"Tactics"

by Rygar

First draft - 2/18/04
Second draft - 3/10/04
Final draft - 4/13/04

SCENE 1 - LABORATORY, THE TOAD HOMEWORLD

	A lone toad SCIENTIST is typing furiously at his computer. It's 
late at night, and all his colleagues have gone home. Test tubes, 
incubators, and tons of other equipment surround him, boxing him in as 
he continues typing.
	The scientist shakes off a yawn as he continues to work. He's 
straining to keep his eyes open, but something keeps him going. His 
keystrokes become slower and more purposeful. Finally, he takes a deep 
breath and hits one last key.

SCIENTIST
Come on ...

	The screen becomes awash in green, illuminating the scientist's 
dark corner of the room.

SCIENTIST
(shaking his fists in the air)
Yes! I've done it! I've done it!

	A computer terminal to the scientist's left hums and comes to 
life, displaying the hideous blue-green face of KOMPLEX.

KOMPLEX
What have you accomplished?

SCIENTIST
(grinning)
I've finished my project! Once we'd finished going through all of the 
pink baboon's notes, I returned to my old work. I had hit a wall, but 
using some of the ideas we got from that mammal, I was able to ... 
well, take a look for yourself, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX.

	The scientist's computer hums as KOMPLEX reads the data he has 
just obtained. The face on the other monitor grins.

KOMPLEX
Well done, my servant, well done. This knowledge will quickly be put to 
use, giving us quite an advantage over those filthy warmbloods.

	The computer bearing KOMPLEX's face shuts off. The toad scientist 
finally lets out his yawn.

SCENE 2 - DEBRIEFING ROOM, THE TOAD HOMEWORLD

	The next day, the AIR MARSHAL is standing in a debriefing room 
with a large monitor screen in front of him and a large glass pane on 
the wall to his left. KOMPLEX's face fills the screen, dwarfing the Air 
Marshal.

AIR MARSHAL
What did you want to show me, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX?

KOMPLEX
As you know full well, Air Marshal, toads have an innate fear of 
Betelgeusian Berserker Baboons.

	The Air Marshal winces slightly at the mere mention of baboons.

KOMPLEX
We have tried in the past to alter their innate response to baboons, 
through the use of sight-altering goggles. However, the mammals were 
able to combat this technology. The Baboon Counter Bot was also an 
ingenious invention, but the mammals have consistently managed to 
defeat it as well.
(beat)
Last night, however, one of our scientists developed something that the 
mammals cannot possibly combat. Observe.

	A group of stormtoads is visible through the one-way glass pane. 
They're sitting on rows of benches, all facing a projection screen. 
Suddenly, an image of a rampaging berserker baboon appears on the 
screen, charging and bellowing his war cry. The toads, predictably, 
scream and cower.

AIR MARSHAL
(averting his eyes from the baboon)
What was that for? That didn't show me anything!

KOMPLEX
Be patient, you fool!

	The screen stops displaying the baboon, and the toads calm down 
and return to their seats. Suddenly, a needle emerges from the left 
armrest of each chair and stabs each toad in the arm. They all jump and 
wince, not expecting what just happened.
	A few seconds later, the baboon footage returns. The Air Marshal 
keeps his eyes on the toads, not on the screen. To his surprise, 
they're sitting neutrally, not reacting one way or the other. One even 
yawns.

AIR MARSHAL
What ... what did you do to them? They're not afraid. And they're not 
even wearing the goggles!

KOMPLEX
(chortling)
The latest in genetic technology, Air Marshal. I injected them with a 
plasmid that quickly recombined with their DNA, removing their innate 
fear of baboons. Soon, I shall do the same for all stormtoads.

AIR MARSHAL
(eyes opening wide)
So they're not scared anymore? At all?

KOMPLEX
Correct. Their innate fear of baboons is no more. And there is nothing 
the mammals can do in response.

AIR MARSHAL
(excitedly, trying to appear zealous)
Then what are we waiting for? Let's invade their planet at once!

KOMPLEX
You are too eager, Air Marshal. As we have seen, invading Betelgeusia 
is a futile exercise. Intimidating or not, the baboons remain 
physically strong and could overpower any toad force. Since they will 
no longer be a bother to us, I see no reason to concern ourselves with 
them.
(beat)
However, I do believe that invading a planet is in order. The Toad 
Empire has not expanded its boundaries in far too long. Prepare five 
squadrons.

AIR MARSHAL
What planet shall we be invading, KOMPLEX?

KOMPLEX
I seem to recall you having success the last time we set our sights on 
Narnox, one of the squirrel planets. That shall be our next objective. 
There is a climate converter ready and waiting.

AIR MARSHAL
(saluting)
I hear and obey!

KOMPLEX
(eyes narrowing)
That may be the case, but you do not always succeed. I have been very 
patient with you -- too patient. This is your final chance. Be advised 
that I will not tolerate failure again. I may have relegated Toadborg 
to physical labor, but there are always ... worse fates.

	The cruel tone in KOMPLEX's voice makes the Air Marshal's blood 
run cold. The image of KOMPLEX fades instantly, leaving a black 
monitor. The Air Marshal blinks and rubs his eyes to adjust to the 
sudden shift. While distracted, a wire with a needle tip at its end 
extends from the wall and stabs the Air Marshal in the rear.

AIR MARSHAL
(jumping)
Yeowch!

	Still blinking, the Air Marshal rubs the spot where he was 
injected. Turning around, he peers through the glass again and sees the 
stormtoads still watching the baboon footage.

AIR MARSHAL
Ugh. I hate nature films.

SCENE 3 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	CHAIRMAN FRITZ WARNER sits at his desk, attacking a huge pile of 
paperwork. He looks tired, as if it's been a long day for him, even 
though it's only noon. Flipping through sheet after sheet, he finally 
stops on one page and signs it twice.

FRITZ
There. I think the Council will approve this. And it should create 
enough jobs to keep the economy stable for the next couple cycles.
(flipping through more pages)
Now, where's that trade reform bill? ...

	Suddenly, Fritz's desk comm beeps. He answers it, and his 
squirrel secretary, CLAIRE SHEFFIELD, appears on the screen.

SHEFFIELD
(over comm)
There's a visitor to see you, Chairman.

FRITZ
(into comm)
I'm kinda bogged down at the moment. Who is it?

SHEFFIELD
It's Captain LaFleur. She tried to sneak past me like usual, but I 
caught her this time.

MIMI
(over comm, off-screen)
Let go of me!

SHEFFIELD
(to Mimi)
Oh, no. Not this time. You're going through the proper channels if it 
kills me.

FRITZ
(sighing)
I guess I can take a coffee break. Let her in.

MIMI
See?

SHEFFIELD
(nodding)
Yes, sir, Chairman.
(to Mimi)
Now listen here, young lady ...

	Fritz flips off the comm and picks up his cup of coffee. A moment 
later, CAPTAIN MIMI LAFLEUR walks through the door.

MIMI
(rubbing her arm)
What is *with* her?

FRITZ
(takes a sip)
She's doing her job.
(winking)
You should try it sometime.

MIMI
(shuts the door behind her)
I'm not making a damn appointment every time I want to see you, Fritz. 
What's the point of dating you if I have to make each trip a conjugal 
visit?

FRITZ
As far as everyone else is concerned, Mimi, we're not dating. And we 
need to keep it that way.

MIMI
That's another thing. I'm tired of all this secrecy! It's not like it's 
not obvious. Bucky knows, and I'm pretty sure Dogstar has caught on ...

FRITZ
(raising an eyebrow)
Where are you going with this, Mimi?

	Mimi walks up to the chair facing Fritz's desk and stands 
directly behind it, grasping the top of the back of the seat with her 
paws.

