"Danger Signs" by DJ Clawson, Fero McPiglet, and Dawvitch Night-Fall Edited by Rygar 1/10/04 SCENE 1 - SMALL ROOM, UNKNOWN LOCATION CAMELEOUS, the regen lizard, is sitting behind a shabby table in what looks like some kind of back room. He is alone, aside from the guard at the door. He waits patiently as CHELLI, the banished ex- Aldebaran assassin, enters, precautious. The sounds of barroom chatter are drowned out as she shuts the door behind her. CAMELEOUS Welcome, Chelli the Aldebaran ... well, not anymore. CHELLI (snarls) Did you invite me here to insult me? CAMELEOUS No, but I was proving a point. You see, despite the natural clash of interests between a regen and a witch, I believe we have a common interest. CHELLI And that would be? ... CAMELEOUS DuWitt. Chelli tenses. CHELLI What about the freak? CAMELEOUS I know he is the reason for your assignment on a mission that cost you your status on Aldebaran. And considering the original nature of that assignment, I assume you want him dead for the humiliation he and that Aldebaran Jenny have caused you. (beat) So do I. CHELLI (mockingly) What, is his presence against your religion or something? Cameleous ignores the comment. He pulls out a rough sketch on a piece of paper and lays it on the table in front of Chelli. CAMELEOUS Do you know what this is? CHELLI (glances at is) An accelerator. Mark-4, I think. CAMELEOUS Very perceptive. The mark-4 ... soon to be outdated. DuWitt has a mark 5. CHELLI So? CAMELEOUS Emphasis on *a* mark-5. There is one, and only one, copy of the blueprints in this dimension. It has been kept under tight guard up until now, out of reach for several interested non-mammal parties. CHELLI The toads. CAMELEOUS And other parties. CHELLI You want the mark-5? CAMELEOUS Not only do I want it, but I want to auction it at a very good price ... a price that would be made much higher if I were the only one with the technology. CHELLI But the freak ... (beat, thinks) Eliminate the inventor, and he can't build another one for the UAC. CAMELEOUS Exactly. (beat) He is making a presentation tomorrow on Genus. Through some contacts, I was able to obtain one security pass, but it specifies that the owner must be mammal. Chelli, now fully understanding him, grins. SCENE 2 - THE RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION GUNNER DEADEYE DUCK and BRUISER are having an arm-wrestling match when they hear the sound of the photon accelerator in the background, and ENGINEER WILLY DUWITT steps out of engineering. He is wearing a buttoned white shirt, a navy blue blazer, and khakis. He looks very uncomfortable. DEADEYE Hey, Willy, me boy! Ye look ... His concentration broken, Bruiser seizes the opportunity and slams down Deadeye's arm. DEADEYE Ow! (recovering) Anyway, ye look great, matey. BRUISER Yah, not bad. WILLY (blushes a little) Thanks. (holds up a tie) Do either of you know how to tie this? DEADEYE Sorry, matey. (beat) Shame we're not invited, but they said it was restricted to fancy science-types, not us infantry drones -- right, Bruiser? BRUISER (grins) Yah. WILLY 's all right. You're not missing much. I stand up in front of a bunch of news people, talk about how much it costs, and avoid questions about my species and age. DEADEYE Are ye nervous? WILLY A little. BRUISER When does it start? WILLY (without checking his watch) Fifty-seven minutes. DEADEYE Yer nervous. Willy smiles. He is about to head out when he notices FIRST MATE JENNY climbing through the hatch. JENNY Willy! Come on. We'd better get you to the conference. Willy follows Jenny down the ladder and into the main bay. JENNY (looking him over) You look nice. But where's ... Willy holds up his tie. JENNY You need help tying it? Jenny takes the tie, wrapping it around Willy's neck, and begins to tie it. JENNY No one in your house knows how to put on a tie? WILLY My parents are very anti-anything that looks professional. Besides, I didn't want them to know I was dressing up, or they would start asking about ... (makes a choking sound) Tie ... too ... tight ... need ... air ... Jenny laughs and releases the knot. JENNY There. Now you look great. CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE enters through the hatch. BUCKY We're going to be late. JENNY We're coming! WILLY What she said. Jenny and Willy follow Bucky out. SCENE 3 - UACSC BUILDING, GENUS The place is mobbed with press and officials as they arrive for the presentation. At the entrance to the door, FIRST MATE JONATHAN WEISSMAN and GUNNER HARRY CALLAN sit behind a desk, doing security checks. Both have a bored look on their faces. Chelli approaches them confidently, dressed without her spell gems and in flowing robs. She hands her pass to Harry, who glances at it. HARRY Whoa! VIP! JONATHAN (not looking up from the paper he's scribbling on) Not that we haven't seen a lot of those. CHELLI Is something wrong? HARRY No, no, it's just not every day that someone has a pass signed by Warner himself. (hands her the pass) Go on in. Chelli smiles and slips in. Jonathan looks up from his drawings at Harry for a second. JONATHAN Were you getting creepy vibes? HARRY Creepy what? JONATHAN Vibes. You know, feelings from her. HARRY Well ... After a beat, they both shrug. HARRY and JONATHAN (at the same time, resignedly) Aldebarans. They return to their work without another thought. SCENE 4 - PRIVATE ROOM, UACSE BUILDING Willy is alone in a waiting room, nervously shuffling his note cards, when Bucky enters. BUCKY Everything seems clear. Not a sign of trouble. (looks at him) You nervous? WILLY (tries not to shake his head too vigorously) Kinda. (beat) I was just thinking about that talking in the crowds in their underwear thing. BUCKY (raises an ear) What? WILLY Oh, right. It's this thing some teacher told me in school once. When you have to give a public speech, you try to imagine everyone in the crowd in their underwear. BUCKY (confused) Why? WILLY That's the part I'm trying to figure out. BUCKY Well, personally, the thought of being in a room of mostly naked officials would *not* make me more comfortable. WILLY (chuckles) Gee, I was thinking the same thing. Bucky pats Willy on the back. BUCKY You'll do fine. I'm proud of you. WILLY (pulls on his collar) Thanks. BUCKY I have to go do some security sweeps. I'll see you after the conference. WILLY Will you be watching? BUCKY (smiles and waves as he goes) Of course. Good luck! As Bucky leaves, Willy shuffles around his papers until he feels a tap on his shoulder. Spinning around, he runs into CHAIRMAN FRITZ WARNER. WILLY Oh, hi, Chairman. I was just ... FRITZ I know. (takes him by the arms, looking around) Where'd Bucky go? I have to speak to him. WILLY He was going to do some security sweeps. FRITZ Does he ever stop? Well, I'll catch him in a minute. Fritz puts his paws up on Willy's shoulder, feeling under the suit jacket, frowning. FRITZ You're not wearing a vest. WILLY Of course not. Mine didn't match the jacket. FRITZ (seriously) No, I mean a maser-proof vest. WILLY What? FRITZ In case you didn't realize, there are a lot of coldbloods who are not so interested in seeing the mark-5 released. (gestures to Kadaf behind him) Give him my vest -- the blue one. It's the largest. WILLY You have your own personal maser-proof vest? FRITZ Of course. Fritz smacks himself in the chest, and the sound of fur against metal is heard. FRITZ I'm the Chairman of the Security Council. Now go with Kadaf. WILLY Are you gonna tell Bucky? FRITZ If I can catch him. (insistently, but calming) Now go. And good luck. Willy grins and runs off after KADAF WARNER. Fritz turns around and exits the room, only to be greeted by a crew of news reporters. FRITZ (mainly to himself) How do you people get in here? Fritz spends the rest of the way to the presentation trying to fend them off. SCENE 5 - HALLWAY Bucky is ambling around, cautiously taking in all of the surroundings for security problems. He is so absorbed in his work he almost charges into LUCAS MACARTHUR. The priest, in his usual black habit, is disoriented as well but does not seem to gain orientation as they separate and have time to collect themselves. BUCKY By the mother ... (blinks) *You*! (sneers) What are *you* doing here? If you so much as come within fifty cubits of Willy, I'll ... Bucky he suddenly realizes the human is not paying attention. The wild-eyed, more-haggard-looking-than-usual Lucas is babbling incoherently, his gaze unfocused and his gestures uncontrolled. BUCKY (frustrated) What? But Lucas continues to speak, obviously not to him, in Lopine. The hare groans and shoves him up against the wall, pointing a blaster at his chest. BUCKY Speak to me! Lucas is apparently able to straighten himself out enough to speak clearly, if only temporarily. LUCAS Is your guard up? BUCKY What? LUCAS