Exterior Arizona desert, night
The Rovers are again on the ground, looking over the downed helicopter that Exile had spotted from the air.

Colleen (angry)
"Parvo, I might have known."

Colleen points out a small metal tag on the fuselage. It reads "GEN-PAR Industries."

Hunter:
"This isn't going to be easy, Parvo has hide aways and secret bases all over the western world."

Blitz:
"Ah, we will find him and I will bite him repeatedly for chasing down our little doggie friends."

Exile's response is automatic and instantaneous.
"Don't be a weird boy."

Hunter starts walking back towards the Sonic Rover.
"Well, no sense staying here any longer, let's head home and hit this thing hard in the morning.

(Fade...)

Interior Parvo's base, detention area.
Sierra, DJ, and Dylan are all lounging on their bunks and appear to be asleep. A guard steps up to the cell.

Guard:
"Wake up puppy dogs."

DJ sits up and looks the guard in the eye through the bars of the cell.
"I've been up for a couple hours already, and I could tell your boss some interesting stories about you sleeping on the job."

Guard (annoyed)
"I wouldn't talk so smug if I were you, you have no idea what kind of trouble you're in."

DJ (calm)
"Oh yes I do."

Guard (unimpressed)
"Really, and I suppose you already have a fool proof escape plan too."

DJ:
"No, I just said I know what kind of trouble we're in. My friends and I are the prisoners of a muscle bound lunatic with an artificial arm and leg, looks like he hasn't trimmed his mustache in six months or better, and can't go out in the rain because he'll rust that silly lookin' metal helmet he always wears. He calls himself General Parvo and this whole GEN-PAR Industries thing is a cheap cover up for his real operation which is a hopeless attempt to take over the free world."

Guard (astonished, angry)
"How do you know all that??"

Dylan sits up, he wasn't as asleep as he appeared either. He looks at the guard and gives a relaxed smile.

Dylan (Smug)
"You're new aren't you?"

The guard calms himself.
"Ok, so you have some background knowledge, I fail to see how that will help you. Don't forget you're the ones in there and I'm the one out here."

Sierra sits up.
"I enjoy a challenge."

Guard (smug)
"We'll see how much you enjoy it, they've got plans for the three of you."

The guard shoots the caged Rovers a wicked sneer and exits the room.

Sierra:
"Well, if anybody has any ideas I'm listening."

DJ (light hearted)
"I've got an idea, let's plan an escape."

Sierra:
"Gee, now why didn't I think of that?"

Dylan:
"Don't worry yourself to death Sierra, we've gotten out of tighter spots than this."

Sierra:
"I'm not worried, I just wish we could do something besides sit here."

DJ:
"Well, if this makes you feel any better..."

DJ pulls off his right boot and reaches inside, he pulls out his knife.

Sierra:
"You've been walking on that all night??"

DJ:
"Yup, be prepared, it's the Boy Scout motto. I don't know how much good this will do us, you both know that I could never bring myself to use it as a weapon, but it's a tool, if we can just find the right opportunity to use it."

Interior RRMC operations center.
All the Road Rovers are gathered around the tactical planning station. The large world map has several tiny lights blinking, showing locations of Parvo's known installations. The Master is on his balcony, Muzzle is next to him. Hunter is passing out clip boards.

Hunter (serious)
"Ok crew, we have a lot of searching to do and a limited time in which to do it. First we'll check out that Underground compound in Nebraska, then the refinery in New Jersey."

Blitz:
"And if we don't find them?"

Hunter:
"Then we'll go from there."

Colleen:
"They're smart kids, they'll be alright."

Hunter:
"We're going to find those pups, failure is not an option."

Exile:
"Whoa comrade Hunter, I've never heard you talk like that before. Are those words from a hero of yours?"

Hunter:
"Naw, that's what the mission control guy said in ‘Apollo 13' ."

Colleen shakes her head.

Hunter (energized)
"Let's hit the road Rovers!"

All:
"AAAAARRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....!!!!!!!!!"

