Road Rovers: Chaos Computer Episode 5: Moscow Mayhem By Gerhard Naudé All Road Rovers names © Warner Brothers and rightful owners GONV, HK-4, L-22, Melanie and related to the KH Military © Gerhard Naudé Dylan, Road Rover Special Task Force © Dylan Rinalds Convoy © Matt Daily DJ © Jake Williams Cobber © Michael Browner Dervish © Casey Johnson Bayson, Razor © Eric Hunter Rex, Heidi © Dave Prizio Marauder © Jerimy Bass Gill masks © Steven Today Any question, comments, complaints, feedback or suggestions can be sent to gnaude_@hotmail.com. West Bank Palestine Middle East 15 September 4:12 PM: The west bank, one of the Middle East's volatile hotspots, is now a war zone as Israeli and Palestinian armed forces battle guerrilla-style combat against the GONV Forces in the streets, fields and buildings. Everywhere there are blasted buildings, cratered roads, dead bodies and destroyed vehicles and robots. Small skirmishes are occurring as well as Israeli and Palestinian protestors and radicals throw stones and Molotov-cocktails at the GONV mechs. The mechs ignore them, searching for the military forces. Smoke rises from various points in the horizon. Stonehenge Southern England 16 September 6:01 AM: The sun is not yet up, but it is light enough to see the circle of stones standing majestically in the light, their shadows still very long. From the woods, however, appear five MKIV mechs. They are guarded by several groups of MKII mechs. MKIV mechs are large, four-legged robots with a cockpit (of sorts) that resembles a rat's head on the front. On it's back are three launchers for the cruise missiles it is carrying. On it's sides are the letters GONV. The mechs make their way up the hill, stopping by Stonehenge, and form a circle: the MKIV's in the middle surrounded by the MKII's. The MKIV's launchers raise the missiles up, then fires them eastwards towards London. CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia United States Of America 17 September 6:01 AM: The anchor is busy giving the morning's news. Next to him is the war screen of Europe. It is currently zoomed in on Western Russia, which is now completely purple. East of Moscow it is still blue. Anchor:"Russian forces abandoned Moscow late last night after heavy fighting with GONV Forces in the city's streets. The Russian government has been evacuated from the Kremlin to a new capital in Vladivostok. Meanwhile the GONV offence has currently halted to regroup and assault the crumbling Russian defence line. Experts say that if the GONV resumes it's offence later in the day the Russian front will collapse unless the line is reinforced by reinforcements coming from Eastern Russia." Central Moscow Russian Federation 12:02 PM: The Russian capital of Moscow is under a dark cloud cover. The city itself isn't in good shape: a lot of buildings are either burnt(or still burning), have sections blown apart or completely demolished. Streets are littered with rubble, burnt out Russian tanks, GONV robots or civilian cars and bomb craters. There is not a single citizen walking in the streets. Instead there are patrols of GONV robots everywhere. Atop the Kremlin flies the GONV flag, wreathed from metal strings. The flag is a dark blue colour, with the letters GONV on it in silver. Not far from the Kremlin flows the Moscow river. On the surface it is quiet, but a kilometre away in a residential area where the river flows it isn't. Swimming under the surface are three groups of Road Rovers: the leading one consist of the Road Rover Special Task Force; the second one of Dylan, Cobber, DJ, Dervish and Convoy; the third one of Rex, Heidi, Marauder, Bayson and Razor. They are all wearing full- faced gill masks and carrying their RR weapons with them. Convoy:"It's a shame we couldn't take my hummer out on this mission." DJ looks at Convoy. DJ:"Yeah, but these rivers are infested with GONV Tiger Sharks that would hunt your hummer down like a... shark, I guess." Convoy:"You're right. It's in the best interests of my friends." Heidi studies her gill mask. Heidi:"It's kind of weird, these gill masks. It turns us into a bunch of fish." Rex looks at her. Rex:"Well, the fact that it extracts oxygen from the water allows us to swim without the tanks. This also allows us to move faster should we get spotted." Bayson looks towards Briggs(leader of the RRSTF), who is leading them all. Bayson:"I forgot. What is our mission objective here in Moscow again?" Briggs doesn't look back as he speaks. Briggs:"I will run through it again. The GONV plans to thrust deeper into Russia against the still disorganised Russian Military. Our job is to destroy those GONV command vehicles in Moscow. This will severely impair the GONV's ability to command it's forces and buy precious time for the Russians. Our first objective is to get to a safe area for us to plan our next move and to scan out the current conditions. If possible, she should also try to contact any resistance group inside the city. Once done, we will move in and destroy the command vehicles. We will then head to the extraction point where the Pack Rover will come and pick us up. Do you understand, Bayson?" Bayson nods. Bayson:"Yes, sir." Briggs:"Good." Briggs looks at Zudnik, who is looking forward with great concentration. Briggs:"See any hostiles, Zudnik?" Zudnik looks a bit more, the turns to Briggs. Zudnik:"Neyt, sir. The GONV's Tiger Sharks are not ahead of us. They must be in the rivers near the front or at the river mouths." Briggs:"Thank you." Zudnik nods and looks forward again. They keep swimming until they reach the point before the support pillars of a bridge. Briggs turns the others and points at a flight of stairs that are partly submerged