Thayli said his guard was up. He thought it was. But a demon gave him a swipe with a saber that he didn't soon forget, tumbling down the stage like a rock down a mountain, 'til he hit the ground like it was water and he was the sponge, being soaked up by the ... Bucky shakes him as he begins to see Lucas go off on a wild tangent. The priest rearranges himself again. LUCAS Where is your son? Bucky blinks, knowing no answer will appease the human's crazed mind. LUCAS Where is the son whose defenses are low? Not all souls follow the warrior path. The two tribes of Eli -- they had a bond. One would think; one would fight. Brother protecting brother, each in its own way. But separate them, and they roll aimlessly in the wind, like a bowl of dust ... (bends over, gasps in pain) Frith has forsaken me! Lucas kneels down on the floor, his fingers wrapped tightly around his prayer beads, speaking incoherently in Lopine. Bucky sighs. Lucas is of no use, and he has no time for this. Checking his watch, he notices the presentation starts in five minutes, and he has one more sweep to do. Leaving the priest crumpled up on the floor, he resumes his walk. SCENE 6 - PRESENTATION ROOM, GENUS The small auditorium is filled with scientists and diplomats, all with security passes clipped to their shirts or breast pockets. On the small raised platform is a table with the mark-5 photon accelerator. Next to the table is a podium. Willy is sitting at the table, next to VICE CHAIRMAN GRIFF. The seat on the other side of the gray wolf is open. The murmurs of the room die down as both Warners enter the room. Fritz pats Willy on the back as he passes behind him, then walks up to the podium. Kadaf stands against the wall behind them. FRITZ (tapping on the microphone) Ladies and gentleman ... Fritz immediately begins his introductions. Willy tunes out, shaking a little. He looks around the room, recognizing a few scientists but no one else. Then he notices Bucky slip in through the door, waving at him and slipping into the back with the standing people. Willy turns his mind back the situation when Griff taps him on the shoulder. He hadn't even noticed the Chairman calling him up. GRIFF C'mon, kid. It's your time to shine. Willy swallows and steps up the podium as Fritz takes his seat next to him. Willy pulls up the microphone stand so the mouthpiece at least sort of comes close to his face. WILLY Uh ... (shuffles his papers) Uh, hi. (grins nervously, readjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose) I'm Will -- Engineer William DuWitt of The Righteous Indignation, and, uh ... As Willy begins to go into his speech, Bucky shifts with his back to the wall, beaming with pride. He glances at the audience, scanning for suspicious characters. BUCKY (thinking) (beat) (beat) (ear twitches) Bucky is looking at Chelli, who is in the third row, clutching her purse protectively. CHELLI (thinking) (glances at Fritz) On the podium, Fritz is not paying attention to Chelli, who is staring at him intently. FRITZ (thinking) Kadaf, apparently having mentally heard him, slips out the side. FRITZ (settling back in his chair) (beat) (beat) (squints) Chelli reaches into her purse. CHELLI Willy, oblivious to this, is still stuttering through his speech. WILLY ... and evidence from preliminary testing supports this theory that a fully functioning mark-5 accelerator may be capable of warp speeds 200% beyond the capacity to, uh ... (noticing Chelli rising from her seat) Do you, uh, have a question? ... Chelli has barely drawn her blaster when Bucky is poised and ready. With a mighty leap, he hops up onto the stage, pushing Willy aside. He's too late for the first shot, which hits Willy squarely in the chest, but the second strikes Bucky's side. Meanwhile, the security guard shoves both Fritz and Griff under the table. Everyone drops to the ground or runs out the door. Chelli decides to make her escape as the guards rush in with Kadaf. They immediately rush to the Chairman and Vice Chairman. FRITZ (shoving away the guard) Idiot! There's two people who've been shot lying next to me, and you're helping *me*? Scrambling to his feet, Fritz rushes over to Bucky as Kadaf checks on Willy. The duck tears open Willy's shirt, revealing a vest with a smoking dent but otherwise intact. KADAF DuWitt's OK, just knocked out from the force of the blast. We should probably ... Kadaf notices Fritz is cradling Bucky's head in his lap, with the blood spilling out beneath him. FRITZ (to Bucky) You are the best jumper on Warren. (to the guards, angrily) What are you standing there for? Get a med team! And stop that Aldebaran! The guards nod and rush out. Minutes later, the medical team appears, and Fritz stands to let them through to Bucky and Willy. KADAF How's O'Hare? FRITZ I'm going to the hospital with him. Guard the accelerator! Kadaf nods and starts giving orders to the guards as the two Righteous crewmembers are carted off. SCENE 7 - WATERSHIP HOSPITAL The rest of the Righteous crew enter the hospital waiting area, which is jammed with members of the S.P.A.C.E. fleet and news reporters, and fight their way to the receptionist. JENNY We're looking for Captain O'Hare. RECEPTIONIST Intensive Care Unit, level three. The area is secured. You'll need level three security passes ... But the crew is gone, down the hallway. They head to the ICU entrance, which has two GUARDS posted at the door. GUARD #1 ID, please. JENNY First Mate Jenny of the Righteous Indignation. And this is the rest of my crew. GUARD #1 Do you have a security pass? JENNY (frustrated) Not with me! I just need to ... Fritz steps out, his shirt tucked out and bloodied. FRITZ It's OK. They're clear. JENNY Chairman, are you OK? What happened? FRITZ (tiredly) I'm fine. Some Aldebaran ... (notices Jenny flinches) ... took a shot at Willy. Bucky tried to stop him, and they were both hit. (sighs) Willy's fine, just a little sore and more than a little shaken up. He's with Bucky. JENNY Will Bucky be all right? FRITZ (hesitantly) They don't know yet. They're cloning a new lung for him right now. (beat) I just got a call that they have the Aldebaran in custody. I have to go to the interrogation. Tell Bucky where I am if he wakes up. Jenny doesn't bother to salute as Fritz leaves. The crew proceeds into the ICU and is directed to Bucky's room. Willy sits in the chair outside. He is stripped down to his dress shirt and bandaged, but he is otherwise fine physically. WILLY Jenny! Guys! (embraces Jenny, unconsciously lifting her off the floor) It's good to see you. JENNY Are you all right? (is set down) You're white as a sheet. WILLY The Chairman had me wear a maser-proof vest. It probably saved my life. DEADEYE How's th' Cap'n? Willy glances wearily through the window, into the room where Bucky is hooked up to countless tubes and wires on a hospital bed. WILLY They won't know 'til they put the new lung in. (beat) If this were any other situation, I would fascinated by the whole cloning organs thing, but ... (slumps back into the seat) Whatever, man. JENNY Are we allowed inside? WILLY One at a time, but yeah. JENNY Willy, go get something to eat. You look like you need the energy. DEADEYE I'll go with ye, matey. WILLY But ... Deadeye takes his arm, tugging him up and away from the room. Jenny glances at AFC BLINKY and Bruiser. BRUISER You go, Jenny. Ya need it most. Jenny presses her lips together and enters Bucky's room. SCENE 8 - POLICE STATION, GENUS Fritz, with a changed suit, is walking down a hallway. CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR comes up to him. MIMI Hey, Chairman! What the hell do you think you're doing? FRITZ (taken aback) What? I'm here to check up on the prisoner. Muller's interrogating her right now. MIMI Not that. I meant, what are you doing walking around on your own? If that Aldebaran was able to sneak inside, who knows what other assassins are about? Mimi takes Fritz by the shoulder. FRITZ Um, that's close enough, thank you. MIMI Where's Kadaf? Isn't he supposed to be your bodyguard? FRITZ I sent him to guard the accelerator. It might be in danger. MIMI Why would you say that? From Bucky's reports, the renegade Aldebarans are after Willy and Willy alone. They don't bother with stealing technology. FRITZ Just a precaution ... MIMI That's another thing I'd like to talk to you about. How could you know that there would be an attempt at Willy's life? You specifically asked him to wear that maser-proof vest. FRITZ It was another precau ... MIMI Don't play games with me! The standard maser vest is proof against 70- degree blasts. Chelli's shot was 90 degrees. The suit you had Willy wear was a 100-degree vest. (gives Fritz a look) You knew this was going to happen, didn't you? Fritz stares at Mimi. MIMI Don't be surprised. It's my job