They all run out of the room.

Interior Parvo's base, detention area.
Sierra, Dylan, and DJ are doing the only thing they can, waiting. Sierra is playing with her hair, Dylan is pacing up and down the middle of the cell, and DJ is absent mindedly fidgeting with his knife. Dylan stops pacing and looks toward the door, footsteps can be heard approaching. DJ closes his knife and hurriedly stuffs it into his boot. The door opens and a guard enters. He is carrying a bag of dog food and three bowls, he slides them through the bars.

Guard (taunting)
"Here dogs, you know what to do with this. Get used to being animals again, your days of being treated like people are over."

DJ:
"Hey, room service."

Sierra samples the dog food.
"Yuck! What is this? The store brand?"

The guard suppresses a laugh and exits the room.

Dylan:
"Well... at least they gave us something."

The three Rovers eat in silence, the mood is not a good one. When they finish Dylan stands and walks to the front of the cell and stares toward the door, Sierra lays down on a bunk and she too stares off into space. DJ remains still for a short time, but finally can no longer stand the silence.

DJ:
"He drinks."

Dylan and Sierra (confused)
"Huh?"

DJ:
"The other night you asked me how I can always tell when Hunter is holding good cards. That's how I know, he drinks. Every time he's dealt a good hand he takes a sip of his soda, he gets so excited his mouth goes dry."

Dylan:
"Interesting, how long did it take you to notice that?"

DJ:
"About three months. You just have to watch your opponent and see if you can spot any signs of strength or weakness."

Footsteps are heard again, the door opens but this time instead of a guard, General Parvo himself walks into the room. As always the Groomer is at his side.

Parvo:
"Welcome Road Rovers, I take it my ascosiates have made you comfortable."

Sierra looks up at Parvo and pretends to be surprised.
"I thought I smelled something nasty."

She sniffs the air.
"Yep, definitely cat."

Parvo (angry)
"Silence Rover! I don't need all three of you, don't tempt me to do something your friends will regret."

DJ leaps to his feet.
(angry) "You're a big man threatening an unarmed girl, why don't you put yourself up against somebody closer to your own size?"

These are big words because though DJ is a good deal larger than Sierra, Parvo is still a lot bigger than him.

Parvo:
"Do you really think you can handle me?"

DJ gestures at himself as if inviting attack
"Anytime you think you're dog enough..."

Dylan (quietly)
"Cool it DJ, let's not give him a reason."

Parvo:
"It's time for the three of you to pay for your room and board. Groomer!"

The Groomer pulls a handle on the wall and the cell door slides open.

Parvo points to DJ.
"I hear you're quite the mechanic."

DJ:
"Yeah, why? You want me to open up that hand of yours and clean the cat hair out?"

Groomer (threatening)
"I suggest you show the General some proper respect."

DJ:
"Oh yeah Groomer, you've got me shaking in my boots... Hey! I made a funny! Parvo - Boots, get it?"

Parvo (furious)
"I hate that name!!"

Parvo grabs DJ around the neck and lifts him up.

Dylan:
"Put him down Parvo, you know he can't do anything to you and he's no use to you if you cripple him."

Parvo (threatening, to DJ
) "Fortunately for you your friend is right. I need your skills."

He sets DJ down.

DJ:
"You need my skills for what?"

Parvo:
"I have several vehicles that don't meet my standards. You will remedy that problem."

DJ:
"And if I don't?"

Parvo whistles and two huge cano-mutants enter the room.

Parvo:
"If you don't cooperate then you will get to watch your companions engage in a friendly play session with Knuckles and Luigi."

DJ (resigned)
"Ah yes, I see the incentive now, show me where to start."

Parvo:
"Good dog."

He points to Sierra.
"Now as for you, I want access to the Road Rover computer system."

Sierra:
"But I don't have access to that system."

Parvo:
"Nice try. Don't expect me to believe that you've never used a Road Rover computer. Groomer, get her started."

Groomer:
"Yes General"

The Groomer and one of the mutants lead Sierra away.