under the water. Briggs:"That's our waypoint. Prepare to surface." Rovers:"Yes, sir." They swim for the stairs and head up them to almost break the surface. Briggs motions them all stop, then turns to Raymond. Briggs:"See if it's clear topside." Raymond:"Sure thing, boss." Raymond's head breaks the surface and looks around. Separating the river from a nearby street is a grass lawn. Across the street is an apartment complex which is in bad shape, but still looking better than it's neighbours. Raymond looks down both ways and sees nothing. He then goes back underwater and turns to Briggs. Briggs:"Well?" Raymond:"All clear, chief. The streets are empty and there's a nice hiding spot just across the street. An apartment complex." Briggs:"Good. Now we go across the street and into the building." He turns to Zudnik and Rune. Briggs:"You two keep an eye out for any hostile forces that might jump us." Zudnik, Rune:"Yes, sir." Briggs:"Good. Let's roll." He signals the others. Raymond climbs out of the water along with Rune and Zudnik. Rune and Zudnik look down both sides of the street while Raymond runs across the street into the building. Briggs watches for a few moments, then sees Raymond appear and give the thumbs-up. Briggs nods and radios the others. Briggs:"Right. One by one over the street." Rovers:"Yes, sir." As they were told they climb out the water and run over to the street to the apartment complex. Soon most of them have gotten across the street. Razor is about to run over before Bayson and Briggs when Rune sees an MKII mech appear at a T-junction down the street. Rune turns to the others. Rune:"Company!" Briggs:"Hide!" They do as they are told. Rune and Zudnik run into the complex while Briggs and Bayson dive underwater. Razor, however, remains standing as he watches the mech about to turn into the street towards them. Razor:"I think I'll just blast the bot's butt. It would make a nice trophy." Briggs' and Bayson's arms appear from the water, grab Razor and pull him into the water. He disappears underwater just as the mech turns into the street and begins to walk down it. It continues walking towards the Rover's position. Just as it reaches the point where the Rovers crossed it stops and looks around. From inside the building the others watch in suspense as the robot looks towards them. Just then a cat jumps out of a nearby trashcan and runs away. The mech watches it go, scanning as it does. Mech Visor: This is as if one looking through the mech's visors. The screen is mainly green. The cat appears a silver colour. Various symbols, numbers and such are on the screen. A block appears around the cat, followed underneath by the words "ORGANIC CREATURE. THREAT LEVEL: NONE. RESUMING PATROL ROUTE". Street: The mech looks ahead and resumes walking down the street. After a few moments the mech disappears around a corner. Rune watches it go, then calls Briggs. Rune:"All clear." Briggs, Bayson and Razor appear from the water and run across the street into the complex. Once they are all safely inside they give a sigh of relief. Briggs then turns to Razor. Briggs:"Do something stupid like that again and we'll let the robots kill you. That way we can be rid of you and conserve our ammo. Do you understand?" Razor nods, his head hanging. Razor:"Yes, sir." Briggs:"Good." He turns to the others. Briggs:"Secure the building. Barricade any window and door that you can and post guards and lookouts at strategic points. We'll use this building as a staging area. Find us a good room that we can use as a temperal HQ." Everyone nods and spread out to carry out their orders. Briggs pulls Kytec to one side. Briggs:"I want you to scout out the area around and, if possible, inside the Kremlin. See what the enemy's defence placements are, their numbers and strengths, where the command tanks are located and so forth." Kytec:"Very well. With my stealthy ability they will never know I was even there." Briggs:"Don't be too sure about that, Kytec. These are robots we are dealing with, not living creatures. Be extra careful." Kytec nods and sneaks out the building again. Briggs watches him go, then turns to help the others. Conference Room The Grand Kremlin Palace 12:30 PM: This a large room with a long wooden table and chairs, large windows overlooking the Kremlin grounds and several paintings of former Russian leaders. Right now the room is occupied by several light drone generals (drones with blue shoulder panels) and the Aquarius Division's Force Commander: HK-4. He is a 6 feet tall class 1 warfare drone with a humanoid build, pulse lasers attach to each arm a rectangular head with cameras on each side and has the letters GONV written on the chest plate. He is standing over an electronic map of Russia, showing the locations of both sides' forces and bases, and addressing the generals. HK-4:"The Russian military forces have retreated well beyond their capital city and are in disarray. However, we must continue our offensive otherwise the humans will regroup and be reinforced from forces being relocated from the east. We will begin to advance within 7 hours, for the humans cannot fight well during the night." General:"Affirmative." HK-4:"Until then we are to maintain our current position here in Moscow. Once it is dark we will move forward. Now, you all have the needed data for the attack. Copy this data into the command vehicles." General:"Executing command." The generals leave the room. Just as the last one leaves another drone enters the room. It is a hacker drone, but the colours are that of white and black. This is L-22. It walks to the table. HK-4:"Did you retrieve any additional information about the human resistance here in