has short curly hair and brown eyes. He is wearing black jeans, a powder blue polo shirt, brown construction shoes and a leather belt. All his clothes are tight on him as he carries out a large silver suitcase. Diesel sets the luggage down in front of Frank and takes the box from him. He then grabs the puffs from Joseph and walks back toward the dark, stopping just before it. VICE (HOSTILE) It’s all there. Sharon will show you the way out. Standing near the door is a Chinese woman with long black hair and green eyes. Her look is cold and dead. She is about 5’6 and quite thin. She is wearing a pure black suit like a ninja might wear, but the hood is off and lies behind her head. Frank picks up the suitcase and nods into the murkiness. Sharon then exits, Frank, Joseph and Winston following behind her. Once they are gone, Diesel looks into the gloom. DIESEL (DISTURBED, SLIGHT ITALIAN ACCENT) Why do you pay them per assignment sir? They already wear our symbol, so others even now associate them with us. VICE (HONEST) Each of those men have their own followers. The only reason they agreed to work together and triple their forces is because that’s the only way I would agree to give them a fee. Besides, I’ve found that the only way to make men faithful to you is by putting cash in their pocket. Go get the men ready Diesel, we’re commencing phase two. Diesel hands the disk and the puffs to the Vice and then exits. We can hear the crunching of puffs after Diesel leaves. EXTERIOR: SKY – SOMEWHERE OF THE UNITED STATES The Jet Rover can be seen soaring through the stratosphere, leaving a faint trail of fumes as it goes. EXTERIOR: SKY – JET ROVER The song “Walking on the Sun” by Smash Mouth can be heard in the background. The Jet Rover begins to glide left and right wildly. INTERIOR: JET ROVER – COCKPIT Hunter is flying as usual, with Colleen on his right. Exile is seated behind him with Shag in back of Colleen. Blitz is sitting in the rear. Hunter is moving his body to the beat of the song. Colleen appears to be trying to think, and is visibly annoyed by the music. With the exception of Colleen, the other Rovers are also enjoying the melody. All the guys begin to sing. GUYS (SINGING) ...so don’t sit back. Kick back. And watch the world get bushwhacked cause’ it’s in your neighborhood, is under attack! Put away the- Colleen angrily switches off the radio. Everyone else is confused. BLITZ (INCENSED) Hey! What’s the big idea? EXILE (PERPLEXED) Why for did you turn off radio? Seemed like perfectly good tune. Colleen looks out the window. HUNTER (CAUTIOUSLY) It really was rude of you to do that. Colleen turns to Hunter in a huff. COLLEEN (GUARDING) It’s ruining my bloody concentration all right? LEAVE IT OFF! The rest of the Rovers are stunned. Hunter isn’t sure what to say. EXILE (KIDDING) Somebody woke up on left side of bed this morning. BLITZ (BOTHERED) Really. Colleen glares at them. COLLEEN (AGGRESSIVE) Can it boys, or this plane’s gonna lose some weight out it’s side. Exile and Blitz are taken back. EXILE (ASTONISHED) Sorry. Blitz crosses his arms. BLITZ (AGGRIEVED) Sheesh. What a grump. Colleen sulks in her chair. Hunter recovers from his initial shock and returns his attention to the sky in front of him. He is in deep thought as well. HUNTER (UNRESERVED) You’re thinking about him aren’t you? COLLEEN (DISTRACTED) What was that guv? HUNTER (OPEN) You’re thinking about him. I can tell. Colleen doesn’t flinch. COLLEEN (CHARMING) I don’t know what you’re talking about Huntie. Exile and Blitz exchange glances. Both look at Hunter. EXILE (ENTICED) What ARE you talking about? BLITZ (IMMATURE) Ya. Give us details. Hunter is about to answer them, but notices genuine distress creeping past Colleen’s calm façade. He gazes over his shoulder. HUNTER (AUTHORATATIVE) Actually guys, can you wait in the back? This is private. Exile and Blitz swap looks again. EXILE AND BLITZ (FASCINATED) Ooo. Lover’s spat. COLLEEN (PROVOKED) Beat it or I’ll beat you! Blitz shrieks. The rest of the Rovers instantly exit leaving Hunter and Colleen alone in front. Hunter realizes he has to be the one to speak. HUNTER (PLAIN) How long has this been going on? Colleen whips her head abruptly to scowl at Hunter. COLLEEN (ENRAGED) I told you, I don’t- Colleen stops herself when her eyes lock with Hunter’s. His stare pierces through her protective cover and reaches deep within. It tears down her walls and pulls out what she’d been hiding... the truth. COLLEEN (DEFEATED) You know don’t you. Hunter smiles. HUNTER (SMUG) Of course. I’m super attentive. Hunter grows serious. HUNTER (FIRM) I’m also team leader. It’s my job to know what’s going on in the lives of those in my unit. And to make sure that they’re okay. COLLEEN (LYING) I’m fine. Really. Hunter reaches down and switches on the autopilot. He rotates his chair to face Colleen, taking her hands gently in his. HUNTER (SOFTLY) But even more than that, you’re also my girlfriend. The one I love. My soul mate. I can’t stand to see you troubled. Every breath I breathe is for you and you alone. I’ll do anything for you. I want to help you in any way I can. I want to be the solution. Colleen looks away, trying to think. As rude as can be, Hunter pulls her up close to himself. He brings his muzzle to hers, closing the cave of her mouth with his own. As their eyes shut, the world