Parvo (to DJ and Dylan)
"Now if you two would be good enough to follow me..."

The two remaining Rovers fall in behind Parvo, the second mutant takes up the rear, and they all exit the room.

(Fade...)

Interior Parvo's base, hangar.
There is a helicopter similar to the ones that shot down the Jet Rover. DJ is up on top with one of the engine covers open. He has taken off his armored uniform vest to give himself a little more freedom of movement. Dylan is standing on a ladder passing tools to DJ.

Dylan:
"So what are you doing?"

DJ:
"For now I'm doing exactly what I've been told. Trying to give this thing some more power without sacrificing any fuel efficiency."

Dylan:
"I don't know what metalhead plans to do with this when you're done with it, but it can't be anything good. By working on it we're becoming accessories to his crime."

DJ:
"I know but I'll still have to do at least one, Parvo is over confidant but he's not stupid. He'll have someone test fly one of these to be sure I did what I was supposed to. Here's another problem, if I fix one and sabotage all the others, having test flown the good one, Parvo will probably put them all into service immediately. It won't take long to discover my dirty little trick. He'd kill us all."

Dylan:
"Can we stall somehow so they think we only finished one today? That way they'd test fly it and find it good, but still wouldn't use the others yet."

DJ thinks for a moment.
"You may have something there.... Yes, that can work."

A loud electric hum is heard as the main hangar doors open, Dylan and DJ look towards the doors. A sleek blue Freightliner pulling a fifty-three foot dry freight trailer enters the hangar and backs into the lineup over on the ground vehicle side.

DJ:
"That makes me homesick."

Dylan looks up, a guard is approaching.

Guard (stern)
"I don't see a whole lot of progress here."

DJ:
"It's not easy to get things out of this tight space, if something falls down inside we'll really have trouble."

DJ sets his wrench down and starts to shift his position in order to better see what he's doing. He accidentally kicks the wrench and it slides off the top of the chopper and hits the guard square on the head.

Guard (angry, in pain)
"Ouch! What are you trying to pull?!?"

DJ turns himself to face the guard, his legs now hang down the side of the chopper. "Sorry sir, my fault."

Guard (angry)
"Sorry my foot!"

He grabs DJ's leg and pulls him down off the top of the helicopter.

DJ (surprised)
"Hey!"

DJ hits the ground and gives a quick yelp of pain. Before he can stand the guard begins to kick him repeatedly.

Dylan (horrified)
"Stop! He's down, he can't defend himself!"

Guard (angry, to Dylan)
"Did I tell you to talk ?!?"

The guard pushes the ladder over and Dylan falls to the ground and the ladder lands on top of him. The guard gives DJ one more kick for good measure.

Guard (to DJ)
"Now you just remember that next time you think about doing something cute."

The guard leaves. Dylan pushes the ladder off himself and crawls over to DJ. DJ is curled into the fetal position, both his arms are crossed tightly across his chest, his eyes are clenched shut and his whole body is shivering with pain.

Dylan (concerned)
"DJ, are you ok?"

DJ manages a nod.

Dylan helps DJ up and DJ leans against the side of the chopper, breathing heavily. Dylan sets the ladder back up. As Dylan props the ladder against the chopper another soldier starts to walk toward them. Dylan takes a position between the soldier and DJ.

Dylan:
"Please leave us alone, hasn't he been hurt enough?"

The soldier keeps coming. As he approaches Dylan recognizes him. It's the young soldier who'd adjusted their restraints and given them water on the transport chopper the night before.

Soldier:
"I'm not going to hurt your friend."

He steps up to DJ, reaches inside his uniform jacket and produces an ice pack.

Soldier:
"Tuck this inside your shirt, it will help a little."

The base of the Road Rovers uniform is a one piece jumpsuit, so Dylan helps DJ put his vest back on and DJ puts the ice pack under the armor. He starts to thank the soldier but the young man stops him.

Soldier:
"Don't say anything, just get back to work."