MIMI
I want to go on a date, Fritz.

	Fritz almost chokes as his coffee goes down the wrong way.

FRITZ
A *date*?

MIMI
(annoyed)
And what's wrong with that?

FRITZ
Well, I ...
(coughs from the coffee)
... I didn't think you were really the dating type.

MIMI
I'm just tired of all this tiptoeing around and crap. I have to 
practically sneak in here every time I want to see you. Outside this 
office, you treat me like I'm nothing special. It was exciting for a 
while, but it's bullshit, Fritz. I want to go out on the town. I want 
to spend time with you. I want to feel like a lady. I'm your 
girlfriend, not your damn mistress.

	Fritz opens his mouth to speak, but the words don't come 
immediately. He's impressed. He takes another sip of coffee and then 
finally speaks.

FRITZ
I understand and respect your decision, Captain, but we just can't make 
this public. It's a bad idea, for two reasons.

MIMI
(rolls her eyes)
Here we go. What reasons?

FRITZ
(stands up)
Number one, I'm your superior. You're directly responsible to me, and I 
pay your salary. We have a public professional relationship. Having our 
private personal relationship become public could damage our image and 
the image of the UAC.

MIMI
Yeah. And the second?

FRITZ
I'm twenty-five years older than you, Mimi. These two things are just a 
bad combination. Trust me, you don't want the press having a field day 
with this.
(beat)
Look, I'm not trying to shoot you down. I enjoy being with you -- I 
really do -- but we can do it without risking our public image.

MIMI
You think I really care about my public image?

FRITZ
I'm a politician, Mimi. I sorta *have* to worry about that.
(beat)
Besides, even beyond what the public thinks, I can't have the rest of 
the UAC knowing about it. They distrust me enough already. I don't want 
them thinking I'm playing favorites with you just because you're 
willing to ...

MIMI
Fritz!

FRITZ
You know what people will think, Mimi. You know we can't make this 
public.

	Mimi sits down and simmers for a minute, thinking. Her arms are 
crossed, and she's semi-scowling at Fritz.

MIMI
Fine. I can tell I'm not going to get anywhere with you on this.
(beat)
How about something small, then? Just a dinner or something. We can say 
it's official business.

FRITZ
(takes a sip)
Heh. The rumors are still going to fly.

MIMI
Just once? Let's just do this one time. I'll drop it afterwards. But no 
rumor's gonna stick if we go out on one dinner, talk about UAC 
business, and then never have another public dinner again.

	Fritz sits and thinks for a moment. He rubs his paw against his 
chin, then chuckles.

FRITZ
We're going to have to do this carefully.

	Mimi smiles, reveling in her small victory.

FRITZ
Meet me at Le Lapin Vert at 7 p.m. tonight. We'll arrive in separate 
cars, and we'll be there to discuss new assignments for The Screaming 
Mimi. Be very cordial and proper. We'll leave separately. You drive 
straight back to this building; I'll go home and then come here as 
well, to throw reporters off. We'll meet in the garage.

MIMI
(grins)
You're good at this.

FRITZ
I'm good at a lot of things. See you there.

MIMI
It's a date.

	Mimi turns around and leaves the office, obviously pleased. Fritz 
sits and thinks in silence for a moment, then goes back to his 
paperwork.

FRITZ
Now, if I can just get through today without a crisis ...

SCENE 4 - PILOTING BAY, THE VALKYRIE

	CAPTAIN BUCKY O'HARE and FIRST MATE JENNY are sitting in their 
seats. The cramped bay leaves them little room for moving around. Jenny 
is calibrating the ship's non-Aldebaran sensors.

BUCKY
Almost done?

JENNY
Almost.

BUCKY
Take your time. The sooner you're done, the sooner we go on patrol.

JENNY
(smiling)
Don't act like you don't enjoy patrol. Besides, the toads have been 
stepping things up lately. We might find ourselves in the middle of 
something big.

BUCKY
Or in the middle of something boring.

	Just then, a screen on the control panel pops to life, showing 
the dolphin MAJOR BOTTLENOSE.

BOTTLENOSE
(over comm)
Bucky, my boy! We've been trying to reach you for the past ten minutes. 
Did you know your ship is so old, we had to reconfigure our equipment 
just to send signals to the frequency you're on?

BUCKY
(into comm)
Doesn't surprise me. What's going on, Major?

BOTTLENOSE
A bit of toad activity, it seems. There's a mothership and a climate 
converter heading for Narnox.

DEXTER
(in the background)
Tell him we never woulda spotted it if the toads didn't have two huge 
objects that both showed up on our radar!

BOTTLENOSE
Just ignore Dexter. He's still miffed that we're using the auxiliary 
station.

BUCKY
Well, I'm miffed that we're using an auxiliary frigate. Have you been 
able to contact Dogstar or Mimi?

BOTTLENOSE
Dogstar's crew is clear across the aniverse, and we haven't been able 
to check in on The Screaming Mimi. It appears that this one is all 
yours, Captain.

BUCKY
Roger that. O'Hare out.

	Bucky shuts off the link and turns to Jenny.

JENNY
I've already set the coordinates, Bucky.

BUCKY
Well done, First Mate.
(pressing the comm button)
All hands, prepare for immediate departure to Narnox!
(releasing the button)
Narnox. That's Fritz's secretary's planet, right?

JENNY
I believe so.

BUCKY
We'd better not screw this up, then.
(sighs)
Not like last time.

SCENE 5 - SPACE ABOVE NARNOX

	A toad mothership and a climate converter, flanked by double 
bubbles, loom over the tranquil green planet. In a synchronized motion, 
the mothership stops moving as the climate converter lands on the 
surface. Plenty of confused squirrel citizens have come out and are 
looking at the monstrosity that has just invaded. A few recognize what 
it is and yell for the others to run.
	Suddenly, a hail of fire from the double bubbles assaults the 
squirrels, killing some of them and scattering the rest. The climate 
converter then whirs and comes to life, crackling with energy. The 
atmosphere directly above it begins to warp and gray, and the effects 
slowly expand as the verdant hills mutate into disgusting swampland.
	Storm clouds brew overhead, and the strong winds carry the cheers 
of the stormtoads in the climate converter and the laughter of the Air 
Marshal in the mothership.

SCENE 6 - THE VALKYRIE

	The ship is speeding toward Narnox. In engineering, ENGINEER MIKE 
MARISON is fiddling with the mark-2 photon accelerator.

BUCKY
(over comm)
Can't you give us any more speed than this?

MIKE
(into comm)
I'm impressed I got us this much, Captain. It's a mark-2. We have to 
take what we can get.

BUCKY
(audibly sighing)
All right.

MIKE
How are you guys doing up there?

BUCKY
I'm fine.

MIKE
And Jenny?

	The comm goes dead. Mike looks glum for a second, then goes back 
to work.
	In the main bay, BRUISER and AFC BLINKY are standing around, 
waiting for the ship to arrive at its destination. Bruiser is pumped.

BRUISER
... and then, when we land, I'm gonna start flingin' them toadies all 
over the place! I'm gonna yell, and I'm gonna scream, and I'm gonna ...

BLINKY
Friend Bruiser certainly takes pleasure in his work. Enthusiasm 
contributes to strong performance.

BRUISER
... and once we're done, I'm gonna scream at 'em all again, and then, 
and then ... and then I'm gonna eat some bananas!

BLINKY
Squirrel friends will most certainly be willing to reward your bravery 
with gifts of food.

BRUISER
Oh, I can taste them bananas already!

BUCKY
(over comm)
Look sharp, guys. We're coming in.