around them vanishes. Though blind to things around them, they can see the moon and the stars in their counterpart. Minutes that seem like hours pass while they are connected, or maybe it is the other way around. Even when the couple finally breaks apart, they can still feel each other. Their eyes remain together. HUNTER (SUAVE) Feel better? Colleen lowers her head bashfully. COLLEEN (DUMBFOUNDED) Actually you’re making things a lot harder for me. Hunter grimaces. HUNTER (BEATEN) I just don’t know what I can do. COLLEEN (DELICATELY) That’s because it’s not based on you at all. HUNTER (PUZZLED) It isn’t? COLLEEN (CONFUSED) No. Why would you think you have any influence on how I feel? HUNTER (CANDID) Because even though you blame yourself for- Something catches Hunter’s eye. He pauses and looks at it suspiciously. After a brief deliberation, he decides to get up and walks toward the rear area of the plane. Colleen doesn’t know what to think. INTERIOR: JET ROVER – PASSENGER SECTION Exile is sitting in a corner with a book in his hands. Blitz is standing to the left of Exile, filing his nails. Shag is pacing around the cabin with his cellular phone in his right hand, mumbling something. Hunter walks over to Shag, who pretends not to notice him. Hunter observes Shag before speaking. HUNTER (BLUNT) Who are you talking to Shag? SHAG (FORTHRIGHT) Rhar. Rharrhar. Rharrhar. HUNTER (CYNICAL) Really? You don’t say. Shag watches attentively as Hunter passes by him. He is about to put the phone back into his fur, but quickly holds it back up to his ear when Hunter turns back to him. HUNTER (SHARP) Just make sure that when you ask Peeare for two helpings of the Sunday special, you have the phone ON at the time. Shag slowly lowers his cell phone and examines it. He casually puts the phone away. Hunter walks over to Blitz and Exile. Blitz watches nervously as Hunter goes past him and stops in front of Exile. Hunter smirks almost immediately. Exile observes Hunter without looking up. EXILE (GUARDING) Why for does boy dog not like the hat of the girl dog? Seems like perfectly good hat. HUNTER (PLEASED) Nice try buddy. You’ve already read that story. Exile smiles as he looks up. EXILE (SMUG) I’m reading it againski. You often learn new things when you read something with new perspective. HUNTER (SATISFIED) Is it better upside down? Exile’s smile fades. He glances down and realizes Hunter is correct. He tosses the book away in disgust. Hunter folds his arms. HUNTER (AGITATED) I can’t believe you guys, trying to trick me like that! Blitz is on his feet in a flash. BLITZ (QUICKLY) Ya! You are both bad bad dogs! Hunter turns to Blitz. BLITZ (OVERBEARING) I tried to tell them to just mind their own business, but they wouldn’t listen. So I decided to just sit here and file my nails while they tried to listen in on you two. I refused to get involved in their silly little spy games. Exile and Shag glare at Blitz. Hunter smiles and puts his right hand on Blitz’s left shoulder. HUNTER (HARD) Well I’m glad that at least ONE of you guys had enough courtesy to respect our privacy. Thank you Blitz. Hunter starts making his way back to the cockpit. Blitz grins arrogantly at Exile and Shag, who are infuriated. Hunter talks over his shoulder without stopping. HUNTER (CALCULATING) By the way Blitz, you must show me how to file MY nails with a tongue depressor some time. Blitz’s frowns when he hears this. Shag and Exile smile. The three of them suddenly try to make excuses, but Hunter cuts them off. HUNTER (FURIOUS) Forget it! Just keep you hands off the intercom button all right! Hunter storms back up front. Blitz, Exile and Shag begin to argue about whose idea it was, and who is at fault. INTERIOR: JET ROVER – COCKPIT Hunter goes back into the cockpit and sits back down next to Colleen. Neither is looking at each other. COLLEEN (DELICATELY) Look. I love you. I always have, and I always will. But this is something that I need to resolve myself. I learned from a good friend that there are some problems that even love can’t solve. This happens to be one of them. Hunter turns to her. HUNTER (STRIGHTFORWARD) How long are you going to blame yourself for Ricky getting hurt and leaving? COLLEEN (SHAKY) All I can say is... what? HUNTER (CAREFULLY) I know you blame yourself what Cain did to Ricky. But if anything it was my fault, not yours. It’s my responsibility to watch over everyone’s well being, and I was the one that failed. I don’t want you to fret over that anymore. COLLEEN (FLUSTERED) You mean Ricky’s coma? Hunter stares right at her. HUNTER (BEWILDERED) Yes. Isn’t that what this is about? Hunter gazes right into Colleen. This time however, she manages overcome his determination. COLLEEN (HASTILY) Uh... yeah. And you’re absolutely right. I feel better now, thank you. Hunter scrutinizes her with distrust, but accepts her answer. He grins. HUNTER (PLEASANT) Hey, not a problem. Anything I can do, you know? Colleen returns his smile and nods gently. When Hunter turns away however she lets out a deep breath, thankful that he believed her. She continues thinking about her real concern. EXTERIOR: ROME (GEORGIA) – BUSINESS DISTRICT This part of the city is filled mostly with medium size condominiums, small business structures and tiny coffee shops. Sylvia and Cyc can be seen flying slowly overhead. Amani looks through