to know these things. So, spill it, or I'll have you under arrest for suspicion of conspiracy. FRITZ (rolls eyes) All right. I had contact with the regen Cameleous. MIMI The one who attacked Bucky with Al Negator months ago? FRITZ Yes. He wanted the schematics for the mark-5 accelerator. He threatened to kill Willy for them. I dismissed it. We don't deal with scum. MIMI Why didn't you report this? My sources haven't heard of anything like this before. FRITZ Well, hopefully, we can get more information from the Aldebaran. Fritz and Mimi reach the interrogating chambers. They stare past the one-way mirror, watching DETECTIVE MULLER try to calm the screaming Chelli. CHELLI What do you mean you don't have him?! MULLER Seriously, we don't have a regen in custody. Whoever you were planning to meet was never there. CHELLI But, I thought ... MULLER You thought we captured him, and that's why he wasn't at the meeting place? Nope. Chelli turns away, angry. CHELLI That regen scum! He really did betray me! MULLER Seems that way, doesn't it. Now, will you cooperate? Chelli doesn't say anything. Muller sighs. MULLER If you're going to be of no help to us, then we have no choice. See you around ... Muller stands up to leave. Chelli looks up. CHELLI What are you talking about? MULLER Well, if you won't cooperate, we'll be forced to relegate you to the proper channels. All Aldebaran prisoners are to be deported back to Aldebaran. Your Queen will be the one to deal with you ... CHELLI You can't! I broke her decree! They won't let me live! MULLER Is that so? Can't help you there. Muller leans over to the trembling Chelli. MULLER But you can help yourself. Tell us everything, and we'll be able to keep you here as a witness and help. You'll be tried under the jurisdiction of Genus. You may not go free, but you won't go back home again. What do you say? Chelli turns away again. CHELLI All right. I'll cooperate ... MULLER Good. CHELLI It was the regen Cameleous's idea. We had a plan that he'd help with assassinate DuWitt. He's an abomination! MULLER So he's not of this dimension. That doesn't mean he's a freak. CHELLI It's not that, Outsider! (calming down a little) Anyway, I thought the regen only wanted to assist the Aldebarans, but I overheard him talking about stealing the accelerator for some kind of rebellion. MULLER What kind of rebellion? CHELLI I don't know. But I overheard something like the coldbloods ... Fritz looks thoughtful. MIMI So the regen *was* just using Chelli. But what would it accomplish? FRITZ The accelerator is important. It maintains the balance of new technology. Whoever has the plans gains the upper hand. MIMI You're talking about the toads, aren't you? FRITZ No. A new faction: the coldbloods and regens. MIMI I know of no such uprising. Are you sure about this? FRITZ There will be an uprising, if it concerns the accelerator. They want it, and they'll kill Willy before he can create more inventions. MIMI Hmm, that must be the reason why the two of the three Creators have been murdered. They want the new technology to be developed by themselves ... FRITZ Or prevent anyone else from developing them. (shakes a fist) I have to put a stop to this. Fritz begins walking away. Mimi follows. MIMI What are you planning to do? FRITZ I'll arrange a meeting with Cameleous. We have some ... things to discuss. MIMI He's already tried to assassinate Willy. Are you sure that's wise? FRITZ Don't worry. We'll be talking on equal grounds. MIMI I suppose so, you being a regen and all ... FRITZ Bucky told you? MIMI Figured it all out by myself. FRITZ You're an extremely intelligent young woman, Mimi. MIMI I know. FRITZ I could use your help on this. MIMI You should have asked sooner. Fritz grins. SCENE 9 - BUCKY'S MIND Still in a coma, Bucky's mind is trapped in his body, but within those constraints and under the effects of a lot of narcotics, his mind his very free. To himself, he is alone, on a table in a white room. There are no other objects in the room, and he is wearing a white robe. Confused, he attempts to sit up, only to find himself too weak to move much. A shadow falls over him. Bucky blinks and recognizes THE MENTOR, the teacher who taught him much about being a warrior. MENTOR You are tense, Buckminster. (beat, slowly) What is bothering you so much? BUCKY I just ... I didn't want this to happen. MENTOR What to happen? BUCKY I didn't want Willy to be hurt. I didn't want ... this to happen to him. You know what I mean? MENTOR You didn't want him to be exposed to the harsher side of life. BUCKY ... right. MENTOR But you put him on your ship and made him a member of your crew. BUCKY I thought ... MENTOR You thought what? BUCKY That I could ... protect him. MENTOR You can't shield him from everything. BUCKY I can try. MENTOR It is an endless and futile task. (beat) I do recall you once telling Willy you didn't regret having him on your team. BUCKY I don't ... or I didn't. I just thought that I could protect him from ... all of this. He's just a child. MENTOR He's not going to stay one forever, whether he's on your crew or not. Either way, Willy has to grow up. BUCKY I know, I know ... in a lot of ways, I want him to grow up, but not ... too fast. MENTOR Like you? BUCKY (recalling) Like me. MENTOR No one can control the speed in which one attains maturity -- not even his own flesh and blood. BUCKY They don't seem to care. MENTOR That is true. (beat) Is that why you are so ... protective of your engineer? BUCKY What do you mean? MENTOR Would you feel less responsible about Willy if he had caring parents instead of absentee ones? (beat) Allow me to rephrase that. Would you feel less responsible about Willy if he looked to his parents for some sort of parental authority instead of you and Jenny? BUCKY (hesitates) ... I suppose so, yes. But that's not going to happen. MENTOR So you will acknowledge that Willy needs you now? Bucky stops. BUCKY I don't want him to be hurt again. I'm just going to get him in trouble. MENTOR He gets himself in trouble. He joined your crew. He built the accelerator. He let himself be exposed to danger. He is not smart enough to watch his back; you're not done teaching him that yet. (beat) Didn't you just say it was your responsibility to keep him safe? BUCKY ... yes. MENTOR Then how can you leave him now, when he needs you most? Bucky is speechless. SCENE 10 - GUARDED CHAMBERS Two security bear GUARDS stand in front of the heavy metal doors of a containment chamber. Kadaf walks up them. GUARD #1 Halt! Identify yourself. Kadaf hands one of the guards his ID. The card is scanned. GUARD #1 (handing back the card) Here you go. We have to be doubly sure now. KADAF Yeah, I know. Now open up the doors. GUARD #1 Why do you want to go inside, sir? There's no other way into the chambers except through here. KADAF I just want to look at the accelerator. Chairman's orders. The guards open the door, and Kadaf steps inside. The photon accelerator in the center of the small room. Red laser lines are visible in the dark. Kadaf looks in his pocket for a cigarette and contemplates lighting it. After a few moments, he puts it away. KADAF (to no one) It's no use hiding. I know you're in here. A sword slices downward from behind him, but Kadaf sidesteps away as two REGENS come into the light. The first lizard is surprised that his target was able to move away and is even more surprised when he receives a backhand to the face. The second lizard rushes at Kadaf as his comrade falls to the floor, but Kadaf knocks his sword away with a kick and grabs the assassin in a chokehold. KADAF Sloppy. The regen gives up trying to break free of the grip on his neck and brings out a small pistol instead. He shoots Kadaf in the head at point-blank range. Kadaf flinches. KADAF Very sloppy. The regen opens his eyes wide, and Kadaf knocks him into unconsciousness. Kadaf drops the body. The wound in his head is still open, so he concentrates, and it heals itself closed. He straightens his suit. KADAF Guards! The guards burst inside the room. GUARD #2 Wha? What happened? KADAF Regens. They were going to steal the accelerator. Take them away. GUARD But how did they get in here? And how did you? ... KADAF Are you listening to me? Bind them with neural dampers. If they regain consciousness, they might teleport away. GUARD All right. The two guards drag the regens away. Kadaf remains in the room and stares at the accelerator. KADAF So much trouble for a damn engine. Kadaf opens his comm-link. KADAF Fritz? FRITZ Yes, Daffy? KADAF The regens appeared just like you said. We now have hostages. FRITZ Good. I already have Mimi in my confidence. We can now use her in my plans. Everything's going well, except for that mishap with Bucky getting shot. KADAF Anything else? FRITZ No need the guard