	Through the windshield in the piloting bay, Bucky sees the 
mothership hovering above the planet, as well as the climate converter 
beginning to turn the planet into a murky swamp.

BUCKY
Oh, great, another mothership. And this time, we really *can't* take it 
out.
(into comm)
Deadeye, think you can handle those double bubbles?

DEADEYE
(over comm)
Only one way t' find out, Bucky me boy.

	The Valkyrie begins shooting at the double bubbles. Deadeye 
scores plenty of direct hits, but the ship's relatively weak maser 
cannon does little damage. It takes four direct hits to fell one toad 
ship.
	GUNNER DEADEYE DUCK, shooting furiously, has a look of disbelief 
on his face as he realizes how little damage his shots are doing.

DEADEYE
I seen kids' guns stronger'n this thing.

	Frustrated but determined, Deadeye keeps firing.
	On the main deck of the mothership, a TOAD monitoring the radar 
screen notices a tiny blip representing the mammalian frigate. The Air 
Marshal is standing nearby.

TOAD
Air Marshal, sir, there's someone firing on us.

AIR MARSHAL
What? Who?

TOAD
(checking some readings)
Unidentified aircraft. It looks mammalian, and it's got the S.P.A.C.E. 
insignia painted on it, but we've never encountered it before.
(beat)
It's a piece of junk. It's hardly doing any damage to our ships.

AIR MARSHAL
(impatient)
Then blast it to pieces and be done with it! I don't want anything to 
spoil my fun.

TOAD
Yes, sir.

	Various toads at small battle stations in the deck take up their 
weapons and begin firing.
	In the main bay of The Valkyrie, Bruiser is standing around, 
anxious to see some toad-croaking action.

BRUISER
(into comm)
When do I get ta smash them toadies?

BUCKY
(over comm)
Be patient, Bruiser! We're a little in over our heads here. The 
mothership just started firing on us. We need to land this thing. Once 
we do, go to town.

	In piloting bay, Bucky shuts off the comm and looks at Jenny 
nervously. The first mate winces as the frigate shudders from a 
glancing blow.

JENNY
Shields at 65%. This ship just doesn't maneuver well.

BUCKY
Dammit. We're getting nowhere with this, and we can't dodge all this 
fire forever. We need to land and take out that converter, now.

JENNY
Aye-aye, Captain. I'll keep them off our tail.

	Jenny suddenly shifts The Valkyrie's course, sending it straight 
for the surface of Narnox.

DEADEYE
(over comm)
Cap'n, I ain't done blowin' up the toads yet!

BUCKY
(into comm)
And at this rate, you never will. This ship just can't handle aerial 
combat. You, Jenny, and Bruiser and going to have to do crowd control 
on the ground while Mike, Blinky, and I take out the converter. Got it?

DEADEYE
Aye, Cap'n.

SCENE 7 - NARNOX

	The Valkyrie, dodging heavy toad fire, finds a safe spot to land 
by some trees in an area just outside the land already affected by the 
climate converter. All six members of the crew climb out.

BUCKY
Mike, you follow me and Blinky inside the climate converter. The rest 
of you, cover us as we go in. The toads are probably going to be 
crawling out of the woodwork.
(looks around as they are suddenly standing in a swamp)
Or the muck.

	Bucky, Jenny, and Deadeye draw their blasters as they run toward 
the climate converter a few hundred feet in front of them.

BUCKY
(to Mike)
Draw your blaster! You'll need it!

MIKE
(breathing a bit heavily from running)
I don't have a blaster!

BUCKY
We went over this, kid! I don't care how good an engineer you are. You 
follow my orders in the future, understand?

MIKE
(sheepishly)
Yes, sir.

BUCKY
(under his breath, as he notices that Mike's already winded)
And try doing some pushups once in a while.

	Mike steals a quick glance at Jenny, who's focusing on the target 
ahead and not paying much attention to anything else.
	The six arrive at the climate converter. Blinky walks up to the 
door and inserts a mechanical finger into an access slot by the keypad, 
unscrambling the lock. The door creaks open. The crew peers inside and 
sees lots of armed TOADS milling about.

BUCKY
Go!

	Maser fire flying, the six run inside. Bucky grabs Mike, and the 
pair and Blinky split off to the left. Bruiser takes a deep breath and 
lets out a bellow that reverberates through the entire main chamber.

BRUISER
(arms flailing mightily)
Ayooga!

	The toads are completely unaffected and begin returning fire.

BRUISER
(stunned)
Huh? But ... dey ain't wearin' them goggles ...

	Bruiser reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small, round gizmo. 
He presses a button on it.

BRUISER
(trying again, even louder)
Ayoooooga!

	It has no effect. Jenny and Deadeye, surprised, duck for cover 
and continue firing at the toads. Bruiser just stands there, dazed.

JENNY
Bruiser, take cover!

BRUISER
(not hearing Jenny)
But ... you toads is s'posed ta run! Youse is s'posed ta be scared o' 
me! 

	Bruiser tries his war cry one last, futile time. His effort is 
interrupted as he gets hit in the right shoulder. Crying out in pain, 
he finally takes cover, barely dodging the volley of toad fire.

BLINKY
(on the far side of the room)
Warning! Toads not intimidated by berserker baboon!

BUCKY
(determined)
We'll worry about that later. We've got to shut this thing off.

	The three run through a passageway as Jenny and Deadeye carefully 
fire at the toads and Bruiser huddles in a corner, confused and 
worried.
	Bucky, Mike, and Blinky enter the control room. Bucky instantly 
recognizes the main control panel and runs up to it.

BUCKY
Blinky, start rewiring this thing. Mike, reset the controls.

	Blinky salutes, then opens a wiring panel and starts 
disconnecting and reconnecting wires expertly. Mike begins fiddling 
with the controls. After a minute of not making any progress, he 
frowns.

MIKE
(still fiddling)
I can't figure this thing out.

BUCKY
(impatient)
Come on!

MIKE
I'm trying! I don't know how toad technology works!

BUCKY
Dammit! If Willy were here, he'd ...

MIKE
(agitated)
Willy's *not* here! Cut me some slack, OK? Please?

	Bucky takes a deep breath to calm down, then pulls Mike away from 
the panel.

BUCKY
Forget it. Blinky, are you done rewiring?

BLINKY
Yes. This humble robot has ...

BUCKY
Then reset the controls. And hurry.

	Blinky begins turning the dials and pressing the buttons that 
were confounding Mike. Before he can get too far, though, a group of 
stormtoads enters from behind them and starts shooting. Before the trio 
can duck for cover, one toad blast hits Blinky in the left shoulder.

BLINKY
(shrill)
Malfunction malfunction malfunction ...

	Blinky disconnects from the panel and falls over.

BUCKY
(ducking the fire)
Dammit! Mike, grab him! I'll hold them off!

MIKE
(frantic)
But the converter's still ...

BUCKY
Move!

	Mike grabs Blinky and hides behind Bucky, who quickly makes his 
way along the outer walls of the room, barely being missed by toad fire 
as he works his way to the exit. Finally reaching it, he motions for 
Mike to go through. The cat does, still carrying Blinky.
	Bucky turns back around to shoot at the control panel, but an 
onslaught of toad fire greets him, singeing his fur and blocking any 
shot he had. Cursing under his breath, he flees.
	Still in the main room, Jenny and Deadeye have managed to take 
out some of the toad troops, but they're clearly outnumbered. Bruiser, 
still confused about being unable to scare the toads, is ducking in the 
corner and covering his wound with his left paw.
	Bucky and Mike, along with the disabled Blinky, run into the 
room. Bucky quickly trains his fire on the toads in the room, but he 
knows it's a losing battle. He hesitates before speaking, but he 
finally barks out the one order he absolutely hates giving.