one of the windows of an apartment building as they go by. Sylvia stops. We can hear the faint voices of the people inside. FIRST MAN’S VOICE (IRRITATED, FROM INSIDE, AMERICAN ACCENT) What are you doing? SECOND MAN’S VOICE (DAZED, FROM INSIDE, AMERICAN ACCENT) Huh? WOMAN’S VOICE (DISGUSTED, FROM INSIDE, AMERICAN ACCENT) Do you know how old that thing is Karmen? FIRST MAN’S VOICE (CONCERNED, FROM INSIDE) What’s the expiration date on that? KARMEN (UNSURE, FROM INSIDE) Uh... Woah. Er- We hear running and then a door slam. Next comes the buzz of an intercom. FIRST MAN’S VOICE (BLUNT, INTO INTERCOM, FROM INSIDE) Yeah? THIRD MAN’S VOICE (CURT, OVER INTERCOM, FROM INSIDE, AMERICAN ACCENT) It’s Gordon. FIRST MAN’S (PERSUADED, INTO INTERCOM, FROM INSIDE) Come on up. We hear a second buzz, followed by the unlocking and opening of a door. FIRST MAN’S VOICE (CURIOUS, FROM INSIDE) So Esther, what happened with your date last night? Is that going anywhere? ESTHER (DOUBTFUL, FROM INSIDE) I don’t know Gerry. I don’t think so. GERRY (PERPLEXED, FROM INSIDE) Why not? ESTHER (DISTRESSED, FROM INSIDE) He’s just too obsessed with flannel. FIRST MAN’S (ACCEPTING, FROM INSIDE) Ah... We hear staggered footsteps. ESTHER (WORRIED, FROM INSIDE) You okay Karmen? KARMEN (WOOZY, FROM INSIDE) Uh... We hear the door open. GERRY (SPITEFUL, FROM INSIDE) Hello... Melvin. MELVIN (CONCEITED, FROM INSIDE, AMERICAN ACCENT) Hello Gerry. MELVIN (EXCITED, FROM INSIDE) Hey Karmen, that new fat-free ice cream shop just opened up! Do you want to go? KARMEN (UPBEAT, FROM INSIDE) I’m there! We hear them walk out, and then someone walk in a few seconds later. GERRY (FRANK, FROM INSIDE) Any luck at the unemployment office Gordon? GORDON (MORBID, FROM INSIDE) No. Apparently that want some type of actual PROOF that you’re trying to look for a job. GERRY (SARCASTIC, FROM INSIDE) That’s usually how it goes. ESTHER (INQUIRING, FROM INSIDE) Are you? GORDON (PROUD, FROM INSIDE) Of course not. But that doesn’t give them the right not to trust me! GERRY (DIRECT, FROM INSIDE) What if- EXTERIOR: ROME – BUSINESS DISTRICT Amani can be seen watching a listening to everything that’s happening within the building. Bear voice comes over the radio. BEAR (DISMAYED, OVER RADIO) Amani? Where are you? What happened? AMANI (UNEASY, INTO RADIO) Uh... nothing. I’m on my way. Amani glances back momentarily. AMANI (ALARMED) Bizarre. If this weren’t Rome, I’d swear they sound like... nah. Sylvia flies off. EXTERIOR: ROME - CITY PLAZA The very heart of the metropolis. Packed with shops, restaurants, businesses, and other things, there are literally thousands of people bustling across the district. They all look skyward when Sylvia and Cyc pass above them. EXTERIOR: ROME – REGENCY BAY This is an immense body of water located at the outskirts of Rome. Stretching as far as the eyes can see, it gives one a feeling of the pure solitude and brilliance of nature. From above, the local harbor is just a speck compared to the entire cove. EXTERIOR: REGENCY BAY - CYCLBORG Brilliant rays of sunshine are resonating majestically off the lucid waters below. Nitro, who is wearing a helmet similar to Bear’s, admires the scenery. The beautiful sight puts her in a better mood. Nitro’s grip around Bear’s waist increases and she lays the left side of her head on his back. It’s not lost on him, to say the least. BEAR (CHARMED, INTO TRANSCEIVER) What are you doing? NITRO (AFFECTIONATE, OVER TRANSCEIVER) I just want to say that I love you. And that I’m glad that Hubert installed these internal transceivers in our helmets so we can still talk while we’re on Cyc. BEAR (EASYGOING, INTO TRANSCEIVER) It was a long time coming. Being able to communicate is always important. You’re not sad we’re in Georgia instead of Italy? The view switches to Nitro. She raises her head slightly. NITRO (TRUTHFUL, INTO TRANSCEIVER) I was at first I guess. I’ve always dreamed of vacationing in Europe. There are just so many wonderful places to visit. Nitro returns her head to its previous position. NITRO (WARM, INTO TRANSCEIVER) But as I look at everything around us right now, I realized something. BEAR (HOPEFUL, OVER TRANSCEIVER) That Warner Brother cartoons aren’t evil? NITRO (RADIANT, INTO TRANSCEIVER) Nice try. No. What I came to recognize is that this country ALSO has some enchanting sights. The picture switches back to Bear. BEAR (ROMANTIC, INTO TRANSCEIVER) Actually I know. It just so happens I’m married to the most captivating of them all. The scene goes back to Nitro once more. We can see her grinning through the reflective visor. NITRO (CHUCKLING, INTO TRANSCEIVER) So that’s why I married you. BEAR (PEACEFUL, OVER TRANSCEIVER) Among other things. NITRO (COMPOSED, INTO TRANSCEIVER) But seriously, the U.S. has so many great things to see if we only stop once in a while to appreciate them. BEAR (DISMAYED, OVER TRANSCEIVER) Are you saying that people don’t value things that they can see at anytime they want? That they only admire things they don’t always have? NITRO (OFFHAND, INTO TRANSCEIVER) Pretty much. BEAR (SHOCKED, OVER TRANSCEIVER) THAT’S what the splendor around us made you think of?!? People’s screwed up value systems?!? NITRO (SNICKERING, IMITATING BEAR, INTO TRANSCEIVER) Among other things. BEAR (WEARIED, OVER TRANSCEIVER) The “other” better be at least a LITTLE positive. NITRO (ZEALOUS, INTO TRANSCEIVER) The second thing I figured out was this: that whether I’m at heaven’s gate or shackled at the bottom of a pond in Idaho, it will be the most wonderful place in this world or the next at long as you’re with me. BEAR (ASTONISHED, OVER TRANSCEIVER) That’ll do. Nitro hugs Bear even tighter. He’s too overcome by her words to notice that she is inadvertently squeezing the air out of him through her love. Cyc and Sylvia continue moving over the bay. EXTERIOR: REGENCY BAY – SPHINX ISLAND Located in the center of the bay, this is a heavily guarded federal complex sitting on a huge fortification of dirt and rock. Like a deserted isthmus in the middle of the sea, nothing but ocean can be seen for miles in every direction. With the exception a small beach no more than a few hundred feet wide at the north side, the whole region is encircled by a perilous brigade of jagged rocks. EXTERIOR: SPHINX ISLAND – INSTITUTE FOR REGIONAL SECURITY Sitting on a massive plateau with an elevation of around a hundred feet, this structure resembles a fort more than anything else. Showing shades of Alcatraz, there are wire fences that are easily fifteen feet high and tall sentry towers that loom over the grounds. Cyc and Sylvia linger above for a moment, then swoop down. EXTERIOR: INSTITUTE FOR REGIONAL SECURITY – COURTYARD This is a large open expanse of the estate just in front of the actually building. There are markings on the cement to aid arriving planes and helicopters. Four watchtowers are placed strategically in this area. Posted everywhere around are ranger vehicles mounted with machine guns, and numerous APC’s. In addition, dozens of rifle infantry are patrolling the territory with their attack dogs. Two Caucasian men are standing next to the landing pad, waiting for the Strayers to land. Once Cyc and Sylvia are on the ground and the Strayers have stepped forward, the two individuals walk toward them. As the two humans approach, Bear and the rest are busy examining their surroundings. BEAR (WHISPER, HARSH, TO NITRO) Not very good at discretion are they? NITRO (WHISPER, PRESUMPTUOUS, TO BEAR) They might as well just announce to everyone that they have something important here. Amani taps Bear on the shoulder. AMANI (WHISPER, BEAMING) Check out the ridiculously large sign. All the Strayers look toward the complex. The letters “IRS” are painted enormously on a wall in bold red. BEAR (SARCASTIC) IRS huh? No wonder they need all the protection. VOICE (ANNOYED, FROM BEHIND, AMERICAN ACCENT) It stands for “Institute of Regional Security” smart guy. Or should I say smart mutt? The Strayers turn their attention to the speaker. He is about 5’8 and is wearing a camouflaged uniform meant for desert terrain. He is wearing a cap to match, which is covering the fact that he’s bald. He is also wearing leather shoes, which are surprisingly well polished. He inhales some smoke and pulls his cigar out from his crooked mouth. BALD MAN (UNFRIENDLY) As far as I’m concerned, there’s no place for any of you mutants around here. We humans can defend ourselves. BEAR (RESENTFUL) Who are you? BALD MAN (MALICIOUS) General Blade. David Blade. And as you can see, there’s no need for you weirdo’s to be here. I’ve got everything under control. He tosses his cigar at Bear’s feet then marches off. The Strayers don’t know how to react. A second man comes toward them. He is Blade’s height, but much skinnier and with thick glasses. He also has on a blue shirt with a collar, and brown pants. Over everything he wears his lab coat. His curly and floppy brown hair gives him an almost comical appearance. He is looking at the clipboard in his hands. SKINNY MAN (ACADEMIC) Which one of you is Bear? He glances up at the Strayers. BEAR (INSULTED) That would be me. The “MUTT” I suppose. The man walks over to Bear. SKINNY MAN (REGRETFUL) I sincerely apologize for that. General Blade has always had a lot of animosity toward mutants because... well it’s not my place to judge. NITRO (VEXED) I can’t believe the way he acted. He doesn’t even know us! SKINNY MAN (SYMPATHETIC) I know. It’s a sad fact, but even after all these years and all the good that you Sapiens and Mutants have done, you’ll still find people in this world that will judge you by what you’re born as, instead of by who you are and what you’ve accomplished. BEAR (RECALLING) Reminds me of when I first started out as a Strayer. People would often look down of me just because I wasn’t like them. At least things have changed for the most part since then. Prejudice will never really ever disappear I’m afraid. There are always a few that just don’t get the fact that it doesn’t benefit anyone to hate each other. SKINNY MAN (REPENTANT) I’m sorry that happened. I wish I could have escorted you myself, but I was overruled. Unfortunately Blade is the one in charge here, not me. I just look over the technological aspects of this base. AMANI (PERTURBED) You’re the man we want to see then. Regarding anything. BEAR (STERN) Amani... AMANI (DEFIANT) Sorry. I just think he’s a jerk is all. SKINNY MAN (DEFENSIVE) Blade may have his ideas a little mixed up, but overall he’s a good guy. He just had a bad experience with a Cano-Sapien once and he’s hated all mutants since. He’s normally not like this. BEAR (SUSPICIOUS) We all have our crosses to bear. Not all of us let it lead