With that, he turns and quickly leaves. DJ stands still for a moment, then ascends the ladder and takes up his position on the chopper's back. Dylan climbs to his previous position on the ladder, DJ looks at him.

DJ (whisper, in pain)
"Let's get this chore finished. I aim to prove to this bunch that the screw driver is mightier than the sword."

Interior Parvo's base, office.
This is a generic office room with a couple computers on desks. Sierra is sitting at one of the computers. The Groomer is standing behind her. The screen is blue with "Access Denied" flashing in red letters.

Groomer (impatient)
"You're stalling."

Sierra (defensive)
"I am not, I told you I don't have access to this system."

Groomer:
"Well you can just stay here until you do."

She starts to leave but stops at the door.
"If you have any thoughts about emailing your friends for help, don't. The first sign we see of a Road Rover and you'll be breathing your last."

The Groomer exits the room, Sierra hears the click of a deadbolt lock.

Sierra (voice over, relieved.)
"I thought she'd never leave."

We watch over Sierra's shoulder as she enters another password. The screen reads "Access Granted, Please Wait". The Road Rover logo appears on the screen with a dozen or so icons around it. She then clicks on an icon labeled "message center" she proceeds clicking icons and opening windows until she comes to a screen titled "Sierra's messages" she types out a short email, then selects the attachment option. When the proper screen appears she enters the command "Attach file RR net defense 1984450. Authorization: Bad Dogs." Having composed her message she quickly pulls down the tool bar and checks out Parvo's mail info, returning to her message screen she enters the address and sends the message.

Exterior, New Jersey Refinery.
The Road Rovers run for the Sonic Rover as an explosion takes out the main building. Cano mutants and human soldiers scurry in all directions, a few pursue the Rovers but they are so shaken up that they have trouble running and their aim is unsteady. Everybody safely boards the Sonic Rover and the plane lifts off.

Interior, Sonic Rover cockpit
The usual pair in the front seats, Hunter flying, Colleen in the copilot's position, Exile behind Hunter, Blitz behind Colleen, Shag behind Blitz.

Colleen:
"So much for that, not a bloomin' sign of them."

Hunter:
"We've still got a lot of ground to cover."

An orange flash lights up the sky for an instant, Exile looks out the window, "Ooo babushka, I am hoping Parvo has good fire insurance."

Hunter:
"I think they dropped him after our last visit. Too bad, a fifteen minute call could have saved him..."

Colleen (interrupting)
"Let's save the commercials for the proper place and time Huntie."

Hunter:
"Oops, yes, right. On to Nebraska."

Interior, Parvo's base, hangar.
DJ makes some final adjustments to the fuel pump on the chopper. He sets his tools down and looks at Dylan.

DJ (pleased)
"They won't recognize this thing, it's going to perform better than anything they've ever seen."

Dylan:
"Now what?"

DJ:
"Now you stay here and look busy while I work my magic."

DJ indicates a pair of bolts inside the chopper's engine compartment.
"Just keep tightening and loosening these, they'll never know you're not actually doing anything."

Dylan takes DJ's place on top of the chopper, DJ climbs down the ladder. On the ground DJ picks up a clip board, a pen, and the technical manual for the chopper. He then walks a few paces to the next air craft, ungracefully climbs up on top, open's the engine compartment, and appears to study the manual and write notes on the clip board. Closer inspection reveals that he is discreetly reaching into the engine compartment with a screw driver.

Interior, Parvo's Base, office.
Sierra is leaning back in the chair waiting impatiently. For the umpteenth time she checks the mail box. A new message is flashing, finally. She pulls up the message, it reads simply "File attached" She opens the attached file and prepares to download it. Before she goes through with it she pauses, better to wait until tonight when most the soldiers and guards would be in bed. It would cause more confusion that way and she and her friends would stand a better chance. Sierra restarts the computer, bringing up the screen that was displayed when the Groomer left.

(Fade...)