BUCKY
Retreat!

DEADEYE
No way, Cap'n! These bugsuckers ain't gonna get the best of us!

JENNY
(intensely)
No. We can't win this fight. We have to get out of here, whether we 
want to or not. Come on!

	Jenny jumps out from her hiding place and, ducking and rolling, 
dodges the toad fire to rejoin Bucky. Deadeye takes a few more shots, 
then reluctantly runs over and joins them.

BUCKY
(calling)
Bruiser, let's go!

BRUISER
(to himself)
What good'm I if I can't scare da toads ...

BUCKY
*Bruiser*!

BRUISER
(snapping out of it)
Huh?

	Looking around, Bruiser sees what's going on and tries to join 
his crew. He stops partway as a series of toad shots damage and knock 
over a piece of equipment in front of him. He grabs the smoldering 
piece of junk and throws it at the toads, hitting a few and making the 
rest duck for cover. Taking advantage of the distraction, he then makes 
his way to the far side of the room, and the six retreat.
	Some of the toads regroup and follow the crew outside, while a 
few remain in the converter and revel in their victory.

TOAD #1
We got 'em!

TOAD #2
We scared off Bucky O'Hare!

TOAD #3
The planet is ours!

TOAD #4
Somebody contact the Air Marshal!

	Running quickly away from the converter and barely ahead of the 
toad fire, Bucky, Jenny, Deadeye, Bruiser, and Mike -- still carrying 
Blinky -- board The Valkyrie. They take off almost immediately.
	In the ship's piloting bay, Bucky sees that they're still being 
shot at by the troops on the ground.

BUCKY
How are the shields?

JENNY
Holding at 40%. Going by energy level, that'd be about 12% for the 
Righteous.

BUCKY
We have to get out of here.
(into comm)
Deadeye, take some quick shots at the converter. We have to shut it 
down!

	Bucky watches through the windshield as a few shots from the ship 
hit the crackling towers of the climate converter. A few do minor 
surface damage, but the rest have no effect, and the converter 
continues to ravage the planet. The Valkyrie shakes, still being hit by 
the firing stormtoads.

JENNY
Shields at 15%.

BUCKY
(closing his eyes, resigned)
Get us out of here.

	Jenny grits her teeth, then reverses course and sends the ship 
into Narnox's orbit. A moment later, the frigate jumps into hyperspace, 
leaving the rapidly graying planet behind.

SCENE 8 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	An hour later, a weary Fritz is sitting behind his desk, resting 
his face on his right paw, which is being propped up on the desk by his 
elbow. His eyes are closed, and his fingers are gripping his forehead 
lightly. The stack of papers is now strewn about his desk, and a 
pencil, recently snapped in half, rests atop the mess.

FRITZ
(through gritted teeth)
Dammit.

	Just then, a knock is heard on the door.

FRITZ
Who is it?

SHEFFIELD
(outside the office, in an unsteady voice)
Chairman?

FRITZ
(under his breath)
Oh, geez.
(calling)
Come in, Claire.

	The door swings open, and Ms. Sheffield walks in, unsteadily. The 
look on her face reveals that she's on the verge of crying.

SHEFFIELD
I heard that ... 
(collects herself)
Is it true?

FRITZ
(looking up, softly)
Yeah. I'm sorry.

SHEFFIELD
(sniffling)
Oh, dear.

	Trying to remain composed and proper, Ms. Sheffield shakes a 
little before starting to bawl. Fritz opens his mouth to speak, then 
closes it. He stands up and walks up to the elderly squirrel. She 
doesn't seem to notice. He slowly reaches out, as if to put her paws 
around her. Not noticing any resistance, he takes her in a light hug.

FRITZ
(patting her back)
It's OK, it's OK. We'll get your planet back. We got back Rigel V; we 
got back Warren. We'll get back Narnox.

SHEFFIELD
(still crying)
My family ...

FRITZ
(trying as best he can)
There, there. Shh.

	Fritz looks uncomfortable but continues trying to console Ms. 
Sheffield.

SCENE 9 - CONSTRUCTION SITE, TOAD HOMEWORLD

	This indoor site resembles a large metal shack, with girders 
lying all around. TOADBORG lifts one girder and places it against the 
wall. He slides it up next to another girder and then, with a flame 
shooting out from a fingertip, welds the two together. His task 
completed, he walks back over to grab another girder when KOMPLEX 
appears on the screen of a small computer terminal to Toadborg's left.

KOMPLEX
Are you almost finished, Toadborg?

TOADBORG
Not yet, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX. The frame will not be fully constructed for 
another few hours. I remain ahead of schedule, however.
(beat)
I have heard of the recent developments regarding Betelgeusian 
Berserker Baboons, as well as the fact that Bucky O'Hare now pilots an 
antiquated vessel. I also know of the victory on Narnox. I take delight 
in the rightful expansion of the Toad Empire and am ashamed that I was 
not present to witness or partake in the subjugation of the mammals.

KOMPLEX
I see right through you, Toadborg. Your words will not restore my 
confidence in you, nor will they restore your place in the military.

TOADBORG
(trying not to sound irritated)
I mean no disrespect, master, but I am the most capable soldier at your 
disposal. My place is at the front of your forces, crushing all those 
in our way and making the UAC cower in fear.

KOMPLEX
You failed in your mission, Toadborg, and I do not take failure 
lightly.

TOADBORG
Then why do you still trust the Air Marshal? He has failed you far more 
times than I!

KOMPLEX
The Air Marshal just conquered another planet for the glory of the 
empire, Toadborg. He also tricked the hairless baboon into a false 
friendship, keeping him loyal to us until your brainwashing failed and 
you allowed him to escape.
(menacingly)
You would do well to remember that.

TOADBORG
I am your most loyal subject, KOMPLEX! I always have been, even before 
you brainwashed the rest of the toad population!

KOMPLEX
I am aware.

TOADBORG
I led the invasion of Noctur II and enslaved the planet for the glory 
of the empire!

KOMPLEX
Ah, yes. That was when you had your pick of the O'Hare litter and 
selected a certain green hare to let live, was it not?

TOADBORG
(frustrated)
I tortured and brainwashed my best friends for you, unwaveringly! I 
murdered Benedict with my own paws when he resisted his programming! Is 
this how you reward loyalty?

KOMPLEX
(angrily)
Do you assume that I *owe* you something, Toadborg? As you are *fully* 
aware, I have long since rewarded your loyalty to me. Now, I am 
rewarding your utter failure.
(beat)
You are more loyal to me than any other toad, it is true. You are more 
powerful than any other toad, it is true. But your arrogance has 
blinded you, and you are unable to admit your mistakes or pay due 
penance for them.
(beat)
You will remain outside the military until I decree otherwise, and not 
before. If you were truly a loyal, humble subject, you would accept 
your role willingly and gladly.

TOADBORG
(falsely calm)
Of course, Oh Mighty KOMPLEX.

KOMPLEX
Good. However, your insistence on arguing with me has nearly placed you 
behind schedule. Resume your task immediately!

	KOMPLEX vanishes. Toadborg stands still for a moment, then walks 
over to another girder and picks it up.

SCENE 10 - DOCK ONE, ORWELL STATION

	The Valkyrie is docked on the station orbiting Genus. Bucky is 
walking around the outside of his frigate, inspecting the damage.

BUCKY
We didn't get as dinged up as I'd feared.
(under his breath)
Of course, I can't tell what just happened now, and what was there 
before.

	Bucky shakes his head, then steps inside the frigate. He walks 
over to engineering bay, where Mike is working on Blinky. Bucky stops 
walking and observes his new engineer at work, his armed crossed.