us to resentment and hatred. SKINNY MAN (CONSIDERATE) I know. I’m not trying to justify the way he’s being. I can only trust that maybe by seeing you guys, helping us out in whatever you came here for, he’ll change the way he thinks. Perhaps he’ll see that most mutants aren’t what he believes them to be. I was hoping that if you knew what made him tick, you could think of a way to snap him out of it. PUFFBALL (TROUBLED) I think you too concerned. SKINNY MAN (IMPRACTICAL) Maybe, but I need to try and help him anyway. Tomorrow you’ll be gone, but he’ll still be here. Being apathetic doesn’t solve anything. The Strayers accept this, and there is a brief silence. Bear is the first to snap out of it. BEAR (UPBEAT) By the way, I don’t think we caught your name. SKINNY MAN (ANXIOUS) Probably because I forgot to give it. Things can slip my mind some times; it’s... kind of annoying. The man extends his hand to Bear. SKINNY MAN (BENEVOLENT) Scott Chambers. He shakes the hands of all the Strayers. SCOTT (SOCIABLE) So what brings you down here? AMANI (AMAZED) Hasn’t anybody told you anything? SCOTT (SINCERE) Just that a Strayer unit called the Grizzlies would be paying a visit, and that the individual in charge would be a Cano-Sapien named Bear. BEAR (COMPOSED) Well, Scott, we’re here to keep an eye on things. You see a man named Gustav Havoc stole the disk containing the universal computer program for accessing any federal mainframe. We attempted to get it back last night, but a second group got away with it. We suspect the culprits will attempt to hit this base next. SCOTT (TENSE) I’m no expert, but it seems like we’re pretty well protected. AMANI (BLUNT) You’d be surprised how resourceful criminals can be. BEAR (STRICT) We’re going to hang around anyway, just in case. With any luck, it won’t even come to anything. SCOTT (RESTLESS) I hope so. If you come with me I’ll show you around. Scott turns and begins making his way toward the complex. The Strayers begin to follow, but soon come face to face with one of the K-9 units patrolling the perimeter. A soldier with a scraggy and unshaven chin is restraining two dogs. The pair, one female Doberman and one female German Shepherd, growl at the Strayers initially but then start panting after they have sniffed them. Bear is relieved. BEAR (EASED) Whew. At least they’re friendly. The two dogs start to whimper and eye Bear suspiciously, which annoys Nitro. She growls at them viciously. The two dogs return the response. Bear becomes uneasy. BEAR (AGHAST) Cool it Nitro. What is wrong with you? Nitro backs off. The two dogs are about to attack, but Puffball intervenes. When they see her, they become frightened and shrink away. Chambers and the Strayers continue on their way. Bear questions Nitro. BEAR (SUSPICIOUS) Why were you aggravating them? Couldn’t you see that we had managed to earn their trust? NITRO (ICY) That wasn’t the ONLY thing you had. BEAR (BAFFLED) What are you talking about? NITRO (EMBITTERED) Let’s just say that they weren’t being sociable only because we didn’t seem threatening. Basically I was telling them to keep their stinking eyes off my husband. Naturally they hold no such concepts sacred. Bear puts his right arm around Nitro. BEAR (CONTRITE) I’m sorry honey. I should’ve of known better then to doubt you. Nitro smiles. So does Bear. BEAR (INTERESTED) So what were they saying about me? Nitro whacks bear on the arm. NITRO (OUTRAGED) What?!? BEAR (JOLLY) I’m kidding! I’m kidding! You know me; I like to lighten things up with jokes. I didn’t mean anything by it. NITRO (INSOLENT) You’d better not have. Bear chuckles. Nitro softens. NITRO (SLY) Besides which, there isn’t ANYTHING they could do that I couldn’t do better. And don’t you forget it. BEAR (ENTICED) Ooo. I may hold you to that. NITRO (SLY) Is there anything I can do to ensure that you will? BEAR (PLEASED) I’m sure I could think- AMANI (RAVING) HEY! Bear and Nitro turn to Amani. AMANI (MAD) Do you mind? Some of us still want to be able to eat later on. They smile. They let Amani go past them before following. The mood quickly changes. NITRO (DISGRUNTLED, TO BEAR) It’s too bad Ricky couldn’t come with us. This place is so big it’s going to be a struggle for us to try and survey everything. BEAR (BITTER, TO NITRO) He has his own duties. He didn’t want to be with us. NITRO (DISCONCERTED) I thought he was staying behind because he needs to revert to his original form? BEAR (DISTANT) Oh. You meant right now. Yes, that’s correct. NITRO (UNCERTAIN) Of course I meant right now. What other time was there? BEAR (CAUGHT) Um... none. You misunderstood me. NITRO (INSISTENT) No I didn’t. I heard what you said. BEAR (IMPATIENT) Can we just drop it? We have a job to do. NITRO (ANNOYED) Whatever. Nitro and Bear walk together in silence. Nitro turns to him. NITRO (SENSITIVELY) Don’t you ever miss him being around? He only visits the RRMC once a month and we’re rarely there. You two seem to get along so well when you’re actually together. BEAR (INDIFFERENT) We do. But no, I don’t miss him at all. NITRO (STUNNED) How can you say that? BEAR (OFFHAND) Look in your pocket. Nitro is confused. She reaches down inside her pocket and finds something. She pulls it out and we see it is a white dove with a small chain connected to it. NITRO (BEWILDERED) The dove you gave me? What does this have to