Moscow?" L-22:"Indeed. And the information is very positive. The resistance forces only number about 30 strong and they are not fully equipped with the necessary weaponry to combat our forces. Also, they do not have any workable plan to assault our forces to cause any real concern for our offensive and they cannot move from their present location without alerting our patrols." HK-4:"That is positive information indeed." L-22:"However, there is, as of yet, a minor problem." HK-4:"What problem?" L-22:"While I was scanning the resistance forces' location, I barely detected something moving out of a ruined building near the river." HK-4:"What was it?" L-22:"I am not able to give a positive identification due to the fact that the object moved at a stealth level that few humans can duplicate, but it is a biological organism. And I positively state that the organism was of the canine species, but it had humanoid characteristics." HK-4:"Any insignia or number?" L-22:"None that I could detect. The subject was barely detectable, even for our patrols." HK-4:"Threat level?" L-22:"At this moment, minimal." HK-4 processes the info, then speaks to L-22. HK-4:"It may not pose a threat to our forces, but I want to make sure of what it was that moved through the ruins and if there are larger numbers of them. Try to create a positive identification." L-22:"Command received. Executing." L-22 turns and leaves the room. HK-4 continues to study the map. Apartment Complex 1:09 PM: This is the former main office of the complex on the second floor. The windows have been blown out by bombings and the room has been emptied save for a table, three chairs and empty file cabinets. Two doors lead out of the room. The Rovers are all here at their posts. Dervish and Cobber are guarding the one door while Razor and Bayson cover the other. Zudnik, Raymond, Convoy and Razor are standing on either side of the windows while Briggs looks out at the Kremlin with his binoculars. He then goes over to the table, where Carmen has rolled out a map of Moscow, which has several purple markers representing drones, mechs, aircraft and the command vehicles. The other Rovers are standing around the map. Briggs makes a few adjustments to the markers, then looks it over before speaking. Briggs:"This is what we know. The GONV has the command vehicles inside the Kremlin walls and have stationed a significant force in and around the Kremlin with patrols in the surrounding streets. They have bottled up all of the obvious entrances into the Kremlin, thus we cannot get inside without having to assault the GONV Forces or creating a large enough diversion for us to slip in and out. That is, if Kytec cannot find any sign of the resistance forces." As Briggs finishes speaking, Bayson sees something move in the darkness beyond the doorway. He raises his weapon (a Miniball pistol from "Still A Few Bugs In The System") at the unseen figure. Bayson:"Halt! How's there?" Voice(from darkness):"It is I." Bayson lowers his weapon as Kytec appears from the shadows. He walks into the room, Briggs looks up from the map to him. Briggs:"Anything?" Kytec:"I met up with the resistance movement. Unfortunately they are only 30 in numbers and are not really equipped for a full- scale confrontation. However, they did give me this..." Kytec digs around in clothing and takes out a walky-talky, he hands it to Briggs who takes it. Kytec:"This is a secure communications link with their leader, Alexi Barbarinsk. You cannot talk with them that way." Briggs looks the walky-talky over, then back at Kytec. Briggs:"Did any GONV robots spot you?" Kytec:"Naturally, no. I can avoid detection from erratic living opponents. The GONV's robots follow the same predictable route, making it even more easier for me." Raymond looks at Kytec. Raymond:"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that you weren't spotted, Kytec." Kytec glances at Raymond. Kytec:"Oh? And why is that, if I may ask?" Raymond:"Knowing the GONV, if you were spotted those tin-can killers would have swarmed over us by now." Kytec looks coldly at Raymond, who just resumes looking out the window again. Marauder looks at Kytec. Marauder:"He's is right, you know. The GONV would have done us in if you were seen, Kytec." Briggs:"I agree. So calm down. I'll contact the resistance." Briggs activates the walky-talky and speaks into it. Briggs:"This is the Road Rovers to the resistance. Can you hear me?" A Russian voice crackles over the walky-talky. Alexi(over WT):"This is resistance leader Alexi Barbarinsk. We hear you loud and clear, comrade. Good to hear that help has arrived." Briggs:"This is Briggs. We Road Rovers are here to help slow the GONV Forces' advance deeper into Russia by..." Alexi(over WT):"...destroying their command vehicles. We know about that, comrade. We've been trying to come up with a plan to destroy the vehicles, but unfortunately none of our plans can work without more help." Briggs:"What kind of plan did you have?" Alexi(over WT):"North of the Kremlin is a depot where about eight ZSU-23-4 Shilkas which we had indented to attack the Kremlin and thus creating a diversion. The problem is that I do not have enough manpower to sneak into the Kremlin and destroy the vehicles. With your help, comrades, we might just be able to destroy the vehicles before the GONV can react." Briggs thinks for a moment, then uses the walky-talky again. Briggs:"I think we can work well together. The only thing I'm worried about is that your men might not know how to use those Shilkas." Alexi(over WT):"Don't worry, comrade. My men here are all former members of the military and they know how to use those weapons. In fact, they are willing to sacrifice their lives