BUCKY
I hope you're better with androids than you are with climate 
converters.

MIKE
(attaching some wires inside Blinky's shoulder)
You kidding me? Do you have any idea how many papers have been 
published on this guy? I could repair any part of him except his 
emotion chip in my sleep. Just give me twenty more minutes.

BUCKY
Good.
(beat)
You may think I'm being too harsh on you, but it's not an exaggeration 
to say that the toads took over Narnox because of you.

MIKE
(looking up from Blinky)
What? Come on, Captain. Only a handful of mammals know the first thing 
about toad technology, and I'm not one of them. That's the sort of 
stuff you do a thesis on, not learn in class. Remember how long it took 
the hares on Kinnear to reprogram the converter you guys used to free 
Warren?
(sighs)
I'm trying my best, sir. I know I'm not Willy, but it's not really fair 
to compare me to him. He's a genius. I mean, he's still a kid, and he's 
already practically a legend at Graham. I'm a qualified engineer, but I 
can't work miracles.

	Bucky listens to everything Mike says. He knows the cat is right, 
but he still feels angry, partly because he doesn't want to blame 
himself for the defeat on Narnox and partly because Mike is so 
interested in Jenny.

BUCKY
Fine. But I'm giving you two orders, and I want you to follow them 
immediately. Number one, get a blaster and learn how to use it. If you 
don't have one within three days, you're fired. And two, treat Jenny as 
you would any other member of this ship. She is your superior, not part 
of your dating pool. And besides, she's spoken for.

	Mike's eyebrows raise in surprise at this revelation. Bucky leans 
in toward Mike a little.

BUCKY
Do I make myself clear?

MIKE
(quietly, a tad nervous)
Yes, sir. I'll purchase a blaster as soon as I'm done fixing Blinky.

BUCKY
They're standard issue. The military will supply you with one. You 
don't have to purchase it.

MIKE
Yeah, but I'd rather have one of my own. I don't really want one, but 
if I've gotta have one, I might as well have my own personal one. You 
know?

BUCKY
(after a beat)
All right. As long as you get one.

	Unsure how to end the conversation, Bucky turns and exits the 
bay, entering into the main space of The Valkyrie. With nothing else to 
do, he begins inspecting the cabin. Minutes later, the ship's hatch 
opens, and Jenny and Bruiser step through. Bruiser's right shoulder is 
bandaged, and his right arm is in a sling. He has a very glum look on 
his face.

JENNY
(looking tired)
Hi, Bucky.

BUCKY
(slightly more upbeat)
Welcome back. How'd it go at the hospital?

JENNY
Bruiser's fine. The shot barely did more than graze him, but Dr. Ankler 
recommended he be bandaged up for a bit, just in case.

BUCKY
(notices that Bruiser is just sort of standing there)
Has Bruiser said anything about what happened?

JENNY
(shakes her head)
No. He's been pretty quiet. I don't know why the toads weren't scared 
of him, but he's taking it pretty hard.

BUCKY
I'll talk to him. You'd better take a look at the shields.

JENNY
Aye-aye, Captain.

	Jenny exits the ship, closing the hatch behind her. Bucky walks 
up to Bruiser and looks up at the baboon, who is nearly two feet taller 
than he is.

BUCKY
Bruiser?

	Getting no response, Bucky tries harder.

BUCKY
(snapping his fingers)
Bruiser!

	Bruiser blinks and looks down.

BRUISER
(limply)
Oh. Heya, Cap'n.

BUCKY
Mind telling me what happened back there?

BRUISER
(sadly)
I dunno, Cap'n! I didn't do nothin' different. I yelled and screamed at 
the toads, but dey ... dey weren't afraid o' me or nothin'!

BUCKY
I didn't see them wearing those goggles. Maybe they had some other sort 
of eyewear?

BRUISER
Nope. I tried usin' Willy's disrupter, just in case, but it didn't do 
nothin'. Dey wuz just regular toads, and dey weren't scared o' me.

BUCKY
I'd better report this.
(reaches up and pats Bruiser on his good shoulder)
Don't worry about it, Bruiser. You're still one heck of a fighter. If 
it weren't for that diversion you made, we never would've gotten out of 
there.

BRUISER
(getting emotional)
You don't understand, Cap'n! I'm a berserker baboon! I scare my enemies 
-- dat's what I do! If I can't do dat, then ... then I ain't nothin'!

BUCKY
(reassuringly)
That's not true, Bruiser, and you know it. You're a valuable member of 
this crew, and you'll stay that way.
(notices he's not reaching Bruiser)
Get some rest. I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning.

BRUISER
(looking down)
OK.

	Bruiser sits down and wallows. Turning toward the ladder to 
piloting, Bucky reaches to his belt and picks up the comm, pressing a 
few buttons on it.

BUCKY
(into comm)
Fritz?

FRITZ
(over comm)
It's been a long day, Bucky, and you guys are responsible. What's going 
on?

BUCKY
The toads weren't afraid of Bruiser.

FRITZ
What?

BUCKY
What I said. He did his war cry and everything, and they just kept 
shooting at us.

FRITZ
(annoyed)
They were probably just wearing those goggles. Didn't Willy cook up a 
way to counteract those?

BUCKY
Bruiser says he used Willy's disrupter, and it didn't do anything. He 
didn't see them wearing the goggles, either. They were just normal 
stormtoads.

	Only small bits of static escape from the comm for a moment.

FRITZ
That doesn't make any sense. The only other thing I can think of is ... 
oh, shit.

BUCKY
What?

FRITZ
Those toads must have inherently been unafraid of Bruiser.

BUCKY
Yeah, I figured that much out.

FRITZ
You know what that means, don't you?

BUCKY
(thinking)
Um ...

FRITZ
The toads must have figured out how to genetically engineer traits into 
their troops.

BUCKY
(a little confused)
What?

FRITZ
We know the toads have been trying genetic experiments for years. They 
always failed. But it looks like they finally figured things out. They 
might've learned some things from Willy.
(beat, groans)
This is *not* going to go over well at the next Council meeting. At 
this rate, the toads are going to be cloning troops soon.

	Bucky doesn't know what to say. He knows he should be afraid, but 
he's not sure to what extent.

FRITZ
(letting out an aggravated sigh)
Frell it. I don't need this right now. I've got to go. I have somewhere 
to be in an hour. We'll talk more about this later. And tomorrow, I'm 
putting Dogstar in charge of getting Narnox back.

BUCKY
You know, Fritz, if we'd had a better ship ...

FRITZ
Christ, Bucky, what part of "there's no money" do you not understand?

	The comm in Bucky's paw falls silent. Bucky clenches his paw, 
tightening his grip on the comm, then eases up.

SCENE 11 - FRITZ'S LIMOUSINE

	Later that night, KADAF WARNER is chauffeuring Fritz to the 
restaurant. Kadaf wears his usual black suit, while Fritz is in a 
slightly snappier suit than the one he was wearing at work. He's still 
wearing his yarmulke.
	They sit quietly in the car. Kadaf is driving smoothly and 
calmly, keeping his eyes on the road. After turning the steering wheel 
right and easing the car up alongside a curb, he hits the brakes.

KADAF
We're here.

FRITZ
Thanks, Daf. Pick me up in two hours.

KADAF
(his eyes narrowing slightly)
I don't like this, Fritz.

FRITZ
You don't like *her*, Kadaf.

KADAF
She doesn't like me.

FRITZ
No one likes you.

KADAF
Story of my life. You know she's just using you.

FRITZ
(smiles)
And that makes her different from me how?

	Fritz reaches for the door handle and slides out of the car. He 
shuts the door behind him.