do with anything? BEAR (BLUNT) Remember what I told when I gave it to you? NITRO (EARNEST) That as long as I had it, you’d always be with me. Why? What are you suggesting? Where’s yours? BEAR (ENTERTAINED) Relax. Bear reaches in his vest and pulls out a dove identical to Nitro’s. BEAR (PLEASED) I have it right here, see? Nitro softens. NITRO (PERSISTENT) Oh. So what do these have to do with Ricky? BEAR (MELLOW) Well, what I didn’t tell you before was that he was the one that gave them to me. NITRO (ASTOUNDED) Really? BEAR (CANDID) Yes. NITRO (REASONING) So every time you look at this, you’re reminded of him because he’s the one who gave these to you? Bear grins. BEAR (DELIGHTED) Mostly. Nitro still doesn’t understand, but drops the subject. They soon disappear inside the building with Amani, Puffball and Chambers. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – CORRIDOR This is like any other hallway in complex. Ricky is walking briskly through the passageway, a disgusted expression on his face. Eventually he comes to a room marked “Ricky”. He slips inside and shuts the door. INTERIOR: ROAD ROVER MISSION CONTROL – RICKY’S QUARTERS The room contains many of the same things that a human's: a bed, a desk, etc. Similar to most of the other quarters in the building, this one is ordained with Ricky’s personal items. There are many posters of wildlife on the walls, mostly of wolves. One banner is unlike the others however. The top of it reads: “The Greatest Trek in Human History”. At the bottom in red letters is the phrase “Via Dolorosa”. The picture is of Jesus Christ carrying his cross up the hill at Calvary. Ricky smiles fondly when he sees the poster. His grin fades when he notices the picture of Colleen sitting on the dresser. RICKY (DEPRESSED) Everything is as I left it. What a shame. He sits down and leans against the door, his head down. RICKY (UPSET) I should just tell her. This is stupid. Ricky glances at a picture sitting next to that of Colleen’s. It is a photo of him with all the Rovers and Strayers. Ricky is between Bear and Hunter, his arm around either one of them. His eyes focus on Hunter. RICKY (SULLEN) But I can’t. This is the way it has to be. RICKY (MOROSE, TO HIMSELF) There is life and there is death, yet there can be death in life as well. The journey into the soul will produce things that will frighten, entice, and change your life, yet even then you won't completely understand. The heart of darkness can never fully be experienced without going over the edge. At that point however, you will be lost to world. This is because the reality of inner nature, human or otherwise, is far too horrifying for the “civilized” individual to handle. Giving them the truth would only cause their universe to collapse. Ignorance is what allows the world to survive. Ricky sits quietly for several minutes before snapping out of his self- induced trance. RICKY (FRIGHTENED) Woah. No more “Baywatch Nights” for me. That show is warping my brain. He gets to his feet and goes over to his bureau. He reaches past the pictures and turns on his stereo. He goes and lies on his bed. He listens to the radio playing. STEREO (TONI BRAXTON) Un-break my heart! Say you’ll love me again! Undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life! Un-cry these tears... I cried so many nights! Un-break my heart... After a few moments, a disturbed expression comes over Ricky’s face. He abruptly switches the station. STEREO (THE TONY RICH PROJECT) Wish I’d told her how I feel. Maybe she’d be here right now. But instead... I pretend that I’m glad you went away. These four walls closing more everyday. And I’m dying inside. And nobody knows it but... Ricky has the same reaction. His hastily turns it to a third channel. STEREO (RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS) Wooooaaaahhhh myyyyyyyy love. My darling. I hun... ger for... your touch. Alone. Lonely time... Ricky quickly turns off his stereo, his right index finger remaining on the power button. RICKY (SHAKY) O... kay. Somebody really wants me to shoot myself. Suddenly, something catches Ricky’s eye. He walks back over to his dresser and picks up a small white box with a red ribbon around it. Under it is a letter. Ricky picks it up and starts reading it. BEAR (GENUINE, VOICE OVER) Much like everyone else around here, you’ve managed to ruin my image. So much for being a tough guy huh? But of course, you already knew the truth. I value our friendship very much, even though we rarely see each other. Here is a small token of my esteem. It cost quite a few favors since I don’t really pull in a salary, but I felt it was worth it. Now my brother, we will always be together. The bottom is signed: “Love in Him, Bear”. Ricky folds the piece of paper up and puts it in his pocket. We can see his eyes begin to glaze up, but he fights it off. When he opens the package, his heart jumps. Within it is an exact replica of the doves he gave Bear and Nitro. He clutches it tightly in his fist. RICKY (FAITHFUL, TO HIMSELF) One day Bear, when all seems lost, I’ll be there for you. You’re the friend I’ve always wanted. The only one that’s true. You’re the second person I’d die for. A tear rolls down Ricky’s cheek as he puts the dove away, getting caught in his fur. The unbridled joy made obvious by the silence. Greater feelings were expressed, but