to save Mother Russia." Briggs:"I don't know about the sacrifice part, but I think we might just be able to destroy those command vehicles." Alexi(over WT):"Glad to hear it, comrade. Do you have a plan?" Briggs:"Yes, I do. Listen..." Briggs begins to tell Alexi the plan. The Rovers also listen to what the plan is. Tank Depot North of the Kremlin 1:22 PM: This is a large(and damaged) military building with a large tarred open lot in front. It is surrounded by a high concrete wall that has been blown apart at several points. Inside the lot are the eight ZSU-23-4 Shilkas parked and untouched by the GONV. The Shilkas look like normal tanks except they have radar dishes on the turrets and they have four small STA or STS cannons on the turret. Five light drones and two combat drones are standing by the only gate into the depot. Behind the building, however, a large group of the Russian resistance are getting into the depot through one of the holes in the wall. They all run for the Shilkas and climb into each of the tanks. In one of the front tanks is Alexi Barbarinsk, a strong and muscular Russian with a thick moustache. He has a walky-talky with him. He looks out of his tanks at the others and sees his men are all inside their tanks. He goes back into, takes his walky-talky and calls Briggs. Alexi:"We are in position, comrade. Ready to move on your signal." Construction Yard: This a half-built building who's construction was halted midway when the GONV arrived. Behind a construction crane are the Road Rover Special Task Force team. Each one has his weapon ready and on the look for the GONV's patrols. Briggs still has the walky- talky, listening to Alexi. He replies. Briggs:"We hear you, Barbarinsk. We'll give you the signal to attack when we are in position." Alexi(over WT):"Copy that, comrade." Briggs then turns to Rune. Briggs:"Rune, contact the others and see if they are in position." Rune:"Yes, sir." Rune begins to use her telepathic powers to call the other two Rover groups. Ruins 1:25 PM: This the remains of a two-store commerce building. Hiding behind a section of a wall that is still standing is Dylan, Cobber, DJ, Dervish and Convoy. Their weapons are ready as they all (except Dylan) look around for foes. Dylan is listening to Rune through his mind, one paw against his head. Dylan:"Got you, Rune. I understand. I'll tell the others." He drops his paw and turns to the others. Dylan:"We are to advance as close as possible to the southern gate of the Kremlin without alerting the GONV. If we are spotted we are compromised." Convoy:"I always thought raids like this took place during the night." DJ:"Not always, buddy. Besides, whether its day or night, it will make no difference to the GONV." Cobber:"He's right, mate." From by the lamp of a street light not far from the Rovers' position evil eyes (actually only one eye) is watching them. As they begin to move towards the Kremlin the little flying machine watches them. It is a round metal ball with a single red camera eye and two crescent shaped wings on the sides. Written on the wings are the letters GONV. This is a Recon Drone. Drone Visor: This is as if one looking through the drone's visors. The screen is just like the mech's. It follows the Rovers as they run from the ruins across the street to another building. It zooms in on Convoy and sees the Road Rover symbol on the chest pocket. A block appears around it, followed by the following: "INSIGNIA ACCUIRED. INDENTIFYING .... .... .... WARNING!!! WARNING!!! ROAD ROVERS INSIGNIA!!! THREAT LEVEL EXTREME!!!" Conference Room At that moment: HK-4 is busy looking over the map again. Suddenly he quickly lifts his head. HK-4:"We have hostiles." Small shop Near the Kremlin 1:28 PM: This is a little convenience store on the corner of a building opposite the Kremlin. Peering through the open windows from behind shelves and counters is Dylan's team. Dylan himself is behind the counter, holding his paw by his head and listening to Rune. Dylan:"Yes. Okay, I got it. I'll tell the others. Good luck to you too, Rune." He lowers his paw before talking to the others. Dylan:"Rune says the signal will be given for the attack once the resistance forces begin attacking the northern part of the Kremlin. They'll draw the GONV guards away while we sneak into the Kremlin and destroy the command vehicles." Dervish:"Great. The sooner we get out of here the better." Convoy looks at the GONV guards. Convoy:"Doesn't look like they've seen us." Suddenly a MKI mech appears in front of the shop, looking towards the Rovers. It arms it's chain guns and aims at the Rovers. MKI:"Cease and desist, organics. Release your weapons." Light drones then appear from somewhere in the back of the shop and from the street, surrounding the Rovers. Dervish:"Uh oh. We're in trouble." DJ:"I can guess fighting out is a not good option right now." Convoy:"Yeah. Even if, somehow, we get past the drones that mech over there will shoot us to pieces." MKI:"I repeat: release your weapons." The Rovers look at each other, then drop their weapons. Some drones then run up and pick the weapons up. MKI:"March, organics." Urged on by the drones, the Rovers walk out into the street, closely guarded by the drones and some of the now-alert GONV Kremlin guards. Not far off behind a burnt-out limo Briggs and his unit were busy hiding from a passing GONV MKI mech. Suddenly Carmen sees Dylan's team being lead into the Kremlin. Carmen:"They got Dylan and the others!" The MKI mech stops and looks towards the burnt limo. Raymond:"Way to go, Sweet cheeks." Both Carmen and Zudnik growl at Raymond. Briggs quickly turns to Sash. Briggs:"Your mimicry. Now." Sash:"Sure thing." Sash begins to meow like a cat, but it is a VERY convincing meow. The mech keeps looking towards the limo for a few moments, then continues on it's patrol. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Zudnik:"That was close, comrades. Too close." Rune:"What do we do now?" Briggs:"We continue as planned. The GONV probably wants to interrogate our friends so as to find out if there are more of us, so we can just call Barbarinsk and have him attack now." Rune then notices Kytec is not with them. She sighs. Rune:"He's gone again." The others then notice his absence. Sash:"He's probably going to try and save our friends from the GONV." Briggs:"Well, since he always gets away with things, I won't bother calling him back. Rune. See if Bayson and the others are ready and in position." Rune nods and contacts Bayson telepathically. Rune(In her mind):"Are you guys ready?... Good. We're giving the Russians a green light... Dylan and the others have been captured... Yes, that's right... Kytec will try and rescue them... Wait until the Russians attack... Good. Rune out." She looks at Briggs. Rune:"They're set, sir." Briggs:"Good. Now, to call Barbarinsk." He contacts Barbarinsk on the radio. Tank Depot 1:34 PM: The Shilkas start up and begin moving towards the gate. The GONV drones barely turn around before Barbarinsk's tank rolls over them. The tanks proceed through the streets towards the Kremlin. Kremlin Courtyard: 1:35 PM: This is an open paved area between the Cathedral of the Assumption and the bell tower of Ivan the Terrible. GONV drones and mechs are on guard everywhere with the occasional laser tank. Standing just next to the Cathedral of the Assumption is a GONV Command Vehicle. It is a large, bluish tank with treads, a communications tower with dish on top, a four-tube missile launcher on either side and a large laser cannon on the front. On the sides are the letters GONV. Dylan and the others are brought into the courtyard and forced into a parade line, still guarded by the GONV robots. L-22 and HK-4 are walking from the Great Kremlin Palace up to them. They move up to Convoy. HK-4:"L-22. Who is this subject?" L-22:"Subject is Dennis Davenport, call sign Convoy. Lupo-sapien. Breed is Timber Wolf. Age is approximately 20." He then recites Convoy's history, much to his surprise. Cobber, however, is beginning to worry at seeing Convoy's history being told. When L-22 is done Convoy is completely surprised. Convoy:"You fellas know everything about me." L-22:"Indeed we do, organic. We are just confirming the information with your identifications." L-22 then faces Cobber, who is now worried but not showing it. L-22:"Subject: Cobber Michael Howard. Cano-sapien. Breed is Australian Kelpie cross of 50% Australian Kelpie and 50% Dingo. Age is approximately 23. Patriarch: Deon. Matriarch: Chelsea. Brother: Joey. Transferred from parents to canine containment area in Sydney, Australia. Bought by Doctor Stephenson of Starlion Industries for experimentation of mutation chemical codenamed 'Jasmine'. Experiment partly failed due to Dingo DNA genetical structure, but resulted in increase of abilities. Stephenson killed Deon for use of organic body components for 'Jasmine'. Subject and Joey attempted escape, resulting in the death of Joey. Subject discovered wounded at residence of Giles family and provided attention. Stephenson captured Giles family, inflicting scar injury on Subject's facial tissue. Stephenson became mentally unstable and burnt Starlion Industries, is later discovered deceased among ruin. Attempted reconnaissance of false Starlion headquarters resulted in vehicle inflicted injury to subject by Australian government leader. Adopted by leader and later recruited for service with organisation known as Road Rovers." Cobber hangs his head as the other Rovers look at him in shock. Dylan:"Cobber. Why didn't you tell us about this?" Cobber doesn't answer. Instead, L-22 answers for him. L-22:"He fears that he would be removed from the Road Rovers and thus suffer mentally again." Tears begin to roll down Cobber's cheek, he is close to breaking down. The others notice this. Dervish:"We're sorry, buddy. We didn't know." DJ:"Yeah. It's bad to what happened to you and all those around you." Convoy:"I know how you feel, Cobb. Don't worry." Dylan looks at L-22. Dylan:"What happened to the Giles and Cobber's mom, Chelsea?" L-22:"Giles family escaped from Starlion Industries and went into exile near Wellington, New-Zealand. Precise location is currently unavailable. Matriarch Chelsea. Scanning history folders for file. Scan complete. Status of subject: alive." Cobber's ears perk up and looks up at L-22. L-22:"Subject sold by containment area to Helmut Schneider. Nationality is German. Status: captain of petroleum transport ship SEAWISE GIANT, owned by the European Corporation. Chelsea adopted by Schneider. Current status: living with Schneider onboard SEAWISE GIANT." Cobber continues to stare at L-22, who is busy telling the rest of Cobber's and the others' biographies. Cobber:"My Mom. She... she's alive." L-22 finishes and steps back. HK-4 steps up to Dylan. HK-4:"After processing the information I now know who to interrogate for information. You, Dylan Alexander Thompson, due to your insecurity" Dylan doesn't respond. HK-4 holds his arm-attached pulse laser to Dylan's face. HK-4:"Are there more of your number within the vicinity of the Kremlin?" Dylan:"No." HK-4:"Incorrect. By studying your eyes' movements I can discover that you are not telling the truth. Now, tell me where are your comrades and what their numbers are." Dylan becomes scared. HK-4:"If you do not answer my question, I will terminate your existence here." Suddenly there is the sounds