the accelerator anymore. There will be no more attempts to steal it. You best come back and resume bodyguarding me. Mimi's getting too close for comfort. Kadaf nods and puts the comm-link in his pocket. He takes out his cigarette and lights it. He breathes a puff of smoke and smiles, clearly having needed it. SCENE 11 - WATERSHIP HOSPITAL Deadeye and Willy sit by themselves in the cafeteria of the hospital. Signs of fatigue and weariness are heavily engraved on their faces from their concern for their captain. Both have an unfinished drink sitting in front of them as they rest their heads in their palms, with elbows propped up on the tabletop. WILLY Man, I am so dead. I need sleep more than anything, but I know that if I *do* go to bed, I'll never fall asleep. I won't be able to fall asleep until that I know that Bucky's all right. DEADEYE (slightly weak voice) I hear ye, matey. I don't think any of us'll be able to rest until th' Cap'n pulls through. WILLY (pauses for a moment, then with a lower voice) Deadeye ... do you think he'll make it? DEADEYE I can only hope, matey, but Bucky ain't invincible. (voice drops a little) None of us can last forever. WILLY I know what you mean. All of this has really made me think ... Willy falls silent. DEADEYE About what? WILLY After all this time of being in battles and in the worst of situations, we always come out on top. I guess I kinda developed a sense of invincibility, never thinking that anything bad would ever happen to us. (beat) Then, something like this happens, and reality really slaps you hard right in the face. Bucky being like this really made me realize just how vulnerable we really are. (pauses, then a short, soft laugh) I mean, I have always thought Bucky would be the last one of us to die. DEADEYE Well, don't be countin' the Cap'n out just yet. 'e's gonna ... WILLY (cutting in) Oh, I'm not. I'm counting on him pulling through. I'm just ... Willy stops speaking and looks upward. DEADEYE What's ... WILLY (interrupting) Shh. Do you hear something? Deadeye listens for a moment. He then reaches down to the hearing device attached to his belt and adjusts the sensitivity of it. He listens a little more. DEADEYE Nah, matey; yer just hearin' things. A little metallic "clink" sound is heard from above them. DEADEYE Wait, ye might be right ... something up there. (pointing up at the vent ducts) ... something up there. Just a few moments later, a duct grid falls off from its hinges, and a small sphere falls out of the duct. The ball hits the floor and instantly discharges a powerful electric pulse several meters in all directions. The electric wave catches both Willy and Deadeye, consuming their bodies in waves of electricity. Deadeye and Willy yell and groan for a few moments, then fall to the floor. WILLY (grunting) Deadeye ... I ... I can't move! What was that?! DEADEYE (straining to move) Blast it! That was a stasis shocker. It paralyzes ye fer minutes. (looks to the ceiling) Show yerself, ye lowlife deck-scrubber! From out of the same duct, a LIZARD falls out to the floor in front of them. He has dark green scales with sharp teeth and claws. He is about two-and-a-half feet tall. LIZARD Well, here I am, and now, you die. The lizard pulls out a blaster and primes its charge. Sweat begins to form on Willy's face as the blaster's hum rises, its charge approaching full power. Then there is a loud blast, but not from the lizard's blaster. The lizard looks above him to see a part of the ceiling falling down on him. He jumps out of the way just as the debris crashes onto the floor. Seconds after the impact, another object falls to the floor on top of the debris. The massive object hits the floor hard, causing the floor to shake. The lizard looks back at this figure to see a metallic face with large fangs and a glowing red eye. WILLY (noticing the figure) Dallion! LIZARD (angered) And what is this? The lizard aims his blaster at DALLION and begins to fire rapidly. Dallion, who is crouched on one knee, crosses his arms over his chest as the blasts bounce off of his armor. Keeping his body shielded, Dallion reaches down and picks up a small chunk of the ceiling debris. He then hurls it at the lizard, bowling him over like a pin and knocking the blaster out of his grip. Dallion gets to his feet while watching the lizard roll on the floor with his arms crossed over his chest. It is apparent that Dallion had busted the lizard's ribs with that blow. But to Dallion's surprise, the lizard's pain seems to subside, and he stands back up. A grin crosses the lizard's face as he pulls out a ninja blade and rushes at Dallion. Dallion slashes his claws at the lizard just as he is in range, but the lizard is surprisingly fast as he jumps up and over Dallion and slashes his back on the way down. Most of Dallion's back is metallic, but the lizard's sword does cross a spot of flesh on Dallion's lower back. Dallion runs forward and turns back around to face the lizard, aggravated and growling. The lizard continues to smile at Dallion. LIZARD (cocky) Hmph. Is that all you can do? Outraged, Dallion rushes at him. The lizard meets the rush with his own as they come together attacking. The lizard swings his sword very skillfully as Dallion is just as skillfully blocking the sword with his gauntlets. Dallion then begins to counterattack with his claws, but the lizard avoids them just as well. DEADEYE (still trying to move) Blast it! WILLY I still can't move, Deadeye. When will this wear off? DEADEYE Soon, I hope. (turns attention to the fight) That stinkin' lizard's a pro. Someone must really want us out o' th' way to have sent him after us. WILLY Was he sent by the toads? (strains to move but still can't) I can't believe someone that small is fighting toe to toe with Dallion! DEADEYE An old mate o' mine always said it ain't in th' size; it's in th' skill. The clawing and slashing continues until the lizard breaks out of the fray and runs around and behind Dallion. Dallion turns to see the lizard coming at him through the air with his blade, ready to strike his throat. Dropping down to duck, Dallion swings his right claws over his head. His claws catch and cut through the lizard's arm that was holding the blade. He hits the floor with a loud groan, while his right arm lands about four feet to the side of him. Seeing that the lizard has stopped moving, Dallion turns to assist Willy and Deadeye, who are still lying on the floor. He walks over and kneels down in front of them. Behind Dallion, the lizard reaches for his arm. Grasping the unattached limb with shaky claws, the lizard picks it up and presses it to his shoulder stub. He holds it there for a few moments as the fingers on the dead arm begin to move again. Shortly after, his scales grow over the wound. The lizard lets go of his right arm, able to hold it up and move it about as if it were perfectly fine. Picking up his blade and pulling out a smaller dagger, the lizard looks to see that Dallion is unaware of him. DALLION You guys all right? DEADEYE Fine, just ... (grunts by trying to move) ... paralyzed by a stasis shocker. Probably won't be able t' move fer another few minutes. WILLY (eyes wide) Dallion, watch out! Dallion turns to see the lizard right behind him, swinging his blade up at Dallion's waist. Dallion brings his right arm up in time to block the blade, but the lizard is able to plant his dagger into Dallion's side. He releases a loud growl of pain as he slashes at the lizard, who quickly jumps back out of the way. Dallion drops to one knee, holding his left side with his right paw. LIZARD (evil tone) Heh, heh ... gotcha. DALLION (growling) Regen! LIZARD (shrugging) So sue me. The lizard quickly charges Dallion again as the cyborg is still down on one knee. The lizard slashes at Dallion more violently than before as Dallion tries his best to fend off the lizard's attacks with his left arm, keeping his right paw over his wound. The lizard is then able to get in a few successful strikes on Dallion's body. Feeling the pain from the cuts, Dallion emits his scanning beam right into the face of the lizard, blinding him. The lizard shields his eyes and jumps away from Dallion. As Dallion gets back to his feet, the lizard rubs his eyes to clear his vision. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Dallion moves back onto the regen. He slashes at the lizard who, to Dallion's surprise, is able to dodge the attack. Dallion swings his claws many more times, but the regen, even though not countering, still slips away from every slash. The regen moves about Dallion in a very skillful manner as he dodges all of the attacks against him. Then, a blaster beam strikes the floor near the regen's feet, causing him to lose his balance. Noticing this, Dallion reaches down and is able to get a firm grip on the lizard's back. Dallion pulls the regen backwards and up into the air, throwing him back-first into the wall at about eye level with Dallion. The regen hits the wall hard, but before he falls to the floor, Dallion takes his right claws and thrusts them into the lizard's eyes, through his skull, and into the wall behind him. The lizard's body is pinned to the wall by Dallion's claws as the regen's body twitches violently. DALLION (loud with anger) Heal this! With his free left claws, Dallion slashes the lizard's stomach from left to right, spilling the lizard's innards for all to see. Then slashing from right to left, Dallion severs the neck of the regen, causing his body to drop lifelessly to the floor leaving, the head still attached to the wall. Dallion quickly withdraws his right claws from the wall, letting the regen's head to drop and bounce a few times on the floor. The head's eyelids and lips continue to twitch for a few moments. Dallion then takes his right foot, places it over the head, and stomps down to completely crush the regen's head. After destroying the head, Dallion turns to the body, digs his right claws into the center of the back, and then rips out the regen's spinal cord. WILLY (cringing) Jesus! Could that have been gorier? Dallion has no time for a response as Bruiser and a team of security guards blast through the door. BRUISER What da ... The guards immediately pull their blasters out and aim at Dallion. WILLY No, it's OK! It's just Dallion! DEADEYE He jus' saved our hides! (beat) Did it kinda gruesomely, though. The guards look to Bruiser to confirm this information. BRUISER Ya, he's fine. (looks at the lizard's remains splattered everywhere) But dat guy sure ain't. WILLY Uh, stasis shocker? Can we get some help here? Dallion says nothing and steps back to allow the hesitant guards to help Deadeye and Willy into sitting positions. DEADEYE (wiggling his fingers) I think it's wearin' off. (to Dallion) What're ye doin' here, Dallion? DALLION Assignment. To protect Captain O'Hare and his crew. DEADEYE Who sent ye? DALLION I am not sure if I am at liberty to reveal my employer. Mimi enters, followed by Jonathan and Harry, blasters drawn. MIMI Holy ... what's going on here? (to Dallion) Who are you? DALLION A friend. MIMI How'd you get in here? Dallion says nothing, but a side compartment of his arm armor opens up, and he retrieves a security pass, which he hands to Mimi. MIMI (looking it over) This is a VIP pass, signed by the eminent Chairman himself. JONATHAN So is this. They all turn to the beagle, who is holding up the regen's security pass. Mimi grabs the pass, holding it up to Dallion's for several moments, then looks up. MIMI Where is the Chairman? Anyone know? SCENE 12 - PRIVATE MEETING ROOM, GENUS Cameleous is in the room, with two regen GUARDS standing behind him. He is seated comfortably at a table, with the only other chair in the room opposite him and two shot glasses between him and the chair. Fritz enters, alone. A guard from outside enters too and frisks him before giving him the go-ahead, and he sits down across from Cameleous. CAMELEOUS So nice of you to come visit me. FRITZ Why are you the one smirking? It's not like *my* plans totally failed. Cameleous's grin falls, but he is obviously eager to return the insult. CAMELEOUS Where is that bodyguard of yours? I thought you two were never supposed to be separated. FRITZ He's out beating up those cronies of yours trying to nab the accelerator. CAMELEOUS Better then him being in here. He stinks of those cigarettes, you know that? FRITZ (allowing some of his anger to slip through) We didn't arrange this meeting so you could insult Kadaf -- which is an insult I take personally, by the way. So let's end this little exchange and get down to business. CAMELEOUS I agree. (gestures to the glasses, picking up a bottle of whiskey) Drink? FRITZ Not while I'm working. CAMELEOUS Do you consider yourself to be working now? FRITZ (after a minute) No. The lizard regen grins and pours them both drinks. Fritz raises his glass and then takes a heavy gulp. CAMELEOUS I take it you've ... interviewed my associate. FRITZ Chelli? Not personally, but we got what we wanted out of her. A rogue Aldebaran -- that was clever. (beat) What's next? Are you just passing technology onto the toads? Fritz does not giving Cameleous a chance to answer, looking him right in the eye with his shot glass in one paw. FRITZ Or is it something else? We both know the toads wouldn't be smart enough to figure out how to maneuver an assassination on Genus *and* a technological heist -- or even figure out *to* do it. So, you must have planted the ideas in their heads. CAMELEOUS I might have. FRITZ I'm also going to go out on a limb and guess this isn't just about mercenary-for-hire work. CAMELEOUS (attempting to look confused) Care to explain? Fritz takes another sip, sets the shot glass down, and pours himself another glass. FRITZ Don't get too full of yourself when I say this, but you and I *both* know you're smarter than the toads, and we both know that you never get involved with anyone without intentions to use them somehow. CAMELEOUS Are you insinuating something? FRITZ (stares him in the eyes) I'm insinuating that you're a power-hungry madman who intends to convince the coldblood community to side with the toads. Now, you and I both also know the mammals could never win a war against the combined forces of the toads and ... well, anyone, considering we're barely holding out against the toads alone. So, I think you're going to let the toads think they're fair partners, 50-50, until the war is over and you take over the whole aniverse. (leans back into his chair and downs another glass) Am I right? Cameleous is a little taken back by the rabbit's open accusations. Planning his defense carefully, he is slow to speak. CAMELEOUS (smiling) You are a very intelligent rabbit, aren't you, Chairman? Fritz returns his mock-smile and pours himself another glass. CAMELEOUS Fortunately, I am also a very intelligent lizard. We regens tend to have that trait. So now that you're done telling me what you think of me, why don't I tell you what I think of you? Warner is unfazed and nods. CAMELEOUS (leaning in, just as the Chairman did) I think you're a power-hungry madman who intends to convince the warmblood community to bind themselves into a strong government -- not just this pathetic "coalition" you have now -- through using the toad war as an excuse to strengthen the military. So you're going to let your council members think they're fair partners, 50-50, until the war is over and you take over the whole aniverse. (beat) Am I right? FRITZ (chuckles) Cameleous, if you only knew ... (beat) But getting back on the subject of accusations, I may be strengthening the UAC, but for a republic of peace and order. CAMELEOUS (laughs) Peace and order! From a *gajey*? Fritz does a double take as Cameleous uses the Lopine derogatory term for a non-Lopinenean. FRITZ Is that what this is about? You want to rule a Lopinenean empire? Free of heretics and ... and gajeys, if I must use the word? CAMELEOUS (laughing) Yes, of course! None of your pathetic pandering to the Lopine community, not being one yourself! FRITZ Oh, *please.* Holy wars make me so sick. CAMELEOUS (slamming fist on the table) I am doing the work of Frith! FRITZ (seriously) I think you know very little about what Frith wants from you. Cameleous settles down, apparently not having understood what Fritz has said and having decided to ignore it. CAMELEOUS This is useless, talking with you ... you ... what are you, anyway? FRITZ Jewish. CAMELEOUS With you ... Jew-person! Heretic! (beat) We are getting off the topic. FRITZ *Getting*? Excuse me, Mister Religious-Fanatical-Ranting! CAMELEOUS (calms himself) Now that at least the cards are on the table ... FRITZ (to himself) All the cards that I *want* to be on the table ... CAMELEOUS (not having heard him) ... what kind of ... arrangement can we make? FRITZ (takes a final gulp and sets down his glass) The mark-5 accelerator plans for the crew of the Righteous's safety. CAMELEOUS (grins wildly) You truly have a soft spot for these foolish mortals, don't you? FRITZ (not really talking directly to him) You summed it up perfectly. CAMELEOUS You are a fool to make this deal, Warner. (beat) But I won't try to talk you out of it. My associates will set up the place and time. FRITZ Thanks for the drink. That was good. Smacking his lips, he leaves, shutting the door behind him. Cameleous spins around in his chair to face his two silent guards. GUARD #1 That went well. CAMELEOUS And it's about to go better. (looking at the shot glass laying empty on the table) He drank enough of that poison to put a berserker baboon to