some things are just better left unsaid. EXTERIOR: SKY – SOMEWHERE OVER NEW JERSEY The Jet Rover is seen roaring through the sky from the ground. It whips the leaves and branches of all the trees it passes over. EXTERIOR: NEW JERSEY – MIDDLE OF NOWHERE There is a seemingly endless row of telephone poles lining both sides of the road. The land is completely barren except for a few rocks and dead shrubbery scattered across the desolate terrain. The Jet Rover loiters in the sky for a moment, then banks down sharply and “lands”. Dismissing the gruesome details, we join the remains of the vehicle after it is already on the ground. INTERIOR: JET ROVER REMAINS – COCKPIT The entire front section is disarray. The Rovers are in their usual post-landing positions: lying groggily on their backs with their feet straight up in the air. Exile speaks from his backside. EXILE (DIZZY) Another one of your STELLAR efforts Hunter. Colleen sits up and rubs her head with her right hand. COLLEEN (FAINT) Not unlike the great Japanese “kamikaze” pilots. HUNTER (CHEERY) Thanks guys! I think I’m really starting to get the hang of it! Blitz gets to his feet, a bit light-headed. BLITZ (WOBBLY) Your landings? Hunter smiles and reveals a small Rubik’s cube. HUNTER (JUBILANT) No, this game over here. Look! I’ve got ONE WHOLE SIDE all the same color! All the rest of the Rover's growl viciously at Hunter, even Shag. EXILE (ANGRY) This is what you be doing while trying to set down plane? No wonder you messed up! HUNTER (IGNORANT) What are you talking about? I’ve never been able to get this far before! EXILE (PROVOKED) I’m talking about-! Colleen walks over and covers Exile’s mouth with her left hand. This instantly silences him. COLLEEN (CANDID) Forget it “X”. That wall over there is probably a better target. Exile nods and walks off. Shag and Blitz soon follow, leaving Colleen and Hunter in the cockpit alone. Colleen sits in Hunter’s lap. She starts tracing the edge of his left ear with her right index finger. Her breath moves across his face like a dazzling shot of pure warmth that melts the soul. Her hair, sumptuous and velvety, falling gently over Hunter’s shoulder and cheek. It’s rare that a blessing like this simply drops into one’s lap. COLLEEN (BURNING) I just want you to know Hunter that no matter what happens, no matter who I choose, you’ll always have a place in my heart. Hunter is surprisingly oblivious. HUNTER (THRILLED) I’m REALLY thinking about having this laminated Colleen. Maybe even bronzed. What do you think? Colleen frowns and sighs. COLLEEN (DISGUSTED) Talk about your split personalities. HUNTER (ABSENT) Do I get an award or something? Colleen gets up off Hunter. She starts walking out. COLLEEN (COLD) Not from me guv. Hunter puts the cube away. He is totally confused about what she meant. He walks out after Colleen. EXTERIOR: NEW JERSEY – JET ROVER REMAINS Colleen steps out from the vehicle, soon followed by Hunter. Exile, Blitz and Shag are already busy checking out the surrounding desert landscape. They converge on Hunter. EXILE (BLUNT) We have checked out entire area. BLITZ (ANNOYED) We see nothing. HUNTER (CONFUSED) I don’t get it; these are the coordinates that Hubert sent us. The instillation should be here. EXILE (INQUISITIVE) Did you have map right way up? HUNTER (HONEST) The directions were sent directly to the computer. I let the Jet Rover do most of the flying. Suddenly Shag mumbles something and the rest of the Rovers glance over to him. He is standing next to a small clump of bushes. Once everyone joins him, he pulls out a newspaper. EVERYONE BUT SHAG (FRIGHTENED) AHHHHHH!!!!!!! THE HORROR!!!! Shag waves his hands and shakes his hand. He eventually succeeds in calming everyone down. He then takes the front page and places it a foot above the ground. We notice it being blown from underneath. HUNTER (IGNORANT) Wow. Cool trick. How’s it work? Shag rolls his eyes. Colleen shakes her head. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Sit before you hurt yourself honey. Colleen turns to Exile. COLLEEN (BLUNT) Exile. EXILE (PERPLEXED) What? You want me go sit with Hunter? Colleen gives one of her classic expressions. COLLEEN (IRRITATED) Must be the Y-chromosome. She goes over to Exile and leads him by the arm to the area in front of Shag. She points toward the ground. COLLEEN (STERN) Try and look down there with your X-ray vision. Exile nods. He glares at the earth below and his eyes turn white. Clear beams expel from his pupils and disperse into a wide zone on the ground. After a few seconds, he stops. The beams cease and his eyes return to normal. He shakes his head. EXILE (DISAPPOINTED) I am sorry comrade. I can see nothing. COLLEEN (SINCERE) Actually that’s good. EXILE (BAFFLED) Excuse me? COLLEEN (CLARIFYING) If it were solid ground, you’d be able to see something below. There must be some type of hidden base underneath us. Maybe it’s made of iron, which would explain your vision not being able to work. Colleen gets on her hands and knees and begins running her hands along the ground. After a few moment she looks up. COLLEEN (BLUNT) Can you come here Blitz? BLITZ (STUNNED) Huh? You spoke to me! COLLEEN (EMBITTERED) Yeah. Yeah. Good for you. Do you mind making your way over here now? BLITZ (HOPING) Can you say it one more time? COLLEEN (JITTERY) What? BLITZ (HONEST) I