Interior, Parvo's base. detention area
DJ enters the room, being walked by a cano-mutant with a firm grip on his arms. Dylan enters the same way. The mutants shove the two Rovers into their cell. The force of the mutant's push sends DJ staggering into one of the bunk beds. Dylan is also pushed hard. He looses his balance and falls to the floor.

DJ (annoyed)
"Thanks."

Dylan (annoyed)
"Yeah, we'll remember that."

The two mutants just laugh, lock the cell door, and exit the room. DJ helps Dylan to his feet.

DJ:
"You ok?"

Dylan:
"Yeah. Hey, where's Sierra?"

DJ looks around.
"Search me."

Dylan:
"If they hurt her I swear I'll..."

DJ (interrupting)
"If you're gonna do anything to them you'd better get to ‘em before I do, because I won't leave any pieces."

Dylan lays on a bunk and thinks for a moment, then breaks into an uneasy laugh.

DJ (confused)
"What?"

Dylan:
"Just listen to us. Here we are, a couple of unarmed prisoners, been smacked around once already today, and we're talking like we're the dangerous ones."

DJ:
"Yeah, you're right as rain buddy. But it's nice to imagine."

DJ takes off his gloves, kicks his boots off and lays on an empty bunk. He stays silent for a minute, then yawns.

DJ:
"Oh man, what I wouldn't do for a cup of black coffee right now."

Dylan:
"Ick, you drink that stuff?"

DJ:
"You bet I do, the nectar of the gods."

Dylan:
"You're one sick puppy."

Just then a human soldier enters the room. It's the same young soldier who'd given DJ the ice pack and had taken care of them on the transport. He sits in the chair behind the guards desk, Dylan and DJ remain quiet. After a few moments of uneasy silence the young man stands and rolls the chair over to the cell where the two Road Rovers are confined. He peers at the Rovers through the bars.

Soldier (nervous)
"Can uh... can I speak with you?"

Dylan:
"Be our guest."

Soldier:
"I've been wanting to talk to you since you've been here and now that I have the chance I don't know what to say."

DJ gestures at the bars caging them inside the cell.
"Take your time, we aint goin' anywhere."

Soldier:
"This may not be of much comfort to you, but I'm terribly sorry about you being taken and brought here."

DJ:
"So am I, there's a tv show I wanted to see tonight."

Soldier:
"I... I uh... I just can't find the words..."

Dylan (reassuring)
"Let's start with your name."

Soldier:
"My name is Ryan Hall."

Dylan (calm)
"Well Ryan, you're a part of General Parvo's world wide operation. You helped capture three Road Rovers, you should be a happy man, what's on your mind?"

Ryan (sad)
"That's just it. When I joined GEN-PAR I didn't know I'd be doing things like this. I was a teenage kid who just wanted somewhere to belong. My family moved from a small town to a big city, I couldn't make friends in school because I wasn't ‘cool', I didn't fit in. I got depressed and developed an attitude problem. My grades went down, I was suffering in my own little world and needed a way out. GEN-PAR seemed to be that way. It sounded like a great organization where everybody was treated equally and fought for a common cause."

Dylan:
"What made you decide it wasn't such a good thing?"

Ryan:
"I was thrilled when I first joined. For the first few months I was as happy as I'd ever been. I was making friends here, I was part of a team, I'd finally been accepted. It wasn't until later that I discovered exactly what I'd been accepted into. I began to see exactly what we were doing. The brutality, the pain and suffering we were inflicting on others. This all powerful liberation force I thought I was a part of had turned out to be a band of ruthless thieves and terrorists. Now I'm looking for a way out again."

Dylan:
"Do you have any family?"

Ryan (regretful)
"My parents and younger brother. I haven't seen them in over a year. I left them all behind when I joined GEN-PAR. The only reason I stay is because I fear for my life. I've been a part of this operation and know too much about it, I'm afraid they'd kill me if I tried to leave."

Ryan nods towards DJ.
"Unfortunately many of the others don't share my feelings, they still think GEN-PAR is a wonderful thing. I was standing there in the hangar today and watched as that guy kicked you like a soccer ball. That's when I knew I really had to come see you, it really hurt to see somebody laying defenseless on the ground and being battered by another who had the upper hand to begin with."