KADAF
Do what you like. No point in listening to me.

	The car still sitting in front of the restaurant, Kadaf pulls out 
a cigarette, lights it, and takes a puff.

KADAF
(exhaling smoke)
Dammit, it used to stop the pain more than this.

	Nervous, Kadaf takes another drag.

SCENE 12 - LE LAPIN VERT

	Fritz enters the fancy restaurant, ignoring the people both 
inside and outside murmuring and pointing. He spots Mimi in a green 
silk dress and matching earrings. She's talking to the giraffe MAITRE 
D'.

MIMI
(waving)
Chairman Warner! Over here.
(to the giraffe)
I *told* you I was meeting the Chairman here!

MAITRE D'
(spotting Fritz walking over)
My most sincere apologies, madam! I'll have a table for you right away.

	The Maitre D' hurries off. Fritz casually approaches Mimi and 
stops at a respectable distance from her.

FRITZ
(nodding)
Captain LaFleur.

MIMI
Chairman Warner. How nice of you to plan this.

FRITZ
Well, I like to get out of the office sometimes to do business. It 
makes life ... interesting.
(beat)
Besides, it's been a really rough day.

MAITRE D'
(returning)
Chairman, we have a table ready for you. Please follow me.

FRITZ
(to Mimi)
After you.

	The Maitre D' leads them to a round two-person table near one 
corner of the restaurant. The area is well lit, and fine decorations 
adorn the table and the wall nearby. Fritz immediately seats himself, 
leaving Mimi to pull out her own chair. As soon as she sits down, Fritz 
speaks.

FRITZ
Captain LaFleur, I invited you here to discuss ...

	Suddenly, a tall, brown-furred cat REPORTER approaches the table 
from the side. She's wearing a yellow jumpsuit and holding a handheld 
recorder.

REPORTER
Chairman Warner? I'm with Channel Six News, and ...

FRITZ
(turning to face the reporter)
Captain LaFleur and I are here to discuss new mission assignments for 
The Screaming Mimi. She and I have both been under a lot of stress 
lately, and we decided a nice evening on the town would be good for 
both of us, as opposed to having a stuffy meeting at UAC headquarters.
(beat)
Past that, no comment.

REPORTER
But Chairman, what about the alleged invasion of ...

FRITZ
No comment. There will be a press release tomorrow. Thank you.

	Frustrated, the reporter turns and walks away.

FRITZ
(whispering)
Told you.

MIMI
(whispering)
Yeah, yeah. I'm still enjoying myself.

FRITZ
As I was saying, Captain, we're here to discuss The Screaming Mimi's 
missions over the next few months. For one thing, it's the only 
S.P.A.C.E. frigate capable of underwater maneuvers. We should be taking 
advantage of that.
(looks around and snaps his fingers)
Waiter?
(to Mimi)
Maybe I should have asked that reporter for a menu.

	Amused, Mimi smiles and reaches for the wine list.

SCENE 13 - MAIN BAY, THE VALKYRIE

	A repaired Blinky is cleaning the inside of the ship -- a futile 
effort, since it has little hope of improving. Bruiser is sitting down 
in the middle of the bay, slowly munching on a banana and still looking 
crestfallen.
	Suddenly, a knock is heard on the main hatch, and a voice can be 
heard from outside. It's ENGINEER DILE O'CROCK.

DILE
(muffled)
May I come in?

BLINKY
Does friend Bruiser mind if Engineer Dile joins present company?

BRUISER
(absentmindedly)
Naw, let 'im in.

	Blinky walks over to the hatch and opens it. Dile steps through.

DILE
Hello. I was recently informed of the unfortunate events that 
transpired this afternoon, and I thought that a few rounds of "Combat 
Chess Craft" might cheer Bruiser up.

BRUISER
I don't wanna play.

BLINKY
Friend Dile's advice is sound.

BRUISER
(sadly, stuffing his face with a banana)
Don't wanna play.

DILE
(a little hesitant)
I understand. I apologize for interrupting you. I did not mean to 
intrude.

BLINKY
Friend Dile caused no harm. Bruiser has been unhappy and lethargic ever 
since toads were unintimidated by his presence.

DILE
I cannot understand what you are feeling, Bruiser, but you should not 
be sad.

BRUISER
But if dem toads ain't scared o' me, I ain't worth nothin'!

DILE
I disagree. You are still a strong warrior and can easily best the 
toads in physical combat.

BRUISER
But dey got guns! And dey don't drop 'em no more when I come runnin'. I 
can't beat 'em up if dey're shootin' at me.

DILE
You put too much value in physical strength. It is not the only way to 
win a battle.

BRUISER
I'm a berserker baboon, Dile! It's what we do! We use our strength and 
our intimidation ta win.

DILE
You must remember that you possess both physical strength and a keen 
sense of strategy. I have played you multiple times in "Combat Chess 
Craft," and I know where your strengths lie.

BRUISER
But you always beat me!

DILE
(calmly)
That is beside the point. If you use your sense of strategy and your 
strength together on the battlefield, then the toads will learn to fear 
you because of your personal abilities, not simply because you are a 
berserker baboon.

BRUISER
(finally listening a little)
But what I can do? Hide behind rocks and jump out at 'em? Dat ain't my 
style.

DILE
Perhaps you can learn new skills to augment the abilities you already 
have.
(beat)
I would be willing to assist in this endeavor.

BRUISER
(thinking as he finishes his banana)
I guess it's better'n nothing.
(throwing his banana peel to the side)
Thanks, Dile.

DILE
You are most welcome, Bruiser. I am always happy to help a friend.

	Bruiser smiles. Meanwhile, Blinky walks over, picks the banana 
peel up, and throws it away inside himself.

SCENE 14 - WILLY'S HOSPITAL ROOM, WATERSHIP HOSPITAL, GENUS

	ENGINEER WILLY DUWITT is alone and asleep in the dark room. His 
readings are better than before, but he still hasn't moved since the 
last time he spoke.
	Suddenly, Willy's eyes squeeze shut more tightly, and he begins 
to move left and right very slightly, almost like he's twitching. After 
a minute of this, small beads of sweat form on his brow.
	The readings on Willy's monitor begin to fluctuate, like they did 
when he last spoke. The human begins to moan very softly, and his lips 
quiver as another word struggles to escape from his mouth.

WILLY
F ... f-f ... failed ... I failed them ...

	Willy exhales sharply, expelling the rest of the breath in his 
lungs. With that, he stops shaking and, almost collapsing, returns to 
his slumber.

SCENE 15 - PARKING GARAGE, UAC HEADQUARTERS, GENUS

	A little more than two hours after the dinner began, Fritz's 
limousine pulls into the UAC parking deck. The car parks, and Fritz 
steps outside.

FRITZ
Mimi should be here. I'll drive her back myself. Go ahead and take the 
limo back to my place. Act like you're dropping me off, then head home.

	Kadaf nods as Fritz shuts the door, and he drives off. Fritz 
looks around and finally spots Mimi's car. He walks up beside it and 
taps on the driver's side window. The window lowers, revealing a 
smiling Mimi.

MIMI
Can I help you, sir?

FRITZ
Good job tonight. I don't think the press suspects anything more than 
they were going to expect anyway. The tabloids'll chase it for a while, 
though.
(beat)
Let's head back to my place. I've got another car that no one will 
recognize as mine.

	Mimi raises the window and then opens the door. She steps 
outside, takes Fritz's paw in hers, and follows him to his other car, 
an orange four-door sedan.

SCENE 16 - FRITZ'S APARTMENT, GENUS

	On Genus, Fritz lives in an uncluttered and sparsely decorated 
apartment, in a complex different than Kadaf's. Fritz unlocks the door 
and enters, with Mimi following closely behind. She begins looking 
around Fritz's modest apartment.