sleep. SCENE 13 - BUCKY'S MIND Some time passes before Bucky is disturbed again. The Mentor has been long gone, and in his place is Fritz, sipping a soda can. BUCKY (surprised) Fritz? FRITZ Hey, don't ask me. It's *your* subconscious. (sits down on the table beside him) So ... spill your guts, Buck. I haven't got all day. Bucky is silent. FRITZ Aw, come on, you can do better than that. (shaking his head) OK, I'll start you off on this one. You don't feel like you're in control of anything anymore. BUCKY Yes ... kind of. FRITZ Kind of? BUCKY When the Toad Wars started ... before you were Chairman, before the regens started making themselves more known, it all seemed so ... straightforward. FRITZ You mean "me kill toads" simple? BUCKY Yes. FRITZ War is rarely that easy, Bucky. You of all people should know that. BUCKY I just feel like ... there's so much I don't understand. FRITZ (nods) Ah... *now* I'm starting to understand why I'm the one talking to you right now. BUCKY Did you know Willy was going to be shot? FRITZ (defensively) Hey, I'm just the Fritz of your subconscious. I don't know anything you don't. BUCKY Is he all right? FRITZ What did I just say? Bucky sighs and leans back against the table. BUCKY I don't understand you, Fritz. I thought I used to, but ... FRITZ You can't understand everything, Buck. (grins) Only I'm allowed to do that. BUCKY Why can't you tell me? FRITZ Because that would spoil my fun. (beat) No, seriously, now. If I had told you about Lucas's plan to hijack your ship, it never would have worked out, would it have? BUCKY (considering) No. FRITZ Bucky, leaping blindly into things is the only way anything ever gets done. You cross your fingers, jump into the mist, and hope for the best. (beat) Now, tell me about Jenny. BUCKY What? FRITZ You know, the white cat with the pink hair on your ship. In case you haven't noticed. BUCKY What about her? FRITZ What, I show up as a familiar image sent by your psyche to convince you not to give in to the darkness and to wake up, and you give *me* a hard time? (takes a sip of his soda) I'm the one that should be giving *you* the hard time, while you're sittin' pretty in some coma and she's probably crying her eyes out over your body. (beat) Plus, think of the hospital laundry service. All of those tearstains could be hard to get out. And the snot. Despite his predicament, Bucky laughs, then calms himself back into depression. Fritz waits a few minutes, then speaks earnestly and without humor. FRITZ The darkness is tempting, isn't it? BUCKY Would things really be different if I was gone? For every planet I liberate, the toads conquer a new one. For every weapon I have Willy build, there's a thousand more toad troopers to use it on. FRITZ Bucky ... sometimes, we don't fight to win. Bucky looks at him. FRITZ We do it because we believe we're fighting the good fight ... and damn the net results. Bucky settles back into his thoughts. SCENE 14 - ASTEROID, NEUTRAL TERRITORY The asteroid is a barren area except for a wide expanse rimmed by a metal line indicating the area that is affected by the atmosphere generator, creating sufficient air and gravity for living beings. Beyond the line is vacuum. There is a group of people milling around in the area. Cameleous, the most recognizable, is beside the communications array. A squadron of coldblood regens are stationed behind him, alert and armed. A small clique of coldbloods stand apart, including NEWTON, SLYLY ZOD, AL NEGATOR, and RU ELFAL, grumbling to themselves. NEWTON (the newt stamps his tiny feet) This stinks! SLYLY ZOD (sharpening his blade) I agree. I was hired for my skills with my sword. I am not supposed to be standing around doing nothing! NEGATOR (calming the others down) Keep quiet, you guys! No one's suppose to know that we're not regens ... NEWTON You and your bright ideas. NEGATOR Hey, I didn't force you guys to come with me when Cameleous stepped into the bar looking for hired muscle. So just shut up! RU ELFAL (chiming in) *I* wanted to be here. Cameleous is paying us a lot of simoleans. NEGATOR (puts his arm around Ru) Gee. And I thought you just couldn't stay away from me, ma chere ... RU ELFAL (twists around and holds Negator in an arm lock) Paws off! I may be new around the mercenary circuit, but I don't take crud from nobody! Ru shoves Negator away. The sleazasaur takes a fall. Newton and Zod laugh. Negator looks like he wants to whip out his masers at Ru but thinks better of it when Cameleous approaches them. CAMELEOUS What is going on here? NEGATOR (not wanting to draw attention to themselves) Nothing! We're just ... blowing off some steam. Isn't that right, Ru? RU ELFAL (quickly helps Negator up) Uh ... right. Steam. Yeah ... CAMELEOUS Well, restrain yourselves. It is so unbecoming to have my thugs fighting among themselves. RU ELFAL (suddenly pipes up) Well, we wouldn't be rowdy if we knew what we're supposed to be doing here! All this waiting bites! Negator, Newton, and Zod's eyes go wide and they edge away from Ru. Cameleous glowers at Ru, and she is sufficiently cowed. Cameleous deflates and smiles. CAMELEOUS Patience. It is expected that the other party would be ... late. All we have to do is wait. In a few more moments, we will contact the toads and launch an attack on Genus. The small group is surprised. Negator recovers first. NEGATOR Genus? Nobody said anything about attacking Genus! NEWTON That's suicide! I don't want no part of this! RU ELFAL I'm not ready for a full-scale invasion! CAMELEOUS (amused at the panicking group) Don't worry. Confusion and chaos is present in the council, what with their champion incapacitated and their Chairman dead. NEGATOR Huh? When did that happen? I mean, I heard Captain O'Hare was in the hospital, but the Chairman? Dead? CAMELEOUS (actually enjoying the fact that he can brag to the rabble) I poisoned that detestable Fritz's drink. Yes, I believe there's a chairman position that is vacant. Ha! RU ELFAL Wait a minute, wait a minute! What does this have to do with waiting here? CAMELEOUS Well, I *was* supposed to meet with Fritz in this neutral territory. But since he has departed from this plane from the poison I gave him, we now are waiting for a toad communication. This is the start of the Coldblood/Toad Alliance! Together, we will crush the United Animals Coalition! I find it ironic that it's in this neutral territory that the mammals' doom will be created. (beat) Of course, there is only room for one superior race in the aniverse. After Genus has been conquered, we, the regens, will exterminate the toads in turn. Those filthy fly-eaters are not even worthy to be kept as our slaves. Suddenly, a REGEN runs up to Cameleous from the communications array. REGEN Sir, scanners show a fleet arriving. CAMELEOUS Ah, the toads are here ... REGEN No, sir. They are broadcasting a UAC frequency. CAMELEOUS *What*? Cameleous stalks toward the communications array to confirm the frequency. He forgets about the mercenaries, who make themselves scarce. CAMELEOUS (checking the console) It *is* the mammals! But ... The fleet arrives. The Indefatigable is in front, leading a number of Genus patrol ships. No weapons are displayed, as it is neutral territory. The Indefatigable lands in the atmospheric area and the doors open. A figure steps out. CAMELEOUS (incredulously stares at the figure) *You*?! What are *you* doing here? FRITZ (steps down and smiles) What? Isn't this where we arranged the exchange? CAMELEOUS But you're supposed to be ... FRITZ (grins) What? I'm supposed to be what? CAMELEOUS (regains his composure) Nothing. Fritz steps forward with a briefcase. Kadaf and COMMANDER DOGSTAR stand by him, side by side. The rest of the mammal troops convene behind them. Cameleous faces Fritz, also having all of his regens backing him up. FRITZ Well, sorry I'm late. I had to gather up the mark-5 schematics. I bet you're so angry you could just murder me. Eh? Cameleous mutters under his breath. FRITZ Oh, before anything happens, here are a couple of your men. The two regen lizards that Kadaf caught are brought forward, held in a stasis field. FRITZ We caught them loitering around in the base. As a gesture of good faith, I return them to you. The stasis is removed, and the regens tumble to the ground. REGEN #1 Cameleous! CAMELEOUS You have failed. REGEN #2 Spare us! We have information! Cameleous brings out a gun and shoots the first regen in the head. He crumples into the ground, lifeless. REGEN #2 (shocked) Wait! Kadaf! He survived a shot in the head. He's not a normal ... Cameleous also shoots the second regen in the head before he can finish his sentence. By now, Dogstar and his crew have their masers out, ready to defend themselves. Cameleous's regens do the same. It's an instant standoff, and nobody