of explosions and gunfire coming from the north. L-22 looks at HK-4. L-22:"According to my sensors we are being attacked by a group of eight ZSU 23-4 Shilka tanks." HK-4:"Let us first destroy this attack force before we continue our interrogation." He begins to signal the GONV Forces. HK-4:"Hostile organic attack force in perimeter 2A344Z. Initiate defence protocol YTIL-90." From various areas some of the GONV defenders begin to move north to aid the others. HK-4 and L-22 begin to walk back towards the Great Kremlin Palace. HK-4:"Seems as if the information you shared with the biologicals were proven correct." L-22:"Judging from their facial reactions I would agree. Though I did not reveal all the information. For example the SEAWISE GIANT is more commonly used by the European Corporation to unlawfully transport unrefined petroleum from the sanction human country of Iraq." HK-4:"That information is currently irrelevant. We can verify it at a later date." l-22:"Affirmative." As the two robots walk away a black figure rushes silently across from the bell tower of Ivan the Terrible towards the guarding drones. One drone turns around and sees Kytec just he swings his sword and cuts the drone in half. The other drones look at Kytec, but the other Rovers then jump them. Before the drones can react the Rovers have their weapons and proceed to destroy their captors. When they are done Dylan walks up to Kytec. Dylan:"Thanks, Kytec. You saved our fur." Kytec:"Leave the thanks for later. We must quickly destroy the command vehicles before the GONV can rally their forces." Dylan:"Good idea. Guys, let's get the one next to the Cathedral." They begin to turn towards the Cathedral, but then they see Kytec head another way. DJ:"Where are you going, Kytec?" Kytec stops, but doesn't turn around. Kytec:"There are only two of the command vehicles visible in the Kremlin courtyards. I haven't seen the third. I'm going to find it and destroy it." Cobber, holding his sword, runs up to Kytec. Cobber:"I'll come along and help you, mate." Kytec:"I work alone, Cobber." Cobber:"I work alone too at times. So let's work alone together." A hint of a smile forms on Kytec's face before disappearing again. Kytec:"Very well. Let's go." Kytec and Cobber begin to run into the direction of St. Basil's Cathedral while the rest rush towards the Cathedral of Assumption. Meanwhile at one of the gates the RRSTF have made it to the gate and under the gateway arch, protecting them from enemy fire. Carmen looks at the electronic GONV lock of the gate and smiles. Carmen:"This should be exceedingly simply." She opens the control panel and then, using her super lock picking ability, unlocks the gate. Carmen:"There we go. Gate's open." Raymond:"Thank you, pretty she-doggie." Carmen rolls her eyes and Zudnik growls at Raymond. Zudnik:"Great! He is becoming a Weird-boy too!" Rune:"Let's get in before I become sick." Briggs:"And before the GONV brings reinforcements. Move!" The RRSTF push the gates open and walk into the courtyard. Before them stands two MKII mechs who were busy going to aid the defenders. Now they turn to the new intruders and ready their weapons. MKII:"Cease and desist, organics! Release your weapons!" Raymond winks at Carmen and Sash. Raymond:"Watch the dog in action." Sash and Carmen roll their eyes as Raymond runs towards the mechs. The mechs try to keep their aim on Raymond, but is moving fast and strafing a lot. While he does this Briggs turns to Zudnik. Briggs:"See the command vehicles?" Zudnik looks around the Kremlin before seeing a command vehicle standing in the middle of the courtyard surrounded by GONV battle and combat drones. He points to it. Zudnik:"There is the command vehicle, com..." He stops speaking and quickly turns around, aiming his weapon towards a patrol of light drones that have appeared behind them. He fires a few laser blasts past the RRSTF group and into the patrol, destroying the drones. The others watch him as he does this. Briggs:"Good job, soldier. Now, let's get to that command vehicle and destroy it. We'll leave Raymond behind so that he can keep our escape route open." Sash:"And to keep him from bugging us." Briggs:"That too." They begin to run towards the command vehicle, firing at any GONV robot that saw them. At another end of the Kremlin an explosion blows open a gate. Bayson's team then run in. Marauder's bazooka is still smoking from the shot it had fired into the gate. Marauder:"They just don't make gates like they used to." Bayson:"We'd better get behind some cover and fast. We're sitting ducks out in the open." Razor:"Ha! I'm not scared of these tin-cans! Bring them on!" As if to answer Razor, two battle drones jump from the wall ramparts behind them and next to Heidi, who was staying back. One battle drone grabs her while the other aims his weapons at the Rovers. The Rovers turn around to see that Heidi has been captured. Rex is now very displeased. Rex:"Let her go!" Drone:"Release your weapons and your organic compatriot will come to no harm." Rex:"Lies! You robots will kill us either way!" While they are arguing Heidi manages to open her captor's panel and begins to pull out circuit boards. The drone begins to spark and malfunction. It points it's one laser repeater at the other drone's head and fires, blowing apart the drone's head. Rex then shoots the berserk drone's head off, making it let go of Heidi. He then runs up and hugs Heidi tightly. Rex:"Oh Heidi! Are you okay?" Heidi:"I'm fine. I'm fine." Marauder (looking the other way):"Not for long! We got more trouble!" Everyone looks towards the Great Kremlin Palace. HK-4 has appeared along with a large number of light drones. They open fire on the