MIMI
Now, this is *not* how I expected a wealthy chairman to live.

FRITZ
(shrugs)
It's functional. I don't really need a fancy place, since I live here 
by myself. My mansion on Warren is a lot bigger and nicer than this, 
and I use it when I have to entertain dignitaries or whatever.

MIMI
I'd like to see that sometime. Do all the Warners live there?

FRITZ
Yes. We all have a room in the mansion, as well as apartments on Genus.
(beat)
Well, except for Jonathan. He doesn't live in the mansion.

MIMI
Why not?

FRITZ
His choice.

MIMI
I see.
(looking around)
Well, if you don't want to decorate this place, my apartment could sure 
use the help.

FRITZ
(jokingly)
I'll look at the budget and see what I can do. 

	Mimi grins, then looks at the top of Fritz's head.

MIMI
I've always meant to ask you. What's that skullcap for?

FRITZ
Protects me from brainwashing.

	Mimi pauses for a moment, then snickers. Fritz chuckles a little 
as well.

FRITZ
Actually, it's part of my religion.

MIMI
Oh, OK.
(beat)
No wonder the Nharnians don't want to work for you. Disrespecting Frith 
like that.

FRITZ
(smiling)
Oh, I think the Nharnians will come around soon enough. Besides, 
Judaism and Lopinenean aren't really at odds with each other.
(beat)
I need to use the bathroom. Excuse me for a sec.

	Fritz begins walking toward a door on the far end of the room.

FRITZ
(calling as he walks)
No snooping around, you hear?

MIMI
(flashes a devilish grin)
Me? Snoop around? Whatever gave you that idea?

	Fritz just shakes his head and enters the bathroom. Mimi stands 
still and looks around for a bit, but her curiosity soon gets the best 
of her. She walks up to a desk and, seeing its surface mostly bare, 
opens the top drawer.

MIMI
What does a dirty politician keep in such a clean apartment, anyway?

	The drawer is filled with papers and envelopes. Mimi reaches in 
and pulls the top few envelopes out.

MIMI
(rifling through the envelopes)
Looks like he needs to send these.
(reads the address on one)
Molly? Who's Molly?

	Mimi reaches into the envelope and pulls out a check and a sheet 
of paper.

MIMI
Wow, that's a lot of simoleans.
(reads the letter)
"Here's the" ...
(eyes grow wide)
... "alimony payment"?!

	Mimi drops the letter and check. She pauses for a second, then 
shouts.

MIMI
(anger in her voice)
*Fritz*! Get out here!

FRITZ
(from the bathroom)
Wait a second!

	The sound of a faucet turning on and then off comes from the 
bathroom, and then Fritz steps back into his room.

FRITZ
What's the ...
(spots the letter on the floor)
Shit.

MIMI
Who the *hell* is Molly?

FRITZ
(angrily)
Mimi, I told you not to snoop around!

MIMI
You didn't answer my question, Fritz! Who's Molly?

FRITZ
My third ex-wife.

MIMI
(exasperated)
*Third*?! How many have you *had*, you lousy ...

FRITZ
(puts his paws up defensively)
Three. And, yes, I got divorced three times.

MIMI
I ... I ... so you just line 'em up and knock 'em down, huh?

FRITZ
(frustrated)
No. It's a lot more complicated than that. Trust me.

MIMI
(sternly)
Any kids?

FRITZ
No.

MIMI
Planning to make me meaningless wife number four?

FRITZ
That's unfair. You know you mean a lot to me.

MIMI
(putting her paws on her hips)
What else are you hiding from me?

FRITZ
You don't want to go there.

MIMI
Dammit, Fritz! What about Kadaf? How many wives has he had, a dozen?

FRITZ
(grits his teeth)
No. Just one. He loved her very much. Now drop it!

	The noise level dies down considerably.

MIMI
Loved?

FRITZ
Yes. Past tense.
(beat)
Well, he still loves her very much, but ...

MIMI
(softly)
I had no idea.

FRITZ
Her death really hit him hard. He doesn't like to talk about it.

MIMI
He doesn't like to talk, period. Why do you keep him around, anyway?

FRITZ
He's my bodyguard, Mimi. He's also my friend.
(beat)
I'm all he has.

	Silence hangs in the air for a moment.

MIMI
How about that. The VIP protecting his bodyguard.

FRITZ
Yeah, well. Don't mention it to anyone. Kadaf is kinda touchy.

	Mimi doesn't respond. Instead, she looks right at Fritz. She 
can't understand him, and he infuriates her so often, but he means 
something to her in a way she can't describe, and she's actually 
beginning to respect him.
	Mimi takes a step closer to Fritz, who seems a little confused. 
He opens his mouth to say something, but she places her paw on his chin 
to stop him. She gazes deep into his eyes, then pulls in close and 
delivers a passionate kiss. They linger for a moment before Fritz pulls 
back.

FRITZ
Mimi?

MIMI
(smiles)
You're a good guy, Fritz. Thanks for a wonderful evening.

	Mimi walks to the door, as if to exit the room. 

FRITZ
You don't have a way to get back ...

	Mimi turns and looks over her shoulder, then pulls out the keys 
to Fritz's orange car and jingles them.

MIMI
I'll call you.

FRITZ
Tomorrow, or a week from tomorrow?

	Mimi doesn't respond verbally. Instead, she winks, and the next 
thing Fritz knows, she's gone.

SCENE 17 - BEDROOM, KADAF'S APARTMENT, GENUS

	The room is dark, with only a few slivers of moonlight 
penetrating the room at odd angles. Kadaf is asleep in his bed, but 
he's not getting any rest. His slumber is fitful, as he tosses and 
turns. He's sweating, and little grunts escape from his beak at 
irregular intervals.
	Moaning, Kadaf turns right and then left. He coughs, and then a 
VOICE from his nightmare barks so forcefully that it rings in his ears. 

VOICE
He cannot protect you.

	Kadaf bolts upright and tries to scream, but no sound escapes his 
beak. He coughs again and then pants heavily. His eyes are open wide.

KADAF
(gasping)
Fritz ... it's ... he's ...

	Gasping for breath, Kadaf tries to calm himself down.

KADAF
(panting)
No ... just a dream. I'm just imagining things.

	Kadaf lies back down, breathing deeply but calmly, and tries to 
fall back asleep. On edge from his nightmare, he remains acutely aware 
of every little noise around him.

KADAF
(thinking)
<Just imagining things.>

	Kadaf stares at the ceiling, unable to relax. Eventually, he 
slowly drifts into an uneasy sleep.

SCENE 18 - MAIN BAY, THE VALKYRIE

	It's very late. Bruiser and Dile both look tired, but they're 
still talking.

DILE
I am afraid that that is not a sound idea, Bruiser, for a variety of 
reasons. But we shall keep thinking.

BRUISER
(yawning, sadly)
There ain't nothin' left, Dile! It's hopeless. I ain't never gonna be 
good at nothin' no more.

DILE
Think for a moment, Bruiser. When was the last time that someone else's 
strategy interested you? When was the last time you observed someone in 
battle -- or not in battle -- and was impressed at what they were able 
to achieve?

BRUISER
Well, the Cap'n is always comin' up wit' great ideas, but I ain't smart 
enough for dat. I ain't as good a shot as Deadeye, neither.
(thinks)
I dunno ...

	Bruiser scratches his head and thinks some more. Finally, his 
eyes light up.

BRUISER
Dat's it! I got it!
(reaches for Dile and gives him a bear hug)
Thanks, li'l' buddy! I owe it all ta you.