fires. Quickly, Fritz raises his paws to signal the men to stop hostilities. He regards the dead regens at his feet. FRITZ Pretty severe punishment. CAMELEOUS They knew the price of failure. Frith does not tolerate failure. FRITZ Again, you claim to understand what Frith wants ... CAMELEOUS (waves his gun) Do not take *his* name in vain, *gajey*! Immediately, both factions raise their weapons for another intense impasse. Fritz has to calm then down again. In that moment, Cameleous quickly checks the communications array for a signal he's been waiting for. He smiles and turns back to Fritz. CAMELEOUS Let's just get this over with. Give me the mark-5 schematics. FRITZ (holds the briefcase) Hold it. How do I know that you'll keep your end of the bargain? CAMELEOUS Bargain? FRITZ Don't tell me you've forgotten. CAMELEOUS (makes a barely noticeable pause) No ... no, I haven't. (beat) You have my word on it that I won't harm Bucky or his crew anymore. FRITZ (nudging the dead regen) Considering how you treat your loyal subordinates, I don't think that's good enough. CAMELEOUS (outraged) You dare question my integrity?! That's the final straw, Fritz! Cameleous activates a prearranged beacon on his wrist. In a split second, an armada of toad double bubbles materializes out of hyperspace, with their plasma blasters locked on the party. DOGSTAR (brings his weapons to bear) It's a trap! For the third time, Fritz stops his group. Each side has to wait for the other faction to attack first, as per territory rules, but no one dares, so it remains a stalemate. Still, the mammals are outclassed in terms of weaponry. FRITZ So, you're pals with the toads ... CAMELEOUS Give me the plans, *gajey*! FRITZ Hold it. The reason why we're doing this is to minimize bloodshed. CAMELEOUS Blood is good enough for Lord Frith. FRITZ (whispering to himself) Hmm, I think it will have to be, then ... CAMELEOUS What are you saying? FRITZ (raises his voice) Swear unto the name of your lord that you will honor the bargain. CAMELEOUS What? FRITZ Go on. You say that you do what it is that you're doing in the name of your religion. So go on, swear by it. That will convince me. CAMELEOUS (thinks about it for a moment, then grudgingly nods) All right. But you, too, will have to swear to give me the mark-5 plans. FRITZ Of course. I have it here with me. And I do so swear unto the name of Frith that I will hand them over to you. CAMELEOUS So be it. I swear to leave Bucky alone. (beat) Now give me the plans! VOICE (shouting) Stop! CAMELEOUS Who said that?! Everybody stops to see who said that. Ru Elfal steps forward. RU ELFAL I did. Ru Elfal walks between Fritz and Cameleous and removes her hood. Underneath is Captain Mimi LaFleur. FRITZ (surprised) Mimi? What are you doing here? MIMI Spying. I had to keep you under surveillance, Chairman Warner. You take too many risks. Just doing my job. (stepping over to join the side of the mammals) I wasn't able to follow you during the first meeting with Cameleous, but I learned of the meeting in the neutral territory in advance. I quickly posed as a coldblood mercenary when Cameleous was recruiting muscle. Originally, I just wanted to make sure you had a good person hanging out on the other side in case something goes wrong, but then I recorded some choice dialogue from our good friend, Cameleous ... (holds up a recorder) And I think everybody would be interested in hearing this, particularly the toads ... Mimi plays back the recorder in full volume. Cameleous's voice can be heard over the whole area. CAMELEOUS (recording) ?Well, I *was* supposed to meet with Fritz in this neutral territory. But since he has departed from this plane from the poison I gave him, we now are waiting for a toad communication. This is the start of the Coldblood/Toad Alliance! Together, we will crush the United Animals Coalition! I find it ironic that it's in this neutral territory that the mammals' doom will be created." (beat) "Of course, there is only room for one superior race in the aniverse. After Genus has been conquered, we, the regens, will exterminate the toads in turn. Those filthy fly-eaters are not even worthy to be kept as our slaves." CAMELEOUS (outraged) You stupid wench! Cameleous raises his gun and shoots the recorder. It blows up. He aims at Mimi next, but the ground is rocked by shots from the toads. TOAD COMMANDER (broadcasting) We've been double-crossed! Kill everybody! The toads, on the TOAD COMMANDER's orders, marshal their double bubbles to attack the regens and continue to blast at everybody. The grounded mammals fire back, and so do the regens. It's a three-way battle, but the toads are have the upper hand because they are all in vehicles. In the confusion, Fritz's briefcase is blasted away from his paws. He dives down into a trench to avoid further injury and is surprised to find the unarmed Cameleous in there as well. CAMELEOUS (furious) You! This is all your doing! FRITZ I assure you, I had no idea that Mimi would do such a thing. And, I don't recall you coming up with alternate plans ... CAMELEOUS The deal's off! FRITZ No. We've already sworn by Frith's name. Cameleous mutters under his breath. Maser blasts ricochet over the trench. With few options left, he comes to a decision. CAMELEOUS All right. But you don't have the plans anymore. FRITZ I'll find a way to deliver them to you. Just keep your end of the bargain and leave Bucky alone. CAMELEOUS (thinks about it for a while and smiles) Sure. I promise to leave Bucky alone. But I can't promise that everyone else will keep him safe. Cameleous stands up. He gestures at all the regens and shouts. CAMELEOUS Regens! Away! All the regens hear and obey. They teleport away. The coldblood mercenaries, Negator, Newton, and Zod, scramble into their camouflaged ship and leave as well. Only the toads and mammals are left, and the mammals are taking a beating. Dogstar dodges stray maser shots and reaches Fritz's trench about the same time as Mimi and Kadaf. DOGSTAR The regens have departed, Chairman. FRITZ I know ... DOGSTAR ... so now the toads are concentrating on us alone! We don't have enough firepower to drive them back. I recommend a retreat. FRITZ All right. There's nothing left to be gained here. MIMI Easier said than done, Fritz! The toads have got us boxed in. We can't reach the frigates without being shredded! Above, they hear the sound of one of the UAC ships being barraged by shots, then exploding. Maser discharges are coupled with rending screams of mammals. Dogstar and Mimi quickly discuss tactics. Kadaf looks at Fritz, who is deep in thought. FRITZ (thinking) DOGSTAR We need something that can take out the toad fleet as a whole -- not necessarily to decimate them, but at least to distract them so we have enough time to board our ships. MIMI Wait, I've got it! The atmosphere generator! DOGSTAR Hmm, I see what you're getting at. A commendable strategy, Captain. MIMI Yes! If we can alter its gravity settings, we can mess up the double bubbles' preset atmospheric stabilizer. Toad double bubbles take forever to adjust to the slightest gravity imbalance. We can knock them out for a loop! DOGSTAR (brings out his comm-link and nods to Mimi) Scout this area, Captain. Where's the generator? MIMI Southwest, about twenty clicks from the maintenance post. DOGSTAR (into comm) Did you hear that, Digger? DIGGER (over comm) Affirmative, Commander. Wolf will provide cover fire for me. Give me ten minutes to tunnel my way through. Another explosion rocks the ground. Debris falls in the trench, coating the four with dirt. DOGSTAR (into comm) Take Rumblebee with you and make that *five* minutes! DIGGER Affirmative. Digger out. DOGSTAR That's it then. I'll radio the rest of our troops to prepare for a dead run on my signal. (turns to Mimi) Great idea, Mimi. You've just saved us all. MIMI (ducks as more dirt falls on her head) Let's just hope it works. I don't think this trench can hold out much longer. DOGSTAR We'll find out in ... (looks at watch) ... three minutes ... Dogstar starts rallying the soldiers. Mimi notices that Fritz looks very relieved. MIMI Hey, Chairman, what's the matter? Are you hurt? FRITZ (smiles wanly) No ... just tired. It's been a long day. MIMI You're telling me! DOGSTAR (into comm) ... and the able-bodied will pick up their injured comrades. Nobody gets left behind, understand? (changes frequency) Digger! Report. DIGGER (over comm) Almost finished rectifying the ... done! DOGSTAR (both talking into comm and gesturing to the others) All right, everybody! T-minus ten seconds to deactivation ... nine ... eight ... seven ... Above the trench, a double bubble trains its sights on the four figures it sees. The TOAD PILOT grins evilly as he prepares to fire. Suddenly, he is surprised to see his targets scramble out