DJ:
"I appreciate the sentiment. It seems you want out of here as bad as we do, what do you say to a little cooperation?"

Ryan:
"What kind of cooperation?"

DJ:
"You tell us where our friend is and we'll take care of the rest."

Ryan:
"Do you really think the three of you can make a clean getaway."

DJ:
"We can sure try, but it'd be a whole lot cleaner with some help from you. You want out of this organization, we want to go home, seems like a good match to me."

Ryan doesn't have to think for long.
"Agreed."

Dylan:
"Good, now do you know where Sierra is?"

Ryan:
"She's locked in an office upstairs. The Groomer's orders are that she stay until she breaks into the Road Rover network."

DJ:
"If I know her she's already done some damage to this end of it. Ryan, can you make sure she has food and water and that she stays safe until we're ready to pull this off ?"

Ryan:
"I'll do my best."

Dylan:
"That's all we can ask for."

(Fade...)

Interior, Parvo's base, office.
Sierra is pacing the floor, not having infiltrated the Road Rover network the Groomer has not allowed her to leave the room. She hears footsteps approaching and quickly sits back at the computer where she pretends to be hard at work. The door opens and Ryan slips inside. He hands her a bottle of water. She is about to speak but Ryan signals for her to remain silent. He reaches into his shirt, removes a small laser pistol and gives that to her as well.

Ryan (whispering)
"Keep this hidden. Your friends are planning an escape tonight, you'll be out of here in a few hours."

Sierra (whispering)
"Who are you? An under cover agent?"

Ryan (whispering)
"Hardly. I'm just a young fool who's seen the light. I'd better leave now, but I'll be back for you soon."

Ryan quietly leaves the room. Sierra sips the water, and stares at the door.

Exterior, sky over Nebraska.
We see a quick shot of the Sonic Rover speeding away as an explosion erupts out of the ground, demolishing Parvo's compound.

(Fade...)

Interior, Parvo's base, detention area.
A guard is sitting behind the desk. Inside the cell DJ is laying on a bunk with Dylan standing over him. DJ groans.

Dylan (distressed)
"Guard, something's wrong!"

Guard:
"Pipe down dog, I'm trying to read."

Dylan (insistent)
"I'm not kidding you! He's messed up bad."

Guard:
"So what if he is, that's his problem."

Dylan:
"If something happens to him and he can't finish his work, what will your superiors say to you for letting him slip downhill?"

The guard puts down his magazine and walks to the cell.
"Alright, but this had better be good."

The guard pulls the handle on the wall and the cell door slides open. He steps inside.

Guard (to Dylan)
"Sit down where I can watch you."

Dylan obeys the command, DJ groans again.

Dylan:
"It must be from when that guy was kicking him today, he probably has internal injuries."

DJ looks like he's in extreme discomfort, his eyes are barely open, his arms lay rigid at his sides.

The guard lays his hand on DJ's stomach.
"Does this hurt?"

With lightning speed DJ grabs the guard's shirt with one hand and lifts his knife from behind his back with the other. He holds the blade close to the guards throat.

DJ:
"Actually I feel much better now, thank you."

Dylan quickly grabs the guard's laser and uses it to stun him. The guard falls to the floor unconscious. DJ stands, closes his knife and drops it into his boot. Dylan takes the guard's keys and he and DJ leave the cell, closing it behind them. They cross the room to the guard's desk and open the arms locker. Inside is a dozen or so laser pistols and spare power cartridges for them. Dylan already has the guard's pistol, so he just takes a couple cartridges. DJ takes two of the guns and as many cartridges as he can stuff into his pockets. He "loads" his weapons by jamming the power cartridges up inside the grips the same way a bullet clip is loaded into a semi automatic hand gun.

DJ:
"You ready for this Dyl?"

Dylan (enthusiastic)
"Let's rock this place!"

More...