DILE
(being strangled)
Erk ... no ... problem ... please let go!

BRUISER
Oh, sorry.
(puts Dile down)
Don't know my own strength sometimes.

DILE
(gasping for breath)
As I have said, you do not have to worry about your strength.
(beat)
What do you have in mind?

BRUISER
I'll show ya in a few days. It's gonna be a surprise. But we'd better 
get some shuteye now.

DILE
I agree. Good night, Bruiser.

BRUISER
(happy)
G'night!

	Dile exits the ship. Bruiser flips a few switches to power the 
ship down, then exits as well.

SCENE 19 - CHAIRMAN WARNER'S OFFICE

	Fritz arrives a little late at his office the next morning. He 
nonchalantly enters and flips on the light. There, standing in the 
center of the room, arms crossed and sporting a scowl, is FIRST MATE 
JONATHAN WEISSMAN.

JONATHAN
Enjoy your date?

FRITZ
(passively)
I did, actually.

	Fritz walks toward his desk, not paying much attention to his 
visitor. As he walks past Jonathan, the diminutive beagle reaches out a 
paw and grabs Fritz by the shoulder. Fritz stops walking and turns to 
face Jonathan.

JONATHAN
You know, I'd planned a whole long speech to come in here and say.

	Suddenly, Jonathan slugs Fritz right in the jaw. Not expecting 
the punch, Fritz takes the blow hard, barely managing not to fall over.

JONATHAN
(disgust in his voice)
But to do that, I'd have to look at you.

	Jonathan starts to walk toward the door and out of the office. A 
stream of blood begins trickling down Fritz's chin but quickly stops 
flowing.

FRITZ
Forget to take your medication today?

	Jonathan pauses right before he exits the office.

JONATHAN
She's going to find out the truth one day.

FRITZ
What truth? That her first mate is a jerk?

JONATHAN
Go to hell.

	Jonathan slams the door behind him. Fritz straightens himself, 
rubs his jaw where he was punched, and chuckles softly to himself.

FRITZ
Very funny.

SCENE 20 - THE DUWITT RESIDENCE, EARTH

	DR. DAVID DUWITT and MRS. SUSAN DUWITT are sitting at the kitchen 
table, eating a modest, environmentally friendly breakfast. Neither 
says much to the other. The tension in the room is uncomfortable, but 
not hostile. Finally, Dr. DuWitt breaks the silence.

DR. DUWITT
Any word from the police?

MRS. DUWITT
(steadily)
Not in the past few days. They say they have no more leads, now that 
Dr. Green's missing.

DR. DUWITT
What do they think happened to him?

MRS. DUWITT
They don't know. They think he was part of a scheme to kidnap Willy -- 
him and maybe a guy with white hair -- and he ran before they could 
apprehend him.

DR. DUWITT
(wearily)
So they're pretty sure it's a kidnapping?

MRS. DUWITT
Their ... their theory was complicated. I think they said Dr. Green had 
it in for his old partner, and he hired the other guy to do him in. 
Willy found out somehow, so they ...

	Mrs. DuWitt hesitates. There are possible scenarios she doesn't 
want to think about.

MRS. DUWITT
They kidnapped him. They must have kidnapped him.
(beat)
Nothing was missing from his room. We checked everything, remember? 
They haven't spotted him around town, either.
(beat, becoming less steady)
Besides, Willy wouldn't have run away, would he? Why would he want to 
run away from us?

DR. DUWITT
(calmly)
He didn't run away, Susan. Willy's not like that.

MRS. DUWITT
I know. It's just ...
(her voice cracking)
What did we do wrong, David? What should we have done? What could we 
have done to stop this?

DR. DUWITT
It's not our fault. You know Willy loved us. He just didn't ... show us 
very often.

MRS. DUWITT
(on the verge of tears)
Do you think they'll ever find him? Why haven't the kidnappers 
contacted us? Where's our baby, David?

DR. DUWITT
They're professionals, Susan. They'll find him. We just have to stay 
calm. Willy's fine.

MRS. DUWITT
(after a moment, sniffling)
We'd better get to the store.

DR. DUWITT
I'll be done in a minute.

	Mrs. DuWitt picks up her plates and puts them next to the sink, 
then scurries out the door. Dr. DuWitt hesitates a moment, then lets 
out a pained sigh and buries his hands in his face.

DR. DUWITT
Willy ...

SCENE 21 - DOCK ONE, ORWELL STATION

	A few days later, Bucky is onboard Orwell walking toward The 
Valkyrie when he hears a loud explosion come from inside the frigate, 
and he sees it wobble and shake. He jumps, startled, and then stares at 
the frigate for a moment, his eyes wide. Finally, he sighs and rolls 
his eyes.

BUCKY
Well, the ship lasted longer than I expected it to.

	Sprinting up to the ship, Bucky opens the main hatch, freeing 
billows of black smoke. He quickly slips on his goggles and, coughing 
and waving his paw around to clear the smoke, enters. After a moment, 
he spots an ash-covered Bruiser standing over a burn mark on the floor 
of the ship. Nothing else looks damaged.

BUCKY
Bruiser?

BRUISER
(happy)
Hey, Cap'n!

BUCKY
What in the aniverse happened here?

BRUISER
I'm learnin' how ta blow stuff up!

BUCKY
(confused)
Huh?

BRUISER
Dile told me that since I can't scare da toads no more, I oughta figure 
out another trick I can use on 'em. An' I remembered dat time Roedecker 
used some explosives ta blow open a door on Bogg.
(beat)
So I did some readin', and I learned how ta work with a couple types o' 
bombs and grenades and stuff. I'm still learnin', but I think I could 
get da hang o' dis!

BUCKY
(still coughing)
That's a great idea, Bruiser, but could you please do it off the ship?

BRUISER
Heh heh. Sure thing. Sorry, Cap'n!

BUCKY
Anyway, I just came to check up on things. I assume everything's under 
control?
(beat, coughs)
Well, almost everything?

BRUISER
No problems here, Cap'n.

BUCKY
Good. I'm taking a break, then. We don't go on patrol for another few 
hours.

	Bucky steps down the hatch and exits the ship. As he walks away, 
he hears another explosion and feels the ship rattle again. He smacks 
his face with his right paw and lets out an annoyed sigh.

SCENE 22 - UNDERGROUND, GENUS

	In the underground hideout beneath the UAC, the weasel BARNETT 
walks intently toward a door, carrying a folded piece of paper in his 
left paw. He reaches the door and knocks on it urgently.

VOICE
(other side)
Come in.

	Barnett opens the door and walks through, entering PIGTON's 
chambers. The stocky pig is working on a few sheets of paper at his 
desk.

PIGTON
What is it? Has there finally been word from the toads?

BARNETT
Nope, something better. We just got this letter. One of our operatives 
had an encounter with Bucky O'Hare a few days ago and managed to get 
this note to us.

PIGTON
Give me that!

	Pigton snatches it from Barnett's paw, unfolds the note, and 
reads it. A thin smile stretches across his lips as he takes in the 
note's message.

PIGTON
Paranoid and confused, eh? Excellent. I'd intended to lay low for a 
while, but this could give us just the opportunity we need. 

	Pigton gets up and exits the room. He walks a few dozen feet down 
the side of a large cavernous chamber and stops in front of another 
door. He swings the door open and enters the poorly lit room.
	A slender figure quickly turns around as Pigton enters. The 
figure's shape and identity are obscured by the low lighting.

PIGTON
I have an assignment for you, my dear. One I think you'll rather enjoy.

	Pigton walks across the room, stops in front of the figure, and 
hands over the note. The figure takes the note and reads it, then looks 
back up at Pigton and grins, her long white ears flopping in the air.

THE END