Rovers, who begin to run towards a nearby building. As soon they get there they take cover behind it. HK-4 and the drones begin to run towards the building, but HK-4 runs another way. The Rovers appear now and then from cover to snipe at the drones. They succeed in keeping the drones at bay. Bayson ducks back to reload, then spots HK-4 appearing from behind a corner. Just as HK-4 raises his weapon Bayson quickly turns into a werewolf, runs to HK-4 and jumps him. The two begin to struggle, but they are both equally matched. HK-4 then snipes at Bayson's leg. The laser cuts Bayson's leg and he growls in pain. HK-4 gets up while Bayson falls to the ground. HK-4 aims his pulse laser at Bayson and prepares to fire. HK-4:"You are terminal, organic." Voice:"Not so fast, you!" HK-4 looks up and into Razor's angry face. HK-4:"Another pathetic and weak organic." Razor:"Weak? ME??? WHY YOU!!!" Razor punches HK-4 so hard that HK-4 smashes through the wall of the building. He falls on the floor, unmoving and surrounded by rubble. Razor grins. Razor:"Another one for me!" Marauder runs up and begins to treat Bayson's leg as the rest fight off the GONV robots, who are now slowly increasing in numbers. At the Cathedral of Assumption Dylan's team is taking cover in the doorway of the building, pinned down by enemy fire from an MKI mech. Dylan then spots a light drone general heading towards the command vehicle. Dylan:"Isn't that a general?" DJ:"Yeah. And I think he's going to start up the command vehicle!" Dylan:"That is not good. How are going to stop him? We cannot move while that mech keeps shooting at us." Convoy then gets an idea and peers around the corner of the doorway, looking towards the command vehicle. Using his eyes he creates a 3D holographic image of a Russian T-80 tank in front of the command vehicle. The MKI sees the fake tank, turns towards it and unleashes a rain of bullets. The shots, however, go right through the hologram and slam into the command vehicle just as the general is busy climbing in. The vehicle then explodes into a balls of fire. Dylan:"Got him! Good work, Convoy." DJ:"Now it's me and Dervish's turn. Dervish." Dervish:"My pleasure." Appearing from cover Dervish uses his whip and wraps it around the one leg of the still-distracted MKI. DJ then runs up and, using a spanner, does some work on the leg. When he's done he backs off just as the MKI notices his presence. DJ then runs up to Dervish and helps pull on the whip. The leg comes off and the MKI falls to the ground. It then tries to get up, but it is unable to with only one leg. A rocket then appears and slams into the MKI's "cockpit", destroying it completely. Dylan and the others look for the source and see the RRSTF running up to them from the other command vehicle, which is now surrounded by blasted robots. Dylan and Zudnik run up to each other. Zudnik:"You all right, comrade?" Dylan:"We're okay, buddy. And we got our command vehicle. How about you guys? Did you get yours?" Sash:"Oops. Hold on." Sash digs around her pockets and takes out a remote control. She pushes the button on it. Next the command vehicle explodes, sending shrapnel flying through the air as it falls on it's side, burning and severely damaged beyond repair. Sash:"Yes, we did get ours." Voice:"Guys!" Everyone looks into the direction of the voice and see Bayson and the others running up to them. Bayson:"Dylan! You guys okay?" Dylan:"Thanks to Kytec." Briggs:"Did you get the command vehicles?" Bayson:"Let me put it this way: we got bad news and worse news." Briggs:"What's the bad news?" Bayson:"We cannot find the command vehicle. The GONV must have hidden it." Briggs:"And the worse news?" Rex fires at a combat drone that was trying to snipe them and blows both it's pulse cannons off. Rex:"That's the worse news. I just got a transmission from Barbarinsk. The GONV has destroyed all their tanks and they've been forced to retreat. The GONV is now turning all the defenders against US." Briggs looks over himself, patting his pockets. Briggs:"Crap! I lost the radio." He stops searching. Briggs:"Never mind. We have to find that third command vehicle, otherwise the mission will be a failure." Dylan:"Cobber and Kytec have gone in search of the command vehicle." Heidi:"They'd better find it, fast. The GONV will soon swarm all over us." Briggs:"I agree. We must proceed to the eastern gate and wait from them there. It will allow us to quickly escape and provide decent cover. Let's move!" They begin to run towards the gate, firing at any GONV robot, which is trying to stop them. At the gate Raymond is enjoying himself, tricking the robots into shooting themselves by quickly moving between the robots' line of fire. Raymond:"This is what I live for!" By now the ranks of the GONV have now grown in considerable size. By the entrance of St. Basil's Cathedral Kytec and Cobber have succeed in cutting up several drone sentries. Cobber:"The command vehicle could be in there, mate. They defended this position rather heavily." Kytec nods and peers around the corner. Standing between the pillars of the cathedral just beyond the entrance stands the last GONV command vehicle. Kytec and Cobber rush into the cathedral and up to the command vehicle. Kytec:"Now all we have to do is to destroy it." Cobber:"That will be a problem. We don't have explosives." Suddenly the lights on the front of the vehicle go on. The vehicle then lowers it's laser cannon at Kytec and Cobber. Appearing from behind a pillar is L-22. L-22:"You have arrived 104 seconds too late. The command vehicle has now been activated and will destroy you." The cannon prepares to fire. Kytec jumps out of the way, but Cobber remains standing. The cannon