want to hear it again. COLLEEN (BOTHERED) We don’t have time for this. Blitz gives his Bambi eyes, just as if he were asking for a peppermint milkshake. He has his hands together. BLITZ (FOOLHARDY) P-L-E-A-S-E! Colleen gets up, walks over, and grabs Blitz by the collar with both hands. Blitz is scared senseless. COLLEEN (AGGRAVATED) Look... Blinky, Blister, Bloaty, Blintz, Bliter, Blitz... whatever! Just get over here NOW! BLITZ (WEAK) Heh. Thank you. Colleen drags Blitz over. COLLEEN (GRAVE) The area around here looks like normal soil, but it’s actually made of metal. Think your claws can handle it? BLITZ (CONFIDENT) Ya. I will do it just for you. COLLEEN (INDIFFERENT) Uh huh. Go on. Blitz takes one mighty slash at the earth. His claws rip through the metal casing easily, leaving just a dark hole. BLITZ (ROMANTIC) After you pretty girl doggy. COLLEEN (ANNOYED) Right. Whatever. Colleen climbs down. The rest of the Rovers follow. INTERIOR: NEW JERSEY - TOP SECRET COMPOUND This is a huge underground structure concealed deep within the earth. The entire area is murky and damp. We can see Colleen’s feet dangling from the opening above. She drops about five feet to the ground. A tiny splash is heard when she impacts the floor. She takes out a flashlight and begins looking around as the others follow her lead. Colleen gives her flashlight to Exile and gets her portable computer from Shag. A blueprint of the complex comes up on the screen. COLLEEN (ANALYTICAL) This base in equipped with a prototype cloaking device, using the same principles as the radar jammer on a stealth bomber. Even our sensors were unable to penetrate it. We need to find a... Dr. David Livingstone. This is his place. He works on a lot of classified projects for the government. In last few months he’s reported suspicious surface activity above this base eleven times. He believes that someone may have been able to discover his location. Colleen stares down a dark corridor. COLLEEN (INSPECTING) The center of operations is that way. Hunter looks everyone over. HUNTER (STERN) All right. Let’s go. Hunter turns to leave, but Blitz jumps in front of him. BLITZ (IMPULSIVE) Wait a minute, why should Hunter be in charge! Why should he be the leader all the time! EXILE (IRRITATED) Give it up weird boy. We’ve gone over this more times than Michael Jackson has had plastic surgery. Hunter will always be top comrade. BLITZ (PRETENTIOUS) Oh yeah? What about the rest of us? What about ME? HUNTER (CALM) Okay buddy, YOU can lead us down the hall. Blitz grins. COLLEEN (SLY) Yeah. It will be a good thing too, because we have no idea what we’ll find. Bobby traps... BLITZ (UNSURE) What? COLLEEN (DEVIOUS) Mutant creatures... BLITZ (UNEASY) What?!? COLLEEN (ARTFUL) Hillary Clinton... Blitz backs off. BLITZ (FIDGETY) Uh... now that I think about, I’ve kind of got a bit of the sniffles, so maybe Hunter can take my place for now. The Rovers exchange glances. Hunter leads them down the passage. INTERIOR: TOP SECRET COMPOUND – CORRIDOR Exile guides the way through the darkness with his flashlight. They eventually come to a door with a light shining through. Hunter makes sure everyone is ready before they go in. INTERIOR: TOP SECRET COMPOUND – CENTER OF OPERATIONS This area makes RRMC look like it’s back in the Stone Age. Every single high tech piece of equipment you can imagine is stationed here, along with a few you might not be able to think of. Everything is in disarray however, giving it the look of an old bachelor pad. Papers, pencils and coffee mugs fill the floor, with dozens of computer sitting on various desks throughout the chamber. Everything is collecting dust. Hard to believe, but the DMV is probably more organized than this place. Everyone stops in the center of the room and looks around. Colleen goes over to the desk and picks up a wedding photo. On the left is a beautiful Caucasian woman with gorgeous sapphire eyes and blond hair that is as magnificent as pure gold. A smile to die for. Her gown is quite to the modern fashion, but laced up to give it a more old fashioned flare. On the right is a handsome Caucasian man with friendly brown eyes and smooth brown hair. His smile is almost too sweet to be real. He is wearing a typical blue tuxedo with a red rose in the front vest pocket. Colleen’s face is overcome with joy and reverie at the sight of the couple. She glances back to Hunter, then back to the picture. Her eyes begin to glaze up. COLLEEN (EMOTIONAL, VOICE OVER) I’ve dreamed about being in a picture like this all my life. I never thought that deciding whom I’d be standing next to would be so hard. I always thought that when I found my true love, I’d know it. But things just aren’t that simple anymore. Just as one life is such a short time for love, so is your heart too tiny to hold all its feelings. Hunter walks up behind her. HUNTER (CURIOUS) Find anything? Colleen places the picture face down on the desk before Hunter spots it. COLLEEN (TRUTHFUL) Everything and nothing. Hunter doesn’t understand. Suddenly a man jumps out from behind a desk with something in his hands. He points it at the Rovers. MYSTERIOUS MAN (SOUR, AMERICAN ACCENT) Leave that picture alone. Step away from the desk or you’re dead. The man appears to be holding a type of gun in his hands, but not one that anyone recognizes. Everyone backs off slowly.