of their protective cover. TOAD PILOT Stupid mammals ... The toad pilot readjusts his aim to target Mimi and pulls the trigger. He is surprised for the second time. Even before his blast can leave the barrel, she dodges by jumping a tremendous jump. She sails over the ground gracefully, covering the distance of about twenty feet in one bound. But the pilot doesn't see this. He is, instead, surprised for the third and final time. His blast misses its target, and the recoil from the gun turret sends the double bubble backward, spinning on its axis and out of control. All over the battlefield, similar events transpire. Toad double bubbles shooting masers twirl like tops, their discharges damaging the ships of their fellow toads. Ships trying to intercept victims find themselves overshooting and without sufficient brakes to stop. More than one toad crashes into a comrade and explodes. Amid the self-inflicted carnage, mammals are jumping left and right like sure-footed hares. They're taking advantage of the gravity being nullified to the fullest by traveling as quickly as they can over the ground. They pick up the weak and injured with ease, their weight being nearly non-existent. In a matter of minutes, all the mammals have boarded their ships and frigates and have blasted off, leaving the hapless toads tumbling on the asteroid. In The Indefatigable, Fritz approaches Dogstar on the deck. FRITZ Brilliant work, Commander Dogstar. DOGSTAR (stepping aside) Credit where credit is due, Chairman. So you'd better commend Captain LaFleur. MIMI (laughs) Go on, Chairman. Shower me with praise. FRITZ Ah yes, Mimi ... At first, Fritz looks like he's about to congratulate Mimi, then he throw his arms out. FRITZ What in the aniverse were you thinking, infiltrating Cameleous's group like that? MIMI (smiles) I couldn't let you make a bogus deal with the regens. Besides, I saved your ass. FRITZ But Mimi, you could have ruined everything ... MIMI And I did. For the regens *and* the toads. Fritz looks like he wants to say something, but Mimi cuts him off with a smile. MIMI Hey, if you don't want me "interfering" in your plans, Fritz, you should tell me all about them in the first place. Then, I can find a way to work with them or, in some cases, around them. Fritz looks incredulous for a moment, then laughs. FRITZ All right, Mimi, you win. At least everything worked out well today. MIMI (looks slightly worried) Uh, maybe not. I left my crewmembers in the mercenary bar, just in case they got picked instead of me. Jonathan and Dile, I trust, will keep their heads. But Harry, last I checked, really got into his rebel pirate rabbit front and was gambling with his favorite gun at stake. I hope he doesn't get carried away and bet The Screaming Mimi or anything. Everybody has a laugh, then returns to their posts. Fritz walks away with Kadaf at his side. KADAF So how's the plan? FRITZ Everything's as well as it should be. I knew Mimi would pull a trick like this. And now, Cameleous will leave Bucky alone, and he can no longer take sides with the toads. All is well, except ... Fritz stops and ponders for a while. KADAF Except what? FRITZ If the entire active UAC fleet is here, who's guarding Bucky? SCENE 15 - WATERSHIP HOSPITAL Outside Bucky's hospital room, Willy is nodding off in a chair. He does not notice a gray HARE pass him by and enter Bucky's room. Inside, the captain is still unconscious, hooked to a respirator and a heart monitor. The gray hair steps into the light. He wears a business suit and has a tired, harried, and nervous look on his face. He glances at the monitor, listening to its soothing pings every other moment. Wringing his paws, the hare looks unsure of what he is about to do as he takes a spare pillow from the shelf. His paws shaking, he leans over the bed, where Bucky lay seemingly peacefully. Hesitantly, the gray hare removes Bucky's respirator from his face and sets the tube down on his chest. Leaning farther over, the hare finally takes a deep breath and pushes the pillow toward Bucky's face. He is stopped inches away by a green-furred paw. Startled, he jumps back to reveal a half-conscious and highly disoriented O'Hare. BUCKY Wha ... (gasping for air, eyes half open) Who are ... Panicking, the hare rushes to smother him before he can react further. Realizing he is under attack, Bucky's not-currently-that-sharp reflexes help him enough to try to shoo away the aggressor. The older hare is obviously not a fighter, because even the severely weakened Bucky is able to hold up against him for a short while. He pushes him away with his paws on his throat, knowing that attempting a scream would exhaust all of his energy and cause him to quickly lose the fight. In their struggle, which almost pulls Bucky out of bed, Bucky knocks over the heart monitor on the table beside them, causing a small alarm to sound. Willy rushes into the room, alert. WILLY What's ... (seeing the struggle) Captain! Acting fast, Willy senselessly grabs the attacker and hurls him across the room with his superior human strength. The gray hare flies into the closet door and slides to the ground, seriously fazed. The danger temporarily taken care of, Willy spins around to face his captain, who is almost sitting up in bed, still partially awake. Relief washes over both of their faces to see the other one alive and kicking. BUCKY (in a raspy wheeze) Willy ... you're ... But, Bucky's energy is spent. He collapses back against the pillow, struggling to remain conscious. Willy runs to his side, easing him back fully into bed and under the covers. WILLY Easy, Captain. I'm fine. Let yourself rest. But Bucky has already passed back out. The gray hare, having collected himself as Willy is distracted by Bucky, attempts to slip out the door. WILLY Stop! (calling out) Security! Bypassing the stunned guards in the hallway, the gray hare runs through the double doors, only to smash into the returning Righteous crew. Bruiser stops him, grabbing him by both arms and shaking him. BRUISER Where do ya think yer goin' in such a hurry? Willy dashes out into the hallway. WILLY Stop him! He tried to kill the Captain! JENNY What? Is Bucky all right? WILLY Yeah ... at least, I think so ... (stops to catch his breath) I was asleep, and that guy snuck in, and he tried to do something with a pillow, and the Captain was awake ... DEADEYE The Cap'n's awake?! Willy nods furiously. WILLY Or ... he was. He's out again. Jenny rushes past him to check on Bucky. Meanwhile, Bruiser has handcuffed the gray hare as Fritz, Mimi, and Dogstar enter. FRITZ (blinks, noticing the hare) O'Neil? DEADEYE This scurvy hare was tryin' ta kill th' Cap'n! DOGSTAR (to Fritz) Isn't he the Security Council member from Warren? FRITZ Yeah. I guess we found out who's been handing out those security passes. SCENE 16 - BUCKY'S HOSPITAL ROOM Later, the hospital is now quiet, with Jenny alone in the chair beside Bucky's bed, playing with a strand of her hair. She looks up when he begins to stir, grasping out for something feebly and opening his eyes a bit. She gently takes the wild paw and sets it back down the bed. JENNY Easy, Buck. You're safe. Slightly more awake, Bucky nervously looks around the room. As he gains orientation, he relaxes back against the pillow, wheezing. BUCKY Willy, he's ... Jenny gets up from the chair and sits on the bed beside him, stroking his fur. JENNY He's fine. Warner had him wearing a vest. Though I think it'll be a long time before he'll be eager to make a public presentation again. Bucky chuckles weakly, comforted. JENNY Easy. You've taken a bad shot to the side. BUCKY Who ... JENNY Chelli. Remember, the Aldebaran assassin who tried to kill Willy and you on Pleid VII? She was working for Cameleous. He wanted to steal the accelerator and eliminate Willy so he would be the only one with a working mark-5 and the knowledge to build one. We arrested Chelli and Cameleous's henchmen when they tried to nab the mark-5 after the presentation. (beat, semi-sadly) Cameleous got away, but we got the best of him. BUCKY And the hare? ... JENNY Richard O'Neil. From the Security Council? Also on Cameleous's payroll. He was the one handing out security passes. (beat) He's Shira's uncle. He has a bit of a ... grudge against you. Bucky nods again, letting it all sink in. After several quiet moments, Jenny speaks again. JENNY (squeezes his paw) We were worried about you. The doctors weren't sure you would make it. (beat) I knew you would. BUCKY Oh? JENNY You're never one to disappoint me, Bucky O'Hare. Jenny leans in and kisses Bucky on the cheek. JENNY Now get some rest, or you'll use up all your sick leave. Bucky grins as Jenny tucks the covers in and leaves him, shutting out the light on the way out. Sighing, he slips into a peaceful sleep. THE END