charges up and fires at Cobber, but he uses his physic powers from his scar to deflect the laser. The laser cuts through several pillars. The pillars collapse and the structure begins to groan. L-22 makes a scan. L-22:"Structural failure detected. The main tower of this cathedral is going to collapse, causing moderate damage to the structure." Cobber turns to Kytec. Cobber:"Better get out of here, mate!" Kytec:"One small deed, then we leave!" Kytec rushes up to the vehicle and uses his sword to severely damage the one tread. He then runs to Cobber and they both start running as L-22 rushes into the cathedral. The other pillars give in, but the vehicle is unable to move quickly enough because of the damaged tread. As a result, the roof and the tower above it collapse on the vehicle, crushing it under a heap of rubble. Kytec and Cobber run from the cathedral, who's one onion-domed tower has disappeared under a dust cloud. They then hear a very loud whistle coming from Sash and see the others gathered at the gate. As they begin to run another noise gets their attention and they look north. Coming towards them is a thick line of GONV drones, mechs and tanks. Kytec:"Run!!!" They start running as the GONV robots open fire. The air is filled with hostile fire as Cobber and Kytec rush to the gate, the other Rovers providing cover. Once they reach the gate, Briggs points out the gate and down a street. Briggs:"GO! GO! GO!!!" They all stop firing and begin running for their lives. As they enter the street a MKII mech prepares to fire, but Rex and Marauder fire first. Marauder's bazooka rocket blows off one missile pack while Rex's shot hits the tip of a missile, setting it off. The missile explodes and blows off the other missile pack, leaving the MKII mech without any weapons. They rush down the street as the GONV Forces run out the Kremlin after they, firing as they do. The shots all miss, but come dangerously close to killing several of the Rovers. Briggs:"Where's the Pack Rover? It should have been here!" Rune:"I cannot reach the Rovers with my telepathy running like this!" DJ:"They'd better hurry! Those mechanical killers are getting closer!" DJ is right. The GONV robots are now dangerously close and have now been able to get a better aim on the Rovers. Then a loud engine noise attracts the attention of the Rovers. They look and, to their relief, the Pack Rover appears and lands in the street facing away from them. The rear cargo door opens, revealing Blitz and Exile and standing in the cargo bay. Blitz has his tooshie-biting bouquet. Exile signals them. Exile:"Get in, comrades! Start rushing!" Blitz:"Yah, before those mean robots make bratwurst out of me!" The Rovers run towards the Pack Rover as Blitz fires a biting-ball towards the robots, chewing off several drones' arms, legs and heads. Exile uses his frozen sight to freeze up a section of the street. The robots begin to slip and slide on the ice, falling onto the ground and into each other. Once everyone is inside Blitz closes the cargo door and the Pack Rover takes off, avoid fire from the GONV Flak Tanks. It quickly flies away into the distance. Building The Kremlin At that moment: This is the building that Bayson's team had taken cover. HK-4 is lying amid the debris of the wall, broken here and there. Maintenance drones then appear next to his smashes robot body and begin to repair him. Office Jumbo Rover UN Headquarters France 8:21 PM: This is a small, simple office with a desk, chairs, file cabinets, etc. Hunter and Cobber are here talking to each other. Hunter:"You cannot leave now, buddy." Cobber:"But I must know if my Mom's on that tanker and if she's okay." Hunter:"Look. I know it must be the greatest thing to find out your Mom is still alive. Believe me, I've been through that. But with the GONV and it's robotic hordes still waging war out there against us we cannot afford to let any Rover go." Cobber:"But..." Hunter:"Here's a deal. You first stay with us here until we have defeated the GONV computer. Once the war is over you can go visit your Mom whenever you want. Nobody's going to stop you. Until then you must stay here for you are too valuable to loose." Cobber thinks for a moment, and then looks at Hunter again. Cobber:"Is that a promise, mate? That you fellows won't stop me from going to see my Mom?" Hunter smiles. Hunter:"I promise." Cobber smiles as well. Cobber:"Thanks, mate." Hunter:"Hey. I'm super caring too, you know." Cobber nods, still smiling, and turns to leave. He stops before he reaches the door. Cobber:"Sorry that I did not tell you about my past." Hunter:"It's okay, buddy. We've cleared it out with everyone else. They were sympathetic to your plight and some even offered to help you deal with the trauma." Cobber:"It's okay, mate. Knowing that everyone is so kind to me is the best therapy I can get." Hunter:"Glad to hear it." Cobber leaves the office as Hunter watches him. Hunter:"We're all glad to hear it." Assembly area 8:31 PM: The machines are still working. Held by mechanical clamps with wires attached are two arms with hands. In front of it is a metal pipe. A pair of razor sharp claws then appear from the hands and proceed to swipe at the pipe, cutting it up into pieces. GONV Computer Bunker 11:00 PM: On the GONV's screen appear the following words: "CONVENTIONAL ATTACK FAILED. LAUNCHING GEO-ECONOMIC ATTACK." The GONV's command vehicles have been destroyed and the offence in Russia has halted, buying the Russian Forces valuable time. But now the GONV is making a new move. What is this Geo-Economic attack? Will Cobber and his mother be reunited? Will he and the Rovers discover the truth of the secret Iraq-EuroCorp oil deal? THE END